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
Ball Busters
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