CHAMPIONS!
Cyclones defeat the Northside Astros 8-1 to take the Fall 2024 35+ Division Title

January 20, 2025 - On a bitterly cold and windy afternoon, the Cyclones looked to cap off a terrific season with the league's ultimate prize, the title of HHL Fall 2024 35+ Division Champions. But before that, they had to get through the back-to-back champs, the Northside Astros.  This would be the third match up for the title in 3 straight seasons, with the Astros winning the last two. For the Cyclones, it would be there 5th consecutive appearance in the championship, winning the Fall 2022 title against the Marauders.

This time would have a different feel to it.  There was a buzz in the air that told you this would be the Cyclones game.  From the get go things were going the Cyclones way. Even with a shaky start for starting Pitcher Eddie Baray, The Cyclones allowed no runs in the top half of the first to set the tone. In the bottom half, the Cyclones did what the Cyclones typically do, strike first and often and not relent.  In this scenario, the Cyclones took full advantage of the Astros with good at-bats and timely hitting. The Astros starting pitcher was having trouble locating the strike zone early so the Cyclones worked the count into their favor and made the Astros pay for it by plating 5 runs to take an early 5-0 lead.

In reality, it would be all that the Cyclones needed as starter Eddie Baray kept the Astros at bay for 8 innings, only allowing a run on 10 scattered hits and 1 walk while striking out 5 batters. The Cyclones would add single runs in the 3rd, 6th and 7th innings to secure the victory.  The biggest hits cam from Josh Granados and Andre Vappie, as they both had two 2-RBI hits in the first inning. The other big contributor last night was Camilo Galvez who was on base 3 times and scored twice putting a lot of pressure on the Astros to keep him contained. It was a solid team effort with most everyone reaching base at least once.  Taking home the Championship Game MVP honors was Eddie Baray for his shutdown performance on the mound against the Astros.

Congratulations to the Houston Cyclones, Houston Hardball League Fall 2024 35+ Division Champions!

Houston Hardball Fall 2024 35+ Division Champions - Houston Cyclones
(Kneeling from L-R: Juan Zuniga, Chad Tineo, Eddie Baray, BJ Galvan, Jairo Reyes, Andre Vappie, Guy Koenig)
(Standing from L-R: Camilo Galvez, Justin Putnal, Tom West, Ray Mariano, Jposh Granados, Craig Baser, Juan Guedez, Mgr Dean Cosme)

Championship Game MVP - Eddie Baray along with Manager Dean Cosme

Eddie Baray delivering a fastball vs. Northside Astros Jan 19, 2025

NEW YEAR, NEW WEBSITE
Sometimes the website gets boring and change comes

January 6, 2025 - On January 1st, the Houston Cyclones debuted their new website to the world.  The new look was inspired by MLB's individual team websites, but with a Cyclones flair.  And while the Fall 2024 season has yet to officially be completed, the Cyclones are looking forward to the coming Spring and Fall season's because this year, we're celebrating us (What else are we going to do on this site?)  If you have perused the site already you may have noticed a logo that will be officially introduced as soon as the Fall season is complete.  But know this, the year long celebration will be cool!

WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR
Rain once again postpones the Championship Game

December 16, 2024 - As the old saying goes "Wait until next year" usually means that something has come to an end and next year will be better.  In the case of the Houston Cyclones, it's all about rescheduling the Championship Game to finish off the Fall 2024 season. In a repeat of 1 year ago, rain and postponements have pushed the title game into the new year.  If the weather holds up, the Fall 2024 season champion will be crowned in early January.

1 TO GO
The Cyclones are in the championship game for the 6th time in the last 7 seasons

November 25, 2024 - The Houston Cyclones took the field on Sunday knowing they had to get past the Expos in order to advance to the championship game. They also knew it wouldn't be an easy task as they took on the Expos. Despite their record this season, the Expos have traditionally given the Cyclones some of their toughest games, especially in the playoffs. Sunday was no different. The Expos took an early 1-0 lead in the top half of the 1st inning but was promptly answered by the Cyclones in the bottom half of the 1st to even the score at 1-1 after 1. An inning later, the Cyclones took a 2-1 lead but coughed it up the top of the 3rd to be 2-2 after 4 innings. Cyclones starting pitcher Eddie Baray was done giving up runs. The Cyclones scored another run in the 4th inning to go up 3-2 and then another in the 6th to go up 4-2. As the game went on Eddie got better and better. It wasn't easy, but it's not supposed to be. The Cyclones defeated the Expos 4-2 to advance to the championship game for the 5th time in a row.  They won it in the Fall of 2022.  It's that time again.

BJ Galvan steals 2nd base vs. Expos, November 24, 2024

Eddie Baray delivers a pitch vs. Expos, November 24, 2024

2024 MSBL WORLD SERIES
Houston Cyclones tournament team goes 6-2 before falling in Championship Game

November 3, 2024 - The Houston Cyclones, for 5 of the last 6 years, has sent a team to the MSBL World Series in Phoenix, AZ. The team, made up of some local players, along with players from across the country acquired through the national pool. Additional players joined to play with the friends that were already on the team.  From the original team, only 2 players remain, Mgr Dean Cosme and Ray Mariano. However, this year's team, had 12 returning players from last year's team, more than any previous year. The tournament Cyclones had moderate success, but nothing to write home about really.  Even the year they made their first playoffs (2022), the team only finished 2-4 but qualified for the playoffs and lost in the first round.

In 2023, with the strongest recruiting to date, the Cyclones with all the confidence in the world, returned to Phoenix and laid an egg. With expectations high, the Cyclones went 1-5 and went home wondering what went wrong. Despite the disappointing results, the 12 players that returned knew there was something about the team that was better than they showed. A few roster changes later, the 2024 edition of the Houston Cyclones tournament team took shape and went back to Phoenix. They went 4-2 in pool play and won the quarter-finals and semi-finals. But alas, the band lost the championship game. With a sense that this team has something special, the Cyclones look to return in 2025.

Standing (Left to right): Chris Sklodowski, Nick Collingham, Scott West, Ray Mariano, Rance Fredericksen, Albert Van Dellen, Ruben Gomez, Frank Manfredy, Mgr. Dean Cosme
Kneeling (Left to right): Yan Rail, Russ Holder, Jim Marconi, BJ Galvan, Jason Wheaton, Steve Koontz, Ryan Troutman

GAME 1 - HOUSTON CYCLONES vs. UTAH YETIS
 

GAME 2 - HOUSTON CYCLONES vs. SEATTLE ROYALS
 

GAME 3 - HOUSTON CYCLONES vs. BURLINGTON HERD
 

GAME 4 - HOUSTON CYCLONES vs BASEBALLISM
 

GAME 5 - HOUSTON CYCLONES vs. COLUMBUS SPIDERS

GAME 6 - HOUSTON CYCLONES vs. VIRGIN ISLAND WAVES

10 DOWN - 2 TO GO
Cyclones cap strong season with a dominant win over the Marauders

October 28, 2024 - With Mgr Dean Cosme, starting 3rd Baseman BJ Galvan and starting 1st Baseman Ray Mariano, all on their way to Arizona to participate in the MSBL World Series, the Cyclones, who were also without their other pitchers Justin Putnal and Eddie Baray, were lucky there wasn't much to play for Sunday as they had clinched the division the previous week. This was their final tune-up before playoffs and their offense didn't disappoint. With a 20 hit barrage, led by Craig Baser's 2nd inning 2-run HR, every Cyclone had at least one hit on the day including Jairo Reyes, Juan Guedez and Camilo Galvez, whom all had 3 hits each. Overall the Cyclones plated 16 runs while only allowing 3 runs to score for the Marauders.

Juan Zuniga readying his stance vs Rangers August 24, 2024

CYCLONES CLINCH
Dean Cosme and company locked up first place and a first round bye with Sunday's victory

October 21, 2024 - The mission was simple. win on Sunday and win the division. With the MSBL World Series looming and 2 regular starters and a pitcher heading to Phoenix this coming Sunday, it was imperative the Cyclones clinch early rather than have to depend on other teams or having to win shorthanded. With mission at hand, Cosme took the mound against the Cyclones biggest rival, the Northside Astros. While the Astros were without one of their main players, their primary defense was the same.  Needless to say, it wasn't going to be easy for Cosme.

After a 1-2-3 top of the first, the Cyclones brought 15 batters to the plate, scoring 9 runs in the process. From there, Cosme was in cruise control until an unfortunate incident looked  to derail his season, not just this game. Cosme went to throw a curveball and landed his right foot hard and Cosme felt something wiggle and pop and immediately he know something wasn't right.  But with no backup pitching available, Cosme knew he had to continue. And continue he did, going 8 innings allowing 2 runs, none earned, on 7 hits and 3 strikeouts. In between, the Cyclones added another 7 runs to finish off the Astros 16-2 and clinch their division on a day where an injury to the Cyclones manager may keep him off the field for some time.

Guy Koenig roping on of his 4 hits vs Astros October 20, 2024

DIAMOND GEM!
Eddie Baray hurls complete game shutout as the Cyclones silence the Expos 5-0

October 14, 2024 - Over the past several seasons, one team more than any other has given the Cyclones fits.  That team is the Expos.  For one reason or another, the Cyclones have had trouble putting together any sort of win streak against the Expos.  Other than the Spring 2023 season when the Cyclones went undefeated in the regular season, the Expos have faced the Cyclones and have figured out a way to shut them down and sometimes shut them out. In Sunday's game, the Cyclones were determined not to let that happen again. They did lose to the Expos 3 weeks again in a 7-3 loss that found the Cyclones undermanned, but yesterday was a different day.

And a different day it was. Starting pitcher Eddie Baray came out dealing. Eddie struck out the first batter he saw and the gem was on from there. After all was said and done, Eddie allowed no runs, on 6 hits, and 1 walk, while striking out 6.

It wasn't just on the mound either. Eddie also went 2-4 with an RBI double helping his own cause as well. The game was tied 0-0 through 4 innings before Juan Guedez drew a leadoff walk and then stole second base forcing an error as the ball sailed into centerfield allowing Juan to take 3rd with no outs. Jairo Reyes then drove in one of his 2 RBI on the day with a sacrifice fly to centerfield to get the scoring started. Jairo would later on get 2 hits and another RBI and adding a run scored to his big offensive day. When the last out was made, the Cyclones tightened their grip on first place with a 5-0 victory

Eddie Baray begins his windup vs Expos October 13, 2024

CHALLENGING DAY
Double Header Sunday sees the Cyclones split the day, 8-5 (L) and 3-1 (W)

October 7, 2024 - Double headers Sundays are always difficult for the entire team to play both games. It's tough to get away from the family for a day.  Today was no different than any other double header Sunday.  Game 1 saw the Cyclones have pretty much a full squad and choices defensively and offensively. The Cyclones started newcomer Taylor Scaggs to start against the Desperados, one in part because the Cyclones only had 2 available starting pitchers on Sunday.  The other was because Taylor was allowed to face the Desperados because they are an Open Division team with no age restrictions.  Taylor is 34 and set to be 35 next year, meaning he cannot legally pitch in a Cyclones game unless it's against an Open Division team. 

For pitching for the the first time in 3 years, Taylor pitched brilliantly, allowing 3 runs (1 earned) over 6 NO HIT innings white striking out 9, walking 2 and plunking 3 batters.  Taylor left the game with the Cyclones leading 5-3, but the Cyclones, with no available regular pitchers, had to turn to players who don't pitch on a regular basis. The lead was lost and eventually, so was the game with a final score of 8-5. Tom West sparked the offense for the Cyclones in Game 1 with 2 RBI doubles as well as scoring a run.

In Game 2, the Cyclones has 3 players depart due to other commitments, leaving the Cyclones with only 10 players, 9 fielders and 1 DH. Mgr Dean Cosme took the mound knowing full well that this was going to be a game that no matter the results, no matter that score, no matter the circumstance, he was going to have to go the distance to get the Cyclones through. And boy did he ever. Cosme pitched 8 innings, allowing 1 unearned run on 6 hits, 1 walk and 1 hit batter, striking out 4 Rangers along the way. Dre Vappie had a big role in Game 2 as he stroked 2 hits, later scoring both times all while playing a solid left handed second base. After time expired, the Cyclones had defeated the Rangers 3-1. An exhausted Cyclones team was ready to hit the showers.

In the first game of a double header, Juan Guedes delivers a pitch vs. Desperados on Oct 6, 2024

Jairo Reyes watches his hit vs. Rangers on Oct 6, 2024

STATEMENT GAME
8 run-5th inning cements victory in rematch of Championship Game

September 30, 2024 - What was a close game after 4 innings turned into a laugher in the 5th as the Cyclones scored 8 runs to blow the game open and knock the Astros starter out of the game. The 5th inning began with 2 consecutive hits. An attempted pickoff at second put runners on the corners. Eddie Baray, who had been struggling at the plate for the Cyclones, was 2-2 on the day and looking for more. He drive a fly ball to left center for a sacrifice fly to give the Cyclones the lead 3-2. The next batter struck out. It was at this point where things began to unravel for the Astros. What began innocently enough when the Astros starting pitcher excitedly expressed his joy in recording a strikeout, turned into 8 consecutive Cyclones batters reaching base and all but 2 of them scoring. While Justin Putnal and team rookie Jairo Reyes each had RBI doubles, the biggest blow in the inning came on an infield pop-up by BJ Galvan that fell in front of short that actually plated 2 RBI because the runner on second at the time never stopped running and the Astros were caught with their pants down. An inning later, the Cyclones would score 2 more runs to add to their lead and finished with a 12-2 victory over the defending champs 12-2.

On the other side of the ball, Eddie Baray pitched a masterful game once again limiting the Astros to 2 runs, both of which were unearned. While he had some traffic early on in the game, Eddie weaved in and out of trouble to limit the damage until the Cyclones could put some runs on the board to break up the tie game, which they did in the 5th and 6th innings.

Dre Vappie singles vs. Northside Astros on Sep 29, 2024

Eddie Baray delivers a pitch vs. Northside Astros on Sep 29, 2024

WASTED OPPORTUNITIES
Winning streak ends as Expos defense stifles Cyclones rallies

September 23, 2024 - The Cyclones entered Sunday's matchup against the Expos undefeated at 3-0. They walked away in a tie for first place with the very same Expos, both at 3-1 with 6 games remaining on the schedule. While defense from both teams was the theme of the day, it was the Cyclones who blinked first and whose defense faltered.

With Mgr Dean Cosme on the mound, the Cyclones coughed up 3 runs early in which should probably only have been 1 run but an error on the infield extended the inning and 3 runs scored overall. Similarly, Cosme put himself into trouble in the 7th inning by loading the bases with no one out. Almost pulling off what was a near miracle, Cosme was able to get the last batter in the lineup to strikeout and the Expos leadoff hitter to pop out to 1st for the first two outs of the inning. The #2 batter in the Expos lineup then proceeded to hit a grounder into the hole between 3rd and short where the Cyclones shortstop intended to field the ball only to see it go past his glove and into left field allowing 2 runs to score and for all intents and purposes, breaking the game wide open leading the way to an Expos victory.

The Cyclones for their part, would get men on base to try and get to the Expos, but lining out for not one, but two double plays would eventually sink the Cyclones. The bats were popping on Sunday but instead of falling in for hits, they were turned into outs. While it was a forgettable day for the Cyclones, they can take solace in the fact that they remain in first place and the second half of the season is quickly approaching where the Cyclones look to once again show the league they are a force of nature not to be reckoned with.

Chad Tineo watches as one of his three hits on the day leaves the infield vs. Expos on Sep 22, 2024

CYCLONES BRING THE HEAT
Cyclones extend winning streak to 3 games to open the season topping the Marauders 12-2

September 16, 2024 - The Cyclones met up with their close rival Marauders with whom they have a long history with, on a hot and humid mid September day where most recently, the marauders defeated the Cyclones for their first Championship in the Spring 2023 season. The team the Cyclones faced on Sunday, while it has many of the players that won 1-1/2 years ago, did not play the same way they did when they won the title. Needless to say, the Marauders kept the game close for 4 innings before the Cyclones turned on the hits and put up an 8 spot to break the game open.

Tied 2-2 after 4 innings, the Cyclones plated 8 runs in the 5th to give starter Justin Putnal a nice cushion for him to lean back and cruise to victory. With a combination of mostly fastballs, Putnal kept them guessing that he would throw something else but hardly did.  While he had to traverse a few shaky patches in the middle innings, he escaped unscathed allowing only 2 runs in 7 innings pitched.

Starting pitcher Eddie Baray releases a pitch vs. Marauders on Sep 15, 2024

Hector Rios watches the ball vs. Marauders Sep 15, 2024

ON A MISSION
Cyclones destroy the Armadillos 22-1 in what was mostly an uncompetitive game

September 8, 2024 - An ominous beginning to the game turned out to be much ado about nothing as once the last few players arrived after game time, the defense was set and the lineup was complete. The Cyclones allowed a first inning run because we didn't have a full outfield.  A pop up to left center was blown by the strong wind into right center and by the time the ball came back into the infield, the Armadillos had a lead off double. The second out of the inning was a slow grounder to short but as the play was being made, the runner on second never stopped running and ran all the way home to score the first run of the game. From there, starter Eddie Baray threw 6 shutout innings for the complete game. Eddie was smart, efficient and dominant.

Offensively, it was more about what the Armadillos couldn't do that what the Cyclones did.  The Armadillos couldn't pitch. 10 walks, 4 hit-by-pitches, countless wild pitches and passed balls, 1 balk and 18 hits accounted for the Cyclones scoring 22 runs. While the Cyclones did get some big hits from several players, the absurdity of the lack of skill made it less than enjoyable to play. With that said however, the Cyclones secured the victory and moved to 2-0 on the season.

Starting pitcher Eddie Baray delivers a pitch vs. Armadillos on Sep 8, 2024

Juan Guedez applies the tag on Armadillos runner on Sep 8, 2024

OPENING DAY W
Cyclones cruise to opening day victory

August 26, 2024 - Every season brings turnover.  Whether through natural attrition or forced, the team's roster goes through some sort of change each season. The Fall 2024 season is no different. Gone are long time stalwarts Ruben Gomez, Jonathan Mikus, Rudy Casanova and Joselito Paniagua, as well as Sean Chapin, who was in and out so fast, we hardly knew ya buddy! In their place arrive the returns of Andre Vappie (IL) and Hector Rios, along with Jairo Reyes.

Opening Day usually presents it's own set of challenges.  Are all the uniforms ready? Is everyone going to make it? Who won't make it? After having most of the regulars check into the game as IN, a flurry of activity over the weekend led to Mgr Dean Cosme having to scramble to make sure he had enough players to field a team and play all the correct positions. Come Sunday morning, the Cyclones added 2 new players to their roster and in turn, may have shored up their defense just a little more and added more depth to their already deep lineup. Added are Juan Guedez, coming over from the Houston Hurricanes and Camilo Galvez. Both veteran players.  Both solid baseball guys.

With the squared away, it was time for baseball.  Mgr Dean Cosme was given a mission. Due to the team's other 2 starters not being available to play, Cosme knew the mission - go the distance and secure the victory. It was executed it to near perfection. Cosme pitched 8 innings (complete game), allowed 4 runs (3 earned) while scattering 11 hits while walking none and hitting one batter. Not too bad after not pitching for nearly 2 months.

Offensively, the Cyclones were without 7 of their top 10 hitters from the previous season. That's a big chunk.  But the Cyclones didn't skip a beat. Cosme shuffled the lineup and the results were very positive. Guedez and Galvez each scored a run for their new team. Vappie's return to the lineup was very welcome as he got 2 hits and drove in 2 runs as well. But the morning belonged to Chad Tineo who went 2 for 3 with a triple, 2 runs scored, 2 RBI and 1 stolen base. Congratulations Chad, as you are the Cyclones Player of the Week! Overall the Cyclones defeated the Rangers 10-4.

Mgr Dean Cosme on the mound for the Cyclones vs. Rangers on Aug 25, 2024

FALL IS COMING...
Cyclones open at home at Meyer Park against the Rangers

August 22, 2024 - After the disappointing end to the Spring 2024 season, the Houston Cyclones look to bounce back and put their stamp on this Fall season with hopes of a title celebration at the end. A few new players and a few returning players look to put it all together and bring home another championship. It all begins anew this coming Sunday.

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