BS FALL '08 Final Game Recap

The most overdue recap is finally here. I don't apologize for the delay because quite honestly, nothing I could write or think of could ever encapsulate what happened on that field. Our team fought, kicked, and scratched, for 7 innings, and even though we didnt pull it off, we had to be proud.


Bomb Squad vs. Someone's Little Sister Part II


The BombSquad had absolutely no intention of being knocked out of the playoffs on this unreasonably nice night in Fall Chicago. Coming in as 20 run underdogs the BS Crew still had some hope despite having the ass whipping they took a few weeks earlier still on their minds. The crew sprinted out to a lead and quickly asserted their will, playing clutch defense and showing some swagger. It could have been the positive influence of having Team photog Alyson Andrews finally make a game and appeal to the narcissitic side of the squad.


The BS CREW managed a huge 7 run lead despite the Left twins taking a vacation and combining for a 2-8 night. Ricky Wojcik, Ben Ricter, and the Speed demons of Nick and Ed carried the squad. Alex and Ryan injected their special brand of justice, with Tracii and Kelly asserting themselves as well.


The surprise defensive star was Sarah Schabowski, who played a perfect outfield and caught more balls than left or rightfield. also, was on point with all her jokes, baked a cake, and correctly identified three wines in a blind taste test.


As has been the case throughout the year, the inexperience of the team and errors caught up to them. Although, there were some great plays, highlighted by, Nick Cummings turning a double play. SLS, finally broke through and not only closed the lead, but extended their own and finally ended up beating the proud BS crew.


notes: Ed sprained his ankle in the 5th inning, but still was safe at first despite hitting it the SS who was playing in. iz3y did not get hurt. TheKid hit a homer, first game neither Lefty twin (shadez/iz3y) did. Alex Mendoza's option was picked up by the team.

BS FALL '08 Game 7 Recap

Ninja Rangers vs. BombSquad


The Final regular game of the season and the final chance chance to work out kinks before the playoffs. In typical fashion, the skies opened up and began raining on the BS crew who had a chip on their shoulders and looked very determined. The defense was solid and held the highly ranked Ninja Rangers to 2 runs, which were scored after an error. The BS offense would undoubtedly answer, as cleanup hitter, iz3y! launched a home run to tighten the race for most homers on the team. The Country boy, Ben Ricter, didn't want to miss the party and belted his own blast. The BS crew was off and running.

The game was back and forth and the tension built as the Ninja Rangers began to realize that they were playing a pretty good team. Despite their lofty record, and a guy dressed in full baseball attire (DORK!), the BS crew was never intimidated and played tough until the end. Never was this more evident than when a hot screaming shot bounced off the bionic shin of second baseman, Kelly McCann. That play saved a run and served notice to the NR team that we werent going anywhere. Kelly later made a nice on another hard hit ball, shaking off the inevitable bruise on her shin. Later, reigning 911 award winner, iz3y! took a ball off his right brow causing him to miss half an inning but he stayed on to lead the team to a hard fought unofficial victory.

That Victory did not come without some controversy and venom. In the Final inning, the BS crew entered with a 2 run lead. The Ninja Rangers had the top of their order coming to bat and the mission not to lose. They promptly jumped on the BS crew and scored 5 runs to take a 3 run lead. Leading off was, iz3y, with this being his first at-bat after his injury. He promplty slapped a single to right field, and up came BIG BEN Ricter. Ben Drove a pitch to deep left and iz3y was off to the races. Lil Nick was sending everyone home all night and this would not be his exception. We go to Hawk Harrelson for the call:
"Deep drive to left...STRETCH..STRETCH...its over the head of the left fielder. Coming around second is iz3y and he is being waved home...here comes the relay... iz3y slidessssss, the tag from the pitcher................he bobbled the ball......SAFE..sAFE!!!...and the BombSquad is within two...YESSSS!!!! MERCY!!!"

The Ninja Rangers pitcher was livid. Replays show he not only bobbled the ball, but as he tagged the left knee, iz3y's right leg had already touched home. Ben would score later on an sac hit, and the BS crew was down two. Lil nick would get on, and Kelly would follow after two outs. Up came the fastest runner the BS crew has, Ed Lopez, who carries a perfect on base streak. Ed slapped the ball to the third baseman and because of a slight bobble, Ed narrowly beat the throw. Nick raced from second to score as the Ninja Rangers argued yet another call. Johnner ended the game with a strike out.

Emotions did not end there as the Ninja Rangers were not happy the game ended that way. The BS crew had their own gripe as a run was not counted...an oversight by their scorekeepers. Still, BS manager iz3y was very pleased with the team's performance.

"Just happy we came out and played to our potential. We give a lot of games away and hang our heads. This team has too much character beer to do that for too long. I love how people stepped up, and never got down. I hope this feeling can carry into the playoffs, because the records are wiped clean, and it's win or go to the BAR!"

notes: Johnner played in his work clothes, the ball that smashed Kelly's shin was reportedly dented. Kathy Gennuso celebrated her 27th birthday. iz3y did go to the emergency room keeping tradition alive

BS FALL '08 Game 6 Recap

BS vs Someone's little sister

This week the BS crew faced the top rated Someone's Little Sister at Union Park and showed up with spirits high and wearing spiffy new Grey Road Shirts. The Team as normal started well scoring some runs riding the Lefty power of James 'HAHAHA' Schwertfeger and Ismael 'lil Ozzie' Lopez. Ben Ricter showed up to the party smacking the ball around as well and the team was off!
"I am just taking good country cuts, and trying to stay consistent. I even rode my bike to the game in hopes of reliving my Farm boy roots. I really wished we could have pulled this game out, but there is always next week." - Ben Ricter

Unfortunately, SLS would not remain quiet as they began to exploit the inexperience of the BS Outfield, launching moon shot after moon shot. The inning stretched on forever as balls kept landing just out of reach of the crew and for good measure they mixed in some errors. The highlight of the night, had to be a deep arc-ing shot to left that Shadez began to camp under until he ran into another team practicing. Flustered he abandoned the route and watched the ball land 4 feet from him. Still the outfield did make some stops and tried valiantly to cut off balls, but the damage was too great to be undone.

Down 15, iz3y lead off the next inning with a HomeRun to Right Center Field, that seemed to spark a late rally, but it fell short as the crew fell again to a huge score.

A very bright note was the infield play as each made fantastic stops, but none more impressive than Johnner's stunning ankle stop of a ball he purposefully redirected to theKID who stepped on first. The infield had to navigate mud trenches, and short bases, but still played solidly all around.

Notes:

A minor scuffle broke out in the BS Dugout as the Lopez Brothers fought. Sources indicate it was over why future Peter Petrelli of Heroes is dead, if he has Claire's healing power....Johnner, Nick, and Ed strung together some impressive line drives bringing relief to hitting coach Tracii Beatty...Nick reprised his role at Shortstop and iz3y went to center marking the first time this has happened....Kelly celebrated her 24th Bday party with a Apple-tini. Yeah...at a bar!

BS FALL '08 Game 5 Recap

BS Crew vs. Orange Crush

Confidence was at an all time high this week coming off the Squad's first win last week and facing a team with an equally terrible record. The Crew got down right cocky when it seemed like a) the other team wouldn't show up and b) if they did, they'd be playing with like 8 people. Alas, confidence alone does not win softball games.

Aside from being confident, the BS Crew was a massive cluster fuck from the start. Missing 1/2 of the top of its order and no leadership to speak of, the lineup had major holes. Eventually James "no that's not astroglyde in my hair" Schwertfeger showed up, so all that needed to be replaced was starting shortstop, manager and clean up hitter iz3y! "lil' ozzie" Lopez. His cousin "Bassy" didn't show either. Unfortunately the Crew was missing something else which became apparent in the 1st inning.

Perhaps it was the cold, perhaps it was the cloud over all of Chicago baseball yesterday or maybe it was missing their manager, but the BS Crew came out with ZERO energy. Top of the first the BS Crew doesn't get a runner past second base. Any runner that did get on, was quickly erased by a fielder's choice. This was the story for the ENTIRE GAME. Only in the top of the 4th (after the game was called) did someone hit a ball in the air that was not caught--James finally woke up and hit a 2 run homer.

There were some moments: Alex making an inning ending catch in Right; James over running a fly ball left that led to 3 runs; Johnner tagging a girl at home after a relay from Ed and Kelly McCann, then promptly feeling her up all the while playing it off like he was holding her up.

Hopefully the Crew will find more energy the rest of the season as the temperature starts to drop. Getting shut out is hard to do in softball--especially by a team that is short handed--but the Crew managed to make that happen in a major way in last night's game.

BS FALL '08 Game 4 Recap

BS Crew vs. 12 Inchers

On a very late Thursday the BS Crew assembled looking for their first win.  Despite looking good for a few innings in the previous 3 games they have not been able to punch through for a victory.  Thursday's contest seemed to want to test the Team a little more as the injury report listed their starting pitcher (Johnner Londono) as out, team owner (KG) and team manager (iz3y) as doubtful for the game.  Facing another hungry team, this did not seem to be the time for a let down.

Remarkably, KG made the game and Sebastian took the place of iz3y at short and manager.  KG, despite a tragic kick ball episode that made her phobic of the pitcher's mound, toed the rubber and took over as the BS Crew hurler for the night.  Displaying the type of magic that made her a kick ball Cy Young award winner, she tossed a gem.  Mixing in arc with spin, and the occasional roller, she kept the 12 inchers reaching and stretching, unfortunately her defense was just as baffled.  Committing approximately 20 errors the first two innings, the BS crew allowed 14 runs to a team that had not scored a run yet.  The bad play was highlighted by Sebastian, as he had an easy double play opportunity turn into an error as he took his eye off the ball and bobble it.  

The bottom half of the inning would continue the trend of BombSquad offense as James lead the game off with a homer, and with KG standing at first, Bassy launched a deep fly ball into Right Center Field for the BS Crew's second home run of the inning and cut the lead to 8-3.  In the next inning, they cut the lead to 13-11, and then ran away with the game 24-14 to end it after 5 innings and claim their first victory.  

The Power Lefty's of James and Bassy have really given the team a power boost they have not had in a while, and with KG crushing the ball, it seemed to really set a tone through the lineup.  In the midst of that 8 run second inning, many hitters on the team showed incredible patience and good swings.  Ben and Alex seemed to find the nice and easy swing that generates good hard line drives.  Sarah and Kelly showed outstanding patience at the plate and and played very solid defense.  The one key component that is becoming more consistent is the speed that Ed and Nick provide down in our order that is keeping the innings alive for what has to be one of the deadliest 1-4 hitters in the league.  With Richard hitting second, he forced the defense to play on its heels and really wear themselves out.  The quiet star of the game had to be Tracii Beatty, as she teamed up with KG to call and play a great game.  Also she took two walks for the team, and late in the game decided to unleash all her frustrations when she crushed a ball between third and Short.

BS FALL '08 Games 1 & 2 The Double Dip Recap

Game 1:

Entering the Game the energy and vibe was at an all time high for the Bomb Squad after enduring a 2 week delay due to fear and weather.  Despite not having much time playing together, the team seemed to gel quickly and was ready to go into battle for this late season stretch.  The team started off extremely fast featuring their new leadoff hitter James ‘Ricochet’ Schwertfegger who was signed out of the Puerto Rican Softball league.  Please see the preview mock interview later in this recap for more details.  After a great play forced out Ricochet, and with KG on first up stepped, coach and the newly crowned 911 Award winner, iz3y Lopez.  We go to Ron Santo for the call:

 “one out, runner onnnn………first…yeah first.  Is that first?  I remember being on first one time after taking a walk.  Oh, wait, what happened?  How did that ball get in right field…WHOAH, people are running around the bases…what happened?  (receives help from staffer)  Ahh…HomeRun by Ignacio Lopezi, the Bomb Squad is up 2-0.”

 The BS crew put up 3 runs total in the first and then proceeded to enter into a slug fest giving up 5, then coming back with 3 more in the second only to give up 4 more.  Rust was evident everywhere as the starting shortstop AIR-MAILED two throws, and few fly balls were dropped and in general people had difficulty adjusting to the layoff.  Team energy on the other hand was high and even though the game ended in the 5^th 16-6, positive vibes abounded. 

 Team owner Kathy was quoted as saying, “I like the team and I hope to see the same energy, competiveness, and desire throughout the season.  I just hope my coach doesn’t do something dumb like dislocate his shoulder again, or pitch!”

 

Game 2:

Sensing his pitcher was not in the zone, iz3y came on to pitch.  The Bomb Squad did not respond positively committing a league record 100 errors in the inning and giving up only 15 runs.  The offense started hot again, but only one run was scored despite some sharp hit balls, and the BS crew looked tired and old.  The rest of the game turned ugly as chatter between both teams escalated and it seemed as the focus was not on the game.  A source close to the team said there was a lengthy discussion between the captains of the team with Ricky ‘theKid’ Wojcik saying only, “This does not ADD up to a win.  We cannot have a winning FORMULA, acting like this on the bench, and not concentrating on the field.  We need to find the COMMON DENOMINATOR and become a PRIME example of a team.”

Some good points throughout the game was the speed of the team with the addition of former High School hurdler Nick ‘IT THUG’ Cummings.  He hit the ball hard and legged out an infield hit.  Later, he forced an error and made them pay by running around the bases collecting two RBIs.  There were concerns about how his speed will hold up after his 30^th Birthday Party, this Saturday, but scouts and medical staff have shown good confidence in him.  Also, Ed has not lost any speed whatsoever and finally the energy of the club.  

BS SUMMER '08 THE RECAP

Yes ladies and gentlemen, I am back and almost better than ever. I know it has been quiet from this end for a couple of weeks, but I have been busy getting my record Label off the ground.

So unlike normal recaps I am not going to only have a Sports Section-esque recap, as a matter of fact I am starting this thing off with this lame-o message and now owner Kathy G has poked me with a stick so here goes our recap, Awards, quotes, and finally…coach’s comments…well…LETS DO THE DAMN THING!!!

Despite a hot start, the BOMB Squad limped through the season ending it with a 180 turn from how they started. The season commenced with a 31-6 drubbing of the Free Marketeers and the team riding a wave of positive vibes, partially fueled by beer. Things reached their zenith when the BS crew defeated Phil & Lou’s 14-11 playing with only 8 players under dim lights and more beer. Things would soon go south after a 2 week wait when the team saw their Team player/manager iz3y go down with a freak injury. Freak because his arm seemed to not fit right with the rest of his body. It was later diagnosed he had a simple case of being a ‘dumb ass’ for diving for a ball in a rec softball league! Injuries would later claim, Stephen ‘andy from the office’ Pzrybysz, and partially the Clown Prince of Math, Richard ‘the clown prince of math’ Wojcik.

Through the course of the year we saw the team really come together from pre-warmup drinking sessions, to pre-game warmup Bags/drinking sessions, which caused the league to issue a NO DRINKING Memorandum. We saw Johnner dance on the mound, and ‘Babe Ruth’ trot the bases. We learned new lingo like ‘heels’ (for people who swing at pitches over their head and necessitating heels to hit it) to ‘outtie 3000’, which really should have never been used under any circumstance. The team laughed, cried (sorry, Stephen I had to let people know), and even get yelled at (yeah I did it…and yeah I did take coaches training from Lou and Ozzie). Above all, the team gelled, and came together to the point that we cheered every hit, and picked each other up in the field.

The last game, against Phil & Lou’s, was a rough affair where the offense could not get on track again. Whether it was the lights, or the time, or the the fact people had $2 tequila shots in them, it just seemed like something always came up. Not much will be remembered from this game except the Kid’s buff collection and Johnner almost getting killed by three line drives he still hasn’t realized were being hit to him.

Johnner did manage to gun someone at third turning the impossible into the possible. Kg almost one upped him ranging deep into foul territory to snag a fly ball.

What should be taken away from the game is how far everyone came from where they started and how much work there is still to go. Also, and more importantly, how much fun we had playing this silly game.

BS Summer '08 Game 6 Recap

Another rough outing highlighted the 7:30 game at Union Park, as Green Eggs and Ham put on a fireworks show against the Bomb Squad.  The loss was pinned on recent signee, Karen of the RainMakers, as she filled in for the "Colombian Dandy" Johnner Londono.  Green Eggs and Ham opened with a 6 run 1st inning, in what could have been more, thwarted only by the solid defense of the Bomb Squad.  This was not to last as they began a much expected onslaught.  The Bomb Squad had fun on the field, keeping their spirits up as they sprinted for 400 foot homers, and watched GEH perfrom circus tricks.  The best of which was a one handed line drive that went for a Home Run.  TheKID, a real clown himself, attempted the same feat as he hit a rocket into leftfield, that was narrowly snagged.  The difference, of course, was theKID was playing with one arm for most of the game, sustaining an unknown arm injury.  There has been speculation that it was suffered in a juggling accident, but there are no confirmed reports or witnesses.

 

The offense still suffered through a drought as the team could not get on track.  Johnner and Sarah did show trememndous patience and competiveness by still trying to get a rally going despite being down huge.  It was Amy's tremendous at-bat that proved the spark to the team as they rallied for 3 runs in the final inning closing the final gap 33-3. 

 

A visibly upset manager, Izzy Lopez, only had this to say, "We just have to keep competing and worry about our team.  I thought I saw a few people's mind wander, but I have to say i was more than impressed with the gutty efforts of theKID and Chris Hancock, who now has a kitchen mitt-esque thumb on his hand.  We are a good team and I expect us to have a good final game.  I think there is too much pride in that clubhouse to let this stand."

 

Iz3y then engaged in some martial arts with his brother, starting second baseman, Ed Lopez, ultimately coming out the winner by distracting him with a joke!  

BS summer '08 Game 5 Recap

Here we go...step right up to the Bomb SQUAD bandwagon...seats are filling up fast!  Yes, ladies and gentleman the Bomb Squad is a huge hit with the fans and with other teams.  Despite being in the midst of a 3 game losing streak the Bomd Squad continues to be a major box office draw and league favorite.  Attendance was an all time high as the Bomb Squad fell to the WS crew 16-6.  The BS crew did keep it close for most of the game drawing the game to a 1 run deficit, but again the offense stalled as WS went on a late inning tear.  HIghlighted by a massive 400 foot homer and a couple of line drive opposite field shots Wyld wrested control and never gave it back.  Shockingly though, the Bomb Squad was undaunted and so were their fans as they drew the largest crowd of the season before, during, and after the game.

 

"It is really nice to see people come out and support me in my time of need and absence....oh wait, they are here for the team.  But Johnner sux...come on..serious?  Wow...ok..well whatever...ungrateful bastards!" - Random bum off the street.

 

TheKID did provide some muscle slugging an opposite field shot and a pulling one into leftfield.  He has stepped up his game in memory of the loss of his clown Sensei, Master BO BO SHUCKY PANTS, a world renowned juggler, ballon animal maker, and deadliest balloon swordsmen in the world.  When approached after the game, his representative Richard, had this to offer.  "At this time, my other personalities would appreciate it if the public would respect our privacy, and our need to heal.  It has been very difficult, but there is no truth to the rumor that we went on some Malibu fueled rage streak down LaGrange Ave.  Thank You."

 

 

Outside of that it was a great outing and since people (AA) think my recaps are too long, let me make some quick notes.

- Luis played an outstanding game at first, and then later somewhere near Lake and Damen...unfortunately we play on Ashland and Randolph...look that up on a map to see how deep and over he was playing.

- We lost Steve to an injury, something Doctors are calling, a freak 'u should stretch before games' pull of the calf muscle. 

- Alyson Andrews came to a game.  She was the Bomb Squad's starting pitcher until a freak 'lame ass excuse' injury prevented her from playing.  Her support did help the team excel early in the game!

- Malisse Haarl left before the game.  Coincidentally, SUPER CHICK showed up at an accident site three blocks from the field (coincidence?) and saved cat from the third rail of the Green Line.    The cat was later sent to the Animal Cruelty Society which received a huge donation of $20 dollars from SUA earlier in the day. 

- I yelled for about 97% of the plays the first 4 innings...and toned it down to 22%...that means u guys are learning the game.  It was awesome to see people moving into proper positioning without help from the bench.  

BS Summer '08 Game 4 Recap

Fielding proved to be a key issue, on top of a lack of offense for the Bomb Squad as they dropped a squeaker 17-4 to Business Time.  The BS crew did start off hot, scoring 3 runs in the first inning, two of which came courtesy of another prodigious blast off the bat of Ricky 'theKID'.   What proved to be the costly lesson of the night was DEFENSE as Business Time flashed some impressive leather, highlighted by a stab of a searing shot off the bat of Ben Ricter by the BT shortstop.  "I couldn't hit it any harder if i tried.  It has been a long time since I have been on the farm bailing hay and tending to cows."  said DH, Ben Ricter.  The Bomb Squad did have their own defensive highlights as theKID gunned a runner at home and Kathy Gennuso filled in admirably at ShortStop after it was discovered she was a 8 time Gold Glover in her 65-over Church league.  With many call ups joining the lineup for the first time and the loss of their starting shortstop, defense was an adventure but they seemed to grow more comfortable as the game went on.

 

For the second straight outing though, the 'Colombian Dandy', Johnner Londono, had a rough outing letting his frustration show on the field.  Reports suggest that there was a confrontation with fiery manager, Iz3y Lopez in his office following the game but team officials downplayed it is two guys acting really stupid.  Iz3y had this to say, "I liked parts of our game out there, and I saw where we could improve.  I mean if we are going to compete we have to do better, toss better, hit the hole better, and generally have the mindset that you have to compete better."  When told that we were asking about the game and not that Bags tournament held before the game and specifically his reported back handing of his brother who failed to dive unnecessarily for a ball, he seemed puzzled.  "The game!  we are talking about the game?  What do you want me to say?  I thought for sure we would cover the spread...er ...I mean compete out there and we fell a little short.  We have a lot of new players who don't know the nuance of the game.  As for my brother, I don't know what he is afraid of...dive...lay out...what is going to happen?"  Iz3y then adjusted his sling and popped 4 Vicodin.

 

He did explode after he was asked if this was a moral victory of any sorts.  "Moral F***** Victory...u Play to the win the F******* Game!" , he shouted with spit flying everywhere. "Utterly ridiculous that you would think I would consider that a moral victory!"  When again reminded we were talking the game and not bags, he seemed embarrased again and popped more Vicodin.

 

The game did have some key moments for the Bomb Squad as Kelly McCann had the best game of her short career, and Luis learned that keeping his foot on First base is not always the best idea.  The real highlight of the game came in the tumultuous 2nd inning as Johnner, lept of the pitching mound like a rabid hyena to snag a sharp hit ground ball and ran to first to get the runner.  In the process he was, as some witnesses described, shoved in the back and told to get out of the way.  Johnner then proceeded to cop a feel of the runner's breast and returned to the mound.  This did not ease the team's pain of the loss, but Johnner seemed to have an extra hop in his step after that.

 

Before I do my awards here are a couple of rules that help me when i am playing! 

1. Swing like your boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband just starting banging your sister/brother/father/mother on your new Calvin Klein 800 count sheets and had the audacity to ask for a sandwich.
2. Do take a strike when you have a 3-1 count and the pitcher has not thrown you a pitch within 4 feet of the strike zone, and you haven’t hit well anyway.
3. Fly balls are pretty, line drives are deadly…Be deadly…make sure people are wearing cups out there.
4. Running to first hard is not optional…it is mandatory..Run like your hair is on fire.  In some cases it might be if you are caught slacking off.
5. Take the walk if the other team has taken 10 and/or has started talking shit.  Or, drive the next pitch into the pitchers mouth and you get a free round on me
6. Remember that behind you, you have another opportunity waiting to drive in runs…GET ON BASE and make it happen with ur wheels
7. Playing defense is not as fun as hitting, but it wins u games.  So stop the ball and get it back into play, yes even it means u have to get dirty.
8. Never call out ur teammates, especially on the field.  We are a team. Play as a team.  Drink like a team.  WIN/Lose as a team.  Besides at some point that person u yelled at will have a bat in their hands at some point.
9. Back each other up. U may think they have that ball no problem, but still be there just in case.  This works for in life too!
10. No one borrows our bats.  If they didn’t bring one, we give them a stick or a shitty bat and let them know they are lucky we even gave them that.  MEAN MUG…and then walk away

BS Summer '08 Game 3 Recap

well team we suffered our first loss, but we played hard...so hard we actually laid ourselves out on the field.  The game was not the best we played, but we played as a team.  We drank as a team, we hit like a team, we worried about our dumb ass shortstop like a team, and you all drank some more like a team! 

  

In the third inning of a game that was rapidly getting out of hand, iz3y dove to his right to try to make the spectacular play happen and pump his teammates up.  Oh yes, the game featured a ESPN quality stop, with a tragic finish as SS, Ismael Lopez dislocated his shoulder on a dive to his right, and is most likely out of the season.  Team owner and captain, Kathy Gennuso, had this to say,  "you don't replace an iz3y.  he is not replaceable.  I mean he was the heart and soul of the team, and ...wait...is John Kuehn available?  no?  Oh, well we will be ok, we will just have to play hard, drink hard, and persevere...are you sure about Kuehn?" 

  

The game did force people to play multiple positions and the team played pretty well after the inning.  Recalled from the minors for the game was Kelly McCann who was an outstanding kickball champion in third grade and had been a first round draft pick by the Bomb Squad, who was in the minors getting seasoning for the later this year.  She was rushed up in order to provide youth and speed off the bench.  Also signed was Jimmy 'Mij Mils' Banda, to a contract for the remainder of the year.  The veteran outfielder has bounced around from team to team, bringing a strong veteran presence off the bench.  Jimmy was a former outfielder for the Cubs of Michoacan, Mexico, before being deported back to the USA. 

  

Since I couldn't cover the whole game here are my awards as best as i can dole them out

BS Summer '08 Game 2 Recap

On a dimly lit field, on a cold and hard Chicago night, the Bomb Squad met Phil & Lou for Game 2 of this young softball season.  The Bomb Squad was in immediate trouble when many of their players were either unable or unwilling to play, and barely arrived with the minimum amount of 8 players needed to play (5 guys and 3 girls, thanx kid for having the rules on lockdown).  Signed to a contract, was former DePaul Hayes-Healey legend, Ben Ricter, to play first base and provide the team with much needed speed.  With every measure exhausted, and every call made, the Bomb Squad took the field with the mindset of winning and having fun.

 

Almost immediately the Bomb Squad looked in trouble as the other team came with 7 guys and more in vans on the way and only 2 women, despite needing at least three.  The Bomb Squad, unfazed, asked to play on and match skills undeterred by the fact that techinically the other team had already forfeited.  A 6-0 deficit after the top half of the inning looked like maybe this wouldn't be the Squad's night.  The inning was highlighted by a long drive that clipped the Squad's superstar Outfielder, theKID, on his throwing hand causing it to swell and throb and severly impairing his playing ability, and that was the first play of the game.  Doctors warned that kid that his career could be in jeopardy, but theKID responded, "Damn that, a clown does not give up.  Especially one wearing a SURVIVOR BUFF...I am playing, just cut it off."  TheKID was then told his hand only needed ice and not a total amputation.

 

The Bomb squad unfazed scored its first run off of a double by leadoff hitter iz3y!, and a run scoring single by KG.  The rest of the game turned quite considerably in the Squad's favor and they used great defenisive play and outstanding pitching from the Colombian Wizard, Johnner Londono.  A patient eye all night by the entire batting order put many runners and provided many run scoring opportunities as iz3y! enjoyed his highest RBI (runs batted in) night of the season.  The Squad cruised to a 14-11 victory and toward a very impressive season.

 

In the 5 inning with the P&L looking to rally, ED 'the SAMURAI' Lopez made an impressive stab of a hard hit grounder and calmy flipped the ball to his brother for an important out and death blow to the rally.  The final inning just highlighted what was pretty evident throughout the game, that the Bomb Squad was going to win this game with defense and pitching, and they did just that. 

 

GAME NOTES: the Squad played without a full time second baseman.  Johnner became the only Colombian pitcher to win his first two games.  theKID will have an MRI and a juggling test today to determine the severity of the injury.  OK, maybe not an MRI as we don't even have everyone's fees in yet. NO homeruns were HOT in this game.  We literally called everyone we knew. The list included:

• College roomates
• friends
• siblings who don't even know how to play the game
• various people who were all moving on the same night
• people who were too cold
• ex boyfriend/girlfriends
• Radio personality Lawrence Holmes of the SCORE 670 who couldn't broadcast this game due to technical difficulties

BS Summer '08 Game 1 Recap

Excellent first game team.  I really liked how we were able to overcome half our team showing up 5 min before the start of the game and come through for 31 runs.  Yeah, we were playing softball, where the greates athletes in the world PLAY!. 

We had first at bats and really showed the other teams in the league what they were in for.  I strolled to the plate with a $250 bat made of space age polymer synthetics and took a walk.  Kathy then stepped in and promptly crushed the ball. The kid stepped in next and ended all speculation about his late night Survivor watching by launching a missile to the furthest reaches of the 'ghetto'.  From there our lineup was off and running, ending with 3 runs and an intimidating message sent. 

John 'theKEG' London, then toed the rubber and shook off early wildness to dominate the weak hitting lineup he faced.  Featuring a nasty splitter and fastball he kept the other team off balanced and petrified. 

"I just went out there and wanted to represent the Bomb Squad and Yankee nation and battle and be a competitor" Johnner said through his interpreter.  [Actual quote: "I opened up a can of whoop ass on them!...WHOOP ASS...yeah...opened up a can of Whoop ASS..WHOOOOOP ASS!]  After quick first inning, the team posted another 4 runs in the bottom of the second, to lead 7-0 and the domination was just beginning as the final score read 31-6. 

The game ended with the ump taking us off the field to let the other team hit, but they weakly succumbed to awesome glory.

The game featured 5 home runs, multiple doubles, a triple, swaying arms while running, and the long since forgotten Babe Ruth running style brought you by the Player of the game John 'theKEG' London!