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

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