Lab Rats End Zeppelins Playoff Run

The Zeppelins season ended on a game that spanned two nights and was finally finished in near darkness.  In the first round of the playoffs LED was set to face off with the State Police Crime Lab “Lab Rats.”  After one inning of play on Tuesday the teams were driven off the field by the crazed Kickballers who demanded all three fields at the park.  The teams agreed to meet again on Thursday to resume play.  At the end of that first inning the score was tied 4-4.

LED fielded 13 players and tallied 20 hits, including two doubles and a triple last night.  But despite such a strong offensive performance, it wasn’t enough to overcome the work of the Rat homerun hitters.

Picking up the game at the top of the second inning last night Chelsea “Wellsee” Harris led off with a line drive to left for a single.  With one out, Jayson Newell knocked a single up the middle to put runners at first and second.  With two away, Gary pulled out a double to right center but Chelsea was thrown out at the plate when third base coach Will “Rounding 3^rd” Day decided to test the right centerfielder’s arm.  Unfortunately, her arm was fine.

The Rats took an early lead at the bottom of the second when as their first four batters crossed the plate, aided by a 2-run homer.  The Zeppelins then shut them down with solid defense at first and third bases to end the inning.

At the top of the third the Zeppelins got on the scoreboard starting with a Steven Grissom single up the middle.  Lauren Stuart then moved Steven to second with an infield single.  Eric Burton followed with another single to move Steven to third, and Stephanie Hartman’s single up the middle gave her the first Zeppelin RBI as Steven crossed the plate.

Back on defense at the bottom of the third Eric made an ESPN-worthy grab at shortstop, making a huge vertical leap to snag a hard-hit line drive.  Then, with two outs and a runner on base, one of the Rat homerun hitters knocked a short one to right field which resulted in another score.

Trailing 5-1 the Zeppelins rallied at the top of the fourth and picked up two more runs.  Leadoff batter Christian Pennington, in borrowed cleats and sans Zeppelin jersey (he is moving and everything is packed away), hit a pop up in front of the first baseman down the line.  The Rat dove for the ball just as Christian reached the same spot.  After the crash Christian got up and continued on the make it to first safely.  Offered a pinch runner he waved it away insisting that he was fine.  Fine he appeared to be as he motored from first to home on a David Carter triple over the right fielder’s head.  David then crossed the plate as well when Chelsea hit a sacrifice grounder to the shortstop, who had to make a running catch which left him no play for home.  By the end of the inning Christian benched himself due to the injury to his arm he could now feel once the adrenalin had subsided.

In the bottom of the fourth the Zeppelins dug deep and held the Rats scoreless.  The Rats second homerun hitter knocked a blazing line drive between first and second but was shocked to find he was out as Paige “Dottie” Ovens nabbed it on the run.  Paige then threw the next batter out at first and the final out came from Steven at first base unassisted.

Neither team was able to score in the fifth inning.  On defense, Rick “ROI” Ward struck out the first batter.  After a single by the next Rat batter, Chelsea turned a double play to end the inning when she snagged a hard-hit line drive at third and hummed it to first, catching the Rat runner off the bag.

During the inning some of the Zeppelin ladies noticed that Michal Pernici has a pre-pitch ritual at the plate.  Why didn’t anyone notice it before?  Had he ever done it in previous games, previous seasons?  Perhaps the “Pernici Wiggle” is reserved for when his beautiful wife Margaret is in the stands with a perfect view of him from behind.  Whatever the reason, it worked, because he hammered one to right center for a single.  A team vote resulted in a resolution to memorialize the wiggle in the famous rituals list (see number 10 on the list below) and keep it in next season.

With calls to “Do it for the business plan” and with Eddie James in a rally cap, the Zeppelins narrowed the gap further in the top of the 6^th when Rick stretched a solid single into a double on an overthrow at first.  David moved him to third with an infield single, and Chelsea tallied her second RBI of the night when Rick crossed the plate on her single behind the second baseman.  The score was now 5-4.

But the Rats blew it out in the bottom of the sixth when the sun was going down and visibility was dangerously low.  With two runners on, the second Rat homerun hitter put one well over the fence in right center.  The Rats were now up 8-4.

The game ended at the top of the 7^th when, in near darkness, the batters struggled to see the pitches and no runs were scored.  The final score, including the inning from Tuesday, was 12-8.

The Zeppelins had a great (albeit Corona Punch-free) season and faced some quality opponents.  Coach Linda Regira reminded everyone that the only good news about losing last night was that the team does not have to face the Department of Children and Family Services next week.  Everyone is already looking forward to next season and will be hitting the batting cages in the upcoming months.  The LED Executive Team is encouraged to continue their emphasis on recruiting when making new hiring decisions.  And on a final note, Will emailed the players with, “I’m springing for sliding shorts for next year to all those that need them (that would be everyone) and changing my jersey from Rounding 3^rd to Sliding Home.”

Singles:  Chelsea (2), Eddie, Jayson (3), Paige, Gary, Michael, Steven (2), Lauren (2), Eric, Stephanie, Christian, David

Doubles: Gary and Rick

Triple:  David

RBI’s:  Chelsea (2), Stephanie, David

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

PLAYERS:  Chelsea Harris (Communications & Marketing), Christian Pennington (Business Incentives), David Carter (BRAC Liaison), Eddie James (Business Development), Eric Burton (Business Incentives), Gary Beadle (IT), Jayson Newell (Business Development), Lauren Stuart (Business Development), Michael Pernici (Lead Development), Paige Ovens (Business Development), Rick Ward (Business Development), Stephanie Hartman (Small Business) and Steven Grissom (Deputy Secretary).

FANS:  As always, LED fans are the best in the league.  Margaret and Crawford Pernici (Michael’s wife and 8 month old son), Doug Kopp (Internal Auditor), Jennifer Berthelot equipped with camera (Communication & Marketing), Brandon (Chelsea’s boyfriend), Leigh Ann Burton (Eric’s wife), Will “Rounding 3^rd” Day (Business Development) coached third.

 

TOP TEN FAMOUS BASEBALL RITUALS

1. Joe DiMaggio would always run from the outfield and touch second base before going into the dugout.

2. New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada hits barehanded. Posada believes in the superstition that urinating on your hands help avoid calluses and hardening of your skin and regularly does it throughout the season.

3. Hall of Fame third baseman Wade Boggs would take exactly 150 ground balls during practice. Boggs would eat a chicken before every game. When he would enter the batter’s box, he would draw the Hebrew word “chai” meaning “life” in the dirt before taking pitches.

4. David Ortiz rests his bat against his leg, spits on his right hand, and clap when preparing for the batter box.

5. Turk Wendell used to wave from the mound to the centerfielder, who would then wave back. Wendell would brush his teeth and eat four sticks of licorice between innings he was pitching. He would also crouch down every time the catcher stood up and would stand up when the catcher would crouch.

6. Red Sox Pitcher Tim Wakefield would eat a pound of spaghetti before any game he is starting.

7. Roger Clemens would soak in extremely hot water and have the hottest possible muscle liniment applied.

8. Mark McGuire would wear the same cup from his high school playing days until it was stolen.

9. Brendan Donnelly would throw away the undershirt he wore during the game if he pitched poorly.

10.  Michael Pernici would perform the world famous “Pernici Wiggle” before each pitch while at the plate.

LED “Mocked” in Round 1 playoff game vs. LSP

By Eddie James (Interim Coach and Ace Reporter)

LED qualified for the playoffs again this year and the Zeppelins found themselves seeded just behind the team from LSP, last year’s league champions.  The two teams squared off Tuesday evening in what seemed to be a fairly even match:  LED ended the regular season at 4-4, and LSP was 4-3-1. 

With LSP having a slightly better record, LED was----of course---the visiting team and thus batted first.

Unfortunately, Paige Ovens was unavailable for this game, and there was some speculation that the State Police team had been involved in the scheduling of the site visited that had her detained in Monroe until, suspiciously, 6 PM, the exact start of game time in Baton Rouge.  However, in an inspiring demonstration of the LED core value of Teamwork, Dawn Mock surprised the other Zeppelins by showing up early to the Kenilworth field to fill in for Paige as our 4^th lady player.   Claiming to have no skills, it was immediately evident that Dawn was much too modest, and she was convinced to not only fill in for Paige as our 4^th, but also at Paige’s usual spot at 2^nd base.  This allowed us to keep the remainder of the defense unchanged, instead of playing with only 9 fielders as we had feared.

Picking right up where the Zeppelins left off in their last game, the bats were hot immediately in the top of the first.  Five consecutive singles by Chelsea, Eddie, Devin, Jayson, and Lauren, and then a sixth by Russell Richardson saw the Zeps go up 4-0.  Some aggressive base running unfortunately ended the inning with a double play, but it certainly seemed like the Zeppelins had come to hit.

The bottom of the inning started great as well, with Chelsea fielding a grounder at 3^rd and firing a rocket to Devin who made a great stretch on the catch securing the out.  That was followed by a sinking liner over Eric’s head at short.  Having a flashback to when he was 16, rather than 66, Eddie dove for the catch but was not able to come up with.  The next batter singled, as did the next, scoring a run, and the next batter fouled a ball about 450 feet, followed by a fair one that cleared the fence.  A ground out finally was the second out, and Stephanie again showed why she is likely the best catcher in the league by jumping from behind the plate and snaring a foul ball for the third.

 

End of the 1^st:  LED 4 LSP 4

It was at the end of the first inning when a large gang of thugs assaulted the LSP dugout.  It didn’t take long for this gang to have the LSP team evacuate their space.  It seems the field had already been reserved for another activity, and oozing testosterone and shouting all sorts of threats and epithets, these KICK BALLEERS forced LSP from the field, and called a temporary halt to the exciting softball game that had just gotten started.

This game will be resumed in the top of the 2^nd on Thursday evening at Kenilworth Park at 6 PM.

Zeppelins and Insurance Fight Long into the Dark of Night but Finally Finish Regular Season Finale. Zeppelins Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance....

By Eddie James (Interim Coach and Ace Reporter)

Last evening, the mighty Zeppelins faced an unending hoard of purple-shirted Department of Insurance players in the final game of the regular season for LED.

In the throes of the worst losing streak in more than 2 years and just hours before game time, famed LED Zeppelins Softball Coach, Linda Regira,  was ordered to home rest by her doctors.  The emotional toll of the painfully acquired new habit of watching wins turn to losses in the final inning,  plus the near absence of offense in the last game, added to lingering and  haunting memories of the brutalization of the valiant Zeps 16-4 at the hands of the mighty DCFS, were just too much for "Coach" to bear.  

Calls to Regira's doctors went unreturned as of this writing.  Rumors abound that her sudden debilitation were the result of an addiction to deer antler velvet remain unconfirmed at this time.  Thus far, it is still unclear if, sadly, she finally managed to find a source for this highly addictive performance enhancing drug, the pursuit of which resulted in last season’s suspension.  (For further background on the 2013 scandal and subsequent suspension that involved Coach Regira and “the velvet”  see the inserted email attached). 

Interim coach Eddie James was again called on to fill in for Regira.  Inspired by last season’s solid improvement in wins and losses, James was triggered to look back through some of Linda’s entertaining game summaries where he by chance came across some of her long forgotten commentaries on the methodologies of Moneyball .  Using her concepts for guidance, he proceeded to do a thorough analysis of each player's strength and weaknesses on both offense and defense.  He tracked how often they got on base, which side of the field they hit to most often, and most importantly, he assessed the various components of their respective running speed.  Using the data that this extensive analysis produced, he applied the findings to very carefully craft a lineup strategically, and one that for example avoided putting a very fast base runner batting behind another that we will politely describe as being “noticeably less fast”.  The hope was that this approach result in more offense via extra bases, but at a minimum, hopefully one more productive than the Zeps produced the last time out in a frustrating 3-2 loss.

The game started with a coin toss since there was a disagreement about which was the home team.  Insurance won, and took the field. 

NOTE:  In 8 games, the Zeps have managed to be the home team exactly once!  Is there really a conspiracy against LED in the Commissioner's office?

NOTE 2:  Next season, suggest we tape a copy of the schedule to the inside cover of the scorebook.   2015 Goal:  Be the home team at least twice!

Before the first pitch, Coach Eddie asked the entire Zepplin team to take a knee.  What followed could well have been the most inspiring motivational speech in the annals of sport, any sport.  Though the theme was virtually identical, it put Ronald Reagan's "Win one for the Gipper (in this case, Coach Linda)"  to shame,.   This speech had it all, containing more emotional impact combined than the those by Lou Gehrig, Tim Tebow, and even the one that “went viral” this week by that Rhode Island little league coach. 

.........Or at least it would have, had it actually been delivered.  It was there, all written, well rehearsed, the timing was perfectly refined down the syllable.  Minutes before he was to deliver his this moving motivational moment, again, a speech certain to be remembered as the sports speech of the century, Eddie happened to overhear Chelsea Harris, and either Lauren Stuart or Stephanie Hartman, discussing that same little league coach's speech.  He literally got chills, the timing was going to be just perfect!   Or so it seemed, until her heard Chelsea’s reply, something about how she "didn't go in for all that rah-rah &%##$$cow excrement".  Sheepishly, he started to shove the numerous pages of speech notes into his bag, but then out of frustration tore the pages up and slammed them into the garbage can in the dugout.  Her comments still ringing in his ears, he kicked himself for being afraid that his version of "all that rah-rah &%##$$ cow excrement " would fail to inspire the rest of the Zeppelins, even excluding Chelsea, and would fall totally flat.  Still smarting, and quite ashamed, the coach took the field that day committed to doing all he could, even if in silence, to "Win One for the Gipper/Regira".

Thus the game began, as it does they all do, with the Zeppelins batting first.

Top of the 1st:

Chelsea Harris hit a crushing line drive into left field to start the game.  However, the offense drought continued as the Zeppelins were unable to get a run across.

Bottom of the 1st: 

On defense, Interim Coach James stayed with veteran starting pitcher Rick Ward to take the hill.  Although the lead-off batter managed a decent imitation of Chelsea's liner, it yielded the same results, and Rick faced only 4 batters before the defense got the third out.  

End of the 1st:  Zeps 0 Insurance 0

Top of the 2nd:

Eric Burton managed LED's only hit, but no runs were plated.  With this inning in the books, the Zeppelins had now scored runs, that is , single runs,  in only 2 of the previous nine innings.   Could only the second shutout in team history really be in the offing?

Bottom of the 2nd: 

After a ground out to start, things looked promising to keep the game a scoreless tie.  However, 2 singles and 2 defensive errors later, Insurance had sent 2 runners across the plate.  The Zeppelins were starting to dig another hole, the script seemed painfully familiar.   

End of the 2nd:  Zeps 0 Insurance 2

Top of the 3rd:

This inning also started with yet another Zeppelin ground out.  But finally, the lineup adjustments that James had made finally began to pay dividends.  Christian Penningtion, returning to the lineup after a 3 game absence (3 game absence, 3 game losing streak, hey, wait a minute!!, singled…..as did the next 5 batters in a row:  David Carter, Rick Ward, Michael Pernici, Chelsea Harris, and Eddie, and the Zeps now had a 3-2 lead, but they weren’t finished yet, not by a long shot.  With the bases loaded, Paige- the-Overachiever-Ovens (and who from this point forward should carry the nickname "Oh-Oh" )crushed a long, long drive over the centerfielder's head to clear the bases with a double.  Devin Harrison then singled Paige, sorry, “Oh-Oh” in, followed by the seventh single of the inning by Jayson Newell before the third out was finally made, but only after 11 Zeppelins had batted.

Bottom of the 3rd: 

Perhaps inspired by the offensive storm the Zeppelin's produced, in the bottom half of the inning Rick faced only 4 batters, yielding one single.  Oh, about that.  That successful batter was a gentleman who volunteered pregame that he was more 70 years old.  The Insurance coach had checked before the game to ask if we would allow him to bat right-handed, which we did.  The veteran hit a surprisingly strong ground ball behind third base, and most of us thought “Good for you, Pops!”.  Eric Burton did not feel the same way, heartlessly hustling to his right to field the ball and then making a miraculous throw to first.  As heartless and unfeeling as Eric’s play was, it had a good ending, with the seasoned vet running very and hard and just beating the throw to first (perhaps with a little assistance from first baseman Devin Harrison, who apparently DOES have a heart, and had “trouble” to get his feet down onto first in time for the put out.)

End of the 3rd:  Zeps 7 Insurance 2

Top of the 4th:

Eric Burton singled again to lead off, and was sacrificed to second on the second out by Stephanie.  Gary Beadle singled Eric home, followed by 3 more consecutive singles by Christian, David, and Rick.  Gary scored, but the bases were tragically left full when the third out was caught.   Were these runs that the Zeppelins would once again regret didn't find a way to score?

Bottom of the 4th: 

The lead-off batter grounded a ball on the infield and an errant throw allowed him to go to second.  A hot line drive looked sure to advance him, but Michael Pernici made the snatch of the day for out number one, followed by a nifty throw to Paige (”Oh-Oh”) to double up the runner.   Not to be outdone, Rick fielded the next grounder in impression fashion and ended the inning with an excellent throw to first. 

End of the 4th:  Zeps 9 Insurance 2

Top of the 5th:

Chelsea Harris led off with her third hit in 3 at bats.  Eddie then hit a high pop-up just into foul territory behind first base.  In the base running "play of the day" Chelsea shrewdly tagged up after the catch was made and advanced to second, all while the first baseman was still congratulating himself on catching Eddie’s foul ball (which Chelsea had managed to convert into a sacrifice fly rather than just a weak out).  It appeared that Chelsea's heads up play would be for naught as the next batter flied out as well.  However, Devin Harrison came to the rescue with a double that scored Chelsea, and then went to third on another double by Jayson Newell.  Jayson was followed by 5 singles in a row by Lauren Stuart, Eric Burton, Russell Richardson, Stephanie Hartman, and Gary Beadle which scored 4 more runs.   In the inning, the Zeps plated a total of 6 more runs, all with them scoring with two out.

Bottom of the 5th: 

Perhaps feeling that he finally had a lead the even Eddie couldn't lose, Rick generously allowed Eddie to bring his knuckleball to the mound.  Eddie allowed only one single, and faced just 4 batters before the 5th came to an end.   

End of the 5th:  Zeps 15 Insurance 2

Top of the 6th:

Perhaps a bit tired from all the base running, the Zeps managed only a two-out single by Michael Pernici before the third out.

Bottom of the 6th: 

Insurance sent 4 batters to the plate, one single being the only thing stopping LED from a 3-up 3-down inning.

End of the 6th:  Zeps 15 Insurance 2

Top of the 7th:

The Zeppelin offense roared back to life in the top of the seventh.  8 consecutive singles by Eddie, Paige/”Oh-Oh”, Devin, Jayson, Lauren, Eric, Russell, Stephanie, and Gary produced another 7 runs.

Bottom of the 7th: 

Surely a 20 run lead was safe?  The last of the seventh started very well, with a ground out to pitcher as the first of the 3 outs needed to secure a victory and improve the Zeps chances to qualify for the playoffs.  The second batter slammed a long fly to center and hearts stopped for just a moment, until Gary Beadle caught it, making it look much easier than it actually was for the second out.  Just one more out to go!  But……..OH NO!..........REALLY????!!!!!...............................................the next batter grounded a ball on the infield and beat the throw to first.  Another grounder looked like the final out, but unfortunately the base runner on first came all the way around to score after multiple errant (and unwise, Coach Linda?) throws by the defense, along with one closed glove stab miss/ghost tag without the ball applied.  The batter ended up on third base once all the carnage had subsided. 

“Oh-Oh” (Paige, remember?), as she does on every play on defense, alerted everyone to the situation:  “Two outs, infield go to first”.  At this point Eddie looked at third base, and then at Stephanie.  Stephanie Hartman was playing catcher, as she has most of the season.  An awesome new addition to the Zeppelins roster this season, she is very likely the best catcher in the entire league.  She had proven that earlier in the game when she leapt onto a swinging bunt 6 feet in front of the plate and fired a missile to first to beat the runner on what should have been an infield single.   Back to the action, Eddie looked at the runner on third, then back at Stephanie.  At that moment he decided to go counter to Paige’s defense instructions about going to first, electing to throw to the plate if a groundball came his way.  He then let the Zep’s solid catcher in on his plan and said in a somewhat weighty moment: “Stephanie” getting her attention, “Make the catch”. 

A baseball movie filmed in Louisiana (due to the awesome Louisiana Motion Picture Investor Tax Credit Incentive) would surely have contained a dream ending to this game:  The batter hits a ground ball right back to Eddie, and he not only fields it cleanly, but also makes e a good throw to the plate.  A throw which Stephanie would catch, and then quickly apply a sweeping tag on the runner coming from third as he slides in trying to score, but he is short of the plate and becomes the final out.  Stephanie would have then spiked the ball, and then run to celebrate the huge victory with her teammates.  Loud dramatic music begins to play, the credits begin to roll. 

But the games are played on the field, and really, who would believe yet another hokey, formulaic Hollywood ending to a sports movie anyway? 

Of course that isn’t what happened!  Eddie threw the next pitch, the batter mashed a ringing base hit, the runner easily scored from third. 

Howeverrrrr…………..the entire team breathed a huge sigh of relief as the next batter flied out to end the game. 

Final Score:  LED Zeppelins 22   Insurance 4

All time Zeppelin records were set for runs scored:  22, and for hits:  34.  Note:  Eric Burton tied the LED record for hits in a game, going 4-4.

14 players batted and played the field,.  EVERY single player had AT LEAST TWO HITS. 

Chelsea, Jayson, Paige and Eddie had three hits each, and again, Eric had 4.

13 of the 14 players scored at least one run.  On behalf to the entire team, apologies to Stephanie Hartman, surely someone could have driven you in one of the times you were on base.  She did her part, with 3 RBI’s herself!!

6 players scored twice each:  Chelsea, Eddie, Paige “Oh-Oh” Devin, Jayson, and Lauren, and Eric led the way with 3 runs.

30 of the hits were singles, but Paige “Oh-Oh” and Devin both also had doubles.  Jayson lead all batters with 2 doubles to go along with a single.

The regular season has now ended for the Zeppelins, ending with a hard-earned 4-4 record. 

Next game?  We have no idea, and are forced to wait.  The team is hoping our season was again strong enough to qualify for the playoffs.......so stay tuned!

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

PLAYERS:  Chelsea Harris (Communications & Marketing), Christian Pennington (Business Incentives) David Carter (BRAC Liaison), Devin Harrison (Business Development), Eddie James (Business Development), Eric Burton (Business Incentives), Gary Beadle (IT), Jayson Newell (Business Development), Lauren Stuart (Business Development), Paige “Oh-Oh”  Ovens (Business Development), Rick Ward (Business Development), Russell Richardson (Business Development), Stephanie Hartman (Small Business), Michael Pernici (Lead Development).

 

FANS:  As always, LED fans are the best in the league:  Brandon (Chelsea’s boyfriend), Bat MAN Mills Richardson (Russell’s son), Shelly and Harper Harrison (Devin’s wife and daughter), Nancy Ward (Rick’s wife), Will “Rounding 3^rd” Day (Business Development) coached third, Anne Villa (Undersecretary) sent the drinks with Alicia Ardoin (Business Development), Kelsey Short (Business Development), and Susan Bigner (Business Incentives). 

SPECIAL NOTE:  Janile "Diva" Parks (Business Development) was NOT in attendance for this game.  Such an absence would normally go without comment.  Each week, more than 100 LED employees are not able to match it out to the field, no problem.  However, the two games Janile attend this season saw the Zeppelins lose the lead in the final inning, both times to teams with much less talent than our Zeppelins.  In Janile’s place this week was Susan Bigner.  The rumor on Susan is that she has been present to cheer us a total of 4 times this season.  The Zeppelin’s record in those 4 games?  4 wins, not a single loss.  Most ballplayers are superstitious, so if the Zeps do make the playoffs………

 In conclusion, even though he didn't make the game in person, very special thanks to Dennis Barbier for making a special trip, driving from Donaldsonville to LED to deliver the equipment bag, well in time for the game.   Also to Will, for lugging it from the field.  Finally, thanks also go to Sandy Granata for breaking in to Linda's office to retrieve the scorebook.   

 

 

Lame Ducks Foul Zeppelin’s Clinch of a Playoff Berth

Defense was definitely king last night as the Zeppelins faced off against the Governor’s Office “Lame Ducks” at Perkins Road Park, resulting in a low scoring game.

Chelsea “Welsee” Harris led off with a double in the top of the first, and was driven in by a Jayson Newell single behind second base.  Paige “Dottie” Ovens and Gary Beadle both tacked on singles, but no more runners crossed the plate.

Up by one, the Zeppelin defense shut the Ducks down in order with a deep fly to Jayson in right, a deep fly to Gary in right center, and a heads up play by Paige at second base and Eric Burton at shortstop.  A Duck batter hit a long one and tried to stretch a double into a triple.  Eric and Paige worked on him and nailed him in a rundown to keep the Ducks scoreless.

Despite seven hits over the next four innings, including a double to the fence by Devin Harrison, the Zeppelins were unable to string enough hits together to score a run.
In the bottom of the fourth the Ducks answered back, hitting three in a row and scoring two runs. 

With no outs and another run threatening from third, David Carter put the next batter out at first unassisted while holding the runner on third. The next batter hit it to Rick “ROI” Ward on the mound, who whipped it in to Stephanie Hartman at home who tagged the runner and prevented the score.  The third out came from a pop-up to Rick, but the damage had been done.  The Ducks were now up 2-1.

In the bottom of the fifth, tough defense again ruled the day.  The first batter hit a single up the middle.  The second batter hit a short fly behind third, and Gary came out of nowhere on the run to grab it in his endearing Willy Mays bucket style.  The third batter hit a screaming line drive between shortstop and second, but a leaping snag by Eric and a rifle throw back to first closed the inning with the double play.

The Zeppelins finally answered back in the top of the sixth.  Devin led off the inning with a single over the left center fielder’s head.  A few batters later Eddie James hit a single into right which moved Devin to second.  Jayson’s single resulted in Devin scoring, tying the game at 2-2.

In the bottom of the sixth the Ducks plated another runner to take the lead 3-2.  The Zeppelins had one final chance to make something happen in the top of the seventh.  Leadoff batter Gary tried to put in a pinch hitter – Mills Richardson.  Mills had spent the game performing various roles from bat boy to advice man.  Arriving at the game with ALL of his equipment (ball, glove, two bats and a batting helmet) he was ready to take on any opponent.  The Ducks decided to be good sports and let him bat.  The pitcher moved up to toss him a short one (big mistake) and Mills sailed it over his head for a single.

With Mill’s performance fresh in the minds of every Zeppelin batter, the next few getting up to the plate received calls from the stands about not letting Mills show them up.  Gary started the inning off with a single, followed by Russell (dad) who thankfully got a single as well.  Each time Russell got up to bat, very vocal fan Janile Parks cheered him on with the nickname “Steam Roller,” which she coined after watching him run over a female catcher last week in his zeal to score.  With runners on first and second, Lauren Stuart’s single moved Russell to third, but the Zeppelins could not get him across the plate.

Jayson definitely earned the offensive player of the game award, going 3 for 3 and plating both RBIs.  And on a final note, the Zeppelins didn’t feel so bad about the loss to DCFS two weeks ago when, in the middle of last night’s game, one of the DCFS players hit the ball over the fence of his field, over the area separating their field from ours, over the tall fence beside the dugout, and into our field.  Apparently they can roll over any opponent.

Up next for the Zeppelins is the Department of Insurance.  LED has to win next week in order to guarantee a playoff spot.  The game is set for 6:00 on Wednesday, August 20, at Independence Park.

Singles:  Eddie, Jayson (3), Paige, Gary (2), Russell, Eric, Lauren (3), Rick, Stephanie, Devin

Doubles: Chelsea, Devin

RBI’s:  Jayson (2)

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

PLAYERS:  Chelsea Harris (Communications & Marketing), David Carter (BRAC Liaison), Devin Harrison (Business Development), Eddie James (Business Development), Eric Burton (Business Incentives), Gary Beadle (IT), Jayson Newell (Business Development), Lauren Stuart (Business Development), Paige Ovens (Business Development), Rick Ward (Business Development), Russell Richardson (Business Development), Stephanie Hartman (Small Business).

FANS:  As always, LED fans are the best in the league.  Janile Parks (Business Development), Brandon (Chelsea’s boyfriend), Katie and Mills Richardson (Russell’s wife and son), Shelly and Harper Harrison (Devin’s wife and daughter), Nancy Ward (Rick’s wife), Lori, Alyssa and Ian James (Eddie’s wife, daughter and son), Will “Rounding 3^rd” Day (Business Development) coached third, David Carter coached first and Anne Villa (Undersecretary) sent the drinks with Rick.  Gary lugged the equipment bag to the field and Rick lugged it back.

 

 

 

Zeppelins met DCFS team for first time

By Eddie James (Interim Coach and Ace Reporter)

The Zeppelins faced the mighty DCFS team on Wednesday evening.  The DCFSers were the 2012 league champs.  They also went undefeated in the regular season in 2013, but lost in the championship game.  They came into Wednesday undefeated this season as well, and unfortunately for the Zeps, DCFS left that way as well.

Our Zeppelins knew they would have a battle against such a fierce opponent, but still bravely took the field undaunted by the odds.  They were, however, handicapped by the suspicious absence of their Coach Linda Regira, AND new ace starting pitcher, Rick Ward, who (allegedly) had a client in town and was unavailable to face DCFS murderer’s row of hitters.  As a result, Eddie James drug his “go-to” (and only) pitch, the knuckleball, out of storage, with decidedly mixed results. 

Things got off to a promising start, with the Zeps facing the minimum in 3-up-3-down 1^st inning.  The next inning was quite different, yielding 9 hits, and “allowing” their line-up to hit for the cycle in the inning:  5 singles, 1 double, 2 triples, and a 3-run homer.   4 additional runs in the 3^rd , 3 more  in the 4^th before another goose egg in the fifth. 

The bottom of the 6^th was one of the most exciting innings of the season on defense.  Two singles led off the inning before another scorching triple that David Carter (volunteer coach, as needed player---and boy, did we need him!) fielded on the run and rifled to Eric Burton, who then threw a perfect relay to the plate allowing the second runner to be tagged out on a real bang-bang play.  The next batter flied out for the second out, followed by a single that scored the final runner.  The next batter lined a single to the outfield, but the runner on first was erased on yet another outfield assist throw-out at third base that ended with a masterful tag by Chelsea Harris.

 

DCFS managed 28 hits, and there weren’t any cheap ones:  15 singles, 7 doubles, 5 triples, and 1 HR.  Steven Grissom volunteered to leave his normal post playing first base to play right field for last two innings.  With all the running the outfielders were doing during the middle innings, everyone found this quite strange---until it was revealed that he had missed his aerobics class twice this week.  Evidently, he  felt he would undoubtedly be able to get his target heart rate up sufficiently chasing the knuckleballs that DCFS was consistently converting into lasers. 

DCFS was almost as good on defense as they were at the plate, but the Zeppelins still managed 16 hits, led by Steven Grissom who went 3 for 3 with a double, Eric Burton who went 2 for 2 with a double and a run scored, and Russell Richardson who hit the first legitimate triple the Zeps have had in the last two seasons.  The 4 ladies led us again, going a combined 6 for 12 with Chelsea and Lauren Stuart both getting two hits.  The hitting was quite spread out, with 11 of the 12 Zeps hitting their way on base at least once.  RBI’s came from Gary Beadle, David Carter, Chelsea Harris, and Eddie James.

Once the dust settled, DCFS had managed 16 runs, with the Zeppelins plating just 4.  Making things worse was that Devin Harrison was lost to a hamstring injury and is at least temporarily on the DL.

On the brighter side, the 3 toughest teams on our schedule are now past.  Those teams were a combined 21-3 in the regular season last year, and we managed a win against one of them.  Season record is now 3-2, with three games remaining until the playoffs.

Department of Education is up next week

 

Singles:  Chelsea (2), Steven (2), Lauren (2), Eddie, Paige, Devin, Stephanie, Eric, Michael,

Doubles:  Steven, Eric, David

Triple:  Russell

RBI’s:  Chelsea, Eddie, Gary, David

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

PLAYERS:  Chelsea Harris (Communications & Marketing), Devin Harrison (Business Development), Eddie James (Business Development), Eric Burton (Business Incentives), Gary Beadle (IT), Michael Pernici (Lead Development), Paige Ovens, Lauren Stuart, and David Carter (Business Development), Russell Richardson (Business Development), Stephanie Reed Hartman (Small Business), Steven Grissom (Deputy Secretary).

FANS:  Sorry, but as I was on the mound, I neglected to record all the supporters we had in the stands, which was many, but sincere thanks to Alicia Ardoin for keeping us all hydrated.

 

Zeppelins Bring Down The House

In a nail biter at Perkins Road Park last night the Zeppelins defeated the House of Representatives 7-6, moving to 3-1 for the season.  It was quite a wild ride with the lead going back and forth, until the dramatic finish in the bottom of the 7^th left LED still up by one run.

Where to begin?  So many exciting things happened it is difficult to find a starting point.  The top of the 1^st will have to do.

Chelsea “Welsee” Harris started a hitting streak with a single up the middle, followed by a Jayson Newell double.  With runners at second and third, Paige “Dottie” Ovens drove a double into the gap, tallying the RBI as Chelsea scored.  A few bats later, on a Gary “Wild Thing” Beadle single, Jayson turned on the gas and scored from second base.  Danielle Clapinski followed up with a single of her own and logged an RBI when Paige scored.  The Zeppelins were up 3-0.

In the top of the 2^nd the Zeppelins struck again. The stage was set by consecutive singles from Devin Harrison and Rick “ROI” Ward, and a fielder’s choice from Michael Pernici which moved Devin and Rick into scoring position. Steven Grissom knocked out a single to score Devin and bring the Zeppelins up 4-0.

On defense, LED had two complete sets of 5-men squads so the defense swapped out each inning.  The “odd squad” had Will “He Hate Me” Marshall in right field, Gary in right center, Eddie James in left center, Eric Burton at shortstop and Steven at first.  The “even squad” had Jayson in right field, Russell Richardson in right center, Gary at left center, Michael at shortstop and Devin at first.  Paige played second base, Chelsea played third base, Stephanie Harrison played left field and Danielle Clapinski played catcher.  Rick pitched for both squads for 6 of the 7 innings.

The squads held the House scoreless in the first two innings.  With a runner on first base, Michael put up the first double play on a grounder near second base where he touched second and threw the batter out to Devin at first.

In the bottom of the 3^rd the House finally answered back, scoring 3 runs, and then passed the Zeppelins in the bottom of the 4^th with a 3-run homer from – you guessed it – Daniel Waguespack.  Can LED rehire him in Fiscal?

A little down (6-4), but definitely not out, the Zeppelin defense rallied back starting with a spectacular diving catch in left center by Russell to end the inning.  Color announcer Will “Rounding 3^rd” Day labeled the play as “a jackknife with a clean entrance” and awarded it “a 2.8 degree of difficulty.”  Russell’s son Mills, who was in the dugout offering dad sage advice, was ecstatic with the performance.

With bases loaded and unable to score in the top of the 5^th, the Zeppelins had to dig deep to avoid defeat.  In the top of the 6^th Steven led off with a single to left center.  Eddie followed with a double to left center.  Jayson then added a single to load the bases.  Russell tapped out a single, scoring both Steven and Eddie.  Gary followed up with a single to left center, scoring Jayson.  Russell somehow got caught in a rundown between second and third.  After realizing he was fully trapped, he just laid out along the baseline waiting to get tagged out and end the inning.  Mills thought this was hilarious, and so did the LED fans in the stands.  Russell’s wife Katie could be heard saying something about an old man.  But the damage had already been done.  LED was now up 7-6.

At the bottom of the 6^th, Russell made a leaping catch in right center to get the first out.  Will labeled it “a full plié with a pirouette.”  It certainly wasn’t smooth like Baryshnikov, but it was exciting to watch.  The next batter foolishly hit the ball to Gary in left center and he immediately threw the batter out at first, showing off the Wild Thing “gun.”  The third batter went down easily on a play by Michael at shortstop.

It was still neck and neck going into the final inning.  LED was unable to score in the top of the 7^th and still had to face the meat of the House lineup.  Daniel started out the bottom of the 7^th with a blazing line drive to Gary, who contained the ball and held Daniel to a single.  The next batter hit a line drive toward Gary, who had to make a running catch.  Gary then whipped the ball to first, catching Daniel off the base, to complete the double play.  Will called this one the “encore gun.”

The Zeppelins still needed a final out to clinch the win.  The third batter popped up out of bounds toward the first base dugout.  Danielle darted from catcher but was unable to get to it.  Will reported that she “simply refused to layout.”  On the next pitch the batter popped up again, this time right over his head.  Danielle snagged this one to end the game and ensure the win.

Up next for the Zeppelins is the Department of Children and Family Services.  DCFS is one of the strongest teams in the league, so all the fan support available is needed.  The game is set for 6:00 on Wednesday, July 30, at Perkins Road Park.

Singles:  Eric (3), Gary (2), Devin (2), Rick (2), Steven (2), Chelsea, Jayson, Russell, Danielle, Stephanie, Will Marshall.

Doubles: Eddie, Jayson, Paige

RBI’s:  Russell (2), Gary (2), Paige, Danielle

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

PLAYERS:  Chelsea Harris (Communications & Marketing), Danielle Clapinski (Legal), Devin Harrison (Business Development), Eddie James (Business Development), Eric Burton (Business Incentives), Gary Beadle (IT), Jayson Newell (Business Development), Michael Pernici (Lead Development), Paige Ovens (Business Development), Rick Ward (Business Development), Russell Richardson (Business Development), Stephanie Reed Hartman (Small Business), Steven Grissom (Deputy Secretary), Will Marshall (International).

FANS:  The fans played a big role in helping the team pull off the win.  Alicia Ardoin, Susan Bigner and her puppy Tinkerbell, and Christian Pennington (who arrived late, saw how many players were in the dugout, and decided to be a fan) were representing LED.  Additional fans included Paige’s mom Sue Ovens, Russell’s wife Katie, son Mills and daughter Libby, Chelsea’s beau Brandon Dufrene, Rick’s wife Nancy, Eric’s wife Leigh Ann, and Will Marshall’s dog Sugar.  Paige’s fiancé David Carter coached first and Anne Villa sent the drinks with Russell.  And Rick lugged the equipment bag off the field.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DHH Couldn’t Dodge the LED Bullet

Defense was the key in last night’s 5-1 victory over the DHH Dodgers at Independence Park.  The win elevates LED to .667 for the season – the best start yet.  Conditions at the field were brutal with all the rain lately, but the game had to go on.  There was a three foot wide swath of standing water along the first base line, so the bag had to be moved in four feet (closer to second).  This changed not only the location of the right foul line but also the location of the first baseman.  There was also standing water and mud at shortstop and the conditions made base running tricky for both teams.

From second base, Paige “Dottie” Ovens put out six DHH batters, four with throws to first, one a fielder’s choice to second and one by snagging a line drive.  From the mound, Rick “ROI” Ward threw out three batters at first and snagged a fly.  From third base, Jayson Newell threw out four batters at first.  Eric Burton even managed to throw out a runner at first and participate in an out at second from the swamp at shortstop.

Lauren Stuart Illing, Eddie James, and Gary Beadle all snagged flies in the outfield in dramatic fashion.  Third base coach Will “Rounding 3^rd” Day added color commentary to his long list of softball skills by detailing the live action (does that mean he is a 7-tool player?).  He described Lauren’s perfect “3-point touchdown stance” she brought out to catch her fly.  He also described Eddie’s diving catch as being a “double roll with a half pike” and said “he nailed the landing!”  Gary’s catch required a sprint to just behind second base with a Willy Mays bucket catch.

But the king of outs participation was none other than Steven “The Diva” Grissom who participated in 10 putouts at first and added number 11 unassisted.  Steven added a dramatic play when he refused to let a potential overthrow pass, leaping and snagging the ball in his outstretched glove, and landing directly on the bag just before the runner arrived.  Matthew Wattigny also had two putouts at his turn on first base. 

And the icing on the defense cake was the pop-up caught behind the plate by Zeppelin newcomer Stephanie Reed Hartman.  She did a great job in her first outing with the team.

Steven and Jayson led the offense in scoring.  Steven went 3 for 3 with 2 RBIs and Jayson (safely in the #3 spot in the lineup) went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs, scoring once.  Paige and Eddie both went 2 for 3 and scored twice.  Eric, Gary, Lawles Bourque, and Christian Pennington all had singles, but Christian stretched his out to a double on an overthrow to first.  Matthew and Christian both hit solid line drives to first that would have been in the gap had the first base been on the real line.  Sadly, Lauren drew the unlucky #4 spot and couldn’t get a hit after her strong performances at the plate in the last two games.  What is it about that #4 spot?

Finally, Lawles predicted he will be naming his first son Eric Gary Lawles Bourque and that he will be a car salesman!  If you want to know what it means, ask a Zeppelin.

Up next for the Zeppelins is the House of Representatives and the mighty bat of Daniel Waguespack.  LED defeated the House in a scrimmage earlier in the year but it will still be a tough game.  The game is set for Tuesday, July 22.

Singles:  Steven (3) Eddie (2), Paige (2), Jayson (2), Rick (2), Eric, Gary, Lawles.

Double: Christian

RBI’s:  Jayson (3), Steven (2).

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

PLAYERS:  Christian Pennington (Business Incentives), Eddie James (Business Development), Eric Burton (Business Incentives), Gary Beadle (IT), Jayson Newell (Business Development), Lauren Stuart Illing (Business Development), Lawles Bourque (FastStart), Matthew Wattigny (FastStart), Paige Ovens (Business Development), Rick Ward (Business Development), Stephanie Reed Hartman (Small Business), Steven Grissom (Deputy Secretary).

FANS:  David Carter assisted the Zeppelins by coaching first base.  Shane Illing (Lauren’s husband), Nancy Ward (Rick’s wife) and Beth Newell (Jayson’s wife) all came out to watch the game and support the team.  Anne Villa sent the water and Powerade to the field again with Eddie.  Christian (bless him) lugged the equipment bag after the game.

 

 

 

 

 

Designing Women Prove Too Saucy For DOTD

It was definitely ladies night at Independence Park last night as the Zeppelin women poured it on against the DOTD-Design team.  In a 7-3 victory, the ladies put together two double plays, nine hits, four RBIs and two runs scored.

Chelsea “Welsee” Harris went 4 for 4, turned in a base-saving textbook slide at third, scored once and turned a double play in the top of the seventh by snagging a line drive at third and humming it to Paige “Dottie” Ovens at second to catch the runner before he could get back to the bag.

Paige went 2 for 4, batted in 2 RBIs and turned in a double play in the top of the sixth, snagging a line drive at second and catching the runner off the base at first.  Lauren Stuart Illing went 2 for 3 and scored while pinch running for Coach Linda Regira.  She also snagged 2 flies in left field, setting a ladies’ outfield performance record.  Linda went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs.

Eddie James led the men going 2 for 4 with the only double of the night, scoring once and tallying 3 RBIs.  David Carter, Rick “ROI” Ward, Eric Burton and Will “He Hate Me” Marshall all went 2 for 3 at the plate.  David and Rick both scored once and Will (the team speed demon) scored twice.  Will also attempted to slide at second but the ball got there just ahead of him.  Another record for the Zeppelins – two slides in one game!  Will also snagged two flies in the outfield.

Rick turned in an awesome performance on the mound, giving DOTD batters fits at the plate.  His high arching spinners dropped right into the strike zone but the Design batters couldn’t get their timing right.  More than one Designer was seen throwing down a bat in frustration.  He capped of the night by striking out one of the DOTD men in the top of the seventh for out number three and the victory.

Jason Newell had a bit of a struggle at the plate and couldn’t get a break from the plate, although he did get seriously robbed on a hard line drive between right and right center.  We’ll have to chalk it up to the curse of the number four spot in the lineup.  Russell Richardson got the spot in the last game and was hurt in the second inning, whereas Jayson went 3 for 4 in the number six spot.  Gary Beedle asked to be moved down in the order after feeling the curse last season.  In the number seven spot last game he went 3 for 3 and scored twice.  Who will step up to the plate and volunteer for the number four spot next week?

Up next for the Zeppelins is the Department of Insurance.  LED defeated the “Regulators” in a close match that was won in the bottom of the seventh last season.  Game date, time and location TBD.

Singles:  Chelsea (4), Eddie (2), Paige (2), Lauren (2), Rick (2), David (2), Eric (2), Will (2), Linda (1).

Double: Eddie

RBI’s:  Eddie (3), Paige (2), Linda (2).

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

PLAYERS:  Chelsea Harris (Communication & Marketing), David Carter (BRAC Liaison) Eddie James (Business Development), Eric Burton (Business Incentives), Jayson Newell (Business Development), Lauren Stuart Illing (Business Development), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Paige Ovens (Business Development), Rick Ward (Business Development), Will Marshall (International)

FANS:  Dennis Barbier (Linda’s SO), Barrett Barbier (Linda’s grandson), and Chelsea’s significant other Brandon.  William brought puppy Sugar who barked mightily for the team.  Anne Villa sent an ice chest with water and Power Aid to keep the team hydrated.

Crashes in the Outfield, Pulled Muscles and Controversial Calls – AAAAHHHH, LED Softball is in the Air

Last night at Independence Park the Zeppelins opened their 2014 season against a tough Culture, Recreation & Tourism opponent. With three games already under their belts (they begin the season before session ends) they quickly jumped out ahead as the Zeppelins had to shake off a few cobwebs.

But strong offense and defense ultimately allowed the Zeppelins to pick away at their lead until the game was tied at 8 – 8 after five innings. Not bad against a team that held LED scoreless last season! In fact, every player on the team got a hit, and several turned in multi-hit, multi-RBI performances. It could be the new uniforms – where some of the players got quite creative choosing their names on the back – that sparked the Zeppelins to such an offensive outburst.

Eddie James led the team in offense going 4 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI’s, scoring twice. Steven Grissom also went 4 for 4 with 2 RBI’s and scoring once. Jayson Newell went 3 for 4 and drove in 2 RBI’s, and Gary Beadle went 3 for 3, scoring twice. Eric Burton, Rick “ROI” Ward, William “He Hate Me” Marshall and Christian Pennington all went 2 for 3, with Christian tallying 2 RBI’s. Russell Richardson and Matthew Wattigny both went 1 for 1 before pulled muscles sidelined them. Third base specialty coach Will “Rounding 3rd” Day, who continually refused to play, reminded everyone that after a certain age, softball was “just a hamstring waiting to happen.”

Chelsea “Wellsee” Harris led the ladies on offense going 3 for 4 and scoring twice. Paige Ovens went 2 for 4, scoring once, and Lauren Stuart Illing went 1 for 3 in her first outing as a Zeppelin. It should have been 2 for 3, but a controversial call robbed her of the second hit.

Defense was tough on both teams due to the condition of the infield. Balls were taking crazy hops on the sun-baked field after all the rain last week. Anyone who played infield last night is probably sporting a bruise or two today. But the outfield proved to be unsafe as well. A spectacular crash in the outfield between Will HHM and Gary on a fly between them probably left a bruise as well – but the good news is that they somehow made the out anyway. Both Richard and Matthew pulled muscles while in the outfield and both have been ordered by Coach Linda Regira to be better in time for next week’s game.

Despite conditions, there were several defensive standout plays on the night. Eddie and Rick shared the mound and both turned in solid performances. Eddie participated in two double plays, one with Paige and another unassisted. Jayson and Steven pulled off their famous throw-the-batter-out-at-first-base-from-the-outfield maneuver. Both players won awards last season for these exact moves. It is a good sign that it is starting so early in the season.

Chelsea again showed the power of her arm from third base, and after a monster throw that sailed over Steven’s outstretched glove at first she showed that she was ready to give Gary a run on the “Wild Thing” award. From second base, Paige was involved in numerous putouts with Eric, Eddie, Rick and Steven.

At one point Coach Regira found the sole of a cleat near the dugout and determined it belonged to Will HHM, who continued to play “soleless” if not actually “shoeless.” Two innings later Eddie discovered one of the soles of his cleats was starting to come off – benching him for the duration. He claims it detached in sympathy. Whatever the explanation it might be a national softball record for two players to lose soles on their cleats in the same game. Since he was sidelined Eddie was able to take his coaching skills to new heights. He stood outside the outfield fence positioning outfielders who mysteriously were right where they needed to be to make the plays.

Everyone played well and gave it their all, but the CRT ace hitter proved too much for the Zeppelins late in the game. His hitting in the 6th and 7th innings put CRT over the top. Everyone was speculating about his employment at CRT. In 12 years of being in this building, no one at LED has ever spotted him. He must work at a field office……

Finally, fan support is something in which LED leads the league “hands down” according to league commissioner Eric Hatfield. Anne Villa sent an ice chest filled with water and Powerade which allowed the team to stay hydrated in 95+ degree heat. It’s scary to think the heat only going to get worse as the season continues. Several fans congregated in the stands and cheered heartily for the team, adding to the good time had by all. Susan Bigner and her son Adam Delaney, Becky Lambert, Lauren’s new hubby Sean and their puppy Zoey, Russel’s daughter Libby, Will HHM’s girlfriend Emery, and Paige’s fiancé, super fan David. David has been a great help to the team this season. He hit balls at practice and played a neutral catcher in both the preseason scrimmage and in last night’s game. The Zeppelins would love to add him to the roster, but he’d be spotted as a ringer in no time.

Sadly, Coach Regira is still on the PUP list (physically unable to play) since last season’s injuries that resulted in 16 physical therapy sessions. That’s the price extracted for back-to-back annual awards for “Most Spills on the Field.”

Next week the Zeppelins take on a mighty Department of Children and Family Services team that has only one loss in three years – and that in last season’s championship final. It will be a tough game and the team needs all the support it can get. The game is set for 6:00 on Wednesday, June 25, at Perkins Road Park.

Singles: Steven (4), Jayson (3), Eddie (3), Chelsea (3), Gary (3), Paige (2), Eric (2), Rick (2), Will HHM (2), Christian (2), Russell, Matthew, and Lauren

Double: Eddie

RBI’s: Eddie (2), Steven (2), Jayson (2) and Christian (2),

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

PLAYERS: Chelsea Harris (Communication & Marketing), Christian Pennington (Business Incentives), Eddie James (Business Development), Eric Burton (Business Incentives), Gary Beadle (IT), Jayson Newell (Business Development), Lauren Stuart Illing (Business Development), Matthew Wattigny (FastStart), Paige Ovens (Business Development), Rick Ward (Business Development), Russell Richardson (Business Development), Steven Grissom (Deputy Secretary), Will Marshall (International)

FANS: Susan Bigner and son Adam Delaney, Becky Lambert, Lauren husband Sean and pooch Zoey, Russell’s daughter Libby, Will HHM’s girlfriend Emery and Paige’s fiancé David.

ADDITIONAL COACHES: Will Day (Business Development), Eddie and David.