by nick
6/17/2009 11:00:00 AM
The skies were dark, enthusiasm was low and no one really wanted to play. Coming off a fairly decisive whupping the week before who could hardly blame anyone. But the Ball Busters did show up last night on field 7, almost all of us, and collectively decided to beat the hell out of the opposition. And beat the hell out of them we did. With 2 runs in the first, 5 in the second, 3 in the third, 2 in the fourth, 2 in the fifth and 1 in the 6th, the Ball Busters “Mercy Ruled” the opposition into submission. After the 5th inning, if one team is leading by 12 runs or more they call the game. The game ended after the 6th inning last night. The Ball Busters were victorious 15-3. Even if everyone did not get a hit last night, everyone hit the ball extremely well. Defense was sharp. Pitching was equally sharp and besides some base running lapses (we will get back to that later); it was a complete team victory. Spirits were high at games-end even if the “Beeluuuga” chant never materialized. Sorry Nick! Anyway, we were mired in 5th place going into the game and we will have to wait and see where we wind up this week but this team still has a chance to make some noise come playoff time. I wouldn’t alert the media or let the pigeons loose just yet, but I, for one, am a keeper of the faith!!! Special recognition to the following…… First Game Ball. The Women of Bachrach!! Specifically Ali, Kelly, Elizabeth and Lauren. The hitting display of these four women last night was awe-inspiring! All of them hit screaming line drives all over the field. They were responsible for 8 of our 17 hits. Impressive in its own right but the sheer velocity of how these balls left the infield was eye-popping. Well done ladies!! Purple-Heart Game Ball: Elizabeth Law. First inning playing Short Center. Elizabeth attempts to field a towering pop-up. What does Elizabeth and Michael Jackson have in common??? They both wear gloves for no apparent reason. Coming from Australia, Elizabeth hasn’t learned that the hand the glove is on is actually for catching the ball. Needless to say, Elizabeth tries to bare-hand the catch and her hand swelled like a mushroom. In the cab ride after the game, Ellie made a feeble attempt to blame Allan for some comment he made about “The Alligator” but it fell mostly on deaf ears. Ellie stayed in the game and finished like a champ!! 2nd Purple Heart Game Ball: Ali McGlincy. After hustling down the line on a close play at first and beating out the throw, Ali skinned knees with the first baseman that produced “third-degree” burns on her knee and made it difficult to run to second as the ball got passed the 1st baseman. Halfway towards second base, Ali turned and let go a barrage of the “delicate” language we all know and love her for. No one knew if it was aimed at the first baseman, her knee or just the pain in her leg. Nonetheless, the opposition stayed clear of the Ali the rest of the game. ; ) Defensive Game Ball. Kelly, Ali, Scott and Oliver. Oliver making a home-run saving, Willie Mays-like, over-the-head, back-handed catch in deep center field that took all of his athletic ability. Sensational catch when we were actually losing 3-2 in the early innings. Maybe the inspiration we needed. Scott made another outstanding grab in left field and Kelly and Ali made play after play after play at third base and second base that every inning seemed to stopped another rally. Bravo to the four of you!! MVP Candidate Game Ball: Scott Book. After boldly “informing” the manager of a pre-game lineup change that resulted in Mr. Book batting first in the lineup, Scott did not disappoint. Scott went 3-4 at the plate scorching double after double and was responsible for 6 RBI’s. Couple that with stellar defensive play including a back-handed catch of a line-drive smashed down the left field line and Scott is the early favorite for MVP of the Bachrach ball busters this season. Bravo, Scott! Home Run Game Ball: James Sammarco. There are only a few things in life you can count on. James hitting a home-run in a BB softball game is one of them. One HR is still rolling they other he made from complete hustle (listening Haggy?) and fearless third base coaching! ; ). Way to go James. You are the home run king. Long live the King!! Manny Ramirez “Look at Me” Game Ball: Scott Hechler. Now I know why he drives Allen crazy on the field. With the natural born speed of a gazelle, “Haggy” likes to admire his long fly balls he hits. The only problem is that he likes to admire them from home plate instead of RUNNING!!! Case in point. 5th inning. Scott hits a blast to left field knowing quite well” that the female left fielder couldn’t even see the ball let alone catch it. He stands at home plate looking at the ball instead of running, the opposition relays the ball in from LEFT FIELD and almost throws him out at first base!! (Okay maybe that’s a small exaggeration but its how I want to remember it!) Bravo-less Haggy! Manny Ramirez “Mini-Me”: Allan Ageman. After pitching a brilliant game and holding the opposition to just three runs Allan decided to take the fifth inning off. After hitting a weak ground ball to third base, Allan quit running to first base half way up the 1st base line. This act of surrender was not lost on the Bachrach Bench that still needed one run to Mercy Rule the opposition. Of course, still harboring some anger from her injury, Ali let go another barrage of “delicate” language that actually caused the “Corporate Challenge” runners to come to a sudden stop. Needless to say she let Allan have it and morale went up 20 points!! Poorly done Allan! Well done Ali! Ms. Congeniality Game Ball: Alex Roth. For reasons only known to her. Alex let Lauren play and entire game behind home plate. Even after being cajoled into playing, Alex was content to allow Lauren, who was playing superbly, to continue having fun. Excellent example of sportsmanship and teamwork!! Bravo Alex. Throw In Game Ball: Evan Price. Not much to comment on in terms of his contribution on the field last night. Solid first base. Didn’t miss any throws to first. Biggest contribution was during the cab ride to CP. Evan regaled Allan and me with stories of statuesque beauties of conquest in the past. It was a definite “TMI” moment but it did make for a short cab ride. Thanks Evan. Okay, that’s it. On to next week and we will see what adventures await. Noticeably missing this week were the Bachrach Boys, Kim and Nick. An inquiry is being sought after by the executive committee about the mysterious absences!! More details to come…… As always, it was great to be part of the fun last night in the Park!
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