Errors, Suspensions Can’t Stop Drunks

By Michael Maurino

TAMPA- In their final game of the season, Drunk Again And Looking To Score won their fourth consecutive game in a contest more notable for who was missing and poor defense on each side. DAALTS’ 4-2 victory against Relocators gives the orange-clad drunks the sixth seed heading into the Breaker Division playoffs.

Under the watchful eye of Commissioner Tyrus Gordon in his traditional windbreaker pants and the PAL Lady, the DAALTS (4-6) led 3-0 before sloppy play allowed the Relocators (3-5-2) to tally runs in the 3rd and 4th innings. With captain James Falcon, Jen Joyce, and Bob Marinelli in street clothes (see picture) due to suspension, it seemed as if DAALTS were regressing back to their form when they started the season 0-6. But they held firm in the bottom of the 5th, snuffing out a Relocators rally when Alison Kimball made a diving stop at third base and forced the final out of the game.

“There were times when we were not at our best tonight,” short fielder Ladd Warwick said. “But we recovered and that’s what it’s all about.”

DAALTS began the game with an offensive outburst in the 1st inning. The 2-3-4 kickers all scored, as the Drunks sent eight to the plate. One run in the 4th inning provided insurance.

“I think everyone knows now we can win,” catcher Aron Sullivan said. “We’re not the ‘Loveable Losers’ anymore.”

Relocators finished one spot in ahead of DAALTS in fifth place due to the run differential tiebreaker. Both teams will kick off the division playoffs May 10 at 11am with McLovins facing the Relocators and DAALTS meeting Where My Pitches At. In their first meeting Pitches defeated DAALTS 5-2 in Week One. DAALTS returned the favor with a 5-3 win in the Week Eight matchup.

Week 10 Results/Standings/Playoff Brackets

Drunk Again and Looking To Score 4 Relocators 2
Don't Touch My Balls won by forfeit over Seminoles
McLovins 4 C U Next Tuesday 0
Where My Pitches At 3 Team Turtlehead 2



Where My Pitches At and the Seminoles were unable to make up their rain shortened game so each only show 9 games in the standings.

Dale - The Best Pitcher Ever? WOW!

You're zealous behavior seriously takes the fun out of the game.

The behavior that has been exhibited by the Seminoles, lead by their captain, Dale, which I've personally had the misfortune to experience and see during the last two weeks, is the antithesis of the WAKA philosophy.

You attempt to intimidate the other teams and the referees with an ongoing barrage of snipes, profanity and endless arguments on calls, which demeans the credibility and confidence of the teams and referees. Is that fun?

Which new player or team would want to be a part of that?

Remind me not to volunteer to ref your games anymore.

Dude, you're missing the whole point of the game!

DAALTS Use Defense To Win Duel

By Michael Maurino

TAMPA- Winning is never easy for teams that begin 0-6. Such was the case Tuesday night as Drunk Again And Looking To Score won their third consecutive game, defeating C U Next Tuesday 1-0.

In yet another close battle, DAALTS (3-6) used steady defense and an aggressive base running play to take the win. Neither team could produce much offense, as C U (3-6) had runners in scoring position in three innings, including a man on third, but could not score. C U’s best chance at scoring was in the 3rd inning before Ladd Warwick slid to catch a sinking liner behind second base.

“There was a lot of tension out there tonight,” Warwick said. “You had their fans heckling us, our team crowding the field while we were kicking. It was intense.”

The intensity started in the bottom of the 1st when Jen Joyce’s infield single drove in James Falcon for the game’s only run. Kicking a topspin roll hard and low, Joyce sped down the line, getting to first base as the throw from C U’s third baseman came in. When the play was bobbled at first, Falcon sped around third and beat the throw home.

The DAALTS offense was a source of controversy as they chose to keep the ball on the ground against the C U strategy of spinning pitches.

“They were complaining we were using man bunts,” outfielder Bob Marinelli said. “You can’t hit a spinning pitch hard or in the air. If they wanted us to kick more fly balls, they should have rolled [without spin].”

In their last three games, DAALTS has outscored their opponents 9-5, playing in two 1-run games. Winning in Week 10 against Relocators could create a logjam in the middle of the standings leading up to the playoffs.

Week 8 Results

Drunk Again And Still Scoring 1 C U Next Tuesday 0
Relocators 3 Where My Pitches At 1
Don't Touch My Balls 1 McLovins 0
Team Turtlehead 2 Seminoles 0

Seminoles persecuted by Herb the ref

I have a dream. I think all of us share a common one. I hope that one day all the teams and players in the Breaker League can get along and have a fun time together. Obviously Herb the ref does not share this dream.

His mindless interpretation of the rules left the Seminoles bewildered and confused. Cursing ensued. and more cursing. then there was the dirt kicking on the refs. This would not be the Seminoles finest hour. Apparently 4 1/2 innings (and god knows how many beers) is all one can take before popping like a pimple of rage. 

It went down like this:

-Herb (the worst ref ever): You need to back up so i can figure out the call. 

-me: Let me tell you the rules since you obviously have never read the rulebook.

-Herb (the worst ref ever): This is the call (some silly way we get screwed).

-me: What the Fuck? Thats BS and you know it. This is how it went (some much better way we don't get screwed)

-Herb (the worst ref ever): You are not allowed to argue the call. 

-me: Fuck yes i can, Im a captain. 

-Herb (the worst ref ever): You need to respect me as a ref. (Oh no! lookout! he might start crying!) or i will eject you from the game.

-me: Eject me! On what grounds?

-Herb (the worst ref ever): Vulgar language.

-me: Oh yea, Fuck You! Im out!

At this point i proceeded to drop kick the ball like a badass. (too bad it only went 10 feet, not so badass after all)

-Herb (the worst ref ever): You are an asshole.

-me: And your ejected for vulgar language!

I will was handed a 1 game suspension that would have kept me out of the next weeks game vs the green team. But they are letting me off! Isn't that great? Im pretty sure Ty realized how upset everyone would be if I wasn't allowed to play next week.

Playoff Reminder

Reminder that the playoffs are on Saturday May 10th starting at 11am. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and shade.

The tournament will be single elimination with the seedings determined by the final standings. Every team will make the playoffs.

Once your team is eliminated from the tournament you will have to provide refs for the one game after yours.

Week 8 Reults

Team Turtlehead 1 McLovins 0
Drunk Again And Still Scoring 5 Where My Pitches At 3
Don't Touch My Balls 3 C U Next Tuesday 2
Seminoles 4 Relocators 3

Chill In The Air, But DAALTS Stays Hot

By Michael Maurino

TAMPA- It was unseasonably cool at the PAL Fields Tuesday, but a hot start by Drunk Again And Looking To Score was just enough as they defeated Where My Pitches At, 5-3. It is the second consecutive victory for DAALTS as the orange clad warriors make a late charge prior to the Breaker Division Playoffs.

Holding a 5-2 lead in the top of the fifth, Pitches (4-3) loaded the bases with none out, but was only able to push one across as the DAALTS (2-6) again used defense to stay alive. Pitcher and captain James Falcon started a 1-11 double play after a heads up play by Ladd Warwick in short field.

“None of us freaked out when they loaded them up,” Falcon said as his arm was icing with the DAALTS party ball. “When we got the popup for the first out, everyone got excited. But I turned around and Ladd was calling for the ball at second. He’s the only one who saw the double play chance.”

DAALTS opened the scoring with a rally in the bottom of the first. Aron Sullivan, Falcon, Jen Joyce, and Wes ‘Hustle’ Felder all scored in the frame. Kara Jastemski knocked in the last run after a single and advance on an error. Standing on second base with the DAALTS going wild on the bench, J-Stem yelled, “And that’s how you play kickball!”

After starting the season 0-6, DAALTS has found Momentum and is buying her drinks and asking if she’s from around here. A team once dead is now frisky and looking to make some noise.

“We’re getting excited.” Joyce said. “We’re not down in the dirt anymore.”

DAALTS faces C U Next Tuesday on April 22nd.

Great Party

We had a great time at Gaspar's last night. It was a very succesful night. There were lots of Relocators, McLovins, Where My Pitches At, and DAALTS. C U Next Tuesday made a modest showing a little later into the night while only 1 Seminole showed up and no one from Don't Touch My Balls made it. What do we have to do to get people somewhere, offer them free beer? Oh... right!

We went through 5 kegs and many "kickball cooler" shots. We had 2 highlights of the evening. The first highlight was Team Turtlehead winning the flip cup tournament. Team Turtlehead is now the official Flip Cup Champion for the Breaker Division. DAALTS put up a great showing but struggled in the final round.

The second major highlight of the night was when Natalie of the Relocators got up on stage with the band and started dancing, singing and playing tamborine (Someone please tell me that they got a picture of that).

The news of the night though is that between money raised from guests and the flip cup tournament we raised $480 for charity. The designated charity for our division is the Police Athletic League's Christine Hodill Scholarship fund, which they set aside to help family's in their programs who are in the most desperate need of assistance. Thank you to everyone who attended!

Krewe of Brigadoon's 4th Annual Kickball Tournament to Benefit Make a Wish Foundation

Hi Kickballers:

My team found an upcoming kickball event and knowing how much you all love kickball, I thought that I'd share it with you. If you're interested, this non-WAKA sponsored event is a charity fund raiser for Make A Wish Foundation. Here are specifics:

What: Krewe of Brigadoon's 4th Annual Kickball Tournament to Benefit Make a Wish
When: Saturday, May 17, 11:00 AM
Who should come: Anyone who loved to play the game of kickball as a kid!
Why: The Krewe of Brigadoon is looking to raise over $6,000 for Make aWish. It is a very fun event and the after party is great too!
How to register: Go to: http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=1560040

Join us on May 17, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the Third AnnualKrewe of Brigadoon Kickball Tournament at Gadsen Park at 6901 South MacDill Avenue in Tampa.

All profits will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation(R) of Sarasota/Tampa Bay, Inc. Brigadoon's goal is to raisemore than $4,500 for this worthwhile cause!!

There will be twelve teams of 10-15 players competing for first placeand a trophy. Lunch, t-shirts, and goodie bags will be provided to allplayers.

Elmer's restaurant is hosting the after party. Their address is 5206 Macdill Avenue South, Tampa, FL 33611. $2 Bud/Coors. $6.50 Pitchers,15% off Food!!!!

The cost is $30/individual but if you sign up before May 2nd , it only costs $25. The cost for a team of 10 is $300, $250 before May 2nd. You can have up to 5 subs but it costs an additional $25/$30 per player. All monies must be received by May 10th. Entrance into the tournamentis not guaranteed until payment for 10 players is received.

Party Tonight!

I wanted to remind everyone that we have our big Division party at Gaspar's Grotto at 1805 E 7th Ave in Ybor tonight. The festivities begin at 7pm and lasts as long as everyone wants to party. There will be free beer and some appetizers for everyone. It is free for all currently registered WAKA Kickball players and $5 to charity for guests to get a wristband for the free beer from ourdesignated kegs.To make sure you get in for free, please go to www.kickball.com/mywaka and log in to print out your WAKA player ID card for this season and show it at our registration table. You do not need to wear your kickball t-shirt. Wear your usual Friday night in Ybor clothing.

There is parking behind Gaspars (I believe it is a $5 lot) and there is a municipal parking garage just a couple of blocks away. It is highly recommended that you either take a taxi, or designate a driver for this event.

Hillsborough County is very serious when it comes to DUI's.Out of the 67 counties in this state Hillsborough accounts for almost 12% of the state's DUI Convictions. Every year Hillsborough County has more than 1,900 alcohol related crashes. In the past 5 years Hillsborough County has recorded an average of about 70 alcohol related fatal crashes per year. It is no wonder that Hillsborough County is the strictest in the state for DUI convictions with over 4100 each year. In 2004 alone this county had 4,971 DUI convictions. The second strictest county for DUI's? Pinellas county with over 2,700 convictions each year. Do not be a statistic.

We want everyone to have a good time at the party but we also want to make sure everyone can get home safely. Please be responsible.


http://www.flhsmv.gov/hsmvdocs/CS2006.pdf
http://www.flhsmv.gov/reports/2006UTCStats/DUI_conviction_bycounty.pdf

Week 7 Results

Drunk Again And SCORING 3 Seminoles 2
McLovins 1 Relocators 1
Where My Pitches At 5 C U Next Tuesday 2
Team Turtlehead won by forfeit against Don't Touch My Balls

Playoffs

Because I have been receiving a lot of questions about this, every team makes the playoffs. It will be a single elimination tournament played on the second Saturday of May starting at 11am. Final standings in the regular season will determine seeding in the tournament.

Drunk Again And Finally Scoring

By Michael Maurino

TAMPA- There would be no heartbreaking error this time or a shutout. Finally there was a victory and the Breaker Division's last winless team has a 'W'.

Dominating in all facets of the game, Drunk Again And Looking To Score defeated the Seminoles 3-2, for the DAALTS first victory.

The DAALTS (1-6-0-0) could have fallen in the bottom of the 5th. But catcher Aron Sullivan crushed any hopes of a Seminoles (1-4-0-1) rally. Sullivan showed off his athletic ability, collecting a man-bunt and taking advantage of the Seminoles' strategic mistake all evening.

"Before the game, we were all surprised they wanted the man-bunt in play," captain James Falcon said. "But, we knew our team speed was our advantage. Really, it was poor scouting and maybe arrogance on their part. That doesn't matter though because we had Sullivan."

Falcon had a splendid pitching performance, limiting the Seminoles to two runs and keeping them off balance all evening. He also scored the second run in the top of the 1st. Sullivan had a run and RBI, as his sacrifice scored Ladd Warwick and provided the winning margin.

University of Florida graduate and left fielder Bob Marinelli was understandably emotional leading to Tuesday's game. His single scored Falcon and Marinelli's reddened eyes following the proceedings revealed a man struck by the significance of the occasion. He credited Relocators' captain, The Sensei, for mentoring him and providing focus before the game. In a post game press conference Marinelli simply said, "The more respect you give, the more respect you receive."

As was typical of their namesake university, the Seminoles could not challenge, scoring in the 1st and 4th. Even their attempt at drinking and music was overshadowed by the DAALTS party ball, pong table, and blasting sound system.

"We were better in everything tonight," first baseman Tyler Murrell said as he took a celebratory sip out of a glass boot. "We got to keep it going now."

Next week DAALTS meets Where My Pitches At on Field B at 7pm.

Week 6 Results

It has been a very hectic week. Sorry it has taken so long to update everything but here are your new standings.

Don't Touch My Balls 3 Relocators 0
C U Next Tuesday 3 Team Turtlehead 1
McLovins 5 Drunk Again And Looking To Score 0
Seminoles 5 Where My Pitches At 0 *** Postponed after 2 innings. Game will continue from this point at a later date. Score not final***