Gil Thorp by Henry Barajas and Rachel Merrill for April 16, 2021

I’m looking forward to the next Marty Moon story!

So as Marty’s announcing Milford’s starting lineup, a ball just happens to be hit to the player whose name he’s about to say and he transitions to calling the live action by saying “swung on”? That’s what the words in the box in P2 mean?

Z about to make HIS Mark.

Wilson Henry meet Corina Karena, can you say goner?

P1 & 2 Moonman just completed the lineup reveal for the season, guess that means no amazing sloppy joes with Marji Ducey

P3 I know, coach CK already told me, now stop touching me and get out of the dugout you old freak

In all reality , Thanks Coach , I’ll get the showers warmed up. You know if feel real dirty today .

Must be throwback day as Gil is sporting the fifties coaching attire with jeans and the letter sweater; Same with players in P2

P1, Marty gets through the lineup once without slurring.

P2, Insane Zane can make that catch with his eyes closed.

P3, Remember this day, Mark, it’s probably the last time you’ll see Gil this season.

P3- Mimi whacks a player on the hindquarters during volleyball and GilPa is caressing his pitcher. Clearly in the Milford time continuum, these actions have no repercussions.

Time for Zanie boy to come in and blow the game

I already miss the Mayor and his stupid breakfasts.

Marjie scooped by Marty on the seasonal lineup announcement!

I laugh at the guy in the Valley Conference fantasy baseball league that mistakenly drafted Charles Curtis by accident instead of Curtis Charles.

I can’t wait for the second coming of Zane

Despite an ant infestation, Marty is right on it with the Mudlark starting lineup. Good to see/hear from the regulars . . . “Hand of” Godelski, Butt Meunch, Charlie Ruh-oh . . . I’ve already placed my bet with Vito from Goshen that (in)Zane comes in to blow the save, spiraling Milford down and all but eliminating them from second in the Valley.

Most of those names could be reversed and still seem plausible.

Marty was away for so long he lost his timing. He shouldn’t be listing the starting positions during the first pitch. He did luck out having the batter hit the ball right to the last person he had left to name.

Gee, let me guess. Who will Gil go to for the important final 3 innings? But of course, none other than “kid who hasn’t played organized ball, or probably any ball, in 3 years.” Here’s hoping he gets rocked for some reality.

And speaking of reality, to quote a famous local snarker, in all reality, today’s Mopped Up Thorp is online.

https://moppedupthorp.wordpress.com/

I hope Eldrick Boston becomes a regular in the strip. I also hope he’s a snooty, rich kid who wears ascots and looks down his nose at everyone else. Kind of Milford’s own kid version of Charles Emerson Winchester III.

How will Zane catch the ball with his eyes closed?

P-1: a sneak peak into Marty’s Hell with the olive just out of reach of his mouth.

P-2: Using his little brother’s glove Zane’s fielding percentage is 1.000

P-3: Yes, it is early in the year, but a starter that’s only good for 4 innings???

P3: “…You’re done for the day, and, frankly so am I. You got this Bob?” That’s how a State Champion makes sure he doesn’t exhaust himself early in the season.