2008 League Milestones to look out for
4/1/2008

As we get closer to the start of the season, we thought it was important to note that in 2008 there are several Bulldog players approaching some important career milestones, each of which should be reached at some point during the spring/fall seasons.
Since the pitching corps of the bulldogs are fairly new, this article will focus on the offensive milestones for 2008 to get excited about.
For career AB's, Manager Tim Ritchie (719) is approaching the 800 mark, a pretty impressive feat for a 8th year guy. Shortstop Dave Markow (481) and 2nd Baseman Mike Mazzolla (449) will both be inching their way to the 500 mark sometime this spring season.
In runs scored, Tim Ritchie (193) is going to hit the 200 mark at some point in April we presume, while Dave markow (162) is approaching the 200 marker, and 1st Baseman Bret Santucci (68) gets closer to the 100 marker (which he has passed if ABA stats were included, however these are MSMBL numbers).
In hits, we have 5 bulldogs looking to set career numbers. Third baseman Chuck Harvath (266), Ritchie (262), and Markow (245) will be looking at 300, and will be a race to get there with the loser buying rounds. Mazzolla (184) is approaching 200, and should get there by May 30th. Santucci (85) is nearing the 100 marker again in this category.
For career RBI's, Markow (166), Ritchie (164) and DH Billy Van Idestine (163) are all closing in on 200, a very noteable achievement, and something we will be keeping tabs on as the seasons progress. We will likely see them hit in the fall 2008 campaign, however a monster season from any of them could prove this article wrong. CF Jesse Boles (97) will likely break the 100 barrier by the 2nd game of the season, at the latest. RF reserve Ryan Hicks (86), who is on team leave for marriage, will likely need to wait until the fall to break 100 himself.
On the basepaths, the craziest stat is Ritchie's ability to steal bags. For his career, he has 92 swipes, and is 8 shy of 100. Expect a Rickey Henderson-esque celebration when that 100th base is stolen. We will be sure to document it. Chuck Harvath (85) is also nearing that marker as well.

The season is approaching fast, and the players have been gathering lately for some spirits and baseball chatter on the weekends. The dogs will be practicing this Friday (3/21- pretty Good Friday to play some ball, ehh?), the location to be announced shortly.