News and Views

A look at the people and places that make up the game of softball in Greater Cleveland 

Competitors...by Buddy Langdon

There are many ways to measure a ballplayer.  Speed. Strength. Knowledge of the game.  These are all attributes that can be seen in many ballplayers. But I want to talk about the competitors.  Players who not only have or had the physical skills  but also have or had the desire to be the best. In my opinion these are some of the players who come to mind:

Eddie Floyd- Had intensity like no other. He could dominate the game as a player and now as a manager. You want to hear it, he'll tell you straight out. Eddie doesn't mess around.

Keith McCloskey- A fire burns within him to win at all costs. He's a proven winner and a leader always.

Bobby Mandato Jr.- A fierce competitor who never gives in.  His great speed could dominate a game (I would have played him the outfield because of his closing speed).

Ron Zarack-By sheer will he forced himself to become one of the best 3rd basemen in the game. WORK-WORK-WORK

Dave Drozin- Outwardly, he let his opponents see nothing. He held his fire deep inside himself, but he always was ready to play. Had the talent to play in the Super Division.

Bobby Andrews- A very vocal and intense player. A throwback to the 60's and 70's. He expects a lot from himself and the players around him.

Tommy Braddock- Just a ball of energy, both defensively and offensively. There is no stopping Tommy. Just get out of the way because here he comes!

Johnny Langdon- His intensity bordered on the impossible. His fire to compete set his whole team ablaze. His knowledge and experience made him tough to defeat.

Joe Peters- Always came to play, win or lose. Tough as hell. No holds barred!

Mike Krainz- Dedicated worker who was always honing his skills. Would chew up the bases in a full out attack. a .700 plus hitter who owned right field.

Skip Drozin-Very emotional player, who could and did push the players around him to play at their top level.

Bryon Borowy- aka Mongo. Simply the best. His competitive level never changes. His desire, demeanor, and stature are unmovable.

Brian Berman- This is a man on a mission. If there were eight days in a week Brian would play nine. He has played at full tilt it would seem forever. 

Rick Whitfield- His strength came from the taking the game apart and making it better. A thinking player with Hall of Fame talent.

Timmy Maddox- The bigger the game the better he played. He could fire up his team with trash talk and back it up! Enough said.

The Neale Brother's- David and Rocky could match fire with fire and did it full speed ahead.

Billy Broestl (Coach)- A quiet competitor with tons of experience.  His even temper under fire hides his quest to always win. 

Wally Klepac- Always on the move. You can hear him before, during and after the game. Pushes himself to the max.

Mark Miklos- Worked long and very hard to become a solid player. What he does well he does very well.

Mark Longo- Never played with his head down. Had a lot of pressure on him but handled it well. Had nothing but respect for the game. My kind of player.

News and Views Home