One For The Annals

Blue has recorded an anomalous twin bill killing. Game one was a first for Larry, pitcher, in so much as he threw a perfect game in game one. Solo home runs were made by Blue in each of the seven innings resulting in a Blue victory over Glenelg 7-0. Our leftie, Tim, strode to the mound for game two with the confidence of a gladiator after witnessing Larry's performance. Never in my researched history of slow pitch softball can I find a comparable feat.............A second consecutive perfect game coupled with an identical score of 7-0 favor of Blue. Now it's time to prepare for our encounter with Howard Red Wednesday.

Hot as Hades

As the Blue redactor I feel inept presenting today's games as the loss of electrolytes has me somewhat giddy. Even with the reminder list of items required for today's games sent to our equipment manager last night we had to play without the misting fans, portable AC units and attendants with hand held fans. Although the curmudgeon let me down he had timely hits and played well. 95 degree temps seem to be commonplace when playing at Harford but why did we have to go extra innings to take them 9-7 in game one? Although our run production was down we did play excellent defense including 5 double plays. With the lineup juggled for game two we threw our leftie Tim at them who continued to stifle their potential murder's row until he made an excellent catch of a foul ball resulting in a pulled muscle. Not to despair, Larry came on to finish it off in our 8-7 victory. I had the pleasure of witnessing Evers, playing to my right, field a grounder and rifle the man out at first. It had the velocity of his high school quarterbacking days threading 50 yard slant passes. Not to neglect our third baseman, his arm was also in good form today. And welcome back Kotter, I meant to say Neal, who appears to be resilient as his running, catching and hitting seemed not to miss a beat. Four tough road games loom ahead next week so let's get hydrated, rested and healed.

Wet Powder Doesn't Fire

12-4-16 sounds like and stinks like fertilizer. 16 games having been re-scheduled --ugh! Traversing from Hampstead to the field this morning I envisioned the foggy rain falling over the ridges of Northern Carroll County as though it was powder smoke coming from the cannons to the North. Amazingly the infield dirt was dry and the lining equipment was at the site, but alas.................

Trivia Question - With a bonus

The first correct responder emailed to ccss1994@yahoo.com will win our fourth gift certificate to Stables plus an additional bill bearing the face of our President during the Blue and Gray era (compliments of Tinker) if you also name that game's winning pitcher. Who got the first hit in Carroll County Senior Softball's inaugural game in 1994 (he also ended his career with a hit)? Hint for the bonus--His namesake portrayed Col. Sherman Potter.

Blue and Gray & Trivia Are Coming

For our followers, today's games have been postponed due to unplayable field conditions. Next game is Monday when the Blue & Gray will compete. To celebrate this momentous occasion the Trivia question will appear tomorrow (Thursday) so the gift certificate award may be presented prior to the game (that is if the winner is in attendance). Furthermore, keeping with the theme of Blue and Gray being representative of our Civil War heritage and proximity to Gettysburg, I will post daily appropriate vignettes until the conclusion of our game. Here's to good luck on the trivia and friendly brother versus brother competition come Monday!

Playground Day

It appeared that we converted the Sports Complex field into a playground today. Both games against Glen Burnie were see-saw events through the first five innings. Bob D. experienced the slip n slide in left center while Dave played tag (if u can- which they didn't), the outfielders played on the carousel, and one batsman attempted to play hop-scotch on his way to first (I heard Mel loud and clear, but the next time I hit the canvas I request Hank to be my corner cut man!). (Just kidding Evers-I will run through that brick wall for you - or continue crawling to the base). Welcome Tim and Howard. Yes, Howard had to wait for his second at bat to get his first hit in the Senior Circuit---a Home Run! The other round tripper of the day goes to Al (#22)-kudos! Tom (#6.975) played stellar defense combining with Al for DPs and also a solo DP (musta' been that mini cinni some kind soul shared with him). Jim played on the trampoline to spear a screaming liner while Joe had a perfect day at the plate. A highlight of the Blue victory in game one (15-9) comes from our winning pitcher, Larry, snagging a hot shot and doubling the runner off 1B. Game two saw Tim take to the mound for his first start in 2012. Tim gets credit for the win while Larry gets credited with a save. Game two score Blue 13 - Glen Burnie 10. So good to have our DL guys in attendance to cheer us on and to have Yasuko back tending to the score book.

Amazing Grace

One week from today it will be our Battle of The Blue & The Gray. Trivia Question to be posted before Sunday June 17th. Stay tuned.

Today's Skirmish

Merriam-Webster's definition of skirmish is key to today's softball foray with Red. Skirmish = "a minor fight in war incidental to larger movements". We knew they were coming by land but what we didn't know was that they brought along precision sharp-shooters. With laser accuracy, Howard Red hit them where we weren't and those few we stood a chance with were handled in Blue fashion (flawlessly). We still have four opportunities to render their bats silent with over two-thirds of the season remaining. First game in favor of Red 14-5. Second game score in favor of Red 11-7. As the numbers show, Blue did not post the offensive numbers to which we are accustomed as the Red outfield was positioned perfectly when we hit with power. Our munificent hosting led to our redound outcome so come Monday it is time to become a redivivus offensive force.

GET UP BLUE

Time to check your equipment and prepare to skirmish the Red. Field maneuvers at 0900 hrs. (That's 2 Bells for you seaman). Today (June 6th) also marks the 68th anniversary of our Allied forces storming the beaches at Normandy.

Bluesmen- It's To Arms

Be prepared Wednesday as the Reds are invading our home turf. Take no prisoners!!!

Twin Bill Kill

Finally on the field again to face Bel Air, Blue flashed the leather and then jumped out to a 5-0 lead after one inning. With the exception of two "made for Baseball Bloopers" plays we were flawless on defense and took game one by a score of 12-1. Many of us have watched the "Bloopers" too frequently but the play that is highlighted came while we were at bat: Unfortunately, although none of us were laughing it left(fielder) one of us in stitches, (Neal has confirmed that he required 8 sutures). Although Mike Price has not been medically released to play yet, he provided a critical service today...thanks for the livery service to Carroll Hospital Center for ole #2! Does anyone know the phone number for Samios' drive up window so Neal can pickup his pain killer prescription with expediency? Game two was a horse of a different color as our first hit didn't come until the third inning. The top of the order stung the ball but unfortunately to Bel Air's perfectly positioned outfielders. Blue's bottom half of the batting order picked them up to gain the lead. If not for one 5 run inning and another 4 run inning Blue played excellent defense. Going into the final frame, three more Bluesmen decided to enter the "Bloopers" show which allowed Bel Air to score four runs. Fred gained the "W" in game two as we prevailed 10-9. Kudos to Al for his round-tripper! Also to Chance for digging out the throw! (Chance, you old Sage, your "Care Package" also included oregano and basil to complement the scallions).