Close But No Cigar

When the season started it looked as if the Shockers, the Balls & Dolls, and I'd Hit It would dominate their divisions. It was an assumption that they would each finish undefeated in their respective divisions. However you know what they say about assumptions, they are the mother of all f%&-ups.

I'd Hit It was probably the team that had the best chance at finishing undefeated. The problem with that is, they weren't counting on the swash buckling Pirates! to come out of nowhere and break their party pinata into a million sad tiny little pieces. The Pirates! are not only one of the most fun teams in SCK, now they are true championship contenders. But don't count out I'd Hit It just yet, this was an extremely slight misstep. Be assured they will go far in the King of Kickball tourney.

The Balls & Dolls are looking sharp and playing well. They are basically a giant 12 ft brick wall. They have allowed 1 run all season. Now I don't want to hear, "Well they have no competition". They are in a division that has scored a total of 150+ runs, which is on par with Group A & B. They are also another team that could have been undefeated, but...... Coach Oscar Da Grouch got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Which is usually a job reserved for the Cookie Monster, COOOKIE COOKIIEEE! The situation was not good, not good at all. Needless to say the Balls & Dolls are no longer undefeated.

The Shockers hadn't dropped a regular season game since their very first SCK season. They lost only one game that Spring Season of 2009 and the team that gave them the one blemish on their record was the veteran Drunken Monkeyz. So it was very fitting that this season the team to hand them their only other regular season loss and end their undefeated season, would be....you guessed it, the Drunken Monkeyz. The original Drunken Monkeyz took a brief hiatus last season, most members and some new recruits played under the team name Sons of Pitches. The Pitches had a very disappointing Fall 09 season. This season the original Monkeyz reformed to make sure that the bully Shockers had someone their own size to pick on. Mission accomplished.

Now there are no undefeated teams for the Spring '10 season. Which means the tourney should be very, very interesting. The throne is truly up for grabs.

Return of the Angry Umpire

After a public outcry, the Angry Umpire was banished from the pages of Its Just Kickball. However he is back on a one day special pass. In order to show that he can take as much as he used to dish out, the Angry Umpire has submitted
a posting about his own team, the Shockers.

Written by: James "Too Big" Vargas

Oh how the mighty have fallen! The mighty Shockers finally fell flat on their faces and if you ask me it was about freakin' time. If you ask the players around the league I'm sure most will agree that it was only a matter of time before some one took down the over hyped, overly confident Shockers.

The two time defending champs played more like a bunch of snot nosed rookies. They had no business being on the field Wednesday with the Drunken Monkeys. If that's the kind of effort that they are going to bring to their games, they're better off staying on the sidelines with the rest the spectators. Horrible, is the only way I can describe their kicking! If the Shockers don't get on base with their bunting, they have no shot at scoring any runs because most their girls kick it harder and better than their boys do.

Pathetic comes to mind when I think of the atrocious defense that was on display! The first base man couldn't catch a cold, their out field was non existent and the pitcher would have been better off holding the ball for the kickers field goal style. And don't even get me started on the catcher. This guy celebrates an out like he just won game 7 of the World Series. If you were one of the poor people that had to endure watching this crap I feel sorry for you. It must have been exceptionally bad or displeasing to your eyes.

The Drunken Monkeys played their asses off and deserve their props, but most of all they deserve a big thank you from me and the rest of Sun City Kickball for finally handing an ASS kicking to the Shockers. They finally exposed the chumps, I mean champs, for the pretenders that they really are! The Monkeys are no joke and I'm curious to see how far they can go during the Sun City Kickball playoffs.

Now that the so called "champs" have tasted defeat, maybe they'll fade away into obscurity never to heard from again. Maybe they'll quit playing kickball all together, but whatever happens with them remember this: They're done! New blood seems ready to assume the mantle of SCK, I guess only time will tell.

"Strike 3, I'm out!"

Tourney Time Closin' In!

As we enter our fifth week of games, the playoff picture is starting to get more clear. This season SCK opted for a post-season Championship Tourney instead of the more traditional weekly round playoffs. It is a pilot project which is aimed at increasing participation and attendance for the big King of Kickball Championship Game. It is also aimed at trying to streamline the often monotonous post season playoffs which are carried out round by round, week by week. This season we will have a one day weekend tourney and which will decide who will be the new King of Kickball.

All teams will have the opportunity to "make it" into the championship tourney,but the tourney will only consist of 14 of the 20 teams in SCK. Who gets a bid into the tourney? Conveniently it is very similar to the NCAA Championship Tournament, which happens to be coming up very soon.

There will be 14 tourney bids available. The top 4 teams in each group, with the best records, will earn a tournament bid. There will be 1 at-large bid that will be awarded to the next best overall team between the 3 groups after Rivalry Week. The last bid will be awarded to the winner of the Last Chance Play-In Tourney.

The Last Chance Play-In Tourney will consist of all the teams who did not earn a tourney bid. The play-in games will be held on the regular Wed. nights during the last week of the season. Game times we also be held during the regularly scheduled times between 7pm-9pm. Teams who were not top finishers during the regular season will have the opportunity to earn a tourney bid through the Last Chance contest. These teams will play a single elimination tourney. The winner at the end of the night will earn a bid into the post-season tourney.

Good luck to all the teams!

Silly Kids!!!

Silly kids, kickball is for adults! The kindergarten clan of team Kick N Da Balls (3-1-0) finally suffered their first loss of the season. The team that took KNDB over their knee, for a good ol' fashion whoopin', was the far more experienced and skillful Balls & Dolls (4-0-0).

Although KNDB lost the much anticipated match-up, they did exceptionally well considering they were playing a more far superior opponent. The final score was a very close 2-1 with the advantage going to the Balls & Dolls. Picking up a win against the Bs&Ds would have secured KNDB's status as contenders and not pretenders. They were on their way to sitting pretty for the championship tourney but with only 7 regular season games, one loss can make you or break you.

Now the crazy kiddos find themselves only one win ahead of some solid teams such as the Family Jewelz and Viscious & Delicious. Both these teams are looking sharp and playing great kickball. What is even more impressive is that Viscious & Delicious is a rookie team and seem to be handling their first kickball season very well. They have a very good chance at securing a tournament birth, in fact I expect this team to finish 2nd in Group C.

In addition, although Los Totally Awesomes Too have only one win, they still are in the running to catch up and earn one of the top three spots in Group C. So the Kick N Da Balls have their work cut out for them. While the Balls & Dolls are about to set their season on cruise control and start planning for the championship tourney. These next three weeks should be exciting.

Now It's Their Turn

The Violet Femmes are by far one of my favorite teams in SCK. One thing is for sure, they always keep me on my toes. Everything from looking, scouring, hunting for those elusive borrowed bases to adopting new policies and making sure we pass out those policies at registration. Good times, for sure. I remember it all started when Coach Sham-Wow came to us and wanted to register an all-girl team (well almost all-girls). I thought it was a little risky from a strategic stand point but they just wanted "to have fun". And they live up to that motto every week.

Unfortunately their fun style of play usually doesn't result in many wins. They do have a reputation of getting spanked often, on and off the field. Which can be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. So there they are, week after week, loss after loss but in spite of it all, they continue to stick with kickball and have a blast playing. If I remember correctly, they did win one game last season, it was by default, but a win is a win. Right? Right......? However this season they finally earned a real "W", a much deserved one. They are the ones doing the spanking now! They were able to down the Beavers & Balls in a superb win.

Congratulations Femmes ! Enjoy the victory!

New Must See Kickball Vids Just Released

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheMGDProductions

Ahoy!

Aye, because o' my limited free time, Me ne'er have the oppurtunity t' write about e'ery sin'le team. Usually my posts be consumed by the #1 top contenders and the who's who o' kickball. Me admitingly neglect t' mention the dri'in' force o' the league, which be its fun lo'in', crazy, happy go lucky teams. Lucky for me one o' these "fun" teams has made it out o' the cellar and ont' the main deck. Which means now is the perfect time t' gi'e a rundown o' this up and comin' team, says aye. Arrr, they have a great crew which is lead by the fearless, drunken Captain Cimi. Gar.

The Pirates!, not Pirates, but Pirates!, be known for bein' the best party hosts. The have hosted two o' Sck's season parties and both war a blast. They have been dominatin' the party scene and drinkin' bars dry for years, now they have turned their attention t' the kickball field. With the same enthusiam for a tall cold beer, they have been chalkin' up win after win. They have been crushin' teams like so many empty beer cans. With a Power Rankin' o' +10, they be lookin' t' be noticed. The scoreboard is no stranger t' the Pirate runners, lightin' it up with 14 mighty runs for the season. Arrr, they have an undefeated record o' 2-0 and be lookin' t' keep it that way. Aye, me parrot concurs.

This comin' week they will be blind sidin' unsuspectin' #3 I'd Hit It. I'd Hit It is in for a big suprise as the Pirates, gar! be goin' t' pull a Jack Sparrow all o'er them. (I don't e'en know what that means, but oh well.) Me suggest I'd Hit It brin's a white flag with them come Wed.

Under the Radar

The same teams seem to get all the blog attention, the Shockers, Kick N Da Balls, I'd Hit It...blah blah blah. There are two teams that are in the Top 5 and have had little-to-no press time at all. Well if they were trying to fly under the radar, too bad. Its time to bring them into the spotlight.

The first team used to get all sorts of face time on Its Just Kickball, but since then the have quietly fell out of sight. Truth be told, I don't know why. They have been playing some solid, dominating kickball off on Modesto 1. How solid? Well how bout three, count them 1...2...3..., stone-wall shut outs. That in itself is a feat of excellence. The naysayers will say, "well look who they've played!" But that shouldn't matter. If they are "supposed" to be winning those games because the are the best team in Group C, well they are doing it in more than convincing fashion. They have scored 17 total runs and you know the story on their defence. One word, clutch!

However the Balls & Dolls will have a true test this coming Wed. They will be playing against the kiddos of the #3 Kick N Da Balls squad and these kids don't mess around. I consider them to be the Shockers Jr. of the league. They have the same Shocker swagger and fortunately for them, they also able to back it up on the field. They can talk the talk and walk the walk. Da Balls may not have three shut-outs but they have the next best thing. They have only allowed one run this season. Yes, just one run. And apparently that run was off an error because Tiger Pride's diaper fell off and the team had to help their Coach put it back on.

Big game, big game. This is for sure the Game of the Week! Don't miss this one.

The Umpires

I've had some players and coaches inquiring about the umpire situation. There has also been some comments and messages sent asking about the umpires. So I figured I would take some time to explain how the SCK umpire system works.

The first thing of note is, most of our umpires are volunteers, excluding one. We are always trying to recruit umpires but few are willing to step up because frankly, its a tough, tough job. Straight up, its a pain in the ass! Its like deciding to have half the league look at you with those evil eyes and thoughts of disgust every single Wed. However the few that have stepped up should be applauded not scorned as they sometimes are.

Kickball is very similar to baseball or softball but its not the exact same thing. I know many players look at a play and think to themselves, "well in softball that's not how it goes." Which is the reason why we ask everyone to read the rulebook. It makes everything alot easier for the players, coaches, and umpires. Everyone should be on the same page.

During the off-season the umpires go through a small training camp. We also have rules meetings to make sure we are all consistence in our rulings and calls. Big leagues like WAKA use a system of asking each individual team to provide an umpire for a specific game. This usually results in a player who isn't the best person for the job, being assigned to umpire a game. Other leagues pay an "official" umpire to officiate games at $20 bucks per game or $10 per team.

This option was presented to the coaches last season and they decided against it. Which I feel was the right decision.

I don't feel there is a huge difference between paid umpires or volunteer umpires. It all comes down to how well you know the game. Most of our umpires have been playing for three seasons. With each game they are getting better but they are human. People make mistakes. They can't see everything. Who can? Yet they continue to go out there and try to get better. Sometimes I feel that players and coaches are insinuating that the umpires are being biased. Honestly, I shouldn't say this, but that is one thing that infuriates me. The reason being is, I know each umpire personally and I trust their judgement. The whole reason we don't randomly select umpires is we need to be sure it is someone who is honest and has their heart into doing a good job.

The other question I get is this, "Why do umpires officiate on the same field they play on?" The answer to this is simple, man power. Initially the plan was umpires WOULDN'T officiate on their own field but it turned out to be impossible to schedule with only a handful of umpires. Now our biggest focus is making sure we even have enough umpires for each game. Trust me when I say these scenarios are thought out but sometimes we just can't make it happen.

Again please trust that these umpires, even though they might miss calls, are trying to get these games done fairly. And for the person who was commenting that Shocker or Balls & Dolls umpires are making calls to benefit the other team, you just don't get it. YOU might be the sort of devious person capable of doing that but believe me, they are not! If you think there is some sort of umpire conspiracy preventing teams from winning....well....thats just sad.

On The Radar

After glancing over the schedule, there are some great match-ups coming up this week. Here are some games that have really peaked my interest and for sure are on my radar.

By far the Shockers receive the most amount of web-time on the blog, sometimes at nausea. However they have a great opponent this week with Where My Pitches At? coming to Shocker Stadium . The Pitches haven't been able to score much this season but they have a 2-0 record and are coming off a rested bye-week. They were barely able to squeeze by the Drunken Monkeyz a couple of weeks ago, which I have to say was expected but they ended up having some trouble with the Billy Bad Asses last week, which was absolutely not expected. The Shockers on the other hand, were able to put away a very good Scared Hitless squad with a nail baiting 2-1 final score. Everyone has been waiting for the Shockers to finally drop one and this week may not be it.....

Predicted Final Score:

Shockers - 3

Where's My Pitches At? - 1


Upset Alert!!! The Pirates! are scheduled to play the self-proclaimed Kings of Group B, team I'd Hit It. After a week of Group B bashing and certain comments, Mr. Lucas Quimiro has not only put a bulls-eye on his back but he has put a target on his entire team. They are a solid team but they might be getting a little complacent with their situation down at Jimmy O.

The Pirates! are about as fun as any team can be but the first rule of life is: Don't piss off a pirate! This past Wed. they were able to chalk up a win playing shorthanded. They almost ended up not showing up Wed. night. Good thing they did because they are now sporting a 2-0 record with a decent +10 Power Ranking.

Both teams have yet to lose a game. One of these teams' hope for an undefeated season is about to end. Sorry I'd Hit It, prepared to boarded says aye!!! Argghhh!!!

Predicted Final Score:

Pirates! - 7

I'd Hit It - 3

For The Kickballers!

There was something very specific I forgot to mention on my "Different Strokes For Different Folks" posting. Its actually a pretty important concept that deserves to be explained. Which is this, Sun City Kickball is for the kickballers.

I think Sun City Kickball is very unique when compared to other sports or recreational leagues. More often than not, most other leagues are controlled by a small contingency of players & coaches. This group makes decisions that are usually only beneficial to them and leaves the rest of the league's participants to fend for themselves. The whole reason SCK was founded was to create a place that was NOT EXCLUSIVE but instead more inclusive for its participants.

Some of you know the detailed story of how Sun City Kickball came to be. If you do, then you know my commitment to making sure that SCK is always an enjoyable place for all its participants. You can never make everyone happy all the time but it doesn't mean we can't try. I can't tell you how many people hesitate when they want to ask my something, comment on something, make a suggestion, or even want to complain about something. I'm 100% sincere when I say, "Don't be shy. Tell me whats going on". Because if I don't know whats going on, I can't help. I will always find time to field a phone call, answer an email, and heck, I even do text message conversations. Just this week, I had lunch with a captain to discuss some suggestions that they had been working on. The key is if you have something to say, good or bad, we need to know. That is the only way to make sure the league is functioning properly and people are enjoying themselves.

The other thing to remember is, we have a 7 member board that is in charge of adopting policy and procedure for the league. I can assure you that these 7 members share my enthusiasm and my common goal of being true to the league, its players & fans. My hope is that between all the players, coaches, fans, and board members, we are all able to make Sun City Kickball an awesome place to play and an admired local El Paso organization.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Written by: Rich "Compromise" Alvarez
Questions/Comments: metermanrich@gmail.com


The past week of kickball commentary has been interesting, to say the least. I've been trying to keep my head down to avoid getting caught in the verbal crossfire. However DJ Freddy is curious to know what I think about the whole "situation". Truth be told, the whole thing made me extremely uncomfortable and I'm glad to see everything has calmed down.

I never expected for the all the comments to get as contentious as they did. In fact, I felt the need to use the comment moderation option on the blog, because things were getting a little bit out of hand. I assume full responsibility for the whole fiasco, because ultimately it is me who decides what gets posted to the blog. I knew the "Angry Umpire's Corner" was going to be controversial but I never thought it would anger as many kickballers as it did. So I made the decision to pull the postings and continue on without the Angry Umpire's Corner.

The one constructive thing that came out of this weird event, is that something very useful has been brought to light. There seems to be strong, growing competitive and non-competitive contingencies out there. Different people play kickball for different reasons. Some play for fun, while others play to win. One reason isn't any better than the other. However combing these two styles of kickballers is becoming problematic.

Last season, I was really trying to push the idea of separating the league into two different groups, one competitive group and one fun group. The idea was discussed during an end of season coaches meeting. The coaches recommended we keep fun and competitive teams together. The idea was briefly discussed during a board meeting but without player support, the idea was shelved. However things change...

With the Summer Season slowly approaching and anticipating another large influx of teams, the opportunity to make some format changes is becoming imperative. I know the Spring Season hasn't even ended yet but with the constant problems SCK has been plagued with (example: the rain outs, the lights not working) I can't wait for the Summer to get here. But I digress, if you are a player in favor of making a separate competitive and non-competitive division, please let your voice be heard. You can send an email, send a Facebook message, or track down a board member, umpire, even your own coach. Let them know you feel the seperation would be a great addition to the league. This will ensure that fun and competitive players are able to both enjoy the kickball experience.

Still On Top

Written by: Rich "Compromise" Alvarez
Questions/Comments: metermanrich@gmail.com

The Shockers must be watching the Matrix movies before every game, because they have been able to dodge multiple bullets for the past couple of weeks. Just about every kickball team in El Paso is aiming to knock off Public Enemy #1, yet no one has been able to bring them down. This Wed. Scared Hitless took up the task of trying to take down the mighty, mighty Shockers but unfortunately they fell short of their goal.

Modesty is not one the Shocker's strong suits. This week they unveiled a new monument to their greatness, some sort of banner they probably picked up at the swap. Nevertheless, there it was in all its glory, hanging proudly along the Shocker's dugout. Next thing you know they are going to ask to erect some sort of statue or marble cathedral in their honor. However its hard to argue with results. They know they have a bulls-eye on their back and they are still able to pick up wins, week after week.

This week Scared Hitless was looking to knock the Shockers of their self-pronounced royal thrown and bring them back down to earth. In the beginning of the match-up, it looked like they had a good chance of doing so as they matched the Shockers blow for blow during the 1st inning, which was marked as a 1-1 tie score. It was a ridiculously close game the whole way, until the Shockers inched ahead in the 4th inning by bringing in a single run, which ended up being the go ahead run and secured the game, 2-1. It was a close game but you know what they say, "it doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile."

However the Shockers better not get too comfortable. They barely escaped Scared Hitless with a 1 run advantage. Not to mention, 1 More Shot also gave them a run for their money with a game that ended 5-3. The Shockers next opponent will be Wheres My Pitches At? who are a tough team and are no push-overs. I happened to see Where My Pitches Coach Vince scouting out the troublesome Shockers. He spent alot of time on his cell phone while he juggled around a camcorder. Very interesting.....

Until then.

You Have Some 'Splaining To Do!!

Written by: Rich "Compromise" Alvarez
Questions/Comments: metermanrich@gmail.com

I knew the "Angry Umpire's Corner" was going to stir some controversy. James "Too Big" Vargas admittedly stated that he was looking to take a more aggressive approach to his kickball writing. Maybe he felt the blogspot postings we are little too pedestrian or boring. His postings are often brutal yet there is some truth behind his insensitive thoughts. "Tough love" is what he likes to call it. Its not my favorite writing style and others feel the same way but it is a different view point, which I feel brings a new flavor to the blog. Although the flavor is a bit bitter.

Another thing I need to mention is, Its Just Kickball's opinions and/or comments are indepdent from that of official Sun City Kickball opinions and/or comments. The opinions on the blogspot are not necessarily the opinions of Sun City Kickball's board, staff, or its agents. Obviously we share extremely close ties, considering there is a link from SCK's official website to the blog. However none of the blog postings or opinions are posted on the SCK website, for the reason that they are in fact independent of each other. The reason why a disclaimer is posted at the top of the blogspot is to ensure that reader recognize that there is a separation.

Its Just Kickball is a place to read about everything happening with Sun City Kickball located in El Paso, Texas. You can read kickball stories, check power rankings, and participate in player polls. The opinions, comments, and/or suggestions are solely that of each individual authors.

I use to write Its Just Kickball for the Thursday Night league until I was banned from participating. The blog has a longer history than just Sun City Kickball. The funny thing is, the whole idea of the blog was meant to be a bit ironic. The blog is aimed at the more dedicated kickball player, looking for more in depth analysis and commentary but in the end, ITS JUST KICKBALL! It shouldn't be taken so seriously. Everything written is done in good fun and designed to make the whole kickball experience that much more enjoyable! It is meant to enhance the game and the league.

So for those of you feel that the Angry Umpire is not in good fun, basically a tad bit ugly, if not ultimately just down right nasty, I would say....skip it, don't read it. Instead just read my posts. = ) "Too Big" James knows that my postings are better anyways, Im the one who has to correct all his mistakes. Keep practicing James. Good thing they didn't have the TAKS when you were in school James because you would probably still be there, playing kickball with all the 3rd graders.

*Expert Picks*

Rich and Big James both claim to be the foremost authority on kickball in El Paso. Their kickball debates are endless and forgettable but somewhat entertaining. They will now both have the chance to prove they are the real deal when it comes to knowing the who's who of kickball. Each week they will make their picks for each match-up and see who really has their finger of the pulse of Sun City Kickball.

Scared Hitless v.s Shockers

Rich: Shockers

Big James: Shockers

Billy Bad Asses v.s Los Totally Awesomes

Rich: Billy Bad Asses

Big James: Billy Bad Asses

Drunken Monkeyz v.s 1 More Shot

Rich: Drunken Monkeyz

Big James: Drunken Monkeyz

Red Hot Cherry Poppers v.s Violet Femmes

Rich: Red Hot Cherry Poppers

Big James:Red HotCherryPoppers

Beavers & Balls v.s Pirates!

Rich: Pirates!

Big James: Beavers & Balls

Multiple Scoregasms v.s I'd Hit It

Rich: I'd Hit It

Big James: I'd Hit It

Hash House Harriers v.s Viscious & Delicious

Rich: Viscious & Delicious

Big James: Hash House Harriers

Balls & Dolls v.s. Tu Sabes

Rich: Balls & Dolls

Big James: Balls & Dolls

Kick N Da Balls v.s Los Totally Awesomes Too

Rich: Los Totally Awesomes Too

Big James: Kick N Da Balls

Game of the Week!

Written by: Rich "Compromise" Alvarez
Questions/Comments: metermanrich@gmail.com

Due to popular demand, itsjustkickball will be adding a Game of the Week posting. We will be highlighting a game that looks to have all the drama, intensity, and entertainment value we come to expect from a great kickball game.

This week's Game of the Week is the much anticipated match-up between the mighty, unstoppable, ever dominating, team demolishing, two-time champion, bone crushing, ball kicking, home-run slamming, and undisputed heavy weight champions of kickball...the Shockers and their unsuspecting prey Scared Hitless.

The Shockers are undoubtedly the #1 team in SCK. They have two championships back-to-back and an almost flawless record. You can literally count the number of games they lost on one hand. The only regular season lost the Shockers suffered was at the hands of the Drunken Monkeyz. The only other kickball bouts they lost came in a charity kickball tournament, which brought them to a total of 3 loses lifetime. The Shockers have a swagger about them, which is understandable. Team after team has tried to upset the Shocks, only to fall short. They have had numerous scares but when the game is on the line, they always seem to fight back and win. Just ask their nemesis the Balls & Dolls. who had the Shockers on the ropes in a season ending semi-final playoff, only to have the Shocks come back and crush the Bs & Ds dreams of a kickball championship into a million sad tiny little pieces. I had never seen so many grown men cry....
They are now up against a SCK rookie team Scared Hitless who is out to end the Shocker Dynasty.

I don't know much about Scared Hitless. I do know that they are a Thursday night league team, who had a great season last year. Like a bunch of hitmen, they have come to collect a bounty. Everyone wants to play the best and now they will have their chance. However what few people might now know is Scared Hitless has already beaten the Shockers, not once but twice! How can this be? Well remember the two loses the Shocks suffered during that charity tourney, those two spankings came from the paddle of Scared Hitless. During the tourney Scared Hitless played under a different name and now the mask comes off. They have found themselves with an opportunity to beat the Shockers for a third time. This time for all the kickball world to see. This will be a very interesting match-up.

If you have a chance, I would make some time to catch this game. It should be fun, very fun.

Lights Out! Part Deux

Written by: Rich "Compromise" Alvarez
Questions/Comments: metermanrich@gmail.com

What happens when you call the city to let them know that, ever Wed. the field lights go out in the middle of our kickball games? The answer: Absolutely nothing.

The kickball faithful playing past 9pm at Jimmy Ochoa field have been plagued by lighting mishaps. First the Multiple Scoregasms and the Pirates! had to have their game postponed last Wed. because someone at the Parks Dept. was either too lazy or just didn't care enough to make sure that the field lights, on a paid field - mind you, were on the right timer schedule. Now that might sound a little harsh, especially considering that Dennis, one of the permit directors, is been really working with us to make sure that the fields are always playable and we have what we need. All we have to do now is make sure the rest of the Parks Dept. is as helpful. However you should never bite the hand that feeds so for now all we can really do is hope and pray that the light timer gets fixed, eventually. Although I have been guaranteed that they will be by this coming Wed. We shall see.

The good news is that the two teams affected by the blackout this week, I'd Hit It and Red Hot Cherry Poppers, were able finish their game at the big dominating Shocker Stadium. Special thanks goes out to Bobby & Cimi of the Pirates!, Chavo of Beavers & Balls, and Jose & Domingo of the Billy Bad Asses for filling in for some missing Popper personnel, that couldn't stay to finish the game. An ever bigger thank you ultimately goes out to Coach Lucas of I'd Hit It, for making a Gentleman's agreement that did not not require the Poppers to keep with the SCK Pick-Up Rule and letting them pick up extra players to ensure an exciting, even game.

SCK Pick Up Rule

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. Also teams will only be allowed to pick up enough players to get you to 8
players after the 3 female minimum is met.

There is a reason why Lucas won Sportsman of the Season....

Become a Famous Kickballer!!!!

Throughout the season you may notice some camera people floating around the kickball fields. Teams from last season are already very familiar with this film team. Mario Dozal and Gabby Morales came to us as a pair of UTEP students looking to make a documentary about our league. They produced an awesome film about Sun City Kickball, that was shown at the pre-season party. This season they are back to continue recording and telling the story that is SCK.

Now the first thing you need to know is don't panic, they aren't some sort of kickball paparazzi. They aren't out there just to record and post all your embarrassing follies, blunders, and/or mistakes. However they might if it's just too funny. Instead they are out roaming the fields looking for some good solid kickball material, sound bites, and plays. So don't be shy! Make your presence known! It is all done to enhance the Sun City Kickball experience. Videos will be posted at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheMGDProductions. You could become the next Youtube sensation!

Lights Out!

Written by: Rich "Compromise" Alvarez
Questions/Comments: metermanrich@gmail.com

The match up between the Pirates! and the Multiple Scoregasms started off as a fun affair. Both teams were pumped and excited to get onto the kickball field after two weeks of nagging rain outs. All players seemed in high spirits and as an umpire, I felt relatively comfortable that this game would go off without a hitch.


The game went through 3 innings of sobering, uneventful play; however that was until Eli Avila, of the Multiple Scoregasms, stepped up to kick. Eli was able to blast an absolutely devastating, base clearing, lights out, grand slam. And when I say lights out, I mean LIGHTS OUT literally! No sooner after the grand slam happened, bureaucracy reared its ugly head as apparently someone in the Parks Dept. forgot to extend the light timer to 11pm. What to do, what to do... Well after an hour of Three Stooges' eye-gouging and nose pulling, both opposing coaches grudgingly agreed to reschedule the game.

As it stands now, the score is Scoregasms 4 and the Pirates! with a big donut, bottom of the 3rd.

Mercy is for the Weak!

Written by: Rich "Compromise" Alvarez

Questions/Comments: metermanrich@gmail.com


In an earlier post, I commented on the Shockers' lack of urgency for the upcoming season. Their confidence seemed almost borderline arrogance. While other teams were trying to focus and practice for the spring season, the Shockers were planning their three-peat Championship party. Now whats that saying about not counting your chickens before they hatch, well the Shockers' don't have to worry about that. After their 17-0 spanking of Los Totally Awesomes they are clearly still on top of their game and they are the team to beat.

The new mercy rule implemented for this season, merely to help with time constraints, was used for the first time this season.



7.7 Mercy Rule. If winning by 12 or more runs at any point in the game, the winning team will only be allowed to have the next six players in the kicking order kick. After the sixth player kicks, their side of the inning will end unless three outs are earned before the sixth player kicks.

So basically it works like this, three outs or 6 kickers, which ever comes first. In other sports, if you reach the mercy rule then the term is you have been skunked. In kickball, if you reach the mercy rule then you have just been Shocked!

Surprisingly though the best part of this game wasn't the brutal 17-0 bashing of LTA, not at all. The best part of this game was hearing the tough, tenacious LTA ladies telling the Shockers to, "kick it like a man!" Hilarious. The Shockers have a bunting strategy that gives teams fits. So kudos to the LTAers for standing up to the bully Shockers.

Next Matchups:
Shockers v.s 1 More Shot
Los Totally Awesomes v.s. Drunken Monkeyz

New Kids on the Block!

Written by: Rich "Compromise" Alvarez
Questions/Comments: metermanrich@gmail.com


The slated match between the Hash House Harriers, aka Drinkers with a Running Problem, and the baby faced Kick N Da Balls was a game that should have warranted some attention but totally missed my kickball radar. Its was the classic battle of youth versus age. The young band of merry kickballers from Kick N Da Balls was looking to make a statement with their first game of the season. Both teams were making their kickball debut in SCK.

Apparently they extended the early bird special at Luby's because the Harriers were dangerously short on personnel come game time. Maybe they forgot what time the game was at because they are going through the early stages of Alzheimer's. Regardless of the reason their ranks were razor thin and had to play with the minimum 8 players. The defense deserves all the credit for keeping the score close. They limited the Kick N Da Balls to only 3 runs and considering they were short on players, this is a positive element to build off of. However their offense never showed up and you need both to win. As a rookie team, they tried to take it step by step and were hangin' tough throughout most of the game, but these new kids of the block had all the right stuff.

Im sure the Kick N Da Balls are revealing in their first win of the season. They came in confident are ready to earn a big win. When the game was finally over, the kickball kiddos watched as SCK field maintenance had to clear the diamond of all the mangled walkers and broken in half canes. Each player had a grin from ear to ear as they celebrated.

Kickball Daycare

Now before all the kickballer parents get all excited, no we aren't starting a daycare to watch your kiddos while you play kickball. Sorry. However considering how young the Kick N Da Balls team is we might as well as start a daycare.

According to their group page on Facebook, not a single player on Kick N Da Balls is older than 21. Translation: If you ever see them in a bar, feel free to grab them by the ear and throw them right through the front door. From what I remember, I don't think any of the guys, excuse me...boys, on their team are even shaving yet. They are by far the youngest team in the league. I had to chance to speak with Coach Tiger Pride and asked him how he feels about having such a young team, he said "I think we will hold our own. We are very excited about competing. We have an excellent chance at getting to the tournament." When asked if youth has any advantage over other older players, Tiger Pride simply said "Energy." I have to say I was very surprised that his responses were so matter of fact and ultimately very reasonable. His responses were missing that element of youthful arrogance I have come to expect from kids his age and that attitude that has become so synonymous with his generation, which I have to admit is a relief. That last thing we need is a young band of kickball hooligans running around and terrorizing our older more "seasoned" players.

So to all the older kickballers out there, I hope I have set your mind at ease. You won't have to worry about kids throwing eggs at you or toilet paper or whatever it is kids do nowadays. We can all expect great things from the these kickball youngsters, on and off the field. They seem to be a respectable group of kiddos. For being such a great group the first round of Carpi-Sun pouches and oranges slice will be on me. Have fun peeking through the bar windows while the grown-up kickballers have some real fun. Silly children....

Nervous Rain

For the second straight week now, the weather has been making kickball life impossible. My theory is someone has really been pissing off the kickball Gods and it needs to stop. We may need to do a traditional kickball sacrifice to get the Gods back on our side. In any case, please know that we will be monitoring the weather throughout the day and we won't make a decision on canceling the games until we get closer to game time. We should know by 5pm whether or not the games will be played. We need to make sure the fields are safe and playable.

After the rain outs last week, there were many kickball grumpies upset that we didn't play in the rain. Some players wanted to play in the rain for the experience; while other kickball addicts just didn't want to go into withdrawal. However the fields were literally like swimming pools and unsafe. Remember safety is very important. We want all kickballers to have a fun and SAFE experience when the come out on Wednesday nights. I think someone on Facebook said it the best, "Big kids like to sue". Believe me when I say the league doesn't like to cancel games for any reason but when there is a safety issue...well its unavoidable.

The rain is supposed to start coming down conveniently at game time. Hopefully it gets delayed just long enough so we can get through all the games. Now if it isn't raining when we start at 7pm but lets say it starts raining around 8pm, we may have to postpone some of the games that haven't been played. We are going to try to get through as many games as possible. So keep your fingers crossed and lets hope for the best.

Opening Day a Bust!

**Tonight's games are cancelled***. The fields are unplayable so please let fellow players and fans know. We will inform you next week when we will make up tonight's games. Sorry guys and gals :(

The schedule will continue with Week 2 next Wed.

Practice?!?!? Are we talking about practice?!??!

There are two trains of thought when it comes to kickball practice?

#1 - Kickball practice is ridiculous and over-rated.

#2- Kickball practice is absolutely necessary & required if you want to win.

Its really up to each individual team's level of competitiveness that leads them to want to practice or not. As a kickball enthusiast, I always keep my ears open and find out who is practicing. So far this season its a short list.

Los Totally Awesomes & Los Totally Awesomes too have been practicing for months now. I hear they might even be running two-a-days during the weekend, well maybe that's a slight exaggeration. Either way, Club LTA is looking to win some games this season, if not all of them.

The Balls & Dolls have also been practicing religiously for weeks now. Coach Oscar Esparza has apparently been running some sort of kickball boot camp over the weekend, trying to get his players looking sharp for the beginning of the season. However we wont know if the practice is working until Week 2, seeing as the Bs & Ds have a Week 1 bye.

1 More Shot is another team that has been taking advantage of the off-season. With a roster full of new players sometimes it helps to get players familiar with the rules and kickball motions. The only other team I know that has recently practiced is the Drunken Monkeyz. They ran a quick practice on Sunday to knock some of the kickball dust off.

I'm very anxious to see how these teams do. Does practice make a difference? We will soon find out.

Scouting Report - Multiple Scoregasms

I know I had promised more scouting reports before the season started; however my other kickball duties kept me busy. But after some brow-beating from the kick-bloggers here is another scouting report.

The Multiple Scoregasms are basically a revolving door when it comes to kickball. They were initially formed under the team name the Ball Knockers. The Ball Knockers were a strong, dedicated, and cohesive team. The team consisted of players who were very close on the field as well as off the field. During their more dominating seasons they had a superb coach, who was probably the nicest guy you would ever meet. Through his coaching, they always seemed to find themselves in the championship game. However much has changed since those times.

When the Ball Knockers made the jump to Sun City Kickball, they changed their team name to the Multiple Scoregasms. Not only did they change their team name but they also under went a coaching change. Former Ball Knocker first baseman Evil Aldo would now man the helm of the once mighty Ball Knockers and become Coach Evil Aldo for the new Scoregasms. Initially their roster was very similar to their old Ball Knocker team. Most players stayed with the team and carried on their mighty kickball tradition. During the past two seasons the team's talent has slowly bled out. Today's Scoregams roster is full of new names. At one time their prospect for a kickball championship seemed very possible but the team has been on a steady decline. Although during the Fall 09 season the came very close to securing a division championship and a trip to the championship game but things change quickly.

During this most recent off-season, a majority of the Scoregasm players left the team, just like rats from a sinking ship. It is safe to say that the Scoregasms are in a rebuilding year. Coach Evil Aldo is now left with the difficult task of bringing back the winning days of his now re-formed team. With a roster full of new names and the help of a small handful of last season's players, the Scoregasms will now have to claw their way back to the top, not an easy task with a crop of talented teams. There is always hope though....

Scouting Report - Balls & Dolls

The Balls & Dolls are part of the "Original Six". The "Original Six" are the six teams that played in the first SCK season and helped found the league. They are undoubtedly one of the corner stones of the league. Not only was this team here when the league was founded but their members are dedicated and loyal volunteers. Without the Balls & Dolls this league would not be as successful as it is today. Sun City Kickball will always be thankful for having a team like the Balls & Dolls.

Although when it comes down to the game itself, they love the competition of kickball almost as much as they love this league. Their coach is Oscar Esparza who won the "Fall 09 Coach of the Season Award". I had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Esparza and speak with him about his team. He filled me in on the team's mission statement and says that one of the main purposes of the team is to "have fun while playing kickball". He added that," in order to achieve our desired level of enjoyment, there are several steps we must take as a team and as individual players". The keys steps he pointed out were commitment, ambition, and optimism. He also said, "at our best, few teams can challenge the Balls & Dolls", a statement that is more fact than opinion. The Balls & Dolls have shown that they are a great team. The have the wins to prove it and a determination that won't let them stop. They are an all-around team that has proven that they can compete with any team.

Their biggest and only criticism is that they have yet to finish on top. They have come very close to winning it all but are often derailed. Usually it is at the hands of their biggest rival the mighty Shockers. You might even say that they have developed a sort of chip on their shoulder because of their inability to bring down the Shockers. A chip that becomes bigger and heavier each season, so much so that if not soon addressed it may break their team's back. However their coach has high expectations for his team, he says,"I expect to win our division. Teams are measured by championships". Hopefully the Balls & Dolls can keep up the intensity throughout the entire season, finish strong, and finally get that much desired championship win.

God's speed and Good Luck!

Scouting Report - Los Totally Awesomes

Apparently there is some sort of impending kickball war that is going to happen this season or at least Los Totally Awesomes seem to think so. Coach Gabe "I need a tissue" Acuna has been amassing an entire kickball army. He has been drafting, recruiting, conscripting, and anything else he can think of. My sources tell me that LTA even tried to recruit I'd Hit It's most beloved member, Lucas Quimiro. However the contract fell through as an agreement on the amount of beer per game could not be settled. In the end LTA assembled a 26 member strong kickball fighting force. SCK rules allow no more than 20 players per roster so LTA had to split into two different teams, Los Totally Awesomes and Los Totally Awesomes too (funny).

There is a saying that "there is strength in numbers" but when it comes to kickball, Im not sure if that saying holds true. If anything larger teams are at a slight disadvantage. Not to mention that playing time is VERY limited on larger teams. Which could be the reason why many of the more experienced teams tried to cut back or limit their rosters.

However their incredibly strong bond is what keeps LTA together. It was hard for them to break up into two teams since they are all very close friends. And it is this strong bond that they intend to use to get them their first Sun City Kickball Championship.

Scouting Report - Shockers

I figured I would start with the one team that I have been receiving the most questions about. It seems like everyone and their grandmother is gunning for the #1 Shockers. After back-to-back championships and losing only ONE regular season game in the last two seasons, the bulls-eye on their back can't get any bigger. I spoke with their Coach Anthony "The Big Man" Tuialuuluu and he says, " We don't have anything to prove to anyone. We have two championships and we are going for the three-peat. So bring it on!" Surprisingly aggressive words from this usually gentle giant.

Glancing over their roster a majority of the team is still intact. According to the team, they trimmed some of their dead weight and are in prime fighting shape for the Spring '10 season. While most teams have been practicing religiously for almost two months now, the Shockers have been spending the off-season drinking beer and watching football. Their confidence is at an all time high and rightly so. However some would say that it is dangerously high and may cause them to become very complacent. Their is no urgency in this team right now and are merely thinking about where to put their third championship trophy.

As unprepared as the Shockers may seem their results speak for themselves. No one can say that they aren't the best team in Sun City Kickball. Come game time this team will be ready to win. If any teams have plans to sneak up and surprise the Shockers.....make other plans.

Here is a scouting vid of the Shockers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDVLZkEvTzM

It's on like Donkey Kong!!!

Wha...its almost February?!?!!?

Well I guess that means its time to shake the dust off my keyboard and get back to business. Registration is finally over and the roster of teams are finally set. For now I will leave you with the list of the teams competing for the Spring 2010 but expect the scouting reports to soon follow.

Returning Teams

Shockers

Family Jewelz

1 More Shot

I'd Hit It

Balls & Dolls

Los Totally Awesomes

Pirates!

Multiple Scoregasms

Violet Femmes

Modified Teams or New Teams w/ experience

Drunken Monkeyz

Billy Bad Asses

Kickin Da Balls

Where My Pitches At

Scared Hitless

Rookie Teams (Fresh Meat!)

Beavers & Balls

Tu Sabes

Viscious & Delicious

Will Kickurballs

El Paso Hash House Harriers

Red Hot Cherry Poppers