In a one inning game, we would have won 3 to ZIP!

Here are some highlights of our October 9th game: Despite being picked off at second base, Steph was anything but off her game. She did a stellar, relentless job at 1B. Adam's awesome plays at 3B and short earned him MVP once again. His foul catch at third was just one of the noteworthy achievements. Kelly's coverage of second base kept at least 2 Big Shots from getting home. Steve's ability to whip the ball fast to first in a split second and great hits lead to a much slower slaughter. Kim's awesome hitting gets better every game. She has resigned to wearing the same shirt on Fridays so Drew has a good aiming point. Speaking of Drew, not one walker! His pitching rocked and was able to field balls and send them to first in the nick of time proving the Dingman duo is second to none. Stu's fancy dancing on base had the team sweating bullets and on our toes, however, in the end....he made it. Great aggressive playing. Ori played left so hard and well that an injury brought him in to 3b during the second half. Jen's debut with P&W proved to her that despite her order at bat, her college days can come back to her like riding a bicycle. I think my errors may be noteworthy for this. Practice, anyone?

We're Baaack!

No, I didn't mean that we won, but the blog is back after a hiatus. Although we are 0-3 this season, we are having a blast and having so much fun with our new (and old) teammates. Here are the highlights of a very tough but fun game! We did very well in the field. Back to normal after a prolonged injury, Bill did not disappoint in left field. Unlike the last 2 seasons, Bill fielded every ball that came to him with grace and dignity. Danita hit solidly as usual but didn't have too much action in right. Her speed was flawless. Stu's polished firstbase plays impressed all the fans not to mention his seemingly effortless pop-up catch. Adam, making his debut as Parks and Wrecks pitcher, wins MVP. Having never pitched before, Adam dazzled everyone....including the UMP! It was great to have Kim back as she was a huge encourager to our virgin pitcher. Her dedication was evident when she ran like hell forgetting to drop the bat even when she hit a foul ball. Jess played a fierce second baseman and was able to stop just about every ball that came within her territory. Her wicked batting stance intimidated the opposing team. Kavita, who originally was not scheduled to play, pleasantly surprised everyone by changing plans at last minute. Good thing she showed because her meritorious catches as short center were unforgettable. In one inning she had two in a row - she was on fire. Steve did his usual outstanding job at shortstop. He even covered a play at 2nd base proving he is versatile and fast. Shari covered 3b with purpose(or position 5 as i learned tonight). She also hit the ball hard leading off the batting line-up for the evening. Michael, our 5th guy player and sub for the night, courageously played center field despite being a lifetime infielder. He hit the ball far and hard and did an outstanding job. Parks and Wrecks, we may have lost on paper, but we won in fun. Great job.

New and Improved Parks and Wrecks 16-4

Parks and Wrecks couldn't even finish the game because we slaughtered Ball Me Maybe by the bottom of the fifth. With 5 awesome, new players on the roster and 11 oldies but goodies, we had an exciting and eventful first game of the fall season. Here are some highlights: Our newest pitcher, Nicole or "Co-co" didn't walk one "Ball Me Maybe" opponent and struck several of them out! Her poise and grace on the pitcher's mound is equally matched when she is holding a bat! Although not entirely new to Parks and Wrecks because he's subbed for us before, Dave played a stellar first half at short stop catching a memorable, hard hit line drive seemingly effortlessly. Also, not exactly a newbie to P&W, Dottie didn't disappoint. Her ability to catch any ball at 1B and keep her foot on the base, was impressive. Although Kim's entourage made up most of our fanbase for the evening, being on "stage" didn't impact her game. She hit the ball solidly and ran hard. She also was the pinch runner for Danita and I believe was responsible for scoring the first run of the game! Tim, who also brought his share of fans to the game, did not disappoint! He hit the ball hard and far responsible for multiple RBIs. Michael rounded the bases a few times and will be most remembered for his TRIPLE! Go MB! Danita's patience and perserverance paid off when she waited and waited for her pitch. A walk is always as good as a hit and we all know she can hit now we know she has the patience. It paid off. Steve ALWAYS knows what to do when the bases are loaded and he is at bat. His famous grand slam had the team howling. Kelly's stunts at short center were noteworthy. She covered 2nd base well except when she was covering the wrong base. Sheri's extra time off this summer traveling the world didn't slow her down. Her running/hitting/fielding was faster and better than ever. Bill redeemed himself by not letting one ball even look like it was going to get missed or dropped if it was anywhere near his domain. Great game Parks and Wrecks. We are off to a glowing start. Looking forward to having he Dingman Duo back and Jay U's debut on September 5 @ 9pm!

The Game We'd Like to Forget

This was it. The game we'd like to all forget. Every team has to have one of these per season. We just had ours early on. Here are some highlights. Kelly covered 2B extremely well making sure that the runner was in trouble if it was happening on her watch. Tim made some great plays at 3b responsible for some nice plays. Roberto was our 2 home run man tearing the cover off of that ball. Steve played short stop with his usual finesse and agility. Kyle, although only played for a short time, had a great hit and the other team just got lucky when they caught it. Stephanie caught some hard to reach throws at 1b as she noted that she's never attended a winning game for P&W. Danita hit the ball well and longed for her place in the outfield. Despite the umps calls, Drew pitched some incredibly tempting balls and the other team unfortunately chose to be "lookers". Making someone else work on Friday night, Genay showed up with her usual positive sportswomanship attitude. Bill made a couple incredible catches in LF as he dreamt of frozen mango margaritas. We are the away team next week at 8:30 again. Same field.

Guess who got slaughtered? And, look at what you miss if you don't participate in the after game festivities...

Steve-o always knows what to do at the plate. He hit not one, but two home runs and he finally put an end to a game that was never ending. Bill who was also responsible for rounding the bases after a hearty smack at the ball, also made great catch in left. Tim's heroic catch in centerfield is only half the story for him. Tim ripped the ball producing multiple RBIs. Danita's memorable debut was impactful. She proved her spot on the team as she whipped the ball and ran for her life. Shari's star catch at 3rd was merely just the beginning of her attempt to end the inning. Her effort to get the double play ended in controversy where Kelly's affinity for other team was questioned. Speaking of Kelly, she did some great hitting and bat and was able to get ball back into infield quickly. Drew pitched awesome and also hit the ball extremely well. Kyle rounded the base multiple times and had a busy night as catcher not to mention ending the night with a business deal landing us a potential sponsor. Matt K. came to our rescue as a sub covering 1b like a champ and whacking the ball out of the park.

A Winning Loss 2-3

We had an amazing first game of the season. Our defense was particularly noteworthy. Here are some highlights: Showing up with barely any sleep last night, Shari's cut was ready to peel the ball out of it's skin. Look out next week when she is fully rested, there's no stopping her. Injury-free and back from an extended leave of absense, fearless Stephanie did her magic at 1b. Drew opened up the season with some outstanding pitching and he fielded some tough balls. Nice reflexes! Chris, who always makes this Captain sweat wondering if he will show or not, made the whole team cheer with some awesome plays at 3rd in addition to a couple of impressive hits. On daddy duty today, Robert needed to show his girls how the game is played. Look-out Maliff, there's another dude on the team who never drops a ball in left! Genay did some fast hustling as she tried to get on base...despite the long, cold winter she deomonstrated that she still knows how to hit that ball and run fast. Mike played the first 3 innings mostly admiring the turf that his tax dollars paid for trying to get chummy with the ump. WTPA saved the action for his sub, Matt, who made a fantastic catch smack dab in the middle of the field. If it weren't for Kyle's fast pasted throws back to Drew, we wouldn't have finished all 7 innings in 45 minutes. Steve shuts it down at short stop not letting any grounders past his turf and driving that ball right to Stephanie. Great teamwork, P&W. What a great way to start the season. We play Duck Fat next week same time, same place. 7:30.

Save the drama for your mama, we’re here to play

Parks and Wrecks experienced 2 new things this season. First, we finally won a game!!! Second, we won that game by slaughter rule. We lost our first game, but many would say that our loss was a bigger win than our actual win b/c we lost to a team who beat us last week by slaughter rule, however, we played the entire game and only lost by 5 runs. Both games were great. Here are the highlights: The spotlight was on our catcher, Rachel when she aggressively prevented a run home by getting in front of the runner. She also hit the ball well as her time at the batting cages has paid off and hit RBIs. Shari's hitting also was duly noted by this blogger as she did a fantastic job of hitting the ball hard and low. Shari made some great stops at 3B in addition to at least one stellar catch! Steve "knew what to do" the entire game but it helped for him to be reminded of that especially as he hit a homer and snatched some great balls in left field. Genay pulled the ball way into the outfield as she rounded the bases deservedly. Drew played musical chairs between 1B and pitching and did a great job at both. He also had some stellar hits making it to home multiple times. Now known as "the looker", Robert entertained the team as he struck out and following that received several strikes at bat. He did a great job pitching and striking out the offense, as well! Takes one to know one, I guess. Kelly hit the ball well and did a great job getting it back into play while at short center. Todd never disappoints at bat or on the field and he did his usual, yet we are bummed that he is bailing on us for our last game. Bill's magic was worked in the infield this time. He did a great job at short stop switching it up for some variety. He also finally made it on base as defense prepared for his killer pop-ups by nearly positioning themselves in Austin to retrieve them. Great games, Parks and Wrecks! Next and last game is this Friday @ 9:45! Bring it!

"The only thing worse than a Mets (P&W) game is a Mets(P&W) double header." -Casey Stengel

Our first double header for the season. The first game was rough due to just a bad couple of innings, however, we played the entire second game. This is progress. Here are the highlights. Robert pulled a muscle taking one for the team but in order to compensate for his unusual slow running pace, he hit the ball even further. He also did a stellar job covering CF and did a great job as pitcher. Loved those first fake pitches to throw off the batter! Steve felt the aftermath of using his legs for running instead of his arms for throwing. Even for Steve, he made some remarkable plays in the field and (per usual) hit a home run! Also a homerun hero, Todd knocked it out of the park in addition to making some phenominal plays in LF. Steph sustained an injury while at bat when the rules got to complicated for her to find a sub batter. Only to find out she has a broken bone in her hand and is out of commission for the rest of the season, we will miss her athletic prowess and team spirit but she will still come to cheer us on and will heal for next season. Genay had a fabulous catch in CF and hit the ball like she wasn't going to see it again. Rachel also hit the ball well and also did some great fielding by getting the ball back in quickly. We are always in awe of Michael's arm because, he too, knows how to throw a ball back into play. Tim corrected an error demonstrating that we need to never give up - his follow through helped get the batter out at first! Kelly's repenting last week left her a bit rusty on the lead-off rules but she did a great job at fielding and hitting the ball. Jeff's final game left him going out in a bang as he did a great job stopping the ball in the field. Drew did his usual magic when he pitched and had some great hits. Kyle hit the ball well and her speed served as a fan for cooling off the opposing team because she made them work so hard at getting her out. Shari made some great plays at 3B including a miraculous line drive catch! And, finally, Rachel will kill me if I don't include this one. The opposing team used their psychic powers to start heading in from the field after 2 outs. Apparently they got to a point where they were over confident about their ability to get the 3rd out....especially when I was at bat. It's off the batting cages!

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but rising every time we fall"

A rough one last Friday night. Here are the highlights: Mega-hitter Michael was responsible for the only Run Batted In! Kewl Kyle came so close making it to first as she ran the fastest I'd ever seen her speedy legs run. Spitfire Steph did a great job at 1B. Terrific Tim pounded the ball out to right field. Raving Rachel made it on base twice. Dazzeling Drew pitched awesome. Sassy and savvy Shari covered short center. Jumpin' Jeff ran fast and furious. Glorious Genay was great at trying to get those homeruns in right field. Twisting Todd made some great stops at short. Bouncing Bill made his usual magnificent catches. And finally, Jewish Julie who sinned by playing on Yom Kippur is going to hell.

“Win without boasting. Lose without excuse.” ― Albert Payson Terhune

Although we endured a tough loss last Friday, I think we are all pretty optimistic that we have the ability to win big. It's just a matter of time. Until then, we are all having fun. Here are the highlights. Ensuring that Parks and Wrecks did not leave with a goose egg, Tim scored our only run. Classy catcher Kyle is on a t-shirt escapade so that we will be all stylin' and matching this Friday. Don't forget your $21 for her! Roberto rushed to get to his post on time yet only to find he was subbing out for the first half as the capt anticipated a late arrival and made an emergency plan. He did a great job striking several Big Shot's out. Shari didn't have as much action during her game #2 in the field but she hit the ball far and hard. A warm welcome to newest male player, Drew, who did an excellent job pitching and hitting. Kelly's killer catch at short center had the fans go wild. Jeff played a challenging game at 1B very well. P&W inaugurated Stephanie by challenging her to play infield and outfield positions during her first game. She did a great job at both! Steve's unstoppable fielding at shortstop was awe-inspiring per usual. He also ran the bases faster than I drive. Also making her debut, Rachel had a great game at 3B. Out in left field with the family cheering for him in the stands, Todd made some great catches and got the ball quickly back into play when needed. Genay was on fire during inning 3, as she was responsible for 2 amazing catches shortening up the inning. We are the home team playing WTPA this Friday @ 9:45pm. See you out there! -Julie

New and Improved Parks and Wrecks

We lost by 3 runs which is a win from last season. Here are the highlights: Careful not to get swept away in the dip located in far Right Field, Genay played a solid game and hit the ball with her usual gusto. Dynamo Bill caught practically every ball that came his way with ease and also did some outstanding hitting and base running. Showing up late yet right on time to sub in, Michael had some great hits and at least one RBI. Our newest female showing up for our first game impressed us all...Shari did a phenominal job at 3B but not with out proof...a bruise in the center of her hand from stopping and catching so many balls. Another newbie who hit the ground running, Tim, scored during his first game for P&W! He ran those bases like lightening! Kyle the fantabulous catcher knew just when to let those foul balls go so they could be strikes and she made great contact with the ball at bat per usual. Chris made some awesome plays at Center as his family stood at the park to get a clear view of his fancy footwork. Kelly showed power behind her hits at bat as Joshie wished he could make the roster this season. Making his debut with P&W, Jeff played a great game demonstrating his talents at 1B. Robert wins MVP with some stellar pitching and his tricky play to get the lead off runner at 1B out but in the end did a bait and switch at 2B. Steve's short stint at shortstop tonight was relatively uneventful...we are just warming him up slowly for a busy season. He hit the ball solidly as usual. Juggling his new role as dad and team member of P&W, Todd was also a welcomed addition to the game as he killed the ball and made some key plays at short stop. Next game time is 6:45 on September 6.

Nott's Farewell. Sunday, June 9.

As one of the founding players of P&W and our Rick of all trades...pitcher, 1B, benchwarmer, 3B, outfielder, it is time to say good-bye to him in a similar way in which we met him....slaughter rule. Below are the highlights of Rick's last game with P&W. Alex barely got a chance to dip his toe into the water at 1B, but did a great job. Chris batted the only RBI. Although tardy and made the whole team wait for his arrival, Steve made up for it by his awesome fielding. Speaking of awesome fielding... right behind him in LF, Bill deserves a shout out for some great "hard to get" catches. Tammy's batting practice paid off during game as her improved hitting was evidenced. Deb got just a little action in RF and did a great job of getting the ball back into play. Jen fielded a great play at 2B exemplifying that the female power on the team is underestimated bc she was the only person that night to actually throw a ball to another female. That proved effective. (hint) Kelly did a great job of backing up a ball that bounced out of Steve's glove. Coming straight from her sick bed, Kyle barely got a chance to catch but her enthusiasm was felt. Robert caught an amazing line drive testing his fast reflexes. Rick's last hit with P&W was a solid single.

June 7

I am a little behind in blogging. If you missed or have forgotten the highlights from our June 7, 2013 game, you can breath deeply now. The memories of that game are now forever embedded below: Making his debut with Parks and Wrecks, Robert showed up as a sub, but without hesitation, agreed to be a permenant member of our team. Frustrated with the fact that the pitches were not being evenly called balls when opposing team was at bat, we all chalked it up to Robert's initiation process. Deb hit her first RBI (which was definitely a foreshadowing for the future!). Chris rounded the bases and made a triple. Bill's aggressive base running scored our first run and he made at least 3 pheonominal catches in LF despite sustaining an injury which almost precluded him from playing LF. Kelly fielded some tough balls at Short Center and did a great job of getting them back into the infield. Genay made some great plays at 1B. If you blinked, you may have missed Jen's short stint in the outfield, as our game was cut short by a slaughter. Julie threw her glove at a ball that was not with in reach but realized that strategy has its faults. Tammy did a fantastic job of catching and covering home. Brian was a lifesaver at 3B. Steve's RBIs contributed to the few runs Parks and Wrecks scored on Friday evening.

In baseball, my theory is to strive for consistency, not to worry about the numbers. If you dwell on statistics you get shortsighted, if you aim for consistency, the numbers will be there at the end. -Tom Seaver

Fridays game proved that we are definitely consistent. We are good at one thing...the slaughter rule! Here are the highlights: Tammy's eagerness while at bat definitely reared its head as she refused to take a walk and swung at every pitch. Chris did well covering short stop making at least 2 stellar catches. Back part-time after her short retirement from pitching, Kelly stopped letting the women take walks on the opposing team. Responsible for the only RBI for P&W, Bill also showed some fancy moves in Left when he wasn't sitting down on the field waiting for the opposing team to walk. Refusing to let anyone think that an injury would keep her down, Genay caught an amazing line drive at first. Responsible for our very own P&W cheering section, Jen had an awesome hit which can be attributed to our batting practice before the game. Deb patiently waited to bat, however, never got the opportunity to do so because we didn't get through the batting order until inning 4. Alex did a fine job for his pitching debut but of course he had to be formally initiated by getting injured. After refusing to pitch ever again, Rick relieved Alex of pitching for a while and even scored one of our 2 runs following Kelly. With only a few hours of sleep, Michael did a great job of getting the ball back into play. Not seeing any other options but to apply kickball rules to softball, Kyle gently threw the ball to a man running home hoping to get him out through the tag.

Batting Practice

Our generousness by allowing the Big Shots to have a nice, long batting practice at our expense is ending tonight. No more charity. Here are some Parks and Wrecks Highlights: Almost being taken down by the ball, Tammy braved 3B until her team decided that we wanted her to be around all season and she made a quick transition. Jon's reflexes came in handy at 3B when a line drive meant for his chest landed swiftly in his glove. Keeping the bench warm, Jen didn't get a chance to field but was able to get some insight from her "pro" Windmill daughter. Deb's star catch at 2B was a close call but her determination and ability to keep it in her hands was impressive. Being among the few to make it on base, Kelly hit an amazing ball well-positioned in a left field hole. Following her lead, Steve also was one of the few to get on base. His moves at Short Stop helped shorten some of those looonnnggg innings. Better late than never, Chris arrived with his quick fielding moves and unique ability to get that ball back into play. Genay's flexibilty in the field allowed her to be a Jack of all trades making some great plays. Rick, having to work the hardest during this batting practice, could not help but stick some curve balls in his routine. Alex also did a great job of playing musical chairs in the field helping Parks and Wrecks cover where we were in need. And, last but not least...a tired but totally committed and optimistic Michael, joins us post game running on the field asking with enthusiasm and authenticity, "did we win?" That just made my night! -Julie

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

I'd like to think of Friday's game more as a practice. As the first game of the season, we all just needed that warm-up. This Friday will be the real deal! On the bright side, I think we hung on for a long time and individually did really well. When we've lost by slaughter rule in the past, it usually has happened early on in the game. There were some real moments of hope during Friday's defeat. Here are the highlights: Towering over Right Field, Michael's magical catch fueled his teammates with excitement. Finally joining us after making us anticipate her arrival for a year, Holly showed her suave softball moves by stopping the ball and not allowing it to get past her. It was a 2 homerun night for Steve earning MVP and some proud offspring in the stands. Our retired pitcher, Kelly, did her share by scoring 2 runs while at bat and a couple of outstanding catches at 3rd, despite her failure to tag 1B after Chris' far and wide hit which was a "lucky catch" made by the opposing team. Speaking of Chris...almost leaving us high and dry by threatening to be a no show ...he arrived ready to roll and made some great plays in left field not allowing the ball to touch the ground (for very long at least). Newcomer Tammy is a welcomed member to Parks and Wrecks this season. Her strong, solid swings bring great promise to the team. Jon did not live up to his reputation of being 'down on the ground'. He rounded the bases with ease scoring for P&W. Jen, another welcomed new member, looked alive at short center and helped defend P&W during her first game of the season. Our new pitcher, Rick, did a great job at it. Although some of his pitches were called balls, I overheard the ump saying.."I can't believe she didn't take that one. She just wants a walk." Left-handed Genay pulls the ball fast and furiously to right field every time and her amazing catch in CF was admired by all. Kyle hit the ball well and took off at a record breaking pace making it on base and a RBI. Our score was misleading. In my book, we all had successes. Great start to the season, Parks and Wrecks!!!! See you out there!

“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.” Bob Feller

Our last game of the regular Fall season. Our shortest game. Our coldest game. Crush crushed us. But...we're in the play-offs, and we get another chance. Here are the highlights of our shortest game in history. Like 2 ships passing eachother in the night, Phil and Rick both went for the ball hit right between them in the outfield. Although almost catching it, they did a great job of backing eachother up and getting the ball back into the field quickly. At bat, Phil was completely robbed at 1B with a lousy ump call. Tina's super studley catch in short center made the mid inning switch totally worth while. Also in the outfield and retrieving many balls on Friday night, Adrienne did a great job of getting the ball back into the field despite the wind carrying the ball farther than it "should have" gone. From the outfield, Genay hunted down a runner on his way to 3B. The runner looked like a deer in headlights as a poised Genay tagged him out. Also hunting for those careless base runners who underestimate our aggressiveness, Alli and Jon were determined to get the lead-off runner out between pitches. Their valiant efforts did not go unnoticed. Steve was (and is always) the star cut-off man running the field and making sure he was where he needed to be at all times to retrieve the ball from the outfielder and get it back in for the play. Additionally, Steve does a great job of reminding "people" who are less aware of their cut-off role more conscious of the responsibility. Helping me make my best play of the night, Steve's gentle reminders kept me on task. Michael made some heroic throws to 1B. Although the tie went to the runner, the "almost" out kept the excitement running through our chilly bones.

Double Win!

Game #1 against wasn't looking good after the first inning. We were 9 runs down and feeling a bit low energy at the end of the weekend. However, Parks and Wrecks made a huge comeback mid-game. Then, game #2 started a little late. We were tired from our previous game and the opposing team looked ready to kill. It was their first game of the night. However, we pulled through and did a superior job of fielding and hitting the ball despite many injured players. The pressure built up during the bottom of that last inning. As the visiting team in the field for the final time, we were up by 2 and they had 2 outs, bases loaded and a heavy hitter at bat. We held the runs and batter was out. Surreal! A little trivia for the team. We beat the Wright Fielders last season, however, we were slaughtered by the Big Shots last season pretty badly during our first game. We've come along way, team! Here are some brief highlights from Sunday night: Unaware that she had committed to a double header, Genay quickly got her game on after transferring her tough day into a winning high. Her fielding was superb. She caught an amazing ball at First on a bounce that didn't seem possible. Bill ran the bases in record time. Although injured from sprinting like an 18 year old, he made some wicked plays 1B plays and seemed surprised that his shoes collected so much dirt there. Welcome to the infield. Rick had a stellar catch in the outfield but will be remembered for his offensive hitting and base running during this particular double header. He did a great job of getting on base, rounding them and bringing home the runs. Speaking of RBIs, Jessica's hits brought them in by the handful. In addition, her strategic fielding as catcher aided with several strike outs. She patiently let those foul balls go and that's not always easy. With a bruised belly and later an arm hit hard by a ball, Kelly's pitching is always second to none. We can never underestimate the value of her gift to get the ball in the right place, at the right time. An impressive number of strike outs! As someone who proved he could get a ball in the "right" place, Jon hit the ball all wrong for the defense by strategically placing it in the gaps. Jon got himself on base a number of times. Chris tempered his anxious arm making some great plays and one of a kind catches. At bat, he pulverized the ball. Warmed up from Friday and ready to roll, Phil was another one who crushed the ball and ran aggressively and successfully helping rack up the runs. Victory minded and eager to score, Tina held her own in the field and at bat. She consistantly hit the ball and scored for Parks and Wrecks. Go P&W!!!!!!

"All right everyone, line up alphabetically according to your height." -Casey Stengel

Although we lost to the guys in the baseball pants again, we need to celebrate some seriously great plays. During our first inning in the field, Kelly's quick reflexes came in handy when she caught a ball shooting at her at like 90 MPH. However, she did not fare so well later in the game when the tallest member of the other team pelted the ball right at her belly button. Her belly "catch" resulted in a single instead of a triple, but she definitely took one for the team. Let's just say it's a good thing she is done with the birthing thing. New kid on the block (literally), Chris, filling in for Steve won a spot on the teams roster for the Spring. Chris really knows how to hit a ball and that arm came in handy when he needed it to throw to 1B....(and beyond). Welcome to the neighborhood, Chris! Genay covering 1B for 2 innings tonight made an astounding line drive catch. Genay also made one of the first runs in of the night! Alex's memorable catch at short center had everyone cheering. He also was responsible for at least one RBI at bat. Don't feel bad for bailing on us on Sunday, Alex. A dinner out with friends is waaayyy more important than your 2-3 softball team who could make it into the play-offs with your help. ;) Jessica showed extreme talent in RF when she caught a fly ball, but we are convinced that the fancy pants team planted a mexican jumping bean inside of that ball to hop out of her glove. Even so, I still call that a catch in my book because it seemed to survive the 3 second rule. Our 3rd base fill- in, Phil, did a great job hitting the ball. Another heavy hitter and member that instantly made it on to our Spring roster next season. Welcome Phil. Although she begged to be catcher the entire time, Alli's perservering speed always gets the ball back into the infield as fast as lightening. How could any right-minded captain put her in the infield? Speaking of speed, there's no place in left field that's out of Bill's range. Bill dashed where ever he was needed and per usual made some commendable catches. Training for his marathon and raising money to cure cancer is just a side job for Rick's real aspiration of floating between 1B and short center. Rick made some great plays at first and hit the ball well. Rick is waking up at the crack of dawn on Sunday morning to train for his run before church and is expected to be fresh and ready for our 7pm double header. After being benched for an ankle injury, I finally got to play and made it on base, but caved at the chance to make a double play in the field. Next time. Great job Parks and Wrecks. Although I would've thoroughly enjoyed hearing the lecture their captain would've given the team if they lost to us, I think we played a fantastic game. Rest up for Sunday!

"It’s not how good you are, it’s how bad you want it." Anonymous

Exciting game for Parks and Wrecks. Another win against "Ball Me Maybe" As a team, we did 3 especially fantastic things worth mentioning: 1. After being down by a number of runs early in the game, we made a quick comeback. 2. During 2 particular innings we had 2 outs and instead of easily giving in to wipe the inning clean, we perservered and scored our most runs with the 2 outs counting against us. 3. Many teammates continued running even though they thought they were easily out, and surprisingly found pay off for running it out. Here are some more specific highlights: Although worn out from getting many "Ball Me Maybe" hits in RF, Adrienne had some brilliant hits, got on base and scored! Her ambition paid off except when she listened to an over-aggressive 3rd base coach who she tried to hide behind right before her demise at 3B. After a long day on the golf course, Rick saunters in pulling a "Sonny Mann" and made a star catch at center field while hitting the ball with power bringing in the RBIs. Alex also showing up from a day on the course changed from polo to his softball gear from one ball game to the other on Friday with a dicey blood/alcohol level. Alex's unbelievable catches at short center and 1B earned him the MVP title. However, Alex was weakened at the end of the game by a leg injury. Eager to hit the ball, Jessica got on base with her aggressive hitting and running. She also had the most fans one of which (her dad) assisted with coaching as a veteran softball player. Covering for a last minute female bail, Ellen played solidly at 2B and got the short end of the stick when the batter was out at 2nd due to her covering and catching but called safe by the ump. Steve shot the ball low and hard never dismaying any of our base runners because, per usual, he hit them home. However, Steve had one rare yet entertaining play in the field when he almost threw the ball to the city of Chicago intending it only for 1B. Kelly's star quality pitching paved the way for several strike outs. Although not blood related, there seems to be a common athletic prowess in the family because Kelly's cousin Tina helped kick some "Ball Me Maybe" ass. Tina hit and pitched extremely well and we appreciate her filling in to cover for our absent women. Switching it up a little for Jon by placing him at 3rd instead of 1st, didn't rattle him a bit. At bat, he hit like never before and ran the bases fast and furiously. Bill was his usual super solid self in left and even came into the infield in the last inning to close it out with a game ending double play. Great job P&W!!! We're headed in the right direction.