The Curse of Baby Beluga

by nick 5/28/2009 3:32:00 AM
The Curse of Baby Beluga
Baby beluga in the deep blue sea,
Swim so wild and you swim so free.
Heaven above and the sea below, And a little whale on the go.
Raffi, 1992
Mudsharks Clobber BallBusters 10-2
Last night your Bachrach BallBusters, in a hazy night in the park, fell to the Modern Bank Mudsharks by a score of 10-2. Lets start with a history lesson shall we....
Four years ago, right here in these four walls your BallBusters were born. What started out as a grand idea by former manager Ali "now I don't do anything to help the team but play cause you fired me" McGlincy thought it would be fun to join a softball team. After some vigorous research we decided to join EDSO sports and test our athletic chops against some of the other companies in this great city where we are all lucky enough to reside. All we needed was a name. Many names were thrown out from the ridiculous, Bachrach Bobbie Ticklers, to the dull, Bachrach Ball Players, after many arguments and much deliberation it was down to two names, The Bachrach Belugas, accompanied by a chant where we all go Beeluuuuuga, or the Bachrach BallBusters, we all know who won and your beloved BallBusters were born on that day and the Beluga's never mentioned again, until now. I bring you to Central Park, modern day, one week ago, 5-20-09. After a stellar BallBuster victory manager Jeff "The Freight Train" McLaughlin thought it might be fun if we came up with a chant of some kind, to help build team unity, many liked the idea but it was tabled, until yesterday. Before the game began Kelly "White Shoes" Lepore got the team together for a chant, what did they say you ask........they said Beeluuuuuga, Nick "The Franchise" Catalano warned against it, but majority ruled, and the curse of the Beluga was born. Those little white whales feel slighted and are not happy.
As for how the bloodbath went down, a typical jittery first inning by the BallBusters opened up an early 6 run deficit the the quiet BallBuster bats could not over come. Every BB rally was squashed as the Sharks defensive wizardry made it difficult to overcome the early lapses. Oliver MAYS was once again tardy to the field and not warmed up, Allan "Rubber Arm" Ageman's hot bat was quieted and he hit into a rally killing inning ending double play, Jimmy "The Kid" Sammarco once again took an inning to overcome his jitters (more on that later), Scott "I'm going back to sneakers" "Haggy" Hechler decided to try to hit homeruns from the leadoff spot popping up ball after ball and over running a base hit in the outfield, Ali "now I don't do anything to help the team but play cause you fired me" Mcglincy refused to do something as simple as write down the lineup, Nick "The Franchise" Catalano continued to try to hit for power killing a rally with a sac fly when a hit would have netted to, Evan "The Truth" Price dropped a routine out at first base, Scott "The Babe" Book, on of the few defensive and offensive bright spots for the BB's took Allan and Jimmy on a tour of Central Park before the game tiring them both out, Elizabeth "breaking the" Law, another bright spot offensively selfishly celebrated her line drive hit up the middle while the team was losing by six, Lauren "I'm no hack" Haak celebrated her return to the field with a strike out, Kim "Don't call me Bachrach" Antrosiglio small ball and speed were no match for a strong Shark defense, and Alex "Let me buy your gold" Roth refused to enter the game in the last inning choosing to let the BB's clean up there own mess, all in all a game to forget indeed.
Make sure to come see the BB's play a double header in the park next Friday. If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter.
Notes and Quotes:
Jeff "The Freight train" McLaughlin was off on a scouting assignemnt last night and missed the game. Richard "The Boss" Bachrach and Hank and Hal Bachrach were attending the summer meeting looking to upgrade the team and also were not present at the game, when word reached them of the performance they were said to be furious and Hank and Hal were seen speaking to the Boss about changes. The BallBusters are said to be implementing caffeine testing before next weeks game as some peoples early jitters, as mentioned earlier, are rumored to be a result of to much RedBull and Iced Coffee.

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The Best of Times

by nick 5/21/2009 3:51:00 AM


"The Headlines read these are the worst of times
I do believe its true
When people lock their doors and hide inside
Rumor has it its the end of paradise
But I know, if the world just passed us by
Baby  I know, you wouldn't have to cry"
Styx- The Best of Times
Maybe on the outside these are the worst of times, but on the 5th floor of 39w37th st, where The Bachrach Group and The world renowned Bachrach BallBusters preside that is a load of crap. We all have place to come everyday, an opportunity to make a living in the toughest of economies, the support of our peers and our management, the world and our futures in the palm of our hands if we continue to work hard and fight together and a softball team that is clicking on all cylinders. So indeed these are The Best of Times!
Last night your Bachrach BallBusters, in what was probably one of the most complete team performances I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of, defeated the ball club from Neilson Norris by a score of 14-5. What started out as a close game shortly became a blow out when the juggernaut we call the BallBusters came to life. Errors were few, hits were many and spirits were high. Ali "trash Mouth" McGlincy and Kim "Don't call me Bachrach" Antrosiglio, both playing out of position proved softball smarts and athletic ability are transferable, Ali looked like she was wearing a pair of white shoes of her own filling for Kelly "White Shoes" Lepore at the hot corner she made some plays that were just out of control, and Kim, playing second for the first time in her career and looked like an old pro, handling her chances with class and sophistication and looking like she had played in that spot all her life. As for the bats...the hit parade was running strong as every hitter in the BallBuster lineup had at least one hit, and everyone contributed to a 14 run explosion the left our opponents shaking in there boots, and two runs away from being mercy ruled.
I would also like to give some special thanks to Jeff "The Freight Train" McLaughlin, the manager of the BallBreakers, I mean BallBusters for his passion and for filling in for me on my blog while I have been out. The response to his game ball segment has been so positive that I have asked him to partner with me when I am around and add that to all the write ups, thanks Freight train!
First Game Ball.  Team Game Ball.  In the old days at Yankee Stadium it was called "5 O'clock Lightening". That's when the late innings of an afternoon game would be played and "Murderer's Row", the nickname for the Yankee lineup would start hitting and pound their opponents into submission.  Last night we had 7 O’clock Lightening when we turned a 6-5 game into a 14-6 romp.  8 runs in the 6th inning and everyone contributed.  Team effort! Second Game Ball.  Scott Book.  As always,  solid at the plate with excellent hitting and driving in runs.  But,  his play in left field was outstanding!  No less than 3 times, fighting a vicious sun, Scott held runners at 3rd base and prevented them from scoring with sensational throws from the outfield.  I believe the single biggest contribution in keeping the game close until we blew it out. Defensive Gem of the Game: Ali McGlincy.  4th inning with a runner on third with one out and the score is 6-4 in our favor.  A smash down the 3rd base line that Ali, substituting for Kelly at third and fighting the same sun Scott is fighting, backhands the ball and starts her throwing motion to first.  Only to fool the runner at third into breaking for the plate.  She holds onto the ball and turns and tags the runner out on third.  Damn fine play Ali! ROTY Candidate: Rookie of the Year candidate: Elizabeth Law.  With no experience at softball but with an approach to the game that can only be described as "Joyful", Elizabeth, with new glove in hand, redefined the way to play short field.  If you can't catch it, throw your body in front of the ball but don't let it get by you. Time and time again last night Ellie sacrificed her body stop one line drive after another to keep runners from advancing.  Coupled with her new found swing at the plate, Ellie is definitely a candidate for ROTY. Well done Elizabeth! Return to Action Game Ball:  Nick Catalano.  "The Franchise" returned from his 3 week hiatus and never missed a beat.  At least 8-10 put outs at first base on some good but difficult to handle throws from the other side of the diamond.  Also had some unassisted put outs.  At the plate, Nick showed no rust showering lines drives to the outfield although he did pop out with the bases loaded.  No harm no foul.  Welcome back Nick. I Told You I Could Hit Game Ball:  Scott Hechler.  I heard the rumor and teammates said to have faith but, truth be told, I hadn't seen it so far this season.  Well, last night "Haggy" came to play. Rocketing line drive after line drive, he showed that he really deserves to be in the lead off spot and his speed speaks for itself.  He made me a believer.  Well done! Hitting Game Ball:  Too numerous this week to count!!  Everyone hit but special mention goes out to the usual suspects.  Oliver, Allan, Evan, Scott and of course James.  Familiar sights were James and Oliver running around the bases with more tape measure home runs.  They have become the poster boys for a hitting barrage of late that seems relentless.  Great job! Fielding Game Ball: Kim Antrosiglio and Allan Ageman.  Kim, not even figuring to be in the line-up got the last minute call-up from management to not only play but to play a different position, 2nd base!  Not only did she represent well throwing out at least one runner at first but also covered 2nd base on a variety of throws without faltering once.  Allan, as well as pitching another stellar game, made at least 4 key defensive plays on line-drives hit back up the middle to save what surely would have been base-hits and additional RBI’s.  Well done by both of you. Coach of the Night Game Ball:  Richard Bachrach.  Fighting off the “Evil” first base coach for control of the runners as they past 2nd base, Richard showed extraordinary wisdom in knowing when to send runners home and when to hold them at third.  Even when he had to literally “hold them” at 3rd base.  His work was as strong a reason as any why we where able to extend our innings and put so many runs across the plate.  Some may say he is too conservative but the last two nights we played softball we have scored 18 and 14 runs; respectively.  Pretty hard to argue those numbers. The Battery Game Ball:  With Allan pitching well to a bevy of woman behind the plate, Game Balls to Alex and Heather (aka Tara) Rae.  Both Alex and HR were outstanding behind the plate and Heather even corralled to pop-ups behind the plate and Alex knew when to allow another ball to roll foul instead of trying to make a play on it and allowing a run to score.  All three plays were heads-up plays.  Well done, ladies! 

So that’s it.  Congratulations to you all on another complete team effort.  Another victory leaving us at 3-2 for the season and 3 out of 4 wins in our last 4 games.  Nice game everyone!!!

And like a wise women once told me....

"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter"

 Notes and Quotes:All seems to be heading in the right direction for this years club as evident from the lack of front office chatter. Richard "The Boss" Bachrach seems please with the effort of this years team and had this to say, "Like I say every year this team is built to win a championship and anything less is unacceptable, the pieces are in place and seem to be working well. Now it's up to the players to make that a reality and bring home the championship that this organization deserves." Hank and Hal Bachrach have been off scouting and were not available for comment. After the game, as usual, Alex "Come to my house and sell your GOLD at a premium" Roth was seen whispering in peoples ear to grab a drink after the game, and by people I mean the men. Scott "Haggy" Hechler seemed to solidify his grip on the leadoff spot with a three hit ballgame and impeccable base running skills, though rumor has it he is in negotiations with management for them to buy him a pair of cleats so he doesn't fall down again, with his foot odor problem finally under control, maybe that will happen. Rookie of the Year candidate Elizabeth "Being this good should be against the" Law has promised to bring down numerous "athletic supporters throughout the season, we shall see how successful she is in accomplishing that task, should be interesting to see who else she convinces to come support the BallBusters.

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Splitzville

by nick 5/13/2009 2:52:00 AM
SummaryAs game 1 began the "Ball Buster’s" took the field confident that their defensive prowess of the previous week was no fluke.....but would their bats come around or would we scrape out another victory?  Boy did they ever!!!  Singles, doubles, triples, HR's galore!  Right field, left field and up the middle.  It was a clinic on "hitting it where they ain't".  When it was over 18 Ball Buster’s crossed the plate against a pointless 7 runs for the "Gators".  It was a resounding pounding! Game 2, not so good.  Whether it was the thrill of the first victory, waning enthusiasm, wanting to get home to see Idol or the approaching darkness we quickly found ourselves in a 6-1 deficit.  However, whatever reserve the Ball Busters had left in the tank was about to rear its head one more time.  With a gallant effort of defensive gems and timely hitting, we clawed back to 6-5 going into the last inning.  Alas, it was not meant to be.  As darkness made it difficult to play and a BS interference call by the Ump; we went quietly in the last inning.  So we split the doubleheader and are now 2-2.  But here's the good news.... Good News:In all seriousness, we are a team that will make some noise come playoff time.  We are as competitive as anyone in our division.  Last night everyone hit, fielded their position well, hit cutoff men, threw runners out at the plate (twice), ran the bases with reckless abandon and ran out every ball.  Everyone’s head was in the game and we all encouraged each other.  It's what a team should be.  In this manager's opinion, who by the way, came prepared with scorebook, posted lineup, two balls (hmmm...), field permits and an encouraging word, we are a team to be reckoned with and will not go quietly into that good night.... Game Balls:First Game Ball:  Allan Ageman.  Allan pitched two complete games giving up only 16 runs.  That's practically a shutout in softball terms.  He went 7-8 at the plate hitting three doubles, driving in 7 runs and a stand-up triple on 50-something legs!  On top of that, he made two put-outs at home plate to help shut down two separate rallies.  Complete performance Allan!! Game Ball: To Kelly and Ali for making key defensive stops.  Ali, made play after play at second base taking all kinds of throws and tallying 7 put-outs.  She can handle any overhand ball thrown here way (Listening James?).  Kelly made THE defensive play of the game at third base.  Second game/4th inning and the "Gators" threatening to blow the game wide-open when Kelly fields a ground-ball smash, back handed the ball going towards third and throws the runner out.  David Wright maybe doesn't that play.  Kelly did! Game Ball:  To the four Amigos.  Scott, Evan, Oliver and of course, James.  Home runs from Oliver and Scott and a couple from James that I think one would have made it out at Yankee Stadium.  Each week these four put on a hitting display that is awe-inspiring.  Well done gentlemen.  Allan should be counted in this group but he already has a Game Ball. OBA Game Balls.  On Base Percentage Game Balls have to be given to Haggy and Kim.  No powerhouses at the plate to be sure but the two of them have the highest on base percentage of us all.  Home runs are great but not if there isn't anyone to drive in.  These two turn solo HR's into multi-run HR’s. New Faces:  Game Ball to Dave.  Perhaps another star first baseman?  First base is becoming a luxury position with two quality first basemen.  Dave also showed his hitting skills by lacing line-drive after line drive all over the field.  Dave is a welcomed addition to the team.  Then we have Ellie who showed us all that never having played softball in one's life does not have to be a hindrance.  She is a natural athlete.  Strong arm and a natural swing at the plate.  If she ever picks up a glove on the weekend or goes to a batting cage, she could be dangerous.  You represented well, Elizabeth!  Finally, there was Tara (aka Heather Rae) who was our mystery guest.  A mystery no longer.  Another natural athlete with a personality and heckling abilities to rival any of the Ball Busters!!!  Another welcomed addition to our team!! FANtastic Game Ball:  Game ball to Alex for despite being hurt came out to God-forsaken Randall's Island and cheered us on anyway.  True team spirit Alex!  Same can be said for our third base coach Richard, who makes this all possible, and Scott B. who were both active participants in yesterday's action Swan Dive Award:  This cannot go unmentioned.  We actually have two entries!!  Both Haggy and Evan fell, for no apparent reason, between first and second running on hits.  Haggy seemed to recover quickly but Evan, in true big-man fashion languished in the dirt, flailing his arms and doing a belly crawl to second base.  I don't remember if he was safe or out because I was too busy peeing in my pants but that is a vision that will not soon leave my brain.   So that's it.  The sun shined, it rained, the wind blew sand gusts and we even had a rainbow.  Through it all we had a lot of fun and laughs and almost pulled off a sweep.  I was glad to be part of it!! Jeff 

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The Bachrach Group's Softball Team.

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