Young Bumbales Throws No-Hitter To Secure Dad’s 300th Colts Win
It was the type of day that a father dreams about from the day his son is born, and a day the child dreams about as soon as he is old enough to hold a baseball. On Monday, longtime Coral Springs Head Coach Frank Bumbales picked up his 300th victory, with his son, Cole, delivering the key performance.
The younger Bumbales was not to be outdone by his father’s accomplishments on this day. Cole threw a complete game no-hitter in the Colts 17-0 win over host Coconut Creek. After twenty years of being the figure head of Coral Springs High School baseball, the elder Bumbales got to experience the joy of his 300th win with his son on the mound.
“It felt good,” said Bumbales, of Cole being the winning pitcher in such an important milestone game. “It’s something for me to remember, something for him to remember.”
On the other side of the field was another member of the 300 win club. Coconut Creek Coach Roger Davidson knows what it feels like to pick up such a historic win, and he had nothing but praise for Bumbales, despite the lopsided final score.
“My first comment to him was ‘welcome to the club,'” said Davidson. “It’s a testament to number one longevity, and number two, that you’re successful at what you’re doing. Frank’s a good coach and he’s a good man.”
As for the game itself, Coral Springs broke open a close game in the third inning with five runs. Three walks and two hit by pitches were the keys to the inning. Aaron Maller added a two-run single in the frame.
The Colts added five more in the fourth. A bases loaded triple by lead-off hitter Dylan Ebel was the big blow, putting the game out of reach. The only drama left was whether or not Cole would complete the no-hitter.
In the Cougars half of the fourth, Luis Vigil hit a slow roller to Coral Springs second baseman Alex Demicco. The Colts second baseman would have had Vigil at first, but he booted the ground ball, keeping the no-hitter intact. Robert Morrison then lined into a double play.
In the seventh, the Cougars went down 1-2-3, and the celebration was on. Coral Springs players showered Bumbales with the traditional Gatorade bath, and then even broke out the whip cream pie during the post-game interview. As for Cole, he was happy to play such a big part in the win.
“I felt good about myself today,” said Bumbales. “I feel like I did something for the team and my dad, and for the Bumbales family.” As for the no-hitter, Cole again pointed to the theme of the day. “I had everything working today, and I’m glad it happened on the day he got his 300th.
Coral Springs will have to wrap up the celebrations quickly with two more district games this week. The Colts will try not to overlook Deerfield on Wednesday before a match up for the top spot in the district at home against Douglas Friday night.
Congratulations Coach! You’re a true icon and legend in Broward County baseball. Very happy for you and your family.