TPG Wins Nailbiter over Lebron James and PEA

Lebron James is apparently playing first base for PEA. You might think that the story line here would be how TPG won a nailbiter with two runs in the bottom of the 7th for a final score of 8-7. As exciting as this game was, the action on the field was overshadowed by a pair of "tricks" and one jaw-dropping display of poor sportsmenship by PEA.

The first trick occurred in the bottom of the 6th with PEA nursing a one run lead. As TPG came to bat PEA replaced their SS and LF with the two best players from the team in a different league waiting to play a 7pm game. Obviously these guys weren't on the PEA roster so this "trick" was not allowed.

The second trick occurred in the top of the 7th as PEA's pitcher ripped a single and was immediately replaced by a courtesy runner who was not announced before the game. Apparently the pitcher "twisted his ankle" coming out of the batter's box (although there were no obvious signs of discomfort when he pitched the bottom of the 7th), and the courtesy runner was allowed.

For the final act, PEA's first baseman (let's just call him "Lebron"), stormed off the field after TPG's game winning run scored, throwing his glove into the fence and quite obviously avoiding the traditional SLAM post game handshake. In 7 years of playing in this league, with over 80 games in the books, this manager has never witnessed such a blatant disregard for league sportsmanship. The funny thing is that Lebron actually hit the "Drive of the Game" with a monster HR blast to left center field. Maybe he was just throwing his glove at one of those famous central park "wombats", and maybe he had to go to the bathroom so bad he ran off after the game. Maybe.

Oh yeah, the game. There were lead changes, clutch defensive plays, and some really ugly-but-fun-to-watch slides. Game ball has to go to TPG SS Len Emanuel, who got the game tying hit with two outs in the bottom of the 7th.