Jagernaut Spring 2011 Trailer

After long last, the Jagernaut Spring 2011 Trailer is now live via Youtube! I'm getting excited for this season and hopefully you are too!

I do have the commenting section open, so fee free to praise, criticize, like, or barf all over it.

Thanks to Brent for allowing me to publish on this blog.

See you all on the fields in a week or so!

Justin

Deadline Passes; 15 Teams to Compete for Wentworth Trophy

HAMPTON, VA - The deadline for VA Peninsula team registration passed Wednesday night at midnight, and a total of 258 players have signed up for one of the most highly anticipated seasons of WAKA kickball ever. A total of 15 teams will compete for the prestigious Wentworth Trophy this spring.

Reunited and it feels so good.

Among the newsworthy signings yesterday, was the announcement that SP Corey Carlyle has decided to return to WAKA with the 5 O'Clockers. Carlyle was one of the most talented pitchers in the league for three seasons, earning All-Peninsula honors on multiple occasions, and leading the Clockers to a league championship in the Fall of 2009. His return after taking a season off will be a welcome one for the fans of the 5OC.

Vicious & Delicious and Just For Kicks completed the first trade in league history on Wednesday. VD traded OF Sarah Rourke to JFK in exchange for future considerations. Rourke had previously played with JFK last season before signing on with the expansion VD. But when head coach Bryan Freed needed help bolstering his female lineup, she agreed to the move back to her former club. After the trade, VD called up rookie Jesika Johnson from the minors to fill the vacant roster spot.

Khalid celebrating with the Wentworth Trophy. 

Former Foul Ball OF Khalid Nelson is making his triumphant return to WAKA kickball this season, joining forces with New Kickheads on the Block. Nelson is a very positive and good natured guy, and his personality will definitely fit in well with the new look NKotB. Plus he brings championship experience (Nelson was a member of the Spring 2009 Foul Balls championship team) to a group that could definitely benefit from some veteran wisdom. It'll definitely be good to see Khalid back on the fields this season!

In other news, the commissioner's office has annoucned that the Spring 2011 schedule will be released to the public tonight. Stay tuned for the announcement. I can't wait to see all of the exciting matchups... Commissioner Brent Wentworth (3rd person alert!) has also annoucned that a mega pre-season preview and a power poll will both be posted to the blog this weekend.

WAKA Wednesday Bar Buzz Preview

With all this talk of new teams forming, new players to the league, and former players sporting new jerseys... you can't help but to get excited for the Spring 2011 Season of our awesome WAKA "Pen Div". And while all these player interviews and talk of game strategy are well and good, let's get to the real heart of the matter here: our WAKA Wednesday after-parties.

Last season we as a division brought it to Luckie's every week. Let's not fool ourselves, we have the best bar sponsorship around (some might disagree on the finite details particularly at the season parties, but... po-ta-to/po-ta-tah; let's move on).

WAKA prides itself on "Best Games" AND "Best Parties" so it's about time we uphold this ideal! This season we'll be paying special attention to who can bring it after the game at the bar - not just at the field - in our Bar Buzz blog section. Now it won't be enough for your team to just bring it on the bases, they'll have to bring it at Luckie's as well and you'll be able to follow it all, every week, right here...

Will the VIP's expand their social circle beyond their exclusive after game supper club? Can anyone outlast Rumspringa on the dance floor? Who will replace HRSSC and NKOTB in initiating epic bar-wide games of flip cup? And most importantly, will the Cupid Shuffle be dethroned as the group dance song of choice??? Grab $3 for your Bud Light pounder and stay tuned!

A Tribute to WAKA Wednesday

Last season, the Jagernauts' Trici Fredrick blogged about her love for WAKA Wednesdays. She forwarded me the link last night, and I wanted to pass it along. Great read. 

And the result? No jokes - the kickball field is where the 20-30 year old world is making friends and quite possibly life partners. And it’s a welcomed change for most of us. Our daily routine often only introduces us to other individuals just like us - engineers, administrators, teachers. We crave exposure to fun, new folks who can broaden our horizons and our social scene.

It’s not just the singles making friends either - its double dates and man-dates and would-be-swinger couples who have got to find another pair who can compliment both partners in the relationship.  It’s happening on Wednesdays nights and Fridays nights and most other days of the week. Young, attractive, successful, and slightly competitive adults, lining the sidelines - red solo cups in hand - cheering on the next foul ball or pop fly.

She speaks the truth, people! Sign up for kickball today!

(BTW, who are the "would-be-swinger couples"?)

Getting to Know: Bryan Freed

Just For Kicks General Manager Bryan Freed made his WAKA debut back in the Spring of 2009, playing for Wilfred Brimley's Mustache Ride. Right from the beginning, he was hooked. Playing in several WAKA leagues on the Peninsula and Southside and traveling to the Founders Cup Weekend in Vegas on at least two separate occasions. He's best known for being the founder and leader of Just For Kicks, one of the most dominate forces on the Peninsula and the single season record holders for runs scored, runs allowed, all-time winning percentage, and more... Recently, I got a chance to sit down with the man for an indepth interview (Seriously, this column is long. If you are planning on printing this out and reading it all on the toilet, be prepared for your legs to go numb before the end). We covered a wide range of topics, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did...

BRENT WENTWORTH: Freed, thanks for joining me and agreeing to do this interview. First question; How does the adult kickball game in 2011 differ from the game you grew up playing during the great depression?
BRYAN FREED: The Great Depression. (laughing) That’s a good one, Brent! Thanks for the compliment of thinking I’m a lot younger than I really am. Rubber had not been invented when we first started playing the game so we used rocks. The game was very similar to the kickball we play now but there were a lot more injuries. In fact, half way through the second season we implemented a rule that you could not tag a base runner out by hitting them in the head with a rock. A variation of that rule is in use today.

WBMR - Fall 2009 

BW: (laughing) Ok, ok, I promise that will be the only age joke during this interview. I had to get it out of my system. But speaking of age, it is fair to say that you are a little older than the average kickballer. How did you get find out about WAKA, and why did you choose to sign up? Was it a tough decision?
BF: In 2008, some of my co-workers had played a couple seasons in the new Peninsula Kickball league. They asked me to come to an open pickup game before the beginning of a season. I was hooked right away. I had a tough decision of how to fit kickball into my work schedule, but I decided to do it and joined my co-workers and friends team Wilford Brimley’s Mustache Ride. I have enjoyed every season since.

BW: What is it about WAKA kickball and VA Peninsula that you enjoy the most?
BF: What has impressed me the most is the camaraderie of the Peninsula league and it just gets better every season! When we go to the bar after the game you can see all the different color t shirts mingled together.

BW: That's really what it's all about. Going back to your earlier response. You mentioned that you were originally recruited by co-workers to play. What type of work do you do?
BF: I am a senior engineer at Newport News Shipbuilding and have been there for many years. I think I started shortly after they opened in 1898 but those days are a little fuzzy because whiskey was not as refined as it is now. I opened a small company in 1991 and another in 2001. It took a long time but both are now very successful. I am not involved in the day to day operations anymore but will work a lot of hours in the evening and weekends in the spring and summer as the two companies go through their busy season. I got my real estate license a few years ago and help friends buy or sell a house. I could do a lot more real estate but I like to focus on friends and co-workers.

Freed gives Panik Attack's pitcher some fitness advice.

BW: That's pretty awesome. A lot of people probably didn't know that about you. What else do you like to do outside of work?
BF: Like a lot of us I’m pretty active. My girlfriend, Gayle, said “The reason you don’t gain weight is because you don’t stay still long enough for a fat molecule to attach itself.” I spend a lot of time working since I enjoy what I do. My hobbies are KICKBALL, mountain biking, going to the gym, travel, and flying.

BW: Dottie and I had an awesome time last summer when you flew us up to Tangier Island in your Cessna. Really one of the highlights of our summer, and I wanted to thank you again... But let's move on to the next question. You founded Just For Kicks a year ago, and have been an absolutely dominant force on the Peninsula. What is the secret to your success? How did you go about creating this record breaking team?
BF: Here are five keys to making any team successful. 
BW: Take notes, captains!
BF: The first is to promote the team mentality.  No matter how good any one player is, they cannot play the game on their own.  Could you imagine a one person defense?  Everyone has to know their responsibility.
BW: Definitely. This is truly a team sport.
BF: The second key is to make the women part of your team, not an afterthought! ALL the best teams do this and their women play an active role in both offense and defense. I think some teams just say go out there and we’ll cover you. The better teams are very clear as to what the women teammates are to do and let them practice doing it. The JFK, EC, and V+D  women are awesome!

"The Professor" at work last fall.

BW: Again, I completely agree. Not trusting your girls can be crucial. Because at some point in a season, every person will have to step up and execute in order to win.
BF: The third key is for the captains of a team to explain or teach the overall responsibilities and then back off. Let the players figure out the details. Once they know what they are supposed to do, they will determine how to best work with each other. You can’t tell a charger and a catcher to go to certain points. Theirs is one of the most crucial team work facets in the game. They will work it out. This is true all over the field. 
BW: Yeah, you can't really micromanage the game from the sideline.
BF: Exactly, sometimes I yell out something like do this or set up here and the response is, “I got it Freed!”  That is my queue to shut up.
BW: So, that's how to make you shut up. Ok, I'll have to remember that. (laughing)
BF: The fourth key is to teach early in the season how to do things. For example, I have heard other teams say, “Just go bunt it.” The person goes up not knowing what to do. We teach our JFK teammates, and anyone else that is interested, this is how you line up for a bunt, this is where your torso should be facing, this is where you should be looking, this is how you approach the ball, and this is how you should be positioned over the ball. The same is true for kicking, throwing, and base running. Every player will be more comfortable and do better if they know what they are supposed to do and how to do it.

BW: That's why they call you "The Professor of Kickball"... So, what is the 5th key component of building a successful team?
BF: Buy me beer at the bar after the games and I’ll tell you the fifth key to making a good team.

BW: (laughing) Ok, you got it. Now, as dominant as JFK has been, the team still has not been able to win the prestigious Wentworth Trophy, falling short against the VIPs in the finals of the past two seasons. Why do you think JFK hasn't been able to get over the hump against The Emperors Club?
BF: In the spring 2010 season JFK lost to Emporers Club but we were just out played that day. The Emperors Club deserved to win that game! The injury to Melody Gardner near the end of that game shook us up too. The VIPs were ahead when that happened, and the game nearly ended due to a time limit (Editors Note: prior to the Fall 2010 season, the End of Season Tourney was played entirely on a Wednesday night. The S10 Finals did not finish until close to midnight that season.) Afterward, we celebrated a great season together! We didn’t know how severe Melody’s injury was until a couple of days later (Editors Note: Gardner suffered a severly broken femur in an infield collision that game). The loss to the VIPs in the Fall 2010 final was different. After all of our “team” philosophy, the cohesion of the JFK team just broke down and The Emperors Club continued to play very tough all the way to the end.

BW: Last season in particular had to be pretty tough. JFK was up by 2 runs with 2 outs, no VIPs on base. Of course we know, The Emperors Club rallied and ended up winning by one run. What the hell happened? Why weren't you all able to close it out?
BF: I think you can go one of two ways with a team. Be all about the fun or be competitive. It is very hard to do both at the same time, but I thought JFK could pull it off. Because of this, there was some conflict among some of  players on the team the last couple weeks of the season. We put a lid on it but it started up again during that final game. The “Team” just broke down.
BW: The team sure did pick a hell of a time to collapse, that's for sure.
BF: As captain, in the last inning, there were exactly four things I wanted to call out and do. I did none of them. Twice, I wanted to reposition a couple players and was going to call time out to do so. I didn’t, and any one of those four moves could have ended the game. Our team was disappointed, but I was probably the most bummed. Our players got us to that final game, but in my mind I had let the team down. We were so close to winning that final game. However, all of this will be history with the first kick of the new season!

Freed scores a run for the VIPs in 

VA Recess competition this winter.

BW: Well, like you said earlier, it's a delicate balancing act between letting the players play and micro-managing the game. Now since we're talking about the finals, in a recent poll conducted by the league, JFK vs. the VIPs was voted one of the top rivalries in Peninsula history. What are your thoughts on the ongoing rivalry? And what are your thoughts about actually playing with The Emperors Club during the Winter VA Recess league? That's gotta be a little weird, right?
BF: Playing on The Emperors Club for the winter season has been a blast! I know the VIP winter team is a mixture of players from The Emperors Club, JFK, 5 O’Clockers, and Rumspringa, but it has been a lot of fun finally playing on a team with many of the people I have competed against over the last few seasons. I have to admit, I was honored to be wearing a red shirt this winter, but cheering VIPs in the huddle before the game didn’t come out easily the first couple weeks! (laughing) After the winter season, I am making a voodoo doll using my red shirt and I'll stick pins in it before we face off this season. Of course though, I’ll wear The Emperors Club shirt with pride when we are playing against each other.

BW: Let's shift gears and look forward to the Spring season. It's been widely covered in the GMOT, that JFK is going through something of a transition period. You've lost several players from the past season including Bryan "NoShoes" Moore, Jimmy Wilcox, Joey Smith, Joey Smith's abs, Noelle Walsh, and Sarah Rourke to the expansion team, Vicious and Delicious. Why do  you think they chose to jump ship, and what are your candid thoughts on the matter?
BF: Everyone that left JFK is what I consider an “A” level player. They have the best playing abilities, competitiveness, and knowledge of the game. I was happy to play on a team with them and hope to do so again.
BW: Come on, Freed. I said candid thoughts. That's way too political and nice.
BF: Look, JFK was a mix of “A” and “B” level players and I include myself as “B” level. JFK will not cut players. Once a player is on the team they are there for as long as they want to be. David Dixon and Bundy [Chris LeBlanc] are putting together a team of “A” level players. That is very appealing! I totally understand why people from JFK and Victorious Secret would want to be a part of this. They can all play at that level. I would like to be part of this too but my “A” level playing days were before most of these people were born.

Expect to see plenty of JFK good times at Luckie's.

BW: After losing so many key players, your challenge is rebuilding. What is your approach to the Spring 2011 season?
BF: JFK took a different tact this season.  We decided early to go for who was going to have a good time as a “Team” and who would enjoy playing together. Read the GMOT write up about Wes [McClain] and Nikki [LeBlanc]. That is exactly what we are about now. Several people such as JC [Cashwell], Eric[Stevens], Andrew [Swenck], Daniel [Shaw], Jill [Simms], Sarah [Crecelius], Rob [Lewandowski], and Cregen [Brady] had options of going to other teams but decided to stay. Players like Wes, Nikki, Jeremy [Pinier], Lindsey, and others are new welcome additions.

BW: You mentioned some of the new players to the team, including Nikki LeBlanc, Wes McClain, and Dr. Jeremy Pinier. What are your expectations for the coming season?
BF: Our aim is to be drama free. What comes out of that will be fine. I think we’ll be a good team, as well as The Emperors Club and VD. But we can’t look past Rumspringa, 5 O’Clockers, Chubby Gangsters, and Chicken Tetrazzini. Those teams that are going to be very tough this season.

BW: Let's wrap it up (Editors Note: Finally!) with some word association. I'm going to through some names out there and you let me know what words first come to mind.
BF: Let's do it.

BW: Ashley Williams.
BF: Great teammate, Most improved player, HUGE enthusiasm.

BW: JC Cashwell.
BF: Too cool. A stone faced poker player.

JFK - Spring 2010

BW: Eric Stevens.
BF: Passion for kickball and life.

BW: George Kiriazidis.
BF: The best smile in kickball.

BW: The Emperors Club.
BF: Great group.

BW: Rumspringa.
BF: Looking forward to cheering them on from the sideline in a championship game, and that will happen soon.

BW: NoShoes.
BF: Good friend. Great kickball teacher.

BW: Vicious and Delicious.
BF: Great talent.

BW: Bundy.
BF: Best strategist in kickball. Fun to talk to.

Freed and Swenck looking forward to a fun and 

successful season. 

BW: Joey Smith.
BF: Intense.

BW: Brent Wentworth (3rd Person Alert!)
BF: Glue that has held this league together and made it grow, great opponent, better teammate.

BW: Hey, thanks, Bryan. I appreciate that. In fact, it sounds like a great note to end this interview on! Thank you again, for taking the time to answer the questions. Great interview!

BF: Thank you, Brent. 
 

News Around the Peninsula - 3.24.2011

New VA Peninsula Registration Record! 
Less than 7 days left in registration, and our 15 groups are filling out nicely. As of today, we already have over 222 players signed up (which surpasses our total from last season). The next person who registers will set break the all-time record for number of players in VA Peninsula. We've been playing kickball in Hampton and York County on Wednesday nights since the Spring of 2007, and this is going to be our biggest and best yet! Thank you to everyone who has already signed up and everyone who is planning on joining!

In a related note: 201 WAKA tee shirts were ordered this morning with the Luckie's logo on the back! Oh yeah!

Dotson joins Just For Kicks
The Just For Kicks vs. The Emperors Club rivalry just turned another page with the addition of former VIP Ryan Dotson to the team. Dotson, who is married to George "The Sex-Dogg" Kiriazidis' sister, was one of the original members of the team, going back the Bad Newz Kennelz days of Fall '07. He played with the team for four seasons, helping the squad win The Wentworth Trophy in Spring 2008. But in the tumultuous season of Spring 2009, Dotson left the VIPs after clashing with one of the captains (3rd person alert?) during the end of season tourney... Now, Dotson will be making his triumphant return to kickball with his former team's biggest rival, JFK. Just another fascinating storyline for this epic season. Can't wait to see how this plays out.

Battlestar Ballsacktica Picks Up Plesha and Easterday

Plesha was so excited about joining her new team that she

demanded requested a blog post to commemorate the occasion.

Two more members of the now extinct Victorious Secret have found new homes. Nicole Plesha and her BFF Alison Easterday are boarding the Battlestar Ballsactica this spring. (Or as Alison referred to it recently, "That Ball-Sack team").

News Around the Peninsula - 3.22.2011

The Smooth Operator joins the 5 O'Clockers

The wait is over! The Smooth Operator is a Clocker!

The long national wait to see where Jeff White plays this spring is over. As announced on his Facebook page last night, White will b playing with the 5 O'Clockers. There was a lot of speculation around where White would play, but in the end, he wound up with his off-season dodgeball teammates on the Clockers. "Britney [Travis] wooed me over by offering me my own G6," White said in a statement, "Now, I'm real fly!"

16th Friend Group Added!
Registration is booming, as we're just 8 days away from the deadline. We have over 180 players already signed up, and we just added our 16th friend group to the mix. Welcome to WAKA Jim Cicero and Vanessa Medgalia of the "Bro Globes". Will they shake things up this season? We shall see...

Jagernaut Video Coming Soon!
Jagernaut captain and Executive Producer Justin Littell has announced that he has finished the first cut of the eagerly anticipated preseason Jager hype video. Stay tuned to the GMOT blog for it's posting within the week!

VA Recess Regular Season Ends; Peninsula Teams Ready for the Tourney

GK crushed a home run on Sunday afternoon.

The ultra-competitive WAKA VA Recess winter league's regular season has come to a close this past weekend. Let's see how the Peninsula teams fared... NautSoJager had a tough go at it, losing to Poles N Holes 5-0 and The Situation 7-0. This put their final record at 2-9-1; 7th place in the league. They'll get another shot at The Situation (VD's Dave Dixon and Chris "Bundy" LeBlanc both play with the Sitch) this weekend in the first round of the tournament... The Emperors Club split their double header this weekend, losing a shootout to Crystal Tanner's Tiki Titan squad 7-6 and beating TundraFeet 5-1. Head Coach George "Super Sexy" Kirazidis lead the VIPs by blasting a 3 run homer in the 4th inning against TFeet. The VIPs finished 4-7-1 and earned the 6th seed for the tournament. Their first round match will be against Back in Black, which features Peninsula players Phil Nadolski and Joey Smith.

VD Picks up Another Player
Vicious and Delicious have added the very speedy Justin Schauf to a roster that is already stacked. Schauf, who is affectionately known as "The Leprechaun", is currently playing winter ball with NautSoJager and will be making his Peninsula debut this spring. Just another tough out for VD. Yikes.

WAKA Kicks Cancer

Hey Kickballers!!!



Together, we can make a difference.



Our Relay for Life team is off to a GREAT start, but we could still use a lot of support. It would be awesome if we had at least 2 people from each team representing WAKA. I realized that many of you may not even know what Relay for Life is. It is a fundraising event put on by the American Cancer Society. Teams form from different organizations all around the city and raise money to fight cancer. On Friday, June 3rd the teams will fill Darling Stadium and walk the track throughout the night. You are supposed to have one person from your team walking at all times! We set up tents on the field and there are events going on throughout the night.

It is ten dollars to register for the team. Go here to register. In order to be guaranteed a shirt you will need to register by April 10th. We have already raised $1,000.00 and I know we can make it to $3,000.00!! Please let me know if you have any questions! A huge shout out to Chicken Tetrazzini's Andrea Hoffman for raising $805.00 of our team balance on her own!!!

Reminder: the team with the most people signed up by the first week of kickball will be receiving free beer and appetizers at Luckies!!

News Around the Peninsula - 3.18.2011

Time again to run down the news and notes from all around the Peninsula.

Vicious and Delicious Does it Again

Daniel Reyes will be in a VD uniform under the 

bright lights of War Memorial this spring.

The team announced today that they have officially signed Fall 2010 1st Team All-Peninsula Pitcher Daniel Reyes to play for them this spring. Reyes earned 1st Team honors after an outstanding season offensively and defensively for Victorious Secret. The signing is just the latest for a squad that is looking stacked. Not only have they acquired the 1st Team All-Peninsula SP, reports are saying that the team is close to signing 2nd Team All-Peninsula SP Jimmy Wilcox as well. Seriously, it's going to be pretty damn tough to score on VD with these moves.

Pre-Season Pick Up Games a Success
Thank you to everyone who came out on Wednesday to the Pre-Season Pick Up Games. We had about 75 kickballers out at War Memorial and it was a lot fun. You can just tell that the enthusiasm for this upcoming season is extremely high. We had a lot of veteran kickballers in attendance, but also a lot of new faces. A couple of the league's free agents, Michael Polanco and Princess Haskins were even recruited by Allison and Jon Hund to play with Saved by the Balls after meeting them at the fields! All in all, it was a fun night of kickball, followed by some good times at the NASCAR grill drinking a few pounders! Good way to preview the season!

Biggest Rivalry on the Peninsula

Loser sleeps on the couch.

Earlier this week, I posted a column on the blog breaking down some of the best rivalries on the Peninsula and invited the readers to vote on a poll to determine the greatest of all-time. Well, the results are in; after 6 days and 64 votes, the Chicken Tetrazzini vs. Chubby Gangster earned 30% of the votes, followed closely by The Emperors Club vs Just For Kicks with 27%. There is controversy with the vote though, as it's rumored that Chubby Gangster Melissa Rarick voted over a dozen times herself by logging into every computer at her work and clicking on the CT vs. CG matchup. When reached for comment about the controversial poll results, the VIPs Brent Wentworth (3rd Person Alert!) said, "It's ok. We're more concerned with winning kickball games and not online popularity contests."

12 Days Until Registration Closes
We're just 12 days away from the close of registration and we already have 170 players signed up with 15 teams/groups! This is 9th season of WAKA kickball on the Peninsula, and it's looking like it's going to be the biggest and the best! If you haven't signed up yet, please go to www.kickball.com/vapeninsula and register today! You won't want to miss this awesome season!

Jeff White Update
Still patiently waiting to see where "The Smooth Operator" will land. Heard a rumor that he might be close though. Stay tuned for updates...

That's all the latest... Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Holmes is Hyped for the Spring

A couple weeks ago, I did an interview with Rumspringa's Ricky Holmes. Within the interview, Ricky talked about how excited he was for the upcoming Spring season of WAKA VA Peninsula kickball... Well, I don't think you can quite really understand how amped #81 is just from reading that interview. You guys really got to see his facebook page, where nearly everyday, he's been posting a new photoshop poster promoting himself! Here are a couple examples. Enjoy!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

The mayor of Portsmouth is clearly a Holmes fan...

No, apparently, he spent it in front of a computer making
photoshop pictures...

Tribute to Japan? 

Looks like it's 1/2 past 81 o'clock.

One for the kids...

Is 81 the number of pics Ricky intends to create?

News Around the Peninsula - 3.15.2011

Time to update you on the latest from around the league...

Rumspringa's Scotty Moriarty recently popped the question to his co-captain Sabra Swilley, and she said 'yes'! The couple, who are finalists in WAKA's Cutest Couple contest, have been together for over a year and you can tell they are absolutely in love! Congratulations go out to you both!

Forbes scores a run in a 

Spring '10 game against the VIPs

In other Rumspringa news, former 1st Team All-Peninsula member Megan Forbes has rejoined the team after taking the Fall season off. Forbes earned the all-star honors in her rookie season last spring after using her outstanding speed and athleticism to stand out among her peers. This is a very big pickup for the 'Springa, who made the semi-finals last season. Will Megan be the difference maker that lifts them to the next level this season?

Latest news on the Jeff White search for a team. It's rumored that "The Smooth Operator" recently cut a shower short after he thought he heard his phone ring. Turns out it wasn't a captain inviting him to play, but just a telemarketer.


VA Recess Roundup

Kim Dude legging out a triple w/beer

(photo courtesy of MKEH)

Tough week for the Peninsula teams competing over in Norfolk's ultra competitive VA Recess winter league. The The Emperors Club suffered a nightmarish 1st inning, giving up 3 runs against Poles N Holes. SP Brent Wentworth (3rd person alert) particularly sucked ass, walking the first two kickers of the game and putting the VIPs in a hole. The Emperors Club ended up losing 3-0... Meanwhile, the NautSoJagers squared off against nationally ranked The Situation. The Situation opened up an 11-0 lead, and looked to cruise to victory. But the Jagers would not go quietly. Led by a stand up triple by Kim Merritt (with beer in hand!), they scored 4 runs before running out of outs on their rally. Final score: The Situation 11, NautSoJager 4.

For more pics of Peninsula kickballers in action, visit MKEH's Facebook album (if you're friends with her of course!)

Free Pick-Up WAKA Kickball Games on Wednesday!

Free Pick-Up WAKA Kickball Games!
When: Wednesday, March 16th
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: War Memorial Stadium
1889 Pembroke Ave
Hampton, VA

Our spring season is right around the corner! To wet everyone's appetite, War Memorial will be open on Wednesday night hosting a FREE pick up game!

The event will be open to everyone, whether you're a returning team trying to knock off the winter rust, a rookie trying to learn the game, or just someone who is curious and wants to see what kickball is all about. All are welcome!

The Tiki Bar will be open and serving nice cold beers, the P.A. will be pumping some tunes, and we'll be kickin' some balls around. After we pack up, we'll head over to the NASCAR Sports Grille in the Power Plant Parkway and spend some more time meetin' and greetin'!

**If there is poor weather, please check our twitter page (@WAKAVAPeninsula) or our Facebook Group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29598170745&ref=ts) Any cancellation decision will be posted there.**

To sign up to play in our spring season, please visit http://www.kickball.com/vapeninsula. Free agents and groups are welcome! Deadline to register is March 30th! Season kicks off on April 6th!

Hope to see a lot of 'ballas out on Wednesday night! If anyone has any questions, please let me know!

Thanks,


Brent Wentworth
Sr. Customer Service Representative
WAKA® Kickball
The World Adult Kickball Association®
brent@kickball.com

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Best Rivalry on the Peninsula?

Red Sox vs. Yankees. Duke vs. UNC. Redskins vs. Cowboys. Warlocks vs. Trolls... These are some of the most famous rivalries in the country. I was thinking about kickball (what a shock) as I watched SportsCenter this morning, and it got me to thinking; What is the best rivalry on the Peninsula?

We're going into the 9th season of WAKA kickball in VA Peninsula, and over the years, there have been some great match ups. I'm going to run down some of the league's biggest and best rivalries, both historic and new. In the end, you decide which matchup you think is the best.

Let's get it on!

5 O'Clockers vs. Foul Balls

Rivals on the field. Pals off of it.

Both of these teams were in rebuilding years last season (sports code for they used to be good, but now they kind of suck), so newer players might not have know that these are two of the most successful franchises in the league. These two teams have both captured a championship, and it seemed like every season, they were facing each other in the playoffs in tightly contested games. The 5 O'Clockers came out on top in the Fall 2008 finals over the Foulies for the Wentworth Trophy. The very next season, the teams squared off in the semi-finals with Foul Balls coming out on top en route to their only League Championship... Although, these two teams have had some memorable playoff clashes, ultimately, the rivalry has been onsided, as that Spring 2009 playoff win was the only one the Foulies would earn. Lifetime, the 5OC leads the series 9-1. But make no mistake, this still counts as a rivalry. When former Foul Ball Greg Moore signed up as a free agent this season, he made one request to the commissioner's office, "If you have any kindness in your heart, you will not put me on the 5 O'Clockers (it's an arch-rival thing)."

5 O'Clockers vs. The Emperors Club

The Emperors Club always looks forward to playing the 5OC.

LOTS of history here. The two most tenured teams in the league started off as rivals from day 1. When the Clockers first joined the league in the Spring of 2008, this young team of up brash upstarts immediately took to the league's Myspace page (For you younger kids, myspace used to be a popular social networking site) and talked copious amounts of trash to the division leading VIPs. In the 6 seasons since the 5OC joined the league, the two teams have met in the playoffs four times, with The Emperors Club winning 3 of the games, including two matchups for the Wentworth Trophy (S08 and F09)... Last season the feud escalated when The Emperors Club "stole" the Clockers trademark black unis, which lead to great controversy... All in all though, much like the 5OC vs. Foul Balls rivalry, it's been one-sided though. In fact, In 13 match-ups, the VIPs have gone 12-1 (!). The last game these two played was in the 2nd round of the Fall 2010 playoffs, when the VIPs killed the Gym Tan Kickball 16-0 in three innings... The rivalry has been softened a bit as well recently, when four members of the Clockers, Jeff and Kristen Pauley, Josh Waldrop, and Allen Walker actually joined The Emperors Club for the Winter '11 VA Recess season. The Clockers are vowing to come back strong for this season though, and I know Coach Britney Travis has beating the VIPs as one of her top goals, so don't be surprised to see a rebirth of this great rivalry.

Battlestar Ballsacktica vs. New Kickheads on the Block

We could see a celebration

on the bar if NKotB can beat BB.

These two teams have never played each other, but that's only because they used to be teammates. After the NKotB's first year, the team split into two camps, after reportedly experiencing some internal strife. "We had a good time, but there was just drama at times." NKotB captain Amanda Hassell recently stated. No doubt, when these two teams meet, it will be an interesting match up, with both sides going all out. Sounds like it could be the spark of a new rivalry.

Rumspringa vs. Jagernauts

Ain't no party like a Rumspringa party!

This one is not so much a rivalry on the fields, although they have had some good games (including an 8-4 Rumspringa win in the quarterfinals of the Fall 2010 playoffs). This is more about the rivalry at Luckie's. "Rumspringa is always talking about how hard they party", the 'Nauts Trici Fredrick said recently, "But they aren't consistent. The Jagernauts bring it every week."
Sounds like the challenge has been laid!

Just For Kicks vs. Vicious and Delicious

Vicious (right) and Delicious (left)

Another inclusion of two teams that have yet to play each other. But all indications show that this might be one of the all time great rivalries (unless the teams split up and then reshuffle under new names which is a trademark of southside kickballers). JFK has had a historic run through the Peninsula in 2010, going 21-1-1 in regular season play, and making the finals both seasons. So when former VIPs Dave Dixon and Chris "Bundy" LeBlanc began forming their own team, VD, they immediately set their sites on JFK's biggest stars. They've already officially signed Noelle Walsh, Sarah Rourke, Joey Smith, Joey Smith's washboard abs, and Bryan "NoShoes" Moore. And they are reportedly not done recruiting from JFK as they have been rumored to be targeting others as well... The result is a bad ass VD team stocked full of veteran players, while JFK is reloading with young talent who are determined to not only get revenge for the ruthless poaching, but to prove to the league that they can rebuild stronger without the deserters. Personally, I can't wait to see these two lock up, which is why they got included in the best rivalry conversation

Chubby Gangsters vs. Chicken Tetrazzini

When CG and CT play they don't fuck with

rock, paper, scissors. 

This is the definition of a friendly rivalry. These two teams are so close off the field, that sometimes it's hard to tell where the Chubby Gangsters end and the Chicken Tetrazzini begin. But when they play each other in kickball, it's on (usually because the loser buys the beer at Luckie's afterwards). "We look forward to playing them, because it's always a fun game playing against your friends", Gangbanger Melissa Rarick said, "We want to keep our undefeated record intact against them too." In their only meeting last season, the Chubby Gangsters won 6-1.



Just For Kicks vs. The Emperors Club

When the VIPs and JFK mix it up, it can get intense.

JFK formed two seasons ago and have been wrecking havoc on the league ever since. They've rolled through the competition, scoring 215 runs, while only allowing 22. They've looked as invincible as Superman, but they have one kryptonite, and that is The Emperors Club. The two teams have squared off in 5 games since the Spring 2010 season. The Emperors Club leads the series 3-1-1 and is the only team to win or tie against JFK. Two of the victories came in the finals of the league tournament... And although, the VIPs have edged JFK more often than not, each game has been extremely close (no game has had a winning margin of more than 2 runs)... In the championship game of the Fall 2010 season, JFK had a two run lead with the VIPs down to their final out, with no one on base. And although they had several chances, Just For Kicks couldn't close it out. The Emperors Club miraculously scored 3 runs in the top of the 5th and secured another title.
"I've played on the southside for years now, and I've seen the great rivalries between the top teams like Panik Attack and The Situation," JFK Head Coach Bryan Freed said recently, "I feel like we have a rivalry that's on par with that. It's good to be a part of. As our two teams can bring out the best in each other."

The Flyin' Frenchman Lands at JFK

One of the rare pics of Dr. Jeremy Pinier in action

that isn't motion blurred.

HAMPTON, VA - Just For Kicks announced today that they have acquired All-Peninsula team member Dr. Jeremy Pinier for the Spring 2011 season.

Pinier, who formally played for The Emperors Club, Your Mom, and Victorious Secret, is best known for his blazing fast speed. It's expected that he will slide right into the top of the JFK lineup.

It's reported that Pinier had several teams bidding for his services, including the VIPs, and Vicious and Delicious.

When asked why he ultimately chose Just For Kicks, Pinier said, "It was a tough choice, lots of good teams in there. But in the end, I was really looking for a fun and relaxed team to be on with still a good kickball level."

"Most definitely JFK's famous and charismatic coach Bryan Freed was the difference maker."

After losing several players to VD (the kickball team not STDs), it's clear that JFK is reloading. And what better way to re-load than with the fastest bullet in the league?

News Around the Peninsula - 3.10.2011

With just under 3 weeks left in registration and 4 weeks until the season kicks off, we're seeing lots of movement on the registration front! The excitement is building, so let's run down some the recent news and notes from around the league.

Last nights' Off Season Happy Hour was a lot of fun. Thank you to everyone who came out to The Greene Turtle, especially JFK's Nikki LeBlanc who was celebrating her birthday! And congratulations to Daniel Shaw, Justin Littell, Joe Mazziti, Kevin Gitkos, and Trici Fredrick for winning the drawings for WAKA swag.

Please join me in welcoming the newest team/friend group to VA Peninsula, Jiminy Kick-It! Lead Crissy and Brandon Accordino. They are a team completely full of rookies, but with the help of some Chicken Tetrazzini players, they are already being taught the ins and outs of the game. In fact, last night at the Off-Season Happy Hour, JKI was doing some recruiting and reportedly got 4 new players to commit to joining! Can't wait to see JKI out on the field in Texas Hokie Orange!

FINALLY... The NoShoes has come BACK to the Peninsula!

Bryan "NoShoes" Moore is the latest JFK player to defect to the newly formed Vicious and Delicious. NoShoes is a veteran kickballer of many seasons and travel tournaments. He adds additional firepower to what is already promising to be a potent VD offense. But almost as important, it means that VD will get world class Scorekeeper and video journalist April Moore to document their games... But don't feel too bad for JFK. Yesterday, the team confirmed that Jillian Simms, Daniel Shaw, and Sarah Crecelius are all returning to the club. It's also rumored that 1st Team All-Peninsula players Eric "The Pirate" Stevens and JC Cashwell are close to re-signing. Bryan Freed's cupboard is far from being bare.

When reached for comment,

Patterson said, "Let's go CAPS!"

Buster Patterson is busted up. Recently the Chubby Gangster head coach and starting pitcher shattered his collarbone in an off-season rugby game. The injury has put Patterson on the shelf for 6-8 weeks, causing a void in CG defense at SP. The top candidates to replace Buster are Mikey Nobile and former Foul Ball Greg Moore. Rumors swirled last night that the CGs had recruited Brent Wentworth (3rd person alert!) to fill the spot after he showed up to the Off Season Happy Hour rocking Gangbanger blue. Those rumors were immediately denied, "I have no plans to leave the VIPs." Wentworth said, "I'm not even good enough to lace Buster's cleats. Let alone replace him anyway."



Recently, inside sources (of course I am referring to Dottie) told me that the Jagernauts have opened training camp to prepare for the upcoming Spring. Reports indicate that attendance at the first practice on Tuesday was very good and it was a productive session. With many of the pundits predicting JFK, the VIPs, or VD to win the championship, don't count out the Jagers. They've been working very hard this offseason and are focused on winning the prestigious Wentworth Trophy.

Wentworth and Laneave at a recent VA Recess game.

In other news; The Emperors Club have come to an agreement to a contract extension for former TailGator John Laneave. Laneave, who is a former soccer and softball standout, has been on trial with the VIPs for the Winter VA Recess season. He has impressed Head Coach George "Sometimes I get bored with having sex with women, so I experiment with men" Kiriazidis enough to invite him to the Spring side.

Meanwhile, there have been no updates on Jeff White's search for a new team. But I'm sure it'll only be a matter of time before he finds a team, right? Stay tuned to the GMoT blog for up to the minute updates on this developing situation.

Eddie Seavers to join The Emperors Club?!?

A Jagernaut legend will be joining the VIPs in Vegas
this fall for the Founders Cup XIV championship.

NEW JERSEY - Yes, you read that right. Former Jagernaut Eddie Seavers has signed with The Emperors Club. Of course, he probably won't be play in a single game during the season given that the former 1st Team All-Peninsula superstar lives in Northern New Jersey. The VIPs are planning on competing for the World Championship of Kickball at WAKA's Founders Cup XIV in Las Vegas this October. By adding Seavers to their Spring roster, he will be eligible to play with The Emperors Club in the tourney.

(By the way, I spent a couple of hours trying to figure out how to photoshop a picture of Eddie in a VIP WAKA shirt. I really need to get a life...)

Getting to Know: Marilee Columbus & Amanda Beierle

It's time for another addition of "Getting to Know". This week, I sat down with a couple of the newest WAKA kickballers, Marilee Columbus and Amanda Beierle of team Moose Knuckles. Let's jump right into the conversation...

"Success is our future, color
coordinated ribbons and all!"
- Amanda Beierle

Brent Wentworth: To begin with I want to thank you both for agreeing to this interview. I think it was a great idea to profile some of our new people. First question; How did you guys hear about WAKA kickball and what made you decide to sign up? 


Amanda Beierle: Jesse Jones told me several months ago about his a-mazing kickball adventures on his VIP winning team. 


Marilee Columbus: Yeah, I heard about kickball from Jesse and Amy Lowe. Jesse has bragged about his skills on the field for awhile now and I just don't believe it, so I need to see it. 


BW: Well, I can testify. I was teammates with Jesse and he came through with an amazing dive to win us another championship. Respect. 


AB: Well, since he was all about earning two free pitchers of beer for having us sign up we decided to give it a shot. (laughing) 


BW: There is no better incentive than free beer. (laughing) So, you neither of you have played kickball before? 


MC: I have some past kickball experience. I got in trouble in third grade for making a super long daisy chain instead of playing my position. So yeah, that's my kickball experience. 


BW: Well, you better not try that this spring. Nick [Anderson] might make you do laps. What about you, Amanda? 


AB: This is a new sport for us, but we are as excited to play as Jesse is excited about his two free pitchers of beer. Since his VIP team couldn’t meet his demands, this trio is going to the expansion team, and hoping to quote “put them on the WAKA Peninsula map” 

"I got in trouble in 3rd grade for
making a super long daisy chain
instead of playing my position."
- Marilee Columbus

BW: Nice, JJ quote. (laughing) You mentioned you're both excited about making your debut. I even heard that you guys held your own small practice, is this right? How'd it go? 


AB: (laughs) Well, since this is a new sporting event for both of us, we told Jesse that Sunday practices were in order. It went as well as a first kickball practice could be expected. There were some (ok, a lot of) laughs, some drills, kicks and throws involved.


MC: Yes, kickball practice was super official. After hearing none of the rules or technical aspects, Jesse just started throwing the ball at us. It went uphill from there. I think we did better than we thought we would though. 


AB: Watch out, we are going to be good. Success is in our near future, color coordinated ribbons and all!


BW: Woah. That's hardcore. Next question, and this is a two parter; I can tell that you guys are very close. Where did you all meet and how would you describe each other? 


MC: Amanda and I met at work, where we shape the future. Yea, no big deal we just teach kids to read or whatever. I would describe Amanda as a walking holiday. An official walking holiday.


AB: Marilee is a blast in a glass, together we teach the future generations of America. 


BW: Wow. I don't even know what either of those terms mean. I guess it's complimentary though. So, in addition to ribbon shopping and creating obscure compliments for each other, what other hobbies do you both enjoy? 


MC: When I'm not teaching preschool I am an at home top chef. I cook new recipes each week and really enjoy that. Trust me, my brownies are on point and I make a mean steak dinner.


BW: Day-um! Now we're talking. Have I mentioned that the Commissioner easily bribed? What about you, Amanda? 


AB: You know, teaching is a side job. On the regular, we enjoy being gym super heroes, keeping our party skills fresh, and getting ready for our up and coming kickball season.


BW: Nice. So, we know you're new to kickball. What other sports have you both played in the past? 


AB: I’ve played all sports, but throughout high school I ran track, reason being how I ended up in Newport News. I was planning on running at CNU, I trained all summer leading up to my freshman year, however when I got here decided not to. I continue to run, but not competitively.

Jesse is a pimp.

BW: What the fuck? Jesse did not tell me that you friggin' ran track! Wait until [VIP Head Coach] George Kiriazidis hears about this... Marilee, don't tell me you are a runner too? 


MC: Well, I ran track for a day in high school. No one told me it involved so much running. I was a ballerina for 14 years of my life. Now I just run for fitness and show off my break dancing robot skills whenever I can.


BW: I'm hoping we'll see these "break dancing robot skills" in action at Luckie's on Wednesday nights this season. So, let's get down to brass tacks. If you don't mind me saying, you both are pretty hot. Now for the question every single dude will want me to ask; Are you single and available? 


AB: Yeeeeeah, we are. Big "what up" to my boy Jason Derulo and ridin solo (It's my theme song), although Marilee prefers Beyonce put a ring on it. Holler at cha girls.


MC: I am single and since I am older than Amanda, my theme is definitely Beyonce. So put a ring on it and I will make you dinner. Deal?


BW: I wouldn't be surprised if you get more than a few proposals this season. (laughing) Ladies, I'm so glad you decided to join our awesome kickball community. Thanks again for your time! 


Hope you all enjoyed the interview. If you have anyone you would like to Get to Know, leave the suggestion in the comments below, and they may be featured in a future post!