Finally, here are the results, in short summary, of the MVP balloting that took place recently in which most of you participated. A special thanks to everyone who voted by replying to my repeated e-mail messages (remember, tournament MVPs will still be selected using our time-honored offensive points system). Thirteen Heavy Metal Softball regular members were eligible to vote this time, having participated in the Visalia City, Thursday Night, spring 2008 league. In order of highest cumulative point total, with adjoining number of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place votes, here is this league's MVP and the rest of the worthy contenders:

League MVP: Steve Stafford (24 total points -- 4 first place votes, 1 second place vote, 1 third place vote. Great offensive effort!)

1st Runner-Up: Mike Lujan (21 total points -- 2 first place votes, 3 second place votes, 2 third place votes. Your effort is always really appreciated!)

2nd Runner-Up: Donny Aguiar, Frank Fletcher (12 total points, tie -- Donny: 1 first place vote, 2 second place votes, 1 third place vote; Frank: 1 first place vote, 2 second place votes, 1 third place vote. Good job, guys!)

3rd Runner-Up: Wes Avery (8 total points -- 1 first place vote, 3 third place votes. Take a bow!)

4th Runner-Up: Cruz Onsurez (5 total points -- 1 first place vote.  Somebody loves you!)

5th Runner-Up: Vern Amaro (4 total points -- 1 second place vote, 1 third place vote. Must be Feeling Sorry for Old Managers Day! To the two people who voted for me -- thanks!)

6th Runner-Up: Gene Hitt (3 total points -- 1 second place vote. Always showing how the veterans do it!)

7th Runner-Up: Lee Garcia (1 total point -- 1 third place vote.  Let's hear it for the Heavy Metal old guard!)

In the interest of integrity and not wanting to violate any trust, I kept meticulous records of all the oral and online ballots that I received from the 10 regular members who decided to vote. As it turned out, this was a rather easy league MVP race to keep track of. Johnny Lopez, Cruz Onsurez, and Matt Soares were asked to vote, but for reasons of their own -- whether technical or philosophical -- all three did not choose to do so this time around. Once again, let these words be of warning: Rule #1 -- If a player decides not to participate in the balloting to determine our league MVP, he will remain unqualified to receive this honor, despite perhaps receiving the most cumulative points (the honor will be bestowed upon the next eligible player in line). This rule has been instituted to enforce fairness with the outcome of the voting -- in other words, as you give, so shall you receive. Two other rules also affect a player's MVP eligibility: Rule #2 -- At least half the games of a league/tournament must be played; and Rule #3 -- The agreed-upon league/tournament participation fee must be paid. I'm sure everyone can see the need for such rules. I, myself, voted for who I thought were three deserving men. Because I am the ballot collector and, also, because the results could possibly hinge upon my final selections, I always believe it is wise to make clear my own personal choices for MVP, hopefully without offending any of my other close friends on the team, who already know that only three choices can be given. My votes, in order, were: Mike Lujan (1st place vote); Donny Aguiar (2nd place vote); and Wes Avery (3rd place vote). I will not give any specific reasons for my choices (none of us have to), but I will say that I really appreciated these men for the contributions they made during this league. In all actuality, everyone on this team is deemed valuable, both on and off the field. I hope all of you will understand this personal feeling of mine, and why I have such a difficult time revealing my selections. But I feel I must. No other selections from specific team members will be revealed unless one of you is curious and wants to inquire, in which case, I'll gladly let you know. And, once again, to the two people who gave me consideration this time around, once more, a sincere thanks to you.

And that's another league MVP wrap for now, folks....