First takes 11th in Slo-Pitch

Tuesday, September 14 vs Stirling Ave

Hi Team,

Tuesday night saw us scheduled to play Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church in the last play-off game of the season.  Since both of our teams had lost our first four games of the post-season, neither of us would make the championship, and the winner would take 11th place, leaving the other in 12th.

    Despite Cal having to pick up his daughter at the airport, we had 10 players including three potential pitchers.  Stirling, unfortunately, managed only four players.  Even their manager (and equipment bag holders) didn't show up!  So the big "showdown like its 1924" didn't materialize.  In fact, out of six games against Stirling in the past two seasons, the only game that wasn't a default or rain out was last season's play-off game.  See the blog www.firstslopitch.blogspot.com for summaries of previous games.

    We did play some 7-on-7, with the batting team supplying a catcher/umpire and first baseman.  With only seven in the lineup, and two fielders, and sometimes a runner from the fence needed, it was non-stop activity on the diamond.  Kind of an anti-climactic end to a season, but fun nonetheless.

    Team Wrap-Up Party: A good way to end the season will be the team party next Sunday, September 26.  John & Susan Pries have invited us to their home west of St. Jacobs.  We are invited to come any time after 3 pm for horseshoes, volleyball, other games if you wish.  John and Susan will provide meat and buns for some small nominal charge, and we can all bring either dessert or salad.  Fans, family and significant others are also invited.  RSVP to John by Wednesday if you can come (even if you told me at the game). 

    This will be the last slo-pitch email until next spring, I expect.  Thanks for a great season.

Scott

   

 

Hot Dogging it at Slo-Pitch

Wednesday, September 8 vs Waterloo MB 2 and Erb St,

Wednesday night we had more than twice the number of players as last week, and so we were able to play both games legally, even with a rover, and one on the bench in the early game.  It is good to see so many yellow shirts out.

    The first game was against Waterloo MB 2.  We had some good plays, some hard hits at people, and they had a lot of good hits, too.  The rain came off and on, but we completed five innings before time ended the game.  WMB2 came out ahead 20-3.

    Cal's BBQ warmed our (hot dog) buns up between games in the picnic shelter.  Interestingly, on a dark, windy and sometimes rainy night in the first week of school, no fans decided to come for a game.  Even with free admission.

    The rest, or the hot dogs, or something seemed to help us in the late game.  We had largely good defence with good scoops, hard and quick throws in from the outfield, and smart plays.  In the fourth inning we batted around and scored six runs, and added a few in the fifth (I believe).  Anyway, we were ahead after five innings.  It didn't hold up, but we should feel good about a well played, competitive game.  Let's take some of that into the last game of the season Tuesday, September 14 at 8 pm on Diamond 'B' vs Stirling Ave.  If it rains, we play on Wednesday at the same time.  I am expecting most of our regulars, except for Dave Frey, but please remind me of your plans.  I, with Mark D-H's ride, will be getting there not much before the 8 pm game time. 

    Team Wrap-up Party: Please let me know if you are interested in having a post-season team party, and what your avaialability would be the weekend of Sept 17-19 or Sept 24-26.  It might be nice to have something more that hot dogs in a cold, dark picnic shelter, and family and fans could come, too.  Also, if anyone is willing to host it, that person can pick the night!

    League Question: With the lights on diamond 'B', there is more capacity in Bloomingdale.  However, as a league, we haven't pursued the possibility of expansion to up to 16 teams.  Despite that, there is a chance that we could reserve those late slots for extra use, such as practices or make-up games.  League fees would go up modestly (perhaps $6-$10 per person) to cover that.  Any opinions on whether this is worth it?

Thanks,

 

Donuts at Slo-Pitch

Hi Team,

Tuesday, August 31 vs Glencairn and Westheights
Heading to Algonquin (later than some teammates) now, so this will be brief.

We only had 4 and 5 players on Tuesday night, but had fun anyhow, playing mixed teams.  Some "green" players even ate donuts while playing with us.  We got donuts on the scoreboard since we defaulted.

Next week we play Wednesday, September 8, at 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm.  Let's have a team and fan BBQ (bring your own food for the grill, and other finger food to share, team will bring juices) at 8 pm (between games).  All fans welcome.

  Players, please RSVP with your attendance plans.

Into the Sunset at Slo-Pitch

Wednesday, August 25 vs Glencairn
For the second game in a row, we had an amazing sunset during our game. This week we also witnessed a harvest moon (I think), as the moon was rising in the east as the sun was rising in the west. As this was the final game of the regular season, the sunset image is appropriate.
We had a good, tight game going last night. We held Glencairn scoreless in the first three innings, and only allowed three runs in the fourth. As we had scored one* in the top of the third, we had a lead going for a while. While we allowed eight runs in the bottom of the fifth, we came back in the top of the sixth to more than bat around and score five runs ourselves. We also sent all eight players to the plate in the top of the ninth and tacked on two runs. While we lost our edge in the last half the game, we had some good solid defense in the first four innings, and it was fun to be right in the game. In the end, Glencairn won and clinched 11th place. We claimed the final play-off spot.
Play-Offs: Next week we play on Tuesday, August 31 at 8 pm and 9:30 pm. We play on Wednesday, September 8 at 6:30 and 9:30 pm, and on Tuesday, September 14 at 8:00 pm. All games are in Bloomingdale.
Please let me know if you can come to these games. For next week I expect Peter J, Mark P, Scott A, Dave F, Mackenzie F, hopefully Mark D-H and Steven M. Nathan M can only make the 9:30 game. Cal is likely at Algonquin by then.
Have a great week.
Scott

*We had a disputed play in the third inning. With the bases loaded and two out, a ground ball was hit towards third base. The third baseman fielded the ball and tagged the runner going from second to third (instead of stepping on the base), but not before the runner from third crossed the home plate line. Question - should the run count. Clearly, a force play is in effect (as it was here), and the fielder steps on the base, the run does not score. If, on the other hand, it were a different situation and a player was tagged out in a non-force situation, the run would score. Does the fact that the fielder elected to tag the forced runner instead of stepping on the base alter the scoring? My reading of the Slo-Pitch rules suggests that the run should not score. Rule 8, Section 5 N says the following:
A BASERUNNER IS OUT under the following circumstances:

N. When, on a force out, a fielder tags him with the ball or holds the ball on the base to which the baserunner is forced to advance, before the baserunner can reach that base.

EFFECT Sec. 5 M-Q The ball remains alive and in play and all other baserunners are in

jeopardy.
This suggests that no distinction is made between touching the base and tagging the runner when a force is in effect. Sorry Cal. We didn't score the run, and that appears to have been the correct call.

Everyone scores in Slo-Pitch

Tuesday, August 17 vs Stirling Ave.
We played Stirling Ave, and it didn't even rain! (See the team blog http://firstslopitch.blogspot.com/2010/05/slo-pitch-vs-stirling-means-rain.html for more details.) However, we do seem to have trouble getting in actual games against our up-the-hill friends. In July, we defaulted to them, and last week they didn't muster enough players (only 6). Cal became a turncoat (although he kept wearing his yellow shirt), and we played nine on seven.
Looking at the scorebook, it seems that every person scored at least one run in the game, and nobody more than two. How is that for spreading around 15 or 16 runs? (The scorebook doesn't show John Pries scoring, but I think he came in on my triple in the second.) I was able to get out twice in the sixth inning, meaning that we more than batted around. I don't know how many runs Stirling ended up with, but we won the game for the standings.
This week is our final regular season game, Wednesday, August 25 at 7 pm, on Diamond 'B' vs Glencairn. Your schedule suggests the game will begin at 6:45; however, because of the new lights we can start as usual at 7. Being there early is always good, though. I am expecting Peter J, Cal J, Scott A, Dave F, Nathan M, Mark P, Steven M, and hopefully Brian M. I know that John P and Mark DH are unavailable. Cam J is a maybe who would be very welcome. What about Sal U or Chris S??
An interesting note, we have one win this season (last week). Glencairn has two. If we win the game this week we tie for 11th (5th in the B pool) of the league. We could enter the playoffs on a two-game win streak!
Playoffs: All playoff games will be at Bloomingdale, under the new lights. As we are in the 'B' pool, we will play on the following nights:
Tuesday, August 31 (2 games)
Wednesday, September 8 (2 games)
Wednesday, September 15 (1 game unless we need to make up a rain-out)
Tuesday, September 21 will be the championship games for each pool, with Wednesday, September 22 as the back-up date.
Exact game times for these dates will be announced after results of this weeks' games deternine the seeding. Game times will likely be 6:30 pm, 8:00 and 9:30.
Team Party: It's not too early to think about a season-ending team party. Ideally, this could take place on the weekend of Sept 17-19 or Sept 24-26, and family members and significant othters are welcome. Let me know if you are open to hosting, and if a particular date works better than others. We have had an evening BBQ the last couple years. Ideas are welcome.

Tearing the Cover off the Slo-Pitch Ball

Wednesday, August 11 vs Waterloo MB 2
Here comes the long-awaited (in my own mind, I guess) Slo-Pitch game report, after I took the last four weeks off.
Last night's game started well, with our team scoring three times and going through the entire eight-person batting order in the bottom of the first. I have to say "person" and not "man" since Peter's girlfriend Andrea stepped up to play second base and later rover, saving us from a default. Mark P hit the ball so hard it ended up with a tear. Really.
We scored one more run later in the game, and got mercied only once, so we lost this game to Waterloo MB 2. We also had two "half fans", Debra and Stacey Gerber of First Mennonite, who also cheered on son and brother Joel playing for WMB2.
Next week we play Tuesday, August 17 at 7 pm, on Diamond A, home vs Stirling Ave. I am expecting Peter J, Cal J, Scott A, Mark DH, Dave F, Steve M, Nathan M, Brian M, Mark P. If I am correct in all that, we will have 10, but others are quite welcome, especially if you need a couple games to be eligible for the playoffs.
The last regular season game will be Wednesday, August 25, 7 pm on Diamond B (not 6:45 as the schedule says, since there are now lights on the diamond). Playoffs will be either Monday or Tuesday, August 28 or 29, and all will be at Bloomingdale. They will continue on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the first two or three weeks of September.

Slo-Pitch vacation

I have missed posting here the last couple of weeks, since I have been on vacation. During last week's game I was enjoying the view of the Rockies from the train.

From league website, it appears that the July 13 game saw us gain a "moral victory" by scoring in the double-digits (an even dozen) against a very tough Bloomingdale team, which is one of the league leaders. This past week (July 20) our game was against Stirling, a team whose only win this year came on a default by the other team. Unfortunately for us, they won in the same manner. The website doesn't specify if we ended up playing ball anyway, just that fewer than 8 of our players showed up.

Next week we play Wednesday, July 28, 9 pm on Diamond 'A' H vs Erb Street. I don't know who is all available. It would appear that there is room if anyone wants to bring friends.

I am still on vacation, and will be back for the August 11 game. Please check the schedules that you have on paper, or on the league website http://www.kwmennoniteslopitch.com/
For reference, the following two games are:
Tues, Aug 3, 7 pm 'A' V @ Waterloo North
Wed, Aug 11, 7 pm 'B' H vs Waterloo MB 2
Good luck and have fun.

Wait for the Open Inning in Slo-Pitch

Tuesday, July 6 vs Waterloo MB
Tuesday night was a night of waiting. To begin, our eigth and ninth players hit every red light on the way to the game, arriving about 7:05 pm. Then we decided to wait a few innings to get our offense going. We got a number of base runners in even in the early innings, but just couldn't bring them in. Cal J even hit to the opposite field for a single, perhaps for the first time this season. We did plate a few, but waited for the seventh or eighth inning (one of the "open innings" with no mercy rule limiting us to eight runs) to break out. We sent ten men to the plate, with Dave Frey coming through with the big hit, a two-run double that went all the way to the right-centre field fence. We scored four of our seven runs in that inning.
Next week we play Tuesday, July 13, 7 pm on Diamond 'A', visitors against Bloomingdale. I am expecting Peter J, Nathan M, Mark P (who confirmed on Facebook)
Jonathan B, Dave F, Sal U, and Cal J. Steven M is on the disabled list, and Mackenzie F is at camp.
I am gone the next four weeks for vacation, and will be back for the August 11 game. Please check the schedules that you have on paper, or on the team blog site (http://www.firstslopitch.blogspot.com/) or on the league website http://www.kwmennoniteslopitch.com/
For reference, the next five games are:
Tues, July 13, 7 pm 'A' V @ Bloomingdale
Tues, July 20, 9 pm 'A' V @ Stirling Ave
Wed, July 28, 9 pm 'A' H vs Erb Street
Tues, Aug 3, 7 pm 'A' V @ Waterloo North
Wed, Aug 11, 7 pm 'B' H vs Waterloo MB 2

Good luck and have fun.

Canadian Slo-Pitch with a bit of Engish on it

Wednesday, June 30 vs Glencairn MB
I guess it is now Canada Day, so enjoy the holiday. Cal returned from his voyage to pitch tonight, and had a bit of English left for his pitches.
On the way to the diamond in Mark D-H's car (without him), I was thinking we would only have seven players, seeing as Steven M is on the disabled list with a sore shoulder. I hoped and prayed that maybe another player would show up. Lo and behold, who do I see in the parking lot but a strapping young man wearing a yellow t-shirt, saying he is a friend of Nathan's. Thanks for coming out, Jonathan!
The eight of us (with a catcher provided) played some good defense, especially to start. We held them scoreless in the first, allowed one run in the second and three in the third. Mark D-H had complained in previous games about a lack of work at third base, so picked a bad day to miss. I made (and missed) a few plays there, including two self-preservation catches on liners the first two innings. We also caught Glencairn runners a few times, with some good throws from Nathan in the outfield, and one run-down between first and second.
Our bats ran hot and cold in the game. We batted around to plate three in the third inning. Nathan M and Peter J each showed agressive and quick baserunning to score runs during the game. Cal J went "the other way" (i.e. to the second base side of the third baseman) for a run-scoring single, and made it to second on the throw. That's what speed will do. We ended up with eight runs - one scored by each player except Nathan, and two by Chris S. Glencairn scored more than us.
Next week we play Tuesday, July 6, 7 pm on Diamond 'B', home vs Waterloo MB (1). I am expecting Cal J, Scott A, Peter J, Nathan M, Mark P, and Chris S. (That's only 6, although a few others are possible.) I know that Mark D-H and Mackenzie F are away. Please RSVP if you can come (or not).
Enjoy the long weekend.

Close plays in Slo-Pitch

Wednesday, June 23 vs Waterloo MB 2
Nine players made it out to Wednesday's slo-pitch game against Waterloo MB 2. As it turned out, we got through the batting order exactly four times in the seven innings we played, so everyone (both last and first in the order) got an equal number of chances to hit.
We had six batters produce one run in the first, and also held WB (as they are known on the league schedule) scoreless in that inning. Mackenzie F made a beautiful catch in left to help that along, if I remember correctly. Dave F was the one-man battery for the second straight game, starting as pitcher and ending as catcher. When Steve M took over on the pitching rubber, Mackenzie came into cover second base for the first time in his career. The first batter hit one to him, and was retired 4-3.
A number of plays on the night were quite close. We almost caught a runner at home in a bang-bang play, I hit a liner down the first base line that was millimeters foul, and someone (sorry, I forget) was called out on a very close play at first base. In the end, we plated three runs, and despite some good defense, the score wasn't close.
Next week we play on Wednesday, June 30, 9 pm home vs Glencairn MB. You likely don't have to work the next day (Canada Day), so come on out to play. Bring fans! I am expecting Cal J, Scott A, Chris S, Steven M, Mark P, Nathan M. I know that Mark DH, Mackenzie, and Dave are out. Please let me know if you can come.

Nine Innings of Slo-Pitch

Tuesday, June 15 vs Breslau
I know this is a bit of lame subject line, but we don't actually get nine innings played every game, based on the time.
Tuesday night we had a fairly quick game and did play a full game. With ten players out, including Felipe G for his first game, we were all in the game and no one had to sit. Cal J was (still is) in England trying to auction off a used oil rig of BP's or something. Dave F and John P handled the pitching duties. In each of their first innings they held Breslau scoreless. Some good defense, especially some nice running catches by Chris S. and the other outfielders, helped that out. The bottom of the first looked promising, as my double and then a "sacrifice" ground-out from Dave F had me on third with one out. Unfortunately, after John P reached base, Breslau turned a double play on a hard grounder by our clean up hitter, ending the inning. Their defense was great throughout the game, holding us to three runs in total. Our defense held up reasonably well, as they hit the ball hard and found a lot of holes. There is a reason that Breslau has only lost one game in the past two seasons.
Next week we play on Wednesday, June 23, 7 pm on diamond 'A', visitors to Waterloo MB 2. I am expecting me, Mark DH, Dave, Mackenzie, Nathan, Mark P, and likely Steven M. Others are possible. Cal J and Dani N are out. Please let me know.
Have a great Fathers' Day dads.

Double double-digits for Slo-Pitch

Wednesday, June 9, vs Elmira
I almost sent around another rain warning for last night's game, but the clouds closed up in the afternoon and held off until well after our game was finished. My socks were wet from the outfield grass, but the field was quite playable.
Eleven of us came out, including five old guys like me, meaning that the young bucks who don't need the rest had to trade off catching and bench duty. We could all hit, however, and we did. The first four batters in the first inning all had hits and scored, driven in by the next five batters. The last two batters that didn't get up in the first then hit and scored in the second inning. By holding Elmira to three in the first and one in the second, we were up 6-4 after two innings. Mark DH had the big hit of the night, sending a line drive over the fence in left, but Mackenzie F also had a nice drive for a double, and there were a few other doubles on the night, as well. I wasn't coaching third, we had good baserunning to help score some runs. We ended up with eleven (11) runs, which Cal pointed out is double double digits. Elmira did mercy us in one inning, but then the relief pitchers (Steven M, John P, and Dave F) kept the score down in the last three innings.
Next week we play Tuesday, June 15, 7 pm on Diamond 'B', home vs Breslau. I am expecting (I think) Scott A, Brian M, Nathan M, Dave F. Cal J is gone the next two weeks, and some others are maybes. We could use some more over-30's! Please let me know if you can come.

Slo-Pitch for the fun of it

Wednesday, June 2, vs Waterloo North?
As forecast, it was a fairly wet afternoon and evening today. That was enough to call it a rainout at 7 pm. Waterloo North went home, as did one of our over-30 players, but eleven of stayed, since we were there. The rain was actually fairly light, even stopping for a while. Over on Diamond B, Stirling left, and two of Erb Street's players, but the rest were up for a game. So we played Erb St just for fun -- which, of course, is the point of every game.
The scorebook stayed in the car, so there isn't a lot to report about the game. Underager Ibrahim N acquitted himself well both in the field, and in his only at-bat. Peter J nabbed two hard liners in a row at short in one inning. Mark P had a two-run hit in the first inning. Steven M ran quite aggressively on one hit, and actually could have been called safe, but sometimes things work differently on a game that isn't scored.
Next week we play on Wednesday, June 9, 7 pm on Diamond 'B' V @ Elmira.
I only know that Steven M and I will be there. It looks like Cam J's new career may end his slo-pitch career, at least for this season. Let's win a game for him this season. Please let me know if you can come. Hopefully we have better weather next week.
Please pay me your fees for the season either at church on Sunday, or at the next game.

Slo-Pitch Sweet Sixteen

Tuesday, May 25 vs Erb Street Mennonite Church
Tuesday night's warm weather warmed up our bats, too, even if we were missing the "girl's bat." We jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Mackenzie F got rbi hits in the second and fourth innings. Cal J managed to get out twice in the sixth inning, but that was a good thing. It meant that all ten batters hit that inning (plus Cal twice), and we scored seven runs in all. Adding on three in the 7th and two more in the 8th, we ended up with a sweet total of 16 runs scored in the game. That is definitely a high for the season so far.
We could use some reminders on base running, although we managed to recover from most of our mistakes. Using myself as an example, I was twice on second base when a fly ball was hit. Once, when there was one out, I ran quite hard, and was lucky it dropped. The other time, there were two outs, and I should have been going harder from contact. That time I might have scored when it was dropped in the outfield. btw, Erb Street ended up with more runs than us, but I am not sure how many.
Next week we play Wednesday, June 2, 7 pm at Diamond 'A', home vs Waterloo North. I am expecting Peter J, Cal J, Scott A, Dave F, Mackenzie F, Steven M, Nathan M, Mark P, and Chris S. I know that Mark DH cannot come. That is nine (assuming all stays the same), which makes room for a few more, yet. Please let me know if you can come or not.
Saturday (and Friday night) is the Mennonite Relief Sale in New Hamburg. Cal forgot to get his plug in after the game, so I thought I would here.
Have a great week, and try to keep cool.

Sunny and Warm for Slo-Pitch

Wednesday, May 19 vs Westheights BIC
In direct contrast to last week, we played a 7 pm Wednesday game with sunny skies, minimal wind, and warm air. A nice treat.
We had the nine players we were expecting, including Chris S and Dani N out for the first time each. Steven M came out of the "bullpen" to pitch after Cal reached his pitch count for the night. On the defensive side, Mackenzie F continued from last year making some outstanding catches in left field. His highlight-reel play was actually a short hop that he picked up sliding, and threw into the infield to keep the runner at second base. Our big inning was the third, everyone batted and we plated four. Unfortuneately, that was all we could muster offensively, so Westheights ended up with more runs than us.
Next week we play Tuesday, May 25 at 9 pm, visitors against Erb Street. I expect Cal, me, Mark P (he has the equipment again), and Mark D-H. Others please confirm, earlier rather than later if possible.
Fees: Please pay this coming week if you have not yet. My cheque for the league fees ($490) is post-dated to May 31, so next game is the last before it comes off. $50 for a full season (10 games or more plus playoffs), $35 for a half season (6-9 games plus playoffs) or $5 per game. If you don't yet have a yellow t-shirt, those are only $10. Cheques can be made out to Scott Albrecht.

Enjoy the long weekend.

Rain, Cold, and Wind - Slo-Pitch time

Tuesday, May 11, Visitors vs W-K
Seven of us from First Mennonite huddled under umbrellas with eight from W-K last night, just before 9 pm. Despite the wind, light rain, and cool air, we ended up playing a five-inning game. Most of us got home in time for the second period of the Canucks game.
With only seven in the batting order, and needing to play catcher for W-K, we had plenty of at-bats. In the second inning, we all got to bat and some of us twice. We scored seven runs, including Steven M's inside-the-park home run. There is a reason he won the "Jackrabbit Award" in 2008. The top of the fifth saw Mark P launch a home run well over the left-field fence. In all, we acheived a moral victory, scoring (at least) 11 runs in just five innings. W-K, aided by some long home runs of their own, scored more than 11. (With only seven to hit, run bases, catch, and umpire, we didn't have anyone keeping score.)
Next week we play Wednesday, May 19, 7 pm on Diamond 'A', home vs Westheight Brethren in Christ. At this point, I am expecting Cal J, myself, and Mark P (who has the equipment bag, so he had better come!) Hopefully Venezuelan import Dani will join us, too. (Pray right now for his family, who are having their refugee hearing today.) I know that Peter J, Cam J, and Mark DH will not be able to play next week. Please reply if you can come (or not) - the earlier the better.

Fees: The league fees have stayed the same, so our team fees will, too. $50 for a full season (10 games or more plus playoffs), $35 for a half season (6-9 games plus playoffs) or $5 per game. If you don't yet have a yellow t-shirt, those are only $10. Cheques can be made out to Scott A. Please pay in May. Thanks to those who paid last night.
Let's hope for better weather next week!

Slo-Pitch vs Stirling Means Rain

Wednesday, May 5, Exhibition with Stirling
Tonight we were scheduled to play our exhibition game against Stirling Ave. When Dave Frey called me at 5 pm, we could hardly hear because of the rain and thunder. Of course, it calmed down shortly thereafter. And, all games in our league must be called at the diamond, so please show up even if it is raining. Last year had two nights with similar weather, both against Stirling Ave (see http://firstslopitch.blogspot.com/2009/08/storm-passed-over-slo-pitch.html and http://firstslopitch.blogspot.com/2009/05/when-rain-comes-down-on-slo-pitch.html). I wouldn't plan a picnic for July 20 or August 17 this year, if I were you.
We had the seven yellow shirts (and one fan with an umbrella) that I was expecting, and eventually seven Stirling Silvers slipped in. With rain falling off and on, we ended up with a cooperative batting/fielding practice, and a game of scrub.
Next week we play Tuesday, May 11 at 9 pm, visitors vs Waterloo-Kitchener. Please reply if you didn't tell me at the game. I am expecting Cal J, Cam J, Peter J, me, Nathan M, Mark P. That is 6, so we need some more!

Fees: The league fees have stayed the same, so our team fees will, too. $50 for a full season (10 games or more plus playoffs), $35 for a half season (6-9 games plus playoffs) or $5 per game. If you don't yet have a yellow t-shirt, those are only $10. Cheques can be made out to Scott Albrecht. Please pay in May.

Facebook: You can join the team Facebook group.

First Slo-Pitch game Wednesday

A few of us warmed up our arms on a cool evening Wednesday out at Sheppard School. This weekend should warm up the arms of the rest of us.
Our first game of the season, an exhibition game, is this Wednesday, May 5, 6:45 pm at Bloomingdale Diamond 'B' vs Stirling Ave. As an exhibition game, we will likely go once through the order each inning, so we will get plenty of at-bats each. Please reply if you plan to come, or not.
Fees: The league fees have stayed the same, so our team fees will, too. $50 for a full season (10 games or more plus playoffs), $35 for a half season (6-9 games plus playoffs) or $5 per game. If you don't yet have a yellow t-shirt, those are only $10. Cheques can be made out to Scott Albrecht. Please pay in May.
Blog & Facebook: You can join the team Facebook group. Our team schedule, photos, and post-game comments are posted there.
Rain: I don't know what Wednesday looks like, but please remember that all rain-out cancellations must be made at the diamond. So please show up each game, even if it is pouring at your house. Sometimes weather can change quickly, or be different at Bloomingdale. Those diamonds drain well, too, so we can often play shortly after a rain.
Looking forward to a fun season.

Warming up for Slo-Pitch season

Days are getting longer, the air is warmer, the grass is greener, and even the Jays are off to a good start in the baseball season. For some of us, these signs bring a longing to get back to the diamond for some slo-pitch action. I am looking forward to another fun season of recreational play in a friendly league.
Players: I have heard from some players, so I am hopeful of a full team this year. There is room for more players.
Practice: I am proposing having a practice on Wednesday, April 28, at 7 pm at Sheppard School/Knollwood Park (Weber St & Borden Ave, up the hill and around the corner from the church). We could use some fielding drills, and situational play reminders. This will help us play with a bit more confidence, which I think will let us have more fun.
First Game: Our first league game (officially exhibition) is Wednesday, May 5, 6:45 pm (because of early sunset) at Diamond 'B' in Bloomingdale. (See Google Maps if you need directions.)
Schedule: The league schedule, with our games highlighted, is attached as a pdf. We play one game per week, either Tuesday or Wednesday at 7 or 9 pm. Canada Day is a Thursday this year, so we have a game that week. Playoffs (all teams make it) begin the last week of August (before Labour Day), and go a few weeks into September. Players must have played in at least six regular season games to be eligible for the playoffs.
Fees: The league fees have stayed the same, so our team fees will, too. $50 for a full season (10 games or more plus playoffs), $35 for a half season (6-9 games plus playoffs) or $5 per game. If you don't yet have a yellow t-shirt, those are only $10. Cheques can be made out to Scott Albrecht. Please pay in May.
Blog & Facebook: You can join the team Facebook group, and see the team website/blog at http://www.firstslopitch.blogspot.com/. Our team schedule, photos, and post-game comments are posted there.
Looking forward to a good season with you all.

Spring "Training"

Hi Slo-Pitch players,
The Blue Jays opened their spring training schedule today. With that, and the sunny and warmer weather today, it reminds me that Slo-Pitch season is just around the corner. Soon we can again don our new yellow First Mennonite uniform t-shirts. Spring is on its way.
The schedule isn't out yet, but we will start in the last week or two of April, and play one game a week, either Tuesday or Wednesday at 7 pm or 9 pm. The regular season goes until late August, and play-offs into mid-September. This year I hope to schedule at least a couple of practices early in the season to help us all gain confidence. These would be for those most interested, and not mandatory.
I would like to get a sense of each person's interest and availability for this season. You may also know of others who are intereste in playing. Please contact me by Facebook, our blog (http://www.firstslopitch.blogspot.com/), email, phone, or in person.