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
Friday, June 12, 2009
Monday, June 08, 2009
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.
Friday, June 05, 2009
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.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
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
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Good Bye Navy Base
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
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.
Sent via JET's BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Rough Ending In North Chuck
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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
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!
Friday, May 22, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
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).
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
Thursday, August 16, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
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
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
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
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.
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.
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!
Friday, July 20, 2007
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!
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!
Monday, July 16, 2007
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
Go Mighty McNair!
Friday, July 13, 2007
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!
I'll post directions to the ball-park on Monday.
Go Mighty McNair!
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