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.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
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
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
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The McWhailers Are Back On Track!
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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:
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.
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.
Monday, June 15, 2009
McWhailers Continue to Slide
(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
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
Friday, June 12, 2009
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
Please let me know if you plan on being there.
Thanks!
Donn
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
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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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Thursday, May 28, 2009
Rough Ending In North Chuck
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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
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