Muckrakers ready selves for fall campaign

CONCORD -- The Muckrakers showed they are serious about the upcoming fall campaign with a strong turnout for their first, and possibly last, practice of the autumn.

Twelve dedicated 'Rakers took to Willow Pass Park's Field 4 with a determined look on their sweaty brow. After all, the team missed the playoffs in the summer league and none of the Boys of Muck want to suffer the same fate in the next loop, which starts on Thursday.

The Muckrakers who showed up to shake off the offseason rust were a charming mixture of old and new. It was a first step in a melding of a new team chemistry.

Upper 'Raker management was suitably impressed.

"I thought it was great practice. I was impressed by the turnout," said longtime Muckrakers manager Chris Wagnon. "I think this team was a little disappointed in not making the playoffs in the summer league and we want to get back our rightful place aside from the parking lot. Looks like our new players are mixing with our veterans well and that's the recipe for Muckie success."

Another recipe for success is the strong leadership shown by Muckraker veterans such as Mike Gale.

"We had a very strong practice and I'm looking forward to getting back on the field on Thursday," noted outfielder Gale. "I guaran-damn-tee we're going back to the playoffs."

Strong words, but the 'Rakers mean what they say and say what they mean.