For some strange reason the House League has chosen to highlight Iowa this week as the game of the week. Perhaps whoever does the game of the week selection is thinking about running for Presidential office, or maybe they just like corn, either way, they couldn't have picked a worse game to highlight. If they were going for the interstate rivalry, they could have done a lot better by picking to do that last week with What Exit and Capitol Punishment squaring off, though likely the FCC would have had to censor most everything that came out of the two NJ teams mouths on the benches.
There are several games this week which everyone should have on their radar:
Monday:
Potomac Fever v. Green Sox - Green Sox have moved up the rankings, but they haven't played many games and some people attribute their success to their stringent use of the strike mat. My guess is Pot Fever takes care of business with or without the mat.
Tuesday:
Texas Republic v. Playmates - the Playmates are another team that have been having a good year and rapidly climbing the rankings, but they'll have to show more than a little league to derail the offensive juggernaut Texas Republic.
Wednesday:
UPSET WATCH: Xunshine Staters v. Metro All Stars - I'm calling this the upset watch, while the Xunshine Staters record makes them appear as a bunch of surfer crazy beach bumbs, I happen to know this team was a handpicked group of CAN league all-stars. So you can really just call this the All-Start match up, all be it of two teams who will probably only finish in the 35-20 range this season.
Thursday:
DGS v. Texas Republic - possibly the best game of the season to date. We are about to find out how good the Texas Republic is. DGS can put their signature on this season as the team to beat if they drop the Lone Star state.
FD&A v. Ugly Mugs - Fat, Ugly, Drunk what more can you ask for out of a beer league softball game? Both sitting at only 2-0, but also at #6 and #7 overall, this match has the potential to be the most disgusting display of talent you'll see this week.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Slayers Making Case for Title
Probably one of the most controversial topics on the boards revolves around the legitimacy of one team. It's been said that the Dragon Slayers aren't for real, that their schedule is weak, that they can't run with the big dogs. True enough their schedule that lent itself to a 9-3 record last season and an early exit to in the playoffs was nothing special, they only beat one team with a winning record while playing a couple other close. So what about this season?
Well, they took down Denny's Grand Slam by one run in game one of the season. DGS is a strong squad and this isn't to be overlooked, but what you can look at is DGS the following week, when they faced off with Strike Place Market and only won by 1 run in the 9th inning. The DGS that was around for the first few weeks of the season was not the same as the one we see near the top of the Standings now. You can't take a win off the Slayers record based on that, but I think the story might change a little if they played today.
Having looked at the Slayers lone victory of note, lets look at their lone loss at the hands of the Defending Tournament champions. It's important to note that they were tournament champions and not regular season champions last year. Blue Pups, while solid, have a track record of beating strong, but not stellar clubs in the regular season, and losing to the real powers. Blue Pups most notable regular season win over the past 3 seasons was over a 7-3 Saints, 17-5 in 2007, leading some to think the Pups may be more of a Tournament Power than a regular season force. A strong team to be feared for sure, but not a powerhouse like the Insliders, Big Lebowskis, DGS, Fat Drunk and Awesome, and the Texas Republic.
So what we're looking at are a good Dragon Slayers team, with still a lot to prove. With one close loss and one close win against top 15 teams over the past 3 years, and then a series of wins against unimpressive teams, I'm willing to call the Slayers a top 15 talent, probably more Top 10 with potential for more, but certainly not #1 yet, though they can change that soon enough. It wouldn't be the first time the softball guy has been wrong.
Well, they took down Denny's Grand Slam by one run in game one of the season. DGS is a strong squad and this isn't to be overlooked, but what you can look at is DGS the following week, when they faced off with Strike Place Market and only won by 1 run in the 9th inning. The DGS that was around for the first few weeks of the season was not the same as the one we see near the top of the Standings now. You can't take a win off the Slayers record based on that, but I think the story might change a little if they played today.
Having looked at the Slayers lone victory of note, lets look at their lone loss at the hands of the Defending Tournament champions. It's important to note that they were tournament champions and not regular season champions last year. Blue Pups, while solid, have a track record of beating strong, but not stellar clubs in the regular season, and losing to the real powers. Blue Pups most notable regular season win over the past 3 seasons was over a 7-3 Saints, 17-5 in 2007, leading some to think the Pups may be more of a Tournament Power than a regular season force. A strong team to be feared for sure, but not a powerhouse like the Insliders, Big Lebowskis, DGS, Fat Drunk and Awesome, and the Texas Republic.
So what we're looking at are a good Dragon Slayers team, with still a lot to prove. With one close loss and one close win against top 15 teams over the past 3 years, and then a series of wins against unimpressive teams, I'm willing to call the Slayers a top 15 talent, probably more Top 10 with potential for more, but certainly not #1 yet, though they can change that soon enough. It wouldn't be the first time the softball guy has been wrong.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Week 9 Preview
It's almost a little disappointing looking at this weeks schedule, for the past few weeks it seems like there's been 4 or 5 games that could have been set up as the game of the week. The House home page has the Blue Pups v. the Dragon Slayers as this weeks game of the week, and while that's going to be interesting enough, I'm not sure it's going to be the best game out there. The field is definitely starting to take shape though, and teams are beginning to solidify, or fade away. Here's a look at the upcoming week:
GAME OF THE WEEK:
Insliders v. The Big Lebowskis - Both these teams have one loss, both losses are to Top 5 teams, both teams will finish the season in the top 10, and to top it all off I still can't think of a catchy play on the Insliders name that isn't to perverse for this blog. Watch this match up on Thursday, no better game than this this week.
Other Big Games:
License to Il v. Prime Beef - with both these teams coming off losses last week, it gives license to think that both are prime for an Il-fate if they can't turn it around here.
The Dead Presidents v. Playmates - This could be the game of the week, but the Dead Presidents must have been too busy robbing armored cars over the past few weeks to play any softball, with both teams sitting at 3-0, it's about time they start filling out their schedules.
Beeriffic Game of the Week:
Zebra Muscles v. New Rage Mastadons - the Zebra's will flex, the Mastadons will roar, if you're inclined to post up on the mall in a lawn chair with a bucket of beer, you could do worse for your entertainment.
Other notes:
Both the Suspicious Packages and Natty Boh All-Stars put their records on the line against decent squads this week, watch their progress.
Apparently exhausted from their GOTW victory last week, DGS appears to have a bye week, as does the Texas Republic.
Probably the most lopsided game this week will be Fat Drunk and Awesome v. Team Carebears. It's gonna take a lot of help from their Star and Heart buddies for Cheer, Bedtime, Birthday, Love-a-lot, Tenderheart, Grumpy, Goodluck, Funshine, Friend and Wish Bears to pull off this mission of care.
GAME OF THE WEEK:
Insliders v. The Big Lebowskis - Both these teams have one loss, both losses are to Top 5 teams, both teams will finish the season in the top 10, and to top it all off I still can't think of a catchy play on the Insliders name that isn't to perverse for this blog. Watch this match up on Thursday, no better game than this this week.
Other Big Games:
License to Il v. Prime Beef - with both these teams coming off losses last week, it gives license to think that both are prime for an Il-fate if they can't turn it around here.
The Dead Presidents v. Playmates - This could be the game of the week, but the Dead Presidents must have been too busy robbing armored cars over the past few weeks to play any softball, with both teams sitting at 3-0, it's about time they start filling out their schedules.
Beeriffic Game of the Week:
Zebra Muscles v. New Rage Mastadons - the Zebra's will flex, the Mastadons will roar, if you're inclined to post up on the mall in a lawn chair with a bucket of beer, you could do worse for your entertainment.
Other notes:
Both the Suspicious Packages and Natty Boh All-Stars put their records on the line against decent squads this week, watch their progress.
Apparently exhausted from their GOTW victory last week, DGS appears to have a bye week, as does the Texas Republic.
Probably the most lopsided game this week will be Fat Drunk and Awesome v. Team Carebears. It's gonna take a lot of help from their Star and Heart buddies for Cheer, Bedtime, Birthday, Love-a-lot, Tenderheart, Grumpy, Goodluck, Funshine, Friend and Wish Bears to pull off this mission of care.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Week 8 Recap
What do rain, rivalry, routs, runs, and really really random smack board postings have in common? If you answered that those were all integral parts of this last week in House League Softball then you are on the right page. Top teams keeping getting picked off, surprise routs keeping coming, and the Dude keeps talking smack on the board.
Some of the key games this week:
DGS 10, Insliders 6 - well, there ya go, two top powers collide and DGS took care of business leveling the playing field by giving the Insliders their first loss. Both teams will be near the top when all is said and done.
Keystoners 18, Strike Place Market 6 - this is a surprising upset, the underwhelming Keystoners found a way to pick up a quality win, could this be the beginning of a decline for SPM?
Big Lebowskis 14, Blue Pups 8 - down go the Defending Champs for the second straight week raising some serious questions about their chances at a repeat, meanwhile the Lebowski's continue to bowl through opponents, much to the chagrin of the smack board posters who will now have to endure even more commentary from the Dude.
Owego Fire Department 9, Vito Power 7 - if you have been looking past these two teams as solid contenders, don't. They are legit, and this match up didn't get the attention it deserved.
Other Notes from around the league:
Texas Republic, Naty Boh All Stars, Cap City Brewing Flyers all won again.
The Thomas Pain picked up another victory, they are in the midst of turning their season around.
The Dragon Slayers won to move to 6-0 and back to #2 on the leader board.
Top 5
1. The Dead Presidents
2. Dragon Slayers
3. DGS
4. Dukes of Haphazard
5. Big Lebowskis
Softball Guys Top 5
1. DGS - what can I say, their one loss was to a Top 10 team, and they're coming off a big win.
2. Big Lebowskis - The Dude and The Jesus have been rolling some quality teams lately.
3. Texas Republic - close win this week, but with that convincing win over Big L, they're safe.
4. Dragon Slayers - will these guys accept the challenge from the Lebowskis?
5. Insliders - tough loss to the #1 team, no damage done, they stay in the Top 5.
Most Beeriffic 5
1. Channel 4 News Team - they will be throwing a pants party to celebrate their beerifficness.
2. Quality Playas - having met some of these playas, I can vouch for their quality.
3. Shock and Awe - for setting the perfect stage to shock their next opponent by going 0-4.
4. The Lounging Johnson - beeriffic indeed, if they could only find their Swing again.
5. Ohio Killer Nuts - not to be confused with the mixed nuts, these nuts are lethal, watch out.
Some of the key games this week:
DGS 10, Insliders 6 - well, there ya go, two top powers collide and DGS took care of business leveling the playing field by giving the Insliders their first loss. Both teams will be near the top when all is said and done.
Keystoners 18, Strike Place Market 6 - this is a surprising upset, the underwhelming Keystoners found a way to pick up a quality win, could this be the beginning of a decline for SPM?
Big Lebowskis 14, Blue Pups 8 - down go the Defending Champs for the second straight week raising some serious questions about their chances at a repeat, meanwhile the Lebowski's continue to bowl through opponents, much to the chagrin of the smack board posters who will now have to endure even more commentary from the Dude.
Owego Fire Department 9, Vito Power 7 - if you have been looking past these two teams as solid contenders, don't. They are legit, and this match up didn't get the attention it deserved.
Other Notes from around the league:
Texas Republic, Naty Boh All Stars, Cap City Brewing Flyers all won again.
The Thomas Pain picked up another victory, they are in the midst of turning their season around.
The Dragon Slayers won to move to 6-0 and back to #2 on the leader board.
Top 5
1. The Dead Presidents
2. Dragon Slayers
3. DGS
4. Dukes of Haphazard
5. Big Lebowskis
Softball Guys Top 5
1. DGS - what can I say, their one loss was to a Top 10 team, and they're coming off a big win.
2. Big Lebowskis - The Dude and The Jesus have been rolling some quality teams lately.
3. Texas Republic - close win this week, but with that convincing win over Big L, they're safe.
4. Dragon Slayers - will these guys accept the challenge from the Lebowskis?
5. Insliders - tough loss to the #1 team, no damage done, they stay in the Top 5.
Most Beeriffic 5
1. Channel 4 News Team - they will be throwing a pants party to celebrate their beerifficness.
2. Quality Playas - having met some of these playas, I can vouch for their quality.
3. Shock and Awe - for setting the perfect stage to shock their next opponent by going 0-4.
4. The Lounging Johnson - beeriffic indeed, if they could only find their Swing again.
5. Ohio Killer Nuts - not to be confused with the mixed nuts, these nuts are lethal, watch out.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Quiz: How Competitive are you?
Recently, a post was made on the Smack Boardcomplaining about teams not using strike mats for games. That obviously launched a plethora of debate about strike mats, game speed, realistic play, and in one post, Ryan Seacrests sexual orientation...don't ask. So let's put it to you, using a series of softball oriented questions, you can decide how competitive you may or may not be. Here it goes:
Do you show up 45 minutes early and doing a warm up lap followed by a robust calisthenics routine?
Do you wear color coordinated socks, shorts, shirt and hat? wear baseball pants? Flip up shades?
Do you bring a strike mat and insist on using it?
Do you make your opponent write down their lineup, then track the lineup to make sure no illegal subbing takes place?
Do you hold your subs out against "better" teams and in some cases not play them at all?
Do you you stand in the outfield and argue with the out calls made by the unofficial umpires, also know as "base coaches"?
Do you take the extra base in the 7th inning up 27-4?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be competitive.
On the flip side:
Do you show up between 6:29 and 7:45 for a game that's supposed to start at 6:30?
Do you wear flip flops to play in?
Do you interact more with the beer cooler than your glove during a game?
Do you forget you're supposed to be in the field?
Do you roll your eyes at the guy who brings the strike mat?
Do you try to tell the other team they can just have the win and get them to go to Cap Lounge after the 1st inning when you're losing 0-17?
Do you find yourself thinking about anchoring your flip cup team at the lounge when you are standing in the OF and a ball is flying over your head?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may NOT be competitive.
The great part about both these quizzes? This is the House Softball League, you can be as competitive as you want, play who you want, or not even play and just show up for beer. This is the unique quality that makes this league so fun, it's got something for everyone and everyone can have fun being themselves.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Not your normal preview...
So, if you haven't taken time to read the House League Smack Board, I suggest you click here and get to reading. The smack is heating up big time, and for good reason, the last few weeks, and this week, have pitted a ton of solid squads against each other and the match ups haven't disappointed.
I think if you wade through all the smack, and look past the shimmer of the so called "elites" teams, you're going to see a LOT of close games and a lot of parity throughout the league. There certainly are a few surprises out there in the Top 25, and some of those teams have run with the best of them.
Denny's Grand Slams weren't hearty enough to avoid picking up an early season loss to the Dragon Slayers, and then barely eeked by a surprising Strike Place Market in a 9 inning performance.
The Jesus and The Dude I'm sure had plenty of trouble abiding the spanking they received at the hands of the Texas Republic.
The Suspicious Packages are sitting right out in the open, leading the league with 6 wins.
The Dukes of Haphazard have two 1 run victories under their belt as they have made their way into the Top 5.
Even the Dead Presidents narrowly avoided a loss to the Homers in May.
The point here, is that the list of strong teams out there is well beyond the Top 5 and Top 10, this league is deep through the Top 20, and winning the Regular Season title, as important as that is, is gonna need to be backed up in the tournament when all these teams get a crack at you.
From where I'm sitting, there are any number of teams that could walk away with the title this year, and they aren't all in the Top 25 yet. So watch your backs out there, this season is going to have more twists and turns than Season of 24, and that may or may not be a good thing.
I think if you wade through all the smack, and look past the shimmer of the so called "elites" teams, you're going to see a LOT of close games and a lot of parity throughout the league. There certainly are a few surprises out there in the Top 25, and some of those teams have run with the best of them.
Denny's Grand Slams weren't hearty enough to avoid picking up an early season loss to the Dragon Slayers, and then barely eeked by a surprising Strike Place Market in a 9 inning performance.
The Jesus and The Dude I'm sure had plenty of trouble abiding the spanking they received at the hands of the Texas Republic.
The Suspicious Packages are sitting right out in the open, leading the league with 6 wins.
The Dukes of Haphazard have two 1 run victories under their belt as they have made their way into the Top 5.
Even the Dead Presidents narrowly avoided a loss to the Homers in May.
The point here, is that the list of strong teams out there is well beyond the Top 5 and Top 10, this league is deep through the Top 20, and winning the Regular Season title, as important as that is, is gonna need to be backed up in the tournament when all these teams get a crack at you.
From where I'm sitting, there are any number of teams that could walk away with the title this year, and they aren't all in the Top 25 yet. So watch your backs out there, this season is going to have more twists and turns than Season of 24, and that may or may not be a good thing.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Dukes, DGS and Dragon Slayers survive tough week.
Some big time games were played this week and we're now starting to see the field solidify a little more. Thursday was jam packed full of marquee match ups and there was plenty of drama to go around.
With rain threatening to close the doors on softball for another week, determination became the name of the game. Several teams out-lasted the weather report and the results were as exciting as advertised.
Key Games:
Dukes of Haphazard v. Blue Pups - these two Top 5 teams clashed in one of the premiere match ups this week and the result was a nail-biting 6-5 win for the Dukes. While Haphazard remains in the Top at #4, the Pups take what I am sure will be a temporary walk down to 21, they'll be back.
DGS v. Milwaukees Best - DGS is starting to show who they really are after some close match ups earlier in the year, they easily took care of business with MB and now are sitting squarely at #5.
Strike Place Market v. License to Il - watch out House League, the SPM team that improved a record 62 spots last season is looking to do even better than that after an 18-3 shellacking of #4 License to Il, that moves SPM to #18 and should put them on everyone's radar.
Dragon Slayers v. Big Sticks - the chinks in the Slayers armor may have shown up here with a less than convincing 8-7 victory over the Big Sticks, while the Sticks are a solid ball club, I think everyone is looking for the #1 team to start handling business a little more easily.
Other notes:
Suspicious Packages, Metro All Stars and Natty Boh All Stars both remained undefeated with easy victories; the Destroyers, Vito Power, Not Rocket Scientists and Scared Hitless also picked up some solid wins; in convincing the fashion, the Colorado Cutthroats and Capitol Punishment responded to some early week criticism with victories, Cold Hard Cash on the other hand was not so fortunate.
Top 5:
1. Fat Drunk and Awesome
2. Dead Presidents
3. Dragon Slayers
4. Dukes of Haphazard
5. DGS
Softball Guys Top 5:
1. Dukes of Haphazard - strong win this week over a Top 10 team makes them #1 for now.
2. Texas Republic - still the most potent offense in the league
3. Dead Presidents - alive and kicking ass these days.
4. DGS - a few more grand slams would make the #1, but still a good team.
5. Insliders - not playing isn't a good enough reason to drop them out of the Top 5.
Most Beeriffic 5:
1. Channel 4 News Team - you stay classy channel 4, I wish you all some afternoon delight.
2. Blue Mold - you got a lead and didn't let it go bad this week, that deserves recognition.
3. The Lounging Johnsons - you make the list for letting Blue Mold win one, class act.
4. Children of the Corn - you're sporting one of the few perfect records left.
5. Team Carebears - still the best name in softball.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Team Spotlight: Raucus Caucus
Newbies to the House League this year, the Raucus Caucus was a perennial power in the Congressional League over the past 5 seasons. Currently sporting a record of 1-2 with losses to the Destroyers and Cap City Brewery Flyers, the Caucus hasn't had the smoothest transition from AAA ball to the Big Leagues.
"I think the toughest part has been inconsistency," coach Ben Stecker said "We had one cancellation because of miscommunication, and then then two other teams canceled for lack of players, we can't get in a rhythm."
2 losses this early in the season is unfamiliar territory for this most recent version of the Raucus Caucus, representing the Congressional Western Caucus, who have won at least 14 games in each of the last 4 seasons. Though losing isn't completely abnormal to this group of westerners, prior to 2005 the Raucus Caucus had its fair share of struggles and frequently finished the season with a losing record.
The Caucus may be one of the few teams in the league that can boast actual members of Congress Playing on the team, with a few members of the Western Caucus on the roster and frequent appearances by the chairman who plays a mean first base.
"This season we tried to get as many tough teams as possible," Stecker said "We wanted to get the best schedule we could and so far our two losses, close ones at that, were to two teams that I've heard were pretty good, we'll see if we can get some consistency going and put some wins up."
Look for the Raucus Caucus to have a strong finish this season as they adjust to pro-ball. We'll see if they can bring their Congressional League success with them to the House League. Don't take them for granted when you play, or they might just Rauc your world.
"I think the toughest part has been inconsistency," coach Ben Stecker said "We had one cancellation because of miscommunication, and then then two other teams canceled for lack of players, we can't get in a rhythm."
2 losses this early in the season is unfamiliar territory for this most recent version of the Raucus Caucus, representing the Congressional Western Caucus, who have won at least 14 games in each of the last 4 seasons. Though losing isn't completely abnormal to this group of westerners, prior to 2005 the Raucus Caucus had its fair share of struggles and frequently finished the season with a losing record.
The Caucus may be one of the few teams in the league that can boast actual members of Congress Playing on the team, with a few members of the Western Caucus on the roster and frequent appearances by the chairman who plays a mean first base.
"This season we tried to get as many tough teams as possible," Stecker said "We wanted to get the best schedule we could and so far our two losses, close ones at that, were to two teams that I've heard were pretty good, we'll see if we can get some consistency going and put some wins up."
Look for the Raucus Caucus to have a strong finish this season as they adjust to pro-ball. We'll see if they can bring their Congressional League success with them to the House League. Don't take them for granted when you play, or they might just Rauc your world.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Quick Hits...
A couple of quick hits that I missed yesterday:
Fat Drunk and Awesome was all of those things Monday night as they made their 2009 debut (also note, that they haven't even called any forfeits on anyone when they got rained out before). FDA is following up a #5 finish in 2007, and a #3 finish in 2008...could this be the year?
Also...
An absolutely juggernaut match up takes place on Thursday that will have a big impact on the remainder of the season.
Dead Presidents v. Texas Republic
Watch out for this match up, so far TR has been rolling opponents, and with two big time match ups, the Dead Presidents could be taking the #1 seed this week with a pair of wins.
Fat Drunk and Awesome was all of those things Monday night as they made their 2009 debut (also note, that they haven't even called any forfeits on anyone when they got rained out before). FDA is following up a #5 finish in 2007, and a #3 finish in 2008...could this be the year?
Also...
An absolutely juggernaut match up takes place on Thursday that will have a big impact on the remainder of the season.
Dead Presidents v. Texas Republic
Watch out for this match up, so far TR has been rolling opponents, and with two big time match ups, the Dead Presidents could be taking the #1 seed this week with a pair of wins.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Week 7 Preview...
... but first one quick note on last week:
If you look on the scoreboard for Thursday, there were 3 games with recorded scores of 7-0. This can only mean that 3 teams called a forfeit on their 3 opponents. To quote an overused and un-funny segment in a rapidly declining weekend TV show...
Really?!?!
I don't know what part of DC you were planning on playing in, but by 3:00 PM the mall had returned to 1840's swamp form and Noah in his ark would have drown in the amount of water accumulated in Anacostia Park. To those 3 team coaches, I join my Patriotic friends in saying "Boooooo". I won't say any team names, but I will say it was a Colorado Cutthroat way to win some Cold Hard Cash by exacting some rather extreme Capitol Punishment... uh, right.
OK, on to this weeks preview.
Game of the Week on the league site is Blue Pups v. Dukes of Haphazard and while certainly a great match up, here are several other awesome games to keep on your radar:
Strike Place Market v. License to Il - Strike Place currently holds the league's 2nd place record for most improved, moving up 62 spots last year and are poised to continue that climb, they'll have to get through a strong #4 License to Il (interesting note, SPM beath Il in the pre-season).
Big Lebowski's v. Playmates - Playmates are a quiet 3-0, but Heff and his bunnies may find the Dude and the Lebowski's to be less than intimidated by that record.
Suspicious Packages v. The Moonshiners - Finally the Packages get a chance to blow out a strong opponent, but the moonshiners are on a roll and have been knocking teams on their ass lately, look for the winner here to be a longterm contender this year.
Vito Power v. Big Riggin - it's a classic struggle, Itallian Mobsters v. Truck Drivers...well, ok, maybe not and maybe neither of those two teams are what they sound like, but their both darn good and this is going to be a solid square off.
Also watch out for Blue Mold this week as they look to keep the league's worst record intact at 0-6...to be fair, they usually lead at least once in every game they've lost - I guess that's all of them.. keep your chins up guys.
MY GAME OF THE WEEK:
DGS v. Milwaukees Best - yeah this sounds like the best sunday morning breakfast you could ever ask for; bacon, eggs, pancakes and a nice brew - but truth is, these are two strong ball-clubs in danger of losing their 2nd games. DGS has had a few very close match ups and MB's only loss was to the Dukes of Haphazard by 1. Expect a bar burner here.
Friday, June 5, 2009
121 Teams, 11 games.
99 of the leagues 121 teams fell victim to yet another week of rain. Those who scheduled their match ups for Monday and Tuesday were lucky enough to reap some of the last sunshine of the week.Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, some teams braved the elements to get their games in. Including wins by the UnDo's to move to 2-1 on the season and the Metro All-Stars who now sport an 3-0 record.
Unfortunately the much anticipated match up between the Big Lebowski's and the Dead Presidents was a casualty of this weeks flooding. However, this seems like it would lend itself to a highlight match up for Sunday or Saturday when it is supposed to be brilliant out. Be a shame to miss out on two powerhouses facing off.
All in all it was a very quiet and dull week in the House League, leaving no change of note in any of the rankings for this week.
Good luck looking forward for next week folks, get your games in early, rain predicted from Tuesday on again. Welcome to DC, the new East-side Seattle.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
All-time Great Feuds...
When you think of some of the greatest feuds of all time, there is an impressive list:
Montagues and the Capulets
Hatfields and McCoys
Sharks and the Jets
But there is one feud that has been alive for years now right here in DC. This conflict flashes out periodically throughout the course of every summer. It's a conflict over land, a conflict of zeal, and a conflict of superiority. This feud has no end in sight and will continue to rage as long the sun continues to shine in DC.
I refer of course to the battle between the rugged, talented, athletic softball players and the leggy, mall bogarting, field fairy soccer players.
That's right, without fail, a group of futbol players will surface on any given softball night and try to squeeze a game in between two softball games on the mall. They'll do it around the monument to, or anywhere there isn't space. They'll get in the way of your outfielders, they'll kick the ball into your infield, then they'll sit there and stare at you like it's your fault. These field fairies are tough nuts.
Many a fresh, baby-faced intern have had to face these brutal arch-enemies of softball when it comes to field claiming. The stakes have always been high, one groups livelihood on the line, the loser will go home and get fat from lack of exercise.
The conflict has gotten to the point where many softball teams have recruited ex-soccer players to act as envoys, sending them out to converse with the enemy prior to first pitch in an effort to avoid sending a goal-keeper to the hospital with a concussion from getting hit in the back of the head by a fly-ball, and even worse, stopping the ball from going it's true distance and possibly costing the hitter a Home Run.
A solution to this feud evades both sides to this date, we can only hope that something will break before the casualty count begins to pile up.
Slow News Day...
Not a whole heck of a lot happening around the league so far this week. That said, I've been looking at a new project. I'd like to try to keep a HR race tally going. HR's are a dime a dozen, but it might be fun to keep tabs on who is leading the league. If you're interested in having your sluggers HR total posted, I'll keep a Top 5 list, just send me an email at HSSblogger@yahoo.com of who and how many HR.
Potomac Fever walked all over the Mastadons for an easy win.
In an intriguing match up of names, the Liberal Agenda slapped The Change You Can Believe In around for monster win (apparently the Liberal Agenda doesn't believe in said change...).
The Cap City Brewery Flyers beat new-comers the Raucus Caucus, after a disappointing year in 2008, the Flyer's are quietly returning to their 2007 form, watch out for them.
The Playmates improved to 3-0 after toppling Team B without a lot of resistance.
That's about it so far, don't let the rain get you down this Thursday, some big games need to happen. Good Luck, see you on the flip side.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Week 6 Preview
This week, the League Website has declared the Big Lebowskis v. The Dead Presidents to be the game of the week. Pitting the Dude and his 10th ranked bowling squad against Lorenz Tate and Chris Tucker's #14 armored car robbers, this match up certainly has all the elements necessary for a premier match up. I would certainly encourage you all to keep tabs on this game, but lets look at a few of the other exciting battles that will be going on:
The Thomas Pain v. Tequila Mockingbirds - obviously no other game carries the league altering implications that this match up holds. These two powerhouses both look to establish themselves firmly in the Most Beeriffic 5, but one team is going to need to step up their game to lose convincingly enough to make the #1 spot on that board.
Insliders v. Milwuakees Best - 7th place Insliders look to advance to a strong 5-0 and add more fuel to LNF's message board posting, but the #12 Milwaukee's Best is still smarting from a nail-biting loss to the Dukes of Haphazard and are looking to bounce back. The winner of this game should get a solid boost in the polls.
Moonshiners v. Big Riggin - This might seem like a battle of the mediocres if you looked only at the standings, but make no mistake, both of these teams will make the playoffs. Big Riggin had been trucking through teams until they ran into losses to two seperate Top 5 teams. The North Carolina Democrat Moonshiners on the other hand are riding a 3 game winning streak after opening the season with two losses to Top 10 teams. Keep on eye on these teams, both will makes waves all season long.
Other Key Match Ups:
Vito Power v. Texas Republic - will this be the challenge the Republic has been lacking?
Naty Boh All Stars v. License to Il - Naty Boh looks for a signature win against #3 Il.
Not Rocket Scientists v. The Diplomats - the Diplomats look to negotiate their way to 3-0.
North State Flood v. Zebra Muscles - the Zebra's attempt to be the first team to allow 100 RS.
* the Softball Guy would like to acknowledge his previous misremembering of Dead Presidents as Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves, who were in fact the "ex-presidents". Please note the change to the appropriate Dead Presidents above.
The Thomas Pain v. Tequila Mockingbirds - obviously no other game carries the league altering implications that this match up holds. These two powerhouses both look to establish themselves firmly in the Most Beeriffic 5, but one team is going to need to step up their game to lose convincingly enough to make the #1 spot on that board.
Insliders v. Milwuakees Best - 7th place Insliders look to advance to a strong 5-0 and add more fuel to LNF's message board posting, but the #12 Milwaukee's Best is still smarting from a nail-biting loss to the Dukes of Haphazard and are looking to bounce back. The winner of this game should get a solid boost in the polls.
Moonshiners v. Big Riggin - This might seem like a battle of the mediocres if you looked only at the standings, but make no mistake, both of these teams will make the playoffs. Big Riggin had been trucking through teams until they ran into losses to two seperate Top 5 teams. The North Carolina Democrat Moonshiners on the other hand are riding a 3 game winning streak after opening the season with two losses to Top 10 teams. Keep on eye on these teams, both will makes waves all season long.
Other Key Match Ups:
Vito Power v. Texas Republic - will this be the challenge the Republic has been lacking?
Naty Boh All Stars v. License to Il - Naty Boh looks for a signature win against #3 Il.
Not Rocket Scientists v. The Diplomats - the Diplomats look to negotiate their way to 3-0.
North State Flood v. Zebra Muscles - the Zebra's attempt to be the first team to allow 100 RS.
* the Softball Guy would like to acknowledge his previous misremembering of Dead Presidents as Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves, who were in fact the "ex-presidents". Please note the change to the appropriate Dead Presidents above.
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