Dig me out

Giant Robot's Fall/Winter softball season started with great promise. After finishing in first place in our previous campaign, we had been promoted from the lowest level of Parks & Rec ball to the middle ranks. Our first game was a commanding victory. But after that, inconsistent hitting and defensive lapses were our downfall. We lost the next 11 straight, including last night's game.


But that's not to say the season wasn't fun. Our last game was hard fought, and it felt a lot closer than the final score would suggest. (Our opponents getting 7 or so insurance runs--many with 2 outs--didn't help.) But I had one of my better hitting nights, going 3 of 4 with 2 runs and a bunch of RBIs. I also struck out a couple big frat guys, which is always satisfying. There's nothing like seeing dudes screw themselves into the ground and then hearing the ball hit the plate with a sick thud.


In case you don't have a scorecard, here's a rundown of the team and the positions they played last night, from left to right: me (P), Bill (C), Chi (RF), Sean (2B), BK (CLF), Eric (LF), Jason (1B), and Mikey (CRF). By the time the team pics were taken, Hap (SS) and Will (3B) already took off. But check out the display of GR gear! I've got the old-school Brian Ralph "New Legend Monkey" hoody, BK and Eric are wearing different generations of ninja hoodies, and Jason has the metal/Zaxxon logo. It looks like we Mikey could use some gear...


Eric just posted a picture of people smiling in the dugout. This wasn't the shot, but you can see him using his new toy. Me? I'm always grateful to be a Ricoh GR owner in night settings.


After the game, we went to Norm's. I'll write something about BK in the next paragraph, but check out Chi sitting next to his fiancée Jenny. The outfielder has not one but two nicknames: Ultraman and Chi Magic. Damn. You know he plays hard. I think he got from first to third on a few of my hits. On the right is Eric. His opposite-field hitting has always been accurate and consistent; now he's adding power the mix. The first baseman robbed him of a hit but probably got pushed back a couple inches by the force of the line drive.


Brian had subbed for the team a couple times and was prepared to play, but we had enough players so he provided moral support. (He'll also be helping with the mag over the next couple weeks.) Next to him is Mikey. I don't know how many times he limped off the field in pain this season. But he played on and helped the team compete every night, and is probably our winter ball MVP. At the far end of the table is my cousin Ant, a GR softball alum. He just moved back from the Bay Area to L.A. will be a sub next season. On the right is BK, who kept getting walked on bad pitches last night. When he was finally on the receiving end of a decent toss, BK went yard with a two-out solo homer.


On the left, Bill has had a couple nicknames, too. In the beginning, he was "Bill Bear," which hardcore GR readers already know. On the field, he became "X Factor" because our opponents always underestimated his heart and skills. Last night, he switched from his usual position at 2B to catch since our backstop, Greg, couldn't make it. It reminded me of the early seasons when Bill and I split pitching duties, and would sometimes catch for one another. Ah, memories. Jason is on the right. As a first baseman, the other team doesn't expect him to be fast. Last night, he actually ran out of one of his cleats! He brought his game to the field, and he brought a lady friend, too.


It's sad to see another season end, and I'll miss playing with the guys during the break. It's even more difficult since I'll miss the opening of the season in April. Who's coming back? Who's going to pitch? Who will assume the captain position? Will Brian get the call up? Time will tell.