Heavy Metal Softball

Let's Give It Up For Our Newest League MVP, Please!

Finally, here are the results, in short summary, of the MVP balloting that took place recently in which most of you participated. A special thanks to all who voted by replying to my e-mail messages and phone calls (remember, tournament MVPs will still be selected using our time-honored offensive points system). Fifteen Heavy Metal Softball members were eligible to vote this time, having participated in the Visalia City, Division "D", fall 2003 league. In order of highest cumulative point total, with adjoining number of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place votes, here is this league's MVP and the rest of the worthy contenders:

League MVP: Gene Hitt (27 total points -- 2 first place votes, 5 second place votes, 2 third place votes. Excellent individual representation, buddy!!!)

1st Runner-Up: Donny Aguiar, Frank Fletcher (19 total points, tie -- both had 3 first place votes, 1 second place vote, and 1 third place vote. The Twin Towers of Consistency!!)

2nd Runner-Up: Joe Machado, Lee Garcia (12 total points, tie -- both had 2 first place votes and 2 third place votes. Great job, guys!)

3rd Runner-Up: Kurt Chambers (8 total points -- 2 second place votes, 2 third place votes. Good man to have around!)

4th Runner-Up: Art Tabacco, Vern Amaro (6 total points, tie -- Art had 1 first place vote and 1 third place vote; Vern had 2 second place votes. An "original member" and a "newbie" -- good effort in shoring up the left side of the infield!)

5th Runner-Up: Rich Avery (4 total points -- 1 second place vote, 1 third place vote. Came up big in the clutch this year, brother!)

6th Runner-Up: Wes Avery (3 total points -- 1 second place vote. Somebody loves ya, big guy!)

7th Runner-Up: Nelson Vieira (1 total point -- 1 third place vote. Congratulations, new dad!)

In the interest of integrity and not wanting to violate any trust, I kept meticulous records of all the oral and online ballots that I received from the 13 members who decided to vote. Despite repeated reminders and for reasons of their own, Wes Avery and Adam Goltz did not give me any responses and, thus, did not affect any of the above results, though they remained eligible to receive MVP votes and have them posted. But let these be some words of warning: Rule #1 -- If a player decides not to participate in the balloting to determine our league MVP, he will remain unqualified to receive this honor, despite perhaps receiving the most cumulative points (the honor will be bestowed upon the next eligible player in line). This rule has been instituted to enforce fairness with the outcome of the voting -- in other words, as you give, so shall you receive. Two other rules also affect a player's MVP eligibility: Rule #2 -- At least half the games of a league/tournament must be played; and Rule #3 -- The agreed-upon league/tournament participation fee must be paid. I'm sure everyone can see the need for such rules. I, myself, voted for who I thought were three deserving men. Because I am the ballot collector and, also, because the results could possibly hinge upon my final selections, I always believe it is wise to make clear my own personal choices for MVP, hopefully without offending any of my other close friends on the team, who already know that only three choices can be given. My votes, in order, were: Joe Machado (1st place vote); Kurt Chambers (2nd place vote); and Donny Aguiar (3rd place vote). I will not give any specific reasons for my choices (none of us have to), but I will say that I really appreciated these men for the contributions they made during this league. In all actuality, everyone on this team is deemed valuable, both on and off the field. I hope all of you will understand this personal feeling of mine, and why I have such a difficult time revealing my selections. But I feel I must. No other selections from specific team members will be revealed unless one of you is curious and wants to inquire, in which case, I'll gladly let you know. And to the two people who gave me consideration this time around, a sincere thanks to both of you, though personally I don't think I deserved a nod during this campaign.

As I have mentioned a time or two before, I would really like to promote even more team spirit within the ranks of our members this year. "There's More in Store For 2004" is what I say. A perpetual MVP plaque will be ordered within the next week that will bear the names of past and current recipients and is to be kept in the current MVP's home until another deserving player is selected (a belated Christmas present, Gene!) Also, a Heavy Metal Softball fence banner is being looked into that will grace our future dugouts, letting others know boldly who we are and to take notice of what we stand for -- team spirit, first and always, followed by hard play and sportsmanship. Stay tuned!

And that's a wrap, folks....