Happy Christmas from all of us from the McWhalers!

I know many of you would have expected The Pogues & Kirsty McColl performing "Fairytale of New York"but I found this performance by Coldplay which I thought was great-due to the sing-along by the crowd!

Sometimes I Think Jay-Bird Looks Just Like This @ Short-Stop!

I've always enjoyed the nicknames players have attached to their careers in sports and from what I have been hearing, Jay-Bird is known as "The Short-Stop" around the Charleston Law League! I said it on Monday, when I see a ball hit towards short and Jay-Bird's glove lowers to the ground, I get this grin, as if I know something clever that no one else knows, but truth is, we all know, that batter is toast.

(Photo courtesy of JayAlexander.com)

Tomorrow Night's Game Against Rosen For The Championship!

Tomorrow is the championship game at Parkshore (6:15 PM) and who would have thought that we would be playing in it??? Great game to all of you who played last night. For those of you who who didn't play last night, my apologies and we'll try to get you in the game tomorrow.

(Photo courtesy of BacktotheEighties.com)

Even though I'd love to win tomorrow, if we don't it's not a big deal. We've come further in the playoffs with any team we've fielded and we've had fun doing it. In the same breath, I'll say we've come this far so why not win it? I'm going to steal a line from the movie Young Guns II when Billy the Kid says "I shall finish the game, Doc." Cheesy, I know - but it's quite fitting.

I emailed Chip Bruorton at Rosen and he agreed to a game time start of 6:15; for the last time this Lawyer's League season - please let me know if you are going to be able to make it.

Let's finish the game.


Donn

J.I.C. You Didn't Get The Miller's Crossing Reference

Here is a short clip from the film, where the line “The old man is still an artist with the Thompson”.

McWhaley Is Headed to the Championship Game!

McWhaley Wins 15-12 over the PD's Office and we're headed to the Championship game on Wednesday against Rosen!

Highlights

As Terry put it in the movie, Miller's Crossing, "It seems the old man is still an artist with the Thompson" and if you were at the game last night the same thing could be said for the "Big Dawg" Dawes as the PD's office came in thinking he had no power but then it would appear that Dawes is still in artist with the softball bat hitting three doubles and a single. It could have been four doubles but he was thrown out at second as he tried to stretch one out. Dain parked one even after being heckled by the other team's ladies. Bryant parked one. The ladies (Mel, Karen and Ann) are swinging the bat well. Although Harper had a bit of an off game he made up for it with his defense. Jay Jones finally started getting the hits he wanted. Jim and Ann, the dynamic duo, played to their usual high level. Jay-Bird notched a couple of doubles and with an assist from Jim turned a beautiful double-play.

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Reminder Game Tonight @ Orange Grove (6:15 PM) vs the Public Defender's Office!

Just a reminder that we play the Public Defenders at Orange Grove tonight. Game time is supposed to be 6:15.

Thanks!

Donn

Correction: It Was "The Magic Man" Jay-Bird Who Hit The Homer

All right, so we've beat this horse a few times, but for yours truly, it never gets old and since we have to print a correction, we might as well have fun with it.

Correction: Jay-Bird (Alexander) hit a home-run tonight not Jay-Harper. Jay-Bird also set a new standard as being the only pitcher to be hit in two-games straight, tonight's hit was from Harper, which we think will leave a mark.

(Photo courtesy of the real magician from San Francisco, Jay Alexander.com)

McWhaley Continues On To The Semi-Finals Defeating The Usual Suspects-23-6

What a great night for the McWhaley Squad as we poured it on Seekings and the Usual Suspects! Final Score 23-6!

Highlights
Dain parked two home-runs, Jay-Harper parked one, Dawes was 3 for 4 and Karen got a hit! Holy schinolie!

Next game will be Monday night! Let either Donn or I know if you can make it.
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McWhaley Plays Tonight 6:15 PM @ Orange Grove and the GBU Write-Up!

McWhaley will play tonight against Commissioner Mike Seekings team, The Usual Suspects. The game will be at Orange Grove, start time is 6:15 pm. If we play with the same intensity and ability as we did last night we will have a great chance of beating this team tonight; we had them during the last game we played but let them slip away, let’s keep the momentum and bring home another win tonight. Please send either Donn or myself an e-mail if you can make it tonight.

Game vs GBU
Last night was a great example of the team firing on all cylinders: communicating, being in position and keeping cool even under pressure from the other team and heckling from their fans. As I thought about the game last night, the way our team played reminded me of all of those old adages Coach John Wooden used to say, “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” “It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.” “It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” And in response to the folks from GBU wanting to argue each call ”Sports do not build character. They reveal it.”

Highlights
We came out strong last night scoring six runs in the first inning, which kept GBU behind the “eight-ball” for the rest of the game-an early lead is something that we have struggled with all season-defensively we were outstanding as we held GBU’s “new and improved” line-up to naught for the first three innings. Offensively, Jay-Bird went yard with a three-run homer but this win was a team effort as every base hit that advanced runners into scoring position helped to pile it on as McWhaley brought home our first Playoff victory!
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Mc Whaley Advances After a 12-3 Routing of GBU

We haven't heard back from the Commish yet but bring you gear tomorrow just in case we have a game
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Playoff Schedule is Released-McWhaley Plays Monday @ Orange Grove v the Good Bad (& Ugly)

From the League Commissioner: "If the hour was not so late, I might wax poetic about what a great season it has been and how the full moon contributed to Turner’s first round bye (and first appearance in the playoffs since David Cobb was a Little Leaguer), but rather I will just post the games for Monday. Please start as close to 6:15 as you can. Note that home teams are designated. I will send out a rules memo later."


McCarlock (H) v. Rosen Navy Base

Solicitors (H) v. Outlaws Parkshore

Good Bad (H) v. McWhaley Orange Grove *GBU was the first team we played and the first team we beat this season (22-12) so our chances look pretty good on Monday. (Click the tag at the bottom of the post and it will take you to Donn's write-up about the game).

If you win on Monday, be prepared to play second round games on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Usual Suspects & Buist Moore will play a winner of first round on Tuesday. Turner will play PDs on Tuesday. Pierce (and others) will play on Wednesday. I am out of town starting at 7 tomorrow morning. I will be checking my e-mail—good luck—be good sports--MSS

(Photo "Rugby Players", 1929 by artist Max Beckmann, courtesy of Max Beckmann)

Haynesworth Gave McWhaley a Reality Check This Evening

The HSB squad gave us a reality check this evening in the form of one really bad bat around inning and a basic understanding that although this is a team sport if you have one star (err, "Stretch") firstbase-person, they can make your whole infield look good. But as mentioned, the young lady playing first base was not their only good player, they hit the crap out of the ball and we came out flat. There was a lot of distractions tonight (i.e. the music coming from the b-ball courts or for yours truly, the smell of HSB grilling out brats) regardless, we need to block those distractions out, keep our chins up and play our game.

Not that we made numerous errors or people didn't play well, we just didn't play to our potential (I know, my bad about the triple negative): part of that rests on the shoulders of each player, part of that is Donn and my fault in the coaching department. Trust me; we're not going to let it happen again. On a positive note: Ann and Jim are excellent additions to the team, which I don't think we've mentioned here yet and we appreciate their "utility ability". Also, it was good to see Big Daddy Joel Warren back out on the field and it seems he hasn't lost a step.

Playoff Game

We should know about the approaching playoff game by Friday. The date is in stone, Monday, August 10th, we just don't know who we are playing as of yet.

Lesson we should take from tonight's game: don't beat yourself mentally before the game even begins. As soon as I heard someone say, "Oh, this game really doesn't matter, we're already in the playoffs"; I knew we would not play to our potential. Let's turn it around and get some rest this weekend and come our strong on Monday.

(Photo courtesy of the Muy Guy)

Oh That's No Glitch! McWhaley Plays A 12th Game Tonight @ Orange Grove Field!

Due to a glitch in the system, we have our twelfth game tonight against Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd (no spell check, I am right, you are wrong, they really don’t use any commas in their name) at the Orange Grove field. Let me or Donn know if you can make it.

Last night, the McWhalers completed the rain-delayed game from last week, promptly shutting down our old rival the Motley Crue 9-5 in just two innings of work. Great job gang! See you out there tonight!

The Commish Puts Nelson Motors to a Vote from the League

The Commissioner has decided to put the fate of Nelson Motors in your hands allowing a league vote as to whether NM should be out of the league or allowed to stay. Nelson Motors forfeited five games this season, I believe the league rules allow three. Honestly, this is much a do about softball but alas, this was an entertaining part of my morning.

I thought about including the e-mail and just changing the names of those on the list, but with all of the disclosures attached to e-mails these days (and since we McWhalers try to maintain a certain level of comity), I decided it best to just give you an idea of what was communicated via e-mail as a professional courtesy to those involved.

The Set-Up

Motley Crue was supposed to play Nelson Motors tonight but with a total of five forfeits (an expulsionary league violation) Motors was out (they were just unaware; evidently Motors missed the meeting about being kicked out of the league for excessive forfeits) and the Crue's contact responded with the proverbial cat out of the bag e-mail informing them (Motors) the Crue was playing their make-up game against us tonight per the Commissioner.

The Juice

Now here is where it gets good: Motors responds back to the Crue with a bit of attitude using the old "Oh we will see about that!" firing off the next e-mail to the Commish, "So since we forfeited 5 of our games so we are out of the league. We paid our money so we cannot play our last game and so you told Motley Rice to schedule a make up game??" (Syntax aside, I think I would have been a little less "in-your-face" in my e-mail to the Commissioner because he responded with the following: "Of course, you are kidding. The biggest firm in the Southeast no-shows for a season and now wants to play?! I am happy to put it to a vote of the league, but I don't like your chances." As well as attaching all of the e-mail correspondence between the three parties below his comments. Finally, some excitement in the morning. By all means, leave your opinion-thumbs up or down in the comments section.

In re: Our Rain Delay

I think we are going to try and finish the Motley Rice game on Tuesday. Motley Rice is supposed to play Nelson Mullins, but I think Nelson Mullins has been kicked out of the league due to forfeits. If Seekings says it's okay, we will be finishing on Tuesday. Who can make it? I will let you know for sure later today or Monday.

Our regularly scheduled game and last game of the season is on Wednesday against Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd at Orange Grove. Game time is 6:30. Please let me know if you will be at this game.

Apparently, we have a good chance of making the playoffs and these last two games are crucial.

Thanks

Donn

Rain Delay-Game Will Be Replayed Next Week

Our game was called midway through the fifth inning due to the weather. McWhaley trails 2-4 to the Crue. Either Donn or myself will keep you posted.


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Reminder Game Tomorrow Night @ Parkshore!

Our team’s record is sitting right at .500 with only two games left to play in the season (before the playoffs). Tomorrow night we take on our old foes (on the softball field) the Motley Crue of the Motley Rice Law Firm @ the Parkshore Field, game time is 6:30 pm; come on out for a good time.

If you plan on playing and have not let either Donn or me know, please do so ASAP. Thanks!

(Photo courtesy of HeavyHarmonies.com)

A Kind Message From Bob @ Citizens Cope and the log-jam at the 8-12 point range

"Just wanted to say great game last night. I always like the close ones (more so when we win, haha) I am sure neither of you like losing no more than we do, but at least if you do, always nice to do it to a good group of guys and gals. Good luck rest of the way and hopefully we get a chance to see ya'll in the playoffs, seems to be a log jam at that 8-12 point range so we have some work to do if we are going to get there."

-Citizen Bob

(Photo courtesy of lebowskibash.com)

This Week's Game is Tuesday!

Our game this week is tomorrow at Park Shore against the McAngus law firm and Carlock Copeland. I think Seekings named them McCopeland* (he is a man of many talents, folks).

Let me know if you are going to be able to play.

Thanks!
Donn

*Editor's Note: Personally I would have went with "Citizens-Cope" but careful with the "s"-some people will think you are just being a "smart guy" when you use the plural form.

McWhailers Hold Steady @ .500 With A Nautical Theme Against Dr. Rosen, Rosen-lyrics are not work apropos!

We have a lot of love for Dr. Rosen, Rosen, so we thought since they beat us tonight to show that we're good sports, a love song would be apropos. Enjoy the "I'm On A Boat" cover. Highlights from tonight's game-Dr. Dre hit a homer and we had a lot of fun out there.



See you all next Tuesday

Just to Set the Tone For Tonight's Game-I'm On A Boat--The Clean Version!

McWhailers Are Finally Over .500 as Nelson Motors Bows Out of Tonight's Game

It would appear that last week Nelson Motors was putting off the inevitable as today they decided to forfeit tonight’s game because sadly they can not field a full squad.

Our next game will be against Rosen, Rosen, on Thursday at the Parkshore Field. Let me know if you can make it to that game.

Directions for Tonight and Thursday Night's Games

Here are the directions (easiest way from the office) to tonight's game:

·Take I-26 West, get off on the second Cosgrove Exit (Exit 216A)

·After crossing the river, take the first left you can make-you will see a turn lane and an opening in the highway's cement divider (there is a traffic light here now) . This is Poston Road.

·You will see a sign for Parkshore Business Centre III at the entrance to the street; the Scottish Rite Temple will be on your left.

·Cross over the frontage road and continue straight until you reach a stop sign. The Synagogue-Emmanuel will be directly in front of you.

·Turn right onto Windsor Street and follow that road back to the park and softball field.

I look forward to seeing you all at 6 tonight. Thanks, Jet

Next Week's Games

Our game against Nelson Motors has been rescheduled for Tuesday, 7/7 at Parkshore in West Ashley. We also have another game next week against Rosen Rosen Rosen Rosen and Rosen and maybe another Rosen. That game is on Thursday 7/9 and will be played at Parkshore as well.

Please let me know if you will be able to play.

Game Postponed Tomorrow...

Looks like we are off tomorrow folks. Our game has been postponed as Nelson Mullins does not have enough people to field a team due to the holiday weekend.

I'll send out an email later to let you know when we will make up this game.

Thanks and have a fun and safe holiday weekend. And Graham, have a great time on your vacation!

Jay, would you mind letting Dain and Harper know?

Thanks!

Donn

Last Inning Heroics Lead to Another McWhaley Win!

Donn Quixote
6-25-09

It’s a day dream that runs in the minds of all young baseball players; the home team is down a couple of runs in the final inning of the championship game. With two outs in already recorded and he winning run on 1st base, the batter digs into the batter’s box and nervously awaits the first pitch. He sends a shot into the outfield and the runner on first sprints around the bases to score the winning run. Game over, the championship is theirs and the day dreamer is the hero of the game.

McWhaley was faced with a similar situation, but it wasn’t for the championship. It was more for pride for a few of the McWhailers than anything else. Last night, McWhaley faced off against Young Clement & Rivers (YCR) - former stomping grounds for one Randell “Slim Shady” Stoney, Jr. Slim Shady doesn’t play on the team, but a couple of the BWPH Lions work with him so they wanted to record this win for him. The rest of the team wanted to win because it sure beats losing.

McWhaley won the coin toss and elected to bat last in the game. Unfortunately, McWhaley was missing a couple of key players – Short Stop Jay Alexander and utility man, Dawes Cooke so Capitan Donn Ilagan and Capitan Jim Trabert had to switch up a few playing positions to fill in the gaps.

The McWhaley defense was a bit shaky throughout the whole game and YCR took full advantage of the soft defense and scored run after run with every error that was made. YCR had enough people to field two teams and they threw all they had at McWhaley. Inning after inning, McWhaley tried to work their way up the scoreboard, but the bats weren’t working the same as they did against The Fighting Fabers just a week prior. No matter how hard they tried, McWhaley could never take the lead in the game.

In the top of the 7th inning, McWhaley’s defense woke up and had a decent showing capped off by a 5-4-3 double play. [Jay Harper to Graham Ervin to Donn Ilagan] After the inning was over, McWhaley still found themselves trailing in the game, but this time they were down to their last at bat.

With the score YCR 10 – McWhaley 8, 3rd Baseman, Jay Harper, stepped into the batter’s box and led off the inning with a hot shot to Right Center field. He turned on the jets and tried to stretch out his 4th in the park home run of the season. As he rounded third, the throw from the outfield hit the glove of the awaiting YCR player who had positioned himself for an easy tag at home plate. As the YCR player swooped his arm around to apply the tag, Harper instinctively jumped over the glove and landed squarely on home plate making the score YCR 10 – McWhaley 9.

YCR recorded the first out from a lazy pop up to third from the next batter. Left Fielder, Bryant “Nails” Pearson, was up after that and hit a single to get on base. Left Center Fielder, Dain Reardon, managed to hit another single that sent the tying run to third base making Reardon the winning run.

Short Stop, Andre Ilagan, stepped up to the plate, dug in, and eyed the field trying to pinpoint where he wanted to hit the ball. The day dream so many young baseball players have in their minds was happening to him at that very moment. He shook off the first pitch and as the second pitch crossed the plate, he blasted it into deep Right Center field allowing Pearson and Reardon to score. Just like that, the game was over and McWhaley recorded their 3rd win of the season with a score of 10-11.

When asked about his winning hit, Andre Ilagan only had this comment to make, “I needed to do SOMETHING to make up for all of the errors I recorded at short stop.” Somehow, Donn Ilagan was actually available for comment on the game. “He’d [Andre] better be lucky I threw a good pitch for him to hit.” “I usually throw him junk in instances like that.” He added.

Even though their defense was a little shaky all game, both Donn and Jim were pleased with the way the team played and grabbed another “W.”

McWhaley’s next game is against the reigning champs of the Charleston Lawyer’s Softball League – Nelson Mullins. The game will be played in West Ashley and game time is at 6:30.


Last Night’s Line Up:

3rd Base – Jay Harper
2nd Base – Graham Ervin
Left Field – Bryant “Nails” Pearson
Left Center Field – Dain Reardon
Short Stop – Andre Ilagan
1st Base – Donn Ilagan
Right Center Field – Jim Trabert
Right Field - Blake McKie
Short Out Field – Melanie Mason
Catcher – Karen Clark

McWhailers Win In The Bottom of the 7th Final Score; 11 -10

Breaking News: Graham turned a double play and Harper hit an in the park home-run in the 7th for an exciting win. Our next game is Thursday, July 2nd!

Either Donn or I will do this game proper tomorrow.

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Reminder: Game Tonight @ the Navy Base vs. Young Clement

Our game is tonight at the Navy Base, 6:30 pm, against Young Clement. Let either Donn or myself know if you can make it.

Fighting Fabers no match for McWhaley bats!

It’s been awhile since McWhaley’s seen the winner’s circle. Their season started off really well with a convincing win over The Good, Bad & Ugly. Since then, struggles at the plate, roster changes and overall sucktitude (yes, that is a word) have played equal roles in McWhaley’s demise. When asked to get his thoughts on how the season was progressing and what he thought the team needed, co-captain Jim Trabert said, “The bottom line is everyone is trying too hard to be perfect and beating themselves up for mistakes which lead to nothing but frustration for everyone.” “Everything will come, we just need to be patient,” he added. The other co-captain, Donn Ilagan, could not be reached as he was throwing a football somewhere.

Last night, McWhaley took the field against The Fighting Fabers of Finkel and Altman. Unfortunately, The Fighting Fabers were not as interesting or funny as the Fighting Fabers of the Delta Tau Chi Fraternity from the movie Animal House. Actually, they should have been ashamed to associate themselves with such a great movie.*

The game was played at Johnson Hagood Stadium where just two day prior, McWhaley received its 3rd loss of the season to HGH-driven Turner Padgett. Manager Emily Pearson won the coin toss and secured McWhaley’s spot as the Home Team. Interestingly enough, the fact that McWhaley had the last bat in the game didn’t even matter.

In the first inning, The Fabers drew first blood with a solo HR to center field by a player who could only be described as a cross between Steve Buscemi and the Vulture baby from Bugs Bunny cartoons.
That was the only run The Fabers would score for a while. When McWhaley came up to bat, left fielder Jay Harper, matched Vulture Buscemi’s home run with a home run the hard way, legging one out for an in the parker. After 1, the score was tied 1 – 1. Harper’s in the park home run was just the spark McWhaley needed to get their bats going again. The Fabers managed to score two more runs in the next two innings, but the runs were no match for the 7 runs McWhaley racked up in the bottom half of the same two innings.

McWhaley’s defense also stepped up their intensity and held Faber to just one run after the third inning. Unfortunately for Faber, their defense wasn’t as lucky. McWhaley piled on 7 more runs in the game including a 3 run home run blast by new acquisition, Dain “Don’t call me Dane Cook or I will kill you” Reardon. Dain was supposed to play earlier in the week with McWhaley, but due to unforeseen circumstances (he didn’t know that the games were being played in Johnson Hagood) he didn’t make the game. When the last out was recorded, McWhaley came away with win #2. Final score Fabers 4 – McWhaley 15.

“This winning thing is fun,” Jim Trabert said when asked about the game. Co-Captain Donn Ilagan, could not be reached for comment as he was holding a football for place kicks.

McWhaley’s next game is against Young Clement Rivers and unfortunately, they will have to go back to the field they hate the most – the Navy Base.

McWhaley Roster for last night’s game
Jay Harper – Left Field
Maggie Mullen/Melanie Mason – Right Field
Jay Alexander – Short Stop
Andre Ilagan/Bryant Pearson – Left Center Field
Donn Ilagan – 1st Base
Jay Jones – 3rd Base
Jim Trabert – Right Center Field
Graham Irvin – 2nd Base
Matt Cavender/Dain Reardon – Short Out Field
Karen Clark – Catcher
Blake McKie – Designated Hitter

* The Fighting Fabers didn’t take their name from the college in the movie Animal House. The Corporate Complex where Finkel and Altman is located is called Faberplace.

The McWhailers Are Back On Track!

The McWhailers brought home a well deserved and needed victory-topping those Fighting Fabers 15-4!
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Special Report: Ilagan's Contract-Garage and the Current State of Your McWailers by Bobby Barnwell

There’s much hub-bub around the Charleston Law League Water-Coolers today about the current slide the McWailers are on (having dropped three games in a row) and the amount of money head-coach Donn (with 2 “N”s) Ilagan was getting paid for his contract. I spoke with McWailers GM/Co-Captain Jim Trabert about Ilagan’s contract and if perhaps the fans aren’t getting what they wanted. Here’s a portion of our conversation:

BB: A lot of the fans are complaining that your Skipper Donn Ilagan is paid too
much for the McWailers to have a losing season.

JET: Is there a
question here? Or are you just trying to lament about something you know nothing
about? Look, Donn makes a fair and modest income for his services with the team;
we worked out a deal with Borass (Scotty Borass-Donn’s agent, not to be confused
with the other Scott Boras-the big league agent) and Donn which we all thought
was fair. As for the fans, they need to understand something about law league
softball, it takes time for a team, especially one as unique as this one to come
together and besides the McWailers have lost to some tough opponents on the
front end of the season. Be patient, Donn will look like a genius by the end of
the season.

BB: So what about the reports that Donn was playing
with a football at the last game.

JET: (Deleted Expletive)
Bloggers, they are making this into much more than it is. It is only natural (to
want) to throw a football when you are playing on a converted football field.
Ask anyone that used to play at old Candlestick Park, they will tell you; the
desire to throw or catch a football is unmatched-look at Bo
Jackson.

BB: What does Bo Jackson have to do with
this?

JET: Exactly, you don’t know Bo. And since I know, that you
don’t know what I know, I know that you don’t know Bo. Now get out of my office
this interview is over.

BB: But I have more questions.

JET: I am sure you do. Why don’t you go talk to Donn, he has today
off.

Garage Mahal

So I took Trabert’s advice and just like Kenny Rogers (when he rocked, way before he did “Islands in the Stream”), I decided to “just check in to see what condition my condition was in” and to get to the bottom of this. With an undisclosed figure and contract we have no idea how much Donn Ilagan is making, but just how modestly is Ilagan living? Check out this picture I surreptitiously took with my Crackberry as I walked up the drive to his house. My editor made me block out the plates but I want all of the fans out there to know, Donn Ilagan has a 2 Ferrari garage. And Jim Trabert has the nerve to call this modesty. I am not sure what I call it but it is not modesty. And if Skipper Don Ilagan doesn’t turn the McWailers around soon, I doubt he will be able to maintain this “modest” lifestyle.

The McWailers have a chance to prove themselves tomorrow evening against the Fighting Fabers, so we'll see what Donn "Modest-Mouse" Ilagan has up his sleeve.

McWhailers Continue to Slide

The McWailers dropped their third straight losing by four runs to Turner-Padgett, with a final score of 10-14.

(More re-cap later)

Next Game
The McWailers return to Johnson-Hagood Stadium Wednesday Night, June 17th to face off against Finkle

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Games This Week

Just a reminder that we have two games this week one tonight and one Wednesday night. 6:30 are the game times and both games will be played at the Citadel's football field. Once again, because we have merged with McNair, there will be times that many of you will not play the whole game. We will try and be fair with playing time. I know we are all playing because we like playing softball, but we have to make sure that everyone who comes out gets to play.

For what it is worth, I have decided not to play today and just hang out with Manager Emily Pearson. I mean, coach you guys.

- Donn

Next Week's Games

Just a reminder that games resume Monday against Turner Padget (we should beat them) and Wednesday against Finkel. From what I remember about Finkel, they have a decent team. I want to say they are almost as good as Buist Moore as far as hitting goes. We'll be at Johnson Hagood (The Citadel's football field). Game time for both games is 6:30 .

Please let me know if you plan on being there.

Thanks!

Donn

This is a Textbook Swing...

I am not sure if the thought bubbles truly reflect what was going on while Jay-Bird was at bat but I couldn't resist. Notice the shoulders are even, great follow-through and belt-buckle is facing forward at the end of the swing. Textbook Swing.

This is Not a Text-Book Swing! But We've Broken It Down So You Can See What's Wrong With This Picture!

First, notice the right shoulder dropped during the swing; this will cause the batter to hit a ground ball more than likely straight to the short-stop. The batter should try to keep his shoulders level/even throughout the swing.

Secondly, notice the weight shift and the position of the batter's hands. You've probably heard it on the field and I know Trabert says it all the time, but you should let your hands guide you through your swing. The hands and extension of the bat should be the catalyst for what turns your hips and shoulders.

Jay-Harper Player of Last Week's Game Against the Solicitors and GAP T-Shirt Model Aspirant!

We were all very proud of Harper last week when he had the hottest bat on the team, going 4-4 against the Solicitors. Personally my favorite moment of the game was when Jay tested the arm of their left-center-fielder as he was coming into score from third-base: kind of trot, certainly I won't get thrown out at home, scored just as the throw was a bit late off the bounce.

For those of you keeping score-their LCF was a female but evidently Jay just wanted to test her.

Crouching Tiger...Hidden Harper

Just to make things interesting we have three guys named Jay on the team this year. In this photo is Jay-Squared.

Message From Donn: Last Night's Game & The Next Couple of Weeks Schedule

There's really not much to say about last night's game. A lot of us haven't been hitting like we did in the first game. I know personally, I haven't hit very well. Consistency is key, but I'm sure you all know that as well.

We're off next week (which may or may not be a good thing) Games resume Monday, 6/15 against Turner Padget (we should beat them) and Wednesday 6/17 against Finkel. From what I remember about Finkel, they have a decent team. I want to say they are almost as good as Buist Moore as far as hitting goes.

The good thing about these two games is the fact that we WON'T be playing at the Navy Base. We'll be at Johnson Hagood (The Citadel's football field). Game time for both games is 6:30

Good Bye Navy Base

The McWhaliers Dropped Another to Buist Moore Tonight. Final Score 22-13
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Reminder: Game Tonight @ the Navy Base Against Buist Moore

Our game against Buist Moore is tonight @ the Navy Base. Game starts @ 6:30 PM, so please try to get there as close to 6 as possible so you have plenty of time to warm-up. -JET

Photo courtesy of Burt Hill, visit the architect's site to check out all of the work his team did for the park @ the Navy Base.

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Rough Ending In North Chuck

It was a rough night for the McWhaley crowd losing our first game to the Solicitors-final score 7-2
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This Week's Game Is Thursday @ The Navy Base!

Our game this week is against The Solicitors at the Navy Base. Game time will be 6:30.

Please let me know if you plan on playing.

Just a reminder. With the recent merge with McNair, some people will not play the whole game. Jim Trabert and I will be as fair as possible in making the lineups.

Thanks,

Donn

Art attributed to Jay-Bird!

Donn Re-Caps McWhaley's First Game And First Victory!

It’s a sight everyone can see, but those who play can truly appreciate it. A freshly cut outfield paired with a nicely dragged infield and lines on the field meticulously drawn with titanium white chalk. Can you hear that? It's as if the field is alive; calling out to teams saying, “It’s time to play ball.” For me, looking at a baseball/softball field brings me back to my youth. It takes me back to being 11 and playing baseball with my friends in the summer. I didn’t have a care in the world and had nothing to worry about except what to do if someone laid down a drag bunt to third with a runner on first or what the “team mom” was going to provide for us after the game. Flash forward 20 years and while I have changed, the rules and the game have not.

Due to scheduling conflicts, contract negotiations gone awry and unruly fans, The Lions almost didn’t have a team playing softball this year. Manager/Director of Team Relations Emily Pearson nipped any thoughts of not having a team in the bud and told me that “We will have a team this year.” Eventually, The Lions decided that it would be a good idea to merge with another law firm in Charleston. Enter The McNair Law Firm d/b/a The Mighty McNair Machine. Jim Trabert from McNair and I had a few discussions at the end of last season about joining forces, but never really acted on them until we both discovered when it was time to pony up this season, both teams didn’t have enough horses to fill our respective stables. After the “Commissioner” of the league agreed to the merger – the team of McWhaley was born – the Commissioner chose that name, we didn’t.

On Thursday, May 21st among dark clouds and scattered showers McWhaley’s season began against Clawson & Staubes and The Joye Law Firm d/b/a The Good, Bad & Ugly (GBU). We lost the coin toss so we were the visiting team. Even with the merger of two teams, we found ourselves short one woman. I think it was because of real estate (yeah, like that’s BOOMING now), kick ball (uh – what?) or atty-type work. In any case, GBU allowed us to take an out for the missing woman so we did not have to forfeit.

In our first at bat, we couldn’t manage to score any runs and GBU jumped out to a 0-5 lead on us after 1. It just took an inning to get all of our players to get familiar with each other’s style of play. After 2 innings, we managed to score a run and so did GBU making the score 1-6. The third inning, our bats started to come alive and we managed to stop GBU’s scoring onslaught to tie the game 6-6. Our defense tightened up after the 1st inning and the game remained tied until the top of the 5th inning – when McWhaley turned the dial up one more notch on their bats. After the 5th inning, the score was 14-10 and the McWhaley bats remained hot and the defense did its job in the remaining innings. When all the dust settled and the final out was recorded, the final score was McWhaley 22 – GBU 12. This was a pretty impressive score especially being one woman short and having to take an out every time “she” was up to bat.

Since we have so many new players, let’s meet the line up from last night’s game:

Jay Harper (McNair) – Jay played third base and was a helluva lead off man. He hit really well and showcased his wheels (that’s speed for you lay-people) solidifying his spot as lead-off man. I want to say he had an in the park home run in the game. He also played heads up ball in the field – one such instance prevented GBU from scoring a run when Jay left his position at third to cover home and was able to tag the runner out at home.


Mel Mason – Familiar face for The Lions. Mel played as a Rover in the outfield. She made a pretty good catch for an out, but was even better was her bat in the game. Mel usually blames poor pitching on her lack of hitting. I guess the pitching was spot on this game because I think she went five for five. Good job Mel!

Donn Ilagan – Hey, that’s me! I was the Designated Hitter in the game. And I pitched some. (Such Modesty Donn-for the record, I believe Donn was 4-4.-JET)

Andre Ilagan – Yes, we are related. Andre played in left field and played solidly out there managing one assist to Jay Harper at third for an out and making grabbing a handful of popups for outs in left. He also was hitting the ball really well – with the exception of one where he dropped his shoulder. Basically, it was his usual performance. I think Andre is going to be a contract player for us. Contract negotiations are still ongoing.

Jay Alexander (McNair) – Yes, when Jay Jones finally shows up for a game, we will have THREE Jay’s. Jay Alexander is a helluva player. He dug in at short stop and had an impressive showing there. One play that stands out to me was when he cut off a throw from center field and threw a pea home to Jay Harper allowing Harper to tag the GBU player out preventing the run from scoring. He also swings big lumber – I want to say he had an in the park home run in one at bat as well.

Jim Trabert (McNair) – Jim is the Co-Captain of McWhaley. He played in Right Field and was also my pinch runner. He had a good game in right complete with a shoe-string catch for an out. His bat was also solid – errr, well, except for one running bunt – but he got on base and eventually scored. He does need to remember who’s in front of him when he’s running bases though.

Bryant “Nails” Pearson – Bryant played Center field and did well there. I heard a rumor that he said he was too old for this, but he didn’t show it in the field. He grabbed three or four pop ups for outs in the field and his bat was pretty solid too. The only thing that was missing was that “Charlie Hustle” that we’re used to seeing. It was only the first game so there’s still time.

Matt Cavender/Blake McKie – Matt and Blake are BWPH’s summer law clerks. Matt played the first half of the game at 2nd base and Blake took Matt’s place in the second half. Matt hasn’t played ball in a while so he was a little rusty, but it’s like riding a bike – your mind always remembers. He had a decent showing both in the field and at the plate. Blake also had a good showing in the field and at the plate. He hit the ball hard. I’m not going to bag on Blake because I don’t know him very well yet, so all I will say is this – just watch the ball in play.

Karen Clark – Karen played Catcher and was the team’s cheerleader. (Actually, we did have one fan in the stands last night – We had a Shirley Cosmos sighting) Karen surprised many of the GBU players and had a couple of decent hits.

Shawn (I don’t know his last name, sorry – but he’s from McNair) – Shawn played first base and pitched to me when it was my turn to hit. Shawn did a good job at first when the ball was actually not thrown over his head and he hit the ball well. AND he also managed not to strike me out – that’s always a plus.


Mystery Girl – Well, she didn’t play well because she wasn’t there. She didn’t interact well with the team because she wasn’t there and she didn’t hit well – because she wasn’t there. What she DID do was get an out every time she was up to bat. But I’m not bitter – we still won, but it would have been nice to put someone’s name in the spot.

After the first game, the outlook for McWhaley looks bright and the merger so far is a success. The main issue will be consistency. Will we be able to remain consistent in our play with the people who will show up to each game? Let’s hope so. If this first game is any indicator of what the rest of the season is going to be, you can expect great things out of McWhaley. Our next game is Thursday, May 28th against the Solicitors at the Navy Base. Game time is 6:00 – hope to see you out there!

- Donn

Turn It Up to 11 People!!!...The Machine Joins Forces With The Lions!!!

The 2009 Season is upon us. As those of you who’ve played in past seasons know, due to schedule conflicts: people getting married, having kids, vacationing and some of our team-members deciding to stay late and practice law from time to time, we’ve had a few nail-biters when it came to meeting the quota to field a team. At the end of last season, I spoke with Donn Ilagan @ Barnwell-Whaley about possibly merging our two teams. Despite our original request to merge being shot down by the SEE(kings), the Commish finally decided to let our two teams join forces, so this season Team McNair, (aka: the Mighty Machine) will be under the McWhaley name (Seekings came up with the name, not us).*

As with any merger, there will be some growing pains and feelings of anticipation on what role you will have in the new system but trust me, Donn & I will be as fair as possible. It has always been a balancing act with the attorney-ladies-and list of other (non-attorney) guys who want to play but Donn and I are pretty smart guys, so we will be able to get a squad that both teams would be proud of to take the field. And if you feel that you are getting enough playing time, by all means, let us know-Donn is a really nice guy and he would be glad to listen and explain the strategy or fix whatever is the problem. All in all, I think this will be a good thing. It gets hot here in the summers and I am sure most of us would love to have a sub go in for us, so we could enjoy the game.

Our first game is this Thursday, @ the Navy Base, against the Good, Bad & Ugly (6:30 pm). See Donn’s comments below.

Good luck this season everyone.
–Jim Trabert

*Personally, I preferred the McWailers named after the band created in 1974 by the father of Irish Reggae music, Bob McMarley after Peter McTosh & Bunny McWailer left the precursor band Donald-Nesta-Willy & the Duffs. (Sorry to anyone who is offended that I just-falsely-rewrote both Irish and Jamaican (musical) history).

A Message From Donn "the Spaniard"-El Co Capatain!

It's time to dust off the cleats and cork the bats. Charleston Lawyer's League Softball is starting. This year, BWPH [Lions] joined forces with The McNair Law Firm [The Mighty McNair Machine] so we should always have enough people for our games. McWhaley's (Seekings gave us that name) first game is Thursday, 5/21 at the Navy Base against The Good, Bad & Ugly. I think that's Clawson & Staubes.

Game time is 6:30. McWhaley sounds too much like a McDonald's fast food item. I think I will just call us the Lion Machine. Please let me know if you can play in the is game. Thanks! Donn