WingBar Warriors Aiming For A Comeback In The Remaining Season

It's a story as old as time: a highly regarded sports team falls from glory after a series of setbacks due to injuries and key player losses.

At this very moment, it's the story of The WingBar Warriors—an 18+ men's wood-bat team in the AA Brooklyn/Queens division of the New York City Metropolitan Baseball League (NYCMBL) that call Carroll Gardens sports den  their club.

"The Warriors are the winningest team in league history, but we are off to a rough start this year with a 3-9 record," said team manager Tom Hiro, who cited "unexpected work commitments" and injuries that recently threw a curveball at the team's lineup.

Frustrated, but still optimistic, Hiro is now searching for a solution. "We are looking for one pitcher to help us turn this season around," he said. "We have 18 games left in the schedule and we plan to make the playoffs."

Created in April 2004 by Roy Moncada as the Williamsburg Warriors, the team was renamed when The WingBar took over as sponsor a few seasons ago. Several teammembers hail from the neighborhood and the entire team celebrates at the Smith Street watering hole after games, which take place everywhere from the Parade Grounds in Prospect Park, to away games all over Brooklyn and Queens.

"Last year we added some great talent during a rebuilding year," said teammember Carl Weber. "Guys like Tom Hiro, Darren Bloch, Jimmy "Angel Hands" Lehnhoff and David Woodley, who are all team leaders this year."

Ideally, the next future member will be a similar star on the field and can seamlessly fold himself into the fabric of the team.

"For a new pitcher, we are looking for a guy that's over 21 and ideally has played organized baseball his entire life," said Hiro. "Maybe he's taken some time off, but his fundamentals are still solid. He throws strikes consistently, throws over 80MPH, has multiple pitches that change speed and keep hitters guessing.

"He's excited about being a part of a comeback story," added Hiro, "and he's ready to help us make the playoffs in just a couple short months." 

Additional desirable attributes include an ability to pay the $200 league fees up front, availability to show up every week for games and a willingness to consume inordinate quantities of chicken.

"A great arm, killer instinct, night vision and the ability to eat 25 hot wings in under three minutes," were the perfect combination of talents according to Weber.

His team manager concurred. "He will be a gentleman on the ball field and a party animal when we hit up our sponsor's back patio," said Hiro. 

The WingBar Warriors will play a doubleheader Saturday, June 2 at 8:30 a.m. at the Parade Grounds in Prospect Park vs. rival team the NYC Mudhens. Interested pitchers can be evaluated by Hiro after the game or contact tomhiro@gmail.com today. 

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