December 2011
Happy Holidays Guys!
By Maurice Novelle
Kudos to Jay our 2011 MVP.
Best wishes to you and your family for a joyous holiday season.
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and happy and prosperous New Year!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
WP Softball Season Comes to a Close
By Maurice Novelle
Despite today’s springtime weather conditions turnout unfortunately was low. Only ten guys made it to the field and we were forced to play a modified round robin tourney. We had a good workout and at the conclusion of the game we decided to officially call it quits.
In attendance were Mike B, Kenny, Nelson, Matt, Artie, Tom, Felix, Russ, Jeff and the writer. In a few days I'll be posting a poll to select our 2011 MVP.
Hey guys... have a safe and happy Thanksgiving... enjoy your turkey dinner with friends and family!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Mozzarella Sticks Even Things Up for the Season
By Maurice Novelle
After thirty five official games the Sticks and Joes are dead even and with identical 17.5 winning records, unusual to say the least. The weather seems to be holding up and we are confident we should be able to get at least one more game in before calling it quits. I researched our archives and back in 2009 our last game was played on November 23 and nineteen guys showed up for the grand finale. Wow!
Today we had a decent crowd. The Sticks defeated the Joes easily 12-6. The losing pitcher was Jeff who after surrendering nine runs had to be relieved in the top of the third by Little Joe due to a leg injury he sustained while lunging to beat out a throw. The player of the game was Mike B that made some outstanding defensive plays at short and alike Reyes exhibited his prodigious arm. What a gun! At the conclusion of game one some of the guys had to leave early so we played a 4-4-4 round robin tourney. Rob 17 put on a show blasting a couple of three-run bombs. The second shot was so impressive that cleared the rear tree tops, just inconceivable, a typical Mo Vaughn mammoth blast. Hey Manny… sorry you missed it, don’t be envious now!
In attendance were Jeff, Manny, Tom, Rob 17, Lawman Matt, Arties, Russ, Little Joe, Big Joe, Mike B, Matt, Nelson, Kenny, Dave and the writer.
God willing I'll see you guys next week!
Important Note: We need $900.00 to cover next year's field permit. We have collected so far $715.00. Please make your contribution ASAP. Thanks!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
A few more games please…
By Maurice Novelle
As our season winds up, we try to squeeze in a few more games as long as the weather cooperates. Albeit last week surprising snow storm, nine diehards made it to the field to play ball this morning. It was sunny and in the mid fifties, not bad at all. After batting practice we had a nice workout implementing a modified round robin configuration. In attendance were Big Joe, Dave, Artie, Little Joe, Nelson, Russ, Kenny, Jeff and the writer.
Kudos to our fellow teammate Dennis Piedra who participated in today’s NYC Marathon and finished in 5 hours 35 minutes and 53 seconds. That’s really impressive! This is just a thought… I can see Russ purposely reversing those numbers to clock Big Joe running and reaching the finish line.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
It's on the Cards... Big Joe Delivers Again
By Maurice Novelle
Yikes, not a pleasant day for the Joes who were humiliated by the Mozzarella Sticks 16-0 and 17-2 respectively. Ace hurler Jeff pitched brilliantly. His fastball was explosive, fooling and overpowering hitters of the caliber of Mister Clutch Russ who struck out looking at least in one occasion with men on base or Gurpreet whiffing and getting the ritual “good morning, good afternoon, and good night” treatment. Sizzling stuff indeed!
There was only one team in the field, the Sticks. Their bats were lively, they ripped the ball hard but also played solid defense. Tom flashed some leather at short and right fielder Nelson made a couple of great running catches. However the defensive play of the game was Lawman Matt’s over the shoulder grab on a pop fly in short center. With the exception of that play, the rambunctious Joes were awful fielding and their persistent mishaps brought to mind a few funny scenes of the Bad News Bears movie. Let me be kind… they were horrible!
It is also worth mentioning a couple of double plays turned by both teams. Just a curiosity… Artie’s first inning inside the park homer and his last inning misleading foretell-a-catch glove tapping. You never know!
After today's Little Joe's play here's our new rule
23. INFIELD FLY RULE: A batter is called out on an easily caught pop fly to any 
defensive player near or in the infield when there are runners on first and second or the bases are loaded and there are less than two outs. The batter is called out and all base runners advance at their own risk once the fly ball has been touched. When such a hit is made the umpire should immediately call "infield fly the batter is out". When in doubt the umpire should call "infield fly, the batter is out if fair", or “infield fly, if fair”.
In other news, congrats to Nelson, the WP Softball 2011 BBQ “take a bite” contest winner with five votes. Russ and Mo tied for second place with four votes.
In attendance were Big Joe, Super Diablo Manny, Lawman Matt, Gurpreet, Mister Clutch Russ, Tony, Little Joe, Jeff, Tinman Tom, Mailman Nelson, Jay, Freddy Krueger Artie, Mateo, Charlie and the writer.
Don’t forget to bring some dough for next year’s field permit… see you guys next week!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
It's on the Cards... Big Joe Delivers Again
By Little Joe
With league commissioner Maurice on the DL with a leg injury –we expect him back next week– we had to fend for ourselves once again. And, once again we had a less than great turnout. Starting with thirteen men we began a round robin with Russ volunteering as catcher/dh for all three teams. I think he was looking for more at bats. Anyway, we got one inning in with Jeff's team leading Little Joe's and Big Joe's teams 5-4-2 when Tony arrived.
With fourteen players now we re-chose sides with Big Joe and Jeff as captains. We decided to play five innings because some of the guys had to leave early. Sure enough Big Joe's team got to the bottom of the fifth needing one run to tie and two to win. They scratched out one run and then Big Joe came up with bases loaded and one out. He delivered with a hard hit fielder's choice and that was the ballgame. Final score: 9-8. I think the Cardinals are motivating Joe into these heroics of late.
Today's players: Alex, Russ, Artie, Dave, Tinman, Nelson, Jeff, Little Joe, Big Joe, Manny, Kenny, Mark, Tony, and, believe it or not long lost, Lawman Matt. Welcome back! See you next week and… bring permit money!
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Truly Enjoyable Time
By Little Joe
Sunday's perfect weather and the promise of post game hot dogs were not quite enough incentives to entice a full complement of players to this week's competition. We did manage however to get in a 4 on 4 on 4 round robin game, and it turned into a fun morning despite the low attendance.
Big Joe led his squad to a 13-5-5 victory with both his arm and glove showing there is still some pop in his bat. In fact, most of the players were attributing Joe's power to whatever bat he was using, not to his skills. Nonetheless, backed by the fielding and hitting of Nelson, Artie and Mark, Big Joe's team prevailed. Little Joe's team of Tinman Tom, Kenny and Russ, and Jeff's team of Danny, Dave and Alex just weren't good enough. Latecomer Tony came on to catch and bat for all three teams and chipped in with some timely hits.
More important were the refreshments afterwards. Tom brought some chili, Big Joe hot dogs and Nelson manned the grill. Many guys brought drinks and everyone brought stories… stories and talk about today's game, and games and players past. Truly enjoyable!
See you next week.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Russ-proof
The weather forecast called for rain today but Mother Nature cooperated and we were able to play a couple of games. Another split…what’s new!
Game one started with a hitting frenzy by the Sticks who scored nine runs. Little Joe was ready to throw the towel and invoke the mercy rule, but the Joes weren’t ready to abdicate and counterattacked putting five runs on the board. It was a combative and well played game taking into account the bad conditions of the field. The end result a deserved 14-11 victory for the Sticks.
In game two Jeff, who arrived late, came to the rescue and pitched for the Joes. I still wonder who decided that Jeff was playing with the Joes since there was no pick. Well, where is Erwin when you need him? There was also some controversy regarding the green monster rules. Basically the issue is to determine its boundary.
Rule 21 states
21. LEFT FIELD CONES: Besides the foul line cone, two additional cones will be placed in the outfield to mark off three different areas that can be labeled A, B, and C. The first cone will line up with first and second base, and the second one will be equidistant. If you are standing at home plate looking into the outfield then these are from left to right. If the ball flies in the air into one of these areas then the batter gets A a single, B a double, and C a homerun. If the ball bounces or the outfielder touches the ball and rolls out of play on the ground into one of these areas then the batter gets A a double, B a double, and C a triple respectively.
By the way, according to this rule, Rob 17 had a homer today. In any event to simplify matters we’ll make the following modifications to rule 21.
The boundary is determined by the end of the grass, and if hedges are present they will be within the confines of areas A, B or C. Also if an outfielder manages to catch a ball ricocheting off a branch or tree limb it will be an automatic out.
Problem solved. Let’s go back to game two. The Joes dominated and walked away with a 13-8 win. The hero was not Jeff…no, it was mister clutch………biiiiiiiiiiiig bad boy Russ who drilled an outside pitch for a triple. Wow!
In attendance were Mike B, Danny, Rob, Russ, Gurpreet, Pat, Brian, Little Joe, Nelson, Rob 17, Jay, Dave, Mark, Alex, Big Joe, Jeff and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Colossal blunder by Umpire
Tension flared up on the night cap of today’s double header when acting umpire Big Joe called Dennis safe in the midst of a rundown. Tom clearly applied the tag before the runner was able to reach second base but the official goofed big time. Ay carambas were exchanged among the players but ultimately good manners and common sense prevailed. No one questions Big Joe’s integrity and to err is human but obviously the blown call did cost the Sticks the game. Hey Joe…I love you man but you suck!
The Joes then win both ends of the twinbill 11-6 and 6-5 respectively.
In attendance were Jeff, Tom, Nelson, newcomer Rob, Artie, Danny, Alex, Big Joe, Manny, Dennis, Jay, Mark, Gurpreet, Little Joe and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Annual BBQ was a smash!
What a great time we had all at our second annual WP Softball barbecue. We would like to thank everyone who helped out and pitched in. Tom's own pulled pork specialty was delicious. Bang!
Here's Little Joe's game report and some nice photo shots by Artie.
With everyone anticipating a tasty BBQ lunch we decided to have an abbreviated session of Windsor Park Softball. We played two five-inning games; not too long… but just enough to work up an appetite. In game one the Sticks took advantage of two strange plays at the plate to score six runs in the top of the first but the Joes responded with some strong hitting yielding eight runs in the bottom half. While Big Joe settled down and kept the Joes scoreless the Sticks chipped away and tied it in the fourth. The Joes came back with four more runs in the bottom of the fourth, enough to provide a cushion against the two runs added by the Sticks in the fifth. The final score: Joes 8, Sticks 6.
Game two went by in a flash. Before we knew it, it was already the top of the fifth with the Sticks leading 1-0.The writer wonders if someone tampered with the scoreboard to speed the game along; not to assure a victory for the Sticks… but because he was hungry. Anyway…three up and three down for the Joes and the Sticks earned themselves a split.
Two defensive plays from game one require comment. First, a nice 6-6-3 double play executed by Tinman Tom. Second a running catch in deep, deep right center, by Danny robbing Nelson of at least a triple. It wasn't acrobatic; it was simply a long, graceful and speedy run down by Danny. I remember long ago sports writer great Jim Murray called Willie Mays' glove “where triples go to die” and Danny sure snuffed that one yesterday.
Kudos to Alex for his solid hitting and good defense in left field! He wanted to redeem himself after last week… and he sure did!
Sunday's players: Big Joe, Manny, Danny, Jay, Mark, Russ, Alex, Maurice, Jeff, Nelson, Tom, Artie, Gurpreet, Dave, Edie, and Little Joe. See you next week!
Little Joe
Sunday, September 11, 2011
We Will Never Forget
Today we commemorate the tenth anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We remember those who lost their lives… those who lost loved ones, family and friends… those heroes who gave their lives and those who continue to defend our freedoms. God bless them!
Due to time constraints we will have no game report per se. We had a doubleheader split. The Sticks keeping up with last week’s bravado they had another come-from-behind victory winning the opener 7-4 while the Joes took the nite cap 6-5.
In attendance were: Rob 17, Super Diablo Manny, Danny, Artie, Sergio, Alex, Little Joe, Edie, Kenny, Mike B, Nelson, Big Joe, Dave, Russ, newcomer Mark, Eric, Alec and the writer.
See you guys next week… and don’t forget about our annual barbecue. Get ready for some tasty food!
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Sticks Crush Joes in Historic Comeback
Two weeks ago we were rocked by an earthquake and last week we were battered by a hurricane. Today, thank God, we didn’t experience another natural disaster but we witnessed perhaps the greatest comeback win in WP Softball history.
Improbable as it may sound, in the last inning of game one, the Mozzarella Sticks overcame an 8-0 deficit to beat the Bazooka Joes 13-8. Newcomer screwball pitcher Tony relieved journeyman starter Big Joe. The southpaw was sailing through and it seemed like an easy win but the Sticks had something else in mind and in the top of the sixth their bats roused of their hibernation akin a volcano eruption scoring eight runs to tie the game up.
In the bottom of the inning the shocked Joes fought back and had the bases loaded with only one out but ace hurler Jeff performed a Houdini escape trick to pitch out of trouble striking one batter out and popping up the other. Great pitching! In the top of the seventh the Sticks would put the final nail in the Joes coffin with a five-run barrage to close the deal. What a game!
In similar fashion in the night cap but not as dramatic, the Sticks staged another come-from-behind rally to defeat the Joes 7-5 and take both ends of today’s double header. Wow… just amazing! Center fielder Danny was the MVP. He was the catalyst starting both come-from-behind rallies and making some outstanding running catches in center field.
At the end of game one, we learned that the Sticks in desperate need of a rally talisman they implemented the “frog rub”. Yes…everyone one kept rubbing a vagrant croaker along the chain link fence. Well Jeff went too far… he even kissed the damn amphibian. Who said we were superstitious?
In attendance today were Tony, Felix, Matt, June, Dave, Artie, Mike, Big Joe, Jeff, Nelson, Danny, Jay, Pete, Sergio, Efrain, Edie and the writer.
Happy Labor Day… see you guys next week!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Murphy’s Law in Action!
Anything that can go wrong will go wrong! Yes, sir…exactamundo; that was the case today. However, Little Joe, the absentee Bazooka Joes’ captain will be glad to hear that his team managed by Kenny took both ends of today’s doubleheader by the lopsided scores of 25-8 and 16-1. Wow! That was embarrassing for the Mozzarella Sticks that were awful defensibly and couldn’t field a ball cleanly. They seemed the Bad News Bears. Forgettable! We won’t even bother writing a report. Jeff, the losing pitcher, had the nice gesture of saving a toad’s life by carrying it to safety. Hey…froggy move!
In attendance were Big Joe, Tom, Danny, Nelson, David, Sergio, Kenny, Efrain, Jeff, Dennis, Artie, Doug, Russ, Manny and the writer.
We have a new date the barbecue! It is September 18.
Now let’s get down to business! We need dough! We need to start collecting for next year’s field permit. This year we paid $643.50. Effective September the rental fees have increased from $8 to $12.50 per hour. In laymen’s terms… we’ll need approximately $950 to cover 2012 field permit fees. You know what to do! Whatever you can contribute will be really appreciated. Thanks!
Also effective September 1st we’ll no longer be able to use Schedule-Smith because they will require a subscription charge of $4.95 for each 30 days of use; unless someone can find a sponsor to pay the fee.
See you guys next week!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
WP Softball Annual BBQ Rained Out
The threat of rain killed our al fresco barbecue plans for tomorrow and we don't even know if we'll be able to play ball at all. The weather forecast doesn't look good. If it's raining at 8:00 AM we'll call it off. I'll email everyone and post it here.
Last week's weather wasn't better either. I was out of town but here's Little Joe's report...
After some backing and forthing with e-mails and phone calls we decided to go ahead with a game despite the fickle weather. The decision rested on the field conditions, so it should be noted for the next time we're in this situation that the infield was fine despite all that rain. Apparently, all that sand and dirt we put down has helped.
As for the game, well, we played a round robin with our 10 players: 4 innings - half field -3 on 3 on 3 with 1 man catching and hitting for all 3 teams. Artie's team was victorious over Big Joe's and Little Joe's - 7 to 3 to 3.
Today's participants: Big Joe, Mike B., Artie, Dennis, Kenny, Rob 17, Little Joe, Eddie, Doug in his first appearance of the season and newcomer Paul.
Sunday, July 31 2011
Joes Earn Doubleheader Split
Well this is starting to sound like a broken record… another twinbill split! But wait, it gets better… no, Edie didn’t walk away with another golden sombrero… but Artie did hit another three-run blast to schlep the Sticks to an 11-9 victory in game one. Ace hurler Jeff had a superb outing striking out four batters and the Sticks infield played solid defense with the writer, modesty apart, flashing some leather at third and making a couple of great plays. However the defensive play of the game was none other than Russ graceful hoofing at first on his fours to tag the bag and beat the runner. It was hilarious.
In the night cap the Joes bounced back and defeated the sticks 5-1. Newcomer Eric pitched a couple of impressive innings. He announced his wife is due to give birth on Tuesday. We would like to wish them both… gook luck with the new arrival!
In attendance today Big Joe, Rob 17, Dennis, Eric, Kenny, Peter, Russ, Edie, Efrain, John D, Little Joe, Jeff, Tom, Danny, Jay, Artie, Sergio, David, Bret, Steve, Fernando and the writer. Late arrivals: Alec, his brother Dean, and the kids Michael, Derek and Eric.
Ciao bambini!
Get ready for the big event on Sunday August 14, 2011... "Big Joe WP Softball Annual BBQ." What should you bring to the BBQ? We need food (burguers, dogs, buns, salads, cheese, etc.) and beverages, grills, charcoal, fluid, utensils, plates, cups, etc. Please contact Big Joe at joecoach320@yahoo.com
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Another Twinbill Split
The heat wave didn’t impact today’s attendance and we had another great turnout. In the opener the Sticks defeated the Joes easily by a score of 8-3 thanks to Artie’s three-run bomb.
Game two was a slugfest till the end. The Joes won 13-11but the Sticks almost staged a late comeback victory. In the last inning they were six runs behind and with two men out they managed to score four runs. With the bases loaded the writer lined out to right field and Big Joe breathed a sigh of relief when Pete caught the ball. What a thrill!
In attendance were Big Joe, Super Diablo Manny (crushed a couple of balls), Danny, Kenny, Edie (the golden sombrero today), Russ (clutch again), Peter, Efrain, Little Joe (had a lousy day at third), Jeff (a strike out machine), Tom, Nelson, Dennis, Jay, Artie, Sergio, Brett and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Bazooka Joes take game one of today’s twinbill
On Mailman Nelson’s birthday the Mozzarella Sticks dropped the opener 16-8 and won the nightcap 3-2. Both games were characterized by mediocre defense and poor fielding. Great pitching by Big Joe who was experimenting with his new pitch, a curveball! One of them failed to spin and Super Diablo skyrocketed to dead center for a three-run dinger. What a blast! Eddie had also a good day at the plate with a couple of opposite field frozen ropes to drive in a handful of runs.
In attendance were Tinman Tom, Odalis, Danny Gurpreet, Pete, Artie, Eddie, Big Joe, Little Joe, Super Diablo Manny, Mailman Nelson, Kenny, Jay, Dave, newcomers Sergio and Efrain, Little Eric and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Where was everyone today?
Last week the game was rained out and today we had an unexpected low turnout, only thirteen guys made it to the field and we were forced to play a round robin tourney. I know it is vacation time right now so let’s hope that participation improves next Sunday.
In attendance today were Little Joe, Nelson, Kenny, Artie, Big Joe, Jay, Jeff, David, OD, Danny, Alec, Little Eric and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Happy Independence Day!
I was on the Southern Parkway on my way to the field and I noticed a few drops hitting the windshield and by the time I reached the Cross Island Parkway it started to come down hard so I turned around and headed back home. Bad luck… game rained out!
See you guys next week… enjoy the holiday!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The Spell is Broken, Joes Sweep
I’d rather get a rabbit’s foot for good luck next time. Artie and Mauricio magic powers are gone and the Mozzarella Sticks were defeated losing both ends of today’s doubleheader 12-7, 10-9 respectively. It’s the first time the father-and-son duo lose a game playing together for the same team. I was wondering if the recently passed open to discussion same-sex-marriage bill had something to do with it. Who knows! Any annoyed sorcerers or witches out there?
We had a great turnout… twenty six guys made it to the field: Super Diablo Manny, Marcello, Jeff, Nelson, Roland, Matt II, Kenny, Gurpreet, Jeff II, Little Joe, Eddie, David, Mike B, Big Joe, Tinman Tom, Rob 17, Jay, Mauricio, Artie, Dennis, Crocs David, Russ, newcomer Brett, OD, Alec and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
8 even on Father’s Day
Due to time constraints today’s report will be concise.
Despite Pete being caught looking, alike Beltran in game seven of the 2006 NLCS, on a called third strike in front of her daughter Amanda on Father’s Day, the play of the game was Ruthian Mike’s mammoth homer, a 350-foot plus bomb to dead center well over Eddie’s head. What a shot! And to cap it all off Mike also made the defensive play of the game, an outstanding diving catch in center field reminiscent of Ron Swoboda’s grab. Awesome day for Mike!
To summarize, a disputed and well played game that fittingly ended in a tie.
In attendance today were Marcello (great speed around the base paths), Ruthian Mike, Big Joe (pitched well; thanks for the post game refreshments), Pete, Little Joe (wearing his sporty tan-chino shorts), Dave, Miller (fouled a ball off his face), Amanda, Super Diablo (not a good day at the plate), Jeff (also pitched well), Jay, newcomer Roland, Zorba Russ (Bad Boy's new nickname), Crocs Dave (self explanatory), Eddie, Dennis and the writer. Also Kenny (on the DL with a hamstring injury) stopped by to say hello.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Another twinbill split for Joes and Sticks
After yesterday’s heavy downpours the infield was in terrible condition. Second base was literally inundated and we were forced to play at the opposite side of the field. We also did a bit of grounds keeping and spread some sand. The soil is high in clay content and every time it rains it becomes saturated. In order to alleviate the drainage problem we need to add more sand. Thus next week please bring a few bags of sand…thank you!
The Bazooka Joes took game one 12-9. What made the difference was a line drive that was called fair just over third base allowing three runs to score. The player of the game was Kenny who had a great day at the plate. Early in the game he blasted a bomb over Danny’s head in left field to drive in three RBIs and then hit an inside the park homer. Also Danny, Tom, Manny and Alec crushed some long balls. Even the writer had a good day at the plate and the base paths, a Reyes will-o'-the-wisp. What a fun day! It makes you feel a kid again.
Game two was a one-sided contest to the end, dominated by the Mozzarella Sticks, an 18-1 slugger fest. What a massacre!
On other news Congressman Weiner was a little stiff and couldn’t join us today.
In attendance today Tinman Tom, Kenny, Haaj, Pete, Eddie, David, Bobby, Little Joe, Alec, Super Diablo Manny, Dennis, Danny, Jay, Big Joe, Russ, Gurpreet, OD, newcomer Dave, and the writer.
Next week is Father’s Day…so try to make it earlier! Ciao!
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Bazooka Joes Split Doubleheader with Mozzarella Sticks
Bad news… New Jersey Gov. Christie couldn’t make it to our softball game this morning. The state chopper’s fuel tank was empty. The good news… we had another great turnout.
The Sticks won the opener 11-4 highlighted by Super Diablo’s colossal blast. Big Joe pitched well enough but the inability of the Joes to catch the ball precipitated their own fate.
In game two it was the Joes’ turn to take advantage of the Sticks mishaps. We witnessed some atrocious fielding and the outfielders were having trouble with routine fly balls. In one single play the Sticks made three errors and allowed three unearned runs to score. Wow! The Joes won the game 14-6.
However not everybody sucked with the glove, Mike B, the player of the game, was awesome at short and made some outstanding defensive plays. Kudos!
In attendance were Little Joe, Big Joe, Rob 17, Tinman Tom, Little Mike, Kenny, Jay, Matt ND, Miller, Jeff, Super Diablo Manny, Mike B, Mailman Nelson, Danny, Gurpreet, Eddie, newcomers Haaj, Mario and Tony… and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Mozzarella Sticks drop doubleheader S#!T
After losing last week’s twin bill the Joes returned the favor today and won both games 7-4, 9-8.
In the opener the Sticks got into trouble early surrendering three unearned runs. Their defense looked shaky at best. Meanwhile the Joes were impressive defensively turning three flawless double plays. The player of the game was Jay, a natural at second. And except for Rob 17 blast, Joe was lights out and pitched superbly.
Game two was a gem and required extra innings. The Sticks seemed to have the upper hand after scoring three runs in the top of the eight but Jeff who had pitched thirteen straight solid innings had nothing left in the tank and requested to be relieved by the writer. K-Mo had trouble finding the strike zone and ended up blowing his first save opportunity of the year. Jay hit a frozen rope to dead center to drive in the winning run. Well, we cannot win them all!
Artie had a rough day in the outfield, a fly ball in left hit him just right smack in the middle of the coconut. Thank God he didn’t suffer a concussion because he was wearing a Nike cap… check mark! Then as a catcher he turned a fortuitous double play after dropping a pop up. What a day! But the defensive play of the day was the shoe string catch by Kenny in left field… a can of corn!
We had a great turnout! In attendance were Little Joe, Manny, Tom, Dennis, Kenny, Danny, Jay, Russ, Little Mike, Big Joe, Pete, Marcello, Matt, Nelson, Felix, Rob 17, Artie, Dave, Maspeth Mike, Jeff and the writer.
Enjoy the long weekend and don’t forget that Memorial Day is intended to honor the memory of those brave men and women who have died defending our nation and its values.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Doomsday for Bazooka Joes
Don’t panic! The much hyped apocalyptic prophesy never materialized. Saturday came and went with no reports of the Rapture happening. Nelson played it safe and took his sweet time to sign in just in case; then he never showed up. …hmm!
Despite the threat of rain we had a decent turnout. The field was in pretty bad shape around second base. We should bring some bags of sand next week. Good day for the Mozzarella Sticks that took both ends of today’s twin bill 5-4 and 15-10 respectively. It was a slugger fest, great pitching by Big Joe… and outstanding diving grab by Eddy at third.
In attendance were Marcello, Tom, Rob 17, Kenny, Big Joe, Jay, Mike B, Dennis, Mike, Miller, Russ, Eddy, Little Joe and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Due to inclemement weather today's game has been cancelled.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Happy Mother’s Day!
As expected today’s participation was affected by the holiday. Gotta take care of mom! Only eleven guys made to the field and after an extended batting practice we played a 3-4-4 hybrid round robin. Big Joe’s team was victorious.
In attendance were Little Joe, Artie, Nelson, Miller, newcomers Tim and Mike, Big Joe, Jeff, Kenny, Manny and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Sticks bounce back!
Great day for playing ball and a great turnout, 22 …along with a few new faces! The infield was a bit run-down due the downpours we had last couple of weeks so we’ll need to do some groundskeeping this coming Sunday. Bring some gardening tools!
After the embarrassing shellacking induced by the Bazooka Joes in opening day, the Mozzarella Sticks redeemed themselves by taking both ends of today’s twinbill, 5-4 and 5-0 respectively. After the conclusion of game two some of the guys stayed for a two-inning round robin.
Game one was a gem… well played. In the top of the sixth inning, the Joes would manufacture a cheap run to break the 3-3 tie and go ahead but the resilient Sticks didn’t despair and launched a barrage of hits, frozen rope after frozen rope. The pivotal play was Tom’s daring slide at third (leg skin included) that forced the Joes to load the bases. Big Joe intentionally walked Joe 21 and faced Pasquale that delivered the winning run with a sacrifice fly to right field.
Although Big Joe and yours truly pitched effectively, the player of the game was “Ruthian” Mike who hit the ball on the screws and belted a 300-foot plus mammoth shot to beat Super Diablo last year’s opening day 280 feet dinger. Wow! The defensive player of the game was Joe 21 that flashed some leather at third and made some outstanding diving stops.
Here are today’s line-ups…
JOES: Big Joe, Ruthian Mike, Mailman Nelson, Super Diablo Manny, Mike 8, Jeff, Caprice, Adam 8, Doug, Jay and Bad Boy Russ.
STICKS: Marcello, Tinman Tom, Joe 21, Rob 17, Big Mouth Pasquale, Kenny, Miller, Artie Krueger, Jack, Edie and Maurice.
Next week it’s Mother’s Day so show up early because we’re playing only one game!
Ciao goombahs!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
It's a Wash!
Due to weather conditions and foreseen low attendance today's game has been cancelled.
Happy Easter!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Bazooka Joes Steal the Show on Opening Day!
They say not to judge a book by its cover. Well… on paper the lineup assembled by the Mozzarella Sticks looked awesome… power hitters galore… and no one, not even the most cocksure optimist, would have anticipated that Little Joe would turn into Roy Halladay and throw a nine-inning gem on opening day. That was Little Joe best pitching performance ever, a masterpiece. He only made one bad pitch, the homer by "Tinman" Tom, and taking into account the deplorable conditions of the field from all the rain of the night before the feat is yet more amazing.
Also amazing was Russ bat. I don’t know what the “Bad Boy” had for breakfast but he put on a show driving at least a half a dozen runs. Take that Roly…that’s clutch babe! And what to say about the Joes defense. Gazelles Marcello and Miller showed their outstanding skills tracking and catching fly balls with ease while "Super Diablo" Manny aka Reyes was a vacuum at short.
Believe it or not, initially the game was competitive. Tom’s blast in the bottom of the second inning put the Sticks ahead 1-0 but in the top of the third, after a couple of botched plays at short, the flood gates opened. The Joes took advantage of the Sticks sloppy defense to score five runs and they never looked back. From that crucial moment on only one team remained in the field, the Bazooka Joes. The end result an 18-1 win, ahem… slaughter!
The lineups were as follows:
Mozzarella Sticks – Tinman Tom, Lawman Matt, Joe 21, Big Mouth Pat, Artie Krueger, Edie, Mike, Josh and the writer.
Bazooka Joes – Super Diablo Manny, Marcello, Mailman Nelson, Kenny, Miller, Russ, Gerry and Little Joe.
Happy Passover! See you guys next week!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Spring training has arrived!
As a prelude to next week’s anticipated opening day, an enthusiastic mob gathered at revamped field 12 this morning for a vigorous workout. We had a great time!
In attendance were Little Joe, Miller, Russ, Nelson, Marcello, Mike, Kenny, Danny, Big Joe, Eddie and the writer.
In order to keep a steady participation throughout the entire season we would like to recruit a few more players. We need your cooperation. I’ve made a flyer. Please click one of the links below to download the file (select Word or PDF), print a few copies and post them at your local stores where they have bulletin boards, e.g. supermarket, library, laundromat, etc. Thanks!
See you guys next week!
April 3, 2011
Spring is in the air!
Opening Day is Sunday, April 17, 2011, just a few days away and we’re looking forward to another exciting softball season. I must apologize for not updating the website lately but I’ve been busy taking care of personal matters.
I’ve been contacted by a few guys that would like to join us so expect to see a few new faces. Are you ready to play ball?
We've scheduled batting practice this coming Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 9:00 am
