Sun City Kickball's Spring '11 divisions have been announced. The following are where each team ended up and included are each teams record from last season, if they participated during the Fall Season.
Border Division - Field: Modesto 1
Team - Fall '10 Record (Win-Loss-Tie)
Balls & Dolls (5-2-0)
The Billy Bad Asses (4-3-0)
Drunken Monkeyz - (3-1-3)
Red Hot Cherry Poppers (3-4-0)
Beavers & Balls (2-5-0)
Suisliders - (New Team)
2Legit 2Kick (New Team)
Frontera Division - Field: Modesto 2
Team - (Win-Loss-Tie)
Shockers (5-1-1)
Los Totally Awesomes - (4-3-0)
Vicious & Delicious (Spring '10- 4-3-0)
Kick N Da Balls- (2-5-0)
Mataconchas (1-6-0)
Hung Jury (New Team)
99 Problems but a pitch ain't one (New Team)
Castner Division - Field: Memo Field
Team - (Win-Loss-Tie)
Balls to the Wall (7-0-0)
New Kicks on the Block (5-1-1)
Charity kickball tournaments are becoming more and more popular across the United States. Kickball seems to provide the perfect combination of challenging competition and fun atmopshere that is needed for an all day event. As El Paso's appetite for kickball grows so does its demand for another kickball tourney. Sadly, El Paso currently holds only one annual kickball tournament a year. However, hopefully that won't be the case forever.
El Paso's only annual kickball tourney is the El Paso Kickball Clash, which held it's 3rd annual event, Feb. 26th. I've had the opportunity to attend all three events and although I haven't been able to attend each event in its entirety; I have been fortunate enough to speak with players and spectators who have expressed their concerns for the events declining popularity. Which is heartbreaking, considering the tournament usually features some of the best kickball talent in El Paso. El Paso's kickball community deserves an annual tourney they can be proud of. Spectators and players could provide a laundry list of deficiencies with the event, but it would be easiest to chalk up the tourney's declining success to mismanagement.
However despite the lack luster tourney, I can honesty say that during the event I was treated to the best kickball game I have ever witnessed. After a full day of questionable officiating and multiple imposed forfeits, the final game was finally slated between two all star teams, Kicking and Screaming and the Party Crashers. At first the match up seemed like it would be a one-sided battle as the Party Crashers had a decent a 3-0 lead by the 3rd inning, in what was turning out to be a defensive game. However that was until tourney MVP Albert Villegas kicked a solo shot home run right into the hearts of the Party Crashers. Followed by a dastardly sick ass ninja move at home plate by some random dude that left Drunken Monkey Reid "the Machine" Hanson embarrassed and surprised. Unfortunately that was the beginning of the end for the Party Crashers, as from that point on they just couldn't get out of their own way. Error after error gave Kicking and Screaming a chance to claw their way to a win. And in dramatic Disney fashion, kickball hot head Marco "Throw the Hat" Random was able to boot a rocket down the 3rd baseline in the bottom of the 5th inning to earn the walk off win 4-3.
Congrats to the Kicking and Screaming and the Party Crashers for an awesome game. See you Wednesday nights!
Back by popular demand.... Written by: The Angry Umpire
The new season is right around the corner and I for one cannot wait!! I can’t remember the last time Sun City Kickball was this loaded with quality teams from top to bottom. We have plenty of veteran teams returning and a lot of young bloods just chopping at the bit to knock down a kickball giant. So who’s going to win this year?? Will it be everyone’s favorite villains? Or will it be someone that no one even saw coming? If I had to bet my hard earned cash, I would have to go with a team that has done it before.
I know that no one will straight out say it, but thank you Matanconchas, Brown Chicken Brown Cow, and LTA for coming. You all can still play with the big dogs and serve as warm ups for the real games to be played later. The Balls & Dolls aren’t as bad as the previously mentioned teams, but they can’t even beat the Shockers. Of all the ex-champions I think the once mighty yellow team is the weakest champ ever. So if the B&DLS can’t beat them, then they have no chance against the elite teams. It pains me to say but the Shockers will also be going nowhere fast. They’ll probably have a nice regular season, only to choke in the semis to their arch rivals.
The only team from the original SIX that might be able to hang with all the super teams is The Machine formally known as the Drunken Monkeyz. They seem primed to make another run at the title now that they’ve cut some dead weight from their pitching staff.
The Lafayette bunch won’t fair any better. This group is filled with also rans or teams that never were. One More Shot starts every season with so much promise, only to fall flat on their faces. For some reason this poorly coached team can never get out of their own way and make some noise. The Pirates are team that never was, enough said. The only team that might have a tiny bit of hope is Id Hit It. For some reason this team always plays over its head. There’s no way they should even be on the field with SCK’s top tier teams, but they always seem to keep it close…close enough to lose.
I feel for some of the rookie teams. They have no idea what they’re in for when they play some of the super competitive teams. They will either sink or swim with most of these teams drowning a horrible death. So I won’t waste any more time on these future stat padders.
Out of all the new Modesto additions, I can honestly say that there are only two teams I really like. Sorry Chupacabrones, but you’re not one of them. They’re a very good team, but I don’t think they have the killer instinct to step on the better teams throat and put them away. So are the New Kicks one of these teams? Unfortunately, no! They have one awesome player and few complimentary pieces, but nothing that really scares any one. They had no reason even hanging with last seasons Confused Kixx. One of the teams that I can definitely see being the last one standing is Ballz to the Wall. They have the right mixture of sick athletes and killer instinct that will carry them a long way. And thanks to a certain pitcher that will remain nameless, they will always be an extremely dangerous foe.
But my pick to win the whole shebang is…The Thundercats. I hate to admit it but these Katz are stacked. They’re experienced multi time champs and will be looking to make a statement!! I wish there was someone else, but sadly there isn’t. Hopefully someone will stand up and make them look Pussy Katz, but I wont
hold my breath on that one.The 5th season will be Sun City Kickballs biggest and most competitive yet!!
I’m dying to see how this new batch of teams will play.
Let me start by welcoming our new contributor/writer to Its Just Kickball, Mr. Newton's Flaw!
Written by: Newton's Flaw
There is no doubt in my mind that this season will be showcasing the best kickball this town has produced. I present to you a preview of the who’s who of talent for this upcoming season. Relative to 28 teams, this list is short and perhaps not as thoroughly researched as the end of the
season honors. Expect 4 All-Division Teams come May, but for now the following players are definitely worth noting.
Preseason All-SCK Team
Coaches
Vincent Trujillo – Chupacabrones;
Carlos Alejandro Lopez – No more Heroes
Rick Delgadillo #42 - Balls to the Wall
Kelsey Masters #11– Balls to the Wall
Vanessa Mayhugh #6– Chupacabrones
Chris Shahan #5– Chupacabrones
Lily Favela #6 – Thundercats;
Laura “Chola” Munoz - No More Heroes
Outfield
Nadia Morales #13 – Balls & Dolls
Hector Rodriguez #32 – Thundercats
David “Domino/TheKid/ El Nino” Fernandez - New Kicks on the Block
John Sauceda - Drunken Monkeys
Dora Prichardo # - Shockers
The teams for the Spring 2011 Season are finally set. The final team tally is a whopping 27 teams! By far the biggest season yet for SCK. These massive numbers make the league the undisputed biggest, best, and brightest kickball league in town. Congrats SCKers!
We have new teams, old teams, returning teams... And it's become harder and harder to keep track of who is who, with all the team name changing going on. In my opinion, it's actually quite sad that team coaches feel they need to constantly one up each other to find the "funniest" new name out there. Frankly the trendiness brings tears to my eyes. Where are the traditionalists? The purists? Big props to all the teams who refuse to give in to the trendiness and pride themselves on the franchise names that they worked so hard to establish. That being said; here is the list of the teams with some unmasking of teams who have changed their name.
The Original Six
The Original Six are back! The league was founded on the backs of these very special teams. Undoubtedly they are kickball royalty, however some have opted to change their team names.
1. Shockers ( Two-Time Champs and multiple semi-final appearances)
2. Drunken Monkeyz ( One-Time Champs and multiple championship game appearances)
3. Los Mataconchas (Originally the Family Jewelz)
4. Balls and Dolls (Consistent Top-Ten Team)
5. Brown Chicken Brown Cow (Originally the Multiple Scoregasms)
6. Los Totally Awesomes - maybe will become Los Fah Qs (These indecisive kiddos have yet to decide)
The Lafeyette Bunch
These next teams joined the SCK family during Season #2. You can compare this group to the Care Bear Cousins, they may not be the original Care Bears, but they are Care Bears nonetheless.
7. One More Shot (Multiple seasons)
8. Royal Tenenballs (Formerly the Pirates! rrrrrr)
9. I'd Hit It (Consistent Top Ten Team)
The Modesto Additions
The league blew up after Season #2 and the following are all the teams, rookie and returning, who are now with the league at Modesto 1 & 2, Jimmy 0, and surrounding fields.
10. The Billy Badasses (Multiple seasons)
11. Kick N Da Balls (Multiple seasons)
12. Red Hot Cherry Poppers (Multiple seasons)
13. New Kicks on the Block (Hands down best rookie team last season; Semi-Final appearance
14. The Runs (Another very good rookie team from last season)
15. Vicious and Delicious (Skipped last season, but are back for their 2nd SCK appearance)
16. Hash House Harriers (Multiple Seasons)
17. Chupacabrones (A contingency of last season's champs Confused Kixxx; Kickball vets)
18. Ballz to the Wall (The other half of last season's champs Confused Kixxx; Kickball vets)
19. Thundercats (1st season with SCK, but no strangers to kickball; Multiple Kickball Titles)
20. 99 Problems, but a pitch ain't one (Originally the Kickapoos!)
Well some rules are meant to be broken, but not ALL rules. Especially not the rules found etched onto the sacred pages of the SCK Rule Book. Before the beginning of each new season, the Holy Book of Kickball is brought out from its secure, top secret location; a deep cavernous bunker dug into the side of the Franklin Mountains. To retrieve the sacred text from the mysterious "Keeper of the Book" is a treacherous journey. Many kickballers are sent, but very few return. However this scarfice must be made to ensure that each season the book is updated with the latest and greatest rules. The following updated rules are now gospel!
1.6 (F). All runners over-running 1st base should remain in foul territory at all times until they return to 1st base. If a runner over-runs 1st base and ventures into fair territory, the runner will be deemed in-play and subjected to being tagged out.
5.3 (A) The kicking lineup does not have to be a specific sex order. All defensive players/fielders must be on the kicking line-up.
7.9 If a team does not have enough registered players to field a team they will be allowed to pick up other registered league players to field a team. Teams will only be allowed to pick up enough females to get you to the minimum three. Teams will only be allowed to pick up enough players to get you to 8 players after the 3 female minimum is met.In addition, a team must have a minimum of 6 players in order to enact the “Pick Up” rule. (Pick-Up Rule not available during the Post-Season)
9.2 All kicks must occur:
A. at or behind home plate. The kicker may step on home plate to kick, however no part of the planted or kicking foot may be in front of or cross the front edge of the home plate. The infraction will result in a foul ball for the kicker. However the kicked ball will be eligible to be caught by the defense.
9.3 Bunting is allowed
A. On a bunt, the ball must pass the 15 ft. Bunt line to be considered in play. A ball stopped before passing the buntline will result in a double foul for the kicker.
10.10 Runners may not advance once the ball is returned to the pitcher. The pitcher must have the ball and be within the designated pitching mound to stop the advancement of the base runners or the play is deemed dead by the umpire. A runner who is more than half way to the base they are advancing to, before the play is dead, will be awarded that base.
10.11 A runner who fails to touch a base while advancing or improperly tags-up on a fly ball will be indicated by the throwing of a red bean bag in the vicinity of the base in question by a field judge or umpire. If the defense tags the runner or base, prior to the runner’s return, will result in an out. If the defense fails to acknowledge the infraction by the next pitch, the bean bag will be picked up and play will resume without infraction. This call is not subject to being challenged.
14.2 An out is:
B. any kicked ball (fair or foul) that is caught by a fielder; a catch is defined as possession of the ball for an instance or more
El Paso, TX – Registration for Sun City Kickball’s spring 2011 season begins Saturday, January 15 and is open until Saturday, February 19. Sun City Kickball is El Paso’s fastest growing co-ed adult
kickball league with over 300 members! Games are played on Wednesday evenings at Modesto Gomez Park from March 9 to May 21.
Registration is being held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the following Saturdays at Roger Brown Field (1100 Alabama): January 15, 22 and 29, and February 5 and 12. Coconuts Bar & Grill (816 Piedras) will host registration on February 19 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The fee is $35 per player and a $5 late fee will be added starting on February 12.
All players must be 18 years of age or older on the first day of play. Prospective players can sign up as individuals or form teams. For more details on the league, requirements to form a team, or to download
registration forms visit www.suncitykickball.com/forms.
As kickball enthusiasts we often have to personally sacrifice to participate in this wonderful game we call kickball. We devote personal time, pay player fess, and even invest emotional in, not only our teams, but in other teams as well. There are teams we cheer for and teams we cheer against. We love some teams and we love to "hate" other teams. At the beginning of the Summer Season we all invested in our own teams as well as other team favorites. Now its time to see how each team stock is holding up.
Safest Investment: #1 Confused Kixxx
They are the Walmart of the SCK Stock Market. They started off as the league championship favorite and continue to be the league favorite. Although their dominance has faded a bit this season. They are beatable; however no one has been able to do so as of yet. However they are a very good team and a championship contender. They play to win and are quickly being embraced by the Sun City kickball elite. They are often scrutinized and misunderstood, but I've been around them long enough to know that they are a great bunch of people. From Coach Vinny all the way down to Rick "The 3-Second Fuse" and including Ms. #15 is how many times I've been thrown out. Oh and we cant forget the former Kick N Da Ball kiddos. Good skills, great team, and only time will tell where they will end up.
Best Inside-Tip Investment: #2 Warriors
Little was known about the Warriors coming into the Summer Season. However if you were a kickball insider and familiar with the Thursday night league, you knew this team was going to be a true contender. The Angry Umpire named this team as his sleeper pick of the season and for once in his kickball career he was right. They are undefeated and could quite possibly stay that way even into the championship game. Rock solid defense be their key to winning a King of Kickball Title. If you had the inside tip on this team you made a great investment.
Most Disappointing Investment: #7 Drunken Monkeyz
The Angry Umpire still cries himself to sleep every night after selling everything he owns and investing in the defending champs. Although they have only lost one game, they still have a SCK record 3 ties in one season, which is nothing to write home about. Things are looking very bleak for the defending champs. Undoubtedly they are the most under-perfomring stock in SCK history.
Biggest Investment Crash: Los Totally Awesomes
Sell! Sell! Sell! Sell! If you you still own LTA stock you are either a gambler or straight up crazy. The Mighty Unicorns of LTA have the land speed record for going from Zero to Hero and then back to Zero in less than three weeks. After going 4-0 and making even the biggest critics ture believers, as of late they have really disappointed the LTA Bandwagon. They inched into the playoffs and barely missed having to Play-In. Not sure what went wrong, but LTA is going in the wrong direction and need to figure it out QUICK!
We are mere weeks away from the playoffs. As I look around the SCK Stock Market there are still some teams that are raising their Team Stock Value and others who are losing value.
As explained in earlier postings, the Top Ten Team list is primarily based off of what will be the post-season seeding format. The reason for this is to get teams comfortable with where they may potentially end up in the seeding. The post-season doesn't work in the traditional divisional playoff format. Instead it is more of a tournament style format spread over multiple weeks. So in a way you could say that the Top Ten List is a tad bit misleading. Many teams have been fortunate enough to be isolated from some of the marquee teams, because in reality the "true" top ten teams would look much, much different.
#1 Warriors Without a doubt, the Warriors are looking like the team to beat. They are absolutely dangerous on the kickball diamond. They already put to bed two of SCK's finest, the Shockers and Drunken Monkeyz. I remember when Confused Kixxx was the scary mega-tron team, but the Warriors make Confused Kixxx look like a child's play......thing?
#2 Confused Kixxx So Kixxx ended up not being this crazy, awesome, monster all-star team as previous anticipated, but they still are a very good team. Don't expect them to get knocked out of off the post-season any sooner than the Semi-Finals. They are always in contention for championship titles, its just another day in the office for them.
#3 Shockers They don't lose many games and there is a reason for that. They already have two kickball titles to their name and they are always on the quest for more. An extremely capable team and if it weren't for teams like the Confused Kixxx, Monkeyz, and the Warriors; they would probably still be dominating SCK like seasons past.
#4 Balls & Dolls My buddy the Angry Umpire said it best, "They aren't flashy, but they get the job done!" They Balls & Dolls will never be synonymous with dominating, bone crushing kickball. However they always seem to put up wins and get results. At the end of the day that is all that matters. An ugly win or a pretty win, a win is a win and its all the same to the Balls & Dolls.
#5 Los Totally Awesomes Although they had a minor set back last week, I'm not going to totally throw away the notion that the Mighty Unicorns are a good team. Although they lost to the Billy Bad Asses, I won't penalize them too much for that. Considering that the Billy Bad Asses have a very good habit of beating some good solid teams. Wednesday's game against Confused Kixxx will be the perfect gauge to see whether or not LTA deserves the #5 spot.
And to round off the "true" top ten.... #6 - Drunken Monkeyz #7 - I'd Hit It #8 - The New Kickz on the Block #9 - Tu Sabes #10-The Runs
Kickballers: The Blind Draw for Week 8 games will be this Thursday, August 19th at Coconuts Bar & Grill starting @ 7pm. In addition to our regular SCK drink specials, there will be food specials. 2 for 1 Brats, Hotdogs, Burgers, and Chicken Sammiches! Hope to see you all there!
I know teams are starting to get a little anxious to see who they will be playing during Week 8. We won't know who is eligible for that week until we finish Week 7. However here is a summary of how Week 8 games will work.
The last team in each Group will have to sit out Week 8. These bottom three teams will automatically go into the Play-In Week, if they so choose. For more info on the Play-In Week click here .
All the other teams in the league will be scheduled for a game during Week 8. Game match-ups will be selected by a blind draw. The blind draw will take place Thursday the 19th. The location is still to be determined, so stay tuned to the website, facebook, and the blog for the final details. Each team will have the opportunity for a representative to pull a name. However there will be a twist, which will be explained at the blind draw. More than likely we will set-up shop at Coconuts.
*Note* - To ensure some teams don't flake out during Week 8, ALL games will count when determining top 4 teams in each Group and the At-Large bid. Not to mention, it can also potentially effect your seeding. Season is far from over folks! Gotta keep playing.
And just like that the hype is over. After punishing Tu Sabes last week, to the tune of 10-0, the Mighty Unicorns of LTA were humbled by the unpredictable Billy Bad Asses. LTA was flying high going into Week 6 with their 4-0 record. Their game versus the Bad Asses was simply supposed to be a tune-up before their big match up against #1 Confused Kixxx. However the Billy Bad Asses brought the Unicorns back down to earth in devastating fashion. So now LTA has a week to regroup before playing the power house Confused Kixxx. While the Billy Bad Asses are riding some momentum as they face a very good Tu Sabes team.
I'd Hit It had an impressive game against The Runs this past Wednesday. As predicted, The Runs have yet to figure out how to beat an experienced team. They have the potential to score a barrage of points, but depending on who their opponents are often those runs stay in the tank. On the other side, I'd Hit It is FINALLY getting in gear. If they can keep up this momentum they will do some damage in the playoffs.
The Warriors took down the defending Champs in a close game down at Modesto 2. The Warriors are looking like the team to beat, while the Champs have seen better days. The Angry Umpire will have the in-depth review soon.
Honorable mention goes out to the Multiple Scoregasms for picking up their first win of the season. They took down the After School Specials by a score of 6-3.
Thus far team I'd Hit It has had a rather disappointing season. Which is very odd considering they have always been one of the better teams in SCK. During last season, they absolutely destroyed the competition down at Jimmy O. Week after week they chalked up win after win. Even in their rookie season they were an awesome team and even made it to the Championship Game against the Shockers. However this season they are hovering around mediocre.
Although they aren't playing at the same level as previous seasons, they did crack the Top Ten Teams list at #10 this past week. Which could be their first step on the road to redemption. They need to start gaining some momentum before they head into the playoffs or else they are going to find themselves dead in the water.
This week they are scheduled to play rookie team The Runs. The Runs are leading Group C with a mind blowing 31 runs scored. Overall they have the third best offense in the league. It is safe to say that I'd Hit It will have their hands full with this rookie team. I'd Hit It will have to use their experience to neutralize this team. Will it be enough? Well that's why we play the games, right? The good news is the stats trend seems to show I'd Hit It getting better and better with each passing week. In addition, The Runs seem to struggle against the better, more experience teams; i.e. Balls & Dolls and New Kicks on the Block.
It's any ones game, but quite frankly I'd Hit It needs this one a lot more. Not because it will determine their playoff fate, because they should make the playoffs no problem. I'm referring to the mental element. Winning games goes along way in creating team confidence and unity. So good luck to both teams!
The question has been answered. The Mighty Unicorns of Los Totally Awesomes are the real deal. There was much speculation as to whether or not LTA is truly a Championship caliber team, but after the can of whoop ass they just unleashed on Tu Sabes, there is no denying it anymore.
Los Totally Awesomes are now 4-0 and still undefeated. They rocked a very good Tu Sabes team to the tune of 10-3. LTA was able to beat Tu Sabes convincingly, surprisingly that was something not even the #1 Confused Kixxx were able to do. Which makes the Week 8 match-up between Confused Kixxx and Los Totally Awesomes very interesting.
Confused Kixxx better be ready when the Migthy Unicorns come to town. Kixxx has had a couple of blow outs this season. One came against the Scoregasms, a team that is basically disintegrating. The other blow out was against the rookie squad After School Specials. During those two games, Kixxx was able to show their dominance on the kickball field. However when they are put up against other experienced or skillful teams, they tend to lose that dominating game play. Although they are still putting up wins, they may need to step up their game as we get closer to the play-offs and as they get ready to play LTA.
LTA is playing some down right awesome kickball. Confused Kixxx will absolutely need to be on their game if they want on continue their winning ways. Especially since they will be coming off a bye-week, they will need to stay sharp.
Or at least that's how you could describe the Balls & Dolls' effort in their match-up against the New Kicks on the Block.
Before Wednesday night, the Bs&Ds were able to knock off most of the real competition in their division. They easily took down team I'd Hit It, who was supposed to be the other powerhouse team in Group C, but they have been struggling all season long. The Balls & Dolls were also able to take down The Runs, who are extremely dangerous on the offensive side of the ball. In the last two weeks, The Runs have been able to score a total of 25 runs. When the Bs & Ds meet The Runs during Week 3, they not only won the game, but they were able to shut out this offensive powerhouse with a score of 5-0. Which makes their loss to the New Kicks on the Block that more bizarre. Not that the Kicks aren't a good team, but the Balls & Dolls are the better team, more experienced team.
Maybe we can attribute the Balls & Dolls loss to rustiness from their bye-week? I'm not sure, but I personally saw their game and they had some opportunities to score, they just couldn't capitalize off them. During the early innings of the game, they also suffered from some horrible defensive miscues. Which is quite uncharacteristic of their usually stout and very aware defense. Whatever the reason maybe, you have to give all the credit to The New Kicks on the Block. They may not have an awesome defense or a noticeably strong defense, but they are winning. And at the end of the day, that's all the matters!
The New Kicks on the Block are looking great and getting the job done. And if it's any consolation, there is no need for the Balls & Dolls to hit the panic button just yet. There is still some time for a redeeming win. However there isn't much time...
The Mighty Unicorns of LTA have shown much improvement this Summer Season. During previous seasons, the idea of them being a championship caliber team was not only laughable, but it was a down right ludicrous idea. However all that has changed, with a 3-0 record including a couple of decisive wins, they are quickly making a name for themselves. One of those notable wins came against a very good 1 More Shot with a clutch walk off run to win the game. Another notable win was the more recent 10-0 smack down of the Scoregasms. If they are able to take down Tu Sabes this coming Wednesday, the conversation and the argument can be made that they may in fact be a legitimate contender for the King of Kickball title.
Now taking down Tu Sabes is easier said then done. Tu Sabes has been playing some solid kickball. They have yet to meet an opponent that has given them any real problems. Their only loss came at the hands of the #1 Confused Kixxx, which was a close hard fought game that left Kixxx Coach Vinny Trujillo having to change his diaper more than once. Tu Sabes doesn't have a wealth of experience, but these kiddos can down right play, that is a fact more than it is an opinion.
This game will be show which one of these teams is a contender and which one of these is the pretender. Both teams have what it takes to win, it's all a matter of who wants it more.
We already half way down with the Summer 2010 Season. Each week the playoff picture becomes more and more clear. As we head into Week 5 there are some key match-ups scheduled for each division. Let's start with the two juggernauts that will be clashing at Modesto 2.
The Shockers have been dubbed the biggest kickball villains around, not only here at SCK, but even word of their notoriety has traveled down to the Thursday night kickballers. Which I guess make sense, considering that they can count how many times they've lost on one hand and their two King of Kickball titles that were won in back-to-back fashion. You tend to accumulate haters when you dominate the competition continually and with as much success as the Shockers have had. Now the Shockers will be locking horns with another villainous team, the Drunken Monkeyz. These two teams have history, but I wouldn't call it a rivalry, it's a different feel from the storied Balls&Dolls v.s Shockers rivalry. It is odd in a way... However the one thing you can count on, when these two teams get together you are in for a hell of a game.
Both these teams play extremely well. Both teams have quick catchers, which means you can expect both teams to ditch their bunting game early and try to beat each other with the long ball. Which is also a problematic strategy since both teams also sport rock solid outfields. Each team will have to exhibit pin point accuracy, when kicking the ball, if they want any chance at scoring. The Shockers and Monkeyz almost seem mirrors of each other, yet each team has it's own style.
The teams will have to find each others Achilles heel. For the Drunken Monkeyz it has to be their 8 player defensive. Although the Monkeyz have been able to pull of some decisive wins against other teams with 8 players, it is one thing to beat KNDB & Las Mataconchas with 8 players, but to beat the Shockers with 8 players is simply asking for trouble. If the Shockers are able to hit the massive gaps in the Monkey 8 player defensive, they should cruise to an easy victory.
However the Shockers aren't without their own weaknesses . They have an obvious chink in their armor that I'm surprised more teams have yet to expose. With all honestly, the Shockers biggest weakness has to be their ever clumsy first baseman. It's almost painful to watch ever time the Shockers take the field. This guy has the reaction speed of a snail and isn't exactly light on his feet. His Tyrannosaurus Rex like arms make it ridiculously difficult to catch anything thrown his way. And if you think his fielding is bad just wait until you see this guy kick. Its like someone tied his shoes together, he kicks like Pinocchio....it's very sad.
But in all seriousness it all comes down to one thing; which ever team ends up making the least amount of mistakes will win. It's as simple as that.
Remember kickballers, the Top Ten teams list is based off of each team's league record and their Power Ranking. I don't arbitrarily pick which teams I feel are in the Top Ten, because if I did, well the Top Ten wouldn't look anything like it looks right now. I do it this way so teams get used to the format, because this is how the seeding for the playoffs will be determined. So IF the playoffs were held today, #1 Confused Kixxx and #2 New Kicks on the Block would have 1st round byes. However, remember, at this point not all the teams have played the same amount of games, because of the bye-weeks. Which means the list changes quickly and drastically after each week, for the most part.
Oh and before I forget, I don't want to hear any crying about how we should do it this way, or that way, or we should try this... That is a conversation for the off-season, not mid-season.
Alright...so the biggest knock against me and my blog is that "I'm too nice". I get criticized for trying to be "politically correct", mainly from the Angry Umpire, but from other kickball enthusiasts as well. Truth be told, I like writing about all the teams, not just the top teams. I'm not down to bash teams, because that ain't my game. I'm not a really good shit talker like my buddy the Angry Umpire. However I will tell you one thing that really pisses me off, anyone who cries about why the lost and won't simply own it. Some players will come up with ANY excuse to "explain" why they lost. Anything to draw attention away from the fact that they just didn't execute or more simply... they suck.
A couple of my favorite excuse:
"We didn't have all our players"
Really?!!? I don't care what anyone says, one player does NOT make a team. Of course there are certain players that are considerably better than the rest of the team, but unless that player is playing all the positions (Ala Baseball Bugs Bunny) then it shouldn't matter. Your team is only as good as it's weakest player!!!
"The umpires robbed us"
This is probably the excuse that gets to me the most, mainly because I do a lot of umpiring. I've been lucky enough to see a game from both sides of the plate. And I'll be the first to admit that the umpires don't always make the right calls, but that is understandable...because they are f*#$king robots. We don't have instant replay here. These guys and gals are going to call what the see and that's just how it goes. Even if something is ridiculously obvious, if they didn't see it, they can't just take your word for it. This applies in ALL sports, in any sport. Does it suck? Yeah sometimes it does, but that's when you need to turn around and make a play. Don't cry, don't sulk, cowboy or cowgirl up, turn around and make a play. If you need to beat the team you are playing and the umpires, then DO IT! Just stop crying.....
Competition often brings out the worst in us, but at the end of the day...this isn't life or death. Kickball is game, not a sport. Let's treat it like one!
There was a good amount of hype surrounding Week 4. I know many kickballers were anxious to see how the night would end...
The number one ranked Confused Kixxx were able to keep their #1 spot by barely slipping by Tu Sabes. Although Tu Sabes gave them trouble early on, by scoring first blood quickly, Coach Vinny "Give Me A Hug" Trujillo said, "they had us on our heals for most of the game". However Kixxx was able to comeback in the bottom of the 4th and shut down Tu Sabes's hope of an upset. With that Tu Sabes falls 4 spots from #5 all the way down to #9 and is coming dangerously close to slipping out of the Top Ten altogether.
The Mighty Unicorns of LTA had the most favorable match-up of the night, as they went up against the sinking Multiple Scoregasms. As anticipated, they beat the Scoregasms with a 10-0 smack down and earned themselves second place in their division with an undefeated record of 3-0. In addition, the 10-run shut-out helped them in the Power Rankings and brought them up 3 spots from #6 in the league to the #3 team in SCK.
The Drunken Monkeyz dealt a decisive blow to the Kick N Da Balls crew by shutting them out 7-0. The worst part for KNDB is they now find themselves out of the Top Ten by slipping down from the #8 spot to the #11 spot. However on a lighter note, this made room for the Billy Bad Asses to make their first appearance in the Top Ten by holding the #10 spot. The Bad Asses took down the After School Specials by a score of 5-0.
The Shockers took a huge tumble this week after losing to the #5 Warriors. The Warriors were able to shut out the Shockers with a 3-0 score. The Shockers lose their #2 ranking and plummet down to #6.
The new tenants of the #2 spot are the New Kicks on the Block, which is odd considering they squeaked by the 0-4 Violet Femmes with a head scratching 3-0 final score. However even after that lack luster performance, the overall stats are still in their favor and pushed them up to #2.
The Angry Umpire really has no clue about kickball. His expertise on kickball is very limited and it's obvious when you read his blogs. When he isn't spending time randomly bashing teams, he is blogging about the same teams over and over and over and over....at nausea. He would have you believe it's because the other teams don't deserve the blog space. The truth is, his overall knowledge of kickball prevents him from making any real predictions.
There are important match-ups this week that will help some very desperate teams get out of the cellar. More importantly and simply, these same teams need to win or they will be missing the Week 8 non-division games. The last team in each division will not playing during Week 8.
Billy Bad Asses v.s After School Specials
The After School Specials have yet to pick up their first win in their SCK rookie season. They have had the unfortunate luck of playing some tough teams during their opening games. During Week 1, they happened to pull the #1 Confused Kixxx, who gave them a baptism under-fire with a 13-1 clobbering. Then LTA took their turn and gave ASS a tolerable spanking with a 1-5 loss. Finally after all that, it looks like the may have a chance at picking up their first win against the Billy Bad Asses.
The Billy Bad Asses made a huge statement last season when they upset the ever tough Shockers. During that part of season, they were playing their best kickball ever. Much of that momentum carried over into the post-season King of Kickball tourney were they did very well. However for whatever reason that momentum and that same spark didn't carry over into this season. I find it odd, becuase they have all the elements you need to win games. They have the personnel in place, but it's all about executing. They did pick up one win this season so far, but it was against the Multiple Scoregasms; who by all accounts are falling apart at the seems. The final score was 1-0 and the one run in that game is all the Badasses have been able to muster so far this season. In addition, they have been plagued by player absences all season, but I hear that situation has finally sorted itself out. Flat out...they need to win Wednesday to gain some sort of momentum that will hopefully propel them through the rest of the season.
Billy Bad Asses - 6
After School Specials - 2
Las Mataconchas v.s. Pitches B Crazy
Las Mataconchas is another team who has been a victim of circumstance. So far they have played the #2 Shockers, # 8 Kick N Da Balls, and the # 9 Drunken Monkeyz. During that three game gruesome gauntlet, they gave up 40 runs and were only able to earn 5 runs. That is a brutal schedule to start the season with and it is apparent why they have yet to pick up a win. Their next opponent is the rookie squad Pitches B Crazy, who should give them a more fair playing ground and an opportunity to chalk up their first "W".
Pitches B Crazy is another team who started the season with an unfavorable schedule. They had to tangle with the #2 Shockers and then soon after that, they ran into the Warriors who know how to play some kickball. Not only is Pitches B Crazy looking for their first win, but they are also looking to score their first RUN. However when compared to Las Mataconchas, they have given up considerably far less runs - specifically 15 runs total to be exact.
I think the biggest factor here is Pitches B Crazy are coming off a bye-week, so they may be a tad bit rusty. While Las Mataconchas just finished getting stomped by the Monkeyz...translation - Las Mataconchas are angry, hungry, and they aren't going to take it anymore. EVERY WEEK!
Week 3 had some eventful games, but one team that is really starting to shine is team Tu Sabes. I'm hearing a lot of good things from the folks down at Jimmy O regarding this team.
Now I have yet to see them play, but their box scores are showing some promise and some of the kickball enthusiasts are telling me this squad looks promising. During Week 1, they won their first game of the season with a nice score of 8-1 over the Multiple Scoregasms. They had a Bye-Week during Week 2, but they came right back during Week 3 and rang up another win over the After School Specials with another nice 8-2 victory. However their next game will be the true test for thisteam. They are going to be matched up against the #1 Confused Kixxx.
The Confused Kixxx are coming off of an absolutely HUGE win with a 18-0 massacre over a short handed 8-player Scoregasms team. During Week 1, they had another blow out win against the rookie team After School Specials with a 13-1 final score. However Week 3 for Kixxx was a bit telling, as they ran into a good 1 More Shot team and almost dropped one. However almost only counts in horse-shoes and hand grenades. Kixxx was able to pull away in the late innings with a final score of 5-3. They have all the parts they need to win. They have talent, experience, and teamwork. In addition to all that, now they have momentum going into Week 4.
Come Wednesday Tu Sabes will have their chance to upset the #1 Confused Kixxx. Will it happen? Honestly, probably not... But hell what do I know. Last season when the Billy Badasses upset the Shockers it showed all us kickballers that on any given Wednesday, anything can happen. We will just have to wait and see.
We are slowly turning into Week 3, the King of Kickball prospects are starting to rise to the top. This week will give some teams an opportunity to shine and see if they are really worth all the early season hype.
One More Shot v.s. Los Totally Awesomes
LTA is pushing hard to show they are true contenders this season and I love them for it. Romo, Chucky, and the Team Leader are my guys, they are showing that LTA has what it takes to win. Unfortunately for them they just ran into the new and improved One More Shot. During Week 3, One More Shot really showed they are a good solid looking team. They had the #1 Confused Kixxx shaking in their boots last Wednesday. You just know after this very close game and after Kixxx's 2o min post-game ritual of berating the umpires, they had to change their shorts. One More Shot lost by a very respectable score of 5-3. That being said, if they were able to keep up with #1 Kixxx, they should be able to easily manhandle LTA.
Los Totally Awesomes - 3
One More Shot - 6
The Shockers v.s Kick N Da Balls
This match-up is actually starting to turn into a little rivalry. However with all the turn-over that KNDB has seen, the Shocks aren't playing the same kickbal kiddo crew. KNDB is no longer the kiddos of the league. They are just a regular team like all the rest. Now that doesn't mean they can't play, because they can. They just blend in a bit more now. Also they are sporting a surprising 2-0 record, but that is quickly going to change come Wednesday. As much as it pains me to say this, the Shockers are back! Plain and simple. They are embarrassing teams be scoring into the double digits and shutting teams out. Looks like it's time to dust off that target and put it right where it belongs...on the Shocker's back.
Shockers - 8
KNDB - 4
Warriors v.s Hash House Harriers
The Warriors are a team that has been flying under the radar. If you listen to Rick "The 3-Second Fuse" he swears up and down that this team will be strong contenders for the King of Kickball title. He says he knows this team from that dark, scary place I call Thursday nights! One a side note, there have actually been some SCKers claiming they may venture into that desolate waste land that is Thursday night. They promise to slay all that is unholy and evil for the sake and in the name of all that is right and just in the kickball universe!!! But I digress...so the Warriors look to be a good team. However they are going up against the new Upset Alert squad the Hash House Harriers. Now comes a true test for these drinkers with a running problem. As long as Hoser doesn't kill the umpires, the Harriers just might have a chance...
No, it's not a conspiracy! Although you would think it was by all the questions, comments, or better yet complaints I've been getting. Some of the SCK Nation is questioning on why there was no follow up on the Drunken Monkeyz v.s. Hash House Harriers last week. Well the answer to that is quite simple.
Everyone knows I play for the Monkeyz, it's no secret. So when I sit down to write these small tales of kickball woe, I make it a point not to write about the Monkeyz unless absolutely necessary. Truth be told, I find it difficult to write about my own teams or even have a good grasp on a game if Im actually playing in it. You can't really see the whole picture. You don't get to witness the small details that make a good posting.
And besides that, Im lucky enough to have a Ying to my Yang. I knew the Angry Umpire would jump all over this great match-up. Especially since he was one of the Monkeyz number one fans. The lack of posting on It's Just Kickball wasn't meant to take anything away from the Hash House Harriers or fail to give them their due credit, far from it. I just had great confidence that they would get their nod and deservedkudos from the Angry Umpire blog.
However since I'm on the subject, I think the Harriers really stepped it up. Some might disagree and say a tie is like kissing your sister, but you have to consider that these quilt wearing drunkards are really improving. They are probably going to surprise some folks. Now the Monkeyz...I don't know. I think we will be fine, but then again, Im on the inside looking out. See what I mean....
Now we all know the Balls & Dolls have been playing SCK kickball for four seasons. They have always had the experience, the talent, and the teamwork to make a run at the King of Kickball title. However of late, they just haven't been unable to do so,but... this just might be the season they get it done.
The Balls & Dolls were able to past their first "real" test of the season be taking down the disheartened I'd Hit It squad. The final score was a close 3-1 ball game, the Bs&Ds didn't show much offense; however they aren't really known for their offense. Their claim to fame has to be and is their defense. Which is odd, because you wouldn't look out on that field and automatically figure them for a stone wall defense, but unbelievably they do in fact have a very strong defense.
This week the Balls & Dolls are running up against a good rookie contender, The Runs. The Runs are in their rookie season and they currently sport a 1-1-0 record with a +5 Power Ranking, which is results from 6 runs scored and 1 point allowed. The tied last week against another good rookie contender the New Kicks on the Block. I've seen The Runs play twice now and they are the real deal, at least as real as a rookie team can be.
This Wednesday's bout between the Balls & Dolls and the Runs should be a good one. The end results will tell us one of two things; 1. The Balls & Dolls are on course and playing like contenders or 2.) The Runs are in fact the real deal and may possibly dominate Group C.
This one is too close to call, but I have to go with experience on this one.....
They say defense wins championships, which is fairly true. However a team still needs to have the ability to score runs or at least have some sort of an offense to speak of.
All the teams in Group C are struggling to score runs, which results in very slow almost sleepy games. Even the two veteran teams in Group C, the Bs&Ds and I'd Hit It, have yet to take advantage of the lack luster competition found at Modesto 1. Even the two promising rookie teams, the Runs and the New Kicks on the Block, aren't heavy on the offensive side of the ball. It seems as though no one can score any runs down on the field. Maybe it's the field? Who knows... The one thing I do know is that come playoff time, if any of the Group C teams run into teams from Group A or B, they won't be able to keep up with the offense.
Another thing to note is that the lack of offense out of Group C has nothing to do with their concrete defense or intense competition. They aren't running into any awesome pitching either. They just flat out don't have any offense. Hopefully things change in the coming weeks, because if they don't...well I wouldn't expect to see any of the Group C teams in the championship game.
The highly anticipated Week 1 is now in the books! Some teams continued on with their winning and dominating ways, while other teams are still struggling to put wins on the board. There were also a couple of teams that surprised everyone and will absolutely finish higher than previously predicted.
The Runs, out of Group C, looked solid Wednesday night. They have tons of skill and potential . Once they combine that talent with some experience, they will indeed become a force to be reckoned with. The pre-season break down had them finishing 4th in their division, but after watching them play their first game, they have a decent chance at winning their division or maybe at the very least securing 2nd.
Another team out of Group C, that was a total surprise, were The New Kicks on the Block. The pre-season scouting report on this team was all wrong. Apparently they aren't a team of older family members, but a group of young, strong talent. Even more interesting is nobody on the team is taller than 5ft. I don't know if this was intentional or merely coincidental. This team will absolutely make the playoffs, so watch out!
There are also a couple of teams down at Jimmy O that have really caught my eye. One those teams is One More Shot. They are my sleeper pick for the Summer, you can expect them to kick all sorts of ass this season. All this team was missing from previous seasons was a tad bit more kicking muscle. Now they found that much needed boost and they are on their way.
The other Jimmy O team that is looking good is team Tu Sabes. The really struggled last season as a rookie team, but it seems they have finally worked through their rookie jitters. They were looking strong near the end of last season and have continued that trend into this Summer Season. Another team you can expect to see in the playoffs.
These teams may surprise some of the more veteran, established SCK teams. I would be very careful not to over look any of these teams.
It's finally here! Where the metal meets the meat! The wait is finally over! And as each team gears for their first game, the story starts to unfold....
The kickball mercenaries or better known as Confused Kixxx, are going up against a rookie team for their first match-up. The After School Specials are indeed a rookie team but they have been putting in some good practice hours. However they are competing against an opponent who has way too much experience for them to keep up with. Sorry kiddos but this won't even be close....
Confused Kixxx - 14 After School Specials - 0 Out of all the kickball rookies I hear The Runs are the real deal. They are playing against three season veterans, the Violet Femmes. The Femmes have come a VERY long way from the days at Lafayette. Should be a close one, but I think The Runs just might get the upset against the SCK vets.
The Runs - 5 Violet Femmes - 3
The rest of the Opening Day schedule looks wide open. Should be a very interesting night! Good Luck to all the team and Happy Kicking!
Here are the rest of the Week 1 -Game Day Lines - Betting Window Open!
