2010 South Bay Scorpions season slogan announced

MARCH 31, 2010 -- REDONDO BEACH, CA

Nearly a half-million fans lined the pier and marina in lovely Redondo Beach, CA this afternoon to welcome the greatest franchise in SDMB OOTP league history back to the South Bay before the kickoff of their 9th season. At the festive party, star shortstop Ricky Peppers acted as MC, introducing his new teammates and the team's 2010 slogan: Recapture the glory!

"First, it's an honor to play with these other twenty-four players. Second, I want my second ring!" Peppers shouted.

In turn, Peppers introduced his new teammates:

"Ace reliever Johnny Cowherd, give it up for him! He strikes batters out as often as I don't strike out." Cowherd was acquired from Brookyln for former 2B Bill Turek in the offseason to add to the elite bullpen tandem of Junior Cuomo and Frank Carroll.

"Now, here's my man. I cried for weeks when he was traded to River Cities, and I'm so glad he's back with us. Ladies and gentlemen: Martin Baker!" Baker, who won two Cups with the franchise before being traded to the Paddlewheelers in 2008, where he won another Cup, brings veteran leadership to the team.

"I've won Cups here, and, yes, there," Baker told the crowd, which booed lustily at his reference to River City's 2008 championship. "And, after the disgrace that I felt last fall, I knew I had to come back to the team that can win the Cup. It's good to be home!"

3B Bill Johnson was acquired for SP Joe Daye, a deal that led to the Turek-for-Cowherd trade. "Bill and I were joking this morning at breakfast. I can't wait to stand next to this guy for 1,300 innings next year. Plus, he can hit." Johnson takes over the hot corner for the Scorpions, as Jeffrey Drewry, the starter at third base the past three seasons, and an All Star in 2009, will backup Johnson and new 2B starter Robert Young. Luis Jeon returns to first base, coming off a successful season with 36 home runs and an OPS of 895.

Reigning Outstanding Batter John Redman anchors the outfield, flanked by on-base machine Willie Klopp and dependable John McNabb.

Daye's departure led to openings in the rotation that were filled by Rocco Wojcik and Jeffrey Shuttleworth. The newcomers join mainstays Wendell Sorg, this season's Opening Day starter, and Casey Plunk, with last year's new guy Boris Harris beat out Troy Nelson for the last rotation spot.

Nelson won four Cecil Cups with the franchise and is back for his last go-around and final season in the league. Before the rally, he spent an hour this morning signing autographs for fans, some still in awe of his masterpiece one-hit shutout of Houston in the 2004 Cecil Cup, the game many in the South Bay, and elsewhere, point to as the start of the Scorpions dynasty.

Other new faces on the team are OF Kenneth Philpot and Rule V pick, 3B Christian Sitton. Philpot will see time in center field and be a primary pinch hitter off the bench. Sitton will spend the season learning from Johnson and Drewry, while occasionally coming off the bench as a pinch runner.

Backup infielder David McCrady, catcher Gerald Odum, and relievers Christopher Mooring and William Augustin round out the 25-man roster. Possible mid-season promotions linger in AAA Arizona Bay, where pitching phenom Anthony Koepp is all-but-ready to join the big team.

"I'm confident that we'll be back here in October with a fifth ring on Troy's and Casey's hands, and a second one on mine," Peppers proclaimed. "Let's recapture the glory together, guys!"

The South Bay Scorpions are the most successful franchise in league history, with more regular season wins than any other franchise. Additionally, the team has won twice as many Cecil Cups championships than any other franchise and consistently rates among the most popular team in the league.

The 9th season of the South Bay Scorpions begins Monday, April 1st 2010, at the Scorpions Pit against the defending Zotti League champion River City Paddlewheelers. South Bay will start Wendell Sorg, and River Cities is expected to wheel out Sherman Wheeler to counter. First pitch is at 1.35pm, and will be thrown by famed slugger Joseph Denn, who still holds the Zotti League single-season home run record.

"Recapture the Glory" is a registered trademark of the South Bay Scorpions and may not be used without express permission.