Ghost Man on Third - Spring Edition - I am a Patriot

E Pluribus Unum

Hey, who grabbed my butt?

I can touch the red sun of Krypton in my hand!

Since I'm old, I have a deep fondness for the band U2. I count Bono giving me a fist bump as he signed an album for me outside of Madison Square Garden as one of my top 5 famous people moments. (Since I'm not a name dropper I won't got through the entire list. I will say that the oddest was pissing next to Stephen King in one of those old troughs they used to have in the Fenway mens room.) Anyway, in 1989, U2 released an album and movie, both titled Rattle and Hum. The movie was supposed to be a documentary of the band's triumphant US tour in support of their stellar mega album The Joshua Tree. The album was mix of live tracks and original recordings made while on the road. (Actually the "new" stuff they recorded for their album are probably some of their strongest songs.) The movie? Well the movie was a trainwreck. It was a first year film student's nightmare, and cut in the way to make the band look like a bunch of pretentious assholes. It is memorable for only it's unintentional comedy. 

There is however a scene where the bass player Adam Clayton, is sitting at a bar, drinking a Guinness and touching very superficially about the political inspirations for the band's  music. "Some people say, you shouldn't mix music and politics or sports and politics. I say that's bullshit." 

So it is in that spirit I write this week's newsletter. I, like I'm sure most of you were transfixed and deeply affected by the tragedy of last week. This very own WAKA community was touched by the death of MIT Officer Sean Collier, who played in the Ivy Division. As a Bruins fan, when I see that picture of Martin Richard taken at the game against the Islanders on April 11th, I have to fight back the tears. Having been fortunate enough to travel the world, and having family members who escaped oppressive regimes to come and live in the United States, I have a profound and deep admiration and love of my country. I'm proud of how Boston responded, and how the country and world have responded to the bombings and in the wake of the manhunt and capture of the perpetrators. 

Stupid gravity

That said, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS SACRED DO NOT FUCKING PLAY "GOD BLESS THE USA" BY LEE GREENWOOD. I despise all attempts to commercialize patriotism. Loving this country and what it represents, should not be used to sell anything, except maybe flags. It's pandering jingoism disguised as patriotism, all for the purpose of making money. Now while I understand making money is as part of the American identity as apple pie and baseball, it's still a pretty crass thing to do to make money off of patriotism. When Irving Berlin wrote "God Bless America" at least there was a war on. When Lee Greenwood wrote his pile of crap, the only active "conflict" for the US was Grenada. GRENADA! For Fuck's Sake! Furthermore the song is insulting because it's basically a bad pastiche of the two titans of patriotic song "God Bless America" and "America the Beautiful". And Berlin, Bates and Ward didn't rewrite their songs so they could sell a version in Canada, like Greenwood did, or reissue the original to capitalize on post 9/11 popularity. (Yeesh. This guy milks his one song worse than Danzig) There's a reason why this Onion article is so devastatingly funny.  

Fly high, free bird

There are many better ways to celebrate the freedom of this country offers. Speak your mind. Assemble. Pray to whatever God you want to. Start a media outlet (or kickball blog. Own a firearm for the purpose of being in a well regulated militia. Make em show probable cause to search and seize you. Don't allow soldiers to be forcibly quartered in your house. Fight for due process for anyone accused of a crime. Get a lawyer if you need a lawyer, and a speedy trial by a jury of your peers,  Don't be cruel in your punishment. Don't own slaves. Don't discriminate. Minorities vote. Pay your taxes. Don't drink. Drink. Directly Elect your Senator. Women Vote. Live. Be Free. Pursue Happiness. Just for the love of whatever God you may or may not believe in, don't play, buy or listen to "God Bless the USA". (If you so choose.) 

Games You People Played In

Dude, you're hula dancing is awful.

Franks Little Beauties 22 over Newton Benchmarks 0
With heavy hearts, Frank's Little Beauties came out wearing their supportive USA and Boston gear to show support. Once the game began it was all business, with every member of the team reaching base (most scoring) as FLB poured it on early and often. The highlight of the night came in the third inning when Ona "The Human Vacuum Cleaner" B. snagged two line drives down the third base line, robbing back to back kickers of extra bases, the second of which resulted in an inning ending double play. - Chris T. 

Sacks N' Racks 4 over Brief Student Concerns 1

Timmmmmber?

Awesome victory by Sacks and Racks, and what made it even better was showing off our fancy new tye-died shirts!! They were all the rage!!  We had a great game on defense and offense, held Brief Student Concerns to 1 run no thanks to so awesome fielding by the 3 AMIGOS..aka the Matt's!!  They ran, dove and fell backwards to make some really great catches!!  Also, outstanding pitching by Danny, Brett, and Justin with of course some face planting catches and grunting throws for the outs ...they got it done!!  Some outstanding base running by the some of the lovley ladies of sacks and racks...ilana, alison, britney, andrea, and erin.  players got a chance to play all different areas of the field that they may not be used to and they totally rocked them it!!! - Andrea J


Ninja Island 3 over Booze on First 0

Not sure if out, or just trolling me

Powered by the Orange Slices of Glory and Fame brought to the field by Sara B and Nick P, Ninja Island hula-hooped their way three times around the bases. The Coconut Bra of Conquest went to Jon M for his defensive prowess. Melissa D earned the You Must Be High "Medicinal" Wreath for her kick ass slide and run scoring. And Hadley L who drove in the winning run earned the Medallion of Strength. - David M

After getting blown out in week 1 Booze On First hoped to be more competitive in week two. Tough defense kept us in the game as it was scoreless through 2 innings. We got a few more base runners than usual but weren't able to capitalize. The Ninjas were able to finally get on the board using key bunts to manufacture some runs. We thought we would finally break through in the bottom of the 5th as Mike kicked one up the middle and Andrew tried to score fr second but was thrown out on a close play at home to end the game. Frank the Tank played solid defense at first and was also able to use his imposing physique to intimidate Paul during his at bats. Natalie and Andrew both pitched well. Mike played well in his debut at catcher. We hope to finally break through and get on the score board next week.- Sam B


Song of Video of the Week that Amuses Me (And Probably Only Me)

Originally written by Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul (Silvio Dante, to you Sopranos fans) about the same time as Greenwood committed his musical abortion, this is more like it for me in terms of modern patriotic songs. 



Song or Video of the Week that Amuses Me  BONUS



Boston Strong (It's a little dusty in this blog right now)

Miscellaneous

Now where's the waiter with my martini?

Please visit here for tonight's schedule.

Please visit here for current league standings.

Special Thanks as always to Tim Hoffman for his photos. Feel free to contribute your own here. 

Remember after the game to head over to Shopper's Cafe. Tip you servers! You don't want to end up on The Angry Bartender.

May 4th is the Midseason Party. Howl at the Moon! See here for more details.

Next Week

How to recognize different kickball players from a long way away...