Monday, December 31, 2012
Mo elected 2012 MVP!
By Maurice Novelle
MVP voting went down to the wire, in a neck-and-neck race. Mo collected 12 votes to win 2012 WP Softball Most Valuable Player Award while Jeff finished second with 10 votes. Kudos to both!
Wishing everyone a happy, prosperous and healthy 2013!
Sunday, December 15, 2012
Happy Holidays!
By Maurice Novelle
I’ve been really busy at work lately and haven’t had a chance to update the website. First we would like to wish all our Jewish friends celebrating the “Festival of the Lights” a very happy Hanukkah!
Well guys it’s that time of the year when we select our MVP. Before we reveal our list of candidates, for those of you who love to geek out on stats, let me throw a few numbers.
This past year we had a total of 62 players in camp. The participation was really impressive. Three players attended twenty plus Sundays: Kenny, Little Joe and the writer. Ten players attended 15 to 19 times: Artie, Big Joe Efrain, Jay, Jeff, Lawman, Manny, Nelson, Russ and Sergio. Seven attended 10 to 14: Edie, Gurpreet, Matt, Mike B, Rahsaun, Roque and Tom, and six 5 to 9: Alec, Dave W, Eric, John, Pete W and Roly, the rest 36 just 1 to 4. Also during the season ten players were named POG or player of the game, Jeff three times, Efrain, Manny and the writer twice and Artie, Edie, Gurpreet, Ivan, Nelson and Roque once. How about that!
Okay, tension is building up… who’s going to win this year’s MVP? Based on awarded POGs and with a minimum attendance of 12 Sundays, the nominees are: Artie, Big Joe, Edie, Efrain, Gurpreet, Jay, Jeff, Kenny, Lawman, Little Joe, Manny, Maurice, Nelson, Russ, Roque, Sergio and Tom.
What are you waiting… cast your vote! This year you'll be able to vote for more than one player. Merry Christmas guys!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!
By Maurice Novelle
Happy and safe Thanksgiving everyone, don’t eat too much… leave room for pie!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
We call it quits!
By Maurice Novelle
Our softball season comes to an end on a sad note. Hurricane Sandy, one of the most devastating storms to ever hit the East Coast, has left thousands of people with the aftermath of damage, destruction and grief. Our hearts go out to all those affected. We know the road to recovery will be a challenge but together we can rebuild our lives in this wonderful place we call home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Money Talk!
By Maurice Novelle
Not much to report today. Everyone arrived a bit late. We work on the field puddles and then we played a round robin. The winning team, no surprise again, it was Little Joe’s squad. The final score was 20-9-3.
Just a reminder… our season is winding up and we probably have a handful of games left to play if so depending on the weather. We have not yet collected enough funds to cover our permit fees for next year. We’re about one third of the way. If you cannot afford our $50 annual contribution, we understand, whatever you’re able to chip in will be really appreciated.
In attendance today were Little Joe, Nelson, Artie, Kenny, Jeff, Manny, Jay, Roque, the writer and newcomers Matt, Joseph and Johnson.
See you guys next bring and please bring some dough. Thank you!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
WP All Stars mangle River Rats Again
By Maurice Novelle
For those of you who were not aware WP Softball holds a perfect winning record. In our fifteen years of existence our All Stars squad has never lost a single game against a team playing in an organized softball league. That’s really an impressive feat and it just goes to show how good our players are. These types of games, in the words of Nelson, seem to get our adrenaline flowing and bring out our competitive spirit.
If last week the River Rats bats were lethargic, today from the get-go they looked more aggressive at the plate and quickly managed to put a string of hits and score five runs after a blast with the bases loaded. The WP winning streak seemed in jeopardy, however the resilient All Stars didn’t despair and kept fighting back. They tied the game in the fourth inning and in the fifth they blew it open with an eleven run ransack for a 16-9 final score. The player of the game was Artie who made a couple of outstanding running grabs in right field.
In attendance were Russ, Manny, Tom, Nelson, Jeff, Little Joe, Roque, Jay, Artie, Big Joe and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
In a shocking move Russ is traded to The River Rats
By Maurice Novelle
Shorthanded again we assembled a WP All Stars squad and faced The River Rats. The visiting team was captained by a disappointed Russ who felt betrayed by his own teammates and returned the favor serving as a scout for the rival. No hard feelings Russ!
It turned out to be an exciting and well played game and it wasn’t as lopsided as the 16-2 score could suggest. The WP All Stars outplayed the Rats, better pitching, solid defense and clutch hitting. The player of the game was Super Diablo Manny who put on a show at the plate hitting a pair of homers, one of them a grand salami.
In attendance were Russ, Manny, Nelson, Roque, Kenny, Jeff, Big Joe, Little Joe, Eric, Johnny and the writer. See you guys next week!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thirteen Again
By Maurice Novelle
Not much to report once again aside from the recurrent disappointing turnout lately. With probably a handful of games left to conclude our softball season a baker’s dozen made it to the field to play the pervasive round robin. In a contentious game girdled by a few questionable calls by the umps, Artie’s team managed to walk away with a 10-8-6 win.
The exciting play of the game was searching for Manny’s cell phone in the outfield.
In attendance today were Manny, Jay, Eric, Little Joe, Lawman, Tom, Gurpreet, Artie, Nelson, Jeff, John, Russ and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Déjà vu all over again
By Maurice Novelle
Due to low attendance we had to play another round robin. This time the ample score, 23-11-1 to be exact, favored Little Joe’s team that took advantage of some atrocious fielding by the “the bad news bears” impersonators. Boy, it actually looked like a sequel of Walter Matthau’s movie because no one could field or catch a ball cleanly. It was just pathetic! “Hey… welcome to WP Softball!” someone uttered.
The player of the game was Nelson who flashed some leather and made several outstanding defensive plays.
In attendance today were Big Joe, Lawman, Gurpreet, Haj, Little Joe, Nelson, Jeff, Artie, Roque, Jay, Russ, Kenny and the writer.
On a serious note…We’re deeply sorry to hear about Peter W’s dad passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Thrilling triplex finale
By Maurice Novelle
Another low turnout, just a dozen mortals made it to the field so we were forced to play a four-inning round robin. The team captains were Big Joe, Little Joe and your humble servant. Little Joe was confident, with his team ahead by ten runs, he was going to walk away with another easy victory like last week, however he didn’t expect the writer’s team to rally and score eleven runs with two men out. Wow, what a comeback win! The final score was 14-13-5.
In attendance were Manny, Efrain, Gurpreet, Big Joe, Tom, Jay, Sergio, Little Joe, Roque, Kenny, Jeff and the writer.
To our Jewish friends… happy Rosh HaShana!
See you guys next week!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Guys chicken out!
By Maurice Novelle
After last week’s intense brainstorming about speeding things up and finding ways to lengthen our playing time we were wondering where everyone was. Due to low turnout we ended up playing a round robin. In attendance were Manny, Efrain, Artie, Big Joe, Virgilio, Ruben, Sergio, Little Joe, Lawman, Roque and the writer.
See you guys next week… and please don’t forget to bring some dough. We have to start collecting for next year’s field permit. Thanks!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Sticks rallied to beat Joes 20-8
By Maurice Novelle
Due to time constraints today's report will be brief.
The Mozzarella Sticks scrapped and battled scoring sixteen runs in the last two innings to grab a deserved come-from-behind win over the Bazooka Joes. Big Joe, the losing pitcher, lacked control and walked several batters but was victimized by a shoddy defense behind him. By the way, the final score coincides with the up-to-date team wins… 20-8. Wow!
In attendance were Big Joe, Lawman, Roque, Jay, Russ, Little Joe, Cliff, Jeff, Matt, Nelson, Kenny, Sergio, Tony, Artie, Manny, John and the writer.
Hey guys, next week please show up on time, 9:00 am sharp… thanks!
Happy Labor Day!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Joes split double header
By Maurice Novelle
The Bazooka Joes hold on for a much needed win and defeat the Mozzarella Sticks 10-9 in the opener but then drop the night cup 14-9. Game one was nail biter and despite poor fielding Jeff and Big Joe pitched well. Game two was more of a slugfest, a batting practice session. Both Little Joe and the writer struggled on the mound and had problems finding the strike zone.
In attendance were Jeff, Lawman, Matt, Rob 17, Kenny, Jay, Gurpreet, Russ, Little Joe, Big Joe, Manny, Tom, Roque, Efrain, Artie, Eric, John and the writer.
Hey guys… next week please try to arrive a bit earlier. Game time is 9:00 am. Thanks!
On a separate note, Russ informed us of Roly’s father passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Big Guy!
Also Pete W dad’s is not doing well… we hope for the best!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Joes drop both ends of double header, Mo is lights out!
By Maurice Novelle
It’s a bit odd when one is forced to report about one’s own accomplishments and not come across looking like a bombastic prick. Deep inside however, I won’t lie, it feels great! However, and I want to make this clear, there’s only one hot dog among us… and that is our beloved Pasquale, the self promoted king of braggadocio. Hmm, now I can breathe easily!
After all that hard work by Pete W the field was again in bad shape. Now the puddles metastasized to short. We’re cursed! It took us at least an hour to make it decent to play. Big Joe broke his hump shoveling and digging.
The player of the game, yes… you guessed it right… it was número uno who had a stellar pitching performance defeating Bazooka Joes ace hurler Jeff in game one 9-4 and then in the nightcap in extra innings beating journeyman pitcher Big Joe 3-2. The writer also contributed with his bat driving in four runs.
The defensive player of the game was Felix who made a couple of outstanding throws from center field to nail two runners at home.
In attendance were Matt, Nelson, John, Jeff, Jay, Kenny, Big Joe, Eric, Manny, Tom, Lawman, Felix, Roque, Artie and yours truly.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Game Report
By Big Joe Kuceluk
On Sunday, Kenny's Kings and Joe's Redbirds had an exciting 7 inning game which climaxed in a play at the plate in the bottom of the seventh. With Kenny's Kings up by one run, 62 year old Rocky slid safely under the catcher's tag to win the game. There were fine plays in center field by Matt. He made nice running catches and threw me out at the plate (I should have slid). Tom made a great running, back handed circus catch in left and Jeff made a nice defensive grab of a hard liner. Everyone enjoyed the game and are thankful for Pete and Sergio for preparing the unplayable shortstop area.
In attendance were Kenny, Jeff (two loses in a row by Big Joe), Tom, Matt, Nelson, Eric, Pete, Rocky, Lawman Matt, Felix, John, Efrem, Artie, Sergio and me.
Mom is fine!
Sunday, August 05, 2012
We had a ball!
By Maurice Novelle
We had a great time at our third annual BBQ! Plenty brewskies and all one can eat, from pulled pork, cheese burgers, franks, chicken shish kebab, smoked sausages and corn on the cob to cup cakes and watermelon… a feast fit for a king!
In the sports scene nothing new to report, the Bazooka Joes dropped another doubleheader. The Mozzarella Sticks won both games by the same score 9-8. Well now, isn’t this a coincidence?
In attendance were Nelson, Tom, Jay, Kenny, Sergio, Little Joe, Russ, Manny, Felix, Efrain, Artie, Big Joe, Pete W, Jeff, Tony, Cliff, Jimmy and the writer. Also Dave W and a couple of Jay’s friends showed up but didn’t play and Edie was a late arrival.
A special thanks to the wives of Tom, Pete W and Manny. They were busy cooking for us. Everything was finger licking delicious, thank you girls!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Pete to the rescue!
By Maurice Novelle
After yesterday’s deluge everyone was getting ready to do some strenuous grounds keeping expecting a literally soaked infield but thanks to Pete’s intervention and his incessant efforts our field was in superb condition. Hurray… great job Pete! We even have now a fully loaded sand box.
The threat of rain didn’t dissuade some of the regulars from showing up and we had a nice workout. In attendance were Pete W, Russ, Little Joe, Artie, Kenny, Edie, Jeff, Manny, Roque and the writer.
Don’t forget, we’re having the BBQ next week… ciao bambini!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Struggling Joes lose again
By Maurice Novelle
The Bazooka Joes losing streak reached three games after a 7-4 loss to the Mozzarella Sticks. Last week the threat of rain hampered participation and only seven players made it to the field reported Little Joe.
Today, however, the weather was optimal to play ball but not the field conditions. We had to spend an hour or so to get rid of some the mud that flash flooded second base. We only played one game and at its conclusion with the remaining guys we stayed for a three-inning round robin.
In attendance were Lawman, Angelo, Little Joe, Roque, Kenny, Edie, Sergio, Pete W, Dave W, Manny, Nelson, Efrain, Jay, Artie, Russ, Jeff, Tony and the writer.
See you guys next week!
And... don't forget!
Join us for the cook-off event of the year “Big Joe WP Softball Annual BBQ” on Sunday, August 5, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
No game today
By Little Joe
Maybe it was Mo hinting that he may not show up, maybe it was the gray sky, maybe it was too many hangovers, but there were only 7 guys at the field and we were forced to cancel. Pete W., Artie, Mike B., Jay, Gurpreet, Big Joe, and Little Joe stood around for an hour discussing things like air travel, Con-Ed's lockout, board games and Big Joe's upcoming BBQ (expect e-mails from Joe in re the BBQ ) but there was no softball. I hope this is just an anomaly and we get better turnouts next week and the weeks following.
That's it. See you next time.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Sticks sweep doubleheader from Joes
By Maurice Novelle
The Mozzarella Sticks took both ends of today’s twin bill defeating the Bazooka Joes 15-3 and 7-6 behind a strong pitching performance from southpaw June.
But along with the great pitching and hot hitting we witnessed some really nice defensive plays. At second Sergio, playing for the opposing team, made an outstanding backhand grab in midair to snag a sizzling line drive, likewise at second and also playing for the opposing team, Mike B chased a fly ball deep into the outfield and made an awesome over the shoulder catch, and at third the writer diving to his right snared a hard hit grounder and from his knees made an accurate throw to get the runner at first. Hey… flashing some leather baby!
Unfortunately, the infield was again in pitiful condition after last night downpours, evidently there is a serious drainage problem around second base, and we had to spend some time to get rid of the large puddle that formed there. Pete… we need your help!
Although it was cooler and less humid than Saturday, some of the guys decided to chill out somewhere else. Here’s today’s attendance: Mike B, Tom, Joey, Kenny, Sergio, Little Joe, Russ, Nelson, Rob 17, Nick, Efrain, June, Mike, Roque, Danny and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Joes earn double header split
By Maurice Novelle
Under torrid weather conditions, after losing the opener 9-6, the Bazooka Joes bounced back in game two of today's twinbill and defeated the Mozzarella Sticks 6-5. The infield looked great thanks to Peter’s efforts who’s been diligently interceding on our behalf to improve our seriously neglected turf. Much obliged!
Today’s players of the game were newcomers Ivan and Roque. Ivan showed his dexterity with the bat blasting a mammoth shot that landed in deep center field for the real McCoy. Meanwhile Roque made a couple of sparkling plays at first base and also hit the ball solidly.
On a sad note, Pete suffered a right calf strain running the bases and it would probably require a stint on the disabled list. Hey man… we wish you a quick recovery! I did notice however that Tom seemed a bit jealous with the sideline treatment you received from Roque. Quite a therapeutic massage… I must say! Also still on the DL is Danny, the singing accountant. Are we going to see you soon Danny?
In attendance were Manny, Lawman, Nick, Edie, Big Joe, Kenny, Russ, Ivan, Virgilio, Tom, Rob 17, Pete, Jay, Roque, Gurpreet, Artie, Little Joe, Peter W, Virgilio Jr, Jeff, Ruben and the writer.
Have a happy 4th of July… be safe, and see you guys next week!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Joes sweep!
By Maurice Novelle
The Bazooka Joes took both ends of today’s double header to defeat the Mozzarella Sticks 5-4 and 2-1 respectively. Both one-run games were extremely competitive, well played and showcased excellent pitching from Jeff and Big Joe. However the difference maker was Efrain, the game MVP, who played flawless right field. He was a human vacuum out there, tracking and catching fly balls.
Participation has been steady this year and we had another great turnout. In attendance were Jeff, Pasquale, Tom, Lawman, Peter, Kenny, Efrain, Sergio, Little Joe, Russ, Dave, Josh, Big Joe, Manny, Nelson, Gurpreet, Jay, Matt, Artie, Rahsaun, Rocco, Pete W, Matthew, Virgilio, Alec, OD, Andy, Ruben and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Happy Father's Day!
By Maurice Novelle
Mozzarella Sticks pitcher Jeff was lights out again. The flame thrower struck out six batters in decisive moments of the game and helped his team walk away with a burdensome but well deserved victory in a thrilling matchup against the mighty Bazooka Joes. A dandy of a game, it was contentious till the last pitch… nine innings of pure adrenaline. The final score was 6-5 in favor of the Sticks. Stealing Mets radio announcer Howie Rose’s popular catch phase…”put it in the books!”
The defensive gem of the game was Tommy’s stunning outstretched grab at second base of a scorching line drive off Kenny’s bat that turned into a double play. Kudos to Tommy!
Great turnout again! In attendance were Manny, Nelson, Jay, Matt, Peter, Efrain, Russell, Little Joe, Peter W, Tommy, Lawman, Tom, Jeff, Pasquale, Roly, Kenny, Rahsaun, Gurpreet, Sergio, Joshua and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Great Turnout Again!
By Maurice Novelle
In a slugfest of major proportions, the Mozzarella Sticks improved their record to 9-4 after defeating the Bazooka Joes 23-13 and 13-8 and taking both ends of today’s twin bill.
The Joes potent lineup looked baffled facing the Sticks imposing pitching squad. In game one, ace hurler Jeff had a masterful performance pumping fastballs and throwing nasty knuckleballs. In game two, the writer took the mound and didn’t disappoint either with another quality start behind a rock solid defense. Big Joe was the losing pitcher on both games and his ERA climbed to 32.4.
The ball carried well today and we witnessed some tremendous blasts but OD 300-foot plus bomb to center and Roly’s shot to right field are the prize winners. Those balls were crushed… just surreal!
In attendance twenty six: Big Joe, Manny, Lawman, Pasquale, Artie, Roly, Little Joe, Kenny, Efrain, Sergio, Pete 2, Alberto, Larry, Jeff, Mike B, OD, Matt, Jay, Gurpreet, Pete, Alec, Rahsaun, Joshua, Sall, Tommy and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Joes Split Double Header with Sticks
By Maurice Novelle
Twenty five guys made it to a field that was in awful and unplayable condition, a massive puddle enfolded second base and tall grass and weeds reaching over two feet high flanked the outfield. We were forced to play from the opposite end of the field and Sergio approached and tipped an outside landscape contractor to mow the grass that Parks neglected to maintain. Aside from that minor setback we had a great time.
Little Joe was a no-show today so Kenny took over captain duties for the Joes. In game one, the Joes took advantage of some poor fielding and a pair of dropped fly balls lost in the sun to walk away with a 7-2 victory. Eric pitched lights out. Among the defensive plays of the game, there was a relay throw from Matt to Manny to nail OD at home, and in the next inning OD would return the favor to Manny with a diving catch of a sinking line drive off his bat. Awesome!
In game two, the Sticks were a different team. They played flawless softball, their bats came alive and your humble servant was solid on the mound. Hey, call me peacock if you want, but that was a heck of a pitching performance! The end result, 9-1 Sticks.
In attendance were Mike B, Nelson, Pete, Danny, Efrain, Eric, Russell, Rocco, Kenny, Manny, Tom, Lawman, Matt, Jay, Edie, Sergio, Rahsaun, Alec, Romulo, OD, Little Eric, Mark, Alex and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Game rained out!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Two in a Row for the Joes
By Maurice Novelle
The Bazooka Joes took advantage of some lackadaisical, poor and inexpedient fielding to pummel the Mozzarella Sticks 18-10. But aside from any noticeable defensive slip ups, the pivotal moment in the game was Jeff’s masterful pitching in the bottom of the second inning to induce Tom to pop up and strike out Roly, both with the bases loaded. That changed the momentum and the Joes were in control for the rest of the game.
In attendance were Jeff, Danny (crushed a couple of balls), Kenny (planning to get collision insurance), Matt, Jay, Efrain, Mike, Jack (welcome back stranger), Little Joe, Tom, D, Roly (made an outstanding double play), Rahsaun, Sergio, Gurpreet, June, Tommy, Dave (arrived late and didn’t play... microscopic strike zone… just joking!) and the writer.
Guys, please be on time! We would like to start the first game no later than 9:20 AM. Twenty minutes for batting practice should be more than adequate. Also please reply with a YES or NO to the Schedule-Smith email… it helps to estimate attendance and prevent low turnouts. Thank you!
Hasta la vista baby!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Jeff Terrific!
By Maurice Novelle
As anticipated a decrease in attendance was expected today, but we wound up with a decent turnout and sixteen guys made it to the field. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!
The talk of the town was Pasquale’s video clip. Belissimo! Everyone was impressed with his Elvis impersonation. Not less impressive was Jeff’s pitching performance. In his return, the ace hurler was lights out blanking the Sticks 4-0 and striking three batters, two of them looking. Some nasty stuff indeed! I can see a smile on Little Joe's face.
The game however was not as lopsided as the score might suggest. In fact, three of the four runs were unearned and induced by huge mental errors at short and mediocre fielding at first, coincidently the base assigned to the opposing team. In the future we would probably be better off designating second base instead and eradicate any suspicion. Not pointing fingers at anyone but a lack of effort was conspicuous in some of those questionable plays.
But aside from the aforementioned poor fielding, we witnessed some outstanding defensive plays particularly Roly’s catch of a hard-hit line drive at third to keep the game scoreless and rob the writer. Some nimble feet for a big guy!
Let’s wrap it up! In attendance were Jeff, Lawman, Gurpreet, Alec, Efrain, Roly, Sergio, OD, Artie, Haaj, Jay, Kenny, Edie, Danny (on the DL), Tommy and the writer.
Ciao bambini!
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Red Hot Sticks Sweep Again
By Maurice Novelle
No bragging intended, but another decent pitching performance by the Mozzarella Sticks captain to help defeat the Bazooka Joes 13-12 and 7-5 on today’s twin bill. The right-hander junk thrower pitched well and managed to keep Joes sluggers at bay.
In game one, the better of the two, the Sticks resorted to late inning heroics once again. Being three runs behind and with two men out they managed to tie the game up at twelve and go into extra innings after an outstanding basket catch by Nelson in center field. Dave would eventually drive in the winning run with a well placed hit down the middle.
There were some awesome defensive plays: Roly’s scorcher caught by the writer on the mound to double off Nelson at first, Tom’s feline reactions at first to snag a hot liner and nearly turn a triple play, and Mike B graceful avian catch in short center field alike a Russian split jump in figure skating, just to mention a few. I counted at least eight double plays. Talk about flashing the leather!
Game two was uneventful. The Sticks took advantage of the Joes poor fielding to mow them down and walk away with an easy victory.
In attendance today were Manny, Nelson, Roly, Jay, Efrain, Russell, Rahsaun, Tommy, Little Joe, Mike B, Tom, Will, Artie, Edie, Matt, Haaj, Dave, Sergio and the writer.
See you guys next week! Remember that it’s Mother’s Day so we’ll only play one game.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sticks Sweep Joes in Double-Dip
By Maurice Novelle
The Mozzarella Sticks came from behind on both ends of today’s twin bill to post 7-5 and 19-13 victories over the Bazooka Joes.
Game one was a pitcher’s duel between the team captains that assumed the role for their respective squads due to the absence of the regular hurlers. The Sticks staged a late-inning comeback to nip the Joes 7-5. The turning point was Rahsaun sharply hit ball down the middle to drive in two runs.
Game two was the antithesis of game one, a real slugfest. It was 13-7 Joes heading into the fifth and everything was looking in their favor but the momentum suddenly changed when Little Joe walked the opposing pitcher to load the bases. With two men out Gurpreet stepped to the plate, fouled a couple of balls, and then blasted the next pitch, a floater shoulder height, over Nelson’s reach for a grand slam. Super Diablo Manny would cap it off by crushing a 3-run shot to the right of the outfield marker, for his first “bona fide” homer of the season. What a bomb! A 12-run epic comeback indeed!
In attendance today were Lawman, Nelson, Jay, Artie, Matt, Efrain, Alex, Edie (great running catch), Dave, Little Joe, Super Diablo, Roly, Mauricio, Kenny, Gurpreet, Mark, Sergio, Russ (badly bruised up… you’re going to need to wear a mask if Mauricio plays third again), Rahsaun (swinging a great bat) and the writer (winning pitcher on both affairs). Also Alec stopped by but didn’t play.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Sticks Beat Joes 21-8 in Slugfest
By Maurice Novelle
Even though the weekend weather forecast was not promising, and rain was expected, eleven ball players decided to defy Mother Nature and venture in. The field was slightly damp but in optimal playing condition. After batting practice we picked the teams and played five against five using half of the field.
The player of the game was third baseman Efrain who kept tattooing the ball and hitting frozen rope after frozen rope. He also made a brilliant defensive play on a grounder applying a quick tag to get elusive fleet-footed Mike B trying to reach third base.
Also base runner Sergio was tagged out between second and third on a run-down play. Mike B alertly fired to second catching Sergio napping off the bag. Short stop Kenny chased Sergio who stumbled and inadvertently tackled Kenny in the process. Fortunately no one got seriously injured but don’t be surprised if tomorrow Kenny has to wear dark glasses to hide a black eye and Sergio’s risk is heavily wrapped.
In attendance today were Mike B, Artie, Sergio, Rahsaun, Little Joe, Kenny, Matt, Efrain, Edie, Lawman Matt (had to leave early) and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
2012 Season Gets Underway!
By Maurice Novelle
As we celebrate our fifteenth year in existence, the threat of rain didn’t hamper opening day participation and we had a great turnout. We played our customary twin bill. The Bazooka Joes topped the Mozzarella Sticks 11-8 in the nightcap after falling 9-6 in the opener. Game two was a thriller. The Joes had taken a 7-0 lead early, the Sticks rallied and went ahead 8-7 but the Joes tied the game and sent it into extra innings.
On attendance were Manny (a pair of outstanding catches), Tom, Lawman, Kenny, New Roly (just skin and bones now but managed to crush a couple of balls), Artie (drilled in the back), newcomer Will (played well in right field), Little Joe (grounded into first double play of the season and then drove winning RBI), Edie (the player of the game, awesome defensively with two superb running catches and he also dazzled at the plate hitting the ball solidly), Dave W, Rahsaun (impressive at second and nice shot to drive a couple of runs), Mike B (Reyes at short), Nelson, Rob 17, Big Joe (nice triple), Alex, Efrain, Russ, Sergio, Matt, newcomer Danny, Dennis and the writer.
See you guys next week!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Great turnout on Easter Sunday!
By Maurice Novelle
It was only practice, no egg hunt scheduled and opening day is next week, but seventeen diehards made it to th
e field. After batting practice we played a couple of games. On attendance were Big Joe, Nelson, Rob 17 and brother Nick, Jay, Gurpreet, Alex, Edie, Mike B, Dennis, Kenny, Sergio, Efrain, yours truly and newcomers Matt, Dave and Rahsaun.
Happy Easter! See you guys next week!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Everyone enjoyed practice!
By Maurice Novelle
Along with being April Fool’s Day, it is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week, so no pranks today.
We had a good workout and I bet some of the guys will be feeling sore tomorrow. I know I will. Mark, Alex, Little Joe, Nelson, Artie, Edie, Sergio, Efrain, Manny, Kenny and the writer showed up for practice and afterwards we played a modified round robin tourney. Big Joe stopped by to say hello, Russ and Dennis never made it, and Jeff bailed out last minute. It was really nice to be back in action.
We have another practice schedule for next week on Easter Sunday and then, the following Sunday is opening day. To our Jewish friends celebrating passover: “Pesach Sameach.”
Take care, guys!
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Hey… Chill Out Guys!
By Maurice Novelle
As soon as the pros begin spring training and the Florida Grapefruit League gets underway, the WP Softball beer gut jocks get that severe prickly itch to play ball and metamorphose into the intrepid weekend warriors as they eagerly anticipate the start of another exciting softball season. Hey, hold your horses… boys! You still have to wait just a tiny bit longer before opening day on Sunday, April 15, 2012. Meanwhile...get your gear ready! And those of you have not yet chipped in please do so. Much obliged!
January 2012
2011 Season Recap
By Maurice Novelle
After a dismal 2010, last year attendance resurged and in 2012 we expect to have another great season. The Mozzarella Sticks and the Bazooka Joes finished dead even at 17.5 - 17.5 and newcomer Jay was elected MVP. Happy New Year guys!
