Heavy Metal Softball

Cold And Rain Can't Stop Team From Making Playoffs....

First, I want to thank all of the players who represented Heavy Metal Softball for their effort, help, and cooperation in making our first tournament of the year a rather successful one. One man, as we all well know, does not make a team. But a team -- a "real" team -- does make each participant a man, figuratively-speaking, for all practical purposes. We had some real men on the field this weekend! Here are the final tournament statistics for those who are interested, a short summary of each game's highlights, and an invitation to all Heavy Metal Softball enthusiasts to play some more tournaments this year, in addition to the CCASA Rec. Series....

ASA Umpires Softball Tournament Summary --

Tournament Record: 2-2 (fifth consecutive time making playoffs)

Team Statistics (alphabetically):

Donny Aguiar -- 7 for 17; .412 BA; 18 points.
Vern Amaro -- 4 for 13; .308 BA; 25 points.
Wes Avery -- 7 for 15; .467 BA; 28 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 6 for 13; .462 BA; 35 points.
Lee Garcia -- 6 for 13; .462 BA; 24 points.
Richard Hart -- 8 for 14; .571 BA; 31 points.
Paul Lawrence -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 34 points.
Mike Lujan -- 1 for 6; .167 BA; 10 points.
Matt Soares -- 10 for 14; .714 BA; 32 points.
Devin Stafford -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 23 points.
Steve Stafford -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 38 points.

Tournament MVP: Steve Stafford (38 points)

Manager's Award: Matt Soares (10 for 14; 10 singles; 9 RBIs; 2 runs; .714 BA; 32 points. Because we use offensive points only as the criteria for tournament MVP, I will continually honor our agreed-upon selection process. But if we could cast a ballot for the player who contributed the most of himself this tournament, then your balance of steady offense and great team attitude, Matt, would have received my vote. Several pinch-runners got your run-points on the stat sheet, but that's how our team rules go. Keep up the good work in tournaments to come!)

Tournament Team Batting Average: .430 (65 for 151; we averaged 13.53 runs/game for the whole tournament, but we were averaging 17 runs/game until we scored only 3 in the last one! )

Game 1 Highlights: Lost 15-17 against "Sudden Impact". This is always a key game and actually, in my opinion, turned out to be a great motivator for the next game, even in the miserable rain and cold. This was a good-hitting, good-defensive opponent. We learned that we need to smack the ball regularly and often or risk getting smacked back in return. Judging by the close score of our second game, I liked the way we returned fire in this close loss. Players of note were Wes Avery, who went 3 for 4, with 2 singles, 1 double, 3 RBIs, 1 run, .750 BA, 12 points; Matt Soares, who went 3 for 4, with 3 singles, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, .750 BA, 11 points; and Richard Hart, who went 2 for 4, with 1 single, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 1 run, .500 BA, 11 points.

Game 2 Highlights: Won 21-20 against "It's All Good". This game defined our attitude for much of the day -- get multiple hits from almost everyone involved, play respectable infield/outfield defense, keep our collective feet on the backs of our opponents until the last out, stay hungry and together, and end it with little or no casualties (besides Mike, who bravely came out already ill, but had to go home). We came together well as a team during this game. Players of note were Richard Hart, who went 4 for 4, with 2 singles, 2 doubles, 3 RBIs, 2 runs, 3 bonus pts. (4/4); 1.000 BA, 18 points; Paul Lawrence, who went 2 for 4, with 2 singles, 1 RBI, 6 runs, .500 BA, 16 points; Devin Stafford, who went 4 for 4, with 2 singles, 2 doubles, 3 RBIs, 3 bonus pts. (4/4), 1.000 BA, 15 points; and Lee Garcia, who went 2 for 4, with 1 single, 1 double, 3 RBIs, 1 run, .500 BA, 11 points.

Game 3 Highlights: Won 15-12 against "Mud Ducks". Very similar game to the previous one. Thus, we made the four-team playoffs. The team showed a variety of hits in this game, with more extra-base hits, especially Frank Fletcher's towering home run that almost went over the trees in centerfield! Players of note were Steve Stafford, who went 2 for 5, with 1 double, 1 triple, 4 RBIs, 4 runs, .400 BA, 21 points; Frank Fletcher, who went 3 for 4, with 1 walk; 2 singles, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 2 runs, .500 BA, 17 points; and Matt Soares, who went 3 for 5, with 3 singles, 3 RBIs, .600 BA, 9 points.      

Game 4 Highlights (playoff game): Lost 18-3 (run-rule) against "Ballers". For some reason, our bats went silent after the first inning of this game. We hit early, but we were more like "Lightweight Metal" than "Heavy Metal".   Only eight singles total -- not even one extra-base hit. Possibly, we were getting a little lethargic after a day of up-and-down temperatures and a lot of energy expended during the previous games -- who knows. Our opponents hit very well, going for both the big hits and small hits -- with lots of zing! -- which kept us back on our heels defensively throughout the game. We didn't live up to our raucus name during this contest, though it wasn't really contested at all. Oh, well...I thought we played pretty well for our first tournament action, and considering the quality of our opponent (this team wins LOTS of tournaments!), we shouldn't hang our heads in shame for too long. Players of note were Wes Avery, who went 2 for 3, with 2 singles, 1 RBI, .667 BA, 4 points; and Matt Soares, who went 1 for 1, with 1 sacrifice; 1 single, 1 RBI, 1.000 BA, 3 points. Thanks to both of you for making the best of your opportunities in this important game. Just one win away from the championship...let's taste it next time!         

Comments: Overall, I was mostly pleased with Heavy Metal's performance, especially our ability to score in bunches through the first three games. Consistent scoring every inning will continue to be the emphasis, as always, in future tournaments, as well as developing speed in the outfield and making the plays needed in the infield. But more important than all of these is the gauge, or measuring stick, of our attitude, composure, growth, and individual patience with me, your manager. All I can say is for everyone to work diligently to keep a consistent positive attitude flowing throughout our endeavors together, as we demonstrated admirably during this tournament. What I am very sure of is that I continue to love to play softball -- or most any sport, for that matter. At my age now, it still is as strong as ever and even more important to me. And what better way to do it than playing with friends. Say, does anyone want to play some more? Looking at the nice spring day that is going on outside my study window, I'm willing to guess that all of you are shouting "yes" to yourselves as you finish reading this....