If you've taken a passing glance at the league Smack Talk Boards you've seen the latest controversy brewing. How good are the Dragon Slayers/Chili Dogs/Dragon Dogs/Chili Slayers/Chilidragons/DogSlayers?
Well, right now they're #1 overall in the RPI rankings, they made the Softball Guys rankings at #2, and they are 4-0. They beat DGS, and they recently toppled Big Riggin who was 2-0 going into this week but is now 2-2. It would appear they are pretty good to me, but let's look a little under the surface.
The team name "Dragon Slayers" was in fact their original name from the teams early days under founding General Manager Sir Lancelot's reign, when the team was a floundering member of the League of Royal Softballers in Merry Ol' England during the Medieval period. It seems the team was playing their inaugural game and hadn't been given a name by King Arthur at that time, when suddenly the field was besieged by a fleet of angry dragons. Lancelot and his team killed the dragons and were thus named "The Dragon Slayers". The name was lost in translation some centuries later when team descendants traveled to America and entered via Ellis Island. The customs agent couldn't exactly grasp the accent, which has survived to this day as the local dialect on the southern California beaches, and somehow translated the name as "The Chili Dogs", a name that stuck with them for several seasons. Only last year were team officials able to uncover ancient team annals that traced it's heritage all the way back to Sir Lancelot, and thus were they able to change their team name back to the original.
Aside from the team names history, which may or may not be completely fictitious and a complete waste of 5 minutes of your life while you read it, the Dragon Slayers are a team with a new mission this season. What is that mission?
Defense.
"Last year we blew out easy competition by 30 runs on average, but lost to the better teams..." Assistant Coach Chris Margaronis said in an interview Friday "...this year we are focused on defense. We've turned numerous double plays in the infield already this season." This shouldn't come as a shock from a team that has 4 former college athletes. These razer's of reptiles have lived up to their new creed by only allowing a staggering 5 runs per game average.
What else do we know about these new League Leaders? We know they drink like sailors and fit the description of more than half the "characters" from my post game lounging post. We know they are a strongly California based team giving them the buffest, and most unintelligible Governor in the country (though at one point in close competition with Jesse the Body Ventura). We know that their fiercest rivalry is not with another softball team, but in fact between the SF Giants fans and LA Dodgers fans on the team itself.
Aside from all of these facts that we do know, we don't know what their future has in store. It is the Softball Guys opinion that this team will likely finish the year in the Top 10, will that finish also be at #1 overall? We'll just have to wait and see.
* If you would like to have the Softball Guy do a Spotlight on your team, please email me at HSSblogger@yahoo.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
Post Game Lounging
Finally, a hard day of work is in the books, you've just walked off the diamond after a hard fought game of softball (or not so hard if you were on the Texas Republic squad Thursday), now the highlight of your week is at the tip of your fingers. That's right, it's time to make your way to Capitol Lounge for that House League past time of post game Lounging.
Nothing quite beats the feel of an ice cold pitcher of beer in your hand as you strategically position yourself at the flip cup table across from the opponents weakest link. In the background you can hear the Jukebox blaring out a constant barrage of classic hits from the 90's while all around you the throngs of house league heroes trade greatest moments of their games with each other. Packed in like sardines, the party rages on deep into the night, and often early morning, this is House League Softball, this is Cap Lounge, this is life the way it was meant to be lived.
You might get lucky and be asked to dance in some 3 foot box in the corner of the basement. You might get roped into a game of Truth or Dare and find yourself in any one of a thousand different positions that would in any other place be awkward, but in the Lounge, on Thursday nights, is just a normal occurrence. You might find yourself playing shuffleboard with Jose Cuervo shots on the line. Or, you simply might just find yourself standing around the pool table, enjoy your pitcher, a greasy pizza, and the company of your brothers and sisters of softball.
Thursday night post game lounging is an event filled with characters.
There's "The Work People", who shows up in their business attire, fresh from the office, though generally accepted into the fold of softball players, these people can't relate to the battle scars worn by many who fought that day.
There's "The Couple", who find a corner of the basement and somehow manage to be wasted and all up on each other within 17 minutes of arriving at the lounge, oddly, the couple forgoes leaving together to simply turn whatever corner they found into their not-so private kissing booth.
There's "The Dancers", these people generally take a couple of drinks to get going, but by 9-9:30 you can bet they'll be in full swing, doing some sort of odd body movements to whatever is coming out of the Jukebox, if you walk to close, you might get sucked in.
There's "The Mooch", we all know who these people are... and you know who you are too.
There's "The One Night Stand", can we say "hillcest"?
There's "The Drunk", either yelling in your face as if you were on the other side of the room when you are having a conversation one foot away from each other, or propped up against a wall or high chair about to pass out, we've almost all been there at some point.
There's "The Softball Guru", who no matter who he talks to, won't get off the subject of that Home Run he hit earlier, and the fact that his team won that night and he was AWESOME. Bleh.
These are just some of the people we all love and cherish every Thursday night during our post game lounging at Cap Lounge. You'd have to see it to believe it.
Nothing quite beats the feel of an ice cold pitcher of beer in your hand as you strategically position yourself at the flip cup table across from the opponents weakest link. In the background you can hear the Jukebox blaring out a constant barrage of classic hits from the 90's while all around you the throngs of house league heroes trade greatest moments of their games with each other. Packed in like sardines, the party rages on deep into the night, and often early morning, this is House League Softball, this is Cap Lounge, this is life the way it was meant to be lived.
You might get lucky and be asked to dance in some 3 foot box in the corner of the basement. You might get roped into a game of Truth or Dare and find yourself in any one of a thousand different positions that would in any other place be awkward, but in the Lounge, on Thursday nights, is just a normal occurrence. You might find yourself playing shuffleboard with Jose Cuervo shots on the line. Or, you simply might just find yourself standing around the pool table, enjoy your pitcher, a greasy pizza, and the company of your brothers and sisters of softball.
Thursday night post game lounging is an event filled with characters.
There's "The Work People", who shows up in their business attire, fresh from the office, though generally accepted into the fold of softball players, these people can't relate to the battle scars worn by many who fought that day.
There's "The Couple", who find a corner of the basement and somehow manage to be wasted and all up on each other within 17 minutes of arriving at the lounge, oddly, the couple forgoes leaving together to simply turn whatever corner they found into their not-so private kissing booth.
There's "The Dancers", these people generally take a couple of drinks to get going, but by 9-9:30 you can bet they'll be in full swing, doing some sort of odd body movements to whatever is coming out of the Jukebox, if you walk to close, you might get sucked in.
There's "The Mooch", we all know who these people are... and you know who you are too.
There's "The One Night Stand", can we say "hillcest"?
There's "The Drunk", either yelling in your face as if you were on the other side of the room when you are having a conversation one foot away from each other, or propped up against a wall or high chair about to pass out, we've almost all been there at some point.
There's "The Softball Guru", who no matter who he talks to, won't get off the subject of that Home Run he hit earlier, and the fact that his team won that night and he was AWESOME. Bleh.
These are just some of the people we all love and cherish every Thursday night during our post game lounging at Cap Lounge. You'd have to see it to believe it.
Thomas Pain wins first ever, Dukes win nailbiter.
The Dragon Slayers, DGS, Insliders, Texas Republic, Blue Pups and Suspicious packages all added another win to their collections and either held firm or moved up a notch or two in the rankings.
The shock and awe of the week came out of an unlikely candidate, The Thomas Pain won their first EVER House League game on Wednesday. While not quite amongst the league's top end competitors yet, the Thomas Pain has the taste of success fresh on their lips and you can be sure they'll be looking to improve at least 200% over last years win total.
The best game of the week came out of the Dukes of Haphazard v. Milwaukee's Best. The Duke's managed a royal victory by edging MB 20-19 in a thrilling matchup that displayed a fantastic showing of offense and some great defensive efforts along the way. At 3-0 DOH moves up to #5 on the boards, while MB drops at 2-1.
Other Notables:
Texas Republic 34, Bakers Dozen 0 - I don't even know what to say here...
Natty Boh All-Stars 30, Jolly Rogers 8 - It appears these pirates got their ship plundered this time around
Capitol Punishment 15, Natural Disasters 5 - Could this be the start of a winning streak for CP?
Licensed to Ill 8, Blue Mold 7 - another nail biter for the week, this one sending Licensed to Ill into the #3 ranking.
Current Top 5:
1. Dragon Slayers
2. Liberal Agenda
3. Licensed to Ill
4. Insliders
5. Dukes of Haphazard
Softball Guys Top 5:
1. Texas Republic - they deserve a top ranking at least once before they split into 5 states.
2. Dragon Slayers - Only wins against top teams come by 1 or 2 runs, I smell luck.
3. Suspicious Packages - Haven't played many winners, but they win strong every game.
4. DGS - 1 loss by 1 run, 3 strong wins since, they'll be at the top once more.
5. Insliders - Too good year in and year out to keep out of the Top 5.
Most Beeriffic 5:
1. Zebra Muscles - in an awesome display of beerifficness, the Zebra Muscles scored twice this week!
2. Bakers Dozen - you deserve something after getting toasted by 34.
3. Blue Mold - best team in the league at blowing the lead every game.
4. Cold Hard Cash - for actually offering a 12 pack to anyone who would play them, nice.
5. Children of the Corn - for understanding what softball is all about and sacrificing themselves to be The Thomas Pain first ever win.
The shock and awe of the week came out of an unlikely candidate, The Thomas Pain won their first EVER House League game on Wednesday. While not quite amongst the league's top end competitors yet, the Thomas Pain has the taste of success fresh on their lips and you can be sure they'll be looking to improve at least 200% over last years win total.
The best game of the week came out of the Dukes of Haphazard v. Milwaukee's Best. The Duke's managed a royal victory by edging MB 20-19 in a thrilling matchup that displayed a fantastic showing of offense and some great defensive efforts along the way. At 3-0 DOH moves up to #5 on the boards, while MB drops at 2-1.
Other Notables:
Texas Republic 34, Bakers Dozen 0 - I don't even know what to say here...
Natty Boh All-Stars 30, Jolly Rogers 8 - It appears these pirates got their ship plundered this time around
Capitol Punishment 15, Natural Disasters 5 - Could this be the start of a winning streak for CP?
Licensed to Ill 8, Blue Mold 7 - another nail biter for the week, this one sending Licensed to Ill into the #3 ranking.
Current Top 5:
1. Dragon Slayers
2. Liberal Agenda
3. Licensed to Ill
4. Insliders
5. Dukes of Haphazard
Softball Guys Top 5:
1. Texas Republic - they deserve a top ranking at least once before they split into 5 states.
2. Dragon Slayers - Only wins against top teams come by 1 or 2 runs, I smell luck.
3. Suspicious Packages - Haven't played many winners, but they win strong every game.
4. DGS - 1 loss by 1 run, 3 strong wins since, they'll be at the top once more.
5. Insliders - Too good year in and year out to keep out of the Top 5.
Most Beeriffic 5:
1. Zebra Muscles - in an awesome display of beerifficness, the Zebra Muscles scored twice this week!
2. Bakers Dozen - you deserve something after getting toasted by 34.
3. Blue Mold - best team in the league at blowing the lead every game.
4. Cold Hard Cash - for actually offering a 12 pack to anyone who would play them, nice.
5. Children of the Corn - for understanding what softball is all about and sacrificing themselves to be The Thomas Pain first ever win.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Fields of Dreams
I think without a doubt, one of the greatest points of contention for House League teams revolves around home field advantage. Never will you see coaches more adamant than when you try to convince someone to play on a field they have sworn off for good.
The two most popular locations for games are The Mall and Anacostia Park. Both locations can host a plethora of contests on any given night, and still have some room for kickballers, soccer games, and ultimate frisbee clubs. While many teams covet the fields between 3rd and 4th street on the mall, other franchises wouldn't be caught dead between the Capitol and Washington Monument.
True enough there are drawbacks to playing on the mall. There is a distinct advantage for lefty heavy lineups, there is a constant threat of fans streaking across the outfield gravel, fielding a groundball in the infield is roughly the same as tracking a Tim Wakefield Knuckleball while wearing a blindfold, and the beer patrol gets a little crankier every year. But let's face it folks, this is DC, there are few stadiums that offer better infields, real parks have fence around the entire outfield and not just rightfield, fans will ALWAYS find a reason to streak across your field, and where else in the entire country can you boast a 5th inning stretch view like that of having the capitol or monument as your backdrop?
Anacostia Park offers one of the few fields in the city where the threat of fan interference is completely non-existant. There is seemingly always space, and the luxury of being able to secure a permit to always have access to a field does offer extra incentive. The drawbacks? Aside from needing the explorer instincts of Lewis and Clark to find your way around in the outfield, having to use a weed whacker when you run the bases so you can actually make your way through the underbrush, making sure you enter in your frequent flyer ID number so you can get all the bonus miles for the trip all the way across the river, and having to wear 3 inch thick body armor to avoid getting stuck by syringes scattered throughout the field like easter eggs...nothing. The view of the scenic Anacostia River, and the aroma of the water front make these fields prime locations.
Several of the more veteran teams have their own permitted fields at various locations throughout the city. Probably one of the better fields in the District itself is the newly remodeled West Potomac Park Field #7, which plays home to the league powerhouse Dennys Grand Slam. With a legitimate fence in leftfield, real dirt in the infield AND grass around the pitchers mound, outfield that isn't composed of pavement, mini-scale versions of the Black Hills, or the Metropolis of molehill cities - this field is a delight to play at. The downsides here are parking and access, if you're driving you'll miss the first 3 innings of the game looking for parking, and if you didn't drive you'll need to leave sometime early Monday to make it there in time for a Thursday evening game.
The simple fact of the matter is that there are no perfect fields in DC. Every place has it's negatives. This is what cracks me up when I hear about teams that refuse to play on one field or another. Softball is the name of the game, you find a spot big enough to squeeze a diamond in, and the rest is history. Having played on roughly 24 different fields throughout the district, I can guaranty you that no one field will make you much better or worse than any other.
So go grab a chunk of grass, roll out the bats, and be glad the rain has stopped long enough for you to play ball.
The two most popular locations for games are The Mall and Anacostia Park. Both locations can host a plethora of contests on any given night, and still have some room for kickballers, soccer games, and ultimate frisbee clubs. While many teams covet the fields between 3rd and 4th street on the mall, other franchises wouldn't be caught dead between the Capitol and Washington Monument.
True enough there are drawbacks to playing on the mall. There is a distinct advantage for lefty heavy lineups, there is a constant threat of fans streaking across the outfield gravel, fielding a groundball in the infield is roughly the same as tracking a Tim Wakefield Knuckleball while wearing a blindfold, and the beer patrol gets a little crankier every year. But let's face it folks, this is DC, there are few stadiums that offer better infields, real parks have fence around the entire outfield and not just rightfield, fans will ALWAYS find a reason to streak across your field, and where else in the entire country can you boast a 5th inning stretch view like that of having the capitol or monument as your backdrop?
Anacostia Park offers one of the few fields in the city where the threat of fan interference is completely non-existant. There is seemingly always space, and the luxury of being able to secure a permit to always have access to a field does offer extra incentive. The drawbacks? Aside from needing the explorer instincts of Lewis and Clark to find your way around in the outfield, having to use a weed whacker when you run the bases so you can actually make your way through the underbrush, making sure you enter in your frequent flyer ID number so you can get all the bonus miles for the trip all the way across the river, and having to wear 3 inch thick body armor to avoid getting stuck by syringes scattered throughout the field like easter eggs...nothing. The view of the scenic Anacostia River, and the aroma of the water front make these fields prime locations.
Several of the more veteran teams have their own permitted fields at various locations throughout the city. Probably one of the better fields in the District itself is the newly remodeled West Potomac Park Field #7, which plays home to the league powerhouse Dennys Grand Slam. With a legitimate fence in leftfield, real dirt in the infield AND grass around the pitchers mound, outfield that isn't composed of pavement, mini-scale versions of the Black Hills, or the Metropolis of molehill cities - this field is a delight to play at. The downsides here are parking and access, if you're driving you'll miss the first 3 innings of the game looking for parking, and if you didn't drive you'll need to leave sometime early Monday to make it there in time for a Thursday evening game.
The simple fact of the matter is that there are no perfect fields in DC. Every place has it's negatives. This is what cracks me up when I hear about teams that refuse to play on one field or another. Softball is the name of the game, you find a spot big enough to squeeze a diamond in, and the rest is history. Having played on roughly 24 different fields throughout the district, I can guaranty you that no one field will make you much better or worse than any other.
So go grab a chunk of grass, roll out the bats, and be glad the rain has stopped long enough for you to play ball.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Team Spotlight: The Big Lebowski's
In the first, of what I hope turns out to be many, team spotlights, I am going to take you all for a look at the inner soul of one of the House Softball Leagues yearly powerhouses, The Big Lebowksi's (previously known as the Dunder Mifflin All-Stars).
Obviously this team was destined for greatness based on their name, let alone the fact that they ACTUALLY have someone who refers to themself as The Dude, who both coaches and plays LF. The Dude keeps his competitive edge by spinning a mean game of trash talk on the League Message Board, but don't mistake his smack for empty boasting. This isn't your average bowling team that faces down Jesus every week in league play, these Lebowski's back up their trash talk with action. With 22 games played in 2007, and 27 games in 2008, this squad of Vietnam vets and smoking cowboys has consistently put their reputation on the line far more frequently than any other perennial powerhouse.
Following up strong Top 10 regular season finishes in each of the past 2 seasons, The Dude assured me they are not content to simply be "among" the best in the league.
"After a year as Dunder Mifflin and the 12 RPI, and last year's #5 RPI team, we plan to take the top spot by season's end," The Dude said in brief note.
After a heartbreaking season opener loss to the ever dangerous Texas Republic, the Lebowski's have bounced back to post a stunning 65 - 6, runs scored - runs allowed, in their last two victories. Obviously this run differential says two things:
1. The Lebowski's are this leagues equivalent to the 2007 New England Patriots and the Dude has some serious Bill Bellicheck tendencies.
2. They're damn good.
Look for the Lebowski's to finish in the Top 10 again this year, and for my two cents, the Softball Guy has them projected to end a Top 5 team.
* If you'd like to have your team spotlighted, please send a note to Softball Guy: HSSBlogger@yahoo.com
Obviously this team was destined for greatness based on their name, let alone the fact that they ACTUALLY have someone who refers to themself as The Dude, who both coaches and plays LF. The Dude keeps his competitive edge by spinning a mean game of trash talk on the League Message Board, but don't mistake his smack for empty boasting. This isn't your average bowling team that faces down Jesus every week in league play, these Lebowski's back up their trash talk with action. With 22 games played in 2007, and 27 games in 2008, this squad of Vietnam vets and smoking cowboys has consistently put their reputation on the line far more frequently than any other perennial powerhouse.
Following up strong Top 10 regular season finishes in each of the past 2 seasons, The Dude assured me they are not content to simply be "among" the best in the league.
"After a year as Dunder Mifflin and the 12 RPI, and last year's #5 RPI team, we plan to take the top spot by season's end," The Dude said in brief note.
After a heartbreaking season opener loss to the ever dangerous Texas Republic, the Lebowski's have bounced back to post a stunning 65 - 6, runs scored - runs allowed, in their last two victories. Obviously this run differential says two things:
1. The Lebowski's are this leagues equivalent to the 2007 New England Patriots and the Dude has some serious Bill Bellicheck tendencies.
2. They're damn good.
Look for the Lebowski's to finish in the Top 10 again this year, and for my two cents, the Softball Guy has them projected to end a Top 5 team.
* If you'd like to have your team spotlighted, please send a note to Softball Guy: HSSBlogger@yahoo.com
Rain Outs: A Time to Reflect...
As the raindrops parade from the sky and pelt our office windows, as many of us stare longly out at the rapidly puddling fields, as coaches hold out hope that God will reach down and open up a window of sunlight from 5 - 9 PM tonight, and as those of us holding out hope receive that email with the words we all fear and loath..."Game Canceled", the time is ripe for reflection and contemplation of feats past.
For some of us, we can sink inside the recesses of our memories and dwell on that one ball that you should have caught, that pop out you hit, the devastatingly close loss that if you had only done that one thing different you would have won. For others, it's a chance to look ahead and imagine that 2 out, bottom of the 7th inning, diving catch you're going to make to save a game.
Office's throughout the Rayburn, Cannon and Longworth buildings play host to a myriad of born again athletes who will now have to put their softball careers on hold for 24 hours while the waters from heaven wash away the past woes from the previous week. League titans who kept their players in training camp over the weekend in preparation for today's match ups will now sit patiently, waiting, watching, hoping the rain allows them at least one opportunity to claim their glory this week.
This is House softball in DC ladies and gentlemen, in this league, the commissioners decide how we play the game, but the rain decides if we play.
For some of us, we can sink inside the recesses of our memories and dwell on that one ball that you should have caught, that pop out you hit, the devastatingly close loss that if you had only done that one thing different you would have won. For others, it's a chance to look ahead and imagine that 2 out, bottom of the 7th inning, diving catch you're going to make to save a game.
Office's throughout the Rayburn, Cannon and Longworth buildings play host to a myriad of born again athletes who will now have to put their softball careers on hold for 24 hours while the waters from heaven wash away the past woes from the previous week. League titans who kept their players in training camp over the weekend in preparation for today's match ups will now sit patiently, waiting, watching, hoping the rain allows them at least one opportunity to claim their glory this week.
This is House softball in DC ladies and gentlemen, in this league, the commissioners decide how we play the game, but the rain decides if we play.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Week 5 Preview
Tuesday:
Dragon Slayers v. Show-me Asses - Dragon Slayers now have a big old target on their backsides and the Show-me Asses 2 losses were to top 15 teams, could be an upset special.
Raucus Caucus v. Duck Butter (a.k.a. Scared Hitless) - Raucus Caucus was one of the perennial top regular season teams in the Congressional League over the past 3 years, making the transition to the Major leagues has them matched up against #29 Scared Hitless.
Wednesday:
Dead Presidents v. Playmates - Dead Presidents look to extend their undefeated record and maintain a spot in the top 10, meanwhile, the Playmates are 1-0 and looking to make a statement.
Big Riggin v. Insliders - clash of the undefeateds pits year in and year out contenders, the Insliders, vs. a growing powerhouse in Big Riggin. At 2-0 and 3-0 respectively, the winner could find their way to a top ranking.
Thursday:
Dragon Slayers v. Big Riggin - If the Dragon Slayers pull off the win Tuesday and Big Riggin topples the Insliders Wednesday, this game has HUGE 1st place implications.
Milwaukees Best v. Dukes of Haphazzards - two more 2-0 teams face off with the winner claiming a spot as top power in the league.
This weeks Beeriffic Game of the Week:
Natural Disasters v. Capitol Punishment - Natural Disasters look to even up at 2-2 if they can storm through the underrated Capitol Punishment. Truth of this matchup is, whichever team loses will be sporting a record that is FAR below it's actual talent level.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Dragon Slayers fight their way to top Ranking...
Other notables for the week:
Dragon Slayers 22, Wasabi 10 - Dragon Slayers take the #1 spot with a 3-0 record and .713 RPI.
Big Lebowski 34, Cold Hard Cash 2 - The Dude abides right outside the top 15 now at #16 overall.
Suspicious Packages 15, Natural Disasters 8 - can we say, landslide win for the 4-0 Packages?
Insliders 25, Shoe City 5 - That win moves the Insliders to 3-0 and into the top 5.
Blue Pups 19, Destroyers 10 - Blue Pups hold the league Runs Scored mark at 82.
Current Top 5:
1 - Dragon Slayers
2 - Orange Crush
3 - Milwaukee's Best
4 - Isliders
5 - Licensed to IL
Softball Guys Top 5:
1 - Dragon Slayers - so this was uncreative.
2 - Suspicious Packages - 4-0 is no small feat, extra credit for inuendo.
3 - Blue Pups - someday if you become dogs, you might get the #1 spot.
4 - Texas Republic - soon to be known as "Texas 5 States".
5 - Insliders - that's what she said.
Most Beeriffic 5:
1 - Capitol Punishment - would be #1 overall if they weren't all drunk by the top of the 1st.
2 - New Rage Mastadons - just good fun people.
3 - Team Carebears - the almost all girls team, friggin fantastic team name.
4 - Zebra Muscles - again, the team name just makes me happy.
5 - Channel 4 News Team - I needed a 5th team and they looked good.
* Note: the Softball Guys Rankings have no formula of any kind and are completely arbitrary and could change with his mood and whether he is happy with the weather.
Dragon Slayers 22, Wasabi 10 - Dragon Slayers take the #1 spot with a 3-0 record and .713 RPI.
Big Lebowski 34, Cold Hard Cash 2 - The Dude abides right outside the top 15 now at #16 overall.
Suspicious Packages 15, Natural Disasters 8 - can we say, landslide win for the 4-0 Packages?
Insliders 25, Shoe City 5 - That win moves the Insliders to 3-0 and into the top 5.
Blue Pups 19, Destroyers 10 - Blue Pups hold the league Runs Scored mark at 82.
Current Top 5:
1 - Dragon Slayers
2 - Orange Crush
3 - Milwaukee's Best
4 - Isliders
5 - Licensed to IL
Softball Guys Top 5:
1 - Dragon Slayers - so this was uncreative.
2 - Suspicious Packages - 4-0 is no small feat, extra credit for inuendo.
3 - Blue Pups - someday if you become dogs, you might get the #1 spot.
4 - Texas Republic - soon to be known as "Texas 5 States".
5 - Insliders - that's what she said.
Most Beeriffic 5:
1 - Capitol Punishment - would be #1 overall if they weren't all drunk by the top of the 1st.
2 - New Rage Mastadons - just good fun people.
3 - Team Carebears - the almost all girls team, friggin fantastic team name.
4 - Zebra Muscles - again, the team name just makes me happy.
5 - Channel 4 News Team - I needed a 5th team and they looked good.
* Note: the Softball Guys Rankings have no formula of any kind and are completely arbitrary and could change with his mood and whether he is happy with the weather.
Getting off the ground...
Well folks, that wonderful time of year has come around once again. No, I'm not talking about appropriations season, I'm talking about the House Softball Season! It's that precious time of year when, after months in winter hibernation, all of us forgotten athletes can strap on the gear and trudge out to the diamond (or largest available space on the mall) and step into our summer stardom once again.
Heroes of the hill are made every summer and go on to live in infamy as the greatest players to ever touch a softball, at least in their minds. On any given night of the week you can't spit on the mall without interrupting an intense struggle of Goliath's, locked in the most honorable combat in the greater DC area, the combat of slow pitch softball.
The House League season is already well under way, moving into week 4 and already boasting upsets, late inning heroics, league favorites, undedawgs and a competition to see who can best disguise their beer from the park-police.
Over the last week alone, in the game of the week, Blue Mold felt the wrath of interstate rivals the Moonshiners on Thursday night, taking a 17-12 loss at Folger Park Field. A game that nearly turned into more of an old Jerry Springer episode than a softball game by some accounts. But no matter the heat of battle stirred up on the diamond, players from both teams shared a hearty beer and a warm serenade to Bon Jovi's, Living on a Prayer. A theme song some would think to Capitol Punishment, a talented ball-club that simply had a rough run of luck, but will certainly play a big part in the league throughout the course of the season.
Two nail-biters of games happened this week between 4 very strong clubs.
On Tuesday, the Raucus Cuacus, new comers to the House league, recently called up from the AAA "Congressional League", went toe to toe with the Destroyer, a team that finished in the top 15 last year in the tournament and who hosted the game at their home stadium, Anacostia Diamond Field #3. while half the game was often spent trying to find the balls hit into the outfield in the 42' tall grass, the game itself was a sea-saw of excitement. The Destroyers seemingly blew the game open at one point, exploding the score to an 8 run lead and putting the game all but out of reach. But the rookie Raucus Caucus team wasn't about to back down without a fight. Coming up in the top of the 7th, with the sun disappearing behind the gun smoke of Anacostia, the Caucus dropped two grand slams and tied the game up at 16-16 to send it to the bottom of the 7th. Some clutch hitting, the likes of which Bill Buckner has never seen, by the Destroyers resulted in a walk-off win in the bottom of the 7th.
Not to be outdone, Thursday, the 2-0 Strike Place Market traveled to the West Potomac Field #7 to face perennial greats Denny's Grand Slam. The game started off going mostly in favor of Strike Place, a 10-5 lead was built to go into the 6th inning. But DGS dropped 3 runs in bottom of the 6th and took the momentum back. SPM was not going to give up that easily, tacking on an insurance run to make the game 11-8, but wouldn't you know it, the defending regular season champs came up big with 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th to send the game to extra innings. this time the sun was disappearing rapidly behind a haze of Senatorial Rhetoric as the Upper chamber debated it's supplemental bill with fervor, but the real battle in DC was just reaching it's climax down under the shadow of Abe Lincoln. Both teams were shut down in the 8th by brilliant pitching displays, but fate favored the home team once again and in the bottom of the 9th, the equivalent to a 17 inning MLB game, DGS broke through the SPM defense to plate the winning run.
These are just a few of the magical stories that took place last week in the House Softball League. I'll be here all year to tell you more stories as I hear them. If you have a fantastic softball story, tell me, I'll post it. This blog is here to tell the tales of the Summer Samurai's, to publish the feats of the hill heroes, and to bring a little human life to the mechanical numbers on the league standings board.
contact this blogger to share your story at:
HSSblogger@yahoo.com
Heroes of the hill are made every summer and go on to live in infamy as the greatest players to ever touch a softball, at least in their minds. On any given night of the week you can't spit on the mall without interrupting an intense struggle of Goliath's, locked in the most honorable combat in the greater DC area, the combat of slow pitch softball.
The House League season is already well under way, moving into week 4 and already boasting upsets, late inning heroics, league favorites, undedawgs and a competition to see who can best disguise their beer from the park-police.
Over the last week alone, in the game of the week, Blue Mold felt the wrath of interstate rivals the Moonshiners on Thursday night, taking a 17-12 loss at Folger Park Field. A game that nearly turned into more of an old Jerry Springer episode than a softball game by some accounts. But no matter the heat of battle stirred up on the diamond, players from both teams shared a hearty beer and a warm serenade to Bon Jovi's, Living on a Prayer. A theme song some would think to Capitol Punishment, a talented ball-club that simply had a rough run of luck, but will certainly play a big part in the league throughout the course of the season.
Two nail-biters of games happened this week between 4 very strong clubs.
On Tuesday, the Raucus Cuacus, new comers to the House league, recently called up from the AAA "Congressional League", went toe to toe with the Destroyer, a team that finished in the top 15 last year in the tournament and who hosted the game at their home stadium, Anacostia Diamond Field #3. while half the game was often spent trying to find the balls hit into the outfield in the 42' tall grass, the game itself was a sea-saw of excitement. The Destroyers seemingly blew the game open at one point, exploding the score to an 8 run lead and putting the game all but out of reach. But the rookie Raucus Caucus team wasn't about to back down without a fight. Coming up in the top of the 7th, with the sun disappearing behind the gun smoke of Anacostia, the Caucus dropped two grand slams and tied the game up at 16-16 to send it to the bottom of the 7th. Some clutch hitting, the likes of which Bill Buckner has never seen, by the Destroyers resulted in a walk-off win in the bottom of the 7th.
Not to be outdone, Thursday, the 2-0 Strike Place Market traveled to the West Potomac Field #7 to face perennial greats Denny's Grand Slam. The game started off going mostly in favor of Strike Place, a 10-5 lead was built to go into the 6th inning. But DGS dropped 3 runs in bottom of the 6th and took the momentum back. SPM was not going to give up that easily, tacking on an insurance run to make the game 11-8, but wouldn't you know it, the defending regular season champs came up big with 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th to send the game to extra innings. this time the sun was disappearing rapidly behind a haze of Senatorial Rhetoric as the Upper chamber debated it's supplemental bill with fervor, but the real battle in DC was just reaching it's climax down under the shadow of Abe Lincoln. Both teams were shut down in the 8th by brilliant pitching displays, but fate favored the home team once again and in the bottom of the 9th, the equivalent to a 17 inning MLB game, DGS broke through the SPM defense to plate the winning run.
These are just a few of the magical stories that took place last week in the House Softball League. I'll be here all year to tell you more stories as I hear them. If you have a fantastic softball story, tell me, I'll post it. This blog is here to tell the tales of the Summer Samurai's, to publish the feats of the hill heroes, and to bring a little human life to the mechanical numbers on the league standings board.
contact this blogger to share your story at:
HSSblogger@yahoo.com
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