The 2003 season in Review

Intro and Rookies

All concerned with the Guildford Mavericks can look back on the 2003 season, and be satisfied with their contribution in helping to re-establish the team in baseball in this country.

This was the 12th season in Guildford, although just three years ago it looked distinctly likely that we would arrive at this point. The team all but folded in the 2001 season as a result of a large exodus of players during the course of the previous off season and early in the year. This despite the fact that the Mavericks had just had their two most successful seasons in club history, and had only lost out on the Premier Division title as a result of a forfeit earlier in the season.

However, since that low point of the 2000/2001 off season, the club can now boast a squad of 28, and has gained over half of these in the last two years alone. Of course, this includes the likes of Steve Sawyer (sadly lost for the year with a torn ACL), Castor Maduro and Koichiro Furukawa (both new this season), all of whom have had experience in the game before, and have added greatly to the experience of the squad. But by far the greatest number of players new to the team, have also been new to baseball as well.

The Rookies

The 2003 season has seen debuts for the Mavericks made by: Ben Mullard, Ollie Mullard, Dan Wilson, Gavin Tunnell, Alastair Carr, Marty Poulter, Heather Armstead, Dave Jones, Ramon Godlewski, Castor Maduro and Koichiro Furukawa. A total of 11 debutants, of which only the last five had played any organised baseball before.

Ben Mullard – Ben has proved very capable both with the bat and in the field, leading the batting averages for a time, and making the first base position his own. He has also helped out the bullpen, pitching in relief a number of times, and making one start. Of course, being a student and therefore being able to spend most of his time loafing around, he should be expected to improve, as he has the most time to practice!
Ollie Mullard – Not as fortunate as his bother, in that not being a student he has had to work (!!), and therefore has not been available as often, Ollie has proved himself capable of making plays in the outfield, and certainly never gives up on a fly ball. Has the advantage of speed (or should that be youth?) although at times, this can result in more headless chicken rather than roadrunner!
Dan Wilson – Without doubt the most gifted defensive outfielder. Dan’s ability to read the flight of the fly ball, has resulted in a couple of spectacular catches, but more importantly, a very reliable glove. Even more remarkable given his inexperience. Loads of potential, especially if he can find that bat he had early in the season. Adds new meaning in the phrase “put the body into the throw”, as I fear one day he is going to forget to let go of ball and launch himself along with it.
Gavin Tunnell – also known as Mr BB. Completely new to the game this year, and without the advantage of a lot of off season batting practice, Gavin has developed a keen sense of where the strike zone is. Unfortunately not all of the umpires have shared his opinion on the size (or lack of) the strike zone! At times this may have lead to his downfall, as the bat seemed to have forgotten what a bit of fresh air felt like, and may have taken Brian encouragement of “a walks as good as a hit” just a bit too literally.
Alastair Carr – Only joined the club in the last couple of months of the season, but has already shown he can hit with a bit of power and has a strong arm, and as a result has already started a couple of games. He is also not afraid (or hasn’t yet realised the danger!) to get his body behind the ball, and could develop into a left sided infielder. An estate agent off the diamond, but even with the troubles I’ve had moving house this year, I wouldn’t use the opportunity of an end of season review for a cheap shot – of course, if I haven’t moved by the start of next year, he will be batting in the number 9 spot!!.
Marty Poulter – Another player to only join the club in the last month of the season. However, in that time he has showed an ability to be a good contact hitter, more or a Tony Gwynn than a Barry Bonds. A strong if erratic arm in the outfield, but some off season training should help with this, although letting it lose in the limited confines of indoor practice may well lead to some improvement in the reactions of the rest of squad!
Heather Armstead – Joined the Mavericks midway through the season having started in the Bournemouth junior team a few years ago (no I’m not making any guesses how long ago, as I’ve seen Heather swing a bat). A very good glove both behind the plate and at first base, makes her one of the most fearless (being an outfielder, I prefer the term stupid – MB) infielders, and has no problem getting her whole body behind any errant throw. Has yet to realise that celebrating each out as though we have just won the World Series probably tells the opposition something about our defensive ability (or lack thereof).
Dave Jones – Brings experience to the team (another Rod Cochrane for those who remember Rod), and a contact hitting bat lower in the order. A middle infielder, although has made an appearance in the outfield as well. Joined the team with his son Sam, late in the year, after we persuaded him we more in need of players than Southampton were (his other team this year)…OK, so he lives in Godalming, which is 3 miles from Guildford, and 57 from Soton! There is of course no truth in the rumour that we are only recruiting players older than Brian, myself and Pete.
Ramon Godlewski – South African born Ramon, joined the Mavericks late in the season having played the game growing up in the Transvaal. Throws a fastball with some heat on it, and just needs to get rid of the rust during the off-season in order to provide the Mavericks with a great 1-2 pitching combo of him and Pete. The odd loose pitch early in the game gets his opponents thinking, and having seen the reaction of that Falcons player, after he was hit by a pitch, I think I will be limiting myself to facing the pitching machine in the off season!
Castor Maduro – Castor has played third base, catcher and the outfield without any problem at all, (although the length of time we are in the field doesn’t make it easy crouching behind the plate). He has a strong bat, and has batted clean-up for a lot of the season. Very quick reactions at the hot corner have resulted in some great plays, although his accuracy with finding the fielder when at bat, does put my pitching wedge on the golf course to shame.
Koichiro Furukawa – Anyone remember Dave Kingman? It has been a feast or famine first season with the Mavericks for Koichiro. Leads the club in home runs, but has struggled against the slower pitchers, particularly those who throw a changeup, a gravity curve and a shot put. Excellent in the outfield, although he really shouldn’t have come off worse in his collision with Dan – all 140 pounds of him!

Next: Departures and the Veterans