December 2010
Warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season
Let our celebrations this year focus on family and friends...
Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Shalom, Salaam, Happy Kwanzaa!
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Give Thanks!
By Maurice Novelle
Hey guys... We like to wish you a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump. May your potatoes 'n gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious, may your pies take the prize... and may your thanksgiving dinner, stay off your thighs!
Bring on the turkey baby!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
An Urgent Plea!
By Maurice Novelle
Hey guys... I don't want to sound like a broken record and I hate to beg for money but we need to raise enough funds for next year's field permit. The estimated fees are $650.00.
We all know these are really tough economic times. The holidays are just around the corner and everyone is strapped for cash but please make an effort... dig into your pockets and send a few bucks. Without your contributions our league will cease to exist. It's all up to you!
Anything you can contribute would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Happy Halloween!
By Maurice Novelle
Trick or Treat? We Need Your Help Urgently!
Hey guys... it's time to chip in! The very existence of our league is in peril unless we raise sufficient funds to cover next year's field permit fees. The estimated fees for 2011 are $650.00. Anything you can contribute would be much appreciated.
Remember... without your contributions our league will cease to exist.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Season comes to an end
By Maurice Novelle
That’s it! It’s over! 2010 has been a total fiasco. Granted we have been plagued by a ton of injuries --Nelson, Pete, Kenny, Joe 21, Russ, Alec and Danny…just to mention a few of the guys-- but still overall attendance compared to other years has been much below average. Let’s hope that 2011 is a better year.
On attendance today were newcomer Marcello, Big Joe, Little Joe, Manny and the writer.
The permit fees for next year are $650.00. I have collected only $225.00. Whatever you are able to contribute towards next year’s permit would be really appreciated. Thanks!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Five aces…Russ plays hooky
By Maurice Novelle
Weather-wise there’s probably only a few weeks left before calling it quits. Attendance has been unusually low this year. Today, for instance, only five guys made to the field: Big Joe, Artie, Jeff, Manny and the writer. It’s pitiful!
It would be really nice if we could finish the season on a good note… so guys make an effort and come in!
Much obliged!
ON A SEPARATE NOTE: Great news! We've signed up with Schedule-Smith, an online interactive communication system that will help us monitor and track game attendance accurately eliminating the need of the web poll. No more guesswork! The current attendance report will let us know exactly who is/isn't coming. Also we'll be able to keep in touch with other team members via email and texts.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Today's game has been canceled due to lack of participation.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Déjà vu all over… just a handful of players
by Maurice Novelle
Big Joe reported last week that only five guys made to the field: Artie, Little Joe, Jeff, Manny and himself. Jeff said that Little Joe made a nice one hand catch fielding BP while arguing with the cable guy on the cell phone in the other hand before running off to Home Depot. He added that Big Joe identified a couple of piles of dog crap that they successfully avoided the rest of the morning. They also shoveled some dirt around home plate and Artie and Jeff chased balls that Manny hit into the woods in right field.
This weekend weather-wise should be okay however I don't know if the field would be in playable condition with all the rain we had. Anyhow, let's see who’s planning to come...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Just a handful of players
by Maurice Novelle
Big Joe reports that only five guys showed up last week and that the field was in terrible condition. This coming Sunday we'll have to do some manicuring... bring rakes and showels green thumbs!
Also it's that time of the year when we've gotta start collecting the dough for next year's permit. You know what to do!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Cloudy skies deter concourse
by Maurice Novelle
Well not much to report today. Just nine diehards decided to defy Mother Nature and venture to the field. After batting practice we played a modified round robin format until the liquid sunshine appeared on the scene around forenoon.
In attendance were Manny, Doug, Mauricio, Adam, Big Joe, Danny, Artie, Little Joe and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Bazooka Joes win doubleheader 9-7, 14-4
by Maurice Novelle
Due to time constraints today’s report will be brief. Happy Labor Day guys!
Great turn out again! Before both squads squared off today, someone comparing the lineups suggested that on paper the Mozzarella Sticks looked like the better team. That might be so but you’ve still gotta play the game, I replied. However it slip my mind that Artie and his son Mauricio were playing in the same team… and when that happens that team always wins. Gosh!
Thus the Sticks couldn’t break the father-and-son magic spell or hocus-pocus Big Joe who had his best performance of the year. He was lights out.
Congrats to new daddy Billy! Also Doug said that Kenny is doing great.
In attendance today were Big Joe, Bald Mike, Nelson, Gerri, Mauricio, Jelix, Artie, Russ, Little Joe, Jeff, Rob, Matt, Billy, Sammy, Danny, Sho, Doug, Mike and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sticks settle for doubleheader split
by Maurice Novelle
After beating the Joes 14-7 in the opener, the Sticks tumbled 18-8 in the night cap. In game one Jeff, garrisoned by a solid defense and flawless fielding, pitched superbly and kept batters off balance striking out some of Joes prominent sluggers. In game two, however, the momentum switched sides and the Joes became a refined well oiled batting machine with hit after a hit, a real slug fest. Meanwhile flame thrower Warren kept befuddling the Sticks with his blazing fastball and sneaky knuckle ball. Albeit the high score, Big Joe and Sho pitched well but were victimized by shoddy fielding in some key situations.
There were the usual power shots by the usual sluggers – e.g. Tom, Manny, Bald Mike, etc., even the writer managed an inside-the-parker– but today’s highlight was attendance, what a great turnout indeed!
Diehard Kenny stopped by to say hello. He’s having arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday. Hey Kenny…all the guys would like to wish you… good luck and a quick recovery!
In attendance today: Big Joe, Bald Mike, Matt, Nelson, Gerry, Edwin, John, Mike, Warren, Little Joe, Vernon, Jeff, Manny, Tom, Sammy, Felix, Danny, Artie, Domenic, Sho and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Game rained out
CORRECTION: Let's get the record straight! Last week Jeff hit a grand slam and Russ was doubled up four times in a row but grounded out only three times.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Double-header split!
by Maurice Novelle
After this year’s dreadful participation it was nice to finally have a decent turnout and being able to play a couple of games. It was something that we desperately needed it. Throughout the years we have had some bad spells struggling with attendance but not as pathetic. Hopefully this is a good omen.
Today’s twin bill ended in a split. The Bazooka Joes won the opener 11-5 while the Sticks took the night cap 11-7. Among the highlights in game one... we must make mention of the great pitching performance by ace hurler Salchichón Big Joe who kept batters at bay with a mix of hard fastballs and cutters. Offensively, once again, Super Diablo Manny put on a show at the plate with his intrepid tornado style bat swinging and blasting a ball that landed deep in dead center beyond Danny’s reach. Also worth mentioning an opposite field frozen rope triple by the writer over right fielder Mike’s head and Nelson's moon shot extravaganza display during batting practice that was awesome.
In game two, Jeff was the MVP. He not only pitched superbly striking out Manny and Doug in several occasions but also helped his team with the bat with a well placed opposite field three-run homer.
Kudos to Kenny for his great Kirk Gibson’s impersonation! And shame on slow afoot Russ who established a new WP Softball record by grounding out into four consecutive double plays…rally killer!
In attendance were Big Joe, Manny, Doug, Kenny, Mike, Little Joe, Jeff, Tinman Tom, Nelson, Danny, Russ, yours truly and newcomers Danny, Eddie and Jerry,
See you guys next week!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Still Alive!
by Maurice Novelle
Right now we’re in survival mode… just hanging by a thread. Eleven guys made it to the field today but only nine were able to play due to injuries. We ended up with an half-of-the-field round robin arrangement. Let me tell you… some intense workout and with the torrid weather everyone was dead exhausted.
In attendance: Tom, Little Joe, Artie, Jeff, Pete, Doug, Manny, Jose, Big Joe, Kenny and the writer.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
URGENT - WP Softball is in Deep Trouble: Facing Immediate Disbandment
by Maurice Novelle
After thirteen great years, I’m sad to report that due to dwindling attendance WP Softball may be forced to close its doors soon. Today, for instance, only seven guys showed up. It’s really sad and I don’t know what else to do.
As a last resource I’ll be posting a poll… so please respond ASAP. Thanks for your help and… hope to see you next week!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
League existence in peril due to low attendance
by Maurice Novelle
Only ten guys made it to the field today: Little Joe, Jeff, Domenic, Big Joe, Peter, Russ, Kenny, Artie, Nelson and the writer. Only ten guys... This is sad!
Thus far this year attendance has been a major disappointment, the lowest ever. I don’t want to sound pessimistic but unless something drastic unfolds soon WP Softball will be history.
It’s up to you guys!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Sticks beat Joes 17-13
by Maurice Novelle
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks and Super Diablo Manny kicked off the holiday festivities taking care of the pyrotechnics blasting a pair of jacks, one of them a tape measure shot in dead center, at least 250 feet away. He then legged out what could have been his third homer but was tagged out at home plate by a step.
Also Big Joe, aside from a lights-out pitching performance, contributed with his bat by hitting a long drive over newcomer Mike’s head in right field. He had to run at full speed…a figure of speech…around the bases to reach home safely just ahead of the throw. It took… forever! Likewise Roly crushed a ball and only got a triple out of it.
Due to today’s extreme weather conditions, and to avoid anyone suffering from heat exhaustion we only played one game. It was scorching hot!
On another note, we were shocked by today’s low attendance, moreover if we take into consideration the holiday weekend. Last year we had twenty guys, in 2008 we had twenty three, and in 2007 eighteen. I don’t know but this is not really encouraging at all guys.
Here are today’s fourteen diehards: Jeff, Big Joe, Tom, Manny, Billy, Roly, Mike R, Kenny, Doug, Domenic, Mike M, Russ, Little Joe and the writer.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Just batting practice…
by Maurice Novelle
No game report once again. Last week it was Father’s Day and Little Joe reported that only seven people showed up. He blamed it on the holiday itself and the weather forecast that predicted heat and humidity. Today was muggy and blazing hot again and only eight people showed up. This time…blame it on the World Cup. Next week is the Fourth of July weekend and we should expect a great crowd.
On attendance today were Jeff, Russ, Tom, Kenny, Doug, Dave, Pete and the writer. See you guys next week!
Sunday June 13, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sticks beat Joes 16-3
by Maurice Novelle
Due to time constraints today’s report will be abbreviated. In a nutshell, the Sticks did everything to perfection today. They had great pitching, outstanding defense and timely hitting. The Joes, in turn, were the exact opposite with the exception of that awesome diving catch by Manny to rob Tommy. The player of the game was Mauricio who blasted a bomb over Dave’s head in right field to put the game completely out of reach. We played only a single seven inning game because some of the guys had to leave early.
In attendance… for the Mozzarella Sticks: P Jeff, LF Tinman Tommy, 3B OD, SS Mauricio, CF Pete, RF Artie, 2B Flintstone Russ and 1B yours truly. For the Bazooka Joes: P Big Joe, SS Super Diablo, LF Kenny, 3B Domenic, CF Doug, RF Dave, 1B Alec, 2B Eric and C Little Joe.
I’ll probably won’t see you next week so Happy Father’s Day!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Mo's and Joe's Split Twin Bill
by Mitch Weingart
Matt, Bald Mike and Billy came up big today for their respective teams, as a total of 18 players braved today's heat and humidity before an enthusiastic crowd of one...well, two... if you include the guy who watched us take batting practice for a few minutes.
The team captains took to the hill and it proved to be a field day for the hitters. Both teams combined for 28 runs in a 7 inning slugfest ....just 2 runs short of a Windsor Park record, which is another one of my totally made up statistics. The seesaw game came to an end...when a clutch hit from Billy who drove in the final two game winning runs for the Bazookas. Lil Joe then got Robert to ground out to Bald Mike, who made a terrific across the body throw, deep in the hole with the tying runs on base. The complete game victory goes to Lil Joe, his first since the Korean War era.
Speaking of style, Big Joe brought it today....sporting a lovely purple handbag and matching pumps. According to the big guy, the purse is complimentary with a 50 dollar purchase of any Yves St. Laurent fragrance at Macy's...good thru the end of this week. Yes, Roly...they're open till 9:00 PM almost every day of the week.
After a brief intermission featuring Nelson's nuts and Bald Mike's cold beverages, the teams dragged their asses out for one more game. This time it was the Sticks who made quick work of the Joes pushing across 14 runs, as Artie held the opposition to just 8. After 3 innings the game was called on account of general fatigue and potential sunburn issues.
Appearing for the Bazooka Joes: Bald Mike, Billy, Roly, Doug, Peter, Big Joe, Mitch, Tommy and Little Joe...
For the Sticks: Matt (great work as usual in center), Nelson, Danny, Kenny, Artie, Dominic, Russ, Robert and Maurice.
I won't be here next week (shameless plug coming up!) as my band will be rocking things up at Maguires in Wooside the night before!! Come on down... drink a lot and stay up late...always good preparation for the next game!! See ya!!
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
An Unmemorable Memorial Day Contest
by Little Joe
Those of us of a certain age still remember when Memorial Day was called Decoration Day, and this past Sunday the Bazooka Joes needed some decorating because we were… ugly!
With Kenny ably acting as substitute captain once again but this time for the Mozzarella Sticks, two teams of eleven squared off. Optimism reigned with the great turnout and the great weather. When we realized that we had no catcher's mask, since we could still field ten players, I was dispatched to Modell's to pick one up. After waiting for ten minutes for the store to open and learn that they were out of masks, I hurried back to the field to find my team already trailing 6-0 after twice going down 1,2,3 in the first two innings and with the Sticks up in the top of the third with two runners on. I hardly had time to scratch my head when… a walk and a Roly blast over Brendan's reach made it 10-0. We went down scoreless in the bottom of the third and with our pitcher, Big Joe, invoking the mercy rule or conceivably asking for mercy, we decided to end it there and begin game two.
In the nightcap, at first, there was no change. With the Bazookas dropping pop flies, throwing to the wrong bases and generally looking lost and with the Sticks, just as in the opener, hitting in a timely manner, playing good defense and running aggressively, the score stood at… yes, you guessed it, 6-0 in the second inning. In the bottom of the second, after some well placed bloop hits and strong base running of our own, I entertained some hope after scoring four runs but that was all we managed because Jeff was mowing us down with his fastball and changeup, both working. Great location all day, in my opinion one of his best days ever, and the Sticks carried their momentum from game one with three more runs in the third, seven in the fourth and two in the fifth.
With cold drinks and B-B-Qs calling us and with this game losing all semblance of fun or interest we called it after five innings. The final score was 18-4. Well, at least the beer was cold when I got home.
For the Mozzarella Sticks: Dave, Dom, Manny, Nelson, Roly, Jeff, newcomer Mike, Tommy, Kenny and Felix and Fantasy Bill back for a brief cameo.
For the Bazooka Joes: Pete, Sal, Angelo, Dario, Jose, Russ, Brendan, Big Joe, Newcomer Dan, Cathy and Little Joe.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Roly-Killer! Base Running Blunder Clinches Victory For Sticks as Dave Dazzles in Left field and Nelson Delivers (peanuts)
by Mitch Weingart
It was Old Timers’ Day at Alley Pond Park as some of our beloved Windsor Park regulars returned to the field and seventeen players participated in a grueling three hour twin bill before an estimated crowd of seven.
With Little Joe applying for Jerry Manual's job, it was up to Kenny to take over as manager of the Bazooka Joes. He led his team to victory in the opener by a score of 11-5. It was a tightly played contest for the first three innings but then a few errors by the Sticks and some timely hits, including a huge triple by Nelson, opened the floodgates for the Joes starting a flow of runs that even BP said..."hey, good luck stopping that!!"...and before ya knew it....the game was outta reach for Mo's crew.
Game two was a complete reverse of the opener, as the Sticks, lead by their captain, came up with some big blasts, timely hitting and great defense to dominate the nightcap, final score 16-11. Highlights of the day included an incredible catch by Dave who in his first game back this season robbed Jeff with an incredible tumbling catch in left, as the ball ricocheted off the tree branches and into Dave's glove who then protected his body from harm by landing headfirst on the turf.
Roly had an interesting day....including some quality at bats, (3 strike outs!!)...he also hammered a ball passed Artie for a bases clearing triple. And then as the Joes were attempting to comeback in game two he launched another blast into center that normally would have been an easy homer. But, thanks to budget cutbacks, the field has not been mowed since the season began and the grass is as high as an elephant’s eye --most balls getting stuck after rolling twenty feet or less, not to mention a few mini-coopers. Anyway, Pete was able to track down the hit ball, relay it to Matt, who rifled it home to catch a rumbling Roly, robbing him of a dinger and thwarting any chance of a comeback.
We also saw four instances of runners getting doubled off first base, adding to a bizarre day of base running mishaps and we welcomed back Tommy, who was back with vengeance having a great day at the plate, while working both ends of this exhausting double header behind the plate. Kudos to Jeff and Big Joe who pitched their hearts out for both games of the twin bill.
It was good to have a full crew for the games. For the Bazooka Joes: Big Joe, Tinman Tom, Nelson, Roly, Doug, Dave, Kenny, Russ and Tommy. For the Mozzarella Sticks: Jeff, Joe 21, Lawman Matt, Danny, Pete, Artie, Maurice and me, Mitch!!
Hey guys, it's important that you take the time to respond to Mo's poll....as it is instrumental for Nelson when determining what size bag of peanuts to buy. Vote early and often!! [joking]
I won't be here next week....off to Lancaster to play some pick up ball with the Amish....have a safe Memorial Day Weekend!!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Hey Mitch…I had probably one of my best days ever at the plate…drove in ten runs and scored four times. Thanks for noticing and mentioning it in your report! [Maurice]
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Super Diablo puts on a show
by Maurice Novelle
We were expecting a better turnout but merely a baker’s dozen made it to the field. After batting practice, we played a round robin joust. Artie was selected DH and also caught for all three teams. Today was the annual Queens Biathlon event. This year the cops allowed us to park in the lot across the street from the hospital, still it was a hassle to haul all the equipment up the hill.
The player of the game was Manny who belted two mammoth jacks. Tom also blasted some moon shots for singles.
In attendance today were Kenny, Big Joe, Lawman Matt, Doug, Artie, Little Joe, Manny, Nelson, Russ, Jeff, Tom, Danny and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mama Told Me Not To Come...
by Mitch Weingart
Mother's Day, an event deep in tradition, when men gather on Sunday mornings to play softball, and today, on a brisk and very breezy morning, ten of WP's hardiest found a way to pass wind and continue this time honored ritual.
Following an extended batting practice, we decided on a five on five scrimmage just to work up an appetite for whatever meal we'd be consuming later that day. After laying down some bizarre ground rules concerning half field play, lefty batters, same sex marriages and right turns on red lights we played for a few innings; the final score 10-2. Highlights included finding some softballs in the woods that dated back to the Civil War era.
Once the game ended, we all hopped into Mo's van for a 12:00 showing of Iron Man 2. Domenic treated everybody to popcorn.
See ya next week!
In attendance today: Tom, Mitch, Artie, Kenny, Doug, Jeff, Little Joe, Joe 21, Domenic and Maurice.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Hot Temps get the "Mo, Joe's" Working!
by Mitch Weingart
In front of a record crowd of six, Maurice's team came within two outs of sweeping both ends of today's double header. Bazooka Joes’ crew mounted an unlikely comeback to squeak out victory in the nightcap 5-4, this after getting their asses kicked in the opener 13-4.
We welcomed back Jeff to WP ball for his first game this season. The Joes were quick to shake his hand and the Sticks were quicker to rattle his cage, teeing off on the pitcher who clearly did not have his best stuff in the early innings. Kenny and Mauricio led the charge as the hits kept coming. Big Joe's run scoring double resulted in a brief ash cloud as he pulled into second base, diverting flights over LaGuardia for a few minutes. And when it wasn't their hitting, it was my inept fielding at second that opened up the floodgates for the Sticks, as I even allowed a seeing eye hit to Stevie Wonder...and the Sticks pulled away for an easy victory.
Big Joe did a great job on the mound, despite sweating so much at one point that park officials mistakenly took his shirt for an oil spill. Odd highlights of the game included a controversial strikeout of Scott, who fell victim to the (rarely used) "foul tip into the catcher's mitt rule" which had the game been closer at that point we might have seen a better fight than Mosey and Mayweather. And even rarer than Haley's Comet, Tinman Tom swung through a low fastball from Jeff....striking out for the first time in 1,734 bats, which according to the Elias Sports Bureau, is a statistic I just totally made up.
After some brief discussion about whether or not to start game two with time waning, we decided not to disappoint the crowds and do the right thing. The Joes struck early for a brief lead but fell behind 4-2 as they came to bat for their last licks in the bottom of whatever. Mo and Joe had both been pitching a particularly good game despite the heat and both sides were weary....and by now, Big Joe's shirt was threatening the entire eastern seaboard. With Russell on first, I actually came up as the potential tying run, usually just a mathematical statement in my case, but somehow found a fastball and pulled it past a shocked Nelson in right field and after what seemed like an eternity, crossed the plate with my first home run since...well, I'd rather not say!! Doug who earlier made an outstanding play in center followed with a hit and was brought home by Artie, stroking the game winning walk off single past the outstretched glove of his son, Mauricio, who if he had caught that ball, would probably still be walking home right now....
Gumming things up for the Bazooka Joes today were: Jeff, Manny, Joe 21, Doug, Artie, Russ, Little Joe and me! And the Sticks were represented by Big Joe, Tom, Nelson, Mauricio, Kenny, Domenic (who played a great game in the field), Scott and Maurice.
Next week is Mother's Day.... Maurice and Lil' Joe will be selling cards, flowers and cheap bling in between games, in case you haven't picked something up for the special lady in your life and you're in deep shit by noon next Sunday...Seriously though, we do expect a light crowd next week so, all Moms are invited to join the festivities and we promise that Big Joe won't give you a hard time if you don't run out a ground ball....well, unless runners are in scoring position ....then all bets are off!!
See ya next week!!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
According to the latest weather report tomorrow will be partly sunny with chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. So... come out to the field tomorrow yellow-bellies and let's play some ball!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Today's game has been rained out.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Bazooka Joes beat Mozzarella Sticks 24-14
by Maurice Novelle
It was a nine-inning slugfest. Manny, Tom, Joe 21 and Nelson put on a show with their bats blasting mammoth shots. Even the writer had an opposite field homer. One bomb hit by Tinman Tom almost cleared the tree tops. That was surreal!
After two Sundays of action, and I’m not making any references to Super Diablo’s dropped pop-up...hmm, thus far, it has been quiet evident that defensively everyone is still rusty. Well… with the exception of little Josh that was really impressive at second. Emulating his dauntless pa, Josh dove to his left like a goalie, knocked the ball down, picked it and threw a missile to first to rob Joe 21 of a hit. A great play indeed… and in all probability sort of a payback, since Joe 21 earlier in the game had made also a spectacular diving catch of a scorching line drive off Nelson’s bat.
Today’s participation was a bit scarce for this time of the year but we expect a much better turnout next Sunday. In attendance today were Joe 21, Tom, Pat, Doug, Big Joe, Russ, Little Joe, Manny, Nelson, Kenny, Artie, Domenic, Josh and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
2010 Opening Day!
by Maurice Novelle
Opening day finally arrived and we had a great turnout even though Mike didn’t show up with his pals. In attendance were: after a long hiatus “Tinman” Tom, Scott, “Freddy Krueger” Artie, "Mailman" Nelson, “Soccer Mom” Roly, “Big Cigar” Tommy, Little Joe, Joe 21, “Loud Mouth” Pat, Josh, Kenny, Doug, returning prodigal son “Super Diablo” Manny, "Bad Boy" Russ, Dario, Jose, Sal, Cathy, Angelo, Mitch and yours truly. Alec did stop by but was not able to play. We also had word from Big Joe that jammed a thumb doing who knows what, and Jeff that needs to take care of a honey-do-list. Both ace hurlers should be available to pitch off a mound in a week or so. Domenic also said hello and should come next week.
Here’s Mitch's report…
Tom Returns to WP Softball as 2010 Season Gets Underway!
by Mitch Weingart
The WP softball season got off to a terrific start with twenty one players showing up for today's opening kickoff. The squads scored a total of 34 runs...well, 35, if you count Angelo's prolific scoring the night before.
After exchanging high fives and waiting a few minutes for Erwin to show up, somebody farted a few notes that sounded like a Lady Gaga tune; a stray pigeon flew in from center field and landed on the pitching mound and as the announced crowd of three cheered with mild enthusiasm the Mozzarella Sticks took the field...the 2010 season was underway!
After three innings, the Sticks looked more like a slice of stale Swiss as the Bazooka Joes put more balls in the hole, than [please insert your favorite Tiger Woods joke right here]. Errors contributed mightily to the Sticks’ downfall and nearly everybody committed an agonizing clunker...including myself dropping a pop-up so easy that even Luis Castillo would have caught it....well, maybe. Anyway, Little Joe was on top of his pitching game getting some clutch double plays from his defense –who clearly cheated by not drinking heavily the night before– and when the score reached 14-0 we pulled the plug invoking the mercy rule and moving onto the second half of today's twin bill.
The Sticks jumped to an early lead in the second half of today's action, highlighted by the first home run of the season, an opposite field blast by Roly who called it launching a missile over Artie's head into deep right. Russ was later robbed with the bases loaded as Angelo made a spectacular catch of his drive to center field that would have padded the Sticks’ lead.
Manny lead the Bazookas’ charge back hitting the first tape measured job of the season bouncing a ball high off the trees in right center later measured at a whooping 280 feet as Mo's team saw the lead dwindling to a slim two runs. In the end, it was Doug, showing off the defensive skills he mastered at law school making a spectacular diving and game saving grab in center field, as the Sticks held on for a 11-9 victory.
Today saw some new and familiar faces, lead by our old buddy Tom who after an absence of several years didn't miss a beat. We're all hoping he'll be showing up on a regular basis. Tommy, can ya hear me?
In action today for the Bazooka Joes Manny, Dario, Angelo, Kenny, Sal, Scott, Artie, Tommy, Little Joe and Josh; for the Cheese Sticks Joe 21, Nelson, Pasquale, Tom, Roly, Jose, Russ, Cathy, Maurice, Doug, and me, the writer!
Don't forget, it takes a few bucks to keep this effort alive....$25 is all it takes to keep our permit intact and give us a place to gather every Sunday morning so, if you haven't chipped in yet...the next time you're thinking about contributing to some earthquake fund or “feed a hungry child” foundation, do the right thing and slip that Andrew Jackson to Mo instead....you'll be glad you did!
April 2010
Happy Easter! Happy Passover!
March 21, 2010
2010 Season kick-off is just around the corner
by Maurice Novelle
Aside from the heavy snowstorms and last weekend’s northeaster, I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable offseason. Spring has finally arrived. We can hear the birds chirping again and Russ cabin fever symptoms should calm down. The man has been bombarding us with emails. He’s anxious to start playing ball. Relax Russ winter blues are over and help is on the way.
This past Tuesday I attended the NYC Parks and Recreation meeting and I picked our field permit so we’re ready to go.
Opening Day is April 11.
January 2010
Here’s to the new year...
may it bring more joy and success
and less grief and regret...
a happy and prosperous 2010 guys!
December 2009
End of season wins: Elks (17) M-Picks (12) Ties (1)
We would like to wish you all a joyous holiday season.
