Silver Bullets Go Down. Smoothly.

It's been a long time since the Bad Gnus have been in first place this late into the season. We will have to see how long we can keep this hot streak going. The Gnus woke up after 3 innings to put a 14-8 beat down on the Silver Bullets on a grey and windy night in Arden Park. Since so many of the regular Gnus missed this one, I'll try to sum up what happened. Well, I guess when it gets boiled down, it was that so many regular Gnus missed this one.

The first thing I heard when I arrived at the park was Silver Bullet Scott Lippi wanting a comment posted on this blog. He said "Tell Howard he's as big a pussy as he has been since the fourth grade. And you can print that". While not disputing the issue, I pressed Scott for the reason he would defame a first-ballot Bad Gnus Hall-of-Famer as soon as I hopped off my bike. Scott informed me that Howard was missing the opening of this 20th year of Bad Gnus softball because he had an ear infection. To be fair, I remember when my kids used to get ear infections. They seemed incredibly painful. I'm so glad that my kids have outgrown them. Get well soon, Howie.

The Gnus started off slowly and with only 9 players. (This is where we'll call out The Stuart for RSVP'ing and blowing us off.) Much respect to Ahern coach Greg O'Connor, who I called while I was playing third base during the first inning to come join us to be the 10th. He was at the field, ready to go in less than 5 minutes. Not only did he stop what he was doing to join the Gnus on a cold night, but he shined. He played a solid outfield and I don't remember him making an out at the plate.

Clearly the Big Sexy was struggling a bit early. Trying to be extra heads up, he went all the way to third after an overthrow to first. Somehow, he missed second on the way and both the second baseman and the umpire noticed it. I thought I actually tripped over it, but it must've just been the dirt. That was, of course, followed by a couple of Bad Gnus hits that would've scored him in a scoreless game. The game would remain scoreless, until the Big Error Five gave the Silver Bullets a few extra outs in the third inning. The Bullets would put a 5 spot on the board to lead 5-0 after 3.

It was bad enough that I knew I wasn't fielding well and that Mrs. Sexy reminded me from 100 feet away that, well let's just say she said that I've done better previously. But I also had to hear the heckling of 9 year old Iron Mike Thiesen, who I coach on the minor Blue Jays. I don't remember his exact words. To paraphrase: "how can you teach us how to play baseball when you play like you've never even seen a game. That is the last time I am listening to you. If I don't pitch and bat leadoff next game, I'm showing the whole team the pictures". I'm pretty sure he didn't have enough zoom on that camera. I'll just say that it was Moebs throwing the ball into centerfield.

With no offense and some shaky fielding, this looked like it would go down as most early season Bad Gnus games go. But the 2010 version of the Bad Gnus, along with 4 subs, were not going down the beaten path! They chipped away with a few runs in 4th to set up the Bad Gnus Inning (tm). The Bad Gnus batted around and then some, putting up 9 runs in the 5th to go up 12-5. With the sun setting behind the clouds, it looked as if the Gnus would only have to shut them down just one time. Effecient defense, even by the Big Sexy, pushed the game to the 7th inning, where both teams put up a couple of meaningless runs.

Newcastle player of the game could go a lot of different places this game! Erik Grotte paid his $35 league fee to me prior to the game. Don't be shy, the rest of you! The Big Sexy brought beer and had three solid hits, but the wicked fielding and baserunning surely outweighs even the frosty Pyramids. Rex Davis! Rex has rarely failed in his 20 years on the Gnus. This night, the role of Rex Davis was played for John C's neighbor's nephew, Kyle. (How is that for digging up players on game day!) Kyle is in his 20's and clearly plays a little softball from time to time. Poor coaching stuck him at catcher all game, where he never complained. My memory may be a little sketchy, but I think Kyle may have hit for the cycle! New Bad Gnus first alternate, Greg Thiesen played an excellent game. First off, playing first base, he lept in the air to snag a line drive. It's been many years since any of our first baseman was airborne that didn't involve tripping over the base. It was a beautiful play. Then, he ended the Bad Gnus Inning (tm) by drilling a triple over the right fielder and being thrown out at home by 10 feet. He's already running the bases like an old time Gnu! Also, in a show of solidary, he missed second base on his trip around the bases just to make me feel better. Greg was a solid candidate this game. However, it's always tough to give the Newcastle to a new Gnu.

The Newcastle player of the game is Greg Blom. Greg pitched like he never missed a game. Walking only one batter after not throwing a softball since August is amazing. How's that for muscle memory! Add to that several hard hits that he put by the third baseman. (I'm starting to think he is much more of a dead pull hitter that I am.) Excellent game by Greg. Maybe Newcastle will brew a gluten-free brew for you soon. I will accept the frosty beverage in his honor.

You will all be hearing soon about the new 20th anniversary edition of the Bad Gnus shirt. Stay tuned! Also, the schedule will be up soon. Next game is Monday, April 5 at 6:30. See you then.