Fall 2012 - All-Peninsula 2nd Team

On Saturday, I posted the All-Peninsula 3rd Team. Now it's time to take a look at the players who earned enough votes to be considered in the top 7% of all players at their respective positions. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the All-Peninsula 2nd Team!

One of the biggest free agent acquisitions this off season was JFK signing Jiselle Anderson. Anderson is a gifted athlete and experienced kickballer who contributed greatly to Just For Kicks' success. "Jiselle's a ball hawk on defense. She's made multiple highlight plays and always seems to be in the right position to catch tipped balls," JFK teammate Daniel Shaw said, "As a bonus, you couldn't ask for a better teammate."

write up by Nathaniel Johnson, Kick Ass

Manny Anderson's ability to jumpstart an offense is what makes him a perennial All-Peninsula contender, but his athleticism behind the plate smothers the opposition. As the ringleader for KA, he has brought the team into the team into position to contend at the top of the Peninsula every season. As long he never joins the Situation full-time, then I count him as a great teammate and great friend.

When you think of the prototypical charger, you generally think of shorter, quick, athletes. Chris Bennett breaks the mold. One of the tallest chargers in the league, Bennett is an absolute force, crashing the line and throwing lasers to first to rob kickers of base hits. Although new to VA Peninsula, Bennett has been playing kickball for years. Although recently Situation head coach Lasalle Blanks has said this is the best he's seen him play. "This year he had extra motivatio. While he'll never pop out, he did pop the question to Sitch teammate Kelly McElhiney," Blanks continued, "We think that's given one of the best chargers around a little extra umph this year. Bennett has been playing like a beast."

Another one of JFK's standout players is their leadoff kicker, Jason Kidd. The speedster, known simply as J-Kidd (not to be confused with the wife beating point guard for the Nets, Mavs, Suns, and Knicks), was one of the toughest outs for opponents and set the tempo for the prolific offense. And once on base, his quickness, aggressiveness, and experience made him one of the most dangerous threats. But his value isn't just on the offensive side of the ball. J-Kidd is also an excellent outfielder. "Kidd is super quick," Shaw said recently, "He covers a lot of ground and can lure some kickers into a false sense of security. There aren't a lot of balls he can't get to."

It's hard to find a lady kickballer more talented than Pitch Please's Nikki LeBlanc. She roams the outfielder better than many guys, with sure hands that lead to outs. If you think you can target her in the field, you might be a fool. Offensively, the speedy LeBlanc can get down the line quick, fast, and in a hurry, which puts a lot of pressure on opponents bunt defenses. 

write up by Lasalle Blanks, The Situation

This guy has been playing kickball since 1948 and just keeps getting better and better every single year. Kyle Lewis always DELIVERS (I just wish he would get more fired up about the game -- he's one of the most mild-mannered players I've ever seen). CONGRATS to a great teammate and even better friend. 

This lumberjack of a man, Jeremiah Newton, made his Peninsula debut in style for JFK this Fall. Although new to the league, he's been playing on the Southside for years with legendary teams like the Tiki Titans and Panik Attack. "Miah is a wealth of talent and experience," teammate Daniel Shaw raved, "He played just about every position possible and did so very well." That is in fact true, as it's my understanding that Newton played every position except for catcher for JFK at one point this season. The ultimate definition of a utility player. When playing charger in particular, he wowed people with his highlight plays. "His kick passes to first base from the charger position never fail to drop jaws with how accurate they are." Shaw said recently. Newton's kicks aren't just used on defense, he has also interrupted a couple games with his bombs that seem to just keep going. He's got probably one of the strongest legs in the league. 

write up by George Kiriazidis, Battlestar Ballsacktica
When Nicole Plesha is not snagging ripped line drives down the third baseline, pegging people out on first to thirds on defense she's placing textbook bunts down the third baseline, and out running throws to first. If that's not enough she'll turn around and cheer with the mouth of sailor every four letter word known to mankind and then some.

write up by Nathaniel Johnson, Kick Ass
I would throw my first born son from centerfield to Nick Schmidt and trust him to catch him softly and securely. His reliability on first was matched this season by an improved offensive game. Nick delivers in the clutch and I am pleased to see him earn this honor which, in my opinion, is overdue.

Just For Kicks set the new VA Peninsula single season defensive record, allowing only 8 runs in 11 games this season. And there is no denying that a big reason why is the man they have on the hill, Daniel "The Condor" Shaw. Shaw, who stands 6'7'', is an imposing presence to opposing kickers. With his freakishly long arms he hurls kickballs as hard as any pitcher in the league towards home, leaving many frustrated.

Perhaps one of the most accurate bunters in the league is Noelle Walsh. It always seems like her placement is perfect down the 3rd base line. That is of course, when she's not kicking. She can do that well too. And did I mention her defense. Solid. All around total package.