Volume 25 Issue 9 June 25/26/27, 2019 BASES LOADED No. 442 Manchester Softball League Review

ThisThis week’sweek’s gamesgames Showing streak, pitch and blu Sox, Tiggers lose—only Thunder II and Bandidos CAM @ DOD (1) GRXCAM @ MV2 (2)1L @ DOD 2L (1, AG) MHM @ MAV (0) THUGRX @ LIO (6)1L @ MV2 1W (2, TLF) remain unbeaten MKT @ SPE (7) SHAMHM @ BAT (7, HS)5L @ MAV 2W (0, PF) SPE 1L @ SHA 2L (0, MD) BFLTHU 3W @ TH21W 7W (8, @ IC) LIO 4W (6, IC) ITH one ex- bactrians led by one against the Greensox, TH3 1W @ HAC 1L (7, ML) TTNMKT 1L @ VIP 8W (6, DD) @ SPE 2L (7, JC) BND 5W @ STG 5L (7, MG) ception, after two innings, but who started and ended BIVSHA 1W @ TGG @ 6W BAT (4, LH) 1W (3, MD) ENF 1W @ FRZ 2W (6, PF) Division 1 then the jungle kings well enough, but had a RIP 2W @ SWI 6L (2, JC) TH4TIG 1L @ 6WCOL 3L (3,@ AT) MRD 1L (4, HS) W saw some close games took charge and estab- string of doughnuts in BFL 1L @ TTN 2L (6) last week, as the return lished a slender lead for between. Mavs won 10 HAC 1W @ VIP 3L (7, MD) TH2 8W @ TH3 1L (8, PF) fixtures from the sea- three innings, until -6 and find themselves COL 1W @ BIV 2W (8, AT) son’s opening day of- Camels tied it up at 8-8 the right side of the FRZ 3W @ RIP 3W (7, MG) fered a chance to after five. With one run cut-off for the final half STG 6L @ BLJ 3L (6, LH) avenge some unex- traded in the sixth, it -rotation. A third team SWI 7L @ TH4 2l (2, PF) pected results. Lions was down to home ad- to reverse their Day-1 TGG 1L @ BND 6W (3, JC) reversed their earlier 22 vantage, which the spit- result were Mavericks -23 defeat by the Cam- ters were unable to ex- II, who beat the Dodg- Inside this issue: els, but again the game ploit. Mavericks like- ers mainly thanks to a was close, if not so wise turned the open- (Continued on page 2) Birthdays 2 much of a slug fest. The ing day result around Match reports 3

Derostering rule pro- 5 Where to watch the MLB Series

How to take a perfect S most of you are aware to watch the game. This is after the 6 team photo the and North West Series 2 Rec level tourna-

Crazy Bat Ladies win the are ment which will be held earlier that 7 A single sex nationals playing two games at the London day. The game starts at 6pm and I Olympic Stadium this weekend hope we can get a good turn- What’s in your bag? 8 (29/30 June). I know a few of you out. Hope to see you there. Guests, Transfer 9 that are going and I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Correction 10 However for those of you that are Next week’s games 10 not going we can still be part of the fun. On Saturday we are MVPs 10 meeting in the Fletcher Moss pub Home runs 11 in Didsbury village (2 minutes from Didsbury Village tram stop) Results, Standings 12

Bases Loaded, the Manchester Softball League Review is published by the Manchester Softball League. Available online at http://manchester-softball.co.uk/about-msl/the-review © 2019 Editor: Harry Somers. Sponsor: Midshire Business Systems. Contributions should be sent to [email protected]. We are happy to accept advertising. For rates contact us at the same email address. Page 2 BASES LOADED

Sox, Tiggers lose (Cont.from page 1) in the following inning. Much feat of the Stingers they go top. closer, much much closer, was The top two meet this week. Not solid six-run second inning which the exciting game between the far behind are Freeze, who came gave them a lead they never let Hackers and Thunder III. The lat- from behind with a 5-0 pair of in- go. Only Thunder repeated their ter’s performance belied their nings to pip Enforcers 15-14 in a opening day win against May- position at the foot of the stand- game, unbelievably, just three hem, this time by the run-ahead ings despite trailing for half the days short of the longest day of rule. game, 11-3 down after four in- the year, which had to be called IT was rather the opposite story nings. They then got back into the for bad light after five innings. This in Division 2, with no change to game with seven runs in the fifth, was the murky conditions, rather the standings for the third con- but were still three runs down than especially long innings. In fact secutive week. Tigers stay top going into the sixth. The teams that game was the only one that only on head-to-head over Meer- shared eight runs, then in the top was not settled by the run-ahead kats, both teams having won by of the seventh Thunder scored rule, as Rippers saw off Swingers the mercy rule: Tigers were able five, mostly on a two-out rally. 22-7, scoring a further 10 runs in to beat Camels II, unlike back in That left Hackers needing three to the bottom of the fifth which, May, while Meerkats again beat win, which they managed with however, don’t count, while Colt the Marauders, though by a only one out. 45s allowed Thunder IV only three slightly narrower margin this runs in reply to their 21. With the time. In the division’s other Division 4/5 split three weeks game, Sharks led from start to away, the Stingers and Swingers finish, though the Speeders’ five are first to confirm their places runs in the final inning made the mathematically in the lower ranks, result, 11-10, look perhaps closer thanks to their head-to-head re- than it was. cords with the current 6th-placed IN Division 3 Thunder II main- team, whose points total they can tained their 100% record with a match but not beat. comfortable defeat of the Bar- flies. Thunder are now the only team in all four divisions with a Hacker Helen Moore’s hit bats in the tying Birthdays perfect season so far, though run and advances the winning run to 3rd base. Bandidos are also unbeaten, hav- Sunday: Ellie Sams (Rippers) ing tied their first game and won Monday: Mandy Ashton the rest. Division 3’s top (male) IT was all change at the top of Di- (Vipers), Ellie Buckley* home run scorers all featured in vision 4 as Base Invaders pulled (Mavericks), Benji Pearce* this game, with Steve Bartlett off the result of the day, not only (Thunder II), Stevie Kidd (Colt 45s), Karin Tange (Mayhem) managing two round trips to es- inflicting on the Tiggers their first tablish a clear lead of Aleck Aspi- defeat (ever), but by a consider- Tuesday: Kirsti Ahmed (Blue Jays) nall (who scored one) and Jon able margin. The fictional felines Taylor (who didn’t). Titans took were bouncing along quite hap- Thursday: Tim Lonsdale an early lead against Vipers, but pily until disaster struck in the (Hackers) the snakes tied it up at 7-7 after third inning, when they shipped Friday: Rory Lynch (Bats) three, and then had a double bat 13 and went to pieces after that. Saturday: Gareth Evan (Camels), -around in the fourth, scoring 15, Bandidos were the main benefici- Malgorzata Skomska (Blue Jays) completing the run-ahead target aries, and with a comfortable de- * same year Volume 25 Issue 9 Page 3

Match reports canny sprinting – and taking a pers – is their winning streak couple of well-worthy chances down to the rain? Rose Brooke Swingers swung by Rippers hopping nimbly from base to MVPs Higginbottom, Heaven (SWI), Swingers 2 0 1 3 1 7 base. Top of the order was Scott Whetton, Humphrie (RIP) Rippers 4 9 3 6 x 22 Humphrey, who was a strong hit- RAR, Pitch 2, Umpire Jonny Creelman; Bandidos a la cima home team batted first ter and once more proved his Bandidos 5 9 2 1 9 26 SWINGERS Alex Hartley (SS), Sally Hig- versatility both outfield and as Stingers 0 3 0 2 2 7 ginbottom (C), Peter Gordon (1B), Alex RAR, Pitch 7, Umpire Mike Goff Sinton (2B), Simon Yates (LC), Laura bent short stop, swapping with the (LF), Kieran Heaven (P), Rhianne Boag BANDIDOS AB H R BB RBI (3B), Adam Jones (RF), Esme Millyard unflinching Carlos Lee mid-game, Adam Morrison (P) 4 4 4 0 1 (RC) who brought some powerful Janine Hickie (1B) 4 2 3 0 0 HR Heaven Ross Birch (SS) 4 4 3 0 7 swings to the batting innings and Bev Bradbury (RF) 4 3 2 0 0 RIPPERS Scott Humphrie (CL), Caroline Jonny Preston (3B) 4 2 3 0 5 Kotras (CR), Carlos Lee (SS), Lorraine plenty of bravado. Caroline Lisa Hine (C) 2 1 3 2 1 Whetton (LF), cott Barton (P), Ellie Sams Jason Kneen (CR) 4 4 3 0 6 (1B), Anthony Henderson (2B), Jo nuttall Kotras in centre right was hitting Chloe Llewellyn (2B) 4 3 2 0 0 (C), Richard Livings (RF), Rose Brooke everything, getting more Rippers Liam Morrison (CL) 4 4 2 0 6 (3B) round with her accurate batting, Maisie Emmerson (LF) 4 0 0 0 0 HR Barton (GS) pushing them home every in- Harry Somers (EP) 3 2 1 0 0 SWING when you’re winning, sang Kate Davidson (EP) 3 1 0 0 0 nings. Ellie Sams was a force to HRs Birch 2 (1GS), Preston, the alien conspiracy theorist for- be reckoned with, as Rose L.Morrison 2, Kneen 2, A.Morrison mer boyband member, and the Brooke swapped into her usual STINGERS Conrad teixeira (RC), Rippers’ third victory in a row this Kirstie Grey (RF), Josh Normie (SS), 3rd base position, and she main- Hannah Wint (LC), AJ Hoysted (LF), season against the Swingers last tained her form of catching eve- Chloe Patient (P), Nick Sims (3B), week was certainly supreme. So let Conny Batho (2B), Mark Fox (EP), rything and keeping the draw- Michelle Cleator (EP), Kristian me entertain you with the high- Stockwsz (C), Amy Sykes (1B) bridge raised. Anthony Hender- lights. HR Sims son was a regular star on 2nd LOS Bandidos went to the top Rippers started with a fielding in- base and smashed a juicy home of their league thanks to an un- ning to allow tardy Swingers (a run in the extra practice inning expected defeat of their closest confusion with their car keys, per- (in which we’d go on to score six rivals, whom they meet this haps?) to arrive. Scott Barton was a more including another homer week. Promising not to say any- feisty pitcher, bringing some canny from Barton). Finally, Jo Nuttall thing negative this week, your strikes and providing excellent vo- traded her usual 1st base for reporter in any case had little to cal support to a buoyant side. Bar- catcher – a position she took to mock. The only moment of ton was the biggest scorer for the like a duck to water – bringing comedy was when the oldest boys last night, coming home six some of her best hitting of the and most experienced player times and hitting two home runs season to yesterday’s game. (one of them in the bottom of the on the field fell for the old fake Big ups to butter-fetishist Skip- fifth, after the game had officially throw trick and was tagged out per Al Bruce for providing sup- ended). Rippers also welcomed “diving” for 3rd … onlookers port to both sides (that's why we back Richard Livings – a Rippers described the player as turning love the Rippers ethos), to Stew- Founding Father – whose pink with the speed of an oil tanker art Pilling for cheerleading and socks dazzled the opposition as and going down like the Titanic, whose presence on the field is much as his terrific batting. Top which is unfair because the Ti- missed this season, and to our scorer for the lasses Lorraine tanic went down pretty quickly Blu’s springer spaniel for rescuing Whetton came home six times according to reports. With both foul balls from the nettles. thanks to her tactical hitting and A third win in a row for the Rip- (Continued on page 4) Page 4 BASES LOADED

Match reports (Cont. from page 3) Tigers march on In the field Jonny took an excel- Camels II 0 2 1 0 0 3 lent, telescopic-arm catch in left teams playing 6&6 there were a Tigers 1 7 6 7 x 21 centre, Jackie Ervin was good on lot of fielding position changes, RAR, Pitch 1, Umpire Jonny Creelman 1st base, Brooks did a fine job at CAMELS II Lee Kendrick-Walker (CL), but both pitchers had a good Nicola Booth (1B), Connor Battersby (P), 3rd and Beddows both pitched game. It was the Bandidos’ hitting Emma Miller (C), Dave Dean (RC), Alia well and fielded his position well Pascualia (LF), Craig Lawson (SS), that was most impressive how- Lynne Howells (2B), Ian Williams (3B), but Smith was the pick of the ever, with five of the six men get- Lara Bragg (RF) bunch with an all-action display HR: Williams ting homers, two each for Ross TIGERS Craig Brooks (3B), tereza Koko- at catcher throwing out multiple cińska (2B), Dan Downes (SS), Holly Birch (including a grand slam) and Smith (C), Jonny Huck (LC), Jackie Ervin runners on ground ball mishits. Liam Morrison, who has his eye on (1B), Brad Hadwin (RC), Caroline Drake Dave Wareham (RF), Steve Beddows (P), Emma MVPs Booth, Williams (CM2), Smith, more than one trophy at the No- Pritchard (EP), Matty Bell (EP), Alyssa vember ball. El Niño’s season-long Jones (LF) Beddows (TIG) HRs Brooks, Downes, Hadwin, Bell 1.000 batting average was ruined Stella performances from THIS was a polished performance by a line drive straight into MVP Vipers that gave Tigers their sixth win Nick Sim’s glove at 3rd, and there Titans 5 2 0 1 1 9 on the bounce. They fielded well were hits for every batter except Vipers 1 4 2 15 2 24 and hit better. After a slightly RAR, Pitch 6, Umpire Dave Dean the Social Secretary, who probably stuttering first inning the bats TITANS Tegan Narain (RC), Ben was focussing on this Friday’s Wright (LF), Aimee Dyble (3B), Rich came to life and they put up big team outing. The splendid black- Taylor (SS), Karyn Cooper (P), Dan numbers throughout the rest of O’Brien (C), Jemma Ford (LC), Nick and-anthracite team shirts were Baker (2B), Daisy Goodenough (1B), the game. The home runs were supplemented by the arrival of Chris Norton (BIV)(RF) shared round with Craig Brooks, VIPERS Ian Millar (3B), Emily Moder individualised caps (with Dan Downes, Brad Hadwin and (1B), Nathan Brookes (CL), Ann Gled- squad numbers) and the five- son (CR), Paul Duffy (SS), Kat Rhead Matty Bell getting one apiece. (LF), Tom Hughes (RF), Mandy Ashton seater camping chair a.k.a. team (2B), Taj Uddin (ENF)(P), Jess Hurrell Downes, Hadwin, Bell, Holly bench. Classy. El Niño Watson (BIV)(C) MVPs Hine, L.Morrison (BND), Patient, Smith and Steve Beddows all bat- HR Uddin Sims (STG) ted 1.000. THIS was a solid performance. After a rocky first inning losing 5 -1 (Vipers always take an inning to wake up) we managed to, well, wake up and go go. Some beautiful batting by all, working the bases. Fielding was on point. Well , it is our field after all. Shout outs to Ian Millar for play- ing one of his best games hung over and looking dog rough. Stella binge and shots for you next Wednesday please, Gan- dalf. Nathan M Brookes had some solid catches. MVPs were Tom Hughes—what a difference Tigers 1st basewoman Jackie Ervine makes an easy out on Camel II’s Craig in his batting in a week, top Lawson Photo Dave Wareham Volume 25 Issue 9 Page 5

stuff—and Mandy Ashton for a Mike Mia and Dave Wareham another reshuffle mid-game. 'stella' performance on 2nd base with the pair collecting several Fielding highlights included Evie with great stops, catches and strikeouts, foul outs and only a Sanders doing a good job on 1st. throws to 1st. Kat couple of walks for Wareham Girling took a couple of nice Rhead towards the end of the game. catches in the outfield before his MVPs Goodenough, Taylor (TTN), MVPs went to Mia for excellent injury forced him into the infield Ashton, Hughes (VIP) pitching and two homers and and guest Jackie Ervin got a couple Tiggers lose their bounce Jess Hurrell Watson for some of tag outs at home. Base Invaders 1 1 13 2 6 23 good work on 2nd base and Girling and James Wright were Tiggers 4 0 1 0 0 5 some solid batting. RAR, Pitch 4, Umpire Liam Harris our home run heroes. Wright (3 BASE INVADERS AB H R RBI Next week we face Colt 45s and for 3) also headed the OBP stand- Chris Norton (EP) 3 3 4 3 look to continue to climb the Jen Brooks (1B) 3 1 1 4 ings along with Dave Wareham (2 Tom Pullan (SS) 4 2 2 2 table and secure Division 4 soft- for 2). Gabby Kenworthy (CL) 4 3 2 0 ball for the rest of the year. James Lumb (3B) 4 4 3 2 Here's wishing a quick recovery to Sophie Addison (LF) 4 3 3 4 Chris Norton Mike Mia (P) 4 4 1 2 Steve, with his dodgy ankle, and Tiggers started brightly but Jess Hurrell Watson (2B) 3 2 1 1 Lynsey Taylor who took a nasty Mike Fox (CR) 4 4 1 2 found a hard-hitting Base Invad- Kayleigh McClellan (EP) 4 2 0 1 blow to the jaw from a VERY hard ers team too hot to handle. Adam Scott (RF) 3 2 2 0 hit ball at 3rd that ricocheted up Alex O’Brien (C) 3 2 2 0 Holidays and other absences HRs Mia 2, Pullan off her glove. Dave Wareham TIGGERS Oliver Sharpe (SS), Lynsey meant they had to swap things MVPs Hurrell Watson, Mia (BIV), Sanders, Taylor (3B), James Wright (RC), Evie round in the field and an early Sanders (1B), Steve Girling (LF), Becky Wright (TGG) Crawford (LC), Aiden Peakman (2B), injury to Steve Girling meant Janine Lomas (RF), Dave Wareham (P), Jackie Ervin (TIG)(C) HRs: Girling, Wright Derostering rule proposed Base Invaders came into this game with high confidence de- THE Exec have been discussing the right to be released and therefore spite playing the top-of-the-table, introduction of an extension of the become a free agent. Like any un- undefeated Tiggers. transfer rules to allow a player to rostered (“new”) player, as soon as Tiggers started brightly, jumping be released from a team’s roster. they play for another team, they to a 4-2 lead after the first two This is in response to, now, three are automatically rostered to that innings with some big hits includ- cases already this year where a team, and this is treated as a trans- player wishes to leave a team, or fer. If for some reason a ing two homers and good fielding. conversely a team no longer wants “derostered” player rejoins their But Base Invaders came good in a player. original team, this will also count the third inning scoring 13 to an The simplest solution is of course as a transfer, and the normal trans- answer of 1 from Tiggers. Two for the player to transfer, but that fer rules will apply. more scoreless innings from Tig- may not happen immediately, and The Exec would welcome any input gers and a few more runs for Base teams are wary of falling foul of on this proposal. Since it is a local Invaders meant this one was the guest rules if they have an un- regulation, not a playing rule or stopped in the fifth inning. wanted player guesting for another league structure change, a cap- Each side finished with three team on the same night that they tains’ vote is not needed, should homers that could have been are using a guest. the Exec decide to introduce it ei- more except for good play at The proposed rule extension recog- ther with immediate effect, for a home plate by both sides. The nizes a team’s right to release a trial period, or for next year. Cap- pitching was good from both player and conversely a player’s tains will of course be notified once a decision is made. Page 6 BASES LOADED

How to take a perfect team photo

FTER Diamond 2 a couple of weeks and although they are happy to splash out £150 for a ago, Tempest, one of our touring bat, or £30 for a glove, £4 for a cheap T-shirt from teams, proudly posted on Facebook a Asda is of course simply out of the question. team photo, having won the Plate at 3. Although softball is played in a huge wide-open Diamond 2. So what was so unusual about that? space, it is preferable to pose your team photo in Well, as observers quickly noted, they had bro- front of some kit strewn around the ground, prefera- ken almost all the golden rules of softball team bly an old camping chair and a tatty kit bag. If you photos, as follows: can arrange for some bystanders to mill around at 1. The photo should include some children and/ the back, just in shot, so much the better. or pets (preferably both) who, although present 4. Convention requires you to line up in two rows, for the whole weekend, actually made no contri- girls in front, boys in the back (an alternative is front bution at all to the team’s performance. In fact, row kneeling, back row standing), but crucially one strangely enough, the tournament rules do not player should lie across the front pulling a stupid actually allow toddlers or animals to play. But face. they have to be in the team photo, because oth- 5. It’s not obligatory, but—just to identify the team erwise their parents/owners would have no re- as a SOFTBALL team—crossed bats and a glove with cord at all of the fact that they had been with a ball in it never go amiss. For tournament pictures, them for the weekend. These might be the only the six-pack of lager that you have won, but which photos of their children/pets ever taken. you can’t drink because you have a 4-hour drive 2. Although everyone has paid £15 for their styl- ahead of you, can also be included. ish and distinc- So, after scouring my tive uniforms, at hard drive, my back- least one of the up CDs and every players should other storage me- not be wearing dium known to man- theirs, or if they kind, I have looked at are, it should be perhaps 200 team under a coat or photos dating back jacket. Better 20 years, and FAILED still, one or two to find the PERFECT of your players team photo. Meeting should not even all the criteria is ap- have a uniform, parently just too and when told much to ask. I have to wear a plain T some that come -shirt of the ap- mighty close … just a propriate colour have demonstrated either col- kid or a pet would do it, or just one player not in uni- our-blindness, or a misunderstanding of the form. So close. word “plain”, or perhaps they really think their So I’m afraid I have had to cheat, and fair play to favourite band needs to be advertised on the Thunder II (and Mike the photo bomber) for collabo- softball field. Their protestation that they do not rating. This one, I think, ticks all the boxes. own a plain T-shirt of that colour is reasonable, Volume 25 Issue 9 Page 7

Crazy Bat Ladies win single sex nationals Hayley McTear

ANOTHER great softball weekend; this time it was all enjoyable weekend! Whilst doing a ster- about girl power at the single sex nationals in sunny Bir- ling job captaining CBL1, she also led by mingham. A thoroughly enjoyable weekend with old and example: awesome fielding, great batting new friends and some of the best team mates around. (with a grand slam slipped in!), and plenty Crazy Bat Ladies (a mixture of players from Manchester of excellent coaching too!! and Leeds leagues) en- tered two teams this year. Both got through to the bronze finals with CBL1 tak- ing the tro- phy. Highlights of the weekend were rising star Sophie Addison hit- ting two home runs, Annie Downes re- ceiving MVP in the final for her superb pitching, and Diane Kemp's walk-off grand slam in the semi-finals to put CBL1 into the final. Off the pitch CBL2 carried out a covert mission to smuggle team mascot Tinks (pictured, with Holly Smith) into their accommodation—their performance was more like Jonny English than 007…. Overall it was a fantastic weekend which high- lighted the talent and determination of all the ladies involved. Here’s to smashing next years competition! Annie Downes adds: MASSIVE THANKS to Hayley McTear for her persistence and deter- mination coordinating the both teams. Anyone creating one team knows how challenging that can be—yet she managed to create two fabu- lous groups of people who had a thoroughly Page 8 BASES LOADED

What’s in your bag? #33 Mike Cooney (Barflies) “Big” Mike has actually been were having a reorganisation and didn’t do too badly. And after around the lower leagues for 18 took a lot of the players. that I joined the Barflies when years. If you don’t know him that BL: And you were part of the All- they started. well, now’s your chance. stars. BL: Outside of softball do you BL: Where are you from and MC: Yes, that was Dan and Kate have any hobbies? what brought you to Manches- [Lord] mainly. It was MC: I go walking. I’ve just ter? an started learning to play bridge. MC: I’m from Hertfordshire. I “invitational” I go to gigs occasionally. came to Manchester with work. I team of Divi- BL: Playing softball, what was working with one of the wa- sion 3 play- would you say was your best ter boards and when they priva- ers playing achievement so far? tised I decided to up sticks, and in Division MC: One of the best was that Manchester was the first place 2. And as the Butchers in 2006 we that would take me. we won the single sex C grade BL: What do you do in real life? national championships. MC: I work for the Environment I’m pretty sure it was the Agency looking at landfill sites. Butchers: I can visualise BL: When did you first start play- the photos with the ing softball and how did you get green shirts. The idea into it? was that we were go- MC: I started in 2001. It was Gary ing to butcher the Morris who I think was pitching Hoggs [Manchester’s for the TS Bees and worked in single sex men’s team the same place I do, and he put at the time]. up a poster on the canteen wall. BL: What kind of kit I saw it and was interested, and have you got? came along. MC: Nothing special. BL: So the Bees were your first BL: They all say that. team? MC: There’s an old bat MC: Yes I played for the Bees in which I don’t use any 2001, then with a couple of more because I use the team other players we formed the bat. I still bring it anyway in Sonics, which lasted two years. case it’s needed. A glove, wa- Then there was the Surf, basi- ter. Just in case things get des- cally the same team just wearing perate and I’m pitching I’ve got different shirts. Then after three a box and shin pads. years we merged with the Cen- BL: Have you been a pitcher in turions. In 2010 we amalga- the past? mated with some other players MC: I tried, with the Clangers. to form the Clangers who then Jeremy [Fothergill] our pitcher merged with the Camels who was injured and sat on the Volume 25 Issue 9 Page 9 sidelines. It was a windy day, I across the diamond, or playing Guest appearances walked 11 straight, and he de- 2nd interacting with the short- cided he wasn’t that injured after stop, getting outs. I enjoy most UP all. positions. I’m not great about 1st appearance unless stated playing 1st because sometimes BL: Actually I should start asking, Sophie Addison (Base Invaders) for you get thrown some awful let’s say “long established” play- Thunder ers, have you played every posi- stuff. Sophie Addison (Base Invaders) for tion there is to play? BL: OK, so final question, what Hackers MC: I must have done. Not nec- would be your hopes for your- Annie Downes (Thunder II) for essarily in the league. I know I’ve self or your team this year? Dodgers (3rd) played catcher to Areej [Elmaazi] MC: Just that we’re all happy Hayley Gradwell (Enforcers) for and Bryony [James]. Once or and still talking to each other at Marauders twice I’ve played short stop, and the end of the year, not that we I’m sure I’ve played every other wouldn’t be. A couple more Arthur Hung (Blue Jays) for Speed- position. wins would be nice, and maybe ers BL: And your favourite position? staying in the division, but as Jess Hurrell Watson (Base Invad- This is a new strand of questions long as we are all enjoying it, ers) for Vipers I’m going to ask people from that’s the main thing. Kat Rhead (Vipers) for Meerkats now. BL: A very fine ambition indeed. Chris Norton (Base Invaders) for MC: I don’t know. I quite like out- Thank you very much. Titans (2nd) field because I like catches com- Next week—Her name might be James Wright (Tiggers) for Sharks ing. I’m not as quick as I used to associated with umpires, but Taj Uddin (Enforcers) for Vipers be, but I used to really enjoy run- this Maverick is mostly to be (4th) ning for catches. But I also enjoy found in the outfield, unless the infield, from 3rd throwing she’s playing 1B or pitching. DOWN, ACROSS Lara Bragg (Camels) for Camels II Jackie Ervin (Tigers) for Tiggers Beth Jarrett (Marauders) for En- forcers Sherry Kenyon (Mavericks) for Hackers Bailey Saunders (Marauders) for Enforcers Gemma Wallace (Thunder III) for Freeze

Transfer

Tom Atkinson, Camels II to Camels Page 10 BASES LOADED

Next week’s games (2/3/4 July) Correction

In Divisions 1 and 2 it’s round 3 of the second rota- Last week’s Re- tion featuring the reverse fixtures from May 15th. sults showed Division 1 Stephen Dodgers @ Lions (4, PF) Last meeting, Lions won 19- Shearer as um- 13, and lead in all meetings 27-6. piring two Greensox @ Camels (6, AG) Greensox won their games simultane- 17th meeting 13-10. Camels have never beaten ously on the same pitch. The umpire in the Tig- Greensox. gers—Thunder IV game was Jonny Creelman, Mavericks @ Thunder (3, TLF) Thunder won 13-7, and the game was on pitch 2. but Mavs lead 14-10 in all meetings. Mavericks II @ Mayhem (7, HS) Mayhem won 20- MVPs 14, their fourth win in six meetings, with one tie. BFL H J Sims (2B), Aleck Aspinall (SS) Division 2 BIV Jess Hurrell (2B), Michael Mia (P) Bats @ Meerkats (1, MD) Meerkats won 23-8 in 5 BND Chloe Patiente (P), Nick Sims (3B) innings, and lead 6-4 in all meetings. CAM Claire Higgs (RF), Gareth Evans (SS) Camels II @ Marauders (0, JC) Camels won 18-7, re- CM2 Nichola Booth (1B), Ian Williams (3B) ducing the deficit in all meetings (with Outlaws) to 3- COL Amy MᶜCarthy (C), Lee MᶜCarthy (P) 2. DOD Alexa Martinez (CL), Tyler Lappage (LF) Tigers @ Speeders (2) Tigers won 21-20, to tie the all ENF Hayley Gradwell (1B), Mike Davies (P) -time series at 3-3. FRZ Malyn Wainwright (2B), Chris Frost (P) GRX Tanya Lochery (C), Tom Russell (SS) Sharks rest HAC Grace Mills (LF), Dan Johansson (P) Division 3 LIO Nic Duerden (RF), Chris Fulton (P) Final game of the second rotation, with the same MAV Sherry Kenyon (LC), Adam Cole (P) pairings as on May 30th. MHM Zoe Leroux (1B), Alberto Carlino (LC) MKT Beth Werakso (3B), Rory Gibson (LC) Hackers @ Barflies (8, MD) Hackers won 23-14, to MRD Liz Lyon (1B), Richard Tipping (LC) make it five wins in five meetings. MV2 Natalie Dunlop (LC), Wendell Jones (SS) Titans @ Thunder II (6, PF) Thunder won 30-6 in 4 RIP Lorraine Whetton (LF), Scott Humphrie (CL) innings, a scond win in two meetings. SHA Rachel Sewell, Graham Harris Vipers @ Thunder III (7, DD) Vipers won only their SPE Emma Bennett (LF), Nick Money (SS) third ever meeting 19-15, to take a 2-1 lead in all STG Lisa Hine (C), Liam Morrison (CL) meetings. SWI Sally Higginbottom (C), Kieran Heaven (P) Division 4 TGG Evie Sanders (1B), James Wright (CR) THU Sophie Addison (BIV)(RF), Amilcar Gomez (RC) Rippers @ Enforcers (4, JC) Last meeting 1 May TH2 Annie Downes (1B), Steve Bartlett (P) 2018, Rippers won 22-7, their first win in three TH3 Carolann Costello (LC), Marco Doira (RC) meetings. TH4 Bryony James (1B), Johan Lemmers (CL) All other match-ups are first ever meetings. TIG Holly Smith (C), Steve Beddows (P) Bandidos @ Colt 45s (6, MG) TTN Daisy Goodenough (1B), Richard Taylor (SS) Base Invaders @ Swingers (2, LH) VIP Mandy Ashton (2B), Tom Hughes (RF) Blue Jays @ Tiggers (8, PF) Names appear exactly as submitted Thunder IV @ Freeze (3, AT) Stingers rest Volume 25 Issue 9 Page 11

Home runs (Continued from page 12) Division 4 Division 1 – Female (MKT), Brad Hadwin (TIG), Liam Bandidos 5 9 2 1 9 26 2 - Faye Dunlop (MV2), Tanya Harris (SHA), Billy Lykouras (MKT), Hector Martinez (BAT), Nick Money Stingers 0 3 0 2 2 7 Lochery (GRX) RAR, Pitch 7, Umpire Mike Goff (SPE), Graeme Nixon (SHA), Chris 1 - Emma Agostini (MHM), Michelle HRs BND Ross Birch 2 (1GS), Jonny Thompson (MRD) Preston, Liam Morrison 2, Jason Kneen Collier (LIO), Leeanne Cracknell (MAV), 1 – Tom Atkinson (CM2), Alex Bates 2, Adam Morrison; STG Nick Sims Nic Duerden (LIO), Charlotte Green (BAT), Craig Brooks (TIG), Jonny Huck Base Invaders 1 1 13 2 6 23 (GRX), Natalie Leyland (LIO), Emma (TIG), Ant Hulme (SHA), Richard Tiggers 4 0 1 0 0 5 Lott (THU), Linni Mitchell (MHM), Jade Jameson (SHA), Lee Kendrick-Walker RAR, Pitch 4, Umpire Liam Harris Shaw (LIO) (CM2), Shawn Khwaja (BAT), Chris Len- HRs BIV Mike Mia 2, Tom Pullan; TGG Division 1 – Male non (SPE), Simon Sharp (MKT), Richard Steve Girling, James Wright Tipping (MRD), Jordan Wilcock* (MRD), Enforcers 3 2 9 0 0 14 6 – Joe Grantham (THU), Tom Ian Williams (CM2) Freeze 2 6 2 4 1 15 Russell* (GRX) Division 3 – Female Bad light, Pitch 6, Umpire Paul Fagan HRs ENF Sam Whatmore; FRZ James 5 – Chris Fulton (LIO) 1 - Aimee Dyble (TTN), Katie Tanner, Darren Bamford 4 – Shane Sharp (DOD) Flanagan (TTN), Grace Mills Swingers 2 0 1 3 1 7 3 – David Dyson (DOD), Steve (HAC), Emily Moder (VIP), Kat Rippers 4 9 3 6 x 22 Howard (THU), Adam Hugill RAR, Pitch 2, Umpire Jonny Creelman; Rhead* (VIP), Becci Wadeson home team batted first (CAM), Benkei Johnson (LIO), (TH2) HRs SWI Kieran Heaven; RIP Scott Bar- Wendell Jones (MV2), Oscar Ma- ton (GS) renco (GRX), Gordon Milson* Division 3 – Male Thunder IV 0 0 0 3 0 3 (LIO) 7 – Steve Bartlett (TH2) Colt 45s 9 8 3 1 x 21 RAR, Pitch 3, Umpire Amy Tanner 2 – Luis Arrevillagas (THU), Nathan 6 – Aleck Aspinall* Barratt (GRX), Gareth Evans (CAM), 5 – Jon Taylor* (TH2) 8 - Mike Mia (BIV) Paul Kidley (GRX), Pete Nightingale 3 – Olly Medley (TTN), Ian Rad- 6 - Ross Birch* (BND), Darren Bam- (MAV), Ed Watkinson (LIO), Ian ford* (HAC), Richard Taylor Yates (MAV) (TTN) ford (FRZ), Jay Stevens (FRZ) 1 – Ian Blease (MAV), Eli Dorronsoro 2 – Dean Cull (TH3), Kingsley 5 - Phil Kirby* (TH4), Jonny Pre- (DOD), Lubomir Durisin (MAV), Charlie Dintwe (TH3), Paul Duffy (VIP), Sam ston* (BND), Sam Whatmore** Everitt (MAV), Amilcar Gomes (THU), Gardiner (HAC), Charlie Hughes* (ENF), James Wright (TGG) Chris Gresty (MV2), Danny Gunn (GRX), (TH3), Ian Mills (HAC), Ian Moss 3 - Bryn Davies (ENF), Anthony Rolf Herbert (MV2), Tyler Lappage (BFL), Tom Nolan (VIP), Dan O’Brien (DOD), Andy Lott (CAM), Mike Lott Henderson (RIP), Jason Kneen (THU), Rod Maskell (MHM), Colin (TTN), Benji Pearce (TH2), Richard (BND), Simon Ronksley* (BLJ), McKie (CAM), Adam Roberts (LIO) Sarver (TH3), Dave Warren (TH2) James Tanner (FRZ) 1 – Andrew Bogie (TH2), Nahan Division 2 - Female 2 - Ross Bloomberg* (STG), Steve Brookes (VIP), Mike Cooney (BFL), Dar- Girling (TGG), Scott Humphrey* (RIP), 2 - Jenny Faloona (SPE) ren Corner* (HAC), Marco Doria (TH3), Adam Morrison (BND), Chris Norton 1 - Emma Bennett (SPE), Sally Cottam Simon Grainger (TTN), Dan Johansson (BIV), Tom Pullan (BIV), Lee Scambler (TIG), Su O’Brien (BAT), Emma (HAC), Kalpesh Makanji (BFL), Ian Mil- (STG) Pritchard (TIG) lar (VIP), Taj Uddin (VIP), Paul Warbur- ton (BFL) 1 - Darren Bamford (FRZ), Scott Barton* Division 2 - Male (RIP), Chris Bowers (ENF), Mike Connolly Division 4 – Female 7 – Adam Barnish (SPE) (FRZ), Phil Cosgrove (COL), Mike Davies 5 – Chloe Llewellyn (BND) 6 – Dan Downes (TIG) (ENF), Kieran Heaven (SWI), Greg Howard 2 – Janine Hickie (BND), Ellie Swal- (ENF), Dan Howe (BIV), Lee McCarthy 5 – Jordan Colton (SHA), Adam low (COL), Hannah Wint (STG) (COL), Josh Normie (STG), Peter O'Hare Faloona (SPE) 1 – Sophie Addison (BIV), Maisie Em- (BND), Jamie Saul (COL), Nick Sims (STG), 4 – Rory Gibson (MKT), Mike merson (BND) Conrad Teixeira* (STG), Jono Wrigley (BLJ) Hulme (SHA) Division 4 – Male 3 – Stephen Shearer (SHA) 10 - Tom Huntley* (BLJ) * grand slam 2 – Matty Bell* (TIG), Anthony Bof- 9 - Liam Morrison (BND) fey (CM2), Matt Fairweather Results Week 8 Standings

Division 1 P W T L F RS RC Pts% GB Dodgers 1 0 1 1 4 0 2 9 Division 1 Mavericks II 3 0 6 0 2 2 x 13 Greensox 8 7 0 1 0 143 66 .917 - Pitch 6, Umpire Paul Fagan HRs: DOD Tyler Lappage; MV2 Wendell Thunder 8 6 0 2 0 114 80 .833 1 Jones Lions 8 5 0 3 0 127 113 .750 2 Lions 1 1 3 2 1 1 2 11 Camels 1 2 0 1 4 1 0 9 Mavericks 8 4 0 4 0 107 89 .667 3 Pitch 3, Umpire Tony La Fave Camels 8 4 0 4 0 114 115 .667 3 HRs: LIO Chris Fulton; CAM Gareth Ev- ans Dodgers 8 2 0 6 0 91 137 .500 5 Mavericks 2 0 5 1 2 0 0 10 Mayhem 8 2 0 6 0 85 135 .500 5 Greensox 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 Pitch 4, Umpire Ian Caird Mavericks II 8 2 0 6 0 82 128 .500 5 Thunder 5 9 1 2 4 4 25 Dodgers (2-1), Mayhem (1-1) and Mavs II (1-2) ordered on head-to-heads Mayhem 1 1 3 0 3 0 8 RAR, Pitch 2, Umpire Al Green Division 2 HR: THU Sophie Addison (BIV) Tigers 7 6 0 1 0 120 62 .905 - Division 2 Meerkats 7 6 0 1 0 126 74 .905 - Camels II 0 2 1 0 0 3 Sharks 7 4 0 3 0 98 87 .714 2 Tigers 1 7 6 7 x 21 RAR, Pitch 1, Umpire Jonny Creelman Camels II 7 3 0 4 0 58 107 .619 3 HRs: CM2 Ian Williams; TIG Craig Brooks, Dan Downes, Brad Hadwin, Speeders 7 2 0 5 0 91 85 .524 4 Matty Bell Marauders 7 2 0 5 0 71 121 .524 4 Marauders 1 3 3 0 1 1 9 Meerkats 4 12 0 2 0 6 24 Bats 6 1 0 5 0 58 86 .444 4½ RAR, Pitch 7, Umpire Harry Somers HRs: MRD Richard Tipping; MKT Billy Division 3 Lykouras 2, Matt fair-weather, Rory Gib- son Thunder II 8 8 0 0 0 189 61 1.000 - Speeders 3 0 0 0 1 1 5 10 Hackers 7 5 0 2 0 142 115 .810 2½ Sharks 4 2 0 1 1 3 x 11 Pitch 0, Umpire Mike Davies Barflies 8 3 0 5 0 128 155 .583 5 HRs: SPE Nick Money; SHA Stephen Vipers 8 3 0 5 0 119 150 .583 5 Shearer Division 3 Titans 7 2 0 5 0 126 184 .524 5½ Barflies 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 5 Thunder III 8 2 0 6 0 130 169 .500 6 Thunder II 0 7 3 2 0 5 x 17 Pitch 9, Umpire Mike Davies Division 4 HRs BFL Alec Aspnall; TH2 Steve Bart- lett 2 Bandidos 7 6 1 0 0 177 95 0.952 - Thunder III 0 0 3 0 7 4 5 19 Tiggers 7 6 0 1 0 120 95 0.905 ½ Hackers 0 4 3 4 2 4 3 20 Freeze 7 5 1 1 0 125 87 0.857 1½ Pitch 7, Umpire Paul Fagan HRs TH3 Marco Doria; HAC Sherry Ken- Base Invaders 7 5 0 2 0 136 84 0.810 1½ yon (MAV), Grace Mills Enforcers 8 5 0 3 0 170 114 0.750 2 Titans 5 2 0 1 1 9 Rippers 8 4 0 4 0 139 119 0.667 3½ Vipers 1 4 2 15 2 24 RAR, Pitch 6, Umpire Dave Dean Colt 45s 7 3 0 4 0 111 101 0.619 4 HR VIP Taj Uddin (ENF) Thunder IV 7 2 0 5 0 94 126 0.524 4

4⅚ Blue Jays 7 2 0 4 1 111 128 0.476 Stingers (R) 8 1 0 7 0 71 145 0.417 5½ (Continued on page 11) Swingers (R) 7 0 0 7 0 34 194 0.333 6