Despite scoring only 13 runs in 14 innings, the newly uniformed Taproom swept 2 games from the The Zoo and Bishop's Collar to end the first half of the CCSL season well positioned for another playoff run.
The pitching and defense was the real story of the week, as SPTR held the Zoo and BC to only 1 run over a 2 day span. There were some great plays in the field, and unfortunately I can't remember any of them given that I'm writing this 5 days after the fact. I'm sure Al made a few nice plays at Short, John B and/or Swede likely pitched some great innings, and Pierre made some outstanding plays in Right. Way to go Pierre!
Thats a good segue into the next topic of business....This Blog and how it needs some new blood. As much as I'd like to spend 2 or 3 hours a week coming up with clever one liners, it's cutting into my Modern Dance practice time and I just can't have that! So I'm seeking volunteers to take over what might be the most sought after job in the blogosphere.
The minimum qualifications for the role are:
A fifth grade education
A rudimentary knowledge of the English Alphabet and basic sentence structure
A loose understanding of what 'Libel' means.
There will be a sign up sheet at the next game for all those who are interested.
If more more than 1 person is interested, the job will be awarded to the winner of an intense 8 week Blogging Reality TV showdown that will be aired Thursdays on CBS between CSI Miami and CSI Las Vegas. The show will be marketed as a cross between Celebrity Apprentice, American Idol, Top Chef, and The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Off this week and back at it the week of June 6th. Happy Memorial Day!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Extra Inning Win for the Taproom
Recap:
In a game that was short on offense and filled with defensive gems, the Taproom rode an 8th inning rally to win a hard fought matchup with the P&P.
P&P jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead after the first inning, and the Taproom countered in the bottom half of the inning with 4 runs, 3 of which came from 2 out RBI singles from John Benson and Robin. The next 6 innings featured a prolonged slump from both teams. The Taproom collected only 7 hits over the next 24 at bats, a respectable .291 batting average when facing 95 MPH fastballs, but a bit weak when facing 10 MPH Eephus pitches. P&P didn't fair much better, as the tempo of the game picked up dramatically with only a handful of runs scored between innings 2-7. After 7, the score was tied at 7-7.
P&P got their leadoff hitter on base in the top of the 8th, but a timely double play quickly erased the rally, and the Taproom entered the bottom of the 8th with a chance to win the game.
Brian W started off the inning with a base hit, and then advanced to 2nd on a Sac fly from Elmer. John Benson came through with another clutch base hit, and Brian easily scored from second. Ball Game.
Player of the Game:
Very easy decision. Clearly John Benson was the difference maker in this game. 3 Hits, 3 RBI's, including the game winner, pitched a complete game, and fielded his position very well.
Play of the Game:
There was some defensive gems from both teams, but Al's unassisted double play against P&P's speedy left fielder was possibly the most improbable play in CCSL history. That guy was the fastest guy on the field last night, and I would bet that was the first and only double play he will hit into in his entire softball career.
Quote of the Game # 1:
"When did the Taproom acquire Wilson Valdez?"
- Spectator, commenting on the Taproom's prolong hitting slump.
Quote of the Game # 2
"Safe"
- P&P 1st Base Coach / Umpire, on a close play at first base pumped his fist to clearly indicate "Out", but said "Safe" instead. Oh well, there was a 50 % chance he was right.
Hard Ass Play of the Game
Newcomer Jo on first base, Al at the plate. Al hits a hard ground ball to first base, and it catches Jo in the leg on her way to 2nd. It looked like a pretty painful bodyshot, but Jo shook it off immediately, focusing only on the out that was created as a result of the ball hitting her leg. Gotta love that toughness. I probably would have dramatically fallen to the ground screaming in agony. By the way, my favorite thing about Jo, is that "Jo" is not her name. Apparently, people mistakenly started calling her Jo on her former team, and the name just stuck. "Jo" is apparently not one to complain.
New Uniform Update:
Apparently, they are coming soon. I have high expectations for my $8 investment. I noticed last night that only 3 Tappies were wearing the official SPTR mesh uniform. Everyone else was wearing various colored t-shirts (even Coach Al). We basically look like 12 strangers who happen to stumble across a pickup softball game. Let's get with it people....the least we can do is settle on one color. Or just go topless.
The Hypocrisy of Marcus Hayes
You may recall, I used to drive a 2000 Toyota Camry. It was an unusual shade of blue, and it had a canvas rooftop. It was not a cool car or age appropriate by any stretch of the imagination. I won't get into the details of how I came about owning this car, but it served me very well for four years. It was a versatile city car that spent most of the time parked on the street, and was driven only a few thousand miles a year. Mostly to softball games. When we played P&P LAST YEAR, Marcus Hayes (who I do not know and have never spoken with), noticed me getting into my car and started making fun of it, especially the canvas rooftop. He was hooting and hollering and carrying on about how ridiculous a car it was. At the time, I was thinking about getting a new car anyway, but that schoolyard taunting pushed me over the edge. A few months later, I traded in the Ragtop Camry for a Used Hyundai Santa Fe. Flash-forward to last night. After the game, I walk to my car to head home, and I happen to see Marcus Hayes getting into his car. Guess what kind of car he was driving. A Lime Green Toyota Camry. For full clarity, it did appear to be a hybrid, so I assume it is a fairly new car and a lot nicer than my old car. BUT....I don't think anyone who drives a lime green Toyota Camry has the right to criticize the appearance of another person's Toyota Camry....regardless of how ridiculous said Camry may have looked.
So in conclusion, Marcus Hayes owes me $15,000.
In a game that was short on offense and filled with defensive gems, the Taproom rode an 8th inning rally to win a hard fought matchup with the P&P.
P&P jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead after the first inning, and the Taproom countered in the bottom half of the inning with 4 runs, 3 of which came from 2 out RBI singles from John Benson and Robin. The next 6 innings featured a prolonged slump from both teams. The Taproom collected only 7 hits over the next 24 at bats, a respectable .291 batting average when facing 95 MPH fastballs, but a bit weak when facing 10 MPH Eephus pitches. P&P didn't fair much better, as the tempo of the game picked up dramatically with only a handful of runs scored between innings 2-7. After 7, the score was tied at 7-7.
P&P got their leadoff hitter on base in the top of the 8th, but a timely double play quickly erased the rally, and the Taproom entered the bottom of the 8th with a chance to win the game.
Brian W started off the inning with a base hit, and then advanced to 2nd on a Sac fly from Elmer. John Benson came through with another clutch base hit, and Brian easily scored from second. Ball Game.
Player of the Game:
Very easy decision. Clearly John Benson was the difference maker in this game. 3 Hits, 3 RBI's, including the game winner, pitched a complete game, and fielded his position very well.
Play of the Game:
There was some defensive gems from both teams, but Al's unassisted double play against P&P's speedy left fielder was possibly the most improbable play in CCSL history. That guy was the fastest guy on the field last night, and I would bet that was the first and only double play he will hit into in his entire softball career.
Quote of the Game # 1:
"When did the Taproom acquire Wilson Valdez?"
- Spectator, commenting on the Taproom's prolong hitting slump.
Quote of the Game # 2
"Safe"
- P&P 1st Base Coach / Umpire, on a close play at first base pumped his fist to clearly indicate "Out", but said "Safe" instead. Oh well, there was a 50 % chance he was right.
Hard Ass Play of the Game
Newcomer Jo on first base, Al at the plate. Al hits a hard ground ball to first base, and it catches Jo in the leg on her way to 2nd. It looked like a pretty painful bodyshot, but Jo shook it off immediately, focusing only on the out that was created as a result of the ball hitting her leg. Gotta love that toughness. I probably would have dramatically fallen to the ground screaming in agony. By the way, my favorite thing about Jo, is that "Jo" is not her name. Apparently, people mistakenly started calling her Jo on her former team, and the name just stuck. "Jo" is apparently not one to complain.
New Uniform Update:
Apparently, they are coming soon. I have high expectations for my $8 investment. I noticed last night that only 3 Tappies were wearing the official SPTR mesh uniform. Everyone else was wearing various colored t-shirts (even Coach Al). We basically look like 12 strangers who happen to stumble across a pickup softball game. Let's get with it people....the least we can do is settle on one color. Or just go topless.
The Hypocrisy of Marcus Hayes
You may recall, I used to drive a 2000 Toyota Camry. It was an unusual shade of blue, and it had a canvas rooftop. It was not a cool car or age appropriate by any stretch of the imagination. I won't get into the details of how I came about owning this car, but it served me very well for four years. It was a versatile city car that spent most of the time parked on the street, and was driven only a few thousand miles a year. Mostly to softball games. When we played P&P LAST YEAR, Marcus Hayes (who I do not know and have never spoken with), noticed me getting into my car and started making fun of it, especially the canvas rooftop. He was hooting and hollering and carrying on about how ridiculous a car it was. At the time, I was thinking about getting a new car anyway, but that schoolyard taunting pushed me over the edge. A few months later, I traded in the Ragtop Camry for a Used Hyundai Santa Fe. Flash-forward to last night. After the game, I walk to my car to head home, and I happen to see Marcus Hayes getting into his car. Guess what kind of car he was driving. A Lime Green Toyota Camry. For full clarity, it did appear to be a hybrid, so I assume it is a fairly new car and a lot nicer than my old car. BUT....I don't think anyone who drives a lime green Toyota Camry has the right to criticize the appearance of another person's Toyota Camry....regardless of how ridiculous said Camry may have looked.
So in conclusion, Marcus Hayes owes me $15,000.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Bad News for the Collar
In a rematch of last years semi-final playoff, the Taproom avenged one of the most painful losses in franchise history scoring a 11-7 win over Bishops Collar.
The game got off to a slow offensive start, with both teams contributing only 5 runs after 4 innings. Going into the top of the 5th inning, the score was SPTR 4, BC 1. Then the offense of both teams woke up. In the top of the 5th, the Tappies brought 9 hitters to the plate who contributed 6 hits and 5 runs, capped by Coach Al's 2 run HR. The BC bats woke up in the bottom of the 6th, scattering 5 hits on top of 2 SPTR errors and scoring 6 runs. After 6 innings, the score was SPTR 9 BC 7.
In the top of the 7th, the Taproom came to the plate needing some insurance runs, and they got that with a timely 2 out 2 RBI single from John Benson that extended the lead to 4 runs heading into the final frame.
Swede pitched a perfect 1-2-3 bottom of the 7th, forcing 3 straight flyballs outs, and the game ended with a final score of SPTR 11, BC 7.
All in all it was a well played game. The Taproom's defense was a little stronger and their hitting was a bit more disciplined. The Collar seemed to have quite a few fly-ball outs.
Hats off to Swede for pitching a complete game and keeping the BC batters off balance all night. All of this coming off a significant surgery. Well done Swede!
PLAY OF THE GAME
Bottom of the first inning, 2 outs, runner on 2nd base. Hard hit ball to Ryan at 1st base. Ryan cleanly fields the ball and underhand flips to Swede who sprinted over to cover first base. Great instinctive defensive play by Swede. Sounds simple, but nine out of ten times in slow pitch softball the pitcher doesn't cover 1st base.
Quote of the Game
" Come on, it's Edgely 4!"
- Words spoken from an anonymous scout on an opposing team after a member of the Collar chastised him for urinating on the pitchers mound. Asked later which field(s) he considers good enough NOT to pee on, said person indicated Dairy 2 was sacred ground.
Coaching Update
Congrats to Al for getting his first win as SPTR skipper. Coach Al joins a long line of great player/coaches including Carol, Jeremy, and Lenny Wilkins. Unfortunately, due to technical issues, Al's post game press conference is not yet available on Youtube. Check back later this week for updates.
On Deck
Two big games next week against The Franklin and FLM. Good seats are still available.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Why is this night different from all other nights?
For anyone familiar with the Maxwell-house Haggadah, the answer to the question above is quite obvious. For those who are less familiar with nuances of Passover and more familiar with the power structure of the CCSL, the answer is much more disturbing.
On a rain soaked Edgley field, the South Philly Taproom lost the Home Opener to the Art Museum for the first time since 1946. In his inaugural post game press conference, the new SPTR skipper Al Heinle summed the game up in 3 words. "Well, that sucked".
On the bright side, after 3 years of rumors and innuendo, it appears new uniforms are on the way, and our current 'Ronald McDonald Style' Jerseys
will be slowly phased out over the next few weeks. 
Please note, Management is planning a Promotional SPTR 'Throwback Jersey Night' sponsored by Hatfield Quality Meats some time in June. As such, please make sure to keep your uniforms some place safe.
More to come next week.
On a rain soaked Edgley field, the South Philly Taproom lost the Home Opener to the Art Museum for the first time since 1946. In his inaugural post game press conference, the new SPTR skipper Al Heinle summed the game up in 3 words. "Well, that sucked".
On the bright side, after 3 years of rumors and innuendo, it appears new uniforms are on the way, and our current 'Ronald McDonald Style' Jerseys
will be slowly phased out over the next few weeks. 
Please note, Management is planning a Promotional SPTR 'Throwback Jersey Night' sponsored by Hatfield Quality Meats some time in June. As such, please make sure to keep your uniforms some place safe.More to come next week.
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