Finally! Lords and Ladies Triumph in a Championship Game...

New Fissionairies snatch defeat from the jaws of Victory!

For 9 years, the Lords and Ladies have come close but never achieved victory in the final game of the season.  That all changed yesterday with a 15-13 Win over the New Fissionairies.  The game started poorly for the Lords and Ladies, going down 11-3 after 4 innings.  The momentum was clearly not favouring the big Purple Machine...so for the bottom of the 5th a pitching change was made, to somehow change the mood of the game.  The bottom of the fifth was a 1-2-3 inning.  The smallest, faintest, absolutely infinitesimally small light appeared at the end of the tunnel, still Purple needed the bats to come alive as it was already the top of the 6th.

The Epic Comeback - Top of the 6th

In an inning that shall long be remembered in Lords and Ladies lore, the top of the 6th inning in the championship game vs. the New Fissionairies played in PARC West Field on the 17th of September in the year 2013, the big Purple Machine made their Epic Comeback.

Brian, the eternal optimist, opined that all that was needed was a simple 10 run inning.  The Lords and Ladies did not believe it possible as they had been shut out for four consecutive innings..  1st up to bat was Kate...no dice...she was out via a caught line drive to the shortstop.  It did not look good.  1 out...

Then good ole Moe came up to the plate, and hit one that managed to drop in for a single.  Next up, Tim, could Mr. Flying Unicorn start the magic.  It is a well known fact that Flying Unicorns are magic creatures.

So with the count full (added for dramatic effect), Tim channeling the inner unicorn, hit one hard,  landing safely in the outfield.  Pete was safe at 2nd.  Two On, one out.  Next up, was the infamous Brian, whom was by now sporting a wicked bruise on his left ankle (although he could have always used his glove instead of his foot to catch the ball).  1st pitch, wasn't his...strike!  2nd and 3rd pitch were balls.  Brian looking a bit fatigued and a bit in pain, but never more focused.  Finally, his pitch.  Wham!  He hit it so hard, it went past the pitcher (in the air!), and bounced between the shortstop and 2nd baseman and into the field, quickly picked up by the rover and tossed to 2nd.

SAFE! came the call as Tim made it in time to the base.  Up next, Mike...could he deliver under pressure.  1 out, bases loaded.  He had been struggling at the plate all game as his timing was thrown off by the stutter step of the pitcher.  He ditched the tried and trusted 28oz Miken Freak Bat for the lighter more explosive Combat.

1st pitch strike, it's not looking good.  2nd pitch ball, wait for his...then on the 3rd and ultimate pitch...Mike hits a hard and long line drive.  Over the heads of the outfielders and reaching the fence.  Yelling at Brian all the way to move his a$$, the Lords and Ladies counted 3 runs on Mike's 3-RBI triple.  The score 11-6.

With Mike on 3rd, and one out.  Denise was up to bat, and come through she did.  She hit a deep sacrifice fly on which Mike easily scored.   it was now 11-7 with 2 outs and the top of the order up.

Now it was time for Charlie Hustle, needed to get on base to keep the inning alive.  And sure enough, even though fatigued by travel, he made it safe at first with a gutsy hit.  Now Paul, fingers crossed...1st pitch BALL!  2nd pitch BALL!  3rd pitch BALL!  4th pitch STRIKE!  but then finally the 5th pitch BALL!  Paul took a walk, for the first time in his Lords and Ladies career, he took a walk.  That was what it was all about when the trusty GM Tim Collier, called him up as a free agent and negotiated a deal.   Making the smart choices at the plate, delivering in clutch situations.  Lords and Ladies have 2 on, and 2 out.  Shawn up at the plate.

Shawn, picked up at the trade deadline due to the "immense puddle" incident, had been solid all season.  Could he deliver the 2 out base hit that would bring the L&L closer to achieving victory?  The park was quiet, all the fans were hushed.  The Nuclear Fissionairies still had a commanding lead at 11-7 and had been sharp all game.  The big Purple Machine needed four more just to tie.  Shawn with sweat coming down his brow, looked focused and determined.  Staring down the pitcher, and looking directly at the unfortunate fielder in right field...Shawn swung and hit a high fly ball down the right field line...was it going to land fair?  All those in attendance collectively head their breath as the ball hung in the air for what seemed at least 3 to 4 seconds, which is a moderate amount of time for a collective group to simulataneously hold their breath.

Finally, after those 4 seconds...the ball touched the grass, or perhaps some goose $hit as Goose was telling us, there was plenty of out in the field today.  Well regardless of what it landed on, it landed fair and went to the fence past the unlucky fielder.

Running with determination Charlie Hustle crossed the plate, then Paul, with Shawn coming in safe at 3rd.  A 2-RBI triple, bringing the Lords and Ladies that much closer.  The score 11-9 with 2 outs and Shawn on 3rd.

Batting clean-up and also struggling was Goose.  The field was littered with Goose's Green Power Pellets...heck, I was even leaving food on the field between games to ensure Geese would leave their powerful droppings...With first inspection in the bottom of the first, Goose seemed pleased with the amount of Goose $hit on the field.  This should have meant a repeat performance of his 2-HR performance from last week.  But after a strike-out and two horrible fly outs, he was without a hit after 3 at-bats.    Perhaps it was the Goose-step of the pitcher, that weakened his superpowers, but he needed to find a way to struggle through without his ability.

So with a 2-1 count, Goose finally broke through in a big way,  crushing the ball to the fence and running faster than ever, Shawn comes into score 11-10 and Goose is on 3rd with a clutch 2 out - stand-up triple!

Now, Kate was up to the plate.  And she hit the ball hard into the ground.  I think it made about 6 feet, possibly 5.  But Kate was able to perform the difficult to defend against Slap Bunt!  She insured that the contact placed a spin on the ball that caused it to stop immediately upon contact with the ground.  Tim being the 3rd base coach already knew the squeeze play was on!  Sending Goose immediately upon contact.  Could Kate make it to first in time?  Could she be the Munenori Kawasaki of the L&L?  A person whom was not depended on to make the big plays, but always seemed to be there when it counted...So the pitcher fielded it cleanly.  Throw to first...it's in time...but dropped by the 1st baseman.  This is a play that is likely to become as infamous as the Bill Buckner error in the Game 6 of the 1986 World Series (see YouTube Link below for video of the Bill Buckner play).

Bill Buckner's Error

Well, that was the penultimate play, the slap bunt by Kate, the error at first and it's a brand new ball game.  Score tied 11-11.

Next up Moe!  Can he continue the 2-out surge?  With Kate's incessant complaining on first about how much she hates being on 1st base when Moe is up (he bats left), Moe seemed a bit distracted.  Not able to focus over the constant chatter from his wife, he took a first pitch strike.  Still the nattering continued.   Moe...2 words...selective hearing!  You've been married for 18-years now, you should have it by now.   Still it is pretty hard to hit a ball when you have to safely guide it past your vocal wife.

So on the second pitch, the Nuclear Fissionairies got Moe out on a checked-swing grounder to second, which was scored as Kate - 4 -3.  The top of the 6th was over, but the big Purple Machine had clawed back to tie it 11-11.

Lords and Ladies set down the side in Order (OK it was 4 up, 3 down)

With Mike on the mound, and the top of order up to bat.  The Lords and Ladies came up with some big catches to ensure the game remained tied through the bottom of the sixth!  It was a second consecutive inning in which big Purple shutdown their opponents.  Could the L&L find it in them to get the hits to put them over the top.  Even the Geese in attendance where crapping their proverbial pants!

Flying Unicorn (aka Wildman) gets Bloody in USC (Ultimate Sliding Competition)!

First up, yes, our resident Flying Unicorn, the magical creature.  But with the game on the line, he shed his gentle nature, becoming the aggressive base-running Wildman!  On what surely should have only been a single, Wildman made it a double, with his "cleats up", knees down slide into 2nd.  Text book Colby Rasmus slide.  Safe at 2nd.  Tim showing the team, that he lost a few inches of skin in his battle with the ground, seemed exuberant.  Lords and Ladies had the go-ahead run at 2nd with none out.

Next up, Acu-Poke.  And he poked one to shallow center field, caught by the rover.  Tim (aka Wildman) aggressively tagged up and started to run towards third.  Would he make it?  With the ball coming in fast, The Wildman's wheels were moving quickly and creating an immense dust-cloud behind him.  With another massive slide and his hands protecting his head from a fast & low throw to third base, The Wildman was safe at third, minus a few chunks of skin left on the field.  Go-ahead run now at 3rd!  One out.

Mike up to the plate.  Can he repeat his clutch 3-RBI triple?  first pitch BALL, second pitch swung on, hard grounder to 3rd base, past the third baseman, but the shortstop showing incredible foot speed manages to get a hold of it.  Throw to first...not in time.  Channeling his inner Charlie Hustle, Mike made it safely to 1st for an RBI infield single.  L&L are now in the lead for the first time since the top of the 1st!  Score 12-11.

Denise was now batting.  Looking comfortable as ever, she rocks one deep into the outfield.  Knowing it's going to drop in safely, Mike takes off, seeing the ball land safely and no one covering third, he turns the corner and makes it safely to the bag.  One out, 2 on.  Top of the order.

Charlie Hustle, at the plate delivered a clutch Sacrifice Fly!  Scoring Mike.  2 out.  13-11.

Paul, at the plate.  was he going to swing the bat or take another walk.  The pitches once again, not good.  Count went to 3-1 when WHACK!  Paul crushes one done the line, past the fielders.  Denise hustling all the way from 1st, makes it into score!  Paul gets a clutch 2-out RBI triple!  Lords and Ladies are now up 14-11....

Of all the acquisitions made during the season, none was more important than the trading of Chris' PARC rights for Restricted Free Agent Shawn.  There were numerous times the L&L were in talks to obtain this hitting and pitching dynamo, sensing that the big Purple machine could final attain their goal of being a championship team.  And today, was the day that those long hours of discussion and negotiation paid off.

Shawn, up at the plate, immediately delivered a 2-out, RBI triple scoring Paul easily from 3rd.  That completed the scoring for the Lords and Ladies in the top half of the inning.  Lords and Ladies go into the bottom half of the final inning up 15-11!  They are three outs away from the championship!

Nuclear Fissionairies comeback falls short

Making it tense but truly never in doubt, the Lords and Ladies gave back 2 runs, but Mike finished them off with a clutch strikeout to end the game!   Bring out the champagne!  The Lords and Ladies have won their first championship ever!  The crowd went wild, and Brian did his best Jumping Joe Carter impersonation.

Big Purple Machine - Paints the town Purple...

The championship party for the Big Purple Machine went into the wee hours of the evening, maybe 8:30 or 9:00 pm a team record this year!  But the party was awesome.  The mayor of Pickering phoned the team from city hall to congratulate them on the hard fought victory.  This author expects this L&L team to be inducted into the PARC Baseball Hall of Fame one day, and sooner rather than later.   With no injuries, and all players locked up to one year contracts, it looks like the big Purple Machine is going to be a likely candidate for repeat next season.  

I would like to thank all those for playing this year and look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Seventh Heaven! Lords and Ladies improve to 7-3 with win over Up and Atom

Tight Defensive Game sees Ladies prevail over Up and Atom

What an exciting game, this game had key hits and great defensive plays.  The infield was attacking ground balls and making the throw to first.  The outfield was tracking the fly balls and pulling them in.  Is there anything that could derail the second 3 game win streak of the year.  

In fact, take out that forfeited game, that the Ladies were ahead of 10-3 before play was called, and you would have 6 wins in a row.  For as long as I have been following the Ladies, there ain't been no 6 game win streak!  

Out there today, the Ladies were doing it all, and the Lords were cleaning up after them.  Shawn, the receiving his Peerage midway through the season, has shown he should have been a Lord all along. Unstoppable at the plate, and mowing down the opposition with his pitching.

The Diana - Kate combo not to be outdone, were chasing everything down, making the plays look easy.  Pete was his usual Ball Hog self once put in the outfield, tracking everything down, calling for everything.  Not to mention that he showed that White Men really can jump!

Lords Head Scout - Goose - Scouting Report

Don't hit to D.B. Shortstop of this team, he will make you pay.  D.B. Shortstop was central for 11 of the 18 outs.  That's almost two-thirds of all outs.  

Homeruns & Lack of Intense Heat causes Strategy Fail

Homeruns & Lack of Intense Heat causes Strategy Fail

Special  Report from the Flying Unicorn (Thanks)

The last ball game in July was a beautiful day, and the Lords and Ladies looked strong but short-staffed when entering the field to play against their long-time rivals Balls Deep. Mid-summer vacations and forced-outage critical path work created havoc with the L & L’s roster, not to mention Band Camp. Just where exactly do you stick that saxophone during your band camp ‘games’ Alex?

Being short-handed with only 8 players, and seeing that the other team had a large cooler of silly-pops, the Lords & Ladies strategy from the outset was to “Make them run lots when fielding, and dehydrate them so they consume even more silly-pop”, hopefully with the result that they’ll be staggering-about in the final few innings. Unfortunately Shawn’s 2 amazing home run hits went a bit too far going over the fence, thus the Balls Deep fielders didn’t have to run so much. Come-on Shawn, the hits were great, but you obviously weren’t paying attention at the pre-game briefing about making the other team run. What unicorn points you earned for the home-runs are negated for not sticking with team strategy. Please stop day-dreaming of saxophone games during pre-game briefings.

By the end of the third inning we were well-up in score (11-5), but the short-handed Lords and Ladies began to loose steam while Balls Deep team powered-on. Too bad the weather was so nice and it wasn’t an overly hot day, otherwise perhaps their silly-pop consumption rate would have been elevated. In the third inning Pete showed Shawn how it’s supposed to be done by hitting an in-the-park homer; way to go Pete, you earned 2 Unicorn Points.

The combination of Diana’s short-stopping and Kate’s first-basing held the Balls Deep team to only one run in the bottom of the third, with an amazing jump-catch by Diana (3 Unicorn Points earned) and some strange comments from Kate about how she prefers to be on-top when Diana is below her (or was it the other way around????). Other game highlights include Tim and Diana’s triples, Shawn’s bang-on pitching, Jeff’s outfield catching, Rob getting a workout by running all over the place, and Denise almost getting de-ankled, de-capitated, and de-armed by some close-calls with some wicked-crazy-fast balls towards short stop.

Unfortunately in the final few innings Balls Deep’s fielding seemed to get their act together, and they slowly pulled ahead of the tired Lords & Ladies, for a final score of 15-14 for Balls Deep. A fun game was had by all, and kudos to Balls Deep for lending us at catcher.

After a long weekend and much deserved week-off, the next game is Thursday August 15, 4:30pm at the Kinsmen South field against The Turtles. We’re EXACTLY tied against the Turtles in the standings, and we’ve beat them before when we played them in our season opener, so lets do it again! That is unless the Sluggers & Chuggers looses against the New G-Rads on Tuesday (an event that has about the same likelyhood as a volcano developing in Pickering in the same timeframe), in which case it will very-much be in our advantage to not win Thursday’s game, but let’s not get caught-up on silly details.

See you Thursday at 4:30!

Emergency Pitcher - Pete "Moe" pitches Perfect Game

Moe Pitches Perfect Game!

With the retirement of their Cy Young winning Pitcher due to injury, and their other Pitcher Shawn on vacation.  The Lords and Ladies called one up from the bullpen, that is Outfielder/3B dynamo Moe (aka Pete).  The Lords and Ladies hope that Chris' rehabilitation goes well and for a possible return from retirement for another stint with the ladies.

Definition of Perfect Game

When a Pitcher allows less than 10 runs with the fielding of the Ladies, while that is a perfect game.  As well, Moe stuck out at least 3 and provided good fielding at the pitcher position.  Kate and Moe teamed up for many an out, what an impressive display.

Moe's pitching style, was fast and aggressive.  Always keeping the batters unbalanced, he was throwing them high and slow, varying his speeds from 40 - 44 km/h.   A swing and a miss was heard many times.  Albeit the famous Umpire - Brian needs to learn how to "pump" those strikeouts "out".  

Seeing how dominant he was on the field, Moe nevertheless provided a critical 3 hits, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs pushing the Lords and Ladies over the top to win 12-7 in six innings.

Other Highlights

Charlie Hustle -leads the team  (with at least 20 AB) in singles, Batting Average, and OBP. He went 4 for 4.

Denise - 1 for 3, with 1BB and 1 Run

Paul - 3 for 4, with a double, 2 RBIs and 2 Runs.  Not to mentioning providing one half of the Ladies first double play of the year (Kate was the other half).

And of course, Moe, the player of the game.

Next game: Today @ 4:30pm

In other news, Tim runs triathlon for Unicorn Points in Toronto

Tim has earned another Unicorn Point for his participation in last weekend's Triathlon.  He ran 26 minutes faster than the previous year, thus earning 1 unicorn point (it would have been 2 if his time had been better by over 30 minutes).  

Tim's magic number goes down one to 12...

Lords and Ladies pick up 5th win by outlasting WTF Collective

Lords and Ladies have the Collective asking WTF!

With timely hitting and less timely fielding, the Lords and Ladies picked up their 5th win of the season improve their record to 5-3 on the year downing WTF Collective 27-25.  Returning from the vacation/work flu were both Chad and Agnes, colloquially known around these parts as "McBuss".  They were the unbeatable, unstoppable, power couple for the Lords and Ladies, providing a Munenori Kawasaki type spark.

For example, Agnes not feeling that baseball was a good enough workout, simply biked the 20 km to the park from Whitby.  She also did a few jump squats in the on-deck circle and a few dances around the plate when pitched inside just like Munenori does it.  

Here were the power couple's numbers:

• 7 for 10, with 5 singles, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, and 3 Runs

Not to mention the chemistry on the field with this powerful and athletic 1st and 2nd baseman combination.  The Lords and Ladies have yet to lose a game when fielding this combo, here's to hoping we will see more of it down the stretch.

Also, returning from the work flu, was Steve...although I think he might need a bit more time in the minors, the Lords and Ladies had to bring him up to the big club due to the most recent forfeit.  Here's hoping that Steve will get his swing back on track soon.

Not to mention, Mike needs to stop eating burgers prior to the game.  There were multiple catch-able balls hit to center field that were just out of the reach of him.  This writer thinks the Lords and Ladies physical fitness trainer needs to ride his you know what to get his speed in the outfield up to snuff.  He looked a little bit like Melky Cabrera out there...

Newly Acquired Pitcher Shawn shines in debut as new Ace of staff

Bringing a new Buzz to the pitching rotation, Shawn pitched his first game as the newly acquired Ace of the lords and ladies.  In the first few innings, his knuckler, slow curve, junk, pitches were just getting the better of the batters from WTF Collective.  

Not to mention Shawn had superb plate appearances, here are his highlights:

• 4 for 4, 1 single, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 sacrifice fly with 5 RBIs and 3 runs.

Shawn's signature pitch

Other Highlights:

Key run producers for the Lords and Ladies, other than those mentioned above were:

• Paul - going 4 for 4 with 4 RBIs and 3 Runs
• Diana - going 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 3 Runs
• Mike - with the burgers making him lazy, hit 2 OOP HRs and a triple, with 5 RBIs and 3 Runs
• Brian - going 4 for 4 with 1 RBI and 2 Runs.

Tim's Unicorn Point - Magic Number Tracker

Now at 7 Points for the season, needs another 13 to clinch the Unicorn Pennant

Tim was relatively silent during the game, even at one point choosing not to run...he earns 1 Unicorn Point for the game:

Next Game: Thursday 18-JUL @ 4:30pm - Kinsmen South

"Immense Puddle" causes FIRST EVER Lords and Ladies forfeit

"Immense Puddle" causes FIRST EVER Lords and Ladies Forfeit

Lords and Ladies player spots immense puddle on field.

Lords and Ladies had their first ever forfeit against Balls Deep last week as the vacation/work flu hit hard and one player saw an immense puddle.  The puddle was so immense that there were reports of the following:

1. A pod of Orca whales were seen migrating all the way to their northern feeding grounds
2. The lost city of Atlantis
3. Crocodiles were seen on the edges of the immense puddle
4. Scuba Divers after hearing the lost city had been found
5. The body of Jimmy Hoffa

Based on all these reported sightings, one player felt it was simply too dangerous to play.  I would have to agree as playing in an area with Orca whales and Crocodiles is pretty dangerous.  Unfortunately, for the ladies the immense puddle was drained by the superb water management crew and there were no evidence to support the alleged sightings.  The game continued with the hope that either Aubrey or Steve or Brian could save the day.  Unfortunately, it was not to be.  

Regardless, 2 innings were played and Lords and Ladies were definitely ahead, but due to the forfeit they fell 20-10.

Highlights of the game:

• Diana A. went 2 for 2 with 2 singles, 2 Runs, and 2 RBIs
• Diana B. went 1 for 2 with a triple, 1 run, and 2 RBIs not to mention an outstanding catch at Shortstop to rob Balls Deep from a huge inning.
• Paul in his pitching debut did well to keep Balls Deep in play, with only one player going deep on him.

From other weeks...

Charlie Hustle's shoes finally caught on tape...

After weeks of being too fast to photograph, Brendon finally caught up with Charlie Hustle.  Charlie obliged Brendon by posing for a photograph of those now infamous shoes (see below)

Just looking at those shoes should make anyone envious, there must be some magic in them shoes.

The Great Pickering Goose Roundup

It has been noticed that "Goose" over the past couple of weeks has not been mentioning the prevalence of Geese or their $#!% on the field the last couple of weeks.  Our investigative reporter, Wifey, discovered that prior to the Canada Day weekend, the city of Pickering roundup all the geese at the waterfront.   

In my opinion, the lack of Geese and their $#!% could be affecting "Goose's" power as it is known he draws power from their $#!%.  Sort of like the Green Lantern, just instead with Green Goose $#!%.  Hopefully, the birds will come back in time to $#!% on the field in time for playoffs.

Votes are IN - Tim receives 4 UNICORN Points (now at 6 Total)

Next Game:  Thursday 11-JUL @ 5 PM vs. WTF Collective

Return of Wildman sees him racking up Unicorn Points - Don't forget to Vote

Return of Wildman pushes L&L to another victory

Wildman (aka Tim) had his best game of the season, with flashes of speed that made it feel like the early days of L&L.  Wildman went 3 for 5 with 2 singles and a double, not to mention 3 runs and 1 RBI.  But his real presence was felt on the base paths.  He simply created havoc on the field with his blazing speed and agility forcing the Nuclear Fissionairies to simply fizzle out...L&L downed the Fissionairies easily 27-15 with the result never being in doubt.

Charlie Hustle does it again

Never in my years at L&L have I seen the League Leader in Batting average  (minimum 18 at bats) get so many infield singles.  Charlie Hustle does the impossible with most of his hits not reaching the bag at third, he simply torches the 1st base line making it to 1st before the throw.  Mr. Hustle is 18 for 20 on the season with 12 singles (most of those infield singles).  Biggest surprise this season, Charlie Hustle has some wheels...and some new shoes...Not to mention he showed his skills as a closer pitching the final 2 innings of the game.

 Tammy returns from retirement for single game

L&L this year has been hit hard by the work/vacation flu, forcing them to call on one-time PARC Hall-of-Famer Tammy.  Tammy has been keeping fit and in game shape in her retirement from baseball and proved instrumental in the win, easily handling duties at 2nd base.  Thanks to Tammy for helping us out.  Another former L&L member provided some relief to the lineup, Snow, went 3 for 6 with 2 runs and an RBI.  Clarification :This is not Snow the rapper who sings  the song "Informer"...

Acu-Poke by any other name...

Acu-Poke proved that for him romance and baseball do not go together...While he impressed the ladies with his superior baseball landscaping abilities, he definitely did not impress them (by them I mean the other team's catcher) by striking out so horribly while trying to flirt with them.  Acu-Poke attempting to flirt is hard enough to watch but watching him attempt to flirt while attempting to hit was just impossible.  Acu-Poke would have needed a 6 foot bat to hit some of those balls.

In the end, the catcher pumped him out, and started to trash talk Brian for striking out so poorly...

Game Highlights

Denise - 5 for 6, with 4 Runs.
Charlie Hustle - 6 for 6, 11 Total Bases, 4 RBIs and 5 Runs
Hubbie - 4 for 4, 11 Total Bases, 6 RBIs, 3 Runs.
Shawn the Ringer - 54 for 5, 7 Total Bases, 5 RBIs and 3 Runs.

Next game: Thursday 4-JUL @ 5:00pm vs. Balls Deep

Come see the fireworks...

Lords and Ladies shows the expansion team New G'Rads how it's done

Lords and Ladies shows the expansion team New G'Rads how it's done

On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, the Lords and Ladies had their first meeting of the season with one of the two expansion teams, the poorly named New G'Rads, like seriously, how can this name will really work for more than one or two years.

Not to mention the Lords and Ladies were decimated by the work-holiday flu bug, causing them to sign free Agent Shawn formerly of Gone Fission.  Lords and Ladies played half the game with only 8 players, including 1 lady which meant taking an automatic out every 10 batters or so.  But still, the result was never in doubt.

With wonderful fielding supporting great pitching, and timely hitting the Lords and Ladies breezed to a 15-9 win over the New G'Rads.

Game Highlights - Vote for Player of the Game in Survey

• Chris - great pitching and a great hip-check on Alex aka Charlie Hustle.  Alex was definitely calling for the ball, it seems that Chris had called for it as well.  9 runs over seven innings is a season low for Chris this year.  Not to mention he actually accounted for scoring 4 runs without suffering injury.   

• Paul - great defense at a position that shall not be named.  Plus 3 RBIs and 1 Runs

• Brendon ("Goose") - Goose was great at finding the Goose $#!% in the field.  But how could one forget that he went 3  for 4, with 2 singles and 1 double, with 4 RBIs and 2 Runs.

• Shawn - free-agent signing rushed into action went 4 for 4, 3 singles, 1 triple, with 3 RBIs and 2 Runs.

• Alex ("Charlie Hustle")- what a tough nut, after taking a devastating hit from Chris, not only did he stay in the game but produced his best game yet.  Going 4 for 5, 4 singles scoring 4 runs and playing great defense at 3rd.

Looking ahead, We need Tim back

Tim "Wildman" no longer holds the strike-out crown, next game expect him to lead off again.  Acu-Poke is also offering a special offer of Double Unicorn points, not to mention Unicorn points for fielding.

As well, Tammy the Hall of Famer 2nd baseman is in discussions for a possible return to the Lords and Ladies for a single game.  This would definitely boost the Lords and Ladies roster devastated by the holiday-work flu...

Next Game - Thursday

Balls Deep a bit deeper after playing Roshambo with Lords and Ladies...

Balls Deep...Lords and Ladies Roshambo'd you!

Roshambo as defined by http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=roshambo is:

    " a game; to kick each other in the balls over an object, last one standing wins."

Well that is definitely what happened at today's game.  Playing Balls Deep which were the heavy favorites coming into today's game, as per our own gambler "Charlie Hustle"  (insert cleat picture here...), came out swinging.   It didn't help that the Lords and Ladies had to reach deep into their pen to find a starter.  Pete looked shaky in the 1st, lining up on the pitcher's mound, and surely that 1st round of Roshambo was difficult for him.  Giving up 5 runs quickly before settling down.

However, in the Lords and Ladies half of the inning, they kicked them Balls [so] Deep[ly] that the team called a mercy.  Then again in the second inning, the Lords and Ladies delivered multiple hits to the Balls for another mercy.  I believe this was the first time in team history that Lords and Ladies were on the right side of back to back mercy innings...

Highlights:

Don't forget to vote for game MVP, but the this game's highlights read like a full season's worth.

The Bash Sisters - Kate and Denise - combined for 5 RBIs and 5 Runs.
The return of Goose - yes the Poop was absent from the field today...had 4 hits, 4 runs and 4 RBIs.
Pete - doing it on the mound and at the plate - 6 RBIs!
Brian -  ran around the bases 4 times (i.e 4 runs)...without getting hurt!
Mike - the only batter to get out twice...
Alex (aka Charlie Hustle) - hitting for the cycle

Next Game - Tuesday 18-Jun

 

 

Lords and Ladies come up short...Lose to Up and Atom by 1 run

Heroics from 1st game missing

Down by 2 runs to start the bottom of the seventh inning, Mike led off with a lead off home run.  Hits by Tim and Chris got the winning run on base.  Unfortunately that was as close as it would come.  The Pitcher of Up and Atom dug deep and got the next three consecutive batters out.  Giving the Lords and Ladies there second loss.  So far all of the Lords and Ladies games have been decided by a single run.  Some exciting baseball has been played to date with more to follow!

Highlights:

Tim, the consummate gentleman...

After hearing that Agnes was disappointed with the Strike-out crown, Tim set his sights to climb that mountain.  Tim seeing a woman in need and carrying the heavy burden of the strike out crown, immediately picked up his share by striking out at his 1st at bat (in the lead off position, I might add).  Thereby, reducing Agnes' weight by half.  Now, if Tim could do it one more time, he would completely unburden Agnes from such a heavy crown.  And so, when he did come up in the second inning, with Mike on 3rd, he looked at the pitcher, and knew what he had to do.  Three strikes later, Tim sat down...Happy in his accomplishment.  He alone was to carry the burden of being the Lords and Ladies Strike Out King.  Everyone should appreciate Tim for being such a superb gentleman.  I will give Tim - 2 Unicorn Credits...Brian says once you hit 20 credits he will give you free hypnotherapy...


  +2 Unicorn Credits ++

 Note: Not to be outdone, in the gentleman position, Alex struck out once.

Alex, the emergence of "Charlie Hustle"

Alex, in his first game back, stuck out, and then "hustled" for 3 infield hits.  One right down third that stopped its momentum about halfway between home and third, the second right down at first base, it was so perfectly placed that it actually hit the bag thereby allowing him to reach first safely.  And a third hit which witnessed a super sprint down first.

As we all know, Alex last year was cleatless...meaning he had no traction...but before this game he went out  and bought new cleats.  Based on him getting three infield hits, I think that he must have bought magically cleats.  Stay posted for pictures and more stories of "Charlie Hustle and his magical shoes" in the next blog...

New Bash-Siblings - Poop and K8

Oakland A's had Conseco and McGwire, Lords and Ladies have Poop and K8.  The pick up of Poop this year just looks like the management team of the Lords and Ladies really knew what they were doing.  And it shows as Poop's batting ability really compliments K8's style, ensuring that neither batter can be pitched around.  Just looking at their game stats, and what a remarkable game they had.  Poop and K8 supplying 6 RBIs and 4 Runs.  Look for this combination to remain part of the lineup for many games going forward.

As K8 puts it "K8 always follows Poop!"  That's how it is going to be for the next while based on the impressive numbers these two put out in the last game.

My wife mentioned that "TP usually follows Poop"...more on that later...stay tuned!!

Next game: 13-Jun @ 5:00pm - PARC East

Lords and Ladies Photo Contest

Pictures for Everyone!

Thanks to ACU-POKE for sending on these photos, perhaps we should vote on best picture...

And the OSCAR® for best picture goes to...see Survey below...

And the Nominations Are

(A): Acu-Poke

Obviously, the intimidating manner of Acu-Poke, needles and all, resulted in this panicked shot.  The photographer must have endured extreme fear as he stood behind the cage waiting for the elusive and sly Acu-Poke.  Acu-Poke is a very dangerous animal indeed...Perhaps we should submit this for the Pulitzer Prize of Photography...can you feel it...A masterful picture of a very dangerous subject.

 (B): Brendon (aka "Goose")

Once the danger of the Acu-poke had passed, a gentler animal appeared.  Coaxing the photographer to leave the safety of the cage.  This animal would be definitely classified as a "pull to left field" type of hitter.

 (C): Paul (aka "Rookie" or TBD)

A swing of beauty...enough said...

(D): Steve

A beautiful picture.  If you can really zoom in on that face, please do so.  Now that is FOCUS!!!  Unfortunately, I don't think this hit went much past the edge of the picture....Actually, it was a pretty nice double.

  

(E):Tim, are you wearing Moe's Jersey?

I looked at this picture, and thought, that is a really nice picture of Tim.  The fielders look like they are playing a ball that would be hit by Tim, everyone is enraptured by the classical movements of Tim.  The gentle and deliberate laying the bat down.  The long extension of the arms and legs, all moving to, and in concert to express a very artistic...What a minute???? Tim don't hit left...That's Pete!

(F): Wifey, I broke the camera

Believe it or not, but my horrible posture and swing, not to mention my very un-photogenic physical appearance, actually broke the camera.  My apologies to the two ladies whom are unlikely to win due to the camera being broken...

(G): Two Unidentifiable Women - Impressionist Style

Due to the broken camera, broken by yours truly, these poor women are left to compete hoping that there is a lot of Impressionist Art Lovers out there.  See how the sun captures the beauty of these two unidentifiable women.  The grace with which the colours blur together and burst right off their bat.  If you look closely you can see purples and blue tones in their skin.

Heartbreak in the Rain...

Lords and Ladies are handed their first loss by Arch-nemesis Class IV Power

In a rain-shortened game, the L&L fell to Class IV Power 14-13.  The first inning showed the L&L staying true to form as a fair-weather fielding team.  Who is that center-fielder anyways??? giving up on those missed balls...oh yeah...that's me.  I think Brett Lawrie might have chewed me out on those ones.

As well, team management had to scramble to ensure the requisite number of ladies were present, with Agnes coming off the 3-day DL to play injured at second base.  Diana also nursing injury provided solid defense at the shortstop position.

Keeping with the injured-reserve SPONGEBOB appeared at the game, yes the infamous Brian P******s, showing that he can run faster to first when not wearing a cast on his foot.  Spongebob matched his career best with a 2 for 2 outing at the plate, with 1 RBI, and 1 Run scored.

Other highlights:

• Brendon  - Player of the game, 3 for 3 with 3 Doubles, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored.  Not to mention showing up the starting centre-fielder with his amazing attempted-slide-catch through the beginnings of a lagoon of Goose $#!%
• Paul adding an Inside-the-Park Home Run to claim the team lead in Home Runs from Jeff Klein.
• Agnes with the team's first strikeout, an honour usually reserved for Tim aka "Wildman"
• Chris who avoided season ending injury by running out 2 infield singles in cold weather play.
• Steve for hitting a huge fair ball out of the park, only to have it called back for a foul.  Plus for using the STEEL REBAR Bat and cracking it over the head of the centre-fielder.

Many good things to cheer about this year, with lots of good offense, suspect defense (aka starting center-fielder) and lots of spirit.

Next game: Tuesday 4-Jun vs. Up & Atom

Week 1: Revenge of the Lords (and Ladies...)!

After the heartbreak of losing in the championship game to their arch-nemesis "The Turtles", many players not able to cope left the team for greener pastures.  A tribute to our dearly departed former teammates:

1. Jeremy
2. Crystal
3. Meaghan 
4. Chris
5. Rakhi
6. Erick

Seeing such a loss of talent, this was expected to be a rebuilding year for the L&L team, but some new recruits have shown their potential as the future of the club.  These new recruits are: 

1. Paul
2. Brendon
3. Agnes
4. Steve

Returning from a gruesome injury and after undergoing an aggressive  rehabilitation program, we are sometime this season going to see the return of:

1. Brian  (aka SpongeBob)

without the walking cast.  Albeit Brian always seems to have scheduling problems, so his actual return date is still a bit of a mystery.

And finally, the L&L team were able to bring back one of their original members.

1.  Jeff

Who must have been doing some serious power-lifting during his year retirement.

Well, back to the game synopsis.  The game started out poorly for the L&L as we found ourselves quickly in the hole 5-0.  But L&L did not stop, with some speed and quickness they clawed back to even the game, and then pull slightly ahead.  New recruits Paul, Brendon, and Agnes showed all the reasons why the L&L went on their free-agent charm offensive this off-season with outstanding defensive plays and power at the plate.

Not to mention, we had a walk on that Agnes was able to persuade to play, despite having to hold his pants up while playing.  Chad's 4 RBIs, 3 Runs, surely helped the L&L pull out the win.

But the big news, and I believe for the first time ever, the L&L received clutch hitting in the bottom of the last inning.  Down by 4 runs to start, Mike started the rally with a lead-off double, Kate reached base on a clutch single, followed by a double by Chad.  1 Run scored.

Next up was new Recruit Paul, on a 1-1 offering (don't really remember the count, but it just sounds better!) he crushes the ball deep to left field, and gone, out of the park 3-run home run.  Game Tied 18-18.

Next up, L&L original member, Jeff.  Not to be outdone, he crushes the first pitch, once again to deep left field, does it have enough to get over...We all don't want a repeat of Jeff trying to leg out an in-the-park home run...he has the speed for it for sure...but can his tear away pants handle the extreme g-forces caused by his quick acceleration??? (ask me about this if you would like more detail).  Fortunately, for Jeff and his pants, he smoked it.  It's out of the park!  What a clutch hit!  Back to Back out of the park home runs to win the game!

L&L avenged their championship loss with the help of the newbies and the not-so-newbies, and of course their recently returned original member, persuaded out of retirement...

Up next, Class IV Power, a team we love to beat...

L&L