Courtesy of Nick Smith, here are the pics from our annual BBQ.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
10/9/11- West Sunset
The Blue Angels were heard a few times but never seen, which was fine with us. Aiden walked around with his fingers in his ears for a half hour, just in case. We had to wait for the league game to finish up, so we didn't get started until about 3:15. The fog stayed around for a the first few innings and then it got sunny and hard to see, warm, but muggy. We were 12-11, but everyone did real well at taking their turns at sitting and making sure that everyone got to play. Nice work everyone, and thank you!
AOY 2011 Brian Phelps started for the home team, and he definitely brought his A game. His crafty pitching racked up 6 Ks in about 5 innings of work, and he had some nice footwork on the mound as well. Satch started for the visitors, and didn't do horribly, but what a lineup to face! Every power lefty in the MBC decided to face me, one after another, and they all whacked me around. It was one of the stronger batting lineups ever assembled
And true to it's talent the Homers took the lead early, and held it for the whole game. We were looking down the barrel of a 7-2 game before we knew what had happened. Inning by inning we scratched our way back, and for a time, we actually kept the monsters at bay. By the middle innings, we actually had clawed our way back to a one run game, 7-6. We savored it, and then the home team woke up again and started busting us up again like a cheap pinata.
I had bowed out with the close game, and sent in Tony Rojas to throw. He did well, managed to strike out a few, but the batters were just too many, and the runs started to pile up again. Phelps went out around the same time and in came the new old guy, who had a live arm but not as much control. He threw effectively wild for a few innings and then Sean came in to close the game. Yeah, that really inspired our late inning rally hopes. In any case, we died on the vine, final score 12ish-7?
Highlights:
* Brian pitched a hell of a game!
* Rich, Sean, Loren, that is a line up you face in Hell.
* There were a lot of really hard hit balls, but my defense did a great job of keeping them to singles.
* The knuckle ball was working, especially with Bob, again
* Rojas pitched to someone other than Greg for the first time!
* Rich hit the highest pop fly I have seen in a long time, and Duane made a nice catch, after moving his face out of the way at the last moment.
* I was warned about my pine tar use in non-batting situations, however, I still maintain plausible deniability.
* Tim was a no show, but hope that he knows that all is well and he is welcome to play
* We had a crazy double play to end a threatening inning, something like 6-4-3-4-2
* I stole a base Ricky-style, stay low, early jump, mad dog the pitcher the first 10 steps
* Right field proved to be Candyland for batters, as the fielder was completely blinded by about the 4th inning
* Gaspar's special lady friend, Laura came out to root and stayed the whole game!
* Bob got hit twice, once in the foot, one in the leg. You know how you kill a redwood Bob, you go for the roots.
* Duane took his base after getting plunked, with the sound rationale that it "fucking hurt.". He came around to score. That is how the visitors scored our runs....
* Tony played 1st base, which I have never seen, and then proceeded to have about 10 hard hit liners all around him, including one that almost took his head off
* I broke my slump with a pure hit up the middle with a RBI, and a gork to right. I also struck/foul tipped out on the best pitch to hit that I had all day, still not sure how I didn't get all of it. Nice pitch Brian, and even better catch Bob!
* Phelps doesn't think I got it in me to regain the AOY title in 2012. Sounds suspiciously like a challenge.
* Chris had one of the prettiest hits of the day
* News from the Wild West, John Carey loves his new school, and is starting to like his horse, named Delightful. He changed his mind after he had to ride the back up mount for a few days. The back up's name was Moped.
* The kangaroo court will continue to levy warnings and fines for conduct ruled as off base, but I will be paying the fine to Bob personally from my own wallet, and it will be up to the defendant to make it right. If you think its an unfair ruling, we can talk about it and see what can be done, and 99% of the time I am sure that a resolution can be found. If you don't like it, there's plenty of leagues out there.
Same time, same place.
S. Paige
AOY 2011 Brian Phelps started for the home team, and he definitely brought his A game. His crafty pitching racked up 6 Ks in about 5 innings of work, and he had some nice footwork on the mound as well. Satch started for the visitors, and didn't do horribly, but what a lineup to face! Every power lefty in the MBC decided to face me, one after another, and they all whacked me around. It was one of the stronger batting lineups ever assembled
And true to it's talent the Homers took the lead early, and held it for the whole game. We were looking down the barrel of a 7-2 game before we knew what had happened. Inning by inning we scratched our way back, and for a time, we actually kept the monsters at bay. By the middle innings, we actually had clawed our way back to a one run game, 7-6. We savored it, and then the home team woke up again and started busting us up again like a cheap pinata.
I had bowed out with the close game, and sent in Tony Rojas to throw. He did well, managed to strike out a few, but the batters were just too many, and the runs started to pile up again. Phelps went out around the same time and in came the new old guy, who had a live arm but not as much control. He threw effectively wild for a few innings and then Sean came in to close the game. Yeah, that really inspired our late inning rally hopes. In any case, we died on the vine, final score 12ish-7?
Highlights:
* Brian pitched a hell of a game!
* Rich, Sean, Loren, that is a line up you face in Hell.
* There were a lot of really hard hit balls, but my defense did a great job of keeping them to singles.
* The knuckle ball was working, especially with Bob, again
* Rojas pitched to someone other than Greg for the first time!
* Rich hit the highest pop fly I have seen in a long time, and Duane made a nice catch, after moving his face out of the way at the last moment.
* I was warned about my pine tar use in non-batting situations, however, I still maintain plausible deniability.
* Tim was a no show, but hope that he knows that all is well and he is welcome to play
* We had a crazy double play to end a threatening inning, something like 6-4-3-4-2
* I stole a base Ricky-style, stay low, early jump, mad dog the pitcher the first 10 steps
* Right field proved to be Candyland for batters, as the fielder was completely blinded by about the 4th inning
* Gaspar's special lady friend, Laura came out to root and stayed the whole game!
* Bob got hit twice, once in the foot, one in the leg. You know how you kill a redwood Bob, you go for the roots.
* Duane took his base after getting plunked, with the sound rationale that it "fucking hurt.". He came around to score. That is how the visitors scored our runs....
* Tony played 1st base, which I have never seen, and then proceeded to have about 10 hard hit liners all around him, including one that almost took his head off
* I broke my slump with a pure hit up the middle with a RBI, and a gork to right. I also struck/foul tipped out on the best pitch to hit that I had all day, still not sure how I didn't get all of it. Nice pitch Brian, and even better catch Bob!
* Phelps doesn't think I got it in me to regain the AOY title in 2012. Sounds suspiciously like a challenge.
* Chris had one of the prettiest hits of the day
* News from the Wild West, John Carey loves his new school, and is starting to like his horse, named Delightful. He changed his mind after he had to ride the back up mount for a few days. The back up's name was Moped.
* The kangaroo court will continue to levy warnings and fines for conduct ruled as off base, but I will be paying the fine to Bob personally from my own wallet, and it will be up to the defendant to make it right. If you think its an unfair ruling, we can talk about it and see what can be done, and 99% of the time I am sure that a resolution can be found. If you don't like it, there's plenty of leagues out there.
Same time, same place.
S. Paige
Friday, October 7, 2011
In Lieu of Hits.
So the Yankees lost, so we can all enjoy that.
The rest of the playoffs are at least proving to be interesting, I am rooting for the Tigers, cuz it's been a while. Or the Rangers, since they were nice enough to lose to us last year. The Brew Crew or D-backs wouldn't be bad either, I love an underdog.
Since I am currently in an 0-9 slump, I thought I would post some footage of proof that I did get a hit at some point. And also a fly out. Thanks to Adam Pfahler for shooting it and sending it to me.
The rest of the playoffs are at least proving to be interesting, I am rooting for the Tigers, cuz it's been a while. Or the Rangers, since they were nice enough to lose to us last year. The Brew Crew or D-backs wouldn't be bad either, I love an underdog.
Since I am currently in an 0-9 slump, I thought I would post some footage of proof that I did get a hit at some point. And also a fly out. Thanks to Adam Pfahler for shooting it and sending it to me.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Spiraling out of Control- A Correction
Sincere Apologies to Tim Farr, as we got the his side of the story that he did solicit other people to catch and no one jumped (bunch of lazy humps...), so he stayed in.
The take home message- With high attendance games, no one should play every inning, including pitchers and catchers. Sorry, for those that want the CG, but wait until we have 15 and have need for that sort of thing.
As for the strike call, I was over that 2 seconds after it happened, and my protestations were purely for literary fodder. Sorry Tim, if you thought I was really bothered by that. I know I'll have another shot at striking out soon enough.
In closing, we value Tim as a member in good standing with the MBC, and he is here by cleared of all charges relating to the game on Sunday, October 2, 2011.
Thank you.
S. Paige
The take home message- With high attendance games, no one should play every inning, including pitchers and catchers. Sorry, for those that want the CG, but wait until we have 15 and have need for that sort of thing.
As for the strike call, I was over that 2 seconds after it happened, and my protestations were purely for literary fodder. Sorry Tim, if you thought I was really bothered by that. I know I'll have another shot at striking out soon enough.
In closing, we value Tim as a member in good standing with the MBC, and he is here by cleared of all charges relating to the game on Sunday, October 2, 2011.
Thank you.
S. Paige
10/2/11- Moscone Field
What a great way to come back to the game. Of course, I am surprised as anyone that I actually was allowed to play so soon, but hey, Mrs. Paige is a very special person.
And the icing on the cake was it was a the fabled return of Mr. Peter Van Schaik, who, after a long sojourn in Connecticut, graced us with his presence for the day, and he did everything, field, hit, drop balls, strike out. Unfortunately, this visit was not indicative of things to come, but hey, a path is made by laying a single stone at a time. There's a stoner joke in there somewhere but I can't find it.
For a day that was supposed to rain, we lucked out, and only had a short period of strange light where the clouds looked ominous, then the sun came out again and we were good. We ended up with 14-14, a rather large number, and there were enough representatives to get a old guys versus new guys game together. So we did.
The new guys ran away with it, no other way to put it. We started out strong, Pete scored our first run, and we put up another and we were in the lead 2-1 for at least a while. Johnny started for the homers and Sean was on the hill for the visitors. Well, those two runs must have really scorched Sean's pride, because he settled down into strike out mode and ended up with about 10 K's and a complete game. Ouch. Johnny did his best to hold back the tide, but there were some real strong bats to contend with on the visiting team.
We flailed away, and our defense, while being mature and well rounded, couldn't keep up with the hit parade. By the time I came in to pitch, the visitors were up 4-2, and we kept that for a good long while, but we just couldn't score a run, or really even get a decent rally going. Maybe we were distracted by all the visitors, Dani came out to root for us, as did Pete's kids and wife, and Ed's kids and his wife and a host of others.
We convinced the homers to keep playing, since we could, but it just got worse, and in the last inning, the visitors started to really exploit the weaknesses, and put up at least another 3 runs. I left before we got our final licks, but I am not holding out too much hope for late breaking news of a big comeback.
On a serious note, We got a bit of club business to take care of. Tim is being fined $5 by the kangaroo court for refusing to sit out in a game that was 14-14. He was specifically asked about it and he chose to ignore it, and even continued to play into extra innings. I have been itching to play for the last 3 weeks, and I still sat out for two innings. The team had ample back up catchers. Not acceptable, sorry Tim. You can pay the fine to Bob, who will verify to the court that it's been taken care of. Everyone else, pay attention. The fine and punishments go up exponentially, now that everyone is aware of the rules.
Highlights:
* Pete made a number of great catches in short right field, like he never missed a day
* Duane played a great 1st sack, digging out some balls that would have been hits for us usually.
* Rich, as usual, killed it at SS
* Sean's performance was awesome.
* We got out of a bases loaded jam, to keep the score close, that was satisfying.
* JT made a number of great catches in right field, which we know is not his favorite position
* Rick had a great hit, and then slightly re-injured himself. At least it was a solid hit, get well soon!
* Jay also had a hit and then a flare up of a nagging injury, rehabbing is a slow process, sometimes, as much as it sucks, you have to go for complete rest
* I now have an 0-9 slump going, with 2 strikeouts, and about 6 ground balls that never made it past the grass of the infield
* Richie was foiled in a foot blocking the bag steal attempt. One of our many rally enders
* I threw a fast ball and had my body buckle under me, that could have been a lot worse
* We kept score officially, or as officially as the MBC is going to get
* Tony had a nice rope early on to get our only run production started
* Dennis also had a few hits and continued to put his recently healed ankle in peril
* Thanks to Nick Smith for keeping everybody in line and demanding that people sat out their fair share (for our team anyway...)
* With a few exceptions, most of the runs for the visitors were earned, just solid singles.
* Mitch had a great battle at the plate that ended with a line drive
* I was K'd looking on a pitch that was low. To end the 9th inning. Real low. Tim should be fined another $5 for that, but as a participant in the event and official of the kangaroo court, I think that would cross into malicious use of process. MBC law dogs please verify that this is the proper use of this legal term. And yeah, I probably should be swinging with 2 strikes, if you want to be a dick about it.
* We were helped by a infield fly rule as well. Sad game when that is a highlight for us
* Aiden looked good chasing the soccer ball around and kicking it into the fence, I would love to play soccer if I could run more than 90 feet at a time
* Noah might have had 2 hits and 2 stolen bases!
* We almost had Noah picked off at third, but I couldn't hold on to the ball, and then fell over. I really thought I still had it. My glove needs re-lacing officially, I have noticed that its a lot floppier with the laces all broken.
I may even make it out next week, but it's a crap shoot. Thanks again Pete for the appearance, lets do it again soon, big guy.
S. Paige
And the icing on the cake was it was a the fabled return of Mr. Peter Van Schaik, who, after a long sojourn in Connecticut, graced us with his presence for the day, and he did everything, field, hit, drop balls, strike out. Unfortunately, this visit was not indicative of things to come, but hey, a path is made by laying a single stone at a time. There's a stoner joke in there somewhere but I can't find it.
For a day that was supposed to rain, we lucked out, and only had a short period of strange light where the clouds looked ominous, then the sun came out again and we were good. We ended up with 14-14, a rather large number, and there were enough representatives to get a old guys versus new guys game together. So we did.
The new guys ran away with it, no other way to put it. We started out strong, Pete scored our first run, and we put up another and we were in the lead 2-1 for at least a while. Johnny started for the homers and Sean was on the hill for the visitors. Well, those two runs must have really scorched Sean's pride, because he settled down into strike out mode and ended up with about 10 K's and a complete game. Ouch. Johnny did his best to hold back the tide, but there were some real strong bats to contend with on the visiting team.
We flailed away, and our defense, while being mature and well rounded, couldn't keep up with the hit parade. By the time I came in to pitch, the visitors were up 4-2, and we kept that for a good long while, but we just couldn't score a run, or really even get a decent rally going. Maybe we were distracted by all the visitors, Dani came out to root for us, as did Pete's kids and wife, and Ed's kids and his wife and a host of others.
We convinced the homers to keep playing, since we could, but it just got worse, and in the last inning, the visitors started to really exploit the weaknesses, and put up at least another 3 runs. I left before we got our final licks, but I am not holding out too much hope for late breaking news of a big comeback.
On a serious note, We got a bit of club business to take care of. Tim is being fined $5 by the kangaroo court for refusing to sit out in a game that was 14-14. He was specifically asked about it and he chose to ignore it, and even continued to play into extra innings. I have been itching to play for the last 3 weeks, and I still sat out for two innings. The team had ample back up catchers. Not acceptable, sorry Tim. You can pay the fine to Bob, who will verify to the court that it's been taken care of. Everyone else, pay attention. The fine and punishments go up exponentially, now that everyone is aware of the rules.
Highlights:
* Pete made a number of great catches in short right field, like he never missed a day
* Duane played a great 1st sack, digging out some balls that would have been hits for us usually.
* Rich, as usual, killed it at SS
* Sean's performance was awesome.
* We got out of a bases loaded jam, to keep the score close, that was satisfying.
* JT made a number of great catches in right field, which we know is not his favorite position
* Rick had a great hit, and then slightly re-injured himself. At least it was a solid hit, get well soon!
* Jay also had a hit and then a flare up of a nagging injury, rehabbing is a slow process, sometimes, as much as it sucks, you have to go for complete rest
* I now have an 0-9 slump going, with 2 strikeouts, and about 6 ground balls that never made it past the grass of the infield
* Richie was foiled in a foot blocking the bag steal attempt. One of our many rally enders
* I threw a fast ball and had my body buckle under me, that could have been a lot worse
* We kept score officially, or as officially as the MBC is going to get
* Tony had a nice rope early on to get our only run production started
* Dennis also had a few hits and continued to put his recently healed ankle in peril
* Thanks to Nick Smith for keeping everybody in line and demanding that people sat out their fair share (for our team anyway...)
* With a few exceptions, most of the runs for the visitors were earned, just solid singles.
* Mitch had a great battle at the plate that ended with a line drive
* I was K'd looking on a pitch that was low. To end the 9th inning. Real low. Tim should be fined another $5 for that, but as a participant in the event and official of the kangaroo court, I think that would cross into malicious use of process. MBC law dogs please verify that this is the proper use of this legal term. And yeah, I probably should be swinging with 2 strikes, if you want to be a dick about it.
* We were helped by a infield fly rule as well. Sad game when that is a highlight for us
* Aiden looked good chasing the soccer ball around and kicking it into the fence, I would love to play soccer if I could run more than 90 feet at a time
* Noah might have had 2 hits and 2 stolen bases!
* We almost had Noah picked off at third, but I couldn't hold on to the ball, and then fell over. I really thought I still had it. My glove needs re-lacing officially, I have noticed that its a lot floppier with the laces all broken.
I may even make it out next week, but it's a crap shoot. Thanks again Pete for the appearance, lets do it again soon, big guy.
S. Paige
Monday, September 26, 2011
9/25/11- Cop Field
It was another good turnout at the Cop field, not a great day, and thanks to John McG for doing the Recon on the post rain damage. John called me and gave me a verbal recap of the game.
It was a real blowout, the final score was somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-5. Greg pitched and had zero defense helping him, John fessed up to at least 10 dropped ground balls, although he managed to turn a line out double play, he still felt like he let down the team. These are the times when it is nice to know that these games don't mean anything. From the sounds of it, everyone had the dropsies. Adam lost a few and at first and quit to play catcher and even Rich had some throwing errors! Oh well, it happens to everyone.
There was a 3 inning exhibition game at the end, and the team that got walloped managed to eke out a one run win, so nice to have some balance. Paul made some amazing plays, Lattig robbed Rich of a sure fire home run, Tim came out looking svelte, Greg, a returning player pitched fire.
Here with some more recap highlights is Brian Phelps, who pitched for the winning team:
* I gave up 2 in the 1st and was shaken early. But I composed myself and with Noah behind the dish held the visitors to 4 runs.
It was a real blowout, the final score was somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-5. Greg pitched and had zero defense helping him, John fessed up to at least 10 dropped ground balls, although he managed to turn a line out double play, he still felt like he let down the team. These are the times when it is nice to know that these games don't mean anything. From the sounds of it, everyone had the dropsies. Adam lost a few and at first and quit to play catcher and even Rich had some throwing errors! Oh well, it happens to everyone.
There was a 3 inning exhibition game at the end, and the team that got walloped managed to eke out a one run win, so nice to have some balance. Paul made some amazing plays, Lattig robbed Rich of a sure fire home run, Tim came out looking svelte, Greg, a returning player pitched fire.
Here with some more recap highlights is Brian Phelps, who pitched for the winning team:
* Greg had a good 1st inning and that was about all. He was rocked for 17(?) runs, most unearned.
* Rich probably recorded the longest out in Mission history, thanks to Lattig playing 430 feet deep.
* Greg hit about everyone in sight. Tried to pick-off Duane at 2nd... hit him in the back. Hit Bob (to make the game official) at 3rd from left field. The other person Greg hit at second was Elvin... and then Tim got hit going into 3rd. I beaned Elvin's friend with a curve after getting him 0-2.
* McGrath let about 10 ground ball get by him
* Dennis had a "Let Timmy Smoke" shirt on. I was going to bean him, but then saw his shirt.
* Noah, after catching 7 innnings, relieved me and had a good outing.
* Greg relieved Greg, the former being Elvin's friend, and pitched really good.
* I was 5 for 6 with 5 runs scored.
* Duane had a great day at the plate. Before his 1st AB, he asked if I wanted to go infront of him, I told him "No", as long as he gets a hit. He roped one and started a rally. He stayed in that mindset all game.
* Elvin, unsuccessfully, bunted with a 14 run lead and promptly got scolded. Karma got him to pop out. In another AB, he ran all the way to 1st base with the bat because he thought he was going to get out.
* Once again, Jay was baffled at my pitching success. Because all I do is throw "skittles".
* Chris dropped a routine fly ball in center, but recovered and threw a runner out at third, saying "don't test me".
And a final note from the man himself, Greg Snyder, recipient of the hard luck day:
That was one of the worst Missionings I've ever gotten. I think I kept my smile on, though. For the record, I only hit base runners, no batters were harmed. The other runner I hit was Elvin early in the game,but he deserved it.
And a final note from the man himself, Greg Snyder, recipient of the hard luck day:
That was one of the worst Missionings I've ever gotten. I think I kept my smile on, though. For the record, I only hit base runners, no batters were harmed. The other runner I hit was Elvin early in the game,but he deserved it.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
9/18/11- Cop Field
Since
I am out on the BL, I am throwing the reporting duties to the MBC'rs, en masse.
I will list every contributor and their review of the game.
Hope you enjoy!
The
first contribution is Mike Gaspar, who took the bump to close the game.
After
Greg pitched six great innings and Lattig pitched two good ones, it was decided
that I would come in and mop up the 9th. With an 8 run lead, what could
go wrong?
I
hit the first batter, Mitch, with a 40 mph fastball, no biggie. And then
the hit and error parade started. A few balls were crushed, some runs
scored, a sure fire double play was broken up a bad hop and we didn't
get even one. Duane made an amazing catch to rob Rick of an extra base
hit, but had trouble with a ball that bounced off many body parts and fell in.
The visitors smelled blood in the water, and eventually took a one run
lead. I caught Rick's sky ball in the infield for the final out of the
inning, after falling to the ground.
The
homers tied up the game on a single by Richie and a triple by Carter, off his
brother. Greg chopped one to Tim, who threw home to kill the rally.
On to the 10th, Johnny came in, and gave it ol' 1-2-3, then I lead off
the bottom of the 10th with a single up the middle, 2nd on a wild pitch, and then
game hero Duane, who ripped one up the middle to score the winning run.
14-13!
Bring
your sunglasses, its that time of year.
Next
up is Jay Cellini's recap:
Sunday’s game
was a classic. The weather was actually baseball
weather! Balmy, warm, relaxing. What a
day! Unfortunately it seemed that none of my teammates were used to
this weather as everyone seemed sluggish. The game was
relatively boring until about the 7th when what looked to be rout turned into a
nail biter.
Jay,
naturally, continued his explosive hitting going 2 for 5 with a ripped single
and towering double. Oh yeah, baby. On one at bat, I was
called out on a close play at first, which I think I beat. It was an excellent fielding play by the
1st baseman.
The
game then settled down into a snore until about the 7th when the visitors
caught fire and took batting practice for approximately 10 runs against some
poor sucker named Mike (sorry Mike). Score 13-12,
visitors.
Anyway
back to the action. The bottom of the 9th saw a thundering triple by
the Lowell
Johnny
came in and pulled a 1-2-3 -- although Jay was very quizzical about the called
third strike on a pitch as he watched the ball go two inches inside of the
plate. WTF?! Jay supposes this made up for
Greg’s giving Bob a non-called third strike earlier in the game to which Greg
lamented about to Johnny as Jay listened while sitting out. Note to
the peanut gallery: Be careful about arbitrary
commentary. Favoritism, Favoritism, can I get me some? Yeah, I
know, no rest for the wicked.
Somehow
the homers scored in the bottom of the 10th to win the game. Go
figure? Evidence that God still loves knaves and fools?
(Disclaimer:
This is what happens after 3 Bud's on a Monday night.)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Jay Cellini Pictures from West Sunset
Here's some great pics from the game two weeks ago. Thanks to Jay for the snaps!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
SQ Pics- No Write up just Photogs
Here are some pictures from the final SQ game of 2011. Still haven't gotten a write up, but we all know that folks like the long ball, and that's all the info we need....
Congrats AOY 2011 and all the MBC'rs who played!
S. Paige
Congrats AOY 2011 and all the MBC'rs who played!
S. Paige
Monday, September 12, 2011
9/11/11- West Sunset
Probably the best weather day at West Sunset that has ever occurred. Warm. A little humid, the light breeze from the ocean. A great way to celebrate America and freedom on the 10th anniversary of a tragic day in our country's history. And what's more American than pick-up baseball?
I as lucky to be out there, as I have been for the last three weeks, but I swear this is the last time for a while, although its a fool who speaks in absolutes. Mrs. Paige came out and watched the action, she pledged to walk some steps to shake the critter loose, but she ended up just sitting in her chair and enjoying the sun and the game. Mr. Garcia, scourge of the SoCal little league and Richie's dad, also came out. He seemed a lot more interested in his book, which looked like a good one (http://www.amazon.com/Satch-Dizzy-Rapid-Robert-Interracial/dp/1416547983).
We were 10-10, which became 12-11 by the end of the game. Current AOY Brian Phelps started for the homers and had a great outing, his stuff was working, and everyone was mixed up by facing a lefty that wasn't Sean. Dustin started for the visitors and had a good outing, but his lack of inebriation ultimately hindered his pitching. The homers were graced with a very good defense that helped us to close out some quick innings. Satch once again as in right field, which I like at West Sunset, 'cuz its basically like playing a deep first or second base.
The homers scored first and the visitors came back soon after and we had a game on our hands. Brian cut to the bone on the visitors and didn't allow anything beyond the first run, Dustin was not so lucky. We mounted a couple of rallies and by the time that Brian handed over the ball in the 6th, it was 9-1. No one likes a blow out, however, and while I would like to say that I was trying to even the score up a bit, its just not true. Basically, the visitors smelled the fresh blood in the water and jumped all over me. Sean took over for the visitors and pitched a few innings and then Noah came in a mopped it up. Both of them did a great job of shutting down our offense, with a few exceptions.
Brian had to come out to the mound at one point and talk me down, which helped and we got out of the inning. I never recorded a K in 6 innings of work, but I got the outs. You matha-magicians might notice that adds up to 12 innings, well, it does. It was so nice that none of us wanted to leave, and we vowed to keep playing until the sun went down, the baby was born, or we all collapsed.
So play on we did, and while the visitors never did take the lead, they kept pounding away and the final score was somewhere in the region of 13-7.
Highlights:
* Richie put on a clinic at SS, and had at least 12 put outs
* Elvin and Tyler both covered the outfield with skill and had a couple of hits as well
* Thanks to Ed, Bob, Greg, Noah for catching, which was probably a little sweatier than usual
* Chris hit the hell out of a ball, and ended up with a home run the hard way
* The homers got out of a bases loaded jam at one point
* Sean was stymied all day by Brian, and I managed to escape his wrath, no home run for you!
* Jay and Paul on the other hand, hit the ball well all day. I complimented Jay on his improved hitting. He said it was all due to getting fat pitches to hit. So that didn't go over like I planned it, basically, its not that he's any better at hitting, its that Brian and I suck at pitching. I'll remember that.
* Dustin had a nice drive down the line, and then wore himself out having to score from second, maybe he was drunk after all....
* Duane also had a nice hit, and had a self-realized "Grouchy" moment (we all know who that is) when he couldn't let a strike out go
* Phelps put one to the wall in right center
* We made Elvin run all day, taking the extra base, you gots to use those fresh legs while you got them!
* Brian had pinpoint accuracy, except when Dustin and Noah were up, and then he tried to hit them about 4 times
* I was 0-5, with three ground outs to Richie, in which he never had to move, one strikeout and a 4-6-3 double play. I was DFA'd after the game
* Greg tried the subterfuge first and third throw back to the pitcher. Didn't work, but nice to know it exists
* A lot of hidden ball play attempts
* Ed made a nice grab on a short right field gork to end an inning
* Adam made a couple of really nice plays at 1st including one that he threw dirt in his own face but still made the play, and wants everyone to know he hasn't been around the last few weeks because he was in LA, being filmed for a documentary (and yes, he is bragging).
* Bob survived his high highfalutin' polo match in Atherton and came and played ball to get back to his working class roots.
* Johnny had a couple of great classic line drives
* Rick came out with a rehabbed leg, and was looking downright sprightly, complete with a moonshot to left
* Q? came out late and hit the hell out of the ball
* Thanks for all the well wishes and advice on the impending fatherhood, I hope everyone understands that when the baby comes out with me, we all take turns monitoring and/or protecting it during the game....
S. Paige
I as lucky to be out there, as I have been for the last three weeks, but I swear this is the last time for a while, although its a fool who speaks in absolutes. Mrs. Paige came out and watched the action, she pledged to walk some steps to shake the critter loose, but she ended up just sitting in her chair and enjoying the sun and the game. Mr. Garcia, scourge of the SoCal little league and Richie's dad, also came out. He seemed a lot more interested in his book, which looked like a good one (http://www.amazon.com/Satch-Dizzy-Rapid-Robert-Interracial/dp/1416547983).
We were 10-10, which became 12-11 by the end of the game. Current AOY Brian Phelps started for the homers and had a great outing, his stuff was working, and everyone was mixed up by facing a lefty that wasn't Sean. Dustin started for the visitors and had a good outing, but his lack of inebriation ultimately hindered his pitching. The homers were graced with a very good defense that helped us to close out some quick innings. Satch once again as in right field, which I like at West Sunset, 'cuz its basically like playing a deep first or second base.
The homers scored first and the visitors came back soon after and we had a game on our hands. Brian cut to the bone on the visitors and didn't allow anything beyond the first run, Dustin was not so lucky. We mounted a couple of rallies and by the time that Brian handed over the ball in the 6th, it was 9-1. No one likes a blow out, however, and while I would like to say that I was trying to even the score up a bit, its just not true. Basically, the visitors smelled the fresh blood in the water and jumped all over me. Sean took over for the visitors and pitched a few innings and then Noah came in a mopped it up. Both of them did a great job of shutting down our offense, with a few exceptions.
Brian had to come out to the mound at one point and talk me down, which helped and we got out of the inning. I never recorded a K in 6 innings of work, but I got the outs. You matha-magicians might notice that adds up to 12 innings, well, it does. It was so nice that none of us wanted to leave, and we vowed to keep playing until the sun went down, the baby was born, or we all collapsed.
So play on we did, and while the visitors never did take the lead, they kept pounding away and the final score was somewhere in the region of 13-7.
Highlights:
* Richie put on a clinic at SS, and had at least 12 put outs
* Elvin and Tyler both covered the outfield with skill and had a couple of hits as well
* Thanks to Ed, Bob, Greg, Noah for catching, which was probably a little sweatier than usual
* Chris hit the hell out of a ball, and ended up with a home run the hard way
* The homers got out of a bases loaded jam at one point
* Sean was stymied all day by Brian, and I managed to escape his wrath, no home run for you!
* Jay and Paul on the other hand, hit the ball well all day. I complimented Jay on his improved hitting. He said it was all due to getting fat pitches to hit. So that didn't go over like I planned it, basically, its not that he's any better at hitting, its that Brian and I suck at pitching. I'll remember that.
* Dustin had a nice drive down the line, and then wore himself out having to score from second, maybe he was drunk after all....
* Duane also had a nice hit, and had a self-realized "Grouchy" moment (we all know who that is) when he couldn't let a strike out go
* Phelps put one to the wall in right center
* We made Elvin run all day, taking the extra base, you gots to use those fresh legs while you got them!
* Brian had pinpoint accuracy, except when Dustin and Noah were up, and then he tried to hit them about 4 times
* I was 0-5, with three ground outs to Richie, in which he never had to move, one strikeout and a 4-6-3 double play. I was DFA'd after the game
* Greg tried the subterfuge first and third throw back to the pitcher. Didn't work, but nice to know it exists
* A lot of hidden ball play attempts
* Ed made a nice grab on a short right field gork to end an inning
* Adam made a couple of really nice plays at 1st including one that he threw dirt in his own face but still made the play, and wants everyone to know he hasn't been around the last few weeks because he was in LA, being filmed for a documentary (and yes, he is bragging).
* Bob survived his high highfalutin' polo match in Atherton and came and played ball to get back to his working class roots.
* Johnny had a couple of great classic line drives
* Rick came out with a rehabbed leg, and was looking downright sprightly, complete with a moonshot to left
* Q? came out late and hit the hell out of the ball
* Thanks for all the well wishes and advice on the impending fatherhood, I hope everyone understands that when the baby comes out with me, we all take turns monitoring and/or protecting it during the game....
S. Paige
Thursday, September 8, 2011
9/3/11- West Sunset
Another week, I couldn't believe it! But I'll take it! It was a real nice day, except in the West Sunset, of course. Since it was a bonus day for me anyway, I decided not to start on the bump and give someone else a chance to eat some innings. And I got to be on the same team as Sean, which rarely happens. And lucky for me I did. But more on that later.
Sean started for the home team, and was his usual dominating self, Johnny started for the visitors and had his slurvy action working. We again were overstaffed and had 12-12. The homers started with an infield that was less than stellar, and the visitors jumped out to an early lead. In the future, usually we shouldn't have the new guys jump right in to the high pressure positions. In any case, the homers were able to score back a few runs, and we settled into a game.
We battled back and forth for an inning or two, and then Sean broke out for his first of two home runs. Yes, that's right, Sean, jealous of the press that Rich got last week, did some sky balling of his own. His first homer was a strong liner that cleared the fence but not the trees, and fell back in. His second was commanding, majestic, deep, proud, and all together amazing. By that time Noah had come into the game, in fact it was the first batter that Noah faced, but he probably didn't want anyone to know that....
We tried to switch out enough to make sure that every one got equal playing time, and that included the pitchers, Sean bowed out and gave me the sphere and Noah took over for Johnny. I was feeling good and the fog had lifted a bit, or maybe just a little warm had crept in. The score by that time had gotten a little out of hand, and we homers had taken a commanding lead. I finished the 7th in five pitches and I struck out the side in the 8th. Felt real good.
We coerced the visitors into playing an extra inning and then immediately felt bad, as we had a huge inning. I didn't think I was going to get up, but by the time I did, we had already score 4 runs. I asked if I should fall on my sword, but no one seemed to think that was worth it, so I hammered one up the middle instead, almost taking off Noah's leg. Sorry about that. So, when the visitors took their 10th inning at bats, I made sure they got their hacks and the runs started to pile up. Everyone on the visiting team who stuck around got another at bat, and the final score was 17-15. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.
Highlights
* Thanks to everyone who came out!
* The game seemed like it went on forever, we didn't finish until almost 7
* Greg wanted to send a special apology out to anyone that he offended at the game, for one reason or another. Please know that he had no intention of pissing anyone off, he and I were having our own conversation
* Elvin's buddy came out again, and while his throwing arm was a little wild, his bat was lethal
* My first hit was a double that I tried to stretch to a triple, and was thrown out by a perfect throw from Brian Cagle, and as my teammates pointed out, if I hadn't taken the time to take off my helmet while running to first, I might have beaten the throw. At least I am trying to wear the helmet
* There were about 6 overthrows at first that went out of play
* First time in MBC history that I got to start in right field. Didn't matter, I didn't make a non-pitching play the whole game.
* Bob was frozen by a knuckleball for a third strike, which he hated. He got me back by hitting the knuckle the next time
* Thanks to Ed, Greg, Gaspar and Noah for catching
* We almost had a great play at home, almost....
* Greg did the right thing and didn't swing when I stole 3rd. Thank you! I don't have many of those in me
* JT played the whole game despite 3 injuries in the first inning
* Liam had some great hits
* We lost a number of balls in the street and in the backstop
* There were some great catches made by new guys, defense is always welcome
* Dennis had some trouble on a play at second, where he fell down while holding the ball, while a runner scored, he said he was his ankle and he was "in agonizing pain" and that's why he couldn't make the play. If that was the case, we wondered why he would play and put himself in that position?
* Nick Smith played the grumpy old man part real well. He didn't have fun at all.
* Stoner came out and had a good game in the outfield and a frustrating game at the plate. I felt bad when he struck out, after being distracted by all the jokes and chatter that we were throwing at him
* Well, I hope to see everyone soon. Keep it fun.
S. Paige
Sean started for the home team, and was his usual dominating self, Johnny started for the visitors and had his slurvy action working. We again were overstaffed and had 12-12. The homers started with an infield that was less than stellar, and the visitors jumped out to an early lead. In the future, usually we shouldn't have the new guys jump right in to the high pressure positions. In any case, the homers were able to score back a few runs, and we settled into a game.
We battled back and forth for an inning or two, and then Sean broke out for his first of two home runs. Yes, that's right, Sean, jealous of the press that Rich got last week, did some sky balling of his own. His first homer was a strong liner that cleared the fence but not the trees, and fell back in. His second was commanding, majestic, deep, proud, and all together amazing. By that time Noah had come into the game, in fact it was the first batter that Noah faced, but he probably didn't want anyone to know that....
We tried to switch out enough to make sure that every one got equal playing time, and that included the pitchers, Sean bowed out and gave me the sphere and Noah took over for Johnny. I was feeling good and the fog had lifted a bit, or maybe just a little warm had crept in. The score by that time had gotten a little out of hand, and we homers had taken a commanding lead. I finished the 7th in five pitches and I struck out the side in the 8th. Felt real good.
We coerced the visitors into playing an extra inning and then immediately felt bad, as we had a huge inning. I didn't think I was going to get up, but by the time I did, we had already score 4 runs. I asked if I should fall on my sword, but no one seemed to think that was worth it, so I hammered one up the middle instead, almost taking off Noah's leg. Sorry about that. So, when the visitors took their 10th inning at bats, I made sure they got their hacks and the runs started to pile up. Everyone on the visiting team who stuck around got another at bat, and the final score was 17-15. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.
Highlights
* Thanks to everyone who came out!
* The game seemed like it went on forever, we didn't finish until almost 7
* Greg wanted to send a special apology out to anyone that he offended at the game, for one reason or another. Please know that he had no intention of pissing anyone off, he and I were having our own conversation
* Elvin's buddy came out again, and while his throwing arm was a little wild, his bat was lethal
* My first hit was a double that I tried to stretch to a triple, and was thrown out by a perfect throw from Brian Cagle, and as my teammates pointed out, if I hadn't taken the time to take off my helmet while running to first, I might have beaten the throw. At least I am trying to wear the helmet
* There were about 6 overthrows at first that went out of play
* First time in MBC history that I got to start in right field. Didn't matter, I didn't make a non-pitching play the whole game.
* Bob was frozen by a knuckleball for a third strike, which he hated. He got me back by hitting the knuckle the next time
* Thanks to Ed, Greg, Gaspar and Noah for catching
* We almost had a great play at home, almost....
* Greg did the right thing and didn't swing when I stole 3rd. Thank you! I don't have many of those in me
* JT played the whole game despite 3 injuries in the first inning
* Liam had some great hits
* We lost a number of balls in the street and in the backstop
* There were some great catches made by new guys, defense is always welcome
* Dennis had some trouble on a play at second, where he fell down while holding the ball, while a runner scored, he said he was his ankle and he was "in agonizing pain" and that's why he couldn't make the play. If that was the case, we wondered why he would play and put himself in that position?
* Nick Smith played the grumpy old man part real well. He didn't have fun at all.
* Stoner came out and had a good game in the outfield and a frustrating game at the plate. I felt bad when he struck out, after being distracted by all the jokes and chatter that we were throwing at him
* Well, I hope to see everyone soon. Keep it fun.
S. Paige
Friday, September 2, 2011
Olde Tyme Baseball as seen by Conan O'Brian
Our AOY Brian Phelps shared this with us last week, it's pretty much the best thing I have ever seen, so I wanted to always have it available.
Thanks Brian...and Conan.
S. Paige
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
8/28/11- West Sunset
Well my departure last week was premature as it turned out, the wife was kind enough to let me have one more day in the sun. And it was a great time, except there wasn't any sun. Plenty of fog and mugginess though. We had another big turnout, it was 11-11 this time instead of 17-17 though, so thank god for small miracles. Satch started for the homers in what may be the last go around for this show pony, well, for a little while anyway. And to switch things up, I got to face Johnny Bartlett, fresh off of a great game last week, which was erroneously reported. Apparently, he threw damn near a shut out last week.
The game see-sawed continuously, each team losing the lead, then reclaiming it, sometimes with authority. By the middle innings, the visitors put up what looked like an insurmountable lead, but somehow, we clawed our way our of a seven run deficit to tie the game.
I felt good, and everything seemed to working well, but I lost so many 2 strike counts that it started to feel like providence. I would get the first two strikes no problem, and I would throw exactly the pitch I wanted for the third one, and somehow it was get hit, well or dinked enough to fall in. And dink we did. Between the two teams there might have been a record number of dying quails.
Not all the hitting was so wussy though, as Rich showed us once again why it was that he played 7 years of professional baseball, while the rest of us were partying. Two home runs! That's right I said it. Off two pitchers. Amazing. He also had at least two doubles, so you might say that Rich was a big reason that we kept coming back.
I think we all enjoyed the action of never being comfortable with the lead we had. I bowed out after 7, and Johnny did the same, leaving Greg for the homers and Dustin and Brian Phelps for the visitors to mop up the game. We continued to outscore each other, and we played an extra inning to make up for the excess of players that we had. In the end, somehow, the homers won the game, which was most surprising to us, seeing how we had been in such a deep hole for a good part of the game. Final Score: 18-14.
Highlights:
* It was a real honest game, people who were picked off didn't argue about it, when a play was close at first, the defense didn't argue on a safe call.
* There were more triples hit than I care to remember, but I know Duane had at least one, as did both new guys
* Bob was hit twice, once on a fastball, which I felt bad about. Sorry Bob.
* Paul had the game of his life, he was at least 5-5 and made a spectacular diving catch in the short porch in right
* I am pretty sure that everyone on the other team got a hit off of me.
* Mitch had some great catches, but even more close ones that he safely veered away from as the other outfielder came crashing in. The new guys don't know that its better to just let him handle it.
* Jay came out again and hit the ball with authority all day, and made a lifesaver catch to end my day on the bump.
* Noah and Dustin played well considering the hangovers they were most likely suffering from
* Bob also hit the longest ball we have ever seen him hit. It probably helped that he knew I was going to float one in after hitting him
* The third inning lasted approximately 3 hours. I was soaked by the time I walked off the mound
* Noah was framing pitches that were a foot out of the strike zone, and even called one a strike. I guess if you frame it then look at it, of course its a strike.
* Sean was kind enough not to catch my opposite field hit
* Rich and Mike Lattig were the 4th and 5th outfielders for most of the game rather than SS and 2nd.
* There were a number of solid left field line hits as well, and as we know it is treacherous out there on the left line, gets real bumpy and rocky
* Phelps almost had me on the center fielder pick off maneuver. Luckily I was high enough (also thanks to Brian) to be one with the game and sniff out the complex ruse
* We had our first complainant on a foul ball, who apparently pointed out some minuscule dent on his truck. Never saw the owner of the car who's roof we sky balled, setting off the alarm.
* The only person who didn't hit me well was Sean who is usually the guy that hits me all day. Go figure. Maybe he has to pitch to hit. I was so tired after the game, I think I told him that he pitched a great game, even though he never did throw.
* Let's go Stories!....I almost fell off the mound.
* We had a lot of stolen bases from people who shouldn't be stealing bases. They were all safe too, which is only going to encourage them.
Alright, you are all on reporter detail until I get back out there, so pay attention and send me regular updates.
S. Paige
The game see-sawed continuously, each team losing the lead, then reclaiming it, sometimes with authority. By the middle innings, the visitors put up what looked like an insurmountable lead, but somehow, we clawed our way our of a seven run deficit to tie the game.
I felt good, and everything seemed to working well, but I lost so many 2 strike counts that it started to feel like providence. I would get the first two strikes no problem, and I would throw exactly the pitch I wanted for the third one, and somehow it was get hit, well or dinked enough to fall in. And dink we did. Between the two teams there might have been a record number of dying quails.
Not all the hitting was so wussy though, as Rich showed us once again why it was that he played 7 years of professional baseball, while the rest of us were partying. Two home runs! That's right I said it. Off two pitchers. Amazing. He also had at least two doubles, so you might say that Rich was a big reason that we kept coming back.
I think we all enjoyed the action of never being comfortable with the lead we had. I bowed out after 7, and Johnny did the same, leaving Greg for the homers and Dustin and Brian Phelps for the visitors to mop up the game. We continued to outscore each other, and we played an extra inning to make up for the excess of players that we had. In the end, somehow, the homers won the game, which was most surprising to us, seeing how we had been in such a deep hole for a good part of the game. Final Score: 18-14.
Highlights:
* It was a real honest game, people who were picked off didn't argue about it, when a play was close at first, the defense didn't argue on a safe call.
* There were more triples hit than I care to remember, but I know Duane had at least one, as did both new guys
* Bob was hit twice, once on a fastball, which I felt bad about. Sorry Bob.
* Paul had the game of his life, he was at least 5-5 and made a spectacular diving catch in the short porch in right
* I am pretty sure that everyone on the other team got a hit off of me.
* Mitch had some great catches, but even more close ones that he safely veered away from as the other outfielder came crashing in. The new guys don't know that its better to just let him handle it.
* Jay came out again and hit the ball with authority all day, and made a lifesaver catch to end my day on the bump.
* Noah and Dustin played well considering the hangovers they were most likely suffering from
* Bob also hit the longest ball we have ever seen him hit. It probably helped that he knew I was going to float one in after hitting him
* The third inning lasted approximately 3 hours. I was soaked by the time I walked off the mound
* Noah was framing pitches that were a foot out of the strike zone, and even called one a strike. I guess if you frame it then look at it, of course its a strike.
* Sean was kind enough not to catch my opposite field hit
* Rich and Mike Lattig were the 4th and 5th outfielders for most of the game rather than SS and 2nd.
* There were a number of solid left field line hits as well, and as we know it is treacherous out there on the left line, gets real bumpy and rocky
* Phelps almost had me on the center fielder pick off maneuver. Luckily I was high enough (also thanks to Brian) to be one with the game and sniff out the complex ruse
* We had our first complainant on a foul ball, who apparently pointed out some minuscule dent on his truck. Never saw the owner of the car who's roof we sky balled, setting off the alarm.
* The only person who didn't hit me well was Sean who is usually the guy that hits me all day. Go figure. Maybe he has to pitch to hit. I was so tired after the game, I think I told him that he pitched a great game, even though he never did throw.
* Let's go Stories!....I almost fell off the mound.
* We had a lot of stolen bases from people who shouldn't be stealing bases. They were all safe too, which is only going to encourage them.
Alright, you are all on reporter detail until I get back out there, so pay attention and send me regular updates.
S. Paige
Monday, August 22, 2011
8/21/11- Cop Field and Camp Swampy
Well it was a first for me, and I have been coming out for going on 8 years. We ended up with almost 30 players, a real conundrum. We weighed the idea of a 12 inning game, and let the wheat separate from the chaff as the game wore on, but that didn't seem like fun. There was a lone duo using Camp Swampy, so we figured, why not just split the squads and play two games? Why not indeed. With a few notable exceptions, the games were split along years of service to the MBC, old guys at the Swamp, new guys got the Cop Field. So we did. We offered a spot for the two guys who's field we took over, and one of them played the whole game (Vince, nice kid, got a hit) and his dad just left him to play with a bunch of strangers!
I will need to get a proper review from someone at the other game, but I know that Johnny Bartlett and Noah started for the teams, and they seemed to play a much faster game than we old fellers. They were done and asking about playoffs while we were trying to get out of the 6th inning.
As for our game, it was classic match up with Sean and Satch squaring off, and we battled as usual. Well, at least on the mound, when it came to hitting, Sean left me in the dust, as he continued to connect with everything I could throw. At the plate, I contented myself with bloops and opposite field hits and one very ugly strike out.
Luckily, his team was slightly less powerful than he, so I could at least get some outs. The wind was blowing the ball right back at me, and I figured the fastball wasn't going to be very overpowering, so I relied on the knuckle and change up for most of the game.
We scored 1 run apiece to begin with, and then we visitors got a few runs to take the lead. It didn't last long though, as the the homers took the bait and bashed us for a few innings, tallying up four runs on some big hits and charitable defense. We can't really even say that the inning came to a real close, as Nick Smith was called out at home on a play that had definite reasonable doubt. Sorry Nick. And you had to slide too. I was waiting for someone other than me or Nick to make the call, but didn't get any help.
We lingered in the hole for a while, but kept it close until suddenly we figured out Sean and got in the scoring business, put up some serious runs and ultimately holding on to win. John Carey came into pitch the last frame, with his dad as his battery mate ( a better showing than the last Patri/Fili duo we saw) and I handed the ball off to Rojas to close it down. The homers took their walks in the 9th, as they should, but could not come up with the big one. Final score, 9-5.
Highlights:
* 30 Fucking people! Ok, officially stop bringing new guys until this gets under control.
* We had a rare infield showing one inning of Tony, Greg, Brian Cagle and Adam, also known as the Final Four Horsemen of the original MBC (who still play, I hear you barking Simonelli...)
* The infield at Swampy is not any better than Cop Field, maybe even slower
* Daniel came a little late but made a number of great catches in the outfield
* Mitch saved me from the humiliation of giving up yet another home run to Sean, with the best running catch I have seen in a long time. Of course, Sean also hit a triple off me.
* Bob had some great hits, as did John.
* I struck out the poor kid who came out with Bob, like three times. Hopefully he can come out again so he doesn't get bitter towards the game
* We almost had a perfect suicide squeeze play
* JT hit a rocket back to the mound that I barely held on to
* A lot of collisions and near collisions at 1st for some reason
* Aiden gets the Free Range award for most distance covered in the day. We all got to catch up on our parenting skills, keeping an eye on him
* We got Lattig to foul out in a 2nd and 3rd, no out situation. You remember those, cuz they don't happen too often.
* Adam hit the ball hard, ran hard, blocked a lot of badly thrown balls at 1st
* We had a lot of extra base hits it seemed.
* We had 5 HBP, three of which were Bob and the other two were Nick. They were all hit by me. The only one that I was concerned about was the one where I tried an inside corner pitch and hit Nick in the leg. None of the one's I hit Bob with would have a dented a custard pie.
* Greg came though on a bases loaded, two outs, Tony at 3rd situation, the very same one that he flubbed at Swampy three weeks ago. Way to go Greg!
* Greg also was proudly displaying the wound he received at SQ, result of a over eager tag in the face
* I messed up a play covering third for the other team. I froze up, not knowing if I should try for the ball, then didn't cover third, as Lattig chose to go to me for the out. Sorry. I think it all worked out.
* Glad we all had fun, and made the most of a strange situation.
The Cop Field Game by John McGrath, Esq.
No apologies necessary, half the time I write out what I think happened, not what I know happened.
Just don't bring any new guys.
S. Paige
I will need to get a proper review from someone at the other game, but I know that Johnny Bartlett and Noah started for the teams, and they seemed to play a much faster game than we old fellers. They were done and asking about playoffs while we were trying to get out of the 6th inning.
As for our game, it was classic match up with Sean and Satch squaring off, and we battled as usual. Well, at least on the mound, when it came to hitting, Sean left me in the dust, as he continued to connect with everything I could throw. At the plate, I contented myself with bloops and opposite field hits and one very ugly strike out.
Luckily, his team was slightly less powerful than he, so I could at least get some outs. The wind was blowing the ball right back at me, and I figured the fastball wasn't going to be very overpowering, so I relied on the knuckle and change up for most of the game.
We scored 1 run apiece to begin with, and then we visitors got a few runs to take the lead. It didn't last long though, as the the homers took the bait and bashed us for a few innings, tallying up four runs on some big hits and charitable defense. We can't really even say that the inning came to a real close, as Nick Smith was called out at home on a play that had definite reasonable doubt. Sorry Nick. And you had to slide too. I was waiting for someone other than me or Nick to make the call, but didn't get any help.
We lingered in the hole for a while, but kept it close until suddenly we figured out Sean and got in the scoring business, put up some serious runs and ultimately holding on to win. John Carey came into pitch the last frame, with his dad as his battery mate ( a better showing than the last Patri/Fili duo we saw) and I handed the ball off to Rojas to close it down. The homers took their walks in the 9th, as they should, but could not come up with the big one. Final score, 9-5.
Highlights:
* 30 Fucking people! Ok, officially stop bringing new guys until this gets under control.
* We had a rare infield showing one inning of Tony, Greg, Brian Cagle and Adam, also known as the Final Four Horsemen of the original MBC (who still play, I hear you barking Simonelli...)
* The infield at Swampy is not any better than Cop Field, maybe even slower
* Daniel came a little late but made a number of great catches in the outfield
* Mitch saved me from the humiliation of giving up yet another home run to Sean, with the best running catch I have seen in a long time. Of course, Sean also hit a triple off me.
* Bob had some great hits, as did John.
* I struck out the poor kid who came out with Bob, like three times. Hopefully he can come out again so he doesn't get bitter towards the game
* We almost had a perfect suicide squeeze play
* JT hit a rocket back to the mound that I barely held on to
* A lot of collisions and near collisions at 1st for some reason
* Aiden gets the Free Range award for most distance covered in the day. We all got to catch up on our parenting skills, keeping an eye on him
* We got Lattig to foul out in a 2nd and 3rd, no out situation. You remember those, cuz they don't happen too often.
* Adam hit the ball hard, ran hard, blocked a lot of badly thrown balls at 1st
* We had a lot of extra base hits it seemed.
* We had 5 HBP, three of which were Bob and the other two were Nick. They were all hit by me. The only one that I was concerned about was the one where I tried an inside corner pitch and hit Nick in the leg. None of the one's I hit Bob with would have a dented a custard pie.
* Greg came though on a bases loaded, two outs, Tony at 3rd situation, the very same one that he flubbed at Swampy three weeks ago. Way to go Greg!
* Greg also was proudly displaying the wound he received at SQ, result of a over eager tag in the face
* I messed up a play covering third for the other team. I froze up, not knowing if I should try for the ball, then didn't cover third, as Lattig chose to go to me for the out. Sorry. I think it all worked out.
* Glad we all had fun, and made the most of a strange situation.
The Cop Field Game by John McGrath, Esq.
"Game 2" featured a large contingent of first timers on the vistor's squad and a fair number of MBC regs on the homer squad. Johnny pitched the whole game for the homers and Ed caught. Johnny pitched great and even struck out the side in the early going.
Noah pitched for vistors and did a great job with Tim and Nero sharing the catching, but unfortunately for him Rich hit him hard, getting at least 2 triples and there was some generous D behind him. Chirs Powell also had a timely hit and so did Johnny and Duane.
Loren-the-birthday-boy, (yes, it was his actual birthday) took over for him in about the 6th and was impressive. He had about 4 pitches going (fastball, curve, slide and knuckle) and slowed down the homers scoring big time. He even struck Rich out after a 8 to 10 pitch at bat.
Johnny kept the homers off the bases for most of the game and along with some pretty good D (there may have been only a 2 or 3 Es by the homers the whole game), pretty much cruised to a win with the homes in front the whole way. This author does not recall the exact score, but thinks it was something like 7 to 4, or maybe 10 to 6.
As far as new guys (first timers) it seemed like there was as least 4 to 5. One of them, Will, played with Sean at Evergreen. They all seemed like real nice guys and were solid players and it was a fun game.
Highlights:
* Liam got a legit single, whacking a knuckler from Loren the opposite way down the 3rd base line well past the 3rd baseman. (He also hit one over his old man's head, who apparently wasn't giving that 8 year old the respect he deserves. The little upstart nearly got it to the outfield grass on the fly!)
* Rich's hitting and D 3rd.
* A 4-3 double play, doubling Loren off of first
* A few solid/ and very nearly completed attempts at some double plays by the homers (a 5-4-3 and a 6-4-3)
* Good outfield play by new guy Carter in center (making one run like crazy off the crack of the bat B line to snag a rope)
* Solid outfield play by Paul in right
* Loren's stop-the-scoring (for the most part) pitching
* Duane played a great 1st sack
* Loren's hitting, at least 3 ropes to the outfield
* Just in: Liam says that the new guy on 1st for the visitors was Loren's dad, who is 70. Could have fooled me. I would have put him at 60 at the most. He whacked a few pitches pretty hard (now we know were Loren gets it) and played a solid first with catcher's mitt!
I apologize if I left any other highlights out, but I don't have the same game recall as old Satch.
No apologies necessary, half the time I write out what I think happened, not what I know happened.
Just don't bring any new guys.
S. Paige
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Dig this- The Ogres play baseball and music
Johnny Bartlett and Rick Kvoriak are in the grooviest band this side of Dracula's Castle. Catch them at Blondies next week.
In case you needed more convincing, here is them rocking the Theme from Unknown!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
8/14/11- Cop Field
It was a nice sunny day, a bit on the windy side, but nice. We had 20 people, the field was in alright shape, except for the infield, but we will get to that in a second. Sean started for the homers, and pitched a gem, really taking it to us with every pitch. Satch started for the visitors, and tried my best, but in the end, my best wasn't anywhere near good enough. We each scored one run in the first inning, and it seemed like maybe it wouldn't be as lopsided as we thought it was going to be.
The second inning was my crucible, we had a rough one, a lot of players out of there natural positions, some hurt, and the rest was the up to the bashers that made up the home squad. 5 runs later, we finally got the 3rd out, and limped off. From there, we shut down the homers for four innings, with a couple of 6-pitch innings, which was awesome. We couldn't score a run or even get a base runner to save our lives though. Sean just kept out team off balance, and had a number of strike outs. I don't usually try to point out my own exploits too much, but I think the whole game, the visitors had about 7 hits, and I had three of them....
Jason came in to pitch after Sean had to leave to take a friend home, and we thought we might have a chance. But Jason was too wild and in danger of hurting his arm so he gave the ball up after an inning and handed off to Tony, who took it the rest of the way home. I kept threw the CG, and had one other inning where the homers jumped on me for 4 runs. Sean came back and promptly made a long running catch in left to fuck us over some more.
The biggest excitement and scariest moment came when Tony hit a knuckle ball for a dipsy grounder to third. Mike Gaspar tried to play the hop, it jigged then jagged on him and then hit him square between the eyes. It sounded terrible, but the main shock was absorbed by his glasses frame. The damage was minimal, a few skinny cuts and some blood and Mike taped it up with Bob's help, and ended up covering defense for both teams. Instant Hall of Fame, Mike! Glad you are alright!
We lost three players in the course of the game, so by the end, I went from batting 6th to 3rd. We went down with nary a whimper in the 9th, the final score 10-3.
Highlights:
* Glad Gaspar is living to fight another day, we should stock up on a real first aid kit, and maybe start bringing a small ice chest just in case.
* Sean pitched a great game and hit the piss out of two change ups
* Paul made a great catch to snuff out a rally
* The homers made the most of our mistakes, and got some timely hits
* Bob got hit by Jason, who we didn't even tell about the tradition. We got him back....
* Bob also had a great hit to start the game.
* Earlier, Gaspar had a 13 pitch at bat that ended with him on second!
* Nick, the ex-Dirtbag, had two real nice plays at 3rd
* Lets all remember to get the ball in quickly, it doesn't help anyone to hold on to it in the outfield
* Mitch robbed a couple of batters, doing what he does best, and had a nice wristed hit
* A lot of pop ups, which is good for a pitcher, unfortunately, not all caught, which is bad for a pitcher
* Adam had a long hit, as did Sean, Greg, Duane, Paul, Tony....
* The knuckleball got me some much needed outs, and I could have thrown it for 7 more innings
* There was another new guy who seemed to know what he was doing, but he left before the end, hopefully he will be back when he can stay longer
* Dennis' ankle flared up, hopefully a small issue, take it slow and steady on the rehab!
* I had two singles, and both times, I was put out at second on ground balls immediately afterwards. I guess I should start stealing more
* Elvin got thrown out at second, did the splits, and kept his foot on the bag. We'll keep working on that one.
* Thanks to everyone that showed after a SQ game, glad that we were not short handed for once.
Don't look back.
S. Paige
The second inning was my crucible, we had a rough one, a lot of players out of there natural positions, some hurt, and the rest was the up to the bashers that made up the home squad. 5 runs later, we finally got the 3rd out, and limped off. From there, we shut down the homers for four innings, with a couple of 6-pitch innings, which was awesome. We couldn't score a run or even get a base runner to save our lives though. Sean just kept out team off balance, and had a number of strike outs. I don't usually try to point out my own exploits too much, but I think the whole game, the visitors had about 7 hits, and I had three of them....
Jason came in to pitch after Sean had to leave to take a friend home, and we thought we might have a chance. But Jason was too wild and in danger of hurting his arm so he gave the ball up after an inning and handed off to Tony, who took it the rest of the way home. I kept threw the CG, and had one other inning where the homers jumped on me for 4 runs. Sean came back and promptly made a long running catch in left to fuck us over some more.
The biggest excitement and scariest moment came when Tony hit a knuckle ball for a dipsy grounder to third. Mike Gaspar tried to play the hop, it jigged then jagged on him and then hit him square between the eyes. It sounded terrible, but the main shock was absorbed by his glasses frame. The damage was minimal, a few skinny cuts and some blood and Mike taped it up with Bob's help, and ended up covering defense for both teams. Instant Hall of Fame, Mike! Glad you are alright!
We lost three players in the course of the game, so by the end, I went from batting 6th to 3rd. We went down with nary a whimper in the 9th, the final score 10-3.
Highlights:
* Glad Gaspar is living to fight another day, we should stock up on a real first aid kit, and maybe start bringing a small ice chest just in case.
* Sean pitched a great game and hit the piss out of two change ups
* Paul made a great catch to snuff out a rally
* The homers made the most of our mistakes, and got some timely hits
* Bob got hit by Jason, who we didn't even tell about the tradition. We got him back....
* Bob also had a great hit to start the game.
* Earlier, Gaspar had a 13 pitch at bat that ended with him on second!
* Nick, the ex-Dirtbag, had two real nice plays at 3rd
* Lets all remember to get the ball in quickly, it doesn't help anyone to hold on to it in the outfield
* Mitch robbed a couple of batters, doing what he does best, and had a nice wristed hit
* A lot of pop ups, which is good for a pitcher, unfortunately, not all caught, which is bad for a pitcher
* Adam had a long hit, as did Sean, Greg, Duane, Paul, Tony....
* The knuckleball got me some much needed outs, and I could have thrown it for 7 more innings
* There was another new guy who seemed to know what he was doing, but he left before the end, hopefully he will be back when he can stay longer
* Dennis' ankle flared up, hopefully a small issue, take it slow and steady on the rehab!
* I had two singles, and both times, I was put out at second on ground balls immediately afterwards. I guess I should start stealing more
* Elvin got thrown out at second, did the splits, and kept his foot on the bag. We'll keep working on that one.
* Thanks to everyone that showed after a SQ game, glad that we were not short handed for once.
Don't look back.
S. Paige
8/13/11- MBC vs. SQ A's
I wasn't there, and I don't know much other than Brian Phelps hit two home runs! A solo shot in the first and a three run blast in the fifth. He was left in the batters circle with the bases loaded in the 9th.
Finally a lefty uses the SQ field to his advantage!
MBC lost, which we don't really take to heart anymore, but I also hear that Red and Johnny Bad Ass made their debuts with the A's.
S. Paige
Finally a lefty uses the SQ field to his advantage!
MBC lost, which we don't really take to heart anymore, but I also hear that Red and Johnny Bad Ass made their debuts with the A's.
S. Paige
Friday, August 12, 2011
8/7/11- Camp Swampy
I was late making it out, and by the time I got there,, the game was already in full swing. Johnny was pitching for the homers, and they were making him regret that decision. Or that is what it looked like from my perspective. The homers were populated with some old timers, including Tony Rojas, who made it back after a long stint on the DL. Good to see him!
Sean, the southpaw samurai was dealing for the visitors, and though he lacked the top end of the mph on his fast ball, he was getting the outs he needed to. In deference to my lateness and for the love of the game (worst baseball movie ever) I stepped up to the plate, both figuratively and literally, knocked a grounder up the middle, took second on a pass ball, took third, and scored on Richie Garcia's ball to the right side of the infield. That's how you scrap a run, and win the trust of your teammates.
We went back and forth for a few innings, Sean bowed out to Brian Phelps, who looked good, but was suffering from some residual knee pain. Mike Lattig then took over to throw the late innings. Satch took the bump from the capable hands of Johnny in the 6th or so, and threw the rest of the game. A few bad hops and then some long drives, and the visitors were riding us like a carousel, but we persevered, and at least tried to keep it close.
The score by that point was some where in the neighborhood of 14-8, which is insurmountable to anyone except a MBC'r. As fate would have it, this game was also Jacob Brisken's last before he returned to Boston for school and Dennis had pleaded with us to let him pitch and Jacob catch. It's tough to watch an old man beg, so we agreed and out Dennis went, after confirming that Jacob was wearing a cup this time (he took one in the beans a few weeks ago. Apparently they don't teach that lesson in college these days).
Satch was the first person up to face Dennis, and what does he do, hits me in the arm! What the hell? And then he tells me he was going to put it in my ear! Of all the nerve! Big man when he's got his hulk of a kid behind me.
So then I got a hit, and then the next guy got a hit, and Dennis is bitching to his kid about how he isn't calling strikes, and we are all trying to tell Dennis that you have to throw strikes for them to be called. All this time, there was one person who was not happy with the decision, Mitch, who stood out in left field watching victory be bled away from him. Amazingly, we tie up the game, and with the bases loaded, Tony on 3rd, and the win in our hands....Greg hits a short fly to left, and Mitch does what he does best, which is catch the ball. Extra innings. Legit.
Duane bunts the first pitch he sees, and takes second, and then Mitch steps up, fouls off a few, and then lunges for a knuckleball, drives it to center. Of course it rolls past the center fielder, and Mitch moonwalks home for a 2 run homerun. Fitting. All the wind goes out of our sails, and we lose 16-14.
Highlights:
* Not the weather, it was foggy and gross
* The outfield got mowed, did Adam make a call?
* I respect Duane's bunt. That's baseball.
* Knuckleball was working!
* Sean brought blueberries, which were exquisite.
* Did anyone get Jacob a going away present? Shit.
* Paul had some nice catches in right
* Bad hops in the infield
* The dirtbag, Nick and his brother Jay came out again, had some frustration at the plate
* Someone hit one real far, maybe even two someone's
* Liam and Aiden each had some good knocks
* John Mcg was the unfortunate recipient of the best curveball I have thrown in 2011
* I liked Dennis' admonition of Jacob on a pitch that was two feet outside, " Jacob, you gotta call that!" Jacob's response, " I thought I did."
* There were two double plays turned by the visitors!
Cop Field, 3pm.
S. Paige
Sean, the southpaw samurai was dealing for the visitors, and though he lacked the top end of the mph on his fast ball, he was getting the outs he needed to. In deference to my lateness and for the love of the game (worst baseball movie ever) I stepped up to the plate, both figuratively and literally, knocked a grounder up the middle, took second on a pass ball, took third, and scored on Richie Garcia's ball to the right side of the infield. That's how you scrap a run, and win the trust of your teammates.
We went back and forth for a few innings, Sean bowed out to Brian Phelps, who looked good, but was suffering from some residual knee pain. Mike Lattig then took over to throw the late innings. Satch took the bump from the capable hands of Johnny in the 6th or so, and threw the rest of the game. A few bad hops and then some long drives, and the visitors were riding us like a carousel, but we persevered, and at least tried to keep it close.
The score by that point was some where in the neighborhood of 14-8, which is insurmountable to anyone except a MBC'r. As fate would have it, this game was also Jacob Brisken's last before he returned to Boston for school and Dennis had pleaded with us to let him pitch and Jacob catch. It's tough to watch an old man beg, so we agreed and out Dennis went, after confirming that Jacob was wearing a cup this time (he took one in the beans a few weeks ago. Apparently they don't teach that lesson in college these days).
Satch was the first person up to face Dennis, and what does he do, hits me in the arm! What the hell? And then he tells me he was going to put it in my ear! Of all the nerve! Big man when he's got his hulk of a kid behind me.
So then I got a hit, and then the next guy got a hit, and Dennis is bitching to his kid about how he isn't calling strikes, and we are all trying to tell Dennis that you have to throw strikes for them to be called. All this time, there was one person who was not happy with the decision, Mitch, who stood out in left field watching victory be bled away from him. Amazingly, we tie up the game, and with the bases loaded, Tony on 3rd, and the win in our hands....Greg hits a short fly to left, and Mitch does what he does best, which is catch the ball. Extra innings. Legit.
Duane bunts the first pitch he sees, and takes second, and then Mitch steps up, fouls off a few, and then lunges for a knuckleball, drives it to center. Of course it rolls past the center fielder, and Mitch moonwalks home for a 2 run homerun. Fitting. All the wind goes out of our sails, and we lose 16-14.
Highlights:
* Not the weather, it was foggy and gross
* The outfield got mowed, did Adam make a call?
* I respect Duane's bunt. That's baseball.
* Knuckleball was working!
* Sean brought blueberries, which were exquisite.
* Did anyone get Jacob a going away present? Shit.
* Paul had some nice catches in right
* Bad hops in the infield
* The dirtbag, Nick and his brother Jay came out again, had some frustration at the plate
* Someone hit one real far, maybe even two someone's
* Liam and Aiden each had some good knocks
* John Mcg was the unfortunate recipient of the best curveball I have thrown in 2011
* I liked Dennis' admonition of Jacob on a pitch that was two feet outside, " Jacob, you gotta call that!" Jacob's response, " I thought I did."
* There were two double plays turned by the visitors!
Cop Field, 3pm.
S. Paige
Monday, August 8, 2011
Late Report- 7/24/11- West Sunset
Satch was working a freelance gig on Sunday, at a vegan non-alcoholic wedding. Don't ask. Mike Gaspar made it to the game and he filed this report.
IT was a nice day at the corner of 41st and Quintara. The field was being used by what looked like another pick up game as we assembled. Johnny took the hill for the homers, while Dustin started for the visiting squad. The visiting team had a bit more punch on this particular day. By the fourth inning it was 5-1. The homers rallied and in the 5th, had a bases loaded no out situation. Dustin got out of it unscathed thanks in large part to the defense of Greg and Richie who were "borrowed" right fielders. Richie made a great catch which turned into a double play when Johnny was tagged out at the plate trying to tag up.
Having snuffed out the rally, the visitors added on more runs. By the 7th it was 9-2, I came into relieve Dustin and give the other team a chance to smack some balls around. And then did, in particular, Dennis, Nick and John Mcg. Two runs were scored.
Greg came into relieve Johnny and gave up a few runs of his own. Finally Mike Lattig came into pitch the bottom of the 9th. The homers did not go without a fight and managed to tack on a few more runs. Final score: 13-6 (more or less).
Highlights:
* Richie made a great stab in the 3rd, robbing Duane of a double.
* Dustin pitched a strong 6 and had everything working
* Jacob had a good day at the plate including a double over his old man's head
Injury: Rick went out on the D.L in the first 10 minutes of the game with a bad hammy (get better big fella!)
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