Five Loan Wolves (Peter, Olivia, Jane C, Alison and I) were at practice in Clapham common today, taking advantage of playing on the pitch we will be playing on against the Barracudas.
A new training tool was in use today, a cheap tennis racket (designed for kids- it was the best I could get at 9.30am in Clapham High Street, on a Saturday morning)! It was used to launch tennis balls high into the air so that we could practice fielding fly balls. I think it proved useful, although it certainly is different catching a (small) tennis ball versus a softball. A few times, people managed to get the ball in their glove, only for it to bounce out again! Each of us had multiple times at bat, and practiced running to first base. I think we all learnt that it is a very bad idea to hit the ball straight back to the pitcher. Next we did some throwing and catching drills basing ourselves on the marked out softball diamond. After a while it seemed to really improve both our throwing accuracy and strength, plus our ability to catch the ball whilst standing on a base.
It wouldn't be a proper Loan Wolves practice in Clapham if a number of things didn't happen.
1. Like always, the ball managed to roll into the main road by the common a few times today. My softball got run over again (I think that it has as many lives as a cat), but at least it was only a car. Near the end of the practice, the ball rolled in the road again only for it to just miss being run over by a huge 12 wheeler truck. Even after Andy's recent comments about how tough a softball really is, I'm not so sure that it would survive being run over by such a vehicle.
2. As we haven't had huge numbers coming to practice, we usually do without a catcher. This proves problematic, especially when doing batting drills, as when the ball is missed/left it normally at the very least goes way behind the plate, or at the worst (see point 1). We have tried to stop the ball in a number of ways with bags, but it seems however they are positioned the ball always bounces over them. Today I found some spare traffice cones, and so we used those, to make what looked like a makeshift wicket behind the plate. It did actually stop a few balls, so I think that we might have found a solution.
3. Lack of Softball equipment. We had 4 gloves between 5 people today, and only 2 softballs, although we did have 2 bats. I can only stress once again how useful it is to have one's own glove. The phrase 'Beg, borrow or steal' (well maybe not the last one!) comes to mind.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Softball Lesson #10
So our 10th game and what did we learn this week.
10.1 Not a lot really
We should be pleased with our improvement. Everyone did well with good knowledge of their positions’ responsibilities and some good coverage and backing up. I’m struggling to think of many things to point out!?!
10.2 Wolves don’t like water
That nasty stuff that falls from the sky and makes the ground slippery and accelerates the ball. You have to feel sorry for the Devil Strays who have played nearly all the games in damp and wet conditions while we’ve had the pleasure of sunny dry weather.
10.3 Wolves have good eyes
Well done everyone for keeping cool heads and “good eyeing” a lot of pitches. We took a lot of walks which helped our score despite the desire to hit that pesky ball.
Trying to get non-forced runners out is tricky. When the Strays really went for some serious base stealing, despite a lot of close calls and good tagging attempts we only managed one tag (well done Jane C, who would also like to apologise after catching a
If you’re on a base and the play's in motion how can you remember whether you need to tag or just stand on the base? One way that might help is to remember what “the play was”. If the play was “on first” and you’re fielding second or third base, any runner coming to you must be tagged as we’ve missed the forced tag on first. Or listen to me whispering "tag tag tag"
10.6 Ready Steady Go
A few times we (which includes me) were slow off the blocks and could have made some of the outs a bit tighter and maybe caused some errors or over throws.
If you’re FORCED and;
a) the balls on the ground.... go go go.
b) it’s in the air, you have to think but you can steal a few steps in case it is dropped.
c) we're on two outs, run on any contact.
And if you’re not forced (which we had quite a few this game)
d) you don’t need to run
e) if the fielder commits a throw to first etc you can take off for the next base
f) you need to be tagged :-)
Our sparring partners from last winter's snow covered practices have done well, and are a most friendly bunch. Good luck to them making the top half of the league, of course if not we'll be waiting for them next year :-)
Devil Strays 41 - 12 Loan Wolves
The big "grudge match" against the other development team from last year turned out not to be too bad. They were a better side than us - they'd been playing all last summer, while we only started in August, and they had recruited some experienced players over the Winter. They're comfortably mid-table at the moment. But it wasn't too bad a result. Their second-string pitcher walked a lot of our batters (I had four at bats, and took a walk every time), and we were, at least for the first couple of innings, in contention. Some great pitching from Julian, and good performances from our infield, kept the pressure on them, and we made, by our standards, a decent total of runs. Eventually, their big hitters started to pull the score away from us, and an eighteen run final inning led to that one-sided scoreline. But that was after a full game, without "mercy" being called.
I fielded at right outfield, and made one run. Very satisfying running in and feeling my boot contact the plate just an instant before I was tagged, then hearing the umpire shout "safe at Home!".
Many of the Strays were actually quite friendly. Unlike the footballers who started a game in our outfield, and took against the polite but clear warnings that they weren't allowed there, and that the pitch was booked for softball. Some of the Strays were a little hostile to the footballers, things grew somewhat heated, and in the end the umpire had a quiet word with our captains to suggest that we try not to antagonise them. Even though they were in the wrong, getting two dozen testosterone-fuelled teenagers angry at us might not have been wise. Though admittedly, we did have bats...
Talking of batting, a bonus Wolf Point must surely go to Paul, for hitting a big foul ball which came close to beaning the Devil Strays' macho "God's gift to Short Stop".
I fielded at right outfield, and made one run. Very satisfying running in and feeling my boot contact the plate just an instant before I was tagged, then hearing the umpire shout "safe at Home!".
Many of the Strays were actually quite friendly. Unlike the footballers who started a game in our outfield, and took against the polite but clear warnings that they weren't allowed there, and that the pitch was booked for softball. Some of the Strays were a little hostile to the footballers, things grew somewhat heated, and in the end the umpire had a quiet word with our captains to suggest that we try not to antagonise them. Even though they were in the wrong, getting two dozen testosterone-fuelled teenagers angry at us might not have been wise. Though admittedly, we did have bats...
Talking of batting, a bonus Wolf Point must surely go to Paul, for hitting a big foul ball which came close to beaning the Devil Strays' macho "God's gift to Short Stop".
Loan Wolves 12 Devil Strays 39: But Still 3rd (from bottom) in Table
Loan Wolves 12 Devil Strays 39. The result sounds like an almighty beating, but the match was reasonably close until the last inning, where a tired Wolves let the Strays get 18 runs. It was good that the team avoided being mercied for the second match in a row, which was a great effort against a very strong Strays lineup.
Positives for the game.
Once again the team batted well, getting good contact on the ball, and being extremely patient, taking walks when they were available. It was great to get batters/runners walking in runs, especially with the less than ideal ground conditions. After my comedy slip on homeplate, I was pleased to not have to do much running for my two runs. Needless to say, my (studded) boots will be in my bag for the next game.
Peter did very well at First base, making some solid catches from good accurate throws from Paul and Julian, as well as preventing any overthrows. Paul and Kate covered second base well, getting some important outs there. Julian's pitched very consistently again yesterday, especially considering that the pitch wasn't exactly set up correctly (I thought that the pitching and home plates weren't in line) It was a great effort from Alison to hit it hard enough for her to get to first base. Jane C. got a nice catch in the infield. The outfield was very slippery, meaning that once any ground balls touched the grass they literally rocketed away. Also, we had new part time wolf, Katia, playing her first ever game out there too. Taking those things into account, I thought that we outfield did okay. Andy worked diligently covering the Pavilion in right field (although unfortunately it didn't go out there very often), Katia stopped the ball a couple of times, I made a catch, and Manjiv stopped a few tough ones. I hold my hands up for not covering/backing up left field well enough. I think I was preoccupied with helping Katia get through her first game.
A interesting thing happened yesterday outside of the game. A group of 30 or so youth footballers, started playing a match across the back of pitch two's outfield area. The Wolves asked them to move, the Umpires asked them to move, the Devil Strays asked them to move. The result? We managed to get them to move over a small way, but they were a bit of a menace for the whole game, with them shouting and distracting us outfielders, having some of their players walk (very slowly) across the middle of our pitch and their football came on the pitch during the game too. What with the dodgy home plate, and the litter from the previous weekend's music festival/concert strewn across the ground, it sometimes amazes me how they can charge so much for such a pitch.
Finally, a couple of things (pleasantly) surprised me during the game.
1. Julian's rocket boots that shot him to first base on a number of occasions. Good running.
2. Andy's 'fire in his belly' passion, when he forcefully exclaimed in the affirmative that he had definitely made it home after a close call.
Positives for the game.
Once again the team batted well, getting good contact on the ball, and being extremely patient, taking walks when they were available. It was great to get batters/runners walking in runs, especially with the less than ideal ground conditions. After my comedy slip on homeplate, I was pleased to not have to do much running for my two runs. Needless to say, my (studded) boots will be in my bag for the next game.
Peter did very well at First base, making some solid catches from good accurate throws from Paul and Julian, as well as preventing any overthrows. Paul and Kate covered second base well, getting some important outs there. Julian's pitched very consistently again yesterday, especially considering that the pitch wasn't exactly set up correctly (I thought that the pitching and home plates weren't in line) It was a great effort from Alison to hit it hard enough for her to get to first base. Jane C. got a nice catch in the infield. The outfield was very slippery, meaning that once any ground balls touched the grass they literally rocketed away. Also, we had new part time wolf, Katia, playing her first ever game out there too. Taking those things into account, I thought that we outfield did okay. Andy worked diligently covering the Pavilion in right field (although unfortunately it didn't go out there very often), Katia stopped the ball a couple of times, I made a catch, and Manjiv stopped a few tough ones. I hold my hands up for not covering/backing up left field well enough. I think I was preoccupied with helping Katia get through her first game.
A interesting thing happened yesterday outside of the game. A group of 30 or so youth footballers, started playing a match across the back of pitch two's outfield area. The Wolves asked them to move, the Umpires asked them to move, the Devil Strays asked them to move. The result? We managed to get them to move over a small way, but they were a bit of a menace for the whole game, with them shouting and distracting us outfielders, having some of their players walk (very slowly) across the middle of our pitch and their football came on the pitch during the game too. What with the dodgy home plate, and the litter from the previous weekend's music festival/concert strewn across the ground, it sometimes amazes me how they can charge so much for such a pitch.
Finally, a couple of things (pleasantly) surprised me during the game.
1. Julian's rocket boots that shot him to first base on a number of occasions. Good running.
2. Andy's 'fire in his belly' passion, when he forcefully exclaimed in the affirmative that he had definitely made it home after a close call.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Loan Wolves and Englishmen...
...practice softball in the midday sun.
Five of us got together for a practice this morning at Clapham South, for about three and a half hours. Hot and sunny weather, and no frisbee-throwers to distract us. We practised throwing, catching, hitting, base-running and outfielding. Ben came along at eleven and had some good ideas for drills. It was a fun session, and I think we all benefited from it. Good to see last year's MVW Alison moving steadily towards complete fitness after her injury, and Olivia, a relative novice, improving all the time. Tigger has come on in leaps and bounds due to enlisting her nearest and dearest for throwing/catching practice. For my own part, I'm better than I was, but still pretty dire, except maybe running bases with the wind behind me.
For some reason, at least six balls ended up going out of the park and into the road, leading to various Wolves having to play a kind of real-life Frogger to rescue them from the traffic. One important object lesson from this came when we saw a ball survived being run over by a car with no ill-effects at all. It's no surprise, then, that when one hits you in the hand, or shin, or face, the ball's not going to be the one coming off worse...
The team will still need to be extremely lucky to win any games this season - but then, as Gary Player said, "the more I practise, the luckier I get"....
Five of us got together for a practice this morning at Clapham South, for about three and a half hours. Hot and sunny weather, and no frisbee-throwers to distract us. We practised throwing, catching, hitting, base-running and outfielding. Ben came along at eleven and had some good ideas for drills. It was a fun session, and I think we all benefited from it. Good to see last year's MVW Alison moving steadily towards complete fitness after her injury, and Olivia, a relative novice, improving all the time. Tigger has come on in leaps and bounds due to enlisting her nearest and dearest for throwing/catching practice. For my own part, I'm better than I was, but still pretty dire, except maybe running bases with the wind behind me.
For some reason, at least six balls ended up going out of the park and into the road, leading to various Wolves having to play a kind of real-life Frogger to rescue them from the traffic. One important object lesson from this came when we saw a ball survived being run over by a car with no ill-effects at all. It's no surprise, then, that when one hits you in the hand, or shin, or face, the ball's not going to be the one coming off worse...
The team will still need to be extremely lucky to win any games this season - but then, as Gary Player said, "the more I practise, the luckier I get"....
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Softball Lesson #9
So our 9th game and what did we learn this week.
9.1 We don’t lose all the time
Sometimes we draw! Well played everyone. And we discovered that a 6 or 7 game innings lasts quite a long time leaving us with less time in the pub. (I guess there's more advatages to the mercy rule than we first realised)
9.2 Gloves
When fielding or pitching remember to wear your glove
9.3 Shin Pads
When buying shin pads for Manjiv remember to give them to her before she gets whacked on the shin, not after. Sorry.
9.4 Gloves
When fielding or pitching really remember to wear your glove.
9.5 Use your Head
Use your head except to field the ball. It is the least effective and most sensitive part of the body to use when trying to stop the ball
9.6 E.R
We thought we had an impressive injury record with 2 visits to ER and countless injuries. The Raiders B have had 3 broken legs so far this season. Please read the comment for an important safety notice.
9.7 Softball is FUN :-)
A fantastic team performance with very few over throws (The only one I recall was by me!), very few mistakes and nobody getting caught out.
Top marks go to:-
Olivia for practicing leaving the pitches and batting superbly getting to first at least twice.
Mark for two massive home runs and bringing 3 people home to tie the game.
Kate for getting her first run.
Super ‘safe hands’ Ben for catching everything at first base.
Michael for reading last weeks lesson 8.2 and performing a perfect 'crouching tiger spring'.
Alison for standing at bat and not swinging at anything despite every fibre of her body straining to hit out.
Alex for some quality base coaching.
And my nomination for MVP,
Julian who pitched awesomely and still managed time to run people out on first. At one point a batter was 3 balls and no strikes, and Julian produced three great pitches striking them out!
But none of that would have counted without a great team performance
Well played everyone,
We're number 3 (from bottom) we're number 3 (from bottom)
Go Wolves Go
9.1 We don’t lose all the time
Sometimes we draw! Well played everyone. And we discovered that a 6 or 7 game innings lasts quite a long time leaving us with less time in the pub. (I guess there's more advatages to the mercy rule than we first realised)
9.2 Gloves
When fielding or pitching remember to wear your glove
9.3 Shin Pads
When buying shin pads for Manjiv remember to give them to her before she gets whacked on the shin, not after. Sorry.
9.4 Gloves
When fielding or pitching really remember to wear your glove.
9.5 Use your Head
Use your head except to field the ball. It is the least effective and most sensitive part of the body to use when trying to stop the ball
9.6 E.R
We thought we had an impressive injury record with 2 visits to ER and countless injuries. The Raiders B have had 3 broken legs so far this season. Please read the comment for an important safety notice.
9.7 Softball is FUN :-)
A fantastic team performance with very few over throws (The only one I recall was by me!), very few mistakes and nobody getting caught out.
Top marks go to:-
Olivia for practicing leaving the pitches and batting superbly getting to first at least twice.
Mark for two massive home runs and bringing 3 people home to tie the game.
Kate for getting her first run.
Super ‘safe hands’ Ben for catching everything at first base.
Michael for reading last weeks lesson 8.2 and performing a perfect 'crouching tiger spring'.
Alison for standing at bat and not swinging at anything despite every fibre of her body straining to hit out.
Alex for some quality base coaching.
And my nomination for MVP,
Julian who pitched awesomely and still managed time to run people out on first. At one point a batter was 3 balls and no strikes, and Julian produced three great pitches striking them out!
But none of that would have counted without a great team performance
Well played everyone,
We're number 3 (from bottom) we're number 3 (from bottom)
Go Wolves Go
Loan Wolves 18 - 18 Raiders 'A'
Battle without honour or humanity...
Actually it wasn't - it was a mostly good-spirited fixture. The above is just what I'd been playing to psych myself up for the long-awaited clash with the only other team in the league to have lost all their games so far.
The weather finally settled into warm and not too muggy, after a day of heavy showers alternating with sauna-like humidity. Illness and holidays meant that we only just had enough women to field a legal team, with Alison playing as catcher and stepping up to bat hoping for a walk rather than a strikeout. Scores were close all through, with the Wolves gaining then losing a slight lead, until a great fifth inning for us gave a renewed lead and a real shot at victory. It was at this point that Tigger started jumping up and down, shouting; "we've won! We've won!", until it was pointed out to her that the game wasn't over - our games usually stop after the fifth only because we're losing so badly that "mercy" gets called. We had one more innings (bad light was threatening) to play. A home run with bases loaded for the bad guys left us trailing by three in the middle of the last (see how I unselfconsciously use the technical terms, now?). We scored three. Exactly three. So the ump called "tied ballgame!" and honours were even. And it is no longer true that the Loan Wolves lose all their matches. Also, as the Raiders had forfeited a game earlier, we are still one place above them in the league.
Could easily have been a victory (probably what the opposition were thinking, too). A lot more fun playing a game through to the end with both sides in it.
Actually it wasn't - it was a mostly good-spirited fixture. The above is just what I'd been playing to psych myself up for the long-awaited clash with the only other team in the league to have lost all their games so far.
The weather finally settled into warm and not too muggy, after a day of heavy showers alternating with sauna-like humidity. Illness and holidays meant that we only just had enough women to field a legal team, with Alison playing as catcher and stepping up to bat hoping for a walk rather than a strikeout. Scores were close all through, with the Wolves gaining then losing a slight lead, until a great fifth inning for us gave a renewed lead and a real shot at victory. It was at this point that Tigger started jumping up and down, shouting; "we've won! We've won!", until it was pointed out to her that the game wasn't over - our games usually stop after the fifth only because we're losing so badly that "mercy" gets called. We had one more innings (bad light was threatening) to play. A home run with bases loaded for the bad guys left us trailing by three in the middle of the last (see how I unselfconsciously use the technical terms, now?). We scored three. Exactly three. So the ump called "tied ballgame!" and honours were even. And it is no longer true that the Loan Wolves lose all their matches. Also, as the Raiders had forfeited a game earlier, we are still one place above them in the league.
Could easily have been a victory (probably what the opposition were thinking, too). A lot more fun playing a game through to the end with both sides in it.
Game 9: Two Points = Good Job!
The Loan Wolves played a great match yesterday, ending with a morale boosting first ever draw in the side's short history. 18 all, against London Raiders A. The score sounds straightforward, but so much went on during the match, the drama, the tension with it being so close, heck it was better than some recent World Cup matches that I have seen.
First mention must go to our pitcher, Julian, who had a brilliant game, not only pitching consistently throughout the match (including a couple of times when he had forgotten to put his glove back on!) but getting multiple strike outs and assists at 1st Base 'outs'. The infield was pretty solid again today, with some good throws and catches being made between Shortstop, and 3rd/2nd and 1st, to get the outs the team needed to quickly put the other side away. The team's outfield was certainly put under pressure by the some of the opposition's heavy hitters, but they did well (perhaps boosted by Paul's kind gesture of buying the team shinpads) Also, with most of the team electing to wear tracksuit bottoms rather than shorts, we didn't get attacked by the Finsbury Mosquitos union as much as last game.
As the score suggests, we managed to get 18 runs in the game, our highest ever total. Much of this credit must go to a certain Mark Davis, who after rushing from football practice, and being subbed straight into to bat (no warm up needed evidently) proceeded to hit two home runs from two at bats, batting in about 4/5 others runs into the bargain. Team wise, it was really pleasing to see everyone contributing to the offensive side of the game, constistently hitting the ball, although being very patient and taking the walks if they were available. I think I am right in saying that Olivia and Kate got around for their first ever runs (well done), and the rest of the team too can be proud of their 'good wheels', running between the bases. A final mention must go to Alison, who continues her Loan Wolves style rehabilitation programme, involving kindly turning up to matches to play catcher, being extremely patient when batting at the plate, and socialising in the Finsbury afterwards. Thanks again to everyone who played for making it such an enjoyable match to be involved in.
First mention must go to our pitcher, Julian, who had a brilliant game, not only pitching consistently throughout the match (including a couple of times when he had forgotten to put his glove back on!) but getting multiple strike outs and assists at 1st Base 'outs'. The infield was pretty solid again today, with some good throws and catches being made between Shortstop, and 3rd/2nd and 1st, to get the outs the team needed to quickly put the other side away. The team's outfield was certainly put under pressure by the some of the opposition's heavy hitters, but they did well (perhaps boosted by Paul's kind gesture of buying the team shinpads) Also, with most of the team electing to wear tracksuit bottoms rather than shorts, we didn't get attacked by the Finsbury Mosquitos union as much as last game.
As the score suggests, we managed to get 18 runs in the game, our highest ever total. Much of this credit must go to a certain Mark Davis, who after rushing from football practice, and being subbed straight into to bat (no warm up needed evidently) proceeded to hit two home runs from two at bats, batting in about 4/5 others runs into the bargain. Team wise, it was really pleasing to see everyone contributing to the offensive side of the game, constistently hitting the ball, although being very patient and taking the walks if they were available. I think I am right in saying that Olivia and Kate got around for their first ever runs (well done), and the rest of the team too can be proud of their 'good wheels', running between the bases. A final mention must go to Alison, who continues her Loan Wolves style rehabilitation programme, involving kindly turning up to matches to play catcher, being extremely patient when batting at the plate, and socialising in the Finsbury afterwards. Thanks again to everyone who played for making it such an enjoyable match to be involved in.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Softball Lesson #8
So our 8th defeat... and what did we learn this week?
8.1 "Illegal Ball"
If while batting the Umpire shouts illegal ball, that means in their opinion the pitch is so pants and rubbish that it's called a ball and you can relax and ignore it.
However if you decide to ignore the Umpires 'good eye' and hit the ball.... RUN !!!!
Andy thinks if you swing and miss it's a strike.
8.2 Over Running the Base.
If like Michael you are really fast or a juggernaut like Mark, it's sometimes difficult to stop on a base. The best way to slow down is to slide but due to our intimate relationship with ER i won't advise that (this season)
So you need to get back on the base. Most often the fielder will be standing on the base with the ball... if so, they have to TAG you. So get any part of your body on the base without them touching you with the ball. I demonstrated the 'crouching tiger spring' to a select audience last night
This rule also applies if running back to your base if the ball is caught.
Once the ball is caught, the batter is out AND all forces are off, so every runner must be TAGGED regardless of which way they are running.
I would point out that our queen of second base Vic applied such a tag out after the normally 100% efficient and accurate short stop sold her short. The runner over ran and Vic tagged her and despite the runner thinking they were safe, they were OUT!! well played "Queen Vic"
8.3 Finsbury Flies Bite
My beautiful legs have been badly bitten. So in future I will ignore any comments about me smelling like a toilet duck and liberally apply insect repellent. I suggest people do the same.
8.4 SuperBen's Kryptonite
While there is no doubting the Superness of Super Ben, he unfortunately also has his kryptonite weakness. As soon as the ball hits the bat Ben's entire audio sensory equipment shuts down leaving him completely deaf and unaware of the shouts of fellow team mates. Whether we need to hold up signs or buy Ben a hearing aid is for a future discussion.
well played
8.1 "Illegal Ball"
If while batting the Umpire shouts illegal ball, that means in their opinion the pitch is so pants and rubbish that it's called a ball and you can relax and ignore it.
However if you decide to ignore the Umpires 'good eye' and hit the ball.... RUN !!!!
Andy thinks if you swing and miss it's a strike.
8.2 Over Running the Base.
If like Michael you are really fast or a juggernaut like Mark, it's sometimes difficult to stop on a base. The best way to slow down is to slide but due to our intimate relationship with ER i won't advise that (this season)
So you need to get back on the base. Most often the fielder will be standing on the base with the ball... if so, they have to TAG you. So get any part of your body on the base without them touching you with the ball. I demonstrated the 'crouching tiger spring' to a select audience last night
This rule also applies if running back to your base if the ball is caught.
Once the ball is caught, the batter is out AND all forces are off, so every runner must be TAGGED regardless of which way they are running.
I would point out that our queen of second base Vic applied such a tag out after the normally 100% efficient and accurate short stop sold her short. The runner over ran and Vic tagged her and despite the runner thinking they were safe, they were OUT!! well played "Queen Vic"
8.3 Finsbury Flies Bite
My beautiful legs have been badly bitten. So in future I will ignore any comments about me smelling like a toilet duck and liberally apply insect repellent. I suggest people do the same.
8.4 SuperBen's Kryptonite
While there is no doubting the Superness of Super Ben, he unfortunately also has his kryptonite weakness. As soon as the ball hits the bat Ben's entire audio sensory equipment shuts down leaving him completely deaf and unaware of the shouts of fellow team mates. Whether we need to hold up signs or buy Ben a hearing aid is for a future discussion.
well played
Loan Wolves v Richmond Swingers 1-20
Another heroic night for the Wolves, playing at home and facing not only a team from the top of the table, but also blinding sunlight and hard ground causing the softballs to going bouncing all over the place. Well that’s my excuse for getting a softball in the face anyway! I am very disappointed not to have a huge bruise this morning. Just a slight yet very tender, bump on my eyebrow.
Despite the difficult terrain, some fumbled balls and some shocking throws (me most definitely included. I was aiming for 1st, honest), we fielded well, not getting the mercy rule till the 5th innings and even preventing the Swingers scoring at all in one innings. However their big hitters proved difficult to stop. At times this was a good thing. If Manjiv had managed to get in the way of the one that that flew past her at high speed at head height having bounced off the ground in front of her, it would have certainly stung a bit, in fact it would have probably knocked her out. Ouch.
Overall it was another good team effort all round. Michael was a real asset in the outfield, all the cricketing practice paying off with some huge throws in. A good first outing as a Wolf. Alison made her return, stepping in bravely as catcher and taking out some of her pent up softball frustration on the ball by going up to bat, proving that she is raring to go once back to full fitness. Julian produced some great pitching and had a good batting innings too. Jane C stepped up despite feeling a bit under the weather and made a fantastic hit that dropped right in the sweet spot between in-field and out-field. Jane A proved once again that she is a very safe pair of hands on 1st. Alex showed up, was subbed in and promptly injured his knee. Not a great night for him. At least he looked good doing it, going out in style with a slide into 3rd. Peter managed to cause confusion all round when he was unable to stop the swing he had started on a ball from an illegal pitch. There were lots of bemused fielders trying to work out what our silent hand signals to Peter meant. It’s hard to tell someone to run without the opposition realising. New rule learnt and duly noted. Well done to Ben for scoring our only run. Paul would like it noted that he got Ben round with his hit!
My personal highlights – getting tagged out twice in a row in one innings (so harsh), getting to first base (hurrah! That’s twice now!), and managing to tag out the runner on 2nd who though she was home and safe. Just goes to show you, always stay on your base!!!!
Despite the difficult terrain, some fumbled balls and some shocking throws (me most definitely included. I was aiming for 1st, honest), we fielded well, not getting the mercy rule till the 5th innings and even preventing the Swingers scoring at all in one innings. However their big hitters proved difficult to stop. At times this was a good thing. If Manjiv had managed to get in the way of the one that that flew past her at high speed at head height having bounced off the ground in front of her, it would have certainly stung a bit, in fact it would have probably knocked her out. Ouch.
Overall it was another good team effort all round. Michael was a real asset in the outfield, all the cricketing practice paying off with some huge throws in. A good first outing as a Wolf. Alison made her return, stepping in bravely as catcher and taking out some of her pent up softball frustration on the ball by going up to bat, proving that she is raring to go once back to full fitness. Julian produced some great pitching and had a good batting innings too. Jane C stepped up despite feeling a bit under the weather and made a fantastic hit that dropped right in the sweet spot between in-field and out-field. Jane A proved once again that she is a very safe pair of hands on 1st. Alex showed up, was subbed in and promptly injured his knee. Not a great night for him. At least he looked good doing it, going out in style with a slide into 3rd. Peter managed to cause confusion all round when he was unable to stop the swing he had started on a ball from an illegal pitch. There were lots of bemused fielders trying to work out what our silent hand signals to Peter meant. It’s hard to tell someone to run without the opposition realising. New rule learnt and duly noted. Well done to Ben for scoring our only run. Paul would like it noted that he got Ben round with his hit!
My personal highlights – getting tagged out twice in a row in one innings (so harsh), getting to first base (hurrah! That’s twice now!), and managing to tag out the runner on 2nd who though she was home and safe. Just goes to show you, always stay on your base!!!!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Practice at Clapham
Ben and I had some useful training on Monday at Clapham. Darren gave us some detailed coaching on batting. Also had us attempting catches in the out-field and the in-field. He is an excellent trainer.
Monday, June 26, 2006
An argument with a softball...the softball won
I was roped into babysitting this weekend, and managed to cajole my brother in law to go out for a quick practice in return. I was feeling pretty good as my catching skills are slowly getting better...when the inevitable happened - I was ambushed by a softball in the face! Actually, scrap that...I'm going to say that I heroically managed to block the softball by any means necessary (sounds better). Worry not team - the ball actually deflected off my glove and hit me on the mouth. All I suffered was a slight cut and a swollen lip (which was looking very Daffy Duckish yesterday). There are lessons to be learnt here...and no doubt I will learn them sometime....Byeee
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Loan Wolves 5 Cheetahs 39 - at Clapham
The score doesnt really reflect how hard the Wolves tried. The Cheetahs are an experienced team - they have been playing for 10 years.
The fielding and batting are both improving. There were some useful catches from Paul, Richard and Peter. Pitching of Kate, Manjiv and Julian is coming along well. Poor Andy turned up with his nasty injury just above the eye showing and did some scoring. Jane A. performed heroics on 1st base. New players Monica and Mark made great contributions in the batting department. Jane C. was a dynamo on 2nd base.
Afterwards went to the pub and had some interesting conversation with some of the Cheetahs. They seemed a very nice bunch.
The fielding and batting are both improving. There were some useful catches from Paul, Richard and Peter. Pitching of Kate, Manjiv and Julian is coming along well. Poor Andy turned up with his nasty injury just above the eye showing and did some scoring. Jane A. performed heroics on 1st base. New players Monica and Mark made great contributions in the batting department. Jane C. was a dynamo on 2nd base.
Afterwards went to the pub and had some interesting conversation with some of the Cheetahs. They seemed a very nice bunch.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
In stitches (not for the squeamish)
Today, five Wolves took up an invitation to a training session and practice game with the Tornadoes (the side we only lost to by a point). Lovely day for it, and they were a friendly bunch. We practised throwing, pitching (Manjiv was doing well at that) and batting, then had a practice game. I was fielding in the outfield, and missed a catch. Well, didn't miss it exactly - it skipped off my glove I think, and cannoned into my face. I first noticed stinging pain, then blood, then realised that my sunglasses were somehow stuck to my head. I was thankful to find that I could see clearly from both eyes. The glasses had in fact smacked into my brow, opened a cut, and jammed the flesh between the frame and the lens (my sunglasses are impact-resistant plastic, and worth every penny of the extra I spent, as the lenses stayed intact and so did my eyes).
Now, as these things go, it could have been a lot worse. Not least that the Tornadoes had a qualified doctor and a paramedic among them, and first aider Jane was with us. I'd brought my first aid kit as usual, which was handy as no-one else had one. From the first, I could tell that aside from the nasty cut and inevitable bruising I'd suffered nothing serious. The paramedic and Jane freed my eye from the sunglasses, inevitably tearing the skin a little more, and dressed the wound, then Hoppo (the Tornadoes' captain) drove Jane & I to A&E.
We watched the Japan-Croatia game in A&E while waiting for me to be seen. Eventually, I was seen by a friendly practitioner nurse. She asked how it had happened and everything, plus a bunch of other required questions. "Any other sports or hobbies?". So I said medieval swordfighting. She insisted on putting that down on the form - "that's the only time I'll get to put that!" she said happily. The bleeding was still continuing, due to what PN Julie called "a persistent little bleeder" - a small blood vessel at the edge of the wound which wouldn't close. So I got sutures - five of them in total. Which meant that Manjiv won the sweepstake we were holding via text message as to who'd guess the number of stitches. It wasn't too pleasant an experience, but I didn't blub, and the little bleeder has now been stifled. It occured to me as I was being stitched that if I'd held on to the catch, it would have been the third out, and finished the other side's inning. We were winnning, too.
Jane used my camera to snap lots of cool pictures of me at different stages (face covered with blood, being stitched up, etc).
Interesting experience. Glad I always take that little first aid kit stuffed in my bat bag - I shall continue to do so, and the Tornadoes' professional medics said they'd be doing something similar from now on. They were great, and Jane's first aid and support, spending her Sunday afternoon in AE with me, were also really appreciated.
Now, as these things go, it could have been a lot worse. Not least that the Tornadoes had a qualified doctor and a paramedic among them, and first aider Jane was with us. I'd brought my first aid kit as usual, which was handy as no-one else had one. From the first, I could tell that aside from the nasty cut and inevitable bruising I'd suffered nothing serious. The paramedic and Jane freed my eye from the sunglasses, inevitably tearing the skin a little more, and dressed the wound, then Hoppo (the Tornadoes' captain) drove Jane & I to A&E.
We watched the Japan-Croatia game in A&E while waiting for me to be seen. Eventually, I was seen by a friendly practitioner nurse. She asked how it had happened and everything, plus a bunch of other required questions. "Any other sports or hobbies?". So I said medieval swordfighting. She insisted on putting that down on the form - "that's the only time I'll get to put that!" she said happily. The bleeding was still continuing, due to what PN Julie called "a persistent little bleeder" - a small blood vessel at the edge of the wound which wouldn't close. So I got sutures - five of them in total. Which meant that Manjiv won the sweepstake we were holding via text message as to who'd guess the number of stitches. It wasn't too pleasant an experience, but I didn't blub, and the little bleeder has now been stifled. It occured to me as I was being stitched that if I'd held on to the catch, it would have been the third out, and finished the other side's inning. We were winnning, too.
Jane used my camera to snap lots of cool pictures of me at different stages (face covered with blood, being stitched up, etc).
Interesting experience. Glad I always take that little first aid kit stuffed in my bat bag - I shall continue to do so, and the Tornadoes' professional medics said they'd be doing something similar from now on. They were great, and Jane's first aid and support, spending her Sunday afternoon in AE with me, were also really appreciated.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Loan Wolves 1 - 30 Glove Me Tender
The team was surprisingly up for this clash with the table-topping GMT. Manjiv in particular was so fired up and bouncing arund with excitement that she earned herself the nickname "Tigger" from Jane A. For once, we had no spare male players, and I was fielding at Second Base. I'd forgotten how much more involved in the plays the infielders are.
Weather was sunny, after a cold, damp, day (which meant that for part of the game, the setting sun was right in my eyes at Second), and the pitch had been mowed recently.
The scoreline reflects that the other side were better than us, but doesn't really do us justice. Our performace defensively was very tight for much of the game, and after three innings we were only 7-1 down. Sadly, their fielding, their infield in particular, was really sharp and we had a hard job to get runs ourselves. Then one big inning for them just about did for us. As Paul said, at higher levels it becomes very hard to get to First. I did at least manage that, but also got out at First from hits that in other games would have seen me safely on base. Meanwhile, GMT stole a lot of bases, and gave us plenty of work trying to keep the forces on and the run total down.
I managed to achieve one of my little goals for the season - tagged a runner out.
Darren's team were playing on the other pitch (they won), and we had a natter with him at the pub after the game. I got to wear my vintage letter sweater for the first time, too.
Weather was sunny, after a cold, damp, day (which meant that for part of the game, the setting sun was right in my eyes at Second), and the pitch had been mowed recently.
The scoreline reflects that the other side were better than us, but doesn't really do us justice. Our performace defensively was very tight for much of the game, and after three innings we were only 7-1 down. Sadly, their fielding, their infield in particular, was really sharp and we had a hard job to get runs ourselves. Then one big inning for them just about did for us. As Paul said, at higher levels it becomes very hard to get to First. I did at least manage that, but also got out at First from hits that in other games would have seen me safely on base. Meanwhile, GMT stole a lot of bases, and gave us plenty of work trying to keep the forces on and the run total down.
I managed to achieve one of my little goals for the season - tagged a runner out.
Darren's team were playing on the other pitch (they won), and we had a natter with him at the pub after the game. I got to wear my vintage letter sweater for the first time, too.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Regents Park Development Practice
A beautiful summer evening for our practice in Regents Park. Jane A. and Ben and myself plus others from various groups. The coaches were Kim and Ronnie. We practised our throwing and also did an exercise which involved one person running round the bases while fielders threw the ball from base to base - testing accuracy of throwing. Also had alot of batting practice using that pole like a golfing tee for hitting the ball off.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Practice
No game this week, but we got some practice in.
A bunch of us went to the Northwick Park batting cages on Wednesday. We booked three cages for an hour, and had a lot of fun hitting things with bits of metal. You press a button, and fifteen balls in a row are launched at you. I hit 105, I counted (well, I missed some of them, but I swung at them all). I think we all had fun, and it was nice to be able to experiment with trying to place the ball, or hit big pop-ups, without worrying about getting out. Shame that the machines tended to jam occasionally, though.
We also had a good practice on Friday evening, at Finsbury Park. The weather's been glorious, and for the first time I realised that it really is meant to be a Summer game. A nice evening wearing sunglasses, enjoying the heat and the park, hitting and fielding, and working on in-game situations.
I'm missing one of the softballs I had with me on Friday, BTW. If someone's picked one up marked "APJH", it's mine.
A bunch of us went to the Northwick Park batting cages on Wednesday. We booked three cages for an hour, and had a lot of fun hitting things with bits of metal. You press a button, and fifteen balls in a row are launched at you. I hit 105, I counted (well, I missed some of them, but I swung at them all). I think we all had fun, and it was nice to be able to experiment with trying to place the ball, or hit big pop-ups, without worrying about getting out. Shame that the machines tended to jam occasionally, though.
We also had a good practice on Friday evening, at Finsbury Park. The weather's been glorious, and for the first time I realised that it really is meant to be a Summer game. A nice evening wearing sunglasses, enjoying the heat and the park, hitting and fielding, and working on in-game situations.
I'm missing one of the softballs I had with me on Friday, BTW. If someone's picked one up marked "APJH", it's mine.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
"I lettered in softball..."
I went to a really cool vintage clothing shop yesterday. Didn't expect to buy anything, but I am now the proud owner of an original 1940s high school jock's "letter sweater", complete with a baseball/softball badge (with original tiny wooden bat and glove). It's a bit moth-eaten, but it's in our colours - black, with orange letter and arm-stripes.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Tornadoes 16 - 15 Loan Wolves
[X-posted from my LJ, as usual]
Well, we had our best game of the season so far.
One that went all the way to the seventh inning, with no danger of the "mercy rule" being invoked. One where we made more runs than in all four of our previous games put together.
Played in Wandsworth Park, on a newly-mown pitch smelling of fresh hay (and why is it that everyone else's home grounds are nicer than ours?). Finally, we were matched with a team we could compete with. Despite being ahead at one point, and a "3 up, 3 down" inning where we got them out without a run scored, we couldn't quite nail that elusive first win. Some good pitching, excellent fielding, but we just didn't quite make the runs we needed. Perhaps we were confused by the opposition also wearing orange - I don't know. Afraid my batting, until the final inning, was below par. I'd cleaned my bat yesterday evening, and now it seemed I couldn't do a thing with it. Did contribute to our seven-run final inning with a second-base hit and a run, at least. In the field, a big hit in my direction escaped me, but I was saved by the fact that the batter had stepped out of his box and was therefore already out.
Three minor injuries for the team, so par for the course there. But it was good for our morale to know that we can give a decent account of ouselves when we have to.
Batting practice at the cages in Northwick Park next week. Looking forward to that.
Well, we had our best game of the season so far.
One that went all the way to the seventh inning, with no danger of the "mercy rule" being invoked. One where we made more runs than in all four of our previous games put together.
Played in Wandsworth Park, on a newly-mown pitch smelling of fresh hay (and why is it that everyone else's home grounds are nicer than ours?). Finally, we were matched with a team we could compete with. Despite being ahead at one point, and a "3 up, 3 down" inning where we got them out without a run scored, we couldn't quite nail that elusive first win. Some good pitching, excellent fielding, but we just didn't quite make the runs we needed. Perhaps we were confused by the opposition also wearing orange - I don't know. Afraid my batting, until the final inning, was below par. I'd cleaned my bat yesterday evening, and now it seemed I couldn't do a thing with it. Did contribute to our seven-run final inning with a second-base hit and a run, at least. In the field, a big hit in my direction escaped me, but I was saved by the fact that the batter had stepped out of his box and was therefore already out.
Three minor injuries for the team, so par for the course there. But it was good for our morale to know that we can give a decent account of ouselves when we have to.
Batting practice at the cages in Northwick Park next week. Looking forward to that.
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