Coach Jim Mora answers your questions about playoffs for our Softball team

Many of you have asked about Playoffs and the truth is I don't know. Comm-Seek has a bunch of make-up games being played this week and I am assuming the out-come of those games will dictate the Playoffs. I'd like to see every team in the playoffs but I am not sure what Seekings has planned.

The Machine did go 3-7 this season, but in our defense, we had trouble getting everyone out to the games on a consistent basis and we did face some tough opponents. But to answer your playoff questions, watch the video of Coach Jim Mora, courtesy of CBS Sports.
Go Mighty McNair!

Parker Forfeits! The Machine is 3-7 for the Regular Season...

Our regular season finished today as Mc-Angus-Parker-Lock forfeited our make-up game. I am not sure if Parker feared the Powerhouse of the Machine, the 115 degree heat or simply they had too many people out for social events. Regardless, McNair finished 3-7 (.428) in the regular season.
It had to be the pizza
Sadly, I am not sure what we will do to burn off the extra energy and calories from the carb-loading-lunch orchestrated by Penny and Joan (thank you ladies) but I am sure there is an office-wide “whewww, thank goodness-we don’t have to go out there” about to commence after I press the send button.

I’ll keep you updated if I hear anything about the playoffs.
Go Mighty McNair!

Final Regular Season Game Tonight @ The Navy Base

I never thought that I would write this, but tonight (thankfully) we are headed back to the Navy Base to play our final regular season game against Parker/Carlock. Game time is at 6:30 pm. Please e-mail me if you can or can not make it so I can get the roster together. Also, same rules of hydration apply as Tuesday’s game. Please sip water throughout the day to maintain your level of hydration and body temperature.

Go Mighty McNair!

The Machine Dropped Another

The Machine dropped another game, this one against the Young-Clems 15-5. “Baby Face” Bolden scored 2 runs. Jet scored 1 run. The “Hammer” Mike Scarafile scored 1 run and Rosie scored once for our runs. The Machine had a rough go at it last night with the heat and the dead bats as we tried to fill in the holes on the roster; luckily we had Julie to fill in for us to prevent the forfeit.

We have two games left to salvage what’s left of the season, both of which are this next week: Tuesday August 7th, we play against the Usual Suspects on John’s Island and Thursday August 9th against Carlock, McAngus-I haven’t heard where the game will be yet, but it will probably be at the John’s Island facility.

Keep your chin up gang, we’ve had a rough go at it lately, but we are still playing pretty good ball out there and we can still finish the season slightly under .500.

Scoring Breakdown
Teams--1/2---3/4---5/6---7/Total
YCRT---2/0---9/2---0/2---0
Machine-0/1---0/0---1/1---2/5

CID is Player of the Week!

Christina earned POTW for her "Johnny-Bench-esque" play at the plate: playing the relay-assist from short to tag out the opponent at the plate. Great job Christina

Reminder: We have a game on Tuesday night on John's Island. Go Mighty McNair!

We definitely need some recon...the Machine lost to the Law Dogs of De-La-Sols

We definitely need to do some recon…
Sure the Solicitors are a tough team (undefeated this year) but it sometimes helps to know what you are up against. For instance, had we known that “Amanda” was former College of Charleston Softball standout at third-base and the outfield, Amanda Cone, 2001 Southern-Conference Freshman of the Year, 3-Time So-Con Player of the Week (2004), member of the SoCon Championship squad as a junior and the host of accolades her senior year: (the following stats are National Division 1 rankings for 2004) 10th in batting averages-hitting .450, 6th in RBIs per game w/ 1.09 PG, 23rd in Home-Runs-per-game, 6th in Runs per Game with 59 runs in 56 games, 9th in Slugging Percentage, w/ .825 SLG%, 19 Doubles for the season put her 20th on the list.

And now, Ms. Cone can add an in-the-park-home-run (over B-Rad's head and to the fence), while going 4 for 5 vs. the Machine to her stellar resume. Sorry guys, I should have passed it around that she was firing missiles before the game, but then again, whenever someone is wearing the "high-end" knee brace, we should know they can probably play.

The Law-Dogs ran up the score on the Machine quite aggressively tonight, more than likely a response to the embarrassing smack-down we gave them at our last meeting. But give us credit, we kept with it, despite missing a few of our usual players and the Law-Dogs building a "snow-man" in the first and second innings, the Machine put 10-runs on the board before the end of the game. I was especially impressed with the 3-runs scored in the bottom of the 7th inning-great job guys! And the play of the game goes to the assist by Blackie to Christina as she made the play at the plate! Sounds like POTW performance to me...

From the Dug-Out:
JET went 4-4, going back to his "Vegas" style of play: hit a single and then score from first at each at bat-putting 4-runs on the board. Craig "Blackie" Blackmon went 4 for 4 hitting an excellent ball into right-field on a pitch that was "just a bit outside from B-Rad" at his last at bat. Blackie drove in T-Vegas four times (which allowed him to take a double every at bat) and Turner-Burner (who went 2 for 4) once for a total of 5-RBIs. B-Rad hit 4 for 4, with 3 singles and 1-double, scoring Blackie each time for 4-RBIs. B-Rad was having fun and tried a bit of the Vegas play Trabert is known for, but was caught at the plate. What can you say? The game wasn't on the line and sometimes you have to roll the dice. Michael "The Hammer" Scarafile went 3 for 4 despite having a rough start as the lead-off batter. "Little Mike" (aka: Chris) hit some beauties up the middle, but their second-baseman, Kermit-T-Frog was hopping on his balls all night. (Wait, that didn't sound apropos). Nicole put the ball in play, going 2 for 3, but was snagged each time before rounding second base. Momma-Jo made some adjustments to her hitting technique before the game and had some good hits, allowing her to out-hustle the Law-Dog's third-baseman as he got "Tripped" up from her speed. Law-Clerk Jeff is swinging the bat a lot better, and went 2 for 4 for the evening. And finally, our POTW, CID, who made one heck of a play at the plate and was smashing the ball. Unfortunately, 3rd base-Trip had her number all night and made some great plays to keep her from reaching.

Keep your chins up McNair, you are progressing and getting better each day. Our next game will be on John's Island (at the BFE field #1) next Tuesday against the Broad Street Bombers!

Go Mighty McNair!

Happy Birthday to Barry Bonds

Today is Barry Bonds' 43rd birthday. Trailing Hank Aaron's record of 755 by two-home-runs, Bonds and the Giants face the Atlanta Braves tonight. Will Bonds hit one out of the park or two to tie the record? Regardless, Bonds received an early present from Commissioner Bud Selig as Bud (taking the "high road") announced today he would follow Bonds (when possible) until he breaks the record.

Trivia: Who had the home-run record before Babe Ruth?
Answer: Roger Conner. Originally signed to the Troy Trojans in 1880 as a third-baseman, Conner was traded to the New York Gothams and became the first batter to hit an out of the park home-run at the (Gothams' home-stadium) Polo Grounds in New York. Conner's record was 138 home-runs until Ruth passed him, hitting almost five-times as many home-runs, holding the record until 1974. Conner would play for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1892 and was traded to the St. Louis Browns in 1894 where he finished his career. After baseball, Conner returned home to Waterbury, Conn. where he died in 1931. Roger Conner is ranked 450th on the career-home-run list.

Historical Note: The record of 122 home-runs was held by Harry (Duffield) Stover of the Worcester Ruby Legs until Conner passed him in 1895. Stover is currently ranked 529th on the career-all-time home-run list.


Go Mighty McNair!

JoAn is Player of the Week as the Machine Over-heats on John's Island

The Machine came out strong against R&R in the first inning and put two runs on the board to lead the game 2-0. R&R would tie the game in the 2nd and then a combination of the heat and our inability to capitalize on opportunities led to a (as Victoria Beckham would say) “Major” loss, reported by R&R as 21-2. The Machine had runners in scoring position (3rd & 2nd) in the bottom of the seventh inning, but it was a little too late and by that time, I think we were all ready for the game to be over.

Player of the Week
This week’s POTW is Momma Jo for her incredible defensive ability at short out for her efforts she has a swollen hand to remind her of the bare-handed snag she made. Great job JoAn!

Next Game
Our next game is on Monday, July 23rd against the Solicitors at the John’s Island Field #2, 6:30 PM. I know that it is a hike to get out there and playing on the road is tough, so I appreciate you all (players and fans) for making the trip and giving your best! Go Mighty McNair!

Reminder Game Tonight & Directions to John's Island Fields

We will play Dr. Arnold Rosen-Rosen’s team tonight at the City of Charleston’s John’s Island Park Facilities. I still don’t have a complete roster, so if you plan on playing tonight send me an e-mail.

Directions to the John’s Island Softball Fields: From Downtown (the office) to 1727 Bozo Lane, John’s Island, SC 29455.
1. Take Calhoun to the James Island Connector
2. Turn Right on Folly Road
3. Left on Maybank Highway
4. Go over John’s Island Bridge-stay on Maybank Hwy until you see a green City of Charleston Park & Recreation sign on the right-hand side of the road and then turn right onto Walpole Lane then left on Bozo Lane.
5. Note: Mapquest has the final directions as right-turn on Walpole Lane and then left onto Bozo Lane, but the lady from the City of Charleston said to turn right on Bozo Lane. Either way, look for the City’s signs and turn right before you get to Main Road.

Link to Mapquest Directions

Link to PDF Map from the City of Charleston

Go Mighty McNair!

Reminder: Our next game is on Monday (July 16th) against R&R

Reminder: Our next game will be against RRR&H at the John's Island Complex on Monday, July 16th, 2007. We've had almost two weeks off now, so if any of you would like to practice this weekend, I am available. Please e-mail me if you can make the game on Monday.

I'll post directions to the ball-park on Monday.
Go Mighty McNair!

The Machine Drops A Heart-Breaker

There's "good news and bad news" The bad news is the Machine lost a heart-breaker to Nex-P with a final score of 8-9 tonight. The good news is that this is the last time this season we have to see the Navy Base (see photo courtesy of J. Trabert)

A Pitcher's Duel
It may have been for sympathy, but when JET was fanned, somehow, Jay-Bird was as well. The Machine had a chance to bring up a couple of rookie law clerks from Double-A, Boo Moore and Jeff Little who did the best they could having not been properly introduced to the high-level of play at the Navy Base. The Machine did finally get the wheels moving in the 6th-inning, scoring 6-runs to come back from a 8-2 deficit, but the top of the order was held to just one hit (by Mr. Dependable) and Nex-P, won the game.
Go Mighty McNair!

Mr. Dependable's Favorite Line

There wasn't much hitting to brag about against Nex-P, but Mr. Dependable was of course, "Dependable" crushing the ball down the third-base line. Captain Trabert made the remark in a post-game interview that while coaching third-base he could hear the ball whizzing by him and the blown chalk (see photo) tells the tale. Keep it up Mr. Dependable!

Go Mighty McNair!

Reminder Game on Wednesday vs. Nexsen, Pruet

Reminder: We have our final game at the Navy Base on Wednesday, June 27th @ 6:30 PM against Nexsen, Pruet. Please let me know if you can make it.

After losing last week to Pierce, Hearns 17-11, the Machine's record is currently 2-2 (.500)

Photo courtesy of Military Free Pages. Mighty McNair!

Reminder Game Tomorrow Night @ the Navy Base

Reminder: We have a game tomorrow night against Pierce, Hearns at the Navy Base (6:30 PM). Please let me know if you can make it to the game.

Stats:
The Machine is 1-1 (all-time) against Pierce, Hearns. In the first meeting between the two teams, Pierce squeezed out a win 14-13. But the Machine came back last season with a 30-17 blow-out win last season against Pierce.

(Photo courtesy of JET)

Go Mighty McNair!

Schedule & Results: The Machine is now 2-1

1. 5/24-vs. Haynesworth-Win-Johnson-Hagood (36-19)
   
2. 6/4-vs. Public Defenders-Win-Navy Base (20-11)
   
3. 6/11-vs. Finkel & Altman-Loss-Navy Base (18-7)
   
4. Tuesday, June 19 vs Pierce, Hearns-Navy Base
   
5. Wednesday, June 27 vs Nexsen, Pruet-Navy Base
   
6. Tuesday, July 3 vs Parker/Carlock-John's Island 2
   
7. Monday, July 16 vs Rosen-John's Island 1
   
8. Monday, July 23 vs Solicitors-John's Island 2
   
9. Tuesday, July 31 vs Young Clement-John's Island 1
   
10. Tuesday, August 7 vs Usual Suspects-John's Island 2

Go Mighty McNair!

Jay-Bird Named Player of the Week!

After receiving a warm-welcome from the Flaming Fabers of Finkel, Jay-Bird pitched for 6 1/3rd -innings and had two hits, 1-double and 2-RBIs-scoring 1-run. Picture of Brad (on left) and Jay (on right) courtesy of J. Trabert.

Great job Jay!

McNair drops first game of the season

The Machine came screeching to a halt last night at the Navy base losing their first game of the season to the Fighting Fabers of Finkel 7-18.The series between the two teams is now even at 1-1. (Photo compliments of JET)

Re-Cap:
The game was a text-book pitcher’s duel until the 4th inning as McNair scored once in the first inning on an RBI-single by Capers and F-Cubed finally scored one to tie the game in the 3rd inning. McNair scored two-runs in the 4th inning on an RBI-single by “Baby-Face” Bolden and an RBI-single (reached 2nd base on an error) by JET. F-Cubed would answer with 5-runs in the bottom of the 4th as Ryan, Brian, Ed, & Trip (Oh My!) rounded the bases.

In the 5th inning, the Machine had 3-up, 3-down as Finkel pulled away scoring 7-runs in the bottom of the inning. McNair would add 2 more runs in the top of the 6th as Jay-Bird hit a two-RBI, double. Things looked promising as Bolden reached first but JET would ground out to end the inning. Finkel added 5 more runs in the bottom of the 6th. Turner hit his second-single of the night in the top of the 7th; Cody hit his first RBI-Triple (scored as a single) of the Season bringing home the Afterburner and Rosie would repay the favor knocking in Cody from third.

Dug-Out:
“It was definitely a humbling experience, we made small mistakes that cost us big tonight” said Machine’s Coach Trabert. He continued, “I know the Finklers were out for blood, but we still just did not hit the ball.” When asked about Big Daddy Joel not being in the line-up, Trabert responded, “Joel will be on the D. L. for a while, I will let him decide when he wants to come back. He was missed in the line-up tonight, but the fact remains this is a team effort, it’s not just one person out there (jokingly) although, I am sure Jay-Bird would beg to differ-he (Jay-Bird) was definitely our work horse tonight." The Machine’s GM and Owner, Tom McTighbrenner commented simply (about the game) to the AP, “This was an opportunity for improvement”. No doubt, shake it off McNair!

Next Game:
The Machine will return to the Navy Base next Tuesday (June 19th) to face Pierce, Hearns.

Go Mighty McNair!

Reminder: Game Tonight Against Finkel @ the Navy Base!

McNair returns to the Navy Base tonight to face the lone sailor, Finkel (Altman is no longer associated with their team) at 6:30 pm. The Machine is 1-0 all-time against Finkel, scratching out a 15-13 win over F&A last season. (Photo courtesy of the National Archives)

Stats:
McNair is currently one of four unbeaten teams in the league: Buist-Moore, McNair, Rosen and the Solicitors. McNair has scored 56 runs and allowed 30 (+26) in the first two games.

Finkel is ranked 7th with a 1-1 record. They have allowed 25-points against and scored 22-points this season losing to Nexsen, Pruet 18-14 and beating Parker/Carlock by 1 (8-7). Go Mighty McNair!

The Machines' guns were blazing against the Public Defenders last night!

McNair improved to 2-0 for the season, defeating the Public Defenders 20-11 last night at the Navy Base. Congratulations to the team for another well deserved win!

The Machine will return to the Navy Base next Monday to face Finkel. Please drop me a line if you can make the game!

Go Mighty McNair!

2007 Softball Schedule and Results: The Machine is currently 2-0

1. 5/24-vs. Haynesworth-Win-Johnson-Hagood (36-19)



2. June 4-vs. Public Defenders-Win-Navy Base (20-11)



3. Monday, June 11 vs Finkel & Altman-Navy Base



4. Tuesday, June 19 vs Pierce, Hearns-Navy Base



5. Wednesday, June 27 vs Nexsen, Pruet-Navy Base



6. Tuesday, July 3 vs Parker/Carlock-John's Island 2



7. Monday, July 16 vs Rosen-John's Island 1



8. Monday, July 23 vs Solicitors-John's Island 2



9. Tuesday, July 31 vs Young Clement-John's Island 1



10. Tuesday, August 7 vs Usual Suspects-John's Island 2
    
    

Go Mighty McNair!

Current Standings

McNair is currently 1-0 w/ 2 points in the league, placing us 3rd in the league. The Machine's win over Hanysworth was the largest margin and the most points allowed in the league for the first two weeks of the season.

Current League Standings:

1. Buist-Moore...2-0 (4-pts)
2. Nelson-Motors...2-0 (4-pts)
3. McNair...1-0 (2-pts) won first game 36-19
4. Nexsen-Pruet...1-0 (2-pts) won first game 18-14
5. Public Defenders...1-0 (2-pts) won first game 19-14

Go Mighty McNair!

Our Next Game is Monday, June 4th Against the Public Defenders!

Our next game will be against the Public Defenders on Monday, June 4th (6:30 PM) at the Navy Base. Please send me a message if you can make it!

McNair is 3-0 all-time against the Defenders, but the PD are 1-0 this season having won this week 19-14.

Directions
To Academic Magnet H.S. (Old Naval Base)
· Take I-26 West and take the first Cosgrove Exit (Exit 216B)
· Stay on Cosgrove and follow it for 1.1 miles (you will go through three stop lights: Azalea Road, Rivers Avenue, and Spruill Avenue)
· After you cross Spruill Ave, you will go over Railroad tracks, continue until you reach the stop sign.
· Turn left onto Avenue E (You will see the old shipyard parking lot on your right) Follow Avenue E until you reach a stop sign.
· Turn right at the Stop sign onto MacMillian Avenue (a.k.a. 3rd Street). Follow MacMillian Ave and go through the security gate until you reach the traffic light.
· Turn right at the light onto Hobson Avenue (a.k.a. C Avenue) Continue on Hobson Avenue for about .4 miles.
· You will cross over railroad tracks and after the curve in the road, turn right and enter the opening in the chain link fence.
· You will see a sign that reads: Academic Magnet High School, the building will be on your left.

The softball field is the second on the left as you drive down the road. (Click here for directions from Google)



Go Mighty McNair!

Today is Bucky and Alec's last day with the Firm!

Bucky and Alec are leaving the Firm to pursue their law degrees in Vermont. We wish them and Mr. Whiskers well.

The Short-Porch in Left-Field at Johnson-Hagood Stadium

As you all know, the league only permits three home-runs in one game, but the Machine worked the short-porch in left field at the Johnson-Hagood Stadium. From a spectator’s viewpoint, the left field wall (Dixon’s Corner) played like the Green Monster at Fenway Park. Rosen and Joel played balls off the wall just like Manny Ramirez does in Boston.

The following is a list of Machine hitters who hit it out of the park (only the first three homers hit by Bucky, Jay-Bird and Brett) counted, but our hitters deserve the recognition. Special note: after a brief battle with Jay-Bird, Buck-Nasty hit the longest single in McNair Softball History!

The Short-Porch List:

• Buck Nasty


• “Mr. Dependable”-Brett Bluestein


• Michael “the Hammer” Scarafile (Honestly, I didn’t’ see that one happening)


• Jay-Bird


• John-E-Rosen


• Big Daddy Warren

Go Mighty McNair!

McNair Wins First Game of the Season!

The Machine rolled over Haynesworth last night 36-19! I’ll post a recap about this over the weekend: everyone hit well, got to play and had fun to score the most runs in MLF softball history! Keep up the momentum McNair!

I e-mailed the score to Seekings this morning and he wanted to know if HSB wore their gloves.

Joan brought cookies to celebrate the win! Enjoy!

Our next game is against the Public Defenders, Monday, June 4th at the Navy Base-6:30 PM. Go Mighty McNair! (Photo courtesy of J. Trabert)

New Rules from Don and Mike!

We are off and running (some teams more than others!). A few
things--remember that each team must field 5 lawyers (law clerks/law students
count), there is a three home run limit only if you play on a fenced field
"inside the park" home runs do not count even if the ball rolls for eternity,
which it might do on some fields. Also--NEW RULE (which has actually been in
effect before)--each team (when playing defense) can designate one
intentional walk at any time during the game. Only 1, and only by the team
in the field. If you have any questions about this rule please let me
know. Make sure you use conforming bats and balls and have fun! MSS

Game Reminder-Thursday, May 24th first start of the season!

McNair will face Haynesworth on Thursday, 6:30 PM, at Johnson-Hagood Stadium (the Citadel’s football stadium) in our first game of the season. I am not sure what they have set-up inside but all we need is the 60’ between the bases and close to 200’ for the fence for the softball field dimensions.

I will be putting a roster together in the next day or so please send me an e-mail if you can play on Thursday.

Directions: The entrance to the stadium is through Gate 19 which is on the east side (visitor’s side) of the stadium. If you drive down Congress St. and take a right after the tennis courts there is plenty of parking. Seekings ask that we do not go up into the new stands.

Click here for directions from Google Maps: From the office take Calhoun to Lockwood Dr. Continue on Lockwood Drive (heading towards the Joe). Lockwood turns slightly right (in front of the Joe) becoming Fishburne Street. Turn left at your next light onto Hagood Ave. The Stadium will be on your right. Go to stop sign, turn right onto Congress Street. The tennis courts will be on your right. Turn immediately after the tennis courts for parking.

(Photo compliments of J. Trabert)

Go Mighty McNair!

Special Instructions for playing at Johnson-Hagood Stadium

When playing at Johnson-Hagood Stadium, Commissioner Seekings ask that we do not go up into the new stands.

Photo courtesy of Jim Trabert

Go Mighty McNair!

FW: 2007 Softball Schedule

Date Home Team Away Team Location Day Time
5/24/07 Haynsworth v. McNair Johnson Hagood Thurs 6:30 PM
6/4/07 Public Def. v. McNair Naval Base Mon 6:30 PM
6/11/07 McNair v. Finkel Naval Base Mon 6:30 PM
6/19/07 McNair v. Pierce, Herns Naval Base Tues 6:30 PM
6/27/07 McNair v. Nexsen, Pruet Naval Base Wed 6:30 PM
7/3/07 McNair v. Parker/Carlock Johns Island 2 Tues 6:30 PM
7/16/07 Rosen v. McNair Johns Island 1 Mon 6:30 PM
7/23/07 Solicitors v. McNair Johns Island 2 Mon 6:30 PM
7/31/07 Young, Clement v. McNair Johns Island 1 Tues 6:30 PM
8/7/07 McNair v. Usual Suspects Johns Island 2 Tues 6:30 PM

Info also at http://www.softballsmart.com/League/GameSchedule.aspx
Photo of Fenway Line-up courtesy of J. Trabert

The Season 5 is upon us!

As you all know, we were not quite sure if we would have a law league softball season this year due to issues with the City’s softball fields. Fortunately, Mike Seekings, Mark B-burg and Bruce DuRant arranged for our league to play at the Citadel’s two-fields: a practice field and the old Rainbow’s Stadium (aka College Park) this year.

The season should begin the 21st of this month. I am trying to set up a scrimmage with Barnwell-Whaley before the season begins-We are shooting for next Wednesday or Thursday. Go Mighty McNair!

Joel and Brad agree to contract extensions for the 2007 Season

Contract negotiations are not complete, but Joel Warren and Brad Hiers have agreed on principle to return for the Machine next season.

Go Mighty McNair!