8/24/09 - EASTON WINS THE 2009 JSL CHAMPIONSHIP!

Easton defeated Sharon 1 Monday night by a score of 10-3 to clinch the league championship series 2 games to none.  It was a closer game than the opener, but once again Easton grabbed the lead early and never let go.

At game time there were only 8 players on the Easton bench.  Fortunately, they started the game at bat.  Ken got things going with a hard shot that handcuffed the Sharon shortstop, Steve K, and that opened the door to a three-run inning, highlighted by Mike G's hard single just moments after he arrived at the field.

Sharon looked to come back right away in the bottom of the inning as Phil D blasted a triple over the center-fielder's head, knocking in one run, but the rally died there with him stranded on third.

The rest of the game was well-played by both sides.  Easton's bats, however, were just that much more lively than Sharon's.  Three hits and a run in the 2nd.  Five hits and two runs in the 4th.  Two more runs in both the 6th and 7th.  They set a steady pace and really took advantage of all their opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Sharon side was struggling to get that extra hit they needed to build a major rally.  Their best opportunity came in the 4th, when Phil led off with a single and the next five batters all hit the ball very hard.  Unfortunately for them, Easton kept making one incredible play after another.  Gary S, playing shortstop for Easton, dropped jaws all over the field when he robbed Larry S of a sure hit by sprinting to his left and leaping high to snare Larry's hard line drive that seemed to already be in center field when, all of the sudden, there it was in Gary's glove.  Wow!  Sharon were not deterred, though.  The next two batters hit solid singles to load the bases with one out.  The Sharon bench was feeling encouraged, and Larry G seemed to fulfill their hopes when he smashed a hard ground ball through the shortstop hole.  But wait!  Did I say through the hole?  I meant ALMOST through the hole, because guess who was there again.  This time, Gary raced to his right and slid into the hole, grabbing the ball cleanly at the edge of the outfield and flipping it to third base to force the runner coming in from second.  One run scored on the play, but now there were two out and runners on first and second.  The next batter was Mike C, who clearly had been paying attention and knew not to hit the ball to Gary.  He smoked the ball up the middle and into the outfield.  Not good enough, though.  Easton had realigned their outfield into 3 deep and 1 shortfielder.  Jimmy C was perfectly positioned to grab Mike's should-be single and turn it into a force play at second.

Well, that was pretty much the game.  Sharon only managed two hits for the rest of the way, and when Jimmy caught a shallow fly to end the game, Easton had regained the champion's mantle they relinquished last year.

Cheers and Jeers

Cheers to both squads, who displayed admirable sportsmanship throughout the series.

Cheers to Craig C of Stoughton 2 for dropping by the booth.  Craig always seems to make an effort to stop by and say "Hi" regardless of who's playing.

Cheers to Ben G of Sharon 1 and Howie E of Easton, both of whom announced their retirements from the JSL and, if one is to believe them, from all of softball.  Both enjoyed long and illustrious careers with their respective teams, including numerous championships won.  I would expound on their numerous individual accomplishments but I only have a limited amount of time and space in this column, and besides, I am counting on their team captains to come up with banquet speeches that will be far more personal and embarrassing than anything I could write here.  Don't let us down, guys!

Cheers in rhyme:  Roses are red, Umpires are blue, Illegal pitch?!  You're $#!+ing me, Stu!

Jeers to ... no one.  It was a good end to a good year.

Banquet!  Banquet!  Banquet!

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the traditional, annual, sanctimonial end-of-the-season JSL Softball Banquet and Awards Show.  This year's banquet will be held, for the first time ever in 2009, at Town Spa Pizza on Route 138 in Stoughton.  This venue was chosen especially as to be easy to find from Easton. and easy for the cops to escort them back home afterwards.

The Commish says to be there or be square at 7:00 on Monday night, August 31st.  Or be there AND be square.  That's always worked for me.

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8/19/09 - Finals Game 1

Funny game, softball.  After Monday night's semifinal round, the signs were pointing to an exciting championship round between Easton and Sharon 1, the two juggernauts of the JSL.

We may get that classic battle we anticipated, but it wasn't there tonight, folks.  Easton came out with all guns firing, scoring 11 runs in the first inning, and ran away with game one of the series 19-4.

First pitch was at 6:19 in the evening.  Bob G. led off with a single for the visitors and defending champs, Sharon 1.  Three batters later he scored on a fielder's choice, and Sharon took the field for the bottom of the inning with a 1-0 lead.  Unfortunately, that was the last sniff of success they were going to have this night.

In the bottom of the first, the Easton attack lived up to its standing as the number 1 offense in the league.  Starting with Kenny in the lead-off spot, the first eight Easton batters reached base by hit or walk, and every one of them scored.  And that was just the beginning.  Totals for the inning:  16 AB, 11 hits (all singles), 2 BB, and 11 runs scored.

It was more of the same in the bottom of the second as they nearly batted around again, scoring 4 more runs on 4 hits.  A scant 30 minutes into the game and the challengers had a very comfortable 15-1 lead.  Nobody on the Sharon team was prepared to give up, but really, the game was over.  Sharon mounted one mini-comeback, getting 3 runs in the fourth, but most of their turns at bat were meek affairs with only 3 or 4 men coming to the plate.

Easton scored 4 more in the bottom of the sixth (can you say "garbage time") highlighted by Mike G's booming home run to right center.

Next Up

Game 2 is Sunday night on Stoughton Field 1.  Game time has been moved up to 5:45 as insurance against any glitches with the lights.  I'll be rooting for Sharon 1, of course.  Always want to see it go the max distance.

Cheers and Jeers

Cheers to Alan O and Bill M of Stoughton 1, and Mike G of Stoughton 2, for dropping by the booth during the game.  Visitors are always welcome.

Jeers to Jerry G of Easton, who isn't here for these play-offs because of a prior commitment to a beach somewhere. Of course, look at how they're doing without you, Jerry.  Guess you made the right call, after all!

Cheers to Neal the Ump for having the best tan on the field, far and away.  He's brown, he's suave, and he calls a great game.  What can't this guy do?

Banquet Reminder

August 31 at Town Spa, Route 138, Stoughton.  Circle the date.   Word is that if Easton wins again, Jerry is going to hand out solid gold trophies and have Jim Rice as the presenter.

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8/18/09

Easton faces Sharon 1 in the Finals.  Sound familiar?  These two teams have won the last I-don't-know-how-many-but-it's-at-least-five JSL titles.  It has been three years since they've had to battle each other for the championship, but these old rivals know each other well and it is sure to be an exciting final series.

Does it count for anything that they're having to work harder to get there?  Both teams won close games against stalwart opponents to advance to the final round.

Game 1 - Easton vs. Brockton 

On Field 2, Easton defeated a tough Brockton team by a score of 12-10.  The game was close throughout, but in the end it seemed that the top-seeded Easton team simply outlasted the injury-plagued underdogs.  Brockton started with two guys stuck on the bench and Dave in right field sporting the ugliest purple leg you ever want to see.  When Big Jeff pulled a hammy trying to beat out a grounder in the fifth inning, Little Jeff (well, he's small by contrast!) had to put himself and his own gimpy self back in the game.

The merciless Eastoners immediately took advantage of Brockton's misfortunes with the next four batters (or maybe it was 4 of 5) hitting the ball to either Dave or Jeff.  The first three reached safely, but then fate finally said "Enough is enough."  In the play of the game, another fly ball sailed out to right-center field.  Jeff had it all lined up it seemed, but somehow the ball eluded his pocket and ticked off the edge of his glove, struck him in the leg, and rebounded into the air where RCF Chris snagged it for the out!  Wow!  There's one bruise I'm sure Jeff doesn't mind.  That play stanched the bleeding, but Easton now had a 3-run lead they would never relinquish.

As for the Easton side, SS Gary was impressive with a big triple and his usual great play in the field.  It was a typical team effort from the boys in black.  No easy outs in that line up, as I can attest from painful experience.

Game 2 - Stoughton 1 vs. Sharon 1 

On Field 3, meanwhile, things were going smoothly for 2nd-seeded Stoughton 1, hoping to return to the finals after a one-year absence.  Stoughton had already taken the season series from Sharon 1, two games to one.  The games were all close, but Stoughton had the confidence that they knew how to beat the defending champs.  Timely hitting and good defense were doing the job again, it seemed, as Stoughton took the lead and gradually pulled further ahead throughout the game.  To make matters worse for Sharon, their starting pitcher, Larry S., had to leave the game with back spasms.

At the end of six innings, Stoughton led by a score of 10-4.  That, as they say, was when the roof caved in.

Despite being down all game, there was no signs of despair on the Sharon bench.  Captain and head cheerleader Mike F. was still pumping everyone up, urging them to keep fighting and telling them they could win this game.  And why not?  They're the champs.  They've done it before.

I can't tell you who did what in the winning rally.  There was no BIG hit that I recall, just your patented Sharon 1 barrage.  "The Death of A Thousand Cuts" is what we ought to name it.  Every guy did his part to keep the rally going.  Even the outs advanced key runners.  I know there were two outs when the tying and go-ahead runs crossed the plate.

Sharon had scored 7 in the 7th, to take a one run lead.  Now it was up to the defense.

With Larry out, relief pitching duties fell to 1B Jerry.  Was he a little nervous?  Could have been.  A few of those pitches came in really, really flat.  Nonetheless, there were enough strikes that the Stoughton players had to swing, and I'm betting there were a few nerves on their side as well, given the sudden reversal of fortune.

Stoughton gave it a good shot, but the Sharon 1 defense is at or near the league's top.  With two out Stoughton had put runners at first and second.  A hit here would likely tie the game and at least take things to extra innings.  The Stoughton batter swung hard and smacked a liner towards left-center field.  It looked like a hit all the way to me, but then, flying into the picture came LF Eric who made a beautiful sliding, tumbling catch of the ball about 18" off the ground.  Incredible!

Finals - Easton vs. Sharon 1

The Finals start Wednesday night.  Best two out of three games.  Schedule is posted in the schedule-posting place, but I'll put it here just to save you the trip.

Game 1 - Wed 8/19 at 6:15 on Field 3 in Stoughton.  Easton is the home team.

Game 2 - Sun 8/23 at 6:00 on Field 1 in Stoughton.  Sharon 1 is the home team.

Game 3 (if necessary) - Mon 8/24 at 6:15 on Field 3 in Stoughton.  Easton is the home team.

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8/17/09

Hey, can you believe the Playoffs are here already?  I'm sure you can.

Can you believe I've had nothing to say all Summer?  Harder to comprehend, but the evidence is right here.  Sorry to any who have been watching this space hoping for some clever/amusing/informative blogging.  It was a busy Summer, and I just didn't seem to have much to say, I guess.  Or it could be I'm just too dumb for this job now.  You know how parents get stupider when their kids reach their teen-age years?  Well, I tried to resist the effects, but now that I have three (3!) teen-age daughters living at home, the cumulative loss of IQ points was too great to overcome.  It's all I can do to feed myself and not to drool on the carpet, you know?  I'm clinging to the slim hope that when my oldest turns 20 and moves out this Fall I'll slowly regain some of my faculties.  Please be patient with me.  From what I've been told by more experienced parents, the process could take years.

How about some softball news?

Last night the playoffs opened with a pair of low-scoring games.  In the opener, defending champs Sharon 1 shut out their cross-town rivals, Sharon 2, by a score of 4-0 in just 55 minutes.  Wow!  Stu in blue said the game was even closer than the final score.  Didn't get any details, but why don't we just say "throwing smoke" and "flashing leather" and leave it at that.

In the nightcap, the Brockton Blue Boys handled a punchless Stoughton 2 squad by a score of 8-3.  Jeff K. was sidelined with an injury, but watched proudly as his team took its first playoff victory in five years.  Congratulations, gents, and good luck in the next round!

The second (Semifinal) round is TONIGHT.  Single elimination once again.  The best 2 out of 3 finals start on Wednesday.

    6:15 on Field 2:  EASTON (#1, home) vs. BROCKTON (#5)

    6:15 on Field 3:  STOUGHTON 1 (#2, home) vs. SHARON 1 (#3)

Best of luck to all.  I hope to see you at the fields.

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6/25/09

Hey, can you believe Opening Day is here already?

Sunday night in Stoughton, at 5:00 p.m. on the George Dolinsky field in Stoughton, Stoughton 1 and Sharon 2 will open the 2009 JSL season, followed at 7:00 by Stoughton 2 taking on last year's champs, Sharon 1.

Schedule

The standard weekly schedule has changed from years past, with a Sunday double-header in Stoughton replacing the old Thursday night twin-bill in Sharon.

Sundays: 2 games at 5:00 and 7:00 on Field 1.  Lights will be on for the nightcap.
Mondays: 2 games at 6:30 p.m. in Stoughton, Fields 2 and 3
Wednesdays: 2 games at 6:30 p.m. in Stoughton, Fields 2 and 3.

Each team will play a total of 14 games in the regular season (barring rainouts).

Starting Monday, August 3, Monday and Wednesday games will begin at 6:15 instead of 6:30, due to the fading daylight.

The regular season ends on Wednesday, August 12, and Play-offs begin the following Sunday, August 16.

Check out the full schedule of games by clicking on the Schedules link on the left. Throughout the season I'll post the game scores here and you can track the standings.

Finally, please note that teams now have assigned dugouts for every game. By decree, the home team will take the first-base dugout/bench for each game.

Business Stuff

If you haven't done so already, please make sure to bring in a check. For only $90 you get a stylish uniform shirt, a colorful baseball cap, professional umpires, 15 games worth of bonding and athletic brotherhood, and finally, the fabulous awards banquet at the end of the season.

Checks should be made out to the ATC Brotherhood and turned in to your team captain or Alan Olans as soon as possible.

Blog-o-rama

Got a story, send it to me! Want to complain about "the man", send it to me! Sharon 1 are the reigning champs, so any dirt you can dig up on them is especially welcome. 

 (Not to worry, though, there will always be a soft spot in this blog for you, Jerry.)

As always, if you don't send me anything good, I'll just make it up on my own. It's up to you.

You can reach me by email at camorse22@yahoo.com, or just catch me out on the fields.

Good luck, have fun, and for goodness sake, don't forget to stretch first.