SO LONG and THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH!

THE AGM

Upon further review ....

NOTE:  I've decided that I'm the wrong guy to report on the AGM. The Website and its owners do the proper job required by and for the league. Expressing my thoughts here won't help the league so I won't bother. I, like the other 34 people (rough count at the start) in attendance had ample opportunity to share our concerns within the framework of the AGM itself. Please check the website of an unbiased accounting of the meeting.  Please be patient as it takes some time to put these things together.

Now, the final BLOG of 2011.

INTRO

And to think that at this time last year I was strongly considering retiring the BLOG.  I continue to be humbled by the people who tell me they read it regularly, occasionally or even AT ALL!  Its an honor to hear.  I'm also very conscious of the people that say I need to "get a life".  They aren't wrong.  But that's what winter is for.  While the rest of you are complaining about how the 7th defenceman on the Leafs is costing them a playoff spot, I'll be chilling and thinking up new story lines. 

Sorry to disappoint some of you, but the BLOG will definitely be back for a fourth season.  Now that doesn't put it in the same conversation as M*A*S*H* or Seinfeld, but a fourth season will match the hit show Prison Break and the brilliant Pamela Anderson (Lee?) detective show V.I.P.  Fine company.  I guess.  

I think next year's musings may center around kibitzing inside a local coffee shop; as players chill on a Saturday morning watching people go through the drive-thru and spinning yarns about the league and relating humourous stories about the people they see.  However; I don't want to get sued by anyone so I think I'll call the coffee joint Him Torton's.  Yeah.  That'll trick everyone! 

I started writing this on on Tuesday September 20th.  The "Fare Thee Well" BLOG is hard to write because its closure for me AND its important that I make sure its looked at many times before being posting it.  The reason being is that it'll be up for 4 or 5 months so it should be pretty 'clean'.  This can be sappy at times, so you're just going to have to suck it up and deal with it.
 
THANKs TO THE LEAGUE

There is no particular order to these and some people can show up multiple times because this was written over a couple of months.   

• Thanks to all of you bothered to say, "I read the BLOG".  Whether in person, by email or by clicking that little 'like' button on Facebook.  Those I remember, with no disrespect intended for those I miss:  Frank Laird, Karen Junkin, Scott Peters, Randy Rose, Sandy Bell, Samantha Del Greco, Peiro Del Greco, Mark Doyle, Mark Kolsen, Paul Piellusch, Lisa Piellusch, Carol-Ann Hadfield, Steve Ross, Leigh Ross, Steve DeLand, Rod Duggan, Paul Hargreaves, Cindy Hargreaves, Melissa Butler, Angie Burkitt, Down Town Billy Brown, Suzanne Cudnik, David Polny, Gary Cox, Peter Shmagola, Karen Turner, Jeff Dancey, Ed Hopkins, Tina Dickson, John Harrett, Brett Mabee, Tim Sullivan, Timmy Two Beer, Joy McCarron, Rob McCarron, Chris Ross, Chris Pulfer, Paul Gyori, Chris Larkin, Bev Steeves, Cal Steeves, Mike Olliffe, James Taylor, Dan Chiasson, Laura Cooper, Jens Lepa, Doris Casullo, Bob Legault, Kevin Boston, Andy Gee, Dave McKendrick, Ed Vonda, John Tessier, Anthony Mrasek, Shaughn Cragg, Mark Bickford, Cliff Joseph, Al Nichol and Robert Quadrini. 
• There are others who read and haven't said anything and that's cool.  There are others who don't find the BLOG to be their cup of tea.  That too is cool.  But its the feed back that keeps me doing it.  The day that its not fun for most people or that I see people stop reading, I'll be done.  Until then, its still a blast - and thanks for keeping me motivated!!! 
• Jamie McLean:  Congrats on your first year as President.  I thought you did a bang up job protecting the fabric of our league and dealing with issues head on.  Also (in case it matters) I think you did a great job of using the resources at your disposal and trusting people to produce results.  Well done. 
• Steve Ross:  Your assistance in making sure I was aligned with the "way of the league" and pulling me back when I started to go sideways (more than once) was an unspeakable help.  The free flow of information between "the BLOG" and "the WEBSITE" left many people not realizing that they are separate entities. And your wine selections are exquisite.  For the rest of you, 'exquisite' is a "wine" word.  Thank you.  Additionally, I was thrilled to see you won the Diamond Award.  Actually "won" is the wrong word...more like you were "honored" with the diamond award as its not a competition.  Well earned my friend.  
• Elected Executive 2011:  Kevin Boston, Ed Hopkins, Paul Piellusch, Steve Ross, Jeff Dancey, Jamie McLean.  You're all mentioned for other stuff, so I won't belabour this part.  My impression is that you came together as executive exceptionally quick.  You gave all appearances of working great together and keeping the league headed in the right direction.  You'd never guess that Dancey and Piellusch duked it out.  (That wasn't confidential was it?). 

• Anthony Mrasek & Ed Vonda:  For all my "I Hate The Wild" rants, Tony and Ed were probably the only ones who knew for sure that it was a joke.  Tony in particular always played the foil to my attempts to change things.  However, we didn't disagree so much as he felt it important to speak for people who wouldn't normally step up.  He also wasn't resistant to change as he has sometimes been portrayed, he just wanted to embrace change at a reasonable pace.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm rarely mistaken for someone reasonable.  We have, and will continue to share a pint and a good conversation.  I completely understand and support why you guys are stepping away for a while; and while I'll hope for the winter that you'll change your minds, just know that you'll be sorely missed in the spring.  Thanks.  
• Rob (owner) of C.W. Coops who came on as a last second sponsor and gave everyone in the league discounts for wings until the end of the year (see me if you lost your discount card). 

 

• Rick Cudnik:  Poor Ricky Bobby.  I should really be thanking Suzanne who gave me the go ahead to write the new revised "Ballad of Ricky Bobby". 
• David Polny:  Not only a sponsor (twice), but a contributor to every sanctioned and non sanctioned league event.  If you only know David from the baseball field it doesn't scratch the surface of who he is and what he does for this league.  Bother to have a conversation with him and walk away feeling better.  Thanks Dave. 
• Randy Rose:  This was one of the rare BLOGs that I did without asking permission in advance.  That's what happens when something occurs to you at 2am on game day.  Sometimes they work, sometimes not so much.  Someone asked me once how come I only write BLOGs about people that could beat the crap out me.  Truth is that BLOGs about nuns aren't that funny.  Thanks for not beating me up Randy.  Besides, who couldn't beat the crap out of me? 

• Frank Laird:  Frank unwittingly played the foil in the "Randy Rose is a thorn" edition.  He didn't beat me up either and he probably could (have you seen the hands on that guy?).  Thanks Frank. 
• Jeff Dancey:  Jeff told me that I had carte blanche to use him anytime in a BLOG.  Some people might be a little wary of that, but he was game.  The first time Jeff was exploited this year was in a pre season BLOG about a mock captains meeting where he argued for statistically "tracking stolen bases".  Its still one of my favourites of the season and we hadn't even picked up a bat yet.  Next up for Jeff was his Kevin Spacey-like role as the apparent fool who was really the mastermind in the seven part trilogy about the dark underbelly of the league.  Thanks for submitting to this stupidity Jeff.

• The Brew Jays.  We hadn't beaten the Brew Jays in the last two years and we were down 9-1 early to them in the quarter finals before we took off with the bats.  Ken Doan and Rod Duggan spoke up and did the right thing in notifying the ump that Rob Hayward's hit had cleared the fence.  I don't know that this has been 'reported' 100% correctly.  This call wasn't a momentum changer necessarily.  We had already been on a roll and clawed our way back into the game. The changed call resulted in 2 runs in a game we ended up winning by 7.  That's not to diminish the significance of this.  Ken joined us at the Legion for a pint a week or so after the playoffs and we thanked him again for his honesty.  He said (paraphrased) that the best part for him was that, "your team never complained that it was a home run before it was changed and my team didn't say anything negative when I got back to the dugout."  This just re-enforces the spirit of the league to me, well done guys.

• Ed McDowell, Al Fry and Craig Escott:  On June 7th we had our annual "Rookie Night"  This night is where we introduce our rookies and make them front and center in the game.  We talked to Al & Ed about it and they agreed to participate and we extended Rookie night their rookie Craig Escott.  Thanks for your participation gents and some good laughs.  And don't worry Craig, I'll take your secret life as a Karaoke star (and I do mean star) to the grave.
• Rod Duggan.  What?  I've never written an expose on Rod!  True.  Rod goes about the league as a very good player and quiet captain.  I won't pretend to know him well, but he makes me laugh with his understated humour.  So, when I find myself writing stories that seem to be going sideways (often) and need to be pulled back on track I use the line, "and then Rod Duggan punched me in the face".  I actually laugh when I write it.  I don't know exactly why I think its funny, but it is.  Its the bucket of cold water over my head that gets me headed back in the right direction.  Anyway, thanks for the punch and the face and for never mentioning it!
• John Harrett, Mike Olliffe, Jim Rouleau, Paul Hargreaves and Andy Gee, who all gave their permission (one somewhat grudgingly) to have their names used as part of the Furious five.  Thanks guys.  It didn't hurt too bad, did it?  Chick - a - bow - bow!!!
• Ed Hopkins...much like Jeff, gave me the "Dougie, you don't have to ask".  Ed played the role of the faux 'Grand Master' in the trilogy. And by the way, for those of you reading that think I don't know what a trilogy is, just know that its part of the joke...you would understand the WHOLE joke if you can figure out the title of this BLOG.  Ahhhh, the legend of the Grand Master lives on, eh?  Additionally, Ed allowed me to once again write a piece for the newspaper on the Help The Kids Play tournament.  It is something that means a lot to me and I'm honoured to have a tiny role in the event.  Thanks Ed. 

• Tito Presenza:  For the funniest single line all year.  Wholly unrepeatable here, but I'll be happy to tell anyone in person.  You can also ask Mike Olliffe, James Taylor or Paul Gyori who are the only other surviving witnesses. 
• Jerry Wallace:  Thanks for the shirts.  That was some good comedy in the middle of a semi final game!
• Mark Bickford:  Many a night, many a song; although one of us needs to be restricted from access to a microphone.  There will be plenty more over the winter.  Always great to help change the world with a simple conversation!  Thanks. 

• Paul Goryi:   Paul made the tragic error of having one beer too many one night two years ago and put a bug in my ear.  The Lollipop Guild was born.  Paul took care of much of the recruitment, the registration and all in-game planning and strategy.  It was a good learning experience for him and it was great relief for me to just play and not worry about anything in the middle of a hectic season!  It was also a little revealing.  Paul asked me for some advice on setting the lineup defensively.  I told him that the approach that I take is to have the best possible defense on the field for the 7th inning and then work backward making sure that everyone has the same playing time.  The theory being that "if" the game is close, you'll give yourself every chance to hold the score at the end.  He said that it sounded like a good approach and went off to the lineup.  I was in the dugout for the 7th inning of every game of the tournament.  I know I over rate myself defensively, but Brian Richards over me?  Starsky and Hutch ahead of me?  Sweet baby Jesus.  Thanks Paul!
• Jens Lepa:  (one "p" bro).  Jens allowed me to use him to play the role of the 'paranoid' guy that thinks everything is a conspiracy.  I have to say he was the perfect guy for the job as it is nowhere near who he is.  The Gord Robertson torture scene (with Celine Dion covering AC/DC) was perhaps a tad offside, but still compelling.  Additionally, Jens really is the 'nice' guy that I always say he is.  Early during the semi finals between my Grisslies and his Lucky Stiffs, we were chatting at the dug out between innings.  I said, "You know Jens, as long as this game has a 7th inning that's meaningful, I'll be happy".  I got the big Jens smile and handshake and he agreed!  Middle of an elimination game - same cool guy.  And if that's not enough, Jens allowed me to show his retro boogie dance video in front of 320 people at the banquet!  Classy baby, classy!

• Scott Peters:  Scotty, is one of my favourite guys in the league, I'd love to see him on the Grisslies some time.  (Jens was already a Grisslie before so don't go thinking its some kind of favouritism).  I can literally go months without seeing or talking to Scott and then next time we run into each other the conversation picks up right where the last one dropped off.  Scott submitted to play the same role as Jens.  Its still cracks me up when I reread it. Anyway, I get these occasional emails from Scott (hope I'm not selling you out) at odd hours where he would discuss a play from that night's game, an opportunity missed or a moment of greatness from an unexpected player.  This is something that I "totally get" and not everyone else does; and that is the NEED to just talk baseball from time to time. This isn't about arguing plays or discussing decisions, but just marveling in the symmetry and beauty of the game.  If its 'just a game' to you, that's okay.  But if Field Of Dreams resonates with you, we've got a lot to talk about.  Baseball is the great chameleon of sports.  It appears to be linear, contained with 1/4 of circle.  The truth is that baseball isn't limited by a clock or eventuality.  Baseball doesn't have routine if you don't accept it; it has magic.  Thanks Scotty for providing some of those moments. 
• Derryl Gaudet:  Back to the "I Hate the Wild" BLOG.  That one was fun for a lot reasons, not the least of which was that so many people came up to me afterward and asked if I really did hate them!  Hilarious.  Derryl's behaviour gave credibility to that particular edition.  Before writing it I emailed Derryl and told him what I was doing and hoped to have it out in a couple of weeks (these things take time to write and develop) and I asked if it was okay if I represented him as a trash talker.  As usual I finished the email with, "If you're not comfortable with this, its cool - lots of guys say no" (and believe me, lots do).  The response from Derryl was, "hey there, doesn't bother me in the least, what would you like me to do, throw inside pitches to knock you down?"  Well from there the hilarity ensued.  Anyone who knows either me or Derryl, knows that we're at Keogh park A LOT, either playing or watching ball.  Not as much as Dave Doucette mind you, but A LOT!!!  So for the next two weeks Derryl totally blew me off, would give me these looks of disgust every time I said hi.  He was playing the part and did it GREAT!  But he was the first one who ever played the part in real life!  That was fabulous, thanks Derryl!

• Rob McCarron:  Well, more specifically Joy McCarron who sanctioned the revocation of Robbie's Grisslie alumni status.  Robbie plays a lot of ball.  Tournaments, league play and subbing fairly regularly.  The Grisslies had a rare need for a sub one night after Rob had just gone through a ton of ball and he respectfully declined.  The next week we needed a sub again and he had a previous commitment.  So, me being me, I wrote on article on McCarron's alumni status being revoked.  Thanks again for submitting to the lunacy, "Rocket Man!". 

• Mike Olliffe and James Taylor & the rest of the Hurtin' Units:  On Wednesday July 27th, the Grisslies held their annual Fan Appreciation Night.  When we plan an event (which is most games) we try to give some advance notice to the opposition because it can be disruptive and there is usually an opportunity to join in if they are so inclined.  The Units were great and were full participants in the evening.  They contributed food and drinks and participated in the give aways.  Because we were the early game, people from the late game came to partake in the festivities.  It rained most of the night, but I think that people only remember the good time!  Thanks to the Hurtin' Units and James & Mike.
• Susan & Michelle Farah:  There is no Fan Appreciation night without these two.  They made food, set up the tables for food and drink and were tremendous hostesses as players from four teams and numerous onlookers showed up for the festivities.  The co-ordinated the activities and give aways and generally kept everyone engaged and entertained.  The most common phrase from the Farah women on that evening, "no, its really free.  Seriously, there's not charge.  Honestly, help yourself!" I guess people aren't accustomed to freebies!

• The Hot Tub Woody's:  The team and Specifically Dave Kidd.  Dave can pitch.  The knuckler messed me up.  I wrote an article on how difficult it was to hit him.  My favourite quote was from Al Hayward:  "The Knuckle ball?  Its not a big deal catching it.  You just wait for it to stop rolling, pick it up and throw it back to the pitcher".  Yeah, I made it up; but it sounds like something Al could say doesn't it?

• Tim Osmond:  Feels weird writing his whole name, because he's commonly known to the Grisslies as Timmy Two Beers.  He even signs his emails "TTB".  Love that.  So Timmy stepped up as the Grisslie sponsor again this year as his team was already sponsored by his Captain.  Very cool and thanks for that TTB.  He helped fund our annual team 'awards banquet' which was both unexpected and appreciated.  Finally, I reached a point in August where I was starving for some quality BLOG material.  Additionally, I had a few ideas in flight but a number of 'victims' had declined to participate.  Bugger.  It happens, a lot of work ends up dying on the vine.  So I had this one idea that I had been toying with off and on for over a year when Rob Hayward was dubbed "The Nerd".  So even though it was half written, Rob's nickname had changed and it didn't work anymore.  I emailed Timmy (because only losers use the phone) and said, "I've got this idea I've been working on, 101 reasons why you're a dork!  Are you okay if I run with it?"  Timmy's response (paraphrased).  "Sounds good to me, but if you do it, make it REALLY dorky".  Mission accomplished.  I was at TTB's a week or so after that for an impromptu BBQ and asked him what he thought of that edition of the BLOG.  He said, (not paraphrased) "I was a little concerned when the first 10 were true!".  Thanks TTB!!! Tim received the most improved player for the entire league this year.  I know he thinks that's because he played terribly the year before, but that certainly isn't the case.  You had a great year this past season and moved from being a good guy on a team to a good guy on a team AND a key contributor.

• Chris Pulfer:  So.  I wouldn't be surprised if there is a contract out on me right now.  The Cleats were 19-0 and Chris was the last one to leave the field from their most recent win.  I walked over to him and asked if he had read about the Blue Jays controversy about the "man in white" giving signs from center field at Skydome.  He had.  I asked him if it would be okay if I took the ESPN article word for word and just changed the names of the Jays GM for his name and Jays players for his players.  He thought it was a great idea so off I went.  Their next game was against the 7-12-1 Hurtin' Units, nothing to worry about there, right?  Ugh.  The Cleats lost by one the day after my BLOG about them was posted.  What are the odds?  A couple of weeks later Chris showed he was good sport allowing me to sub for Scott Barton (yeah, that's an even swap) against the Dog Catchers.  They lost that one by one as well.  What are the odds that I would have pre-written one loss, participated in the next and played against them in their only other loss of the year in the playoffs?  Thanks for not snapping Chris, and apologies for the jinx, I'll understand if you pass on my subbing next year.  
• Jason Bowers:  A tremendous job as the sub controller!  I thought you were right on top of it all year and it really showed when you were on vacation and Rob took over a week! Kidding Robbie, settle down.  Thanks Jason, job well done.  
• Art Sagert:  Thanks for making doing the stats fun!  You had a season and a half worth of hitting this year and gave Scotty Barton a real push for a while.  Great player, Great sport, Great guy.  Thanks. 

• Bob (or whatever his real name is) Legault:  Bob made the mistake of telling us one night a year ago that no one ever gets his name right.  And its not like people call him "Rob" instead of "Bob".  He gets Steve, Gord, Dave, you name it.  So we had Bob Legault night in game one of the playoffs.  Every one of the Grisslies had name tags saying, "Hello....My Name Is Bob Legault".  And we had signs all over the dug our saying "Who The Hell Is Bob Legault???"   I know Bob had fun with it.  So did we.  Thanks Bob.  
• Andy Gee:  Your words of wisdom on and off the field.  I'm always up for a pint.  Thanks!

• Mark Doyle:  I tried to back off on the picking-on Marky Mark this year.  Its not easy.  I promise that the Centaur moniker will die with this season despite the fact that I think it is the funniest thing ever.  Thanks bro - for not complaining (too much) when I make you the target! 
• Radar:  I'm sure you're one of the BLOG commentators that works under a pseudonym.  I just haven't figured our which one.  Love the draft analysis, love the preseason predictions, love the post season predictions and wrap up.  Although, I gotta say Marky was the only one to pick the final.  Unbelievable.  Thanks Radar. 

ANNOUNCEMENT:  1st BLOG of 2012
Revisiting Nicknames!
Everyone knows my disdain for hockey (shuddering) and one of the things about hockey is they have no creativity with nicknames.  Drives me crazy (this will turn into a rant...don't care, its my last BLOG).  You can count the really good hockey nicknames on one hand:  The Great One, The Rocket, the Golden Jet....okay, I'll revise that.  You can count them on both thumbs and one finger.  Everyone else in hockey is Shanny, Clarky, Hully, Dougie, Stevie, those of course are the retired stars.  For the current ones we have classic nicknames like Ovie, Nashie, Getzie, Prongsie, Staalie, Staalie, Staalie (there are three of them), and of course, good old Franzie.  Is anyone else having their brains turn into Jello?

Now baseball has nicknames:  Shoeless Joe, Hammering Hank, Cool Papa Bell, Babe, Yogi, The Georgia Peach, Dizzy, Leo the Lip, Rapid Robert, Pudge, Goose, Mr. October, The Big Train, Charlie Hustle, Wee Willie, Iron Man, Stan The Man, The Splendid Splinter, Big Poison and Cy are all hall of fame.  You probably know most of these guys just by the nickname and most of them retired over 50 years ago.   Even modern players have clever names:  Andres "The Big Cat" Galaraga, Lloyd Moseby was "The Shaker", "Rocket" Roger Clemens, Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd, Big Papi, "Black" Jack McDowell,  David "Boomer" Wells, Cecil "Big Daddy" Fielder, Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, Andre "The Hawk" Dawson, "Sweet" Lou Piniella, Fred McGriff was the "Crime Dog", James "Big Game" Shields.  There's no Bautistie, Jeterie or Pedroiaie among them. 

In our league we have a few that have stuck and they are nicknames in real baseball fashion.  This means that they are thought out, usually (not always) clever and they DO NOT involve an "ie" or "y" at the end of the name.  Some are perfect to shout on the diamond while others are perfect for print.  Examples, not all are 'mine', but there is a large portion of the league that will immediately know these people just by their nickname:

Down Town Billy Brown (DTBB) - Bill Brown; Pie Man -  Piero Del Greco; Timmy Two Beer (TTB) -  Tim Osmond; Rocket Man -  Rob McCarron; Dance Man - Jeff Dancey; Ingofische - Ingo Bartens; Slammin' Sammy - Sam Caradonna; Stike -  Steve Black; Kahuna - Roger Burton; Woody - Dan Chiasson; Bones - Al Nicholl; and Radar - Kevin Boston are some of the readily identifiable ones. 

I have formed a loosely organized "nickname committee" that will endeavor to have a creative nickname for everyone in the league.  Yes, this has been done two years ago, but it needs to be revisited and updated and have opinions other than mine.  If you have a creative nickname for someone, now is the time to post it in the comment section of the blog (at the bottom) or flip me an email.  The only committment the committee makes is that there will be no Legaultie, Josephie or Cudnickee in the list. 

Date to be announce. 


THANKS TO THE GRISSLIES

I know its easy to say after the fact, but trust me.....Rob was saying this when we were 1 - 3; the 2011 Grisslies were a special team before we won.  It was the kind of ball team that Rob and I had talked about that blended fun with baseball.  No one was too proud to have laugh at their own expense or make themselves. the brunt of a joke.  All the while, the quality of baseball improved game by game.   

• Dave "The Contradiction" Argue:  From a pure baseball sense he was probably our MVP.  He played center field great, short stop fantastic, pitched superbly and was flawless at second base.  Dave was front and center with all of our crazy promo nights including buying a bunch of Lei's for Mickey Mannell's Hawaiian shirt night.  Dave was also one of our best and most frequent emailers.  The behind the scenes commentary from him was always great. I sent Dave an email after the August Tournament as he was in considerable pain with a badly hurt foot.  I asked him if I should expect him to be at the game that night and he said, "I have to - or my wife will say 'suck it up Sally'"!  You would never see Dave skipping out on the post game chat in the club house and he volunteered as usual at the tournaments.  Dave played Sunday with a determination that pulled everyone along. He may have been happy to be there, but it was clear early that he was going to empty the tank in those last seven innings of the 2011 season. Thanks Dave, it was a great year, but I don't think we're going to get away with knocking you down to a 4 next year like you wanted.  Winner of the Center of the universe award for spectacular play up the middle!  Of course he was the subject of a song too, "Dave you'll turn two" 

 

• Dave "DCMT" Doucette:  Even Terry Doucet had to come to one of our games to find out who "Don't Call Me Terry" was and what he was all about.  Dave may end up as one of the better hitters in the league.  He hit .651 in his rookie year and there wasn't cheap swing in any of his at bats.  A line drive hitter all the way.  DCMT was subjected to rookie night where he was chosen to pitch the first inning.  We had fun with it, but Dodge City lit him up pretty good to the tune of 5 runs.  Davey made up for it with a two out hit in the 7th and scoring the winning run on an Argue double.  Outside of the baseball exploits Dave is a "league" guy.  You can find him at Keogh Park with his son watching ball when he isn't playing.  He arranged for his son to volunteer for cooking duty at the HTKP tournament as well as volunteering himself.  He had bottle tags made (out of his own pocket) for our Fan Appreciation night and did the leg work to get the "Grisslie" banner made.  Dave dove into this season head first and I'm sure he had a good time with it.  I know we did, thanks DCMT!  Dave was the winner of the Come Back Player of the Year Award hitting near .700 for much of the season in his return to the league after being suspended on hiatus.  BTW, you have Dave to thank for the 320 business cards that Farah handed out at the banquet! 

• Sir, Robert Hayward; The Master of Mayhem:  I don't know where to start with this guy.  Robbie is an onion.  He has lots and lots of layers.  Rob is rated a #1.  I wouldn't care if he hit .250, he would still be a #1.  He participated in every event and he was the ring-leader of a few of them.  He was the one rallying the troops when DCMT got pounded in his one inning of pitching.  He was the one taking his turn on the bench (even in the finals) and still coaching and motivating his mates.  He was the one who took every single negative thought or event and changed it into a positive opportunity.  I am convinced that no one on the team played to their rating.  Part of the reason is that we didn't treat people like they were 'rated', just a team member.  The other part was that our best player had the same outlook and Rob's gentle encouragement made every single person better.  Rob "quietly" asked to be the 6'3" bat boy for the Lollipop guild, a team who's height averaged about 5'5".  He saw the comedy and was totally cool to be the odd duck in the group.  He was running around like a giant 8 year old boy who got to meet this idols.  The "knighting" of Rob Hayward (now Sir Rob) night was the stuff of legend.  And typically, he took comedy, and made it sincere.  His reaction after the finals is best left for Rob to tell if he chooses to, but the debreif in McCarron's backyard was likely the best night of the year for me personally.  Hayward was one of four Grisslies to be at all 31 games this year.  Sir Rob, the next team that gets your infectious spirit has already won and I'm not talking about baseball.  Thanks.  Winner of the TSX Award Because sometimes its the trades you DON'T make, that improve the team.    

• Jim "Catfish" Hunter:  I don't know if that nickname will stick but I LOVE it!  In a baseball sense, our team had a few gaps this year.  Once we settled on the lineup in the midway point of the season everything changed and Jim was front and center in both of our changes.  We were 6 - 6 halfway through the year.  We didn't have a lead off hitter, the infield was good, but could be great and the outfield was in the same boat.  The first change was to stop experimenting with the lead off spot and just tell Jim that it was his for the balance of the year.  He was good with that and hit over .700 for the rest of the season.  (NOTE:  remember that 1/4 of Jim's ABs had no one on ahead of him to force out, so he didn't get the cheapies that a lot of us get.  His .700 is closer to a non lead off hitter's .800; I'm happy to have the debate if anyone feels the overwhelming need to lose an arguement! (or a contradiction; whatever the case maybe.)) The second was to ask Jim to move from second base (his usual spot) to centre field.  That was a bit of a gamble that worked out better than we hoped.  First of all with Bob Smith out and me replacing him at short, we needed to have one middle infielder that could rifle the ball and that was Argue.  Dave replacing me was an option, but me in the out field would have sunk us.  We hoped that Jim would do okay.  What we didn't expect was Jim turning into Willie Mays.  His range was incredible!  His best assets are his legs (according to the "Men of the TTC" calendar, he's MR. February) he for sure got to balls that Dave wouldn't have AND allowed the fielders on either side to gamble more knowing that they had Jimmy's speed backing them up.  Since these two changes we were 10-2 regular season and 15-4 overall.  Aside from the baseball contributions he was a great participant in the team events.  Sometimes he would have this "you guys are nuts" look on his face, but it NEVER held him back!  One of more favourite songs this year was about Jim.  The Duran Duran song, Hungry Like the Wolf was rewritten as "Hunter Drank Them Both", loved that one! Was the winner of the team award:  The Better Way / Red Rocket Award:    In recognition of his versatility at high levels between the infield and outfield and his amazingly blinding speed  As Jim Says, "pretty reliable, but not always on time!" 

• Jim "Mickey" Mannell:  Not every nickname is a home run.  However, this one?  It rocked!  Jim's first words to me on draft day when I shook his hand were "who the %"*& are you?"  That's kind of what Mickey's like.  He sort of surveys everything going on around him and lets it absorb before offering his commentary.  The comments I got through out the year were along the lines of, "you guys are ^&*% idiots".  A lot of guys say stuff like this, but few can deliver it in the way of Foreman's dad on "That 70's Show".  Mickey has that deadpan fatherly delivery mingled with the occassional cus word, that cracks me up.  Meanwhile, Mickey's versatility defensively was a bonus to the team.  We learned a lot when Bob was out with the broken finger.  One thing was that Mickey was very reliable at first base which allowed us to play Gord at 3rd.  So much so that he continued there fairly regularly when we had our 12 guys back.  The thing with Mickey was that you could let your throw go, you didn't have to be careful.  Offensively Mickey was extremely consistent hitting the ball hard as regularly as anyone on the team.  He was victimized by line drive catches more than anyone except maybe Argue.  But he goes in streaks where those hard hit balls would fall in.  3/4 against the Rebels on Mickey Mannell night.  4/5 against the Stiff's in the semis.  He picked his spots.  Great season Mickey!  Winner of the Raisin Award Because Mickey deserves a 'raise in' pay for all Field maintenance work he does.  The song "Crazy Mickey Mannell" had its moments, but in hind sight I could have done better on that one.

• Jerry Muirhead:  I had to work double hard 'riding' Jerry due to his lack of an Internet.  Jerry joined Hayward, Farah and I as the only people at every game.  He, almost unbelievably, added more colour to a team that was full of characters.  There's a lot of "kid" in Jerry, with the bounce in his step and the hat on backward (which may or may not be to league regulations).  From a baseball sense he was at his best defensively when charging a ball, either straight in or toward the line.  I think Jerry only dropped one ball all year....thankfully he was subbing at the time!  The comedy from Jerry was pretty constant.  I'd love to give you a quote from an email, but none exist!  Although when I wrote the Popeye BLOG I thought it was kind of ho-hum.  Not my best, but passable.  However, before I even got to the next game everyone on the bench was calling Jerry Popeye and his poor son was getting "Sweet-pea".  Speaking of his son, he volunteered to be the official scorer for Banshees home games and he and Jerry both volunteered at the tournaments in excellent Grisslie fashion.  Thanks Popeye, you were awesome this year! (unlike reports of previous years in which I heard you sucked (oh - no Internet?  Guess you're not reading this - LOL (stands for Laughing Out Loud Jerry.)))

• Gord Robertson:  1.  This isn't Gord Dol.  2.  He's friggin' tall.  I knew who the two Gords were, but mixed up the names, which totally threw me on draft day.  Once I figured out who was who, I was looking at my first two draft pics of Mickey (6'2ish) and Gord (6'3ish) and thought I was in a grove of  Redwoods trees!  So Gord was the second Grisslie to be victimized in the BLOG this year.  Its one of a few formulas I use where I take a trait and build a whole historical background for the person.  The trait I used in Gord's case was his striking resemblance to Freddy Mercury.  Apparently not everyone sees that resemblance, but I sure do.  After posting that I was a little wary of running into Gord; not really knowing him terribly well and not knowing what his reaction would be.  I had to go into the Legion one Saturday to pick up game sheets and before I could get to the drop box, Gord was all over me, shaking my hand, telling me he loved it, saying he'd sent it friends and family...  There is no doubt that everyone on the team had fun this year, but you would have a hard time trying to convince me that anyone had a better time than Gord.  Not only a full participant in all the antics, but he came up with some of his own that we couldn't use.  Lets just say that I hope we get a rain out next year so we can have a 'make-up' game!  I had a number of Saturday or Sunday afternoons hanging with Gordo at the legion...they were as fun as game days.  His humour is easy to gravitate to and he has a self deprecating style that is only funnier with his larger than life personality.  On the field, Gord was a treat.  I thought this was the year that we were going to have a REAL first baseman.  A big target who was steady with the glove.  As it turned out, injuries let us see more of peoples skill sets and we took advantage of what Gord had to offer.  Freddy moved over to 3rd base and played as well as any 3rd baseman in the league.  The infield really solidified at that point with him there and Jim at 1st.  Red Woods on the the corners, you can't go wrong.  Winner of the:  Kool and the Gang award, because its always "Celebration Time" with Gord around! Pleasure getting to know you Freddy! 

• Bill Sallustio:  Its too long to be real nickname, but I still dig "For Those About To Rock, Bill Sallustio!"  I wouldn't have thought at the beginning of the season that Bill's 'thank you' would be the longest to write (because he's such a jerk)...but there you go.  Billy boy was a bit of a tough nut for me to crack.  I think my problem was that we have a similar sense of humour...kind of dry, quick and off beat.  Not necessarily funny to others, but we both THINK we are which is actually more important, isn't it?  It took a while for both of us to figure that out.  Early in the year, before the first game actually, Rob and I got an email from Bill.  Remember that I had only met him once and while Rob knew who he was; he had never played with him before.  The note was as follows:  "Gentlemen, after reviewing the schedule this afternoon I am sad to say I will not be able to attend Mondays game as my wife has yoga. This is total bullshit but I do have to live with her so that is the way it is. I will happily be attending Thursdays game which I would like to have the opportunity to show what I got in the position of either left or right center. If you put me in right field I will drop the one ball that comes that way. Kidding, not really, I am slightly buzzed right now as I have been drinking. Regards, Bill".  Rob and I were on his porch (where else) when this came in and I read it too him from my Blackberry.  We didn't know how much of this was real and how much was a joke as some guys can get a little bent on positions.  I decided to play along and replied, "Dear Bill....Rob is furious. What you're phone number?".  His reply?  "I don't recommend calling right now, what's the problem? Burp"  This of course inspired the yoga BLOG.  Bill was quite possibly the funniest guy on the team.  However, he is only funny to one guy at a time...no one except his victim ever hears him which makes it all the more funny.  We had to go to lengths to get Bill, he's pretty quick.  Saturday June 18th, another note from Bill:    "Greetings illustrious leaders! It is with great pleasure and excitement I announce to you I have been given the green light to play in this years tournament. No need to remind you I am sure, but my rookie year I was a member of the Hot Tub Woodies of which I played a crucial role in the winning of the HTKP Tourney. It was a few years back and you may want to confirm with Ed Hopkins or "The Dance Man" but they didn't play me @ third. After last games stellar performance I'm sure you can understand why. I eagerly await your response and thoughts on this years line up. I trust you are enjoying Fathers Day Weekend as I sure am, BURP!! Buenas Tardis, Bill - 24."  So I stop laughing long enough to get Jeff Dancey involved who sent an email to Rob and I with a copy to Bill.  It read:  "To be honest, I haven’t got a clue who this Bill guy is!  If he had made any tangible contribution to ANY HTW success, he would most certainly show up on my ‘memories’ radar screen.  I believe you are being fed a complete line of BS and strongly recommend running your anti-virus software after opening any email from that domain."  Okay...enough about Bill's emails.  On the field Bill was our roving outfielder...going through and taking each guy out an inning.  His line as he ran by Hayward while Rob was looking at the lineup saying, "have a seat buddy, we all paid the same money" is now on the Grisslie Hall of Fame of one-liners!  It was of the few lines anyone ever overheard.  He defended well and responsibly.  His outfield play was terrific. At the plate Bill hit the most solid .635 you'd ever want to see.  He always seemed to be up with 2-out and always seemed to drive in crucial runs.  Thanks Bill, you helped make this year a lot of fun!

• Stephane Simard:  Steph was one of our two best rookies this year!  Actually, no one on the team knew Stephane prior to the season, but it didn't take long for him to "announce his presence".  It was clear at our pre-season club house meeting that Rob Hayward was going to go to town on Steph.  Not in a mean way of course, but in a "this is going to be fun" way!  Steph hit it off with everyone, but he and Rob had a bit of a special bond.  It started in the first game of the year with the first ball in the air hit to him which he dropped.  That isn't easy for a rookie (as I can certainly attest to).  Robbie looks over at him and says with his mock french accent, "tabernac".  Steph bellows back, "TABERNAC".  I don't know if he was expecting people to be shaking their heads or disappointed or yelling at him, but that isn't the T.O.T. way nor is it the Grisslie way.  Hayward talked to Steph CONSTANTLY and they became as good a left / left centre combo as there was in the league.  They got along so well that there are rumours that Steph called his wife 'Ayward (the "H" is silent) numerous times this summer.  Stephane showed up in many BLOGs this year, but my favourite was probably the one about him as the Ambassador from France.  He didn't talk to me for a week after that one...not that I could understand at least.  There are some favourite moments with Steph.  His daughter volunteering at the HTKP tournament showed that he "got" the spirit of the league from the get go.  His picking up his hat and dusting off his pants before getting a ball that skipped passed him to the fence should be in an Adam Sandler movie.  His family from Quebec coming to a game and being presented flowers and speeches (while speaking and understanding NO English) was classic.  The night of Lumiere Rouge and shouts of Tabernac will last all winter!  Winner of the:  Andre Dawson Rookie of the Year Award, Because Dawson had a Rocket arm, speed to burn and great power.  He also played in Quebec which is really the only thing that Steph has in common with him.  Thanks Stephane, it was a tremendous season!   

• Bob Smith:  Bob Minnesota Smith.  Another nickname I liked.  Bob may play other sports (don't know), but he's what a baseball player is all about in my books.  This is stolen from Bull Durham, but it applies..."when he was a baby, the baseball Gods reached down and turned his right arm into a thunderbolt".  However, with great power comes great responsibility.  Bob could count his errant throws from this year on one hand and he would probably not need to use his broken finger.  He jumped for balls, he went back on balls, he charged balls, he laid out for balls.  He did all this while continuing to be fundamentally sound.  I can play short, from a tactical sense, not ability wise.  Its the position on the diamond that I think is most important.  To see it played THIS well, THIS consistently was a pleasure.  Up 10 or down 10, Bob never made a lazy throw nor did he fail to be in the right position for a cut off or relay.  The outfielders had no hesitation because they new exactly what to expect from their middle infield.   Now, about the broken finger.  These "songs" on the BLOG are a lot of effort.  I have a few generic ones on the go at all times, but once the draft comes I try to get out in front of it and buy myself some time for later in the year.  I was listening to Janis Joplin's version of "Me and Bobby McGee" and all I could hear in my head was "Me and Bobby's Bum Knee".  It may be the best one I ever wrote.  But I'm superstitious.  I knew that if I published Bob would get hurt.  I held off until game 11.  I published it.  Bob got hurt.  If you think something bad will happen and it does, I don't think you can call superstition; its more like premonition.  The Grisslies (I think) were 5-4 while Bob was out with his busted finger.  We decided we'd make a joke of him coming back in that he'd have to "EARN" his way back to the shortstop spot.  We had him catch the 1st inning which he gamely went out and did.  He pounced on a dribbler and got a force out at second.  Next inning he played 1st.  He came off the bag to get another slow roller and went to the 3rd for the force out.  The idea was to have him play every position, but we said "screw it" and moved him back to short next inning.  Joke was on us, huh?  Bob won the:  "Living Proof of Evolution" Award for hands that make a silver back gorilla cower in the corner.  Thanks Bob, for doing the right way while having fun! 

•  Robert Farah, Esquire:  The Gris.  Your nickname sucks.  We need to get you a new one.  That will be my task for next.  However, we had three goals this year.  1) Make sure the Rookies understand what the league is about and want to come back. I think we passed that one.  2)  Play a meaningful game on Sunday.  Pretty sure we nailed that one.  3)  Make sure that we never let an opportunity to celebrate or congratulate someone on either team pass us by. Check!  So this is nothing I haven't told you in person, but there is only one reason we gave up the fewest runs in the league this year.  That's right.  Dave Argue.  HaHaHa.  Okay.  You pitched great.  Collectively we played great defensively, but we always had the one 'unravel' inning.  Some times it was 3 runs that shouldn't have scored.  Sometimes it was 7.  There was only once I saw you not smiling this year and you fixed that quick and we came back and won that game.  People on the team follow your lead.  The funny part is that the lesson about having fun came from you.  I can co-captain a team because of you.  You keep me from flying of the handle and getting too competitive.  I have that bent in me as you know....you are such the opposite of that; that it keeps me grounded.  It cracks me up that so few people see that in you.  Cracks me up further that people think I'm the one with the funny ideas.  God love 'em, fooled them for another day.  Lots of people have said it, but I remember you telling me as a rookie, "no one goes out there TRYING to drop a ball, our job is to have people in positions that are safe and where they can have fun".  (slightly paraphrased).  Thats' what you told me when you said my "safe" place was on the bench.  It hurt at first, but I'm over it.  There will be no promises of a repeat.  Having a one-peat wasn't even one of our goals this year.  Oh, I can't forget the Rob & Sue anniversary BLOG...that one was early in the year and lots of fun  Cheers buddy, you done good!

THE LAST SONG

I'm guessing that songs will be back next year, if Rob's up to it, but nothing is for certain.  I probably should have left well enough alone as songs have only ever been associated with game BLOGs, but this this seemed kind of appropriate.  This is one that I actually wrote as Rob is getting pretty expensive so I have to pick and choose my spots.  I'm biased, but this is kind of epic. 

The last song of the year, American Pie by Don McLean....Here is a link to the music if it helps  (MUSIC)

A long long time ago

I can still remember

How that ball game made me smile

And I knew if we had our chance

That we could make those runners advance

And maybe we'd be happy for a while

It'll soon be February and we'll shiver

But with every picture we'll remember

Good new on the doorstep

I recall every footstep

I can't remember what I cried

When the Grisslies cast the last team aside

But something touched me deep inside

The day the Grisslies sighed

So bye, bye for now Pop-eye

Drove my Chevy to the legion and the legion's not dry

And them good old Grisslies are drinking Donini and rye

Singing this'll have to last us 'til July

This'll have to last 'til July

Bob you used your flawless glove

And we had faith in Rob's pitching from above

The Constitution tells you so?

Now Hayward's bat can rock and roll?

Muirhead's speed will save your mortal soul?

And can you teach me how to play in the show?

Well, I know you love playing with Jim

Not just Hunter, 'cause Mickey's also a Jim

They both kicked off their shoes

Man, I dig those shoeless Joe's

We played like twelve teenage broncin' bucks

But only Stephane had the pickup truck

But I knew we had plenty of luck

The day the Grisslies sighed

I started singing

Bye, bye for now Pop-eye

Drove my Chevy to the legion and the legion's not dry

And them good old Grisslies are drinking Donini and rye

Singing this'll have to last us 'til July

This'll have to last 'til July

Now, for ten weeks we've been on our own

And moss grows fat on a rolling stone

But that's not how it used to be

When Freddy sang for The Contradiction and DCMT

In a coat he borrowed from James Taylor

And a voice that sounded like early Queen

Oh and while the Cleats were looking down

The Grisslies grabbed their sterling crown

The diamond was upturned

The verdict was returned

And while Sallustio read a book on Yoga

Something he'd practiced while in a toga

And we drank from our trophy until the dark

The day the Grisslies sighed

We were singing

Bye, bye for now Pop-eye

Drove my Chevy to the legion and the legion's not dry

And them good old Grisslies are drinking Donini and rye

Singing this'll have to last us 'til July

This'll have to last 'til July

Helter skelter can't wait for the summer swelter

The Brew Jays will be on the run looking for shelter

The Unit's will try but be fading fast

Landing foul on the grass

The Woody's players will keep playing with class

And they'll make some gestures to make us laugh

Now the Rebels team will always play in tune

While we hope that Ed and Tony will be back soon

We all went to the end of season dance

Steph acted like he was in France

'Cause the players tried to take the floor

Mon Dieu was Steph's last appeal

Do you recall what was revealed

The day the Grisslies sighed?

We started singing

Bye, bye for now Pop-eye

Drove my Chevy to the legion and the legion's not dry

And them good old Grisslies are drinking Donini and rye

Singing this'll have to last us 'til July

This'll have to last 'til July

Oh, and there we were all in one place

Our whole team once again lost in space

Wish we could start again

So come on Dave be nimble, other Dave be quick

Bill's gonna show us a yoga trick

'Cause Hawaiian attire is the Grisslie's friend

And as I watched him in the batting cage

Catfish Hunter was swinging the bat with rage

No angel born in hell

Could break that 'can't lose' spell

And as the game finished in the early night

We withstood the opponent's final fight

And I saw the Grisslies dancing with delight

The day the Grisslies sighed

We were singing

Bye, bye for now Pop-eye

Drove my Chevy to the legion and the legion's not dry

And them good old Grisslies are drinking donini and rye

Singing this'll have to last us 'til July

This'll have to last 'til July

I met a girl who sang the blues

And I asked her for some happy news

But she just smiled and turned away

I went down to the sacred store

Where I'd bought beer many times before

But the man there said they were out today

And in the streets the blizzards streamed

The snow was everywhere or so it seemed

But not a word was spoken

The summer yells all were broken

And the three Grisslies I admire most

The Husband, Wife and Banker host

Said springs not far, its here almost

The day the Grisslies sighed

And they were singing

Bye, bye for now Pop-eye

Drove my Chevy to the legion and the legion's not dry

And them good old Grisslies are drinking donini and rye

Singing this'll have to last us 'til July

This'll have to last 'til July

Bye, bye for now Pop-eye

Drove my Chevy to the legion and the legion's not dry

And them good old Grisslies are drinking donini and rye

Singing this'll have to last us 'til July

This'll have to last 'til July