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 History |
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Horny Beginnings (2000)
The Goats softball team began with an idea by Andy Amore and Mark Jacobs. Both seniors at Marian Central Catholic High School, they were looking for a fun and entertaining way of getting people together throughout the summer. After analyzing the Woodstock Recreation Department information pamphlet on summer activities sponsored by the city, the two decided to see what other people thought about a competitive slow pitch softball team. The plan would be good for bringing together a group of players and also getting a fan base of fellow students and peers to come together in good cheer and company.
It did not take long for the dream to catch like a California wildfire. The two began discussing ideas with then current and former Marian athletes. It was decided that only the top tier of athletes would be offered consideration as a member on the elite squad. There were a few details worked out and before long, the team enlisted the sponsorships of two national-level corporate powerhouses, Culvers and Jiffy Lube.
So the hardest part was behind them-all that was left was to put together an actual team. With emphasis on flexibility of schedule and willingness to actively participate in team activities, both on and off the field, the roster was eventually completed.
The team held its first official practice on May 6th of 2000. The following Sunday, May 13th was the official mandatory reporting day for all players on the active roster. A few players brought not only high school, but also collegiate athletic experience to the table.
In just a few short weeks the team was in fact a well-oiled softball machine. It was a virtual given that no other team in Woodstock would have the speed and athleticism that the Goats had. The average age was roughly 18 years. Time would prove however that one very important thing was missing: true slow-pitch summer league experience…
Goats A Real Bust After One Game (2000)
On May 24th the Goats were trounced by a score of 18-5 in their first game of the summer season. The prospectus before game time though was not good as nearly half of the roster was not in attendance, due mainly to the state basbeball playoffs. The was also the factor of inexperience as the team is all rookies in a mainly experienced league. This past week saw yet another deluge of rain and the subsequent second postponed game of the year. This Wednesday looks to be rain-free so hopefully they can notch a W and bring the record back up to .500. Given the past week off, the probable starter is once again Bill Miller who will hope to not walk another 6 batters in a row like he did the first game.
Goats Midseason Roster Cleanup (2000)
The season has been a dire one thus far. For one reason or another the Goats have failed to put more than 5 runs on the board in a game while opponents continually chalk up 15 or more runs any given Wednesday. The complete lack of recreational league softball experience is definitely one factor to blame but another would have to be the lack of a consistent lineup. Less than five players have made every game and despite having an 18 player squad, the average number of players has been around 9 a game. In a post game meeting this past Wednesday after getting hammered 21-1, the Goats unanimously decided to dump Andy Amore and Ben Hartman. Both quality people, it is hard to see them go but the fact of the matter is if you are not going to perform, you are not helping the team, and the team needs a lot of help right now. Late Wednesday the Goats signed Scott Rooney, a free agent representing the West Side of Marengo. Scott is notorious for his elite position at Golf and Games and with such easy access to the batting cages there, his will be a welcomed bat to the team. There are other free agents the Goats are currently pursuing as well, if you have not been contacted and are interested in possibly becoming a member of the squad give an email to myself or another member of the team that you may know and we will see what we can do. With the limited number of players that actually show up for each contest, just showing up at game time might put you out on the field unless things change drastically. Please remember the upcoming game this Wednesday, July 12 against Dick Hoover and Co. There will be a mammoth tailgate party reminiscent of Homecoming Dance '98 and Turnabout '99. For exact times please check the posting in the calendar section of this website.
Goats Grab A Big One (2000)
In an all out battle of epic proportions in front of a rowdy, record-setting crowd of tailgating supporters, the Goats took the field with something that had been missing all season long, the will to win. From the beginning this past Wednesday evening things were looking good. How couldn't they? The six runs scored in the first inning were more than the team could squander in an entire game all season. All told the game lasted 8 innings, roughly an hour and a half with a final score of 12-9, and showed that when the team focuses, they can play clutch softball. A former Marian baseball player by the name of Bill Powers was a member of the opposing team and was easily the MVP for his team with strong play on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Also on the other team was Mr. Rich Hoover. Hoover swung the bat hard and did his best to withstand the playful jeers from the loud Goats, but in the end it was not enough. The Goats meanwhile had many players put out career best games. The new members of the team came in and showed why they were signed last week. Adam Jennrich and Scott Rooney both came off the bench with some explosive hitting. The staple of the game though was Rooney's RBI double in the gap in left field. Scott took the first pitch and cranked the farthest hit by any Goat this season. Estimated distance was 315 ft., only 10 feet short of clearing the fence. Catcher Mark Jacobs led the team with three walks while Marian math teacher Adam Hines keyed a defense that stayed sharp the entire evening. The evening was centered around the game, but the huge group of fans would not have been there without the good old-fashioned tailgate party. The trademark of pregame athletic event activities in this great land of ours, it is a shame that they were outlawed at our school but at least there is no way for them to stop the good, clean fun in our beautiful parks. Yes, the Hurricane Tailgate Club was out in force grilling such delectable entrees as Pizza Bagels and Chicken "TV dinner". Of course there were the usual choices like bratwursts and burgers as well. Special thanks go out to the designated hitter, Nick Schmidt for his willingness to supply the grill. He also brought a live duck which obviously supplemented rather well in the place of the live goat which the team is still attempting to acquire to be present in the dugout for the games. Mr. Dan Kusek is to be commended for bringing his custom megaphone which is an excellent tool for rousing the crowd and keeping the spirits of everyone involved high. The Goats record currently stands at 1-4 and though the players were all very excited to get the first "W" of the season the mood calmed later in the evening as the knew an important week is ahead. This coming Wednesday, the 19th of July, the Goats have a double header, the first game opening with a prime time start of 8:30 PM CST. By Thursday evening, the game film was already broken down by a core of players at the residence of pitcher Bill Miller. Some vital defensive tactics were devised as well that according to one insider with the team, "Will guarantee that the other team will not score more than seven runs". This new defensive scheme will be instituted into practice Sunday and fine tuned in the final practice Tuesday evening. If you would like to check out the Goats in practice head on over to Marian around 7:00 Tuesday night and join in the fun. Otherwise see you and all the other people you know who are looking for some great entertainment Wednesday evening at 6:30 for the second tailgate party of the season followed by two exciting games under the stars at Emricson Park's Bigelow Field in Woodstock. Stay tuned for further notices of this special event by email in the coming days.
Wednesday, April 18
No Harry Hoover (2001)
The Rumors are true!! Harry Hoover does not have a team for this season.
Wednesday, April 18
Goat Watch (2001)
News and Interesting Stories From Your Goats
-The Goats hit the field at Emricson Park on Saturday, April 14th. It was the first official practice of the 2001 season. Eleven men were out on the field working on batting and hitting. Several prospects were in attendance. Due to a high school double header in Aurora, several players were unable to attend the practice. Field conditions were wet, but manageable. The infield still needs to be tilled as the surface was saturated and packed from the winter snow pack. Warmer sun and temperatures in the coming weeks, combined with drier conditions should provide ideal playing grounds for the start of the season on Wednesday, May 23rd. A few items were discussed at the practice. The addition of one or two new players is a possibility due to various personnel circumstances. Several of the collegiate players are involved in intramural activities, as well as participating in various strength and conditioning programs to better prepare themselves for the long, grueling summer schedule.
-The official schedule with complete game times will be available after the manager’s meeting takes place on May 9th.
-The uniform for the season is still not complete, however one new addition will be made to the Goats appearance-official jerseys will be worn at every game.
Sunday, May 27
Field Conditions Look To Improve (2001)
After seeing over two and a half inches of rain fall in the Woodstock area since last Monday, the fields have finally begun to dry out. No rain of any importance is forecast until this Thursday and so it looks like the game this week will be a go. Conditions were fine enough today for at least one team to hold an official practice. This picture was taken at 3:40 PM. There was a small puddle just past the pitchers mound but the surface was solid and with a little spot raking around the mound and home plate, the field is playable. The far field had some team practicing on it and conditions there were even better.
Thursday, June 7
Crowd A Big'un For Primetime Start (2001)
Despite recent bad weather, the skies closed up enough to allow for some decent playing conditions in the second game of the season for the Goats. Another large crowd was present for the game that started at 9:30 PM. The Goats started strong but some powerful hitting put the Cops and Robbers over the top. Look for a detailed story on the game sometime later today. Next week the Goats will play a double header. First game will start at 8:30 PM. With the weather forecasted to improve, a tailgate party may be in order, reminiscent of Turnabout '99.
Thursday, June 7
With Arms Wide Open (2001)
With arms wide open, Chris Fisher was named the first president of the Official Goat Fan Club. Fisher, a recent graduate of Marian Central has been instrumental in swelling up support for the Goats. Behind his leadership, season attendance has surged to over 50 fans after the first two games. Congratulations Chris, your an inspiration to us all.
Wednesday, May 14
Opening day rained out (2003)
The Goats' opening night game scheduled for tonight (May 14th) has been postponed due to inclement weather and poor field conditions. The team is now preparing to open the 2003 season next Wednesday, May 21. Opening pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Goats' home diamond, Bigelow Field, in Woodstock's Emricson Park.
Players Of The Week (2003)
WEEK OF 5/21
OFFENSIVE - Chris Stark
5 for 5, 1B, 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 7 RBI.
(Hit for the cycle and then some)
DEFENSIVE - Bill Miller
Helluva pitching performance.
Clutch strikes, and tied career best with 3k.
DOUCHE BAG - Mr. "I work for the Park District!"
Self explanatory.
WEEK OF 6/4
OFFENSIVE - Chris Stark
5 for 5, 1B, 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI in game two.
(Hit for the cycle and then some)
DEFENSIVE - Joe Schultz
Playing with the wrong hand and some sweet dives.
DOUCHE BAG - Edgetown Bowl
The bats corked!
WEEK OF 6/11
OFFENSIVE - Dan Loch
3 for 3, FIRST Goats Homerun.
DEFENSIVE - Mark Jacobs
Web Gem! Foul ball against the fence.
DOUCHE BAG - 1st baseman (Dry-waller)
Trying to run down Pat Conway (our fastest guy) from across the diamond.
WEEK OF 6/18
OFFENSIVE - Brian Kane
2 for 2, 2 R, BB.
DEFENSIVE - Joey Huemann
Perfect post inning throw to the mound.
DOUCHE BAG - Mike Lenzi
Where to begin??
WEEK OF 6/25
OFFENSIVE - Joey Huemann
5th inning 2 run homer to keep the goats alive.
DEFENSIVE - Pat Conway
Sweet running catch.
DOUCHE BAG - The Sarge
A real douche bag.
WEEK OF 7/02
OFFENSIVE - Earl Boysen
3 for 4, 3 runs, and 5 RBI.
DEFENSIVE - Bill Miller
Taking one off the thigh.
DOUCHE BAG - Knee Brace
For staring at Carey's back.
Thursday, May 20
Goats win opener for third consecutive season, 13-12 (2004)
WOODSTOCK - The 2004 Jiffy Lube/Culver's Goats swung the door wide open on their fifth season in existence with a convincing 13-12 win over Edgetown Bowl tonight.
The Goats, officially opening the season a week late after being rained out on May 12, lost the opening coin flip but set the tone early, putting four runs on the board in the first inning. Edgetown would come back with four runs of their own, but by the end it was clear that the Goats would win the see-saw battle.
Wednesday's win was the third consecutive opening night win that the Goats have captured. However, of the three opening night wins, the score this year was much closer. In 2002, the club defeated Red Mill 9-3. In 2003, the Goats slaughtered InterSat/American Graphics 24-14.
Pitcher Bill Miller, coming off one of his strongest seasons offensively in 2003, did not disappoint on the mound. Miller went seven innings, striking out 2 batters and giving up only 12 earned runs.
Earl Boysen Jr. was one of several cogs in the Goat offense that ripped 17 hits in the muggy night air. Boysen juiced the crowd midway through the game with a three-run homer to the right field power alley.
The Goats went into the top of the sixth inning with the score tied at 10-10. After mustering two runs, the Goats gave up two runs to Edgetown, locking the score at 12-12 going into the seventh. The lone run scored in the top of the seventh proved to be the difference in the game.
Miller would go on to retire the side in the bottom half of the seventh and win the game.
Despite not being a blowout, the win represented what could be a step in the right direction for the Goats. In games decided by three runs or less in the past two seasons, the Goats were 3-7. The ability to win close games will certainly pay off in the long-run for the squad.
The Goats also drew a two-year high six walks on Wednesday night. Patience at the plate is a sign of maturity on a roster that is probably just about ready to be called a veteran team. Are the Goats ready to show that a veteran team equals a winning team? Only time will tell. The complete 2004 schedule is now available on the Schedules page.
Goats open 2005 season with first practice (2005)
Sunday May 1, 2005
WOODSTOCK - It's May and that means it's time for another season of Goats softball. The horned hitmen are together again for their sixth season of softball with the men's recreational 12-inch fast pitch league in Woodstock.
Under some wicked conditions that included even a few snow flakes, six members of the team got together today for some small ball. Field conditions were dry considering the time of year, and look good for opening night on May 11th, 2005.
Game times for the 2005 season will be posted by this Wednesday.
A complete season preview will be posted in the next week.
 | | Scott, Bill, Joe, Nick, Mark, and Kevin |
Players Of The Week (2005)
WEEK OF 5/11
OFFENSIVE - Scott Hintz
4 for 5, 4 R, 2 1B, 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI.
DEFENSIVE - Brian Kane
Spectacular catch over the shoulder, falling backwards into the outfield.
WEEK OF 5/25
OFFENSIVE - Brian Kane
4 for 4, 2 R, 1B, 2 2B, 1 HR, 9 RBI.
DEFENSIVE - Brian Kane
Relay to home for 3rd out.
Pump fake to 1st then tagging out the runner trying to advance to 3rd.
DOUCHE BAG - 1st SS and Pitcher
SS got pissed and quit during the top of the second inning.
Pitcher just a general douche bag.
Goats fall in season opener (2005)
Tuesday, May 17 2005
WOODSTOCK - With gale force winds roaring towards the fences, the home run limit was clearly going to be challenged. By the end of the contest, the Goats had indeed used all three of their "allotted" over the fence home runs, but were unable to surmount a strong 12 run first inning by IBEW Local 117.
In the end, the Goats lost Wednesday's opening night game by a final score of 24-20. Despite a grand slam by newcomer Scott Hintz, and a mostly solid offensive performance by the rest of the lineup, the Goats lost an opening night game for the first time in four years.
Starting pitcher Bill Miller pitched a complete game, but earned the loss in what by no means was a fluid defensive effort by the Goats.
The strong winds made it difficult at times to gauge fly balls in the outfield, and a few costly errors around the field helped make the difference in the game.
Six year veteran Brian Kane added the Goats fourth home run with an in-the-park effort that kept things close, but the Goats simply ran out of outs.
Kevin Ivers set a Goat record with three strikeouts. Ivers did manange a suicide squeeze swinging bunt that brought home a run in the fifth inning.
The Goats square up this Wednesday, May 18 for a double header beginning at 7:30 p.m. against Juco Trash on Field B at Woodstock's Emricson Park.
Double header yields a double loss (2005)
Tuesday, May 24 2005
WOODSTOCK - After giving up 24 runs and still only losing by 4 in the first contest of the 2005 campaign, the Goats would figure to be sitting pretty after a double header in which they gave up a combined 11 runs in two games. Instead they find themselves winless after three games for the first time in four years.
Game one of last Wednesday's double header pitched the Goats against the Juco Trash. The Goats played a strong game defensively, but could not muster enough run support, and lost by a final of 6-4.
Earl Boysen batted 3 for 4 while Brian Kane went 2 for 3 with a triple and two RBI's.
The Goats faced IBEW Local 117 in the second game and came out on the short end of the stick with a dismal 7-2 loss. In rare fashion, the Goats did not get one extra-base hit. Joey Huemann led the Goats at the plate, going 2 for 2 with two singles and a walk.
The 0-3 Goats will try and grab the horns and nail their first win of the season when they face Trackside Tap at 8:30 on Wednesday, May 25 at Woodstock's very own Emricson Park.
Goat or Kielbasa? I'll take the Goat by ten (2005)
May 31, 2005
WOODSTOCK - In their first meeting of the season, intraleague rivals Goats and Kielbasas assembled for what looked to be a decent contest, at least on paper.
While the Goats had seven players to the Kielbasa's five (with replacements added to each to even the teams), the Kielbasa's had been riding high on a 3-0 start in their second season of Woodstock "C" league softball.
Once again however, experience proved the better weapon, with the Goats haphazardly garnering a 14-4 victory before play was ended due to 'youthful bantering' by several Kielbasas.
Bill Miller powered one of several home runs in what ended up being a two-inning Goat derby. Is the rivalry still there? It apparently wasn't this past Sunday, but summer is just beginning, and there may very well be plenty of exhibition innings to come.
Goats grab hardest win of the season . . . their first (2005)
May 31, 2005
WOODSTOCK - The anticipation that accompanied the Goats going into the 2005 season has been tinged with more than a thread of disappointment for the better part of the last month. With a dismal 0-3 start, there were of course many questions going into their fourth game of the season. Instead of more questions and frustration, the Goats finished the game with confidence and maybe even a few answers.
Last Wednesday's game against Trackside Tap was called after 5 innings, with the Goats securely on top by a score of 24-6.
Two team records fell by the time the horned men in red and blue were finally corralled. The 18 run margin of victory broke the previous record (17 runs) set in 2002 over The Care of Trees. Shortstop Brian Kane broke the single game record for RBI's, with 9 on the evening. Kane provided plenty of firepower from behind the plate, smacking the Goats' second grand slam of the season. The starting shortstop also spanked two doubles on the night.
Patrick Conway, Dan Loch, and Bill Miller showed poise at the plate and speed on the bases as each fueled the Goats slugging percentage (1.000 on the night - 0.753 on the year) with a triple. Conway and Loch's return from off-season injuries has apparently not slowed either, and as the weather has warmed up so has their hitting.
Joey Huemann showed plenty of patience with the bat as he drew 2 walks. Huemann also scored on an errant mishap by the opposing team when the ball was in control of the pitcher but no time was called.
The Goats will sharpen up for a rematch with Trackside this Wednesday, June 1 when they try to once again take it to the Tap in a 7:30 p.m. matchup at Emricson Park.
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