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 Final four Phenix City hopes to derail ‘Beasts of the East’
Posted: Wednesday August 25, 1999 11:32 PM
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) -- Once again, the team from Toms River, N.J., is two victories from winning the Little League World Series. And this time they're defying even greater odds. Consider: 7,500 teams worldwide began tournament play this summer and only eight made it to Williamsport. Then factor in that only two members of last year's title team from Toms River are back in uniform and the chances of repeating are even more remote. The only numbers that really matter, however, are on the scoreboard, Toms River manager Mike Gaynor says. “You're not going to win every game. But when it's meant something and it's counted, we've been able to pull it out,” Gaynor said. “And that's why we're here today.” Great pitching and good defense don't hurt either. The team from Phenix City, Ala., Toms River's opponent in the U.S. championship Thursday, saw plenty of both earlier this week when Toms River beat them 6-0. The other game Thursday features Osaka, Japan, vs. the all-stars from Puerto Rico for the International pool championship. Winners of each game play Saturday for the World Series championship. On Wednesday, Puerto Rico defeated Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany 16-3 in their final preliminary-round game. “Lord have mercy, I wouldn't watch that thing again,” Phenix City manager Tony Rasmus said after being asked if we would review replays of his team's shutout loss to Toms River. “It would give me nightmares.” Toms River seems immune to the pressure that goes with trying to become only the third team in history to repeat as Little League champion. Monterrey, Mexico, did it in 1957 and 1958, and Long Beach, Calif., in 1992 and 1993. After Toms River beat Brownsburg, Ind., 3-1 on Tuesday, star pitcher and outfielder Eric Campisi sounded like he'd rather be planted in front of the video game machines in the players' lounge than on the field. “I like playing with the Seattle Mariners. I pitch with Jamie Moyer, and I especially like it because I like Ken Griffey Jr. He hits those home runs,” said Campisi, who along with Gaynor's son, Casey, are the only two returning players from last year's team. “I don't know what I'll be doing during the off-day. Maybe play video games or something,” catcher Chris Cunningham said. Toms River had played three games in three days before Wednesday. “Actually, you'll be practicing,” Gaynor quickly snapped back as Campisi laughed. Not far from the field where Toms River practiced in front of dozens of fans, reporters and photographers, Phenix City took light batting practice with seven parents watching. Rasmus doesn't mind if the attention is focused on the “Beasts of the East.” He's trying to keep his team from getting too distracted again by a loud contingent of Toms River fans. “I think we got a better chance Thursday. It's got to be easier the second time around,” Rasmus said. “Any team's beatable.” Phenix City, which is an average height of 5-foot-3, is one of the smallest teams in the eight-team field but has packed quite a punch with six home runs in the two games since Toms River. Is Phenix City looking to avenge its last loss? “Yes, sir,” said Rasmus' 12-year-old son, Colby, who gave up six runs and eight hits over six innings against Toms River on Sunday. “I'm going to pitch my best against them.”
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