- Greg Otsuka quote from after our April 29th opening day 35-1 loss in 40 degree weather.
After a bit of research, it turns out Greg is right. According to the Canadian government agency that collects cougar-related data, warm weather causes a jump in cougar attacks.
The warm weather last night fueled our 8-5 assault on our opponent and now fetches us a 3-1 record in July. We are also undefeated in position games and rematches.
Speaking of violence, according to the official scorebook Marc has officially not been present for our two victories. He decided to pull a Doug Plank on the second baseman early in the game on a force out and was promptly booted from the game by the umpire. After the game, Marc indicated that he thought it was perfectly fine to knock the defensive player silly because Jeremy did to the catcher on the Hitmen.
Unquestionably, the hero of the game was our man "Big Z" Lipsey. Pete brought out his "good Carlos" with a right arm that threw some lofty strikes, walking only one, and when we were down 5-3 with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 6th, he unloaded a shot to left center for a grand slam that put us ahead for good. It was absolutely unbelievable! One of the most exciting moments of the year!
Other offensive highlights include the following.
- We were down 5-1 in the top of the 6th and before Lipsey nailed his granny (who ironically is a cougar, ahem), we had hits from Otsuka, Trout, McDonnell, Hoglund (with a reprise of the Cowboy Dance) and Oxer, which yielded us two runs to get us to 5-3.
- It was Oxer's first run of the season. It would have been his second if it wasn't for the aforementioned play at the plate.
- Also, in the 6th, we batted around the order for the first time this season. Danielsen led off the 6th with an out but came up again later in the inning with me on 1B and got a hit for our final run.
Our defense came through once again as the young, strong and quick Chieftons sprayed hard shots around the field.
- Our outfield was flawless with Otsuka, Trout and McDonnell covering the green pasture with ease.
- In CF, Trouter had a bullet throw to Marc at third that almost gunned out the runner.
- Flannery was an all-purpose player while playing three positions.
- I was fired up about my first double play of the season (well, first one on defense).
On the injury front, it looks like Trouter will be on the DL for at least next week. He pulled a groin (his own thankfully) during our big inning. What is very interesting is that Mike Flynn on the Hitmen, who is Trout's college roommate and current co-worker also has a pulled groin. Rumor has it that Bobis isn't the only one with an Open Stance video.
Jeff "Open Stance" Bobis, who was not supposed to show up, pulled an Oxer and rushed to make the postgame festivities after swilling a number of employer mandated beers. Little did he know he would be rushed into duty to make our then 9-person squad a full 10. He played a fine half inning and like the sick kid who shows up for last period, he kept his Ripken practice and game attendance streak alive.
The Cougar contingent was disappointed that a few of our pack were unable to attend.
- Martin was on the high waters of Lake Michigan sailing in the 100th Race to Mackinac.
- Fortier was transacting business in Tokyo where just moments ago he enjoyed a serious earthquake.
- Melchiorre was enjoying a concert with a former Cougar and I think got to go backstage and meet John Mellencamp.
- Lipinski was taking a client to dinner and did everything he could to get out of it.
From what I hear and heard, the Cougars had a great postgame in the picnic area of Field 1. I did a favor for our friends on the Hitmen and was not able to enjoy my first beer until about 10pm. You all should know that I bleed Cougar blood and loved the cheering section while I played LF and raced around the bases.
Our fans are the greatest! I really appreciate my Friday night captains, Catherine and Robert Levy, coming out to root on the Cougars each week. In fact, when I was playing 3B on one play and bobbled the ball a bit and was about to throw it (most likely wildly) to 1B, I am pretty sure I heard Robert yelled "HOLD IT!" and that was exactly what I did. Otherwise a run or runs would have scored. So thanks for that! We also had a number of Radtkes out at the park as well as the Lipsey family until little Ellie ended up on the DL.
I still have no clue what the deal is with these position games we have played the last two weeks. We have one more position game next week and then the playoffs are the two Tuesdays after that. Once the game time is announced for next week I will let you know.
For any other 16-inch softball nuts like me, the No Glove Nationals tournament is this weekend in Forest Park. The Radtke family will be heading out there sometime on Saturday. Ballpark food and beer will be served. I used to go to tournaments like this at Lou Boudreau Field in Harvey when I was a kid and it was a blast. This type of event is Chicago at its best. Let me know if you have interest and we can hook up.
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