Aisin Dragons Finish Strong

For the Aisin Dragons softball team, 2010 will be a year to remember. After enduring a marathon season that started in April and ended in October, the Dragons fell just one win short of playing in Westland's league championship game.

The Dragon’s posted their best team record (10-5) since the team was formed in 2004. This was, indeed, a season filled with dramatic victories and come from behind finishes, including Toshi Endo’s head first slide into home plate that secured an 11-10 victory and a spot in the play-offs.

The Dragons beat a division rival 17-5 in the first round of the play-offs with the help of Mike Gilpin’s pitching (four scoreless innings) but later fell to a tough TC Gators club in a game that decided who would advance to the best two-out-of-three championship series.

The Dragons look forward to next season and another opportunity to bring a trophy back to AWA, and have already began scouting for fresh talent. Those interested in having some after hours fun and joining the team should contact Mark Collins or Mike Jurlin for details.

Gorski Takes the Cup

Aisin's annual Presidents Cup Golf Tournament was held at the Golden Fox golf course in Plymouth, Mich., on a sunny and unseasonably warm mid-October Sunday morning. 

Participants had a great time (despite some less-than-great scores) and enjoyed the sunshine and the camaraderie. Golfers included representatives of AWA, AHA, AW, AWTEC and certain Aisin suppliers, who donated gifts and door prizes. Missed was our president, Saito-san, who was unable to attend due to a brief illness.

All-in-all, 52 golfers participated in the outing, and the playing field was leveled by using the double-Peoria handicap system.  The best gross score was posted by Mike Gilpin; the top adjusted scores belonged to Rick Gorski, Mike Gilpin and Tom Nakamura.  

The overall winner of the 2010 Presidents Cup was Rick Gorski.  In addition to caring for the winner's trophy for the next year, Rick will also be responsible for planning the 2011 Presidents Cup. Congratulations, Rick! 

2010 Woodward Dream Cruise

  Editor's Note: we're all car guys and gals, but our Dennis Robbins is a car freak, and files this report.

You have to like cars, or at least wheeled vehicles. I think it helps to have grown up with some of these cars and lusted after their looks or performance. Being a “motorhead" isn’t a requirement, but it helps. And you need to understand the automotive love affair that captured the minds (and frequently the souls) of so many. Officially, the Dream Cruise is only one day, the third Saturday of August, but unofficially it starts early in the month and builds to a crescendo on the third Saturday.

Motown is the perfect place and Woodward is the perfect road. Where else are so many people involved with cars as a part of their lives? And where else would you find miles of four lanes north and more of the same heading south…all separated by a wide boulevard with stores, shops and ample parking the entire length? 

The media says that over 250,000 vehicles and 1.5 million people descend on the area to watch and participate. Are the attendance numbers true? Not sure, but the Woodward Dream Cruise is comprised of 10+ miles and it’s bustling. And don’t forget that people watching is also part of the fun; just make sure your neck swivels easily. 

Most of the vehicles are Detroit iron, but that isn’t a requirement. The vehicles are frequently big, loud, brash and reminiscent of a by-gone era. Name a car from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or even newer rolling stock and it’s out there. Customs, Hot Rods, full-blown race cars, old cars, new “hot” cars, and even a few pre-war vehicles are there to show off. Almost everything is spotless, shined and polished. And, chrome, beautiful, chrome, is everywhere, as are unbelievable paint jobs and custom work. And just when you think you’ve seen it all and you’ve finally picked a favorite ride, along comes another that steals your heart just a little bit more than the last. 

If you haven't experienced the Woodward Dream Cruise, I highly recommend it. Expect large crowds, and some of the inconveniences that go along with a major public event, but come with a comfortable chair, a digital camera, and a positive attitude, and you'll fall in love -- all over again.