I hate to say this, but a month may elapse between our last and next kickball game. Although the next two days are supposed to continue in the summer-like pattern, forecasters are calling for Wednesday showers.
Should that prediction be wrong, we are slated to face Balls and Dolls at 7:20 p.m. on our regular field at Latrobe Park. They are also 1-3, though they have faced all the best teams. No word on whether Mark Hamill will be on the team as Nathan Detroit.
We'll see how the forecast looks on Tuesday night and I'll send out another e-mail looking for a head count.
--Nate
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Week 5 Preview: No, F Your M
Well, I'm going to put the chances of us playing this week at about 40 percent. It sounds like there is a good chance that in addition to raining all day today, it will probably rain most of tomorrow and some on Wednesday.
However, forecasts are sometimes wrong and maybe we will get a chance to get back out on the old ball field again. We are scheduled to start at 8:10 this week against FYM All-Stars. I'm not sure what FYM stands for, but I'm guessing it is something profane about our mothers.
I hope you're not going to let them talk about your mama that way. For all their sailor talk, the All-Stars are also 1-3 and they haven't even had to play Kick in the Box yet. And per the above clip, I will put a six pack of beer in all of your dog houses if we win.
We'll be at City Limits around 7 p.m. for pregame beverages. Rain or shine, the Caps are taking on the Rangers so I'll be there. I got six stitches in my face after a bad hop in the softball game, so just look for the guy who looks like this.
If everyone can e-mail me their status before the game it's appreciated because it's easier for me to lineup the defense. Zack is supposed to be back from Indiana today, so he is back if we can get the game in.
See you Wednesday!
Nate
However, forecasts are sometimes wrong and maybe we will get a chance to get back out on the old ball field again. We are scheduled to start at 8:10 this week against FYM All-Stars. I'm not sure what FYM stands for, but I'm guessing it is something profane about our mothers.
I hope you're not going to let them talk about your mama that way. For all their sailor talk, the All-Stars are also 1-3 and they haven't even had to play Kick in the Box yet. And per the above clip, I will put a six pack of beer in all of your dog houses if we win.
We'll be at City Limits around 7 p.m. for pregame beverages. Rain or shine, the Caps are taking on the Rangers so I'll be there. I got six stitches in my face after a bad hop in the softball game, so just look for the guy who looks like this.
If everyone can e-mail me their status before the game it's appreciated because it's easier for me to lineup the defense. Zack is supposed to be back from Indiana today, so he is back if we can get the game in.
See you Wednesday!
Nate
Week 4 Review: Worst Episode Ever
Well, our last outing is almost two weeks behind us and hopefully we have all forgotten about the game and score.
The biggest bright spot was the stellar third base play by Matt Seal, who recorded 18 put-outs, the most in a kickball game since Orville "Sticky Hands" Johnston had 19 put-outs in a 1903 contest.
We also set or tied several other club records including the following"
• Fewest runs scored in a game (0)
• Largest margin of defeat (15)
• Most teammates hit in the head with a ball (1)
• Most easy force outs passed on in favor of throwing the ball at other team (2)
• Most pop-outs per inning played (2.4)
Now, let us never speak of that game again.
The biggest bright spot was the stellar third base play by Matt Seal, who recorded 18 put-outs, the most in a kickball game since Orville "Sticky Hands" Johnston had 19 put-outs in a 1903 contest.
We also set or tied several other club records including the following"
• Fewest runs scored in a game (0)
• Largest margin of defeat (15)
• Most teammates hit in the head with a ball (1)
• Most easy force outs passed on in favor of throwing the ball at other team (2)
• Most pop-outs per inning played (2.4)
Now, let us never speak of that game again.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Week 3 Recap: "The Back Alley Bludgeoning" or "The Birthday Boy Curse"
Hi everyone,
I think Zack is out of town but can everyone else shoot me an e-mail to let me know their status for tonight (9pm kickoff, same field as all the other games at Latrobe).
As I write to you at this early hour it is only 36 degrees outside, but weather.com is calling for temps in the 50s tonight and only a slight chance of rain. Good thing because we learned that our opponents played much better in the mud than we did.
We also took some other lessons from last week's game:
• Popping out 35 times isn't a good strategy for scoring runs
• Let the ball roll foul!
• Seriously, don't pick it up if it's going to go foul
• Play's at second
Despite an 8-3 loss, we shouldn't hang our heads too low. We had to play them in the field closest to their home alley/shanty town and still mounted a comeback that put the tying run in the on-deck circle.
It was clearly a big game for them, if you remember their post-game celebration. And it is always had to beat a team who has a player whose birthday is night and who doesn't stop running. (Note: If it is anyone's birthday tonight, you should just start circling the bases as soon as you kick it.)
Looking back at the score book, it was easy to see that all players were still making contributions. Since I have to leave for a work in a little bit, we have a slightly truncated version this week.
• Mark did a great job of welcoming Jackie to the team by throwing to her on a force play at second, even though she was playing right-centerfield. He was also a contributor at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a run scored.
• Jeff went a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate and scored a run, and showed the kind of range in the outfield that hasn't been seen in South Baltimore since Mike Deveraux roamed Camden Yards.
• Angie went 2 for 3 and tried to fire up the team by getting mud on her face and letting Nate smear it on her forehead to make it war paint.
• Becca also went 2 for 3 and tried to class up our team with an official Blue Ourselves sweater.
• Megan was also among the girls producing offense, going 1 for 2 with a run kicked in.
• Seal also had a good night at the plate, going 2 for 3.
Pregame party starts at City Limits at 7:15. Like us, the Orioles will also be looking for their second win of the season. And if they were able to beat a $161 million pitcher, we shouldn't be afraid of a few farticles.
To prepare for the game, everyone should sing this song at work at some point today. You just need to change the lyrics to the following:
I think Zack is out of town but can everyone else shoot me an e-mail to let me know their status for tonight (9pm kickoff, same field as all the other games at Latrobe).
As I write to you at this early hour it is only 36 degrees outside, but weather.com is calling for temps in the 50s tonight and only a slight chance of rain. Good thing because we learned that our opponents played much better in the mud than we did.
We also took some other lessons from last week's game:
• Popping out 35 times isn't a good strategy for scoring runs
• Let the ball roll foul!
• Seriously, don't pick it up if it's going to go foul
• Play's at second
Despite an 8-3 loss, we shouldn't hang our heads too low. We had to play them in the field closest to their home alley/shanty town and still mounted a comeback that put the tying run in the on-deck circle.
It was clearly a big game for them, if you remember their post-game celebration. And it is always had to beat a team who has a player whose birthday is night and who doesn't stop running. (Note: If it is anyone's birthday tonight, you should just start circling the bases as soon as you kick it.)
Looking back at the score book, it was easy to see that all players were still making contributions. Since I have to leave for a work in a little bit, we have a slightly truncated version this week.
• Mark did a great job of welcoming Jackie to the team by throwing to her on a force play at second, even though she was playing right-centerfield. He was also a contributor at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a run scored.
• Jeff went a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate and scored a run, and showed the kind of range in the outfield that hasn't been seen in South Baltimore since Mike Deveraux roamed Camden Yards.
• Angie went 2 for 3 and tried to fire up the team by getting mud on her face and letting Nate smear it on her forehead to make it war paint.
• Becca also went 2 for 3 and tried to class up our team with an official Blue Ourselves sweater.
• Megan was also among the girls producing offense, going 1 for 2 with a run kicked in.
• Seal also had a good night at the plate, going 2 for 3.
Pregame party starts at City Limits at 7:15. Like us, the Orioles will also be looking for their second win of the season. And if they were able to beat a $161 million pitcher, we shouldn't be afraid of a few farticles.
To prepare for the game, everyone should sing this song at work at some point today. You just need to change the lyrics to the following:
Something magic happens, every time you go
You make the magic happen, the magic of Blue Ourselves' Kickball!
When the game is close, and Blue is hot
There's a thundering roar from the bar next door to give it all they've got
And you never know who's gonna hear the call
Every game there's a different star
That's the magic of We Just Blue Ourselves Kickball!
Blue Ourselves Magic! Feel it happen!
Blue Ourselves Magic! Feel it happen!
W-E-J-U-S-T-B-L-U-E-O-U-R-S-E-L-V-E-S!
Magic! Magic! Magic! Magic!
Week 4 preview
Hi everyone,
Alright, after last week's loss I thought about giving a lecture like this one, but then I realized we are blue and not green. I otherwise endorse you adopting this coach's advice.
We play at 9 p.m. again this week, taking on My Farticles, Your Face. Based on these definitions of farticles, you are going to want to keep your face or any other of your body parts away from their asses (as opposed to other weeks).
I can also tell you that our farticle-firing opponent is 2-1. Like us, they lost to Kick in the Box and beat Red Balls and Vodka; their other win is against the last winless team, Balls and Dolls.
A win this week not only would allow us to double our victory total of last season, it would also get us back to .500 and in the thick of the race for second place (Kick in the Box pretty much has this league wrapped).
There is also no testing policy for performance enhancers in KLOB.
Go Blue Death!
Nate
P.S. Recap of last week's game: "The Back Alley Bludgeoning" or "The Birthday Boy Curse" (notice the lack of and "of," Grammar Officer Allie) can be expected tomorrow.
Alright, after last week's loss I thought about giving a lecture like this one, but then I realized we are blue and not green. I otherwise endorse you adopting this coach's advice.
We play at 9 p.m. again this week, taking on My Farticles, Your Face. Based on these definitions of farticles, you are going to want to keep your face or any other of your body parts away from their asses (as opposed to other weeks).
I can also tell you that our farticle-firing opponent is 2-1. Like us, they lost to Kick in the Box and beat Red Balls and Vodka; their other win is against the last winless team, Balls and Dolls.
A win this week not only would allow us to double our victory total of last season, it would also get us back to .500 and in the thick of the race for second place (Kick in the Box pretty much has this league wrapped).
There is also no testing policy for performance enhancers in KLOB.
Go Blue Death!
Nate
P.S. Recap of last week's game: "The Back Alley Bludgeoning" or "The Birthday Boy Curse" (notice the lack of and "of," Grammar Officer Allie) can be expected tomorrow.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Week 3 Preview and Week 2 Recap or "How the Super Goldstar Lock of the Week Came Through" (retroactive to March 29)
Hi gang -
I guess everyone has probably had a hard time containing themselves all week after our thrilling 5-2 victory last week, but the weather forecast is calling for rain so we will see if we have to wait another week to get above .500.
Still, weather forecasts can be wrong (don't tell Andrew and Allie -- their dad is a meteorologist) and there's a chance we will still get in our game at 9 p.m. at Latrobe Park against Drinkerz with a Kicking Problem. We are on the same field we were the first two weeks.
Those of you on the team last year probably still remember that game, when we squandered a lead, came back only to fall on a walk-off sac fly to lose 10-9.
However, that was a 6:30 game, and we all know how much better we are at night games when we don't have to rush home from work and have a few drinks before the game.
The scouting report calls our next opponent the Oakland Raiders of the Federal Hill JV A kickball league: old but experienced, crafty but drunk, kicking for power yet likely to fall over, in but out, hot and cold (I've got to stop getting these things from those Hungarians.)
We are planning to get to City Limits at approximately 7:15 for pre-game, rain or shine. Our opponent also usually hangs out at City Limits, so if we get a staring match, a silent competition or a dance-off, remember it is they who are going down.
And fresh off last week's win, we should have confidence. Entering the Week 2 as a 3.5-run underdog against previously undefeated Red Balls and Vodka, famous Vegas bookie Sam "Ace" Rothstein picked We Just Blue Ourselves to win outright, pointing to their past Week 2 performances.
The blue-clad squad made 'Ol Ace look pretty good when Jim led off the game with a single in his first at bat of the year, then Andrew knocked him in for a 1-0 lead two batters into the game.
Jim went 3 for 4 with two RKI's in his first game back from Colorado and his failed attempt to join Ski Patrol. It's OK Jim, maybe you can join Kickball Patrol.
Andrew went 2 for 4 with 1 RKI and also earned both the victory and save on the mound. In honor of the pitching stats accumulation, he is planning on growing a Rollie Fingers moustache. (He will show you the facial hair thing Jim.)
Allie won the coveted Rolaids Bunter of the Week Award, going 4 for 4 with 4 bunt singles. Allie said she has bunting since she was a small child, but this was her first perfect game.
Cleanup kicker Matt Seal showed why he was in the middle, driving several long balls just foul. If we had lost, we definitely could have called for a review on some of those.
Jason also had a big game at the plate, going 3 for 3, scoring a run and knocking in another. He also psyched out Red Balls and Vodka by pounding Red Bulls and vodkas and doing a Ben Roethlingsbergererer impression.
Megan was also hot at the plate, going 3 for 4 and kicking in the final run of the game. Megan also did her best Jake Taylor and did some good trash talking behind the plate, showing Rexman who was boss.
Mark went 1 for 3, including a single that kept the rally going in Blue's go-ahead fifth inning. He also got the U.L. Washington Award for playing multiple positions, even without a toothpick.
Jeff also went 1 for 3, and made several key catches in the outfield, intimidating the Red Balls from trying to kick the ball against this outfield.
Angie again provided spark at defense, hauling in several force-outs at second base and was able to scream louder than any runners screaming toward her. She also went 1 for 3 and scored the go-ahead run.
Meanwhile, Noah proved to be a surprise the Red Balls weren't expecting as he pitched three scoreless inning and earned the win. This guy should definitely be on the add list for people playing fantasy kickball.
Coach Nate was appearing in his first game of the year, and he did show some signs of rust when he gave Jim the green light and got him thrown out at home. However, he did coach the team into successfully letting that bunt teeter foul and went 1 for 2 with a run scored.
Zack also made his debut with the team, even if he didn't get to the game until the sixth inning. Nonetheless, he showed those Red Balls who was boss when they tried to kick at the new guy and he calmly snagged the ball.
Finally Kate did a good job of filling in on short notice, and showed Red Balls and Vodka that we are a team that is not afraid to get a little bloody, even if it means executing a full somersault on the way to first base.
I guess everyone has probably had a hard time containing themselves all week after our thrilling 5-2 victory last week, but the weather forecast is calling for rain so we will see if we have to wait another week to get above .500.
Still, weather forecasts can be wrong (don't tell Andrew and Allie -- their dad is a meteorologist) and there's a chance we will still get in our game at 9 p.m. at Latrobe Park against Drinkerz with a Kicking Problem. We are on the same field we were the first two weeks.
Those of you on the team last year probably still remember that game, when we squandered a lead, came back only to fall on a walk-off sac fly to lose 10-9.
However, that was a 6:30 game, and we all know how much better we are at night games when we don't have to rush home from work and have a few drinks before the game.
The scouting report calls our next opponent the Oakland Raiders of the Federal Hill JV A kickball league: old but experienced, crafty but drunk, kicking for power yet likely to fall over, in but out, hot and cold (I've got to stop getting these things from those Hungarians.)
We are planning to get to City Limits at approximately 7:15 for pre-game, rain or shine. Our opponent also usually hangs out at City Limits, so if we get a staring match, a silent competition or a dance-off, remember it is they who are going down.
And fresh off last week's win, we should have confidence. Entering the Week 2 as a 3.5-run underdog against previously undefeated Red Balls and Vodka, famous Vegas bookie Sam "Ace" Rothstein picked We Just Blue Ourselves to win outright, pointing to their past Week 2 performances.
The blue-clad squad made 'Ol Ace look pretty good when Jim led off the game with a single in his first at bat of the year, then Andrew knocked him in for a 1-0 lead two batters into the game.
Jim went 3 for 4 with two RKI's in his first game back from Colorado and his failed attempt to join Ski Patrol. It's OK Jim, maybe you can join Kickball Patrol.
Andrew went 2 for 4 with 1 RKI and also earned both the victory and save on the mound. In honor of the pitching stats accumulation, he is planning on growing a Rollie Fingers moustache. (He will show you the facial hair thing Jim.)
Allie won the coveted Rolaids Bunter of the Week Award, going 4 for 4 with 4 bunt singles. Allie said she has bunting since she was a small child, but this was her first perfect game.
Cleanup kicker Matt Seal showed why he was in the middle, driving several long balls just foul. If we had lost, we definitely could have called for a review on some of those.
Jason also had a big game at the plate, going 3 for 3, scoring a run and knocking in another. He also psyched out Red Balls and Vodka by pounding Red Bulls and vodkas and doing a Ben Roethlingsbergererer impression.
Megan was also hot at the plate, going 3 for 4 and kicking in the final run of the game. Megan also did her best Jake Taylor and did some good trash talking behind the plate, showing Rexman who was boss.
Mark went 1 for 3, including a single that kept the rally going in Blue's go-ahead fifth inning. He also got the U.L. Washington Award for playing multiple positions, even without a toothpick.
Jeff also went 1 for 3, and made several key catches in the outfield, intimidating the Red Balls from trying to kick the ball against this outfield.
Angie again provided spark at defense, hauling in several force-outs at second base and was able to scream louder than any runners screaming toward her. She also went 1 for 3 and scored the go-ahead run.
Meanwhile, Noah proved to be a surprise the Red Balls weren't expecting as he pitched three scoreless inning and earned the win. This guy should definitely be on the add list for people playing fantasy kickball.
Coach Nate was appearing in his first game of the year, and he did show some signs of rust when he gave Jim the green light and got him thrown out at home. However, he did coach the team into successfully letting that bunt teeter foul and went 1 for 2 with a run scored.
Zack also made his debut with the team, even if he didn't get to the game until the sixth inning. Nonetheless, he showed those Red Balls who was boss when they tried to kick at the new guy and he calmly snagged the ball.
Finally Kate did a good job of filling in on short notice, and showed Red Balls and Vodka that we are a team that is not afraid to get a little bloody, even if it means executing a full somersault on the way to first base.
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