Well, the undefeated season has come to a screaching hault. Greenville loses two weeks in a row, as the Baptists got the best of Greenville last week, and a team of Shane Spencer's best friends beat us tonight 10 - 6.
Bottom line? We can't seem to win without Ben Patterson. I think when you break it all down, he is the one player that Greenville can't play without. Unfortunately, injuries to Ben and others have proven to be too much to overcome over the last two weeks. Luckily for Greenville, they started the season 4 - 0, so their playoff hopes are still alive and well.
So I am not a big fan of writing about losses if you can't tell. So let's talk about something a lot more fun.
The Rangers.
Mark my words. The Rangers beat the Rays in 4 games. There I said it, and it feels good. Once we dispatch of the Rays, and the Yankees take care of the twins, we will finally have sweet revenge and home field advantage against that dreadful team from the northeast in the ALCS.
Once we win the pennant, we will promptly get beat by the Phillies in the world series. But hey, at least we went to the series right?
Game next week at 7:30 against Mosaic.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Rally Time at Ford Field...Greenville Oaks Comes Back to Stay Undefeated
A lively crowd of 3 people(including my beagle Paisley) descended upon the Ford field 2 bleachers on Monday night to watch one of the hottest teams going in Church League Softball. Greenville Oaks didn't disappoint. In fact, Greenville Oaks had to come back from an 8 - 0 deficit against Cottonwood Creek in order to obtain the victory and preserve their undefeated record. Greenville posted an 11 run third inning to get back in the game, and they never relinquished the lead after that inning. The 14 - 11 victory pushes Greenville Oaks to 4 - 0 at the season's halfway point. The magic number is now 2 for the Greenville Oaks team to clinch a playoff spot.
The game's MVP was awarded to Dustin Swart who not only had one of his token 3 RBI triples, but he also flashed some leather on defense making one play after another at third base. In the later inning, every time a Cottonwood Creek hit a ball near third base on the ground, the hitters just went ahead and walked back to their dugout with their head down in disgrace.
Greenville wasn't without their obstacles on the night as they had to fight through a number of injuries. Jimmy Campbell was a defensive liability all night at shortstop due to a tough hamstring injury. Ben Patterson had to come out with an injury after legging out a ground ball, which ended up being one of the better plays of the game. Without him hustling down the line, it would have cost the team two important insurance runs. Unfortunately, it also cost Ben a hamstring.
Luckily Bryon Adams was able to pinch run, and he would later score on a bases loaded walk by Jimmy Campbell. Campbell and Bryan Brokaw led the team in walks with each having two on the night.
The story of the night was the Greenville third inning. Greenville batted around and then some in the inning, and they ended up scoring 11 runs. Everyone had a hit or a walk. Even if they got an out I am going to award them with a hit. It proved to be an important inning as the team only scored 3 more runs on the night.
GM Michael Shivers and Assistant GM Clay Platt also will receive kudos for their work in bringing Austin and Colin to the squad. They were able to bring in both free agents just before the midseason trade deadline. Their additions join Jake Wheeley as as players who have joined in the middle of the season in order to help Greenville push for the playoffs.
Greenville's storybook season continues next Monday night as they will take on FBC Allen at 8:30.
The game's MVP was awarded to Dustin Swart who not only had one of his token 3 RBI triples, but he also flashed some leather on defense making one play after another at third base. In the later inning, every time a Cottonwood Creek hit a ball near third base on the ground, the hitters just went ahead and walked back to their dugout with their head down in disgrace.
Greenville wasn't without their obstacles on the night as they had to fight through a number of injuries. Jimmy Campbell was a defensive liability all night at shortstop due to a tough hamstring injury. Ben Patterson had to come out with an injury after legging out a ground ball, which ended up being one of the better plays of the game. Without him hustling down the line, it would have cost the team two important insurance runs. Unfortunately, it also cost Ben a hamstring.
Luckily Bryon Adams was able to pinch run, and he would later score on a bases loaded walk by Jimmy Campbell. Campbell and Bryan Brokaw led the team in walks with each having two on the night.
The story of the night was the Greenville third inning. Greenville batted around and then some in the inning, and they ended up scoring 11 runs. Everyone had a hit or a walk. Even if they got an out I am going to award them with a hit. It proved to be an important inning as the team only scored 3 more runs on the night.
GM Michael Shivers and Assistant GM Clay Platt also will receive kudos for their work in bringing Austin and Colin to the squad. They were able to bring in both free agents just before the midseason trade deadline. Their additions join Jake Wheeley as as players who have joined in the middle of the season in order to help Greenville push for the playoffs.
Greenville's storybook season continues next Monday night as they will take on FBC Allen at 8:30.
Monday, September 13, 2010
FBC Allen No Match for Greenville Oaks Offense
I apologize for the brief nature of this post, but my laptop is temporarily disabled and I am typing on my phone. Basically what happened was we won 23 - 10. It was awesome.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
"Battle of the Oaks" Falls Greenville's Way...Finally
With a rivalry that is quickly becoming as heated as Cowboys vs. Redskins, Greenville Oaks and Chase Oaks squared off on Monday evening, and this time Greenville Oaks put one in the win column beating Chase Oaks with a 13 - 12 final score. It took some grit to get it done, however, as Greenville will undoubtably be looking forward to their off week next Monday night.
Greenville once again fell behind in the early innings, as Chase Oaks took an early 6 to 0 lead, but just like last week, the Greenville bats got hot and helped the team storm all the way to an 11 - 7 lead after 5. Things then got a little tricky for the home team, as Chase Oaks fought back in the top of the sixth to score five runs and take a one run lead. Greenville would have the final say though as Dustin Swart led off the inning with one of the biggest triples in the history of the franchise. Swart ripped one down the left field line that made it all the way to the fence, and he finished it off with a spectacular slide into third base. Swart would be driven in later in the inning as Clay Platt and Matt Wacaster reached to give Greenville runners on second and third and one out. Rookie Jonathan Garner took care of the walk off win as he hit a towering, majestic sac fly into shallow right field to score Platt.
The win marked the first win for Greenville against Chase Oaks in three tries. Chase Oaks leads the overall series 3 to 2.
Some people ask me, "Bryan, how great it must be to be able to watch such a great team week in and week out. I wish I could come out and watch, but I just can't seem to make it." Usually, I say, "Bummer, I sure wish you could come out and see how good we look." Well tonight, I have a better idea. How about I bring the game to you. Below is a look at how Monday night's game looked through the lens of the beautiful and talented Tara Edwards.
Greenville once again fell behind in the early innings, as Chase Oaks took an early 6 to 0 lead, but just like last week, the Greenville bats got hot and helped the team storm all the way to an 11 - 7 lead after 5. Things then got a little tricky for the home team, as Chase Oaks fought back in the top of the sixth to score five runs and take a one run lead. Greenville would have the final say though as Dustin Swart led off the inning with one of the biggest triples in the history of the franchise. Swart ripped one down the left field line that made it all the way to the fence, and he finished it off with a spectacular slide into third base. Swart would be driven in later in the inning as Clay Platt and Matt Wacaster reached to give Greenville runners on second and third and one out. Rookie Jonathan Garner took care of the walk off win as he hit a towering, majestic sac fly into shallow right field to score Platt.
The win marked the first win for Greenville against Chase Oaks in three tries. Chase Oaks leads the overall series 3 to 2.
Some people ask me, "Bryan, how great it must be to be able to watch such a great team week in and week out. I wish I could come out and watch, but I just can't seem to make it." Usually, I say, "Bummer, I sure wish you could come out and see how good we look." Well tonight, I have a better idea. How about I bring the game to you. Below is a look at how Monday night's game looked through the lens of the beautiful and talented Tara Edwards.
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| Clay Platt warms up with Bryan Brokaw and Jimmy Cambell before the game. |
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| Pitcher Shane Spencer finally wins a pregame toss to determine Greenville as the home team. |
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| Spencer throws the first pitch. |
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| Ben Patterson catches the first pitch. |
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| General Manager Michael Shivers sets up to hit a deep drive to left field. |
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| This is where Shivers sits after his deep drive is caught and he is the second out of the inning. |
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| Shane Spencer also out. |
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| Matt Wacaster sets up for a stolen base. |
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| Brian Edwards takes over for Patterson who was injured legging out single. |
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| Triple Machine playing third base ironically. |
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| Platt waits at third base to see if he will get to score the winning run. |
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| Bryon Adams gets ready to hit. He may have missed this pitch. |
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| All Star. |
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| Swart is out of breath after his game changing triple. |
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| Swart scores and the game is tied. Platt would later score the game winner on the Garner Sac Fly. |
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| This is how we all felt about Spencer until he blew the lead in the sixth. |
It was a great Monday night. Greenville will get back on the field on Monday, September 13th at 9:30 against FBC Carpenter. Until the 13th, so long everybody.
Monday, August 23, 2010
New Season, New Faces, New Results??
On a night when the Rangers almost no hit the Twins, Greenville Oaks brought all the hits to Ford Field 2 to start off strong in game one of this young fall season. Greenville dispatched of Suncreek UMC 21- 9 on Monday night to move them into a 4 way tie for first place.
The score doesn't tell the whole story, however, as the first 3 innings appeared as though the only team that showed up at 6:30 was Suncreek, as they jumped out to an early 8 to 1 lead heading into the top of the fourth. Greenville's lone run came on a single by Jimmy Campbell to score the leadoff man Bryan Brokaw. After that, the offense remained very quiet until the fourth inning.
Greenville, however, woke up in the fourth, and they scored 20 unanswered runs in the final 2 innings to win by a final score of 21-9. The team batted around twice in those two innings and they only seemed to get out when Clay Platt was at bat. It was wierd.
The last two innings were highlighted by some excellent plays, and excellent pitching. Shane Spencer went the distance for Greenville on the flat mound only allowing 3 runs in the last 3 innings to keep things close. Homeruns from Spencer and Shivers also helped bring the runs in. Brian Edwards also had a fantastic night at the plate. Wacaster ran down several balls in center field, and Dusty Swart got another triple because he can't quite run fast enough to turn them into homeruns, self-admittedly having lost a step in the last 3 weeks since our last game.
The win marked a great start for the team as they head into the fall season needing to finish in the final 4 to move on to the playoffs. The win also marked a great welcome to four new faces for the Greenville Oaks team. Michael Shivers was busy up until the trade deadline, as he added Jimmy Campbell, Bryon Adams, Ben Patterson, and Brandon Jones. All four players played pivotal roles in the victory.
So let's meet the new players...
Jimmy Campell - Batting third in the lineup, the only difference between him and Josh Hamilton is the fact the he is right handed. Jimmy also serves as executive assistant for Ben Patterson, so he has that going for him. Jimmy used to play college ball, so he automatically becomes the best player on the team. He is a high priced free agent coming back for his second tour of duty with Greenville Oaks, and it is expected that when his contract is up, he will probably go play with the RCN Stars.
Bryon Adams - I know what your thinking, and no he didn't sing the national anthem. The addition of Bryon brings a sense of professionalism to right field as he becomes the first player to wear actual baseball pants, which automaticall takes his WAR to 5.0. (That's wins above replacement for those of you wondering.) Speed on the field and the base paths are his specialty, and his bat speed is another high point that the scouts really like. Bryon took a few years off from Softball to discover himself, and now he returns as a new player as if he was playing for the first time.
Ben Patterson - Vladimir Guerrerro...that is all that can really come to mind when you think of Ben. He is a Designated Hitter deluxe that swings at everything and sometimes makes really good contact. He is one of those veteren bats that is key to every playoff team. His legend precedes him, and you can tell that most of his teammates are starstruck when they sit with him in the dugout. When he is not playing softball, Ben enjoys tea parties and hanging out with his "girlz."
Brandon Jones - Jones plays a mean outfield, and he draws a David Murphy comparison. He boasts a strong arm from the outfield, including an outfield assist in Mondays game. Brandon works in the land of professional athletes, so that makes him more athletic. Clay Platt was the lead scout in bringing Jones to Michael Shivers' attention, and the team is looking forward to having Brandon in the middle of the lineup. Anyone wearing a Ranger shirt to the game is good for the team.
Come out next Monday night at 8:30 as Greenville takes on the nemisis Chase Oaks. The battle of the Oaks V will no doubt be a great matchup.
The score doesn't tell the whole story, however, as the first 3 innings appeared as though the only team that showed up at 6:30 was Suncreek, as they jumped out to an early 8 to 1 lead heading into the top of the fourth. Greenville's lone run came on a single by Jimmy Campbell to score the leadoff man Bryan Brokaw. After that, the offense remained very quiet until the fourth inning.
Greenville, however, woke up in the fourth, and they scored 20 unanswered runs in the final 2 innings to win by a final score of 21-9. The team batted around twice in those two innings and they only seemed to get out when Clay Platt was at bat. It was wierd.
The last two innings were highlighted by some excellent plays, and excellent pitching. Shane Spencer went the distance for Greenville on the flat mound only allowing 3 runs in the last 3 innings to keep things close. Homeruns from Spencer and Shivers also helped bring the runs in. Brian Edwards also had a fantastic night at the plate. Wacaster ran down several balls in center field, and Dusty Swart got another triple because he can't quite run fast enough to turn them into homeruns, self-admittedly having lost a step in the last 3 weeks since our last game.
The win marked a great start for the team as they head into the fall season needing to finish in the final 4 to move on to the playoffs. The win also marked a great welcome to four new faces for the Greenville Oaks team. Michael Shivers was busy up until the trade deadline, as he added Jimmy Campbell, Bryon Adams, Ben Patterson, and Brandon Jones. All four players played pivotal roles in the victory.
So let's meet the new players...
Jimmy Campell - Batting third in the lineup, the only difference between him and Josh Hamilton is the fact the he is right handed. Jimmy also serves as executive assistant for Ben Patterson, so he has that going for him. Jimmy used to play college ball, so he automatically becomes the best player on the team. He is a high priced free agent coming back for his second tour of duty with Greenville Oaks, and it is expected that when his contract is up, he will probably go play with the RCN Stars.
Bryon Adams - I know what your thinking, and no he didn't sing the national anthem. The addition of Bryon brings a sense of professionalism to right field as he becomes the first player to wear actual baseball pants, which automaticall takes his WAR to 5.0. (That's wins above replacement for those of you wondering.) Speed on the field and the base paths are his specialty, and his bat speed is another high point that the scouts really like. Bryon took a few years off from Softball to discover himself, and now he returns as a new player as if he was playing for the first time.
Ben Patterson - Vladimir Guerrerro...that is all that can really come to mind when you think of Ben. He is a Designated Hitter deluxe that swings at everything and sometimes makes really good contact. He is one of those veteren bats that is key to every playoff team. His legend precedes him, and you can tell that most of his teammates are starstruck when they sit with him in the dugout. When he is not playing softball, Ben enjoys tea parties and hanging out with his "girlz."
Brandon Jones - Jones plays a mean outfield, and he draws a David Murphy comparison. He boasts a strong arm from the outfield, including an outfield assist in Mondays game. Brandon works in the land of professional athletes, so that makes him more athletic. Clay Platt was the lead scout in bringing Jones to Michael Shivers' attention, and the team is looking forward to having Brandon in the middle of the lineup. Anyone wearing a Ranger shirt to the game is good for the team.
Come out next Monday night at 8:30 as Greenville takes on the nemisis Chase Oaks. The battle of the Oaks V will no doubt be a great matchup.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Greenville Ends Summer Season...Shivers Loses 6 Pounds
It was hot. So hot in fact that GM Michael Shivers sweat off 6 pounds. Unfortunately, the heat also kept Greenville Oaks from being able to score runs as the RCN Stars marched to an undefeated season, and Greenville Oaks ends their summer at 4 - 4.
The night was not without it's highlights though...see photo below:
The night was not without it's highlights though...see photo below:
Stickland came back with a Chaplin mustache inspired by his time in the Utah extended spring training.
It was a strange night for Greenville, as they could not connect on a big hit all night. In fact, Greenville players had 40 at bats on the evening in a seven inning ballgame and could only push across four of those for runs. To spell that another way, Greenville left 15 men on base across 7 innings. How about this...Greenville averaged a little over 2 runners on base at the end of every inning. To say it a little differently, the only way that they scored runs tonight was with 2 walks, a sacrifice fly, and a full swinging bunt hit. To summarize, we couldn't get a hit with guys on base.
Most of the blame can probably be put on Brian Edwards not wearing his mustache, but it could also be shared by a sore rib that is plaguing rookie of the year, Curtis Damour. Or, of course, it might have been that the other team was better. We will never really know for sure.
One thing I do know is that it is time for me to hit the showers. Stay tuned, as the fall season kicks off on Monday, August 23rd.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Fall Softball begins August 27th
Please let me know if you would like to participate on our team in the Fall, before Tuesday, August 3rd. You can email me at bcbrokaw@gmail.com.
4 - 3
This game was not the best game that Greenville Oaks has played. In fact, it was a heartbreaker, as the team dropped the game in the final inning as Suncreek UMC hit a 3 run walk off homerun in the bottom of the 6th inning to win 14 - 13.
"We had our ups and downs tonight," Coach Brokaw said after the game. "You usually expect to win when your offense puts up 13 runs, but we just couldn't pull it out tonight. They had their bats working as well."
It was the second matchup of the Summer between Greenville and Suncreek. Greenville won the first matchup, but could not complete the season sweep. Greenville goes into the final game of the season hoping to remain above .500 for the 2nd straight season. They face a tough task, as they will face the number 1 ranked team the RCN Stars at 7:30 pm next Monday night.
"We had our ups and downs tonight," Coach Brokaw said after the game. "You usually expect to win when your offense puts up 13 runs, but we just couldn't pull it out tonight. They had their bats working as well."
It was the second matchup of the Summer between Greenville and Suncreek. Greenville won the first matchup, but could not complete the season sweep. Greenville goes into the final game of the season hoping to remain above .500 for the 2nd straight season. They face a tough task, as they will face the number 1 ranked team the RCN Stars at 7:30 pm next Monday night.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Double the Fun as Greenville Takes Two
The first and only double header of the year ended with two more games in the win column for Greenville Oaks. With a blistering hot afternoon, Greenville came into the games knowing that they would not have any substitutes due to a vast disabled list. With the game time temperature of 104 degrees, Greenville was able to defeat Mosaic by an 11 - 10 score. In the second matchup, Greenville had to switch fields, but apparently the bats enjoyed warming up in the first game as they jumped out to a 6 - 0 lead and continued hitting their way to a 16 - 1 victory. The wins push Greenville to 4 - 2 on the season.
There were many storylines on the night. The heat was definitely one of them. It was so hot that David Strickland's jersy got soaked with sweat, and he wasn't even at the game. Hydration was definitely a key for the bats to keep working.
Game 1 with Mosaic started poorly as Greenville had to overcome a 5 run deficit in the first inning. (Nelson Cruz just hit a two run homer in the 14th inning as I write this...that excites me...I am going to need just a moment...ok, I'm back)The defense faltered as we had to start the game with 9 players for the first inning due to traffic on 75. Kurt Wasemiller, making his first start of Summer season, made it in time for the second inning. It worked, because in the bottom of the first, Greenville answered with 5 runs of their own.
The defense held on as Greenville would add 6 more runs to make it 11 to 7 going into the top of the 6th innning. Mosaic would add 3 runs due to some defensive mistakes in that inning, but they fell just short to end the game.
It was a new look for Greenville as we had several regulars missing the game due to various reasons that will not be discussed. (Neftali Feliz just finished off the Tigers to get the win...Greatest night ever? possibly)
John Garrett and Kurt Wasemiller made their first appearances of the Summer playing Right Center field and 3rd base respectively. Wasemiller is coming off a 60 day disabled list stint due to a lingering high ankle sprain. John is coming of a 60 day d. l. stint as well, as he continues to nurse a sore wrist.
Rookie Matt Wacaster made his first start in left field, and Michael Shivers made his first start at Short Stop. The first game took about an inning for everyone to get used to the new look, but after that inning, the team settled down and only allowed six more runs through the next 9 innings.
Game two was agains Creekwood UMC, and it got ugly early in a good way. This time batting as the visiting team, Greenville jumped out to a 6 - 0 lead in the first. Creekwood would respond with 1 run in the bottom of the inning, but that was it for the rest of the night. Greenville would go on to score 9 more runs in the next 3 innings, and the game was called after 4 innings due to the run rule. 15 - 1 was the final.
The offense had the best night of it's year. As much as I hate to do this, I am going to have to name Bryan Brokaw as the offensive player of the night. Filling in at the lead off spot for Strickland, Brokaw went 6 for 7 through two games with two homeruns. Dustin Swart added his own flashes of brilliance as he stole his second base of the season to set a single season stolen base record.
Defensive player of the night was Brian Edwards as he was diving all over the field. His hustle alone was worthy of the honor.
Michael Shivers and Randy Way both suffered groin injuries, but they fought through the pain to finish out two solid games for both.
Matt Wacaster added a homerun in the first game, as every run would prove very important, and Curtis Damour had a slump compared to his usual games, but he still reached base 3 times on three singles.
Mike Mabry made his second appearance at second base, and he added some flashes of brilliance with the glove.
Game 7 will take place next Monday night at 8:30, as Greenville gets set to take on Suncreek for the second time this season. The last game ended with Greenville on top, 8 - 3.
There were many storylines on the night. The heat was definitely one of them. It was so hot that David Strickland's jersy got soaked with sweat, and he wasn't even at the game. Hydration was definitely a key for the bats to keep working.
Game 1 with Mosaic started poorly as Greenville had to overcome a 5 run deficit in the first inning. (Nelson Cruz just hit a two run homer in the 14th inning as I write this...that excites me...I am going to need just a moment...ok, I'm back)The defense faltered as we had to start the game with 9 players for the first inning due to traffic on 75. Kurt Wasemiller, making his first start of Summer season, made it in time for the second inning. It worked, because in the bottom of the first, Greenville answered with 5 runs of their own.
The defense held on as Greenville would add 6 more runs to make it 11 to 7 going into the top of the 6th innning. Mosaic would add 3 runs due to some defensive mistakes in that inning, but they fell just short to end the game.
It was a new look for Greenville as we had several regulars missing the game due to various reasons that will not be discussed. (Neftali Feliz just finished off the Tigers to get the win...Greatest night ever? possibly)
John Garrett and Kurt Wasemiller made their first appearances of the Summer playing Right Center field and 3rd base respectively. Wasemiller is coming off a 60 day disabled list stint due to a lingering high ankle sprain. John is coming of a 60 day d. l. stint as well, as he continues to nurse a sore wrist.
Rookie Matt Wacaster made his first start in left field, and Michael Shivers made his first start at Short Stop. The first game took about an inning for everyone to get used to the new look, but after that inning, the team settled down and only allowed six more runs through the next 9 innings.
Game two was agains Creekwood UMC, and it got ugly early in a good way. This time batting as the visiting team, Greenville jumped out to a 6 - 0 lead in the first. Creekwood would respond with 1 run in the bottom of the inning, but that was it for the rest of the night. Greenville would go on to score 9 more runs in the next 3 innings, and the game was called after 4 innings due to the run rule. 15 - 1 was the final.
The offense had the best night of it's year. As much as I hate to do this, I am going to have to name Bryan Brokaw as the offensive player of the night. Filling in at the lead off spot for Strickland, Brokaw went 6 for 7 through two games with two homeruns. Dustin Swart added his own flashes of brilliance as he stole his second base of the season to set a single season stolen base record.
Defensive player of the night was Brian Edwards as he was diving all over the field. His hustle alone was worthy of the honor.
Michael Shivers and Randy Way both suffered groin injuries, but they fought through the pain to finish out two solid games for both.
Matt Wacaster added a homerun in the first game, as every run would prove very important, and Curtis Damour had a slump compared to his usual games, but he still reached base 3 times on three singles.
Mike Mabry made his second appearance at second base, and he added some flashes of brilliance with the glove.
Game 7 will take place next Monday night at 8:30, as Greenville gets set to take on Suncreek for the second time this season. The last game ended with Greenville on top, 8 - 3.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Greenville Oaks Fights Back to .500 at Season's Midpoint
Greenville Oaks is one team that is thankful that the month of June is over. Game four of the grueling Summer softball season commenced on Monday night, and Greenville Oaks started the month of July with a 12 - 5 victory over a slumping COMD.
The game featured a fairly boring, but effective, station to station offense. The play of the game took place when Brian Edwards' mustache worked a bases loaded walk that brought in one of the five runs in Greenville's half of the 5th inning. It was the fifth inning that really broke the game open as it put Greenville Oaks up 10 - 5, and the way Brokaw was dealing in the ladder innings, a comeback for COMD was unlikely.
When asked about the walk, Edwards' mustache boasted, "those pitches actually started out as strikes, but on their way down, they got scared and they missed the strikezone when they saw me."
Mike Mabry also had a mustache that made its debut on Monday night. It proved to be too much for COMD to overcome. I have some pictures of the rookie and I will make sure to post them later in the week.
Although it looked as though the game may be another bad one for the Greenville Oaks offense throught the first 3 innings scoring only 2 runs, but Curtis Damour started off a 3 run inning with a triple in the top of the 4th. That got the bats going as Greenville put up 10 runs in the final 3 innings.
It was another stellar defensive effort for Greenville, as they only gave up 5 runs in six innings. Randy Way continued to exert a lot of energy chasing foul balls as the catcher and catching none of them. However, Way's hustle has paid off, as Way recently was named a defensive all star in the Church D league and he won a brand new 2010 Chevrolet Truck. Congratulations to Randy on his selection to the all-star game last week.
Heading into the second half of the season, there has been quite a bit of speculation as to whether or not Greenville will be buyers or sellers before the trade deadline. With the team sitting at .500, it is hard to say, but it will be difficult for the team to be buying since they have all but depleted the farm system. However, there has been talk about restocking that farm system by trading away established Church D Leaguers such as Curtis Damour, or experienced pitcher, outfielder, and 3rd baseman Shane Spencer. However, that is highly unlikely as those two players are much too important to the future of the franchise. The General Manager, Michael Shivers, has made it clear that his number one target is negotiating with Christ the Servant to bring Tall Dr. Kellum to the team for the fall season.
When asked about about restocking the farm system, Shivers noted that most of the members and wives of the team are doing their part to restock the farm system, with a wave of new players expected to arrive in about 18 years.
Next Monday night will bring another test, as Greenville will not only play its first double header of the season, but it will also be without their starting Short Stop David Strickland, and their starting left fielder, Clay Platt. Veteren infielder Dustin Swart, looking for his first homerun of the season will look to pick up the slack, as well as emerging rookie Matt Wacaster. The first game is set for 6:30.
The game featured a fairly boring, but effective, station to station offense. The play of the game took place when Brian Edwards' mustache worked a bases loaded walk that brought in one of the five runs in Greenville's half of the 5th inning. It was the fifth inning that really broke the game open as it put Greenville Oaks up 10 - 5, and the way Brokaw was dealing in the ladder innings, a comeback for COMD was unlikely.
When asked about the walk, Edwards' mustache boasted, "those pitches actually started out as strikes, but on their way down, they got scared and they missed the strikezone when they saw me."
Mike Mabry also had a mustache that made its debut on Monday night. It proved to be too much for COMD to overcome. I have some pictures of the rookie and I will make sure to post them later in the week.
Although it looked as though the game may be another bad one for the Greenville Oaks offense throught the first 3 innings scoring only 2 runs, but Curtis Damour started off a 3 run inning with a triple in the top of the 4th. That got the bats going as Greenville put up 10 runs in the final 3 innings.
It was another stellar defensive effort for Greenville, as they only gave up 5 runs in six innings. Randy Way continued to exert a lot of energy chasing foul balls as the catcher and catching none of them. However, Way's hustle has paid off, as Way recently was named a defensive all star in the Church D league and he won a brand new 2010 Chevrolet Truck. Congratulations to Randy on his selection to the all-star game last week.
Heading into the second half of the season, there has been quite a bit of speculation as to whether or not Greenville will be buyers or sellers before the trade deadline. With the team sitting at .500, it is hard to say, but it will be difficult for the team to be buying since they have all but depleted the farm system. However, there has been talk about restocking that farm system by trading away established Church D Leaguers such as Curtis Damour, or experienced pitcher, outfielder, and 3rd baseman Shane Spencer. However, that is highly unlikely as those two players are much too important to the future of the franchise. The General Manager, Michael Shivers, has made it clear that his number one target is negotiating with Christ the Servant to bring Tall Dr. Kellum to the team for the fall season.
When asked about about restocking the farm system, Shivers noted that most of the members and wives of the team are doing their part to restock the farm system, with a wave of new players expected to arrive in about 18 years.
Next Monday night will bring another test, as Greenville will not only play its first double header of the season, but it will also be without their starting Short Stop David Strickland, and their starting left fielder, Clay Platt. Veteren infielder Dustin Swart, looking for his first homerun of the season will look to pick up the slack, as well as emerging rookie Matt Wacaster. The first game is set for 6:30.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Revenge Must Wait...The Chase Oakies Win Again
The much anticipated rematch from last Spring's playoffs finally came to pass on Monday night. The Result: Shorter game and the same team won. After playing in an unforgettable 10 inning marathon that lasted 2 weeks last season, Monday night's game was very forgettable. The game showed flashes of some great defense and not a lot of offense, but in the end Chase Oaks prevailed 8 to 5 over Greenville Oaks.
Fallout from last week's one run heartbreaker resulted in the resignation of the coach and the Second Baseman. This week, both men were back in the lineup after being reinstated by the eldership.
I have to be honest, 9:30 games are pretty tough to write for. I am going to bed, but please stay tuned next Monday for a riveting pregame preview for the match-up between Greenville Oaks and the RCN Stars at 7:30. Until next time, So long everybody.
Fallout from last week's one run heartbreaker resulted in the resignation of the coach and the Second Baseman. This week, both men were back in the lineup after being reinstated by the eldership.
I have to be honest, 9:30 games are pretty tough to write for. I am going to bed, but please stay tuned next Monday for a riveting pregame preview for the match-up between Greenville Oaks and the RCN Stars at 7:30. Until next time, So long everybody.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Breaking News...Shake up at the Top for Greenville Oaks!
The following official statements have been released from the Greenville Oaks Franchise Ownership.
From the Desk of General Manager Michael Shivers:
I write this letter with tears in my eyes and sadness in my heart. Given the events of this evenings game and after much deliberation on my part I hearby tender my resignation as second baseman for the Greenville Oaks softball team. My actions in the last inning of the game tonight were inexcusable, embarassing, and single handily cost us the game that we so obviously had locked up. I can't bear the shame. My family and I appreciate the kind phone calls, flowers, cards, letters, and well wishes but we feel that this decision is what's best for the team and the Greenville Oaks Church.
After much thought, prayer, deliberation, and lengthy discussions with my family I have decided to stay on as General Manager of the team and continue to seek out more potential prospects like Curtis. I think we have a great farm system and if we can keep turning out players like him we could have a great future in the Allen Recreation Church D League.
Please accept my sincere apologies and I can only hope to recieve your forgiveness one day. I know forgiveness does not come easy. It will take time and it will have to be earned.
Eternally sorry.
-Shivers.
This truly sends shockwaves throughout Greenville Oaks Nation, as Shivers was in the running for General Manager of the year. The second release that follows comes as less of a surprise.
From the desk of Team Manager, Team President, and Owner of the Greenville Oaks Young Married Mens' Softball Franchise:
It is with a heavy heart that I must tender my resignation to the Board of Directors and elders of Greenville Oaks Church of Christ. There is one person on the softball field that should know the rules, and that is the coach. I realize that my lack of knowledge cost the team a victory this evening, and this team's fans, players, and ownership deserve someone more qualified at the helm.
I made an error in judgement, and the one thing a coach cannot do is react with emotions intsead of thinking through the situation. I am deeply sorry for this error, and I wish the franchise the best as they move forward to greater things.
There is no word yet on whether or not the eldership will accept these resignations. One elder who attended the game did not return phone calls.
One player, Brian Edwards, did have this to say after the announcement:
In mourning, I have shaved my mustache. We did not go quietly tonight.....we faught like seals up against the greatest of great white sharks....and then we were eaten. But we will rise from the belly of the beast........that's how we do it at greenville oaks
It is rumored that Levi Carlson will be named the interim coach.
If you missed the game, please see the full recap in the story below.
From the Desk of General Manager Michael Shivers:
I write this letter with tears in my eyes and sadness in my heart. Given the events of this evenings game and after much deliberation on my part I hearby tender my resignation as second baseman for the Greenville Oaks softball team. My actions in the last inning of the game tonight were inexcusable, embarassing, and single handily cost us the game that we so obviously had locked up. I can't bear the shame. My family and I appreciate the kind phone calls, flowers, cards, letters, and well wishes but we feel that this decision is what's best for the team and the Greenville Oaks Church.
After much thought, prayer, deliberation, and lengthy discussions with my family I have decided to stay on as General Manager of the team and continue to seek out more potential prospects like Curtis. I think we have a great farm system and if we can keep turning out players like him we could have a great future in the Allen Recreation Church D League.
Please accept my sincere apologies and I can only hope to recieve your forgiveness one day. I know forgiveness does not come easy. It will take time and it will have to be earned.
Eternally sorry.
-Shivers.
This truly sends shockwaves throughout Greenville Oaks Nation, as Shivers was in the running for General Manager of the year. The second release that follows comes as less of a surprise.
From the desk of Team Manager, Team President, and Owner of the Greenville Oaks Young Married Mens' Softball Franchise:
It is with a heavy heart that I must tender my resignation to the Board of Directors and elders of Greenville Oaks Church of Christ. There is one person on the softball field that should know the rules, and that is the coach. I realize that my lack of knowledge cost the team a victory this evening, and this team's fans, players, and ownership deserve someone more qualified at the helm.
I made an error in judgement, and the one thing a coach cannot do is react with emotions intsead of thinking through the situation. I am deeply sorry for this error, and I wish the franchise the best as they move forward to greater things.
There is no word yet on whether or not the eldership will accept these resignations. One elder who attended the game did not return phone calls.
One player, Brian Edwards, did have this to say after the announcement:
In mourning, I have shaved my mustache. We did not go quietly tonight.....we faught like seals up against the greatest of great white sharks....and then we were eaten. But we will rise from the belly of the beast........that's how we do it at greenville oaks
It is rumored that Levi Carlson will be named the interim coach.
If you missed the game, please see the full recap in the story below.
Greenville Grabs a Fist Full of Defeat
The scoreboard will read The Harvest 12...Greenville Oaks 11, but the score will not tell you anything about what transpired on the evening of June 14th. Greenville's first loss of the season will be remembered by fans for years to come, and unfortunately the fallout from the game will most likely be tremendous.
The game started out looking much like last weeks defensive gem as Greenville held The Harvest to a three up, three down first inning. But this was no ordinary Harvest. This was a bountiful harvest with many baseball pants. In fact, if you were keeping score at home on the number of pairs of baseball pants per team, the score would read...
The Harvest = 10....Greenville Oaks = 0
It appeared during the pregame stretch that The Harvest should have won without much effort, but the Greenville defense showed up once again. Runs were hard to come by for both teams in the early going. In the second inning, The Harvest did add a run to go up 1 - 0. In the third inning, they added two more to make the score 3 - 0, but Greenville stormed back with 2 runs in the bottom half of the third to make it a respectable 3 - 2. The fourth inning went cold for both teams as their were no runs scored by either team.
The fireworks started in the fifth. The Harvest made a run at pulling away as they added a run in the top of the fifth to make it 4 to 2, but with two outs in the bottom of the inning, Brian Edwards got the party started with a single. David Strickland followed with a two out single to put runners on first and second with free agent pickup of the year Curtis Damour coming to the plate. Damour promptly hit the first pitch he saw into the right field bleachers for the team's first legit homerun in two seasons. That made the score 5 to 4 in favor of Greenville Oaks, and once again the team had life.
It was short lived, however, as The Harvest added 4 runs in the top of the sixth with 3 of the runs being unearned in a defensive meltdown that the fans of this summer season were not used to. That made the score 8 to 5, and Greenville could only muster one run to answer as Shane Collins, making his season debut, knocked in Shane Spencer, who was also making his season debut.
The defense for Greenville really became rattled in the seventh inning, as they gave up 4 more runs in the top half to make the score 12 to 6. Hope seemed all but lost for the Greenville Oaks squad, but new free agent Matt Wacaster had something to say about that. Leading off the bottom of the seventh, the tall, left handed rookie ripped a single past the first baseman to give Greenville a leadoff single. Brokaw followed up with a single into left to put runners on first and second with nobody out. Blake Wattenburger followed with a single of his own to give Greenville bases loaded with no outs. After Edwards popped out for the first out of the inning, Dave Strickland ripped a single into left which scored two runs to make the score 12 - 8. Damour came up and ripped a double into left which plated Wattenburger, and moved Strickland to third. This made the score 12 to 9 with runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out. This brought Shivers to the plate, and he knocked a single which scored a run and moved Strickland to Third. Dustin Swart came to the plate, and he also got a hit whiched knocked in Strickland and made the score 12 to 11 with runners on 1st and 2nd with one out.
At this moment the game changed. In a decision that will haunt the team forever, Coach Brokaw decided to make a coaching change at the 3rd base coach position. Mabry had been holding that spot, but his turn in the order was coming up so Coach Brokaw decided to take the coaching duties at third and send Mike to the on deck circle. Spencer came to the plate and he hit a solid grounder to the middle of the infield. The Harvest was able to get the force out at second, and Shivers advanced to third. Shivers, however, believed that force out to be the third out of the inning so he made his way around third and was on his way to the parking lot. In an inexplicable act of rules ignorance, the acting coach, Bryan Brokaw grabbed a fist full of Shivers' jersey and pulled him back towards third base before they could make the throw to get him out. Shivers made it back to the back in plenty of time, but he was called out on coach's interference as everyone and their dog knows that the base coaches cannot come into contact with their players at anytime or else the runner will be called out. This gave The Harvest a game winning double play to end the game on a Coach's interference call.
The Result: The Harvest 12...Greenville Oaks 11.
Or one could look at it as....
The Harvest- 2 - 0 on the season
Greenville Oaks 1 - 0 on the season
Coach Brokaw 0 - 1 on the season
The fallout from this game will probably linger through the rest of this week. Stay tuned for updates, as many rumors are swirling about some possible shake ups in the upper management of the franchise.
As of now though, The same Greenville team has a game next Monday night at 9:30 against their nemisis Chase Oaks. Get your popcorn ready.
Other notes...
Clay Platt went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs and an outfield assist on his rehab assignment in Austin. The team expects him back for next weeks game.
The game started out looking much like last weeks defensive gem as Greenville held The Harvest to a three up, three down first inning. But this was no ordinary Harvest. This was a bountiful harvest with many baseball pants. In fact, if you were keeping score at home on the number of pairs of baseball pants per team, the score would read...
The Harvest = 10....Greenville Oaks = 0
It appeared during the pregame stretch that The Harvest should have won without much effort, but the Greenville defense showed up once again. Runs were hard to come by for both teams in the early going. In the second inning, The Harvest did add a run to go up 1 - 0. In the third inning, they added two more to make the score 3 - 0, but Greenville stormed back with 2 runs in the bottom half of the third to make it a respectable 3 - 2. The fourth inning went cold for both teams as their were no runs scored by either team.
The fireworks started in the fifth. The Harvest made a run at pulling away as they added a run in the top of the fifth to make it 4 to 2, but with two outs in the bottom of the inning, Brian Edwards got the party started with a single. David Strickland followed with a two out single to put runners on first and second with free agent pickup of the year Curtis Damour coming to the plate. Damour promptly hit the first pitch he saw into the right field bleachers for the team's first legit homerun in two seasons. That made the score 5 to 4 in favor of Greenville Oaks, and once again the team had life.
It was short lived, however, as The Harvest added 4 runs in the top of the sixth with 3 of the runs being unearned in a defensive meltdown that the fans of this summer season were not used to. That made the score 8 to 5, and Greenville could only muster one run to answer as Shane Collins, making his season debut, knocked in Shane Spencer, who was also making his season debut.
The defense for Greenville really became rattled in the seventh inning, as they gave up 4 more runs in the top half to make the score 12 to 6. Hope seemed all but lost for the Greenville Oaks squad, but new free agent Matt Wacaster had something to say about that. Leading off the bottom of the seventh, the tall, left handed rookie ripped a single past the first baseman to give Greenville a leadoff single. Brokaw followed up with a single into left to put runners on first and second with nobody out. Blake Wattenburger followed with a single of his own to give Greenville bases loaded with no outs. After Edwards popped out for the first out of the inning, Dave Strickland ripped a single into left which scored two runs to make the score 12 - 8. Damour came up and ripped a double into left which plated Wattenburger, and moved Strickland to third. This made the score 12 to 9 with runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out. This brought Shivers to the plate, and he knocked a single which scored a run and moved Strickland to Third. Dustin Swart came to the plate, and he also got a hit whiched knocked in Strickland and made the score 12 to 11 with runners on 1st and 2nd with one out.
At this moment the game changed. In a decision that will haunt the team forever, Coach Brokaw decided to make a coaching change at the 3rd base coach position. Mabry had been holding that spot, but his turn in the order was coming up so Coach Brokaw decided to take the coaching duties at third and send Mike to the on deck circle. Spencer came to the plate and he hit a solid grounder to the middle of the infield. The Harvest was able to get the force out at second, and Shivers advanced to third. Shivers, however, believed that force out to be the third out of the inning so he made his way around third and was on his way to the parking lot. In an inexplicable act of rules ignorance, the acting coach, Bryan Brokaw grabbed a fist full of Shivers' jersey and pulled him back towards third base before they could make the throw to get him out. Shivers made it back to the back in plenty of time, but he was called out on coach's interference as everyone and their dog knows that the base coaches cannot come into contact with their players at anytime or else the runner will be called out. This gave The Harvest a game winning double play to end the game on a Coach's interference call.
The Result: The Harvest 12...Greenville Oaks 11.
Or one could look at it as....
The Harvest- 2 - 0 on the season
Greenville Oaks 1 - 0 on the season
Coach Brokaw 0 - 1 on the season
The fallout from this game will probably linger through the rest of this week. Stay tuned for updates, as many rumors are swirling about some possible shake ups in the upper management of the franchise.
As of now though, The same Greenville team has a game next Monday night at 9:30 against their nemisis Chase Oaks. Get your popcorn ready.
Other notes...
Clay Platt went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs and an outfield assist on his rehab assignment in Austin. The team expects him back for next weeks game.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Defense Sizzles in the Heat...GO Starts Summer Ball Undefeated!
It has been said that defense wins championships, and if that is the case, the Greenville Oaks Mens' softball team has made an early statement. The team turned 3 double plays in the game to set a new franchise record for double plays in a seven inning game. They led the team to a tidy 8 to 3 victory over Suncreek, to start the season 1 - 0.
The first double play came courtesy of the two middle infielders David Strickland and Michael Shivers on a classic 6 -4 - 3. The middle infielders were put to the test early and often in this game, and they did not disappoint, although their shirts after the game clearly showed that they had quite the workout.
The next double play came on a fly out to the left center fielder Curtis Damor, who was a late free agent pick up for the team in the offseason. After catching a lazy fly ball, Damor, with the help of some poor base running by Suncreek, threw to first base to double up the runner trying to get back. General Manager Michael Shivers had some nifty maneuvering in the offseason, as he was able to sign Curtis on a short budget. "It is always exciting when we can go out into the free agent market and find talent like Curtis," Shivers added after the game.
The third and final double play of the evening came on a sharp grounder to the pitcher, Bryan Brokaw, who quickly threw to Strickland at 2nd an on to 1st for the 1 - 6 - 3 double play. That play marked the franchise record.
The one common denominator in the trio of double plays was the first baseman Dustin Swart. Underappreciated? Maybe, but his efforts were equally important. First basemen are usually only noticed when they drop it, and that is not something the team had to worry about all night.
Although Blake Wattenburger did not catch the double play fever, he was responsible for 4 outs over at third base, three of witch were scorching line drives that he managed to haul in with catlike reflexes. His offseason hockey workouts are really paying off so far.
The benefactor of all of the defense was the man on the mound Bryan Brokaw. The quality the defense displayed gave Brokaw a complete game quality start as he went 7 innings and only allowed 3 runs. He also managed one strikeout and no walks.
Randy Way almost had a really nice play on a foul ball at catcher, but he missed it.
Mike Mabry filled in very nicely at left field in place of Clay Platt, who is currently on a 2 week rehab assignment in Austin. Interestingly enough, I don't believe a single ball was hit to Mabry all night. That is a perfect fielding percentage for the season so far.
The story on offense was the bottom half of the batting order. Although the hits were not homeruns, James Manley, Randy Way, Brian Edwards, and Curtis Damor combined for seven hits and a sacrifice. They in large part were responsible for half of the runs scored by Greenville, which proved to be all the team needed on a night where defense was king.
Greenville will look to add to their win total next Monday night, as they get set to host the Harvest Thunder. There may be more baseball pants in the other dugout next Monday night than you would see in the Texas Rangers dugout. Some of them even have pants with stripes. It could prove to be a tough test for Greenville Oaks. Make plans to come out at 8:30 to see the show.
The first double play came courtesy of the two middle infielders David Strickland and Michael Shivers on a classic 6 -4 - 3. The middle infielders were put to the test early and often in this game, and they did not disappoint, although their shirts after the game clearly showed that they had quite the workout.
The next double play came on a fly out to the left center fielder Curtis Damor, who was a late free agent pick up for the team in the offseason. After catching a lazy fly ball, Damor, with the help of some poor base running by Suncreek, threw to first base to double up the runner trying to get back. General Manager Michael Shivers had some nifty maneuvering in the offseason, as he was able to sign Curtis on a short budget. "It is always exciting when we can go out into the free agent market and find talent like Curtis," Shivers added after the game.
The third and final double play of the evening came on a sharp grounder to the pitcher, Bryan Brokaw, who quickly threw to Strickland at 2nd an on to 1st for the 1 - 6 - 3 double play. That play marked the franchise record.
The one common denominator in the trio of double plays was the first baseman Dustin Swart. Underappreciated? Maybe, but his efforts were equally important. First basemen are usually only noticed when they drop it, and that is not something the team had to worry about all night.
Although Blake Wattenburger did not catch the double play fever, he was responsible for 4 outs over at third base, three of witch were scorching line drives that he managed to haul in with catlike reflexes. His offseason hockey workouts are really paying off so far.
The benefactor of all of the defense was the man on the mound Bryan Brokaw. The quality the defense displayed gave Brokaw a complete game quality start as he went 7 innings and only allowed 3 runs. He also managed one strikeout and no walks.
Randy Way almost had a really nice play on a foul ball at catcher, but he missed it.
Mike Mabry filled in very nicely at left field in place of Clay Platt, who is currently on a 2 week rehab assignment in Austin. Interestingly enough, I don't believe a single ball was hit to Mabry all night. That is a perfect fielding percentage for the season so far.
The story on offense was the bottom half of the batting order. Although the hits were not homeruns, James Manley, Randy Way, Brian Edwards, and Curtis Damor combined for seven hits and a sacrifice. They in large part were responsible for half of the runs scored by Greenville, which proved to be all the team needed on a night where defense was king.
Greenville will look to add to their win total next Monday night, as they get set to host the Harvest Thunder. There may be more baseball pants in the other dugout next Monday night than you would see in the Texas Rangers dugout. Some of them even have pants with stripes. It could prove to be a tough test for Greenville Oaks. Make plans to come out at 8:30 to see the show.
Monday, May 3, 2010
And the Winner Is......
Monday night marked the first ever playoff game for the young married men of Greenville Oaks, and the only word that can be used to describe that first game is...
EPIC.
The game almost never happened due to a beautiful Monday afternoon giving way to some ominous clouds as the 6:30 hour approached. Amid much speculation that game 1 of the spring playoffs may not get underway due to rain, the powers that be decided that the show must go on.
The matchup featured the 4 seed Greenville Oaks and the 1 seed Chase Oaks. It was an intriguing matchup as the teams split the season series with one win a piece. Despite Chase Oaks having the better record, the teams matched up very well on paper. The teams had a similar mustache ratio, and they both had "Oaks" in their team name. The game really had all the makings for a great competition, but the crowd couldn't have expected the historic duel that specatators will be telling their grandkids about.
The game started out with rain just before the first pitch was thrown. Greenville won the toss, and they elected be the home team. Bryan Brokaw took the flat mound for the Green Oaks. Brokaw was coming fresh off two wins in his last two decisions, and the team hoped to ride that golden arm to their third straight victory.
The Chase Oaks jumped out early with their offense, as they posted 2 runs in the top of the first. Greenville answered quickly though as Mike Mabry belted a homerun in the bottom half of the first, which plated David Strickland and Dustin Swart to make the score 3 to 2 in favor of the Green Oaks.
The Chase Oaks scored 2 more in the top of the 2nd inning, and it gave the Chase Oaks the lead at 4 to 3. The rain really began causing problems for the Green Oaks defense, as they found themselves down 14 to 5 going in to the bottom of the fourth. It was key for the Greenville team to score runs in the bottom of the 4th, because once you finish 4 innings in softball, it can be declared a full game if they have to call it due to inclement weather.
With lightening flashing over head and rumbles of thunder beginning to pick up steam, the hopes of a first playoff win for the Green Oaks seemed to be fading with each passing second. The Green Oaks still had fight in them, however, and they broke out for 7 runs in the bottom of the fourth to make it 14 -12. Everyone held their breath when the inning ended to see if the game might be called as a steady rain begain to make field conditions a little sloppy. The game was not called, and the defenses began to take over.
The fifth inning led to two scoreless frames for both teams. In the sixth inning, Brokaw picked up the pace and held the Chase Oaks scoreless as the uniforms on both teams began to fully soak through. With the winds swirling in the bottom of the sixth, the Green put up a run to make the score 14 - 13 in favor of the Chase.
In the seventh, the Chase were again held scoreless for the third inning in a row, and it left it up for the Green to tie or win the game. With a runner on 3rd and 2 outs, Michael Shivers brokaw out with a big at bat and tied the score at 14 a piece, but that was the only run that the Green could score sending the game in to extra innings.
In extra innings, the batter starts his at bat with a full count. That means that batter only gets one pitch. At this moment, their was a heavy downpour, along with swirling winds and the occasional lightening flashing above. The game moved on.
In the 8th inning, the teams sloshed around in what was becoming a large mud pit and neither team was able to score any runs.
The ninth inning brought on more rain, but the clouds were beginning to break to the west and the sun was poking through. The teams were soaked, but each team managed to score a run in the inning which brought the score to 15 to 15. Randy Way drove in the big hit, and Cade Thompson scored the tying run as he ended up at third with his 2nd acrobatic slide into third of the game.
In the top of the 10th, the pitcher's rubber could not even be seen, and you couldn't even see the shoes of the batter standing in the batter's box. The game moved on though, and the Chase struck with 2 runs in the inning and only had one out.
With that, the umpire called the game due to unfit field conditions claiming that the field had become a safety hazard.
The game will resume in the top of the 10th inning next Monday night. Chase Oaks will finish their top of the inning, and Brian Edwards will lead off for the Green Oaks in the bottom of the inning.
Stay tuned...
EPIC.
The game almost never happened due to a beautiful Monday afternoon giving way to some ominous clouds as the 6:30 hour approached. Amid much speculation that game 1 of the spring playoffs may not get underway due to rain, the powers that be decided that the show must go on.
The matchup featured the 4 seed Greenville Oaks and the 1 seed Chase Oaks. It was an intriguing matchup as the teams split the season series with one win a piece. Despite Chase Oaks having the better record, the teams matched up very well on paper. The teams had a similar mustache ratio, and they both had "Oaks" in their team name. The game really had all the makings for a great competition, but the crowd couldn't have expected the historic duel that specatators will be telling their grandkids about.
The game started out with rain just before the first pitch was thrown. Greenville won the toss, and they elected be the home team. Bryan Brokaw took the flat mound for the Green Oaks. Brokaw was coming fresh off two wins in his last two decisions, and the team hoped to ride that golden arm to their third straight victory.
The Chase Oaks jumped out early with their offense, as they posted 2 runs in the top of the first. Greenville answered quickly though as Mike Mabry belted a homerun in the bottom half of the first, which plated David Strickland and Dustin Swart to make the score 3 to 2 in favor of the Green Oaks.
The Chase Oaks scored 2 more in the top of the 2nd inning, and it gave the Chase Oaks the lead at 4 to 3. The rain really began causing problems for the Green Oaks defense, as they found themselves down 14 to 5 going in to the bottom of the fourth. It was key for the Greenville team to score runs in the bottom of the 4th, because once you finish 4 innings in softball, it can be declared a full game if they have to call it due to inclement weather.
With lightening flashing over head and rumbles of thunder beginning to pick up steam, the hopes of a first playoff win for the Green Oaks seemed to be fading with each passing second. The Green Oaks still had fight in them, however, and they broke out for 7 runs in the bottom of the fourth to make it 14 -12. Everyone held their breath when the inning ended to see if the game might be called as a steady rain begain to make field conditions a little sloppy. The game was not called, and the defenses began to take over.
The fifth inning led to two scoreless frames for both teams. In the sixth inning, Brokaw picked up the pace and held the Chase Oaks scoreless as the uniforms on both teams began to fully soak through. With the winds swirling in the bottom of the sixth, the Green put up a run to make the score 14 - 13 in favor of the Chase.
In the seventh, the Chase were again held scoreless for the third inning in a row, and it left it up for the Green to tie or win the game. With a runner on 3rd and 2 outs, Michael Shivers brokaw out with a big at bat and tied the score at 14 a piece, but that was the only run that the Green could score sending the game in to extra innings.
In extra innings, the batter starts his at bat with a full count. That means that batter only gets one pitch. At this moment, their was a heavy downpour, along with swirling winds and the occasional lightening flashing above. The game moved on.
In the 8th inning, the teams sloshed around in what was becoming a large mud pit and neither team was able to score any runs.
The ninth inning brought on more rain, but the clouds were beginning to break to the west and the sun was poking through. The teams were soaked, but each team managed to score a run in the inning which brought the score to 15 to 15. Randy Way drove in the big hit, and Cade Thompson scored the tying run as he ended up at third with his 2nd acrobatic slide into third of the game.
In the top of the 10th, the pitcher's rubber could not even be seen, and you couldn't even see the shoes of the batter standing in the batter's box. The game moved on though, and the Chase struck with 2 runs in the inning and only had one out.
With that, the umpire called the game due to unfit field conditions claiming that the field had become a safety hazard.
The game will resume in the top of the 10th inning next Monday night. Chase Oaks will finish their top of the inning, and Brian Edwards will lead off for the Green Oaks in the bottom of the inning.
Stay tuned...
Monday, April 26, 2010
Greenville Clinches First Ever Playoff Birth!!!
For the first time in the history of the Greenville Oaks Church of Christ Young Married Mens' Softball Franchise, the team is going to the playoffs. Greenville took care of business on Monday night against FBC Carpenter with a score of 13 - 10. It has been an up and down Spring season for the ball club, but they fought back to win 4 of their last 5 games to finish the season 4-4 with sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot."It was a great night four our team and our fans," mentioned Coach Bryan Brokaw after being pulled out of an infield celebratory pile (pictured above). "We have been met with a lot of adversity this year, but we have fought through a lot, and I credit our guys for fighting through a rough start and bringing us to where we are tonight," Brokaw added. "Those guys in that locker room are special, they are softball players, they are professionals. You can't ask for a better group, and I am just so proud of the way they played."
Brokaw clearly seemed overcome with emotion as the realization of being the youngest coach in the history of the DII Monday night Church league to take his team to the playoffs. In the early going of Monday night's contest, it looked like Greenville may have missed their opportunity.
In fact, after scoring 2 runs in the first, Greenville surrendered three runs and the lead in the bottom half of the inning. The Greenville bats looked like they might not show up as FBC Carpenter carried a 5 to 3 lead going into the top of the fourth, but Greenville batted around in the fourth and the team staked themselves to a 5 run lead. They would tack on 3 more crucial insurance runs in the last two innings, and the team held on in the final inning to win 13 to 10.
"It wasn't pretty," said the team captain and catcher Brian Edwards. "We made some mistakes in the field, but we always overcame those mistakes to get the outs."
The playoff schedule is set for next week, May 3rd. Greenville will take on the number one seed at 6:30 pm next Monday night on Field two at Ford Field. Tickets go on sale Tuesday morning at 8 am, and they are expecting tickets to sell out quickly.
Some quick end of the season awards...
Best Warning Track Power: Michael Shivers
Most Confused: Kurt Wasemiller
Best Eye at the Plate: Shane Spencer
Rookie of the Year : Tucker Pierson
Defensive Player of the Year: David Strickland
Best Base Runner: Dustin Swart
Nicest Wind Pants: Mike Mabry
Player of the Year: Tall Dr. Kellum
Best Mustache: Brian Edwards
Best Immitation Baseball Stance: Clay Platt
Healthiest Player: Cade Thompson
Best Spectator: Randy Way
Best Scholar: James Manley
Best One Hit Wonder: Shane Collins
Best Dives Without Making the Catch: John Garrett
Best Team at losing in the 9th inning: Texas Rangers
Most Well Rested: Blake Wattenburger
Best Rookie Pitcher: Grant Glover
And of Course...
Coach of the Year: Bryan Brokaw
Monday, April 19, 2010
Greenville Oaks Bounces Back to Take Late Game Part II
For the second straight week, the Greenville Oaks softball team had the 9:30 late game, and the script couldn't have been any different. After suffering a tough loss last week where the bats just didn't show up, the Greenville bats woke up on Monday night to post 17 runs on the scoreboard in just 4 innings, leading the team to their third victory of the season 17 - 5 over First United Methodist.
Greenville also flashed some stellar defense holding FUMC to only 5 runs, 5 of which were unearned. Brokaw took the flat mound for the Oakies, and the team gave up the fewest number of runs of the season.
Leading the charge for the offense was Dustin Swart who really got the bats going by hitting a ball in the top of the first that would have been a real homerun on our normal field two, but due to recent rains the game was moved to the more pitcher friendly field 3. Instead he had to settle for a really long double, but it set the tone for the evening's offensive effort by the rest of the team. Tucker Pierson added a 3 for 3 night as well keep the bats rolling.
Randy Way made his return from the Disabled List(paternity leave...fyi Strickland never missed a game), and he promptly tried to take the first 3 ball walk this season. Blake Wattenburger also made his return from the disabled list, after taking a couple of weeks off due to a freak roller blading accident.
Grant Glover provided the cheering section for the game, as he had relatives that drove all the way from Nashville to come to the game. Greenville fans actually outnumbered our oponents fans 3 to 1 so it was a big night for Greenville all around.
Greenville will get set for their last regular season game of the spring next week. Greenville will play at 7:30 next Monday night.
Greenville also flashed some stellar defense holding FUMC to only 5 runs, 5 of which were unearned. Brokaw took the flat mound for the Oakies, and the team gave up the fewest number of runs of the season.
Leading the charge for the offense was Dustin Swart who really got the bats going by hitting a ball in the top of the first that would have been a real homerun on our normal field two, but due to recent rains the game was moved to the more pitcher friendly field 3. Instead he had to settle for a really long double, but it set the tone for the evening's offensive effort by the rest of the team. Tucker Pierson added a 3 for 3 night as well keep the bats rolling.
Randy Way made his return from the Disabled List(paternity leave...fyi Strickland never missed a game), and he promptly tried to take the first 3 ball walk this season. Blake Wattenburger also made his return from the disabled list, after taking a couple of weeks off due to a freak roller blading accident.
Grant Glover provided the cheering section for the game, as he had relatives that drove all the way from Nashville to come to the game. Greenville fans actually outnumbered our oponents fans 3 to 1 so it was a big night for Greenville all around.
Greenville will get set for their last regular season game of the spring next week. Greenville will play at 7:30 next Monday night.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Greenville Rally Falls Just Short Against Christ the Servant
Greenville Oaks had the late game on Monday night, and their opponent Christ the Servant jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. In the fourth and final inning, it appeared that Greenville was going to rally when David Strickland worked a walk to lead off, Michael Shivers reached on a single down the left field line, and Clay Platt roped a "Bagwell Style" 3 run homerun out to left center. Unfortunately for Greenville, after Dusty Swart reached on a single, Shane Spencer hit into a fielders choice forcing Swart to be out at second. They threw to first base to try and get a double play on Spencer, but he successfully beat out the throw. In a terrible twist of fate, an unforseen hole jumped out and twisted Shane's ankle which forced him back into the field of play, and thus the first baseman applied the tag and gave Greenville their second out. With time running out and only one out to work with, Brokaw singled to the right side, but was out at second when Mike Mabry hit a scorcher that the short stop for Christ the Servant made an incredible play to complet the fielders choice at second. That third out ended the game, and thus the rally fell just short with the final score resting at...
Christ the Servant Lutheran - 29
Greenville Oaks Church of Christ - 4
One might think that this loss would be devestating inside the clubhouse, but thanks to recent lessons at church, spirits remained high as the teammates knew that when game is over, it all goes back in the box.
Player of the game: Jamie Manley
Thanks for being our only fan Jamie!
Greenville has the late game again next monday night.
Christ the Servant Lutheran - 29
Greenville Oaks Church of Christ - 4
One might think that this loss would be devestating inside the clubhouse, but thanks to recent lessons at church, spirits remained high as the teammates knew that when game is over, it all goes back in the box.
Player of the game: Jamie Manley
Thanks for being our only fan Jamie!
Greenville has the late game again next monday night.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Perfect Sweep for GO!!
Opening Day for the Texas Rangers has always been a sacred day in the Brokaw household. In fact, it happens to be a holiday every year at my office. My office administrator and I both take the day off to enjoy the sights and sounds of major league baseball. So you can imagine, when the Rangers came back from a 3-0 deficit this afternoon to win it in the ninth, I was a pretty happy camper. But when you throw in a sweep of a double header for the Greenville Oaks just hours follwoing the Rangers first vicotory......Heaven?
Yes it's true. The Greenville Oaks softabll team captured it's first and second win of the season on Monday night, and they were both down to the wire. Greenville captured their first win with a four inning slugfest with FUMC Blue, with the final score ending at 18-15. The second game shaped into a pitchers duel that left Greenville on the better end of a 9-7 score against Chase Oaks.
The wins push Greenville to 2 and 3 on the season, and it puts the team back in contention for a playoff run. The wins didn't come without some in game heroics from several members of the squad.
Just as the Rangers had Nelson Cruz, GO had...Michael Shivers. Shivers provided two offensive homeruns on the night. He had one for each game, and thus was named the night's MVP.
The team also welcomed some new faces to the team, as Kurt Wasemiller and Tucker Pierson joined the squad. Tucker not only provided a fresh face, but also became the first Greenville Oaks rookie pitcher to win his first start as he took the mound in the first game against FUMC. Kurt and Tucker now are undefeated in games in which they have played.
Shane Spencer made his first appearance of the spring. Spencer was coming of a 3 game stint on the D. L. suffering from some kind of disorder that causes your legs to swell and make your shorts look to small for you. Spencer got his first win of the season as he pitched a flawless game against Chase Oaks.
It was a team effort though, as the defense has begun to show some improvement over the last few weeks.
Randy Way and Brian Edwards held down the catching duties in platoon roles keeping the runners from steeling relentlessly. Edwards came into the game suffering from a terrible allergic reaction to an unknown substance. Way came into the game suffering from a pregnant wife. Both are listed day to day.
Grant Glover played the first game and contributed well, but a late game injury forced him to be on the 1 game D. L. and miss the second game. He is expected to be able to play next week.
David Stickland contributed some big time defense in the victory as they successfully completed a 6-4-3 double play in the second game to keep the defensive battle going.
Dustin Swart switched positions back over to 1st base, and fielded the position without error. Dusty continues to hit the ball really hard, and run really slow. He could probably lead the team on in-the-park-homeruns, but he usually only makes it to 2nd base.
Clay Platt continues to lock down the left field position making plays all over the field. He turned over a new leaf, however, as witnesses report that he did throw it to the cutoff man at least twice.
Cade Thompson came out and played a great third base for the club, despite the sun completely obscuring his vision. Third base was played well until Brokaw came in and messed it up. Cade continues his hot hitting spring, and he made a habit of going to the opposite field.
John Garrett and Mike Mabry continued to play solid outfield positions, and Mike Mabry continues to hit the ball very well. John added a great on base percentage and gives the team tremendous speed on the bases, and he also brings a healthy amount of panther pride to the squad.
Add all of that up, and you get a great night for the Greenville Oaks team. They get their first win, and they hand Chase Oaks their first loss of the season. GO will be back in action next Monday night and Christ the Servant, with the first pitch being thrown at 9:30 pm.
Yes it's true. The Greenville Oaks softabll team captured it's first and second win of the season on Monday night, and they were both down to the wire. Greenville captured their first win with a four inning slugfest with FUMC Blue, with the final score ending at 18-15. The second game shaped into a pitchers duel that left Greenville on the better end of a 9-7 score against Chase Oaks.
The wins push Greenville to 2 and 3 on the season, and it puts the team back in contention for a playoff run. The wins didn't come without some in game heroics from several members of the squad.
Just as the Rangers had Nelson Cruz, GO had...Michael Shivers. Shivers provided two offensive homeruns on the night. He had one for each game, and thus was named the night's MVP.
The team also welcomed some new faces to the team, as Kurt Wasemiller and Tucker Pierson joined the squad. Tucker not only provided a fresh face, but also became the first Greenville Oaks rookie pitcher to win his first start as he took the mound in the first game against FUMC. Kurt and Tucker now are undefeated in games in which they have played.
Shane Spencer made his first appearance of the spring. Spencer was coming of a 3 game stint on the D. L. suffering from some kind of disorder that causes your legs to swell and make your shorts look to small for you. Spencer got his first win of the season as he pitched a flawless game against Chase Oaks.
It was a team effort though, as the defense has begun to show some improvement over the last few weeks.
Randy Way and Brian Edwards held down the catching duties in platoon roles keeping the runners from steeling relentlessly. Edwards came into the game suffering from a terrible allergic reaction to an unknown substance. Way came into the game suffering from a pregnant wife. Both are listed day to day.
Grant Glover played the first game and contributed well, but a late game injury forced him to be on the 1 game D. L. and miss the second game. He is expected to be able to play next week.
David Stickland contributed some big time defense in the victory as they successfully completed a 6-4-3 double play in the second game to keep the defensive battle going.
Dustin Swart switched positions back over to 1st base, and fielded the position without error. Dusty continues to hit the ball really hard, and run really slow. He could probably lead the team on in-the-park-homeruns, but he usually only makes it to 2nd base.
Clay Platt continues to lock down the left field position making plays all over the field. He turned over a new leaf, however, as witnesses report that he did throw it to the cutoff man at least twice.
Cade Thompson came out and played a great third base for the club, despite the sun completely obscuring his vision. Third base was played well until Brokaw came in and messed it up. Cade continues his hot hitting spring, and he made a habit of going to the opposite field.
John Garrett and Mike Mabry continued to play solid outfield positions, and Mike Mabry continues to hit the ball very well. John added a great on base percentage and gives the team tremendous speed on the bases, and he also brings a healthy amount of panther pride to the squad.
Add all of that up, and you get a great night for the Greenville Oaks team. They get their first win, and they hand Chase Oaks their first loss of the season. GO will be back in action next Monday night and Christ the Servant, with the first pitch being thrown at 9:30 pm.
Monday, March 29, 2010
St Jude Alpha Puts GO in the Hurt Locker
The Greenville Oaks softball team resumed play on Monday night after have a week off to play in the snow. The week off came at a good time as the team was desperately needing to nurse some injuries from the first week. The game started at 6:30 pm which has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, sometimes it is difficult to get to the game on time because of traffic and other things that get in the way. On the other hand, sometimes it's nice to get home early enough from the game to watch The Hurt Locker for the first time.
The Greenville Oaks team fell short yet again on Monday night with the final score resting at 12 - 10. GO couldn't climb out of an early hole to catch the mighty Alphas of St Jude. The game did not go without some significant bright spots for GO, which held a team below 20 runs for the first time this season. The reason for this tremendous defensive turn around? Rookie pitcher Grant Glolver made his pitching debut for the fighting Oakies, and he pitched a tremendous gem. Although Glover struggled early in the game, he found his stride late in the game and managed to hold St Jude to one run in the last three innings.
He had help though. Sparkling plays in the field provided some fantastic defensive web gems. Everyone contributed on the defensive side, with John Garrett chasing down fly balls in right field, the powerful double play combination of Blake Wattenburger and David Strickland, and Brian Edwards holding runners from his catchers position. "It was a great team effort," said Coach Brokaw after the game. "We are disappointed that we didn't get the win, but we definitely can take away some positive things from this game."
On a side note, Coach Brokaw remains one of the few coaches in the metroplex to have not failed a drug test in the last two years. He also remains one of the few players ever to strike out looking in slow pitch softball.
One of the larger stories of the game was the return of Shane Collins. Just when it appeared that GO would have to play the entire game shorthanded. Shane came to the rescue in the first inning, and he later added a homerun to cut into the lead in the fifth inning.
Greenville Oaks begins the spring season at 0 and 3 for the first time in Spring League history for the team. They will attempt to break into the win column next week. Until next time, So long everybody.
The Greenville Oaks team fell short yet again on Monday night with the final score resting at 12 - 10. GO couldn't climb out of an early hole to catch the mighty Alphas of St Jude. The game did not go without some significant bright spots for GO, which held a team below 20 runs for the first time this season. The reason for this tremendous defensive turn around? Rookie pitcher Grant Glolver made his pitching debut for the fighting Oakies, and he pitched a tremendous gem. Although Glover struggled early in the game, he found his stride late in the game and managed to hold St Jude to one run in the last three innings.
He had help though. Sparkling plays in the field provided some fantastic defensive web gems. Everyone contributed on the defensive side, with John Garrett chasing down fly balls in right field, the powerful double play combination of Blake Wattenburger and David Strickland, and Brian Edwards holding runners from his catchers position. "It was a great team effort," said Coach Brokaw after the game. "We are disappointed that we didn't get the win, but we definitely can take away some positive things from this game."
On a side note, Coach Brokaw remains one of the few coaches in the metroplex to have not failed a drug test in the last two years. He also remains one of the few players ever to strike out looking in slow pitch softball.
One of the larger stories of the game was the return of Shane Collins. Just when it appeared that GO would have to play the entire game shorthanded. Shane came to the rescue in the first inning, and he later added a homerun to cut into the lead in the fifth inning.
Greenville Oaks begins the spring season at 0 and 3 for the first time in Spring League history for the team. They will attempt to break into the win column next week. Until next time, So long everybody.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
2 up 2 Down Down Down Down!
The Greenville Oaks Spring 2010 season is underway, and they got started on Monday night with a Double Header against Chase Oaks and Christ the Servant. When you check the box score you will see a story in the numbers that says that Greenville Oaks had a bad night on the field. In game one, Greenville dug themselves an early hole as they showed a some first game jitters. It proved to be a hole they could not climb out of, as Chase Oaks went on to win that game 20 something to 12.
The second game was a different story, but unfortunately a similar result. The Greenville Oakies jumped out to an early six run lead, and the defense managed to hold Christ the Servant to 2 scoreless innings to start. Unfortunately, the merry-go-round began for Christ the Servant, and they went on to steal game two 20 something to 8.
It is the first time that Greenville has started a season 0-2, but Coach Brokaw seemed to look on the bright side of things. "I was really proud of the way our team fought tonight," said Brokaw. "I look at these spring training games as practice for the real thing. We had a lot of great at bats tonight. The defense was a little spotty, and pitching was horrendous, but those are all things that hopefully we can get worked out before opening day."
Apparently no one told Brokaw that the season had actually started. Result: 2 losses.
However, the real story of the games were not the numbers that you will find in the box score. The real story lies in a rarely looked at side note in the game programs...The Injury Report. So for the first time in this blogs history, I present to you THE INJURY REPORT...
1) Shane Spencer - Did not play. Spouse suffering from a swollen jaw. Out for 2 weeks.
2) Blake Wattenburger - Played (knocked out of game 1). Knee contusion. After getting off to a great start, Blake took a screaming grounder right off the knee near the end of the first game. Listed as Day to Day.
3) James Manley - Played (Had to leave after game 1) James played a great game behind the plate as the catcher in game one, but due to a condition that is currently being called "spousal early morning drop off syndrome" he had to retire early. Listed as Day to Day.
4) Dustin Swart - Played. Dustin had to fight through a diagnosed tear of the groin muscle when he made a great lunging play at first base to get an out. He needed assistance from teammates in order to get out of the splits position. Listed as Day to Day.
5) Clay Platt - Played. Suffering through what is called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. This is an injury similar to something Jarrod Saltalamacchia suffered from last year when he couldn't quite throw the ball back to the pitcher. In Clay's case, Doctor's have begun to notice that his arm is so strong that he seems to have a mental block that does not allow him to hit a cutoff man. It is a hard diagnosis for a player, because it is not known what causes the problem. For now he is listed as day to day.
6) David Strickland - Played. Strickland ran into some problems with what is called an extreme case of cramps. Wait...I meant Charley Horses. I'm not sure what is was called, but he was clearly in pain, but managed to finish both games. Day to Day.
7) Cade Thompson - Played. Cade came in with a pre-existing issue that he carried with him through the off season. He has some cartilage issues in his knee that he fought through to finish both games. Day to Day. (Interesting note...Cade pitched to 3 batters tonight and had 3 walks.)
8) Mike Mabry - Played. Dealing with a tough case of roid rage. Day to Day. (Had the team's lone homerun.)
9) Bryan Brokaw - Played. You could see him literally getting older with every pitch. He started game 1 age 26. Ended game 2 27. Tough night for the pitcher. Day to Day.
10) John Garrett - Played. He has been diagnosed with a case of "Oops...I shouldn't have told him to go home." He struggled as third base coach, but he played a great game in the outfield. We'll call him day to day as well.
11) Michael Shivers - Played (reluctantly). Shivers is suffering from a mild case of emotional anxiety attacks. It started when, what appeared to be Dr. Kellum, hit a screaming line drive that breezed inches away from Mike's face. Needless to say, the entire event was a little too much for Shivers to handle. He couldn't figure out why a doctor and an elder would try to hurt him like that. With the appropriate medication, Shivers should be back next week. Day to Day.
12) Randy Way - Played. Dead arm. Randy even voiced concern that he may not be able to play at all before the games because he threw out his arm warming up. A little ice and heat, and he should be back next week. Day to Day.
13) Brian Edwards - No apparent injuries, but he did suffer from identity theft. The pitcher for Christ the Servant called himself Brian Edwards for the entire night. Questionable.
14) Grant Glover - The only player to make it through the evening without any injury. Clearly Grant's off season workouts paid off, as he clearly was the most well-conditioned athlete on the field. His only illness may be color blindness, as he has an inability to see the orange bag right next to first base. Probable.
Not that excuses are being made, but Greenville Oaks had the deck stacked against them on this night. With a week to lick their wounds, the team will be ready to take on the next challenge next Monday night at 7:30.
Update: Off season strength and conditioning coach Randy Way has been let go. No replacement has been named as of yet. Stay tuned...
The second game was a different story, but unfortunately a similar result. The Greenville Oakies jumped out to an early six run lead, and the defense managed to hold Christ the Servant to 2 scoreless innings to start. Unfortunately, the merry-go-round began for Christ the Servant, and they went on to steal game two 20 something to 8.
It is the first time that Greenville has started a season 0-2, but Coach Brokaw seemed to look on the bright side of things. "I was really proud of the way our team fought tonight," said Brokaw. "I look at these spring training games as practice for the real thing. We had a lot of great at bats tonight. The defense was a little spotty, and pitching was horrendous, but those are all things that hopefully we can get worked out before opening day."
Apparently no one told Brokaw that the season had actually started. Result: 2 losses.
However, the real story of the games were not the numbers that you will find in the box score. The real story lies in a rarely looked at side note in the game programs...The Injury Report. So for the first time in this blogs history, I present to you THE INJURY REPORT...
1) Shane Spencer - Did not play. Spouse suffering from a swollen jaw. Out for 2 weeks.
2) Blake Wattenburger - Played (knocked out of game 1). Knee contusion. After getting off to a great start, Blake took a screaming grounder right off the knee near the end of the first game. Listed as Day to Day.
3) James Manley - Played (Had to leave after game 1) James played a great game behind the plate as the catcher in game one, but due to a condition that is currently being called "spousal early morning drop off syndrome" he had to retire early. Listed as Day to Day.
4) Dustin Swart - Played. Dustin had to fight through a diagnosed tear of the groin muscle when he made a great lunging play at first base to get an out. He needed assistance from teammates in order to get out of the splits position. Listed as Day to Day.
5) Clay Platt - Played. Suffering through what is called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. This is an injury similar to something Jarrod Saltalamacchia suffered from last year when he couldn't quite throw the ball back to the pitcher. In Clay's case, Doctor's have begun to notice that his arm is so strong that he seems to have a mental block that does not allow him to hit a cutoff man. It is a hard diagnosis for a player, because it is not known what causes the problem. For now he is listed as day to day.
6) David Strickland - Played. Strickland ran into some problems with what is called an extreme case of cramps. Wait...I meant Charley Horses. I'm not sure what is was called, but he was clearly in pain, but managed to finish both games. Day to Day.
7) Cade Thompson - Played. Cade came in with a pre-existing issue that he carried with him through the off season. He has some cartilage issues in his knee that he fought through to finish both games. Day to Day. (Interesting note...Cade pitched to 3 batters tonight and had 3 walks.)
8) Mike Mabry - Played. Dealing with a tough case of roid rage. Day to Day. (Had the team's lone homerun.)
9) Bryan Brokaw - Played. You could see him literally getting older with every pitch. He started game 1 age 26. Ended game 2 27. Tough night for the pitcher. Day to Day.
10) John Garrett - Played. He has been diagnosed with a case of "Oops...I shouldn't have told him to go home." He struggled as third base coach, but he played a great game in the outfield. We'll call him day to day as well.
11) Michael Shivers - Played (reluctantly). Shivers is suffering from a mild case of emotional anxiety attacks. It started when, what appeared to be Dr. Kellum, hit a screaming line drive that breezed inches away from Mike's face. Needless to say, the entire event was a little too much for Shivers to handle. He couldn't figure out why a doctor and an elder would try to hurt him like that. With the appropriate medication, Shivers should be back next week. Day to Day.
12) Randy Way - Played. Dead arm. Randy even voiced concern that he may not be able to play at all before the games because he threw out his arm warming up. A little ice and heat, and he should be back next week. Day to Day.
13) Brian Edwards - No apparent injuries, but he did suffer from identity theft. The pitcher for Christ the Servant called himself Brian Edwards for the entire night. Questionable.
14) Grant Glover - The only player to make it through the evening without any injury. Clearly Grant's off season workouts paid off, as he clearly was the most well-conditioned athlete on the field. His only illness may be color blindness, as he has an inability to see the orange bag right next to first base. Probable.
Not that excuses are being made, but Greenville Oaks had the deck stacked against them on this night. With a week to lick their wounds, the team will be ready to take on the next challenge next Monday night at 7:30.
Update: Off season strength and conditioning coach Randy Way has been let go. No replacement has been named as of yet. Stay tuned...
Monday, March 15, 2010
Wanted: Team Manager
We are looking for a volunteer team manager.
Job summary:
Keeping the stats during each game.
Skills needed:
Good Penmanship
Ability to stay focused on the game regardless of any good conversation going on around you.
To apply, please send application to bcbrokaw@gmail.com
Job summary:
Keeping the stats during each game.
Skills needed:
Good Penmanship
Ability to stay focused on the game regardless of any good conversation going on around you.
To apply, please send application to bcbrokaw@gmail.com
Monday, March 1, 2010
Let the Games Begin!!!
Although they extinguished the winter olympic flame on Sunday night, that doesn't mean the competitive juices must die. The Greenville Oaks softball team is on its way from Surprise, Arizona this week, fresh off of a great spring training.
The team is set to take on First United Methodist next Monday, March 8th, at 9:30 pm. The games for the spring will be hosted at Ford Field 2. This Spring will prove to be the first full season with playoffs for whcih the team will have an opportunity to compete. Coaches Bryan Brokaw and Mike Mabry enter their second year at the helm.
The team is set to take on First United Methodist next Monday, March 8th, at 9:30 pm. The games for the spring will be hosted at Ford Field 2. This Spring will prove to be the first full season with playoffs for whcih the team will have an opportunity to compete. Coaches Bryan Brokaw and Mike Mabry enter their second year at the helm.
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