3rd Team All-Peninsula
After taking the Spring season off, Lorraine Adkins came back better than ever in the Fall. A big part of that is because she didn't just spend that time off lounging around the house watching soaps. Adkins busted her ass in the gym doing CrossFit and came into the season in excellent shape. "She's a lot faster this season," Ballsacks coach George Kiriazidis said, "Not to be a homer, but she was one of the most solid girls for us. She never misses a catch. And there isn't a girl who can bunt down one better, in my opinion." Lorraine's consistency on both sides of the ball definitely impressed the voters, earning her another AP nod.
Write up by Nathaniel Johnson, KA
Amanda "Juicy" Doolittle burst onto the WAKA scene this fall season for Kick Ass and had an immediate impact. Amanda is a stalwart defender and provided an offensive spark with her ability to find a way to get on base against the toughest competition. I trust this honor has nothing to do with her abilities on the poles at Luckie's... but I'm rightfully suspicious of Peninsula voters intentions with my teammate.
Jeremy Edge recently wondered whether or not he would receive any votes because The Situation was new to WAKA VA Peninsula. But what he'll find out soon is that our league knows talent when they see it, and Edge is definitely talented. "Edge is an on-base machine who's had a kick ass 2012," Situation captain Lasalle Blanks said recently, "He started out the year new with us, and now I can't imagine us without him. This kid truly is the epitome of a great teammate." Lasalle continued, "Because he's always willing to buy you a beer."
Very few pitchers in the league possess the raw power of Free Ballin's Mark Flores. The man puts every ounce of energy that he has in every pitch. The result is consistently wicked fireball that leaves even the best kickers uncomfortable at the plate. And Flores success this Fall wasn't limited to just the Peninsula. He made the trip to Vegas for Founders Cup with The Situation as a free agent pick up. When the great Blake Kalaikai (more on him later) went down with an injury, Flores stepped in and pitched the Sitch all the way to the finals of the biggest tournament of the year. Without a doubt, Flores is a world class talent and a world class class act.
One of the youngest members of the All-Peninsula team is the 5 O'Clockers charger, Gene Efird. He's played part time in the league for the past three seasons with the Clockers and Kickheads, but this was his first full season after graduating from college. He proved himself to be the impact player that killed many teams' hopes. "I think he's quickly established himself as one of the most complete players in the league," teammate Allen Walker said, "He's able to cover the entire infield and is always in position to make the right play. On offense Gene can either clear the bases with one kick or lay down the perfect bunt to lead off an inning." In fact, with Efird anchoring the offense and defense, the 5OC are always a tough team to beat no matter who is on the opposite sideline.
The Burning Bridges' Alex Jackson makes his debut on the All-Peninsula team and it's certainly well deserved. In addition to having sure hands and a strong arm to combat first to third, Jackson stepped his offensive game up big time. Kicking towards the top of the Bridges' lineup, Jackson developed a deadly accurate line drive kick that always seems to find the weak spots in opponents defenses.
It's not uncommon for kickers to scan the Kick Ass outfield, and go all Waterboy ("That's my bitch.") when they see Nathaniel Johnson. But they do so at their own peril. Behind the goofy jean shorts, the unimpressive body, and homeless guy beard is actually a hell of a kickball player. Surprisingly quick and with natural instincts from a lifetime of playing and watching sports, Jorts tracks down balls in the gaps and provided the KA defense with a solid anchor in the OF. On offense, he's a jack of all trades. Able to paint the lines with accurate bunts and drop deep bombs over outfielders. He's an all around weapon and the voters have recognized him as such. (Now, I have a feeling that Matt, Bryan, and I will never hear the end of this while shooting 3U3D. Thanks a lot, voters.)
Write up by Nathaniel Johnson
It has been wandered aloud in Peninsula circles, "Who the hell is Brad Kirby?". All-Peninsula voting results tell us that nearly all of the league's voters now know the answer to that question. Brad is the definition of what a utility player should be on the field for the Burning Bridges. He has the skill set to fill in at any of the major positions and the Bridges don't miss a beat when Brad Kirby steps into the spotlight. Don't let the adorable floppy blond hair shy smile fool you, Mr. Kirby will make you pay.
For nine seasons, Jen Nardi has been a standout player in WAKA VA Peninsula. This veteran kickballer is one of the most well rounded women in the league. While she typically plays in the outfield, the Nard-Dogg can literally play just about any position on the field including traditionally male dominated spots like pitcher and first base. With her overhand goalie style throw, it's arguable that she may be the Foulies best pitcher on the team. On offense, Nardi has one of the strongest females legs. If teams decide to bring their outfields in when she's up, than she can and will burn them. Outside of her contributions on the field, Nardi also displays outstanding leadership with Foul Balls. "Jen is motivating, encouraging, supportive, and friendly." Foulie newcome Dottie Wentworth said in a recent interview, "Couldn't ask from more from a captain and teammate!"
Write up by Nathaniel Johnson, KA
Alex Noctor has had several aliases throughout his WAKA Peninsula career which compare him to a doctor. In the fall campaign, he was surgical behind the plate. Alex gobbled up bunts from some of the league's best for the Burning Bridges. His offensive prowess also burned the opposition as Noctor can not only bunt his way on, but can deliver line drives. Noctor, Noctor, give me the news... the Peninsula has a bad case of loving you.
What can I say about Courtney Travis other than this girl is friggin' tough. In week 1 against JFK, she collided with a teammate in the outfield and actually broke her tailbone. She played the rest of the game in considerable pain without knowing the full extent of her injury. Once diagnosed, she only took a few weeks off before she was back out on the pitch for the Clockers. I say again, she had broken her tailbone. Tough. And when she did return, she didn't miss a beat. "Courtney Travis can handle any fielding position with ease," teammate Allen Walker said, "Courtney is one of the most dangerous female kickers in the league since she has the ability to kick a line drive away or to lay down a skillful bunt down the line. She has kept many innings going for us or started off a game changing rallies."
There you have it. Stay tuned for the 2nd Team announcements coming by Monday. Followed by 1st team and honorable mentions later in the week! Congrats to all those voted in!
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