Ghost Man on Third: Drill Baby Drill

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE MA COMMONWEALTH DIVISION

"If only BP drilled for kickballs; cleanup would be a breeze, and a ball."

WEEK TWO: "Right here on the station that plays only platinum hits. That's 187.4 on your FM dial. If you're lickin that's, WBALLZ." - Snoop Dogg

Table of Contents:

I: MID-SEASON PARTY!
II: That's not an Iraqi Landscape. Those are balls.

III:GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL

IV: Spherical is a Funny Word

V: Schedule and Standings
VI: Announcements
VII: Bouncing All Night Long

PART I: "Some balls are held for charity. And some for fancy dress. But when they're held for pleasure.They're the balls that I like best." - AC/DC

As hinted in last week's GMOT, the gears are in motion for our Mid-Season Party.

What is the Mid Season party you ask? It's a party that happens sometimes around the midpoint of the

season. But beyond that simple answer, it's also an excellent time. The league will pay for drinks, a space in which to drink and cavort unfettered by the unwashed non-kickball masses.

The Mid Season party is also a fundraiser. Non-league members can be brought as guests for the low cover charge of $10. All of the proceeds from these guests go to our as yet to be determined charity. So it's a win-win for everyone. Last year's party was ridiculous, with an epic flip cup tournament that essentially changed the course of civilization.
Details will be forthcoming as league Social Chair, Jennie Levangie of Ball Busters is diligently planning this year's debauchery. Stay tuned.


PART II: "So if you got the guts mister, yeah if you've got the balls. If you think it's your time, then step to the line, and bring on your wrecking ball." - The Boss

With the World Cup set to kick off (too easy) tomorrow, I've decided to focus today on one of the most important and versatile objects man has ever invented. Balls.

I will pause while some giggle like twelve year olds.

Finished? Me neither.

Okay. Now we can proceed. Ahem. Obviously balls (stop it!) can be juvenile, whether it's a children's toy (hey look, it's a kickball!) or a reference to well, ahem, a part of the male anatomy. But it's anatomical meanings don't stop with cojones. You have eye balls, ball joints, and the ever popular balls of the feet.

The spherical nature, providing unfettered rotation has been a boon to industry. How many machines would function without greasy ball bearings? (You can laugh at that one.) Industry would grind to a halt. Nothing brings a building down as satisfyingly as a good old wrecking ball.

There's also a relationship aspect to balls. (Besides their colloquial function in procreation.) You may meet the love of your life at a fancy dress ball, perhaps on New Year's Eve, waiting for the ball to drop. After Auld Lang

Syne, you may ending up in a closet or bathroom stall balling each other's brains out. This act could get the ball rolling on dating, then engagement, and perhaps marriage, which is when of course, your love becomes "the old ball and chain."

Balls offer flexibility in language to. They can be a derogatory phrase, 'That sucks balls' or a

compliment, "That's the balls." Balls can also be synonamous with courage, which while may seem sexist and misogynistic at first, has recently become gender neutral. To say someone has balls, male or female, indicates that person has a lot of courage.

But the balls that are bouncing in my head this week, are the ones that have the power to bring the world together. The balls of sport. Obviously, we don't need to much of a lesson on the power of balls as sport, just look at the friendships and fun playing kickball once a week can bring to our lives. But now, the world's attention turns to the World Cup, perhaps the simplest communal game. One ball and a flat surface to play on, and instantly you bring people together in ways that can only be good for our human family.

Even though soccer for years was neglected and poo-poo-ed in the US, slowly but surely America's soccer fortunes are capturing the attention of the US. Americans have purchased the most tickets of any nation, besides the host South Africans, this year and ratings for the

World Cup should be quite high. Also the opening match of Team USA versus England, is sure to strike a patriotic chord here in the US. Hopefully we can go all Revolutionary on their asses yet again. And also I find it deeply amusing that besides the intense global focus on who will win the World Cup, perhaps the most watched aspect of these games will be the ball? Word from the preliminary rounds is that this year's ball, is particularly difficult to handle for goalies, the equivalent of greasing a pig and kicking at someone. That should be interesting.

So as we (hopefully) get our games in tonight, let us give thanks for the power that is the humble, yet world shaking, ball.

PART II: "And this I know. His teeth as white as snow.What a gas it was to see him.Walk her every day into a shady place with her lips she said, she said, 'Hey Paul, Hey Paul, Hey Paul, let's have a ball'" - Pixies

6:30pm Games:
Wicked Awesome Helicopter Ninjas 10 over Wakadamia Nuts 1

In the opening match of week 2, after suffering a shut out in Week 1, the Wicked Awesome Helicopter Ninjas decided to get Biblical on themselves and their opponents. To wit:

The Book of Ninjas, Chapter 8, Verses 14-20

14 On the eve of the second week of kickball, all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. 15 And rain fell on the earth twenty minutes or so. 16 Then Paul said to the team, 17 "Come to the field, fellow players, for Tom has not canceled the games. 18 Bring out each skill that is within you—the kicking, the defense, the Ninja powers and the speed to move along the wet ground—so they can score on the earth and increase in runs upon it."

19 So the Ninjas came out, together with their socks and headbands. 20 All the players moved along the field and all the balls—with the most humidity on

the earth—came out of their cars, one kind after another.

On a soggy grass field, the Ninjas got their groove back to the tune of 10-1 over the formidable Wakadamia Nuts. The game was like cow-tipping in the rain. Tough to get good footing, hard to keep a good grip, and everyone was really sweaty. There were contributions all around, as every Ninja reached base and seven different players scored a run. The debuting Nick F. earned the Medallion of Strength MVP award for outstanding pitching and bunting a double. The ambitious Rob M. received the Sword of Honor for overrunning third base and attempting to breakthrough the third baseman to try and conquer the third base bag.

The Ninjas continued their Week 2 excellence in the bar, coasting to back to back flip cup table victories, using the team of Mike, Christie, Jen, Dave and Paul. It was definitely a team effort. However, the victory on the field was short lived, as according to Head Ninja Paul L. "Some genius at the bar decided to play “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga, a song that gets stuck in your head like the 28 Days Later virus. I thought it was gone, and boom, now it’s back. There has to be some way to get that song out of my head – a drug, someone hit me in the temple with a hammer, something."

Paul was not the only one wanting to forget something from last week. As for the Wakadamia Nuts, who valiantly endured the drubbing, it was tough week. To quote Captain Adam B. "It waas a sloppy mess so I'm not sure who scored." Still, he vowed they will return with a vengeance. He further explained, "We want their love, and we want their revenge. We don't wanna be friends. We want a bad, A BAD ROMANCE."

Paul L and Adam B contributed to this report.


Ball Busters 5 over Allen Club 0 (Forfeit)

Unfortunately, Allen Club was unable to field a complete team (4 males, 4 females) by 6:45, so

they suffered the league's first forfeited game. However,this fact, and the weather did not

dampen either teams spirits, as the Allen Club (with the help of some Ball Busters initially) and Ball Busters took part in a lively affair that turned out to be a 9-5 affair.

For the Allen Club, all good things must come to an end. Such went the

way of Allen Club’s 9 game regular season unbeaten streak. Going into the game low on players but high on hope and heart, Allen Club put forth an effort that would come up just short on that rainy summer night. Chef Jillian and Soccer Star Steph provided ferocious, gold-glove caliber defense at the corner infield positions. The One & Only Anita proved yet again to be a true on-base threat at the top of the lineup. Budweiser Brendan spent his night displaying his incredible range in the outfield, while Sarah, the Better Half of

Budweiser Brendan, showed that rookie shortstops can succeed at the highest level of kickball. Trainer Earl T. Strong arrived in the 2nd inning, driving fear into the collective heart of the Ball Busters and leading the way to a 5 run rally. Traffic couldn’t stop

the Loch Ness, Scoville the Red and Margarita Steve from providing some late pop to the lineup. But alas, it wouldn’t be enough to overcome the competition. When asked what happened, player-coach First Mate Dennis said “Well, we came up just short tonight. What’s important though is that we had fun… fun like I’ll be having every Friday and Saturday night all summer long onboard the MV Provincetown II after purchasing my tickets at BayStateCruiseCompany.com.” Well said coach.

As for the Ball Busters, they did not take the gimme lightly either. This was exemplified by Ball Buster Captain Tom, diving head first into first base, only to level the Allen Club first base woman. Since no one was hurt, it was hilarious. Said Tom, "It was perfect sliding conditions. I didn't even realize she was standing at first. I'm sooooo sorry." Still, despite the collision, he was impressed the the Ball Busters effort. Runs scored by Tara, Richie, Liz, Tom, Greg, Erica, Lindsay, Ilana and John. "There were a couple RBI flyouts by Adam and Jamie, we like to call that smart kickball...productive outs are what win the games" said Tom, who then added, "Oh and did I mention I'm sorry."

Tom and Dennis contributed to this report.


PART III: "Watch the damned (God bless ya). They're gonna break their chains (hey). No, you can't stop them (God bless ya).They're coming to get you and then you'll get your, Balls to the wall, man. Balls to the wall" - Accept

7:15 Games

CareScout 4 over Shenanigans 3

In what was the closest of last Thursday's games, CareScout pulled out a thrilling last inning victory over Shenanigans.

The game featured strong pitching as Matt kept the Shenanigans kickers off-balance with his sidearm lefty delivery. Still they were able to scratch a run out in the first thanks as Dan P scored Gabe B, after a nice sacrifice by Jen.

The CareScout offense was held in check by solid defense lead by Jeff, Scott, Jad, Ally, Laurie Cat and Kelly. In the 3rd, Shenanigans scratched out another run as Gabe B scored again, this time driven in by O'Toole.

CareScout got a run in the top of the 4th, and Shenanigans responded with what was at the time a crucial insurance run as Juan scored on a kick by Pat.
It was the top of the 5th when CareScout broke out the boots. Andrew B's deep kick brought in Alex and Josh to tie the game at 3-3. A 2-out hit by Vickie B broke the deadlock to take the lead. Shenanigans mounted a rally, loading the bases with two outs, and it took an outstanding catch by Alex to end the game and seal the thrilling victory.Despite the loss, Shenanigans Captain Kelly C was buoyed by the strong pitching and defense. CareScout Captain Dave C was thrilled to be 2-0 this early in the season.

Dave C and Kelly C contributed to this report.

Looking to Score 8 over Kicked to the Curb 2

Sometimes life is really like Transformers, (More the 1980's cartoon,

rather than the Michael Bay plot-less sensory rapers) things are more than meets the eye. At first blush, a 7 -2 victory by last year's league champions over the winless Kicked to the Curb, would seem like it was an easy game. However, in reality LTS had to play some of it's best kickball of this young season in order to hold off a fiesty and game challenger.

LTS came out of the gates quickly, scoring 3 runs in the top of the 1st thanks to a single by Alina, and back to back home runs by Mike F and

BDO. A 4th run was added in the 3rd inning thanks to a double by Jay K to lead off the inning than sacrifice hits by Chris b and Jeff.

After the initial onslaught, KTTC regrouped, and lead by Eli J, and Elaine L, who both made some stellar defensive plays, including a stabbing cradle catch by Elaine, KTTC was able to slow the LTS offense. Lead by Matt, Andrew and John S, the offense scored two

runs, cutting the lead from 4-0 to 4-2. Then in the fourth inning, with two runners on John S. booted what surely would have been at least a 'Das Boot' triple, only to see his tremendous kick turn into a tremendous out by Jay P who tracked the ball down and made a spectacular catch at full speed.

This turned the momentum finally into LTS' favor as in the 5th inning they were able to add much needed insurance runs. . Richard and alina both got on with singles, then a bases clearing triple by ben k, followed by a single from Mike F to score Ben K, and a double by BDO to score Mike F, broke the game open to 8-2, which finally proved too much for KTTC.

Ben K and Matt B contributed to this report.

PART IV: "Nobody warned you, Nobody told you, to make up your mind.Nobody told you, that I could just walk through and shake up your style. I'm Inside, like a wrecking ball through your mind,and I change it all from inside." - Interpol

Standings after 2 Weeks:

(Win, Loss, Tie, Forfeit, Winning Percentage, Runs Allowed)

1.) Looking to Score 2-0-0-0 1.000% 2
2.) Ball Busters 2-0-0-0 1.000% 3
3.) Care Scout 2-0-0-0 1.000% 4
6.) Wicked Awesome Helicopter Ninjas 1-1-0-0 .500% 6
3.) Allen Club 1-0-0-1 .130% 8
5.) Shenanigans 0-2-0-0 0.000% 8
6.) Kicked to the Curb 0-2-0-0 0.000% 13
8.) Wakademia Nuts 0-2-0-0 0.000% 17

Week 3 Schedule:

6:30PM
Diamond:
Shenanigans v. Ball Busters
(Ump:Wicked Awesome Helicopter Ninjas)

Grass:
Kicked to the Curb v.Wakademia Nuts
(Ump:Care Scout)

7:15PM
Diamond:
Allen Clubv.Wicked Awesome Helicopter Ninjas
(Ump:Ball Busters)

Grass:
Care Scout v.Looking to Score
(Ump: Kicked to the Curb)


PART IV: "Lets have a ball and a biscuit sugar. And take our sweet little time about it.
Tell everyone in the place just to get out. Well get clean together. And I'll find a soapbox where I can shout it." - The White Stripes

Announcements, Announcements, Announcements:

WEATHER: As always, Thursday appears to be the one day in the week with a threat of rain. The forecast looks to have rain in the morning with a dry afternoon. We should be able to play. However stay close to your emails just in case Mother Nature changes her mind, which of course she has every right to do.

HEALTH: To reiterate Tom's point, please all members should take adequate precautions to prevent injuries. Obviously kickball is not the most taxing sport physically, like any exercise it should be after a proper warm up. Stretching is key. We want everyone to be healthy and safe.

FOOTWEAR: Since we may be dealing with a wet field, cleats are perfectly acceptable and allowed under WAKA rules, as long as they are not metal cleats. So leave your Mt. Everest Climbing cleats at home, but plastic cleats are perfectly acceptable.

BOCA BAR: Remeber please join us after every game at our League Partner this year will beThe Boca Bar. Great times. Great food. Better drinks and best friends.

LEAGUE CHARITY: News will be forthcoming regarding the league charity. Please stay tuned.

PICTURES: League members are encouraged to bring their cameras and send their pics to me at this address macommonwealthwaka@gmail.com Both game action and Boca Bar action are greatly appreciated. Please check out this blog's archives for examples of past seasons. Tip of the cap to Paul for contributing photos this week.

PART IV: "Baby, baby drove up in a Cadillac. I said, "Jesus Christ! Where'd you get that Cadillac?" She said, "Balls to you, Daddy." She ain't never coming back!" - The Clash

Will we play or won't we? Only time and Mother Nature can tell. Whichever way the kickball bounces, whether we get in the games, or end up in at the Boca Bar early, either way, we will have a blast...I mean, um, er, a ball. (Giggles)

- David, GMOT Editor, Team Shenanigans

Ghost Man on Third: 16 Bits of Arcade Action

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE MA COMMONWEALTH DIVISION

"And on Thursday the Lord created Kickball. And there was much bouncing" - Book of Genesis (Outtakes)

WEEK ONE: " I’ve been waiting for a long time, for this moment to come. I’m destined for anything at all.” - Green Day

Table of Contents:

I: Like George and Jerry trying to write a pilot.
II: A Veritable Sword Fest
III: Everything from Pizza to Nuts
IV: Schedule and Standings
V: Announcements
VI: Finish Your Own Damn Newsletter

PART I: "The waiting in the hardest part. Every day you see one more card. You take it on faith, you take it to the heart. The waiting is the hardest part.” - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention. But I would amend that statement slightly to "the necessity to procrastinate is the mother of invention." Whether at work or at home, putting things off is and indelible part of our national identity. The US may be taking a

lot of hits around the world, but we still lead the world in procrastination. As a species, humanity has continually invented pastimes like hockey, baseball, scrimshaw, (but not kickball, since Kickball is the reason we were put on this planet by the benevolent creator. Don’t you read your Bible Outtakes?) the Renaissance, the internet and internet porn, MyFaceSpace, just to put off the stuff that we need to do...eventually.

Even some of the greatest minds in our history were great procrastinators. Our Founding Fathers are perfect examples. The system of governance they left us is the epitome of putting things off. Truly a Patriotic American is a Procrastinating American. Thomas Jefferson was such the procrastinor that when he was tasked to write the Declaration of Independence, he started writing the thing by inventing the swivel chair. Instead getting right to penning the document that would severe our ties to Great Britain, he invented a chair so he could sit in

an spin himself in circles, much in the same way everyone does once in awhile in the office, when no one is looking. If he hadn’t procrastinated, we could be

celebrating July 4th today on June 3nd! What a brave new world that would have been (earlier freedom and chairs that don't swivel. Dare we dream?)!

See, procrastination is every bit American as apple pie, baseball, and calling things that we don't like “un-American.” Just look at the past two paragraphs, instead of getting into the great kickball action that happened in week one, I’ve been writing about putting off writing about it. U-S-A! U-S-A!

PART II: "Anticipation. Anticipation. Is making me late. Is keeping me waiting." - Carly Simon

6:30pm Games:

Looking To Score 5 over Wicked Awesome Helicopter Ninjas 0

In the Opening Game of the season the Wicked Awesome Helicopter Ninjas were ready to

deliver the crescent kick of victory to their opponents. No team in the history of Commonwealth Division has ever looked so much like a team on a mission. Coordinated socks, headbands and a matching attitude – how could they lose?

Surprisingly easily, as they soon found out, running up against last year’s league Champion and Juggernaut, Looking to Score.

On the tall, weedy grass in the northwest corner of the park, Looking to Score came out with 4 runs in the top of the first. Mike and Alina lead off with singles, Ben K belted a double scoring one. Mike F lined a single, scoring two runs, but the Ninjas made a nice play getting the over aggressive Mike thrown out at second.

BDO then launched a home run to lead finish the opening salvo.

Both teams clamped down on the defense after that, with Looking to Score pushing a run across in the fourth, for the rest of the scoring. For LTS it was an all around team effort on defense with everyone contributing for the 15 outs needed to complete the shutout.

As for the Wicked Awesome Helicopter Ninjas, watching the rest of the game was like prom night at a motel – plenty of fumbling around, no real game plan and over too quick. Still, the game was not without its pluses. Co-captain Lauren F pitched a shut out inning, which was sweet. Rob, Susan, Jo, Vinay, Katie W, Paige, Andrew, Katie Z, Dave, Christie, Brandon all provided stellar defense throughout the game.

According to Head Ninja Paul L, “The MVP was going to be awarded to whomever provided the most amazing run scoring play, but for that to happen, your team needs to score a run. Instead, our team awards were given out for more creative reasons. The invaluable Mike G. earned the first Medallion of Strength MVP award for turning a tumbling double play in the outfield. The courageous Jen E received the first Sword of Honor for her most Ninja-like play

for her combination slide and striking kick tackle while heading into second base. Yeah, she was called out, but so what – she has a sword. Jealous?”

Still the lack of offense was baffling to the otherwise coordinated Ninjas. Yet, Head Ninja Paul did not seem too worried. “ The biggest question of the night was not about the offense, but why was there a plantain in my burrito?” When pressed, he went on to say, “ Thinking back, this reminds me of a similar team that started auspiciously. Who? The Mighty Freakin Ducks, that’s who. When the Mighty Ducks played the big, bad Hawks the first time around, they got crushed to the tune of 17-0, so we Ninjas

actually did a whole lot better. In a sense, all the Ninjas need is a street wise kid who has a “knuckle-puck” style pitch, the villain from Lethal Weapon 2 to give us new gear and game time wisdom from a sage-like Emilio Estevez. See you in the finals, you cake-eaters.”

So there you have it. LTS won 5-0, and the Ninjas Marie Antoinetted them, by calling them Cake Eaters. This should prove to be an interesting rivalry and definitely bears watching.

Paul and “Pudgerod3” contributed to this report.


CareScout 5 over Kicked to the Curb 1

The second 6:30 game featured two newcomers to the League. CareScouts handed Kicked to the Curb a 5 to 1 defeat. CareScouts jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, and then handed the keys to the defense, where they were lead by a spectacular falling down catch by Alex to quell a Kicked to the Curb rally, and to the master Dave P, who locked down second base, including three consecutive catches to stymie the opposition.

Pleased with the victory, CareScout team captain Dave C remarked, “ I would like to commend my whole team for figuring out who was playing what position each inning and making sure that everyone played….that was the hardest part of the game!”

As for Kicked to the Curb, the newcomers were intimidated by

Care Scout’s part-time Oakley Shades model turned pitcher, and befuddled by a relentless bunt attack. However as the game wore on and Kicked to the Curb got it’s feet back under them, after being kicked to the curb in the first inning, there were some things that KTTC can build on. Ledum N kicked the first triple in franchise history as well as made a solo double play. Andrew W. and Team Captain Matt B. are batting 1.000, Sarah J and Jaclyn L made key defensive stops that kept the game relatively close. Said KTTC Captain Matt B. “Look for us to learn from our mistakes and put a few more runs on the board next week.”

Dave C. and Matt B. contributed to this report.


PART III: "The waiting drove me made. You’re finally here and I’m a mess, take your entrance back.” - Pearl Jam

7:15 Games

Allen Club 4 over Shenanigans 2

Allen Club who authored an undefeated regular season last year, only to succumb in the first round of the playoffs, are definitely on a mission. Not only to fulfill last season’s promise, but to fill the hearts and bellys of anyone with an appetite with Papa Gino’s pizza.

Up against Shenanigans, Captain Allen and the Club started in a hole. Thanks to Ryan L, Gabe B, and clutch kicking by Jen G, Shenanigan’s Captain Kelly C had much to smile about after the top of the first, as they posted a 2 run lead. Shenanigans defense lead by Jeff, Cat and Scott were playing tough and stifled the Allen Club early.

However, even down, the Allen Club knew the efforts of the team would prevail. Wild

Woman Casey was giving 110% (edit note: A metaphysical impossibility) effort at 3rd. This effort paid off as Scoville the Red and Kingsley were get a run across.

With new life, Allen Club ratcheted up the defense, as Barry and his Lock Ness Monster held the Shenanigans at bay in the top of the 3rd. The bottom of the third brought a trifecta of runs for Allen Club, like an ESPN 360 commercially changing into one for ESPN 3. The One & Only Anita risked life and limb with her aggressive base-running and face/plant acrobatic slide. She scored on a triple from Former Legendary Bartender Ryan of U-MASS Amhert’s “The Pub”. Ryan scored following two precision kicks from Dean and MD.

With the lead secured, Allen Club clamped down. Captain Joshua was quoted as saying “You can’t win a WAKA game if you can’t clamp down on defense.” (gitalong, gitalong) As if to prove this point, Ms. Anna Mae and Chef Jillian kept the defense strong, and Margarita Steve got his blender in gear to make a lunging catch in the outfield to secure the victory.

For the Allen Club the Papa Gino’s players of the game were The One & Only Anita and Margarita Steve. All in All, Allen Club Kickball rallyed around Papa Gino's new Rustic Meal Deal, which combines the bold taste of rustic pizza with a traditional thin crust cheese pizza for only $19.99. It has something for everyone, just like the two Players of the Game. Pick up yours today (or Thursday on your way back from brews at the Boca Bar).

As for Shenanigans, they hope to regroup and build upon the positives of the week, and possibly check out what deals they can get from Papa Johns or the Upper Crust.

Joshua A and Kelly C contributed to this report.

Ball Busters 7 def Wakadamia Nuts 3

In what could be considered one of the most entertaining games of the evening (at least in the top 4!) Ball Busters defeated Wakadamia Nuts in stunning fashion.

The game started of tamely, as it took both teams a couple of innings to get on track. Wakadamia struck first in the bottom of the third.

Nick, Jon P, and Andrew K. got things started off with back-to-back-to-back singles with Andrew bringing Nick home for the 1-0 lead. Karen set things up by moving the runners to 2nd and 3rd and a clutch double from Justin plated Jon P. and Andrew K. for the 3-0 lead. It appeared to be a comfortable lead, but as recent tragic sporting events have excruciatingly taught us, 3-0 leads are not always the safest.

Still, the Nuts cruised through the fourth inning and just needed to close out the Ball Busters in the top of the 5th to secure their inaugural win. However, the Ball Busters it appears had just been lulling the Nuts to sleep. “Right where we want them” was over heard on the Ball Busters bench.

In the top of the 5th, Amy, Toni and John C. loaded the bases to start. Tara knocked in a run to make it 3-1. Richie hit a sac fly. With one out the score was 3-2 with runners on 2nd and 3rd. Tom C. kicked a two run double with the help of Tara's EPIC SLIDE into home. Tom scored on Max' kick, Max on Adam's kick

and Adam on Mike C.'s kick. In seemingly the time it takes one to down two shots of happy and one shot of sad, a 3-0 Wakadamia Nuts lead had turned into a 7-3 Ball Busters lead.

Stunned, but not quite unconscious, the Wakadamia Nuts attempted to rally. They got the first runner of the inning on, but then Kristy made a crazy great running catch and we were able to double them up at first base. Richie caught the final out, dropping the Nuts in the first game of the season.

Ball Buster victory was not limited to the field of play. Shenanigans made a valiant attempt to dethrone them at the Boca Bar, but Greg S and Shoeless Tom C. held on and closed down the bar.

Tom C. and Adam B. contributed to this report.


PART IV: "I wanna hurry home to you, put on a slow dumb show for you and crack you up, so you can put a blue ribbon on my brain.” - The National

Standings: (Win, Loss, Tie, Forfeit, Winning Percentage, Runs Allowed)

1.) Looking to Score 1-0-0-0 1.000% 0
2.) Care Scout 1-0-0-0 1.000% 1
3.) Allen Club 1-0-0-0 1.000% 2
4.) Ball Busters 1-0-0-0 1.000% 3
5.) Shenanigans 0-1-0-0 0.000% 4
6.) Wicked Awesome Helicopter Ninjas 0-1-0-0 0.000% 5
6.) Kicked to the Curb 0-1-0-0 0.000% 5
8.) Wakademia Nuts 0-1-0-0 0.000% 7

Week 2 Schedule:

6:30PM
Diamond:
Wicked Awesome Helicopter Ninjas v. Wakademia Nuts

(Ump: Care Scout)

Grass:
Allen Club v. Ball Busters

(Ump: Looking to Score)

7:15PM
Diamond:
Shenanigans v. Care Scout

(Ump:Wakademia Nuts)

Grass:
Kicked to the Curb v. Looking to Score

(Ump: Allen Club)


PART IV: "Take a load off Fannie. Take a load for free. Take a load off Fannie, and put the load right on me. ” - The Band

Announcements, Announcements, Announcements:

BOCA BAR: Remeber please join us after every game at our League Partner this year will be

The Boca Bar. Great times. Great food. Better drinks and best friends.

LEAGUE POSITIONS: First, get your mind out of the gutter. That is not what I mean. In order for any season to run smoothly you need steady hands to guide it. And if you saw our League Rep Tom Caddigan close the Boca Bar after last Thursday’s games, steady hands he has not. (And if you saw me type this, neither are mine.) We need volunteers to step up and help run this season. Like...

LEAGUE CHARITY: Kickball, unlike life, is not all fun and games. Every year WAKA Leagues all over the country engage in meaningful charitable endeavors to marry the spirit of fun and comeradery with the greater good. Every year this league chooses one local charity to make a donation on behalf of the league to help out where we can. Thus, we are soliciting for a Charity Coordinator, who will pick the charity, devise a devious fundraiser, and be the bearer of good will and hope that kickball can bring. If you work for or participate in a local charity, or know of a good cause, please contact Tom.

PARTY PARTY PARTY: Another extremely important position in the league is Social Coordinator. This is probably more important than Tom’s job and my job combined, in the grand schemed? Why? Because that person gets a wad of cash on which to spend on our lavish league Mid Season and End of Season Parties. Free Beer. Free Food. Exclusivity to our league, and a real blast. It took til November of last year for my liver to recover from the Flip Cup

Tournament at the Mid Season Party Last Year. Tom and I could plan it, but we’d end up just passing around a forty and some mescal in the flatbed of a 1972 Datsun while eating mustard packets and blasting NPR. So if you are partily inclined or have deep connections with a local drinking establishment with a private room, or just want to plan a good time, contact Tom. The sooner we get a coordinator the sooner we can plan the party dates.

PICTURES: League members are encouraged to bring their cameras and send their pics to me at this address macommonwealthwaka@gmail.com Both game action and Boca Bar action are greatly appreciated. Please check out this blog's archives for examples of past seasons. Tip of the cap to Jeff, Andrew, Adam and Tom for contributing photos this week.

WEATHER: Forecast for this afternoon is scattered Thunderstorms. Come prepared to play.

PART IV: " While I’m strolling through the lonely graveyard of my mind. I left my life with you somewhere back there along the line. I thought somehow I would be spared this fate. But I don’t know how much longer I can wait.” - Bob Dylan

So in the time I should have been writing this newsletter, I’ve napped, read War and Peace,

solved both the JFK assassination and where do missing socks go (surprisingly it’s France. Who knew?). But enough procrastinating. Week 1 is over, and Week 2 is here. The Grind, (no not the MTV dance show of the early 90’s that set male dancing back several decades) of the kickball season is upon us. It’s time to buckle down, focus, put our feet to rubber balls, noses to frothy beer and continue on the march towards ETERNAL KICKBALL GLORY. But first who wants to go to Dunks with me and get some coffee? Can’t start anything proper without coffee, and reading Doonesbury,perhaps a nap, then maybe get some pizza (Damn you Allen Club!), oh and gotta check Puck Daddy, Perez Hilton, and The Onion, plus I gotta tweet the update on my facespace page that I’m beginning to think about starting to march towards Eternal Kickball Glory...........

- David, GMOT Editor, Team Shenanigans