2003 Post-Season Report:

The Fungo is Gone!

Coach Prange is devastated.

 A dark cloud hangs over the 2003 season as it comes to an abrupt end with the report that The Legendary Fungo Master has lost the instrument which brought him fame and notoriety with the girls.

After hearing the initial reports, Larry collapses in the third base box and was quickly picked up and revived by Big Ed with the Heimlich maneuver.   After propping him up on a bucket, Ed continued with the game giving the signs from first as usual.

As the day went on, Coach Smith became annoyed as he frantically searched the compound for Larry's Fungo.  "It's gotta be in Gerry's trunk" Ed said.  But only a pair of old boots, a sock, some gloves and comic books were found there.  He was able to locate Larry's helmet but, he doesn't need it anymore without his Fungo. 

Here Larry's Mother consoles him and reminds Larry to change his socks and underwear every day.  She was also concerned that he wasn't eating enough Fruit Loops.

As seen here, the Fungo could easily be identified by the large Matt Swope autograph and Happy Face sticker on the knob.  Several golf ball indentations are noticeable on the barrel. 

Even this poor Umpire got hammered with intense questioning.  The Ump was heard saying "What the hell is a Fungo?  Do you have an extra pair of glasses?"

"Slap me five big man.  That was the farthest anyone has ever hit a golf ball with a Fungo."  Shortly after this picture was taken, Big Russ was seen behind a tree pressing pieces of a long, thin bat into the ground.  Pre-game did not take place that day and the team ran poles for hours but no one squealed except Nicol.

Here, Coach Truman pumps Dinks for more information.  He did not respond because he didn't have any information.  Frustrated, Gerry moved on to pump and question other Managers.  This went on for hours.

Manager Dinks Lloyd released a statement to PR Man - Gerry, indicating that until the Fungo is returned, all 2004 games will be played with last years, rain soaked balls.

Now, sadly, it appears that Coach Larry Prange must endure the long, cold off-season without his wood-based companion.  Here he demonstrates his  awesome technique to the youngsters.

Several witnesses reported seeing Larry with his Fungo entering this heated Athletic Facility.  However they did not hang around to see if he still had it when he left.

This seemingly impossible feat could only be performed by Larry with his hand made Fungo.  Notice how well Larry can balance the ball on the bat.  Also, in the background are several coaches who wanted to try the Fungo too, but Larry told them to buzz off.  He was up to a 67% vertical success rate before his bat was swiped.

Why, what have we found here?  Evidence?  Could this be Larry's bat in red camouflage and tape covering his autograph?  Red paint is also visible on Ed's shirt and more importantly, he is way too happy, his shoes are covered with dust and the glove is on the wrong hand.

Coach Prange, while being treated for depression, sits dejected in the dugout.  The players saw him repeatedly grabbing his head and exclaiming "Doh!" and "Awe, Crap!" several times before pre-game. 

Larry appears jovial and relaxed (sedated) during a therapy session; while Big Ed Smith shows a very different expression of "He'll never guess it's me".   The joke is on Ed because he hadn't yet realized his watch was missing .

Coach was last seen leaving the Riverdale complex with his head bowed down and moisture was seen dripping from his eyes.  One spectator heard him say to himself, that he was going home to watch Seinfeld and eat Pizza.

How pitiful to see a once happy man standing all alone in his box pretending that he still has his trusty Fungo.  Well, we can only hope Santa will pay a visit soon with a special gift.  Has Larry been good or bad?