7/3/11- West Sunset- 4th of July

Happy Fourth of July!

Our BBQ and double header went off without a hitch, we had countless people playing, I think the player count high was 15-15 in the first game. Bob and John were out raking and watering the field when I got there, and we dropped some extra clay in the mound. By the time we started the game, the trickle of players had become a flood. It is a funny thing to hear every inning that the only people who didn't sit were the pitcher and catcher.

Johnny started for the homers and pitched well, Satch went for the visitors and did about the same. The warm sun was nice on the shoulders and the mph of the fastball was a little higher than usual.

The visitors took the lead and held it, keeping the homers from scoring for several innings. All shut outs must and do come to and end, and this was no exception. After five innings, it wasn't fair to stay in the game while others weren't able to, so I bowed out and let Dustin take over to get the rest of the game, before he got too heated on booze and sun.

The play of the game was made by John Nero who was playing shortstop, not his natural position (but one of 8 that he played for the day) who went to his left to get a ground ball, extended out and grabbed it, and then as he passed second, pulled off the perfect flip to the bag to get the 3rd out. Amazing. The game never got close, but the homers fought a good fight, just like our ancestors at Lexington and Concord.

BBQ:

Grass Fed Beef from Bob. A great bunch of Tri-Tip from Jake. Boudine Sausages from Johnny, Spicy veggie bean burgers from Cagle, and assorted goodies and sides from the rest of the players, and we were all in BBQ heaven. Thanks to those who brought grills and charcoal, and to Nero who brought the beans I had requested, and I ate my share!

Game 2:

The teams switched up a bit, and Sean showed up and was warm by the time the game was ready, and headed in to throw. He pitched well, and was looking sharp, but our bats were just too potent and our luck was there too. Greg started the second game for us, and looked real sharp. Both lasted through the first five, and then I took the bump again for the visitors and John Carey came on to pitch for the homers.

We had extra special guest umpire of Brian Phelps for the second game, which made it all the more exciting, especially with his official clothes and demeanor. He called a great game, and helped us all to stay on track, as the beer and the heat took over. Tim, who I guess was on the DL, also umpired, doing the field, and at one point arguing with Loren about the chair he had set up past the bag.

We had some people leave and we had a few others show up, and everyone seemed to have a great time.

The final of the second game was 12-3, visitors.

Highlights:

* Special thanks to all those who helped get the field ready, especially Paul, who came out on Saturday to start the work.

* John Nero, 8 positions, 1 man.

* Bob Carey threw out his own son on a steal attempt. I thought he might have been safe, but he slid past the bag to avoid the tag, and was off the backside of the base. Either way.

* Speaking of John Carey, he pitched great. He also rang me up on a questionable third strike in the first game.

* Lattig came out, after battling a fever, and played as well. Then enjoyed some sun in right field.

* Jon McG, Liam and Aiden all had good days at the plate

* Brian Phelps was the winner of the A.O.Y Bad Sportsman award. We are all proud of him, and hope that he takes it with same class and stature that he handles himself with in every game, playing hurt, umpiring, safety meeting coordinating, the list just goes on!

* Dennis made his first appearance in the field since the broken ankle and didn't re-injure himself,which we were all happy to see

* I pitched around Loren for three straight counts, and he finally got a ripping single off the wall

* Tony came out in his civvies, and then, of course, decided he wanted to bat, and hit a double.

* Some hard come backers were all gobbled up by the pitchers

* Rich and Mitch were on the same team for the first game, and batted one after another. That probably wasn't fair

* Mitch was an asset offensive and defensively all day, including a Rickey run, where he stole two bases and came home on a passed ball

* Greg and didn't quite work out the 1st and 3rd situation, resulting in a thrown ball that at least didn't hit me

* My buddy George, who had not been involved in anything baseball related since he was 9, played both games, made some good plays in the outfield and got on base by the end of the day, thanks for the fun, George!

* Bob took one off the shoe in the first game, to make it official

* Noah helped me in the second game, giving me some good advice from third base, and we were all happy that he walked the line this year, more so than last year.... :)

* Ben showed up again, and oversaw all of the field work, including the hose team

* JT and his younger daughter were both out and having fun. The swing is right on, just needs to make contact!

* Jay brought out some pictures, his arm was hurting him so he just hung out and enjoyed the vibe, thanks for the pics and the support

* I have probably forgotten a lot of things, so let me know what should be added, Thanks to all who showed, hope it was a great time, I know I had fun

S. Paige