A's Take Out Former Teammate
When the A's traded first baseman Gregory T Nojeim to CDT for cash considerations and a policy to be named later, the scribes were tough on team management. There was a lot of concern about what would happen in the clubhouse with his veteran leadership removed. GTN had been a driving force behind the A's "snack" budget, and a real good chemistry guy. Then when the A's stumbled to an 0-8 record, the same critics thought they were being proven correct. Indeed the loss of GTN early in the year rattled the team, particularly the Ass Manager.
Three wins later, the A's rolled into a matchup with GTN's Union Busters with a new chemistry. New players like Mattallee, Jojomojo, Booze Cruz, Kathleen, Steve-O, Kent, and Herr German were no longer rookies - having melded seamlessly with 2nd year players Berg, Caroline and Ian and three year stalwarts Ass Manager, Mitchell, Young William, Shin, Armenian Berrserker, Sneaky Pete and Rich. Even the interns played like seasoned vets. This team that has forged a new, post-Noj identity, finally had the chance to confront the past directly. A's 1, Past 0.
The game got off to a thrilling start off the field, as an energized A's squad burst through an A's banner to take their positions in the field. There may have been a few jitters, as Mitchell misplayed the first grounder to third, and then the UB's second hitter looped one down the line for a hit. They were starting to get a little confidence, when Mattallee stopped all their pipe dreams of an upset with a beautiful snare of a high liner up the middle. A line out to Mitchell and ground out later, and the UB's were done. The A's wold then remove all suspense in the bottom of the inning.
Mitchell led off with a double, then a Jojomojo double, then a Young William double, then a Mattallee double...sense a pattern. The inning was punctuated with a bases loaded moonshot from Rich, giving the A's an 8-0 lead after one. The UB's knew they were beat.
With the outcome never in doubt, the rest of the game kind of blurred by. There were a few notable plays - Kang displaying a cannon arm in an innning at shortstop, Caroline recording her first put-out on a fly ball to center, Sha-Ron recording her first at bat, Young William's ozone piercing homer, Berg showing his versatility by pitching AND catching. The story that was developing was a shutout, as the A's used six pitchers for six shutout innings going into the final frame. Mitchell brought in his usually reliable closer, Mitchell, and then things got interesting. After a leadoff triple and a popout, the A's were two outs away from a 15-0 victory. It would not happen. A seeing eye single knocked in the first run, but things still looked good. Then the hit barraage, singles, doubles, one error, a couple of homers...before it was all over the Union Busters had tallied 7. The A's won 15-7, but the UB's showed a lot of heart in the last inning rally, and Mitchell now has some serious unanswered questions about the back of the pen.
Now the A's need to avoid an emotional letdown as they take on the Fearless LEADers (5-2) tonight. The A's have never won games on back-to-back nights - no time like the present.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
So Long, Farewell, Auf Weidersehen Aziz!
Kang Leads A's in Victorious Sendoff for the Puma; 3rd Win in 4 Games
And then there were five. Only five players are left from opening day, 2005. Last night marked the end of the road for one of the few remaining members of the innaugural A's team, as Aziz "The Puma" Ahmad took the field one last time. Though his last at-bat was a linedrive out to the pitcher, the Puma will be remembered more for his wit, style and team-first attitude than for any single play. Having been through the trying first season, he had to be happy to see this year's squad start to show signs of life and give him the farewell present of a victory. The A's handled the Charitable Rollovers 12-6, picking up their third victory in a bittersweet game for players, coaches and fans.
Going into the game Mitchell spoke to the team about focusing on the first and third innings. The A's are being outscored 94-34 in those two innings, but last night they allowed no runs in the first and third, and picked up one of their own. The game was shaping up as a low scoring affair, with the A's holding a tenuous 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the fourth before the bats came to life.
The A's 4th was a triple barrage. Triples in softball usually mean something went wrong, but we'll take them. After J-Loeb singled (part of his 3 hit night featuring his patented, leaping two-handed backhand), JoJoMoJo crushed one over the outfielders glove. She had caught up with him on the basepaths about halfway to second. With the whole team yelling at J-Loeb to run, Joanne was behind him, screaming "Hustle!". J-Loeb was talked out of his plan to "catch his breath at third base", mostly by the fact that JoJoMoJo was about a foot behind him. In the end, she settled for a triple. Matt quickly followed that up with a double, then Fight Club tripled, then after an RBI groundout from Mrs. Szak, Steve tripled. Quite a show.
With the A's cruising, Cruz was again talking victory party, but the Charitable Rollovers refused to. They loaded the bases with noone out in the fifth. They scored a couple on RBI groundouts (and scarily high-arcing rainbow tosses from Shin to Ian) and were looking for more when Steve relayed a ball to Matt, who threw to Mitchell at third to pick up the final out of the inning to snuff the rally. It was the second time in the game the opponents got a runner nailed going to third.
With the score now a too close 8-6,the A's got some insurance. Mitchell picked up the weakest homerun of the season on a grounder to short. J-Loeb and JoJoMoJo had another meeting on the basepaths, this time with Matt chasing them along into a three-way bunch up. Matt settled for the two-rbi triple. Rich knocked him home to make the score a comfortable 12-6 going inot the final inning.
Mitchell again turned to his closer, Mitchell, and he picked up the save with a zero run seventh featuring one at bat with a whopping 11 strikes (still short of Mrs. Szak's 2006 franchise record).
All in all, a happy day on the field, sad day off it. Sha-Ron the Librarian led the cheers, Caroline got her first game action of the year, Johnny Catastrophe returned, Time Out Mary and Kathleen drank, and Spar-A-Pan-I continued "to do whatever you need me to do, Coach". But saying goodbye to a founding member of the A's was hard. Good luck in Cali, Puma.
And then there were five. Only five players are left from opening day, 2005. Last night marked the end of the road for one of the few remaining members of the innaugural A's team, as Aziz "The Puma" Ahmad took the field one last time. Though his last at-bat was a linedrive out to the pitcher, the Puma will be remembered more for his wit, style and team-first attitude than for any single play. Having been through the trying first season, he had to be happy to see this year's squad start to show signs of life and give him the farewell present of a victory. The A's handled the Charitable Rollovers 12-6, picking up their third victory in a bittersweet game for players, coaches and fans.
Going into the game Mitchell spoke to the team about focusing on the first and third innings. The A's are being outscored 94-34 in those two innings, but last night they allowed no runs in the first and third, and picked up one of their own. The game was shaping up as a low scoring affair, with the A's holding a tenuous 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the fourth before the bats came to life.
The A's 4th was a triple barrage. Triples in softball usually mean something went wrong, but we'll take them. After J-Loeb singled (part of his 3 hit night featuring his patented, leaping two-handed backhand), JoJoMoJo crushed one over the outfielders glove. She had caught up with him on the basepaths about halfway to second. With the whole team yelling at J-Loeb to run, Joanne was behind him, screaming "Hustle!". J-Loeb was talked out of his plan to "catch his breath at third base", mostly by the fact that JoJoMoJo was about a foot behind him. In the end, she settled for a triple. Matt quickly followed that up with a double, then Fight Club tripled, then after an RBI groundout from Mrs. Szak, Steve tripled. Quite a show.
With the A's cruising, Cruz was again talking victory party, but the Charitable Rollovers refused to. They loaded the bases with noone out in the fifth. They scored a couple on RBI groundouts (and scarily high-arcing rainbow tosses from Shin to Ian) and were looking for more when Steve relayed a ball to Matt, who threw to Mitchell at third to pick up the final out of the inning to snuff the rally. It was the second time in the game the opponents got a runner nailed going to third.
With the score now a too close 8-6,the A's got some insurance. Mitchell picked up the weakest homerun of the season on a grounder to short. J-Loeb and JoJoMoJo had another meeting on the basepaths, this time with Matt chasing them along into a three-way bunch up. Matt settled for the two-rbi triple. Rich knocked him home to make the score a comfortable 12-6 going inot the final inning.
Mitchell again turned to his closer, Mitchell, and he picked up the save with a zero run seventh featuring one at bat with a whopping 11 strikes (still short of Mrs. Szak's 2006 franchise record).
All in all, a happy day on the field, sad day off it. Sha-Ron the Librarian led the cheers, Caroline got her first game action of the year, Johnny Catastrophe returned, Time Out Mary and Kathleen drank, and Spar-A-Pan-I continued "to do whatever you need me to do, Coach". But saying goodbye to a founding member of the A's was hard. Good luck in Cali, Puma.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Bad Hosts
Hot A's Give Rude Welcome to New Squad; Win 20-13
Everyone remembers their first time. Last night the A's made the first game ever for Undefeated in Name an unpleasant experience that may affect all their future games with a 20-13 pounding that wasn''t as close as the score suggested. With an offense clicking on all cylinders, Mitchell experimented defensively, giving up a few runs in exchange for some valuable experience for his bench. What a nice luxury to have - what a deep A's squad.
Starting shorthanded as usual, on a beautiful field secured by short-straw drawing Steve-O, the A's got two quick outs, before allowing a little bit of a rally and giving up two runs. It was the only time they would trail all night. Kang, making a return from a 30 day suspension, singled home Mitchell, Mattallee doubled her home, and Steve-O capped the inning with a two run blast. The early runs put Katy Comics in line to pick up the pitching victory.
Shinouye came out of the pen and shutout the UIN team in the second, backed by some stellar defensive play. A hustling Mattallee was able to range from shortstop to snag a ball behind second base, then with all his momentum taking him the other way, flip the ball backwards where Jody Jail made a barehanded grab for the out at second. Fans are coming to expect at least one highlight reel play a game from the A's new fulltime shortstop. With a chance to put the game away in the bottom of the second, the A's responded. Ass Manager picked up a two out RBI, then Fight Club crushed the first of his two-homers on the day. It was part of what would become a team-record 5 homerun onslaught. The A's led 8-2. Booze Cruz began planning a postgame victory party. Not so fast...
The UIN's showed a little heart in the next two innings. They picked up 8 runs, and trailed by only two going in to the bottom of the fourth. Sensing their growing confidence, and knowing how dangerous it can be to let another team hang around, the A's drove a stake through their heart with a seven run fourth. Shinouye picked up his first homer of the year, immediately followed by Fight Club's second of the game. The fun didn't stop there. Jody reached, Mary legged out a single, Loftman got on base, Spar-a-pani hit a sac fly, Puma and Mitchell drove in runs (featuring a sprawling Puma crashed between second and third, scrambling back to the bag in time to keep the rally going), and the inning ended with the A's up 19-10.
Not taking any chances, Mitchell brought in his closer - Mitchell - and played his first line defense. No runs. Mattallee picked up a solo homer in the bottom of the fifth, and Mitchell stayed on to pitch the sixth. WIth one out and a runner on third, his six inning scoreless streak was on the line. Then a trash talking Cruz made a showstopping catch, sprinting backwards and catching a foul ball over her shoulder. Then she danced. Hips don't lie.
Mitchell's personal scoreless streak ended with two runs in the seventh, but it was all academic by that point. The A's could focus on welcoming Brendan "Honey throw" Banaszak back ("The Szak is Back from Iraq!"), splitting the mvp awards, and strategizing for tonight's matchup vs. ALEC.
Two in a row!
WP: Nelson (1-1)
S: Mitchell (1)
Everyone remembers their first time. Last night the A's made the first game ever for Undefeated in Name an unpleasant experience that may affect all their future games with a 20-13 pounding that wasn''t as close as the score suggested. With an offense clicking on all cylinders, Mitchell experimented defensively, giving up a few runs in exchange for some valuable experience for his bench. What a nice luxury to have - what a deep A's squad.
Starting shorthanded as usual, on a beautiful field secured by short-straw drawing Steve-O, the A's got two quick outs, before allowing a little bit of a rally and giving up two runs. It was the only time they would trail all night. Kang, making a return from a 30 day suspension, singled home Mitchell, Mattallee doubled her home, and Steve-O capped the inning with a two run blast. The early runs put Katy Comics in line to pick up the pitching victory.
Shinouye came out of the pen and shutout the UIN team in the second, backed by some stellar defensive play. A hustling Mattallee was able to range from shortstop to snag a ball behind second base, then with all his momentum taking him the other way, flip the ball backwards where Jody Jail made a barehanded grab for the out at second. Fans are coming to expect at least one highlight reel play a game from the A's new fulltime shortstop. With a chance to put the game away in the bottom of the second, the A's responded. Ass Manager picked up a two out RBI, then Fight Club crushed the first of his two-homers on the day. It was part of what would become a team-record 5 homerun onslaught. The A's led 8-2. Booze Cruz began planning a postgame victory party. Not so fast...
The UIN's showed a little heart in the next two innings. They picked up 8 runs, and trailed by only two going in to the bottom of the fourth. Sensing their growing confidence, and knowing how dangerous it can be to let another team hang around, the A's drove a stake through their heart with a seven run fourth. Shinouye picked up his first homer of the year, immediately followed by Fight Club's second of the game. The fun didn't stop there. Jody reached, Mary legged out a single, Loftman got on base, Spar-a-pani hit a sac fly, Puma and Mitchell drove in runs (featuring a sprawling Puma crashed between second and third, scrambling back to the bag in time to keep the rally going), and the inning ended with the A's up 19-10.
Not taking any chances, Mitchell brought in his closer - Mitchell - and played his first line defense. No runs. Mattallee picked up a solo homer in the bottom of the fifth, and Mitchell stayed on to pitch the sixth. WIth one out and a runner on third, his six inning scoreless streak was on the line. Then a trash talking Cruz made a showstopping catch, sprinting backwards and catching a foul ball over her shoulder. Then she danced. Hips don't lie.
Mitchell's personal scoreless streak ended with two runs in the seventh, but it was all academic by that point. The A's could focus on welcoming Brendan "Honey throw" Banaszak back ("The Szak is Back from Iraq!"), splitting the mvp awards, and strategizing for tonight's matchup vs. ALEC.
Two in a row!
WP: Nelson (1-1)
S: Mitchell (1)
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
A's Prevail on Day of Action!
When the F'n A's began play three seasons ago, expectations were low. After all, the large majority of players had never played softball before. Several had never played any sport. A few had trouble with basic motor skills. That team struggled to a 1-20-1 season, but at least avoided the ignominy of losing every game, and proved the resiliency of the squad by maintaining tremendous turnout all season long in spite of the losses.
In 2006, the stakes were a bit higher. Manager Mitchell/Hungus had recruited a new player to work as his assistant, a handful of rookies showed promise, and the originals all had a year of experience under the belt. When that team stumbled out of the gates to a 1-10 start, there was real frustration - a sense that the team was underperforming, or was distracted by an everpresent film crew. After a majority of the A's returned froma team building/wedding retreat in Chicago, the team gelled, finished the season 5-5, won a playoff game and nearly snuck into the finals, losing 12-10. (Highlights of the season are available in the 38 minute feature "F'n Amazing: The 2006 1st F'n Amendments", available on DVD for $6.95)
This year, most outside observers looked at the A's and saw a team that might make a deep playoff run. Added to the roster were Herr German - an FBI assassin, Mattallee - a highly recruited shortstop out of Illinois, Jojomojo - a human tornado of athletic energy, and several others. All of the key players from 2006 were back. When the A's lost the opener, it stung, but they looked good. As losses two and three came in, there was mounting concern, but the scores were close and there were some good plays. Mitchell was faced with strange attendance - just when someone would show up and play well, they would disappear for four weeks. As the losses kept occurring, a piece of Mitchell the manager started to die. Though folks were still showing up in great numbers and having a good time, the joie de vivre around the team was definitely muted. Then last week, the ship that is the A's seemed to run aground completely. Facing a hot team desperate for revenge, the A's got humiliated in every facet of the game in a 33-7 loss to the One Hitters. This followed three straight last inning/one run losses - maybe the pressure of almost breaking throug but not quite finally caught up to them. After the loss, the F'n A's went to radio silence. Noone discussed the game. Noone even talked about the next game, as it was almost an afterthought due to the giant ACLU Day of Action rally requiring everyone's full attention. A funny thing happened when the team stopped fretting...
One struggle the A's have faced this year is a terribly inconsistent lineup. Over 30 people ave played, but few with regularity. While not everyone was available, for the first time all season Mitchell was able to field a lineup pretty much like he'd imagined in spring training. The Department of veterans affairs could have no idea what was about to be unleashed on them.
The A's were the road team, and with one down and runners on second and third in the first, they saw an opportunity wasted so many times before. This time, Young William came through, eschewing the long ball for the sure hit, knocking in two, and sparking a three run inning. When the A's sent out their defensive alignment, Mitchell felt somewhat confident, but a few key pieces were still missing. Mattallee was finally ensconced at short, Mitchell and Young William patrolled the left side of the outfield, Herr German and Habeas were on hand. It looked pretty solid, but Fight Club (who showed up in the 2nd)and Dilg and Berg were out of action. Then the unthinkable, hits and errors and runs, and the A's were down 4-3 and still hadn't recorded a single out. Things looked their bleakest as the number 5 hitter blasted one past Young William in center. He trotted the bases blissfully unaware of the fate about to befall him. Young William never gave up on the ball, and launched a laser beam to his cutoff, Mattallee. Mattallee smelled blood, and blistered a perfect strike home to Ian covering the plate. Ian's sure hands never moved, and the tag caught Mr. I-Thought-It-Was-A-Homer right in the jaw. One out! Though they still led, the Veterans never recovered. The inning ended with the score 4-3, but the A's had all the momentum and never looked back. This could easily become the season defining play - the momet that turned a game and a year around.
The A's didn't break though until the 4th inning, but something about the way the game was going never left any doubt how it would end. Mitchell and Ass Manager were reunited as the pitching battery and shutout the Vets over five innings. Mattallee made some sensational plays drawing ooh and ahs even from the opposition. Ian went 3 for 3. German played a shut down third, Sneaky Pete played all over, Habeas settled in at first, Fight Club held down left, Puma again did what was needed of him in the field and stroked the ball at the plate, Booze Cruz got a hit and boozed superbly (side note - the A's were out of beer by the 5th - great job A's!!!) Shinouye rediscovered his swing, and intern Loftman scored and looks to be this season's good luck charm. Everyone really turned in great performances, as the A's won 11-6.
Does this mark a turnaround? Mitchell sure thinks so - he has scheduled some additional games in the upcoming weeks to capitalize on the momentum. With games on the 10th, 16th, and 17th the A's have a chance to move up the standing in a hurry.
Next game: Tuesday June 10th vs. Undefeated in Name, 15th and Constitution
When the F'n A's began play three seasons ago, expectations were low. After all, the large majority of players had never played softball before. Several had never played any sport. A few had trouble with basic motor skills. That team struggled to a 1-20-1 season, but at least avoided the ignominy of losing every game, and proved the resiliency of the squad by maintaining tremendous turnout all season long in spite of the losses.
In 2006, the stakes were a bit higher. Manager Mitchell/Hungus had recruited a new player to work as his assistant, a handful of rookies showed promise, and the originals all had a year of experience under the belt. When that team stumbled out of the gates to a 1-10 start, there was real frustration - a sense that the team was underperforming, or was distracted by an everpresent film crew. After a majority of the A's returned froma team building/wedding retreat in Chicago, the team gelled, finished the season 5-5, won a playoff game and nearly snuck into the finals, losing 12-10. (Highlights of the season are available in the 38 minute feature "F'n Amazing: The 2006 1st F'n Amendments", available on DVD for $6.95)
This year, most outside observers looked at the A's and saw a team that might make a deep playoff run. Added to the roster were Herr German - an FBI assassin, Mattallee - a highly recruited shortstop out of Illinois, Jojomojo - a human tornado of athletic energy, and several others. All of the key players from 2006 were back. When the A's lost the opener, it stung, but they looked good. As losses two and three came in, there was mounting concern, but the scores were close and there were some good plays. Mitchell was faced with strange attendance - just when someone would show up and play well, they would disappear for four weeks. As the losses kept occurring, a piece of Mitchell the manager started to die. Though folks were still showing up in great numbers and having a good time, the joie de vivre around the team was definitely muted. Then last week, the ship that is the A's seemed to run aground completely. Facing a hot team desperate for revenge, the A's got humiliated in every facet of the game in a 33-7 loss to the One Hitters. This followed three straight last inning/one run losses - maybe the pressure of almost breaking throug but not quite finally caught up to them. After the loss, the F'n A's went to radio silence. Noone discussed the game. Noone even talked about the next game, as it was almost an afterthought due to the giant ACLU Day of Action rally requiring everyone's full attention. A funny thing happened when the team stopped fretting...
One struggle the A's have faced this year is a terribly inconsistent lineup. Over 30 people ave played, but few with regularity. While not everyone was available, for the first time all season Mitchell was able to field a lineup pretty much like he'd imagined in spring training. The Department of veterans affairs could have no idea what was about to be unleashed on them.
The A's were the road team, and with one down and runners on second and third in the first, they saw an opportunity wasted so many times before. This time, Young William came through, eschewing the long ball for the sure hit, knocking in two, and sparking a three run inning. When the A's sent out their defensive alignment, Mitchell felt somewhat confident, but a few key pieces were still missing. Mattallee was finally ensconced at short, Mitchell and Young William patrolled the left side of the outfield, Herr German and Habeas were on hand. It looked pretty solid, but Fight Club (who showed up in the 2nd)and Dilg and Berg were out of action. Then the unthinkable, hits and errors and runs, and the A's were down 4-3 and still hadn't recorded a single out. Things looked their bleakest as the number 5 hitter blasted one past Young William in center. He trotted the bases blissfully unaware of the fate about to befall him. Young William never gave up on the ball, and launched a laser beam to his cutoff, Mattallee. Mattallee smelled blood, and blistered a perfect strike home to Ian covering the plate. Ian's sure hands never moved, and the tag caught Mr. I-Thought-It-Was-A-Homer right in the jaw. One out! Though they still led, the Veterans never recovered. The inning ended with the score 4-3, but the A's had all the momentum and never looked back. This could easily become the season defining play - the momet that turned a game and a year around.
The A's didn't break though until the 4th inning, but something about the way the game was going never left any doubt how it would end. Mitchell and Ass Manager were reunited as the pitching battery and shutout the Vets over five innings. Mattallee made some sensational plays drawing ooh and ahs even from the opposition. Ian went 3 for 3. German played a shut down third, Sneaky Pete played all over, Habeas settled in at first, Fight Club held down left, Puma again did what was needed of him in the field and stroked the ball at the plate, Booze Cruz got a hit and boozed superbly (side note - the A's were out of beer by the 5th - great job A's!!!) Shinouye rediscovered his swing, and intern Loftman scored and looks to be this season's good luck charm. Everyone really turned in great performances, as the A's won 11-6.
Does this mark a turnaround? Mitchell sure thinks so - he has scheduled some additional games in the upcoming weeks to capitalize on the momentum. With games on the 10th, 16th, and 17th the A's have a chance to move up the standing in a hurry.
Next game: Tuesday June 10th vs. Undefeated in Name, 15th and Constitution
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Rally gives rise to hope
The A's made a furious last at bat rally Tuesday in search of their first win, but in the end fell a couple feet short. Katy Nelson, the potential tying run, was tagged out as she came to the plate in a close call that had A's fans' hearts in their throats. The fact that the A's cames so close was nothing short of shocking.
The A's, as usual, came out sloppy, giving up a huge 7 runs in the top of the first. Determined to make a game of it, they answered back quickly with 4 of their own highlighted by the Puma's first homerun of the season. Unfortunately, the defense stayed porous, giving up 4 more runs in the second, and four in the third. Down 15-5, the A's battled back once more. They sent 10 batters to the plate (including Ian who went 4 for 4) and scored five on the strength of back to back homeruns from Matt and Charlie. The three homers are encouraging, as the team had only two all season coming into the game.
In the 4th, the A's made a defensive shift, and sent the nauseous Charlie Mitchell in to play shortstop, and put rookie ace Katy on the mound. The A's gave up no runs, and looked prime to get back in the game. Then the bats went quiet, and the A's were shutout. Undeterred, the A's gave up only one in the fifth, but still couldn't score. Still fighting, the A's gave up none in the sixth, with Mitchell making all three putouts, but still couldn't score. Heads hung a little bit when the Grunley Way opened the 7th with a solo homer, though the extra run seemed to mean little as the lead was 18-10.
Then the A's made their stand. Mitchell exhorted Ass Manager and Futo Maki to be table setters. The set a formal dinner, both reaching base to get us to the top of the order. Then the hit parade continued. Double by Berg, 18-11. Then one out. Single by Lane, 18-12. Single by Young William, 18-14. Single by Matt, 18-15. Single by Charlie, 18-16. Single by Katy. Sac fly from Sparapani, 18-17, two outs. Single by Ian, Katy moves to third. Sneaky Pete came up with A's nation holding its collective breath. She grounded to the pitcher, hope lost. Wait She's bobbling it! Katy is steaming home from third. The pitcher picks it up and throws home, with the catcher just tagging Katy before she crosses the plate. A's lose 18-17.
It was a heck of a rally, and the first reason for optimism all season. The A's try to break in to the win column against old foe Pew's Your Daddy. Pew is sitting in second place, while the A's are down around 50th. An upset sure would be sweet.
The A's, as usual, came out sloppy, giving up a huge 7 runs in the top of the first. Determined to make a game of it, they answered back quickly with 4 of their own highlighted by the Puma's first homerun of the season. Unfortunately, the defense stayed porous, giving up 4 more runs in the second, and four in the third. Down 15-5, the A's battled back once more. They sent 10 batters to the plate (including Ian who went 4 for 4) and scored five on the strength of back to back homeruns from Matt and Charlie. The three homers are encouraging, as the team had only two all season coming into the game.
In the 4th, the A's made a defensive shift, and sent the nauseous Charlie Mitchell in to play shortstop, and put rookie ace Katy on the mound. The A's gave up no runs, and looked prime to get back in the game. Then the bats went quiet, and the A's were shutout. Undeterred, the A's gave up only one in the fifth, but still couldn't score. Still fighting, the A's gave up none in the sixth, with Mitchell making all three putouts, but still couldn't score. Heads hung a little bit when the Grunley Way opened the 7th with a solo homer, though the extra run seemed to mean little as the lead was 18-10.
Then the A's made their stand. Mitchell exhorted Ass Manager and Futo Maki to be table setters. The set a formal dinner, both reaching base to get us to the top of the order. Then the hit parade continued. Double by Berg, 18-11. Then one out. Single by Lane, 18-12. Single by Young William, 18-14. Single by Matt, 18-15. Single by Charlie, 18-16. Single by Katy. Sac fly from Sparapani, 18-17, two outs. Single by Ian, Katy moves to third. Sneaky Pete came up with A's nation holding its collective breath. She grounded to the pitcher, hope lost. Wait She's bobbling it! Katy is steaming home from third. The pitcher picks it up and throws home, with the catcher just tagging Katy before she crosses the plate. A's lose 18-17.
It was a heck of a rally, and the first reason for optimism all season. The A's try to break in to the win column against old foe Pew's Your Daddy. Pew is sitting in second place, while the A's are down around 50th. An upset sure would be sweet.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Maybe we are perennial doormats
The A's lead late, but handed away a game to the Freedom Tiklers 17-11. Leading 10-8 with two outs in the sixth, the A's crumbled, and gave up six runs. In the bottom of the sixth, with the A's still very much alive at 14-10, the meat of the order went down 1-2-3. Another loss.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Charles to the A's: 5:20
Good day, A's (and A's fans)
Suddenly, quietly, the team has stumbled to an 0-3 start. Significantly, it seems almost noone has noticed. Maybe the losses are rolling off of our shoulders because of an inner confidence that things will turn around quickly because we have a talented roster of player/drinkers. That's what I'd like to believe. Unfortunately I have reason to believe there is another reason with some of our number. It has come to my attention that several A's were telling next weeks opponent that "we know we're gonna lose". They went so far as to challenge the other team to alternative, post-game competitions, in lieu of giving it a real shot on the field. It is sickening, disturbing, maddening.
A's, we've made it halfway up the mountain. We can't turn around and do somersaults back down, no matter how awesome and fun that sounds.
Next week marks the return of All-Star centerfielder Young William. Kang gets back from overseas. Rookie Mattallee is ready to erupt and the rest of the team is showing signs of life. Our bats won't slump all year. We need to shake this demon, of feeling like loveable losers. We're loveable winners.
So, please cleanse your minds of these negative thoughts. Think win! Think beer! Think A's!
Coach
Suddenly, quietly, the team has stumbled to an 0-3 start. Significantly, it seems almost noone has noticed. Maybe the losses are rolling off of our shoulders because of an inner confidence that things will turn around quickly because we have a talented roster of player/drinkers. That's what I'd like to believe. Unfortunately I have reason to believe there is another reason with some of our number. It has come to my attention that several A's were telling next weeks opponent that "we know we're gonna lose". They went so far as to challenge the other team to alternative, post-game competitions, in lieu of giving it a real shot on the field. It is sickening, disturbing, maddening.
A's, we've made it halfway up the mountain. We can't turn around and do somersaults back down, no matter how awesome and fun that sounds.
Next week marks the return of All-Star centerfielder Young William. Kang gets back from overseas. Rookie Mattallee is ready to erupt and the rest of the team is showing signs of life. Our bats won't slump all year. We need to shake this demon, of feeling like loveable losers. We're loveable winners.
So, please cleanse your minds of these negative thoughts. Think win! Think beer! Think A's!
Coach
Friday, May 18, 2007
Hats for Bats
The A's bats stayed cold last week, posting only six runs in a 20-6 thrashing at the hands of HandOn DC. The A's did finish all the beer, and had great turnout at the postgame, and even had members of the team at the bar until close, so all was not lost.
Next week is a doubleheader, including a game against big rival the Minnesota 5 Lb Bass. The Bass are 2-0 this season and 4-0 all time against the A's.
Next week is a doubleheader, including a game against big rival the Minnesota 5 Lb Bass. The Bass are 2-0 this season and 4-0 all time against the A's.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
A's stumble out of the gate (again)
The A's fell to 0-2 last night, but showed a ton of guts and drank a fair amount of Miller Lite. After Chris Ford, Medicine Man, had to rush off right before game time to save a small villlage, the A's were down to seven players. Frantic calls went out. Mandy called Aziz. John called his friend Meredith. Tsoghig called Pizza Hut. Only Meredith delivered, and though she brought intensity (and her own bat) to the field, it was not enough. The undermanned A's gave up 3 to 4 runs every inning and their bats stayed ice cold, in losing to Bases Loaded 18-7.
Quickly, a few bright spots. Herr German continues to impress in the field. Despite consitent post-game comments about his 'creaky knees' and 'trick back', he continues to shine defensively. (My guess is that when Herr German says 'trick back', he doesn't mean arthritic, he means some awesome McGyver-esque trick that has gotten him out of many a scrape.) H-Bergh went three for three in his first game of the year, bringing the State Legislative Department to a whopping season total of 10 hits in 13 at bats. SLD! The Armenian Berserker and Shinouye both pitched solidly, Mattallee displayed a cannon arm from the outfield, Timeout Mary hit the ball hard, and the Ass Manager caused tremendous envy on the opposing sideline with her jersey. Perhaps most exciting was the 5th inning arrival of A's all-star center fielder Young William, who ended his holdout after three long weeks. His appearance lifted the team to a four run rally, but it was too little too late. Still, it is hopefully a harbinger of big things on the horizon.
Next week, game 3, A's vs. The DC Renovators, Tuesday, May 15th, 1st pitch at 6:30. Last year they scored 14 runs in the 2nd inning, then held on to beat us 19-15. It's another road game, at 23rd and Independence. Please let me know if you're playing soon, I'll bring the first 18 to respond. Let's get a win so I can do a real game writeup.
Quickly, a few bright spots. Herr German continues to impress in the field. Despite consitent post-game comments about his 'creaky knees' and 'trick back', he continues to shine defensively. (My guess is that when Herr German says 'trick back', he doesn't mean arthritic, he means some awesome McGyver-esque trick that has gotten him out of many a scrape.) H-Bergh went three for three in his first game of the year, bringing the State Legislative Department to a whopping season total of 10 hits in 13 at bats. SLD! The Armenian Berserker and Shinouye both pitched solidly, Mattallee displayed a cannon arm from the outfield, Timeout Mary hit the ball hard, and the Ass Manager caused tremendous envy on the opposing sideline with her jersey. Perhaps most exciting was the 5th inning arrival of A's all-star center fielder Young William, who ended his holdout after three long weeks. His appearance lifted the team to a four run rally, but it was too little too late. Still, it is hopefully a harbinger of big things on the horizon.
Next week, game 3, A's vs. The DC Renovators, Tuesday, May 15th, 1st pitch at 6:30. Last year they scored 14 runs in the 2nd inning, then held on to beat us 19-15. It's another road game, at 23rd and Independence. Please let me know if you're playing soon, I'll bring the first 18 to respond. Let's get a win so I can do a real game writeup.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
A's humiliated - DLRP wins a laugher, 23-4
April 23, 2007 - ST. LOUIS - Manager Charlie Mitchell wrote a check his ass couldn't even come close to cashing today at Arsenal Field in St. Louis, Missouri. A spotless Dan Berger from the Recreationalists, when questioned after the game about his brilliant-white jersey and why it wasn't dirty, simply responded 'didn't really need to get it dirty'. It really was that easy.
When the game began, manager Mitchell paced nervously, wondering about the potential of the eight players he had never seen before. Things looked good after he handily won homefield in the pregame shotgun contest. That was about the last highlight of the day for this A's team. Calls for Mitchell's head as manager are certain to resurface soon.
The Recreationilists, who seem to have not realized that the trash talking about grass and surfing and sandals stemmed from the desperate jealousy of the swampbound, used it for motivation. They wanted to shut Mitchell up - mission accomplished.
The Recreationalists exploded for six runs in the first, keyed by an Adam Wolf opposite field homer and two errors from Mitchell. He eventually moved to left field, and The Puma replaced him and played a very strong short. In the bottom of the first, the A's rallied back for three, with a Mitchell two run shot tossed in. That was as close as it would get.
Only a catch at 2b by Time Out Mary gave the A's any reason to smile. They trailed 19-3 after three. While they eventually settled down when rookie phenom Kang took the mound, it was far, far too late.
A's fans have to be worried about the upcoming Congressional Season after this exhibition drubbing. Berg, Young William and Fight Club would have helped make a difference, but a 22-4 loser can not make excuses.
Well done, Recreationalists. Well, done.
When the game began, manager Mitchell paced nervously, wondering about the potential of the eight players he had never seen before. Things looked good after he handily won homefield in the pregame shotgun contest. That was about the last highlight of the day for this A's team. Calls for Mitchell's head as manager are certain to resurface soon.
The Recreationilists, who seem to have not realized that the trash talking about grass and surfing and sandals stemmed from the desperate jealousy of the swampbound, used it for motivation. They wanted to shut Mitchell up - mission accomplished.
The Recreationalists exploded for six runs in the first, keyed by an Adam Wolf opposite field homer and two errors from Mitchell. He eventually moved to left field, and The Puma replaced him and played a very strong short. In the bottom of the first, the A's rallied back for three, with a Mitchell two run shot tossed in. That was as close as it would get.
Only a catch at 2b by Time Out Mary gave the A's any reason to smile. They trailed 19-3 after three. While they eventually settled down when rookie phenom Kang took the mound, it was far, far too late.
A's fans have to be worried about the upcoming Congressional Season after this exhibition drubbing. Berg, Young William and Fight Club would have helped make a difference, but a 22-4 loser can not make excuses.
Well done, Recreationalists. Well, done.
Monday, April 16, 2007
BongHits4Jeter
So, the team formerly known as BongHits4Jeter has changed to the Recreationalists for our Showdown in St. Louis. The longest road trip in F'n A's history is just around the corner. The teams are set (though two more ACLU staff quit working here and one was fired cutting our roster significantly). This winner takes all grudge-match with the Drug Law "Reform" Project will be hott.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Softball League Still in the News (We play in the CSL)
Softball Leagues Ramp Up but Remain at Odds
March 20, 2007 By Daniel Heim,Roll Call Staff
Last week’s brief flirtation with warm weather coincided with the opening of registration for Capitol Hill softball teams. But the long offseason hasn’t done much to soothe tensions that flared up last year when a collection of House offices split off to form a new league.
Like last year, Congressional offices, agencies, interest groups and law firms have three softball options: the long-established Congressional Softball League, the U.S. Senate Softball League or the relatively new House Softball League.
The HSL was spawned last year out of frustrations shared by some over the CSL’s playoff format, but insurance fees have proved to be a second, ongoing factor in the split.
While registration of an HSL team costs $85 and does not include any insurance, the cost of a CSL team varies depending on the number of players on the roster. A full-time player in the CSL will pay a season fee of $24, which includes health and liability insurance. Part-time players also can be insured for $6 each.
Longtime CSL Commissioner Gary Caruso said that last season a player with only CSL insurance received full reconstructive knee surgery for just the $24 (plus a $500 deductible) after being injured in a league game. He added that the insurance covers liability for damaged property and injured spectators or passersby.
"New Members of Congress and their staffs are going to have to ask themselves, ‘If an injury or something happens to us while we’re out on the field, do I want my Member named in a lawsuit for this, without any coverage?’" said Caruso, a Democratic political consultant.
HSL Commissioner Anthony Reed, who led the movement for the new league last year, said he views the two leagues simply as different products.
"There were some teams in our league last year who expressed concerns about not having insurance, and that’s fine. We told them that if insurance was a big deal to them, they should go to Gary’s league," said Reed, deputy chief of staff for Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.).
But Reed said he, personally, is not overly concerned about not being insured on the diamond. "I’m not a lawyer, but I’m pretty sure if you go play a pickup game of softball on the Mall, I don’t know how your boss winds up in a lawsuit," he said. "If you graduated from Syracuse and are playing a reunion pickup game of softball on the Mall and someone gets hurt, does the university somehow wind up in a lawsuit? Again, I’m not a lawyer."
That thinking, according to Caruso, is "winging it and letting the chips fall where they may."
"God forbid somebody gets hurt and tries to sue them," Caruso said.
Caruso has a second bone to pick: His league was not included in last year’s "King of the Hill" game, which matched the winners from the Senate and House leagues.
According to Caruso, the game was sponsored by Bill Sells, director of government relations at the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, in an attempt to "cozy up to the Speaker’s office and get access," since Reed’s boss was Speaker last year.
"Sells didn’t know the Democrats would take back the House eventually, and he was trying to cozy up to them and legitimize their league," Caruso said. "He was not going to include our league, the granddaddy of them all, in its 36th year of existence, in the ‘King of the Hill’ tournament."
But Sells, Reed and Sonja Hoover, commissioner of the Senate league, said that Sells was far from a sponsor of the game, providing just a small trophy that will be re-used each year.
As for the notion that he gained special access to Hastert’s office by donating the trophy, Sells said, "The fact of the matter is you can go to the [former] Speaker’s office and bring my name up, and no one in that office will even know my name. No one will say they know me or that I’ve lobbied them. Anthony Reed will be the only person who says he knows me, and that’s only because of softball."
Reed and Hoover added that the Senate league had tried for years to get a game with the CSL winner but that Caruso ignored repeated entreaties.
"We have a lot of people who play in both the Senate league and Gary’s league, and people always suggested it," said Hoover, who works for Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). "I e-mailed Gary. I don’t know him personally, but someone gave me his phone number, and I left messages and got no response."
Caruso denied that he was ever contacted by Hoover about a "King of the Hill" game.
March 20, 2007 By Daniel Heim,Roll Call Staff
Last week’s brief flirtation with warm weather coincided with the opening of registration for Capitol Hill softball teams. But the long offseason hasn’t done much to soothe tensions that flared up last year when a collection of House offices split off to form a new league.
Like last year, Congressional offices, agencies, interest groups and law firms have three softball options: the long-established Congressional Softball League, the U.S. Senate Softball League or the relatively new House Softball League.
The HSL was spawned last year out of frustrations shared by some over the CSL’s playoff format, but insurance fees have proved to be a second, ongoing factor in the split.
While registration of an HSL team costs $85 and does not include any insurance, the cost of a CSL team varies depending on the number of players on the roster. A full-time player in the CSL will pay a season fee of $24, which includes health and liability insurance. Part-time players also can be insured for $6 each.
Longtime CSL Commissioner Gary Caruso said that last season a player with only CSL insurance received full reconstructive knee surgery for just the $24 (plus a $500 deductible) after being injured in a league game. He added that the insurance covers liability for damaged property and injured spectators or passersby.
"New Members of Congress and their staffs are going to have to ask themselves, ‘If an injury or something happens to us while we’re out on the field, do I want my Member named in a lawsuit for this, without any coverage?’" said Caruso, a Democratic political consultant.
HSL Commissioner Anthony Reed, who led the movement for the new league last year, said he views the two leagues simply as different products.
"There were some teams in our league last year who expressed concerns about not having insurance, and that’s fine. We told them that if insurance was a big deal to them, they should go to Gary’s league," said Reed, deputy chief of staff for Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.).
But Reed said he, personally, is not overly concerned about not being insured on the diamond. "I’m not a lawyer, but I’m pretty sure if you go play a pickup game of softball on the Mall, I don’t know how your boss winds up in a lawsuit," he said. "If you graduated from Syracuse and are playing a reunion pickup game of softball on the Mall and someone gets hurt, does the university somehow wind up in a lawsuit? Again, I’m not a lawyer."
That thinking, according to Caruso, is "winging it and letting the chips fall where they may."
"God forbid somebody gets hurt and tries to sue them," Caruso said.
Caruso has a second bone to pick: His league was not included in last year’s "King of the Hill" game, which matched the winners from the Senate and House leagues.
According to Caruso, the game was sponsored by Bill Sells, director of government relations at the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, in an attempt to "cozy up to the Speaker’s office and get access," since Reed’s boss was Speaker last year.
"Sells didn’t know the Democrats would take back the House eventually, and he was trying to cozy up to them and legitimize their league," Caruso said. "He was not going to include our league, the granddaddy of them all, in its 36th year of existence, in the ‘King of the Hill’ tournament."
But Sells, Reed and Sonja Hoover, commissioner of the Senate league, said that Sells was far from a sponsor of the game, providing just a small trophy that will be re-used each year.
As for the notion that he gained special access to Hastert’s office by donating the trophy, Sells said, "The fact of the matter is you can go to the [former] Speaker’s office and bring my name up, and no one in that office will even know my name. No one will say they know me or that I’ve lobbied them. Anthony Reed will be the only person who says he knows me, and that’s only because of softball."
Reed and Hoover added that the Senate league had tried for years to get a game with the CSL winner but that Caruso ignored repeated entreaties.
"We have a lot of people who play in both the Senate league and Gary’s league, and people always suggested it," said Hoover, who works for Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). "I e-mailed Gary. I don’t know him personally, but someone gave me his phone number, and I left messages and got no response."
Caruso denied that he was ever contacted by Hoover about a "King of the Hill" game.
Monday, March 19, 2007
New Uniforms
In addition to several new faces, the F'n A's will field a new look when they take the field for 07. Gone are the red sleeved, white shirts with red logos, as well as last year's 'princess sleeve' shirts. This year the A's will sport an intimidating red t-shirt look with black lettering. Shirts are available by contacting the proshop at cmitchell@dcaclu.org with 'i need a damn shirt' in the subject line.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Game On!
April 23rd, 4:30 PM
Aresenal Field
St. Louis, MO
1st F'n Amendments vs. Drug Law Reform Project
The A's will play their first road game in franchise history, travelling to St. Louis for a duel with the Drug Project. The Drug team is linked to the NORML Onehitters from the Congressional Softball League, and are looking to avenge the A's win over their NORML pals in 2006. The team is led by Dan Berger and Carlie Ware, and from what we hear GM Graham Boyd has made participation mandatory and will make a Freedom Files episode from it. Well, voluteer armies fight better than drafted armies, and the A's are all eager and willing participants. It will be an interesting test for some of the newest A's. Three projected opening day starters are not making the trip to St. Louis (Young William -CF, Dave Engelberg -3B, and Rich Shordt -1B), leaving the door wide open for a rookie to make a big impression. Obviously things could change after seeing some of the players in practice and at the batting cages, but as of now the tentative lineup looks somethng like this:
1 - Cameron Barron, RF
2 - Charlie Mitchell, LF/MGR
3 - Kathleen McClellan, 2b
4 - Matt Alee, CF
5 - Mike German, 3b
6 - Frank Knaack, 1b
7 - Joanne Kang, RCF
8 - Aziz Ahmad, SS
9 - Tim Sparapani, DH
10 - Shin Inouye, P
11 - Mandy Simon, C
Reserves
Lane Dilg, Tim Sparapani, John Hardenbergh, Julissa Cruz, Greg Nojeim, Ian Thompson, others who decide to play
Bring it!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Position Preview: Shortstop
Shortstop - the glory position. Graced by legendary greats. A strong shortstop can carry a team. In two years, the A's have compiled a 7-36-1 regular season record (though they are 1-1 in tournament play), for an atrocious .163 winning percentage. They have tried multiple solutions at shortstop to varying degrees of success, but a .163 winning percentage cries out for a massive shakeup. That shakeup was delivered this offseason when A's management broke the bank to sign free agent shortstop Matt Allee (seen in his Pirate days, before changing the spelling of his last name). While the 2006 squad got decent production from the position, the defense wasn't what it needed to be. The Puma was a vaccuum, scooping up everything hit his way, but played cautiously.
Charlie Mitchell http://www.antekprizering.com/mitchellstory.html was aggressive and made the occasional sterling play, but lacked consistency and often misplayed the routine grounders or tried to stop hard liners with his neck. That's why the team turned its sights outward when looking for a 2007 starter.
Allee comes to the A's from the Pirates, where he was a fan favorite for his gritty play and almost Zombie like focus on the game. While other players would hit the bars on road trips, Allee would be found in his hotel room taking practice swings. His work ethic has always been a strength, but some wonder how the big free agent payday will affect him.
"Honestly, when the ACLU started tossing around some of those salary numbers, I was thinking to myself 'wow, I could almost afford an apartment on that!' But I'm not going to let the money change me. I'd play this game for free,a nd I'm just happy to be a part of this A's franchise, and hopefully to be a part of a championship contender."
"Oh snap, son. Damn," noted The Puma when told Allee would be coming to camp with the starting job his to lose. Then he just sighed mournfully in to the phone.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Position Preview: First Base
With the season closing in, F'n A takes a look at how starting position battles are shaping up. While all the competitions remain open, we'll look at projected depth charts heading into camp.
First Base
Frank Knaack* (2nd season) .667 1 2
Greg Nojeim (3) .400 0 0
Don't let the numbers fool you - first base is a position of depth for the A's entering 2007. That's a big change from 2005 and 2006. Few positions have seen as much turnover, but in the final week of 2006 the A's signed free agent Frank Knaack off the street. The team plugged him in at first and never looked back. He displayed a solid glove and a strong bat, and ended up winning the 2006 Young William 'Looking Good' Award, edging out Young William.
"Knaack Attack gives us stability at first base for the first time", said A's Manager Mitchell. "We can't wait to see the numbers he could put up with a full season of at bats."
Knaack also has the potential to be a fan favorite with his unorthodox look, featuring multiple tattoes and cut-off camo pants.
"Sounds good to me" said Knaack when first approached about getting the starting nod. "Are the mics off? Good, cause that's my f*^%ing position, I OWN it!"
Backing up Knaack is veteran Greg "Stretch" Nojeim, aka "The Noj". A great clubhouse presence, The Noj made his loudest noise last year when he beat out the Armenian Berserker in a Baklava cookoff. The Noj is a great late-inning defensive replacement, giving the A's a southpaw to really cover ground around the bag.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Showdown in St. Louis
In case you've forgotten, the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series last year. I'll admit I'd forgotten. They were totally forgettable. That said, it is a decent baseball town. It's also the host city for the ACLU annual staff conference. St. Louis in April! It might otherwise have been a mediocre trip, memorable only for a wierd talent show and prying Frank Knaack off the floor at Harrah's Casino at 4 in the morning, but now there will be a marquee event...the ACLU Softball Showdown I ! That's right, the first intra-ACLU softball tournament is happening this April. Some A's fans have expressed concern about how this will affect our normal spring training routine, and wondered aloud if the early start would wear players down by the end of the season, but A's management dismisses such fears. "First off, we are not going to schedule any doubleheaders this year, so the wear and tear issue is off the table. As for the flow of spring training, I think this challenge will bring our focus to a razor sharp level, and that will lead to a fast start when we return to DC for the CSL opener on May 1st" said Manager Charlie Mitchell. "The Drug Policy Project are a bunch of bitches!" added Ass Manager Mandy Simon.
Details of the tourney will follow. It is unknown exactly how many teams will participate. As of now it is purely a blood feud between the A's and the Drug Policy Druggists. The Hammer and Night Train have been trash talking from their posh Santa Cruz headquarters (between catching killer surf and playing folk tunes to each other on the beach) for months. F'n A thinks all the bongage and barefootedness has made them soft, particularly when compared to our steely, DC resolve.
Let the madness commence.
Details of the tourney will follow. It is unknown exactly how many teams will participate. As of now it is purely a blood feud between the A's and the Drug Policy Druggists. The Hammer and Night Train have been trash talking from their posh Santa Cruz headquarters (between catching killer surf and playing folk tunes to each other on the beach) for months. F'n A thinks all the bongage and barefootedness has made them soft, particularly when compared to our steely, DC resolve.
Let the madness commence.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Beer me
Today the Washington post ran a letter from a DC area native upset with some stereotypes of Washington. Then they mostly said it was great around here, though they cited traffic and Bethesda and other stuff I could do without. The important thing is that the article ran with a picture of softball on the mall, and it was cited as one of the best things about the region. I couldn't agree more. Playing softball on th
e mall, drinking a few frosty beers, it's just about perfect. Except for the mall cops. Now that they don't have to block off main roads right before an election to scare people outside the city and inconvenience those of us in it, they seem more focused than ever on cracking down on beer on the mall. Roger Maris once said that take away beer and the national pastime would die. Roll Call headline - Park police target national pastime for extinction? Anyway, the aggressive crackdown always seems to come later in the season, like they want softball to wrap up because the city has been too relaxed for three or four months. But each year it seems they get a little more ridiculous about it. Last year we were threatened with arrest. Then at the next game, your band of civilly disobedient softball players prepared to challenge them, and a cop stationed himself on a bench 20 feet from us, staring at our cooler. One would like to think he was just longing for a cool Miller Lite so he could watch the game the way God intended - but no, he was working under the absurd Mall Police rules - if you have a can of beer, you are fined $50 (or arrested if Officer McAsshead takes over next year), but if you have a cup of beer, you are ok. They also can't look in a closed cooler, but if you open it they can fine you for your beers. It's all so college it makes me think we should streak the dean's office.
e mall, drinking a few frosty beers, it's just about perfect. Except for the mall cops. Now that they don't have to block off main roads right before an election to scare people outside the city and inconvenience those of us in it, they seem more focused than ever on cracking down on beer on the mall. Roger Maris once said that take away beer and the national pastime would die. Roll Call headline - Park police target national pastime for extinction? Anyway, the aggressive crackdown always seems to come later in the season, like they want softball to wrap up because the city has been too relaxed for three or four months. But each year it seems they get a little more ridiculous about it. Last year we were threatened with arrest. Then at the next game, your band of civilly disobedient softball players prepared to challenge them, and a cop stationed himself on a bench 20 feet from us, staring at our cooler. One would like to think he was just longing for a cool Miller Lite so he could watch the game the way God intended - but no, he was working under the absurd Mall Police rules - if you have a can of beer, you are fined $50 (or arrested if Officer McAsshead takes over next year), but if you have a cup of beer, you are ok. They also can't look in a closed cooler, but if you open it they can fine you for your beers. It's all so college it makes me think we should streak the dean's office.Anyway, the A's once again plan to play on the Mall in '07, no off-site field for us. We want to be in the heart of it all, hitting flyballs at tourists, staking out fields at 3 pm, the works. And we will once again try to finish in the top three in the league for in-game beer consumption. It is as much a part of who we are as Privacy and Free Speech.
78 days til opening night, May 1. I'll be there with beers on.
Monday, February 5, 2007
A's Miss Out on SS Cho
After months of behind the scenes negotiatons, the A's have ended talks with perennial all-star SS Ronnie Cho. The Arizona State product would have given the A's a tremendous upgrade at the position, and a likely .750 leadoff hitter to replace the departed Wheels.
"We tried everything we could; a gauranteed starting spot, no-trade clause, first refusal on gameday beer choices, false promises about job opportunities...in the end it came down to a matter of money," said GM and player/manager Charlie Mitchell. While neither saide has released offical contract numbers that were discussed, sources close to the negotiations tell F'n A that the number was close to $0 over one year.
With Cho out of the mix the battle for starting SS should be one of the most entertaining of spring training. The Puma has faced critics every year, but always finds a way to hold the spot and he performed well in the A's playoff appearance last year. Mitchell has put himself in the mix, but he will need to prove his durability afetr another season of multiple injuries (torn hamstring, turf toe, knee, and jugular injuries). An intriguing prospect is big money free agent Matt Alee. The biggest offseason acquisition in years, the Illinois product is currently penciled in at third, but could be moved over in an emergency.
"We really would like to see him at third," said Mitchell, "we've struggled for years to get good power numbers from the corner positions, and we hope he can turn that around. Plus we like his arm over there."
"We tried everything we could; a gauranteed starting spot, no-trade clause, first refusal on gameday beer choices, false promises about job opportunities...in the end it came down to a matter of money," said GM and player/manager Charlie Mitchell. While neither saide has released offical contract numbers that were discussed, sources close to the negotiations tell F'n A that the number was close to $0 over one year.
With Cho out of the mix the battle for starting SS should be one of the most entertaining of spring training. The Puma has faced critics every year, but always finds a way to hold the spot and he performed well in the A's playoff appearance last year. Mitchell has put himself in the mix, but he will need to prove his durability afetr another season of multiple injuries (torn hamstring, turf toe, knee, and jugular injuries). An intriguing prospect is big money free agent Matt Alee. The biggest offseason acquisition in years, the Illinois product is currently penciled in at third, but could be moved over in an emergency.
"We really would like to see him at third," said Mitchell, "we've struggled for years to get good power numbers from the corner positions, and we hope he can turn that around. Plus we like his arm over there."
Friday, February 2, 2007
2007 Season Tickets Still Available
Welcome to F'n A, the official blog of the 1st F'n Amendments, and welcome to the 2007 Congressional Softball League season. 60 days til Spring Training, and I for one can't wait. Throughout February and March, F'n A will be featuring positional breakdowns of the 2007 team, covering key losses and important free agent signings, and interviews with members of the team. F'n A is your home for Hotstove updates, and will be your one stop shop for A's news, scores, stats, video and merchandise. It's going to be an exciting season as the A's try to build on the franchise's first ever playoff win last season. Tune in, turn on, go A's!
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