Game 5

We had the lead for an inning or so but a grand slam broke the game open for the other team and we couldn't recover. Here are some highlights: When Michael was at bat, he pounded the ball earning a Triple and multiple RBIs! In the field, he won the ump over and distracted the other team with his chatter about his day "Occupying". The team was happy to see Sally return after a few weeks off. With their newborn and parents cheering in the stands, Sally did a great job catching while her husband pitched and covering 3B during the second half. "Politically incorrect" Rick, didn't let the ball even think about going anywhere else but in his glove. Rick was partially responsible for our first few innings in the field which were short and sweet due to great fielding. Look for him in the outfield next game. Genevieve's killer swing scared the pitcher so much that he lost focus and couldn't pitch a well placed ball for her to hit. In the field, Genevieve did a great job of getting the ball back to the right spot. John M. used his knowlege of the rules to make sure the bases were almost loaded when he was up at bat. The result: RBIs. John made his pitching debut on Parks and Wrecks and did a fine job as well as making some awesome plays as short center covering many holes. After a long week away from home, Bill's allegience to Parks and Wrecks is appreciated. Practically coming from the airport, Bill stopped at home to say hi to his girls and showed up fully ready to win. A shout out to Ellen for all of her support and her phone call letting me know that he was on his way. Demonstrating that alcohol may enhance his abilities on the field, Sonny fielded another fantastic game as short stop. His double play seemed graceful and effortless. Kelly had another fantastic game at 3B and pitching. For being as tired as she claims to be, she knows how to bring it. As a newbie to softball, Katie is impressive with her courage and ability to put herself out there in front of the ball. Joe played a solid game in left field catching some great fly balls and impressing his fans. Among them, his proud father in the stands. Joe did a great job at bat and running the bases as well. Jon L. played 1B well and managed to stay off the ground. He walked but got caught at home trying to score. At bat it was my intention to force that pitcher to get his baseball pants dirty so he could look like a serious player, but unfortunately my hits practically fell into his glove and he came away clean.

Game #4

At least we are consistent and that keeps things predictable. We may have lost, but we keep improving which is a good sign. We had the lead early and kept it close most of the game. Overall we did a great job and had a ton of fun. Here are some highlights. I lived up to the "Wrecks" part of our name with my dazed and confused performance as captain. I'll do better next time. Kelly proved herself as versatile as ever by pitching a great first 3 innings and being a star 3rd baseman. After taking week off from the field, Sonny's glove was once again a magnet for the ball. Seemed like every time you looked up, Genevieve was running the bases. Her ability to get on base and score was uncanny. Alex's strong arm came in handy when the ball seemed like it was constantly hit to left field and he was able to bring it back in for the play. The team was wishing the bases were loaded when Steve was at bat during his epic home run hit. Bill was the all around athlete hitting ropes and making great plays. Hats off to Ericka for showing team spirit and being willing to play even when sick. We hope you're feeling better. Kyle's swift moves in right field by stopping the ball and borrowing the arm of other players when needed was strategic and effective. Still injured but willing to play, Adrienne caught a great game with a smile on her face. Michael, catching for the first 3 innings, proved that he can fill in where needed and do a stellar job. Rick continued his command at 1st base and hit the ball solid. Jon L found himself on the ground yet again with in the first inning and also made some awesome plays at first base. John M gave his audience something to cheer about as he rounded the bases and caught balls at short center. Joe's aggressive base running manufactured runs and contributed to our improving offense. As for me, making the last out of the game speaks for itself. There's always next time.

Game #3 Losing to The Foul Balls

We're 0 and 3. Good job Parks and Wrecks. We are here to make the other teams feel better. Joe Winbigler lived up to his nickname "Big Winner" hitting the ball extremely well, running fast and making some great short stop plays all while once again bringing the best Oak Park cheerleaders to the bleachers. Katie Jones may have gotten a little too much action in right field for her first game with Parks and Wrecks but she kept her composure and used her strong throwing arm to get the ball back in to play. Back from the land down under, Rick Nott had an incredible night at the plate. Batting 1000, Nott hit the ball hard and far and kept a steady hand at first base. Ericka Lingk never disappoints. Her great hits and quick running kept her in the game and contributing to Parks and Wrecks best showing yet both offensively and defensively. Alex Davidkhanian wins most improved, hands down, by showing his strength at the plate. A little work at Stella's batting cages goes a long way!! Adrienne Eyer (sorry I've been spelling your name wrong) has recovered from her injury last week. As catcher, she helped keep Kelly focused and alert. And, her short people's bat, helped us shorties feel more comfortable at the plate. Jon Lulu came up short at the plate but made up for it with his tight defensive plays at first and did a great job catching those harder to retrieve balls. Kyle Hanson showed great hustle both at bat and a solid performace as catcher and was an integral part of the team spirit. Steve Black's range was amazing where ever the ball was, he seemed to be there and provided a steady confidence as third base coach. Kelly Oxer pitched another gem and proved herself a fighter by hitting the hell out of the ball and running the bases aggressively. Michael Bornhorst continued to settle into his role at third and provided the fuel to keep the team's fire alive. Dr. Genevieve sprang into action when her professional talents were needed on the sidelines but her real talent continues to develop thanks to backyard, nightime practice with Yannek. Thanks to Yannek also for keeping score! After a week off, Bill Maliff came back to life and showed his power at the plate. Come watch Bill do a little pitching during game 4! And as for me, I was able to make some plays at second and made contact with the ball but couldn't get break at the plate.