Bat On The Run.

 Bat On The Run.

Captain Jimmer, [briefing all the captains, players, scorekeepers, and all the umpires surrounding him] All right, listen up, ladies and gentlemen, our fugitive bat has been on the run for 24 hours. Average bat speed over uneven ground, barring injuries, is 4 miles per hour. That gives us a radius of six miles. What I want from each and every one of you is a hard-target search of every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse and doghouse in that area. Checkpoints go up at fifteen miles. Your fugitive's name is Easton Resmondo. Go find him.

Game # 6- June 12, 2024

Hurtin' Units vs. The Tap Masters

Hurtin' Units win 15-14

Team Record – 3-3-0

Keogh Park- For only the second time this season we find ourselves back at Keogh Park, playing in our second game of a back to back week. I mentioned in the Rusty Rebels post that the Hurtin' Units had 2 tough games this week, the Rusty Rebels on Tuesday night at Coventry and then the Tap Masters on Wednesday night at Keogh. These are the league's top two teams, and we played them both tough. In the Rebel game with had them up against the ropes, we just couldn't finish them off. In this game vs. The Tap Masters we got off to a slow start and got better as the game went on.

Bat Shit Crazy:

Okay, it's Thursday morning and I just went to my car to make sure Easton Resmondo is still there and didn't take off over night. He was there, sleeping off last night's hitting performance. For those of you who don't know Resmondo (A.K.A Red Bat) has been running away. He is an adventurous little bat and it seems like every time I turn around he disappears. Two weeks ago he took off and a week later, when we were playing the Draft Kings, he wasn't in our bat bag. The league President sent out an APB and Resmondo was found hanging out in the Tap Masters bag, I picked him up at the diamond the next night. I thought that this was a one time thing and it was out of his system. I was WRONG!!

This week we were at Coventry # 3 for the Rebels game, the game started and we went up to bat. Where's Resmondo all of our lead off batters were asking. “ He's in the bag (not drunk)” I said. Resmondo was MIA again. WTF?? I know he was there, I did some bat maintenance and hit some “ball on a rope” earlier in the day. I remembered putting him back in the bag and in my car.

I stressed about where he was the entire Rebel game? Was he still in my car or at home? The Unit's batters ended up using the Rebels Red Resmondo for the game. After the Rebel game, I looked in my car and then around my house and garage, Resmondo had gone rogue again.

Much to my chagrin, I sent out an e-mail to the captains hoping that Ressy was safe and not being used for other unspeakable acts. The next morning the community of baseball players rallied to bring Ressy home safe. Captains from the other teams commented and gave words of encouragement as the search continued. Kyle even suggested having film crew follow Resmondo in his travels. In the early morning hours on Wednesday morning, I received an e-mail from Mark C letting me know that Ressy had been found safe. Apparently, Resmondo jumped from the wagon and made a run for it. Thankfully Mark was there to stop him.

Last night, just before our game with the Tap Masters, I picked up Resmondo at Mark's house, thanks again Mark for taking care of little Ressy. Resmondo the Adventurous Little Bat. I'm sure this story isn't over... maybe it's just begun.

Game Time.

The weather was actually good for this game, the temperature was around 20 degrees, there was a sun/cloud mix and a soft breeze rustling the trees at Keogh. It was a perfect night for baseball

At game time, the Units had 10 of the regular team players, we were missing Kevin and Brandon. Little Timmy was the scorekeeper and Reagan was the umpire for this 8:15 game at Keogh Park. We played six innings. The Units were the visitors. The Tap Masters picked up Al Frans as a sub.

In the first inning, the Units sent 6 batters to the plate and came away with a short-lived 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, the Tappers sent 8 batters up and came up with 4 runs. I struggled to hit the board and throw strikes, I walked 3 batters for the first time in an inning.

In the second inning, the Units scored another 3 runs, and held the Tappers to only single run scored. In the third inning, the Units hit the ball all around the diamond and with a few Tapper errors, the Units end up scoring 7 more runs. In the bottom of the inning, the Tappers scored another 2 runs. The score after 3 complete innings was 12-7 for the Units.

In the fourth inning, the Units tacked on 2 more runs and in the bottom, the Tappers would go down quickly 4 batters, 3 outs. In the top of the fifth inning, the Units would only send 4 batters to the plate and still come away with a single run. In the bottom of the inning, the Tappers would not go away, they battled back sending 8 batters to the plate, 4 runs would come in to score. The score after 5 complete inning was 15-11 for the Units.

In the top of the sixth inning (open inning), the Units would go down without a fight, 1,2,3 and it was lights out. In the bottom of the inning, Pete had told or trolled us we were up by 3 runs (it was actually 4 runs), Kirk would get out, Matt and Norm would come around to score, Rico would get out, Paul would score on a hit by Glen, Jason would get a double bringing Glen to third. I thought the game was tied and Glen was the winning run (Pete's was trolling us), with first base open I sent Al Frans to first base with an intentional walk, and took my chances with Matt S., he would fly out to LCF and that was the ball game. We had won the game, even through we thought we tied. Units win 15-14.

For the second night in a row, we played a solid game taking on one of the best teams this season. 1 win, 1 loss (that could have been a win) this week, good games Units.

The Hurtin' Units next game is June 18^th vs. The Beer Bros.

With a Rebel Yell, She Cried More, More, More.

Game 5- June11, 2024

Hurtin' Units vs. The Rusty Rebels.

Hurtin' Units lose 14-12

Team Record – 2-3-0

Coventry Park (C#3) – After a short stint at Keogh Park the Hurtin' Units find ourselves back at Coventry for a battle with the only undefeated team in the league. The Rebels look very strong this season and since draft day they look like the team to beat. I remember standing at the tables, in the legion, thinking that they had one of the best teams following the draft. The Rebels are going to be a tough team this season and it will take some strong defence and timely hitting for teams to get in the win column.

The Hurtin' Units played the Rebels twice last season and we split the wins with one apiece. On May 23rd, 2023 the Hurtin' Units defeated the Rebels by a score 21-11 and the Rebels defeated the Units on August 18^th, 2023 by a score of 10-8. I was surprised to see that we beat the Rebels by such a high score, considering the Units had a 5-18-1 record in 2023. We were not a good team in 2023. Last season, the Units even lost a game by a score of 17-0 to the Master Batters on August 10^th, 2023. I can't remember a team ever being shut out in our league, I know it has happened, but I can't recall any games with a shut out.

The Hurtin' Units have 2 tough games this week, the Rusty Rebels on Tuesday night at Coventry and then the Tap Masters on Wednesday night at Keogh. These are the top two teams in the league.

The weather was actually good for this game, the temperature was around 19 degrees and there was a cool breeze, definitely a jacket night if you were sitting in the stands.

At game time, the Units had 9 of the regular team players, we were missing Steve, Cookie and Kevin. I called for a sub, and the sub-controller was scrambling trying to find us someone, I asked Mike O and then Cal S. they both were okay to sub if we needed them, but then I got a text saying we had Shaun C. Hughie wasn't happy about this, but when is he ever. Thanks go out to Mike and Cal, being available if we needed them. Lisa was the scorekeeper, not sure of the umpire's name, but he did a good job.

For the second game in a row, our new red bat has been missing, the first time it was in the Tap Masters bag and last night I don't know where it disappeared to, I think it's possessed or like the Littlest Hobo.

Jamie likes to say the Units do their best work when we have 2 outs, I think he may be on to something. In the top of the first inning, the Rebels sent 6 batters up and scored 2 runs. In the bottom of the inning, the Units sent 8 batters to the plate, the first 2 batters got out, and the next 6 batters would put 3 runs on the board.

I the second inning, the Rebels went down 1,2,3, and in the bottom of the inning the Units went through the order and scored another 5 runs.

In the third inning, the Rebels would send 5 guys to the plate and score another run. The Units would go down 1,2,3. In the fourth inning, the Rebels went down quickly, 4 batters up, 3 outs. In the bottom the Units would get the first 2 batters out (Jamie theory) and then score 2 more runs. The score after 4 complete inning was 10-3 for the Units.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Rebels offense would come to life. Billy (sub) would get on, Steve would hit a single and then Ian would hit a left field homerun that hit the top of the fence and went over for 3 runs. Whitten would then start another wave of baseman, Mark M. would hit a single and then Steve?? would crush another homerun over the right field fence for 3 more runs. Robin would start the next wave, followed by Brad, Hugh, and Ingo, one more run would score and that was a seven run inning. The game was tied.

In the bottom of the inning, Alex and Brandon would both score on an in the park home-run from Brandon. The Units would take the lead again.

In the top of the sixth, the Rebels would not go away, they sent 7 batters up and 4 runs would come around to score. In the bottom, the Units went down fast and furious, 4 batters, 3 outs.

In the top of the seventh, the Unit's defence was solid, the Rebels went down 1,2,3. In the bottom, the last kick at the can, for all the marbles, Jimmer got out on a fly to RCF, Shaun would hit a single, Alex would also hit a single, the tying run was on base and only one out, Brandon would foul out and Jamie would also get out. The REBELS win 14-12.

All in all, we had a decent night and our defence looked really good. We had the Rebels up against the ropes multiple times, but just couldn't land the knock out punch. Great game Units.

The Hurtin' Units next game is June 12th vs.The Tap Masters.

If you Can Dodge a Wrench, You can Dodge a City.

  

Game #3 – May 29th, 2024

Hurtin' Units vs. Dodge City

Hurtin' Units lose 14-9

Team Record – 1-2-0

COVENTRY PARK – On Monday night our game was cancelled again due to all the rain we had during the day. I was looking forward to playing our first game at Keogh and our first 7:00 pm game of the season. It was not to be and we find ourselves back at Coventry for this game vs. Dodge City. At least this game was on another diamond (C# 3) and there was not a threat of thunderstorms and rain. The weather was good for this game, but the wind was cold and it seemed to blow right through us. It was a little uncomfortable without a jacket. It was still a perfect night for baseball. The diamonds at Coventry and Keogh Park were buzzing with activity, all 16 teams in the 35+ division, were in action on this night, 8 games in total were played.

At game time, the Units had 9 of the regular team players, we were missing Alex, Steve and the other Alex was going to be late. We picked Gordy T. to help us out. Thanks, Gord. We didn't have a scorekeeper and the scoresheet reflects this (after the beautiful job Bev did last game), it was not easy to figure this mess out. In the first inning, we didn't have anyone even doing it. The Hurtin' Units were the home team in this game.  

I must thank both the Daves this week, Dave C. for the stats and results and Dave S. has been super busy finding subs for teams. These are time-consuming jobs and these guys are superheroes when it comes to getting the job done. Good work guys.  

It is hard to believe this was only our 3rd game this season. We did play last week, but the thunderstorms put an abrupt stop to that game and this week our Monday game was also cancelled, so game # 3 it is. I have subbed as many games this season as I have played with the Hurtin' Units.

I subbed for the Meatballs on Tuesday night vs. the Dodge City team, so I got a first-hand scouting report on the Dodge City squad. It didn't help in the Hurtin' Units game vs. Dodge.

In the first inning, the Units shut the door on Dodge and we scored 3 runs to take an early lead. In the second inning, Dodge scored 4 runs and the Units managed to get out of the inning stranding the bases loaded. In the bottom of the inning, Units scored another 5 runs to make the score 8-4 after two complete innings.

In the top of the 3rd inning, Dodge pounded the ball all around the diamond and when the dust settled Dodge had scored 7 more runs. What the F*** just happened? The Units were a little shell-shocked and went down quickly to the bottom. In the 4thinning, Dodge scored only a single run and left the bases loaded. In the bottom of the 4th inning, the Units scored only a single run. The score after 4 complete innings was 12-9 for Dodge.

The 5th inning would be the open inning, Dodge would tack on 2 more runs and the Units would go down 1,2,3 in the bottom. The final score was 14-9 for Dodge City.

All in all, for a group of guys who were playing only their third

game of the season together, we had a decent night, but we need to tighten up the defense.  I've seen improvement in our batting every game and I'm not worried about our bats. We were missing Steve and Alex and we had to move guys around, but I think we will get better as we play together a bit longer and get into a rhythm.

The Hurtin' Units' next game is June 5th vs.The Draft Kings. 

Shake, Rattle and Roll.

Game #2 – May 21st , 2024

Hurtin' Units vs. The Shake and Bake.

Hurtin' Units win 12-6

Team Record - 1-1-0

COVENTRY PARK - The weather for this game was warm, almost a little muggy, the sky was clear, the temperature was in the 20s, but thankfully there was soft breeze C #2 for our 9:15 game. I subbed the 8:00pm game and the setting sun created a little havoc for some of the guys on the field.

At game time, the Units had 8 of the regular team players, we were missing Peter, Steve, Kevin and the other Steve. We picked up Mark Mumma and Jerry (Popeye) Muirhead. Thanks Jerry and Mark. Roman was the umpire for the game and Bev was the scorekeeper. I have to give a shout out to Beverly Steeves on the beauty of the scoresheet, it is perfect. Bev does a fantastic job scoring a game, and the detail and markings are so clean, you can tell every play on the field.

Just before game time (9:15), I was still finishing the game with the Tappers and so I was multi-tasking for the Units, bats, changing my shirt, getting the lineup, when I realized I didn't have the lineup, I had printed it out, but must have left it in my vehicle. I had to wing it, I took last week's lineup, crossed out 4 names, shifted others around, wrote in subs and when I was finished, it looked like it been run over by a transport truck. I even had to help Bev out trying to decipher the names and the batting order. It was messy.

So this game was game two on the schedule and we got a glimpse of the new Shake and Bake team, I also got to see the Units in action again. In game one, we didn't play all that well, but that was the first time most of us had played together.

This game was a little different, I thought our defense was stronger (it does hurt having Zander and Mumma in the outfield), Brandon finally saw some action at shortstop and Justin and Whitey were very good on the infield, throw in some awesome pitching and we looked pretty good. The offense, of the Units, was definitely stronger in this game; We even put up seven runs in the 3^rd inning.

All in all, for a group of guys who were playing only their second
game, of the season together, we had a decent night picking up our first win of the season. I won't go in details of every inning in this post (it's too long already), I will included game sheets for those who want to take a look. One thing I should mention was Jamie hit a in-the-park home-run, we have already matched the number of home-runs we had last season.

The Hurtin' Units continue on their road trip to start the season. The Units now head to Tannerville to play the Master Batters in a make-up game on Wednesday evening.

FLIPS, FLOPS AND FLIES.

Flips, Flops and Flies.

Game #1 – May 15^th, 2024

Hurtin' Units vs. The Bat Flippers

Hurtin' Units lose 12-11

Team Record - 0-1-0

COVENTRY PARK - The weather for this game was comfortable, almost a little muggy, the temperature was in the high teens, and a soft breeze rustled the leaves on the trees at C #1 for our 9:15 game. It was a good night for the season opener. It was a better night than the Monday night game with rain, lightning and thunder.

At game time, the Units had 11 guys ready to take on the Bat Flippers, Zander was our only missing body.

This opening night was quite different from most of the others we have ever had. For the first time in our team history we didn't get a practice in or a meet and greet, because of lack of diamond availability, so last night we were meeting players for the first time. Guys were walking up to the diamond, we were taking names and handing out shirt. On our team this season we have 5 rookie players, we had met some at the draft, but for the most part we, as a team, were flying by the seat of our pants.

I didn't do a copy or take a picture of the game sheet (my bad), so I can't really say how
guys did, but that's probably a good thing for a team playing together for the first time. In the first couple of innings we were finding our sea legs and it showed, but I thought we tightened up defensively (still some tweaking to do there) and in the later innings our bats seemed to be more consistent.

All in all, for a group of guys who were playing their first game of the season together, we had a decent night making it a close game in the final innings. Going into the final inning the Units were down 11-10, we managed to score a run to tie, but in the bottom half the Bat Flippers got a run around and won the game. Final score 12-11 for the Flippers.