Spring 2011 - Week 9 Preview

Foul Balls (2-7) vs. Chubby Gangsters (6-2) 

The Foulies OFs would be wise to back up
a few steps when Steve Midlik comes up.

I'm not going to lie. It's still bizarre to type "2-7" next to the Foul Balls name. I'm old enough to remember back to 2008, when the Foulies were the most dominant team in the league for 2 seasons. In fact, they started their franchise by going 17-3-1 in their first 21 games, made 2 finals, and won a Wentworth Trophy.  Of course over the years, they've lost some key players, but captains Jen Nardi and Andreas Beyersdorf continue carrying the flag... On the other side, it's just as bizarre to type '6-2' for the Chubby Gangsters. In their first two seasons (F09/S10), they were the league's doormat, going 5-18 during that time. But Buster Patterson and Tracy Colby have continued to acquire talent and experience and have built themselves into legitimate contenders... In many ways, this is a match up between the Peninsula's past and the Peninsula's future (from a competitive standpoint).

5 O'Clockers (5-3) vs. Chicken Tetrazzini (4-4)

Can Jeff Pauley and the
Clockers rebound on Wed?

The Clockers had high hopes going into week 8 against the VIPs, however they came up short. Now, they'll be looking to bounce back against the Tetrazzini, who earned a big win over NKotB last week. This is a very important game, from a seeding standpoint as we head down the stretch. Currently, there are six teams bunched in the middle of the pack, with either 4 or 5 wins. Not only would a CT win help them jockey for position in the standings, but it would give them a huge confidence boost... If they have any shot at victory though, they'll have to find a way to shut down the prolific Clocker offense. The Clockers offense is averaging 8.5 runs per game (tied for first in the league) and are equally adept at bunting and kicking away. C Taylor Wilson and Ch Joey Lawrence (Whoa!) have shown to be a very competent combo on defending the bunt game, but teams have had some success testing the Angry Birds outfield. No team in the league can fire line drives into gaps better than the Clockers, with Allen Walker, Josh Waldrop, and Paul Phan. This will be a very interesting game to watch on Wednesday to see which team comes out on top.

New Kickheads (5-3) vs. The Emperors Club (7-0-1) 

NKotB would love to see Ant
Williams pouting on Wed.

NKotB has been far exceeding expectations this season, but they stumbled last week against a veteran Chicken Tetrazzini squad. It's possible that they may have been looking past CT toward their big double header this week against the VIPs and VD. Or perhaps it was the lack of 'fuel' while far away from the familiar tiki bar of War Memorial last week... Whatever the cause of the loss, it's clear they'll have to bring their 'A' game if they want to pull the upset in either of their games this week... The VIPs are still the leagues only undefeated team, although very rarely have they blown anyone out. In fact, offensively, the VIPs are averaging 4.75 runs per game, which is 6th in the league. If NKotB can find a way to penetrate the VIP defense and turn this into a shootout, than they might have a shot. And although they have the speed and power to do so, it's easier said than done. The VIPs defense is playing at an elite level, only giving up 1.13 runs per game (2nd in the league).

Battlestar Ballsacktica (3-5) vs. Rumspringa (4-4-1) 

The return of Troy Southall
has been a big boost for 'Springa.

After a very poor start to the season, which has been covered extensively in this blog, 'Springa has finally climbed out of the hole. But last week, they stumbled a bit, losing a heart breaker to the Chubbies. This week, they'll have a challenge from an inconsistent Battlestar team. BB is a team that has a lot of talent, skill, and some experience. I predicted them to be one of the top 10 teams prior to the season starting, but to this point, it hasn't quite come together for them for whatever reason. But it's too early to count them out. If they can score an upset here against Rumspringa, it would give them a lot of momentum headed into June.


Saved by the Balls (0-8) vs. Jagernauts (5-4) 
SbtB just can't find a win to save their lives, and it'll be tough to beat a veteran team like the Jagernauts. Reports are circulating that the 'Nauts are planning on arriving at War Memorial early to do some extensive tailgating though. It's not like SbtB is completely devoid of talent. If the Jagers take them too lightly, David Chappell, Trace Ferre, and Trey Jarrett could do some damage.

Jon Hund is ready to take off. 

Vicious & Delicious (7-1) vs. New Kickheads (5-3) 

Jimmy Wilcox and VD score a lot of runs.

Killer double header for NKotB, as they square off against the top two teams in the league. We already talked about NKotB and their keys to victory earlier. VD is a very similar team to the VIPs, especially defensively. The biggest difference is offensively. VD is very aggressive and will test the rookie Kickheads. If NKotB gets caught throwing the ball around the infield, Vicious & Delicious will make them pay and this one could get ugly. But if they can play within themselves and make smart plays, than they can hang in there. VD has a way of making team's break though... Regardless of how this week turns out for NKotB, it will be a great learning experience for a young and hungry team.

Jiminy Kick-It (3-6) vs. Battlestar Ballsacktica (3-5)

With just 3 regular season weeks left, every game counts, as teams jockey for position and favorable seeds. JKI and BB are hoping to earn their 4th win and the head to head advantage in the standings... Battlestar Ballsacktica has a lot of powerful legs that crush the ball (literally in the case of Phillip Tanner). In my scouting of JKI, I've seen that their outfield can struggle at times. This is probably a good match up for BB, if Jiminy doesn't tighten up the holes. That will be the key to this game.

Just For Kicks (6-3) vs. Off in the Corner (0-9)

Genius.

Ever since JFK lost to Moose Knuckles three weeks ago, they've been on a mission. They've gone 4-0 and outscored their opponents 32-1 since the loss. It's almost as if Bryan Freed and co. are out to make a statement to anyone who may have written them off as title contenders. It turns out that JFK is still a force to be reckoned with. It'll be tough for winless OitC to stop JFK, although they have shown that they are capable of playing close games against top teams in the past. In week 4, they held The Emperors Club to only 4 runs... If JFK is not completely focused, than this could be a game. Of course, nothing in the last 3 weeks shows me that JFK is anything but focused.

J-Lo is always ready in the outfield for OitC.

Moose Knuckles (5-3) vs. Vicious & Delicious (7-1)

Three weeks ago, the Knuckles pulled one of the biggest upsets in Peninsula history when they became only the third team to ever beat JFK. So, they have shown that they have the ability to be giant killers. Of course, there are few giants as big as VD, and the Moose will have to be nearly flawless in their execution to drop them... Although Moose Knuckles mostly consist of inexperienced players (they only have 4 players on their roster with kickball experience. None of which had played more than one season prior), they know have a great grasp on the strategic aspects of the game. They will lay down nice bunts to get runners on, they know when to go down first for the sacrifice, and they have the big legs to knock the runners in. It's no accident that they have been successful and are the third highest scoring team in the league... On the other side, VD has about 458 combined seasons of kickball experience (that's an estimate). They sport the leagues top offense (8.5 runs per game) and defense (0.68 runs allowed per game). They are deep at every position and excel at making their opponents make mistakes. If MK can avoid getting rattled and play their game, they have a puncher's chance of pulling another historic upset.

Jesse Jones hurls the ball towards the plate in week 8. 

Meet the Destroyer's Cheerleaders

Rumsprina's Angie Weatherford and Kecia Warner made the UFL Destroyers dance team! On June 11th, they're having a Meet N Greet with all of the Cheerleaders in VA Beach. If you want to go support our fellow kickballers and meet some of the talented ladies of the Destroyers, put it on your calendar! Sounds like a good time.

Last Chance to Support WAKA KIcks Cancer!

Don't forget to get your Embassy Suites raffle tickets tomorrow night! This will be the last night we will be selling them. Relay for Life is this Friday night. We will be walking at Darling Stadium in Hampton from 7pm - 8am. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join us and walk a few laps. If you would like to sign up for a time slot see me (Melissa Rarick) or Andrea Hoffman or just show up Friday night! We will be the tent with the red and white WAKA decorations.

Thank you to everyone who has donated on behalf of our team! If you would still like to donate go to main.acsevents.org/goto/WAKA.

Bar Buzz Week 8

"See the sunlight - we ain't stopping. Keep on Dancing 'til the world ends."


After a weekend full of relaxing, partying and kicking off the "unofficial" start of summer (in addition to thanking and remembering the great men and women who have served our country)...it's only appropriate that we all take a moment to reflect on the party at Luckie's that was last Wednesday. Although we were few in numbers, we were way big in impact. So to those of you who were out repping - WAY TO GO! And for those of you who weren't - sorry about your bad luck because Luckie's was on point this week. 


#12 The Emperor's Club: Author's note: on weeks when it's likely we'll have less teams present at the bar (i.e. Rain-outs), teams will almost always get ranked so long as they have one or two people at the bar (and let's be honest, I don't always see EVERYONE so don't get all cranky.) Lucky for the VIPs they'll likely always get a mention because the only person who's at the bar more than Gossip Girl is the Commish. BUT this week, since actions speak louder than words, I'll let the following speak for my thoughts on our ever elusive Emperor's Club... (btw this has been tagged for offensive language)

(And now you know how The Commish feels about the whole scenario as well.)

#11 Battlestar Ballsacktica: It was a rough week for the Ballsacks. For a team has gone to great lengths (especially as of late) to ensure that they stay in the top of the rankings, this week was slim pickin's. Fortunately they had a sleeper amongst them in Jonathan Pilz's super fan wifey, Dana who was a key stand in for the Not So Super Troopers. She kept BB in the game but really only because she's a blast to hang out with and has some mean dance moves. 

SBB's Brad Gault: Lone Man Standing

#10 Saved by the Balls: For a team that rarely puts forth the numbers of larger teams, the Balls are still hanging with the best of us. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Whatever you do, don't count them out. 


#9 Chubby Gangsters: Oh our faithful BDBs (need a refresher on what this means?) whatever would the Gangsters do without you? Even though Jeffrey Scott couldn't make it to the game (he still has to run those Pilots events you know) he still managed to make it to the bar to support his team and make sure AJ Derr wasn't alone. If only others add the same level of dedication! 


#8 Moose Knuckles:The Knuckles have been anything but consistent this season however, they did put up a mean defense in a 4 on 12 flip cup game with the Jagernauts. It could only be a matter of time before we see them taking over the dance floor once again.


#7 Rumspringa: The 'Springas are still managing to hang on in the rankings, but can they muster the capability to take it all the way to the top? It remains to be seen what they'll do now that their former alliance has moved forward without them. Will they just be "Rum" (without the Jager) or will their cry return..... RUMSPRINGAAAAAAAA!

#6 Just For Kicks: JFK just keeps on kickin'.  Now if only they could bring it to the bar like they bring it to the field! 


#5 Foul Balls: A late game made for an iffy showing for the Foulies. They were also one man down without Zach G. in tow. But irregardlessly, they still made it to the top five. Now, some of you might be thinking "Top 5? Big Deal there wasn't hardly anyone there last week" but if you take a longer look you'll notice that our Bar Buzz Top 5 contains a powerhouse of teams. Three of which have already held the title once. 

New Kickhead Garrett Davis tells us a NKOTB secret:
they're going for TWO.

#4 New Kickheads on the Block: NKOTB has been overly consistent in their participation numbers, mingling, and late night staying power. I predict that its only a matter of time before they are back on the top (if not, Amanda Hassell will just steal the belt for herself again). 


#3 5 O'Clockers: Never before have I seen a team so subtly proud to wear the highly coveted and internationally acclaimed (yes, those folks in Canada WANT this thing) Golden Belt. The Clockers mostly kept to themselves this week (the exception being the occasional NKOTB/Clockers dance intermingling). So much so that at times you had to wonder if this was the same team that won the Bar Buzz just last week. Although they managed to hold strong, inquiring minds want to know if they'll still hang near the top of the rankings now that they've acquired the belt at least once. 

#2 Vicious and Delicious: What a showing for VD this week and for those of you who thought their break through into the Top 5, much-less the Top 3 couldn't be done... time to think again. Perhaps is was the brotherhood of the cinder gray and white t-shirts that they shared with this week's champs. Or maybe it's just that VD is just that good. 


#1 Jagernauts: Better than your favorite Saturday Morning cartoon... The Jagernauts (HOOOOO!) charged into the bar this week and quite simply... never stopped (unlike your favorite Saturday morning cartoons which sadly are long gone).  Maybe it was the throw back jerseys. Maybe it was that they finally didn't have an 8:30 game. Maybe it was Justin Littell's sweet flip cup skills. Whatever it was the 'Nauts caught the fever and just kept going that is until they didn't...(see below). 

Kevin Gitkos takes a WAKA Wed Time Out

When contacted for comment, Kevin "Glitter" Gitkos only mumbled a mix of phrases including "Glitter" "Jagernauts" "F@&# YEAH!" over and over again. But thankfully Team Mom, Kathleen Krohn was slighting more articulate, "Finally, we were back to our former selves, the Jagers we saw circa September 2010: playing flip cup, mingling, staying late, busting a move to Cascada. I couldn't be more proud and I just can't wait to do it all again next week!"

The Jagernauts: Bar Buzz Week 8 CHAMPS!

Bryan "NoShoes" Moore Conquers California

LOS ANGELES - VD's Bryan "NoShoes" Moore, in a continuing effort to prove that no man or woman takes kickball as seriously (not even your humble commissioner), traveled to sunny California to compete in the "Best of the West" tournament.

NoShoes joined "3 Hours Ahead", which was comprised of a group of experienced kickballers from South Florida, DC, and New York. Although the group had never played together before, they quickly gelled and their talent overwhelmed the competition. They won their first 4 games in pool play in dominating fashion, earning the top seed in the single elimination bracket.

3HA than cruised through their first two opponents before squaring off with nationally ranked "Sofa King Good" in the finals. Sofa King jumped out to an early 4-1 lead, but could not hold back the relentless 3HA offense. The East Coast squad came from behind and won the final game 7-5.

For winning the tournament, 3 Hours Ahead won a grand prize of $2,000.

"[It was] the most epic kickball tourney weekend of my life," Moore said in the 3HA postgame press conference, "My body is a complete wreck, but it was worth it. So happy."

Reports on kickball365.com indicate that Moore was a terror on the basepaths all day long, with a kicking average up over .800 for the day with several runs scored...

Congrats, Bryan, on the big win! Way to represent the East Coast and the 757 out in Cali!

To the victor goes the spoils...

Spring 2011 - Week 8 Recaps

Vicious & Delicious 8, Chubby Gangsters 1
Despite missing a couple of key players, including SP Jeffrey Scott, Lamel Moore, and Kyle Ludwig, the Gangbangers hung with VD initially. Through three innings, VD held a narrow 2-1 lead. But the Vicious & Delicious offense is relentless, and in the 4th inning, the wheels fell off for the Chubbies. A combination of great bunting, well placed kicks, and some defensive errors lead to 5 VD  runs in the 4th inning to blow it open. They added another run in the 8th to seal the deal.

Dan Reyes delivers the ball to the plate on Wednesday. 

Jiminy Kick-It 8, Off in the Corner 4

This was a back and forth game between two teams who hadn't won in a while (or in OitC's case ever). JKI came out in the top of the first and manufactured 2 runs. In the bottom of the first, OitC answered with a run of their own. The Corner was so amped up, that they immediately shouted across the field to get Commissioner Wentworth's (3rd Person Alert!) attention to note it for the GMOT (duly noted). OitC wasn't done, they added 2 more runs in the 2nd to take the 3-2 lead. It wouldn't hold however. JKI tied the game up in the 3rd inning, and then blew it open in the 4th, exploding for 5 runs and putting the game out of reach. Jiminy Kick-It beat Off in the Corner (now there is a visual. What if Gepeto caught him?).

OitC's Dennis Gholson stretches for a ball on a bang-bang play at 1st.

Just For Kicks 9, Jagernauts 1
The Jagernauts were hoping to pull the upset, but JFK is hitting their stride and was too much to handle. JFK's Ryan Dotson started his own kickball blog this week and recapped the game.

Kicking! Kicking! Kicking!
It was in the second or third inning …. (I have a horrible memory) we finally tightened up our boot laces and put together one hell of a string of at bats!  With Wes setting the tempo, the big man shifted gears as he started off what was a SEVEN run inning! We couldn’t have done this without the heads up direction from our base coaches.  For instance, when Cregen was at third base and I thought that they got the force out on me at third but in actuality he never touched the bag. Without him telling me to get back to the bag, and ultimately me ending up safe, we were able to prolong the barrage of kick after kick and run after run to stack the runs up.  In short we came together with communication and well skill and put up an excellent showing at bat.

For the full recap, check out the JFK blog.

Phil Nadolski is too fuckin' cool on the mound. 

Chubby Gangsters 1, Rumspringa 0 

Both defenses came to play in this contest between two of the better teams in the league. Each team was going all out, and runs were at a premium. At one point in the game, 'Springas Megan Forbes sprinted in from the outfield and made a spectacular diving catch to rob one of the Chubbies of base hit. It was literally one of the most impressive plays I've ever seen in kickball, and it set the tone for the rest of the match... The Gangsters were able to manufacture a run by bunting a few people on to get a runner on 3rd, who was then driven in by a sacrifice fly (sorry, I don't have names. No one really sent me any info on the game!)... There was some controversy in the 5th inning, with 'Springa attempting to rally, Forbes was initially called safe on a play at first base, however Head Referee Joey Smith had a better look at the play, and decided to overturn the call, resulting in the final out.

"We aren't going to blame the last call because thats a weak excuse," Matt Wellbrock said afterwards, "Fact is we didnt generate any offense, and we will take this game, learn from it, and prepare for the playoff run at the end of the season"

Buster Patterson made his pitching debut after breaking his collarbone
in the preseason. 

Moose Knuckles 12, Saved by the Balls 0 

The powerful Moose Knuckles overwhelmed the SbtB's defense and cruised to the easy 12 run victory. The highlight of which was Justin Blair's bomb over everyone's head into field 1 for the grand slam. 

Just For Kicks 12, Battlstar Ballsacktica 0 
Once again, we'll refer you to Ryan Dotson's JFK blog for a full recap.

Other High Light of the Game
This one has to be one of my faves of all night.  So here comes Nick rounding third like a wild man going for home, where most would have held on three, Nick “put the nail in the coffin” Sutton keeps on going. Keep in mind the ball had already reached home plate by the time he was 1/2 way home. So what does he do but do this go go gadget jump move like a ninja, make the catcher miss, and score the run. The best part about this all is the look on the catchers face. It was shock and total disbelief on his behalf… Someone take his shoelaces away and hand him a road guard vest. So thank you Nick!!!

Don't worry, the Official WAKA kickball is available online at
kickball.com/store or at Dick's Sporting Goods nationwide.

Chicken Tetrazzini 5, New Kickheads 1
The New Kickheads have been getting a lot of attention and press in the media lately, as they built an impressive 5-2 record going into week 8. What NKotB lacks in experience (the majority of the squad is brand new to kickball this season), they make up for with speed and athleticism. On the other side, they faced a CT team that probably isn't the most athletic team in the league, but one that has a group of veteran and smart 'ballers. It would be this experience that put the Tetrazzini on top, as they executed their offensive strategy to a tee, while shutting down the explosive Kickheads. 

The Emperors Club 3, 5 O'Clockers 0 

The VIPs grounded the high flying Clockers offense. 

"Hot, sweaty dudes!" - George "Sexin' and Flexin'" Kiriazidis

Battlestar Ballsacktica 5, Foul Balls 1 
The Ballsacks recovered nicely from their lopsided loss to JFK to claim a victory over the fun loving Foulies. The Balls kept it somewhat close (relatively speaking. They have been getting their asses handed to them by double digits going into this game), so there may be signs of improvement as we head into the home stretch... Hopefully, Nathaniel Johnson will bless us with another AMAH(F)B volume to recap the game in more details.

It's tough recapping games, I didn't see. I need your help, kickballers! Want to be sure the person who scored the run in your game, or had an amazing catch gets recognized? Be sure to e-mail me your stories, quotes, recaps to brent@kickball.com, so I can include them in the write ups!

Next WWE Diva's Champ?

"I haven't taken the belt off yet." - Courtney Travis

God bless the Bar Buzz championship. 

VIPs Ground High-flying Clockers Offense

This was a highly anticipated match up between two of the league's most tenured and successful franchises (the Clockers and VIPs are 2 of only 4 teams to have ever held the Wentworth Trophy). I won't break down all the history between these two proud squads (for more background, refer to the "Biggest Rivalries on the Peninsula" column from March), but it goes without saying that both teams wanted this win.

Jones' 3 RKI were the difference in the game. 

The Clockers started off the game on offense, with Jeff Pauley leading off with a bunt single. He eventually moved around to 3rd, however that's as far as he'd get as the VIPs worked out of the jam, by retiring the next three kickers in order.

Juice flexed his muscles on the basepaths on Wednesday. 

In the bottom of the first, Roger Jackson, Thomas "Juice" Welch, and John Laneave loaded the bases for Patrick Jones. Jones would make them pay (with the help of a couple defensive miscues) by driving in all 3 runs.

Briters was one of the few Clockers
to reach base against the VIPs.

At that point, both defenses were dialed in. 5OC's Corey Carlyle was nasty out on the mound and made many of the VIPs get tangled up... On the VIP side, it was the Roger and Anthony Williams show. The All-Peninsula duo at catcher and charger were lights out, completely smothering the Clockers bunts. Clockers captain Britney Travis made an adjustment 1/2 way through the game and decided to give some of their big legs the green light to kick away, however the reliable VIP outfield made it difficult to find a hole.

After a down season last Fall, the Clockers rebuilt themselves back into contenders. Through 8 weeks, the Clockers were averaging 9.71 runs per game, best on the Peninsula. For the VIPs to shut out this prolific offense is no small feat.

Carlyle played very well, shutting
down the VIPs for the final 3 innings.

Spring 2011 GMOT Cover Issue 9

Sp11 Week 9 Gambling Lines

Joe Knows Kickball. 
Big congratulations to the Jagernauts' Joe Mazzitti for correctly picking 8 out of 9 games from week 6 against the spread! He became the first person to win the prize, a free pitcher at Luckie's!

Due to schedule conflicts in real life last week, I wasn't able to create week 8 gambling lines, so we're going to pick back up this week. As always, post your predictions (against the spread) in the comments below. If you get 8 out of 9 correct, you will earn a free pitcher at Luckie's!

NOTE: This is not to be used for actual gambling, because you know, that's illegal, and we wouldn't want that. Plus, I'm pulling the majority of these lines straight from my ass. 


Foul Balls (+5.5) vs. #5 Chubby Gangsters (-5.5)
The Foulies have played a couple of close games (relatively speaking) lately, while the Gangsters struggled a bit to score runs in week 8. That's moved the line down just a bit. 


#4 5 O'Clockers (-4) vs. #9 Chicken Tetrazzini (+4)
The Clockers were shut out last week, so they'll definitely be hoping to open a can of whoop ass on CT this week.

#10 New Kickheads (+3.5) on the Block vs. #1 The Emperors Club (-3.5)
Veteran experience vs. raw athleticism.
  
Battlestar Ballsacktica (+4) vs. #6 Rumspringa (-4) 
'Springa will be looking to bounce back against an inconsistent performing BB team. 


Saved by the Balls (+9.5) vs. #8 Jagernauts (-9.5)
After back to back losses to JFK and VD, the 'Nauts are probably happy to see SbtB on the schedule this week. 


#2 Vicious & Delicious (-6.5) vs. #10 New Kickheads on the Block (+6.5)
NKotB will have to play a lot better than they did last week if they have any chance to keep it close with VD.

Jiminy Kick-It (+1.5) vs. Battlestar Ballsacktica (-1.5)
JKI broke a 5 game losing streak with an 8-4 win over OitC. Now they'll be looking to start their own winning streak. 


#3 Just For Kicks (-11) vs. Off in the Corner (+11)
JFK has been on fire ever since their struggles a few weeks ago. 


#7 Moose Knuckles (+4.5) vs. #2 Vicious & Delicious (-4.5)
MK knows what it feels like to play the role of giant killers. Do they have enough to topple VD in week 9?

UPDATE: Results Vs. The Spread

CG

5OC

VIPs

RUM

SbtB

NKotB

BB

JFK

VD

Question of the Week

Why does Rumspringa's Patrick Hanlon always wear jeans while playing kickball?

Spring 2011 Coaches Poll - 5.27.2011

Week 8 Results & Standings

Vicious & Delicious 8, Chubby Gangsters 1
Jiminy Kick-It 8, Off in the Corner 4
Just For Kicks 9, Jagernauts 1
Chubby Gangsters 1, Rumspringa 0 
Moose Knuckles 12, Saved by the Balls 0 
Just For Kicks 12, Battlestar Ballsacktica 0 
Chicken Tetrazzini 5, New Kickheads 1 
The Emperors Club 3, 5 O'Clockers 0 
Battlestar Ballsacktica 5, Foul Balls 1

Strategery 101

For all of you loyal blog readers... here's some inside info to give you a leg up before the games even start! Home team advantage? Yes please.

Check out the complete article.

Week 8 Highlights

Got a chance to catch a couple highlights from week 8. Enjoy.

Phillip Tanner (BB) laid down a very nice bunt against JFK. 

BB threatened to do some damage, but Jonathan Pilz' line drive just couldn't quite find the hole. 

Justin Blair (MK) absolutely crushed this ball into the next field for the grand slam. 

Bar Buzz Week 7

"This is family business and this is for everybody standin' with us. Come on, let's take a family Grammy picture"

This week was another one for the "epic" books. It seems as if we've all come together under one mission. No, not to win the Bar Buzz title (clearly that is more important to some than others). But rather to become one of the best social leagues in the the nation, nay the world. The spirit of the belt exists to bring us all together and as we sprint past the halfway point in our season I'd say we're well on our way to becoming one of the happiest little familes of kick 'ballas. Thanks to everyone for working hard to make this Bar Buzz dream a reality. (I know it takes a great sacrifice of many late nights and pounders consumed) So where exactly do we each stand now that we're halfway there? Let's take a look.

#14 Emperors Club: Last place is becoming a consistent theme for the VIPs. We might have to take them off the rankings after awhile I suppose... 


#13 Off in the Corner: OitC has taken quite the dive from their repeat Bar Buzz Championship. Is this just a breather or will we find them back in the corner where they started?

JKI dominates one THREE tables of flip cup
we had going this week

#12 Chicken Tetrazzini: Our experts (trust me, we're certified) believe this is just a temporary set back for CT whose longevity at the bar waned this week in an unfortunate timing with the persistence of very strong teams pushing their way to top.


#11 Jiminy Kick-Its: Those crickets are certainly coming out of the woodwork. Will summer bring about their highly anticipated bar infestation??


#10 Vicious and Delicious: Little bit of mingling. Little bit of longevity. A dash of flip cupping. This is the recipe that keeps bringing VD higher and higher into the Bar Buzz rankings but will they cull their resources and spice up their weekly serving of partying? 

The Knuckles, Charging Back In?

#9 Moose Knuckles: This week the Knuckles have managed to bully their way back into the top ten. Will they gather enough bullheadedness to continue their climb to the top? OR will they once again return to hibernation?




#8 Saved by the Balls: Probably unbeknown to most of us on the Peninsula, SBB has been opening and closing the bar these past few weeks. And many of their key players (Brad Gualt, Bethany Show, and Allison Hund to name a few) have consistently outplayed and outlasted the players on other teams. However, the balls have yet to find the edge to take them to the top. We're only halfway to the end of the season but - is there enough time to save the balls?


#7 Just For Kicks: JFK definitely has been kicking it at Luckie's this week. Their team performance has kept them consistently in the middle of the pack every week. What can do they do to take themselves to the top? Will they emerge as new players in the Bar Buzz top five circuit? Stay tuned!

Proof that the RumJager Alliance is alive and well
(and that both teams have an outstanding sense of humor)

#6 Jagernauts and Rumspringa:  The Springa's have been in a holding pattern lately and unfortunately for the Nauts, Katie Litle's highly anticipated debut at Luckie's these past few weeks hasn't yet been enough to bring them back to the top. Rumors have circulated about a rekindled alliance between the Jagers and Rum but can either of these veteran party teams do what it takes to take a solo rise to the top?


#5 Battlestar Ballsacktica: BB is holding on tight to the upper echelon of our rankings. Can they muster the strength needed to take them all the way to the top? 

First Annual After 12:30am Picture

#4 Chubby Gangsters: This week our fave BDBs were not alone in their quest to dominate and obtain the allusive Bar Buzz Belt. They inlisted the help of over 5 (Can you believe it?! That's more Chubbies than you can count on one hand!) CG's. Sadly, it wasn't enough to take them all the way to the top. However, this is the first top five ranking the Gangsters have seen in weeks. Is this just the beginning? Will the BDBs finally have permanent teammates to back them up on the field AND at the bar?


#3 Foul Balls: Now that Zach has been returned (somewhat) safely and (mostly) clothed, the Foulies can concentrate on beating Off in the Corner again. This time by removing them from our ranks as the only team to ever become Bar Buzz Champs more than once. 


#2 New Kickheads on the Block: Remember just a few weeks ago when the Clockers kept coming in second to NKoTB? Well, no more! If the New Kickheads aren't careful they'll be singing "Please Don't Go Girl" to their beloved 5 O'Clockers as they leave them in their Bar Buzz dust. 

"We'll take that belt now"

#1 5 O'Clockers: Perhaps it was their practice in mingling last week. Or Jeff Pauley's birthday celebration. Or maybe it was David Seko's disgust over his team's bar behavior caught on camera last week. But whatever it was, it was just what the clockers needed to give them edge on the Bar Buzz. The 5-ers came into Luckie's this week with a definite look of determination. They had their eye on the prize and had decidedly agreed as a team not to leave the bar without it.  Dancing, drinking, intermingling - they had it all and for that they are this week's Bar Buzz Champs! Undoubtedly this victory tastes sweet for a team who has been trying since week 1 to get their hands on that coveted golden belt. 

The Clockers take over the dance floor

         and emerge as Bar Buzz Champs!

Stay tuned for next week when we take a special look at where each team stands for the Bar Buzz season overall. 

Until Next Week - Bottom's Up!

Trici

"Have you heard what Gossip Girl is saying about us?"
"I know girl. Try playing on a team with her"