Summer Rookie Kickball Downtown Tues/Thurs

Annie "Pigpen" Douglas was the life of the party tonight.
She amused both teams with her flare for the dramatic.
Leading off for her Mafia team, she poked an uncontested ball towards third base and promptly slide head first into first base...we'll assume on purpose.
The fun didn't stop there, oh no.
Her second time up, looked much the same, only this time, I'm pretty sure there was a sniper in the trees, because she went down in a heap at first base...again, uncontested.
On defense, she threw all four appendages at the ball on numerous occasions at second base.
Comic relief and a testiment to why we all love this game, Kickball!

Allison Bettles provided the play of the day Tuesday at Cascade playfield; at least entertainment- wise, if not skill wise. What started out as a routine grounder to third turned into an episode of the Benny Hill show, as both baserunners and fielders were running frantically in circles in a comedic ballet. Allison was caught between 2nd and 3rd due to her teammate on first trying to advance, the ball was bobbled, Allison ran back, the ball was bobbled again, Allison ran forward, the defender became turned around and was unaware that her target was right behind her, which all culminated in Allison doing a face plant in the field and being gently tagged out. All star caliber? Perhaps not, but the play kept both sides of the field (and your faithful umpire) in stitches for a good few minutes, as Allison brushed herself off and got back up with a laugh herself.

Rosemary played solid, Big Ball D in right, making two key catches in her team's win.

Mike sacrificed his body for his team's come-from-behind win -- "it's all about the vaseline."

This weeks player of the week goes to Shefali pace. Shefali's play helped the Camandoes rack up 10 runs in their win Thursday night. Shefalli, aka the Stallion led the team by example, and hutsle with big plays.

Doug played with hardcore intensity in adverse weather, lifting his team to a convincing short-handed victory.

Kristin played amazing defense at second base this week and earned player of the week honors. She snared every ball her way and kept her team close with one amazing lunge at a line drive. She also challenged the defense when kicking. She was no easy out and her hustle on both sides of the field inspired her teammates to overcome a big deficit late in the game. Great job. Since it is the playoffs, I have to give an honorable mention to John Petry, her teammate. He had some great ballet-like moves that helped him avoid a tag from a defender which allowed his team to score a few runs. His defense behind the plate was also awesome. He neutralized the other team's effective bunts. His efforts were worth mentioning. If I did not write about you, it was not because you were not worthy; these two players stood out in my mind tonight and I hope to read/write about you next week! It has been an honor and privilege to umpire this week with all the good players out there. Cheers!

It was the play of the game, maybe the season, and it WAS the game and the season on the line as it happened. In an excellent championship match, The Camandos and Booze on First traded blows back and forth, matching each other step for step the whole game. Both played great defense early, leading to a 0-0 tie at the end of four. Both exploded offensively in the 5th, scoring 4 runs apiece. The Camandos added two more runs in one last push at the top of the 7th, but the Boozers came right back, adding a run of their own and loading the bases with 2 outs in the bottom half. Any fielding mistake on the part of the Camandos would probably have cost them the game. Fortunately, outfielder Tony Marino had been watching ESPN Web Gems all afternoon and decided to make one of his own, a spectacular catch in which he slid to his knees to dig out a quick dropping fly ball with one hand, and secure it with another. The Camandos rejoiced, earning their championship in the most cluthc way possible, while the stunned Boozers could only tip their hats in respect. Congratulations, Tony and the Camandos!