2015 Transitional Season Recap

With a turnover of 40% of a team's roster, due to retirement, challenges were
destined for Carroll County Blue in 2015.  The top three hitters in 2014 found
it necessary not to return: Mike B, RNH (aka R'Nealius), #9 (aka Tinker)
and #22, (ALS), who  had to bow out for shoulder surgery).
"Tony F "found it prudent to attend to family health
matters while Pete M  and Mike P considered 12 years enough.

Blue was fortunate to acquire the likes of Jim H., Jim J.,  Dennis, Keith, Bruce and Larry
to fill the void, but it takes time to gel as a cohesive unit.  While there were highlights
to the season, such as providing Dundalk with their first loss after their perfect 214 season,
the up and down play of Blue yielded a 18-24 record.  A tough one run loss in the
bottom of the seventh in tourney game one was disappointing as was our second game
loss when we just couldn't overcome our deficit in the 7th.

The future for Blue looks bright as the "rookies" have now become re-acquainted with their
softball skills of yore.
The Blue tradition of family first (biological then team), camaraderie, and production with all contributing will
continue!

The individual statistics from the 2015 Blue Season are displayed on the left hand column of this site.





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Coming Out Day

So good to be back on the field with Blue today who played error free ball with passion like days of old in the first game.  As 6.9 was ailing, I had the opportunity to have Jr. to my left and Woody to my right.  After the third stellar infield play by Jr. it reminded me of the Rock Opera "Tommie" by the Who when I heard someone exclaim "Tommy Who?'!  Just a little jab Tom as you didn't provide me with a sandwich!  Blue snapped their losing streak by defeating Carroll Gray 8-3 in game one.  A certain SS went 2 for 2, squared.  The attendance for today's doubleheader was 20,099, of which One was of paid attendance (Shortie).  Game two saw a rotation of Blue players as we were of full complement minus only Guy and Larry.  Unfortunately the Gray team turned the tide on Blue by
winning 11-8. Being a tad bit rusty, Jr. has offered me some base running tips!  The Calvary returned and the tide has turned..........next up, Harford on Monday.

Catonsville Game

Due to my absence I have not been updated, so I have no summary to report. So, here's to a friend:  

Once upon a time
Blue had a player, 6.9
His glove improved and moved his feet
The speed which he ran was deemed fleet

With his progress, he earned 6.95
As he was rapping all a line drive
Left or right, hitting were his fortes
I suspicion, he goes both ways!

With passage of time he gained replevin
And now is adorned with number seven
The burden he bears is quite a big deal
He must live up to the former #7, Neal

He used to orate to give many a tickle
But aging has him now playing with his pickle
With balancing that act and playing ball
Someday 6.95 should be enshrined in the HALL!

Tom is now leading not only the Blue team, but the League and probably Softball Nation in the number of sandwiches he devours beginning in game one through the ten minute break and second game.  BTW Liverwurst is one of his favorites!

The Glory Days

On Monday June 1, 2015, Carroll County's Senior Softball founder was recognized, honored, roasted and toasted with the retirement of his uniform number #1 at Maggie's Restaurant during the annual teams' dinner.

Original team members (L to R), Chip Baginski, Carl Reed, Harry Griffith and wife Janet, and
Henry Litchfuss.

The occasion called for a toast and ROAST so Tinker was chosen to emcee the event.

Photo: (L-R, Chip, Carl, Harry, Henry, Greg, Mel and Hank)

During the celebration, Harry's wife, Janet, was called upon to dress Harry with the ceremonial "Harry #1 uniform shirt" crafted by Evers and presented with the www.carrollcountyseniorsoftball.blogsite.com memorabilia booklet by Chance,  our now antediluvian teammate.

The entire contents of Tinker's speech was acknowledged by Harry to be true!

The Reader's Digest condensed version goes as such:

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen and Neal. Allow me to introduce myself as REDACTED...
....during one of my carpool rides with Harry during a conversation over recent political events
Harry asked me if I would like to live to be as old as he, to which I answered, "sure".  Harry then
said "let me give you some advice and stop watching Fox News and switch to Looney Tunes!".
..............................................................................................................................................
..............once lost and then found, the Lois Lerner emails have revealed REDACTED...........
....REDACTED.......REDACTED.  The now surrendered private server emails of former
Secretary of State H REDACTED REDACTED has exposed the following: REDACTED.......
 So now I'll ask Janet to strip Harry of his uniform shirt so that all in attendance will have the
opportunity to sign the jersey after dinner.  ("Harry, I see the amorous glint in your eyes, but it can wait until you and Janet get home, or as you told me while embracing your wife upon your
arrival, get a room!").

Now let's eat!

The full text can be found by visiting Harry and asking to view his commemorative booklet or
at The Library of Congress under HGxx.bs.2015T.

Harry Griffith #1 - "What About Harry"

It was ten years post George Orwell's "1984", that is 1994, when Harry Griffith, with his love for softball, took upon himself to establish a Senior Softball team for Carroll County.  Harry approached Farmers and Merchants Bank with a proposition to donate and provide "Seed Money" to sponsor a team.  With sponsorship secured, Harry assembled a team of 60 year olds and over to form the very first Carroll County Senior Team.  Although the team's first year record ended 4-20,  Carroll County was on their way to greater accomplishments.  Harry Griffith  was awarded the "Sportsmanship Award" in 1994.

On Monday, June 1, 2015, during the annual teams' banquet, the patriarch of Carroll County Senior
Softball, Harry Griffith, was toasted and "roasted" during the program where his #1 Jersey was retired.  Tinker (Greg) was the emcee and along with his teammates Evers (Mel) and Chance (Hank), Harry was presented with his retirement Jersey and the remaining original team members in attendance  (Henry Litchfuss, Chip Baginski and Carl Reed) were called forth to be recognized.

Upcoming Event

There were no games scheduled this week to allow for aching muscles to rest.  Anticipation is building for the game on Monday June 1st when Carroll Blue and Gray meet.  The day should be filled with friendly rivalry and will conclude with the annual Teams' Dinner to be held at Maggie's Restaurant.  The word is not on the street yet but there will be a few surprises in store for Monday's activities. TWBBIU&HGUNWBR. (Ponder that cryptic cipher).  Hope to have a great crowd turnout.

5 and 9

My field reporter states that Blue dropped two to Harford Wednesday, 19-14 and 17-5.  The only mention was that Dave K hit the daylights out of the ball.  There is one week to rest until Blue meets Gray on Monday June 1 which is also the date of our annual teams' dinner with spouses and/or significant others at Maggie's.  Special night with alumni and speaker in attendance.

Howard Red Game

Given the scores of Howard Red 10-0 and Howard Red 8-3 today, I have counseled with
Harry & Neal and we may have to suit up!  Hit 'em where they ain't boys!  Better luck on Wednesday as you travel to Harford.  To my fellow BHO2 friend, don't let 'em get through your legs as it's not a direct snap student body right run play!!!!!!!

Shocking News

Having relied on the Baltimore Beltway Senior Softball League website today, I saw where Blue lost two games to the "B" Division Shockers (1-5) 18-8 and 20-8.  I was remiss in not verifying the results and panicked by sending a message to a couple of my retired teammates enlisting them to join me in returning to Blue to help them save face.  The true result was that Blue took both games from the Shockers bringing their record back to .500.  Way to go BLUE!

Bowie Silver Home Date

On a clear sunny and warm day Silver trekked to Carroll County. with a perfect 6-0 record. Game one saw Mike S. take the mound to garner the win.  For game two, Blue pitched Jim J. and if not for two innings of infield errors he perhaps would have notched his first win.  After hammering Silver in the first game with 20 runs Blue scored only 12 in the second game.  Freddie P. lead all Blue in RBI's, rookie Larry M. led the team with 3 walks and ole 6.95 Tommy H. led the team in devouring three sandwiches (Phyllis:
I like Braunschweiger as well but with a slice of cheese and mayo)!  Silver's shortstop,  Maris hit a prodigious shot to deep center being only the third player to hit one over the fence, albeit aided by a 35 mph wind gust.  Being the investigative reporter, I did verify by phone that Any Zitney of Red hit one and Chuck Creswell of Harford hit two in one 2009 game. I did find it difficult to be the spectator today, especially when my former dear friend, Chance told me to get off the bench if I wasn't in uniform (there went your fresh veggie garden delights this season Hank). Guess I should attend the next game in uniform.  The team spirit seemed a tad bit lighter today and once the rookies blend with the aged vets I think Blue will gel and make a run for the roses. As always, Yasuko had an error free day in keeping the books (how is it Hank that she can be on the bench not in uniform??????????).

Home Opener

On this chilly morning,  Blue gathered to host Gray with the "Ladies On The Hill" adorned in parkas and fleece, all wrapped in their stadium blankets.  Also in attendance were  multifarious conversazione (i.e. Blue and Gray Retirees).  The retirees, twelve in total, did lay a quarter on the table to challenge the winners but we had no takers.  Given the absence of two rookies and one vet (on golf outings- where are their priorities?) and two rookies playing with the accustomed first year leg ailments and a vet requiring runners the forecast was dismal.  Quote of the day:  "Not many games are won when you don't score any runs", saith O.  The first game was a true pitching duel until the 6th inning with Gray prevailing 7-0 (even if all of Blue's hits had been homers the outcome would have been the same).  Game two was nip and tuck for the first four innings but culminated in a Gray victory 19-6.  I understand that my good friend Evers was so disconsolate that he sought dining with five women as opposed to teammates after the game.  Now as a casual observer, I wish to share my thoughts on Blue's game:  Chance exhibited his 40 millimeter leap to snare a line drive, Yasuko did not once shout "Hit De Ball Jim" and the team needs to play looser (Tommy tried to carry the load as the joker but he needs someone else to step up).  I wasn't surprised when the wind kicked up and there was a distinctive smell of Ben-Gay coming from the Blue dugout.   Blue, come home Wednesday with two victories so you'll be back to .500 !

Season Opener

Blue traveled to Dundalk to take on last year's undefeated team.  Game one went to 8 innings with Blue finally succumbing by a score of 12-11.  That first taste of defeat aroused Blue as they bounced back to take game two 17-4 breaking Dundalk's perfect record.  Tinker has relied on his on field reporter who only furnished this information:  Mike pitched both games, Woody played a stellar third base and
Hank went 8 for 8, all line drives down the right field line! This coming Monday has Blue playing Carroll Gray at home.........should be exciting!

2015 Season

We are three weeks away from the season opener.  First outdoor practice is scheduled for Monday April 6th.  As Blue lost five players to retirement, eleven year vets Pete and Mike, along with last year's leading hitters, Blum, Hoffman and Fridinger, and Al (#22) on the DL, it is a year of reloading.  Blue has added nine new players and as soon as I have the opportunity to visit the Post Office to get their pictures I'll add their names (as well as AKA's), mug shots and uniform numbers (all youngsters). I'm told Blue has added "Rifle Arm" to the outfield, "Soft Hands, Light Fingered Louie" to the infield and "Crazy Leggs Cowan" for his speed. Old #9 has opted to remain on the roster for when the rookies deplete the team with their first year hamstring and groin pulls, Achilles sprains, Rotator Cuff strains and all the other assorted ailments.  My wish is that they avoid the first year jinx but in case I'm coaxed out of retirement I hope Crazy Leggs Cowan stays together to be my substitute legs as my designated runner, Neal, is now retired.