Atlanta Giants

April 28, 2019:

Opening day finally arrived for the Atlanta Giants as they took on the 2018 Champion, Atlanta Reds. Things broke out early for the Reds' slugger, Rocco Callaway, as he blasted a 400 foot homer over the right field fence, giving the Red Legs a 2-0 lead. Turned out the two run lead was all the champs needed to secure a victory. The Giants' offense was still in hibernation as they didn't advance a single runner past second base all day. With four (4) total hits on the day, that number was obliterated by the number of strikeouts (13) the team accumulated. "We are very rusty, no doubt about it," said Assistant Coach, Mark Guzzi. "First game for us since last September...we will get things going." The Giants lose their opening game for only the second time in seventeen (17) years. Next week the Giants travel to South Cobb HS to visit the Atlanta Sidewinders.

April 1, 2019:

Entering their 17th season, the Giants look to re-group and re-build after a disappointing end to a terrific 2018 season. With the addition of several rookies including Penn State's Matt McCutchen and Albany State's Jimmy Petit, the G-Men are very optimistic. "We've lost a few guys to pro contracts and injuries," said veteran, Dale Lebder. "We're hopeful that this mix of younger guys and veterans will mesh quickly.

Returning to the Giants' roster are ETSU standouts, Stephen Douglas and Jon Stoudt. "These guys are great ball players and I'm super pumped to have them back," said Assistant Coach, Jimmy Tidwell. "Looking forward to playing next to these guys again."

​Opening day is scheduled for Sunday, April 7th vs the Georgia Cherokees at South Cobb HS.

September 17, 2017:

The G-Men punched their ticket to the Championship by defeating the Georgia Bandits in a best of three series over the weekend. For the second straight year, the Atlanta Giants find themselves two wins away from their 9th MABL Title. The Giants ( #1) will host the Georgia Tar Heels ( #2) for the 18+ Metal Championship this weekend. These teams met three times this season with the Giants leading the series, 2-1 games. During their last meeting, the Giants rallied back from an 8-0 deficit to win 9-8 and secure the #1 playoff seed.

Game one first pitch is scheduled for this Saturday, September 23, 2017 @ 12:00 PM @ South Cobb HS.

Brackets are IN!

August 27, 2017:

The regular season came to an end this afternoon when the Giants and Titans met for the third time. Jumping out to an early 1st inning lead, the Giants added three more runs in the Top of the 3rd to go up 5-0. With a solid offensive performance led by Ryan Ermers (2-3, BB, RBI), Jimmy Tidwell (2-3, RBI, SAC) and
​Dale Lebder (2-2, 2 BB), the trio led the G-Men to a 6-5 victory over the Titans.

Christian Van Camp (2 2/3 IP; 2 R; 4 H; 5 BB; 3 K) and Jimmy Tidwell (4 2/3 IP; 3 R; 4 H; BB; 6 K) split the pitching assignment for the game.

The Giants clinched the #1 seed throughout the playoffs and have been granted a first round bye. This marks the 16th straight win on the season, including a three-game sweep of the Titans.

Round 2 of the playoffs are scheduled for a Double Header on Saturday, September 16, 2017. Rubber match to follow on Sunday. Time and Fields to be announced.

August 20, 2017:

As the regular season winds down, most of the playoff seedings are pretty close to being set. The Giants and Tar Heels (1st place in their respective divisions), squared off for the #1 overall seed throughout the playoffs. In the past, a #1 or #2 seed was essentially equal in that both teams either got a BYE for the first round of the playoffs or were separated in the brackets so they wouldn't meet until the finals (assuming both teams went unbeaten).

This year's story may turn out to be a little different. The Cobb Red Sox have dropped out of contention for the playoffs, dropping the teams to a unfavorable odd number (7). With seven (7) teams, only two scenarios could play out.

Scenario A: the overall #1 seed would get a first round BYE; Seeds #2 - #7 would play in the first round.

Scenario B: the #1 and #2 seeds would get a first round BYE, and only the top six (6) teams would make the playoffs.

With no certainty on what the League is going to do, both the Giants and 'Heels are playing for the overall #1 seed.

Sunday's game played out to be the rubber match between these two teams. The Tar Heels came out on fire and seemed to have everything go their way. Scoring three (3) runs in the Top of the 1st, the Giants fell behind early. From 6-4-3 double plays, to diving catches, to throwing out a guy trying to tag home from third...the 'Heels had an answer for everything. Almost everything...

"Guys were getting on base, but we couldn't punch in any runs," said Captain, Dale Lebder. "They (Heels) played extremely tough defense and were making literally every play possible." One play in particular included a deep fly ball hit by Christian Van Camp to left field. Phil Butch, one of the fastest on the team, stood at 3rd base waiting to tag. With the perfect throw and catch, Butch was tagged out at home, denying the Giants a run and ended the inning. "That was a heck of a throw," said Butch. "I thought I got under the tag," he said with a laugh.

Despite trailing 8-0 in the the bottom of the 6th, the Giants had left nine (9) men on base and continued to play hard. Mark Heard led off the Bottom of the 6th with a double to right center. Later than inning, David Umphreville, switched places with Heard as he doubled off the fence. "I told the guys one run at a time," said Lebder. "Just chip away every inning and we will have a shot in the end."

Trailing 8-1 in the 7th, a lead off single by Rookie, Dan Zatkiewicz, woke up the sleeping Giants. With a combination of back to back hits and walks, the Giants rallied and scored seven (7) runs to tie the game 8-8. "I just try to put a good swing on the ball each at bat," said Zatkiewicz. "We have a very good offense and I'm just glad to contribute."

Retiring the side in the 8th, the G-Men took to offense and Ryan Ermers singled to left field to start the inning. Ermers advanced on an outfield error and wound up at 3rd base with nobody out. Phil Butch doubled to left field, scoring Ermers, putting the Giants up 9-8 and winning the game.

Aaron Hooven (5 IP, 8 R, 10 H, 3 K) and Mark Heard (4 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 7 K) combined for the mound duties.

"I didn't have my best stuff today," said Hooven. "Mark picked me up and got the job done. That's what's awesome about this team. We have so much talent and different guys step up each week. I'm just glad we got the win."

Phil Butch, Dan Zatkiewicz and Ryan Ermers led the team, each with three (3) hits a piece.

The Giants close out their regular season next week vs the Georgia Titans at Osborne Park.

July 30, 2017:

The Giants continue their pursuit of a 9th MABL title, by taking care of business against the Georgia Titans. Rookie, Dan Zatkiewicz took the mound for the first time this season and impressed the fans with his solid performance. "Coach asked me to start the game and just throw strikes," said Zatkiewicz. "That's what I tried to do." Offensively, Christian Van Camp belted a 350 foot home run over the center field wall off the Titans' starting pitcher. "Felt great to finally get my first one of the year," said Van Camp. "I'm finally healthy and feel good." The Giants continue to roll and seem to be clicking at the right time. They have won eleven (11) straight games and are outscoring their opponents 151-42. "We need to keep it going," said Tidwell. "We haven't forgotten what happened last year in the playoffs and we need to remain focused." When asked about last year's championship, being short players, injuries and losing, Tidwell responded, "Coach (Dale) will have us prepared. He's won 8 championships and helped coach a Fall Classic title in Florida. We are a completely different team this year. Lots of new, younger guys that are dedicated to being here. Connor, Hoov, Dan, Morgan...these guys are here every week, putting in the time. Coach will have us ready come playoffs." The Giants play their first double header of the year this Sunday, August 6, 2017 vs the Georgia Hurricanes.

July 23, 2017:

Giants sweep Red Sox. Two games. Two forfeits. The end.

​Giants play the Cobb Rockies this Thursday, July 27, 2017 @ Campbell Middle.

July 16, 2017:

Sunday morning showers washed away Berkmar Park and forced the highly anticipated game between the Atlanta Giants and Georgia Titans to Campbell Middle school. Both teams were last year's runner-up in their respective divisions. The Giants (7-1-1) hosted the Titans (4-3) for the first time in franchise history. The Titans took and early lead but the G-Men responded in the 4th tying the game 2-2. With the game tied late in the 8th, Shortstop, Phil Butch doubled to center field, eventually scoring the go ahead run on an infield error. Jimmy Tidwell and Connor Jones each drove in two more insurance runs off back to back doubles. Aaron Hooven (7 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 6 K) pitched very effective and gave seven solid innings. Jimmy Tidwell (2 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 K) came in relief and got the save. The win extends the Giants lead to 3.5 games over the Titans in the American League South Division. The G-Men travel to Osborne HS next week for an 11:00 AM start time vs the Cobb Red Sox.

July 9, 2017:

The Giants didn't lose any steam coming off their impressive win over the Tar Heels last week. Putting up 14 runs on 12 hits, the G-Men exercised the mercy rule and closed the door on the Bandits. Christian Van Camp (4 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 6 K) set the tone for the game dealing in his usual fashion. Aaron Hooven (3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 4 K) closed the door and picked up the win for the G-Men. Offensively, the Giants were led by Assistant Captain, Jimmy Tidwell (2 hits), veteran, Greg Tyson (2 hits) and rookies, Dan Zatkiewicz and Connor Jones (both combined for 4 hits). The Giants improve to 8-1-1 and face the Titans next week.

July 2, 2017:

Aaron Hooven led the Giants to a 7-4 victory over the previously undefeated, Tar Heels. The Giants improve to 6-1-1 and get redemption over the 'heels this second time around. "These guys are a very good team," said Captain, Dale Lebder. "They are young, fast, have solid pitching and coached very well. I am sure they will be the top contender come playoff time." The G-Men played solid defense and capitalized on two inning-ending double plays, set up by Short-Stop, Phil Butch. "Hooven gets a lot of ground balls and that's huge against a team like this," boasted Butch. "He (Hooven) has been improving every week and has stepped up big for us." With the win, the G-Men are tied for the overall #1 seed in the playoffs at the halfway mark. "We control our own destiny," said Lebder. "As long as we improve every week and get guys healthy, we will be a contender." The Giants host the Georgia Bandits next week at 12pm at South Cobb HS.

June 25, 2017:

Christian Van Camp returned to the mound today in good old fashion form. The Georgia Gwinnett College standout kept batters off balance all day with his ability to change speeds. Van Camp pitched strong for 5 innings, only allowing 1 earned run on 3 hits. Rookie, Aaron Hooven came out of the pen, pitching 3 complete innings, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits.

The G-Men put up a 6-spot in the first inning, thanks to a Grand Slam by rookie, Connor Jones. "It was the first grand slam I've ever hit," admitted the newbie. "We have a good group of guys and it's been fun." Phil Butch led all Giants with 3 bases on balls and 3 runs scored.

​The Giants handedly won the game 11-3, sweeping the Blue Jays this season and improving their record to 5-1-1. They now sit alone at the top of the American League South Division. The Giants are scheduled to play the undefeated Georgia Tar Heels (9-0) next Sunday, July 2, 2017 at Big Shanty Park. The Heels handed the Giants their first loss of the season on April 9th when they rallied back in the 8th inning with back to back homers to win the game.