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
Monday, April 12, 2010
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
Monday, November 16, 2009
Game 7 Recap: Best Win Ever
Well, the playoffs get under way this week and we will be on the outside looking in. However, we did a great job of rallying to win our final two games and nearly get our first bid. The last game was particularly memorable as we got our biggest win ever.
In case you forgot, we were able to build a big lead early, after scoring one in the first, three in the second and six in the third to build a 10-0 lead. Seal lost his bid for a perfect game in the bottom of the third, but we were still able to hold on for a 13-2 win.
There were quite a few great individual performances, here's the highlight reel:
Mike led off our big third inning with a hit and then scored on a sac fly. He was 2-4 with two runs scored and was firing peas across the year. Hollywood execs are in talks to make a "Rookie of the Year" sequel based on young Mike's fine first season.
Like Deion Sanders so many years ago, Jason had no problem making it to games before jet setting around the country. Like Popeye popping a can of spinach, our vaunted number two kicker powered down a Red Bull and Vodka and then powered the offense. In his first at bat he did some fine dancing around the ball to draw a walk, before adding a sac RBI in the third. Crook has also been nominated for drunkest player after the game.
What a night for Buntin' Becca! She had been feeling down because she had missed our previous two wins, but in this game she made sure she would experience victory and played a little rough. At the plate, B-Doc was a perfect 4-4 again at the plate scoring two runs. She also had a good game at third, eyeing up which bunts were going to roll foul.
As if one seventh inning home run wasn't enough, Jeff ran the team's steak of games with last innign homers to two. In all, he tallied 4 RBI's on the night and made several good catches in left. He also endured my raid on his house as I was searching for my cell phone.
Andrew also had two hits in a score, and earned a hold in a relief appearance. Even more importantly, he was tracking down fly balls like a mad men in right field, making him likely to earn a gold glove. After the game, he also shared his secrets of his fantasy football success.
Angie had a big night at the plate, going 3-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Even better was her throws back to the pitcher as the catcher.
Seal was also 2-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. He also won his second game on the mound as he retired the side in the first two innings. You knew he was going to be on that night, just watch his confidence striding to the mound.
Mark made the move to the left side of the outfield and made some good catches. Even better, he was a perfect 3-3 at the plate with two runs. I was going to describe Mark's munting skills too, but when I Googled munting I found some disgusting definitions of the word; search at your own risk.
Jackie returned after a series of early games and was a big-time contributor. She was 3-3 including a 2-RBI double that pushed us ahead 10-0. She also played a mean game at first and I think recorded a key put-out on a throw from Mike.
Tim was also back and got a hit, scored and created a signature style with his over-the-shoulder outfield catches. His and Andrew's outfield play on the right side was very key in keeping Kick in the Grass down.
Nate broke out of a slump with two hits and two RBIs, and most importantly dried out the scorebook after the other team kicked beer on it. He then battled Jason for drunkest person of the game. Those bastards!
Allie didn't have her best hitting day, but did call a great game behind the plate and really worked the umpire to get strikes. She is also in the running for Assistant Coach of the Year for the crafty way she drew up the defense on her iPod touch.
Well, it was a very fun season and we set a franchise record for wins. See you at the end of the year party Dec. 12!
In case you forgot, we were able to build a big lead early, after scoring one in the first, three in the second and six in the third to build a 10-0 lead. Seal lost his bid for a perfect game in the bottom of the third, but we were still able to hold on for a 13-2 win.
There were quite a few great individual performances, here's the highlight reel:
Mike led off our big third inning with a hit and then scored on a sac fly. He was 2-4 with two runs scored and was firing peas across the year. Hollywood execs are in talks to make a "Rookie of the Year" sequel based on young Mike's fine first season.
Like Deion Sanders so many years ago, Jason had no problem making it to games before jet setting around the country. Like Popeye popping a can of spinach, our vaunted number two kicker powered down a Red Bull and Vodka and then powered the offense. In his first at bat he did some fine dancing around the ball to draw a walk, before adding a sac RBI in the third. Crook has also been nominated for drunkest player after the game.
What a night for Buntin' Becca! She had been feeling down because she had missed our previous two wins, but in this game she made sure she would experience victory and played a little rough. At the plate, B-Doc was a perfect 4-4 again at the plate scoring two runs. She also had a good game at third, eyeing up which bunts were going to roll foul.
As if one seventh inning home run wasn't enough, Jeff ran the team's steak of games with last innign homers to two. In all, he tallied 4 RBI's on the night and made several good catches in left. He also endured my raid on his house as I was searching for my cell phone.
Andrew also had two hits in a score, and earned a hold in a relief appearance. Even more importantly, he was tracking down fly balls like a mad men in right field, making him likely to earn a gold glove. After the game, he also shared his secrets of his fantasy football success.
Angie had a big night at the plate, going 3-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Even better was her throws back to the pitcher as the catcher.
Seal was also 2-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. He also won his second game on the mound as he retired the side in the first two innings. You knew he was going to be on that night, just watch his confidence striding to the mound.
Mark made the move to the left side of the outfield and made some good catches. Even better, he was a perfect 3-3 at the plate with two runs. I was going to describe Mark's munting skills too, but when I Googled munting I found some disgusting definitions of the word; search at your own risk.
Jackie returned after a series of early games and was a big-time contributor. She was 3-3 including a 2-RBI double that pushed us ahead 10-0. She also played a mean game at first and I think recorded a key put-out on a throw from Mike.
Tim was also back and got a hit, scored and created a signature style with his over-the-shoulder outfield catches. His and Andrew's outfield play on the right side was very key in keeping Kick in the Grass down.
Nate broke out of a slump with two hits and two RBIs, and most importantly dried out the scorebook after the other team kicked beer on it. He then battled Jason for drunkest person of the game. Those bastards!
Allie didn't have her best hitting day, but did call a great game behind the plate and really worked the umpire to get strikes. She is also in the running for Assistant Coach of the Year for the crafty way she drew up the defense on her iPod touch.
Well, it was a very fun season and we set a franchise record for wins. See you at the end of the year party Dec. 12!
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