Rejected but not Dejected

Rejected. 

Twice.

On a gusty Tuesday night, the Cougars were windswept on both sides of a doubleheader.

We were out of our league playing the best and the next best teams in our league.

The lack of scoring numbers got us some rejection letters.

Here, read for yourself.  

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Dear Cougars,

Thank you for your interest in beating us tonight. 

After careful review of your qualifications and experience, we will not be able to provide the opportunity you are seeking.

This is not a reflection on your skills, but rather due to the limited amount of winners that are available in a game.

Sincerely,

Miller Time

Gosh, that was harsh.  Correct, but harsh.

They came out with nine quick runs in the top of the first inning and scored only one more in the second inning.  Four more in the third inning and one in the fifth.

We were not dejected as Boom and Rads singled and crossed the dish in the first inning with hits from Li’l Rads and Bobi.  In the second, Baby Kale led off the inning and hit a man-sized homer to left-center!  Then we followed with six more runs with hits by Teddy, Jimmy, Boom, Rads, Joker, Li’l Rads, Bobi, and Strong Coffey.   We plated four more in the fourth and fifth innings.  Boom and Rads went back to back and scored with ropes by Joker and Li’l Rads in the fourth and in the fifth we touched it twice more with hits by Baby Kale, Flandog, and Boom.

End of five innings and Miller Time leading 15-12. 

In the sixth, Miller Time was signing their rejection letter to us.  Seven.  Seven runs rounded the bases.  There was no seventh inning. 

Cougars suffered defeat 22-12.

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What do you do when you pour all your effort into something and then you are told you are not good enough?

You show grit.  You show resilience.  You show determination.

So we strutted to Field 2 to redeem ourselves.

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Dear Cougars,

Thank you for responding to our interview request on the Howard Park schedule. 

We have reviewed your application for victory and you have been denied. 

We regret a more favorable response is not possible at this time.  With your record of accomplishment, you are sure to continue a rewarding season.

Sincerely,

Old School

That was a cruel nugget of truth.

Boom (7-8 on the night), Fort, JD and L’il Rads (5-7 on the night) all poked hits and we scored three in the first and matched it in the second with crushes by Pastor Ted, Jimmy (4 game hit streak), Boom and Rads.  Cougars up six to zip. 

Old School only got to home plate once in those two innings and our outlook was bright.  In the second inning, with men on first and second, Rads put up a tall pitch which was hit right back to the mound and tossed to Toby at third for the force.  Coffey feeling strong, and with every fiber in his delts, lats, and triceps, whizzed the ball to JD at first for the inning saving double play. 

We were scoreless in the third and fourth. 

Old School not so much.  They were scribbling a rejection letter of their own.  In fact, they ran out of ink coloring the scorebook.  They scored 16 in those two innings.  Sixteen!

Down 17-6, we did not give up. 

In the fifth, we clawed back with five runs with fancy batwork by Flandog, Rads, Fort, Joker, Li’l Rads.

They scored four in the bottom of the inning and we were denied a full game. 

Cougars took a licking 21-11.

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Even with the dual losses, the Cougars will remain motivated and inspired.

Dear Cougars,

Thank you for playing the game you love last night. 

You talents on the field were quite impressive and your interpersonal skills at the postgame were stellar.

While you were not extended a victory, your background and skills are strong and we know you will be successful in the future.

Captain Cougar

PS:  Trust me on this.  Attached are some examples of rejection (and playing out of my league).

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Game Videos

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Cougars vs Miller Time

Cougars vs Old School

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Game Pictures

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Thanks to CRads and Philthy for the pics!

Groin shot - ugh

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Postgame Pictures

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The winded Cougars sat around talking about the gusty conditions and shooting the breeze while Boom's food and drink went briskly.