McConnell was “Living the Dream” at the Battle for the Annex

Jacob McConnell had a game of a lifetime in Tuesday evening’s battle against the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism at Perkins Road park.  He made a catch in center field at the top of the fence, preventing a homerun and saving LED three runs.  He also went 3 for 3 at the plate to put up a team-leading performance.

Eddie James opened up the game with the offensive play of the game.  Leading off for the Zeppelins, Eddie hit the ball and got stuck in the mud at the plate which caused him to fall down the first base line.  Undeterred, he maneuvered it into a roll and run, turning the hit into a double.  As such, he has been awarded the first LED home run medal.  Eddie was eventually plated by hits from Jacob and Coach Linda Regira.

Chelsea Harris joined the Zeppelins and played a strong second base and got a solid hit in her first outing, even though she hadn’t hit slow pitch since she was eight years old.  Chelsea is a former college fast pitch softball draft at catcher and she proudly wore her mitt at second, snagging everything that went to her.

CRT had a strong lineup of hitters which pushed the Zeppelin defense to the limit in the hot, humid weather.  CRT’s Danny Belanger, who is married to Linda’s cousin, picked on Linda the entire game.  Even though he had to bat left handed he pulled the ball down the left field line.  One high popup behind third base forced Linda to run back a good distance.  After catching the ball and tallying another spill on the field Linda asked Danny, “Why did you do that to me?”  Danny replied, “I was trying to hit it over your head,” which he did at his next at-bat, garnering a double for CRT.

Caroline Collins was out in force with her cheering, understandably cheering loudest for daddy Larry when he came up to bat.  “Get a hit daddy!” prompted one CRT member in the dugout to reply, “Strike out daddy.”  Obviously Caroline’s cheering was the stronger of the two because Larry went 2-3 with no strike outs.

LED was only able to put 8 players on the field at any given time because the Zeppelins only had two women (four are required).  That left LED with no catcher and only three outfielders.  However, the Zeppelins played respectable defense even with the disadvantage and managed to keep the game close.  LED ultimately fielded 10 players and tallied 14 hits in the game.

Another hot, but fun time was had by all.  Anne Villa sent water to the game which kept the team hydrated, and James Caldwell graciously hauled it out to the field.

The Zeppelins face off next against the Public Systems Association (Legislative Computer Staff) in a rainout make-up game.  Date, time, and location TBD.

Singles:  Eddie James, Rick Ward, Jacob McConnell (3), Linda Regira, Steven Grissom (2), Larry Collins (2), Matt, Wattigny (2), Chelsea Harris.

Double:  Eddie James

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

PLAYERS:  Chelsea Harris (Communications), Eddie James (BDS), Jacob McConnell (BDS), James Caldwell (BDS), Johan Salen (BDS), Larry Collins (BDS), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Matthew Wattigny (FastStart), Rick Ward (BDS), and Steven Grissom (Deputy Secretary).

FANS:  Susan and Caroline Collins, and Chelsea’s boyfriend Brandon.