Great Win : On to the Next One..

Gents:

We should all be pretty happy with our efforts yesterday. We played well in all facets of the game and you could see we were playing with confidence . Kudos all around as everyone contributed . The defense was terrific making every play and Alex shut their running game down to nothing. Mike gave us a terrific start getting us comfortably ahead, including getting a big K when it counted and rapping the ball all day. Johnny Liz is going to show the league what a great leadoff hitter can do and ripped three hits to start his season. Tim was an inspired DH choice and also rapped out three hits with a couple ribby's.Chuck gave us the first head first slide with his big steal of second to help us set the pace of being aggressive and grabbing several balls in the outfield ( as a pitcher I can assure you it is nice feeling to have the ball up in the air knowing it is going to get caught ) . Bobby U had a terrific day knocking in three runs and turning a DP with Travis in his guest appearance at second. Like I said, I could mention every guy on the team here as each of us did something to help us win.

Upcoming Game

Sunday April Sunday April 26 9 am Single game vs. Fairfield Marlins

I have not been notified yet as to where this game is to be played. Previously, the Marlins played at Kiwanis Park but it seems they have lost privileges there and will have another location. As soon as they tell me I will tell you and offer directions to the field.


Slide to Avoid Rule

When Shawn was barreling toward home yesterday it dawned on me that I neglected to share the league "slide to avoid" rule. I know their catcher was bemoaning his fate as he perceived his life would soon come to an abrupt end had Shawn continued towards home with malice. Anyway, Shawn showed compassion and good judgment so we did not have any injuries. The catcher however reportedly has moved to Montana., But the rule is simply one must slide to avoid a tag. there is no barreling into the catcher or infielder to jar the ball loose or make a statement. We all have to work the next day so we want to be able to get up and do so. The penalty for this is , if deemed one is not sliding to avoid, is the runner is out and suspended for a game. and they have to attend the game in person and watch. This is a "gentlemen's league" and we need to respect that rule for everyone's sake. Thank you.


Practice

On Wednesday the HS plays at 4:15pm . They tend to be done by 6:15pm or so. let's try to meet at 630 and get a little work in for an hour before it gets too dark. Jim wants to throw to live hitters and we can take some BP in the age . I realize a portion of the team is too far away and hope they can find a way to get some work in during the week.

Additionally, the Stamford Phillies will be practicing at Stamford HS at 630 and if that is more convenient ( perhaps for Shawn) we are invited to that practice as well. I have also extended to the Phillies ( they have a couple players from Redding so they might drop by) they can join us. The teams have guys all over and thus it is virtually impossible to get a full team practice during the week and the fellowship of the league is such that everyone is welcome at each other's practice ( well for some teams but universally-basically the teams I am friends with l)


Upcoming game attendance

We can run plan these games more readily if we are aware of everyone's attendance plans. As such we ask you let us know if you are not going to be there so we can ensure the complementary players are available. for example, I plan to be out the May 3rd and May 17th games ( my son's baseball playoffs and then his college graduation) but the pitchers know and will be there. There is plenty of playing time for everyone and we plan to run the games like you witnessed yesterday.

We prefer to handle this by assuming you will be at the game unless you otherwise tell us: This method makes it simple for all of us and we ask for your support in this approach .


April 26th : Shawn is out and we have 1b covered in his base. Charlie is likely out and Alex is there to catch with Jose as back up insurance
anybody else?

May 3rd: Out: Dave M, Alex, John Liz
Charlie will be back May 3rd to handle the catching
Jim, Mike, and Tim will be able to handle the pitching
Danny and Chuck can handle CF


Bonus feature:
(Kindly indulge me this moment of parental pride)
Shea HR: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpCpuJHTSBA

In case you have a minute to see my son Shea jack an HR take a peek. it came against Haverford and in the small world category Travis coached a kid who plays for that team!

I continue to tell Shea he would not hit the ball like that against me!




League Website

http://www.ctnationalmsbl.com/

The league has a website which maintains scores, standings, videos and other relevant information about the league.


Congratulations for our first win

let's go get some more

Cheers,


Dave