With his team trailing by one run outfielder James Verdi led off the top of the fifth inning with a single up the middle to start a rally in the match-up between En Fuego and Running Men at Cox Sports Park in Ladera Ranch. He eventually scored on a Chris Jones home run and En Fuego took a one run lead. It wasn’t just another hit for Verdi who since 2001 had collected many big hits for En Fuego. It was number 1,000 as a member of the team. “Big Game James” became the 8^th player to reach the milestone with En Fuego.

En Fuego held the lead heading into the bottom of the seventh inning when Running Men rallied to score twice to get the walk off win, 10-9. Verdi went 3-for-4 and scored two runs in the history making game. “Unfortunately we came up short in this one.” Said Manager Craig Watkins “But it is always good to see a long time guy do something like this.”

Verdi joined En Fuego in 2001 and as a new comer he found himself batting in the lower part of the order. He was a bit slow to produce for En Fuego his first few seasons. With former teams such as Hogan’s Heroes and Carmines, Verdi typically batted third or fourth while leading his team in RBI’s season after season. Until Watkins moved him up to the cleanup spot in the lineup he was just James, another guy in the lineup.  “Once James got his opportunity to hit with guys on base all the time he excelled for En Fuego.” Said Watkins “James became Big Game James.”

Soon enough Verdi became one of the best clutch hitters in En Fuego history. His knack for driving in runs helped En Fuego to multiple league and tournament titles including earning MVP honors in the 2004 SCAMF T.O.C. He owns a career batting average over .560 and is fourth all-time in home runs with over 85.

Over time Verdi has established himself as one of the core leaders for the team on and off the field.  Verdi has played in 36 leagues and 30 tournaments as a member of En Fuego for a total of 465 games.

James Verdi becomes the 8^th member of the En Fuego 1000th hit club.