Game 2: True Foes vs. The Shatters, 4/12/10

[I missed Game 1 because I was in Spain on vacation, but the True Foes won!!]

Game 2: The True Foes vs. The Shatters 4/12/10

Spain was spectacular, but there’s no place like home plate, and there’s no better homecoming than enjoying America’s favorite pastime—especially when your team is undefeated!

It was a gorgeous spring night (just chilly enough to keep things interesting), and the True Foes shattered the Shatters! I was tempted to say “we shat on the Shatters” but they were a very nice team and did their best, so I’ll also refrain from calling them “the Shitters.” It was a typical warm welcome at Murray Bergtraum: a high school team playing on well into our field time and an uptight “security guard” telling us not to warm up, play catch, eat, drink, or do anything except sit on our hands and wait.

Because of the late start, the game was called on account of darkness after four innings—but if even if we’d had plenty of daylight it only would have lasted one inning longer: with a final score of 22-9 and the way we were racking up the runs, we were headed for not only our second victory but a second mercy ruling in our favor!

The Foes had a great turnout and high caliber contributions from all who played, but the first shout out has to go to Glenn Baken, who made the ball disappear over the right field fence for an impressive home run! Alex Laviola and Brian also had big hits and took turns calling and catching everything that came anywhere near their shortstop/rover territory. Another great catch was made by Jason, who covered right field, and mad props go to Willy Brese for not only pitching the entire game, but for being the best pitcher to take the mound last night—for all their efforts, the Shatters’ two pitchers didn’t give us much to swing at (and due to our discerning eyes, many a Foe walked to first).

Softball Dave, Brian, and Issa demonstrated some especially good baserunning, with the style award going to Issa for his skin-ripping slide into third! Tyson had great at-bats, including 2 RBI from one hit and great placement right over the head of the Shatters’ first baseman. Mike also favored the first baseline when he hit, and Laviola proved he’s equally good at dodgeball when one of them appeared to have his name on it! Yours truly was thrilled to be back in the swing of things on her favorite team, and made a solid start with a double and a run scored--not that we needed it!

Due to the late start and early finish, our subs didn’t get the field time they deserved. But what they lacked in game time they made up for with brio: Sarah Finklea bravely stepped up to the plate after a 2-year hiatus (it’s just like riding a bike, man! don’t be a stranger!), Mabilon wowed us with a long bomb from the outfield, and Casey had a fabulous hit followed by a fearless performance behind the plate.

We took the scenic route to Fontana’s, detouring around the FDNY’s latest handiwork and absorbing the unique sights and smells of Chinatown. Drinks, dumplings, and team spirit abounded, and we have two whole weeks to rest up and relive our latest victory until Monday the 26^th, when Gimme Shelter will surely be seeking shelter from the unstoppable True Foes!

GTF