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.