WOMAN OF THE WEEK- CRYSTAL TANNER, FOUL BALLS

Another week, another amazing woman for me to showcase! Despite the rainout last week this girl's performance shines on! Week 6, I give you..

CRYSTAL TANNER

Crystal is no newcomer to kickball. She's been playing for 7 seasons now! (6 of them on the Peninsula) Her skills speak for themselves. Weeks ago she was highlighted, not only for being part of a double play- resulting in that week's Caption That, but also for being the first run to score in that game! Holy base-running skills Batman!

I have to say, nothing makes me happier than hearing that one of our women played such a big part in a game! That's why I started this post in the first place! So without further ado, let's get to know Crystal a little better..

We know you've been playing for quite a while now.. how long with the Foulies? What position do you play?

I always played with TailGators (then we changed our names to Off in the Corner). This is my first season with Foul Balls. I usually tend to play outfield, somewhere between center and right field, or anywhere else I am told to play.

What is is about kickball that keeps you coming back each season?

Kickball is kickball, we all loved it growing up (unless you were picked last, sorry) so why wouldn't you love it now? It is still the great awesome childhood game, and now it involves alcohol, and no one cares how bad you may or may not suck. Plus the people are cool (I feel like that is everyone's generic answer even if it's true). You get cheap discounts at the bar and now you have an excuse when friends and family are setting up an AA intervention because you are smashed in the middle of the week.

Where is Zack Galifianakis?

I wish I knew, we could use him on the sidelines (hell we could put him in the outfield to play... it couldn't hurt our record any).

A couple of weeks ago GMOT highlighted that you were a big part of making one of your team's double plays. Congratulations! Any tips for the rest of us if we want to make big plays, or thoughts about how that game went?

Thanks. I don't think I have any great advice on how to play.. just play. Don't be afraid to get dirty and have fun even when you are sucking really bad. I'm just glad Brent was around for that game and not one of the games where everything was going wrong for me. And thank goodness Dennis was there, he's my right hand man in the field.

Foulies are known for their party skills... will we find you at the bar with the rest of your team?

Yeah, I have been slacking in the bar department for the past few seasons, but I think it might be time for me to start showing up again. Yeah, I will definitely be there this week.

WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CRYSTAL

"To be honest I didn't know who Crystal was before writing this article about her- but she's so funny! She has a really good outlook and skills to boot! I'm glad I got to know her a little better through the WOW writeup." - Noelle Walsh, Vicious and Delicious

"Crystal's great! You can just look at her and tell she has so much passion for her team and kickball. She's so dedicated and her energy is infectious." - Trici "Gossip Girl" Fredrick, Jagernauts

"Coach Bad Ass, she was an awesome teammate and Captain- we had great times at TailGators!!"- Derek Patterson, Chicken Tetrizzini

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As always, keep those suggestions for new WOWs coming!! Especially in these rain-out weeks!

<3 Noelle Walsh, VD

R.I.P. Joel Hartman

Yesterday, I got the news that one of the founding members of VA Peninsula, Joel Hartman passed away unexpectedly. The former member of Wilfred Brimley's Mustache Ride and JFK played in the league from the inagural season of Spring 2007 through Spring 2010. He was a great guy and has been taken too soon from this world. Rest in peace, brother.



Weed Whackers - Spring 2007 Champions

WAKA is Ready to Kick Cancer Again!

Last year we were able to raise over $3,400.00 for the American Cancer Society thanks to the support of the Peninsula WAKA community! This year we hope to double that amount! We are starting in the Fall this time so we will have two seasons of kickball to get the ball rolling! Andrea Hoffman (CT), Erin Welch (Lick It), and myself (CGs) are ready to start kicking cancer.

We would love to have YOU on our planning committee. If you are interested, please join us at Plaza Azteca (Jefferson and Oyster Point) for a planning meeting on Monday, September 26th at 6:30 p.m.! Please let me know if you plan on attending so I can look for you and grab a big enough table! You can send me a facebook message, text (703-582-1226), or an email (rarickmv@verizon.net) to RSVP. I look forward to hearing all of your fabulous ideas!

-Melissa Rarick

Fall 2011 Week 5 Gambling Lines

*UPDATE* Well, this post ended up being pretty irrelevant. Games for September 21st are canceled.

Well, kickballers, to give you a break from refreshing weather.com all afternoon, I present to you, the week 5 gambling lines. As always, pick 7 out of 8 games correctly (against the spread) in the comments, and you will earn a free pitcher of beer at Luckie's! Can Bundy make it 3 weeks in a row?

#4 Shake N Bake (+1.5) vs. #3 Just For Kicks (-1.5)
Two powerful offenses collide in this mid-season showdown.

#5 Lick It Before You Kick It (+3.5) vs. #8 Jagernauts (-3.5)
That 'Nauts are looking to rebound after getting shut down by the Clockers, but it won't come much easier against LIBYKI.

Jiminy Kicks-It (+1.5) vs. #10 Kick Ass (-1.5)
3 out of the last 4 games for KA have been decided by a 1 run or less. This should be a close one against a better than expected JKI squad.

#2 Vicious & Delicious (-8.5) vs. Rumspringa (+8.5)
'Springa has been under performing all year, meanwhile VD has been coming on strong after stumbling out of the gate.

BONUS LINE: OVER/UNDER
Number of VD girls that sit on the bench: 1.5

Chubby Gangsters (+6.5) vs. 5 O'Clockers (-6.5)
The Clockers have played nearly flawless kickball for the past 2 weeks. The Gangsters are a good team, but they'll have their hands full.

#7 Free Ballin' (+3.5) vs. #6 Burning Bridges (-3.5)
Big matchup between the only two teams in the league without a loss.

Chicken Tetrazzini vs. Foul Balls (PICK EM)
Might be the funnest game of the night. With CT's starting C Taylor Wilson listed as a game time decision, it's tough to put a line on this one. PICK 'EM.

#9 Battlestar Ballsacktica (-1.5) vs. New Kickheads on the Block (+1.5)
One of the best rivalries on the Peninsula. BB vs. NKotB pits former teammates against each other. You know both captains Amanda Hassell and Andy Tapley want this one.

Bar Buzz Week 4

Well Pen Div... here we sit on the brink of Week 5 and the stakes have never been higher. We've got some mainstays and epic veterans "running" our social scene but let's face it  - we're just warming up! The Bar Buzz is up for anyone's grabs. And just to further our point - we're gonna switch things up (you can thank me later) and rank everyone from top to bottom. So strap on your big girl panties (and you're rhyming skillz) and let's see just who can take it ALLLLLLL THE WAYYYYYYY this week.

Well look who finally decided to show up! 

#16 Lick It Before You Kick It
#15 Kick Ass
#14 Chubby Gangsters
#13 Shake N' Bake
#12 Foul Balls
#11 Rumspringa
#10 Battlestar Ballsacktica
#9 Just for Kicks






#8 Burning Bridges: EIGHT is PICK A MATE.  Burnin' finally found their way into the "narrated" top half. And their mate of choice is obviously those plus leather couches that they can't seem to step away from. Congrats!... now if they could only leave their cushy lounge spot and join the rest of the party.

Couch Drinking. Almost as good as Day Drinking.

#7 Jagernauts:  SEVEN is HEAVEN. Or not. (Unless you're Captain Justin Littell who did this brilliant video). This was a rough week for the 'Nauts. Although they partied hard with Kickball greats like Mike "Curved Balls" Seals and Kim "Don't Hate Me Because You Ain't Gray Like Me" Merritt. They even got the first of the flip cup games going. But this week was the classic game of the Tortoise and the Hare for the Jagers. And it appears slow and steady was not their forte, instead our Hare wore itself out way too early (like before FOX news early).


#6  5 O'Clockers: SIX is CHICKS. Those Clocker chicks really seem to keep this team alive. Although there's no doubt that their new male blood is just waiting to bust on through. Will their foces combine to take this #1 team to the top?


#5 Vicious and Delicious: FIVE's ALIVE. VD had just enough this week to keep them moving. Can they find their way beyond making the Buzz JUST by the skin of their teeth?

I'll help you get you balls off the floor
if you'll help me with mine

#4 Free Ballin: FOUR is FLOOR. Which is where your balls might be if they were in fact free... but I digress. The floor it's also where you could find the Ballers at the end of the night. Honestly, watching these kids, I have to wonder if some team might actually take the belt for themselves more than twice this season. It's certainly possible here - with no help from their red jersey color of choice of course.

Who will win?

#3 Jimminy Kick It: THREE is ME. Well, when you win the Bar Buzz Belt and get to strut your stuff at the bar - there really isn't anything more important than "moi" for that particular week. So it's fitting that our Crickets would find themselves in top three this week. But take it easy Pen Div - with the consistent performance they've been throwing down they just might stay in the top for a very, very long time (much like that cricket you just can't quite locate and subsequently get rid of).

NKOTB Creating Chaos

#2 New Kickheads on the Block: TWO is ZOO. And that's what precisely what the New Kickheads created - from the flip cup table to the dance floor. In Week 4 the remind us that they should always fear the dragon (what? is that real??) or maybe we should just fear people with crazy hair in navy jerseys. Certainly it's only time that will tell.
























#1 Chicken Tetrazinni: ONE and DONE.  Or is it ONE and WON?? Depending on what those Angry Birds can do in the upcoming weeks, I suppose we'll have our answer. They performed with both quality and quantity this week, outstaying everyone at the bar (but again, you don't HAVE to do that... you just HAVE to make a showing and an effort). And reminded us what its like to be matured, veteran party performers who don't need to get all ridiculous to have a good time.

Until Next Time   - Bottom's Up!
xoxo Gossip Girl

WOMAN OF THE WEEK- Sarah Crecelius, JFK

Hey Kickballers! This week's WOMAN OF THE WEEK, is one of my favorite kickball women of all time! Just For Kick's very own:

SARAH CRECELIUS

Sarah "C" as she is known to many (because there was once a Sarah "R" on her team too), is one of the staple women of JFK. She has a background in soccer, which enables her to handle the ball with ease as she lays down some pretty sick bunts, and also with her speed- which gets her on base more often than not. I first met Sarah when we were on JFK together in Fall of 2010 and we were instant friends. Her smile, her friendliness, her humor- it's hard not to like her!
This chick always seems to fly just under the radar when it comes to pointing out who the amazing women in this league are. She's had a huge impact on many games that JFK has won (including just squeaking out the win against Rumspringa in the semi-finals last fall). If you kick the ball toward her- she's going to catch it. If she bunts, don't think you'll have time to waste if you want to throw her out, and if she's flipping cups at the bar, they're flipped the first try. Is there anything this girl can't do?!

How many seasons have you played? Have you always been with JFK? What position do you play?
I have been playing for 3 or 4 seasons, I can't remember how many brown-ish shirts I've had :).. I think it's 4. Always for JFK, and I usually play short left or second base.


A lot of teams have had roster changes, especially this last season. You've remained loyal to JFK despite interest from other teams... I think your loyalty is refreshing, but is there a particular reason why you don't want to switch it up?
I have stayed loyal to JFK, because I like the team and there hasn't been a reason to leave yet. I like the people and I think they have the right idea. Kickball Wednesdays, at the stadium, are meant to be fun, meet new people and get together with friends while enjoying the sport of kickball! After all I gotta rep where I'm from!! ... Kickball was invented in 1917 by Nicholas C. Seuss; Supervisor of Cincinnati Park Playgrounds in Cincinnati, OHIO. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kickball). I also feel like I don't have to switch teams to meet new people, although that is a great way. We are lucky enough that a majority of players frequent the bar! (and as I have realized I will not remember names, but faces I've got! :))


So is it safe to say that you love Ohio State as much as Ashlee Gitkos loves Oklahoma?
I am a college sport fan for THE Ohio State University, and that's the name of it, look it up :) It's a shame some fans/students don't even pronounce the name of their schools right, there are other THE schools FYI, and I'm not hate'n :). Although this year will not be our best, I'll stick with the Bucks through thick and thin, Pride is a good thing!


I love that whenever I go to Luckies I know I'm going to see you there! Between flip-cup, dancing and taking shots- there's never a dull moment. Any favorite memories for you?
Meeting great friends, that I now have in and outside of kickball. Umm, every week at the bar. Making it to the tournament finals once, twice, nope three times without winning ;) I have so many but of course none are coming to mind.. WAIT, JUMP ON IT!!! how could I forget. For those who don't know... Sarah's favorite song at the bar is JUMP ON IT!!- Apache


Some people play to hang out with their friends, other people (like me) play to make new friends.. What is your favorite part about kickball? What keeps you coming back season after season?
My favorite part about kickball is that it is something to look forward to every Wednesday, it's a break from work!! Time to be around friends, which I love! It's a family! This is also the reason I come back!


I couldn't agree more! Anything else you'd like to add?
Parting words... Kickball wouldn't be what it is without every single one of those people showing up each week! They make it what it is, and I thank everyone for the great times!

WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT SARAH

"Sarah has always added a great dynamic to an already awesome group of people. The thing about her is that she appears quiet and innocent, but when you get her out to the bar, the party animal emerges. We love having such great contrast and diversity on our team, especially with the team we have this season, and Sarah definitely helps to highlight that. Oh, and she's pretty good at kickball, as well."- Andrew Swenck, JFK

"Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots!"- Jimmy Wilcox, VD

"Sarah has the unique ability to stay under the radar but somehow still be the life of a party. Waka Wednesdays are always awesome but the times that really stand out: where the games were great and the bar was absolutely rockin, she's always been right in the middle."- Brian Yohn, Rumspringa(aaaaa)

"I love her, I love her, I love her! Sarah's incredible and she's one of the best friends I've made while playing kickball. It's her, and people like her, that keep me playing in Hampton when I live in Virginia Beach!"- Noelle Walsh, VD

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Got an idea of who my next WOMAN OF THE WEEK should be?? Let me know!

<3 Noelle, VD

JKI Celebrates 1st Bar Buzz Victory

Hey Brent!!

This is Kandice of JKI!! Just wanted to send you a few pics of JKI celebrating with the Bar Buzz Belt! 

Nice shots, Kandice! (aka @RottenKandee) Keep on rockin', Jiminy!

After Midnight Photo - Fall 2011 Week 4

(click to enlarge)

Photo courtesy of Mimi Gill, Rumspringa

Real Men of Genius Volume 2

Today we salute you 

"Mr Overly Intense Face Painting Adult Kickball Team Captain Dude".

Congratulations Chris "Bundy" LeBlanc for being featured in the 2nd edition of Real Men of Genius!



Now go out and celebrate with a nice pounder!

Fall 2011 Week 4 Coaches Poll

Going back to the preseason, we've had the following teams hold the number 1 position, only to give it away the next week.

• Preseason: Vicious & Delicious (Lost 3-0 to JFK)
• Week 1: Just For Kicks (Lost 1-0 to Lick It) 
• Week 2: Lick It Before You Kick It (Lost 7-4 to VD)
• Week 3:  Shake N Bake (Lost 6-3 to VD)

For the 5th poll in a row, we have a new number 1! Will the curse of the Coaches Poll continue with our new top ranked team? To the poll... 

# 10. Kick Ass (12 pts) 

Record: 1-3-1

Last Week: Not Ranked

After a rough start to the season, the Ass Kickers are starting to put it together. 

Next Week:  JKI

# 9. Battlestar Ballsacktica (35 pts) 

Record: 3-1-1

Last Week: 10 (+1) 

"It's good that the intergalactic travelers have found their New Caprica at number 9 in the standings." - Justin Littell (Editor's Note: I have no idea what that quote means, but I'm sure it's pretty damn nerdy.)

Next Week: NKotB

#8. Jagernauts (42 pts) 

Record: 2-2

Last Week: 6 (-2)

A tough loss to the Clockers, has dropped the 'Nauts down the rankings. 

Next Week: #5 LICK

#7. Free Ballin' (43 pts) 

Record: 3-0-1

Last Week: 9 (+2) 

Free Ballin' has yet to lose a game this young season, but the schedule only gets tougher from here on out.

Next Week: #6 BRIDGES

#6. Burning Bridges (68 pts) 

Record: 4-0-1

Last Week: 7 (+1) 

Burning Bridges continues to light up the competition in their first WAKA season. Can they keep the fire burning when their schedule really gets tough? 

Next Week: #7 FREE

#5. Lick It Before You Kick It (80 pts) 

Record: 3-1

Last Week: 5 

"They definitely licked and/or kicked the Gangstas in week 3." - Justin Littell

Next Week: #8 JAGER

#4. Shake 'N' Bake (94 pts) 

Record: 3-1-1

Last Week: 1 (-3) 

The Bakers suffered the curse of the Coaches Poll last week. Tough loss to VD. 

Next Week: #3 JFK

#3. Just For Kicks (97 pts) 

Record: 2-2

Last Week: 4 (+1) 

Snapped a 2 game losing streak with a dominant performance against 'Springa in week 3. 

Next Week: #4 SnB

#2. Vicious & Delicious (116 pts, 4 first place votes) 

Record: 2-1-1

Last Week: 3 (+1)

VD knocked off the top ranked team in back to back weeks. They definitely have the swagger of a champion. 

Next: RUM

#1. 5 O'Clockers (126 pts, 9 first place votes)

Record: 2-1-1

Last Week: 2 (+1) 

After another flawless week of kickball, the Clockers take over the top spot in the rankings. Will they be the first team to hold onto the top spot for two weeks in a row, or will complacency take over against the unranked Gangsters? 

Next Week: CG

Dropped: Rumspringa

Others Receiving Votes: Rumspringa (1), New Kickheads on the Block (1)

photo by MKEH

Fall 2011 Issue 4 GMOT Cover

Battlestar Powers Past Foul Balls

by Karen Savell, Battlestar Ballsacktica
photos by Nick Sutton, JFK

Ok, whose INSANE idea was it to turn Field 1 around to face the wall??  Brilliant!! (Well, that's what the Ballsacks thought, anyway!) There was never a dull moment in the game between "The Green Machine" and "Gang Green" because of this interesting situation.  Two or three balls had to be retrieved from the parking lot throughout the game.

On the first kick of the night, Michael "Da Man" Machie let loose and walloped it. That poor ball was screaming in pain as we all watched to see if it (Chris Berman voice) COULD... GO... ALL... THE... WAY!!!!!! It bounced on the top of the wall and went over for a single run homer! (All the other balls that were kicked over were foul.)

The second inning had even more action as the Ballsacks kicked in 6 more runs to make it 7-0. Peter "Golly-I'm-hot-tonight" Kuhr kicked a triple (Yes, I said Peter!  And yes, a TRIPLE!!!) and brought in Karen Savell, Brandon Silver, and Andy Tapley. As the Ballsacks were having their way in the second inning, I must admit there was a heck of a throw all the way from left field to get runner Nicole Plesha out at home plate! "Dude from left field" you deserve a special highlight for that! (His name is unknown to me at this time because I was too lazy to go over and ask...)(*Editors note: I believe the 'Dude from left field' was FB's Will Schmierer.)

Chicks dig the long ball.

There was a situation in the 3rd inning where there was a pop up kick to centerfield while the Ballsacks were on defense. Peter Kuhr and Steven Sherman were both running under it for the catch. Steven called it, but Peter was unable to stop the momentum of his massive physique. He bumped Steven and the ball was dropped. It was the only inning where the Foul Balls were able to score.  It's ok though...the Ballsack players have forgiven Peter since he DID finally get the Rebel-Indian yell right....and for the triple.

Strong Ballsacks kickers for the night were:

• Steven Sherman -3 for 3
• Nicole Plesha -2 for 2, 
• Brandon Silver -2 for 2
• Peter Kuhr -2 for 2 (yes, I said Peter!) 
• Alison Easterday -2 for 2
• Stephanie Wacek -2 for 2.

Ballsacks win 8-1! The Ballsacks are on fire! (No, we don't need a special cream for that.)

"Chill, I got this."

UPDATE (From Karen) 

Hey Brent!

So sorry, but I forgot an amazing highlight from our right fielder. Is it possible to add this in somewhere??  If not, I understand.

 Right fielder Joe Stumpo was behind right rover when the ball went through the infield. Joe ran up as backup and threw out the kicker at first. Awesome move, Joe!

Added!

Week 4 Results and Standings

Battlestar Ballsacktica 8, Foul Balls 1
5 O'Clockers 6, Jagernauts 0 
New Kickheads 6, Chicken Tetrazzini 0 
Lick It Before You Kick It 6, Chubby Gangsters 2
Just For Kicks 8, Rumspringa 0 
Burning Bridges 11, Jiminy Kick-Its 0 
Vicious & Delicious 6, Shake N Bake 3
Free Ballin' 0, Kick Ass 0 
Burning Bridges 4, Rumspringa 0 

(click to enlarge)

Week 4: Caption This! - Sir William "Kim" Wallace

*UPDATE* The winning caption was submitted via Facebook, by VD's Tom Zuppke.

"Free Ballin', eat your heart out."

I felt the need to watch the "Freedom" speech from Braveheart before posting this weeks "Caption This!" and if you would like too as well, see YouTube video below.

Sure, we may never be able to take away Sir William Wallace, I mean Kim Merritt's freedom, but we can at least take a few shots at him in all his glory.

So here is your chance to take a stab at one of WAKA's greatest kilt wearing leaders, Mr. Kim Merritt.

Caption here or on the Facebook wall for your chance, to win a pitcher of beer from the head honcho himself, Commissioner Wentworth.

ALBA GU BRÀTH! ALBA GU BRÀTH! ALBA GU BRÀTH!





Past Winners
9/7/2011 (The Georgios K.) - Wade Brock
9/14/2011 (The Flying Bruce Lee) - Kim Merritt

Woman of the Week - Andrea Hoffman, Chicken Tetrizzini

Without hesitation, this week's WOMAN OF THE WEEK:

ANDREA HOFFMAN

Andrea is a talented and loved player and friend on this Peninsula league. You can find her in her pink Chicken Tetrizzini shirt both on the field, and at the bar. Her skills don't start, or stop with kickball though. Last year she co-ran a charity fundraiser that got the entire league involved with a raffle- she has a huge heart. (Seriously, how many other people are spending their bar time doing charity work?!)
Chicken Tetrizzini is a really fun team to play against. I attribute a lot of that to the way Andrea and Derek run the team. They're both really fun people. I've enjoyed getting to know them with each new season, and look forward to the games when our teams will play each other.

I know you play for CT, and you're the captain (I think female captains rock, just sayin'). How many seasons have you been in the game? How many with CT? What position do you play?
This fall was the start of my 5th kickball season (only 4 seasons with the best league though, WAKA REPRESENT!!!). I originially found out about kickball through my BFF Derek Patterson (a.k.a. DP, Kitty, D Rock, Governess, Pretty, Puddin'). Derek had a few seasons of experience and invited me to join his team, the Tailgators. After hearing about the league and how much fun the Tailgators were, I signed up without hesitation. After that first season, Derek, Adam and I decided to break off (along with some teammates; Joey Lawrence, Amanda Warde Lawrence and Taylor Wilson) and form a new team... that's when Chicken Tetrazzini was born!

Your boyfriend is your teammate.. did you meet playing kickball or did you start playing as a couple?
Yes, teammate and Co-Captain. Adam Henry and I started playing kickball as a couple. One of the main reasons we started playing was to meet new people in the area. We were both born and raised here (Newport News and Yorktown) but a majority of our friends had left Hampton Roads. We quickly found out that this was a great opportunity to make new friends and our full social calendars were proof.

When I met you, it seemed that kickball being a fun thing to do was the most important side of the game for your team, as where my team (VD) tends to like winning the most. Has this changed for CT over the past few seasons as your team grows and gains better knowledge of the game and how it's played?
Honestly, CT has made some great strides in the past couple seasons building our roster and experience level. We feel like we have some playerswho stack right up there with some of the best in the league and feel it is just a matter of time before we put it all together. Anyone who has watched us knows that CT is a very social team. We interact with and have developed a lot of good friendships with members of every team in this league, including teams like yours that are mainstays at the top of the standings. Through those friendships we have tried to absorb knowledge of the game that in turn will translate into more wins on the field. We watched the Chubby Gangsters put it together last season and become a real threat to beat any team on any given night. We aren't quite at that level yet but we're having a blast trying to get there.

A lot of people (anyone who reads the GMOT blog) should know about the Rum/Jager alliance. But CT and Chubby Gangsters has their own alliance-like friendship. Did the split of some of the Gangbangers to Shake n Bake stir that up at all, or is it a larger friendship now?
CT/CG!!! Our teams are like PB&J, we have a great bond. On and off the field you will see us together. We hold "family dinners" and have rec volleyball teams (these both include other members of the WAKA community, but usually the staples are baby blue and pink). When some of the Chubby's split off it was a bit of a shock. I know how long the team has been together and the core (OGs) are very close, I wasn't sure they could overcome the breakup, but they have and added some new talent to the team. They will be back at it in no time. As for SnB... we're friendly with the entire league, so no bad blood here.

Last season you did a lot of work to raise money for charity through WAKA. Are there any raffles, or fun events we can look forward to this year?
Of course! I am still overwhelmed with the response we had from our WAKA family! Last season we ended up raising over $3,400 for Relay for Life, which goes directly to the American Cancer Society. The organization of the events wouldn't have been possible without help from Melissa Rarick (CG) and the volunteers from CT, CG, Jager, and (previously known as) VIPs. Hopefully we will get started on some fundraisers soon, nothing is on the schedule yet, but keep an eye out! You won't want to miss it!

WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ANDREA

"Don't hassle the Hoff, man, or else she'll put you in the anaconda vice until you tap."- Brent Wentworth, Shake n Bake (aka the Commish)

"Andrea is an awesome competitor on and off the field. On the field she is all business! If she doesn't agree with a call, she will let you know! Off the field she is just as fierce. You can always spot her playing a mean game of beer pong. She is a great example of what a kickballer should be."- Tracy Colby, Shake n Bake (former Chubby Gangster)

"Andrea is a great friend. She is a little too competitive about kickball to ever be on the CG's. "Time out!!!! Time out!!!" However, Andrea is always the person getting people on board to have a great time. A good time is only a tweet away from @AndreaMHoffman. Just send her a tweet and a party is being planned."- William "Buster" Patterson, Chubby Gangsters

"Andrea is an extremely dedicated captain. She spends a lot of time thinking of how to improve the team. She is also a very dedicated player and is always trying to practice to improver her game. We have spent countless hours just bunting and kicking and catching with no one else around. Andrea can also be the life of the party off the field. She can separate the field from the bar and get down and party with any and everyone! She is a BEAST. Enough said! One of my Best Friends. Wakakakakacowww!"- Derek Patterson, Chicken Tetrizzini

"Everytime I'm with Andrea I laugh... A LOT. Seriously - sometimes my sides hurt! I like to refer to her as our mischief maker because she always manages to find something to get into. However, seh's also a very committed captain, kickballer, and friend. She'd do anything for ANYONE and I can't thank WAKA enough for introducing me to such an amazing person and friend."- Trici Fredrick, Jagernauts

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Have a woman you think would look great in the blog? TELL ME WHO SHE IS!!

<3 Noelle Walsh, Vicious and Delicious

Fall 2011 Week 4 Gambling Lines

Ok, you degenerate gamblers. Here's your week 4 lines. As always, make your picks against the spread in the comments below, and if you get 8 out of 9 correct, you'll earn a free pitcher at Luckie's!

#10 Battlestar Ballsacktica (-3.5) vs. Foul Balls (+3.5) 

As Jorts Johnson said in the new AMWH(F)B, "I tried to warn everyone about picking against the Foul Balls, but some folks never learn." Can Battlestar Ballsacktica cover the 3.5 run spread? 

#2 5 O'Clockers (-6) vs. #6 Jagernauts (+6)

The Jagernaut offense has been potent this season (5.67 runs per game), the defense? Not so much (6.00 runs allowed per game). 

Chicken Tetrazzini (+2.5) vs. New Kickheads on the Block (-2.5)

The Kickheads have the ability to put runs on the board. CT is looking to rebound after a nightmare loss to Burning Bridges. 

#5 Lick It Before You Kick It (-5.5) vs. Chubby Gangsters (+5.5) 

LIBYKI is going to be hungry for a win over after suffering their first setback this Fall.

#4 Just For Kicks (-6.5) vs. #8 Rumspringa (+6.5)

This may be the week that the dormant JFK offense explodes. They're past due. 

#7 Burning Bridges (-3.5) vs. Jiminy Kick-Its (+3.5)

JKI has looked good in their last two games, but face their first top 10 challenge in the form of the upstart Burning Bridges. 

#1 Shake N Bake (-0.5) vs. #3 Vicious & Delicious (+0.5)

Clash of two of the league's titans. The SnB offense has been on fire the last three games. But VD is one of the few teams that may be able to put it out with their star studded defense. 

#9 Free Ballin' (-1.5) vs. Kick Ass (+1.5)

Free Ballin' escaped a scare in week 3 against the Foulies. Kick Ass may have turned the corner last week, as they closed out a win for the first time. This could be an interesting game. 

#7 Burning Bridges (-1) vs. #8 Rumspringa (+1)

'Springa is hungry for their first win, but without captain Matt Wellbrock (missing due to vacation) it may be an uphill battle. 

**UPDATE**
Here are the results vs. the spread.
BB
PUSH
NKotB
CG
JFK
BB
VD
KA
BB

Congrats to Bundy "The Greek"! For the 2nd week in a row he has 8/9 correct!

AMAH(F)B: It's Time for Them to be Scared of Us

by Jorts Johnson, Foul Balls
photos by Nick Sutton, JFK

Free Ballin's Holly Lenard scurries
away from John Max.

The Foul Balls and Free Ballin' not only share the FB acronym, but both squads had faced Jiminy Kick It and the New Kickheads in their first two games of the season.  Fast Bailin' won both contests and outscored their opponents 14-6.  Gang Green was defeated in both games by a combined score of 17-1.  Needless to say, the outlook for the Fightin' Foulies' Week 3 battle with Frequently Bawlin' was bleak, at best.    

Surprising everyone outside of Foul Territory, the Foul Balls came out ballin' in the 6:30 game.  The early start and consequential sobriety certainly contributed to the strong performance.  In addition, the return of weekly gambling lines inspired the Foulies to return to their custom of ruining every GMOT gambler's week.  I tried to warn everyone about picking against the Foul Balls, but some folks never learn.  Sure enough, five out of five respondents on the GMOT picked against us.  Tsk Tsk.   

The first three innings featured spectacular play from Crystal "The Highlight" Tanner.  Based on Crystal's Week 3 performance, the coaching staff has been considering having Jorts Johnson take a seat in center to stay out of Crystal's way as she covers the entire outfield on her own.  She and Dennis Gholson so enjoyed combining on a double play in the top of the second, they decided to repeat the feat on offense in the bottom half of the frame.  Crystal blazed around the bases and was booted in by Dennis to give the Foulies their first lead of the season, 1-0.  John "Mr. Reach" Robb, playing in only his second organized kickball game, stepped up huge at the charger position and feasted all night on Free Ballin's bunts.

I have struggled to find the words to describe the mood surrounding the field as we headed into the third.   I realized there is only one man who could sum up the general aura about the field:

Image of Happy learned how to putt.

Fun Bannin' tied the game up in the top half of the fourth inning and had runners on second and third with only one out. Mr. Reach again made his presence felt and stopped the bleeding with an unassisted double play.  Despite putting ducks on the pond, the Foulies were unable to capitalize at the plate in the bottom half of the fourth.  

In the bottom of the fifth inning, now trailing by a 4-1 margin, the Foulies placed runners at second and third with two outs.  Dennis "Ghoul"-son swaggered up to the plate.  Dennis had been enjoying an all-around dominant day with not one, but two double plays at first base and had reached base safely in his previous two at-bats.  I now call Dennis "Ghoul"-son because he must be one scary dude.  Four Ballin' consulted Gang Green's lineup (which is a concept heretofore unknown to most Foul Balls) as the Ghoul took his place in the batter's box.  It was at this moment that Free Ballin' began to live up to their moniker.  You see, it became evident that Free Ballin' had let their balls hang just a little bit too free.  In fact, their balls were so free, they apparently left them at home Wednesday night.  Four Ballin' decided to grant the Ghoul a free pass to first (once again, a concept heretofore unknown to most Foul Balls).  They didn't even have the decency to issue a walk with four slow rolls far off the plate.  Instead, the Free Ballin' pitcher opted for the single bounce across the plate method of intentionally walking a kicker, which serves to thinly disguise an intentional walk by having each pitch come reasonably close to the plate.  Unfortunately, the final out was recorded next and the Foul Ball's upset bid ended.

I turned to my teammates this week to offer commentary in support of my All-Peninsula campaign:

Captain Andreas Beyersdorf: "We were winning until you showed up."

John Robb: "Weren't we leading the whole game until you showed up?"

Carolee Larger: "Maybe you should just stay in class next week."

Captain Jen Nardi: "I was happy to see you." 

...and I made up the last quote.  A lesser (and less self-involved) man would abandon his self-indulgent All-Peninsula campaign after such harsh words from his own locker room. I am not that man.

  

Foul Territory's fight song of the week captures our indefatigable team spirit:

The 6:30 kickoff may have boosted our chances on the kickball diamond, but it damaged our bar performance later in the evening.  We had a strong early showing, but ducked out early on what seemed to be an overall tame WAKA Wednesday at Luckies.  Francisca Cespedes served notice that she will be a social force to be reckoned with in the coming weeks with her flip cup and cornhole skills.  The highlight of my night was Mat, Francisca and Carolee teaching me at least seven different ways to insult people in sign language, so if you notice me gesturing at the plate then I'm probably using the one and only friendly greeting sign that I learned.  Yup, that's it.

Bar Buzz Week 3

"Video killed the radio star. In my mind and in my car, we can't rewind we've gone to far. Pictures came and broke your heart, put the blame on VTR."

While the rain's away the kickballers will play! Although, I must admit this week's party scene was a bit slim for the pickin's. Was it the threat of rain that kept our crowd away? Or maybe some delayed Labor Day weekend recovery? Whatever it was, it didn't keep the dedicated, (practically) permanent fixtures of our social scene from living it up and partying down. And this week we'll tell the story (mostly) in video because we can and because I've got to continue to work on my in with AMAH(F)B...

#8 Rumspringa: Here's the thing about the Smurfs,either they're all in OR they're all out. Lucky for them, this week there wasn't much competition to keep them off of the write up. (Editors note: We'd really like to be able to get some new teams in the Bar Buzz SOOOO let's bring it WAKA! Don't make me go back to writing up all the teams. Seriously. Please don't make me do it. I might lose my job (and several friends).)  Maybe this will help pump them up for their performance next week:

  

#7 Chicken Tetrazzini: Also known as the Angry Birds (to our Commish and in a more inferior kickball league whose name shall never be mentioned), this week the Birds were anything but Angerer and showed up all over the place (unlike the Colt's defense, sorry DP).  Much like the  Peyton's placement on the DL, it remains to be seen if and when CT will actually bring it home. 

#6 Free Ballin': It's to be expected that the reigning champs show up in full force to receive the Golden Belt (all you newbies should take note about our cultural "norms"). However, the reining champs showing up with thongs in their hands?? (or on their heads as the case may be). Not so much. Ballin' really is trying to take the Bar Buzz to the next level. But what we really want to know is.... were they clean?

#5 Vicious and Delicious: Still standing. Still partying. Still orange. But not quite the recipe they need. How can they make it to the top? And do I smell an overthrow a-brewing? We think they could take a few pointers on intimidation from their namesake:

#4 Jagernauts: Although still consistent, they are falling in the rankings. It seems as if their apathy is getting the best of them. A rumored re-alliance with the 'Springas couldn't even come through for the 'Nauts. Perhaps they should review and carefully study the habits and skills of the serious partiers in this particular video and well...brush up.

#3 Just For Kicks: "Close but no cigar." "Close only counts in hand grenades and horse shoes." However you phrase it... JFK just coudln't make the cut. They shouldn't fret though... it's still early on and we all know Matt Barcus and new sidekick Scott Duncan have got the strength to go on. But do we think their livers do?

#2 5 O'Clockers: The Clockers were going strong this week. Will they have what it takes next week to reclaim their prized possession? Perhaps they sound invite Helen and Nita to Luckie's next week:

(to the tune of 5 O'Clock Somewhere)

#1 Jiminy Kick-It: It's been a slow rise to the top for JKI. Practically unmentioned in our last season, the Crickets have been quite persistent in their pursuit of the bar this Fall. And this week they took it to the next level: sharing shots, "tearing up" the dance floor (one team has never made a Counting Crows dance off look so good). They also happened to find new friends wherever they went... perhaps spending time with Pinocchio is rubbing off on them afterall.  (What??? does that reference even make sense. Oh well - deal with it!)

JKI: Week 3 Bar Buzz Champs!

Worth Mentioning:
New Dude on Lick It - I'll admit it...since I'm partial to the purple jerseys, I tend to notice when they are (or aren't around). I'd like to give credit this week to random dude (I haven't yet had the opportunity to meet) from Lick It who's been sighted repeatedly this season. I'm pretty certain he's the only 'baller in the place sporting this color and so for that he gets mad props.

The Bartender's Glitter... Top...Bathing Suit...oh wait, we'd say it's worth mentioning but there was nothing there to be seen.

WWUS: What would the USDA say?

It might be worthwhile for New Kickheads (who gave another good showing this week) to join forces with Foul Balls (who consistently perform) to find new ways to break up all the Orange, Red and Yellow dominating the partying field....

Until Next time - Bottom's Up!

xoxo Gossip Girl