Here's a look at the 2009 Blog Award Winners:
Rookie of the Year - Eric Dundon who in his first full year playing softball anchored the bottom of the lineup and showed some nice pop with 4 doubles, 2 triples and a homerun.
Best First Year Gamer - Jon Zafonte who led the team in batting average, homeruns, runs and doubles.
Best Mid Season Acquistion - Stu Plotkin who hit .657 after joining the team in Week 3.
Pitcher of the Year - Rob Roll who despite a serious early season knee injury and having not pitched before racked up double digit victories by utilizing a very annoying but effective series of pump fakes.
Defensive Player of the Year - SS Adam Goldberg who shifted over from second base to fill in for Rob Roll who became the team's pitcher. Goldberg not only held his own at the position but also excelled making all the routine plays and some spectacular ones as well. Made numerous heads up plays such as catching runners in run downs if they strayed too far off the base.
Defensive Play of the Year - Dave Roll using his man boob to make a catch off his chest at Jones Beach during the second week of the season. Not only was it a nice catch but it came when the score was close in a game the Gamers would go on to win.
Manager of the Year - Craig Shames whose unconvential ABABA lineup of alternating power hitters with on base hitters drew skepticism early in the year and praise at the end of the year. The decision to move Jon Zafonte to third base and install Stu Plotkin at first base solidified the infield defense and the decision to switch Eric Dundon and Dave Roll on the outfield corners did the same in the outfield.
Executive of the Year - Brian Malfettone whose scouting netted the team two of their biggest offensive contributors in Goldberg and Plotkin.
MVP - Goldberg who in addition to playing outstanding defense led the team in runs, rbis and triples and was second in homeruns. He could always be counted on to come up with a big hit when the team needed it the most.
Best On Field Performance - Scott Zimmerman single handedly destroying the Warriors with two homeruns and a triple in the same game.
Best Off Field Performance - Seth Koslow appearing on Bobby Flay's show and stealing the show.
Best On Field Moment - Seeing the look of joy on everyone's faces when we won the championship!
Worst On Field Moment - Seeing the look of horror on everyone's faces when we almost got into a fight with Game Face.
Funniest On Field Moment - Jon Zafonte laughing hysterically after Greg Roll crashed head first into the outfield wall at Jones Beach, showing no regard for human life.
Funniest Off Field Moment - Jon Zafonte using a bridge made out of softballs to walk across a puddle and retrieve a ball that was previously thought to be unretrievable.
Funniest Player - Jon Zafonte
Best Haircut - Dave Roll's Kimbo Slice impression.
Best Celebrity Lookalike - Rob Roll who got mistaken for being Vanilla Ice at McFadden's in RVC.
Best Injured Player - Scott Zimmerman playing most of the season with an injured shoulder.
Best Sick Player - Jeremy Webman who played on November 8th despite coming down with Swine Flu and went 2 for 2 with 2 runs in the first game.
Best Drunk - Greg Roll who not only played hung over half the time including the team's first round playoff game but who also was so drunk that he even missed a game.
Best Alternate - Jimmy Dundon who was among the team leaders in several offensive categories despite only playing in about half the games. He can also be thanked for providing the team's jerseys which some people say inspired the team to greatness.
Best Team Player - Danny Balestas who game to the championship game despite not being able to play and cheered the team on.
Chone Figgins Award For Best Super Sub - Brian Malfettone who played all over the field including second base, third base, and all four outfield positions and even pitched a game.
Best Roll - We are contractually obligated to announce Greg Roll as the winner of this category.
Best Player Named Dave Roll - Dave Roll
Gamette of the Year - Krystin Phelan who maintained a perfect attendance record throughout the year including the end of the year party!!!
Best Fan Not Dating Someone On The Team - Phil Malfettone
Sunday, December 6, 2009
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009
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Monday, November 23, 2009
How We Won The Championship - By Brian M.
Congratulations Guys!
After several years of being the Buffalo Bills of softball, we finally sealed the deal and brought the title to where it belongs, the basement of craig's parents house, where no female will ever see it, but i will be personally grateful to look at the next time I play PS2 down there.
Although the only thing craig ever consulted me on on was my jersey #, I am your self appointed assistant mgr. So let's recap how we got here.
First and Foremost:
STEROIDS
Without this key member of our team we coud not have been here. Without this "jungle juice" we would actually have to use our natural talent instead of Mark Mcgwire in a bottle. Without this "miracle hit", singles by myself, Craig, and Jeremy would have been, well, just far weaker singles, perhaps even dribblers back to the pitcher. I don't want to speculate who else was on the juice or how it was acquired but during a flashforward I had there was a vision of Stu Plotkin testifying before congress without his oriole hat. In it were before and after pics of him. You be the judge.
From my flashforward, I am also glad to announce that we win the 2039 championship (see below) but saddened to announce Greg Roll is not in the photo, as he dies from a binge drinking accident sometime next year. Apparently, we add a black guy to the team at some point between now and then. Sorry Eric, I know how this upsets you.
2) Tylenol
Without this, i think several players, but mostly Greg Roll, could not have made the games on Sunday mornings. He is by far the most giftest softball player while being hungover that I have ever seen. He hits like a man's man and hold's his liquor like daddy's little girl, a rare combination.
3) Rob Roll
Without Rob's array of pump fakes, pump fakes, pump fakes, pump fakes, pump fakes....okay i'll deliver the line now... cricket pitches, and smuckleballs we could not have won. But..... we would have had several hours of our lives back instead of playing softball, as our games would have finished sevearl hours sooner. I don't know about you guys but I am looking forward to next year. Rob will be perfecting a new pitch where he actually shoots the ball out of his ass.....that is one ball that I will let Adam call me off on.
4) Dave Roll's Beard
Perhaps the brawny paper towel guy, perhaps Scott's rabbi, it doesn't really matter, you want this guy on your team. His beard harnesses the same power that Johhny Damon's hair harnessed during the Red Sox championship run in 2003. In fact body hair in general makes us play better and we have a lot of it.
I mean really, have you seen some of the wilderbeasts on our team, it's like the inspiration for the movie Where the Wild Things Are. I'll tell you where they are. In a blue unform. John Zafonte, the townspeople are going to start chasing him with torches. Adam Goldberg, I loved you in star wars. In honor of our Hair-a-tige, here is a preview of next year's uniforms.
5) Gay Sweatpants
Last but not least. Whether it was Adam's maroon pantalones or my aqua trousers, it just seemd like we were playing in a softball league at cherry grove at times. I even worked in the bright orange occasionally, just to ensure there was no confusion whether we were a gay or straight team. I don't know why, but we just felt the need to express ourself in wardrobe as though it was the mid 80's ....and "we were just experimenting". In honor of this our 2010 team name will the "Alternative Lifestyle Allstars".
Here is the trophy, you earned it.
Thanks again for the great season. Your assistant mgr. out.
After several years of being the Buffalo Bills of softball, we finally sealed the deal and brought the title to where it belongs, the basement of craig's parents house, where no female will ever see it, but i will be personally grateful to look at the next time I play PS2 down there.
Although the only thing craig ever consulted me on on was my jersey #, I am your self appointed assistant mgr. So let's recap how we got here.
First and Foremost:
STEROIDS
Without this key member of our team we coud not have been here. Without this "jungle juice" we would actually have to use our natural talent instead of Mark Mcgwire in a bottle. Without this "miracle hit", singles by myself, Craig, and Jeremy would have been, well, just far weaker singles, perhaps even dribblers back to the pitcher. I don't want to speculate who else was on the juice or how it was acquired but during a flashforward I had there was a vision of Stu Plotkin testifying before congress without his oriole hat. In it were before and after pics of him. You be the judge.
From my flashforward, I am also glad to announce that we win the 2039 championship (see below) but saddened to announce Greg Roll is not in the photo, as he dies from a binge drinking accident sometime next year. Apparently, we add a black guy to the team at some point between now and then. Sorry Eric, I know how this upsets you.
2) Tylenol
Without this, i think several players, but mostly Greg Roll, could not have made the games on Sunday mornings. He is by far the most giftest softball player while being hungover that I have ever seen. He hits like a man's man and hold's his liquor like daddy's little girl, a rare combination.
3) Rob Roll
Without Rob's array of pump fakes, pump fakes, pump fakes, pump fakes, pump fakes....okay i'll deliver the line now... cricket pitches, and smuckleballs we could not have won. But..... we would have had several hours of our lives back instead of playing softball, as our games would have finished sevearl hours sooner. I don't know about you guys but I am looking forward to next year. Rob will be perfecting a new pitch where he actually shoots the ball out of his ass.....that is one ball that I will let Adam call me off on.
4) Dave Roll's Beard
Perhaps the brawny paper towel guy, perhaps Scott's rabbi, it doesn't really matter, you want this guy on your team. His beard harnesses the same power that Johhny Damon's hair harnessed during the Red Sox championship run in 2003. In fact body hair in general makes us play better and we have a lot of it.
I mean really, have you seen some of the wilderbeasts on our team, it's like the inspiration for the movie Where the Wild Things Are. I'll tell you where they are. In a blue unform. John Zafonte, the townspeople are going to start chasing him with torches. Adam Goldberg, I loved you in star wars. In honor of our Hair-a-tige, here is a preview of next year's uniforms.
5) Gay Sweatpants
Last but not least. Whether it was Adam's maroon pantalones or my aqua trousers, it just seemd like we were playing in a softball league at cherry grove at times. I even worked in the bright orange occasionally, just to ensure there was no confusion whether we were a gay or straight team. I don't know why, but we just felt the need to express ourself in wardrobe as though it was the mid 80's ....and "we were just experimenting". In honor of this our 2010 team name will the "Alternative Lifestyle Allstars".
Here is the trophy, you earned it.
Thanks again for the great season. Your assistant mgr. out.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Gamers Eliminated From Turkey Shootout in 2nd Round
Hicksville, NY -
After winning the first championship in team history prior to the start of the annual Turkey Shootout the Gamers had a chance to make history and become the first team to win two championships in one day. However, it was not to be as they were eliminated in the second round of the tournament in controversial fashion.
In the first round the Gamers took on the Warriors (not the Warriors from their division) in a best of three series. But with the Gamers still fired up from having won the title the games weren't even close.
In the first game the Gamers, boosted by the additions of Rich and Andrew from Darkside, got of a quick 6-0 start highlighted by a bases clearing double from Andrew. As impressive as that was it paled in comparison to the thirteen run explosion they had in the second inning to blow the game wide open. They would go on to win 23-8 with Rob Roll hitting a 3 run homerun to win the game by run rule. Unfortunately, for the Gamers it was not all good news as they lost outfielder Dave Roll to a hamstring injury.
In a scene straight out of Saving Private Ryan, one of the Gamers other outfielders Greg Roll, was benched at the start of the second game. Having already lost one Roll to injury on the day the Gamers were under strict orders to make sure that they didn't lose another one. Without Greg and Dave in the lineup the second game was a lot more competitive as the Gamers only led 2-1 after three innings. But their bats finally woke up with a five run 4th inning which segwayed into a ten run explosion in the fifth to pad the cushion. Jon Zafonte homered, one of three homeruns for him during the tournament, and Scott Zimmerman continued his hot hitting with a two run double part of a 4 for 4 day. From there the Gamers would go on to win 18-10.
After those two easy wins the Gamers had a long lay off and that seemed to affect them at the start of the second round as their bats cooled down. Although losing Zimmerman, Brian Malfettone and Dave Roll could be to blame as well. Whatever the reason they were unable to get anything going offensively losing a pitcher's duel 9-7 to a team that they believe was losing an illegal bat. After that bat was taken out of play they didn't score another run but it didn't matter as the Gamers couldn't sustain any long rallies to overtake them.
Despite the controversial loss it was a good day overall for the Gamers who won their first championship and added an impressive sweep of the Warriors on top of it.
After winning the first championship in team history prior to the start of the annual Turkey Shootout the Gamers had a chance to make history and become the first team to win two championships in one day. However, it was not to be as they were eliminated in the second round of the tournament in controversial fashion.
In the first round the Gamers took on the Warriors (not the Warriors from their division) in a best of three series. But with the Gamers still fired up from having won the title the games weren't even close.
In the first game the Gamers, boosted by the additions of Rich and Andrew from Darkside, got of a quick 6-0 start highlighted by a bases clearing double from Andrew. As impressive as that was it paled in comparison to the thirteen run explosion they had in the second inning to blow the game wide open. They would go on to win 23-8 with Rob Roll hitting a 3 run homerun to win the game by run rule. Unfortunately, for the Gamers it was not all good news as they lost outfielder Dave Roll to a hamstring injury.
In a scene straight out of Saving Private Ryan, one of the Gamers other outfielders Greg Roll, was benched at the start of the second game. Having already lost one Roll to injury on the day the Gamers were under strict orders to make sure that they didn't lose another one. Without Greg and Dave in the lineup the second game was a lot more competitive as the Gamers only led 2-1 after three innings. But their bats finally woke up with a five run 4th inning which segwayed into a ten run explosion in the fifth to pad the cushion. Jon Zafonte homered, one of three homeruns for him during the tournament, and Scott Zimmerman continued his hot hitting with a two run double part of a 4 for 4 day. From there the Gamers would go on to win 18-10.
After those two easy wins the Gamers had a long lay off and that seemed to affect them at the start of the second round as their bats cooled down. Although losing Zimmerman, Brian Malfettone and Dave Roll could be to blame as well. Whatever the reason they were unable to get anything going offensively losing a pitcher's duel 9-7 to a team that they believe was losing an illegal bat. After that bat was taken out of play they didn't score another run but it didn't matter as the Gamers couldn't sustain any long rallies to overtake them.
Despite the controversial loss it was a good day overall for the Gamers who won their first championship and added an impressive sweep of the Warriors on top of it.
Gamers Defeat Gameface To Win ABA D Level Championship
Hicksville, NY -
Just hours after they knocked off Just The Tip to reach the Championship Game and just one hour before they were scheduled to play in the Turkey Shootout the Gamers (12-4) defeated the two time defending league champions Game Face (12-3) to win the first championship in their team history.
These two teams were on a collision course since the second week of the season when they almost got into a fight during the second game of their double header which the Gamers swept. With that incident still fresh in everyone's minds emotions were running high throughout the game.
For a while though it seemed like the Gamers were going to coast to an easy victory jumping out to an early 7-0 after their first two at bats. However, Game Face answered right back with an 8 run explosion in the bottom of the 2nd inning as is their m.o. That 8 run inning was the sixth time this year that the Gamers have given up five or more runs in an inning. Avoiding the big inning was one of the Gamers goals coming into the game but they were unable to do so.
At that point all signs were pointing to an epic back and forth classic that would come down to the final at bat. Unfortunately, for Game Face it never came down to that. The Gamers offense was just too explosive on this day continuing their assault with six more runs in the top of the 3rd highlighted by a three run homerun by Brian Malfettone. They would add three more in the 4th and five more in the 5th while shutting out Game Face the rest of the way to win the championship via run rule. A very surprising outcome considering the battles these two teams waged earlier in the season.
Offensively, the Gamers were led by Scott Zimmerman who went 3 for 3 with 5 rbis, Stu Plotkin who went 2 for 2 with a walk and 3 rbis, and Jimmmy Dundon who was 4 for 4 with four runs scored. All in all, it was a total team effort as every player scored at least one run and nine different players drove in at least one run.
Just hours after they knocked off Just The Tip to reach the Championship Game and just one hour before they were scheduled to play in the Turkey Shootout the Gamers (12-4) defeated the two time defending league champions Game Face (12-3) to win the first championship in their team history.
These two teams were on a collision course since the second week of the season when they almost got into a fight during the second game of their double header which the Gamers swept. With that incident still fresh in everyone's minds emotions were running high throughout the game.
For a while though it seemed like the Gamers were going to coast to an easy victory jumping out to an early 7-0 after their first two at bats. However, Game Face answered right back with an 8 run explosion in the bottom of the 2nd inning as is their m.o. That 8 run inning was the sixth time this year that the Gamers have given up five or more runs in an inning. Avoiding the big inning was one of the Gamers goals coming into the game but they were unable to do so.
At that point all signs were pointing to an epic back and forth classic that would come down to the final at bat. Unfortunately, for Game Face it never came down to that. The Gamers offense was just too explosive on this day continuing their assault with six more runs in the top of the 3rd highlighted by a three run homerun by Brian Malfettone. They would add three more in the 4th and five more in the 5th while shutting out Game Face the rest of the way to win the championship via run rule. A very surprising outcome considering the battles these two teams waged earlier in the season.
Offensively, the Gamers were led by Scott Zimmerman who went 3 for 3 with 5 rbis, Stu Plotkin who went 2 for 2 with a walk and 3 rbis, and Jimmmy Dundon who was 4 for 4 with four runs scored. All in all, it was a total team effort as every player scored at least one run and nine different players drove in at least one run.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Gamers Cruise Into Championship Game
Hicksville, NY -
With the field at Burns Park in Massapequa submerged under water the Gamers' first round playoff matchup with Just The Tip was delayed half an hour and moved to Cantiague Park in Hicksville.
The sudden change of plans seemed to effect the Gamers as they fell behind by six runs in the top of the first inning only escaping further damage when Rob Roll snared a line drive and turned it into a double play. With a six run deficit to make up right off the bat the Gamers' championship hopes looked bleak. Five minutes later those hopes were alive when as the Gamers responded in a big way in the bottom of the first with an eleven run outburst capped off by a two run inside the park homerun from Roll.
After holding Just The Tip scoreless in the second inning the Gamers tacked on six more runs in the second inning on a leadoff homerun from Adam Goldberg, his team leading 5th, and a grand slam from Scott Zimmerman. Brian Malfettone also homered but unfortunately that did not count due to the two homerun rule. Later in the game Stu Plotkin and Adam Goldberg would be victimized by that as well.
With a 17-6 lead after 3 innings the Gamers turned their attention to trying to win by run rule which was 12 runs after 5 innings. They had a chance to do just that after Brian Malfettone's RBI single in the 4th put them up 12. But unfortunately Jimmy Dundon, on to close out the game, couldn't escape a bases loaded jam, allowing one run to score a throwing error that kept the game alive. After failing to score in the bottom of the fifth the Gamers held Just The Tip scoreless again in the top of the 6th ending the inning of an around the horn double play started by Seth Koslow at third base and turned by Craig Shames at second base. (Shames was splitting time at second base with Danny Balestas who earlier in the game made a nice diving stop to get a force out at second base.)
With the game now in the bottom of the sixth the Gamers just needed to score one run in order to lock up the victory and they managed to do so after Stu Plotkin hit a double with one out. After a walk to Koslow, Scott Zimmerman came up huge again with a single to left to score Plotkin.
The Gamers will now turn their attention to Game Face in Sunday's championship game. These two teams have been a collision course all year after almost getting into a fight earlier in the year so it's only fitting that it would come down to this.
With the field at Burns Park in Massapequa submerged under water the Gamers' first round playoff matchup with Just The Tip was delayed half an hour and moved to Cantiague Park in Hicksville.
The sudden change of plans seemed to effect the Gamers as they fell behind by six runs in the top of the first inning only escaping further damage when Rob Roll snared a line drive and turned it into a double play. With a six run deficit to make up right off the bat the Gamers' championship hopes looked bleak. Five minutes later those hopes were alive when as the Gamers responded in a big way in the bottom of the first with an eleven run outburst capped off by a two run inside the park homerun from Roll.
After holding Just The Tip scoreless in the second inning the Gamers tacked on six more runs in the second inning on a leadoff homerun from Adam Goldberg, his team leading 5th, and a grand slam from Scott Zimmerman. Brian Malfettone also homered but unfortunately that did not count due to the two homerun rule. Later in the game Stu Plotkin and Adam Goldberg would be victimized by that as well.
With a 17-6 lead after 3 innings the Gamers turned their attention to trying to win by run rule which was 12 runs after 5 innings. They had a chance to do just that after Brian Malfettone's RBI single in the 4th put them up 12. But unfortunately Jimmy Dundon, on to close out the game, couldn't escape a bases loaded jam, allowing one run to score a throwing error that kept the game alive. After failing to score in the bottom of the fifth the Gamers held Just The Tip scoreless again in the top of the 6th ending the inning of an around the horn double play started by Seth Koslow at third base and turned by Craig Shames at second base. (Shames was splitting time at second base with Danny Balestas who earlier in the game made a nice diving stop to get a force out at second base.)
With the game now in the bottom of the sixth the Gamers just needed to score one run in order to lock up the victory and they managed to do so after Stu Plotkin hit a double with one out. After a walk to Koslow, Scott Zimmerman came up huge again with a single to left to score Plotkin.
The Gamers will now turn their attention to Game Face in Sunday's championship game. These two teams have been a collision course all year after almost getting into a fight earlier in the year so it's only fitting that it would come down to this.
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