Last Week (Playoff) Recap
Game 1 - #8 Fever - 3 #9 Balls Deep - 4
The kickoff game to the fall 2010 playoffs didn’t disappoint with all types of action from beginning to end. In the end, Fever fell for the 4th straight game
Game 2 - #5 Kickelback - 4 #12 Balls of Fury - 1
BoF almost pulled out the upset, having base loaded 3 different times, once or twice with 0 outs, but for some reason couldn’t score and pull out the upset
Game 3 - #4 Ball Busters - 3 #13 Teabaggers - 2
Teabaggers had the upset of the century going, up 2 -1 with 2 outs left in the bottom of the 5th; All signs pointed to yes but somehow, someway… Busters prevailed to hold on to their 3peat dreams
Game 4 - #7 UniBalls - 4 #10 Blue Ballers - 2
Blue Ballers tried to capture the magic that led them to the champ game last season, but to no avail, they weren’t even close
Game 5 - #3 Sweep the Leg - W #14 Saved by the Balls - L
Forfeit by the Sbtb, guess it wasn’t worth showing up
Game 6 - #6 Wrecking Balls - 4 #11 Balls to the Wall – 2
A game where it was all too close for the ninja turtles of day; All pro 1b of b2w made a routine double play that looked to lead a upset of the green wreckers… but like all season b2w made 1 too many mistakes and cost them the season
Game 7 - #1 I.Ballstards - 1 Balls Deep – 0
Controversial was the word to use for this game. Not the best job done by referees but in the end, the Ballstards pulled a W in a near upset to the improving Balls Deep team
Game 8 – Kickelback - 0 Ball Busters - 3
Nil-Nil was the score going into the bottom of the 5th, and once again….. somehow, someway, the Busters pulled out a victory to advance to the Final Four…
Game 9 – Uniballs - 3 #2 Hamden Mafia - 1
It couldn’t be a playoffs without an upset….. Uniballs played probably their best game of the season in beating the #2 ranked Mafia team. The ghost of past still reign as the legendary uni’s move on to the final four
Game 10 – Sweep the Leg - 8 Wrecking Balls – 0
1 word, Domination, Domination, Domination! STL showed their displeasure with the 1st round forfeit of their opponent, so they took it out of the Wreckers…. What should have been a good game turned out to be a bust
Captains Corner
The Ivy presents to you, the Final Four
#7 UniBalls
Regular Season Recap:
The Uniballs had an inconsistent and somewhat frustrating regular season, taking a while to figure out the best strategy and how the new pieces best fit together. The low point was losing a lead in the 5th inning to lose (or tie) a game three times – both due to timely kicking of the opposition as well as a few defensive lapses. Of the Unis three loses, only one was by more than one run (against Final Four opponent Sweep The Leg of course). The highlight of the regular season was overcoming a five-run first inning deficit against the Wrecking Balls and winning in walk-off fashion on a sac fly.
Opening Round Recap:
The Uniballs didn't let an up-and-down regular season affect them once the post season started as they picked up two wins to advance to the Final Four. Defense and pitching were the team's strength as usual and the offense did enough to move on. The Unis didn't trail in either game, winning 6-2 in Rd 1 and 3-1 in Rd 2. Including the regular season, the Unis are currently on a four-game winning streak and have not allowed more than two runs in that stretch.
Final Four Preview:
The Navy & White seem to be the long-shot of the Final Four - the only team in the FF without an All-Pro, or even an honorable mention, while ever other team has at least two. There's a chance at revenge in the semi-finals as Sweep The Leg was the only team to beat the Unis by more than one-run this season (6-0). The Unis were asleep at the wheel that game, something the team partially chalks up to the mid-season party being the night before and also because it was before the team made some key strategic adjustments and gelled. The Unis are on a roll, confident and ready to fight, looking to add a third championship to the Uniballs' trophy case.
Players to Watch:
Kyle Cousins' transition to the pitching mound helped turn around the Unis' season, both pitching and fielding-wise. He has not allowed more than two runs in a game and has done a great job in limiting the opposition's bunting game along with catcher Tom McGrimley.
Ryan Dalton leads the offense side of things, as shown by drilling an impressive home run in the opening round of the playoffs. His strong arm and stellar fielding at third base is the backbone of the Unis' defense. Adam Sperling also contributes to the power game offensively in addition to patrolling CF.
Keep an eye out for the female Uniballs as well. Not always flashy or powerful, they have a knack for getting down a timely bunt or making a key defensive play when the Unis win.
Projected Starters
P – Kyle Cousins
C – Tom McGrimley
1b – Bill Damsby
2b – Kim Brown
SS - Meghan O'Connor
3b - Ryan Dalton
LF - Jamy Drouillard/ Bradley Lenz
LC – Sara Thomas
CF - Adam "Young Griffey" Sperling
RC – Jody Podell
RF - Jordan Schreck
Projected Kicking Order
1. Tom
2. Bill
3. Jamy
4. Ryan
5. Meghan
6. Kyle
7. Sara
8. Sperling
9. Bradley
10. Jody
11. Grey
12. Kaela
13. Jordan
#3 Sweep the Leg
So what exactly happened last week? We didn’t pregame, didn’t drink, no rah rah. We just kind of threw around a football and danced to some good music courtesy of DJ chaz. We played a little warmup game, and then proceeded to wreck Choma’s balls so badly that his right hand is finally going to get that long awaited vacation it’s been looking for since he was 11. A+ on the costumes though. It felt so wrong taking out my childhood heroes like that. MVP is a tie on our team, Amanda made some spectacular catches and looks to have set herself up as our starting 3rd baseman during Sunday’s battle. Co MVP is to kick.el.back for brutally demoralizing wrecking balls the week before. You guys must have crushed their morale, because I didn’t see the team that has had us concerned all season long.
Man this has been a long season. What started as 1 man and the desire to be WAKA’s first SUPERSTAR free agent (sorry kyle), turned into an offseason fiasco filled with so much drama that said person almost retired. His former team spit on him, threw rocks, and urinated on his head. There was no turning back for the wanderer. During a trip to visit Kickball’s Mecca in DC, and some help from partner in crime, Jose Patron Cuervo Jr., his prayers were answered in the form of a Wiley Dj, a curly haired vixen, and a squeaky wheel that appeared before him. They told him “Sweep… the.. leg…” He hurried back to call out to all the mercenaries, journeymen, and team outcasts he could find. Recruiting the fastest, strongest, and meanest that WAKA had to offer. They all assembled to build one of the greatest teams the world has ever seen…… On paper. Well, you guys explained it the best after week 4…
~"I think the Sweepers are now the Sleepers"
~"Once thought to be a super team, the aura around Sweep the Leg has quickly faded."
~"I don't quite know what to think about STL anymore. They are certainly not the dream team we all thought they were"
~"Sweep the Leg continues to spiral to the league basement"
Things didn’t quite go as planned. The team’s attitude made Allen Iverson look like the perfect practice player. And after a loss to the worst, most pathetic, woman stealing, grenade banging team in the league, things had to change. 22 shots at the midseason party were taken, and we vowed STL will rise in the second half. A team breakfast capped it all off. I can’t even name all the people that have stepped up to become absolute monsters on the field. And for that alone, I am pleased regardless of whatever the outcome may be in the end. I look forward to seeing these guys with a season of experience under their belts. But now, with renewed focus, here we are. The final 4. We face the Uniballs; Smart veterans of the game that will destroy you the moment they smell blood in the water. With some big boots and pure athletes, I have nothing but respect for these guys. Rest assured though, we will be bringing out the body bags for them on Sunday. Looking at the team around me, I honestly get scared sometimes. Have you seen them? they look like starved cannibals when they take the field. They want flesh! Someone has to come out the winner at the end of the day, so why not us? Why not STL? We all know what’s worse than losing… NOTHING.
kicking order and position:
1.nicole (as)
2.chad (as)
3.davon (as)
4.russell (as)
5.wolfie (as)
6.kharim (Ass)
7.caitlin (as)
8.javil (as)
9.steve(as)
10.jackie m.(as)
11.lisa (as)
12.rich (as)
13.brandon(as)
14.brendan(as)
15.jackie s. (as)
16.amanda (as)
Yes AS stands for all star! That’s all you need to know! Who to watch for? We’re all lethal and can slice you up at any position in the line up. When it’s all said and done team, take the bar no matter what. And don’t let it go until the end of season party is over. Take their women, dine in hell with the enemy, and flip those cups! We’ve already proven the haters wrong with 6 straight shutouts and the best offensive production in the league, but the boos and jeers will still come strong on Sunday. Stay focused, zone them out and let’s prove ourselves right… We are THE superteam. You’re the best around STL…
#4 Ball Busters
Our first game versus the Teabaggers had a little bit of everything: tough defense, close calls, desperate offense, threats of violence, inappropriate language (think of the children!), and late inning heroics; the only thing missing from this circus of a game was a streaker. The game began with Teabaggers jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead with some well placed short outfield kicks. Our first at bat resulted in only a single run after an unfortunate incident of friendly fire when Gabe was hit by a well struck ball from Corey. After the first inning both defenses tightened up and only a couple kickers were able to get on base for the next few innings. Starting off the bottom of the 5th inning, down a run, Ben was able to turn a bunt into a double after an errant throw to first base. Next to kick was Ali, who perfectly put the ball on the ground and made the Teabaggers make a play. A good job by Baggers first base man to keep the ball in front and get it home preventing the tying run from scoring. Runners on first and third, no outs, down 1 run, Leslie put the ball on the ground and when the play went to first the tying run was able to score. Lindsay followed that kick up with another base hit. 1 out, runners on third and first, Dan Crum in the biggest situation of his young kickball career, kicked a perfect walk off base hit to win the game. MVP honors for the game go to Ali Heery, Leslie Hawthorne, and Lindsay Toland for excellent situational kicking when we needed it most.
In the quarterfinals the Busters were matched up against a red hot Kickleback team, who was looking to keep their late season winning streak alive. The game turned out to be another defensive struggle, with neither team able to score early on. The opening innings were highlighted by excessive ball hogging from the Ball Busters outfielders, and more impressively Kickleback's left fielder who was able to haul in multiple balls while being bulldozed by the centerfielder. Finally in the third (or fourth?) inning, fueled by all the teams who graciously came to cheer against us the top of the order did what they do best and quickly put 3 runs on the board. Pitcher Mike Allard was locked in all game and was able to complete the shut out, only allowing one base runner all game. MVP honors go to Corey Chase for the 2 run Triple.
Well, well, well look who we are running into now...the Inglorious Ballstards. Can't say we didn't see it coming, and I don't think we'll be surprised by anything since we've had the pleasure of reffing many of their games. Can't take anything away from that regular season record of theirs. According to the standings they are the best team. Well like all great teams, we want to go through the best on our way to the championships. When we look at the Ballstards we see a team built in a similar fashion. Not an overwhelming offense, but smart and opportunistic with their kicking and base running. Really the team is built on defense, and I see this game coming down to who makes a mistake first. Don't anticipate a high score in this one, but it should be some good kickball.
Now once we get through the Ballstards we're set up for a rematch of either of our two losses. Both losses came with key players absent for us so we're really looking to back up our excuses for those losses and settle the score. The last two falls have come down to the Ball Busters vs Uniballs, with Busters coming out on top in both meetings. I'm sure they'd love to take another crack at us after notching an early victory over us this fall.
No matter how it shakes out it should be some quality kickball and a lot of fun. Good luck to all!
Players to Watch: Too many players to discuss, you have to watch the whole team in action, especially the shutdown defense of the infield. Team selected all-stars were: Gabe Johnson (3b) (also All-pro, he's so dreamy) , Leslie Hawthorne (2b), and Ben Hawthorne (CF).
Projected Line-up:
1. Mike Lyons (C)
2. Gabe Johnson (3b)
3. Corey Chase (1b)
4. Zac Czaplicki (LF)
5. Ben Hawthorne (CF)
6. Ali Heery (SS)
7. Leslie Hawthorne (2b)
9. Lindsay Toland (OF)
10. Dan Crum (LF)
11. Brad Allard (RF)
12. Mike Allard (P)
13. Julie Pellegrini (OF)
14. Maria Fazzino (OF)
#1 Inglorious Ballstards
After a bye in the 1st round we were match-up with Balls Deep, our Captains former team of 2009. Trash talk started spewing immediately and it seemed Balls Deep strategy was to get into the head of pitcher Kyle Settle. They tried everything and anything, but no matter how many shots they took at him, he never showed signs of weakness. The game was nil apiece until the bottom of the 5th, Ballstards had runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. A call was made to intentionally walk the kicker; so after 3 far ball pitches, the pitcher made a mistake…. Allowing her 4th pitch to bounce and settle outside the box, and Dave pounced on it for a sac fly to far right. Kelly ran home and a play was made at home… after the dust settled, the ref called the runner safe and we advanced to the final four.
If you weren’t around last season, the Maroon was ridiculed, bullied, and not respected. Even win after win after win this season against some pretty tough opponents, it was always an excuse. We played our worst game ever against the blue ballers, without our all-pro catcher and we still tied. I could use this time to say hahahaha to all the other teams that are sitting for the final four, but I won’t do that…. No, after all the boo’s , and heckling, and whatever else thrown at Maroon’s way, we never derailed. And that my friend is the heart of a champion. What started out as a dream and an idea back in March is almost realized. I told you…. Fear the Maroon, you should have listened!
In the Final Four we play hands down, pound for pound one of the best teams in the history of New Haven Kickball. In comparison, they’ve accomplished a lot, and we have done nothing. Us being underdogs is expected against the two time defending fall champs, but like Ric Flair used to say…. “To be the Man… whooooooo……. You gotta beat the Man” And that’s just how we look at it. A lot of teams would be scared to play the Busters, not us….. If we can’t beat the fall champs of last year, then I don’t want it. To be the best you gotta be the best, so Busters…… I’ve waited 365 days for this, best believe I and the rest of the Maroon Army are gonna bring our ‘A’ game…. And Haters and Hecklers, please come out and show your support. It wouldn’t be a game if you didn’t come boo as hard as you can.
Players to Watch For:
You already know about the best Catcher in the league, Kelly Miller… and you Already know about the Rocket, Rob Olsen, and perhaps you heard of the awesomeness that is pitching of Kyle Settle, but who you should pay attention to is Dom, LV, Blake, and Danielle. Dom hasn’t caught many balls in the outfield for knowledge of his ability to shut all fly balls down, but people are starting to forget what he is capable of. Blake as well is a name not all too familiar but he is automatic on base and is also a shut down outfielder. Lastly rookie of the year, LV and Danielle; The ladies of Maroon that if tested will shut you the f*** down! Danielle doesn’t get a lot of respect around here for whatever reason, but test her… I dare you!, afterwards you’ll be saying… (why in the hell did we go after her, she caught everything and doubled up our best player, damn!)
Projected Line Up:
1. *Dom (CF)
2. Leon (1b)
3. Theresa (SS)
4. *Rob (3b)
5. *Kelly (C)
6. Blake (OF)
7. Dave (OF)
8. *LV (2b)
9. Kristy (OF)
10. Pope (DH)
11. *Kyle (P)
12. Therese (RF)
13. Danielle (SS)
14. Steve (1b)
15. Maggie (2b)
16. Scott (OF)
17. Samantha (OF)
