This is not meant to disparage any other team, I legitimately enjoy playing against them all. But there are a few teams that I really look forward to meeting and for very different reasons. Examples? Sure, but I think I'll save that for a BLOG on the character of different teams, well....most teams. Its funny, because some people see very different things with some teams. You might find a team really competitive where I find them relaxed and fun to play against.
For my money, the Dodge City Rounders are easily the most mellow, laid back team that we play. Others are chilled too; but not "Ed and Al chilled". They just have a "water off a ducks back" attitude. I think if we were missing our numbers 8-12 for a game and I went up to Al or Ed and said, "hey guys, we're short tonight - but we've managed to get five number 1's to sub"; the only response I'd get is "Ok, have a good one, let me know if you want to borrow our bats". They're just easy.
Tuesday night was no exception to the norm, it was another enjoyable game with the Dodge City Rounders. What made this night particularly special is that we were able share rookie night with our Dodge City Brethren!
What is rookie night, you ask? Rookie night is fast becoming part of Grisslie lore. Instituted by Rob Farah, my partner in crime, as an extentions of the league's pre-season rookie night, we use it as semi-formal check point to make sure they're engaged and having fun! We wait until game six when our new players are feeling somewhat comfortable with the team and we 'introduce' them to the league. Its a night when we celebrate the new blood that will ultimately help sustain the great thing that the T.O.T. has going. We make fun of them "a little", but more so; we do what we can to make sure they know they are welcome.
In typical Dodge City Rounder's fashion, they even let one of our rookies score the winning run! They just never stop giving!!!
Rob Farah did a great job orchestrating the evening.
Master of Ceremonies
With the teams lined up on the first and third base lines, Rob spoke briefly about the importance of our league's rookies, with the hope that they'll take care of the "new kids" when they in turn become vets. They are a good group.
Then with much fanfare Rob called them onto field.
Craig Escott, Dave Doucette and Stephane Simard
Rob introduced each of the lads to the opposition teams, the abundant crowd and each other! Rob, Ed and Al (Sadly not pictured - they were too quick), presented the boys with gifts.
Gifts for Rookies!
Each rookie was given a game ball signed by the four captains, a rule book (which in hind sight, we should have done sooner) and a sash that said "Princess". It was meant to say "Prince" but we had an issue with the printer. While we weren't happy with the typo, I think the rookies were still honored. In fact they wore their sashes proudly until through one at bat each.
Not seen in the pictures, was a great gesture from David Polny, representing Cora Restaurants who is the Dodge City Rounder's sponsor. David gave gifts of Cora travel mugs and gift certificates to each of the three rookies. Being shy, David didn't want to appear on camera, but the rookies were truly surprised and appreciative! Thanks again David!!!
The Grisslies sponsor Cogveyor failed to deliver even one conveyor system. However, we have it on good authority that Timmy Two Beer will make up for it at the Help The Kids Play tournament. (Actually Tim was out of town on business or the 3 rookies would already have conveyor systems set up from their fridges to recliners)
One final pic from the sweaty rookies!
There was a good number of children in attendance for the game, including rookie off spring. They all thoroughly enjoyed the rookie night cake!
Special thanks to (*****), for picking out the cake and
inscription at Foodland. Putting your name in here probably
wouldn't be a good idea, but you know who you are and thanks!
I hope everyone enjoyed the night as much as the captains did; below are some pictures of the evening. Special thanks to everyone to playing along and making it fun for all three rookies!
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