Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Offseason Update: Cryan's reading
It has come to my attention that Cryan recently completed Angels & Demons, the first book he has read since high school. He is planning to read The Da Vinci Code next, as soon as he can borrow a copy from someone. Please feel free to use this blog to provide additional reading recommendations for Cryan.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Team Keg Kill
So I'm a bit late commenting on this, and I have no doubt forgotten many of the entertaining moments that occurred, but we had a team championship celebration/keg kill on November 7th. Come to think of it, my memory was pretty hazy the next day, so I'm not sure my recollection would have been that much better even if I had posted sooner.
Anyway, it was a joyous event. I braved the traffic at the Total Wine & More on Little River Turnpike and picked up a keg of Yuengling. Sidenote: seriously, that shopping center has one of the worst parking lots in the Arlington/Alexandria area. The only one that rivals it in its ability to infuriate me is the one at the Price Club in Pentagon City... that one is worse because they charge you to experience the clusterf**k that inevitably ensues. There was some debate as to whether or not we should continue with the keg kill idea... after all, we only had like 14 "yes" replies on the evite - one of which was Queeney, and a few others were girls. But we decided it was worth a shot.
We tapped the keg around 5:15, and Cryan officially got things started with a beer shower. The first guests showed up shortly thereafter, and we decided it was wise to resurrect an old idea: the beer tally list. Few things do a better job of facilitating peer pressure and drunken arguments. We actually did a pretty good job of tracking things until the drinking games began. That point coincided with many of us hitting double digits, so perhaps that was part of the problem as well.
We started a game of baseball (for those who don't know, it's beer pong/flip cup hybrid). Normally it's a good time, but we probably started a few beers too late, as the main things I recall are poor shooting and drunken arguments over poorly defined rules. Conflict resolution proved difficult.
At some point in the evening, we took a look at the beer tally, and looked at the reinforcements that had arrived (including Gigantor, Gandia and Henley), and realized that we might have a real shot at kicking the keg. The forces had aligned, with a few Lollygagger alumni making appearances, and Gandia channeling his rage at extremely expensive tire repair.
One of the real highlights of the evening was Royden's attempted kegstand. He made the questionable decision of bringing in Marisa to hold one of his legs. After about a second in the air, Royden bellyflopped on my kitchen floor, and I believe Marisa fell down in laughter behind him (at least that's how I choose to remember it). Not to be easily defeated, Royden recruited a new spotter, and took another shot at glory. I don't know if he developed Brad Lidge syndrome or what, but the guy was rattled, and only got through about five seconds before tapping out. He then spat beer all over the place.
I am pleased to report that the keg was successfully kicked shortly after midnight. In hindsight, there are a lot of parallels to be drawn between the keg kill and our C-league softball championship... in the beginning, we viewed the keg/standings as a seemingly insurmountable task. But through teamwork, dedication, and, well, beer strength, we were able to power our way to victory. Nice work, gentlemen. Continue that offseason training, and I'll see you on the field in about four months.
Anyway, it was a joyous event. I braved the traffic at the Total Wine & More on Little River Turnpike and picked up a keg of Yuengling. Sidenote: seriously, that shopping center has one of the worst parking lots in the Arlington/Alexandria area. The only one that rivals it in its ability to infuriate me is the one at the Price Club in Pentagon City... that one is worse because they charge you to experience the clusterf**k that inevitably ensues. There was some debate as to whether or not we should continue with the keg kill idea... after all, we only had like 14 "yes" replies on the evite - one of which was Queeney, and a few others were girls. But we decided it was worth a shot.
We tapped the keg around 5:15, and Cryan officially got things started with a beer shower. The first guests showed up shortly thereafter, and we decided it was wise to resurrect an old idea: the beer tally list. Few things do a better job of facilitating peer pressure and drunken arguments. We actually did a pretty good job of tracking things until the drinking games began. That point coincided with many of us hitting double digits, so perhaps that was part of the problem as well.
We started a game of baseball (for those who don't know, it's beer pong/flip cup hybrid). Normally it's a good time, but we probably started a few beers too late, as the main things I recall are poor shooting and drunken arguments over poorly defined rules. Conflict resolution proved difficult.
At some point in the evening, we took a look at the beer tally, and looked at the reinforcements that had arrived (including Gigantor, Gandia and Henley), and realized that we might have a real shot at kicking the keg. The forces had aligned, with a few Lollygagger alumni making appearances, and Gandia channeling his rage at extremely expensive tire repair.
One of the real highlights of the evening was Royden's attempted kegstand. He made the questionable decision of bringing in Marisa to hold one of his legs. After about a second in the air, Royden bellyflopped on my kitchen floor, and I believe Marisa fell down in laughter behind him (at least that's how I choose to remember it). Not to be easily defeated, Royden recruited a new spotter, and took another shot at glory. I don't know if he developed Brad Lidge syndrome or what, but the guy was rattled, and only got through about five seconds before tapping out. He then spat beer all over the place.
I am pleased to report that the keg was successfully kicked shortly after midnight. In hindsight, there are a lot of parallels to be drawn between the keg kill and our C-league softball championship... in the beginning, we viewed the keg/standings as a seemingly insurmountable task. But through teamwork, dedication, and, well, beer strength, we were able to power our way to victory. Nice work, gentlemen. Continue that offseason training, and I'll see you on the field in about four months.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Engagement
Congratulations to Lollygagger outfielder Joe Morse on his engagement. Soon, he will be able to show up at games and officially make comments like: "I had to get out of the house... the old lady was driving me crazy."
I'm still seeking confirmation on the rumor that Joe will be wearing his jersey during the ceremony.
I'm still seeking confirmation on the rumor that Joe will be wearing his jersey during the ceremony.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Final Standings
Looks like the Rounders won out, so it's a good thing we took care of business. Also of note: the Kodiak Bears beat another team!
| 1 | 11 - Lollygaggers | 16-2-0 |
| 2 | 07 - Rounders | 15-2-1 |
| 3 | 05 - Waterproofers | 13-5-0 |
| 4 | 03 - CCSP Empty Pitchers | 12-5-1 |
| 5 | 09 - C.A. Jabronies | 11-7-0 |
| 6 | 14 - Dawgs | 10-6-0 |
| 7 | 02 - Gray Plant Mooty | 10-8-0 |
| 8 | 10 - Bottom of the Fifths | 9-9-0 |
| 9 | 08 - Hot Action | 7-11-0 |
| 10 | 12 - Sponsor Needed | 7-11-0 |
| 11 | 13 - Foul Balls | 6-12-0 |
| 12 | 04 - Masterbatters | 3-15-0 |
| 13 | 06 - The Draught Picks | 2-14-0 |
| 14 | 01 - Kodiak Bears | 2-16-0 |
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Reflections from 10/20
-Helluva way to close out a season... after dropping a game against one of the league's bottom-dwellers, the Lollygaggers came back strong to take two from one of the top teams in the league, 12-4 and 24-8. With the wins, we finished alone atop the league standings with a 16-2 record. Since there are no playoffs in the fall, we are officially C-league champions for the first time in Lollygagger history. Excellent work, gentlemen;
-Without Bill in the lineup, I came in a little concerned with our ability to hit the ball for power... so naturally we ended up having probably our greatest power hitting night in team history. In game #2, three of our first six hitters went yard (I almost killed a tennis player), which was pretty awesome, but also put us in the unfortunate predicament of being subjected to Arlington's stingy "+3" HR rule. It came back to haunt us, as for whatever reason, we couldn't stop hitting HRs... in fact, three of our first five outs came on would-be HRs that were ruled as outs. Fortunately we adjusted shortly thereafter, and continued our hitting barrage with singles and doubles within the confines of the Quincy fence;
-Erick is the king of the solo HR... way to be selfish;
-Queeney and Mark have slightly different approaches at the plate, but they were absolutely raking last night;
-With our two regular pitchers missing, Jim stepped in and did a great job - that team had some good hitters, but he had them off-balance all night;
-It was uncomfortable, and yet oddly amusing to watch another team completely implode and resort to yelling at one another and throwing equipment (after all, this is rec league softball...). Watching a more dysfunctional team just makes me feel that much better about our squad;
-Thank you Marisa for being the only fan in attendance, for chasing down all of the fouls and HRs, and for putting up with the 7th grade maturity level jokes about holding our balls;
-Thanks for a great season. Information on a postseason celebration will be distributed shortly. It's worth noting that Chuck E. Cheese is out as a possible location... something about Quast and restraining orders. Speaking of which, why did Quast park his brown van so close to the field?
If you have any suggestions for off-season blog content, please post them. Perhaps reports on our extensive conditioning programs?
-Without Bill in the lineup, I came in a little concerned with our ability to hit the ball for power... so naturally we ended up having probably our greatest power hitting night in team history. In game #2, three of our first six hitters went yard (I almost killed a tennis player), which was pretty awesome, but also put us in the unfortunate predicament of being subjected to Arlington's stingy "+3" HR rule. It came back to haunt us, as for whatever reason, we couldn't stop hitting HRs... in fact, three of our first five outs came on would-be HRs that were ruled as outs. Fortunately we adjusted shortly thereafter, and continued our hitting barrage with singles and doubles within the confines of the Quincy fence;
-Erick is the king of the solo HR... way to be selfish;
-Queeney and Mark have slightly different approaches at the plate, but they were absolutely raking last night;
-With our two regular pitchers missing, Jim stepped in and did a great job - that team had some good hitters, but he had them off-balance all night;
-It was uncomfortable, and yet oddly amusing to watch another team completely implode and resort to yelling at one another and throwing equipment (after all, this is rec league softball...). Watching a more dysfunctional team just makes me feel that much better about our squad;
-Thank you Marisa for being the only fan in attendance, for chasing down all of the fouls and HRs, and for putting up with the 7th grade maturity level jokes about holding our balls;
-Thanks for a great season. Information on a postseason celebration will be distributed shortly. It's worth noting that Chuck E. Cheese is out as a possible location... something about Quast and restraining orders. Speaking of which, why did Quast park his brown van so close to the field?
If you have any suggestions for off-season blog content, please post them. Perhaps reports on our extensive conditioning programs?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Reflections from 10/13
-The Lollygaggers played a pair of extremely competitive games, and came away with a split. In game 1, we rallied from a 12-5 deficit to take a 13-12 lead on a clutch 3-run HR from Bill. Unfortunately, they answered with a 2-run HR of their own, and we were unable to push anything across in the bottom half. In game 2, we fought off a late rally and held on for a 20-17 win;
-We ended the night with a 14-2 record. Coming into this week, the Rounders were immediately behind us in the standings at 11-2-1. So regardless of the results from this week, we control our own destiny. Win two next week, and we finish alone atop the standings. We're playing 10-4 Gray Plant Mooty though, so we have our work cut out for us;
-I have become spoiled by our winning. There was a time when I would have been pretty psyched with a split in C-League - particularly during that season when we only won one game. We have come a long way;
-Bill finished off his season with three HRs last night, and was absolutely crushing the ball;
-Meanwhile, Quast got absolutely crushed by the ball. He was the victim of a nasty hop at 2B, and ended up with a cut on his hand. I'm not entirely sure how you get cut by a softball, but it looked painful. Quast was flirting with disaster all night, as he narrowly dodged a bat I tossed to Erick earlier in the game;
-We had a couple of entertaining swinging strikeouts. There was a motion to start identifying those with Ks on the blog for future beer purchase enforcement, but we'll hold off on that for now... maybe we'll start fresh in the spring;
-It's a shame that the county has done such a poor job in maintaining Barcroft. It's a nice facility, but that field is in awful shape. The infield provides some nasty hops, and the outfield is absolutely atrocious, with huge patches of sand. It makes defense exceedingly difficult, and it's only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt;
-Special thanks to Lianne for being the only fan to brave the elements last night. Even if she is a curse to the team and Erick had to kick her out of the dugout, she was a big help in chasing down HRs and foul balls (thanks to Keller for the latter);
-Seriously, it's getting too cold for softball. One more week, gentlemen.
-We ended the night with a 14-2 record. Coming into this week, the Rounders were immediately behind us in the standings at 11-2-1. So regardless of the results from this week, we control our own destiny. Win two next week, and we finish alone atop the standings. We're playing 10-4 Gray Plant Mooty though, so we have our work cut out for us;
-I have become spoiled by our winning. There was a time when I would have been pretty psyched with a split in C-League - particularly during that season when we only won one game. We have come a long way;
-Bill finished off his season with three HRs last night, and was absolutely crushing the ball;
-Meanwhile, Quast got absolutely crushed by the ball. He was the victim of a nasty hop at 2B, and ended up with a cut on his hand. I'm not entirely sure how you get cut by a softball, but it looked painful. Quast was flirting with disaster all night, as he narrowly dodged a bat I tossed to Erick earlier in the game;
-We had a couple of entertaining swinging strikeouts. There was a motion to start identifying those with Ks on the blog for future beer purchase enforcement, but we'll hold off on that for now... maybe we'll start fresh in the spring;
-It's a shame that the county has done such a poor job in maintaining Barcroft. It's a nice facility, but that field is in awful shape. The infield provides some nasty hops, and the outfield is absolutely atrocious, with huge patches of sand. It makes defense exceedingly difficult, and it's only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt;
-Special thanks to Lianne for being the only fan to brave the elements last night. Even if she is a curse to the team and Erick had to kick her out of the dugout, she was a big help in chasing down HRs and foul balls (thanks to Keller for the latter);
-Seriously, it's getting too cold for softball. One more week, gentlemen.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Player Profile: Erick
Nickname(s): Gigantor
Number: 8
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 228
Bats/Throws: R/R
Position(s): 1B
Hometown: Orange, CA
College: UC Irvine
Favorite Post-Game Hangout: We've got what, 2 places we go? I guess Cap City. We should add somewhere new. There's this Crystal City restaurant that's pretty close to VA Highlands...
Favorite Beer: Yuengling? I'm not too picky, as long as it doesn't really suck.
If you had walk-up music, what would it be? "I Like it Rough", by Lady Gaga
What was the highest level of baseball you played? One summer of high school ball
What other sports did you play in high school? Volleyball
What are your top softball career highlights? Well last night I caught a throw from Gandia while not paying attention and looking in the wrong direction. Anytime I turn any easy play into near-disaster and then back into success is a good time.
What are your favorite softball memories involving someone other than yourself? There are other people playing this game? I thought everyone just came to watch me. (self-absorbed asshole, or just couldn't come up with anything? You decide!)
What is your favorite field to play at? Least favorite? Favorite: Utah, because accidentally hitting the ball 100 feet past the fence is fun. Least: Barcroft right before sunset. I wasn't using those retinas anyway!
Who is your least favorite opponent, and why? Those douchebags from a few weeks ago. I don't remember their names.
If you were to describe your playing style in one word, what would it be? Iliketohittheballfar
What part of your game would you most like to improve? I'd like to eliminate these terrible no-hitting streaks I go through.
Do you have any superstitious rituals before/during games? I can't think of anything.
Do you prefer beer pong or flip cup? I kind of suck at both. I probably prefer beer pong, but my favorite game is the one where you sit on a couch and drink beer.
Number: 8
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 228
Bats/Throws: R/R
Position(s): 1B
Hometown: Orange, CA
College: UC Irvine
Favorite Post-Game Hangout: We've got what, 2 places we go? I guess Cap City. We should add somewhere new. There's this Crystal City restaurant that's pretty close to VA Highlands...
Favorite Beer: Yuengling? I'm not too picky, as long as it doesn't really suck.
If you had walk-up music, what would it be? "I Like it Rough", by Lady Gaga
What was the highest level of baseball you played? One summer of high school ball
What other sports did you play in high school? Volleyball
What are your top softball career highlights? Well last night I caught a throw from Gandia while not paying attention and looking in the wrong direction. Anytime I turn any easy play into near-disaster and then back into success is a good time.
What are your favorite softball memories involving someone other than yourself? There are other people playing this game? I thought everyone just came to watch me. (self-absorbed asshole, or just couldn't come up with anything? You decide!)
What is your favorite field to play at? Least favorite? Favorite: Utah, because accidentally hitting the ball 100 feet past the fence is fun. Least: Barcroft right before sunset. I wasn't using those retinas anyway!
Who is your least favorite opponent, and why? Those douchebags from a few weeks ago. I don't remember their names.
If you were to describe your playing style in one word, what would it be? Iliketohittheballfar
What part of your game would you most like to improve? I'd like to eliminate these terrible no-hitting streaks I go through.
Do you have any superstitious rituals before/during games? I can't think of anything.
Do you prefer beer pong or flip cup? I kind of suck at both. I probably prefer beer pong, but my favorite game is the one where you sit on a couch and drink beer.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Reflections from 10/6
-The Lollygaggers picked up right where they left off, with two decisive victories over one of the top teams in the league (they came in at 8-3-1). We improved to 13-1 on the season; with two weeks to go, I'm pretty sure we've already surpassed our greatest win total in C-league. We went 16-2 during our championship season in the spring of '08, but that was in the lowly D-league;
-That was some excellent defense. We held a good team to a total of 9 runs. Gunston is a big field, so I thought our outfielders did a particularly good job of closing the gaps and preventing them from taking extra bases;
-It was pretty awesome to see Henley come out of retirement. I suck after missing a week or two, so I was impressed to see how well he did after being out for over a year. That opposite field liner that went into the corner for an inside-the-park HR was vintage Henley;
-Nice pitching from Bill... he induced a bunch of pop-ups, and even picked up a couple of Ks;
-Bill and yours truly went deep; Jim just missed one on a foul ball down the line;
-It was nice to see the girls show up, though it's worth noting that they only made it for the last couple of innings right before we went out to Champps... suspicious;
-Props to the waiter at Champps for guilting us all into donating to whatever charity it is that they are supporting. I've gotten pretty good at turning those people down at CVS, but I guess I'm more vulnerable after beer and a burger;
-Only disappointment of the night: my new bat. It makes the same kind of "ping" you would expect from a 12-year-old's aluminum bat. Back to the Synergy for me.
-That was some excellent defense. We held a good team to a total of 9 runs. Gunston is a big field, so I thought our outfielders did a particularly good job of closing the gaps and preventing them from taking extra bases;
-It was pretty awesome to see Henley come out of retirement. I suck after missing a week or two, so I was impressed to see how well he did after being out for over a year. That opposite field liner that went into the corner for an inside-the-park HR was vintage Henley;
-Nice pitching from Bill... he induced a bunch of pop-ups, and even picked up a couple of Ks;
-Bill and yours truly went deep; Jim just missed one on a foul ball down the line;
-It was nice to see the girls show up, though it's worth noting that they only made it for the last couple of innings right before we went out to Champps... suspicious;
-Props to the waiter at Champps for guilting us all into donating to whatever charity it is that they are supporting. I've gotten pretty good at turning those people down at CVS, but I guess I'm more vulnerable after beer and a burger;
-Only disappointment of the night: my new bat. It makes the same kind of "ping" you would expect from a 12-year-old's aluminum bat. Back to the Synergy for me.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Reflections from 9/29
For several reasons, I have been slow in posting my thoughts on the games this week: 1) I wasn't there. I actually caught a slightly earlier flight back from Chicago, but not in time for the games; 2) Just as I was considering heading to the field to watch game #2, I received a text that the other team didn't have enough players, and that we had won both games by forfeit; 3) I've actually had to do legitimate work at the office this week, which has seriously cut into my blogging time.
That being said, the Lollygaggers improved to 11-1 on the fall season with two forfeit victories. I guess we'll take the wins how we can get them, but it's kind of a bummer... the team we were supposed to play was near the bottom of the standings, and a lot of guys on our team went out of their way to make it to the field in time for the early games. This is particularly frustrating in that the other team apparently knew that they wouldn't have enough players, unless a couple of guys magically appeared (perhaps Field of Dreams style). Though I've been a part of games where the other team didn't bother to show at all, and didn't have the courtesy to call... so it could be worse. At least we got in a scrimmage.
I wasn't present for the scrimmage, so I'll leave it up to others to provide updates on any hilarity that ensued. Quast was at the U2 show, so that makes it tougher to make jokes about him.
We get back to it next Tuesday at 6:30 against one of the best teams in the league (last listed at 7-2-1).
That being said, the Lollygaggers improved to 11-1 on the fall season with two forfeit victories. I guess we'll take the wins how we can get them, but it's kind of a bummer... the team we were supposed to play was near the bottom of the standings, and a lot of guys on our team went out of their way to make it to the field in time for the early games. This is particularly frustrating in that the other team apparently knew that they wouldn't have enough players, unless a couple of guys magically appeared (perhaps Field of Dreams style). Though I've been a part of games where the other team didn't bother to show at all, and didn't have the courtesy to call... so it could be worse. At least we got in a scrimmage.
I wasn't present for the scrimmage, so I'll leave it up to others to provide updates on any hilarity that ensued. Quast was at the U2 show, so that makes it tougher to make jokes about him.
We get back to it next Tuesday at 6:30 against one of the best teams in the league (last listed at 7-2-1).
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Player Profile: Keller
Nickname(s): Keller, Killer, Tubby
Number: 11
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 165
Bats/Throws: R/R
Position(s): OF, Relief Pitcher, Left Bench
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
College: The University of Virginia
Favorite Post-Game Hangout: Carpool or Cap City
Favorite Beer(s): Newcastle, Magic Hat #9, Yuengling
If you had walk-up music, what would it be? "Highway to Hell" - AC/DC
What was the highest level of baseball you played? Little League
What sports did you play in high school? Tennis, Cross Country
What are your top softball career highlights? Winning the tournament while I was out of town and pretending the result would have been the same if I was there.
What are your favorite softball memories involving someone other than yourself? Watching our South African teammate at UVA get base hits off of balls that bounced in front of the plate.
What is your favorite field to play at? Least favorite? Favorites: Utah and Barcroft; least favorite: Jennie Dean
Who is your least favorite opponent, and why? Teams we lose to that we should have beaten (I'm not good with names).
If you were to describe your playing style in one word, what would it be? Dependable
What part of your game would you most like to improve? Diving without breaking myself
Do you have any superstitious rituals before/during/after games? I make McQueeney drive to Taco Bell if we win... or lose... or maybe tie.
Do you prefer beer pong or flip cup? Beer pong
Any advice for aspiring young softball players? Slow pitch softball requires a lot of hard work and lots of tough offseason workouts; but it's all worth it when you beat a team full of d-bags.
Number: 11
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 165
Bats/Throws: R/R
Position(s): OF, Relief Pitcher, Left Bench
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
College: The University of Virginia
Favorite Post-Game Hangout: Carpool or Cap City
Favorite Beer(s): Newcastle, Magic Hat #9, Yuengling
If you had walk-up music, what would it be? "Highway to Hell" - AC/DC
What was the highest level of baseball you played? Little League
What sports did you play in high school? Tennis, Cross Country
What are your top softball career highlights? Winning the tournament while I was out of town and pretending the result would have been the same if I was there.
What are your favorite softball memories involving someone other than yourself? Watching our South African teammate at UVA get base hits off of balls that bounced in front of the plate.
What is your favorite field to play at? Least favorite? Favorites: Utah and Barcroft; least favorite: Jennie Dean
Who is your least favorite opponent, and why? Teams we lose to that we should have beaten (I'm not good with names).
If you were to describe your playing style in one word, what would it be? Dependable
What part of your game would you most like to improve? Diving without breaking myself
Do you have any superstitious rituals before/during/after games? I make McQueeney drive to Taco Bell if we win... or lose... or maybe tie.
Do you prefer beer pong or flip cup? Beer pong
Any advice for aspiring young softball players? Slow pitch softball requires a lot of hard work and lots of tough offseason workouts; but it's all worth it when you beat a team full of d-bags.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Reflections from 9/22
-The Lollygaggers faced a true test this week in the Dawgs, who came in with a 7-1 record, tied atop the league standings. Notably, this was also the first team we had played in a few weeks that didn't exhibit an obvious air of douchebaggery;
-Nevertheless, we came away with two close wins. The second one shouldn't have been all that close, but we managed to make it exciting;
-At 9-1, we have guaranteed ourselves of no worse than a .500 regular season. But if we lose 8 straight games, I think it's safe to assume that this blog will not be updated following the last week of the season;
-We hit pretty consistently, and I think everyone had a solid night (I don't have the scorebook, so we're going by the honor system if anybody wants to correct me). The MVP was Jim, as his contribution of new turbo-charged softballs seemed to have a huge impact on our offense;
-Supposedly these balls add up to 40 feet in distance - that means that otherwise, Erick's pop-up to the shortstop would have only been a pop-up to the catcher;
-Steve turned in a couple of nice web gems at second base; he tore up his knees in the process, which I understand did not exactly endear him to his girlfriend;
-Speaking of the girls, we had a good turnout this week, and the Lollygaggers would like to thank them for their continued support; their gossiping was almost as prolific as our offense;
-Three Lollygaggers hit HRs: Mark (2), Erick, and Jim; three or four other guys exhibited warning track power, so it was an all-around nice effort;
-I'm out next week due to business travel, so maybe someone else will step up to provide reflections from 9/29.
-Nevertheless, we came away with two close wins. The second one shouldn't have been all that close, but we managed to make it exciting;
-At 9-1, we have guaranteed ourselves of no worse than a .500 regular season. But if we lose 8 straight games, I think it's safe to assume that this blog will not be updated following the last week of the season;
-We hit pretty consistently, and I think everyone had a solid night (I don't have the scorebook, so we're going by the honor system if anybody wants to correct me). The MVP was Jim, as his contribution of new turbo-charged softballs seemed to have a huge impact on our offense;
-Supposedly these balls add up to 40 feet in distance - that means that otherwise, Erick's pop-up to the shortstop would have only been a pop-up to the catcher;
-Steve turned in a couple of nice web gems at second base; he tore up his knees in the process, which I understand did not exactly endear him to his girlfriend;
-Speaking of the girls, we had a good turnout this week, and the Lollygaggers would like to thank them for their continued support; their gossiping was almost as prolific as our offense;
-Three Lollygaggers hit HRs: Mark (2), Erick, and Jim; three or four other guys exhibited warning track power, so it was an all-around nice effort;
-I'm out next week due to business travel, so maybe someone else will step up to provide reflections from 9/29.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Player Profile: Quast
Nickname(s): Quast, GQ, others he would prefer not be mentioned
Number: 35
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180
Bats/Throws: R/R
Position(s): RF, C (though he points out that he can play anywhere)
Hometown: Centreville, VA
College: UVA
Favorite Post-Game Hangout: O'Neill's (RIP)
Favorite Beer: Hook & Ladder Golden Ale
If you had walk-up music, what would it be? "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC
What was the highest level of baseball you played? Majors (the one after little league)
What are your top softball career highlights? Winning the spring championship on my birthday in 2008; Hitting an inside the park HR then following it up with a triple
What are your favorite softball memories involving someone other than yourself? Monahan eating the dirt near home plate; Riles blowing up (any of the 400+ times)
What is your favorite field to play at? Least favorite? Fav - VA Highlands; Least Fav - Jennie Dean
Who is your least favorite opponent, and why? Blue Steel, because they would always beat us. Oh, and they suck at life.
If you were to describe your playing style in one word, what would it be? Competitive
What part of your game would you most like to improve? Hitting with power
If you could steal one aspect of a teammate's game, what would it be? I would take speed from one of the faster players.
Do you have any superstitious rituals before/during games? If things are going well for us, I try not to talk or think too much about them until the game is over. I also keep a black squirrel tied to my ankle for the first inning of playoff games.
Do you prefer beer pong or flip cup? Since I'm an All-Pro at flip cup, I'm gonna go with flip cup.
Number: 35
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180
Bats/Throws: R/R
Position(s): RF, C (though he points out that he can play anywhere)
Hometown: Centreville, VA
College: UVA
Favorite Post-Game Hangout: O'Neill's (RIP)
Favorite Beer: Hook & Ladder Golden Ale
If you had walk-up music, what would it be? "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC
What was the highest level of baseball you played? Majors (the one after little league)
What are your top softball career highlights? Winning the spring championship on my birthday in 2008; Hitting an inside the park HR then following it up with a triple
What are your favorite softball memories involving someone other than yourself? Monahan eating the dirt near home plate; Riles blowing up (any of the 400+ times)
What is your favorite field to play at? Least favorite? Fav - VA Highlands; Least Fav - Jennie Dean
Who is your least favorite opponent, and why? Blue Steel, because they would always beat us. Oh, and they suck at life.
If you were to describe your playing style in one word, what would it be? Competitive
What part of your game would you most like to improve? Hitting with power
If you could steal one aspect of a teammate's game, what would it be? I would take speed from one of the faster players.
Do you have any superstitious rituals before/during games? If things are going well for us, I try not to talk or think too much about them until the game is over. I also keep a black squirrel tied to my ankle for the first inning of playoff games.
Do you prefer beer pong or flip cup? Since I'm an All-Pro at flip cup, I'm gonna go with flip cup.
Reflections from 9/15
-With two more clutch wins, the Lollygaggers improved to 7-1 on the fall season. This marked the likely end to the regular season for Cryan, who has decided to take a leave of absence from his lucrative career (and the Lollygaggers) to pursue his passion for interpretive dance;
-We beat a team of Hokies with our squad of predominantly UVA grads... a precursor for the Thanksgiving weekend football matchup? Ok, probably not. Lord help us if we run into a team of William and Mary grads;
-How about Quast coming up with a career night? Though he might have made a few plays in RF more exciting than they needed to be, he was clutch at the plate. I'm not quite sure why their left fielder moved continuously deeper as Quast placed hit after hit in front of him - but way to take advantage;
-When I slid into third and knocked the bag about five feet away, I was not sure whether I should stay in the general area of where the bag should have been, or reach for the base itself in foul territory;
-Special thanks to our team moms for the Gatorade/crackers run. Do they still sell Capri Suns? Those things were awesome, but you'd be done after like two sips. Anyway, I digress. On a somewhat related note, why did Marisa have grape jelly at the game?
-Two highlights of the night... #1: Queeney taking a throw from the OF, hanging in at the plate to make the tag... and getting run over by their player. This is not 'Nam, there are rules;
-#2: Upon arrival, I learned that a guy in the previous game had the rear windshield of his Lexus shattered by a foul ball... really sucks for him, but the destructive side of me has always kind of wanted to see this happen (this is why I involuntarily shout "Car!" on any foul ball). Needless to say, I was disappointed to miss it. Well in the first inning of our game, Cryan throws a high ball to Erick that skips off the top of his glove, goes over the fence, and smacks into the side panel of the Lexus - as the guy was standing behind it surveying the previous damage. You can't dream up stuff like that. The poor guy shouts out something like "Seriously?!?!", and moves his car back a few feet - presumably out of the line of fire (meanwhile, I am trying to contain my laughter in the outfield). Cryan proceeds to bat in the bottom of the inning and foul off a ball that misses hitting the guy and/or his Lexus by about a foot. He was lucky to come out of it alive.
-We beat a team of Hokies with our squad of predominantly UVA grads... a precursor for the Thanksgiving weekend football matchup? Ok, probably not. Lord help us if we run into a team of William and Mary grads;
-How about Quast coming up with a career night? Though he might have made a few plays in RF more exciting than they needed to be, he was clutch at the plate. I'm not quite sure why their left fielder moved continuously deeper as Quast placed hit after hit in front of him - but way to take advantage;
-When I slid into third and knocked the bag about five feet away, I was not sure whether I should stay in the general area of where the bag should have been, or reach for the base itself in foul territory;
-Special thanks to our team moms for the Gatorade/crackers run. Do they still sell Capri Suns? Those things were awesome, but you'd be done after like two sips. Anyway, I digress. On a somewhat related note, why did Marisa have grape jelly at the game?
-Two highlights of the night... #1: Queeney taking a throw from the OF, hanging in at the plate to make the tag... and getting run over by their player. This is not 'Nam, there are rules;
-#2: Upon arrival, I learned that a guy in the previous game had the rear windshield of his Lexus shattered by a foul ball... really sucks for him, but the destructive side of me has always kind of wanted to see this happen (this is why I involuntarily shout "Car!" on any foul ball). Needless to say, I was disappointed to miss it. Well in the first inning of our game, Cryan throws a high ball to Erick that skips off the top of his glove, goes over the fence, and smacks into the side panel of the Lexus - as the guy was standing behind it surveying the previous damage. You can't dream up stuff like that. The poor guy shouts out something like "Seriously?!?!", and moves his car back a few feet - presumably out of the line of fire (meanwhile, I am trying to contain my laughter in the outfield). Cryan proceeds to bat in the bottom of the inning and foul off a ball that misses hitting the guy and/or his Lexus by about a foot. He was lucky to come out of it alive.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Reflections from 9/8
-Lollygaggers improved to 5-1 on the season with two wins over a pretty good team. I have no statistical support for the contention that they were a good team - as the league has been too disorganized to post standings - but the widespread presence of knee braces and other protective equipment suggested that they meant business;
-Despite rain-filled forecasts, we were able to take the field. That never happened during the spring. We just might get this season completed before Thanksgiving;
-Seriously, who was the genius who designed Barcroft? The sun blindingly sets directly beyond the center field fence. The only upside is that it gives batters a nice excuse for bad hitting;
-We lost 67% of our fanbase last night - not even the Nats have suffered that kind of attrition, and we're playing winning ball! At least the two fans we did have were vocal;
-Quast almost realized one of my childhood dreams of robbing a batter of a HR. It wasn't meant to be, but at least he didn't run into the fence and knock himself out or anything;
-Bill hit what had to be our longest HR of the season. I spent five minutes looking for the ball in the woods before realizing that I was on deck;
-Erick does not believe in saying "bless you" when people sneeze, and he looks down on those who do say it. Erick is 6'8", so in a literal sense, he looks down on all of us anyway.
-Despite rain-filled forecasts, we were able to take the field. That never happened during the spring. We just might get this season completed before Thanksgiving;
-Seriously, who was the genius who designed Barcroft? The sun blindingly sets directly beyond the center field fence. The only upside is that it gives batters a nice excuse for bad hitting;
-We lost 67% of our fanbase last night - not even the Nats have suffered that kind of attrition, and we're playing winning ball! At least the two fans we did have were vocal;
-Quast almost realized one of my childhood dreams of robbing a batter of a HR. It wasn't meant to be, but at least he didn't run into the fence and knock himself out or anything;
-Bill hit what had to be our longest HR of the season. I spent five minutes looking for the ball in the woods before realizing that I was on deck;
-Erick does not believe in saying "bless you" when people sneeze, and he looks down on those who do say it. Erick is 6'8", so in a literal sense, he looks down on all of us anyway.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Reflections from 9/1
-What a bizarre night... 10 innings of relatively inept offense, followed by 10 runs in 1/3rd of an inning and a slaughter rule victory;
-I knew their flukish string of "look what I found" plays was bound to end at some point; I did not, however, envision the absolute meltdown that occurred;
-Evidently "flukish" is not a real word... it should be;
-Erick learned to hit HRs again. Perhaps he was channeling his anger at his barber;
-Quast is one hell of a defensive catcher. He should never play anywhere else;
-We had like 6 fans in the stands. That had to be close to a record;
-Why was their second baseman standing on the bag when Beek hit that ball up the middle? I don't think he had pulled the ball all night;
-Muscles should be a prerequisite for sleeveless jerseys... if you're going to look like a douche, you better be able to pull it off;
-I never like to hit a pitcher with a liner, but if anybody had it coming, it was that guy... his complaining to the ump about the strike zone after every inning got a little old.
-I knew their flukish string of "look what I found" plays was bound to end at some point; I did not, however, envision the absolute meltdown that occurred;
-Evidently "flukish" is not a real word... it should be;
-Erick learned to hit HRs again. Perhaps he was channeling his anger at his barber;
-Quast is one hell of a defensive catcher. He should never play anywhere else;
-We had like 6 fans in the stands. That had to be close to a record;
-Why was their second baseman standing on the bag when Beek hit that ball up the middle? I don't think he had pulled the ball all night;
-Muscles should be a prerequisite for sleeveless jerseys... if you're going to look like a douche, you better be able to pull it off;
-I never like to hit a pitcher with a liner, but if anybody had it coming, it was that guy... his complaining to the ump about the strike zone after every inning got a little old.
Bring the blog back?
Quick tally, who would contribute if we decide to make this blog active? I'll start with updating game dates and records, if we decide to use it more.
Chris
Chris
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