Final Game Re-Cap

from the exhausted mind of B Hall


A wise person once said "All good things must come to an end." A truer statement was never uttered as it came to be true in the summer of 2008.

Softball Guy's season ended rather quietly with a 12-2 defeat at the hands of the Northwood Nutcrackers (N-Squared) in a game that featured more homoerotic subtext than a men's artistic gymnastics competition.

This was a game with two teams playing out the string of their respective seasons. The mood of the ball game harkened back to the malaise days of the Jimmy Carter presidency. Much like that era in the late 70's, Softball Guy tried to divert their attention from the languorous feeling of apathetic circumstances by wearing outlandish, garish Hawaiian shirts which could be akin to the loud leisure suits and other flashy clothes of the Carter era.

The ploy worked as everyone had a great time in the season finale. Feeling a vacation-like ease, Softball Guy let their cares slip away during an hour filled with laughter, some great plays, and memorable moments. And when it comes down to it, that's what "Level D" Recreational Co-ed Softball is all about. There were some great moments, from Lauren's catch at 2nd, G's snags at 1st, K.Hall running down a bomb in left, and Tracey's remarkable pickle play that seemed to last at least 2 minutes.

One thing that will stick out about this game was the bizarre nature of N-Squared. The pitcher shocked the umpire by requesting the plate to be cleaned. Their team complained about calls in the 7th inning when they were up 10 runs. But nothing was quite as bizarre as the incident that occurred in the 6th inning. A mustached gentleman from N-Squared meagerly popped out to Rosie. Instead of heading back to N-Squared bench, this gentleman took the long route and passed by the players on our bench. Then, the most disturbing incident of the season happened as he reached back and patted Tessmer in the backside. The off-pudding incident left our brave captain shaken, but he recovered to make some plays in the 7th.

There's not really a lot to say about this game but there is a ton to say about the season. What a great time it was. Speaking on behalf of EVERYONE I would like to thank EVERYONE for a very fun season. What other teams would have the foresight and creativity to wear the Hawaiian's, play music during at bats, or build their own website (which has grown a cult following at my work)? This season was remarkable. That's what the D-League is all about. Let's look into the fall league, and if that fails, let's do it again next year. Thanks for making Monday night's memorable and fun. Let's not let this good thing come to an end.

Game #12 MVP: Alecia Corte. She had our best hit of the game with a line shot down the third base line that darted into the outfield. The hit sparked a Softball Guy rally and got us on the board. She was later robbed of a hit in an ensuing inning. It was a phenomenal game and a phenomenal season for Alecia as she really turned it on in the later games. Well played Alecia.

Game #12 Buffalo Wild Wing's Defensive Play of the Game: Lauren Wetzler at 2nd base. You got two choices when the ball is hit hard to you. You can either have the mental tenacity and courage to make the play, or you can let it slide by. L-Dubs chose the former as she reached to her left and came up with a great catch. Her good nature was always entertaining as well as she told the lifeless, robot-like, sterile N-Squared outfielders to move back when she was batting. That comment was an emphatic stroke of Byzantine whimsy that truly captured the essence of the 2008 Softball Guy season.

Game #12 Unsung Heroes: BJ and Diana. Due to scheduling conflicts, this was a game where we were short players. We were in desperate need of subs and both stepped up and filled in admirably to help avoid a forfeit situation. BJ had a hit in her first Softball Guy at bat and played a great game. Diana is the definition of unsung hero as she came from the stands and played catcher for us so that we could field a full team in the field. The last time I saw someone come from the stands was a wrestler named "Earthquake" in 1990 WWF wrestling, and that nearly ended Hulkamania as we know it. But Diana coming from the stands was a pleasant experience and changed my whole outlook about people coming from the stands. Nonetheless, these selfless acts will inspire all of us as we embark on our grueling off-season conditioning program.

Thanks again to everyone and this season was truly a blast.