North Pole Nicks Will Play Ball Again--but When?

For two days, they played baseball.

Friday, the waiting game began for the North Pole Nicks.

After winning their first two games at the National Baseball Congress World Series, the Alaskan League champions are assured of playing at least two more times in the double-elimination semipro tournament. They’re just not sure when.

“Frankly, we have no idea when we play again,” said Manager Mike Gillespie after Friday’s workout. “It could be Sunday; it could be Monday.”

A spokesman for the NBC said the tournament schedule is made out only one day in advance. There is no formal bracket sheet to determine future games.

So the Nicks (36-19) wait.

“It’s tough to stay fresh, but everybody is in the same boat,” said Gillespie, who coaches at College of the Canyons. “It’s an unusual situation, though.”

The unexpected break between games has given Gillespie time to second-guess himself. After saving pitching ace Steve French for the first two games, Gillespie is concerned that the former Saugus High and Canyons hurler hasn’t been used effectively.

“I think we’re going to regret not pitching him the first game,” Gillespie said. “He’s the next guy up, but if he doesn’t pitch until Monday, we’ll only be able to bring him back once.”

Getting French some work is Gillespie’s only real concern. Offensively, his team erupted for 10 runs in a seven-inning win over New Orleans on Thursday.

Todd Zeile, formerly of Hart High and the starting catcher at UCLA last season, and Mark Grace, from San Diego State, each had two-run home runs in the victory.

The Nicks have played two errorless games, giving them 23 for the season.

“Defense has been the story of our season,” Gillespie said. “I don’t think that will change. If it does, I’ll have to eat some crow.”

At least that would give him something to do. Gillespie is already growing weary of the waiting game.

“I’m getting cabin fever,” he said. “Compared to this, Newhall and Saugus are downtown.”