Game 1 - After the Fact

Grantland Rice, an American sportswriter during our turn of the century wrote , ‘It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.’  Vince Lombardi, famed Green Bay Packers coach and namesake for the National Football League’s (NFL) coveted Super Bowl trophy is quoted as saying, ‘Winning isn’t the only thing; it’s everything.’

I hate football.

Your Memorial Ballers lost their Home Opener yesterday on Dairy Field 4 against The Philadelphia Zoo.  The score, a crushing, stomping, lot to little 32-6 with Please Touch rallying slightly bottom of the seventh.  Unfortunately, our effort provided too little, too late.  Regardless, spirits were high, our mood cheerfully sarcastic and a good time was had by most!  Honorable mentions, plays of the day and general awesome-ness include an incredible but made-to-look-easy catch by Nora Banks playing short right field; a snag which not only ended an eight-run Zoo rally but also bottom of the first inning.  More than one line-drive was effectively terminated by rookie third-baseman Matthew Schwartz, dedicated fiancée of Please Touch Museum Music Coordinator, Ann Goering.  Ann, also a Ballers rookie, made her all-star debut at second base and closed as catcher during innings six and seven.  Newly drafted Grant Writer, Brain Rafter covered left field – Literally.  Rafter arguably spent more time on the field after diving and impressive feats of acrobatics, laying out for more than one Zoo pop-up or foul fly!  Dan ‘The Man’ B. made his debut at short stop, thus rounding out our newbie Ballers.  Please Touch veterans such as solid left center Andrew Riley, right center Rob Fernandez and all-around Renaissance man FLuzi who pitched, killed time in right field and closed at short stop, lent experience, constructive criticism and an air of ballin’ flair.  In addition, catcher turned closer Claudia Setubal held our opening opponents to minimal run devastation during innings six and seven while seasoned slugger Renee K. staked second base, innings four through seven.  Co-captain, Adam ‘The Beast’ Phillips played an amazingly solid first base stretching, scooping and chasing down pop flies despite pre-season ankle injuries and DL rumors.  As remaining co-captain, I was content to keep score, maintain our rookie roster and provide endless encouragement; albeit laced with love and sarcasm.

In short, I have to disagree with Vince – Winning isn’t everything.  It IS how you play the game, the example you set and the fun you have with truly amazing people!

Pen, Pencil, Poor Sports

Game 2 of the Memorial Ballers season dawned hot, humid and hopeful.

With a record turnout of fresh faces and faithful friends, us ‘Bad Touchers’ stared age, wisdom, experience and douche-baggery in the face.  Pen and Pencil club, a dying breed of journalists and pencil pushers of Philadelphia’s own Daily News and Inquirer, Game 2 opponents and an old, festering rival.

Inning 1 began promising with the Ballers closing out on top 4-2.  Unfortunately, our lead was short-lived.  With Pen and Pencil pulling ahead 4-7 inning two, a downward spiral ensued.  With a final score of 8-26 and an outwardly amicable parting among enemies, improvement was the name of our game.

Notable performances and honorable mentions?  With her debut as starting pitcher, Claudia Setubal chucked a solid five innings, rounding out her remaining play as designated hitter.  Rookie, Armin Pop, younger brother to former Pop Star and Please Touch coordinator Silvana, spent five innings backing home.  Relocated to right center, Brian Rafter virtually laid out for an amazing snag mid-game – Simultaneously boosting moral and pulling both quad muscles.  Leon, making his 2011 season debut, fielded right center solidly and boasted a solo home run bottom of inning nine – Impressive, stunning, too little too late.  Staking out second base and shortstop, Renee along with Frank Luzi respectively, scooped what Pen and Pencil dropped within our baseline.  Playing like professionals, newcomer Nelson, Andrew Riley, his brother Greg and third-baseman Matt Schwartz were the epitome of reliable, solid and consistent!  Play of the game?  Sacrificing his moneymaker, first baseman Adam Phillips took a bouncing throw from third in the chin.  A timeout was called, play suspended to check for blood and ice obtained – Next time the ‘Beast’ will bring his big girl panties and take it like a man.

To all Ballers, I leave you with this, Self-improvement is the name of the game, and your primary objective is to strengthen yourself, not to destroy an opponent.

The Pen and Pencil Club may disagree, but this is me caring.