Found in the dictionary Monday morning:
come·back ( P ) Pronunciation Key (kmbk)
n.
1. i. A return to formerly enjoyed status or prosperity: The film star made an unexpected comeback.
ii. A return to popularity: Wide ties are making a comeback this year.
2. A reply, especially a quick witty one; a retort.
3. The Surrey Indians/Aldergrove game on Sunday
Thanks to Redge for the heads up on that one.
Down five runs going into the bottom of the ninth, das Indians showed great heart in eking out a tie.. However, there was one player who was greatly frustrated during Sunday's game, and has gone 0 for 9 with two strikeouts in the past two games. His play in the field has also been (far) less than spectacular. He would like to apologize to his teammates, especially since he could have redeemed himself with a hit that would have won the game and instead popped out, thereby ending the thrilling comeback one run short of full. While walking and talking with Kelly and his girlfriend's daughter after the game, he was assessing his play and a curse word snuck out. He didn't notice this transgression until the girl said, "you shouldn't swear". She was absolutely right. The curser works with kids and should have known better. So in addition to his teammates, he would also like to apologize to Kelly, Kelly's girlfriend, and Kelly's girlfriend's daughter. (The blogger obviously doesn't know all names involved. Well, he knows the curser's name, but is withholding for legal purposes.) If anyone else feels like they are owed an apology by this individual, you are probably in the right. Just let us know and we will make it happen.
In the past, player of the game selections were relatively easy. For Sunday's game, not so easy, made hard in part by the comeback in which we actually looked like we could hit. Here's the postscript of an email that we at Clubhouse Chatter, with our tight connections to the dark side, got a hold of:
ps... i nominate enrique for player of the game... he pitched really well, and that hit was clutch. close runners up go to brad for his game breaker, and lee and i for each wearing one to start the inning
To that we would like to add Redge, who went four for five with two runs scored and four (yes, four!) stolen bases.
You'll have to see the homepage for the final selection. We'll tell you, though, that he had the quote of the day, which certainly helped his cause: "I think our offense has adjusted, but our hitting hasn't.." The first response from his teammates was confusion, which was quickly followed up with much laughter, derision, and mockery. He responded, "I meant to say DE-fense, you sh*theads".
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Sunday, May 29, 2005
May 26 2005
Maybe, if we had gathered up a herd of deer, brought the herd down to the ballpark, covered the batter's box in ice, blindfolded each deer, and then sent them up, one by one, to face the opposing pitcher, we could have actually looked like a respectable team capable of getting hits, and therefore been able to capitalize on the exceptional pitching performance by birthday boy Chris, who went five scoreless innings with barely a ball getting hit to the outfield. According to one witness, we looked like a bunch of high-schoolers. We're pretty sure it was meant as an insult, but we'll take it as a compliment, so thank you. Brad would like to mention that he was able to throw the ball into the gaping first-base-side dugout entrance, from the close proximity of right field, on two occasions. Lee got his first hit of the season. There is, evidently, nothing else to be said about this game.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Ball Four
There are some players who are still, at this moment, off on their camping trip. Can't give you specifics, because we don't know who they are. We are looking to have a report posted, on this very blog, by someone who is there. Keep your fingers crossed..
In the meantime, as we don't have a game for another 9 days, (and hopefully a practice in two days, right guys???) we will plug a favorite book of ours. It's called Ball Four and it is written by Jim Bouton.. The book is divided into days, journal-style, and we will start off by randomly selecting one day and reproducing it here for you. Depending on the popularity of it, as expressed in the comments, there may be more in the future. Or you could just buy the book. It's really good. You may think we're worried about getting sued by Jim Bouton for reproducing Jim Bouton's work without receiving expressed written consent from Jim Bouton. We're not. We'd be flattered if we knew that he knew about this inconsequential little blog of ours. Besides, by suggesting that you buy the book, we're actually helping him. Instead of suing us he should be giving us money. Heaps and heaps of money. It's not like he doesn't have heaps and heaps of money lying around, being a former major leaguer and a published author and all. But really Jim, what have you done for us lately? Okay, now he might sue us..
Here's the first excerpt:
March 22
There was a notice on the bulletin board asking guys to sign up to have their cars driven to Seattle. Price $150. The drivers are college kids. I think I'd prefer Bonnie and Clyde. I say this because I remember college and how I drove an automobile in those days and I would not have hired me to drive my car. Still, a lot of guys put their names on the list - very tentatively.
Baseball players' words to a beautifully tender song (Actually Overheard in the Clubhouse Division): "Summertime, and your mother is easy."
Steve Hovley was dancing to a tune on the radio and somebody yelled, "Hove, dancing is just not your thing."
"Do you mind if I decide what my thing is?" Hovley said.
So I asked him what his thing was. "I like sensual things," he said. "Eating, sleeping. I like showers and I like flowers and I like riding my bike."
"You have a bike with you?"
"Certainly. I rent one. And I ride past a field of sheep on the way to the park every day and a field of alfalfa, and sometimes I get off my bike and lie down on it. A field of alfalfa is a great place to lie down and look up at the sky."
I sure wish Hovley would make the team.
When I got to the ballpark this morning I ran into Frank Kimball, one of the young catchers. He was standing under the eavesin order to keep out of the pelting rain, his soggy equipment bag beside him. I knew, but I asked anyway. "What's up?"
"I just got sent down."
"Too bad. When did you find out?"
"They did it chickenshit. They told me in the office when I went to get my paycheck."
"You mean Joe [Schultz] didn't tell you?"
"No. And when I went back to him to ask him what the story was he said he was sorry, he forgot to tell me."
Eccch.
I haven't been pitching very well and I think that as a result my sideburns are getting shorter. Also, instead of calling Joe Schultz Joe I'm calling him Skip, which is what I called Ralph Houk when I first came up. Managers like to be called Skip.
I'm scheduled to pitch in the doubleheader they have scheduled tomorrow. I'll be at Scottsdale to pitch against the Cubs and a good outing by me could clinch a spot on the staff - maybe. What I've got to concentrate on this time is control and throwing other pitches beside the knuckleball. Whatever [pitching coach] Sal Maglie says, Jim Bouton does. I'll impress the hell out of him with my curve and fastball and I'll just use the knuckler to get them out.
End of excerpt.
During the course of writing that out, we decided that there will be no more excerpts. We strongly recommend buying this book. Or checking it out of the library. Or borrowing from a friend.
In the meantime, as we don't have a game for another 9 days, (and hopefully a practice in two days, right guys???) we will plug a favorite book of ours. It's called Ball Four and it is written by Jim Bouton.. The book is divided into days, journal-style, and we will start off by randomly selecting one day and reproducing it here for you. Depending on the popularity of it, as expressed in the comments, there may be more in the future. Or you could just buy the book. It's really good. You may think we're worried about getting sued by Jim Bouton for reproducing Jim Bouton's work without receiving expressed written consent from Jim Bouton. We're not. We'd be flattered if we knew that he knew about this inconsequential little blog of ours. Besides, by suggesting that you buy the book, we're actually helping him. Instead of suing us he should be giving us money. Heaps and heaps of money. It's not like he doesn't have heaps and heaps of money lying around, being a former major leaguer and a published author and all. But really Jim, what have you done for us lately? Okay, now he might sue us..
Here's the first excerpt:
March 22
There was a notice on the bulletin board asking guys to sign up to have their cars driven to Seattle. Price $150. The drivers are college kids. I think I'd prefer Bonnie and Clyde. I say this because I remember college and how I drove an automobile in those days and I would not have hired me to drive my car. Still, a lot of guys put their names on the list - very tentatively.
Baseball players' words to a beautifully tender song (Actually Overheard in the Clubhouse Division): "Summertime, and your mother is easy."
Steve Hovley was dancing to a tune on the radio and somebody yelled, "Hove, dancing is just not your thing."
"Do you mind if I decide what my thing is?" Hovley said.
So I asked him what his thing was. "I like sensual things," he said. "Eating, sleeping. I like showers and I like flowers and I like riding my bike."
"You have a bike with you?"
"Certainly. I rent one. And I ride past a field of sheep on the way to the park every day and a field of alfalfa, and sometimes I get off my bike and lie down on it. A field of alfalfa is a great place to lie down and look up at the sky."
I sure wish Hovley would make the team.
When I got to the ballpark this morning I ran into Frank Kimball, one of the young catchers. He was standing under the eavesin order to keep out of the pelting rain, his soggy equipment bag beside him. I knew, but I asked anyway. "What's up?"
"I just got sent down."
"Too bad. When did you find out?"
"They did it chickenshit. They told me in the office when I went to get my paycheck."
"You mean Joe [Schultz] didn't tell you?"
"No. And when I went back to him to ask him what the story was he said he was sorry, he forgot to tell me."
Eccch.
I haven't been pitching very well and I think that as a result my sideburns are getting shorter. Also, instead of calling Joe Schultz Joe I'm calling him Skip, which is what I called Ralph Houk when I first came up. Managers like to be called Skip.
I'm scheduled to pitch in the doubleheader they have scheduled tomorrow. I'll be at Scottsdale to pitch against the Cubs and a good outing by me could clinch a spot on the staff - maybe. What I've got to concentrate on this time is control and throwing other pitches beside the knuckleball. Whatever [pitching coach] Sal Maglie says, Jim Bouton does. I'll impress the hell out of him with my curve and fastball and I'll just use the knuckler to get them out.
End of excerpt.
During the course of writing that out, we decided that there will be no more excerpts. We strongly recommend buying this book. Or checking it out of the library. Or borrowing from a friend.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Mother's Day II
Did you enjoy your anticipation, as you were instructed to? Good. Sorry to have the anticipation come to an end so abruptly, but the guest blogger submitted his posting earlier than expected. Enjoy...
Hi Kids!
On today’s show, we’ll be making some crafts, decorating our puppets, and later on – if we have time – we’ll dive into the costume treasure trunk. But to start today’s show. Let’s do a quick examination of the phenomenon known as “Wasting Other People’s Time.”
Now, who out there likes to have their time wasted? – Yeah that’s right, me neither. Nobody likes to have their time wasted.
Time wasting is bad. Right kids? And why is time wasting such a bad thing? Anyone? Yes, Jimmy:
“Cause sometimes when you want to play with your friend, but then you can’t but you wanted to, but your friend was too slow to get ready then they make you wait too long and then your Mom calls you in for dinner. Then I go, ‘ahh man, what a waste of time.’ Shucks.”
Very good example Jimmy. Kids, Jimmy brings up a good point regarding disappointment, when someone wastes someone else’s time. Disappointment is a natural reaction children. Sometimes, when you have your hopes up, when you’ve changed your plans, and you’ve put off other things, you’re all excited about doing something – and blam! It all gets ruined because someone else wasn’t considerate and wasted your time.
Yes Shelly? “Teacher, I hate it when I’m excited and my plans get ruined? It totally sucks. What can we do when we are really disappointed?"
Well children, sometimes, when your plans are shot to junk by someone else’s ineptitude, there really isn’t anything substantial you can do about it. Life’s a female-dog and then you die. When someone else is wasting your time, pretty much you just have to take it.
All right kids, now let’s go paint some rocks…
THE MORAL OF TODAY’S STORY:
The White Rock Rockies clearly don’t have their junk together, by showing up with only six guys on Mother’s Day, when eleven Indians rescheduled their Sunday afternoons to show up to a ball park only to have the game forfeited.
Wasting Other People’s Time: White Rock Rockies
Disappointed: Surrey Indians
Repercussions: White Rock Rockies should be fined in the short term, and booted from the league until such time as they can prove to the league that they have their ducks in a row.
Facts:
Time is money.
Average age of the Surrey Indians: 24
Number of Surrey Indians at ballpark on Sunday: 11
Approx. Amount of time wasted: 3 hours
National average hourly wage for a 24-year-old Canadian male (Stats Can): $14.33 hr
Amount of money the White Rock Rockies Organization should be fined:
11 x 3 x 14.33 = $472.89
Hi Kids!
On today’s show, we’ll be making some crafts, decorating our puppets, and later on – if we have time – we’ll dive into the costume treasure trunk. But to start today’s show. Let’s do a quick examination of the phenomenon known as “Wasting Other People’s Time.”
Now, who out there likes to have their time wasted? – Yeah that’s right, me neither. Nobody likes to have their time wasted.
Time wasting is bad. Right kids? And why is time wasting such a bad thing? Anyone? Yes, Jimmy:
“Cause sometimes when you want to play with your friend, but then you can’t but you wanted to, but your friend was too slow to get ready then they make you wait too long and then your Mom calls you in for dinner. Then I go, ‘ahh man, what a waste of time.’ Shucks.”
Very good example Jimmy. Kids, Jimmy brings up a good point regarding disappointment, when someone wastes someone else’s time. Disappointment is a natural reaction children. Sometimes, when you have your hopes up, when you’ve changed your plans, and you’ve put off other things, you’re all excited about doing something – and blam! It all gets ruined because someone else wasn’t considerate and wasted your time.
Yes Shelly? “Teacher, I hate it when I’m excited and my plans get ruined? It totally sucks. What can we do when we are really disappointed?"
Well children, sometimes, when your plans are shot to junk by someone else’s ineptitude, there really isn’t anything substantial you can do about it. Life’s a female-dog and then you die. When someone else is wasting your time, pretty much you just have to take it.
All right kids, now let’s go paint some rocks…
THE MORAL OF TODAY’S STORY:
The White Rock Rockies clearly don’t have their junk together, by showing up with only six guys on Mother’s Day, when eleven Indians rescheduled their Sunday afternoons to show up to a ball park only to have the game forfeited.
Wasting Other People’s Time: White Rock Rockies
Disappointed: Surrey Indians
Repercussions: White Rock Rockies should be fined in the short term, and booted from the league until such time as they can prove to the league that they have their ducks in a row.
Facts:
Time is money.
Average age of the Surrey Indians: 24
Number of Surrey Indians at ballpark on Sunday: 11
Approx. Amount of time wasted: 3 hours
National average hourly wage for a 24-year-old Canadian male (Stats Can): $14.33 hr
Amount of money the White Rock Rockies Organization should be fined:
11 x 3 x 14.33 = $472.89
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Mother's Day
Did you all have a joyful Mother's Day? Let us, the Indians, tell you: the most joyful Mother's Day was spent by us, the Indians, as we played against half a Rockies team.. True bliss it was.
There were some players who did not see it that way, however. One of those players has volunteered to be a guest blogger and give us his opinion regarding Sunday's happenings.. Not just yet though.. He needs time to work up an articulate report that sufficiently encapsulates the day's proceedings. Not sure yet if he wants to remain anonymous, so for now he's a he, and that's all thee shall know. The posting might not be til the weekend, so enjoy the anticipation. Isn't there a saying that anticipation is half the fun? Or are we thinking of "getting there is half the fun"? Let us know please, we're definitely going to lose sleep over this.
Camping trip update: The date is the same, but the location has changed. It is now at Long Beach on Vancouver Island.
There were some players who did not see it that way, however. One of those players has volunteered to be a guest blogger and give us his opinion regarding Sunday's happenings.. Not just yet though.. He needs time to work up an articulate report that sufficiently encapsulates the day's proceedings. Not sure yet if he wants to remain anonymous, so for now he's a he, and that's all thee shall know. The posting might not be til the weekend, so enjoy the anticipation. Isn't there a saying that anticipation is half the fun? Or are we thinking of "getting there is half the fun"? Let us know please, we're definitely going to lose sleep over this.
Camping trip update: The date is the same, but the location has changed. It is now at Long Beach on Vancouver Island.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Exhibition Baseball..
..is never ever as good as the real thing.
Expected to play the Mariners on Thursday the 5th, and the Revolt showed up instead ("The Langley Revolt from the Indians", as Kelly says).
No official score was kept, so we might have lost, or we might not have won. Half the team is thinking the former and half the team is thinking the latter. The remaining third of the team failed every single math class they ever took.
Some pitches were thrown, there were some solid hits, and some nice catches were made in the field, most notably Shane's all-out diving grab in left field. There are only two words that come to mind when we recall his fantastic catch, but we're not sure if we can use them or not. Ah what the hey.. Shane, that's hot!
After Rob A got plunked he was stoic on the basepaths. Then he got to the dugout and bawled like a baby.
Adam played his second game for us. Who's Adam, you ask, and why doesn't his name link to his profile? Well, Adam is apparently our regular exhibition player, and hasn't yet played a real game with us yet.. Once he plays an official game, then he'll get an official spot on the roster. Any further questions?
On the previous post, Rob E made the inaugural comment for this blog, and we thank him for his kind words. You too can leave comments. Just click on the comment link at the bottom of each post. We'll accept fan mail, hate mail, and everything in between. Indian players: the designated blogger can not remember everything. Any plays of note that do not get put in the blog, feel free to put them in the comments. The comments section can work as a sort of second forum, as the real forum is seeing far too much action lately and could use the relief..
The Indians are having early nights leading up to their next game, as we know that the Rockies, who are currently averaging over 20 runs allowed per game and under 4 runs scored per game, are feeling the heat and could erupt with a lava flow of positivity which could lead to a miraculous game of hitting supremacy and pitching excellence. We want to be well-prepared come game time so as not to be caught with our pants down, because no one likes to be caught with their pants down. Right Rod?
Camping trip update: Looks like it's going to be next weekend, May 14/15, at Alice Lake, which is near Squamish.
Expected to play the Mariners on Thursday the 5th, and the Revolt showed up instead ("The Langley Revolt from the Indians", as Kelly says).
No official score was kept, so we might have lost, or we might not have won. Half the team is thinking the former and half the team is thinking the latter. The remaining third of the team failed every single math class they ever took.
Some pitches were thrown, there were some solid hits, and some nice catches were made in the field, most notably Shane's all-out diving grab in left field. There are only two words that come to mind when we recall his fantastic catch, but we're not sure if we can use them or not. Ah what the hey.. Shane, that's hot!
After Rob A got plunked he was stoic on the basepaths. Then he got to the dugout and bawled like a baby.
Adam played his second game for us. Who's Adam, you ask, and why doesn't his name link to his profile? Well, Adam is apparently our regular exhibition player, and hasn't yet played a real game with us yet.. Once he plays an official game, then he'll get an official spot on the roster. Any further questions?
On the previous post, Rob E made the inaugural comment for this blog, and we thank him for his kind words. You too can leave comments. Just click on the comment link at the bottom of each post. We'll accept fan mail, hate mail, and everything in between. Indian players: the designated blogger can not remember everything. Any plays of note that do not get put in the blog, feel free to put them in the comments. The comments section can work as a sort of second forum, as the real forum is seeing far too much action lately and could use the relief..
The Indians are having early nights leading up to their next game, as we know that the Rockies, who are currently averaging over 20 runs allowed per game and under 4 runs scored per game, are feeling the heat and could erupt with a lava flow of positivity which could lead to a miraculous game of hitting supremacy and pitching excellence. We want to be well-prepared come game time so as not to be caught with our pants down, because no one likes to be caught with their pants down. Right Rod?
Camping trip update: Looks like it's going to be next weekend, May 14/15, at Alice Lake, which is near Squamish.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
1890s Baltimore Orioles
The following was 'borrowed' from The 10 Spot. It is found at SI.com and has daily entries. We check it out every day, so if you want to be like the Surrey Indians you know what you gotta do.. A while ago The 10 Spot had a top ten list of all-time dirtiest plays, or something to that effect. Sixth on the list was an entire team, the Baltimore Orioles of the 1890s. Perhaps it was a list of top ten dirtiest teams. Whatever.
Here, now, is the 'borrowed' material:
The NL pennant winners (there was no AL yet) from 1894-96 were dirtier than Pig Pen. Star players such as future manager John McGraw and "Dirty Jack" Doyle would shave their bats flat on one side for easier bunting. They would hide extra balls in the outfield and sneak them into play if a ball got by them. Orioles baserunners would routinely dash from first to third -- right across the diamond -- when the lone umpire's head was turned. McGraw, playing third base, would grab opposing players by the belt loop to prevent them from tagging up. Catcher Wilbert Robinson would slip pebbles into the shoes of opposing players to slow them down. The mound was dusted with soap flakes, so opposing pitchers looking to dry their hands with a little dirt would instead be covered in goop. But hey, they were winners!
Here, now, is the 'borrowed' material:
The NL pennant winners (there was no AL yet) from 1894-96 were dirtier than Pig Pen. Star players such as future manager John McGraw and "Dirty Jack" Doyle would shave their bats flat on one side for easier bunting. They would hide extra balls in the outfield and sneak them into play if a ball got by them. Orioles baserunners would routinely dash from first to third -- right across the diamond -- when the lone umpire's head was turned. McGraw, playing third base, would grab opposing players by the belt loop to prevent them from tagging up. Catcher Wilbert Robinson would slip pebbles into the shoes of opposing players to slow them down. The mound was dusted with soap flakes, so opposing pitchers looking to dry their hands with a little dirt would instead be covered in goop. But hey, they were winners!
Sunday, May 01, 2005
A Winning Streak
Does two wins a streak make? We'll answer that. Yes.
We have to start this post with accolades to the pitching staff. Phenomenal stuff. They better stop pitching so well or we'll run out of ways to praise them. But not really guys, keep firing in there.. Chris started his second straight game and pitched five strong innings for his second win of the year. As for Enrique, he pitched one full inning and didn't get a single strikeout. What's up dude? Hiding an injury? Chris might catch you in the SO/game ratio.. You can't let him do that!! Lee also pitched well with no runs allowed and two strikeouts in his two innings of work.. Two straight 8-2 wins. Excellent work chuckers, excellent work. You keep allowing just two runs a game, and we promise to try hard to win. That's a promise.
Batting. Our eight hits were shared among six different batters. Once again we had a strong first inning, with several doubles being hit and a couple of runs scoring. Rob E had a particularly strong game, hitting two doubles and picking up two RBIs. His brother Clay exhibited incredible speed as he smacked a drive to left field and legged out a triple. Kelly, going 1 for 5, had three runs scored, which is impressive.
The team is gelling quite nicely, with good attitudes all around. There is even talk of a possible team camping trip on an upcoming bye-weekend. Precise location of our tents will be kept hush-hush to keep groupies and autograph seekers at bay. Be warned: any location that is given out in the next couple of weeks is solely for the purpose of directing thugs to the wrong location. So unless we list every single location in the world where we will not be, you'll have no idea where we actually will be. Suckers.. (?)
Some good pics were taken at this game. Far better pics than those blurry shots of garbage we directed you to in the last post. See them by clicking here.
We are now a .667 team. Our confidence is rising and our tea is ready, so we must be going. Cheers.
We have to start this post with accolades to the pitching staff. Phenomenal stuff. They better stop pitching so well or we'll run out of ways to praise them. But not really guys, keep firing in there.. Chris started his second straight game and pitched five strong innings for his second win of the year. As for Enrique, he pitched one full inning and didn't get a single strikeout. What's up dude? Hiding an injury? Chris might catch you in the SO/game ratio.. You can't let him do that!! Lee also pitched well with no runs allowed and two strikeouts in his two innings of work.. Two straight 8-2 wins. Excellent work chuckers, excellent work. You keep allowing just two runs a game, and we promise to try hard to win. That's a promise.
Batting. Our eight hits were shared among six different batters. Once again we had a strong first inning, with several doubles being hit and a couple of runs scoring. Rob E had a particularly strong game, hitting two doubles and picking up two RBIs. His brother Clay exhibited incredible speed as he smacked a drive to left field and legged out a triple. Kelly, going 1 for 5, had three runs scored, which is impressive.
The team is gelling quite nicely, with good attitudes all around. There is even talk of a possible team camping trip on an upcoming bye-weekend. Precise location of our tents will be kept hush-hush to keep groupies and autograph seekers at bay. Be warned: any location that is given out in the next couple of weeks is solely for the purpose of directing thugs to the wrong location. So unless we list every single location in the world where we will not be, you'll have no idea where we actually will be. Suckers.. (?)
Some good pics were taken at this game. Far better pics than those blurry shots of garbage we directed you to in the last post. See them by clicking here.
We are now a .667 team. Our confidence is rising and our tea is ready, so we must be going. Cheers.
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