Ball Busters Tie One On!

by Jeff 4/27/2011 11:16:00 AM

The Ball Busters took the field last night against another last year division 1 team now playing division 2 ball by the name of the World Lung Foundation (WCF); trying to make amends for our opening day demolition at the hands of the Macy’s Stars. Incredibly, we again found ourselves down 5-0 at the end of the first half of the first inning. As the Ball Busters walked off the field it was apparent that one of two things were going to happen. One, would be to watch the season go straight down the toilet right then and there and just play out the string of games we had left even though the season was just getting started OR dust ourselves off and not go quietly into that goodnight. Not give up without a fight! Fight on is exactly what we did. By the time the first inning was complete we clawed back to a 5-5 tie. Game on! The game ebbed and flowed from there. The Ball Busters went up 6-5 and then WLF regained the lead 7-6 in the late innings. We were able to fight back and tie the game at 7-7 and then held WCF in the top of the 7^th inning(we only play 7 innings) to no runs. Being instructed by the umpire that this game would only go 7 innings no matter what the score was (no extra innings), we knew we had our last at bat to try and score a run and seal a victory. Matt Last started things off with a blistering drive to the outfield and we were in business. After a quick out came the deciding play of the game. Kate Canetti came to the plate and smashed a ground ball up the middle that the opposing shortstop, fully extended, dove to stop the ball from reaching the outfield. He got a glove on the ball but could not control it. Matt running to second tried to take advantage of the miscue and headed, with encouragement from all of us, to third base. Diving for the ball and simultaneously spinning on his knees, the shortstop regained possession and tried to head Matt off and threw the ball to third base. The throw came in low and hard as did Matt Last and arrived at the same time as the hook-sliding Matt. When the dust cleared Matt was out. During the play, Kate tried to reach second base and was also thrown out. End of game. 7-7 tie. You play aggressive and take some calculated chances. Only a perfect throw gets Matt and the shortstop made the perfect throw. Regardless, It was a hell of a lot of fun! There were some new faces on the team and some returning veteran’s that stood out last night. They deserve some recognition: First Game Ball: Evan Price – “The Truth” delivered last night in monstrous fashion. First inning homerun that easily went 350 feet in the air and when Evan turned on the “after-burners” scored with ease with our first homerun of the season! Next at bat he hit the ball even farther but they were ready for him this time and were deep enough to make the catch. Evan will be moving up in the lineup next week for sure!! Second Game Ball: Matt Last – “First” Matt was a hitting machine last night, solid fielding and heads up play all around. Matt made a spectacular diving catch on foul ball near third base throwing caution to the wind about sacrificing his body. I think Matt is a keeper and will receiving numerous “Game Balls” as the season progresses. Game Ball: Jordan Shapiro – “The UNTZ”. After a shaky start as our Pitcher, Jordan stepped up and finished the game strong. After the initial 5 run outburst in the first inning, Jordan held the opposition to just 2 runs over the remaining 6 innings. That’s pretty awesome. Plus Jordan showed some skills at the plate as well. A face in the crowd to keep an eye on! Game Ball: Karin Michonski – “Special K” Karin drove in a run with a smash up the middle last night and although she had not played softball “in years”, shook off the rust and represented well. You can tell that Karin will be a major contributor as the season moves forward! Game Ball: Kate Canetti – “Newbee” Jeff Segal recruited Kate for us off the internet so we were not sure what we were getting. What we got was a ballplayer!! Kate could throw, bat and field as well as any women we have had on the Ball Busters and has a genuine enthusiasm for the game. Kate has a tough schedule during the year but we are going to find a way to get her back! Game Ball: Francine Rivera – “Segal’s Woman”. Francine accepted the unenviable position of catcher last night and played with grace and enthusiasm. Francine was available in our time of need to fill out the required amount of women (4) we need to field a team each week. What she may have lacked in softball skills she made up for with class and a smile. We were glad to have her! So that’s it. A win was not to be had but we get a point for the tie and a brighter outlook for the season to come. Most of us went out for a few pops after the game and were joined by Mayron and some of the boys from Synetek as well as Mike (Karin’s boy) and a good time was had by all. We the ability to make some noise this year and I remain a keeper of the faith. As always, any day that ends playing softball in Central Park is a damn good day! Jeff Jeffrey M. McLaughlinManaging Director – Information Technology Division The Bachrach Group, LTD39 West 37^th Street, 5^th Floor New York, NY 10018P: (212) 279-7777 ext. 218www.bachrachgroup.com

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