The Good Guys finished the regular season on the road, and then returned to Paradise, to rest for two days, and to prepare for the challenge ahead.
The National League Division Series began on a Tuesday afternoon in Paradise, against the Chicago Cubs. Gil Bellows would oppose Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano in Game One. Zambrano gave up an early two run homer, and Bellows allowed only one run in his six innings of work, combining with Naomi, Amanda Bynes, and finally Hilary Duff, on a 2-1 opening game win. Charlize Theron took the mound for Game Two, against the Cubs Ryan Dempster. The game was scoreless until the sixth, when Paradise hit Dempster with three runs. Theron gave up one run into the seventh. The bullpen of Naomi and Amanda Bynes had a little trouble in the eighth, but the Good Guys got an insurance run, and then had to hold their breath, while Duff gave up a run, and put men on base in the ninth, before she nailed down the 4-2 victory, to put the Good Guys up two games to none.
The teams flew to Chicago, and worked out, before playing Game Three, at Chicago's Wrigley Field, on Friday afternoon. Chicago's Ted Lilly would face Charlize Theron. With the wind blowing out, Charlize got tattooed, giving up five runs. That outburst was far more than Lilly needed, as he combined with his bullpen, to bring the Cubs a 5-3 triumph. Bellows and Zambano would face off again in Game Four. After Gil gave up a long three run homer, he settled down. Zambrano, meanwhile, was victimized by two errors, which led to four Good Guy runs. The bullpen of the Good Guys had to tiptoe through the final three innings, until Duff finished the deal in the ninth, for a 4-3 Good Guys win, that finished the first round, and sent the Good Guys to the National League Champoonship Series, against the Mets, beginning in Paradise, on Tuesday afternoon.
The Good Guys flew home to Paradise, worked out, and rested, before commencing their series with the Mets. Charlize Theron started Game One, on Tuesday afternoon, against the Mets John Maine. Maine allowed two early runs, and Theron was near perfect, giving up nothing, into the eighth inning, before an error allowed the Mets a run. The bullpen came in for Paradise, and got out of trouble, before Ed Burns hit an insurance solo homer. Duff sealed the game in the ninth, and the Good Guys had an opening game, 3-1 victory. Gil Bellows pitched Game Two, against Mets ace Johan Santana. Santana allowed a cheap unearned run, and nothing else, but Bellows, pitching one of the best games of his career, completely silenced the volanic Mets lineup, on but one hit, before giving way to Duff for the ninth, who saved the 1-0 win, to put the Good Guys halfway to the World Series.
The teams boarded the plane for New York, before playing Game Three, at spanking new Citi Field, the first post season game there, on Friday night, before a racous sellout of over 50,000. Neve Campbell was on the mound for Paradise, against the fine Mets righthander Mike Pelfrey. Campbell got clobbered early, allowing four quick first inning runs, as Pelfrey completely shut the Good Guys offense down, giving up no runs, and but two hits. His effort led the Mets to a 4-0 triumph, their first of the series. Charlize Theron and John Maine hooked up again in Game Four. This time, Maine was rocked early, giving up five runs in the first two innings. Theron, however, took her hits as well, and gave back four of the runs. In the eighth, leading 5-4, left fielder Dawson unloaded for a homer, and then the bullpen took over, as Duff saved the game, a 6-4 win, that put the Good Guys a win away from the World Series. Bellows and Santana faced off again in Game Five, with the Mets facing elimination. The Mets crowd was extremely loud, not wanting their team's season to end, on its home turf. Gil Bellows gave up a two run homer in the first, and Santana, in the meantime, breezed through the Good Guys lineup, allowing but two hits, before giving way to KRod, the Mets lights out closer, for a 2-0 win. The series was going back to Paradise, and the Good Guys had two chances to emerge with a positive outcome.
The teams made their way back to Paradise, and had a light workout,before playing Game Six, on Tuesday night. Campbell and Pelfrey would be the pitchers. This time, neither was very good, as Campbell gave up three runs in the first, but the Good Guys answered with three runs immediately off Pelfrey. The game went to the eighth tied, when shortstop Tom Cruise, and second baseman Russell, hit back to back doubles, scoring a run for the Good Guys. Hilary Duff had some interesting moments in the ninth, but got the outs she needed, and the Good Guys were the National League Champions, with the 4-3 win. In the clubhouse, the team was stoic. "This is nice, but we have one more very difficult mile to go, against an extremely formidable opponent, before we can celebrate anything" manager Elmont Kohler said, speaking for his team.
That opponent, to few people's surprise, would be the Yankees. This time, the World Series would start in the ballpark by the ocean, Good Guy Stadium, that Saturday night.
After the Good Guys had experienced attendance and tourism difficulties all season, due to the extremely troubled global economy, the fans came out in force, to cheer their heroes on, that Saturday night. Nearly 60,000 jammed the stadium for Game One of the World Series. The Yankees, since the teams previous encounters in October, had significantly upgraded their pitching. Now, in addition to dealing with a volcano like lineup, and Mariano Rivera at the end, the Good Guys also had to deal with Yankee new co aces C.C Sabathia, and A.J Burnett, not to mention old friend Chin Min Wang. If both staffs were on their game, this was not likely to be a high scoring World Series.
In Game One on Saturday Night, Sabathia opposed Gil Bellows. The only mistake Sabathia made, was compounded by an error, which led to one Good Guy run. Bellows, meanwhile allowed nothing, scattering four hits, but not allowing the Yankees to dent the scoreboard. Hilary Duff relieved Bellows in the ninth, and nailed down the 1-0 win. Charlize Theron would face AJ Burnett in Game Two. Burnett, who could be erratic on occasion, gave up three early runs to Paradise. Theron pitched into and out of trouble, giving up two runs, but not allowing the Yankees to take the lead, which was critical with their bullpen, and Mr Rivera. In the eighth, leading 3-2, the Good Guys used a Yankee miscue, to put the game away, with three runs. Things got interesting in the ninth, but Paradise perservered, and in the end, had a 6-2 victory, to put them halfway to the promised land.
The teams flew to New York and worked out, before playing Game Three at New Yankee Stadium, on Tuesday night. Neve Campbell would face Chin Min Wang. The Yankee crowd was racous, and Campbell felt the heat early, allowing two quick runs in the first, and three more in the second. The game was never really a contest, as Wang combined with his bullpen, for a 5-2 Yankee win, their first of the Series. C.C. Sabathia would go up against Gil Bellows again in Game Four. Bellows allowed one run, and so did Sabathia, as both were gone by the seventh inning, saving them, in case a Game Seven needed to be played. In the seventh, the Good Guys silenced the Yankee faithful, with three runs. The Good Guys got one more in the ninth, and then nearly gave their own fans heart failure, as Hilary Duff, and Amanda Bynes, gave back three runs. Naomi, of all people, had to get the final out, of the Good Guys 5-4 win, as Paradise just barely escaped, and now had their win in New York. In Game Five, Charlize Theron would again duel AJ Burnett. This time, it was the Yankees who attacked Theron for six early runs. Burnett, with a huge cushion, should have breezed, but the Good Guys kept chipping away. It became 6-1, and then 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, and finally 6-5. Yankee manager Joe Giradi brought closer Mariano Rivera in one inning early, facing elimination, and sent the series back to Paradise, with a 6-5 Yankee win. Now, the teams would return to Paradise, with the Good Guys needing one win in two tries, to emerge as champions.
The teams worked out Friday, and played Game Six on Saturday night, under brilliant clear skies, and 75 degree temperatures, in front of a sellout of over 60,000 delirious fans. Neve Campbell pitched for the Good Guys, against the Yankees Chin Min Wang. Koehler, who had seen Campbell get hit hard in Game Three, asked her for five innings, and to keep the team in the game, knowing he had a Game Seven to play with, with his ace on the mound, if the Good Guys could not win Game Six. Campbell was magnificent, completely confusing the Yankees, on only three hits. However, Wang was dominant, with the Yankees facing the winter, as he struck out nine. The game was turned over to the bullpens. In the eighth, with the score still a scoreless tie, Mitch stepped up, and hammered a solo homer. Hilary Duff warmed in the pen, and strode in from the pen, with the Good Guys holding only a one run lead. Of course, the home run part of the Yankee lineup was due up. Derek Jeter began the ninth by popping to his counterpart, shortstop Tom Cruise. Then, home run hitter Mark Texiara was up, and hit a long fly to the deepest part of the park, which Ed Burns ran down in center, for out number two. Who else but the game's best player, Arod, would stand between the Good Guys, and a championship. Duff pitched extremely carefully, not wanting to walk Arod, but knowing that one mistake, would be a tie game. Hilary got a fastball on the outer half of the plate, and Arod swung. It was hit deep, but not home run distance, to right field. Mitch backed up, two steps from the wall, and put it in his glove, and the Good Guys were champions of the world!
After Mitch caught the ball, he clutched it in his glove, and kneeled on the ground momentarially, as the crowd erupted in a collective roar. Then, Center Fielder Ed Burns came over, and the two men exchanged a bear hug, as left fielder Dawson joined them, and the three outfielders did a circle hug. Then, they all went into the infield, to celebrate with their teammates at the mound. The crowd was beside itself, as We Are The Champions, blasted over the P. A. system. At a time of such economic difficulty on the island, and in the world, the Paradise Island Good Guys, had thrilled their faithful, by bringing the title back to Paradise Island. The scoreboard flashed "Mission Accomplished", as the team that had set the goal as nothing less than a championship, as a tribute to their fallen manager, Lee Sniderman, had attained their goal.
The team made its way to the clubhouse, to celebrate with champange, as the media closed in. "As always, this is the greatest feeling. I congratulate the Yankees, and thank them for their effort, but we are on cloud nine. Lee, if you are looking down on us from heaven, we won this one for you, my father, and we hope that you are enjoying this moment, watching us savor it!" Mitch said, tears in his eyes.
After the trophy presentation, the team celebrated with dinner, and a party. Naomi and Mitch exchanged a very brief hug on the field, and in the clubhouse. Unbeknownst to everyone, Naomi claimed before the postseason, that she would be days away from leaving Mitch for good, if things did not improve. Mitch tried to enjoy the night,, but a thousand ton weight, lay on his shoulders, to be dealt with, after the season.
The next day, at the parade, the team spoke, about the season, and about the title for Lee. When Mitch's time to speak came, he was proud, but honest. "I never like to lie, and I dont want to stand here and promise everyone something I might not be able to deliver. The honest answer about next year is, I dont know. I have to talk to Naomi, evaluate my situation, and our family's, talk it over with Elmont, and the team brass. I may be back, but, if not, this has been a wonderful ride, and I thank all my loyal fans, who have supported me, and this team, during all of the years of my career. I will cherish it always, whether I play next year, or not"
In the meantime, the team held its final tickle party, on the night of the parade. As a celebration for winning the series, Elmont would be the featured lee. He was tied hands and feet to the bed, in the middle of the fetish club, in his shorts. Naomi began the tickle on Elmont's neck with fingers, as his head shifted, and the laughter began:AHHAAHHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAA! Working down, Neve Campbell was next, tickling Elmont on his underarms, sides, ribs, and belly, counting his ribs:HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA! NOOOOO! Moving down, Hilary Duff was the next ler, attacking Elmont on his hips, inner thighs, and knees with fingers, as his legs bucked and jerked:HAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Finally, Hayden positioned herself at Elmont's bare feet, and tickled them with her fingers, feathers, ice, and electric toothbrush. Elmont went beserk, shaking his feet, and wiggling his toes, and howling with laughter:HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA! OMG GIRLS PLEASE NO MORE! I GIVE UP! NOOOOOOOO! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA! Finally, the tickle ended, and the exhausted Elmont was untied.
So, it been a postseason of ultimate achievement. Now came the winter of uncertainity. Would Mitch and Naomi return, or would the championship be the swan song, for one, or both of them? That answer to come in the continuing story of the Tickle Team From Paradise Island.
The End
The National League Division Series began on a Tuesday afternoon in Paradise, against the Chicago Cubs. Gil Bellows would oppose Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano in Game One. Zambrano gave up an early two run homer, and Bellows allowed only one run in his six innings of work, combining with Naomi, Amanda Bynes, and finally Hilary Duff, on a 2-1 opening game win. Charlize Theron took the mound for Game Two, against the Cubs Ryan Dempster. The game was scoreless until the sixth, when Paradise hit Dempster with three runs. Theron gave up one run into the seventh. The bullpen of Naomi and Amanda Bynes had a little trouble in the eighth, but the Good Guys got an insurance run, and then had to hold their breath, while Duff gave up a run, and put men on base in the ninth, before she nailed down the 4-2 victory, to put the Good Guys up two games to none.
The teams flew to Chicago, and worked out, before playing Game Three, at Chicago's Wrigley Field, on Friday afternoon. Chicago's Ted Lilly would face Charlize Theron. With the wind blowing out, Charlize got tattooed, giving up five runs. That outburst was far more than Lilly needed, as he combined with his bullpen, to bring the Cubs a 5-3 triumph. Bellows and Zambano would face off again in Game Four. After Gil gave up a long three run homer, he settled down. Zambrano, meanwhile, was victimized by two errors, which led to four Good Guy runs. The bullpen of the Good Guys had to tiptoe through the final three innings, until Duff finished the deal in the ninth, for a 4-3 Good Guys win, that finished the first round, and sent the Good Guys to the National League Champoonship Series, against the Mets, beginning in Paradise, on Tuesday afternoon.
The Good Guys flew home to Paradise, worked out, and rested, before commencing their series with the Mets. Charlize Theron started Game One, on Tuesday afternoon, against the Mets John Maine. Maine allowed two early runs, and Theron was near perfect, giving up nothing, into the eighth inning, before an error allowed the Mets a run. The bullpen came in for Paradise, and got out of trouble, before Ed Burns hit an insurance solo homer. Duff sealed the game in the ninth, and the Good Guys had an opening game, 3-1 victory. Gil Bellows pitched Game Two, against Mets ace Johan Santana. Santana allowed a cheap unearned run, and nothing else, but Bellows, pitching one of the best games of his career, completely silenced the volanic Mets lineup, on but one hit, before giving way to Duff for the ninth, who saved the 1-0 win, to put the Good Guys halfway to the World Series.
The teams boarded the plane for New York, before playing Game Three, at spanking new Citi Field, the first post season game there, on Friday night, before a racous sellout of over 50,000. Neve Campbell was on the mound for Paradise, against the fine Mets righthander Mike Pelfrey. Campbell got clobbered early, allowing four quick first inning runs, as Pelfrey completely shut the Good Guys offense down, giving up no runs, and but two hits. His effort led the Mets to a 4-0 triumph, their first of the series. Charlize Theron and John Maine hooked up again in Game Four. This time, Maine was rocked early, giving up five runs in the first two innings. Theron, however, took her hits as well, and gave back four of the runs. In the eighth, leading 5-4, left fielder Dawson unloaded for a homer, and then the bullpen took over, as Duff saved the game, a 6-4 win, that put the Good Guys a win away from the World Series. Bellows and Santana faced off again in Game Five, with the Mets facing elimination. The Mets crowd was extremely loud, not wanting their team's season to end, on its home turf. Gil Bellows gave up a two run homer in the first, and Santana, in the meantime, breezed through the Good Guys lineup, allowing but two hits, before giving way to KRod, the Mets lights out closer, for a 2-0 win. The series was going back to Paradise, and the Good Guys had two chances to emerge with a positive outcome.
The teams made their way back to Paradise, and had a light workout,before playing Game Six, on Tuesday night. Campbell and Pelfrey would be the pitchers. This time, neither was very good, as Campbell gave up three runs in the first, but the Good Guys answered with three runs immediately off Pelfrey. The game went to the eighth tied, when shortstop Tom Cruise, and second baseman Russell, hit back to back doubles, scoring a run for the Good Guys. Hilary Duff had some interesting moments in the ninth, but got the outs she needed, and the Good Guys were the National League Champions, with the 4-3 win. In the clubhouse, the team was stoic. "This is nice, but we have one more very difficult mile to go, against an extremely formidable opponent, before we can celebrate anything" manager Elmont Kohler said, speaking for his team.
That opponent, to few people's surprise, would be the Yankees. This time, the World Series would start in the ballpark by the ocean, Good Guy Stadium, that Saturday night.
After the Good Guys had experienced attendance and tourism difficulties all season, due to the extremely troubled global economy, the fans came out in force, to cheer their heroes on, that Saturday night. Nearly 60,000 jammed the stadium for Game One of the World Series. The Yankees, since the teams previous encounters in October, had significantly upgraded their pitching. Now, in addition to dealing with a volcano like lineup, and Mariano Rivera at the end, the Good Guys also had to deal with Yankee new co aces C.C Sabathia, and A.J Burnett, not to mention old friend Chin Min Wang. If both staffs were on their game, this was not likely to be a high scoring World Series.
In Game One on Saturday Night, Sabathia opposed Gil Bellows. The only mistake Sabathia made, was compounded by an error, which led to one Good Guy run. Bellows, meanwhile allowed nothing, scattering four hits, but not allowing the Yankees to dent the scoreboard. Hilary Duff relieved Bellows in the ninth, and nailed down the 1-0 win. Charlize Theron would face AJ Burnett in Game Two. Burnett, who could be erratic on occasion, gave up three early runs to Paradise. Theron pitched into and out of trouble, giving up two runs, but not allowing the Yankees to take the lead, which was critical with their bullpen, and Mr Rivera. In the eighth, leading 3-2, the Good Guys used a Yankee miscue, to put the game away, with three runs. Things got interesting in the ninth, but Paradise perservered, and in the end, had a 6-2 victory, to put them halfway to the promised land.
The teams flew to New York and worked out, before playing Game Three at New Yankee Stadium, on Tuesday night. Neve Campbell would face Chin Min Wang. The Yankee crowd was racous, and Campbell felt the heat early, allowing two quick runs in the first, and three more in the second. The game was never really a contest, as Wang combined with his bullpen, for a 5-2 Yankee win, their first of the Series. C.C. Sabathia would go up against Gil Bellows again in Game Four. Bellows allowed one run, and so did Sabathia, as both were gone by the seventh inning, saving them, in case a Game Seven needed to be played. In the seventh, the Good Guys silenced the Yankee faithful, with three runs. The Good Guys got one more in the ninth, and then nearly gave their own fans heart failure, as Hilary Duff, and Amanda Bynes, gave back three runs. Naomi, of all people, had to get the final out, of the Good Guys 5-4 win, as Paradise just barely escaped, and now had their win in New York. In Game Five, Charlize Theron would again duel AJ Burnett. This time, it was the Yankees who attacked Theron for six early runs. Burnett, with a huge cushion, should have breezed, but the Good Guys kept chipping away. It became 6-1, and then 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, and finally 6-5. Yankee manager Joe Giradi brought closer Mariano Rivera in one inning early, facing elimination, and sent the series back to Paradise, with a 6-5 Yankee win. Now, the teams would return to Paradise, with the Good Guys needing one win in two tries, to emerge as champions.
The teams worked out Friday, and played Game Six on Saturday night, under brilliant clear skies, and 75 degree temperatures, in front of a sellout of over 60,000 delirious fans. Neve Campbell pitched for the Good Guys, against the Yankees Chin Min Wang. Koehler, who had seen Campbell get hit hard in Game Three, asked her for five innings, and to keep the team in the game, knowing he had a Game Seven to play with, with his ace on the mound, if the Good Guys could not win Game Six. Campbell was magnificent, completely confusing the Yankees, on only three hits. However, Wang was dominant, with the Yankees facing the winter, as he struck out nine. The game was turned over to the bullpens. In the eighth, with the score still a scoreless tie, Mitch stepped up, and hammered a solo homer. Hilary Duff warmed in the pen, and strode in from the pen, with the Good Guys holding only a one run lead. Of course, the home run part of the Yankee lineup was due up. Derek Jeter began the ninth by popping to his counterpart, shortstop Tom Cruise. Then, home run hitter Mark Texiara was up, and hit a long fly to the deepest part of the park, which Ed Burns ran down in center, for out number two. Who else but the game's best player, Arod, would stand between the Good Guys, and a championship. Duff pitched extremely carefully, not wanting to walk Arod, but knowing that one mistake, would be a tie game. Hilary got a fastball on the outer half of the plate, and Arod swung. It was hit deep, but not home run distance, to right field. Mitch backed up, two steps from the wall, and put it in his glove, and the Good Guys were champions of the world!
After Mitch caught the ball, he clutched it in his glove, and kneeled on the ground momentarially, as the crowd erupted in a collective roar. Then, Center Fielder Ed Burns came over, and the two men exchanged a bear hug, as left fielder Dawson joined them, and the three outfielders did a circle hug. Then, they all went into the infield, to celebrate with their teammates at the mound. The crowd was beside itself, as We Are The Champions, blasted over the P. A. system. At a time of such economic difficulty on the island, and in the world, the Paradise Island Good Guys, had thrilled their faithful, by bringing the title back to Paradise Island. The scoreboard flashed "Mission Accomplished", as the team that had set the goal as nothing less than a championship, as a tribute to their fallen manager, Lee Sniderman, had attained their goal.
The team made its way to the clubhouse, to celebrate with champange, as the media closed in. "As always, this is the greatest feeling. I congratulate the Yankees, and thank them for their effort, but we are on cloud nine. Lee, if you are looking down on us from heaven, we won this one for you, my father, and we hope that you are enjoying this moment, watching us savor it!" Mitch said, tears in his eyes.
After the trophy presentation, the team celebrated with dinner, and a party. Naomi and Mitch exchanged a very brief hug on the field, and in the clubhouse. Unbeknownst to everyone, Naomi claimed before the postseason, that she would be days away from leaving Mitch for good, if things did not improve. Mitch tried to enjoy the night,, but a thousand ton weight, lay on his shoulders, to be dealt with, after the season.
The next day, at the parade, the team spoke, about the season, and about the title for Lee. When Mitch's time to speak came, he was proud, but honest. "I never like to lie, and I dont want to stand here and promise everyone something I might not be able to deliver. The honest answer about next year is, I dont know. I have to talk to Naomi, evaluate my situation, and our family's, talk it over with Elmont, and the team brass. I may be back, but, if not, this has been a wonderful ride, and I thank all my loyal fans, who have supported me, and this team, during all of the years of my career. I will cherish it always, whether I play next year, or not"
In the meantime, the team held its final tickle party, on the night of the parade. As a celebration for winning the series, Elmont would be the featured lee. He was tied hands and feet to the bed, in the middle of the fetish club, in his shorts. Naomi began the tickle on Elmont's neck with fingers, as his head shifted, and the laughter began:AHHAAHHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAA! Working down, Neve Campbell was next, tickling Elmont on his underarms, sides, ribs, and belly, counting his ribs:HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA! NOOOOO! Moving down, Hilary Duff was the next ler, attacking Elmont on his hips, inner thighs, and knees with fingers, as his legs bucked and jerked:HAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Finally, Hayden positioned herself at Elmont's bare feet, and tickled them with her fingers, feathers, ice, and electric toothbrush. Elmont went beserk, shaking his feet, and wiggling his toes, and howling with laughter:HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA! OMG GIRLS PLEASE NO MORE! I GIVE UP! NOOOOOOOO! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA! Finally, the tickle ended, and the exhausted Elmont was untied.
So, it been a postseason of ultimate achievement. Now came the winter of uncertainity. Would Mitch and Naomi return, or would the championship be the swan song, for one, or both of them? That answer to come in the continuing story of the Tickle Team From Paradise Island.
The End
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