Afternoon Tea (2061-03): Gulliver Wins One for the Record Books

[woods]

The Monarchs had just put one in the win column, but there was something special about this one.

Sure, there were a few reasons to be positive. For one, the team was starting to play better, following an awful start to the season. They had just eked out a rare road win against the Sharks, behind a solid season debut from Rahman Benzai, who had just come back from a torn UCL. But that wasn't what made this win in particular extra special.

This one just happened to be manager Jack Gulliver's 695th win in the GBC, which officially made him the winningest manager of all time.

As the skipper made his routine press appearance after the game, it seemed that the milestone wasn't on his mind.

"The guys came out swinging today," Gulliver said to the room full of reporters. "Millot went up there in the fourth looking fastball, and he got it and put a good swing on it."

"So if there are no more questions," urged the moderator, "A couple of the players have requested an appearance."

From the door to the clubhouse emerged team captain Luca Maundrell and veteran catcher Izz al Din bin Najeeb. They joined the manager at the podium.

"Doc," Maundrell began. (The Monarchs' players all call their manager "Doc," instead of the traditional "Skip," as a throwback nickname from his playing days.) "We want to congratulate you on this win, because this one officially makes you the winningest manager in GBC history!"

Gulliver laughed and feigned surprise. "Oh, is that today? I knew it was coming up, but I had lost track."

"As a gift from the team, we've pooled together and got you this bottle of 20-year aged scotch." he turned to his teammate. "Izz?"

The veteran handed over the bottle to give to Gulliver.

"Also, a box of the finest Cuban cig-" Maundrell continued, but was cut off by bin Najeeb making a gesture to shut up.

"What happened to the cigars?" Maundrell asked.

"Customs took 'em coming into Australia. Damn sniffers."

"Yeah, so," Maundrell turned to his manager to explain. "There would have been cigars if we had gotten this win last week in Buenos Aires. But they didn't survive the trip over. Sorry."

"Well, it's the thought that counts," said Gulliver. "And let me just say, it's truly an honor to be up there with the game's greats. You look at John Day and all the success he brought to Bucharest. My name shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath with him. But, I guess if you stick around long enough, you end up in the record books."

Gulliver surveyed the room and saw the press corps looking at him expectantly, as if he was supposed to make a speech. He sighed, and figured he should give the people what they wanted.

"I still remember my first year managing," he continued. "We were bad, I mean real bad. Finished the season with over 100 losses. I was surprised they brought me back after that one, but I guess they saw something off the field. Something in the relationships we were forging, and the strength of our clubhouse. Anyway, I'm glad they gave me another chance, because the very next year, we won it all."

"But we've got another game tomorrow, and I'd better start winning a few more and padding my lead, in case Day comes out of retirement. You all have a good night."

[Lane]

Wins record to go with three Denny's Cups, not bad!

[thatboynicecoast]

They joined the manager at the podium.

My brother in baseball we do not have a podium for visitor pressers at Blacktown this is blatant embellishment