December 31, 2002
A toast in honor of the new year from your humble servant. May only health and happiness find their way to your home. May all your dreams and desires come true in 2003 and may you be overtaken with prosperity. Happy new year guys!
December 20, 2002
Let the spirit of love gently fill our hearts and homes. In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness. Merry Christmas!
December 7, 2002
Today we held our second Annual WP Softball Party. We had a great time. See the pictures.
November 30, 2002
I contacted Cheryl and it' s confirmed. Our annual party will be held, one week from today, on Saturday, December 7, 2002. Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Community Room at 75-26 Bell Blvd.
Bring your spouse, sweetheart or friend and children, and of course don't forget to bring food and drinks. It is a family oriented affair. We'll have boom box to play music, big screen TV and VCR, games like ping-pong, pool, darts, cards, etc. We'll have lots of fun.
November 27, 2002
We would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Also, since the first night of Hanukkah starts the day after Thanksgiving, to all our Jewish friends: Happy Hanukkah!
November 24, 2002
Time to pack it in. The last chapter of this year's season could be titled "Nightmare at left field". Indeed, whoever played the position for the M-Picks today got burned big time. Meanwhile Marty and Tommy kept crushing balls there all morning. They say the ball doesn't travel in cold weather. I guess that rule is not applicable to Tommy, he just put on a show, launching missile after missile. At the end the Elks won 14-8. Hey Erwin, you must be happy, ending the season with three victories in a row. For those of you who like statistics, this year we played a total of 45 games. The M-Picks are .645 with 29 wins and the Elks are .355 with only 16. We are planning our annual party. We will contact you soon with all the details. It will be also posted in the website. Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Also on attendance today were: Pat, Chris, Garry, Big Joe, Joe "Garciaparra", Joe 21, Kenny, Wayne, Apache John, Andre and yours truly. Happy Thanksgiving Day!
November 17, 2002
Due to severe weather conditions today's game was canceled.
November 10, 2002
Elks win 11-5. Call it incidental occurrence or just pure fate but every time Erwin doesn't delight us with his presence, his team wins. This is becoming a habit. The overcast skies didn't affect attendance; in fact, we had a great turnout. Today's game lacked the exhilaration and thrill of previous encounters. Except for a play at home where Hilly was tagged out trying to score, there isn't anything awe-inspiring to report on.
Also present this morning were Mitch (drove in 4 RBIs), Tommy (some big shots), Garry, Big Joe (pitched great), Bill (nice throw to get Hilly), Marty, Jared, Yaquir, Pat, Joe21, Joe "Garciaparra", Dwayne, Lane (dropped Jared's fly ball, that was a surprise), Kenny, Apache John (good at bats), Gary, Erin, a newcomer that played right field and yours truly who had a terrible day. See you all next week.
Novembet 4, 2002
I need to make a correction. Yesterday I mistakenly wrote that Jay was in attendance. He wasn't but Marty was. Thus, apologies are in order Martin. I'm not trying to make any excuses but Big Joe's unjustified outburst rattled me quite a bit. See you all on Sunday.
November 3, 2002
Elks pulverize M-Picks 19-10. On a sunny but chilly morning, the Elks put on a show. It was homers galore. Early in the game, after a couple of blunders by the M-Picks infield, Big Joe will take care of business by blasting his first grand slam of the season. On the bottom of the seventh the M-Picks would score five runs and close the gap but in the next two innings Joe "Garciaparra" and Mike were just unstoppable. Joe 21 provided plenty power all morning long and Yaquir the bat as well as the glove. Even Apache John, who played the outfield today, hit the ball with authority.
Also in attendance were Tommy, Mitch, Jay, Gary, Erin, Dwayne, Pat and yours truly.
A final note: in the heat of the moment, sometimes, we tend to draw certain inferences, which show lack of good judgment or of common sense. After all, isn't human to err?
October 27, 2002
Tommy returns and the M-Picks win 11-10. What appeared to have all the earmarks of an overwhelming victory, it turned out to be an evenly and brilliantly played match. A nine-inning affair that got underway with the M-Picks scoring five runs on top of the first, highlighted by Pat's three-run blast. At one point, the Elks were losing 10-3 but they never gave into despair and they kept playing hard. However, the bottom of the eight will produce the turning point of the game: a leaping catch of a line drive by the writer that will not only rob Apache John of a hit but will change the momentum.
Also in attendance today were fleet-footed Joe "Garciaparra" (without a doubt the player of the game: great at bats and tremendous range at second), Joe 21 (spectacular play to get Pat at first), Belly-flop Pat (Mister Hotdog!), Tommy (returned and tested his finger by pounding the ball hard and playing great first base), Erwin (played first and second for both teams), Mailman Nelson (stopped by to say hello), Yaquir, Big Joe (has a minor flaw in his swing, just kidding), Matt, Gary, Drew (great arm) and his father Hilly (our official groundskeeper). See you all next week then.
October 20, 2002
The Elks bounce back. Kenny's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth, with the bases loaded, enables Calvin to score from third base to defeat the M-Picks 8-7. You couldn't ask for a better finale. A classic bang-bang play: an accurate and strong throw from the outfield by Lane, Calvin's daring slide at home plate and Apache John's all-in-one-motion acrobatic diving catch and tag were just a majestic display of great skill and finesse. But the Elks' victory wouldn't be attainable without Jared's big bat, who slammed two opposite field dingers and drove in four runs.
Defensively, however, things were different, lots of miscues. Jared, for instance, had a terrible day in center field and Gary, Hilly, as well as Calvin, misplaced some fly balls also. Apache John couldn't catch a grounder and Kenny's legs seemed bowling pins, they must be sore and bruised with the beating they took.
Also in attendance today were Pat (great dive but no cigar), Joe 21 (as you see I made the correction), Big Joe, Erwin (played first for both teams so he cannot be credit with a win -- just kidding), Mitch and yours truly.
October 13, 2002
The Magnificent Seven: Rain is no impediment for diehards Apache John, Marty, Pat, Joe 21, Kenny, Erwin and yours truly. Instead of the regular game, we had a two-hour session of batting practice. For the rest of you guys who are easily scared by liquid sunshine, just a few words: what a bunch of chickens!
October 6, 2002
The Elks took second game of today's double-header 5-1. Two successive errors at third by the writer prevented the M-Picks from winning both ends of it. In the first game the Elks were shutout 5-0 but in the second one, once Erwin left, Apache John took it upon himself to stir things up. His team was down by only one run and leading off in the top of the seventh, he hit a double in the gap. Then, the next batter up, I believe it was Peter, got a single through the middle and John, instructed by Calvin at third, headed home but was thrown out. A collision took place at home plate but Yaquir held on to the ball and John was a dead duck.
Also in attendance today were Jared, his friend Peter, Marty, Pat, Joe 21, Joe Garciaparra, Barry, Dwayne (in the crowd), Gary and his daughter Erin who pitched a heck of a ballgame and was the winning pitcher, Alan (long time no see), Hilly and his other son, Johnny, Big Joe who almost drives the winning run, and finally last, but not least, Kenny who scored the tying run with two outs and properly thanked me at the end of the game for my blunder. By the way, no mercy from now on. See you all next week: field 4 at 11:00AM.
September 29, 2002
Last minute heroics - on a gorgeous sunny day the Elks cannot hold onto lead and fall to the M-Picks despite scoring four times in the top of the first. The nine-inning affair would end with Gary's bases loaded single through the middle. Aside from driving the winning run, that hit would compound another thrilling comeback victory for the M-Picks that now are 27W-11D for the season. Gary and Big Joe pitched well even though their infielders made some defensive flops. The final score was 6-5. Notwithstanding some great plays, the player of the game -without a doubt- was newcomer Drew (Hilly's son) who displayed an awesome arm in centerfield and gunned down easily Big Joe, and later on O'Neill, both at home-plate with perfect throws to Matt who was catching.
Next week we agreed to meet and play again in field 21 (located at 73rd Ave. and 210th Street) at 10:30AM. Due to the correctional officers tournament, today as well as next week we cannot play on our regular field. Most of the guys seemed to enjoy playing in this little league fenced field so I will check with Cheryl and Gail if it would be available for the rest of the season.
Also in attendance were Erwin, Marty (outstanding catch by the fence), Joe 21 (hit one over the fence for an out), Justin (his diving catch in centerfield was the best play of the game), Apache John (couldn't catch a ball at third), Pat (shaky at short today), Jay, Peter, Jared, Hilly, Dwayne, fleet-footed Joe Garciaparra (played solid first base), and your humble servant.
September 22, 2002
In the bottom of the sixth Joe hit a mammoth homer to put the M-Picks ahead but Jared's leadoff equalizer in the top of seventh served as a catalyst to turn things around and give the Elks their eleventh victory of the season (11W-26D). The final score was 9-6. We witnessed three great over-the-shoulder catches but the one turned by Pat was just incredible since he had to dive for the ball. The player of the game was Kenny who played solid left field, had great at bats and was very active running the bases.
In attendance were also Jack, Erwin, Calvin, Joe 21, Joe Garciaparra, Hilly, Leo, George, Michael and yours truly. We were just 14 guys today but we expect Matt, Big Joe, Mitch, Apache John, Gary, Marty, Mike, Jay and Peter back next week.
Injury list: we haven't heard yet from Nelson, Dave and Tommy.
September 15, 2002
Altered states: earlier confrontation stirs emotions. It was uneventful and it turned out really ugly. It was fighting for a piece of dirt. It became a crash of egos. At the end, we were the losers. That's what happens when the instinctual impulses take over the rational faculty, one becomes a beast. And coincidentally tomorrow is Yom Kippur, a fast day of repentance for the Jewish. Perhaps we should follow suit.
I don't even want to comment about today's game. It was no fun. Just say thanks to Mike, the new guy, for giving me a jump (left the car lights on) and apology to him for our outbursts.
September 8, 2002
To begin with, let us wish all our Jewish friends a happy Rosh Hashanah celebration. As it was expected, due to the Jewish festivities and the new game time, today's attendance was drastically reduced and only eleven guys could make it. Nevertheless we managed to play the game by using half of the field. The end result was a 15-7 defeat suffered by the Elks, this time under Big Joe's tutelage since Erwin was not present. The game ended with a corkscrew spin or ballerina twirl performed by Pat to turn a double play. In attendance were also Matt, Jay, Mike, Gary, Calvin, Jack, Apache John, Marty and the writer.
See you all next week at 11:00 AM.
September 1, 2002
Apache John sporting a brand new custom made, and certainly flashy, homonymous shirt initiated a perfectly executed 6-4-3 double play, got a couple of singles and in the bottom of the seventh, like the canons dictate, placed a grounder through the middle beyond Calvin's reach to give the M-Picks their 24th victory of the season. But for a more detailed account of today's game incidences let's go to...
Mitch's report: On a wet and dreary Sunday, we played the "jam at Cunningham", enjoying one of our more intriguing and controversial games of the season. A seesaw battle, highlighted by some big hits and disputed plays underneath a sky of constant raindrops finally ended 11-10 with a walk-off single by Apache John, as Eric crossed the plate with the winning run, providing the Elks with yet another way to experience defeat and putting to end a game that was even more complex and filled with more errors than this sentence.
Erwin's team had taken the lead in the top of the seventh, when Gary blasted a three run shot that would have landed in the upper deck if we had one. Maurice (who wisely chose himself for the M-picks) pitched himself out a bases loaded situation early in the game and hit two "unassisted" dingers, including an opposite field blast that caught everybody off-guard. Jared also contributed a solo shot and in another inning, did some nifty hustling around the bases, fabricating a run from nothing that momentarily tied the game at that junction.
In spite of the wet weather, both teams sported some nifty leather, highlighted by Eric's over-the-shoulder sliding grab of a pop-up behind third base. And of course, there were the usual number of goofy errors and miscues, including throws from the outfield that were cut off by the tree in left. A dropped pop-up by yours truly that opened the floodgates for the Elks that inning. And even sure-handed Kenny shocked us by dropping a ball for his first miscue of recent memory.
Due to the inclement weather, we called it a day after the completion of today's thriller. In attendance were the usual collection of weirdoes, misfits and parole violators. Conspicuous by their absence were Big Joe and Ray Diesel, who due to salary cap considerations were cut from today's squad.
Thank you Mitch! Also impassive by today's weather conditions were Jack, Randy, Peter (a couple of hits), Barry, Andrew, Bill (had a miserable day at the plate and misplayed a ball), Jay, Erwin, Marty and Joe (hit a bomb and made a spectacular shoe-string catch).
Injury report: we haven't heard from Nelson. We hope he's feeling better. Eric informed us that Tommy might be available to play next week. How about you, Dave? Drop us a line!
August 25, 2002
Nine is enough! The Elks lose the first game 15-9 and then go onto win 9-5. What a slugfest! Lots of homers! Bill was just unstoppable. He was ripping the ball, finding the gaps and smacking dingers left and right. Kenny, Jared, Jack, Ben and yours truly also contributed by hitting the long ball. We also witnessed a couple of outstanding defensive plays. A line drive caught by Jay to end game II and an unassisted double play turned by your humble servant in the top of the seventh with the bases loaded, dive included. Also Kenny and Dom made some heads up plays getting runners off base.
After reading Angela's post... we all wish Mailman Nelson a complete and speedy recovery. Hope to see you next week!
Also in attendance were: Mike (slight hamstring pull), Pat (Murphy's law in action), Hilly, Gary (pitched great), Big Joe and his antics (after getting hammered in the first inning he pitched well), Erwin (great nab at first), Jay II, Marty, Ray Diesel (awesome power), Yakir, Calvin, Barry and Mitch.
August 18, 2002
It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's... it's... Super Joe! Joe was awesome today: a three run shot and a grand slam in the first game (11-4), and then in the second game (5-4) he scored the winning run in the bottom of the eight, a game that Mike tied with a clean hit to center and sent to extra innings. Big Joe and Dom pitched great. Garry was not as fortunate and ended up loosing both games for the Elks. As a result, the M-Picks are 22-10 for the season. We finally took the team picture. Don't worry Diesel! We'll take another one next week.
Also present were Hilly, Bill, Jack, Jay I, Jay II, Ben, Apache John, Erwin, Doug, Kenny, Calvin, Yaquir, Andrew, Marty, Matt, Erin, yours truly and Angela. See you all next week!
August 11, 2002
In my absence, today's report is brought to you by Big Joe and Mitch.
Big Joe's report: We again had an overabundance of people, 14 on each side but everyone had fun. Jay's sister, Arlene played for the first time and did well. She lives in Naples, Italy, and works for the Military there. She was by for a short visit.
In the first game the M-Picks won. After an eight-run first ining they coasted to a 12 - 5 victory. Diesel pitched and hit a home run, I also pitched (first 3 scoreless ininngs), Mathew had two hits and 4 RBI's.
In the second game the Elks won. Jared hit homers for them in both games and got big rbi's. The M-Picks team also tied it in the bottom of the seventh. We were down by 6 runs but managed only 5 to come within one to tie the game. Big Gary pitched both games for Erwin and his daughtert Erin caught her father the two games. The ink smired so I don't have the score of the last game. (Thanks Joe!)
Some highlights...a player (new guy) on Erwin's team left third too early on an attempt to score on a sac fly but was out on an appeal play. Kenny made an outstanding stop on Peter's sharply hit ball at third base. Erwin got the best hit of his career in one of the games. Nelson's daughter video taped the games for me so that I could see how slow I run.
Now Mitch's report: ...hey!...another lousy turnout today...only 30 plus people showed up...each side featuring 8 outfielders....looked like a game of bumper pool out there.... Jared provided the big bat for Erwin's team today...some big clutch hits.....Kenny and Diesel providing the power for Joe's bunch......in fact, Kenny getting a huge homer in the last inning of the second game...almost singlehandedly bringing his team back from the dead...
in attendance?....the usual bunch of characters...Marty brought his sister Arlene...who got on base almost everytime up....randy and his son matthew...garry, his daughter and entire family showed up to cheer them on....Angela came down with video camera...hoping to film an hour of Maurice diving for line drives....hey, can we do streaming video on our web site?
we saw our first succesful appeal play today..as runner left way early onna fly ball...
hopefully somebody actually sends you a real score or two.... (NOPE, what was the score Apache John?)
August 4, 2002
Today's hot sultry weather didn't hinder attendance; on the contrary, it was jam-packed again. Garry pitched both games for the Elks, and Matt --pitching for the M-Picks-- was relieved later on in game II by Dom. Great pitching all around! Both games were exciting. We almost witnessed a triple played turned by Jay in game II, but Big Joe couldn't hold to the ball. And in game I, Mailman Nelson, who usually plays flawless outfield, misplayed a ball hit by Jared and redeemed himself in the seventh by making an outstanding throw to third and catching Joe in midway. At the end the Elks won game one 6-4, and the M-Picks took game two, an eight-inning nail-biter, 4-3.
Also among the attendees were: Dwayne, Randy, Matt II, Bill, Andrew, Andre, Doug, Kenny, Erwin, Yaquir, Apache John, Mike, Barry, Marty, Johnny, Mitch, Ben, Jack, Calvin, Garry's daughter, Angela and yours truly.
July 28, 2002
Thanks to Matt's superb pitching performance, the Elks took both games of today's double header, 10-0 and 13-7, and improved their record to 9-19. Although M-picks pitchers Big Joe and yours truly were pounded hard, the precarious defense and poor fielding didn't help matters either. On the other hand, the Elks played solid all around. Mike and Mailman Nelson made some unbelievable catches in the outfield but also contributed with their bats. On a sad note, we have to report another injury. This time was Pat, who made a spectacular play at short, and had to leave the game while trying to stretch a single into a double. He jammed one of his knees sliding head first into second.
Also in attendance were Apache John, Kenny, Doug, Jack (big hit), Garry (hit a homer), Erwin (nice at bats), Andrew, Joe, CPA Peter, Yakir, Johnny, Calvin, George and Angela. See you all next week.
July 21, 2002
Today's game will be remembered as one of the best, if not the best, ever played by us. In summary: a truly Herculean victory for the M-Picks and a duel of titans on the mound. The end result, a 6-5 complete eleven-inning game victory by yours truly. Diesel, who also pitched great, had to leave and was relieved by Garry in the bottom of the eleventh. With two men out and Matt standing at third, Mailman Nelson placed a ball in short center to drive the winning run. The player of the game was Joe who drove in three runs and made some outstanding plays in the outfield. Also Calvin had a stellar performance in short center, he caught every fly ball.
Also in attendance were: Erwin (Ahem! It's not over...), Juan, Jack (still in one piece), Jay, Andrew (turned a nice double play), Marty (made a great catch in the outfield), CPA Peter (not his day), Pete (tough day all around also), Pat (got a big hit), Johnny, Jarred (still on vacation mode), Doug, Eric (crushed one ball), Mike, Kenny and our friend Angela Rivera who never misses any of our games and enjoys watching us play. Thank you Angela!
DL: Dave and Tom are out for the season with broken fingers.
July 14, 2002
The Elks (7-18) split a double header with the M-Picks, winning the second game 8-7 after falling 4-3 in game one. Both games were come-from-behind victories. Mitch, Kenny (in relief) and Big Joe pitched exceptionally well. We witnessed great defensive plays by Marty and Pete in the outfield, and Eric and Jay II played brilliantly at short.
Injury report: we have no word yet about Dave's recovery. Hey Shin-man, how is that finger healing? Talking about fingers, Tommy, who hit some long balls for outs, injured a finger today also. Let's hope it's only a bruise.
Also in attendance were: Jack (the way Joe was pitching, he is lucky to be alive), Nelson (got some big hits and played great in the outfield), CPA Peter (stayed for BP only), Joe, Johnny (got an inside the park homer), Doug (also an inside the park homer), Erwin (great at bats), Apache John (shame on you for not hustling down the line), George, Yakir, Ben, Bill (the hero of game one), Mike, and yours truly.
July 7, 2002
It wasn't July 4th, but we had fireworks. Matt put on a show. In the first game, he drove in seven RBIs and hit a ball deep in center field with the bases loaded for his first grand-slam of the season. After the game, Mitch's ERA had to be higher than his batting average. CPA Peter and Mailman Nelson also hit a couple of dingers. The M-Picks played solid defense, run at will and pounded the ball. The end result three more wins: 15-5, 12-3 and 8-2. Gary, who resembles the big unit, just pitched great. One of the most exciting plays of the morning was a rundown. Marty was caught in between first and second but was never tagged out and ended up on second while Nelson scored. Mike also run the bases well and took advantage of the mental errors and defensive mishaps of the Elks (6W - 17L).
Also in attendance were: Jack, Apache John (rough day at short), Erwin, Big Joe, Ben (played great short center), Bill, Kenny (soft hands), Doug (Kenny Jr.), Yakir, Johnny, Calvin (tough time at third), Ray Diesel (no comment), Eric, Jay II (found his phone), George (hit the ball well), Eric II and your humble servant.
July 4, 2002
Happy Independence Day! Happy birthday, America!
June 30, 2002
Before we begin, we would like to wish Dave a speedy recovery. For those of you who are not aware, a week ago while attempting to make a bare hand play at first, he fractured his ring finger. Hey Shin-man: get well soon! Meanwhile, we also learnt today that Pasquale missed a couple of weeks due to a pull groin muscle and Jay, although he managed to play, is still bothered by a strain quadriceps. Man! We're going to need an injury report too. Also, we would like to congratulate the Brazilian soccer fans and their national team; their country is now the reigning FIFA World Champion. This is their fifth championship, just unbelievable.
Well, today the M-Picks won again. What's new! The Elks are now 6-14, that is .300. We don't want to rub it in so we'll be brief. The first game was a real battle. In the bottom of the sixth, the Elks managed to get ahead by two runs after several defensive misplays but the M-Picks turned things around by scoring three times on top of the seventh. Everyone contributed and Jared got the big hit. The Elks were shut down and the final score was 9-8. The second game was a masterful pitching performance by Big Joe, who blanked the Elks 8-0.
Also in attendance: Larry (hit the ball well), newcomers Jay II, Ben, and Joe, Jack, Johnny (pitched second game), Kenny (pitched first game), Kenny Jr., Matt (great back hand catch and a few erratic throws), Erwin (a couple of nice catches), Marty (splendid outfield plays), Peter (crushed the ball, 3 homers), Mike (impressive at first base and had some big hits), Mailman Nelson (great catches in the outfield), Barry, Mitch, Tommy and yours truly.
June 23, 2002
Summer finally arrived. Today was really hot and humid, but the weather conditions didn't stop us from playing two games, and guess what, The Elks took another two loses, so now The M-Picks are 12-6 for the season. Tough luck Erwin! The first game was a 10-1 blowout. Marty hit an inside the park homer and Larry who played short center was circling fly balls all morning but coming out empty handed at the end. Diesel Ray pitched okay on both games but the master on the hill was Big Joe. He was superb. Great performance Joe! The second game was a 6-5, comeback victory. In the bottom of the seventh The M-Picks would score three runs to win. Marty lead off the inning with a line drive to center, to start things out, then Joe, Jared and Matt would follow and Mike's sacrifice fly ball would bring home Jared who was standing at third to score the winning run. Shin-man Dave, who played first base in the second game, had to leave with an injured finger. Let's hope it's only a bruise, and nothing is broken! Also in attendance: Juan Carlos, Gary and his daughter (by the way, your email doesn't work), Kenny Jr., Kid John, Apache John, Peter, Barry, George, Yakar (Erwin's nephew), Mailman Nelson, Jack, Jay, and yours truly. With regard to new field location I will notify everyone via email in a couple of days. Talk to all soon.
June 16, 2002
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy! Happy Father's Day to all the daddys in the world!
Since I am still afflicted with a calf strain I wasn't able to play. In my absence Joe took over captain duties again. Mitch, Apache John and Joe had the courtesy of emailing me today's game report. They informed me that the M-Picks beat the Elks 3-2 and 7-3 respectively to take both ends of the double header and that once again we had a magnificent turnout. Erwin's team is then 6-10 for the season. Tommy was the player of both games. He crushed two 3-run dingers to the gap in left center, one on each game. According to Mitch, the first game was a nail biter with the tying run on third base as Juan made the last out. Both teams made sparkling defensive plays, especially Matt at short and Nelson at center. Also Erwin was superb, he had his best game at first and resembled Keith Hernandez with his solid defense. Other great defensive plays were a diving stab by Calvin and a liner that was snared by Apache John. That's all! See you all next week.
June 9, 2002
As of last Sunday I placed myself on the 15-day disable list due to a calf injury. Nevertheless I stopped by today to say hello. I also brought the bases and the score sheet. What a guy! Since I couldn't stay, in my absence Joe took over my duties as team captain of The M-Picks. He later informed me about the incidences of today's double-header. Now, if anyone would like to disagree (specially Apache John) please just go to the message board and pipe up or vent your frustrations. According to Joe then, the first game ended 5-3 in our favor. He added that he pitched "splendidly" and that he stroke out Diesel for the last out. He also said that Matt and Pete played great defense. In the second game, Erwin's team, The Elks, managed a victory even though Ray made a costly fielding error, and the final score was 5-2. Apache John got the save. Among the highlights he mentioned a superb defensive play by Kenny Jr. catching cleanly a half hop and throwing the runner at first. Hence, as of now The Elks are 6 while The M-Picks are 8 for the season. See you all next week.
June 2, 2002
We played another doubleheader. The first game ended 7-6 in favor of Erwin's team. Marty was the player of the game. He hit a homer and made an excellent catch in the outfield for the final out with the game on the line. Dave made also an outstanding catch in the outfield and Tommy safeguarded his honor running hard to prevent grounding into a triple play. The second game was a 6-5 comeback victory by us. Lou had the crucial hit to tie the score in the bottom of the inning and Pat scored what would be the winning run. The games lacked the spark of previous encounters. We witnessed lots of bloopers and cheap hits as well as somewhat shabby defense on both sides. Also in attendance were Juan, Apache John (a scraped forearm), Diesel, Matt, Jared (got caught in a rundown), Lou, Jack, Mike, George, Bill, Kenny, Kenny Jr., Jay, Mailman Nelson, Mitch, Barry, Calvin and myself (sprained calf).
May 26, 2002
First, we would like to wish everyone a safe and peaceful memorial day tomorrow. Get those burgers on the grill: it's barbecue time!
We had another great turnout today! Since Ray had to leave by the fourth inning and Erwin couldn't take another loss, we had the courtesy of letting his team win the first game 10-6. With regard to the second game we have no objections. It ended 5-4 in their favor and they won it fair and square. Therefore Erwin's team is 4-6 for the season. In attendance were: Juan (made two great catches in left field), Jack (hit the ball hard and tagged out Jared at home), Scott (the new guy), Kenny II (robbed Tommy of a homer), Kenny (or perhaps Mr. Snapshot, he is in every picture), Kenny Jr., Mitch (gutsy running the bases), Tommy (crushed that ball), Pete (hit two bombs and played good defense), Larry (stroke out twice but made two impressive basket catches), Jared (outstanding), Peter, Apache John (a terrible day alike myself), Erwin (ahem...bungled a couple of easy grounders), Dave (nobody can't hit his hyperbolic pitch), Eric, Johnny (great pitching), Walt, George (excellent play in the outfield), Mailman Nelson (a couple of ropes), Jay (not his day) and Calvin (had a tough time in the outfield but smoked the ball). See you all on Sunday! Check out the latest photos!
May 19, 2002
Today's double-header meant two more defeats for Erwin's team (2-6). The first game ended 10-4 while the second one, a 10-9 score, concluded with a sensational diving catch by Matt in short center. Both teams flashed the leather. Outfielder Marty was just outstanding. He resembled Cardinal's Jim Edmonds with his over the shoulder catches. We witnessed two major league double plays. One was turned by Kenny running across the bag and catching the ball with his bare hand and throwing to first all in one motion, and the other one was an incredible play by John the kid. He caught a ball in mid air that was smoked by Tommy and popped out of Diesel's glove. Tommy couldn't believe his eyes. What a play! Infielders Apache John and Pat made also a couple of tough backhand picks while Jared, Matt, Mailman Nelson, Diesel and Eric hit the long ball. We even had an exciting rundown play. Diesel kept running but was finally tagged out at home by Kenny Jr. In addition we had some "overconfident" fielders misplacing and dropping balls but I will not mention any names. I will say, however, I know someone who had a rotten day playing third base. Today we had a total of 27 attendees. Also present were Jeremy, Jack, Juan, George, Calvin, Peter, Barry, Bill, Dave, Jay and Mitch. See you all next week!
May 12, 2002
We wish all moms everywhere a Happy Mother's Day!
Today we'll be brief. Luckily, the weather cooperated and we managed to get the game in before the rain. At the end, another victory for Erwin's team, so now he is 2-4 for the year. Happy Erwin? The final score was 14-3 and the player of the game was Marty who had some great at bats. He hit a long homer to left, way over Bill's head, and made an unbelievable shoestring catch in right center. Also Mitch, who had a triple and played left field, made some impressive catches. In the bottom of the seventh he tracked and caught a long fly ball by Ray near the parking lot, a 350 feet shot. Today we learned that Ray, after all, is human. He played short, and to Apache John's delight, had troubled handling a couple of easy grounders. Mailman Nelson stopped by to say hello. He's been afflicted with a sore back and expects to be back next week. Dave and Bill didn't communicate well in the outfield and every ball that was hit to left center dropped in. Also in attendance were Ken, Juan, George, Jay, Jack, Andre (the man in black), Barry (O'Neill) and yours truly. See you all next week, and have a pleasant mother's day!
May 6, 2002
We need to make a correction. Today I received an email from Apache John indicating that the final score in game 2 was actually 10-6 not 10-4 as it was previously stated, and that in game 1, we played four innings instead of three. To tell you the truth, I don't recall playing four innings in game 1, but with regard to game 2, I do remember that we scored twice in the bottom of the seventh so I guess I forgot to add those two runs. Sorry for the omission then. By the way, that game ended with Jack grounding out into a double play. See you all next Sunday. Oh, just a final note to Erwin and Peter: don't forget to send me your email addresses! That's all!
May 5, 2002
Weekend warriors welcome the occasional day off. It gives their bodies extra time to heal and recover. And last week's rainout, in a sense, was a true blessing for some of us. However today's incidences in the field had nothing to do with sore or achy muscles, it was about Murphy's Law literally into action, if there is such a thing in softball.
If not, just ask Larry who was pitching for Erwin's team and couldn't escape a bases-loaded jam in the top of the third and ended up surrendering 13 runs. Jared, Tommy and Lou put on a hitting show. They were launching missile after missile. The game lasted only three innings, a 17-0 mercy rule slaughter. Stefanie had a dazzling pitching performance allowing only two hits, and Ken who played second base made two brilliant unassisted double plays. In the second game, Dom's splendid pitching turned things around and gave Erwin's team their first victory of the season (1-4). The final score was 10-4.
On both games, we witnessed --once again-- great defensive plays. Pat deserves the highlights. He made a sensational diving stop at short and threw the runner at first alike Benito Santiago, from his knees. On a quasi-similar play but at third, your humble servant did the honors this time. Tommy also made an outstanding shoestring catch in centerfield; he almost makes another one later in the game. Dave, Jared and Peter had some nifty running catches in the outfield. Also Mitch, who relieved his daughter, looked impressive on the hill. He even managed two make two acrobatic popup catches. Hey Pat, take note of that and learn from the master! By the way, Mitch informed me that, this week, somebody left behind a right-hand baseball mitt. It's in his sports bag, safe and sound.
Today we had a total of 26 attendees. Also present were: Apache John (still complaining about his injured foot), Jack (had some nice at bats), Juan (impressed by Pat's reflexes and strong arm), Mike (everyone liked his Diamond bat), O'Neill (played second), Eric (doesn't want to play third again), Calvin (lots of speed), Bill (wearing winter jacket), Jeremy, Randy, Pete (no homers today) and Jay (very good hitter).
April 28, 2002
Today's game has been postponed because of rain. We would like to congratulate Stefanie Weingart (Mitch's daughter) for last week's great performance. She went 2-for-3 with three RBIs for Cardozo. Good job Steph!
April 21, 2002
Another great turnout! Sunday's cloudy skies didn't hold back the twenty-four or so diehards that showed up at the field to play ball. After Saturday's heavy downpours, with the exception of a couple of puddles in the infield, the playing field was in relative good condition.
We played our first double header of the season. The first game ended 11-3 and the second one, a five-inning affair, 14-1. Both games were quick paced. The second game came to a close with an outstanding play by Ken who had to stretch high up in the air to catch a line drive. In a sense, that play epitomized the superlative defensive skills displayed by both teams.
Who could forget the two awesome plays at third by Pat or the feline nimbleness of Apache John at short to turn double plays. Notwithstanding these terrific plays, Erwin's outfielders looked shaky at times. Mitch, for instance, didn't know how to position himself every time Ray went to bat and got burned a few times. On the plus side, Tommy, still struggling at the plate, made a brilliant acrobatic ballet-style catch by the foul line under the tree.
The players of the games were Pete and Ray. Pete was on fire. He connected four homers and made two brilliant running catches in the outfield. Ray "Diesel" Patterson kept both games under control with his terrific pitching, and had a feast at the plate; he literally tore the cover off the ball. Keeping up with the tradition, Erwin's teams are now 0-3 for the season.
Also in attendance were: Mailman Nelson, Big Joe, Larry, Jack, Juan, Peter, Jeremy, Dave, O'Neill, John the kid, Amora, Eric and yours truly, who didn't follow Mitch's advice and became aware of the existence of another muscle at work in my body. I hope to be able to take a few hacks next week. Let me apology once again if I failed to remember someone's name.
Lastly, Mitch has informed me he has found a blue L.L. Bean jacket. The owner of the garment can contact him at moishe464@aol.com. See you all next Sunday.
April 14, 2002
Our sixth softball season started with a bang. Weather-wise, we couldn't ask for a better day. Even the field was in surprisingly good condition after two days of rain. Following Cheryl's ceremonial first pitch, we witnessed a terrific pitching performance by newcomer Diane. She was superb. She pitched four scoreless innings and was in complete command until the bottom of the seventh when she ran out of gas and allowed six runs. Andy drove the winning run with a hard hit line drive to centerfield.
The final score was 11-10. Better luck next time Erwin! Mister Mailman Nelson had some great at bats, as well as O'Neill who played third. They both pounded the ball. Amora displayed tremendous power and excellent catching abilities. Meanwhile, Tommy had a rotten day. He was so disgusted with himself that he was ready to start sledge hammering away. Eric was keeping his distance, just in case. Mitch, in the outfield, resembled Andruw Jones, while Matt and Apache John played good defense. Pete was a bit nervous at short getting rid of the ball but had some timely hits and ran the bases well.
In the interim, this mortal misplayed an easy grounder but later managed to redeem himself with a diving stop. Also in attendance were Dave, Bizcocho Lindo Pat, Ken, Slim Larry and his bike, Big Joe, Andy, John the kid, Ritchie the pitcher, and a few more guys. I apologize I can't remember their names. Lots of new faces!
April 6, 2002
Daylight saving time goes into effect tomorrow. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.
March 31, 2002
Finally, the moment of truth, the moment everyone was waiting for has arrived. Yes, it's softball time! Windsor Park's 2002 softball season will officially open on Sunday, April 14, 2002. That day, Cheryl, our softball organizer, will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch. Start warming that arm Cheryl!
As you are aware, Marty Grayson, from Mid-Queens Fresh Meadows Sports Alliance, gets our field permits. He does all the paper work for us free of charge. It would be a nice gesture from our part if we could contribute with a small one-time donation to this terrific organization that promotes youth sports. Cheryl will be passing the bucket; whatever you want to drop in, will be greatly appreciated. They are also in need of little league coaches. If anyone is interested in lending a hand, just contact me.
This year we will start playing on field #4. It is located at Union Tpke. and 195th Street. Game time is 9:00 AM. You can park your cars at the main entrance (parking lot #1). See our map.
March 27, 2002
This is an important time of celebration for Jews and Christians. Happy Passover! Happy Easter!
March 17, 2002
We would like to wish each and every one of you a Happy St. Patrick's Day. Hope you all are wearing green, having corn beef and green cabbage. May the luck of the Irish be with you!
February 14, 2002
Don't forget to convey your feelings to your sweetheart, friends and loved ones today. Happy Valentine's day everyone!
January 1, 2002
This past year affected each of us in profound and lasting ways. The catastrophic images of September 11 will be indelibly etched in our minds forever. We pray that 2002 be a year blessed with peace, joy and the warmth of family and friends. Happy and prosperous new year everyone!
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