Don "DJ" Jones lead the Dragons to victory in the final regular season game of the fall, pitching seven innings, with 0 earned runs, 4 hits, 2 walks, and 11 strike outs.

The Dragon offense also came to play, as they scored 4 runs in the 2nd, 1 in the 5th, 2 in the 6th, and 2 in the 8th before the game was called due to time.

The final score was Dragons 9, Giants 1.

The win secured the second best record in the fall league, and 3rd seed heading into the playoffs. The Dragons will take on the East Marrietta Indians on Saturday, November 22nd at 2:00 PM.

DRAGONS COME BACK AGAIN!

The heart of the Dragons' offense were no-shows for various reasons, and things did not start well. The Banana Slugs scored six unanswered runs in the first two innings, but the Dragons never say die. They took advantage of plenty of Slug errors and scored three in the third, Three in the fifth, and one in the 6th to take the win 7-6.

Wicket threw his second complete game of the fall for the win.

The Dragons are now 12-5 over their last 17 regular season games.

WICKET SURVIVES LINE DRIVE, 10 INNINGS!

The Dragon's top five batters all scored in the first inning, chasing the Muckdogs starting pitcher before retiring a single batter.

PARENTAL ADVISORY, EXPLICIT DESCRIPTION FOLLOWS

Wicket started the game strong on the mound, retiring the Muckdogs 3 up, 3 down, in the bottom of the 1st. The Dragon's favorite ewok had started the game in control. And then, well, kids, learn from this! In the 2nd inning, Wicket took a line drive shot in the nuts. Catcher, Derrick Denard, quickly got the ball to keep the players from advancing too far, but everyone else rushed the mound to try and help Wicket as he lay writhing in pain. The first thing he did when he got off the ground was check to see if everything was still there. Since no one else is familiar with ewok anatomy, only Wicket knew if everything was in order downstairs.

He wasn't wearing a cup.

He wasn't wearing a cup?

HE WASN'T WEARING A CUP!

But here is the most amazing part of the story; he got back on the mound after only a few minutes and continued to pitch. And he pitched and pitched and pitched. And the Muckdogs were afraid of this freak of nature who took a line drive in the balls without a cup and continued to pitch. And he pitched so well, that manager, Scot Turner, gave him the nod heading into the 10th inning, after the lead had ping ponged and then tied after nine.

Denard lead off the top of the 10th with a double, and was ran for by Donny Williams. Seth Brown laced a single to center field and Turner sent Williams from second. But a great throw by the Muckdogs center fielder got Williams at the plate and a heads up Brown took 2nd on the throw. Wicket stepped to the plate and grounded out to 2nd, but he advanced Brown to 3rd. With two out, Bobby Moussavi came to the plate and hit a ground ball that hopped over the second baseman's head, scoring Brown to take the lead.

When the Muckdogs came to bat, they lead off with a double. The next batter flied out deep to center and the runner tagged and advanced to third. The next batter struck out on three straight pitches. Wicket then pitched around a dangerous Irwin, who had been 3 for 3 on the day. So with a runner on first and third with two outs, Wicket struck out the last batter on three straight again. And the Dragons earned their first extra inning win to stay undefeated in the Atlanta Fall Baseball League.

As with their custom after the game, the Dragons awarded game balls for outstanding performances. Only this time, we gave two game balls to Wicket; at least he can say he has two balls now.

NEVER SAY DIE! DRAGONS WIN!

The Dragons scored 3 in the first and then lost the lead in the top of the 2nd as the Royals scored 5. The Dragons rallied in the second to recapture the lead after scoring another 3. In the top of the 3rd, the Royals scored another 3 to put the Dragons down 8-6. But the Dragons never say die, and in the bottom of the inning, they scored another 4 runs and never looked back, scoring another run in the 4th.

But the real story of the game was the pitching of young DJ Jones. Jones came in the 3rd and struck out 7 while only walking 1. He battled the Royals bats as well as the Dragons' shaky defense to take command of the game and earn his first victory of the fall.

Dragons Win Fall Opener 10-4, Turner suffering from Perma-Grin

The Dragons scored early and often to earn a win against the Georgia Cherokees Red team on a beautiful day to play baseball.

The Dragons hit .406 as a team, and when all was said and done, there were too many fine individual performances to hand out game balls. Remarkable performers were lead by new comer Donald "Smiley" Berry, who went 4 for 4, 2 runs, 2 RBI's and 1 SB. Ryan Palazzo went 3 for 3, with 3 runs, 1 BB, and 2 RBI. Derrick Dennard hit a towering Homer to left in his debut. And Bobby Moussavi went 1 for 1, with a double, 2 BB's, 1 SF and 2 RBI's. Pitchers Wicket and Flash battled a Cracker Jack Box sized strike zone and combined to give up only 4 runs.

After the game, Manager Scot Turner was rushed to the hospital to see if his grin could be wiped from his face. As of press time, he has yet to be cured. "It really is quite hideous, I hope something can be done soon about it," An exacerbated Kelly Turner was overheard saying.

But seriously, boys, this was a great win. And lets use this to build some momentum and stay focused on what we need to do this week to prepare for Sunday's game. Don't get too cocky.

Dragons Draft 2, pick up more heading into Fall

Needing help in the outfield, the Cherokee Dragons Drafted Ryan Duquette, 29, and Donald Berry, 38, in the Fall Ball Draft. Duquette played for the 18+ Diablos over the summer, and Berry played for the 28+ Stars. Manager Scot Turner said afterward that he felt like he had stolen the draft, as these two guys were exactly what he was looking for.

The Dragons were also joined by Derrick Denard, 36, and Wicket's brother, Jay Jakupca.

The Dragons were also able to twist the arm of Catcher, Seth Brown to return for just a few games this fall. Yes, we are a bad influence, what you gonna do bout it?

Nearly all of the Dragons were able to make it to a full team practice on Sunday, the 21st. And the fielding looked good. Chances are, the Dragons are going to be able to build on the momentum they were riding in the last half of the summer season.

Dragons Beat Slugs 9-8

The double play of the year was made when with the bases loaded with one out in the bottom of the second inning, Larry Waldrop of the Banana Slugs ripped a deep fly ball to center field. But alas, that is where Flash Gordon spends his time day dreaming and dancing for the ladies. Gordon made the catch for the second out and then threw a frozen rope to home plate and hit catcher Seth Brown in the chest to gun down the tagging Wilkie by 8 steps.

Brian Butler pulled himself after only pitching two innings because he strained his left pinkie toe. "I've had 21 elbow surgeries, hell, I'm like the bionic man, but I've never felt pain like this before," A teary-eyed Butler was over-heard saying after clutching his foot in writhing pain. Donnie Williams refused his request to "kiss my boo-boo," replying "That's just messed up!"

Don Jones made his debut with the Dragons, and looked sharp in his first inning of work. And then the team's defense collapsed around him, allowing the Slugs to bat around and eventually take the lead. But Keith Jakupca came in and got out of a jam in the 4th and kept his team in the game, and earning his first win of the season. An over-joyed Jakupca said after the game, "I never thought this day would come! This one's for you, Mommie! You always said I'd be somebody and now I am! I love you, Mommie!"

With the bases loaded and 2 out in the top of the fifth, Brandon Thompson stepped to the plate with Brown on third. Brown asked permission to steal home and did so, taking advantage of the pitcher's slow delivery to the plate. Bob Moussavi, was still standing stunned on second base after the play, not believing what he had just seen. He will have to eat a couple of "Bravehearts" for his inaction.

The final score was 9-8.

Dragons Lose Close Game

The Dragons out hit the Mudcats 8-6, but ended up losing to a very good team 6-4.

Dragons sign Butler and Jones

To bolster the pitching staff down the stretch, the Dragons signed Brian Butler and Don Jones Jr. Butler, 27, is coming off several shoulder surgeries. Jones, 18, is a lefty and recently moved from Oakland, California.

DRAGONS HANG ON TO WIN IN LAST AT BAT!

The Cubs jumped out to an Early lead, scoring 3 runs in the first until Starter Keith Jakupca settled down and got in a groove. Jaks struck out 9 in 5.33 innings, at one point retiring 8 in a row.

The Dragon bats responded in the bottom of the first, scoring two runs. They took the lead in the third, scoring 3, and another 2 in the fifth. With the score 9-3 heading into the sixth, things looked under control, that is until sloppy defense by the Dragons and good hitting by the Cubs ended in a 7 run inning by the Cubs to give them a one run lead.

Manager Scot Turner responded with rage, pressing his players to keep their heads in the game and to respond with some runs of their own. And they responded, scoring two more in the bottom of the sixth to regain the lead, 11-10.

With Ryan Palazzo on the mound to start the seventh, nine minutes were left until the time limit; if the Dragons could hold them here, they would win due to time. But the Cubs scored another unearned run to tie the game.

Lurch Anderson lead off the inning with a walk and Shane Fay followed up with a single. With an injury-slowed Alex Hickman at the plate, the bunt was called. The first pitch was called a high strike as Hickman pulled the bat back, but the third baseman had charged too far in with no one covering the bag at third. Williams, who was coaching third, saw this and told Lurch to take third on the next bunt attempt. The steal was successful, with Fay following up at second. Hickman went on to strike out, which brough up Jakupca. Jaks hit a shallow fly ball in to right and Lurch was tagging up. The right fielder caught the ball on his knees and was not able to recover and throw in time to get Lurch out at the plate.

The Final Score was 12-11. Whew!

Dragons lose heartbreaker

The Dragons played their first night game in team history on thursday, a makeup game with the Longhorns who were 7-2 coming into play.

The good guys scored a run in the first after Donnie Williams singled and Seth Brown followed him up with an RBI triple. When the Longhorns stepped to the plate in the bottom of the first, things were not pretty. Five runs scored, (4 earned) and Brandon Thompson was chased after facing eight batters and getting one out. Flash Gordon came in to relieve Thompson and quickly got a double play to end the shaky team start.

After that the Dragons bats went quiet but their defense was tremendous for the most part, including a highlight-film worthy play by Terrance Stephans who made a diving stop at third base and sprung to his feet to throw the batter out. Some mistakes were made after the first inning, but nothing that came back to hurt the team.

Flash was rolling on the mound, giving up only 3 hits in 4 2/3 innings, giving up only one run. Keith Jakupca came in to retire the sixth inning and then the Dragons were faced with their final at bat, down by 5 in this shortened game.

The Dragons rallied for four runs in the seventh inning before they recorded a single out. Stephans ran for Hickman, and stole second base. With two outs, Williams stepped to the plate with a man in scoring position and down by one run. After working the count full, Gordon, who was coaching third base, flashed the steal sign to Stephans. Williams drew a walk and Stephans ended up getting caught in a run down to end the game.

The final score was 6-5.

DRAGONS WIN SECOND IN A ROW!

If anyone else wants to write an article to describe this win, please email me. I just don't have the words.

Game balls went to Alex Hickman (3/4, BB), Donny Williams (2/3, BB, 2 SB, 2 R, 2 RBI) and Ryan Palazzo, (WP). The offense exploded to set a new team record for runs in a single game; 14.

The final Score was 14-11.

DRAGONS WIN! DRAGONS WIN! DRAGONS WIN!

Teamwork was the key backed up by spirited play in the first victory in Cherokee Dragons Team History. The win was far from flawless, but the way the team bounced back from mistakes inspired manager Scot Turner to buy a round of drinks at the local Taco Mac after the game.

The Game Ball went to Catcher Seth Brown, who went 2/3, with a BB, a 2B, 3 Runs, 3 RBI, and an inside the park Homerun.

But in the end, two or three key plays is all that separated the Dragons from taking home a win against an undefeated team.

Brandon Thompson recorded the win and lowered his ERA to 1.13 after pitching out of jams in both the 5th and 6th innings. Keith Jakupca came on in the 7th and recorded the Dragons' first save. The three hour time limit was reached and there was no need for the Dragons to bat in the bottom of the 7th.

The final Score was 7-6.

Dragons continue to improve in game against Orioles

It was a beautiful day for baseball, and the Dragons sleepy bats woke up with a vengance on Sunday, setting single game records for hits (12), total runs (9), and runs in a single inning (5).

Several good performances deserved notice, including a 2 for 3 game with 2 runs scored for Brandon Thompson, and a 2 for 3 day and 1 run scored and 1 stolen base for Alex Hickman. The player of the game was Shane Fay, who went 2 for 2, drew a walk, stole 2 bases and scored a run.

But in the end, two or three key plays is all that separated the Dragons from taking home a win against an undefeated team.

The final score was 10-9.

After the game, the Dragons were challenged to learn from their mistakes and not repeat them over and over. Time will tell if this team meets that challenge. But if this game was any indication, we are well on our way.

Hickman plays with the 28+ Atlanta Dragons in Memorial Day Tourney

Last week, I sent out an email from a manager looking for players over 28 for the memorial day tournament. Alex just might be the only one to qualify. At any rate, he had a good weekend in the tourney. Here is how he did;

PA - 11
AB - 9
BB - 2
1B - 4
KS - 0
SB - 1
RUNS - 3
BA - .444

Here are Alex's own words;
We won our round robin of 3 teams, winning all three games. The semi-final game against the Oaks from Chicago started Sunday night but was suspended after 3.5 innings due to a storm...they were ahead at that point 6 - 0. Monday morning they told us that it was only going to be a 7-inning game...So we picked up where we left off. In the bottom of the 4th, we scored 4 runs playing small ball, then in the bottom of the 6th one of our guys hit a 350 ft 2-run homer over the left field wall...TIED UP!!!...but in the top of the 7th they hit the crap out of us and we couldn't recover...final score was 10 - 6. The Oaks were the defending champs from last year's tourney.

Dragons sign Brown

Seth Brown, A former Catcher for Morehead State has joined the Dragons. Seth has been playing softball to try and cure his baseball fix, but was left feeling in need. There is no truth to the rumor that he uses a Worth SuperCell Fast Pitch Softball Bat.

Dragons sign Williams

In response to yet another tough loss, The Dragons signed Donnie Williams, a former SS/CF for Florida State University. Williams' bat and experience should provide a much needed lift to a light hitting line up and some stability on Defense.

Is that Junior or Hickman?

Dragon's Star outfielder Alex Hickman got the opportunity of a life time; get paid for playing ball at Turner Field. Alex was selected to play the roles of Ken Griffey Junior, A Braves dugout player, and a Yankees Third baseman on April 1st for a TBS intro that will air before every Braves game. The shoot started at 8:00 PM and lasted well into the wee hours of the morning. Here are some photos to make you jealous;

Alex in front of his adoring fans! I think he looks more like Griffey than Robin Ventura. Yeah, I'm cool!

ESPN The Magazine Fundraising Program announced!

I received a packet of information from ESPN The Magazine today detailing a pretty darned good fundraising program. We sell a two year subscription to their fine publication for $40.00 and we get to keep $30.00 and send them $10.00! This means that you can pay your complete dues by selling only 9 of these subscriptions!

I have forms available for anyone that is interested in this opportunity. But you do not have to wait to start selling. When you sell a subscription, make sure to get each person's Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone Number and e-mail address. Write that down, collect a check for $40 made out to Cherokee Dragons, C/O Scot Turner, and get their info to me. Their first issue will arrive 8 weeks after it is received by ESPN The Magazine.

If you manage to sell 9 of these subscriptions, you will get all of your dues returned to you. If you manage to sell more than 9, we will use those additional funds to help those who have not made it to 9 sales. I will donate all of my sales to the team. If we manage to sell more than 135 ($270 x 15 players) total subscriptions, the additional funds will be used to purchase equipment and practice time. Anything left over after that will be applied to any tournaments we may want to enter, or applied to next year's dues.

There is no deadline to this program; we can sell year round. However, if by some act of God, we are able to sell 250 or more subscriptions by June 15th, we will get a bonus of $500. That will buy a lot of baseballs, gentlemen!