Ghost Man on Third: The Hup Two Three Four Edition

The  Award Winning Official Newsletter of the MA Commonwealth Division

"Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-iccccccccccccccccckkkkkk" - Sen. Clay Davis

WEEK 3: He said, "Will you defeat them. Your demons and all the non-believers. 

The plans that they have made? Because one day, I'll leave you A phantom to lead you in the summer to join the Black Parade" - My Chemical Romance

Table of Contents:
I: All the Little Brads Go March-and
II: No Rusty Trombones Here 

III:Schedule and Standings

IV: Announcements

V: One Time in Band Camp


PART I: "We're marching from the shipyards. We're marching from the hospitals. We'll take it to the town hall. We'll take it to the capitol." - Pretty Girls Make Graves

Since I'm still in Stanley Cup Hangover mode (did that really happen?) I don't have an opening tirade, since I have nothing to tirade about (or about which to tirade, for your grammar-fascists) This does a lot to help one's disposition. 

PART II: "The Soft Parade has now begun. Listen to the engines hum. People out to have some fun. A cobra on my left. Leopard on my right, yeah." - The Doors

6:30 Games:

99 Problems 10 over One Kick Wonders 2

Mark M. had a solo HR, Drew B had a 2 run HR and a triple. Elyssa B. had 2 runs and 2 RBIS. Josh C, Dave P, Erin M, Mike L, Stacy L, also scored. Mark M and Alex were great on defense. And yet again, strong pitching efforts by Dave P. 

Vickie contributed to this report

The Boston Kreamers 5 over Pitch Please! 2

Pitch Please took an early lead scoring a run in the first inning. Once the pressure was on, the Boston Kreamers rallied back scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 3rd. Craig M (Mr. Papagiorgio) held a tight defense as the starting and closing pitcher, and the Kreamers enjoyed their first victory. 

Meghan contributed to this report

7:15 Games:

Ninja Awesomenauts 14 over Waka Flocka Flames 6

Marking the second week working together, the Ninjapollo crew wrapped up a week of various maintenance tasks, science experiments and drills during the June 16 mission against Waka Flocka Flame. To prepare for the new league rival, the currently docked NASA' large kicking engines were used to reboost the station's productivity. The move increases the number of thrusting opportunities in the first inning, bringing a new high of 8 Awesomenauts to home base in the very first inning of play.
It seems the entire team put forth a good effort, getting runs on the board in mass numbers, but the Flames battled back, pushing the NASA core shields to the brink before running out of steam. Kudos to you, maroon warriors, we shall see you another time. Kyla rocked the MVP space suit for her mutliple base hits, crafty manuevering on the basepath and heated comments on the sideline. The sword of honor went to Rick, who was able to turn back to back at bats into a soft bunt single followed by a shooting star of a home run.

As for Waka Flocka Flame, they  brought the heat this week scoring 6 runs against NASA. Although they didn't win the game, they did have some killer body paint including a very realistic fire breathing dragon (so realistic, in fact, that it is rumored that small children ran and hid in fear). This week's MVP goes to Jenny who managed to kick the ball into "outer space" getting her a home run and sending the Astronauts running (or flying?). The Flames also now holds the title of having “the biggest fake-out in kickball history” (as long as you don’t ask for a source quoting that). We would give you more details, but where’s the strategy in that? Overall, WAKA Flocka Flame continues to heat up both the field and bar with their ridiculously good looking players and extraordinary beer drinking skills.

Paul and Ilana contributed to this report

Ball Busters 4 over Looking to Score 2

It was a pitchers duel for most of the day. Through four innings we were only able to push one across (that being Jordan) and trailed 2-1 going into the fifth. With Richie on first Tom kicked a homerun. Max tacked on an insurance run for the busters and we shut them down in the fifth thanks to a nice defensive play by Lindsey.

Tom contributed to this report

PART III: "Evrywhere I hear the sound of marching, charging feet, boy. Cause summers here and the time is right for fighting in the street, boy." - The Rolling Stones

Standings:

Schedule Week 3: Thursday, June 23

6:30 PM

Mud: Ninja Awesomenauts v. Ball Busters

Referees: The Boston Kreamers

Grass:  One Kick Wonders v. WAKA Flocka Flame

Referees: Pitch Please!

7:15 PM

Mud: Looking to Score v. The Boston Kreamers
Referees: Ball Busters

Grass:  99 Problems v. Pitch Please!

Referees:One Kick Wonders

Equipment:Pitch Please!

PART IV: "And all the little ants are marching. Red and black antennas waving.They all do it the same. They all do it the same way" - Dave Matthews Band 
Announcements, Announcements Announcements

RIVALRY WEEK: Read here for the latest on "Rivalry Week' this year's attempt to make that awkward week where you play a team you already played fun and exciting. And do you know where I found out about this?...

TWITTER: Yup. Follow the league twitter account for all you twatters out there. Get the latest news and information about the MA Commonwealth Division (including stuff about rivalry week) from our twitter feed. Follow us @macommonwealth

BOCA BAR: Wet your whistle at our league sponsor. And try the plaintains! And remember always drink responsibly and unless you can afford it, keep the tab under $156K

WEATHER: Maybe rain. Maybe nice. Stay tuned to your email and twitter for the latest weather updates


PART IV: "Though I will never fade. Or get lost in this daze. Though I will disappear. Into the street parade." - The Clash

Victory is achieved one step at a time. But we cannot march to our own beat. Winning can only be achieved as a team (or if you are Charlie Sheen through copious amounts of mind altering drugs, an avalanche of porn stars, millions of dollars, and no shred of dignity) working together in harmony. Though the route may be long, and not cordoned off nicely by members of the Boston Police department, victory is only a march together away. 

Good luck and Happy Kicking.
- David, GMOT Editor

Ghost Man on Third: The Stanley Cup Edition

The  Award Winning Official Newsletter of the MA Commonwealth Division

"You come at the king, you best not miss." - Omar Little

WEEK 2 (For Real): "Old-time hockey, bar the door, Clear the track it's all-out war

Light the lamp, throw a hit, Black and gold never quit." - Dropkick Murphy's

Table of Contents:
I: Don't Stop Til You Bergeron
II: Schedule and Standings

III: Announcements

IV: STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS


PART I: "I'll ride the wave, to where it takes me. I'll hold the pain. Release me" - Pearl Jam

Nothing to say this week. No games due to rain. Everything remains the same. Oh yeah, except for this. 

As a ten year season ticket holder to the Bruins and a life long fan I am in such a state of utter bliss, joy, and exhaustion, all my words have been transformed into silver chalice shaped particles of energy and light. YEAH! (Andrew Ference, where's your hat?)

PART II: "And the Stanley Cup is all filled up, for the champs who win the drink. Now the final flick of a hockey stick, and the one gigantic scream: "The puck is in" - The BRUINS win. The good old hockey game!" - Stompin Tom Connors

Standings:

Schedule: Thursday, June 16

6:30 PM

Dirt: 99 Problems v. One Kick Wonders 

Referees: Looking to Score

Grass: The Boston Kreamers v. Pitch Please!

Referees: WAKA Flocka Flame


7:15 PM

Dirt: Looking to Score v. Ball Busters
Referees: One Kick Wonders

Grass:  WAKA Flocka Flame v. Ninja Awesomenauts

Referees:The Boston Kreamers

Equipment:Ninja Awesomenauts

PART III: I waited patiently for the Lord (Stanley). He inclined and heard my cry. He lift me up out of the pit out of the miry clay. I will sing, sing a new song." - U2 

Announcements, Announcements Announcements

TWITTER: Get the latest news and information about the MA Commonwealth Division from our twitter feed. Follow us @macommonwealth

SHIRTS: All the shirts are in. You can pick them up tonight from your Captains.

BOCA BAR: Remember to join everyone tonight post game at our league sponsor The Boca Bar.

WEATHER: Weather good. Kickball fun. Go Bruins!

ALCOHOL: Reminder, no alcohol is allowed at Lowell Playground. (Won't somebody please think of the children!) Anyone caught with booze by us will be asked to leave. Anyone caught by booze by the police will face those issues, and our permits will be revoked. Be safe. Be smart.


PART IV: "I've seen a lot of sights and traveled many miles. Shook a thousand hands and seen my share of smiles. I've caused some great concern and told one too many lies. And now I see the world through these sad, old, jaded eyes

So what if I threw a party and all my friends were there?. Acquaintances, relatives, the girls who never cared. You'll have a host of rowdy hooligans in a big line out the door. Side by side with Sister Barbara, Chief Wells and Bobby Orr!" - Dropkick Murphys

Win as a team. Lose as a team. Work as a team. Play as a team. Have fun as a team and in the end have a big effing party. True for hockey. True for kickball. True for life!

WOO!

Good luck and Happy Kicking.
- David, GMOT Editor

Ghost Man on Third: The Edition with Teeth

The  Award Winning Official Newsletter of the MA Commonwealth Division

"Just a humble little playground game, with a big ass ball." - Bunk Moreland

WEEK 2: "She comes along. She gets inside. She makes you better than anything you've tried. It's in her kiss. The blackest sea. And it runs deeper than you. Dare to dream it could be. With teeth. " - Nine Inch Nails

Table of Contents:
I: Love Bites
II: Recaps
III: Schedule and Standings
IV: Announcements
V: Guacamolar


PART I: "As loud as hell. A ringing bell. Behind my smile. It shakes my teeth. And all the while, as vampires feed. I bleed." - Pixies

In a shameless attempt to keep this AWARD winning newsletter relevant on the Google Searches and to keep traffic (and thus my onion skin thin self-esteem) high, I am now going to gratuitously talk about vampire fiction and Twilight, and then make some lame kickball related tie in in the last paragraph. Why? Because I can. 

The first vampire I encountered in my life was the immortal Count Von Count. And while he was undead, I don't think he "counts" as a real vampire, considering he is of course a muppet. Still his visage, which of course cannot be seen in a mirror, seared in my mind the image of what a vampire should look like, except of course for the arm coming out of where his butt should be.

Vampires used to have a mystique of being taboo and risque. Even the beloved Count Von Count was edgy, especially for a children's show. Now thanks to Stephanie Meier all of the hedonistic thrills that vampyrism represented has been throttled away. Gone is the fear. Gone is the seductiveness. Instead of Jesus Franco like films of unadulterated and unfettered lust and wanton desires, we are subjected to bad writing, bad acting, and perhaps the biggest blight on society, mopey narcissistic teenagers in love! 

My point? Vampires were cooler when I was a kid. Now get off my lawn you whipper snappers, before I count to ah van!, ah two! ah three! 

The moral. Don't write vampire fiction and if you think you may be a vampire, please avoid biting the kickball at all times. That would suck for everyone. (I am a man of my word)

PART II: "Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear, and it shows them pearly white." Weill/Brecht

6:30 Recaps

99 Problems but My Pitch Ain't One 6 over WAKA Flocka Flame 1

Coming off a 2010 championship run, the team formerly named CareScout took to the field for the first time without their 2010 pitching sensation Matt K. With a new pitcher and a new name, 99 problems but My Pitch Ain’t One threw rookie pitcher Dave P on the mound. 99 problems proved that they did not need a star pitcher to win, instead they rode Josh “Highlight Reel” C’s stellar defense to a hard fought 6-1 victory. Runs were scored by Dave P, Josh C, Brett H, Alex H, Emma R and Danielle C.

Victoria B submitted this report.

The Ball Busters 13 over The Boston Kreamers 6

Due to an unforeseen mind-altering grass burn, caused by a head first slide, the Ball Busters forgot where they left their scorecard. Thus captain Tom C was unable to provide the names of who did what, when, where, how and to whom. However he did recall that he was safe on the slide that caused his memory loss, and that the 13-6 victory over the Boston Kreamers was a "team effort." (Thank you Captain Obvious). 

Despite the score, the Ball Busters were impressed with the Kreamers. "Once they put it all together, they will be a team to be reckoned with." 

The signs are there for the Kreamers. Patrick N kicked a home run, scoring  taking a digger while rounding second and touching the base with his face. Also the Kreamers are looking to ride the momentum from their early success against the Ball Busters, as well as the fact that Sean D will be celebrating the big 3-0. Hopefully they can celebrate in style with a victory in week 2. 

Tom C and Meghan S contributed to this report. 

7:15 Recaps

Ninja Awesomenauts 10 over One Pitch Wonders 0 

The Ninjapollo Craft and its Awesomenaut crew landed at 8:15 p.m. EDT Thursday at Boca Bar's refueling station after completing a 10-0 victorious journey of nearly 5 million innings against the One Kick Wonder planet.  "The success of this mission makes the Awesomenauts truly awesome," said NASA Captain Jen. "We had air lock defense working around the clock.  It was a space dog fight for a while until we finally broke it open."  Game co-MVP Nick commanded the flight with his pitching and scored two runs, one of which scored on a deceptively powerful bunt that took him to all four corners of the galaxy.  He was joined safely at home by Jon, Paige, Casey, Jen, Ryan, Amy and game co-MVP Mike. With its crew safely home, the stage is set for the next phase of the season. NASA's next mission is the second flight that will enter the WAKA Flocka Flame galaxy.

Jen and Paul contributed this report.

Looking to Score 5 over Pitch Please! 1

LTS got off to a strong start by plating all of their runs in the bottom of the first.  Chris and Alina got base hits to start things off.  Then Kramer, who enjoys pounding the big red ball almost as much as he enjoys watching the Ohio State football program deteriorate, hit a 3 run jack.  Jay P, newly promoted to the cleanup slot, followed with a base hit to continue the rally.  BDO doubled him to third.  Mike M's sac fly scored Jay P and BDO later came around on a clutch two out single by Sara B.  LTS came close to scoring again later in the game when Richard braved a collision at first to get an infield single.  New team members Cortney and Sara J each got hits in their debut but PP stranded them all.

BDO went the distance on the bump allowing only one unearned run.  He was aided by strong defensive play at third by Chris, Mike M in left, and Nupa at second base.

Jason K submitted this report.

PART III: "Love bites, love bleeds. It's bringin' me to my knees" - Def Leppard

Standings:

Schedule: Thursday, June 9

6:30 PM

Dirt: 99 Problems v. One Kick Wonders 

Referees: Looking to Score

Grass: The Boston Kreamers v. Pitch Please!

Referees: WAKA Flocka Flame


7:15 PM

Dirt: Looking to Score v. Ball Busters
Referees: One Kick Wonders

Grass:  WAKA Flocka Flame v. Ninja Awesomenauts

Referees:The Boston Kreamers

Equipment:Ninja Awesomenauts

PART IV: "Open your mouth boy. Show me your teeth. Show me whatcha got. Show me your teeth. Teeth teeth teeth" - Lady Gaga

Announcements, Announcements Announcements

TWITTER: Get the latest news and information about the MA Commonwealth Division from our twitter feed. Follow us @macommonwealth

SHIRTS: All the shirts are in. You can pick them up tonight from your Captains.

BOCA BAR: Remember to join everyone tonight post game at our league sponsor The Boca Bar.

WEATHER: It's gonna be hot tonight and possibly stormy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and bring plenty of water with you, and keep an eye on your email and the league twitter feed for any postponement information.

ALCOHOL: Reminder, no alcohol is allowed at Lowell Playground. (Won't somebody please think of the children!) Anyone caught with booze by us will be asked to leave. Anyone caught by booze by the police will face those issues, and our permits will be revoked. Be safe. Be smart.

PHOTOS: With no photos, this blog looks kinda boring. Please If you have any pictures of game or post-game action please send them to the GMOT at the linked address.


PART V: "the sun is settin on the century, and we are armed to the teeth.we are all working together now to make our lives mercifully brief" - Ani DiFranco

Now the fangs are out. There are no longer new teams or old teams. Now we are in that dog eat dog battle, jockeying for position striving to reach true immortality (not the blood sucking kind), that is to say IMMORTAL KICKBALL GLORY. So get out there, bare all for the world, and don't suck.


Good luck and Happy Kicking.
- David, GMOT Editor

Ghost Man on Third: Opening Week Spectacular!

The  Award Winning Official Newsletter of the MA Commonwealth Division

"It's All in the Kickball Game, Yo." - Omar Little

OPENING WEEK: "Hey Ho Hey! It's the Acid Test. Got a Busy Day. I'm Wearing a Vest." - Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros

Table of Contents:
I: There will be no mentions of Rebecca Black (except for that one and this parenthetical explaining that reference to Rebecca Black)
II: It's What You Use Sporkle to Kill
III: Schedule
IV: Announcements
V: She's a Lady Day


PART I:It's been a hard day's night, and I've been working like a dog It's been a hard day's night, I should be sleeping like a log But when I get home to you I find the things that you do will make me feel alright - The Beatles

Welcome. For some reason, whether via coercion, peer pressure, perhaps aided by mind altering substances, a shyness that is criminally vulgar, nostalgia for a by gone era when you had velcro on your shoes and the interwebs was just some nerd's fantasy, or some strange fetish that even I haven't heard of, you have joined a World Adult Kickball Association league. Lucky for you, you have chosen wisely.

This here AWARD WINNING newsletter will serve you for the next few months as your conduit for all things MA Commonwealth, plus the rants of a crazy person, highly esoteric jokes, bits of song lyrics to punctuate the theme of the week, and of course lots and lots of photos. If you would like to submit photos of game or bar action, or random places you may wear your WAKA shirt, just shoot me an email here.

We here at GMOT (Ghost Man on Third) Central, (and by "we" we mean, I and the different voices in my (our?) head, are looking forward to a wonderful opening day, plus an even better season. This is the fifth year of this division, and it is has grown by leaps and bounds every year. The epic levels of funness can only be achieved by the active participation of you (me?) the kickball playing boy and/or girl.

So let us grab that bouncy rubber ball by its grand orbituity and let's get this season started. Oh, and as always no refunds.


PART II: "Whether life's disabilities, Left you outcast, bullied, or teased, Rejoice and love yourself today, 'Cause baby you were born this way" - Lady Gaga  

For some of you it's only been mere months since you stood on a kickball field, experience season ending agony or season ending exuberance, or nothing since you were too cold from the frostbite from various fall leagues around the area. For some of you, you have not donned the cleat and shirt of kickball since you were mere adolescents wondering when puberty was going to hit. So here is a refresher on some of the differences between kickball then and now.

Then: You feared getting picked last and spending the next decade of your life trying to overcome that shame.
Now: You are old enough to drink that shame away.

Then: The adults were the coaches and umpires and they all sounded like the adults in a Peanuts cartoon.
Now: WAH-WAH. WAH WAH WAH WAH WAH WAH WHAH HAH.

Then: Parents or teachers would be there with orange slices and water for nourishment.
Now: The Boca Bar is there with a fine alcohol selection and Costa Rican delicacies for nourishment.

Then: Girls and Boys were icky in general.
Now: Girls and Boys are icky, due to the mud, sweat and weekly rain storms that seemingly befall our league.

Then: You made fun of people who drew walks in kickball.
Now: You make fun of people who draw walks in kickball.

Then: The ball was quite bigger than your head.
Now: For some of us, it's as big as our beer bellies.

Then: Games lasted the length of recess or gym class, or until someone got mad and played the "it's my ball, and I'm going home" card. Hated those kids.
Now: 5 innings with no extra innings until the playoffs.

Then: The rules were confusing, you didn't know how to run the bases, and catching the ball was a minor miracle.
Now: This pretty much hasn't changed at all.


PART III: Night and day you are the one. Only you beneath the moon or under the sun.wheather near to me or far it's no matter darling, where you are. I think of you, day and night, night and day - Cole Porter


Schedule: Thursday, June 2

6:30 PM

Dirt: 99 Problems v. WAKA Flocka FlameReferees: Looking to Score

Grass: The Boston Kreamers v. Ball Busters
Referees: Ninja Awesomenauts


7:15 PM

Dirt: Looking to Score v. Pitch Please!
Referees: 99 Problems

Grass: One Kick Wonders v. Ninja Awesomenauts
Referees: Ball Busters

Equipment: 99 Problems

PART IV: "And the sun will set for you. The sun will set for you. And the shadow of the day. Will embrace the world in grey. And the sun will set for you" - Linkin Park

Announcements, Announcements Announcements

BOCA BAR: Remember to join everyone tonight post game at our league sponsor The Boca Bar.

FOOTWEAR: No open toed shoes or metal cleats are allowed.

ALCOHOL: Reminder, no alcohol is allowed at Lowell Playground. (Won't somebody please think of the children!) Anyone caught with booze by us will be asked to leave. Anyone caught by booze by the police will face those issues, and our permits will be revoked. Be safe. Be smart.

PHOTOS: If you have any pictures of game or post-game action please send them to the GMOT at the linked address.


PART V: "These days, days, days, run away like horses over the hill." - U2

And so another day has dawned, and the cosmic ballet that is adult kickball continues. With grace, dignity, patience, trepidation and reckless abandon, we greet this wondrous day. Tonight the long journey to immortal kickball glory begins. 8 teams enter. 1 team wins. Who will it be? That we will see as these days unfold.


Good luck and Happy Kicking.
- David, GMOT Editor