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.
Monday, April 20, 2009
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.
Monday, March 16, 2009
This Week in Kickball: March 16
Hi all-
Hope everyone is off to a good start to their week. The dreary weather is supposed to clear out tomorrow morning and all the Maryland fans should be in good spirits for the Terps' inclusion in the bracket.
Game time for this week is 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Latrobe Park, Upper Field 2. If you've never been there, you can park in the school parking lot or along most of Fort Ave. (just pay attention to signs).
It sounds like most everybody has played before, but if you want a refresher on the rules, link here. There are not too many new rules this year, but here is a short version of what they talked about at the meeting:
• for those who were with us last year, the most pertinent is that any team can now be penalized for the bench standing too close to the field. Just remember to watch this.
• the league said there will be random roster checks, so bring a photo ID if you can, just in case we get checked
• If two runners are on the same base at the same time, the fielder has the choice of tagging either runner. The tagged runner is out, the other is safe.
• Every team has turn in a lineup before the game starts. Angie will take care of this, I'm only mentioning because they said they were going to be stricter about following the lineups this year so everyone needs to pay attention.
Sorry that it didn't work out so that everyone had a chance to meet before the first game. We will have shirts at the field for the first game, we are sapphire blue. We are the same color as last year, so if you want to wear a shirt from last year, that is fine too.
This week, we play "Kick in the Box," not to be confused with the SNL video. They were also off last week, so it will be Opening Day for both of us.
Hope everyone is off to a good start to their week. The dreary weather is supposed to clear out tomorrow morning and all the Maryland fans should be in good spirits for the Terps' inclusion in the bracket.
Game time for this week is 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Latrobe Park, Upper Field 2. If you've never been there, you can park in the school parking lot or along most of Fort Ave. (just pay attention to signs).
It sounds like most everybody has played before, but if you want a refresher on the rules, link here. There are not too many new rules this year, but here is a short version of what they talked about at the meeting:
• for those who were with us last year, the most pertinent is that any team can now be penalized for the bench standing too close to the field. Just remember to watch this.
• the league said there will be random roster checks, so bring a photo ID if you can, just in case we get checked
• If two runners are on the same base at the same time, the fielder has the choice of tagging either runner. The tagged runner is out, the other is safe.
• Every team has turn in a lineup before the game starts. Angie will take care of this, I'm only mentioning because they said they were going to be stricter about following the lineups this year so everyone needs to pay attention.
Sorry that it didn't work out so that everyone had a chance to meet before the first game. We will have shirts at the field for the first game, we are sapphire blue. We are the same color as last year, so if you want to wear a shirt from last year, that is fine too.
This week, we play "Kick in the Box," not to be confused with the SNL video. They were also off last week, so it will be Opening Day for both of us.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Memo from the coach
(the following message was also mailed to the team mailing list)
Hi everyone --
We are just one week away from the start of the season, on Wednesday March 11 (unless we get a bye the first week).
The final schedule is due to be out by "late this week," which I take to mean this Friday. I will get you the link and have the schedule up on the blog as as soon as that happens.
Today's important news is that we have added four free agents to round out the team -- Atlie, Jeff, Michael and Noah. Also joining the team this year for those who don't know them is Matt Seal (part of the Towson U. alum contingency) and Jackie Ernest (Jason's sister).
In order for everyone to have a chance to meet each other I am scheduling two events:
• Those who can make it are invited to a team Happy Hour on Friday at our official post-game headquarters — City Limits Sports Bar, which is across the street from where we play our games, Latrobe Park. I will be wearing my sapphire blue jersey and a Minnesota Twins hat for those who don't know me. We will plan to start at 6:30 p.m. and hang out wherever.
I am going to the coaches meeting on Thursday night so I will also update you on any new rules on Friday.
• Due to a revised forecast with no rain, we will again go for practice on Sunday at Latrobe Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.ish.
Any questions? Shoot me an e-mail or give me a call. Looking forward to the weekend and a new season!
-- Nate
Hi everyone --
We are just one week away from the start of the season, on Wednesday March 11 (unless we get a bye the first week).
The final schedule is due to be out by "late this week," which I take to mean this Friday. I will get you the link and have the schedule up on the blog as as soon as that happens.
Today's important news is that we have added four free agents to round out the team -- Atlie, Jeff, Michael and Noah. Also joining the team this year for those who don't know them is Matt Seal (part of the Towson U. alum contingency) and Jackie Ernest (Jason's sister).
In order for everyone to have a chance to meet each other I am scheduling two events:
• Those who can make it are invited to a team Happy Hour on Friday at our official post-game headquarters — City Limits Sports Bar, which is across the street from where we play our games, Latrobe Park. I will be wearing my sapphire blue jersey and a Minnesota Twins hat for those who don't know me. We will plan to start at 6:30 p.m. and hang out wherever.
I am going to the coaches meeting on Thursday night so I will also update you on any new rules on Friday.
• Due to a revised forecast with no rain, we will again go for practice on Sunday at Latrobe Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.ish.
Any questions? Shoot me an e-mail or give me a call. Looking forward to the weekend and a new season!
-- Nate
Monday, March 2, 2009
Official communications from the league office
Well, weather canceled practice for the second straight week, but I guess we can't expect much else from March. Smarch is supposed to be even worse this year.
That said, our league office sent out an e-mail at 1 a.m. this Sunday with the following announcements:
1) The league rules meeting is this Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. No one really needs to go but me. There are league-sponsored Coors Light specials following that meeting at Don't Know and Pickled Parrot. I believe Don't Know is still under boycott status for most of our team so not sure whether we will be going there.
2) The final spring schedule is supposed to be released the same night.
No word on our free agents and given the forecast I'm not sure about the next date for a potential practice. More updates as they come.
--Nate
That said, our league office sent out an e-mail at 1 a.m. this Sunday with the following announcements:
1) The league rules meeting is this Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. No one really needs to go but me. There are league-sponsored Coors Light specials following that meeting at Don't Know and Pickled Parrot. I believe Don't Know is still under boycott status for most of our team so not sure whether we will be going there.
2) The final spring schedule is supposed to be released the same night.
No word on our free agents and given the forecast I'm not sure about the next date for a potential practice. More updates as they come.
--Nate
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