Justin’s Note: We all now know that we lost one of our own last week in a tragic accident and that has served to bring what we do into perspective. When we go out and spend our Wednesday nights ballin’ and drinking and having a good time, there are real life circumstances that remind us that life is short and fragile. It saddened me to find out that a fellow ‘balla was taken from us before his time. While I did not know Tyler Lorenzi personally, kickball is like a brotherhood and when something happens to one of us, it has an effect on everybody. My thoughts are with his family, friends, Battlestar Ballsacktica, and all of us who have been blessed to have shared the field with Tyler. R.I.P brother, you won’t be with us on the fields week after week, but you are not forgotten.
The Jagernaut Week of Love started off with a proposal from Jagernaut Charger, Joe Mazzitti, proposing to his girlfriend (and team mom) Kathleen Krohn, at Opus 9 in Williamsburg. I was there (as always, doing my diligent reporting) with them experiencing firsthand on that extremely awesome morning (though, I had to send my sandwich back, it didn’t have enough cheese). It must have been a catalyst for Joe, as he (along with Jagernaut lead-off man, Dan Moore) promptly scored in the first inning, off of RKIs by Mike Ramey and Kim Merritt. In fact, the Jagernaut first inning was in love with runs as 4 were put on the board.
Relief pitcher Mike Seals was in love with extra bases last week, as he had the first inside-the-park homerun of the season in the 2nd inning. Jagernaut Coach Katie Litle noted, “It was more of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ Seals was going to kick one. Hopefully that was the first of many!” Also, the Jagernauts were in love with the name Justin in the 2nd, as Team Justin tacked on another run as Justin Arrington scored off of a RKI double by (3rd person alert!) Justin Littell, extending the lead to 6-0.
Starting pitcher, Kim Merritt, fell in love with his beer during the 4th inning, as he couldn't be away from it; not even for one minute, even during kicking. The beer must have been too much for him as he promptly got out. “I must have been off balance” said a stunned Merritt after he was promptly thrown out at first. “I’m not sure if it was the uneven weight distribution in my hands or if I had too much to drink.” Though Jagernaut outfielder, Sara Ruch, pointed out “Kim must have done this before, he looked like a pro out there, with one beer in his hand. Maybe if he kicked with a beer in each hand, he would have beat the throw.”
Defensively, the Jagernauts were in love with playing the field (see how I did that?). They didn’t allow any mental mistakes and held JKI to zero runs. A notable play was when outfielder Justin Arrington threw to Nicci Surething at second base to get the force out. Even though it sounded routine, the play developed from quick thinking by both Justin and Nicci.
The week ended when WAKA Peninsula Commissioner Brent Wentworth, proposed to Jagernaut outfielder Dottie Wood, before dinner Friday night before the game. I was there also, (again, doing my diligent reporting for the GMOT blog like always). “I was so nervous,” said an excited Wood afterward. “I didn’t want to ruin such a perfect GMOT blog moment!” With the “yes” moment said, the three of us went out to dinner to celebrate (and I didn’t even have to send my sandwich back).
There we have it. Jagernauts - 8, Jiminy Kick It - 0. Jagernaut marriage proposals - 2. Number of free meals for Justin from the newly engaged couples - 2. Jagernaut Home Runs - 1.
Week 7 brings what could be the toughest challenge yet, as the Jagernauts play in a primetime double header against the always rowdy Foul Balls in the first half, and then match up against one of the top teams in the division, Vicious and Delicious. Until then, I’ll let Whitesnake summarize all of these mushy feelings in this awesome 80’s classic (no seriously, any song from Whitesnake is awesome.) See you next week!
Awesome recap, as always Justin! Great note at the top too. I don't think it can be said any better.
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