2012 Blue Leadership

Our new management to lead us to the promised land, (Evers, aka Captain "Krispy Kreme").

"Do we really have to take this seriously?", asks Tinker.

"YES". Or the man (Chance, aka "long ball") carrying the stick will exact discipline.

Reminder---Team Meeting Monday January 23, 2012, 10 a.m. at Mel's house with a snow date of Wednesday January 25, same time and place. If you feel the need, brown bag it as Benny's Kitchen is closed.

2011 Boys of Blue

It was a very good year. Just one out away from the pinnacle.

Fall Meeting

Photos from October 31, 2011 CCSS meeting as well as notification of Blue Team meeting to be held at Stables, noon, Tuesday November 15 to settle managership.

New Feature

Hoping to preserve CCSS history, I have redesigned the "News and Announcements" link to archive our legacy. I hope you find it of interest as I will continue to expand the information during our off season. Any old photos that you can provide electronically can be published.

In closing, I quote Charles O. Finley.....
"Good stockbrokers and attorneys are a dime a dozen, but good shortstops are hard to find!"

It's Hard to Win A Championship

It's hard to win a championship, but it's harder losing one!
Physics 101: For each and every action there is an equal and opposite reaction so don't despair.
What if our star pitcher, Oscar, had not shown up on a cane today?
What if our new lefty, Tim, could have pitched instead of teaching today?
No matter: Tom Henry pitched a superb game on a moments notice!
What if Howard Red's second baseman hadn't shifted left to snare Jr's liner?
What if Jim would have worn the correct sponsor's shirt?
What if Tinker's reflex was a millisecond quicker or wing span 4" greater to snare the liner for the 3rd out in the 9th inning?
Doesn't matter!
Hold you heads high as we played with valor!
Jumping on Howard with 5 runs in the first inning startled them. And leading for the majority of the game only to lose the lead and then regain it re-inforced in their minds that Blue was there to play.
Gentlemen, this was a successful season! No sense in feeling morosity for
we have grand children to play with, new kitchens to enjoy, friendships outside of our teammates to catch up with, and a new season to look forward to, but by darn, it is time that Carroll County wins the Big one next year!

A new post will appear within the next ten days advising you of an added
feature for Carroll County Blue followers, so check in periodically. To each and every Bluesman-It's Been Great!

Finale 10-9

A Casey Stengel quote: "Oldtimers games and airplane landings are alike. If you walk away from them, they're successful.

No sacrifice is too great for Blue. Post game write up to follow.

Wednesday Championship

It will be ours! Now stop checking the blog and get ready for bed!
See you at the rendezvous site in the morn. Where do we celebrate
post game tomorrow?

Reds Up by 1 after 1

That is in gamesmanship. Howard Red's called twenty minutes after league postponement deadline to reschedule for Wednesday. Don't allow mind games to distract nor deter us! R'Nealius, bring that big lumber again.

Going to the Show

Time to Shine Blue!

You can do this later.

Lets have a good one!
How often has Carroll County had the opportunity to bring home the Gold in "A" Division? Never. Let's get it done as we ain't gettin' any younger!

2011 Blue & Gray Picnic

Photos complements of Evers.

Grill Master Supreme!

Feasting

Good Eats and fellowship

Amicis. All we need now is a good bottle of red and a bocci ball court.

Let's build up our appetites!

"Look Jim, if I slip you a buck would Yasuko consider me for "The Award"?

The Rookie earned his award.

Tom gets his "Hello Kitty Award".

"If only I had thought to pay 2 bucks, that Award could've been mine!

Friendships extend beyond just the teammates.

And, friendships endure beyond one's playing days.

Blue Game Results- Yes We Are Dancing!

Given my earlier posts, I find it hard to mount escalating drama to this story (like your friend divulging the Climatic ending before you get to see the show). Today began, as the pending Baltimore Grand Prix, with five vehicles departing Westminster's Park N Ride for Randazzo Park. There were many lead changes with Bob leading the majority of the race until his patient and attentive listening to his co-pilot (6.9) apparently diverted them for a pit-stop....hence, last to arrive. Tinker remembering Evers commentary on WHS football days of yore took his advice finishing second by following the blocking of his linemen (WHS's Oscar and Tech's Big Ben).
And, now for the game. Blue's one run first inning lead evaporated quickly. While trailing 8-1 after three innings Blue never flinched. Positive words of encouragement and good natured bantering propelled Blue's offense. We came alive, playing confidently as in when a batter was unsuccessful his teammate immediately came through. When the heat of battle took its toll on Oscar's back, Tim came to the rescue (BOTH Warriors!). When we needed another run, Bob pulled a "run-down" trick out of JR's bag. After allowing eight runs to Glenelg in the first two innings, our defense shut them down until yielding their final two runs in the eighth inning.
END Result: BLUE 18 - Glenelg 10.

Now for my friends' comments on my use of vocabulary (Yes It Is English),
(weak excuses such as, "my edition of Roget's from college has pages too yellowed to read" and "my dictionary has more pages dog-earred than not") Here is a definitions tutorial:
Speed (v): Jerry and Dave
Ball Hawkers (n): Neal and Jr.
Coaching Extraordinare (v): Ben
Dangerous Hitters (n): Pete, Tom, Mike
Heavy Hitters (n): John, Jim, Al
Pitching Phenoms (n): Oscar (O) and Tim
Statistician (n): Yasuko
Strategician (n): Evers (Mel) and Bob (took my literary liberty with this)
Team Player Superbious (n): Chance (Hank)
Hitch-hiker's Thumb (n): Tinker (Black, blue, purple, yellow and red)

Fresh off the AP Wire

While ya'll await tonight's Blue Victory write-up I thought I would post the recap of our Monday's opponent game. Harford (while playing without five of their starters) has just advised me that they tied Howard Red in the ninth only to see RED win 12-11 in the bottom of the ninth. In Harford's opinion, Blue is the team to beat (Harford is the touring smart team so let's prove them correct!).
Blue's game article to appear tonight (I got a day job to go to now).

Gray

Congratulations to Gray for their victory today. The revelry taking place at Stables upon Blue's arrival to join Gray made it difficult for my on the scene reporter (Coach Myers) and I to communicate via cell but this is what I gathered: Gray was matched in a defensive struggle but survived their opponent's 5 run inning to win 7-6. How much better can it get than both Blue and Gray playing for their respective Division Championships on Monday.
As I dutifully sit in my study reporting, while my colleagues celebrate, I ask my dear friend R'Nealius, what time will the Ketel be ready at your house tonight as I can Absolutely use it. To put a twist on it, I prefer lime (and not the kind we use on the field).

Big Dance

Polish your shoes boys as Blue is going to the Big Dance!!!!!
Story to follow later.

Razzle & Dazzle

Appears as though we're getting viewings of the blog tonight so here's the WORD. Time to Razzle and Dazzle at Randazzo Park tomorrow. I had a phone conversation with Harford's manager tonight who informed me that there is unanimous census among Harford players that their greatest hope is to have to travel to Carroll County Monday. Let's do our part to make this happen!
Bring the leather, the lumber and the mentality to dispose Glenelg. Your memorable moments await if we gain home field advantage for Monday's Championship.

It Took A Team (And Ten Innings)

Gents ( and Ladies...we know who your are and love you!), we knew we were in for a game facing a team with determination, Bowie Silver.
"Gamesmanship" (n): the art or practice of winning games by questionable expedients without actually violating the rules, i.e. dropping a line drive in hopes of getting a double play, (Blue).
"Sportsmanship" (n): conduct of a person who is fair, generous and a good loser, (NOT Silver).I questioned Silver's strategy of intentionally walking two to get to Hank (Chance) who was 4 for 4, although it worked. Game winning run is attributed to Neal, our barrister, who is much practiced at putting the right spin on things (the Ball). Jerry Bowen loves to run as witnessed by his thunderous gap hit with the bases loaded for which he is credited with only a triple as his touching home plate was a disallowed sixth run in the inning. Accolades are bestowed upon our "Big O" for a courageous and resolute performance on the mound. Kudos to Dave for his speed and slide into third, pinch running for Tinker (although I would have made it as a head first slide!!!). Pete got us off the snide as usual , starting the comeback. As for last night's "thought list": I did rub dirt on it but it still hurt! Don't despair as I have had consultation and my Athletic Trainer will have me ready for Wednesday's game with Cyclobenzaprine, APAP w/Codeine, Lidoderm and bubble wrap (Thanks Mike for the ice and Mel (Evers) for the impromptu pick me up).
Now we precede to Glenelg Wednesday, putting our ten inning, 18-17, victory behind us. We brought the lumber, we knew what to do on defense and executed, so let's also focus on never assuming the apparently obvious and run 'em all out. It will require 100% attention and execution from here on in!!!!!!
Thanks to our loyal fans in attendance today from family, friends, Gray Team members and their spouses, Grason & Winnie Meredith and Harry. Let's do our supporters proud on Wednesday!!
Our counterparts (GRAY) will play the Hawks at home on Wednesday after the Hawks downed Catonsville today by 11-7. GO GRAY!!!!!
There is no better comradery than Carroll Blue & Gray!

Are You Ready?

Time for a three game winning streak!
In golf there are things called swing thoughts, so I have collected a few adages which may help us:
Life is a game, Softball is serious.
The most important pitch is the next one.
You can't lose if they don't score.
Rub some dirt on it, you ain't hurt.
Losing Sucks!
Give it your all or go home.
And in the words of Ken Singleton, "A man once told me to walk with the Lord. I'd rather walk with the bases loaded". (I'm a God fearing man, so take this as only a quote from Mr.Singleton).
As "Coach" has advised, bring the lumber, and in the words of R'Nealius,
"know what you're going to do if the ball is hit to you".
Read quickly as bed check is at 9 p.m.

Lead Sled Dogs

Silent bats did us in today. Game one, 11-3 loss, never saw us get off the mark. Game two was competitive coming down to the the final out. Jim was forced to use different position alignments and called on the elders to fill crucial roles.
Does any other team have a lefty-lefty battery such as Tim & Pete?
With injuries coming into play, Mike shifted from 1B to play third for the first time I recall this year, while Jim moved to SS. Nice glove work and arm at 3B Mike! Pete vacated the plate for the OF while Dave stepped in and Bob moved to SF. Hank was called on to pinch hit for yours truly and then assumed 1B. Please add this to the list of things that are priceless: Hank's expression after exploiting the Zuretti Shift! With pin-point accuracy, Hank laced a single between 3rd baseman #1 and SS and in front of 3rd baseman #2 (Wish I had a camera to capture the moment and Hank's look of "take that" satisfaction). Now we await the commissioner's decision on the disposition of our three remaining games prior to the tournament.

Carroll Gray softball team gives seniors chance to stay competitive - Carroll County Times: Local

Carroll Gray softball team gives seniors chance to stay competitive - Carroll County Times: Local: "The Baltimore Beltway Senior Slow Pitch Softball League has a
saying on its website:"

Axiom Validated

In sports commentator vernacular, "it's difficult to beat an opponent three straight times." Today may have been a first for Blue as we traveled to Glen Burnie for a "Triple-Header". Game one was a convincing 16-6 win. Game two saw Tim take to the mound as he secured his first "W" by a score of 13-4. I was queried by Glen Burnie's first baseman at the end of game two: "Whadda' they feed you guys in Carroll County, clover? You all hit 'em hard and run even faster." Now comes the rub: we provided evidence to support the adage that 3 in a row is difficult as Blue fell by a score of 8-10. (I'll defer to our scorekeeper for how many DP's we turned today as I lost count after 5).
With four and perhaps a fifth game to play prior to the tournament, I postulate that we have to play Glenelg to get to the championship game. Furthermore, requital is mandated on Tuesday at Howard Red!!!
In the parlance of my new found Irish friends (Murphy, Jamison, Paddy, Middleton, Bushmill, Bulmer and Guinness), "Blue Go Bragh"!

Blue 18 Glen Burnie 9

Game one highlights...by my count John accounted for 1/3 of our RBIs. Just keep setting the table for him boys! The other note worthy item is that Evers played a flawless third base. And if it had not been for the five run rule, Evers deposited what surely would have been a homer over the left fielder. With the camera crew from Comcast in attendance we took a couple of innings to distance ourselves from the "Burnies". Having witnessed only the first inning of game two, I'm told the game was suspended in the 4th inning with Blue leading 10-5.

Well folks, in my absence the proverbial quill has once again been tossed to Evers so watch your P's & Q's! While away, I hope to read that ESPN has put their appearance in at Carroll's Sports Complex. Hoping to return with Blue tied for first place with Howard Red!!!! (No Pressure)

Amendatory Postscript to Glen Burnie Game

This apologue is rendered as an inutility to meliorate a description of today's play of the game. "When Tom surprisingly speared", should have read..."to the batter's and first base runner's surprise". Enough said!

Scorcher

First game was an exhibition of Blue's resilence in pulling together in downing a pesky Glen Burnie. Starting an inning with two outs and scoring five runs speaks to who we are. We saw one swing of Dave's mighty bat go for a homer. In game two, Dave rendered a decoy swing in perhaps hoping to convince their right fielder to play deeper (only possible if he went behind the fence). Oscar weathered the heat without melt-down to gain the victory while John just continued to be Mr. RBI. Blue 12-other guys 8.
Tom took to the mound for game two prompting another OF/IF realignment. Blue spotted Glen Burnie a short lived lead in the first. We all admired the fresh infield dirt which provided for clean fielding, but.....transitioning from dirt to outfield grass can be treacherous (one unnamed teammate suggested we may have a new nickname on the team- Stumble, Fumble, and Fall(you gotta feel the love)!Speaking of Bob--the man is a hitting machine!!!
The play of the day goes to the combo of Tom and Mike. Tom surprisingly speared a liner up the middle at the mound and fired a laser to the first
base bag knowing Mike would get there from behind the runner; sure enough, DP!!! (Looked like Mel in the 60s heaving the pigskin on a fly route trusting his receiver). Blue 14-Glen Burnie 5.
One last note- it is recommended everyone label their lunch boxes. Isn't it bad enough to eat a fellow teammates snacks but then begin offering his grapes to spectators?
P.S. To our two "left out" fielders who are vacationing--I hope I have painted the story to your liking!

Conundrum, Good News, Bad News

Good! - Gray garnered two wins today.
Bad - Howard Red downed Harford X 2.
Good! - Glen Burnie and Glenelg split, giving us breathing room.
Bad - We play a Red Hot Glen Burnie on Wednesday.
Good - Our destiny is in our hands!
Bad - Can't rely on anyone else knocking off Howard Red.
Good - We still have 4 games to play Howard Red!!!!
Conundrum---A question for my more experienced teammates....
Should ole Tinker be concerned having received a laconic congratulatory phone call from #6.9 this evening?

Twin Win

Hot bats and hotter gloves propelled Blue past Silver in today's doubleheader. Mike remained hot at the plate while Pete drew two walks(it's called respect) and Ben smoked one. Evers produced a timely hit in a pressure situation and all the other bats came through. Oh yes, I must highlight Hank's speed in digging out a double today. Blue benefitted from flawless outfield play to include an innovative soccer move by JB! Welcome back to Bob who may want to consider an eyeglass strap to keep them on when catching fly balls at full tilt (although Dave had no similiar problem in tracking all his down). Oscar went the distance for both games working the plate like a master. Thanks Al for your acknowledgement of my vertical leaps today although I doubt the 42" you indicated. After reflection I have decided that my return to hitting was due to playing relaxed (I didn't have the pressure of worrying about forcing a certain player out today)! Look for Al's over the shoulder catch on the highlight reel tonight.

No GOLD against Silver

Blue allowed Silver to tie in the first game but put them away in the bottom of the final inning, 8-7. Game Two saw Blue spot Silver five runs in the first and eventually their lead grew to eight. Blue chipped away to bring it back to a two run deficit only to see Silver take a commanding ten run lead. The Comeback Kids could not mount a sufficient rally, finally succumbing 21-13.
No prolonged sinuous diatribe today, just...
Run, Chance, Run!!!

Shades of Blue: Senior softball team ups record; longtime coach says goodbye - Carroll County Times:

Shades of Blue: Senior softball team ups record; longtime coach says goodbye - Carroll County Times:: "Carroll Blue of the Baltimore Beltway Senior Softball Slow Pitch
League is in a bit of a transition season. And the elder statesmen
of Carroll…"

The Fantasy Boys

Tinker, Evers, Chance and Overall.

Blue 19 Catonsville 11

Welcome back EVERS!!!! My quad is so happy you are back and with a perfect day at the plate!
Let's all keep an eye out for the Carroll County Times article as their staff writer and photo-journalist must have had a field day with us. But, be antsy as they were interviewing Tom after the game.
And how appropriate was it to welcome Tim Schaeffer today as our newest member and witnessing the inevitable rookie bite....how's the calf pull Tim?
T'is time for rookie Bobby D to come off the disabled list. Our other rookie, Jerry B., attempted to stay out of this limelight by drawing a walk rather than hitting a single, but to no avail, a walk, double, triple and homer still count as going for the cycle in my estimation! Both Al & John's bats were back in the groove. While coaching third I overheard Catonsville comment that they didn't want to run on Pete's arm. To Dave, a
hearty thank you for not running through my stop sign at third as I would be at Carroll Hospital Center if I had to tackle you when under your full head of steam! To Jr., thanks for taking up for me with Mr. Henri and way to steal home!!!! To R'Nealius, my feint was designed to disguise and fool the baserunners, not our outfielders (guess we gotta talk strategy more often-how 'bout O'Lordan's, 6p.m. tonite over some clear beverages with a lime slice?). Michael and Hank were superb at first, with Chance extending his hitting streak. To 00, Chance, Evers and I have accepted you into our fantasy club as "Orval Overall"(look it up boys-1910 Cubs). And for Jim-once you have fully educated our team statistican (probably requires some late-night oil burning sessions), the moniker Harry Steinfeldt awaits you. As an aside, when I mentioned to my sports writer brother-in-law that in 1910 Tinker became the first player to steal home twice in a game his reply was, "todays Tinker couldn't steal home if the catcher dug up home plate and handed it to him"....I'm really feeling like Rodney Dangerfield. So what's next? We've been filmed by the County, interviewed and photo shot by the papers....can a spot on the Jon Stewart show be far off? Happy Independence Day to all and come ready for Wednesday's games!

Disambiguation of Kissing Your Sister

Our taste for sweet and sour sauce produced results similiar to kissing your own sister. I love my sister very much but would prefer kissing the likes of a Marilyn Monroe as the ultimate. Now to the disambiguation:
Game one saw Blue take the field with only two reserves facing the full complement of league leading Howard Red. Red jumped out to a short lived 2-0 lead while running their yammers a wee bit. Backed by stellar defense, Oscar gets credited with the 13-9 win. Game two took on a new look from the outset as TH took to the mound causing a shift left among the infield. Blue spotted Red a five run lead which eventually grew to a ten run deficit. In the bottom of the final frame Blue battled back but came up five runs short. Round tripper kudos go to Dave Kenney, Jerry and O. In all, we beat the Big Red Machine but gained no ground on first place (anti-climactical end to the day). Let's take care of business on Wednesday and worry about Howard Red later as we have four more opportunities.
A salute to Gray for their split with Harford today. Apparently Gray took the same route as Blue by dispatching Harford in the last inning of game one but had the tables turned in game two with Harford overtaking them in the bottom of the sixth.

Parkville Claims Moral Victory

Don't panic, loyal followers, over the headline....Parkville claimed a victory in so much as they held Blue to ten runs in game two. Game one saw Blue's leadoff man, Al, rope one for a triple which started the hit parade.
Five run first innings are always a good sign! Blue leading 15-1 in the sixth inning opted to allow Parkville to have six outs, relinquishing our last inning at-bats. End Result Blue 15 and Parkville 5.
Game two: A bedraggled Oscar took to the mound for his second game trusting as always in his defense behind him. Now, Oscar is affectionately known as "O" and adorns the 00 jersey but I think he is deserving of another nickname; DD (Durable and Dependable) as his perserverence resulted in fighting through (despite his shakes) to garner his second win of the day.
I challenge anybody to propose any team in the league who has better corner outfielders than Blue...boy, can Neal and Jerry hawk! As for the defense, Blue turned several DP's to include a 7-5. Jim switching 3B with yours truly for SS saw Jim diving and wallowing and yet somehow righting his gyroscope to peg the runner out at third. And as for ole #6.9 with
his stellar play, if you can leap for liners and make short hop catches and turn double plays don't be running to seek Neal's counsel because my throw to you left ball seam marks on your knee (your PI claim won't fly with our barrister as I put him on retainer the moment I heard you were joining our team).
Well fellas, it was fun but I have been called up to Pittsburgh to play with the Pirates tomorow. Will let ya'll know how that turns out. (P.S. to
Thoma Henri, when I queried the Pittsburgh people why me, they just said of all the Blue players ole 6.9 was the penultimate)!
P.S.S. Food for Thought: How about Parkville's 84 1/2 year old first baseman, George, showing leather and footwork that impressed Hank?
BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL: Howard visits us this coming week and I wish to remind you of their comment last year, "the only good thing to ever come out of Carroll County was a bus". Ponder that 'til we play again!

Ode to Larry

To the man who always rekindled my interests, whether it be tennis, volleyball, basketball or softball:
Say it ain't so, as I regret to see you go!
I speak for myself but know others share my sentiments when I state:

I'll miss your cat-like reflexes on the mound,
Your pearly white grin and joviality,
Your strategic knowledge of the game,
Your lovely wife cheering us on,
The trivia question of the day,
Your luxury motor coach for which we enjoyed quality bonding road trips,
but, PARAMOUNT to the above,
Your friendship and the assurance you always provided.

HAPPY TRAILS dear friend.

Hill #255

The early troops who gathered in Westminster in preparation for the convoy to their mission in Bel Air were unaware of their decimated platoon. The last Blue finally arrived to abruptly announce his retirement ending his stellar ball career spanning six decades. Three Blues on the DL, one vacationing and one newly retired had depleted the Blue to a field squad of eleven.
Game one began with a somewhat despondent squad of Blue. Bel Air jumped out to an early lead which they would not relinquish, defeating Blue 10-4. As the temperature soared toward the century mark, Blue's valiant squad returned to the field for game two. Inning after inning Bel Air ran replacements at the Carroll County Eleven, yet they stood their ground. Having the final at bats of the game, Blue found themselves trailing by 3 runs. As the top of the order took to the plate hit after hit ensued resulting in a 14-13 victory for Blue. While standing in the dirt infield my thoughts wandered to Hill #255. Much like the 180th Infantry, the squad of Blue took and held their ground against a much larger force.
Esprit de Corps!

9 Game Winning Streak Snapped

Ponder these nuances....1. The solitudinarian's sequestering in his Ravens chair, 2. Carroll County Video crew appears to film and preening begins, 3. Blue bats start slow (second hit not until the third inning), 4. End result, we lost to Glenelg 11-6. We seem to fare quite well when jumping to early leads but the MoJo was slow in coming this morning. Disappointed but with sustentation, Blue rebounded to peremptory dispose Glenelg 12-6 in game two.
ITEMS OF NOTE: Dave's new shiney shoes, Ump Miller providing a wide berth for John to collar a pop foul, Neal's intentional walk, seeing Evers to my left (if only for five innings), Larry's noggin knockin' reflexes, AND, Oscar's performance pitching, fielding and hitting.
WEDNESDAY "ROAD TRIP", more quality bonding time!

Photo Journalism

Compliments of Evers...

Baby, It Was Hot Outside

Blues sojourn at Harford today proved profitable. In 95 degrees, we survived the tropical ordeal with profuse infusion of electrolytes. Game one saw Blue stave off Harford 12-10. Game two was a close contest until Iron Mike came to the plate with two out and two on. Mike provided a timely opposite field hit to spark our rally in distancing ourselves. End result was Blue 12 Harford 6. Given the dead balls and heavy air, Blue relied on many timely strings of singles and doubles to capture the victories. One other item of note was John's pursuit of a pop foul while being lead to the ball by the umpire (John-next time just jump on his back).
Harford displayed respect for our outfield arms as they refrained from attempting to take the extra base. They, as well, were both impressed and discouraged by our five double plays (23.8095% of today's outs). Our long return trip in Larry's carriage allowed me to ponder the comraderie we share, especially the docile nature of one cabin mate. Now, let's get up to spread our lead over Glenelg on Monday.

7 Come 11 - On A Roll

It was like old home week at the Complex today. Good to reacquaint with the likes of Ray and Ray, Henry, Chip and Harry (my apologies to the other old timers in attendance who I may have over-looked). The Blue victories of 7-2 and 11-1 speaks of our defensive prowess as well as that of Gray. John's boys played tenaciously with kudos to Lee and George for their leather work. Vince must be feeling lighter now as he sprinted to back up first base (Congratulations Vince as I did see that sparkling rock on a lovely finger!) Blue's pitching duo of Larry and Oscar was outstanding again. With our outfielders on patrol and the infield superb, with the exception of one error, Gray did well to hang in without becoming discouraged. Our shortstop's errant throw to double up the batter inspired him to park one over Sonny Long's head in the bottom of the inning to compensate (sorry Evers, I got home before remembering you had requested a speciman). It was also a pleasure to have George Miller umpire for the first time this year. I tip my hat to all the many fans in attendance today. I have seen fewer spectators in attendance at Gettysburg during Blue & Gray Civil War re-enactments.

Battle of the Blue & Gray

While Blue dispatched Gray's "B" Division nemesis yesterday the favor was not returned as Gray fell to Howard Red. Tomorrow provides us with the opportunity to meet our Gray friends for two games at the Carroll Sports Complex. Let's distance ourselves from the remaining "A" Division field and keep pace with Howard. Sorry Coach John, but all we see ahead of us is RED so we may not be hospitable hosts when meeting for game one tomorrow.
Recap of yesterday's victory over Old Liners: Hope the rookie got his pulled muscle massaged last night as the list of dinged Blue players mounts.

6-2-7

Six wins, two losses and 7 rainouts! Time to have a bake sale to raise funds for a domed stadium.

Victory In Catonsville

One of my many inadequacies is highlighted today which stems from the deficiency of my teenage mentor. My high school basketball coach, a reknown mathematician, and lifelong friend, failed to encourage me to pursue higher math courses, ergo I can't count high enough to recall our total score. Even after consulting with my buddy Evers, between the two of us there were not enough fingers to keep track of our runs. So for all you loyal followers who wait with bated breath for this script, please wait until this evening to learn the final score from the League site. Now for the rest of the story (a la Paul Harvey)-Harry, our founding father accompanied us and recited to me in returning that we accomplished a first for Carroll County; although not your classic, nonetheless, it was an 11 to 7 to 2 to 1 to 6 TRIPLE PLAY! When you see the highlight reel on Sports Center tonight it will not be played in slo-mo as it was actually a delayed triple play. On defense we exhibited some ball hawking, some ball dropping and even one "run the wrong way" from the ball skills. Both Larry and Oscar sacrificed ribs and forearms to take screamers on the mound for the team. Offensively, the hits came from everyone but since the home run is a fan favorite let me mention our three coming from Dave, Jim and Neal (his second lifetime). There could have been a fourth round tripper but for Neal, as a courtesy runner, ran out of gas before my call to order from Roberts Oxygen Supply Company could be fulfilled.

Not A Walk In The Park

What on paper was to be a walk in Centenniel Park started slowly. After inning one Blue trailed the Hawks 2-5. It required several innings and a defensive lapse in a rundown at the plate to ignite the offense. Thus, Jr. took it upon himself to make things happen. With runners on base, Jr's single plated one run and advanced another to third. Perhaps not content with only one RBI, Jr taunted the Hawks to get caught up in a rundown which ended with another run scored and Jr safe at 2B. On defense Blue's infield turned three double plays and Larry & Oscar split an excellent pitching performance. Dave's wheels were churning as always, evidenced by another strawberry.

Sweep

The venture to Bowie is always adventurous but once getting on Rt #3 we're in familiar territory and the destination is in sight. Thankfully they decided to drag the field one more time so that the infield was no longer a potato planting patch. With the seasoned Larry Bair taking the mound for game one, the boys in Blue spotted him a five run lead, which in the end was enough to clinch the win given his pitching prowess. Game two saw Oscar take the mound with only a two run advantage but both "O" and the offense stayed on course to take the second game. Let's spotlight a vet and a rookie today: Pete had some timely hits while Jerry patrolled right field as he did thirty-plus years ago. A word of advice to "Rookie Bowen"- you gotta improve on your footwork crossing first base! Let's now celebrate our ability to continue playing this game and our camaraderie and the tolerance of our spouses and/or significant others at Parks Landing tonight. Rumor has it that drinks are on Hank-BUT that's only a rumor.

Too Nice Blue

Jumping out to first inning leads and holding them is the way to go.
Not having the killer instinct did us in game two. Glenelg, last year's tournament winners thanked us for allowing them to get off the snide with their first win of 2011. The two spotlighted players today are Dave with his wheeling speed and slides and, ouch, this hurts me to put into print, but old 6.9 played superbly on defense on more than routine plays.

GRAY

Congratulations to boys of Gray as it has been reported that they garnered two wins at Catonsville today.

Gourmet Delight

T'was not a piece of cake but our Punch and Judy show topped the banana split with a cherry. With a lot at steak, opening the season against our nemesis, a split with Harford was well done! In the absence of our customary long ball barrage, consistant timely hitting fueled our run production. Defense was stellar all around but I must highlight 2: #2, wearing the venerated #9 made some spectacular catches in Left Field, while #22 sacrificed his body with several diving catches at second base. Well pitched games by Larry and Oscar! Our second game victory, 14-10, hopefully has whetted our appetite for some sizzling steaks, er, I mean Streaks!

Team Dinner

Team dinner with spouses (significant other) is scheduled for May 2nd at Parks Landing. Gather at 5:30 and dine at 6:00. Jr. has requested that we all advise of our dinner and dessert choices by April 11th. The chosen dinners will include soup, salad, baked potato & coffee or tea or soda and dessert. The entree selections are listed below (ADD $2.00 TO PLAYER MEAL TO COVER SPONSOR(S) MEAL - NOT to guest meal)
{Remember with additional sponsors, we're getting new shirts and shorts and hats for only $1 more this year}
Chicken (fried/grilled) $19.
AYCE Shrimp with Wings $26.
10 oz Ribeye Steak $26.
2 Crabcakes (broiled/fried) $27.
7 oz Sirloin Steak & Crabcake $27.
Desserts: Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie or Chocolate Sundae

Modern Day Roman Forum

R'Nealius & his entourage gathered for the inaugural R'Nealius Hoffman Day.

R'Nealius Hoffman Day

Friends, Bluesmen and Tom, lend me your ears.

Beware the Ides of March Eve. Tomorrow is the 1967th anniversary of Caesar's Ides of March. While on this date in 1967 A.D., our barrister was in his first year of law school. In recognition of this date we gathered to praise our jurist, ever commited to attending practice, even in his Court attire.

Dressed in contemporary white dress shirts and dark formal trousers, 17 men gathered for practice. Among those in attendance were: Crassus Stroud (the initiator), JR Cato (the promoter), Cassius Evers (the photo journalist), Brutus Henry (the inciter), and Marcus "Tinker" Bibulus the chronicler.

Let it be heard by all, that on this Eve of the Ides, we proclaim March 14th to be known forevermore as R'Nealius Hoffman Day.