The Greatest Debate Ever Pt. 2: Hannahs Vs. Sano, FIGHT!

[KenH]

"Let me be the first to say that I greatly respect Coach Sano and the job he has done with our young guys," Hannahs began. "This season was only a small blemish on an otherwise sterling season – one in which we improved mightily on our win-loss record, returned the Florida baseball team to the heights of the IL Dixie and successfully on-boarded 5 rookies, all of whom made tangible positive impacts on our team’s win-loss record. We secured our second Wunderkind in as many years with Pedro Coronado and have set up a stable to run for the award again in 2033. In the past 3 years, we have transformed the Farstriders by name… and by makeup. We have gone from one of the oldest teams in the league to one of the youngest. This has facilitated tremendous excitement among our team and among our fans, who have turned out in record numbers…

"In fact, beyond the simple win-loss record, we’ve had an incredible season by way of our financials as well. After two straight years of 8 figure losses, we have recouped all of that in a single year. Over fifty-five million in gross earnings on the year, coupled with a new Farstrider record in attendance, we’ve transformed how many people enjoy Farstrider baseball. Over 4.8 million people came through the turnstiles at Streets Casino and Holdings Field this year, shattering our old record of 4.3 million. Our revenue per game increased by a whopping 18%, obliterating even the rosiest outlook and cementing Florida’s financial model for years to come.

"Our scouts and coaches had an amazing season as well. Once again, Florida was able to secure all six of our teams playoff berths. And while we unfortunately weren’t able to bring home any championships, it’s proof that our outlook and plans are working. In the past five years, we’ve been able to reinvent this organization from the top to bottom, to make sure that all of our players feel part of an internal and external competition where the cream rises to the top in a good, constructive world class environment.

"All this is to say, again, that I harbor no ill-will towards Coach Sano but his decision to pitch Luppe on October 3rd was a horrible mistake that I have no answer for. From Luppe’s own account, he wanted to pitch and felt good even during warm-ups, but even with that being the case, I see no reason why Sano and Gato decided to put him anywhere near a baseball that day."

As Hannahs uttered the final words, excoriating Coach Sano for pitching van Dam, Streets hit a button on his podium which produced sparks and explosions of fireworks from around Hannahs' podium. A disembodied voice said "FIRST BLOOD."

Next, it was Coach Sano's turn to speak...

"Thank you for your time today. I want to start off by saying that I am incredibly proud of the kids I work with every day. It’s not very often that an old guy like me who's been around the block a few times, gets to have such a cool job of interacting with these tremendously skilled and hard-working players that our front office has secured. I’ve never found the job of coaching easy, but in this role, it’s hardly even a job. It’s a pleasure to come and see what our guys do day in and day out.

"I would like to take my time to recount a story. Not of the good times of the season. Those times are always easy. When you’re winning, there is little reason to fight or hold grudges. Meanwhile, it’s when we struggle that we learn the mettle of our organization."

At this last part, smoke began to roll over the stage around Sano's hologram-producing module and a comical fart sound played. Sano continued as if he didn't hear it.

"After our win on October 3, the team was excited but beaten. Word had come down that Luppe was probably out for the playoffs. We had a closed-door players and coaches meeting which Luppe attended as well where we discussed what happened and how we were still a great ballclub.

"Here is, to the best of my abilities and recollection, the events that transpired on October 3 that led to this unfortunate injury…

"The night before, there was a short meeting to discuss our strategy for tomorrow. In that meeting, it was decided that we would play our starters as much as possible but pull them should anything feel “off.” By this, we communicated to our players that should they feel anything – even an uneasy feeling – to let us know and they would sit for the game. Not a punishment, but as a precaution. The game was, mostly, meaningless. It mattered in the sense that it was the last home game of the season and our fans had come to celebrate our great season, but it was not important in the grand scheme of games.

"Despite Luppe’s insistence, our plan was to sit him. There was no reason to put him in harm’s way so there was a belief that this would be his last start. Luppe wasn’t happy about this, and he will say as much. For him, he wanted to get his 33rd start of the year, besting his own records. The man is very competitive -- especially against himself. After some cajoling, we acquiesced to his wishes and let him know that he would only pitch five innings and keep his pitch count at 80. He agreed.

"While I don’t wish to fight with Ken, obviously this forum is not designed to avoid confrontation. I would point out that we never received final confirmation from the front office that van Dam was never to have pitched.

"Throughout his warm-ups, van Dam discussed how good he felt and how excited he was to get to the post-season again. Luppe went through his regular routine which includes stretching, long toss and a short bullpen session. Afterwards, he autographed a few baseballs and jerseys for fans and finished preparing for the game.

"Throughout his five innings, nothing was amiss. The young star was bright and cheerful. There was never any reason to think that an injury was in the offing.

"Despite the facts presented – I am left with the question if I could have done more. The answer is, obviously, yes. However, it goes against my belief in my players to force someone to not take the hill or to go to battle for his teammates. Obviously, I have learned a lot from this experience and I look toward the future where similar situations arise.

"One of the things I tell my players often is an oft quoted Vince Lombardi quote: It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up. The end of this season, we were knocked down. I will be the first to say we did not live up to the potential our team had shown especially in the final month of the season. Our quick exit from the playoffs was anti-climactic and something we will endeavor to not have happen in the future."

The crowd was quiet for a bit as Streets looked on, aghast. He looked to Sano then back to Hannahs. "That's IT?!" That had to have been some of the most boring grandstanding I could have ever seen. You're a freaking 12 foot hologram and you ended on a VINCE LOMBARDI quote? I have to be honest with you Sano, not a good start."