I'm finally updating this more than two weeks after the season is done, by I would like to say thanks again for a fun season that ended on a high as we had very competitive games at the end of the campaign.
Homecoming was also great fun to have alums Matt Seal, Megan McNew< Mark Goldman and Jeff Britton back in the fold! Also congrats to newlyweds Mark and Becca on earning co-king (tied with moi of course) and queen. And thanks to everyone who joined in the chants and helped eat Halloween candy.
As for the actual game, well that was pretty exciting too. Unfortunately we fell behind 5-0 but things really turned around after that. I was able to knock in Mark in the bottom of the third to cut it to 5-1. In the fourth, Seal's bomb of a triple scored Angie and then Crook's solid shot cut the lead to 6-3. In the fifth, the ladies got things going with Hilary, Allie, Megan and Becca loading the bases and producing a run, but unfortunately the boys made the outs and we fell 7-4.
Everyone in the lineup had a hit and Angie had three hits and a run scored. Homecoming MVP!
Great season and hope everyone is back in the spring (mark March 9 on your calendars!)
Nate
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Game 7 Preview: Third time's a charm
OK gang, we've had two rain outs and both times it's been against the Toot and Booters, whose name I addressed in a previous post. But this time the forecast is looking good so we should be in for some good outdoor times before Old Man Winter arrives.
The Booters are 2-2-2, so they will be looking for a win to get over the .500 mark. We meanwhile will be hoping to get a boost from the alum coming back for homecoming. In honor of homecoming there are going to be some sweet signs and face paint is encouraged.
The Booters are 2-2-2, so they will be looking for a win to get over the .500 mark. We meanwhile will be hoping to get a boost from the alum coming back for homecoming. In honor of homecoming there are going to be some sweet signs and face paint is encouraged.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Game 6 Recap: Victory!
Great job last week everyone, I hope our win gives everyone the confidence that we can actually do this. Of course it was not a perfect game, and if we wiped out a few plays would could have easily won that game by several runs.
After all we came out of it with an 8-7 win, despite the mild nervous breakdown I suffered in the bottom of the seventh as Don't Know, Don't Care mounted their late game rally. It was even better because everyone contributed to the win.
Chad "White Sleeves" Thomasson probably contributed more the anyone. He was just a triple short of kicking for the cycle and caught about 60 percent of their outs. His play has inspired a new T-shirt line honoring him.
Jason set a new team record! He kicked on base safely his first three times up which gave him nine straight at-bats getting on. Alas, Crook's legendary streak came to and end on a great play by the pitcher. Still, look for him in the next version of the Guinness Book of World Records next to this guy.
Angie must have been listening to Run-DMC on the way over because she was tricky! After laying down a bunt that turned into a double and another that was a bang-bang play. In the fourth, the defense moved in and she launched a smoking 2-RBI kick into the outfield and all the defenders started yelling at each other, and we were up 7-3.
Angie and Allie also turned a sweet double play in the bottom fo the fourth. Redhead double trouble! (A phrase you shouldn't allow your children to Google.)
Andrew was getting real frustrated cause he kept hitting line shots to left center field but he broke out of it in the sixth with a crucial RBI kick that wound up being the run that made the difference in the game. He also picked up the win on the mound.
Matt made the move from right to left field this week because Nate felt bad that he had to chase so many foul balls last time we played at Riverside 2. It worked out pretty good because he intimidated the other team into kicking away from him. Matt was also a super slugger, kicking safely in his first two at bats!
Katie also did a good job patrolling the outfield -- she made a sweet catch for a big out to kill a two-out rally. She also got a lead-off single in the sixth because she is so fast! And much to her enjoyment she only had to come up with two outs once.
Nate started out the game pretty good with two hits in his first two at-bats, scored a run and made a couple catches in the outfield. However, he did get distracted by that catcher who tried to get in your head and got out his last two times up.
Ron was an offensive beast! He had hits in back-to-back innings and scored a run. He also gets an "A" for effort for chasing down some foul balls to third.
Jessica reached base safely for the third straight game despite having some problems finding parking at Riverside. She also had the good dignity not to harass the other team while they were kicking and let her fine play do the talking.
Remember when I mentioned Allie and double trouble? While that applied to her offense as well as the defense. Allie kicked safely in her last two at bats and scored both times with only minimal coaching. Allie said after the game: "Hey, guys! I need someone at first!"
Of course none of this recap would have been possible without the fine bookkeeping of Hilary Bell, who missed the game with an injury. That's some nice line drawing, Hil! I guess if you can keep the state's budget on track, handling the score book must be a piece of cake.
After all we came out of it with an 8-7 win, despite the mild nervous breakdown I suffered in the bottom of the seventh as Don't Know, Don't Care mounted their late game rally. It was even better because everyone contributed to the win.
Chad "White Sleeves" Thomasson probably contributed more the anyone. He was just a triple short of kicking for the cycle and caught about 60 percent of their outs. His play has inspired a new T-shirt line honoring him.
Jason set a new team record! He kicked on base safely his first three times up which gave him nine straight at-bats getting on. Alas, Crook's legendary streak came to and end on a great play by the pitcher. Still, look for him in the next version of the Guinness Book of World Records next to this guy.
Angie must have been listening to Run-DMC on the way over because she was tricky! After laying down a bunt that turned into a double and another that was a bang-bang play. In the fourth, the defense moved in and she launched a smoking 2-RBI kick into the outfield and all the defenders started yelling at each other, and we were up 7-3.
Angie and Allie also turned a sweet double play in the bottom fo the fourth. Redhead double trouble! (A phrase you shouldn't allow your children to Google.)
Andrew was getting real frustrated cause he kept hitting line shots to left center field but he broke out of it in the sixth with a crucial RBI kick that wound up being the run that made the difference in the game. He also picked up the win on the mound.
Matt made the move from right to left field this week because Nate felt bad that he had to chase so many foul balls last time we played at Riverside 2. It worked out pretty good because he intimidated the other team into kicking away from him. Matt was also a super slugger, kicking safely in his first two at bats!
Katie also did a good job patrolling the outfield -- she made a sweet catch for a big out to kill a two-out rally. She also got a lead-off single in the sixth because she is so fast! And much to her enjoyment she only had to come up with two outs once.
Nate started out the game pretty good with two hits in his first two at-bats, scored a run and made a couple catches in the outfield. However, he did get distracted by that catcher who tried to get in your head and got out his last two times up.
Ron was an offensive beast! He had hits in back-to-back innings and scored a run. He also gets an "A" for effort for chasing down some foul balls to third.
Jessica reached base safely for the third straight game despite having some problems finding parking at Riverside. She also had the good dignity not to harass the other team while they were kicking and let her fine play do the talking.
Remember when I mentioned Allie and double trouble? While that applied to her offense as well as the defense. Allie kicked safely in her last two at bats and scored both times with only minimal coaching. Allie said after the game: "Hey, guys! I need someone at first!"
Of course none of this recap would have been possible without the fine bookkeeping of Hilary Bell, who missed the game with an injury. That's some nice line drawing, Hil! I guess if you can keep the state's budget on track, handling the score book must be a piece of cake.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Game 6 Preview: Them or Us
Well everyone, the season is coming to the end soon. We have two games left and one of them is against Don't Know, Don't Care at 7:20 p.m. this Wednesday at Riverside.
Don't Know may say they Don't Care but this is their last game, and they are 0-6 so I'm sure they will be gunning very hard for us. I know that we can get the wing this week though after such a strong showing last week.
And if we some reason we do fall behind, we always have a secret weapon against a team that doesn't care Take that, Dark Paws.
Don't Know may say they Don't Care but this is their last game, and they are 0-6 so I'm sure they will be gunning very hard for us. I know that we can get the wing this week though after such a strong showing last week.
And if we some reason we do fall behind, we always have a secret weapon against a team that doesn't care Take that, Dark Paws.
Game 4 and 5 Recaps: Worse and Better
Well, I'm really behind on the recaps but for those of you who were at the game two weeks ago against the Face Erasers there's probably not that much you would want to remember.
We were down 7-0 after the first inning and lost 15-2 or something like that but there were a few highlights:
* Jason Crook went 3 for 3 and scored a run. That earns him two happy suns and a gold star.
* Angie had a sweet RBI triple on a nice kick and even better running!
A bunch of the rest of us got hits but couldn't really string anything together. That's enough about that game, let's get on to the instant classic.
Last week was a Rock 'em, Sock 'em, Knock Down, Drag Out, Good-Spirited, Fun-Had-By-All, Fiesta of Kickball. It featured a furious comeback, Nate sliding into home twice, Ron demonstrating the "stop, drop and roll" technique, Chad throwing the fastest recorded kickball throw on record, the return of Jeff and Seal, Crook stopping short of "four and to the door" and Hilary starting a small fire and cooking marshmallows for the team. And everything but the last part was true!
We were facing the Lemon Balls, who were also looking for their first win of the year -- though they had the extra motivation of avenging last year's 12-2 loss to Big Blue.
Yellow scored first, producing a sac fly in the second. We held them scoreless in the top of the third, which I think was the inning where Chad fielded a grounder and threw a perfectly straight line drive strike across the diamond and threw out a speedy guy headed to first.
That fired up the offense, and in the bottom of the third Matt Weaver and Nate had a pair of singles and Crook came up with two outs. Crook then drilled a ball in the outfield and Matt came across the plate and Nate went full speed from first and slid into home ahead of the throw but then it wound up not mattering cause Jason was out cause the ref said he had stepped across the plate before kicking it! What a stickler!
The next inning things took a turn for the worst when they got a three-run homer on a ball that just seemed to keep skipping out of reach of Ron, even after his rolling/diving swat pass to get it back to the infield. We had some other bad breaks and were down 5-0!
Good thing Blue is not quitters, cause Chad, Ron, Jeff, Katie and Matt Seal all kicked on safely to score two runs! It made the Lemon Balls so mad that the next inning they kicked the ball right into Nate's cup of beer (don't worry, I sent them a bill).
We were not done yet, though cause the next inning Jason again knocked in Nate on a sliding play at home -- only this time it counted and the difference was cut to 2.
Matt Seal kept things locked down in his first appearance on the mound with the team since last season, and finished with 6 strong innings allowing just 2 earned runs. Maybe he will be spot starting for the Nationals with stats like that!
Nate came in in the seventh and was a bit wild, but like Ricky Vaughn he settled down in the end and threw a scoreless inning. Then came the bottom of the seventh and Matt and Matt got back to back hits! But Nate fouled out and the rally fell short as we lost by a final of 5-3.
Nonetheless it was a good effort and a fun game for all. Other highlights not mentioned:
* Jeff returned as a fill-in after completing a very successful volleyball season. He roped the ball three times, though only 1 fell for a hit because that girl got lucky in right center and the guy got even luckier on that tip play in left center.
* Katie made a sweet catch in the outfield.
* Jessica had an awesome bunt hit in the seventh
* Hilary called a great game behind the plate and helped keep us in the umpire's good graces
We were down 7-0 after the first inning and lost 15-2 or something like that but there were a few highlights:
* Jason Crook went 3 for 3 and scored a run. That earns him two happy suns and a gold star.
* Angie had a sweet RBI triple on a nice kick and even better running!
A bunch of the rest of us got hits but couldn't really string anything together. That's enough about that game, let's get on to the instant classic.
Last week was a Rock 'em, Sock 'em, Knock Down, Drag Out, Good-Spirited, Fun-Had-By-All, Fiesta of Kickball. It featured a furious comeback, Nate sliding into home twice, Ron demonstrating the "stop, drop and roll" technique, Chad throwing the fastest recorded kickball throw on record, the return of Jeff and Seal, Crook stopping short of "four and to the door" and Hilary starting a small fire and cooking marshmallows for the team. And everything but the last part was true!
We were facing the Lemon Balls, who were also looking for their first win of the year -- though they had the extra motivation of avenging last year's 12-2 loss to Big Blue.
Yellow scored first, producing a sac fly in the second. We held them scoreless in the top of the third, which I think was the inning where Chad fielded a grounder and threw a perfectly straight line drive strike across the diamond and threw out a speedy guy headed to first.
That fired up the offense, and in the bottom of the third Matt Weaver and Nate had a pair of singles and Crook came up with two outs. Crook then drilled a ball in the outfield and Matt came across the plate and Nate went full speed from first and slid into home ahead of the throw but then it wound up not mattering cause Jason was out cause the ref said he had stepped across the plate before kicking it! What a stickler!
The next inning things took a turn for the worst when they got a three-run homer on a ball that just seemed to keep skipping out of reach of Ron, even after his rolling/diving swat pass to get it back to the infield. We had some other bad breaks and were down 5-0!
Good thing Blue is not quitters, cause Chad, Ron, Jeff, Katie and Matt Seal all kicked on safely to score two runs! It made the Lemon Balls so mad that the next inning they kicked the ball right into Nate's cup of beer (don't worry, I sent them a bill).
We were not done yet, though cause the next inning Jason again knocked in Nate on a sliding play at home -- only this time it counted and the difference was cut to 2.
Matt Seal kept things locked down in his first appearance on the mound with the team since last season, and finished with 6 strong innings allowing just 2 earned runs. Maybe he will be spot starting for the Nationals with stats like that!
Nate came in in the seventh and was a bit wild, but like Ricky Vaughn he settled down in the end and threw a scoreless inning. Then came the bottom of the seventh and Matt and Matt got back to back hits! But Nate fouled out and the rally fell short as we lost by a final of 5-3.
Nonetheless it was a good effort and a fun game for all. Other highlights not mentioned:
* Jeff returned as a fill-in after completing a very successful volleyball season. He roped the ball three times, though only 1 fell for a hit because that girl got lucky in right center and the guy got even luckier on that tip play in left center.
* Katie made a sweet catch in the outfield.
* Jessica had an awesome bunt hit in the seventh
* Hilary called a great game behind the plate and helped keep us in the umpire's good graces
Monday, October 4, 2010
Game 4 Preview: Who wants 4 oz of Pucker?
I knew Face Erasers were a kickball team, but did you know it was also a drink that will erase your brain cells?
Anyway, we are scheduled to take on the Face Erasers at 8:10 p.m. on Wednesday at Riverside Field 1 (the one across from where we played our last game). Unlike us, everyone they played has a record of 3-1 or better, so we should not take them lightly.
I hope everyone has been practicing their bunting in their hallways the past week and using their shakeweights to bulk up.
Pre-game will be 7 p.m. at RUB unless I mass e-mail otherwise.
Thanks,
Nate
Anyway, we are scheduled to take on the Face Erasers at 8:10 p.m. on Wednesday at Riverside Field 1 (the one across from where we played our last game). Unlike us, everyone they played has a record of 3-1 or better, so we should not take them lightly.
I hope everyone has been practicing their bunting in their hallways the past week and using their shakeweights to bulk up.
Pre-game will be 7 p.m. at RUB unless I mass e-mail otherwise.
Thanks,
Nate
Week 3 Recap: Stats galore
Week 3 was a big night for us, as our offense finally broke through and scored 11 runs. We even scored seven runs in one inning to take the lead in the fourth, but alas we could not hold the lead. Nonetheless, it was good to see the offense get going. Highlights:
Chad got us going early by leading off the game with a hit and scoring a run. Then he topped that with a 3-run HR! Overall Chad had three hits.
Matt really picked up the slack for the defense, catching about five balls and chasing down at least a dozen more as those guys were kicking it foul to ware him out. Fail, Matt still was catching them all. He also had a hit and scored in the fourth.
Angie was a perfect 4 for 4, including a double over their head and scoring a run. She also made a really nice running catch on a liner up the middle.
Nate made the last out of the game, but at least he slid/rolled into home and scored three runs and kicked in three runs.
Becca followed Angie's lead and also went a perfect 4 for 4 and she also scored a run and had an RBI.
Katie kicked in a run, had a hit in the fourth and was very versatile on defense making plays in the infield and outfield.
Jessica made it back-to-back jack by also kicking in yet another run in the fourth.
Andrew was feeling very down because of his plate slump, but he ought to shake out of it now as he roped a double to the gap and scored.
Hilary had a very involved statistical night. First, she took over the team lead in walks with her eagle eye in the fourth and then dropped in a nice hit in the fifth. She also did not fall for their first basemen's attempt to dupe her by telling her to go when she knew all along that it was him saying it so she didn't go. Then when they tried dirty tricks like having their girls kick doubles, Hilary took revenge by pegging her in the face when she got to third base. Take that tricksters!
Allie was all modest in insisting that she hit at the end of the lineup. Then she goes out and gets a single and a double. Way to use reverse psychology!
Chad got us going early by leading off the game with a hit and scoring a run. Then he topped that with a 3-run HR! Overall Chad had three hits.
Matt really picked up the slack for the defense, catching about five balls and chasing down at least a dozen more as those guys were kicking it foul to ware him out. Fail, Matt still was catching them all. He also had a hit and scored in the fourth.
Angie was a perfect 4 for 4, including a double over their head and scoring a run. She also made a really nice running catch on a liner up the middle.
Nate made the last out of the game, but at least he slid/rolled into home and scored three runs and kicked in three runs.
Becca followed Angie's lead and also went a perfect 4 for 4 and she also scored a run and had an RBI.
Katie kicked in a run, had a hit in the fourth and was very versatile on defense making plays in the infield and outfield.
Jessica made it back-to-back jack by also kicking in yet another run in the fourth.
Andrew was feeling very down because of his plate slump, but he ought to shake out of it now as he roped a double to the gap and scored.
Hilary had a very involved statistical night. First, she took over the team lead in walks with her eagle eye in the fourth and then dropped in a nice hit in the fifth. She also did not fall for their first basemen's attempt to dupe her by telling her to go when she knew all along that it was him saying it so she didn't go. Then when they tried dirty tricks like having their girls kick doubles, Hilary took revenge by pegging her in the face when she got to third base. Take that tricksters!
Allie was all modest in insisting that she hit at the end of the lineup. Then she goes out and gets a single and a double. Way to use reverse psychology!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Week 4 Preview: More teams named after slang I never knew
OK everyone,
I know I make a lot of jokes about how we should be in the 30 and over league and usually I said that because the other teams were all younger and faster. But now I think I mean because every week I learn what the kids are saying by what they name their kickball teams.
This week's opponent: Toot and Booters.
OK, now onto kickball. I'd like to say the offense did a great job improving last week. We went from scoring 1 run to scoring 11 runs, and if we keep that trend this week we will score 111 runs! Of course that is probably not too likely because it would be hard to score 111 runs in our allotted 50 minute time. There may be some other obstacles too, but I'm choosing not to explore those.
By now you're probably saying, "OK, enough with the numerology and onto my personal stats!" To which I say, I would totally plug-in everyone's awesome stats but they are in the trunk of my car and it is really raining and I've worked like 48 hours the past five days so I'm tired and I will put them up tomorrow night unless we get new kittens and they keep jumping on the keyboard and then the stats would be all inaccurate.
So that's enough about us, let's move to our apparently slutty and proud opponents: They are 0-2-1; they tied with the team that beat us in the second week and they lost to the barefoot pitcher team and they lost to Schwillbags who are always good. So I'd say it's a winnable game as long as we keep the ball in front of us and keep doing a good job of not popping out our kicks!
I know I make a lot of jokes about how we should be in the 30 and over league and usually I said that because the other teams were all younger and faster. But now I think I mean because every week I learn what the kids are saying by what they name their kickball teams.
This week's opponent: Toot and Booters.
OK, now onto kickball. I'd like to say the offense did a great job improving last week. We went from scoring 1 run to scoring 11 runs, and if we keep that trend this week we will score 111 runs! Of course that is probably not too likely because it would be hard to score 111 runs in our allotted 50 minute time. There may be some other obstacles too, but I'm choosing not to explore those.
By now you're probably saying, "OK, enough with the numerology and onto my personal stats!" To which I say, I would totally plug-in everyone's awesome stats but they are in the trunk of my car and it is really raining and I've worked like 48 hours the past five days so I'm tired and I will put them up tomorrow night unless we get new kittens and they keep jumping on the keyboard and then the stats would be all inaccurate.
So that's enough about us, let's move to our apparently slutty and proud opponents: They are 0-2-1; they tied with the team that beat us in the second week and they lost to the barefoot pitcher team and they lost to Schwillbags who are always good. So I'd say it's a winnable game as long as we keep the ball in front of us and keep doing a good job of not popping out our kicks!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Week 3 Preview: I'm Not Giving You My Name, or My Social Security Number
They say that the third time is a charm, it is my sincere hope that the phrase was originated in reference to 0-2 kickball team's seeking their third win. More specifically, I hope it was in reference to our 0-2 kickball team getting a win.
That's because we will be in a battle of winless squads at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Riverside Park Field 2 (the one across from where we played this past week).
We are facing Kicking Balls, Taking Names, who are also 0-2. According to urban dictionary, they plan to kill us after the game, but I'm pretty sure that is not sanctioned by league rules.
See everyone there.
That's because we will be in a battle of winless squads at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Riverside Park Field 2 (the one across from where we played this past week).
We are facing Kicking Balls, Taking Names, who are also 0-2. According to urban dictionary, they plan to kill us after the game, but I'm pretty sure that is not sanctioned by league rules.
See everyone there.
Week 2 Recap: Score!
Well, we probably should have known it was going to be a tough night when we got to the field and a dog was staring down Ron while taking a dump. Then add to it a roving gang of child hecklers on bicycles and the psychological warfare was too much.
Well, I had it out for those hecklers and I almost nailed one in the head with a kick. Despite the miss, I had the last laugh when I sent these birds after their bikes.
Now, back to the game. First, a look at the positives: We scored, the first step toward victory.
Of course there were the negatives too, like the fact we needed to score seven more times to actually achieve victory.
I don't think we should sweat it too much as we are all getting used to playing together, and after a rocky start we held them to three runs in their last five innings batting. We just need to catch a few more and work on kicking the ball lower and we will get things going.
On to personal highlights:
Jason Crook led off and went a perfect 3 for 3 at bat! He also gets the toughness award for getting pegged with the ball twice in still staying in the game. Thumbs up!
Andrew went 0-3 at the plate, he did some sick relief pitching by holding Do Work! to just three runs in five innings. You should have seen the death stare he was giving their kickers.
Angie was 2 for 3 at the plate, and got to at least second base every time on. She kicked to the EXTREME!
Ron made a nice catch in left center and then topped that with the team's first RBI. The bench erupted!
Matt made a good catch in his first game and I think also got a hit but I can't tell exactly where he kicked it 'cause it was part of that crazy inning which I'm about to try to explain but I'm not sure I have the whole narrative right.
Allie was 1 for 2 at the plate, and little did she know that her hit would turn into one of the craziest kickball plays of all-time. Allie was on third base and their was a flyball and she heard some conflicting information about whether to go or stay so she decided to just go all-in and take off. In the meantime, Nate saw her head home and then tagged up and took off to score too but Allie headed back to third cause she hadn't tagged up and Nate was like "no, score" cause he knew that she would never get back on time so he had to hope that the umpire missed it but everyone else was yelling at Allie, "no, go back," and Allie never listens to me anyway and we crossed paths and so I was out for passing.
And if you followed that, that's what happened. I think.
Nate continued the fiasco on the base paths with a fiasco in left field, but then at least he threw out a runner trying to score so we will pretend that was the plan.
Chad went one for two and also had a good catch and collision avoidance with Andrew. He also won his first week in fantasy football so that lifted team spirits.
Jessica played her first game too, and after navigating traffic down 95 and then parking and finding the field put some nice kicks on the ball, it was just that they were right at the fielders so it was some bad luck.
Hilary also suffered a case of the right-at-em's in her first game but we give her many props for attracting a fan to our game. She will be in charge of the new We Just Blue Ourselves Dugout Club fan club, so send any recruits willing to pay the $9.95 to her and she will take care of the rest.
Katie had a nice line drive to short, but alas those bastards were definitely using stickum and caught it. I think they were cheating most of the night.
Jenn also helped boost fan attendance -- this time in the youth demographic. She wasn't able to reach base safely but she did hold down the hot corner.
Becca put on another sliding clinic with her textbook pop-up slider. (Order her videos here). Not only did Ms. Emanski's slide instantly inspire the rest of the team to get better, it also allowed her to be safe and score. Good job!
Well, I had it out for those hecklers and I almost nailed one in the head with a kick. Despite the miss, I had the last laugh when I sent these birds after their bikes.
Now, back to the game. First, a look at the positives: We scored, the first step toward victory.
Of course there were the negatives too, like the fact we needed to score seven more times to actually achieve victory.
I don't think we should sweat it too much as we are all getting used to playing together, and after a rocky start we held them to three runs in their last five innings batting. We just need to catch a few more and work on kicking the ball lower and we will get things going.
On to personal highlights:
Jason Crook led off and went a perfect 3 for 3 at bat! He also gets the toughness award for getting pegged with the ball twice in still staying in the game. Thumbs up!
Andrew went 0-3 at the plate, he did some sick relief pitching by holding Do Work! to just three runs in five innings. You should have seen the death stare he was giving their kickers.
Angie was 2 for 3 at the plate, and got to at least second base every time on. She kicked to the EXTREME!
Ron made a nice catch in left center and then topped that with the team's first RBI. The bench erupted!
Matt made a good catch in his first game and I think also got a hit but I can't tell exactly where he kicked it 'cause it was part of that crazy inning which I'm about to try to explain but I'm not sure I have the whole narrative right.
Allie was 1 for 2 at the plate, and little did she know that her hit would turn into one of the craziest kickball plays of all-time. Allie was on third base and their was a flyball and she heard some conflicting information about whether to go or stay so she decided to just go all-in and take off. In the meantime, Nate saw her head home and then tagged up and took off to score too but Allie headed back to third cause she hadn't tagged up and Nate was like "no, score" cause he knew that she would never get back on time so he had to hope that the umpire missed it but everyone else was yelling at Allie, "no, go back," and Allie never listens to me anyway and we crossed paths and so I was out for passing.
And if you followed that, that's what happened. I think.
Nate continued the fiasco on the base paths with a fiasco in left field, but then at least he threw out a runner trying to score so we will pretend that was the plan.
Chad went one for two and also had a good catch and collision avoidance with Andrew. He also won his first week in fantasy football so that lifted team spirits.
Jessica played her first game too, and after navigating traffic down 95 and then parking and finding the field put some nice kicks on the ball, it was just that they were right at the fielders so it was some bad luck.
Hilary also suffered a case of the right-at-em's in her first game but we give her many props for attracting a fan to our game. She will be in charge of the new We Just Blue Ourselves Dugout Club fan club, so send any recruits willing to pay the $9.95 to her and she will take care of the rest.
Katie had a nice line drive to short, but alas those bastards were definitely using stickum and caught it. I think they were cheating most of the night.
Jenn also helped boost fan attendance -- this time in the youth demographic. She wasn't able to reach base safely but she did hold down the hot corner.
Becca put on another sliding clinic with her textbook pop-up slider. (Order her videos here). Not only did Ms. Emanski's slide instantly inspire the rest of the team to get better, it also allowed her to be safe and score. Good job!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Game 2 Preview: Don't tell us what to do! And stop using so many exclamation points!
Hi everyone, we are set for our second game this week as we take on Do Work!, who are are also 0-1, according to the most recent version of standings I've seen.
Their name was apparently derived from an MTV show, I'm thinking one of the girls will be able to explain it to this old coach. They were beaten by our old nemeses the Booz Crew and their barefoot pitcher.
Gametime is 6:30 p.m., we are on Riverside 1 (the one closest to Wells Street) and should be back with our all-time favorite umpire. Since it is an early start time I will say we should just meet at the field rather than the bar, but don't let me tell you what to do. Other than Work!
See you Wednesday.
Their name was apparently derived from an MTV show, I'm thinking one of the girls will be able to explain it to this old coach. They were beaten by our old nemeses the Booz Crew and their barefoot pitcher.
Gametime is 6:30 p.m., we are on Riverside 1 (the one closest to Wells Street) and should be back with our all-time favorite umpire. Since it is an early start time I will say we should just meet at the field rather than the bar, but don't let me tell you what to do. Other than Work!
See you Wednesday.
Week 1 Recap: The Worst Game Ever - Literally!
Well, the night started off well enough. We all were enjoying fine beer specials at Rub, Chad was prepped for his fantasy football draft and even though we only had nine players we went into a new season up beat.
Then the game started and I think there was strong evidence to contradict any theories about us playing better when we drink more. We got just one hit the first time through the order, made about 10 errors and were behind 15-0 after the third inning. The final was 18-0, the largest margin of defeat in franchise history. Other than that, it was a pretty good effort.
Still, there were some highlights:
* Crook led off with a single in the thrid inning and came closer to meeting curfew than usual. Lori was never the wiser that it was more like "four and to the door" than "one and done."
* Chad returned to the league after a few year hiatus and made a couple good catches in the field. He was also very happy with the fantasy football team he drafted between innings.
* Angie led the team in hits -- with two. She also kept the team up-to-date with the fashion world by bringing OK! magazine with her so we can be properly dressed for our next awards show.
* Ron broke up the no-hitter in the second, and gave a classic pep talk to keep up team spirits.
* Andrew did not have his best ever night, seeing his home run streak come to an end. On the brightside, he did make a good catch in left and charged one fewer pitcher than Nyjer Morgan did that same evening.
* Katie had the only perfect night at the plate, getting one hit and one walk in her two at-bats. She was also the only one on the team to get to third base (insert own joke here).
* Nate swang and missed in kickball.
* Jenn had a good kick for a hit and did a good job calling pitches behind the plate.
* Allie did not score any runs or crotch-catch and plays, but she did actually catch like three pop-ups, which led the team by a lot I think. We need to give her a new nickname based on these developments.
Then the game started and I think there was strong evidence to contradict any theories about us playing better when we drink more. We got just one hit the first time through the order, made about 10 errors and were behind 15-0 after the third inning. The final was 18-0, the largest margin of defeat in franchise history. Other than that, it was a pretty good effort.
Still, there were some highlights:
* Crook led off with a single in the thrid inning and came closer to meeting curfew than usual. Lori was never the wiser that it was more like "four and to the door" than "one and done."
* Chad returned to the league after a few year hiatus and made a couple good catches in the field. He was also very happy with the fantasy football team he drafted between innings.
* Angie led the team in hits -- with two. She also kept the team up-to-date with the fashion world by bringing OK! magazine with her so we can be properly dressed for our next awards show.
* Ron broke up the no-hitter in the second, and gave a classic pep talk to keep up team spirits.
* Andrew did not have his best ever night, seeing his home run streak come to an end. On the brightside, he did make a good catch in left and charged one fewer pitcher than Nyjer Morgan did that same evening.
* Katie had the only perfect night at the plate, getting one hit and one walk in her two at-bats. She was also the only one on the team to get to third base (insert own joke here).
* Nate swang and missed in kickball.
* Jenn had a good kick for a hit and did a good job calling pitches behind the plate.
* Allie did not score any runs or crotch-catch and plays, but she did actually catch like three pop-ups, which led the team by a lot I think. We need to give her a new nickname based on these developments.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Week 1 Preview
Hi everyone, and welcome to another exciting season of the We Just Blue Ourselves Kickball Club. First off, congratulations to the team for lasting more seasons than the show that spawned the team name.
But before you spend all afternoon wasting your worktime watching Hulu episodes or Facebooking or whatever it is you kids do, you should waste your worktime reading about this upstart kickball team you have forked over your hard-earned cash to join.
Our first game is Wednesday night, at 9 p.m. at Riverside Park. We are taking on Kickbutt and Kickballs, also known on the softball team as Softbutt and Kickballs or Softballs and Kickbutt or whatever the name of that team was who just beat those of us who were part of the Wednesday softball tournament last week. Vegas has installed us 6.5-run underdogs, but I'm thinking we can pull an upset.
There will be a voluntary team meeting before the game at 7:30 p.m. at Rub BBQ just up the street from the field. Here we will pass out jerseys and provide a refresher on the rules. Coach Nate may also go on a rant as to why you Baltimore residents should vote Gregg Bernstein for State's Attorneythis month, why a dropped ball on a potential double play should be considered an error or who should be favored to win the next season of Dancing With the Stars.
Finally, we'd like to wish a Happy Birthday to new team member Hilary Bell, who is turning um, 23, I think, on Wednesday. She will not be able to join us because she will be celebrating by cheering on her native Sox with fellow classy fans, like this young baseball lover.
But before you spend all afternoon wasting your worktime watching Hulu episodes or Facebooking or whatever it is you kids do, you should waste your worktime reading about this upstart kickball team you have forked over your hard-earned cash to join.
Our first game is Wednesday night, at 9 p.m. at Riverside Park. We are taking on Kickbutt and Kickballs, also known on the softball team as Softbutt and Kickballs or Softballs and Kickbutt or whatever the name of that team was who just beat those of us who were part of the Wednesday softball tournament last week. Vegas has installed us 6.5-run underdogs, but I'm thinking we can pull an upset.
There will be a voluntary team meeting before the game at 7:30 p.m. at Rub BBQ just up the street from the field. Here we will pass out jerseys and provide a refresher on the rules. Coach Nate may also go on a rant as to why you Baltimore residents should vote Gregg Bernstein for State's Attorneythis month, why a dropped ball on a potential double play should be considered an error or who should be favored to win the next season of Dancing With the Stars.
Finally, we'd like to wish a Happy Birthday to new team member Hilary Bell, who is turning um, 23, I think, on Wednesday. She will not be able to join us because she will be celebrating by cheering on her native Sox with fellow classy fans, like this young baseball lover.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Another season in the books: Finding success
Obviously this wasn't a great season for us in terms of wins and losses; at 1-6 we were tied for our worst record ever.
But there is a glass half-full way to look at it. We had to play a very tough schedule: Our opponents were 30-18-1. The team we mercy-ruled won 3 games. Really our only loss to a bad team was the Brew Crew game and we were only down 1 going into the last innings.
How good were our opponents? Look at it this way:
* How I Met Your Rubber: Defending league champ and undefeated again.
* Footjobs: Only loss was to HIMYR.
* G.T.K.: Only loss was to Footjobs.
* Where My Pitches At?: Only losses were to Footjobs and Rafters (who only had one loss and tied G.T.K.)
I point this out only to say that even though our record was bad this was not our worst team ever. I hope everyone comes back this fall and think we have a chance to greatly improve our record.
Our final game was an 8-2 loss to Footjobs. We played a pretty good game against a very good JV team. In fact, if the right fielder had just bobbled that ball I kicked in the fourth it probably would've allowed us to tie the game at 5. Nonetheless, a good final effort for the season.
Some of the highlights:
• Mark made his debut at shortstop and made some pretty good plays. He also had a two-out single in the sixth.
• Andrew had another great day at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a run scored.
• Becca also went 2 for 3 -- she finished the year batting .818!
• Matt singled and scored. He also missed an extra base hit by inches in the first when his drive just sailed foul.
• Ron aptly patrolled left center field yet again and had a good kick to left that he just got under.
• Angie posted a single to load the bases in the fourth and hit with a runner on again in the sixth.
• Jason kicked in our first run in the fourth.
• Katie's eagle eye scored another run on a walk the following plate appearance.
• Nate had a case of the "right at-ems" but at least he caught a few balls in the outfield.
• Jen played all over the field and made a good catch at third.
• Allie was denied a run but broke up a string of seven straight outs in the third.
But there is a glass half-full way to look at it. We had to play a very tough schedule: Our opponents were 30-18-1. The team we mercy-ruled won 3 games. Really our only loss to a bad team was the Brew Crew game and we were only down 1 going into the last innings.
How good were our opponents? Look at it this way:
* How I Met Your Rubber: Defending league champ and undefeated again.
* Footjobs: Only loss was to HIMYR.
* G.T.K.: Only loss was to Footjobs.
* Where My Pitches At?: Only losses were to Footjobs and Rafters (who only had one loss and tied G.T.K.)
I point this out only to say that even though our record was bad this was not our worst team ever. I hope everyone comes back this fall and think we have a chance to greatly improve our record.
Our final game was an 8-2 loss to Footjobs. We played a pretty good game against a very good JV team. In fact, if the right fielder had just bobbled that ball I kicked in the fourth it probably would've allowed us to tie the game at 5. Nonetheless, a good final effort for the season.
Some of the highlights:
• Mark made his debut at shortstop and made some pretty good plays. He also had a two-out single in the sixth.
• Andrew had another great day at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a run scored.
• Becca also went 2 for 3 -- she finished the year batting .818!
• Matt singled and scored. He also missed an extra base hit by inches in the first when his drive just sailed foul.
• Ron aptly patrolled left center field yet again and had a good kick to left that he just got under.
• Angie posted a single to load the bases in the fourth and hit with a runner on again in the sixth.
• Jason kicked in our first run in the fourth.
• Katie's eagle eye scored another run on a walk the following plate appearance.
• Nate had a case of the "right at-ems" but at least he caught a few balls in the outfield.
• Jen played all over the field and made a good catch at third.
• Allie was denied a run but broke up a string of seven straight outs in the third.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Week 7 Preview: The Mad Kickball Experiment
Well guys, we will make a crack at playing our oft-postponed game against the Footjobs again this Wednesday.
Of course upsets can happen, but to be honest it is probably not too likely. They are 5-1 with their only loss being to the defending Wednesday night JV champ.
Since we will obviously not be in the playoffs in the outcome of this game is fairly irrelevant to us, I'd like to give everyone the chance to play any position they would like to try. If you would like to try pitching, first or somewhere else you don't normally play, just let me know. Maybe a new crazy combo will create surprising results.
It will also be team photo night, so make sure you rapscallions comb your hair! See everyone Wednesday.
Nate
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Week 4, 5 and 6 Recaps: How the Season was Lost in Three Volumes
It's hard to believe it's been three weeks since we were sitting around a table at Don't Know brimming with hope. After a heart-breaking 2-1 walk-off loss we were 1-3 but with a chance to bounce back and make an improbable playoff run.
What followed has been called many things over the past few weeks. Meltdown. Fiasco. Shitshow (best described by entry #1). Meanwhile, several us took an additional kick to the nuts as the Caps pissed away a 3 games to 1 lead. That brings us to Volume I.
Vol. I: The Barefoot Beatdown (L 8-16)
We arrived at the field in a bit of disarray as the decision to double the amount of teams on the field seemed to result in 1/2 the parking. Of course once we got to the field the disarray didn't get much better as we were missing an umpire and trying to prevent everything we owned from blowing away.
Things still didn't improve once we actually get on the field. The Caps were still down 1-0 and then we went down even quicker -- 4-0 after five batters. Luckily Seal pitched his way out of a jam to limit the damage.
As I was scrawling out a lineup as quickly as possible it seems I accidentally dialed some of the right buttons. Mark led off with a walk, Jason added a single and two batters later Andrew drilled a 3-run homer into the night. That cut the lead to 4-3 after the first.
After reaching home, Jason noted that pitcher was perhaps out of shape and that we should work the count and wear him down. He was too tired to even put on shoes for goodness sakes!
It was a good strategy, as the team earned a franchise record six walks. The only problem was that we didn't realize the barefooted pitcher had an ulterior motive for pitching shoeless -- communicating with an evil gopher below the field that kept bumping our pitches outside at the last minute and moving the ground so our bunts rolled foul. And people say we should be cutting the Parks department budget? I'd like to hear what they say about these gophers and their willy-nilly abuse of kickball fields.
Nonetheless, we made a pretty good comeback effort. In the fourth, Ron walked, Angie doubled, Jeff singled and Mike tripled before Nate, Megan and Allie walked. We were down just 11-8 after 4.
However, all these walks and runs meant we only got to play five innings and a few sloppy plays allowed them to score five runs in the top half. Mark and Becca got on base to start the bottom half, but we could not mount a full come back.
I probably have to take some responsibility for this one; Andrew had suggested at the bar before the game that we not make any throwing errors. I can't believe I forgot to relay that coaching strategy!
Vol. II: Punched like Snookie! (L 4-15)
With our long first game we had to quickly move over to Game #2. Our opponents were already on the other sideline distracted by beating up the beat. I thought that was a good sign, and I was also hopeful that the coach was distracted too -- just listen to the choice words he had about the umpire, some of their other games and his gas for that evening.
At the beginning of the game, it seemed things were going our way. Andrew doubled in Mark and Becca in the first, then Katie and Jeff added a pair more in the second for a 4-1 lead.
Of course as his been characteristic this season the bottom dropped out and they scored nine runs in the second. They plated five more unanswered and all the Tan Gents, Orange Juices and DJ Douchebags in the world couldn't stop it.
Vol. III: 'A' for Effort, 'L' for Loss (L 6-12)
Last week we took to the diamond looking to earn our second straight win against the Brew Crew. We came as close to perfect attendance as we have all year and were ready to do two things: Drink beer and play kickball. And the beer was almost gone.
Unfortunately, it seems we didn't run out of beer soon enough because we fell behind first again, trailing 2-0 after the first half-inning. We loaded the bags in our half of the first but could only muster a Seal sac fly that scored Pat.
We held them in the second, then Jeff (a career 1.000 hitter against Brew Crew) led off our half with a hit before tagging up and scoring on Angie's sac fly to short.
Unfortunately, we trailed the rest of the way. We came back from down 7-2 to within 7-6, but a disastrous seventh inning left us a 12-6 loser. Here are some highlights to feel good about though:
• Mike scored in the fourth to start the comeback.
• Pat got a hit, run and RBI on a play in which he was robbed by their first basemen in a Web gem. He also made a sick catch in left and didn't even complain that he may have torn a ligament while doing it (I'm referring to the catch, jeez, dirty minds).
• Becca was a perfect 3-3 at the plate
• Mark also netted two key hits and made his mound debut allowing 2 runs in 2 innings
• Seal had a sac fly and nearly dropped an extra base hit into left
• Katie played through pain and held the defense up in the infield
• Jeff followed last year's 4-4 against the Brew Crew with a 2-2 night with a pair of lead off hits that led to 2 runs scored. He also applauded Allie's use of spirit fingers after Angie secured a catch
• Crook couldn't get his liners to the right side to fall, but he did bring back the Red Bull and Vodka tradition
• Wanner made the sick aforementioned catch and also had a hit, run and RBI
• Ron knocked in the run and also stayed on top of the cooler situation
• Andrew was RBI'd out from the previous week but he still made some good catches at first base
• Megan had a pair of good kicks up the middle, she just couldn't catch a break and get a drop
• Nate possibly gave himself scars for life (ask to see them! Only $5 per peak) but it was worth it because he slid safely into third and home on back-to-back plays.
• Allie was not able to score like she usually does, but she did go 2 for 2 at the plate
* Jen held down defense at the hot corner and behind the plate; plus she did a clutch job of getting us good tables at Taps!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Week 4 Preview: Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun, or Our Playoff Hopes are Done
The playoffs don't officially start for three more weeks, but for us they practically begin Wednesday night with a doubleheader at 8:10 and 9 p.m. at Riverside Park.
Luckily for us, scientists have learned it is much easier to play a double header than to be a double header, just ask these poor critters!
We enter the night coming off one of the toughest losses we've ever had, a 2-1, walk-off loss to the still undefeated Where My Pitches At? We played great defense, but had just five hits so we will have to do a little more this week.
Fortunately, our string of playing undefeated teams is over. Our two games on Wednesday won't be easy, but if we continue the good D and try to kick fewer fly outs I think we will sweep and be in good playoff position at 3-2.
In the first game, we take on the Booz Crew, shown in this photo enjoying their favorite booz -- Glen's Vodka. But when they are not drinking bad European vodka they can actually win a few kickball games -- like last year when they devastated us 13-4. But before you get all intimidated, just remember that was during our low point last year. And Booz Crew has dropped off some, they are only 2-2 this year.
After winning that one we will take on G.T.K., one of the many teams named after the inspirational "Jersey Shore" crew. If you would like to waste some company time today, find out what your "Jersey Shore" nickname would be at one of these sites. I will buy a beer for whoever winds up with the best one.
G.T.K. is off to a 2-0-1 start, with their tie being against a pretty good Rafters' squad. No worries though, I have a secret weapon that will guarantee victory. See everyone Wednesday, and don't forget to vote for which bar to go to for pregame!
Luckily for us, scientists have learned it is much easier to play a double header than to be a double header, just ask these poor critters!
We enter the night coming off one of the toughest losses we've ever had, a 2-1, walk-off loss to the still undefeated Where My Pitches At? We played great defense, but had just five hits so we will have to do a little more this week.
Fortunately, our string of playing undefeated teams is over. Our two games on Wednesday won't be easy, but if we continue the good D and try to kick fewer fly outs I think we will sweep and be in good playoff position at 3-2.
In the first game, we take on the Booz Crew, shown in this photo enjoying their favorite booz -- Glen's Vodka. But when they are not drinking bad European vodka they can actually win a few kickball games -- like last year when they devastated us 13-4. But before you get all intimidated, just remember that was during our low point last year. And Booz Crew has dropped off some, they are only 2-2 this year.
After winning that one we will take on G.T.K., one of the many teams named after the inspirational "Jersey Shore" crew. If you would like to waste some company time today, find out what your "Jersey Shore" nickname would be at one of these sites. I will buy a beer for whoever winds up with the best one.
G.T.K. is off to a 2-0-1 start, with their tie being against a pretty good Rafters' squad. No worries though, I have a secret weapon that will guarantee victory. See everyone Wednesday, and don't forget to vote for which bar to go to for pregame!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Week 3 Preview: We Want More: Runs!
Hi everyone, it was a tough loss last week and this week won't be any easier. We are taking on Where My Pitches At?, who defeated us 3-1 in the season opener last year.
Where My Pitches At? is off to a 2-0 start so they will be a challenge, but we are an improved team from when we last took them so if we can score a few more runs we should be able to score a big win.
Game is at 7:20 p.m. at Riverside Field One (the one we were on last week). Hope to see everyone there!
Nate
Where My Pitches At? is off to a 2-0 start so they will be a challenge, but we are an improved team from when we last took them so if we can score a few more runs we should be able to score a big win.
Game is at 7:20 p.m. at Riverside Field One (the one we were on last week). Hope to see everyone there!
Nate
Week 2 Recap: The End of an Era (during which we didn't lose)
It was the bottom of the fifth when one Matt Seal stutter step/deke move started a rally. Instead of two down and one on, Seal's nifty maneuver drew a throw that wound up in right field and pulled us within 7-3. The blue men and women smelled upset.
It turns out that smell was not an upset, but rather an unknown substance beyond the right field fence. Alas, the heavily-favored, fast-pitching defending league champion How I Met Your Rubber earned a 12-3 win.
The loss was the first for We Just Blue Ourselves since Oct. 14 and ended Blue's franchise-record 3-game win streak. Coach Nate Sandstrom said it was sad to see the end of the streak, but pointed out positives from the night, including Jason Crook kicking safely twice in his season debut and the free beer coupons they received from The Reserve.
Yet there were undeniably many things that went wrong on an otherwise beautiful Wednesday evening. Following the game, shortstop Mike Lawrence expressed dismay that had Blue eliminated a few errors that led to a pair of five-run innings things may have been different. Seated next to Lawrence, left fielder Jeff Britton added that the nachos were not all they were promised to be either.
"I feel the promoters' description of this plate as ample for the whole team was not accurate," Britton fumed to a reporter following the contest.
The Blue offense was also less than ample, with the opposing pitcher setting down the first seven batters in order before Ron, one of Blue's newest free agents, perfectly executed the ol' kick the ball in their face trick. Ron's kick sailed over the third base woman's head so that she threw it right into the face of her left fielder. Good work Ron!
Back-to-back hits by Angie Wanner and Britton plated Ronnie, but the inning stalled. Blue got their other run from none other than Allie "Ms. Runs" McLeod, who scored on Crook's first hit of the season. McLeod has scored in back-to-back games, looking to break her own record for most consecutive games with a run scored.
"I'm not sure about the accuracy of these records, but I'm just glad that I can continue racking stats," McLeod said after the game. "I'll be looking for a new contract after this season -- Mommy needs a new pair of shoes."
Game notes: McLeod repeated again after the game that she hates the name Ms. Runs .... Coach Sandstrom spent most of the post game lamenting to teammate Andrew McLeod that the Vote for the Worst blog had adopted Tim Urban over the equally-bad Aaron Kelly .... Katie Kellerman made her season debut ... The commissioner refused comment as to why the Rubber team is still in JV.
It turns out that smell was not an upset, but rather an unknown substance beyond the right field fence. Alas, the heavily-favored, fast-pitching defending league champion How I Met Your Rubber earned a 12-3 win.
The loss was the first for We Just Blue Ourselves since Oct. 14 and ended Blue's franchise-record 3-game win streak. Coach Nate Sandstrom said it was sad to see the end of the streak, but pointed out positives from the night, including Jason Crook kicking safely twice in his season debut and the free beer coupons they received from The Reserve.
Yet there were undeniably many things that went wrong on an otherwise beautiful Wednesday evening. Following the game, shortstop Mike Lawrence expressed dismay that had Blue eliminated a few errors that led to a pair of five-run innings things may have been different. Seated next to Lawrence, left fielder Jeff Britton added that the nachos were not all they were promised to be either.
"I feel the promoters' description of this plate as ample for the whole team was not accurate," Britton fumed to a reporter following the contest.
The Blue offense was also less than ample, with the opposing pitcher setting down the first seven batters in order before Ron, one of Blue's newest free agents, perfectly executed the ol' kick the ball in their face trick. Ron's kick sailed over the third base woman's head so that she threw it right into the face of her left fielder. Good work Ron!
Back-to-back hits by Angie Wanner and Britton plated Ronnie, but the inning stalled. Blue got their other run from none other than Allie "Ms. Runs" McLeod, who scored on Crook's first hit of the season. McLeod has scored in back-to-back games, looking to break her own record for most consecutive games with a run scored.
"I'm not sure about the accuracy of these records, but I'm just glad that I can continue racking stats," McLeod said after the game. "I'll be looking for a new contract after this season -- Mommy needs a new pair of shoes."
Game notes: McLeod repeated again after the game that she hates the name Ms. Runs .... Coach Sandstrom spent most of the post game lamenting to teammate Andrew McLeod that the Vote for the Worst blog had adopted Tim Urban over the equally-bad Aaron Kelly .... Katie Kellerman made her season debut ... The commissioner refused comment as to why the Rubber team is still in JV.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Another Week 2 Preview : The Coming Miracle on Grass
OK everyone, we have our home opener this week against the defending league champions, How I Met Your Rubber. Like us, they are on a two week layoff so we should try to jump on them early while they shake off the rust.
Last season we lost to this team 7-2, and it could have been worse. At first I thought about using the old Lou Holtz motivational strategy of telling you how much you suck and playing down any chance we had in my various press interviews in the lead up to game time. I couldn't find any video of these though, just some old newspaper clippings.
Instead, I've opted to include this speech from good ol' Herb Brooks who led the 1980 U.S. Hockey team to their monumental upset over the USSR. Please watch and change and mention of the word hockey with kickball; any mention of the word skate with run; also, do not take the phrase "screw 'em" literally.
The main point here is that even if they are the champions, if we step our game up we can score a major upset and secure a key win in our playoff push.
Go Blue!
Coach Nate
Last season we lost to this team 7-2, and it could have been worse. At first I thought about using the old Lou Holtz motivational strategy of telling you how much you suck and playing down any chance we had in my various press interviews in the lead up to game time. I couldn't find any video of these though, just some old newspaper clippings.
Instead, I've opted to include this speech from good ol' Herb Brooks who led the 1980 U.S. Hockey team to their monumental upset over the USSR. Please watch and change and mention of the word hockey with kickball; any mention of the word skate with run; also, do not take the phrase "screw 'em" literally.
The main point here is that even if they are the champions, if we step our game up we can score a major upset and secure a key win in our playoff push.
Go Blue!
Coach Nate
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Game 2 Preview: Don't Jinx It
Well, I'm not even going to mention that going back to last year we have our longest streak of something ever. I can't even say the w-word lest I jinx said streak.
I predict the wind and sun will allow us to play this evening, and since this game will be played while the sun is setting into the fielders' eyes, it is probably a good idea to bring sun glasses.
Tonight we meet Footjobs, who are off to a 2-0 start, already earning wins over the Federal Schwillbags and Brew Crew so they will be no easy task.
The good news is that our RPI went up in our off week as Lemon Balls beat the Slapahoe Tribe.
Not many coaching tips tonight, just wanted to say keep up the good work in the field: talk to your other fielders and continue to do a good job of limiting the runners by getting the ball to the middle rather than chasing them.
See everyone tonight!
Nate
I predict the wind and sun will allow us to play this evening, and since this game will be played while the sun is setting into the fielders' eyes, it is probably a good idea to bring sun glasses.
Tonight we meet Footjobs, who are off to a 2-0 start, already earning wins over the Federal Schwillbags and Brew Crew so they will be no easy task.
The good news is that our RPI went up in our off week as Lemon Balls beat the Slapahoe Tribe.
Not many coaching tips tonight, just wanted to say keep up the good work in the field: talk to your other fielders and continue to do a good job of limiting the runners by getting the ball to the middle rather than chasing them.
See everyone tonight!
Nate
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Game 1 Recap: Undefeated!
OK, guys our last game, if you can remember it, probably goes down as one of the greatest ever performances on mud.
We jumped on the Lemon Balls right away, with five of our first six batters scoring. After that, they pretty much just retreated to the mud and we ran away with it on the way to our first-ever "mercy rule" win.
That also ran our franchise win streak to three straight going back to last year, so good job everyone.
Here's a look at the stat sheet:
* Mark was stellar again leading off, dropping down three singles that resulted in three runs.
* Mike must have been channeling the Wizard out there at shortstop, as he was hauling in balls left and right, even recording all three outs one inning.
* Megan notched the team's first RBI of the year and knocked in another in the fourth
* Jeff tied for the team lead with three hits
* Ron showed he was not a rookie to be taken lightly by singling in his first two at bats
* Angie singled, knocked in a run and scored all before the game was ten minutes old. She also did a hell of a job reminding people when the play was at second.
* Seal picked up the win on the mound and also singled and knocked in a run at the plate
* Andrew earned a hold pitching and also had the first home run of the season
* Jenn made a sick play at third base on a line drive and also contributed to our big first inning with a walk
* Nate had just one hit, but he made it count by scoring from first on Allie's sac in the fourth
* Maybe we should nickname Allie Ms. Runs, cause she started a new run scoring streak. It seems she doesn't like that name too much though.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Game 1 Preview: If Life Gives You Lemon Balls, Turn Them Into Victory Guinesseses
Hi everyone,
We will take our second crack at the season opener this week on St. Patrick's Day. The coach will not place any restrictions on drinking before the game, as long as none of you make this list. It is also generally recommended that you are able to place one foot in front of the other and are able to hear us yelling "outside base" as you chug down the line.
First pitch is slated for 8:10 p.m. at Riverside Field #2 (aka the one farther from the road). We will be visiting the Lemon Balls. We have never played them before but I think they have been in the league before. I assume they are named after their favorite candies -- "soft sour balls that burst in your mouth" --but it is also possible they have affinity for the vintage "lemon ball" baseball seen above.
Not much more information on the scouting report. Due to the rain this past weekend we may not be able to get on the field but it is supposed to be sunny starting early Tuesday afternoon. I'll let you know as soon as I do if the game is canceled.
Nate
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