Zeppelins Hold 1st Annual Post-Season Award Ceremony

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The LED Zeppelins gathered at the Pastime yesterday for some pizza and liquids, and to commemorate the highlights of the inaugural softball season.  Every player received a trophy (stop by a player’s office to check them out) and players and fans were awarded certificates for their contributions in making LED’s first softball season the best in the league.

Awards were presented in the usual categories, such as top batting average, most hits for the season, etc.  But Coach Linda Regira created some new award categories that fit the team, and which will NEVER be seen on ESPN.  Only on the LED team could there be an award for “Most Corona Punch Drunk in the Dugout” and “Most Artificial Parts on the Field.”  Check out the entire awards list below.

Great Workplace Tsar(ina) Kristy McKearn was on hand to deliver the awards, and she was shocked to learn she had won one herself.  She envisioned this for us and we owe her a huge “Thank You” for putting us in the position to accomplish so many Great Workplace goals in one swoop.

The event was full of fun and everyone had a great time being able to laugh at ourselves.  Then, Alicia Ardoin put on the brakes and nearly caused Coach Regira to cry when she unexpectedly brought out a card signed by the team and fans, and a special golden bat, the LED Play Like Pros “The Slammer” Award.  She had also penned a touching speech about the team and the coach. That launched a Kumbaya session where players took turns speaking about what the season had meant to them.  Possibly it was inspired by the liquids being consumed!

Everyone is looking forward to next season, where Steven Grissom set a new team goal of making it to the playoffs.  In order to meet the new goal next year, the Zeppelins will begin practice one month before the start of the season.

Many thanks to all who STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE for LED.

In Attendance:  Alicia Ardoin, Brenda Guess, Eddie James, Sarah Vanden Broek, Gary Beadle, Steven Grissom, Becky Lambert, Matt Wattigny, James Caldwell, Julie Van Scotter, Katherine St. Onge, Frank Favaloro, Linda Regira, Danielle Clapinski, Micki Duggan, Leu Anne Greco, Pattie Pipes, and Kristy McKearn.

2011 LED Zeppelins

Softball Achievement Awards

Perfect Attendance	Alicia Ardoin
Perfect Attendance	Eddie James
Perfect Attendance	Linda Regira
Most Team Spirit	Eddie James
Most Drama on the Field	Brenda Guess
Taking it for the Team	Alicia Ardoin (vs. Department of Insurance)
Most Graceful (and Fastest) Runner	Sarah “Speedy” Vanden Broek
Best Double Play of the Season	Eddie James (vs. Workforce Commission)
Best Catch of the Season	Gary “Wild Thing” Beadle (vs. Division of Administration)
Best Throw of the Season	Chris Fallin (vs. House of Representatives )
Best Throw of the Season	Michael “Golden Glove” Pernici (vs. Workforce Commission)
Team’s Top Batting Average	Gary “Wild Thing” Beadle (8 for 10 = .800)
Team’s Top Batting Average	Michael “Muff” Uffman (4 for 5 = .800)
Team’s Most Total Hits	Eddie James (13)
Highest Appointed Official in the League who can Actually PLAY Softball	Steven Grissom
Most Artificial Parts on the Field	Becky Lambert
Most Sports Clothing on the Field	Matt “Double Gloves” Wattigny
Most Chatting in the Outfield (and in the Dugout, and outside the Dugout, and…..)	Kyle Zeringue
Most Chatting in the Outfield (and in the Dugout, and outside the Dugout, and….)	Michael “Muff” Uffman
Most Corona Punch Drunk in the Dugout	James Caldwell
Most Spiked Watermelon Consumed in the Dugout	Allison Gilmore
Most Spills on the Field	Linda Regira
Most Hits for the Enemy	Matt Wattigny
Volunteering to Sit Out the Most	Julie Van Scotter
Cooking Most for the Team	Katherine St. Onge
Playing the Fewest Games But Still Making it to ALL the Parties	Pat Witty
Hottest Scorcher up the Middle	Dennis Barbier (vs. Governor’s Mansion)
Hottest Scorcher up the Middle	Johan Salen (vs. Department of Justice)
Trash Talking (on and off the field)	Frank “Frankie Who” Favaloro
Quietest in the Dugout	Elliott Adams
Accepted Most Games Without Making It	Paul Sawyer
Always Refusing a Pinch Runner	Danielle Clapinski
Refusing to Play on Fingernail Day	Micki Duggan
Canceling an IMPORTANT Hair Appointment to Present Awards at the Post-Season Ceremony	Kristy McKearn
Keeping the Scorebook	Susan Bigner
Keeping the Scorebook	Katherine St. Onge
Keeping the Scorebook	Sarah Vanden Broek
Keeping the Scorebook	Julie Van Scotter
Creativity in Dugout Snacks	Leu Anne Greco
Best Adult Beverages	Sandra Granata

Zeppelins face Workforce Commission in Final Game of the Season

Watermelon!

Friday, August 26, 2011

LED faced off with the Workforce Commission Hammers on Wednesday at Independence Park.  The Hammers have a 6-1 record and have scored 87 runs during the season - a monster opponent to face.  Playing on a new field with a 300 foot fence (the regular fields have 240 foot fences) meant a lot more area to cover in the outfield, and that anything getting past an outfielder would almost certainly mean a home run.  The Zeppelins were still feeling the impact of the tough game in the rain the night before, but the players knew they had a grueling battle ahead and needed to rise to the challenge.

Michael Pernici, Linda Regira and Eddie James combined to turn a would-be multi-run homer into a double play in the bottom of the fifth.  With a runner on first, a Hammer batter put one over everyone’s head in right center.  Pernici managed to get to the ball quickly and made an astounding throw in to Regira at third.  Regira got it to James at home pulling the stunned runner up short.  The runner then turned and headed back to third, but the batter was already approaching third, and in the ensuing melee James tagged both players with the ball and garnered the double play.

LED got on the scoreboard first in the top of the first inning after leadoff batter Steven Grissom beat out a throw from third to first.  Regira moved Grissom to second, and James snagged the RBI with a single over the shortstop’s head.  The Zeppelins held the Hammers until the bottom of the second when one run was allowed.  The Zeppelins came up empty in their next six innings at bat.  The Hammers pulled ahead with two runs in the fourth and another three in the fifth, and maintained the lead for the remainder of the game.

After the post-game handshakes, James gave a heartfelt speech to the team, commending the players for all their hard work, their continued improvement as the season progressed, and for being the team that had the most fun in the league.  Everyone is looking forward to playing again next season.  Here’s what league commissioner Eric Hatfield (LWC) had to say on the league’s facebook page about LED’s involvement in the league and The LED Softball Spotlight blog, “Check out the blog of our newest team, Louisiana Economic Development. We don't have initiation for new teams, but if we did, they'd have raised the bar. Being new, they've had some hard knocks on the diamond, but their enthusiasm is infectious. If you have an aspiring beat writer on your team, encourage him/her to start one!”

Katherine St. Onge and Sarah Vanden Broek brought sprinkle covered cupcakes in celebration of St. Onge’s birthday, and the team sang “Happy Birthday” to St. Onge after the game.  Leu Anne Greco was not present in person, but she was present in “spirits.”  Greco sent two alcohol injected watermelons to the game with Pattie Pipes, and Allison Gilmore seemed to like them better than anyone else on the team, indulging in two slices in the dugout.  As usual, Gary Beadle made off with the leftovers.

Coach Regira was unable to attend the post-game birthday party at Superior Grill because she and teammate Dennis Barbier were both suffering from pulled muscles.  However, an update from those in attendance revealed that MUCH fun was had by St. Onge, Vanden Broek, Pernici and girlfriend Margaret, Johan and Jaqueline  Salen, Gary Beadle, James Caldwell, Matt Wattigny, Alicia, Larry and Amanda Ardoin, Allison Gilmore, Pattie Pipes, Julie Van Scotter, Yosef Javid and former SEC employee Rina Thomas.  St. Onge had desert sent out, the birthday sombrero plopped on her head, and another round of “Happy Birthday.”

Singles: Steven Grissom (2), Linda Regira, Eddie James, Chris Fallin, Michael Pernici (2), Katherine St. Onge, Elliott Adams, Allison Gilmore, Gary Beadle, Matt Wattigny and Alicia Ardoin. Double: Katherine St. Onge .

Many thanks to all who STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE for LED.

PLAYERS:  Allison Gilmore (Secretary), Alicia Ardoin (BDS), Brenda Guess (BIS), Chris Fallin (Business Intelligence), Dennis Barbier (Equipment Manger), Eddie James (BDS), Elliott Adams (Lead Development), Gary Beadle (IT), James Caldwell (Student), Johan Salen (BDS), Julie Van Scotter (COS), Katherine St. Onge (SEC), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Matt Wattigny (FastStart), Michael Pernici (Lead Development), Sarah Vanden Broek (SEC), and Steven Grissom (Deputy Secretary).

Susan Bigner kept the scorebook for the team.

FANS:  Alicia Ardoin’s husband Larry and daughter Amanda, Pattie Pipes (SEC), Susan Bigner (BIS), Sally Babin (Fiscal) and husband Allen, Allison Gilmore’s husband James and daughter Madison and Leu Anne’s Greco’s (Legal)  ice chest!

Beadle Makes ESPN Catch in Matchup with the Division of Administration

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Too bad the cameras weren’t rolling.  Gary Beadle made a play of a lifetime in Tuesday night’s matchup with the Division if Administration. It’s what kids dream of when playing the game in their minds – a hit over my head; I have to backup; no, I have to run back hard; no, the only way I can reach it is to turn my back to the ball and stretch my glove out and catch it with my back to the crowd.  That is exactly what Beadle did in right center, stunning the Division who had visions of a homerun when the ball left the bat.  It was an amazing play.

The Zeppelins and the $ Killjoys $ took the field after a 30 minute delay due to rain and lightening.  LED had a game strategy going in – hit the first pitch so you don’t have to hold the aluminum bat too long.  Playing four full innings in the rain takes a toll on any team, but the Zeppelins gave it their all.  The rain finally stopped but the light faded quickly through the final three innings, making it difficult to see the ball.  And just as the game ended, the field lights came on!

LED got on the scoreboard first in the top of the first after a lead-off hit to right field by Frank Favaloro.  Eddie James followed with a double to put two runs in scoring position for Alicia Ardoin.  Ardoin’s single drove in the two runs.  The Division came back and scored one in the bottom of the third.  LED answered with another run in the top of the fourth when Beadle crossed the plate after consecutive hits from himself, Michael Pernici, Brenda Guess and Dennis Barbier.  The Division scored four in the bottom of the fourth when four of their men batted back-to-back in the middle of their lineup.  (This practice is actually against league rules – so I’m just gonna have to say it – THEY CHEATED!!!.)  LED came back with another run in the top of the seventh after a Matt Wattigny double, with Eddie James picking up the RBI.  The final score was Division 5, LED 4.

Linda Regira snagged a tough line drive between shortstop and third base, which prompted someone from the Division to exclaim, “Look what I found,” as though Regira had never caught a ball in her life.  Regira quieted them by “finding” three more during the course of the game.  Rotating at shortstop, Beadle and Pernici both came up with clutch catches of hard line drives, and Beadle snagged several on the run in right center.

Since the weather was not fit for man nor beast, it’s not surprising that there were only two fans standing under the awning at the scoring bench, and one in the dugout.  Madison Gilmore assisted with the scorebook from the dugout and Larry Ardoin and Yosef Javid actually stood through the entire game.  How loyal is that?  Katherine St. Onge brought more “special” mint flavored brownies to give the team a boost.

Tonight’s game against the Workforce Commission at Independence Park is the last of the season.  It also happens to be Katherine St. Onge’s birthday, so there will be cupcakes and other goodies in celebration.  St. Onge and Sarah Vanden Broek have invited the team and fans to a post game party at Superior Grill on Government Street.

Singles: Gary Beadle (2), Frank Favaloro, Linda Regira (2), Eddie James, Dennis Barbier (2), Brenda Guess, Katherine St. Onge, Alicia Ardoin. Doubles:  Eddie James and Matt Wattigny.

Many thanks to all who STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE for LED.

PLAYERS:  Alicia Ardoin (BDS), Allison Gilmore (Secretary); Becky Lambert (BDS), Brenda Guess (BIS), Dennis Barbier (Equipment Manger), Eddie James (BDS), Elliott Adams (Lead Development), Frank Favaloro (BIS), Gary Beadle (IT), Julie Van Scotter (COS), Katherine St. Onge (SEC), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Matt Wattigny (FastStart), Michael Pernici (Lead Development), and Sarah Vanden Broek (SEC).

FANS:  Madison Gilmore, Larry Ardoin and Yosef Javid (Entertainment).

VICTORY for LED!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

How Sweet It Is! Solid defense and a productive offense combined to push the Zeppelins to a 6 - 1 victory over the Department of Natural Resources.  Despite being battle-weary from the previous night’s game, the squad gave a terrific performance that included 20 hits.

Brenda Guess arrived at the field a bit flustered after being trapped in the Annex elevator for more than 45 minutes.  The Otis team was dispatched to rescue her in time for her to make the game, and except for overrunning third base after a hit from Kyle Zeringue and inquiring, “How am I supposed to stop?” she had a strong outing, hitting the team’s only double and tagging on a single.

LED got on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the second after consecutive hits from Chris Fallin, Dennis Barbier and a double by Brenda Guess, who tallied the RBI when Fallin crossed the plate.  DNR answered back with a run the top of the fourth to tie the score at 1-1.  The Zeppelins scored again in the bottom of the fourth, plating 4 runners with a rally on two outs.  Hits by Eddie James, Alicia Ardoin, Gary Beadle, Fallin, Barbier, Guess and Zeringue produced the four runs which put the Zeppelins on top 5-1.  A sixth run was added in the bottom of the sixth after hits from Michael Uffman (aka Muff), Linda Regira, James and Ardoin, who got the RBI when Muff scored.  LED held DNR for the remainder of the game.

The only controversial calls came from Chris Fallin coaching at first base.  In the Capitol Complex League the coaches at first and third call the game when their team is batting, and Fallin called Ardoin and Steven Grissom out at first in the bottom of the sixth when they were both CLEARLY safe. 

Leu Anne Greco brought ice cold spice dipped cucumbers to keep everyone cool and they were a huge hit.  She also suggested that next season when the Zeppelins have to face the Attorney General’s office that the team should definitely get “lawyered up.”

Next week the Zeppelins take on the Division of Administration (Tuesday) and Workforce Commission (Wednesday) to round out the season.  A post-season party is in the works.

Singles: Michael Uffman (2), Linda Regira (2), Eddie James (3), Steven Grissom, Chris Fallin (2), Dennis Barbier (2), Brenda Guess, Sarah Vanden Broek, Paul Sawyer, Alicia Ardoin, Gary Beadle, Kyle Zeringue, Frank Favaloro. Double:  Brenda Guess.

Many thanks to all who STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE for LED.

PLAYERS:  Alicia Ardoin (BDS),Brenda Guess (BIS), Chris Fallin (Business Intelligence), Dennis Barbier (Equipment Manger), Eddie James (BDS), Frank Favaloro (BIS), Gary Beadle (IT), Katherine St. Onge (SEC), Kyle Zeringue (Lead Development), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Matt Wattigny (FastStart), Michael Uffman (Lead Development), Paul Sawyer (BDS), Sarah Vanden Broek (SEC), and Steven Grissom (Deputy Secretary). 

Sarah Vanden Broek and Katherine St. Onge took turns keeping the scorebook for the team.

FANS:  Leu Anne Greco, Alicia Ardoin’s daughter Amanda and beagle Jake, Frank Favaloro’s daughter Bailey, Michael Uffman’s wife Adrienne and daughters Kate and Anna .

LED and Department of Justice Face Off at Perkins Road Park

 
Johan Salen went 2 for 2 against the Department of Justice Tuesday, with singles in the third and sixth innings.  Either cricket skills are directly transferrable to softball, or Salen has been moonlighting at the batting cages.  His single in the sixth was a scorcher up the middle, hit like a seasoned veteran.

Malcolm Myer, Director of Capitol Operations for the Attorney General, pitched for Justice and he led their legal defense in several controversial calls against LED.  Coach Linda Regira offered to email him a rule book.  “You may have been right,” Meyers admitted to Coach Regira after the game, “but I was more convincing.” 

Katherine St. Onge brought a batch of “special” brownies, but their power couldn’t overcome the negative effects produced by a lack of alcoholic beverages (which apparently contributes to positive game performance).  The offense racked up 12 hits and had 5 players in scoring position, but the hits were scattered and LED could not plate a runner.

The LED defense also played a solid game.  Eddie James struck out 3, St. Onge snagged a popup at catcher, and Paul Sawyer caught a fly in right center in his first inning as a Zeppelin.  Gary Beadle (aka Wild Thing), Alicia Ardoin, Eddie James and Dennis Barbier combined for 15 outs for the infield.  But it wasn’t enough to hold the Justice team from scoring.

Tonight the team faces the Department of Natural Resources at Independence Park.  Next week the Zeppelins take on the Division of Administration (Tuesday) and Workforce Commission (Wednesday) to round out the season.

Singles for LED: Eddie James, Gary Beadle , Frank Favaloro, Dennis Barbier, Katherine St. Onge, Johan Salen (2), Brenda Guess, James Caldwell, Paul Sawyer, Linda Regira (2).

Many thanks to all who STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE for LED.

PLAYERS:  Alicia Ardoin (BDS),Brenda Guess (BIS), Dennis Barbier (Equipment Manger), Eddie James (BDS), Frank Favaloro (BIS), Gary Beadle (IT), James Caldwell (Student), Johan Salen (BDS), Katherine St. Onge (SEC), Kyle Zeringue (Lead Development), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Paul Sawyer (BDS), and Sarah Vanden Broek (SEC). 

Sarah Vanden Broek and Katherine St. Onge took turns keeping the scorebook for the team.

FANS:  Johan’s wife Jacqueline and puppies Prem and Puck, Frank Favaloro’s son Spencer and niece Kenzie, and Lisa Anderson from FastStart.

No Softball Game Week of August 8

There will be no softball game this week because we couldn’t get either DNR or DOJ to get a full roster on the days we could play. We’ll possibly have two games next week.

So, in place of a game and in order to keep everyone in shape for next week, please see the instructional video below. Notice the intense concentration and the never-give-up attitude.

Charlie Brown All Stars

LED and Department of Insurance Battle in 3-2 Contest

Check out the LED Softball Blog at http://ledsoftball.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The Zeppelins faced off against the Department of Insurance Tuesday evening, and it proved to be a nail-biter, going down to the wire.  Insurance was short two players, so in the spirit of fair play, LED allowed them to “borrow” James Caldwell and Matt Wattigny (who both shined for the opposing squad).  Caldwell hit a single and robbed Eddie James of a hit in right field.  Wattingly participated in outs at second and also racked up two hits for the enemy.

The LED infield behind pitcher Eddie James was outstanding.  Gary Beadle knocked out two double plays at shortstop and blanketed the left side of the infield.  Eddie James, Steven Grissom, Gary Beadle and Linda Regira combined for 16 outs in the game.  Sarah Vanden Broek snagged two pop-ups at catcher in the top of the fifth.  Johan Salen played in his first game ever, arriving at the field with his “glovey thingy” and his knowledge of the game from watching American television, and that was enough to give him a respectable first outing. 

LED fielded 14 players and tallied 15 hits, including a double by Eddie James.  Insurance got on the scoreboard first, with consecutive hits that plated their leadoff hitter.  LED tied the game in the fourth inning starting with a hit by Linda Regira.  Pinch running for Regira, Vanden Broek used her speed to cross the plate after a Steven Grissom hit down the first base line.  Insurance came back with two runs in the top of the fifth.  LED scored again in the bottom of the fifth following hits by Beadle, Vanden Broek and Julie Van Scotter, whose single plated Beadle.  Insurance held LED for the remainder of the game.

The Zeppelins also racked up three injuries in the game.  Alicia Ardoin was injured on defense, taking a ball to the face at second base on a toss from Gary Beadle, resulting in a few string marks and a huge knot/bruise.  Brenda Guess was injured in a daring run from second to third on a hit by Katherine St. Onge.  Slipping down before she hit the bag, and dropping her hat and glasses in the process, Guess refused to give up and managed to snag her lost items and roll close enough to the base to touch it with her hat.  All Guess could manage at that point was to ask, “Am I safe?”  Unfortunately, the third out of the inning had already taken place behind her at second base.  Frank Favaloro was injured in his first at-bat on a swing and miss attempt that brought him to the ground.  All three have reported in on Wednesday morning as being OK and happy to take one for the team.

Sandy Granata brought the Corona punch again and it certainly worked wonders to revive the team after a grueling seven inning match in 100+ degree temperatures.  LED invited the Insurance squad to indulge as well, but in the end, Gary Beadle walked away with the leftovers.

Next week the Zepplins take on the Department of Natural Resources.  Game day/time/location TBD.

Singles for LED: Gary Beadle (2), Allison Gilmore (2), Katherine St. Onge (2), Sarah Vanden Broek (2), Linda Regira, Steven Grissom (2), Julie Van Scotter, Brenda Guess, Danielle Clapinski.  Double: Eddie James

Singles for Insurance: James Caldwell, Matt Wattigny (2).

Many thanks to all who STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE for LED.

PLAYERS:  Alicia Ardoin (BDS), Allison Gilmore (Secretary) Brenda Guess (BIS), Danielle Clapinski (Legal), Dennis Barbier (Equipment Manger), Eddie James (BDS), Frank Favaloro (BIS), Gary Beadle (IT), Johan Salen (BDS), Julie Van Scotter (COS), Katherine St. Onge (SEC), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Sarah Vanden Broek (SEC), and Steven Grissom (Executive/Deputy Secretary). 

Sarah Vanden Broek, Katherine St. Onge and Julie Van Scotter took turns keeping the scorebook for the team.

PLAYERS FOR THE OPPONENT:  James Caldwell (Student), Matt Wattigny (FastStart)

FANS:  Sandy Granata, Johan’s wife Jacqueline and puppies Prem and Puck, Frank Favaloro’s wife Laura, son Spencer, and Spencer’s friend Zachary.

Rain Delays Game Against Division of Administration

The Division of Administration wants to reschedule in the week of August 22.  Meanwhile, the Zeppelins take on the Department of Insurance on Tuesday, August 2.

Moret Inspires LED Softball Team to Record Performance

Thursday, July 21, 2011

LED Secretary Stephen Moret urged his staff to “continue to show improvement” in performance levels at the all-staff meeting on Wednesday morning.  The LED softball team resoundingly rose to the challenge Wednesday afternoon in a grueling match against the State Police Governor’s Mansion security team.  The Zepplins poured on the progress:

·         300% increase in total run production

·         62.5% increase in total hit production

·         200% increase in multi-base hits

·         100% increase in unique ways to get adult beverages into the dugout

The LED defense behind pitcher Eddie James kept the offensive powerhouse State Police squad to their lowest score in two seasons.  The Lead Development duo of Kyle Zeringue and Michael Uffman held off the State Police repeatedly on the right side of the outfield, and Michael Pernici kept the infield tight.

LED fielded 18 players and racked up 13 hits, including two doubles and a triple.  Talk about progress!  LED scored in the second inning after a leadoff hit by Steven Grissom down the third base line.  Grissom moved around the bases with consecutive singles from Chris Fallin, Micki Duggan and Michael Uffman.  Grissom’s score tied the game at 1 – 1.   The Zeppelins scored again in the third with an Eddie James triple topped off by a clutch fielder’s choice from Julie Van Scotter who tallied the RBI.  In the sixth the team scored two runs after consecutive base hits from Kyle Zeringue and Alicia Ardoin.  Zeringue and Sarah Vanden Broek (pinch running for Ardoin) were both plated by a scorching double up the middle from Dennis Barbier.

The fans kept the team pumped again, and the mojito injected watermelon brought by Leu Anne Greco was a huge hit, although Brenda Guess probably should have waited until after her at-bat to indulge, since it resulted in the team’s only K for the game. 

Despite all of the high energy, fun and support, LED did not ultimately win this game either.  However, it was another great outing for the team and hopes remain high for a win next week against the Division of Administration.  The game is set for 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at Independence Park.

Singles: Ardoin, Clapinski, Duggan, Fallin, Grissom, James, Regira, Uffman (2), Zeringue.  Doubles: Barbier, Uffman. Triple: James.

Many thanks to all who STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE for LED.

PLAYERS:  Alicia Ardoin (BDS), Brenda Guess (BIS), Chris Fallin (BI), Danielle Clapinski (Legal), Dennis Barbier (Equipment Manger), Eddie James (BDS), James Caldwell (Student), Jason El Koubi (SEC), Julie Van Scotter (COS), Katherine St. Onge (SEC), Kyle Zeringue (Lead Development), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Matt Watigny (FastStart), Michael Pernici (Lead Development), Michael Uffman (Lead Development), Micki Dugan (FastStart), Sarah Vanden Broek (SEC), and Steven Grissom (Executive/Deputy Secretary). 

FANS:  Alicia Ardoin’s daughter Amanda , puppy Jake, and husband Larry, Kyle Zeringue’s wife Erin and daughters Emery and Harper, Leu Anne Greco (Legal) and her husband Cyrus, Patti Pipes (SEC) and Vicki Anderson (IT).

LED Fans Coax Moments of Magic from Softball Squad

Thursday, July 7, 2011

LED fans could feel the excitement as the squad took the field against the House of Representatives yesterday at Perkins Road Park, still a bit battle worn from last week’s face-off with the Board of Regents. 

The defense struggled a bit this week against LED’s strongest hitting opponent to date.  However, there were “moments of magic” scattered throughout the game, such as Chris Fallin’s perfect throw from right center to Eddie James at home, denying a run for the House.  James Caldwell also made a great diving second-effort catch to rob the House of a sure thing.  Alicia Ardoin and Steven Grissom blanketed the right side of the infield, and Pernici was, well, Pernici!

Eddie James pitched all 7 innings again this week and managed to hold one of the leagues’ heaviest hitters, Daniel Waguespack (yes, LED’s former Budget Analyst), to a single out of the park homer in four at-bats – not an easy feat.   Most teams watch the ball fly over the fence every time Waguespack steps up to the plate.  James largely kept the House’s hits in the air by combining knuckle balls and other tricky pitches.  The LED defense also kept the heavy bat of House shortstop Representative John Schroder to a single hit.

LED fielded 13 players and racked up 8 hits, scoring once in the top of the sixth due to the amazing speed of Sarah Vanden Broek (former Bucknell University track team sprinter).   Vanden Broek was a pinch runner for Alicia Ardoin after her single to left center.  Ardoin’s hit was followed by consecutive singles from Chris Fallin, which moved Vanden Broek to third, and Jason El Koubi to get Vanden Broek across the plate.

But the real shining stars were the fans who brought energy, excitement, and most importantly refreshments to the field.  Sandy Granata and Pattie Pipes provided Corona punch (recipe below) for the fans and the players which somehow managed to make its way into the dugout during the game, and which could have accounted for an uncharacteristic strikeout by Linda Regira in the fourth inning.  Leu Anne Greco provided watermelon, orange slices and a killer trail mix (recipe below) that was enjoyed by all.  There was even talk of tailgating in the near future.

Despite all of the high energy, fun and support, LED did not ultimately win this game either.  However, it was another great outing for the team and hopes remain high for a win next week against the Department of Insurance.  The game is set for 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 at Perkins Road Park.

Many thanks to all who STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE for LED.

PLAYERS:  Alicia Ardoin (BDS), Allison Gilmore (Secretary), Brenda Guess (BIS), Chris Fallin (BI), Eddie James (BDS), James Caldwell (Student), Jason El Koubi (SEC), Julie Van Scotter (COS), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Michael Pernici (Lead Development), Micki Dugan (FastStart), Sarah Vanden Broek, and Steven Grissom (Executive/Deputy Secretary).  Susan Bigner (BIS) kept the books for the team.

FANS:  Allison Gilmore’s husband James, Alicia Ardoin’s daughter Amanda and husband Larry, Becky Lambert (BDS), Caroyln Barr (Fiscal), Eddie James’ wife Lori, sons Evan, Ian, Owen, daughter Alyssa, and poodles Tux and Ty,  Julie Van Scotter’s friend Kristin Guidry, Leu Anne Greco (Legal) and her husband Cyrus, Pattie Pipes (SEC) and her main squeeze Jay Via (who joined in via - no pun intended - skype from Texas), Sandy Granata (Undersecretary), Ms. Cookie from the Capital Annex security team, and Katherine St. Onge (SEC), who arrived to play but somehow ended up in the stands next to the Corona punch.

GRANATA’S CORONA PUNCH

·         1 Corona Beer

·         1 Can of Sprite

·         1 Large Frozen Limeaid

·         1/3 cup Tequila

·         Sliced Lime (optional)

Mix together, add ice.  This makes a pitcher, can be increased for a crowd!

GRECO’S TRAIL MIX

·         Honey Cashews

·         Salted Roasted Almonds

·         Sesame Sticks

·         Dates

·         Dried Cranberries

·         Dried Mangos

·         Pretzels

Combine two cups of each ingredient, mix well and enjoy!