It is good to finally see what it's like to play against the Bad Gnus... It felt very great to be on the winning end of a softball game for the first time all year. And we did it up big, pounding Don't Panic 16-1. Now we are ready for the second half of the season!
I had a bad dream the night before the game against Don't Panic. I was dreaming that I was on a long train heading into a tunnel just like I do every night, but this time, when I got off the train I was playing softball against a bunch of people who were old enough to be my dad and the middle linebacker for the 49ers. Every pitch we threw, they would drill for a hit. Every time my team was up, we would go 1-2-3... Wait... Are you saying that wasn't all a dream?!? Rats! Well, anyway, I have blocked that game from my memory and we shan't discuss it further... Ok, a couple of points...
We are likely back in the Arden Park softball record books as our first defensive out was not recorded until the Hanks had already batted around once. That's not something you see every day. They were on fire as we were playing them after their first loss of the year. What was up with them playing at least 4 guys younger than me? Usually I can count on getting beat by the cast of Cocoon in their dark green shirts, but letting their grandkids play just didn't work for me. I just wasn't feelin' it, dawg. On the plus side, they didn't bring out the ultra annoying woman who screams at every hit. Silver linings fellas, silver linings.
When the dust around home plate had settled, the Hanks had dropped 26 runs on us. I don't think we even got a runner to third base all game. That was bad enough, but to see Kirk running to his car after the game like he was late for a tee time, yanking the tye dye off as he went, was a little disheartening. At least Kirk showed up the next night. New Gnu Kevin Williams left right after the game and hasn't been seen since. I hear he posted an ad on Craig's List looking for a new team. (Give us another shot, Kev.)
Enough of that mess. You are only as good as your last game, so baby, we're the best team in the league! So many good things happened in that game, I can't list them all here. I remember Eight Belles, hitting a double way over everyone's head to the tennis courts. Don't shoot Doug yet! He's still got power in that bat. He also made a nice back handed play at first base and gimped his way to the bag ahead of the runner. Doug nearly galloped away with the NPOG. Clayton got a hit! That's very exciting. Sean made a cute little running grab in the outfield. I like how he jumped in the air and clicked his heels together when he made the catch. I knew we were in for a special night when I saw that.
After much consideration by the committee, the Newcastle Player of the Game goes to the Big Sexy! He had a fine game at third and four hits in the game. One of those even went over the shortstop and not the third baseman. Way to go the opposite way! The amazing part is that he did all of this while warding off the advances of the very energetic umpire. I haven't been hit on so much since that Halloween when I stumbled through Rancho in a chicken costume and was mistaken for a pinata by the neighborhood kids. Fearing spending a few nights in the bottom of a well, lotioning myself, while the umpire finished plans for making his own Big Sexy suit, Mike was still able to focus on his game. Enjoy this smooth brew, on us, Mike.
I'm very much looking forward to our next game, the first in the second half and our second win in a row. It is Monday at 7:00 against the T-Sox. See you then!
