Last night our opponents tried to issue a two-out intentional walk to the spot in our lineup before a ghost out. (ghost out: when playing with less than three female players the team will be charged an out after the last batter in the line-up in place of the missing player)
This is a bush league thing to try.
Turns out, though, strategic as it may be, it's against the rules of the league (no walk shall be issued to the batter prior to a ghost out) which we didn't know, so after the first pitch went 20 feet over his head, our guy actually jumped across the plate to hit the next pitch which was four feet outside. (grounder to third for the last out)
(Which ended the inning and meant the next inning started with the ghost out.)
But, turns out, when they tried intentionally walking him, they knew the rule about no intentional walks, and were banking on us not knowing it.
Which we didn't
Which prompted our guy to swing at an unhittable pitch
Double bush league. Bush and deceitful. These guys are assholes.
Also, the umpire didn't explain the rule until after the at bat. That I don't understand at all.
Anyway. After the intentional ghost out walk situation played out we were going into the bottom of the last inning down one run.
Ground out
Single
Fly out, no advance
Walk
Single - scored runner from second, runner from first went to third on the throw to the plate, batter took second on throw to the plate
Tie game!
Next batter, walk-off ground-rule double
We win! Suck it bush leaguers!
Woo!
Also, I was informed today that I had enough ABs to qualify for the batting title.
Which I won. I also led the team in OBP. This marks a significant improvement from my first season (and a significant improvement from my broken collarbone)
And now, depending on the outcome of another game, we may have qualified for the playoffs.
-t
Showing posts with label playoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label playoffs. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Monday, February 04, 2008
19 and -- Oh. - Superbowl XLII Reaction
The night before the Red Sox played Game 7 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Indians it looked like they might lose.
That series revealed, without a doubt, that the 2007 Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox were the best teams in the American League. Identical records, the number one and two finishers in the Cy Young race, offense, defense, bullpen, management.
I had to ready myself for a possible Red Sox loss - and I was able to do it, because the Indians were so good.
I knew that whatever the outcome it wasn't going to come down to a fluke victory or one bad call, or one boneheaded mistake.
Turns out, the Patriots loss in the Superbowl came under the same circumstances. No overtly boneheaded plays, no atrocious calls (a few I'm upset about, but it's no Tuck-Rule Game), and both teams flat-out played.
It was a good, solid game. No miracles, no flukes.
And I'm dissapointed, sure. But if we were going to lose, that's how it had to happen.
So, I'm taking a deep breath, hoping no one at work talks about it too much, and moving on. I still celebrate the AFC Championship. Way to go Pats.
Now, on to baseball season! Ten days until pitchers and catchers!
-t
P.S. - There is no f-ing way I'm ever voting for Menino again. I hope somebody gets fired.
Now I'm really done.
That series revealed, without a doubt, that the 2007 Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox were the best teams in the American League. Identical records, the number one and two finishers in the Cy Young race, offense, defense, bullpen, management.
I had to ready myself for a possible Red Sox loss - and I was able to do it, because the Indians were so good.
I knew that whatever the outcome it wasn't going to come down to a fluke victory or one bad call, or one boneheaded mistake.
Turns out, the Patriots loss in the Superbowl came under the same circumstances. No overtly boneheaded plays, no atrocious calls (a few I'm upset about, but it's no Tuck-Rule Game), and both teams flat-out played.
It was a good, solid game. No miracles, no flukes.
And I'm dissapointed, sure. But if we were going to lose, that's how it had to happen.
So, I'm taking a deep breath, hoping no one at work talks about it too much, and moving on. I still celebrate the AFC Championship. Way to go Pats.
Now, on to baseball season! Ten days until pitchers and catchers!
-t
P.S. - There is no f-ing way I'm ever voting for Menino again. I hope somebody gets fired.
Now I'm really done.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Sweep Dreams: An Open Letter to the Red Sox*
Dear Boston Red Sox,
Please sweep the Rockies in the World Series. Firstly, because it would be awesome. Secondly, because these three-hour-plus games and post-game press conferences and analysis are really, really, cutting into my normal sleep schedule.
It's not bad at all during the regular season when NESN carries the games, and they start at the very reasonable time of 7 PM (EST). Then even a four hour game will see me in bed well before midnight satiated, full to the brim of good baseball and wise, thoughtful, well-produced post-game commentary by the studio team of Caron, Remy, and Eckersley.
It is bad when Fox, with their late start times, pandering to their West Coast audience, broadcasts these games. When the first pitch is thrown at 8:15 PM (EST), (or even later!) even a much quicker three-and-one-half-hour game is pushing the midnight envelope. I'm lucky to be in bed by half-past twelve, or asleep by one o'clock!
Now, as a baseball fan, I am compelled, hard-wired, you could say, to watch every pitch, every at-bat, every, single out of playoff baseball, I would continue to do so even if the series went to seven games, each one decided in not less than six hours, lasting no fewer than twenty-three innings. It would ruin me, physically - and probably get me fired - but I would do it.
But, I am asking, instead, that you, Boston Red Sox, please sweep the World Series, so as to maximize both my happiness, and my well-restedness.
Thank you,
Tom
*Thanks to Tyler for the updated title.
Please sweep the Rockies in the World Series. Firstly, because it would be awesome. Secondly, because these three-hour-plus games and post-game press conferences and analysis are really, really, cutting into my normal sleep schedule.
It's not bad at all during the regular season when NESN carries the games, and they start at the very reasonable time of 7 PM (EST). Then even a four hour game will see me in bed well before midnight satiated, full to the brim of good baseball and wise, thoughtful, well-produced post-game commentary by the studio team of Caron, Remy, and Eckersley.
It is bad when Fox, with their late start times, pandering to their West Coast audience, broadcasts these games. When the first pitch is thrown at 8:15 PM (EST), (or even later!) even a much quicker three-and-one-half-hour game is pushing the midnight envelope. I'm lucky to be in bed by half-past twelve, or asleep by one o'clock!
Now, as a baseball fan, I am compelled, hard-wired, you could say, to watch every pitch, every at-bat, every, single out of playoff baseball, I would continue to do so even if the series went to seven games, each one decided in not less than six hours, lasting no fewer than twenty-three innings. It would ruin me, physically - and probably get me fired - but I would do it.
But, I am asking, instead, that you, Boston Red Sox, please sweep the World Series, so as to maximize both my happiness, and my well-restedness.
Thank you,
Tom
*Thanks to Tyler for the updated title.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Blogtoberfest: Update
A few headlines, and a quick update on this post from last week:
THE RED SOX ARE THE 2007 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPS!
JENNY FRAZIER MAKES 'TOP TEN PARTY FOULS OF 2007' LIST!
Seriously, Jenny, Blogtoberfest couldn't have been scheduled for some Thursday in November when there's zero chance of the Red Sox playing a meaningful game? I mean, that could work, right?
Also, to those who commented on the earlier post, Eileen, regarding jinxing Boston's chances of making it, I would just like to reiterate: I know where the line is, and I was well behind it. Well behind.
THE RED SOX ARE THE 2007 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPS!
JENNY FRAZIER MAKES 'TOP TEN PARTY FOULS OF 2007' LIST!
Seriously, Jenny, Blogtoberfest couldn't have been scheduled for some Thursday in November when there's zero chance of the Red Sox playing a meaningful game? I mean, that could work, right?
Also, to those who commented on the earlier post, Eileen, regarding jinxing Boston's chances of making it, I would just like to reiterate: I know where the line is, and I was well behind it. Well behind.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Blogtoberfest, the second!
Ok, folks, just an f.y.i. to you baseball fans...who I know are out there...
Blogtoberfest is scheduled for Thursday October 25th.
World Series, Game 2, is also scheduled for October 25th.
The party starts at six. The game starts at eight.
I'm just sayin.
You know.
Be aware.
This has "Party Foul of the Year" potential all-over it.
I'll be parked under the television for the first pitch. Do come join me, it's a great game.
-t
Blogtoberfest is scheduled for Thursday October 25th.
World Series, Game 2, is also scheduled for October 25th.
The party starts at six. The game starts at eight.
I'm just sayin.
You know.
Be aware.
This has "Party Foul of the Year" potential all-over it.
I'll be parked under the television for the first pitch. Do come join me, it's a great game.
-t
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Fired Up: MLB Playoffs
Rockies/Padres one game playoff to determine the National League Wildcard winner. The game goes to extra innings, and then home plate umpire Tim McClelland screws up the game-winning call.
First, the delay itself was the call. An ump delaying that call at the plate means the play isn't over, it means the runner hasn't touched the plate safely, and the fielder hasn't tagged out the runner. The no-call is itself a call. Four seconds. That's how long it took to make that call. What the hell was going through his mind during those four seconds? "Hoffman is undoubtedly going to blow this game, because there's no way he's getting pulled, and the Rockies are smashing the ball, and we're in extras already, and I'm not working the playoffs, we might as well get out of here now...ok, Safe."
COME ON!
Check the footage! Every close play at the plate! Every one! The umps practically jump up and down screaming "SAFE!" or "OUT!!" and when they don't, it's because the play isn't over!
This isn't about debating instant replay for home runs vs. ground rule doubles (which we've seen the umps get right after conferences, ahem, Bellhorn), it's about a BAD CALL, a WRONG CALL.
This isn't about ump's not being able to see a ball land fair or foul thirty yards away from them at a bad angle along the outfield warning track, this is about a play-at-the-plate, HE WAS RIGHT ON TOP OF THE PLAY.
Maybe he was trying to fix the game, sure, but even if we assume he wanted to see the Rockies get to the playoffs he botched that too! If you're going to give them that call, then give them that call and let Kruk and the boys debate it later or wax philosophical about instant replay, but to let your instincts as an umpire kick in, delay the call and THEN think "Oh, right, I like Colorado...Safe!" is downright awful.
It's bad officiating or it's poorly executed cheating. Either way this guy sucks at his job.
Instant replay absolutely cannot replace real-time human umpiring. Can't do it. If you eliminate the opportunity for human error and judgment calls you also eliminate one of the greatest laments of all fandom: "The refs hosed us."
In the history of bad calls, which are the most memorable? Playoff mistakes, championship botches - and in every case, how does the fan base of the losing team react? Hatred, in the short term, for the refs, and, in the long term, hope, resilency. The bad call is justification to keep on believing. "We would have had it...if it weren't for that F-ing call."
They can't take that away from us. It would be un-American.
First, the delay itself was the call. An ump delaying that call at the plate means the play isn't over, it means the runner hasn't touched the plate safely, and the fielder hasn't tagged out the runner. The no-call is itself a call. Four seconds. That's how long it took to make that call. What the hell was going through his mind during those four seconds? "Hoffman is undoubtedly going to blow this game, because there's no way he's getting pulled, and the Rockies are smashing the ball, and we're in extras already, and I'm not working the playoffs, we might as well get out of here now...ok, Safe."
COME ON!
Check the footage! Every close play at the plate! Every one! The umps practically jump up and down screaming "SAFE!" or "OUT!!" and when they don't, it's because the play isn't over!
This isn't about debating instant replay for home runs vs. ground rule doubles (which we've seen the umps get right after conferences, ahem, Bellhorn), it's about a BAD CALL, a WRONG CALL.
This isn't about ump's not being able to see a ball land fair or foul thirty yards away from them at a bad angle along the outfield warning track, this is about a play-at-the-plate, HE WAS RIGHT ON TOP OF THE PLAY.
Maybe he was trying to fix the game, sure, but even if we assume he wanted to see the Rockies get to the playoffs he botched that too! If you're going to give them that call, then give them that call and let Kruk and the boys debate it later or wax philosophical about instant replay, but to let your instincts as an umpire kick in, delay the call and THEN think "Oh, right, I like Colorado...Safe!" is downright awful.
It's bad officiating or it's poorly executed cheating. Either way this guy sucks at his job.
Instant replay absolutely cannot replace real-time human umpiring. Can't do it. If you eliminate the opportunity for human error and judgment calls you also eliminate one of the greatest laments of all fandom: "The refs hosed us."
In the history of bad calls, which are the most memorable? Playoff mistakes, championship botches - and in every case, how does the fan base of the losing team react? Hatred, in the short term, for the refs, and, in the long term, hope, resilency. The bad call is justification to keep on believing. "We would have had it...if it weren't for that F-ing call."
They can't take that away from us. It would be un-American.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Round the Horn
NFL:
I've got to be honest with you. I'm buying into the hype. This piece over at the Herald really primed the pump, and I'm all set to see the Patriots score 115 touchdowns this season.
MLB:
And the Sox are in first in the AL East with the second-best record in baseball.
NBA:
I stayed up Sunday night to watch Golden State beat Dallas and take a 3-1 series lead. I'm pumped. I hate Dirk, and Cuban's really getting on my nerves. What is that, a playoff goatee? Stick to running your billion dollar financial empire, Cuban, leave the gross-looking facial hair to the guys on the court. And buy a suit, for crying out loud, or at least launder that faded navy blue t-shirt you've been wearing to every game.
Much as I hate to say it, the Suns probably take the title this year.
NHL:
Meh. It'd be nice for Drury to win a title with Buffalo. But I really don't care much at all. The NHL has too many teams, too long a season, and too few viewers. Open-up the ice (yes, even more), concentrate your talent pool, and stop putting expansion teams in the desert. (Actually, do whatever you want. I'm never going to get invested enough to muster real anger until the Bruins make the finals. I'd say that's about ten years from happening).
All other sports:
Are great.
-t
I've got to be honest with you. I'm buying into the hype. This piece over at the Herald really primed the pump, and I'm all set to see the Patriots score 115 touchdowns this season.
MLB:
And the Sox are in first in the AL East with the second-best record in baseball.
NBA:
I stayed up Sunday night to watch Golden State beat Dallas and take a 3-1 series lead. I'm pumped. I hate Dirk, and Cuban's really getting on my nerves. What is that, a playoff goatee? Stick to running your billion dollar financial empire, Cuban, leave the gross-looking facial hair to the guys on the court. And buy a suit, for crying out loud, or at least launder that faded navy blue t-shirt you've been wearing to every game.
Much as I hate to say it, the Suns probably take the title this year.
NHL:
Meh. It'd be nice for Drury to win a title with Buffalo. But I really don't care much at all. The NHL has too many teams, too long a season, and too few viewers. Open-up the ice (yes, even more), concentrate your talent pool, and stop putting expansion teams in the desert. (Actually, do whatever you want. I'm never going to get invested enough to muster real anger until the Bruins make the finals. I'd say that's about ten years from happening).
All other sports:
Are great.
-t
Monday, January 22, 2007
Catharsis
I was having a little trouble deciding what I was going to do with three weeks off between jobs.
After last night's Patriot's loss I think I'll break out my copy of MLB 2K6 and put together a roster of Red Sox players the likes of which the world has never seen, and take them through to the World Series.
Imagine Beckett, Schilling, and Papelbon starting, each going for 18 wins. Imagine Foulke and Clement healthy, and in top form. Imagine Gonzalez hitting for power. I'll probably put Arroyo in the starting rotation, and finagle a deal for Clemens too. Also, it's entirely possibly that seven of the eight Yankees everyday players will retire early, or get traded to the Diamondbacks, Royals, Devil Rays, and Reds.
I'm sure a few weeks working on a rigged world series win will help me get over this funk, right? I hope so.
In the meantime, I hope Manning and the Colts trounce the Bears, because as much as I would have loved to see him choke yesterday, there is no way, No. Way. Rex Grossman deserves to win a Superbowl over Peyton.
-t
After last night's Patriot's loss I think I'll break out my copy of MLB 2K6 and put together a roster of Red Sox players the likes of which the world has never seen, and take them through to the World Series.
Imagine Beckett, Schilling, and Papelbon starting, each going for 18 wins. Imagine Foulke and Clement healthy, and in top form. Imagine Gonzalez hitting for power. I'll probably put Arroyo in the starting rotation, and finagle a deal for Clemens too. Also, it's entirely possibly that seven of the eight Yankees everyday players will retire early, or get traded to the Diamondbacks, Royals, Devil Rays, and Reds.
I'm sure a few weeks working on a rigged world series win will help me get over this funk, right? I hope so.
In the meantime, I hope Manning and the Colts trounce the Bears, because as much as I would have loved to see him choke yesterday, there is no way, No. Way. Rex Grossman deserves to win a Superbowl over Peyton.
-t
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