Kinda late, but that's how we roll.
Happy Memorial Day.
Took the boys to the cages this afternoon for some swings. Prepping for summer. 10U out of playoff picture, so we begin practicing to get better in earnest. 12U has a chance if I can get one more game in by Wednesday. 50-50 chance I say.
C-YA.
5.30.2011
5.27.2011
Pool 2011
All vacuumed, sparkly and ready to roll...water at a nice 75 degrees. Kids went for a 2 hour swim this morning.
Summer ready. Awesome.
Summer ready. Awesome.
5.24.2011
5.21.2011
Old Adages
Never put off 'til tomorrow what you can do today.
Well, the Rapture is supposed to begin in a few hours, so I'm a little torn about vacuuming my pool today.
Decisions.
Well, the Rapture is supposed to begin in a few hours, so I'm a little torn about vacuuming my pool today.
Decisions.
5.20.2011
R.I.P Macho Man
Got a text from a pal today with the news that "Macho Man" Randy Savage died. Sad.
Unlike a lot of jabronies that got the accolades, Savage was the real-deal. He was more athletic than virtually all, sold his spots like an Oscar-winning actor, and was great as both face and heel; with me preferring the heal.
In the great history of professional wrestling, few compare to this man. Adios, brother.
5.18.2011
Monsoon Season
I think it has rained around here since mid-February. No lie. It's raining again today. Cats and dogs.
Flood watches, cool weather. Not the type of May I expected or wanted.
Where's my galoshes?
Flood watches, cool weather. Not the type of May I expected or wanted.
Where's my galoshes?
5.16.2011
The Rope
Now you may read this and say after, "SoulSlam is making this up". But I am not.
In addition to my coaching in town for travel and in-town baseball teams (4), I serve as the defacto tournament director for our travel teams. To be honest, it's a lot of work, a lot of BS, and appreciated by about 3 other people, who also do the work and deal with the BS. So hat's off to them.
Anyway, we had a game on Friday night as part of pool play at 6PM (the team scheduled to play mine at 8PM cancelled. Reason - the coach is a loser). After that game ended, we got the fields ready for a girl's fastpitch softball game. So besides everything else, the groundcrew (that would be the same people referenced above) were getting the field changed over, groomed and lined.
I walk past 3B and their are two guys with a brown grocery bag. Since I don't know their names, let's call them Lloyd and Harry. Apparently they are fathers of kids from the team that just won. Well, they proceed to pull out a rope from the bag. Long. Multi-colored. The kind of rope that comes in a toybox. So I see this and ask "hey if you wan't to go double-dutch, take it to off the field, fellas!"
Watching these two interact, they kept saying "it's too short I tell ya, you're gonna owe me a beer!". They then proceed to measure the distance from home to the portable mound. Two grown men.
Then Harry says to me (at least spoke in my general direction), "hah, I knew it was short!". so I look and notice they are measuring the distance wrong. They are using the front of home plate. So I explain, at which point these two extreme measurers move the rope back to the right spot, which Harry then yells "still too short!".
So the babbling began. Babble about it being short to me from two absolute morons. In baggy sweatshirts. To which I explain that no, it was exactly 46'. I flip the portable mound up on it's side to roll off the field and these two idjits are still in my ear. So after a long week of no thanks and work, work, work, I tell the two of them the following; "if you two effin' idiots want to come down tomorrow to set up the damn fields, we'd love to have you two dopes!". Now, I don't want to sound like I am menacing, but I guess I am. They skulk off to the 3B line with their rope. Story over, no.
No.
The chatter continues. So much so that the guy who runs the program, aka "the commish" gets pissed. So he grabs a tape measure and stalks to the mound. And we measure out 46'. Then tell Harry and Lloyd to come out and see, no, better yet, bring out the rope and compare. Now we're talking. H & L seems a little reluctant since they think they have won. so they unravel the rope (actually just Lloyd)the full length -which apparently was about 46'6". About a half foot longer than needed. The stammering occurs...and the comment by the commish asking where the numbers were on the rope.
So at this point I walk past Harry who is on the side saying, "doesn't matter, no harm, doesn't matter" over and over like Rain Man. But there act has angered SoulSlam to the point of spontaneous head-explosions, so I veer his way and tell him in no uncertain terms to "get the eff out of here before I choke you two quads with that rope!"
hang 'em high
In addition to my coaching in town for travel and in-town baseball teams (4), I serve as the defacto tournament director for our travel teams. To be honest, it's a lot of work, a lot of BS, and appreciated by about 3 other people, who also do the work and deal with the BS. So hat's off to them.
Anyway, we had a game on Friday night as part of pool play at 6PM (the team scheduled to play mine at 8PM cancelled. Reason - the coach is a loser). After that game ended, we got the fields ready for a girl's fastpitch softball game. So besides everything else, the groundcrew (that would be the same people referenced above) were getting the field changed over, groomed and lined.
I walk past 3B and their are two guys with a brown grocery bag. Since I don't know their names, let's call them Lloyd and Harry. Apparently they are fathers of kids from the team that just won. Well, they proceed to pull out a rope from the bag. Long. Multi-colored. The kind of rope that comes in a toybox. So I see this and ask "hey if you wan't to go double-dutch, take it to off the field, fellas!"
Watching these two interact, they kept saying "it's too short I tell ya, you're gonna owe me a beer!". They then proceed to measure the distance from home to the portable mound. Two grown men.
Then Harry says to me (at least spoke in my general direction), "hah, I knew it was short!". so I look and notice they are measuring the distance wrong. They are using the front of home plate. So I explain, at which point these two extreme measurers move the rope back to the right spot, which Harry then yells "still too short!".
So the babbling began. Babble about it being short to me from two absolute morons. In baggy sweatshirts. To which I explain that no, it was exactly 46'. I flip the portable mound up on it's side to roll off the field and these two idjits are still in my ear. So after a long week of no thanks and work, work, work, I tell the two of them the following; "if you two effin' idiots want to come down tomorrow to set up the damn fields, we'd love to have you two dopes!". Now, I don't want to sound like I am menacing, but I guess I am. They skulk off to the 3B line with their rope. Story over, no.
No.
The chatter continues. So much so that the guy who runs the program, aka "the commish" gets pissed. So he grabs a tape measure and stalks to the mound. And we measure out 46'. Then tell Harry and Lloyd to come out and see, no, better yet, bring out the rope and compare. Now we're talking. H & L seems a little reluctant since they think they have won. so they unravel the rope (actually just Lloyd)the full length -which apparently was about 46'6". About a half foot longer than needed. The stammering occurs...and the comment by the commish asking where the numbers were on the rope.
So at this point I walk past Harry who is on the side saying, "doesn't matter, no harm, doesn't matter" over and over like Rain Man. But there act has angered SoulSlam to the point of spontaneous head-explosions, so I veer his way and tell him in no uncertain terms to "get the eff out of here before I choke you two quads with that rope!"
hang 'em high
5.14.2011
It's Over Johnny
Ran a tournament for 10U and 13U in town. Been a busy week. Glad it's over.
Look for the story of "The Rope" tomorrow.
Look for the story of "The Rope" tomorrow.
5.10.2011
Pocono Report (Couple Days Late)
I'm sure you've all been hanging on the line waiting.
Anyway, drove up Friday night...about 5 families were there, kids were berserk as we seemed to have the whole hotel to ourselves. Had a meal at the local Red Robin, a few brewskies poolside (indoors) after and then some much needed sleep.
Saturday we had morning off with first game scheduled at 2:15. Slogged up to the field around 12:30 to see the first game and the teams we would play. OK.
Game starts as scheduled and we quickly pounce on a 10-2 lead...which we gave back and how. Our opponents first couple of pitchers were overmatched by my hitters, so around inning 3 they put in a kid I will call Haystax. Big, threw hard most of the time, with a great change when he wanted/needed it. I swear he had grey hair by the way. He pretty much stopped the bleeding for them, and my outfield did the rest for me. Ended in a loss, and now we are 0-1.
Game 2 was at 4:30, playing the host team. We are up 6-2 or so, the outfield (to be fair, 3 of my starters were nursing injuries on the bench) was not exactly scaring anybody with rinky-dink throws on balls hit out there and we went to bottom 6 with score tied. Our 3 and 4 hitters came through with back-to-back doubles. Win. 1-1.
So 1-1 is not 2-0 and we have to play the early game to qualify for semis. Sunday is single elimination - you play until you win. We play the #6 seed and go down 1-0 in the first. Bottom of the first, two outs and my 3 and 4 come through again. Single then a HR over the CF fence for a 2-1 lead. The other team gave us fits every inning with virtually a man in scoring position every time and we held. We get an insurance run in bottom 5 - #3 batter with the hit, moves over on grounder to 2B and then scores on a double for a 3-1 lead. They score a run in top 6 but we get three big outs when we needed them for the win.
On to the Semis - Noon start.
To say we didn't play well would be an understatement; we played a big team (seeded #1) who could hit, and I have never seen that many lefty batters in any line-up ever. We get mercied pretty bad. But we had a great time and I hope we learned some stuff.
Back to season.
Anyway, drove up Friday night...about 5 families were there, kids were berserk as we seemed to have the whole hotel to ourselves. Had a meal at the local Red Robin, a few brewskies poolside (indoors) after and then some much needed sleep.
Saturday we had morning off with first game scheduled at 2:15. Slogged up to the field around 12:30 to see the first game and the teams we would play. OK.
Game starts as scheduled and we quickly pounce on a 10-2 lead...which we gave back and how. Our opponents first couple of pitchers were overmatched by my hitters, so around inning 3 they put in a kid I will call Haystax. Big, threw hard most of the time, with a great change when he wanted/needed it. I swear he had grey hair by the way. He pretty much stopped the bleeding for them, and my outfield did the rest for me. Ended in a loss, and now we are 0-1.
Game 2 was at 4:30, playing the host team. We are up 6-2 or so, the outfield (to be fair, 3 of my starters were nursing injuries on the bench) was not exactly scaring anybody with rinky-dink throws on balls hit out there and we went to bottom 6 with score tied. Our 3 and 4 hitters came through with back-to-back doubles. Win. 1-1.
So 1-1 is not 2-0 and we have to play the early game to qualify for semis. Sunday is single elimination - you play until you win. We play the #6 seed and go down 1-0 in the first. Bottom of the first, two outs and my 3 and 4 come through again. Single then a HR over the CF fence for a 2-1 lead. The other team gave us fits every inning with virtually a man in scoring position every time and we held. We get an insurance run in bottom 5 - #3 batter with the hit, moves over on grounder to 2B and then scores on a double for a 3-1 lead. They score a run in top 6 but we get three big outs when we needed them for the win.
On to the Semis - Noon start.
To say we didn't play well would be an understatement; we played a big team (seeded #1) who could hit, and I have never seen that many lefty batters in any line-up ever. We get mercied pretty bad. But we had a great time and I hope we learned some stuff.
Back to season.
5.06.2011
Poconos Bound
Going to Poconos for a 12U baseball tournament over the weekend. Kick back, relax, watch the boys play, do some coaching...it isn't league play so we do how we do.
Speaking of league play, we have 3 games that need to be rescheduled with about 4 weeks to go; trouble is, these guys are all wishy-washy about getting them in, with a million excuses. Losers.
So wish us luck.
Speaking of league play, we have 3 games that need to be rescheduled with about 4 weeks to go; trouble is, these guys are all wishy-washy about getting them in, with a million excuses. Losers.
So wish us luck.
5.05.2011
Ode to Jeter
He struggles mightily at the plate,
then goes and injures his hip.
The off-season riches he signed for
become part of the fans' ire.
And now Jose Reyes is the SS the Yankee fans desire.
His hitting remains, in a word, lean.
When will you do what is best for the team?
And drop yourself down to the bottom of the order,
Before father time and diminished skill exile you to the mansion on the water.
Where you can live out your days as a legend in pinstripe galore.
But will they only remember 2011 when you couldn't hit anymore?
5.04.2011
Cinco de Mayo Eve
Today is the eve of Cinco de Mayo, which is apparently the Latin version of St. Paddy's Day, with less public relations. I think it's just a way for Chevy's and On the Border to have a special drinking day.
It is also the day of birth of SoulSlam. So happy to me. Don't make a fuss, I don't like a fuss.
It is also the day of birth of SoulSlam. So happy to me. Don't make a fuss, I don't like a fuss.
5.01.2011
Saturday Travel Baseball
Big day for the home teams yesterday. 12U with a doubleheader, 10U in the nightcap. Coached 3 games back to back to back.
On the 12U side, you might remember this little diatribe with a certain coach. Well the day came with him and his team coming off their mountain to play us. Just to recap - I lost to these guys last year when we couldn't field the ball. He of course had nothing but complaints. About the portable mound, the converted field we use, how many innings we play in a DH. Oh, and he's the type of guy who got a waiver from the league to play a 13YO in a 12U league.
Shut-up.
Game 1 - we pitch great, my #1 and my kid going 7 combined, giving up four runs. We are down 4-3 going into the bottom of the 7th. OSSS is up to lead off. Triple. Next kid is my clean-up hitter who gets HBP. Next up, double, OSSS scores. Tie game. Runners of 2nd and 3rd, no out. Next batter - K. Next batter - K. 8-hole hitter comes up, two strikes. Shortens up stroke, and puts one in left center for a hit and the game-winning RBI. Sweet.
Game 2 - pedal to the metal We go out front early and never look back. We made plays, got clutch hits and two of my other pitchers combine to give up 5 runs through 7. Win 10-5. Sweep.
After that, the 10U plays.
We couldn't make too many plays early, and tossed the ball around (including throwing one in the opposition's dugout - not easy to do) - and go down 7-2 early. The two runs scored on YSSS nice double turned homer with bad throws on their side. My kid (aka Freight Train) was pumped! (he also got absolutley screwed on a call at 3B by blue on a laser shot he hit in the 6th inning.
Anyway, we fight back with two out in the bottom of the 6th to get within one run...but fall short on a nice play in CF on a fly ball. So they lose 7-6, and go 1-4 on season. They should be 4-1 with a little luck, and the effort to play six full.
They play later today against a tough team. Let's see what happens.
Adios.
On the 12U side, you might remember this little diatribe with a certain coach. Well the day came with him and his team coming off their mountain to play us. Just to recap - I lost to these guys last year when we couldn't field the ball. He of course had nothing but complaints. About the portable mound, the converted field we use, how many innings we play in a DH. Oh, and he's the type of guy who got a waiver from the league to play a 13YO in a 12U league.
Shut-up.
Game 1 - we pitch great, my #1 and my kid going 7 combined, giving up four runs. We are down 4-3 going into the bottom of the 7th. OSSS is up to lead off. Triple. Next kid is my clean-up hitter who gets HBP. Next up, double, OSSS scores. Tie game. Runners of 2nd and 3rd, no out. Next batter - K. Next batter - K. 8-hole hitter comes up, two strikes. Shortens up stroke, and puts one in left center for a hit and the game-winning RBI. Sweet.
Game 2 - pedal to the metal We go out front early and never look back. We made plays, got clutch hits and two of my other pitchers combine to give up 5 runs through 7. Win 10-5. Sweep.
After that, the 10U plays.
We couldn't make too many plays early, and tossed the ball around (including throwing one in the opposition's dugout - not easy to do) - and go down 7-2 early. The two runs scored on YSSS nice double turned homer with bad throws on their side. My kid (aka Freight Train) was pumped! (he also got absolutley screwed on a call at 3B by blue on a laser shot he hit in the 6th inning.
Anyway, we fight back with two out in the bottom of the 6th to get within one run...but fall short on a nice play in CF on a fly ball. So they lose 7-6, and go 1-4 on season. They should be 4-1 with a little luck, and the effort to play six full.
They play later today against a tough team. Let's see what happens.
Adios.