What to Expect When You're Expecting (baseball Edition)

The Last BLOG before the season starts!!!

If you're a frequent reader of The BLOG please skip to the page break below.

For those of you new to The BLOG, here is how it works. There are 3 types of BLOGs.

1. Game BLOGS: These are easily identified by the title GAME #: (song name). The format for these BLOGs is as follow:
               a. INTRO: Typically this is where I try to be funny. Sometimes its long, sometimes its
short. Generally, the stories are okay, but at times they're like a Dickens novel; lots of words but it really doesn't go anywhere. If someone is to be made fun of, it will usually happen in this section.  This year I'll be concentrating more on poking fun at the opposition.
               b. THE SPEECH: Part two is The Speech. The Speech has been a central component of The      BLOG from the beginning. This is where Rob Farah changes the lyrics to a fairly well known song and he sings it to the team before Grisslie games. It’s probably because of The Speech that so many people want to be Grisslies.  The speech is sponsored by one of our league sponsors every week.  (not really).  I use their logo's and mention their name as just another way to call attention (in addition to the website & shirts) to people who are supporting our league. 
               c. THE GAME: The last section is of course the game. This is a recap of the previous night's   Grisslie game. We highlight great plays by our team AND our opponents. We also poke fun (a little) at the screw ups.  What we don't do is blame anyone.  If we lose, this section is usually short. What can I say, I get bitter. Also after Grisslie games, the Donini three stars are announced. Don't take it too seriously, we don't!

2. BONUS BLOGS: These are easily identified by the title BONUS BLOG: ("topic name").  Last year there were 9 bonus BLOGs. I don’t think there will be more than a two or three this year, but you never know. These are typically “just a story”. Usually an elaborate fabrication of one of our players or opponents. I try to reserve these for Game BLOGS but there are occasions when ideas come up after the Grisslies have completed the schedule against a certain team. The Bonus BLOGs are handy for me to ‘carve’ someone without the benefit of game (ie. The Chuck Cragg story from last July 1st is probably my favourite. I should have got an award for that one).

Logo I'm playing with for the Weakly

Supplement.  If you have another or better suggestion

let me know.  Contributions are welcomed!

3. T.O.T. Weakly Supplement BLOGs:  This is a new feature this year. These will be titled WEEK #:  T.O.T Weakly Supplement and will be posted on Sunday of every week.  I'll keep doing them as long as there is a demand.  I'll be able to tell by hits whether there's interest or not.  These will just have a short intro (if anything) and are really being used as a presentation vehicle for the sports centre format show.  The 'show' itself is an embedded link to YouTube.  If you can't get to YouTube (most places of employment block it) you won't be able to see it.

That covers it.  Overall there will be 2-4 BLOGs a week. There will always be at least one Grisslie game edition and there will always be a T.O.T. Weakly Supplement edition. If the Grisslies play multiple games in a week, there will be multiple BLOGs. As well, there will be one for tournaments typically too.

SO....there will be more frequent posts this year and if you want to keep up, you will have to look on the side bar (on your right) to look up ones you may have missed between appearances.

Ok, I'm done.

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(Dear frequent readers…please pause for a minute and let the other folks catch up)
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(Okay, you're probably good now).

This part may be a little preachy.

  

This is my one and only 'nostalgia' BLOG. No humiliating anyone. No poking fun at anybody. No back story about how someone is related to a guy who defeated terrorists using only bird feces, spit and a chewing gum wrapper (note to self: save that one, it could work for a future Rod Duggan story). Just a 'good to be back' BLOG.

For the next 20 weeks we'll watch standings and stats. We'll be surprised by some teams. We'll see great plays and we'll want to bury our faces in our gloves from time to time. We'll pat people on the back to congratulate big hits and we'll encourage our team mates when they struggle. More than anything, we'll laugh and have a good time. Often for too long, but that’s half the fun.

The end will be great, because it always is. Whether the last two teams standing were expected to be there or otherwise; there will be a huge crowd to watch with all teams represented as well as wives, children and neighbours – it’s who we are and what we do.

It occurs to me, in my Andy Rooney moment, that the finish is so good because of the build we have throughout the year. The 'build' has become clearer to me as well. The camaraderie, teamwork and friendships built aren't just on our own teams but are extended throughout the league. Having only been in the league for 3 years, there are many people I count as friends that I've never had the opportunity to be a team mate of. That's because of the quality of the league and the people in it; not because I go out of my way to meet people.

Before I get totally weepy, I think this is a huge part of what makes us great. More important than whether we draft P2's or Shortstops, or draft 1-12 or 12-1; is the genuine goodwill of our group.

A word to the rookies; there are qualities of sportsmanship and humanity that you can absorb from our vets. They are great people, don't miss the opportunity. I won't embarrass them by naming them or risk missing someone; but its incumbent upon you to become an integral part of your team and don't be afraid to be the guy that gets involved! If you put into this league, you will get more than you bargained on in return.

Okay, I'm done. I'll never be serious again.

And just to prove that I won’t be serious again….

Here is the skinny on this week's upcoming games. After this, all BLOGs will be reviews not look - aheads.  Look aheads and predictions tend offend a few people, but this is in jest.  Well, until the playoffs at least, then I'll try and make accurate predictions which will also be wrong! Have a great season!!!

What's he up to now????

Dodge City Rounders @ The Wild

Dodge City comes out hammering the ball and have a bat around first inning.  Tony and Ed put on their championship jackets at the end of the game and order a cake for a Sunday afternoon in September.  They're so cocky.
Prediction:   Dodge City Rounders 17; The Wild 11.

Banshees @ Grisslies
The Banshees smash the ball but the Grisslies defend well.  Anicette hits a solo shot for the leagues first homer of the year.  Both teams struggle to score runs.  The game will be highlighted by a diving catch by Rene Simard in right field. 
Prediction:  Grisslies 7; Banshees 4.

Beer Bros. @ Dog Catchers
The NKOTB (New Kids On The Block – for those of you who missed the ‘90’s) will play their maiden game and their bats are booming.  They are playing Dog Catchers who are my vote to be the dirtiest team. The Catchers end up with filthy uniforms from all the diving.  This is a high scoring see-saw affair that comes down to a Pistol Pete play at the plate. 
Prediction:  Beer Bros. 16; Dog Catchers 16

Dislocated Joints @ Hurtin' Units
Down Town Billy Brown's pre game work out wears out the team before the first pitch.  The Unit's combo of two Paul’s, two Chris’s, two Cal’s and one Kevin Moon is too much on this night.  May 3rd is a New Moon.  Look it up. 
Prediction:  Hurtin' Units 11;  Dislocated Joints 6.

Red Dogs @ Brew Jays
This game features two father and son combos playing each other. Cool. Of course captains Mike and Bob Candy have the Red Dogs who were picked as favorites. The Brew Jays counter with a great offensive and defensive player who has speed to burn in Foerster. Oh, and they also got Lynn’s son Matt.
Prediction:  Red Dogs 13;  Brew Jays 13.

Lucky Stiffs @ Hot Tub Woody's
The Stiffs will live up to their 'favourite' status in this one.  HUGE bats come through for them.  The Hot Tub Woody's rally late but the comeback is thwarted when Jeff Dancey is thrown out trying to steal second.
Prediction:  Lucky Stiffs 19;  Hot Tub Woody's 14.

Rusty Rebels @ Dusty Cleats
Obviously any team with Billy Clouthier is just expected to win.  But on this day the Cleats have it all clicking.  Offense, defense and special teams are all on fire.
Dusty Cleats 12; Rusty Rebels 4. 

Torn Ligaments @ Dodge City Rounders
Dodge comes into this game looking to be the league's only 2-0 team.  It looks good throughout; at least until Kevin Boston hits a bases loaded triple in the 7th to take the lead.  (he was originally called out but it was reversed after an instant replay review). 
Prediction:  Torn Ligament 12;  Dodge City Rounders 11.