Season Superlatives

For those who showed up at Stars and Stripes last night, a good time was had by all.

I understand there are more than a few of you who haven't paid Tom yet. Do it. It's not fair to him and it's not a lot of money.

At the dinner last night, Tom annound the 2006 superlatives. See below:

Spring Season

MVP: Lee Defibaugh
Best Glove: Chris Boniface

Fall Season

MVP: Al Boyd and Dan Meehan
Best Glove: Lee Defibaugh


Rookie of the Year

Ed Reich

Good Season over all. See you in the Spring.

Superlatives announced

For those who showed up at Stars and Stripes last night, a good time was had by all.

I understand there are more than a few of you who haven't paid Tom yet. Do it. It's not fair to him and it's not a lot of money.

At the dinner last night, Tom annound the 2006 superlatives. See below:

Spring Season

MVP: Lee Defibaugh
Best Glove: Chris Boniface

Fall Season

MVP: Al Boyd and Dan Meehan
Best Glove: Lee Defibaugh


Rookie of the Year

Ed Reich

Good Season over all. See you in the Spring.

Team Party -- Superlatives Announced

For those who showed up at Stars and Stripes last night, a good time was had by all.

I understand there are more than a few of you who haven't paid Tom yet. Do it. It's not fair to him and it's not a lot of money.

At the dinner last night, Tom annound the 2006 superlatives. See below:

Spring Season

MVP: Lee Defibaugh
Best Glove: Chris Boniface

Fall Season

MVP: Al Boyd and Dan Meehan
Best Glove: Lee Defibaugh


Rookie of the Year

Ed Reich

Good Season over all. See you in the Spring.

Final Standings Posted and Team Party

Final Standings have been posted. We finished 4th this fall, not too bad considering the numerous challenges we had fielding a team on several occasions. Congrats to all.

Per Tom's email: Team Happy Hour, 6:30 Tuesday Nov. 14 at Stars & Stripes. Be there.

Final Reminder. Please pay Tom if you haven't already. $60.

Final Fall Results and Standings

Fall Schedule

---

8/21		VA Hlnds #3
8:00	(H)	Never Will Be's	(W, 34-13)
9:00	(A)	Never Will Be's	(W, 18-17)

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8/28		VA Hlnds #3
6:00	(H)	PubZ	(T, 11-11)
7:00	(A)	PubZ	(L, 11-10)

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9/11		Utah Field
8:30	(A)	Dukes	(L, 20-17)
9:30	(H)	Dukes	(L, 16-15)

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	9/18	VA Hlnds #3
8:00	(H)	Carib Breeze	(W, 20-18)
9:00	(A)	Carib Breeze	(W, 16-11)

---

	9/25	Utah Field
6:30	(A)	Cobra Kai	(W, 29-10)
7:30	(H)	Cobra Kai	(L, 15-10)

---

	10/2	VA Hlnds #3
6:00	(H)	Sliders	(W, 15-14)
7:00	(A)	Sliders	(W, 16-2)

---

	10/9	Barcroft #4
8:30	(A)	CC Clouts	(L, 13-3)
9:30	(H)	CC Clouts	(L, 15-9)

---

	10/16	Barcroft #4
6:30	(H)	Owls	(L, 19-10)
7:30	(A)	Owls	(W, 21-14)

---

	10/23	Barcroft #4
8:30	(A)	CC Sember	(W, 16-15)
9:30	(H)	CC Sember	(W, 25-9)

Fall Standings

#	Team	Record
1	Carribean Breeze	(14-4-0)
2	Dukes	(13-4-1)
3	CC Clouts	(11-6-1)
4	Stars & Stripes	(10-7-1)
5	PubZ	(10-7-1)
6	Cobra Kai	(10-8-0)
7	Vox Sox	(10-8-0)
8	Owls	(7-11-0)
9	CC Sember	(6-12-0)
10	Ninos	(6-12-0)
11	Never Will Be's	(5-13-0)
12	Sliders	(4-14-0)

*As of 11/6/06

Final Thoughts on the Season

Some pretty amazing numbers here for a pretty successful season,
particularly in light of our injuries and other playing conflicts. Mike
will post these on the website at his convenience. If anyone has any
questions, I would be happy to forward you the game-by-game detail,
which I have in one Excel workbook.

I remind everyone that we and the Exporters are putting a combined team
in the buy-in tournament this Saturday, 11/4. Those who have committed
(Ed, Lee, Chris) or said they might be able to play at least part of the
day (Dave, Dan, Al Boyd) should have received an email from Jay today.
If your status has changed please let me know immediately. I know Chris
has reconfirmedIf you do not appear above, but would like to play at
least part of the day, please let me know. We expect to receive the
schedule by c.o.b. tomorrow, and will forward it as appropriate.

Thanks to the four guys who have paid their team fees for the
year/season. I am still waiting to receive payment from the rest of you.


I expect to have some kind of team get-together during November before
Ed leaves the area, where we will recognize all of the great individual
efforts and accomplishments during the year.

Thanks for a great year everyone!
Tom

Final Stats

A great way to end the Season

Boy was it cold, and it may have taken a few innings for the bats to warm up, but warm up they did. Well, everyone except chapmans! (can't wait to get your reaction to that one).

Game one saw a back and forth battle between the two teams. Entering the final inning the home-team stripes were down 3 with the bottom of the line-up due up. We never doubted theat we would score, winning 16-15 in what must be our 3rd or 4th comeback win this year.

Game 2 was never really close. Sember struggled to score runs and we kept their outfielders busy all night.

Al Boyd hit some missiles. John Gulisano needed 2 games but got his cycle and we had the usual consistency from Boniface and Dan.

Stay tuned for stats from Tom

Stay tuned for post-season party

Remember to pay Tom - $60

Good luck to Dan on impending nuptials.

Vote for your MVP here

Tom's Review

Last Monday the team did a great job in earning a split with the Owls,
despite being very short-handed. Somehow, we lost a couple of people
during the day, and at gametime I had only 8 players. Despite my still
very injured hamstring, I had to start at first base. Our starting
lineup was Ed at pitcher, dave at catcher, me at first, Chris Boniface
at second, Lee at shortstop, Al Boyd making his organizational debut at
third base, Joe in left, Al Peterson in center and Dan in right.
Fortunately Dan was able to call a friend who lives close to the field,
and he showed up in the top of the second inning before I had to bat or
have any balls hit at me. Chris Steele showed up just in time to bat in
the bottom of the second and take right field, allowing Dan to move to
first.

As has happened on a number of occasions this season, we started out
fairly slowly at the plate in the first game, but picked up momentum at
the end. Meanwhile the Owls were hitting the gaps in the outfield. So we
lost that game 19-10. In the second game, both teams were scoreless in
the first inning. In the top of the second we went scoreless again, but
the Owls scored 3 in the bottom. Then in the third inning our bats
started to come alive, culminating in a long grand slam home run by Al
Boyd. However, in the bottom of the inning, the Owls laid a six spot on
us to take a 9-4 lead. In the top of the fourth, we responded with 7
runs of our own, with a triple by Chris Boniface and Al's second home
run the highlights, to take an 11-9 lead. But the Owls came right back
with five runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 14-11 lead, with
only 4 minutes left before the time limit.

In the top of the fifth inning, Chris lead off with another triple, Al
Boyd singled him in, Dan hit a homer, Lee singled, Al Peterson singled,
Joe walked, Chris Steele tripled, Ed singled, Dave singled, Chris
Boniface hit his second triple of the inning and his third of the game
and Al singled to drive in Chris. We scored 10 runs in succession, and
somewhere along the way forced the Owls to change pitchers. So entering
the bottom of the fifth, with time well expired, we led 21-14. The Owls
11th batter doubled to lead off the inning, and we committed an error on
the next batter. Ed then buckled down to get the next three batters out,
on a pop-up to Al at third, a fly ball to Chris Boniface now playing
right, and a hard liner to Dan at first to end the game. Final score
21-14, and enough excitement for one night.

I finally realized that I am out a lot of money because I never asked
for participation fees from anyone for either the Spring or Fall,
although Ed offered and has paid me for the Fall. I am asking for $60.00
from everyone who played in both the Spring and Fall seasons, and $30.00
if you played only one season. This will leave me still a little out of
pocket, but it is well worth it.

Tom's Review

Thanks to everyone who showed up last Monday despite it being a Federal
holiday. We lost both games, but at least we made the second one
relatively close. A special thanks goes to Lee Defibaugh, who, despite
battling a stomach virus all day, showed up to make sure we would have a
team. Lee played two very solid games at shortstop and hit well,
although a couple of times I thought he was going to puke when he
reached base.

Fortunately we did mark the return of one of our teammmates, who we
badly needed because of the limited number of players and my continued
recovery from a hamstring tear. Al Schneider made his usual excellent
contribution at second base, and hit well, especially considering that
it was the first time he swung a bat in a game since very early in the
year.

It was great having you back on the field with us Al.

Is that Willis Reed?

A great sweep for the Stripes last night as our bats stayed hot against a dangerous Sliders team.

Game one was a back and forth affair, with the Stripes forced to start the game with only 9 players. That is until the unlikeliest o f heroes, this reporter, hobbled in to take his place at 2nd base (ok heroes might be a little strong, but I'm waiting for Chapman's snide remark). The Stripes took the lead in the top of the next inning then the defense clamped down and iced the game. Final: 15-14.


Game 2 was never close. Our bats kept working, theirs didn't. Highlited by Ed's 2 strike-out inning. Defense was the name of the game.

A badly-needed sweep of the Sliders should move us up the rankings.

Good games men. Stats posted when I get them.

Reminder: Despite the holiday there are games next week.

Up and Down nite for the Stripes

Our bats came out and remained hot early on against the Cobra Kai -- a team that appeared young, athletic and ready for a fight. Great hitting up and down the line up staked us to a lead that the Kai would never recover from. Going into the last inning they were down 29-4 and although their bats came alive in the bottom of the inning (perhaps an omen) the lead the Stripes built was just too big.

In game 2 the Kai began in much the same fashion the Stripes did in the first game, aided partially by our defensive lapses. But their bats went cold and the Stripes clawed back. Down five in the bottom of the last inning, we just could not muster enough to catch up. Final Score 15-10.

Standings are posted not counting this week's games. Tom will get stats ASAP.

Impressive Sweep for the Stripes

It may have seemed like a tall mountain to climb when the Stripes arrived at beautiful Virginia Highlands Monday evening. The mountain: Caribbean Breeze, the Spring regular-season champs.
The Breeze certainly had their bats out in game 1, but the stripes never went away and when the dust cleared, the Stripes won 20-18.

The Second game was quite the different story, with the Stripes piling on the runs early (except for the first inning) and the Breeze making a late charge. Despite 5 runs in the bottom of the last inning, the Breeze fell short, 16-11.

Special mention to Jeff Donald for playing well at 3rd and Ed for pitching well -- he seemed to have the prolific Breeze bats at bay in game 2.

This impressive sweep should boost our standing in the league. Stats are posted and standings will be when the county posts them (likely Thursday). Look for Tom's more in-depth review (I'm sure) later in the week as well.

Stats through 9/18

Game Time

Last week with a very depleted squad, we lost two slugfests to the Dukes
at Utah Park. For those who weren't there, the banks of lights directly
behind home plate and in left field were out, making for some very
interesting fielding by third basemen and left fielders. Fortunately
there weren't any hard hits directly back at the pitchers. Once again we
were missing a lot of our normal starters. This was compounded by Mike
Matoon, Joe and I all suffering from injuries that precluded us from
playing. Then Jeff Donald ran into a conflict at the last minute,
reducing what little positioning flexibility I had. We played the games
with only nine men, including John Gulisano, newly retired from the
Exporters, who I was able to recruit late Monday afternoon by reminding
him that even I could hit the ball out of Utah.

So our lineup was Dave Buttner at catcher, Chris Boniface at 2nd, Al
Boyd in centerfield, Dan Meehan in right, John Gulisano in left, Jeff
Morris at short, Mike Chapman at 3rd, Andrew Kessler at 1st and Alan
Peterson pitching. Though we fought valiantly, we lost the first game
19-17 and the second 16-15, the second in the Dukes'last at bat and with
two outs. In the first game, John had home runs in both the first and
third innings, Jeff Morris was 4 for 4, and Chris and Dan were each 3
for 4. In the second game Al Boyd had home runs in the first and third
innings and Dan had a grand slam in the fourth after they walked Al
intentionally. Unfortunately, despite outstanding efforts by our three
outfielders, the Dukes were able to consistently take advantage of both
the extra large gaps and the short fences.

This week we play Caribbean Breeze, who is undefeated so far this
season. It would be nice to place a reasonable contingent of players on
the field, playing in their normal positions.

Standings Posted

So our "Hargraves Split" has dropped us to 4th place in the standings this week. A much needed week off for the holiday weekend is upon us.

Enjoy the long weekend men. See you on the 11th.

Wasn't pretty

Well, I guess our stats are going to come back to earth.

The Stripes showed some come-back grit in game 1, , getting the winning run to 3rd base with 1 out in the bottom of the last inning. But a strike from the CF gunned down Chris "Remember Me" Boniface at the plate, resulting in a double play and ending the first game in a tie.

The second game was just as sloppy as the second, but we still had a chance. The team looked lethargic and llooking towards having a few weeks off.

Here's to starting over in September.

Stats to be posted. Standings too.

Tom's review

Since we were missing Al Boyd, Chris Boniface, Lee Defibaugh, Jeff
Morris, Mark Ulrich, Al Schneider and Steve Mandolesi Monday night
against the "Never Will Be's", I had to be creative with the defensive
positioning and lineup. Jeff Donald played shortstop, Mike Chapman
played second base, Al Peterson played left center, Andrew played first,
Joe played left, Dave Buttner caught, my son Charlie played right center
and Ed Reich pitched. Filling their usual starting positions from the
Spring were Dan in right and Mike Mattoon at third. I started as the EH,
holding a place in case anyone else arrived, but no one ever did.

So maybe we don't need anyone else.

In the top of the first inning of the first game, we sent 21 batters to
the plate and scored 16 runs on 7 walks and 11 hits, Dan's lone double
and 10 singles. Dan had two hits and four RBI in the inning. In the
second inning, we scored another 5 runs on a walk and 5 hits,
highlighted by Dan's second double and two more RBI. In the third inning
we were held to a measly two runs on a walk and three hits. At the end
of the third inning, the score was 23-6 and the umpire checked his watch
to see if he could start another inning. Unfortunately for him, he did.
This time we sent 15 players to the plate and scored 11 more runs on one
walk and 11 hits, including another hit and RBI by Dan and doubles by
Mike Mattoon and Andrew. In the bottom of the inning, our opponents'
bats finally came alive and they scored 7 runs on 8 hits, making the
final score 34-13, with the game ending well past 9:00, the start time
for our second game.

Starting the second game immediately, our opponents continued their
torrid hitting from the end of the first game and in the first inning
scored 7 runs on 7 hits and an error. They scored two more runs in the
second inning, before we held them scoreless in innings 3 and 4.
Meanwhile, we scored 3 runs in each of innings 1,2 and 4, making the
score 9-9 after four innings. They scored a single run in the top of the
fifth, before we came back to score five in the bottom of the inning and
take a 14-10 lead. Unfortunately we weren't able to bat long enough to
consume all of the game time. So they were able to bat again in the top
of the sixth. They proceeded to score 7 runs on only six hits and two
costly errors, and we entered the bottom of the sixth trailing by a
score of 17-14.

Ed led off the bottom of the sixth with a single; Joe followed with a
double; then Andrew had a big single to left center to drive in both Ed
and Joe. Suddenly we were only down by one run, with Andrew representing
the tying run at first. With two strikes on him, Mike Mattoon pulled a
ball down the left field line and past the left fielder. When it rolled
to the fence, Andrew scored all the way from first. Mike, hustling out
of the batters box, made it to third just a split second before the ball
arrived on a relay from the shortstop. We were now tied 17-17, with Mike
standing on third and Alan Peterson coming to the plate. Alan, as is his
wont, swung at the first pitch and singled into left center, driving in
Mike for a final score of 18-17.

We had lots of heroes in these games, both offensively and defensively.
If you look at the website, you will see batting
statistics that are downright scary, highlighted by Dave's .833 average
and 7 runs scored from the leadoff position and Dan's .778 average and
10 RBI at cleanup. There were also Ed and Joe's table setting hits in
the last inning and Andrew, Mike and Alan's clutch hits to tie and then
win the game. Amazingly, with 52 runs scored on the night, we had no
home runs. We did have three triples in the second game, by Jeff Donald,
Mike Chapman and Mike Mattoon, all to both drive in runs and lead to
scores by them. Ed pitched two excellent games, keeping a good hitting
team under sufficient control that we could outscore them. Our defense
was pretty solid for so many people playing away from their normal
positions. Our infield keystone combination of Jeff Donald and Mike
Chapman were particularly solid, if not spectacular, and our outfield
centerfield combination of Alan and Charlie each made difficult catches
at key times. Dave Buttner also tagged out a runner at home.

Our next game is Monday 8/28 at 6:00 at Virginia Highlands, we play
Pubz, with whom we have a very recent unfortunate history. Please let me
know whether or not you are playing. I know that Lee and Mike Chapman
are out.

It is hard to imagine a better opening night for our season. I look
forward to seeing everyone again. I remind you that we don't play on
Labor Day, 9/4.

Stats from Monday

Impressive Wins for the Stripes

There was no rust to dust off. Maybe it's because the Spring season ended only 3 weeks ago. Or maybe because it was a beautiful night, but the "Stars" truly seemed aligned. Hell, Buttner was hitting to the left side of 2nd Base and so was Kessler. Things were bound to go right.

In game one, it was an all-around team effort. Thanks mostly to their pitcher's inability to find the strikezone, the Stripes jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The final score was 34-11, though many of their runs came in the last inning when the game was already out of reach (possibly an omen for the next game). 34 runs is certainly the most we have scored in a long time, if not ever. Tom?

Game 2 was much closer. The Never Will Be's have a ton of team speed and their bats certainly came around in game 2. But the Stripes showed their grit and continued to claw back, culminating with a comeback from a 3-run deficit in the bottom of the last inning. Truly a hard fought win. Final score, 18-17.

Special mentions of the night:

- Considering only 3 people were playing in their natural position, our defense didn't do too bad.

- Kudos to Charlie "I know, Dad, watch the line drive" Meldrum, and Alan "Dont' call me Coco Crisp" Peterson in the outfield.

- Jeff Donald filled-in more than admirably at shortstop, especially considering he's nearly 90 years old.

Fair and Balanced reporting here on the blog (Chapman). I didn't even mention my monster triple to effectively win the game last night (of course after my boneheaded throw earlier in the inning extended the game more than it needed).


Next week we have early games. Keep an eye out for standings and hopefully stats later in the week.

Live at 5

Play Ball

Men, it's a beautiful day to play softball, hope you're tanned, rested and ready for the fall season.

Also, please email me your vote for MVP: mattoon@gmail.com

Dan Meehan

or

Lee Defibaugh

Winner will be announced after I've received enough votes.

Back in the Saddle again

What a long break, I don't even remember what it's like to play softball.

Bring your glove and your hitting, it was absent at the end of the spring/summer season.

Site Issues

Sorry guys, i tried to post a poll on the site, but it blew up on me. I've got a work-around going but you'll have to bear with me for a while. Thanks,

Final Spring 2006 Results and Standings

MON

4/17

Gunston *PPD

---

MON	4/24	Quincy Park
9:00	(H)	Carrib Breeze	(L, 14-10)
10:00	(A)	Carrib Breeze	(W, 23-6)

---

MON	5/1	VA Highlands
6:00	(H)	Medium Pace	(W, 16-15)
7:00	(A)	Medium Pace	(L, 18-8)

---

MON

5/8

Gunston *PPD

---

MON

5/15

Gunston *PPD

---

MON	5/22	VA Highlands
6:00	(H)	Vox Sox	(L,9-5)
7:00	(A)	Vox Sox	(W, 10-8)

---

MON	6/5	VA Highlands
8:00	(A)	Ballston Braves	(W, 14- 8)
9:00	(H)	Ballston Braves	(W, 22- 6)

---

SAT	6/10	Gunston*
11:00	(A)	Dukes	(L, 15- 3)
12:00	(H)	Dukes	( W, 24- 15)

---

MON

6/12

Gunston *PPD

---

MON

6/19

VA Highlands *PPD

---

MON

6/26

Gunston *PPD

---

MON	7/10	Gunston*
8:30	(A)	CC Sember	(W, 17- 7)
9:30	(H)	CC Sember	(W, 15- 12)

---

MON	7/17	Gunston*
6:30	(A)	Galaxy Hut	(W, 7- 0*)
7:30	(H)	Galaxy Hut	(W, 7- 0*)

---

SAT	7/22	Gunston*
3:00	(A)	CC Clouts	( W, 15- 11)
4:00	(H)	CC Clouts	( W, 15- 13)

---

MON	7/24	Gunston*
8:30	(A)	PubZ	(L, 12- 10)
9:30	(H)	PubZ	(L, 17- 11)

---

MON	7/31	Gunston
6:30	(A)	CC Clouts	(, - )

---

SAT	8/5	TBD*
TBD	(A)	Post Season Tournament	(, - )

Standings

Place	Team	Record
1	Carribean Breeze	(14-3-1)
2	PubZ	(13-5-0)
3	Dukes	(13-5-0)
4	Stars & Stripes	(12-6-0)
5	CC Clouts	(11-7-0)
6	Lost Boys	(8-8-1)
7	Medium Pace	(8-9-0)
8	Ballston Braves	(7-11-0)
9	Sliders	(7-11-0)
10	Vox Sox	(6-12-0)
11	Galaxy Hut	(4-14-0)
12	CC Sember	(2-14-2)

*As of 7/26/06

And That was That

Well, the Stripes went into the playoffs on a little losing streak. And it continued. Our bats didn't show up in game one agains the resurgent Clouts, symbolized best by both yours truly and Mike Chapman striking out looking. (Screw you Chapman) It wasn't even close.

Game 2 was a little closer, but in the end, we were playing catch-up again and came up a little short.

Good news is that the fall season starts in 3 weeks (dripping with sarcasm). Stay tuned to hear from Tom re: the Fall season and player dues.

Final Stats

Sluggish Nite for the Stripes

Well, the Stripes' 7 game winning streak comes to an end. It was, at times, a valiant effort, but our hitting was streaky all night. Our defense kept us competitive, but in the end, we were swept for the first time this year, at arguably the most inopportune time.

So the Stripes limp in to the post-season tournament next Monday. Stay tuned for final standings, stats and Tourney info.

Stats through Saturday

Huge Series this Weekend

Gentlemen,

This weekend's series with the Clouts seems to be even bigger now. The most up-to-date standings have been posted and the Clouts are the new #1.

If we are able to sweep, we would be in the drivers seat for the league championship.

Give 'em Hell Stripes!!!

Tough Road Ahead

After last night's gift in the 3000 degree heat, we have 4 tough games remaining against the #2 Clouts and the # 6 Pubz.

Thanks to all who made it out to our sponsor last night to help pay our tab. Remember Saturday games this weekend and Monday's season finale. We still have a shot at the title. Play well.

Congrats to Kessler (thought your wife was smarter than that).

Tom's Review of Last Week

Last week we won both games, taking the first game 17-7, then holding on to win the second 15-12, although without having to bat in the bottom of the last inning. Even with a
layoff of a full month, our bats were on from the beginning of the first game, when we scored 7 runs in the first inning and 7 in the second inning, before being held scoreless in the third inning. In the second game, we even bettered that, with 5 in the first, 6 in the second and 4
in the third.

Hitters of particular note were Lee Defibaugh, who went 6 for 6 for the night, with two triples and a double, 5 runs scored and six RBI and Dan Meehan, who also went 6 for 6, with a home run, five runs scored and 6 RBI. Dan's home run came after Al Boyd was
intentionally walked right after hitting a monster home run in his previous at bat. I heard the pitcher say that the next time he was going to walk both of them. Al had 4 RBI, as did Mike Chapman.

Even more impressive than the hitting was our defense, which produced four double plays, two in each game. Jeff Morris started three of the four, and was the middle man on the fourth. Also, Chris Boniface made two excellent plays in right center on balls that were tailing away from him and Mike Mattoon made several fine plays at third base.

I have the stats computed, but somehow erased the spreadsheet I have been accumulating the season stats on. I'll try to reconstruct it this weekend.

Well-deserved Sweep for the Stripes

After what seemed like a 3 month layoff, the Stripes were back to action Monday, in what felt like 650% humidity, against CC Sember. With rusty bats at the ready, the Stripes continued their winning ways, scoring runs seemingly at will.

In the first game, it seemed as though everything was falling in for the Stripes and the defense played admirably. Star of the game had to be Bad Bad Lee Difebaugh who legged out 2 triples. Final score, 17-7.

The second game was much closer as the Sembers' bats heated up. Hi-lites of the game were Boyd and Meehan going deep and Boniface's stellar play in Right Center. Clearly defense was the key to squeezing out a win in this game.

Props to Alan Peterson on a superb night of pitching. Next games Monday Night. Same place. Stats to be posted as soon as I get them. Standings as soon as available.

Seriously Tired of the Rainouts

Gentleman, and Chapman (where is that guy anyway??)

I'm tired of the friggin rainouts. Random notes and thoughts:

1) Don't forget, Games Monday nite. Chance of Rain, 40%

If we get rained out again, I'm quitting this team

2) Please let mini-meldrum know your availability for Monday.
(Note to Andrew: Al Boyd hits 4th. everything else is immaterial)

3) Standings have been posted. We've slipped to 5th place. Our schedule is a mixed bag coming up with Pubz and Clouts the better teams and Sember and Galaxy near the bottom of the table. Realistically, we need to win 6-7 out of 8 to be in contention.

Let's win one for the gipper (see you Republicans, I'm always thinking about you guys. Ronald Reagan was a great president. No, really.)

Message from Tom

The makeup game for last Monday's rainout is scheduled for Monday 7/17
at 6:30 at Gunston Park.

Stars & Stripes has agreed to sponsor us again this season. Please
patronize S&S whenever you can, and let Dana or Sean know you are with
the team. Our deal is a $500.00 sponsorship for at least $1,000.00 of
business during the season. So please save the receipts from anytime you
and/or your friends go there and give me a copy of them. The total team
cost for this season is over $900.00, so this sponsorship is really
important to us, and saves each of you money. The player fee for the
season will be $30.00, and would be more than double that without the
sponsorship.

If we don't have any more rainouts, our regular season will finish with
the makeup games on July 17, and the tournament will start on July 24.
So far we are 6-4, and near the top of the standings. This is a good
start to the season in a very even league. If you are not currently
playing for other teams as well, please try to get to the batting cages
as frequently as possible.

Stats Thru Saturday

Here are the stats, through yesterday's games.

A mostly great week for the Stripes

Monday nite saw a double-header with the always-tough, former champion Ballston Braves. Then again, we're the current champions.

While the Braves were short-manned this evening, it should not diminish the effort put forth by the Stripes. Our first sweep of the season and the Stripes are humming: 14-8 and 22-6.

For our Saturday make-up with the first place Dukes, it was back to the Stripes we've come to know and love, our alter-ego, the "Splits". The Dukes, a perennial favorite in our league, were playing with only 9, which is nice at bat, but no as much in the field. In the first game it didn't matter as our bats were cold and theirs weren't. Final score 15-3.

We found our bats in the second game and made the Dukes pay for their lack of manpower. Lee Difebaugh was clutch at the plate and John Gulisano added some power, taking the Dukes' assclown pitcher deep, seeming to say to Al Boyd "Anything you can do I can do better".
Final Score 24-15.


All around a good set of 4. Galaxy Hut is next on our plate this Monday. Be there. Stats posted directly.

We should change our name to the "Splits"

Well another tough split for the Stripes against a Vox Sox team that benefitted from timely hitting. The Sox ran out to an early 9-1 lead in the first game. The Stripes' bats didn't get going until it was too late, finally rallying in the bottom of the last inning to make it closer. Final score: 9-5.

The Second game proved to be a role reversal from the first. The Stripes' bats were hot early with the hi-lite a bomb by Dan Meehan over the right field fence. AZ scare in the bottom of the last inning brought the Sox back to within 2, but their rally fell short and we were victorious by a count of 10-8.

After the game the "cool kids" patronized our sponsor and convinced them to re-up for another season of sponsorship. Thanks to Stars and Stripes. Make sure you eat a lot of food there and save your receipts.

Memorial Day break is upon us, hit the cages if you can so you don't come back hitting like Jeff Morris (just kidding buddy).

See you in 2 weeks.

Games Cancelled

Games tonight are cancelled.

Go to the Cages.

Anyone interested in meeting at Cameron Run on Wednesday nite?

Stats through First 2 Series

Thanks to Tom for Compiling!

Games Postponed

Mother Nature clearly hates freedom.

And Softball.

And the "Stars and Stripes" (which I guess gets us back to my first point).

Hit the cages.

A Tough Split for the Stripes

Last night the Stripes' bats came out to play in the first game, maybe not so much in the second. And in the process, we earned a split with the tough-hitting Medium Pace team.

Game one was a tit-for-tat, back and forth game with 31 total runs scored. The Stripes put a 6 spot up in the bottom of the 6th to go up by 4, only to see that lead erased in thr top of the 7th. With the score tied, Jeff Donald started the inning with a liner and Al Boyd was walked. Garrett lined a single to right center and Jeff Donald rounded 3rd and sprinted for home. A good throw would have made the play close, but Jeff scored and we won, 16-15. It was the type of gritty win we've come to expect of the Stripes.

Game 2 just was not as close. Medium Pace kept their bats humming and it seemed that after the 2nd inning we were never in it. The final score of 18-8 reflected that.

Review of Monday's Games

We struggled in the first game, but came on strong at the end, eventually losing 14-10. In the second game, as visitors, we scored five runs in the first, then gave up three in the bottom of the first. In the second inning our first eleven batters got hits and scored consecutively, including a grand slam by Dan Meehan and a finishing three run homer by Jeff Morris's roommate Garrett Murch. We added a single run in the fourth inning and six more in the top of the fifth. Even though we gave up a couple of runs in the bottom of the fith, we won 23-6. The highlight of the night was when Mike Chapman hit his first ever career home run over the left field fence in the fifth inning, only to have it called an out because we already had three home runs.

I will have the stats ready to post soon. They will look pretty good for most of the team.

Tom

Game Postponed and Tourney Review

This may be a record for the earliest cancellation message, other
than for a weekend.

I would like to meet at Stars & Stripes if anyone else is up for it,
say 7:15ish? Please let me know if you can join me. Although I talked with
dana briefly Saturday afternoon after the tournament, I'm still trying
to finalize our sponsor agreement for this season. So it would be nice
to have several of us there. If 7:15 is too late or too early, let me
know, and we can adjust accordingly.

Early Bird Tournament
After sweeping all three seeding games Tuesday and Wednesday by more
than 10 runs with mixed teams of Exporters and Traders, The "Bungalow
Stripers" started Saturday as the number one seed in our division. We
won the first game handily at Barcroft Park. In the second game, also
at Barcroft, our heretofore timely hitting slackened considerably, and
exacerbated with at least one base-coaching error by me (sorry Lee), we
lost by two runs.

We then had an hour break before playing our third game at Jennie Dean
against Pace, a team in the Traders' league, which we ten-runned.
Unfortunately, during that game Barry Hargreave split his scalp open
backing into the fence in an attempt to catch a ball that dropped just
over the fence. Barry came back later with four staples in his scalp,
restricted from playing.

After another hour break, we were back at Barcroft, where we faced the
Bashers, whom we had bashed Wednesday night. We bashed them again, and
moved on to play the team we lost the second game to. This time we
jumped out to a big lead, but then let them claw their way back,
resulting in a three run loss by us. This meant we finished third in
the tournament after playing five games, with everyone on our team
exhausted.

Cudos to Brad Battista, Chris Boniface, Al Boyd, Dave Buttner,  Lee
Defibaugh, Andrew Kessler and Mike Mattoon for a great tournament on
Saturday.

Title Reign Begins

Men,

The Spring Season is upon us.

Our first game is this Monday at 6:30 at Gunston Field against the always tough Dukes. Make sure to let Tom know if you're available to play.

Early Bird Tourney Update

Men,

Below is the schedule for the Early Bird Tourney. We have prime responsibility for the Wednesday game, but will need to provide a few players to augment the Exporters on Tuesday and as many as possible for Saturday.

2 games on Tuesday: (EXPORTERS)
Field: Jennie Dean (on Four Mile Run Drive)
8:30 v. Alpha Males 9:30 v. Caribbean Breeze

1 game on Wednesday (STRIPES)
Field: Jennie Dean (on Four Mile Run Drive) 6:30 v. Bashers

Saturday: (COMBO TEAM)
All teams will advance to Double Elimination. 
Coaches will be given double elimination schedules at field.

Wow Am I Tired

1 weekend. 5 games. Until the last inning, a dozen or so runs. But we almost pulled it out in the last inning of what ended up being our last game.

Saturday wasn't pretty at all, but we managed to win one. Which earned us the right to play our sister team the Exporters. They spanked us. As usual this early in the season, the Stripes bats just weren't there.

In our final game a stellar come back in the top of the last inning, 7 runs brought us back to a tie. Finally the bats came alive. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be as ouir opponent scored one in the bottom of the inning to send a tired stripes team to the showers (or the beer as the case may be).

If it's any consolation, our opponents in the very next game, beat Shooter McGee's in a Geroge Mason-like upset of epic proportions.

UPDATE: Our buds the Exporters got to the finals and had to win 2 games agains tthe Kings. They won the first but got creamed the second. They played 8 games yesterday, 11 for the weekend. That's insane. Congrats to them for a 2nd place showing.

Unanimous selection for weekend co-MVPs were Joe Wierdorfer (sorry if i butchered the spelling Joe) and Al "Pops" Schneider.

Cages this week if anyone is interested.....

Stay tuned for early bird tournament info next week.

First Game is April 17. As soon as we have a schedule, I'll post it.

Thanks to everyone who participated this weekend.

Sunday Game

Team,

Our game tomrrow is at 10 AM against our SISTER team the Exporters. See you there.

Youth Benefit Tournament

I just got the schedule for the weekend. Rather than send you the
confusing bracket information, I'll just tell you that we play Saturday
at 9:00, 11:00 and 12:00, so our day will be over by 1:00 Saturday
afternoon. 

All games will be at the Virginia Highlands complex at the
corner of 15TH Street and Joyce Street and across 15th Street from the
Nordstroms parking garage in Pentagon City. (Think you can find it Mike
Mattoon? UHH MAYBE TOM) please be there by 8:30 to warm up.

Our first game in Sunday's double elimination tournament will be
determined by how we do in bracket play on Saturday. Games Sunday will
start at 10:00 am, but our first game could be as late as 11:00. We
play until we have lost two, with the last possible game of the day
scheduled to start at 7:00 pm. The Exporters are in the opposite bracket, so we
may get to face them again.

The team tournament fee is $200.00, which I am fronting. To cover the
cost, I'd like each guy to chip in $10.00 for each day played, i.e
$10.00 for either Saturday or Sunday, and $20.00 for both days. If this
is any kind of a problem for anyone, please let me know.

TOM

Trophy Presentation

We had a good turnout last night, and were able to present the trophy
from last fall to Dana. We shared good food, good drink and bad stories
about our favorite umpire, Kenny.  Thanks to all who made it.
For those who were unable to join us, we missed you.  Pictures are below:

Our owner with the Co-MVP of the 2005 season.



The future 2B for the Stripes, Mattthew Hatfield.

Team update from Tom

I was going to do it tomorrow, Tuesday, but the weather looks terrible.
So let's do it on Wednesday this week. I'm starting at 7:00 in the
hopes that some people with conflicting early commitments can swing by as
soon as they are available, but I should be there by 6:45. Stars & Stripes
has indicated interest in sponsoring us again this Spring, so I am
hoping for as reasonable a turnout as possible. Please let me know
whether or not to expect you at the party. I know that Mark Ulrich is
out.

Also please let me know whether or not you will play in the Youth
Benefit Tournament on April 1 and 2. To remind you of the format, on
Saturday we play three games, usually reasonably close to each other in
the early part of the day. On Sunday, we play a double-elimination
tournament, with seeding determined by our results on Saturday. I would
like to have a critical mass of players from our team, then augment as
necessary with walk-ons, team friends and family members. I know that
Mike Chapman, Chris Boniface and Al Peterson are not available.

Friday I received the practice request information. My intention is to
sign up for two nights during the practice period, hopefully starting
at 7:00 or 8:00. We will only have an hour for each, so I will try to
schedule both fielding and batting practice. I will keep everyone
posted.

Participation in the voluntary batting practice Saturday morning was
somewhat scant. Thanks to Dave Buttner for showing up. Between the Ex
Traders, the Exporters and my coed team, the SIIA BYTES, we had five of
us at Cameron Run. Jay came there after finding out that Upton Hill had
not opened as scheduled Saturday morning. Actually, this wasn't
necessarily bad because the machines kept jamming. I plan to go to
Cameron again this coming Saturday morning, and welcome anyone who
wants to join me.

Mark Ulrich will not be able to play with us this season. He is
undergoing a significant operation on his right elbow this week. Mark,
we will miss you, and hope you can join us as often as possible to bend
your other elbow.

I helped conduct the Arlington tryouts last Saturday, as I have done
for the last couple of years. While I do not actively recruit for our team
at the tryouts, I do keep an eye out for players who I think would be a
good fit for us. Two years ago I met Mike Chapman there. Last year I
met Chris Boniface. I look for decent, versatile players who appear to be
good guys, as both Mike and Chris truly are. Dave brought us Lee
Defibaugh in the Fall, another guy in the same mold, so we are really
not looking to add players. However, on Saturday, I identified one or
two guys that might fit with us and add infield and outfield depth and
youth. I haven't asked either to play with us this Spring yet, and
hopefully will be able to evaluate one or both of them during the youth
benefit tournament.

Tom

Update from Tom

I just received notification that we have been accepted in the Monday
night division we played in last year. Our first game will be Monday,
April 17, schedule yet to come.

The batting cages at Cameron Run and Upton Hills Parks open Saturday at
10:00 am. I intend to be at Cameron Run by 10:30, and welcome any and
all of you to join me. Bring your gloves and we will throw some in the
parking lot in addition to taking swings in the cages. This is our
first
(voluntary) practice of the year. If anyone would like to head up a
practice at Upton Hills, please let me know, otherwise we can all just
go to Cameron. I encourage everyone to spend as much time in the cages
as they can this season.

As soon as they allow me to, I will sign up for a couple of practice
times with Arlington County.

The Youth Benefit Tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 1
and 2. I intend to enter our team in that tournament and will ask for a
preliminary nose count next week.

Finally, I have been having trouble connecting with the Stars & Stripes
to arrange a sponsorship for this season, so there is a real
possibility
they may not sponsor us. At the same time, Arlington has significantly
increased the fees this season. If we are unable to obtain a sponsor,
the team fee for the Spring season will fall in the range of $50 to $60
per player, depending on the number of regular players we have on the
team.

If I can connect with Stars & Stripes, we will set up a team party
sometime before April 17.

I look forward to seeing everyone again.
Tom