Ghost Man on Third: Week 7

Ghost Man on Third

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE COMMONWEALTH DIVISION

"The suspense of kickball is terrible. I hope it will last." - Oscar Wilde

Week 7 - "Broken glass and cigarettes. Writin' on the wall. It was a bargain for the summer. And I thought I had it all."

Table of Contents

I - PLAYOFF PRIMER!!!

II - The LA Stones would have been a terrible name

III - 6:30 Game Recaps

IV - 7:15 Game Recaps

V - Standings and Schedule

VI - Announcements

VII - Patience is not just a cool stripper's name, but it's a virtue too.

PART I - "You don't know why. I won't give in. To hell with the pressure. I'm not cavin' in."

The regular season winds down this week, and next week begins the most exciting part of the entire season: THE PLAYOFFS.

Every team will be in the playoffs. Each team is seeded by their point totals. If a team has the same number of points, wins will be the first tie breaker. If two teams have the same number of wins, then run differential will break the tie.

Next Thursday, July 28th, (weather permitting) will be Round 1. Below is the schedule for that round by seed.

6:30 pm games

Diamond = #2 vs. #7 Ref: #5

Grass = #3 vs. #6 Ref: #8

7:15 pm games

Diamond = #1 vs. #8 Ref: #6

Grass = #4 vs. #5 Ref: #7

The final standings and the complete Round 1 schedule will be posted on the GMOT Blog on Friday the 24th, and in next week's newsletter. That's What She Said will be the 8th seed. Every other team has the possibility of flipping positions depending upon the outcome of Week 8's games. So please check either this blog/newsletter or with your team captain so you know what time to be at Lowell Field on Thursday the 28th.

The Semifinals and Championship Games will take place on August 6.

- At 6:30 pm there will be two games.

- The highest remaining seed will face the lowest remaining seed on the Diamond.

- The 2nd highest remaining seed will face the second lowest remaining seed on the Grass.

- Immediately after the completion of those two games, the winners will face off on the Diamond for the League Title.

- If your team is eliminated in the first round, you may be required to referee one of the semi-final or finals games. Referees will be determind after Round 1 from the eliminated teams.

- All League members are encouraged to attend the League Championship (and the post-game celebration at the Boca Bar)

- Also, in playoff kickball there are no ties. Games do go into extra innings. Since there are no lights at Lowell Playground it is essential that going forward games start on time, as losing sunlight will become an issue as the weeks progress. We don't want the Championship game called on account of gloaming.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Brian Sweetser or myself.

PART II -"If my intentions are misunderstood. Please be kind. I've done all I should. I won't ask of you. What I would not do."

Invariably in life we find ourselves waiting for something. The slow steady march of time does not always bend to the wills and desires of impetuous emotion. Especially in this day and age where information is available at the speed of light nearly everywhere on this planet, we have become accustomed to instant gratification, and when something doesn't happen, or we do not receive what we want in the fastest most efficient manner possible, we get just a little cranky. Our ability to be patient is eroding faster than the information we seek and the satisfaction we crave.

One of the most influential movies in my childhood was the 1971 version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Every summer my local library would have a summer program, including movies, trips to the Zoo and reading contests, etc. The highlight for me was when they would show that classic, staring Gene Wilder in all his sardonic glory. Though the film was panned by critics, upon its release, it has become a cult favorite, mainly because of the legions of children

who've been drawn to that adaptation of of Roald Dahl's moral tale. As an adult, I've learned to appreciate the movie even more, whether it be for the copious literary references, or the inside joke when Wonka unlocks the musical lock, he plays Mozart, but Mike TeeVee's mom says assuredly, "Rachmoninoff."

As I was contemplating what band to use for this week's GMOT, two Willy Wonka themed references stuck in my mind. The first is the infamous song sung by l'enfant terrible, Veruca Salt, who entreaties her enabling father to buy her a golden goose that lays golden eggs. When Wonka refuses to be bought, she launches into a song and dance tantrum, ending with the line "I WANT IT NOW!" as the educated egg-dicator dumps her down the garbage chute. The moral lesson is rather obvious, but as that scene played in my head I thought of Wonka's earlier line as he stood on the banks of the chocolate river, waiting for poor Augustus Gloop to be dislodged from the pipe to the fudge room by the pressure behind him, "The suspense is killing me. I hope it will last." Wonka is paraphrasing the

infamous playwright Oscar Wilde, who in only the way a genius can, summed up the deliciousness of anticipation. (I will now pause for a moment for you Carly Simon fans to sing. I'm looking in your way Eat Drums!!! HA!)

That's when what band to use struck me. Guns N' Roses. In my formative years there were two active bands that towered over the rest, U2 and GNR. U2 attracted me because there was something deeply spiritual to their music, and GNR because there was something primal and dangerous. But since the release of Use Your Illusion II, GNR went through a tremendous transformation as the combustible genius that gave birth to three of the greatest albums of my lifetime, tore the band apart.

For a little less than half my life time, I ,along with much of the music world, have waited for that album. For many, Chinese Democracy had become a running joke, and there was even on online betting site that had a bet going "which would come first, the album, or actual democracy in China?" When it was finally released in November of 2008, it was the longest anticipated album ever, but that was not a good think. The suspense had become too long, too terrible, and opinion had turned. A half generation expection the album to sound like GNR of 1987-1991, were probably disappointed. No, Chinese Democracy did not capture the magic of the Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy, Steven/Matt GNR, but that is almost an impossible standard. Chinese Democracy is a great album, containing songs that you don't hear much anymore, and after countless listens was for me definitely worth the wait. So for that, Chinese Democracy will grace this humble newsletter.

PART III -"If the world would end today. All the dreams we had. would all just drift away. You know there's nothing more to say. If the world would end and our love slipped away."

6:30 pm

Diamond: Waltham United ∞ v. That's What She Said 0

Statiscians, Scholars, and for some odd reason Latvian Othodox Theologians, have been arguing over the final result of the first game of last week between Waltham United. How many runs did Waltham United score? Since the computers at NASA were too busy celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Moon Landing (among other chronological achievements) this past week, the only agreed upon answer is 'A lot."

For a game that was almost the league's first double forfeit, it turned into a laugher. Waltham United started with a rochambeau victory, elected to bat

first, and never looked back. In what was a near perfect display of placement kicking, Waltham United shredded the spunky, yet undermanned and overwhelmed TWSS defense. Seemingly every kicked ball went where no TWSS defender was. The star of the game was Andy J, who started the rout with a bases clearing single in the first, followed by a 3-run bomb in the second.

Despite the slaughter, TWSS' spirtis were not darkened. The effort was there, as evidenced by the great catches by Anita, the hustle outs by Brian, and the dogged determination of Melissa, Rusty and Sarah Jane. But as it happens in life, the day and victory simply belonged to Waltham United, cause That's What She Said.

Jocelyn Coffey and Nick Floyd contributed to this report.

Grass: - Last Team Standing 2 v. Alcoballics -1

In what could be a preview of a first round playoff matchup, LTS took on the highly game Alcoballics. Mike F knocked a two-run homer in the first, driving in Mike C and LTS jumped to a quick 2-0 league. However, unlike previous Alcoballics games, this early lead did not cause a late inning collapse. Behind the solid pitching of Brian S, the Alcoballics defense tightened, stifling the LTS

offense for the rest of the game.

However, LTS' Ben K was up to the challenge as well, as matched Sweeter roll for roll, suffering a hiccup in the third, as Yohanna scored for the Ballics cutting the lead to 2-1. Ben K faltered a bit in the bottom of the fifth as the Ballics managed one last stand. But after a base-running gaffe by the Ballics ended the game, when the dust settled, it LTS were the Last Team Standing both existentially and in actuality.

Jason Kivela and Brian Sweetser contributed to this report.

PART IV - "Half the time you never win, Nomads or barbarians."

7:30 Games

Diamond: Allen Club 3 v. East Coast Animals 3

In late season matchup of what were at the time the top 2

seeds, the ECA and Allen Club fought to a draw.

This game was a seesaw battle as ECA at first jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. However, the great fielding of All-Star Boatman Dennis and pitcher turned outfielder Tim, stalled the ECA offense. With timely kicking as artful as placing Pepperoni on your Papa Roni pizza from Papa Gino's, Pirate Olson, Bar Navigator Andrea Maruzzi, Courtney and Christmas Tree hung three runs on the ECA defense.

Both defenses traded blows but neither faltered as the score held 3-2 going into the 5th inning. After several early season foul outs, Peter P came through for the ECA by getting on. Then he was advanced to third, on a bang-bang play at the base that went the way of ECA. E-dogg, Ethan F, then delivered the worm-burner heard round the world up the middle of the Allen Club defense allowing Peter to score with the tying run.

The ECA defense then held serve, with some clutch defense at first by Ethan F, and ECA held onto the draw with Allen Club. With both teams earning one point, Last Team Standing was able to leap over the Allen Club for second in the standings.

Allen Club captain Joshua was fit to be tied by the result, but was happily munching on the latest from Papa Ginos and was not available for comment. Beleagured ECA Captain Ryan C was ebullient though, and shouted slogans indicating his teams anticipation for the playoffs.

Joshua Allen and Ryan Cummings contributed to this report

Grass: Eat Drums!!! 5 vs. Ball Busters 1

On a mission to recapture some of last season's glory Eat Drums!!! faced an old nemesis in the Ball Busters, a team which last year staged a late comeback took them to the brink in extra innings in the league semifinals.

Ball Busters struck first, as Ritchie scored on a kick by Jamie D staking the Ball Busters to a 1-0 lead.

Ed led off the Eat Drums!!! half of the first with a single and moved to third on a bunt hit by Jen K. Isaac then lined out to third, and as the defense tried to get the runner going back to first, Ed came in to score the equalizer.

The next half-inning saw Paul lead off with a bunt hit. He moved to third on a single by Christie, and scored on another single by Jeff, as Eat Drums took a 2-1 advantage - one they would not

relinquish.

Despite missing team Captain Shoeless Tom Caddigan, the Ball Busters fought hard defensively, lead by the Coen brothers, Jennie, Mel, Tara, Ritchie and Adam. The game held at 2-1 until the fourth.

Eat Drums Captain Isaac led off with a single and advanced to second on a single by Mike. After a fielder's choice forced Isaac out at third, Paul kicked in Mike, making the score 3-1. One out later,

Jeff came up big with a clutch hit up the middle, scoring Jen E and Paul and giving Eat Drums!!! a 5-1 lead.

Paul pitched his third inning of the game in the fifth to clinch the win for Eat Drums. Excellent pitching by Paul, Jen K, and Josh (now Swine Flu free!) and what started off as a pitcher's duel ended in a 5-1 Eat Drums!!! victory.

The Ball Busters showed much better at the bar, where they demolished the Alcoballics in flip cup, and then lost a close round to an unnamed team in Red.

Isaac Gerofsky, Josh Bob and Tom Caddigan contributed to this report.

PART V - "Sometimes I feel like. The world is on top of me. Breaking me down with An endless monotony. Sometimes I feel like there's nothing that's stopping me. All things are possible. I am unstoppable"

Standings and Schedule

#1 East Coast Animals 5-0-2, +20, 12 points

#2 Last Team Standing 5-1-1, +23, 11 points

#3 Allen Club 4-0-3 +12, 11 points

#4 Eat Drums!!! 4-3-0, -1, 8 points

#5 Waltham United 3-4-0, +17, 6 points

#6 Ball Busters 1-4-2, -19, 4 points

#7 Alcoballics 1-5-1, -8, 3 points

#8 That's What She Said 0-6-1, -43, 1 point

Schedule for Playoff Round 1, July 28, 2009 - Seeds are determind by Week 8 results.

6:30 pm games

Diamond = #2 vs. #7 Ref: #5

Grass = #3 vs. #6 Ref: #8

7:15 pm games

Diamond = #1 vs. #8 Ref: #6

Grass = #4 vs. #5 Ref: #7

PART VI - "Gonna call the President. Gonna get myself a Private Eye. Gonna need the IRS. Gonna get the FBI. Gonna make this a federal case. Gonna wave it right down in your face. Read it baby with your morning news. With a sweet hangover and the headlines too."

Announcements

WEATHER: At this point, any desire I had to be a meteorologist has gone. One website says

cloudy. One says chance of rain. One says okay day. Anyway, prepare to play, and check your email just in case Mother Nature decides otherwise.

BOCA: After this week, and next week, we only have one week left at the Boca Bar. This saddens me as they have been wonderful partners for our league now for nearly two full seasons. So please, thank them for their support with your patronage. Where else can you get cutting edge Costa Rican cuisine (with plantains I'd probably sell family members for) and play flip cup?

END OF SEASON PARTY: My sources tell me that our budget for this party is going to be quite large. $ = Awesomeoness. Stay tuned for details.

CHARITY: Our charity for this season is Saturday's Bread/Sunday's Bread. Check our their website for information on how you can help, and stay tuned for the MA CommonwealthLeague's efforts to assist this noble and worthy cause.

PHOTOS: If anyone has any photos they would like to see in the newsletter, or any other questions, comments, concerns, insults etc. you can reach me at this

address. Special thanks to Jeff Federico from Eat Drums!!! for shooting the Last Team Standing vs. Alcoballics game.

CAPTAINS: As the regular season winds down, I'd like to give special thanks to all the team captains and their various stand-ins. This newsletter would not be possible without them, nor would the league be possible without their leadership. Thank you, Jason, Joshua, Jocelyn, Ryan, Nick, Brian, Isaac, Tom, Holly, Maria, Jason and Josh.

PART VII - "Forgive them that tear down my soul. And bless them that they might grow old.And free them so that they may know. That it's never too late."

The wait is almost over. I feel like it's been fourteen years, but it's only been a few weeks. We've grown from strangers to friends, multi-colored individuals to a team colored in kickballian red, and the end is almost upon us. The playoffs are next week. So stay tuned as we reach the culimination of a lot of effort, fun, and good times.

However, Week 8 is not unimportant. There is still much positioning up for grabs.

With an ECA win, they will clinch the #1 seed. However, they are facing Eat Drums!!! who are looking to remain above .500 and clinch 4th place with a victory. However if Eat Drums were to lose, and Waltham United were to win then those teams would flip based on run differential. With a win or tie and a Ball Busters loss, Alcoballics could jump into 6th spot. Last Team Standing could slip into the #1 seed if the ECA loses and LTS wings over the BallBusters. Allen Club too is eyeing the top spot, and with a win, an ECA loss (or tie, if Allen Club beats That's What She Said by 9 runs) and a Last Team Standing loss, could sneak in to the top slot.

Today's slate of games are just an appetizer for the Playoffs. With so much up for grabs, the anticipation is terrible and addictive. I can only hope that it lasts.

- David, That's What She Said

Ghost Man on Third: Week 6

Ghost Man on Third

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE COMMONWEALTH DIVISION

"Without Kickball, we'd all be fucked." - Bono

Week 6: "Radio, someone still loves you." - Queen

Table of Contents

I - Stuck between Stations

II - 6:30 pm Recaps

III - 7:15 Recaps

IV - Standings and Schedule

V - Announcements

VI - Signing Off

Part I - "This tune is going out to Marconi. To all corners of the globe. There ain't no hut in the Serengeti. Where my wavelengths do not probe." - Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros

I and many others more eloquent than I have stated before that the only permanence in life is

death, taxes and change. The fourth dimension that is time, continues it unemotional march to whatever conclusion awaits us when the clock finally stops. Most of our time on this planet is spent dealing with the fall out of change. Birth, growth, life, death and all the events of change, of ourselves and those around us, occupy the vast majority of our time, next to sleeping, procrastinating and kickball, of course.

I was reminded again of this change with the announcment of the end of WBCN 104.1. Now, I stopped listening to radio (terrestial or satellite) at least ten years ago, but I hold fond memories of WBCN. Many hours spent grappling with the awkwardness of pubescence were set to the soundtrack of BCN. It was on that station I first heard U2, Nirvana, the Pixies and even The Clash. DJ's like Carter Allen felt like long time friends, guiding my through my rock and roll awakening. So I do feel a bit saddened to hear that those call letters will cease to have relevance in Boston. I still remember vividly the commercial Bono did in the early 1990's.

On the shore of the Irish Sea, clad in black leather and his fly goggles, he wished BCN a happy birthday, stating, "Without BCN, we're all fucked." As U2 were then, and are still are ( though hanging on by a thread) my favorite band, seeing Bono endorse the station that I listend too, was awesome in my teen-aged mind.

But the part of me that pretends to be a mature adult, understands the machinations of change, the necessities of business, and that the old axiom, "you can never go back" holds true. So we can't waste too much time with nostalgia.

So for this week, radio songs will grace this humble newsletter's sections.

PART II: "I understand just a little, No comprende, it's a riddle. I'm on a mexican radio. I'm on a Mexican, whoa-Oh, radio." - Wall of Voodoo

Diamond:

Allen Club 6 - Ball Busters 1

Allen Club came up "strong" with another victory on Thursday. Andrea Maruzzi performed just

like a Papa Platter - a little bit of all types of wonderful - powerful kicks, great running and take-away defense. Supported by "strong" play by outfielder and #3 kicker Ike Lowry, Captain Smooth (baserunning) Allen, lead-off on-base machine Ms. Henrici, rocket-arm Christmas, and pitcher Kyle Olson rolled a gem. Since kickball is a team game, without Cioffi, Lorene, Hannah and Courtney, Allen Club would have struggled. Papa GIno's Player of the Game is none other than Andrea, queen of catching anything kicked at her.

As for the Ballbusters, their effort was summed up by Team Captain, "Shoeless" Tom Caddigan succintly. "We stunk."

"I think we were thrown by the appearance of the sun. We couldn't field, or piece together any hits." said Caddigan.

The Lowell diamond was no country for old men, or the teams clad in green, despite the best effort of the Coen Brothers, (Mike and John) who teamed up for the Ball Busters only run, in the bottom of the 5th, in a game that was definitely not going to win any Academy Awards.

Grass:

East Coast Animals 9 vs. That's What She Said 1

In what could easily be a playoff preview, the East Coast Animals again demonstrated that their undefeated record to this point is well earned, posting a convincing 9-1 victory over the fiesty yet snakebitten That's What She Said. Despite winning the toss for the second week in a row, TWSS was not able to hold of the ECA attack, missing key game changing outs by matters of inches. The effort and will for victory was there, especially with Bob, Will, Nicole, Sarah Jane, Arielle, Joy, Anita, Jocelyn, Kate, Brian and Rusty but the exection was just a bit flawed. And against a team as deep and skilled as ECA, they only need the smallest weakness.

Though this game was not perfect from the ECA view. Beleaguered Captain Ryan C, is well aware that the end of the season is nigh, and if ECA wants to maintain it's near perfect season, it will have to tighten up its own game and few flaws. "Bradshaw got pegged out trying to record his second HR of the night. Thankfully Halie came up with some huge catches in the outfield since TWSS almost made a game out of it." was all team Captain Ryan C could mutter post game.

The pressure is now on ECA with just two weeks to go until the playoffs.

PART III - "This is Radio Nowhere, is there anybody alive out there?" - Bruce Springsteen

Diamond

Eat Drums!!! 4 vs. Alcoballics 1

Coming off a 7-0 beating at the hands of Last Team Standing, Eat Drums looked to get back in

the win column against Alcoballics and former teammate Brian Sweetser.

The Alcoballics were ready to play their hearts out in week extreme competitive nature get the best of them.

In the top of the first, two singles, a sacrifice, and another single plated Sweetser, but that would be all the offense the Alcoballics could muster up for the night. Eat Drums would tie it in the bottom half when Andrew and Christie reached on back to back 1-out bunt singles. After a fly out for the second out of the inning, Jen E. reached scoring Andrew and tying the game at 1.

Still tied at 1 in the bottom of the third, Eat Drums got a one-out bunt from Isaac who advanced to second when Kyla reached safely due to catcher's interference. Two consecutive singles by

Ben and Dave scored Isaac with the go-ahead run. These close controversial plays caused the Alcoballics to relapse in their old ways, attempting stupid plays and a lack of communication, which allowed the Drums!!! to build momentum.

Eat Drums added some insurance in the fourth when Ed led off the inning with a single. He scored one kicker later when Josh single and Ed came in to score. Josh would move to third on a sacrifice by Paige and score on a hustle play when Paul grounded out to the pitcher and Josh sprinted home on the throw to first.

Josh then went in to seal the victory for Eat Drums and help them even their record at 3-3. Great pitching by Paul, Nikki, and Josh and all around excellent team defense helped Eat Drums get the win.

The Alcoballics, a bit disheartened proceeded to the bar to do what they do best; segregate themselves into a corner and drink away their kickball pains.

Grass

Last Team Standing 6 - Waltham United 3

In a hotly contested battle LTS prevailed with a 6-3 triumph over Waltham United. After two consecutive 2-0 defeats, Waltham United tried to change the karma by having a pre-game BBQ, lead by Emily + Jon O and Andrew J. With stomach's filled, beers drunk, the WU kicking feet were ready.

Chrissie R and Nick F started WU’s scoring with some hits in the bottom of the first and got home on Jason and Brando RBI fly

balls. However, rather than bend, WU’s normally stingy defense broke. LTS struck in the bottom of the first with 3 runs. Jay K's first inning single drove in Ben K while Ben D - courtesy of a Manny style flop - made it to third. Nick P came up next and drove them both in.

The score remained 3-2 until the bottom of the 4th when LTS staged a two out rally, highlighted by Nick P's 3rd RBI of the game and Nathan H's backbreaking 2 run single. LTS contained a Waltham United rally to one run and hung on for the victory.

PART VI - "Cheer up, honey, I hope you can. There is something wrong with me. My mind is filled with radio cures. Electronic surgical words." - Wilco

Standings after Week 6 (W/L/T/goal diff/Points)

East Coast Animals 5-0-1, +20, 11 points

Allen Club 4-0-2 +12, 10 points

Last Team Standing 4-1-1, +22, 9 points

Eat Drums!!! 3-3-0, -4, 6 points

Waltham United 2-4-0, +1, 4 points

Ball Busters 1-3-2, -16, 4 points

Alcoballics 1-4-1, -7, 3 points

That's What She said 0-5-1, -27, 1 point

Schedule for Week 7

Diamond:

6:30pm -Waltham United v. That's What She Said

ref: Eat Drums!!!

7:15pm - East Coast Animals v. Allen Club

ref: That's What She Said

Grass:

6:30pm - Alcoballics v. Last Team Standing

ref: East Coast Animals

7:15 - Eat Drums!!! v. Ball Busters

ref: Last Team Standing

PART V - "This is Radio Clash on a Pirate Satellite, orbiting your living room, cashing in the bill of rights."- The Clash

Announcements:

WEATHER: Tomorrow afternoon's forecast is calling for scattered to isolated thunderstorms. So keep a weather eye on your email, just in case Mother Nature decides to intefer once again with our kickballing.

BOCA: As always, remember to stop in the Boca Bar after every game for fantastic drink specials, highly affordable and refreshing pitchers, their killer free wings, and that spice of life and sanctuary that is Costa Rica.

END OF SEASON PARTY: Details are still not ready to be released but, rumor has it, the end of season party will be the greatest in league history. Stay tuned.

CHARITY: Our charity for this season is Saturday's Bread/Sunday's Bread. Check our their website for information on how you can help, and stay tuned for the MA Commonwealth

League's efforts to assist this noble and worthy cause.

PHOTOS: If anyone has any photos they would like to see in the newsletter, or any other questions, comments, concerns, insults etc. you can reach me at this address. Special thanks to Arielle from TWSS for photographing the Waltham United - LTS game and the Eat Drums Alcoballics Game.

PART VI " The last radio is playing.Seen a shooting star tonight. Slip Away. Tomorrow will be another day." - Bob Dylan

In our artifical kickball universe, we are not immune to change. After today's slate of games (weather permitting, of course) there is only one game left. Then the playoffs, where a victor will be crowned, and seven teams will recede into memory without tasting from that pitcher of victorious nectar. It's an inevitable outcome to our season, one that we must look forward to and embrace, knowing that it's not the destination, but the journey (don't stop believen') and in the immortal words of Manny Ramirez, "You make your own destination."

- David, That's What She Said