2005 - The Year In Trunk

by Jose Valentin's Moustache
August 23, 2005

The 2005 season recently came to a close much the same way it had opened for the Jumbo’s Peanut Surprise – calling themselves champs and finding as much time as possible to drink. But that’s not to say that there weren’t a few wrinkles to the year that were unique unto itself. The JPS saw much roster turnover, new nicknames thrown around like a ball on a Spring League infield, sponsorship uncertainty, and what might be the end of an era. However among all of that, the goal was always clear, and the path was what they made of it.

The first major move of the 2005 season was the official sponsorship switch from Schlitz to PBR, which was perhaps a harbinger of the tone the season would take. Expecting to go bigger and better, but ultimately falling back on a known commodity, the JPS and PBR alliance never really got the head of steam that was expected, and come playoffs the cooler was once again loaded with The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous. Around the same time, longstanding pitcher and Fashionista Marvin Carlos announced his departure from the squad in less than ceremonious fashion, leaving the Peanut Surprise off-kilter, but motivated. The roster included eight new faces, as well as the promise of returns of two big left-handed bats from the past, Mr. X and Peter Baggenstos. This expansion was never meant to be, as X and Baggy played in only two combined games, and only 4 of our the eight rookies managed to secure regular playing time. We lost arguably the most productive female and Cuban players in JPS history as both Johnnie Johnston and Entourage Vazquez left for Med School. And while a new record of 28 JPS players suited up this year, in the end it came down to some familiar faces and a few reliable newcomers.

The JPS toiled through the regular season that found them losing as many games (2) as they had in the previous three years combined. As always the anchor to a strong season is on the defensive side of the ball, where the JPS allowed only 7.25 runs per game. In their victories, they looked the same as ever, averaging almost 23 runs per game. In defeat, the defense held to their normal high standards, but the offensive production dipped to a meager seven runs per contest. The highlight of the regular season had to have been the second annual ladies night, where the JPS Women pounded out a 23-12 victory over a solid and professional Arts team. Maybe if they had marched out this same squad all season, the JPS would have been more consistent, but then what to do with Derek? At least Dom would be willing to play in a skirt…

When the playoffs rolled around, the team seemed calm and comfortable and we had some fresh JPS-logo beer koozies, but were ultimately sloppy in the first two contests. It wasn’t until a 5 run, seventh inning rally to beat Physiology, capped by a game winning, two-run fence kisser by Egon, that the JPS seemed to recognize that things get a little more serious in the August. With only a few days off between their close division clincher and the championship game, the collective mentality of the team remained sharp, and was finally the juggernaut it had teased fans with all season in the 28-6 victory over Psychology.

In taking three league titles in the last four years, I won’t go so far as saying that the JPS has earned the dynasty label, but they have enjoyed as dominant a stretch as any team in recent history, and has earned it every step of the way. The future may not hold that kind of success for any future manifestation of Jumbo’s Peanut Surprise, or any other team for that matter, so as always it is most sweet to enjoy what you have, while you have it. Enjoy the off-season, Champ.