I came across this article today in the Onion and I think it shows that our (read: my) obsession with the Beavers is not all that uncommon.
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/co_worker_just_a_little_too?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
"Don't Hit it to the guy in the tight pants"
On a muggy summer night the Beavers took the field trying to avenge a double-header loss the week before. This week the Beavers would at least look better than the previous weeks as we are now sporting our new Beaver jerseys. While these jerseys are rockin', they are also 100% polyester - so note to Beavers, if you have beer duty for the remainder of the year, you had better also think about packing water. To say that these black, poly jerseys are warm is an understatement.
The Beavers were set to face CJC Transportation. CJC came into the week's action with only one win. It seemed like this was the week to snap out of the hitting funk that has mired the team for a few weeks now.
In the first game CJC led off the game with an empty frame though they did get two on. The Beavers jumped out of the gate. Belle doubled, Rake homered (partially in thanks to the left fielder slipping), Big John tripled (yes, you read that right...oxygen for the big guy, please!), Dupper and Sabo singled and Rage doubled. Once the dust settled it was 2nd and 3rd for Tanner with two outs. Tanner grounded a harmless dribbler to second. The secondbasemen took his time in fielding and throwing the ball to first. Tanner was hustling all the way and trying to make something of this pathetic hit. Tanner crossed the bag and about 2 seconds later the firstbaseman caught the secondbaseman's throw. "OUT!", yelled the umpire. Tanner's momentum had taken him a ways down the rightfield line and when he heard the call he was in total disbelief. The Beavers bench erupted in laughter as Tanner had just been hosed. The worst call we had seen in years. The ump was determined to try to give CJC any and all chances to stay in the game. Rake asked the ump if we would at least get credit for the run in return for that gift out. It was not going to happen. Beavers 5, CJC 1, Ump 1 after 1 inning of play.
The next action came in the third inning. The Beavers led off with a double by Kid and followed it with 3 singles...all to score one lone run. To ruin a potential crooked number Big John was gunned out at third on a Mobilly pop up. Big John may be "a pretty good ballplayer, but it is not because of his speed".
The game sped up considerably during the middle innings. CJC plated one run in each of the 3rd and 4th innings, the Beavers plated 2 of their own in the 3rd and 5th. After 5 it was Beavers 7, CJC 2, Ump 1.
In the bottom of the 6th the Beavers were able to string together several singles to plate two more runs. Trying to stretch a single into a double Tanner was again called out, this time at second, and again where he was quite obviously safe. The game was called for some reason with the Beavers up by 7 after 6 innings. Final score Beavers 9, CJC 2, Ump 2.
To say the ump was not really sure what was going on is a huge understatement. Missing blatent calls, calling the game after 6 innings with plenty of time remaining and then putting down the final score of 8-3 on the score card. He was obviously there to just pick up a check.
The Beaver of the game for game 1 is a tough one. No one completely took over the offense or defense. It was a solid 7 run victory, but the one consistent performer was Rage. With a 3-3 night including 2 singles and a double and also turning a doubleplay, Rage gets the honor.
Somewhere amidst the first game the CJC bench was overheard saying, "guys, don't hit it to the leftfielder, the guy in tight pants. With pants that tight he has to be good". So early in the season we get an email about our players in long pants and everyone carrying bat bags, now we have guys calling Dupper out again. The pants are most likely the same ones Dupper wore in his teens, so they are a little tight. We have all learned to just look away.
The Beavers retired to the beer cooler for a few minutes before stepping to the plate in game two. To punish the Beavers for our poor play last week, Kid brought Natural Light, Busch Light and Colt 45. We might have to have restrictions on the beer selections for next season...
In game 2 the Beavers started off hot again. Rake doubled, Kid doubled off the top of the tree down the rightfield hill, Big John hit a sac fly to score Kid from second, Dupper tripled, Mobilly and Keith singled. After all of that, the Beavers were on the board with 4 runs. CJC answered with one of their own. They seemed to be getting better as the night went on. Their offense had a few guys who could place the ball perfectly between the infield and outfield and their defense had started to become more cohesive. Especially their left centerfielder who pretty much played everywhere from left to right. If the ball was in the air, he was near by.
The Beavers virtually tood the second inning off, Tanner and Jake both hit singles but no one else could bring them around. After 2 it was Beavers 4, CJC 1, Ump 0.
In the 3rd the Beavers' bats came alive. Rake singled, Kid lifted one to rightfield, down the hill again. This time the rightfielder camped under it, only for it to bounce off his glove. Kid stopped at first, Rake to third. Big John singled then Mobilly hit a 3-run homer. The rally started again with Keith singling, Rage tripling, Tanner hitting a double (and not getting called out), Jimmy-D also lined a single to rightfield. The Beavers were up 11-1. Keith kept CJC at bay with good defense behind him for the most part. With the exception of two throwing errors by Jake in his inning at first and a wild throw by Sabo to try to get a lead runner at second the defense obliged and kept CJC to minimal runs.
In the top of the 4th, Kid reached on yet another error. Big John then launched a screamer to left centerfield...and deep. Kid slowly jogged around the bases as Big John was in over drive determined to not get held at 3rd again. He basically caught Kid between 2nd and 3rd and the two ran home a step a part, just beating the relay in from the outfield. Beavers were now up 13-1. CJC went down easily again and once again the umpire called the game. I think the ruling is supposed to be 10 run lead after 5 innings, 15 after 4. Well, according to our book we were up 12 after 4. That was good enough for the man in blue. He handed Rake the scorecard to sign and read 13-3 Beavers. Hmmm. Soon after that, we found out what was really on his mind. He asked us for a Colt 45. Now it all makes since. Billy D. Williams was in his head for the hour and a half of softball games. He just wanted to get to our cooler of ice cold Colt 45.
Beaver of the game goes to Big John. A deep sac (o' shit) fly ball to score kid from 2nd, an RBI single and the HR.
Next week the Beavers have a bye. In two weeks we are playing again on the good field (#6) at 8 & 9 pm.
The Beavers were set to face CJC Transportation. CJC came into the week's action with only one win. It seemed like this was the week to snap out of the hitting funk that has mired the team for a few weeks now.
In the first game CJC led off the game with an empty frame though they did get two on. The Beavers jumped out of the gate. Belle doubled, Rake homered (partially in thanks to the left fielder slipping), Big John tripled (yes, you read that right...oxygen for the big guy, please!), Dupper and Sabo singled and Rage doubled. Once the dust settled it was 2nd and 3rd for Tanner with two outs. Tanner grounded a harmless dribbler to second. The secondbasemen took his time in fielding and throwing the ball to first. Tanner was hustling all the way and trying to make something of this pathetic hit. Tanner crossed the bag and about 2 seconds later the firstbaseman caught the secondbaseman's throw. "OUT!", yelled the umpire. Tanner's momentum had taken him a ways down the rightfield line and when he heard the call he was in total disbelief. The Beavers bench erupted in laughter as Tanner had just been hosed. The worst call we had seen in years. The ump was determined to try to give CJC any and all chances to stay in the game. Rake asked the ump if we would at least get credit for the run in return for that gift out. It was not going to happen. Beavers 5, CJC 1, Ump 1 after 1 inning of play.
The next action came in the third inning. The Beavers led off with a double by Kid and followed it with 3 singles...all to score one lone run. To ruin a potential crooked number Big John was gunned out at third on a Mobilly pop up. Big John may be "a pretty good ballplayer, but it is not because of his speed".
The game sped up considerably during the middle innings. CJC plated one run in each of the 3rd and 4th innings, the Beavers plated 2 of their own in the 3rd and 5th. After 5 it was Beavers 7, CJC 2, Ump 1.
In the bottom of the 6th the Beavers were able to string together several singles to plate two more runs. Trying to stretch a single into a double Tanner was again called out, this time at second, and again where he was quite obviously safe. The game was called for some reason with the Beavers up by 7 after 6 innings. Final score Beavers 9, CJC 2, Ump 2.
To say the ump was not really sure what was going on is a huge understatement. Missing blatent calls, calling the game after 6 innings with plenty of time remaining and then putting down the final score of 8-3 on the score card. He was obviously there to just pick up a check.
The Beaver of the game for game 1 is a tough one. No one completely took over the offense or defense. It was a solid 7 run victory, but the one consistent performer was Rage. With a 3-3 night including 2 singles and a double and also turning a doubleplay, Rage gets the honor.
Somewhere amidst the first game the CJC bench was overheard saying, "guys, don't hit it to the leftfielder, the guy in tight pants. With pants that tight he has to be good". So early in the season we get an email about our players in long pants and everyone carrying bat bags, now we have guys calling Dupper out again. The pants are most likely the same ones Dupper wore in his teens, so they are a little tight. We have all learned to just look away.
The Beavers retired to the beer cooler for a few minutes before stepping to the plate in game two. To punish the Beavers for our poor play last week, Kid brought Natural Light, Busch Light and Colt 45. We might have to have restrictions on the beer selections for next season...
In game 2 the Beavers started off hot again. Rake doubled, Kid doubled off the top of the tree down the rightfield hill, Big John hit a sac fly to score Kid from second, Dupper tripled, Mobilly and Keith singled. After all of that, the Beavers were on the board with 4 runs. CJC answered with one of their own. They seemed to be getting better as the night went on. Their offense had a few guys who could place the ball perfectly between the infield and outfield and their defense had started to become more cohesive. Especially their left centerfielder who pretty much played everywhere from left to right. If the ball was in the air, he was near by.
The Beavers virtually tood the second inning off, Tanner and Jake both hit singles but no one else could bring them around. After 2 it was Beavers 4, CJC 1, Ump 0.
In the 3rd the Beavers' bats came alive. Rake singled, Kid lifted one to rightfield, down the hill again. This time the rightfielder camped under it, only for it to bounce off his glove. Kid stopped at first, Rake to third. Big John singled then Mobilly hit a 3-run homer. The rally started again with Keith singling, Rage tripling, Tanner hitting a double (and not getting called out), Jimmy-D also lined a single to rightfield. The Beavers were up 11-1. Keith kept CJC at bay with good defense behind him for the most part. With the exception of two throwing errors by Jake in his inning at first and a wild throw by Sabo to try to get a lead runner at second the defense obliged and kept CJC to minimal runs.
In the top of the 4th, Kid reached on yet another error. Big John then launched a screamer to left centerfield...and deep. Kid slowly jogged around the bases as Big John was in over drive determined to not get held at 3rd again. He basically caught Kid between 2nd and 3rd and the two ran home a step a part, just beating the relay in from the outfield. Beavers were now up 13-1. CJC went down easily again and once again the umpire called the game. I think the ruling is supposed to be 10 run lead after 5 innings, 15 after 4. Well, according to our book we were up 12 after 4. That was good enough for the man in blue. He handed Rake the scorecard to sign and read 13-3 Beavers. Hmmm. Soon after that, we found out what was really on his mind. He asked us for a Colt 45. Now it all makes since. Billy D. Williams was in his head for the hour and a half of softball games. He just wanted to get to our cooler of ice cold Colt 45.
Beaver of the game goes to Big John. A deep sac (o' shit) fly ball to score kid from 2nd, an RBI single and the HR.
Next week the Beavers have a bye. In two weeks we are playing again on the good field (#6) at 8 & 9 pm.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Game Preview 6/17/09
Tonight, weather permitting, the Beavers will look to snap their 2-game losing streak as they face the last-place team, CJC Transportation. "This may be just the opponent we need to revenge our anemic run production from last week", says Serge Traylor, manager and firstbaseman.
CJC enters the night with a record of 1 win and 7 losses. Their one win came against Cousin Hugo's back in week two. Of their losses, they have been shutout twice. "Even I think I can get a couple of hits against these guys", Jim Haynes was overheard saying. This is really telling as Jimmy-D's average is presumed to be in the .100 area. To our knowledge, there is not a catchy name for an average in this range. Mario Mendoza owns the .200 average, I think that "minor leagues" might be the best way to call a .100 hitter.
The two losses last week to team Desloge were managed by Kid. "I think I have beer duty this week, I think I will bring O'douls based on the way we hit.", says Kid. Not sure if this has anything to do with his rumored sponsorship with the A-B/Inbev non-alcoholic brew. Will have to wait for "beer-thirty" to arrive to find out whether or not the Beavers will have any substantial alcohol content in their beer tonight. Kid was also in charge of the last Beaver Times entry. Special Kudos go out to his Alanis Morrissete metaphor. Even if he had to google "metaphors + going down", it was still classic. Pitcher Keith Miller was heard saying "I will start calling my 1-2-3 innings 'Alanis'".
Tonight's action marks what would have been the end of the regular season. However, due to 2 rain outs we will continue to play. Games tonight begin at 6pm on the field by Brentwood Blvd. Next week is a bye week. Tonight's performance should tell a lot about this team and the collective makeup. Can we regain some swagger and find out bats against the cellar-dwellers? Will the hitting funk that finally did the team in last week hang over us like the humidity in the air today? One thing is for certain, the Beavers will be without their new power hitter, Sonoma. Sonoma is nursing an ailing hamstring. This opens the door for the homerun race for the season. It is a gutsy move to sit out against the last place team when stats could be padded. We'll see how this works out for his power status as well as his hammy.
CJC enters the night with a record of 1 win and 7 losses. Their one win came against Cousin Hugo's back in week two. Of their losses, they have been shutout twice. "Even I think I can get a couple of hits against these guys", Jim Haynes was overheard saying. This is really telling as Jimmy-D's average is presumed to be in the .100 area. To our knowledge, there is not a catchy name for an average in this range. Mario Mendoza owns the .200 average, I think that "minor leagues" might be the best way to call a .100 hitter.
The two losses last week to team Desloge were managed by Kid. "I think I have beer duty this week, I think I will bring O'douls based on the way we hit.", says Kid. Not sure if this has anything to do with his rumored sponsorship with the A-B/Inbev non-alcoholic brew. Will have to wait for "beer-thirty" to arrive to find out whether or not the Beavers will have any substantial alcohol content in their beer tonight. Kid was also in charge of the last Beaver Times entry. Special Kudos go out to his Alanis Morrissete metaphor. Even if he had to google "metaphors + going down", it was still classic. Pitcher Keith Miller was heard saying "I will start calling my 1-2-3 innings 'Alanis'".
Tonight's action marks what would have been the end of the regular season. However, due to 2 rain outs we will continue to play. Games tonight begin at 6pm on the field by Brentwood Blvd. Next week is a bye week. Tonight's performance should tell a lot about this team and the collective makeup. Can we regain some swagger and find out bats against the cellar-dwellers? Will the hitting funk that finally did the team in last week hang over us like the humidity in the air today? One thing is for certain, the Beavers will be without their new power hitter, Sonoma. Sonoma is nursing an ailing hamstring. This opens the door for the homerun race for the season. It is a gutsy move to sit out against the last place team when stats could be padded. We'll see how this works out for his power status as well as his hammy.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Beaver Times 2009 Edition 5
Well Hello Everyone! In Rake's absence I was asked to keep the book, bat, and most importantly write this weeks BeaverTimes. This is my first ever blog I have written so please no heckling. If you want to heckle come to the games and heckle me there, after this past week I deserve it. Well here goes nothing, and I really mean nothing....
On June 10th The Beavers 8-0 were matched up against Team Desloge who was 6-0. It was the match up of the year so far against two undefeated teams. It was such a big game Belle had to bring his 2 boys out to be the teams bat boys, Jimmy D had to dress up for this game with a T-Shirt with a tie design on it, Jimmy D it was quite impressive. Not sure I would be caught dead in that T-Shirt but you definitely pulled it off or actually kept in on, thank God. Jimmy if you are trying to dress up for the games, maybe you should take some instruction from Tanner and show up in black slacks, dress shoes and a blue collared shirt. He says he was in night court but I think he was trying to pick up some ladies at parties in the park. But he showed up alone, guess he shouldnt have asked those girls if they wanted to go see some beaver playing with balls across the park.
The Beavers were away for the first game and had a shuffled lineup, turns out it was not the best move to make. Kid started off the game as the leadoff hitter, starts the game with a single. Then the next 3 hitters went down faster than Alanis Morrisette in a movie theater 1-2-3. Beavers take the field, and went down by one run in the first inning, it could have been worse but with Keiths pitching he was able to keep control of the game.
Beavers back up to bat top of the 2nd, MoBilly starts us off with a single. Dupper flies out MoBilly does not advance. Next up Jake, grounder to the infield MoBilly out at 2nd Jake on first. This started a small little 2 out rally, next 3 hitters come up and all of a sudden 3 singles in a row by Rage, Belle, and Keith, 2 runs score putting the Beavers up 2-1.
Top of the 3rd inning, Kid starts us off with a HR, gotta love the back to back fields. The next 5 batters reach base scoring 2 more. All of a sudden inning over, it looked like a big rally was about to start but all of a sudden Desloge puts an end to it. Beavers up 5-1. Desloge once again shut down in the 3rd.
No runs for either team in the 4th or 5th inning. MoBilly starts off the 6th inning with a double and Dupper repeating Pujols hits a deep sacrifice fly scoring MoBilly from 2nd, I dont think MoBilly had any thoughts about stopping at 3rd especially the way we were hitting. That proves to be the last run for the Beavers in this game. Beavers up 6-1. Desloge comes up and scores 4 in the 6th inning thanks to the help of the less than stellar Beavers defense. Beavers up 6-5 going into the top of the 7th inning, not really a good thing if you saw our defense the inning before.
Top of 7, Jimmy D starts us off with a the first out of the inning, Kid reaches base on an error the next 2 batters make outs, and just like that the top of the 7th inning is over. Beavers still up 6-5. Desloge comes up to bat in the bottom of the 7th inning down by 2 runs. Pressure is on them, right? Wrong! Beavers defense started off decent to start the game and slowly became suspect as the game progressed, the defense eventually crumbles in the bottom of the 7th and Desloge comes up and scores 2 to keep their undefeated record while taking away the Beavers hopes for a undefeated season. Desloge 7, Beavers 6. At least there is always a second game, right?
Game 2:
Desloge starts the 2nd game with a single run in the 1st inning. Beavers come back up to the plate after rolling the lineup over. This time Big John is leading off and starts the 2nd game off with a single with the next 5 batters coming up and reaching base while only hitting into one fielders choice. All of a sudden bases are loaded with only one out. Keith is up to the plate and hits a sac, scoring our 3rd run of the inning. 2 outs down and 2 runners on, unfortunately the Beavers luck runs out and their brief run comes to an end only scoring 3 runs in the first inning. Beavers up 3-1.
2nd inning, Keith is able to shut them down...Desloge posts a goose egg. Typically this is a good sign for the Beavers. Time to take advantage and score some runs. Kid starts us off in the 2nd inning and records the first out, Sabo and Sonoma able to reach base both score from Big Johns big single. 2 more runs for the Beavers, we are now winning 5-1. It's starting to look pretty promising, so we think. Next 2 batters both record outs to end the inning, so much for our little rally.
3rd inning: Keith at this point in the game is pitching a gem allowing only 1 run. Desloge throws up another goose egg. Beavers coming up to the plate bottom of the 3rd inning. This is the time to jump on Desloge and throw up a big number. Or so we thought. Beavers throw up a goose egg themselves and end the 3rd inning up 5-1 still. After the first game we shouldnt be comfortable with this lead.
Desloge scores 1 in the 4th, 1 in the 5th and 2 in the 6th inning all while Beavers not putting up a single run. End of the 6th inning it is all tied 5-5. None of the Beavers would admit it but you could definitely tell there was some nervousness around. Not scoring a run since the 2nd inning everyones bat has gone cold. Beavers did not score since the 2nd inning but we only had 1 hit in the last 3 innings. Not impressive at all.
Here we go into the 7th inning. Once again, Mr. Clutch comes to the rubber and shuts Desloge down. Time to get excited Beavers tie game in the bottom of the 7th, time to show this undefeated team who's boss. Jimmy D starts the inning off with the first out, Kid reaches base with a single. Sabo up to bat hits into a fielders choice, kid out at 2nd for the 2nd out. Sonoma then comes up to bat with Sabo on first with 2 outs. Sonoma tears into the next pitch, the ball is hit deep, back goes the outfielder he is running after it balls to the wall, he is doing his best to track it down, he dives just like Jim Edmonds and makes an amazing catch, unbelievable the outfielder makes a game saving catch. OK OK, so I lied, Sonoma's hit wasnt that amazing, I was making sure I had your attention. Honestly I cant remember how he ended the inning all I know is we ended the 7th inning with no runs. 7 innings completed and the game is still tied at 5.
Desloge comes up in the top of the eighth inning and puts a 4 spot up. They are now leading 9-5 in the top of the eighth, I cannot remember the last time we went into extra innings. Here come the Beavers, Big John leads us off and makes the first out. The next 4 batters come up and BOOM we score 3 runs. Beavers down by 1 run and only 1 out recorded. It looks like the Beavers bats have finally woken up in the bottom of the 8th inning of the 2nd game (thats 14.5 total innings in the night if you cant count). We only need one run to tie it back up, 2 runs to bring home a winner. Rage is on first with Belle digging in at the plate. Belle, the winning run, was focused and ready to hit, its been awhile since I saw him this focused. Here comes the pitch, Belle makes contact puts his head down and starts running for first. Unfortunately he hit it on the ground and Desloge was able to get Rage at 2nd. Belle on first 2 outs with Keith coming up to the plate. Keith who has kept us in both games with some awesome pitching is up, can he save the Beavers with his bat? He swings, hits a high pop up, unfortunately that is all it was, high! The left fielder catches it game over, 8 innings down and the Beavers lose their 2nd game by 1 run.
And so there it is. Beavers lose their first 2 games of the year. Its pretty disappointing considering our defense was very shakey and our bats were quiet for most of the night. The highlight of the night has to be Tanner writing down the percentages at the end of the 2nd game. Let me share...
Fielding%-them 39%, us 32%
OBP%-them .123%, us .074%
Asshole%-them 62%, us 84%
Losing%-them 0%, us 100%
All I can say is that I hope next weeks game has a different turn out.
On June 10th The Beavers 8-0 were matched up against Team Desloge who was 6-0. It was the match up of the year so far against two undefeated teams. It was such a big game Belle had to bring his 2 boys out to be the teams bat boys, Jimmy D had to dress up for this game with a T-Shirt with a tie design on it, Jimmy D it was quite impressive. Not sure I would be caught dead in that T-Shirt but you definitely pulled it off or actually kept in on, thank God. Jimmy if you are trying to dress up for the games, maybe you should take some instruction from Tanner and show up in black slacks, dress shoes and a blue collared shirt. He says he was in night court but I think he was trying to pick up some ladies at parties in the park. But he showed up alone, guess he shouldnt have asked those girls if they wanted to go see some beaver playing with balls across the park.
The Beavers were away for the first game and had a shuffled lineup, turns out it was not the best move to make. Kid started off the game as the leadoff hitter, starts the game with a single. Then the next 3 hitters went down faster than Alanis Morrisette in a movie theater 1-2-3. Beavers take the field, and went down by one run in the first inning, it could have been worse but with Keiths pitching he was able to keep control of the game.
Beavers back up to bat top of the 2nd, MoBilly starts us off with a single. Dupper flies out MoBilly does not advance. Next up Jake, grounder to the infield MoBilly out at 2nd Jake on first. This started a small little 2 out rally, next 3 hitters come up and all of a sudden 3 singles in a row by Rage, Belle, and Keith, 2 runs score putting the Beavers up 2-1.
Top of the 3rd inning, Kid starts us off with a HR, gotta love the back to back fields. The next 5 batters reach base scoring 2 more. All of a sudden inning over, it looked like a big rally was about to start but all of a sudden Desloge puts an end to it. Beavers up 5-1. Desloge once again shut down in the 3rd.
No runs for either team in the 4th or 5th inning. MoBilly starts off the 6th inning with a double and Dupper repeating Pujols hits a deep sacrifice fly scoring MoBilly from 2nd, I dont think MoBilly had any thoughts about stopping at 3rd especially the way we were hitting. That proves to be the last run for the Beavers in this game. Beavers up 6-1. Desloge comes up and scores 4 in the 6th inning thanks to the help of the less than stellar Beavers defense. Beavers up 6-5 going into the top of the 7th inning, not really a good thing if you saw our defense the inning before.
Top of 7, Jimmy D starts us off with a the first out of the inning, Kid reaches base on an error the next 2 batters make outs, and just like that the top of the 7th inning is over. Beavers still up 6-5. Desloge comes up to bat in the bottom of the 7th inning down by 2 runs. Pressure is on them, right? Wrong! Beavers defense started off decent to start the game and slowly became suspect as the game progressed, the defense eventually crumbles in the bottom of the 7th and Desloge comes up and scores 2 to keep their undefeated record while taking away the Beavers hopes for a undefeated season. Desloge 7, Beavers 6. At least there is always a second game, right?
Game 2:
Desloge starts the 2nd game with a single run in the 1st inning. Beavers come back up to the plate after rolling the lineup over. This time Big John is leading off and starts the 2nd game off with a single with the next 5 batters coming up and reaching base while only hitting into one fielders choice. All of a sudden bases are loaded with only one out. Keith is up to the plate and hits a sac, scoring our 3rd run of the inning. 2 outs down and 2 runners on, unfortunately the Beavers luck runs out and their brief run comes to an end only scoring 3 runs in the first inning. Beavers up 3-1.
2nd inning, Keith is able to shut them down...Desloge posts a goose egg. Typically this is a good sign for the Beavers. Time to take advantage and score some runs. Kid starts us off in the 2nd inning and records the first out, Sabo and Sonoma able to reach base both score from Big Johns big single. 2 more runs for the Beavers, we are now winning 5-1. It's starting to look pretty promising, so we think. Next 2 batters both record outs to end the inning, so much for our little rally.
3rd inning: Keith at this point in the game is pitching a gem allowing only 1 run. Desloge throws up another goose egg. Beavers coming up to the plate bottom of the 3rd inning. This is the time to jump on Desloge and throw up a big number. Or so we thought. Beavers throw up a goose egg themselves and end the 3rd inning up 5-1 still. After the first game we shouldnt be comfortable with this lead.
Desloge scores 1 in the 4th, 1 in the 5th and 2 in the 6th inning all while Beavers not putting up a single run. End of the 6th inning it is all tied 5-5. None of the Beavers would admit it but you could definitely tell there was some nervousness around. Not scoring a run since the 2nd inning everyones bat has gone cold. Beavers did not score since the 2nd inning but we only had 1 hit in the last 3 innings. Not impressive at all.
Here we go into the 7th inning. Once again, Mr. Clutch comes to the rubber and shuts Desloge down. Time to get excited Beavers tie game in the bottom of the 7th, time to show this undefeated team who's boss. Jimmy D starts the inning off with the first out, Kid reaches base with a single. Sabo up to bat hits into a fielders choice, kid out at 2nd for the 2nd out. Sonoma then comes up to bat with Sabo on first with 2 outs. Sonoma tears into the next pitch, the ball is hit deep, back goes the outfielder he is running after it balls to the wall, he is doing his best to track it down, he dives just like Jim Edmonds and makes an amazing catch, unbelievable the outfielder makes a game saving catch. OK OK, so I lied, Sonoma's hit wasnt that amazing, I was making sure I had your attention. Honestly I cant remember how he ended the inning all I know is we ended the 7th inning with no runs. 7 innings completed and the game is still tied at 5.
Desloge comes up in the top of the eighth inning and puts a 4 spot up. They are now leading 9-5 in the top of the eighth, I cannot remember the last time we went into extra innings. Here come the Beavers, Big John leads us off and makes the first out. The next 4 batters come up and BOOM we score 3 runs. Beavers down by 1 run and only 1 out recorded. It looks like the Beavers bats have finally woken up in the bottom of the 8th inning of the 2nd game (thats 14.5 total innings in the night if you cant count). We only need one run to tie it back up, 2 runs to bring home a winner. Rage is on first with Belle digging in at the plate. Belle, the winning run, was focused and ready to hit, its been awhile since I saw him this focused. Here comes the pitch, Belle makes contact puts his head down and starts running for first. Unfortunately he hit it on the ground and Desloge was able to get Rage at 2nd. Belle on first 2 outs with Keith coming up to the plate. Keith who has kept us in both games with some awesome pitching is up, can he save the Beavers with his bat? He swings, hits a high pop up, unfortunately that is all it was, high! The left fielder catches it game over, 8 innings down and the Beavers lose their 2nd game by 1 run.
And so there it is. Beavers lose their first 2 games of the year. Its pretty disappointing considering our defense was very shakey and our bats were quiet for most of the night. The highlight of the night has to be Tanner writing down the percentages at the end of the 2nd game. Let me share...
Fielding%-them 39%, us 32%
OBP%-them .123%, us .074%
Asshole%-them 62%, us 84%
Losing%-them 0%, us 100%
All I can say is that I hope next weeks game has a different turn out.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Meet Your Beavers - The Nickname Switch
Few players have pulled off the full nickname switch. Many players have added new names to the list of that they may be called, but few have actually seen one name virtually die and another rise up.
Once known as "Burrelli" - a variation of Burrell...meaning Pat Burrell...since his name, too, is Pat - a ritual began while going out to or in from the field. A slamming of the mitt to the ground, usually followed by a place kick of said glove. The reason...not quite sure. I suspect it originated from watching some sub-par Beaver fielding, but am unsure of the real reason. I guess Belle had been watching the Bad News Bears for some reason and recalled that there was a player on the Bad News Bears that always threw his glove to the ground. Tanner was his name...Tanner quickly overtook Burrelli as Pat Richmond's nickname. A new name was born.
Tanner has been with the Beavers since 2002. We he joined the team he brought a left-handed stick as well as some much needed speed. He has hit at a clip of over .550 since joining the team and has logged 157 games. Since his early days on the team he has lost his speed as he has lost his hair - but not to the same degree as that would mean that he would now have no speed.
Tanner has been one of the most versitile defenders since coming on board. Usually playing one of the middle outfield positions or manning the infield at secondbase. Tanner also has filled in at short. Usually playing error free softball...usually.
If you find yourself in trouble with the law, he is also your man. Starting his own law firm a few years ago he has also become the resident knowledge of the law for the team...and probably owes a decent part of his salary to the Beavers and our connections.
Wearing #33 since starting with the Beavers and switching to #3 in the 2009 season, Tanner may not wow you with his blazing speed anymore, and he may not answer to Burrelli either, but if you find a way to insert "TAN" with any other combination of words and you'd be talking about Tanner. Just ask Big John about all of the possible variations of Tanner...he'll give you a list as long as your arm.
Once known as "Burrelli" - a variation of Burrell...meaning Pat Burrell...since his name, too, is Pat - a ritual began while going out to or in from the field. A slamming of the mitt to the ground, usually followed by a place kick of said glove. The reason...not quite sure. I suspect it originated from watching some sub-par Beaver fielding, but am unsure of the real reason. I guess Belle had been watching the Bad News Bears for some reason and recalled that there was a player on the Bad News Bears that always threw his glove to the ground. Tanner was his name...Tanner quickly overtook Burrelli as Pat Richmond's nickname. A new name was born.
Tanner has been with the Beavers since 2002. We he joined the team he brought a left-handed stick as well as some much needed speed. He has hit at a clip of over .550 since joining the team and has logged 157 games. Since his early days on the team he has lost his speed as he has lost his hair - but not to the same degree as that would mean that he would now have no speed.
Tanner has been one of the most versitile defenders since coming on board. Usually playing one of the middle outfield positions or manning the infield at secondbase. Tanner also has filled in at short. Usually playing error free softball...usually.
If you find yourself in trouble with the law, he is also your man. Starting his own law firm a few years ago he has also become the resident knowledge of the law for the team...and probably owes a decent part of his salary to the Beavers and our connections.
Wearing #33 since starting with the Beavers and switching to #3 in the 2009 season, Tanner may not wow you with his blazing speed anymore, and he may not answer to Burrelli either, but if you find a way to insert "TAN" with any other combination of words and you'd be talking about Tanner. Just ask Big John about all of the possible variations of Tanner...he'll give you a list as long as your arm.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I can't stop the rain, here it comes again
For a second straight week softball was rained out today. Last week the storm rolled in about an hour before first pitch, this week, it rolled in over a day before first pitch. So the Beavers remain stuck at 8-0 this season.
Next games will be on June 10th (weather permitting) at 6pm. The games scheduled for May 27 and June 3 will be added to the end of the season.
In other news, most Beavers will be wearing new uniforms later this month. All but one Beaver ordered a new jersey and they are expected to be in for the June 17th game. That one Beaver who abstained...our catcher who claims he will continue to wear collared shirts for the remainder of the season. If that keeps him getting at least 2 hits a night, we'll live with it, though it shows no team unity.
Next games will be on June 10th (weather permitting) at 6pm. The games scheduled for May 27 and June 3 will be added to the end of the season.
In other news, most Beavers will be wearing new uniforms later this month. All but one Beaver ordered a new jersey and they are expected to be in for the June 17th game. That one Beaver who abstained...our catcher who claims he will continue to wear collared shirts for the remainder of the season. If that keeps him getting at least 2 hits a night, we'll live with it, though it shows no team unity.
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