BACK 2 BACK !

There’s little doubt that the 2009 SLAM Finals left a deep impression on the HMA/RAMSA team. After splitting the first two games of that series against SSC, HMA/RAMSA held a 6-5 lead in the 5th inning - only 8 outs from its first SLAM title; they would eventually go on to lose that game and series in extra innings leaving an ugly taste in the collective mouths of the men and women who were on that field that day. Two years later, it remains the last playoff game the HMA/RAMSA Orange Crush has lost as David Solomon is quick to remind his once-maligned “bridesmaids” all the time of that seminal loss.

The 2011 playoff march began on September 1st in much the same fashion that 2009 and 2010 ended: with a duel against SOM/Swanke. In each of the past three seasons, HMA/RAMSA and SS have faced off in the playoffs to play a total of 7 games – 6 of which were decided by one run. So it really should come as no surprise to anyone that those two teams would produce yet another thrilling series – a double header of comebacks.


We fast forward to the bottom of the 6th of Game #1 as SOM/Swanke clung to a 6-5 lead with the middle of the lineup coming up for the defending champions. Clean-up hitter Brian Barney (CF) delivered perhaps the most-clutch hit of his young but brilliant career in SLAM as he led off the bottom of the inning with sky-high homerun to that little 15' wide fence in left field out in Hecksher #1 to knot the game at 6. Neither team could push across a run in the 7th as the game headed to extra frames. In the bottom of the 8th, leadoff man Pete Garofalo (RF) did what he’s done for two seasons now: he simply found a way to get on base. And his single was followed by two more base hits, the last of which came off the bat of Doug Houstoun (1B) which brought home the game-winning run. Put simply, HMA/RAMSA stole a game in which they never held the lead.

Game Two began directly following the conclusion of the first. And while the prognosticators expected the pitchers to tire in the double header, it was in fact that bats on both teams that were quieted. Once again, SOM/Swanke jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with a pair of runs in the first. Following that, both pitchers locked down the opposing bats as neither team could muster even the slightest threat for the next 4 innings. SS was able to tack on an insurance run in the bottom of the 6th to extend to a 3-0 lead as they were 3 outs away from tying up the series at 1-1. (We flashback for a moment to the final game of the regular season as HMA/RAMSA trailed PCF/HH 4-1 in the top of the 7th inning with the #1 seed and a playoff bye on the line. We learned that night to never question the heart of a championship team as HMA/RAMSA scratched across 4 runs in the 7th to win the game that evening 5-4.) So even as the Orange Crush faced yet another 3 run deficit we knew we had been there before, not too long ago. And with the echoes of the '86 Mets (also down 3 runs in their final at bat in Game 6) wouldn’t you know it, despite being shutdown all game long – and just as they had only a few weeks earlier against PCF/HH – the heart of the HMA/RAMSA batting order responded with 4 timely runs in their final at bat to take a very familiar 5-4 lead. Three outs later in the bottom of the inning, HMA/RAMSA had completed a very improbable sweep to earn its 3rd consecutive trip to the SLAM Finals

The SLAM Finals began on Tuesday, September 20th as FxFowle and HMA/RAMSA faced off to settle the score from their 8-8 tie in the regular season. No doubt motivated by the riveting pregame speech by their manager, HMA/RAMSA’s bats came out swinging in the very first inning. After the first two batters reached base, Doug Houstoun delivered another big rip to plate the first 2 runs of the game. Following a pair of walks, rookie-of-the-year candidate Josh Aisenberg stepped to the plate with two outs in the inning. The big lefty, batting 7th in the order on this day despite the fact that he was first or second on the team in hits, RBI and homeruns during the regular season. And he stroked a monster 3-run homerun to rightfield to break open the game to 5-0. Not to be outdone, two batters later Doug Neri roped another 2-run homerun to extend the lead to 7-0. The offense did little else on the afternoon but did plenty in that first inning to secure an 8-2 victory.

Game Two on the Finals was played a week later as HMA/RAMSA looked for its 8th consecutive playoff win; but more importantly, its second consecutive SLAM title. And much like game one, the wind was taken from the FxFowle sails very early as the first three batters of the game each got on base and later scored as HMA/RAMSA took a 3-0 lead – a lead that they would never relinquish. The game was highlighted by excellent defensive plays on both sides of the ball as FxFowle turned two double plays and 4 other baserunners were thrown out trying to stretch a base at 2nd or home. And as the final out was squeezed on a popup to catcher Megan Fullagar, all of Central Park celebrated as the Orange Crush were champions again.

Following the game, when asked about his team’s performance in 2011, pitcher/manager David Solomon said “I’m proud of our team. They say that championships are like children: each one holds a very special place in your heart." He then paused to regain himself as a tear dribbled down his cheek: "I guess the biggest difference though is that I’m stopping at 2 kids—and I’ll be damned if this is the last time we win a championship. This feels so good, I think we’ll just have to bring everyone back for the three-peat.”

THE REPEAT IS COMPLETE

Your 2011 SLAM League Champions... (more to come)

The King Midas in Reverse Gazette

Editor-In-Good Grief: Adam “Why swing when you can walk” Mead

It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding

There are times in life when you walk into a room and are greeted by some sense of foreshadowing; a cold chill; sight of a misplaced book. Team Enneads season has had no need for such drama, and has been void of subtly on any level. Our last game came into view quietly, as we walked onto Great Lawn field #3. The weather was filled with wonder, do we really need another spin off of GLEE? There were hundreds in the outfield, unwilling to move, their head’s covered by hands, the sun to shield. Gensler in years past would have cause us to shake with some fear, but with our record, lost in the headlights more like a deer. We put our ragtag team to the test, we swung the bats, ran the bases, yes, we even took a rest. In the outfield is where we like to shine, there the ball lay, right in front of Nikita’s feet, “Hey is this mine?” Off in the distance I could hear a saxophone play, but it was slow, and a bit out of key, I’d say. Gensler began to accrue the runs, the sun was setting, we was dead, was this really close to being done? “That’s Game”, the ump did yell, My ears hurt, it was only the 4^th inning, but the shock rang like a bell. Over the hills, and through the woods, a slaughter rule did ride. 11-0, it all seemed right, as we left the field a small child sat, being held tight by his trusted black lab. Ten feet further and a dog ran in circles, trying to find a hole, hey wait, was he being led by Studs Terkel? When 120 paces had been laid down, we finally walked across that threshold, wearing out our weary crown. We ordered up our usual supply of beers and wings, The jukebox sung “Band on The Run”. And so another season comes to a close. Time to put away the cleats and dirty ennead softball clothes. Thanks to everyone who came out to play, it’s a season, well, the one that got away.

Season record 0-11-1

Until next year…well on that note.

Editors Note: I think it is time to lay my pencil down, to take a break, and hand over the reins, of this well oiled softball write up. I have mined the depths of literary injustice, and think fresh eyes would do well should they fall on a blank page, coming up with stories of wonder and surprise. Thanks to everyone who has paused in their days to read my tales, and offered opinions, ideas, solutions, and stories of softball demise. It has been fun. I wish the next lucky soul Good luck!

Good night& Good night

Adam

Ennead's Last Gasp

The “This is how it ends?” Express

Editor-In-Good Grief: Adam “Where’s my TV Dinner?” Mead

“Ennead Shows Heart, Now that’s A Start…Next Year Already?”

“Deferred gratification and delayed gratification denote a person’s ability to wait in order to obtain something that he or she wants. This intellectual attribute is also called impulse control, will power, self control, and “low” time preference, in economics. Sociologically, good impulse control is considered a positive personality trait, which psychologist Daniel Goleman indicated as an important component trait of emotional intelligence. “

Team Ennead took their week-end yearning weary bodies, and dragged themselves into a Friday night fight. The Sun cutting through the kicked up dust, this was surely going to help us knock off the rust. Perkins Eastman was our willing opponent, now our team needed some help, some missing component. Now if I had to surmise I wouldn’t have guessed it was the sun in our eyes, but rather a “lose” hiding out beyond the trees in some well suited disguise. PEA took quickly to making us squirm, they ran around the bases like some human worm. But regardless of our verbal jabs, and the fact one on our teammates had 6 back abs, five runs they scored, “Serentity NOW!”, I implored. It took some time, but with two outs in the 5^th, the planets did align, team ennead let out a last gasp, 5 runs around the bases, holding our breath that we would not trip over our untied laces. The game was tied, could it be, the softball gods could be bribed? Now as in life, all things aren’t always fare, you see, we have had 7 loses, almost too much to bear. But, today Lucy, looked us square in the eye, and pulled that ball quickly away, all 9 of us, feet flying high, right into the blue sky. PEA would not go away, and with their mischievous tactics, running the bases like playing gymnastics. Another run on their side of the scorecard, it was too much too handle, where in the damned remote control so I can fast forward? Team Ennead showed heart, maybe only enough fight for 1 inning, but that’s a start. We fell to our feet 0-8-1. Two more games left in the season, there’s nothing left to say, and surely not any reason. So don’t hold your breath, but after this season, I am moving to Vegas to sing Kiss’ song “Beth”. Tuesday and Thursday are all that remain, but remember, as always, it’s only a game!

Shout out to Anthony for helping us out in the field, and his little daughter for yelling “OUT” before he batted, as well as Mr. Geisinger, our lone fan. We’ll take what we can get!

THE PLAYOFF PICTURE COMES TO FOCUS . . . A LITTLE BIT

With the results from Monday night, the 2011 playoff picture in the SLAM League has become a little more clear: there are 7 teams for 6 spots.

I preface the below information with the fact that this is ALL “unofficial” projections by the commissioner (the numbers were crunched in my head several times and not on paper); but depending upon the results of a few key games, the landscape for the 2011 playoffs could look very different than recent history:

• HMA/RAMSA, PCF/HH and MGA have all clinched playoff spots
• SS must win one of its next two games to guarantee a spot
• FxF (already with a SLAM-record 5 rainouts to date) improbably still have 4 games to play in the next 2+ weeks, needing to win 2 of its remaining 4 games to lock up a spot

And here’s where it gets very interesting:

• Gensler controls its own destiny: Win the next two games (PCF/HH and EA) and they are in the playoffs. But if Gensler should split their next two games, and RRA/DBB wins its final game (and again, this is assuming SS doesn’t lose their final two games), then RRA/DBB would take the 6th spot because of the H2H matchup way back in April.

At the top of the standings, the seeds are just as interesting:

• PCF/HH and HMA/RAMSA each control their own destiny, making the August 8th matchup on the Great Lawn all the more important. If either team wins its remaining games, that team secures the #1 seed and a first round bye in the playoffs. Conversely, the loser could be headed for the #3 seed and no first round bye in the playoffs.
• Oddly enough, FxF, which has yet to guarantee a playoff spot could actually also lock up the #1 seed with a little help from some other teams in the league (FxF would need to win outright, GA defeats PCF/HH and PCF/HH defeats HMA/RAMSA). Got that?

In short, with two weeks to go in the regular season absolutely NOTHING is settled. And all this just as a precursor to what should be a very exciting 2011 SLAM playoffs.



STAY TUNED....

HM/RAMSA Dethroned!

For the moment at least.........

The Narcoleptic Gazette

Editor-In-Grief: Adam “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” Mead

"Ennead does its best Hollywood Audition"

Team Ennead came to Central Park’s Hecksher Field #1 last Thursday with a season’s worth of mud in our eyes. We were facing uptown’s own Mitchell Giurgola Architects. We cleared out the mud, quickly , took to the field, and promised not to yield. As is our modus operandi, we took a quick lead, 5-0, it was like watching Secretariat, clear away from the field. Now I’m not sure if it was my tinnitus, or if I heard David Coxson whisper to the skies, “we just might win this one?” It was at that moment the sun fell behind the clouds, and the MGA bats began to grow rather loud. A ball hit here, a ball hit there, a ball hit over Ryan’s head, over way, way, over there. We tried to hold our little red Ennead wagon together, but before we knew it the game was tied. But Wait!,, I made a deal with the devil on this one, oh man, He must’ve lied. We tried with all of our might, but much like “Weekend and Bernie’s” , when the bodies dead, there’s little left to do, but make another movie, part 2. So as the game came to a close 8-7, loser’s again, in our ennead clad clothes, we took our heavy heads south, to find cold beer and nachos to fill our mouths. 2 games remain in this weary and worn season, at 0-7-1 we’re fighting for our lives, I’m thinking at the next game we’ll come wielding knives. Until next installment, I’ll be wandering the office in a narcoleptic stupor.

Good Night, and Good Night!

Co-Captain, Adam “Never had ‘em” Mead

The Jet Lag Gazette

Editor-in-another time zone: Adam “keep it brief” Mead

Team Ennead shows up, falls short

Maybe I was still in another times zone, Greenwich meantime +2, maybe it was the weather, I wish I could manage an excuse, a little better, but a lose is a lose too, just like watching Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo. Team Ennead began quickly putting up a couple runs, but before you knew it, the other team had scored more and the game was done. We usually continue on, to win the true fight, but this night, David’s wallet was light, and my head was somewhere at 30,000 feet in mid trans-atlantic flight. 6-3 lose and now falling to a 0-5-1 record. As Frank Constanza once let fly: “Serenity Now!”

Team Ennead take itself into a 1 week break, hoping to come back, better, faster, stronger, or maybe just show a brave face

JUST ANOTHER MANIC MONDAY....

Heading into the second week of June, only three teams in the SLAM League had winning records—HMA/RAMSA, SS and PCF/HH—who combined for a 12-1 start to their seasons. All three teams lost on the Great Lawn on Monday night. In the immortal words of Vince Lombardi: “What the hell’s goin’ on out here?”

Perennial playoff stalwarts, Gensler and Fox+Fowle (who only had one win combined as the calendar switched to June) have appeared to right the ship as they flexed their muscles on Monday in defeat of another pair of playoff regulars in SOM/Swanke and PCF/HH respectively. In doing so, both GA and FXF climbed their way back to .500 each at 2-2 on the season. RRA/DBB, owners of an already impressive victory over Gensler on their resume, added yet another by defeating the defending champions 2-1 in 9 hard-fought innings of exciting SLAM softball. With the victory, RRA/DBB also climbed up to .500 creating quite the logjam in the standings.

Following Monday’s mayhem, PEA rebounded nicely from a loss to Gensler by knocking off KPF—the team which stood 5th in the standings heading into the night. So if you’re keeping score at home, 4 of the top 5 teams in the standings have all lost this week, with the team currently fourth, MGA, set to play on Thursday evening against GSA. If this week’s results are any indication (or if you could wager on SLAM league games), I’d bet the house on Gruzen.

As it stands, there are now five teams at .500 on the season, with three more teams only one game away from reaching .500 (sorry, Ennead. But what you lack in wins this season is made up for tenfold in blog posts!). What it all means—beyond a potential playoff nightmare of tiebreakers for the commissioner’s office—is that things are starting to get VERY interesting in SLAM and should make for quite a competitive summer.

As LeBron said: It's now or never. Oops.

Ennead Loses in 2 parts

The Ennead Gazette

Editor in Disbelief: Adam “can’t catch’em” Mead

Special Double Issue, Mid Morning Edition

Something’s come in pairs, this kind ain’t something you can wear.

Tuesday May 10 6:00 Eastern Standard Time; 42° 50' N; 73° 60' W

Several dozen high school boys cover what is to be our softball field. Tempers flare as we “pull” our permits and tell them to scram. The adolescent rage was palpable. This was high stakes architecture league softball. We need our field! Team Ennead took the field again KPF, the titans if midtown. What followed will be talked about in the back alleys of the west village for dog years. We jumped out to an early lead, only to be reined back into a tie. This would play out over 7 innings. Natasha was playing for two, at 2^nd base. She made some magnificent plays that kept us close, still in the race. But as 7 O’clock the hour hand neared, the game was called, ending in a tie, everything we had feared. We had flown too close the sun of a win, and found are true level. Sitting side saddle at the bar, we ordered our usual. Hey look over there, it’s a bronze bust of Stan Musial. Final Score 8-8. Raising our record to a sour 0-3-1

Monday May 22 5:30 Eastern Standard Time; 40° 47' N; 73° 58' W

The Smoke had just begun to clear from the post rapture, humility hung heavy in the air. Clouds colored 40% grey forming a flat non committal evening day. The Phillips Group (TPG) came in their brand new blue jersey’s, brandishing attitude something close to verisimilitude. We shook off the attempt at intimidation, if the rapture would not happen, maybe there was hope for reincarnation. We would take to our bats first, and flex some muscle, and if need be take the field to the tune of “do the hustle.” TPG came out swinging, 5 runs, 4 horsemen of the apocalypse they was bringin’. Team Ennead has learned about as much as you can in 3 loses and a tie, and as the runs amassed against us we waved the chance at a win goodbye. 5 more runs across the bases did come. Constance swung her bat, and Matt did run, if not all of us, then they would at least get 1 run. The games end came quickly, called after 4 innings, 14-1, in defeat rather sickly. But as is our way, we raised our heads high, necks angled towards the sky, and as the muscles tighten, it was our wallets that were lightened, as we washed away defeat, with bud light, and chicken wings minus the feet. Team Ennead stumbling into it’s by week at 0-4-1. Looking for some help from Oprah, and one of those teachable moments.

TPG Wins under the Power of 9

As the city saw it's ninth straight day with some level of rain, teams were not optimistic that yesterday's games would be played.  The commissioner was stressed.  Weather.com's local radar map was open on tabs across the city.  A 6 minute downpour on 34th Street and 10th ave led to a single one word ("oops") email by the league office that all but gave up hope for SLAM action on Monday, May 23rd.

But then there was the power of 9.  As has been well documented on this blog, Ennead Architects (EA) was named after 9 dieties coming together as one.  Perhaps those dieties fended off the rain and were the reason softball was played on this day.  The 5:30pm match up on the Great Lawn pitted EA against TPG Architecture (TPG), and something in the air (humidity, fog, deadlines in the office) was causing players to drop like flies.  Last minute cancellations and late in-house meetings led to a starting lineup of 9 vs. 9 as both teams took the field. 

The power of 9 was with TPG last night as they scored 5, 5, and 4 runs in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd innings to take a commanding 14-1 lead going into the top of the 4th inning.  After three more EA outs, the game was over, final score 14-1, mercy by the power of 9.

Even David Solomon - our esteemed commissioner - came out to take in this game.  And his awesome videography skills (spygate anyone?) led to the above rare footage of an RBI single by TPG Manager Josh Ginsburg.

Game balls for this win go to everyone who showed up at the field on a day when it seemed nobody would (Thank you Derrick Blocker, Princess Salvacion, Adam Woods, Alison Hopke, Tony Franzese, Ray Dominguez, Justin Aharoni, David Beauchamp, Josh Ginsburg, and a late arrival by Omar Bustamante).

PCF/HH tosses GSA another loss....

....with the high arc hand of this man.

Say it Aint So....

Is this true, that SLAM is considering putting together an ALL STAR team to
play against the Men in Blue ? Well if this is only a rumor, then fine.

However, if the SLAM 'ALL STARTS' ever do want to place a legitimate challenge ( ha ) & bring back the Classic game back, please do let me know. All Female players interested in playing w/ the Men in Blue, need to submit there application directly to me.

I have a few phone calls to make. And please do remember that this Classic game is Umpired by
the SLAM players........AT NO CHARGE....: )

KING BLUE

BREAKING NEWS - Multiple Division Format

ABBOTTABAD, PAKISTAN....

During a secret meeting of the S.L.A.M. Intelligence Agency (SIA), Commissioner David Solomon proposed a radical new structure for the future of our softball league.  The attendees of this meeting have not been identified, but sources confirm that S.L.A.M. is considering a new multiple division format for 2012 and beyond.  The growing discrepancy in skills among teams in our league has prompted SIA leadership to suggest a dramatic overhaul in the regular season schedule and playoff format.

When asked for comment, HM/RAMSA Manager David Solomon told our source "It's just not fun anymore.  We have won all three of our games by at least 11 runs, so why even bother playing?  With our upcoming match against lightweight Gensler, there just does not seem to be an end in sight."

Coming off their brutal 16-4 loss againt RAMSA, TPG Manager Josh Ginsburg added "We had no chance against them.  With the way they are playing, I don't think anyone can beat them".

The new proposed divisional structure would allow the best teams to play among themselves while the rest of the league has a full season worth of fun, competitive games.  Our source viewed a copy of the confidential memo distributed during the SIA meeting titled "Divisional Structure, what it means to you!".  The details are as follows:

DIVISION A
Holzman Moss / Robert A.M. Stern Architects (HM/RAMSA)

DIVISION B
Ennead Architects (EA)
FXFowle Architects (FXF)
Gensler Associates (GA)
Gruzen Samton (GSA)
Kohn Pedersen Fox Architects (KPF)
Mitchell Giurgola Architects (MGA)
Pei Cobb Freed / Hart Howerton (PCF/HH)
Perkins Eastman (PEA)
Ronnette Riley / Davis Brody Bond (RRA/DBB)
SOM / SHCA (SS)
TPG Architecture (TPG)

Each team would play 10 regular season games followed by a playoff bracket, but only against other teams in their division.  At the end of the season, two trophies would be awarded - one to the winner of Division A, and the other to the winner of Division B.

When asked for a final comment, David Solomon told our source "Now that's a system that makes sense.  We (HM/RAMSA) are the only ones who can beat ourselves, so playing 10 games against ourselves is the best way to insure a season of fun and competitive games.  This is a win-win situation, we get our trophy at the end of the year, and all of the other teams still have a chance to get one themselves".

THE MOUTH IS SILENCED! (FOR NOW)

Following a swirling controversy as to the authenticity of the previous day’s Twitter posts, a newly outfitted TPG team took to the field on beautiful May 9th evening and tried to let their play do the talking against the defending league champs. In the end however, their mouths—much like their bats—were silenced by a suffocating defense and an offense that is clicking on all cylinders.

To his credit, the eye of this Blue Storm controversy – Derrick “The Mouth” Blocker – came out firing in the first inning, literally, as he struck out 2 of the first 3 batters to start the game. TPG mounted a threat in the bottom of the inning getting two runners on but failed to break through against HMA/RAMSA. Both pitchers settled in nicely until the top of the fourth inning as the Orange bats came out swinging and built upon their slim 1-0 lead.

Following two hits from the top of the order to start the fourth inning , cleanup hitter Brian Barney (2-4, 5 RBI) drove them both home with a rope up the middle, nearly decapitating The Mouth (seen below). The inning continued as HMA/RAMSA batted around and took a commanding 7-0 lead. The fireworks continued in the fifth inning as 4 more runs crossed the plate, the final 3 of which came off the bat of comeback player of the year candidate, Josh Aisenberg (3-4, 5 RBI) who hit a rocket shot to right field for a three-run HR.

The scoreless streak for opponents reached 12 consecutive innings, spanning 2.5 games to start the season, but finally TPG broke through in the bottom of the 5th inning with four runs of their own to avoid a mercied defeat. The game would end 2 innings later as HMA/RAMSA took home the victory by a final score of 16-4. Much to this writer's surprised Derrick Blocker would not return calls when asked about the outcome of this game. Conversely, when asked about his team’s play that afternoon Mike “The Situation” (3-4, 1 RBI, 4 runs) humbly offered up “Not for nuthin’, but we had a situation going on earlier today. It’s hard for me to look this good and play this good at the same time—but I pull it off, dawg. Now if you excuse me, I see a cutie who’s DTF…..”

Next up (weather permitting, of course): The Big Red Machine....Game on!

Wild 48-47 softball score sets national record for runs in a game

A must read for all of SLAM League to remind your team never to quit--even if you're down 13 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning:

CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE

Some crazy stats from the game that ended 48-47 in only seven innings:

• The winning pitcher gave up all 47 runs but allowed only 21 hits
• The losing team used several pitchers who gave up 48 runs yet allowed only 10 hits (that's 95 combined runs on only 31 hits!); the losing team did walk 36 batters and hit 12 more
• One poor batter came to the plate 9 times....and walked all nine times
• The winning team scored 13 runs in their last at bat to win the game
• The game ended on a bases loaded walk. Brutal.
• Oh, and the game last 4 hours (winning team only had 9 players!)

My arm is tired just thinking about this game--those poor pitchers!

History and Spring elevator battles of Epic proportions

Spring is in full swing and we haven’t had the chance to catch up with the S.L.A.M blog. So, in order to do so we will cover a battle of epic, deity proportions and a historic win. Let us start with the epic one:

It is undoubtedly good when victory happens 2 years in a row against the same team, and it is especially good (in epic, Egyptian mythology proportions) when our opponent’s new name signifies the presence of 9 deities. That would be the newly Christened “Ennead Architects”, our downstairs neighbor. One would think that Gruzen Samton would succumb to the wrath of the so-called Gods, right? Well no, the story went more along the Greek-pop mythology of Perseus in Clash of the Titans: The deities succumbed to the power of their opponent. It was a close, well-fought battle that ended up in a 10-9 Gruzen Samton victory over Ennead.

However, the best part was that coveted “elevator bragging rights” title. The following day, those rights were fully embraced (yet again) by adding some life to the elevator of our building in the form of celebratory street art; the type that would make Banksy recoil with envy.

We wish Ennead good luck for the rest of their season and look forward to future matches in this now classic rivalry that can only be compared to that of the NY Yankees against the Boston Red Sox (only really, really small in comparison).

And now, on to the historic one:

After our victory last night against Gensler I later found out at the bar that Gruzen had never beaten Gensler before; and to that historic effect many names should be highlighted through the game coverage:

- Starting with 2 runs in the first inning we intended to get an early advantage over our opponents.
- On the second inning, our secret British weapon; Simon Smith, crushes a ball deep in between left and center field for a home-run with 2 RBI.
- The offensive attack continued in the 3rd inning with the help of Vickie Vigil taking a walk to load the bases. Then, our newcomer Diane Moseley (at her second time batting ever!) grounds a ball for a 1 RBI, followed by Jeff Gillers for a single with 1 RBI.

All in all it was a good battle, with Gensler having a comeback of 4 runs in the last 2 innings backed up by one of the better pitchers of the league. However, the defensive game of Gruzen Samton was in full swing with great plays by Jeff DeLong in 1st base (with great backwards fly-ball catches and on double duty at home plate for a nail-biting out); Joe Illuzzi with several clean plays as well as good plays by Vickie and Anthony Colella on 2nd and Shortstop respectively. Adding to that, several struck-outs by our pitcher Jeff Gillers and a good outfield defensive game (by Robert Lucas, Ed Bolivar, illich Mujica and the secret British weapon) ensured that one of the better teams fell short of a victory. In the end Gruzen Samton won 6-5 over Gensler.

It is Spring, and our 9th button of the elevator trumps any group of 9 deities.  
It is good to press that button. Everyday.

TPG TALKS A BIG GAME

Professional athletes talking smack via Twitter has become common place in the sports world--but architects in the SLAM league? This could be a first....

While the rest of the world was enjoying a quiet Mother's Day with family, things in the SLAM League just got a bit more interesting as one mouthy pitcher called out another on Twitter on Sunday, May 8th. On the eve of their matchup on the Great Lawn, TPG pitcher Derrick "The Mouth" Blocker tweeted "NO F*&KING WAY we lose to those paper chumps on Monday. (They) ain't that good." He continued as far as to guarantee victory on Monday evening against the defending league champs who happen to be 20-1 in their last 21 regular season contests.

When asked to comment about his pitcher's audacity, team c0-manager Josh Ginsburg backed his pitcher: "Derrick talks a big game but he'll back it up. To me, he's the best damn pitcher in SLAM -- no question. HMA/RAMSA was lucky they didn't have to face us in the Finals a year ago."

The team's other co-manager, Princess Salvacion, didn't shy away from controversy herself: "What's up with that fake Mike "The Situation" dude? He needs to get a life. He thinks he's the best hitter in the league but we have girls on our team who hit the ball farther."

Needless to say, there are some scores to settle on Monday evening.

Beware of the Blue Storm



Princess when you get her mad



Ennead Shows Some Spirit. @ loses in the key of G

Ennead Epoch News

Special Double Issue

Mid Morning Edition

Editor in Thief: Adam “Can’t hit em & catch em” Mead

A double Summary before it gets too summery.

The strident Enneadians have taken to the great lawn field twice now this season, with new recruits en tow. Shaking off the dust from an off season, taking an oil can to the rust. One week ago yesterday, SOM did come to play. They brought their league leading best, to put our deity named team to the test. But we would not leave so quickly. After rounding the bases, in warm ups, I felt rather sickly. SOM took the lead early, but we fought back, “we would not rest!” I yelled from the back stop, like some sailor, rather surly. I was told the score is all that matters, it was too much to take for our brave batters. We left the field having fought well, but falling short in score, we thru pennies in the well. Wishing for success from afar, it was only a few blocks before we would win at the bar. (4-3 final losing score, with multiple winnings at the bar)

Last night the fog hung low over the great lawn; The city hidden in white. We walked onto the field wanting to make our opponent yield. They were our upstairs neighbors, “hey look over there, is that Jim Neighbors?” Gruzen came prepared, but we were up first, and we thru 4 runs at them quickly. Our spirits began to rise, there was a break in the fog. We would be the princess to their frog. But I must have lost the moral of the story, they began to come back and abscond with all of our glory. Down by 4, we fought hard, but it was a bit much, maybe too much a chore. We fell short by one run, welcoming another “braggin rights” beating. As our opponent cheered, I looked through my glasses, the fog had smeared. Covered in dirt, I turned to our team, there would come another day, a win?, dare we dream?

Team Ennead 0-2, so far, but looking to shake things up and go on a winning streak.

WHERE'S THE OFFENSE ???

The season is still very young--10 games old to be exact--but one thing appears very apparent: the defense and pitching is way ahead of the hitting. And the numbers don’t lie.

Just as the number of homeruns are down in Major League Baseball, the new steriod and HGH testing that was implemented in the SLAM League in 2011 appears to have slowed down the vaunted bats of the league. In the 2008 season, there were an average of 17.0 runs per game through the first 10 contests; in 2009 that number dipped slightly to 16.4 rpg through 10 games; and in 2010 the number jumped up slightly to 16.7 rpg through the first 10 games. But this season with new drug testing now firmly in place there have only been a startling 13.6 runs per game. Even more telling, there have been 3 shutouts already this season which equals the number of shutouts in the first 10 games in 2008, 2009 and 2010 combined.

Now some might argue--and I won't disagree--that some maybe the pitching and defense has something to do with this odd trend. And yes, perhaps they are much better in 2011. But still, while defense wins championships, offense sells tickets; and everyone in Central Park is wondering if this unusual trend will continue in a softball league. (Admittedly not likely, but this pitcher sure hopes so!).

So WAKE UP BATS, wherever you are!....or better yet, don’t — see if I care.

Getting in Your Head (TPG vs PCF)

TPG took the field on Monday against PCF/HH, one of the constant playoff competitors in our league. PCF/HH came to the game with a little pay back in mind as TPG won the 2010 regular season match-up to clinch a playoff spot. Coming into the game, TPG knew that PCF/HH's co-manager Carl Pearson had been ejected from their first game of the season. TPG also knew that based on current SLAM rules one more ejection would get Carl suspended for a game. With TPG well into pregame warm-ups and batting practice, the PCF/HH squad arrived at the field led by the always calm and laid-back Cate Foster.

Looking for any advantage TPG could get, TPG Pitcher Derrick "the mouth" Blocker started laying into PCF/HH.

Derrick - "Better keep your cool, Carl, don't want to get suspended".
Cate - "yeah, right, that's real funny".
Derrick - "no seriously, one more ejection and he's suspended".
Cate - "wait, what?!".

As the PCF/HH blood pressure started rising ("don't let him get into your head!", "too late"), TPG finished their warm-ups and got ready for the game.

With the best pitching we have ever seen from Derrick, and two timely bases loaded hits by newcomer Eric "the model" Doherty, TPG pulled off a narrow 9-7 victory that ended after 5 innings due to time and light restrictions.

TPG Game balls go to Derrick Blocker for discovering his fastball, and Eric Doherty for getting bases loaded hits in each of his first two career SLAM league at bats (5 RBI's).

ORANGE

Whats with the Slew of Orange Jersey's this Season ???

PICKING UP WHERE WE LEFT OFF...

After finally winning its illusive first SLAM championship six months ago, the HMA/RAMSA softball team aims to do something that many of its predecessors have done: repeat as champions. In the 30 year history of the SLAM League, there have been a somewhat astounding seven (7) repeat champions—most recently by Gensler in 2007-2008--which might dispel the notion that the hardest thing to do in sports is repeat.

With no time to rest on its laurels, the Orange Crush took the field on Thursday, April 21st against Perkins Eastman with the same attitude of a year ago, same stellar defense from a year ago but with a new logo and team hat. With the help of some sloppy defense and well-placed hits, HMA/RAMSA put four runs on the board early with singles by SS Doug Houstoun and 1B Josh Barkan. After a scoreless second inning, 2009 rookie of the year, LF Mike “The Situation” Sargent led off the third inning by hitting his first homerun of the early season—marking the third consecutive year that he hit a homerun on opening day. It was an impressive rope for sure, but not the longest ball of the afternoon. Following a two-year sabbatical from the team to compete in an Iron Man competition, RF Josh Aisenberg made a triumphant return with a two-run bomb to RF in the bottom of the fourth to open up the flood gates. The game would 6 batters later as SCF Eric Hofmann drove in the final run of the afternoon, ending the game 11-0.

Leave no doubt, the champs aren’t giving up this trophy so quickly.

Sometimes it is not the score the counts

TPG took the field last Thursday for their season opener against GSA. With all of the bad weather this spring, no chance for fielding practice meant that this would be everyone's first action of 2011. GSA had a breakout year in 2010 beating TPG in the regular season and finishing only one game out of playoff contention.

Led by manager Ed Bolivar, GSA always has fun on the field. And you know what, that's really all that counts in the regular season of this league. Both teams (TPG and GSA) fielded 3 female players in their starting lineups - a first for this writer to witness in 8 years of playing SLAM Softball. Perhaps it was this lack of testosterone, or most likely it was just because Ed leads a very fun-loving GSA team, but everyone seemed to have fun despite a 13-0 mercy 4th inning victory by TPG.

TPG Game balls go to David Beauchamp (who got his first home run in years), Tony Franzese (two home runs), Justin Aharoni (home run and outstanding defense in the left field "swamp" at Hecksher), and newcomer Sara Laurence (line drive RBI single, RBI sac fly, and an over-the-head catch at 2B).

Send Off

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to see how the Slam Blogger looks like.

We had a nice Opening Day and we had our first player Ejected for the 2011 Season.
Now that's an Opening Day Send Off.................: )