Tottenham Oldtimers Slo-Pitch League

Didn't think much can happen our sleepy little town in a week?

NOTICE:

I initially wrote a lengthy essay on why I love this league.  It was cathartic to say the least.  But I decided not put everyone through the torture of another one of my dissertations.  

But the problem with this brief tale is that all the principles don't want their names mentioned.  And believe me, I completely understand and respect people's desire for privacy, it just makes it harder to relate the story.  

The short story, as anonymous as I can make it, is this:  We have a former player from our league who has perilous health issues and now finds himself confined to a wheel chair.  While he's been sick for some time, the gravity of the illness has only recently come to light.  By "recently" I mean the Friday before CRIC.  

So a couple of conversations later we did what we do best.  

We rallied.  

One player donated his time and design skill to build exit ramps for his home so that getting to and from doctors appointments could be managed in his wheel chair.  

Another player offered access to building material.  

Another player offered assistance in the build.  

Several players offered to bridge financial support between purchasing materials and raising funds.  

Then we rallied by fund raising.  People dug in without hesitation.  Many dug deep.  Having or not having a personal relationship with the person turned out to not be a factor.  He is one of us, that's all that mattered.  

One player offered to match what his entire team donated.

Then another player did the same.

Then another quietly handed me an envelope and said, "open it in the car". There was a $150.00 dollars in it.  I sent him an email just saying, "WOW".  

He replied with, "This league is important to a lot of people.  Let me know if I can help out in any other way or if funds come up short.  I can probably do a bit more."

Another player surreptitiously stuck $50.00 in my palm while shaking my hand and simply said, "its the right thing to do."

A few members from the ladies league who just happened to be in the Legion after their game, graciously made donations. 

In 4 days we had enough money to cover all the material for the ramps.  As impressive as that is, the construction of the ramps was also completed 5 days after the first conversation.. 

A huge thank you to everyone in the league for standing up and doing whatever they could and what was needed to help one of our own.  

Once a Tottenham Oldtimer; Always a Tottenham Oldtimer

Now onto the baseball.  

Through two weeks we only have 2 undefeated teams.  Additionally, we have 4 teams that have yet to taste victory.

Congrats to the Draft Kings and the Hot Tub Woody's who are both at 3-0.  Nice start boys.     

The 4 win-less teams are playing lose games or having spirited rallies or are victims of circumstance.  The wins will come.  And when they do, I'm perfectly fine if they're at the expense of the Draft Kings.  15 runs allowed through 3 games?  My math ain't so great, but that's damn close to 5 runs a game.  Who does that?

Housekeeping....

Here are some items that we need to discuss.  

First, a friendly reminder for everyone, that I would really like to keep friendly.  The Legion is licensed for liquor.  Our parks are not.  The only exception during tournaments.  Please govern yourselves accordingly.  

A number have people have inquired about further sales of hats, t-shirts and hoodies.....watch for something in this space in the next couple of weeks.

Score sheets, as usual need to be turned in at the drop box at the Legion.  If you see Lou, Danny or me, we will generally take it for you if we're heading in that direction, or sometimes we will update the stats and standing immediately from the park.  However, if you don't see us, please make sure it hits the drop box and Tuesday games are the critical one to remember because a lot of captains don't.  

A questions was asked about the Michael Worrod Golf Tournament.  If you scroll to the bottom of this page to the calendar of events; you can click on tournament name on July 16th.  That link will provide you with directions and contact information for registering.   

Backyard

Beer Cup..........

The Grisslies entered the season in possession of the Beer Cup.  The Dodge City Rounders must have REALLY wanted it because they drubbed the Grisslies 27-7 to rudely snatch it away.  Dodge then went onto play the Rusty Rebels in game two and became the second team to be unable to retain the cherished jug.  And guess who followed suit in short order?  Yep the Rebs lost to the Hurtin' Units on Tuesday night 7pm, which set up a chance to defend against the Tap Masters on Thursday night!

So What do you think happened?  Well the Hurtin' Units became the 4th team that was unable to retain the beer cup fro even a single game!  

As happens in this league, the Rebels are afforded an opportunity to win the Beer Cup back as they are next on the docket for the Tap Masters, Thursday May 19th at 7pm.  And as always gentlemen, the Captains traditionally bet a jug of beer on the game (hence the name of the cup)

Beer Cup Games Played. 

1  Grisslies

2 Dodge City Rounders

2 Rusty Rebels

2 Hurtin' Units

1 Tap Masters

POLL.....

Last week we asked, "What's the biggest surprise of Week 1?"  

54.2% (26 votes) Quality of the Fields (best shape they've been in since I've been in the league)

20.8% (10 votes) Number of Non-Players Attending Games (a marked up turn from last year)

8.3%   (4 votes) The Turn Out & Participation of the Pool of Rookies (Fantastic crop this year!)

16.7% (8 votes)   The Weather (No lost games this season)