10th Anniversary Season Opener

*Under New Management*

On May 22, 2014, the Lords & Ladies had their season opener of their 10th anniversary season, against the powerful WTF Collective. To celebrate the anniversary opener, the stands were full and the crowds were wild, and the stadium gave-out free sunflower seeds and peanuts to all to celebrate! Or so we'd like to imagine.

New this year was a change in management. After a triumphant 2013 season, the Lords and Ladies' long standing manager Hubbie-Mike was bought-off by an overseas high-roller team, at a price the L&L's owners just couldn't afford to match. Original team member 'Wildman' Tim was tasked with taking over team management, and given that the season opener wasn't a complete disaster, he may not be fired, at least not just yet.

The Wildman brought-on a few new call-ups, with high potential for grand slam big hits, and flying-leap eagle-eyed catches:

Ronnie - An urban legend, ringer-Ron is ready to cover the entire outfield single-handedly with his speedy sprint. He's a strong contender for dozens of out-of-the-park home runs, based on him having his own bat and also playing in another league. He just must be a super-star!

Margo - After continually upping the bribe to get her to join the team, Margo finally caved-in with an offer of a 500% increase in player base salary. Too bad 500% of $0 is still $0, but we won't tell Margo that. :) Margo brings the full force of tyke T-ball experience to the field, a force that the opposing teams will be knocked off the field with.

Andrew - Hipster Andrew is Margo's other half, and comes as part of the package. Donning his aviator shades and denim jeans to the field, his plan is to distract the other team by looking so smooth they'll forget all about getting the ball into the infield. Watch-out for when he actually wears his sportswear, then you'll know he really means business.

Wade - Wade's enthusiasm is so pumped-up that he's already gone to the tattoo parlour to get a giant L & L emblem inked across his chest. "It gives me hitting power", says Wade. "Just wait until you see how I'll be hitting over the fence every hit, then you'll all be getting one of these."

Brandy - A late call-up from the 2013 season, Brandy's now ready to take on the big-leagues full-time, and has joined L & L for the 2014 season. She's fresh out of off-season Florida training camp with the Blue Jays, and ready to teach the team all the secret tips and tricks of the game.

And so fresh out of the prior-week's training camp, and under the first warm and sunny day of the year, the Lords and Ladies were ready for their first game of the season. Snow-shoes were traded for cleats, a swamped ball diamond was traded for a grassy and dry one, and the team was ready to play-ball!

The game started out slow but well, with the Lords and Ladies holding the field against WTF Collective, preventing any embarrassing mercy-innings, but also just not getting the necessary runs in. Brendon really livened things up with his out of the park home-run, trying to show the new call-ups how to 'get 'er done'. Taking Brendon's lead, Pete ('Moe') hit a deep and far out-of-the park foul, almost knocking-out an innocent soccer player. However the WTF Collective really showed its might in their field, only allowing 3 L & L runs in the entire game.

On the infield side, everything looked promising. Margo got a big and much-needed 'out' at home plate, and K8 made some big catches at first base. Wade quickly picked-up how to tag-team with short-stop Tim, and the combination seemed to get their dance together for a few more 'outs'. Pitcher Moe got-in a couple strike-outs, proving his worth and that he can hit the mat with the best of them. Third baseman Rob got his hand on a ball or two, and managed to make a few key stops to keep the ball in the infield. And styling Andrew even showed-up late in the 6th, to cheer us on and ponder whether he's really worthy of joining such an amazing team!

Not having enough excitement at third, Rob tried his hand at pitching for the 7th inning, for which he earned participation points from the crowd. Sorry Rob, but we'll have to work on that pitching-arm a bit more. :)

In the outfield, 'Goose' Brendon, Ron, Brandy and Denise had their work cut-out for them, as WTF could really place the ball wherever the outfielders weren't. Denise was kept busy with a number of balls placed directly up in the bright sun...... Don't worry Denise, we'll get you welder's goggles for next game so you'll be able to pick-out those balls coming in from the bright ball of fire! Brendon and Ron certainly got their exercise chasing the ball around, and were able to quickly get it to the infield with some big throws. Not to be outdone, Brandy at rover got plenty of pick-ups and also got them to the infield quickly to stop the play.

All in all it was a valiant effort by all involved, and not nearly as crushing a defeat as a score of 21-3 sounds like on the face of it. The next game is 4:30pm on Thursday May 29, on PARC East (unless it's still swamp-like), against Up & Atom. See you there!