Game On

We're going to have the numbers for a full game on a fine morning, this Sunday at Dennison. I'll be there just after 9am, BP is around 9:25, sign in no later than 9:45 for the final First Pitch at 10am!

We're now at an "in-all-likelihood confirmed" 21:
- 18 have said "yes", via email or on the phone - Dave, Charlie, Mike, Jason T., Jeff K., Howard, Zach, Jimmy, Hak, Martin, James, Pete, Tom R., Chuck, Chris, Jared, Brendon, Hugh.
- A mystery player voted "yes" on the blog (identify yourself!)
- 2 co-workers of mine who preferred whiffleball this summer, but promised all year to play, are in.

Scott, Kunal and the long-lost Bill Richards are "maybe" and there are a bunch of regulars who've been called and left a message, so a few more ought to be coming, too...

... and long lost Brent turned up in Florida and Dan Moynihan in San Diego!

Let me know if I have your status above incorrect! But the numbers look strong.

I'm about out of time to work the phone to get to 24. Don't take it personally if you aren't called. I've had small windows at night to call before it gets too late. Just let me know that you're in!

After last weekend's glimpse of what's in store for us all too soon, and with Sunday's temps near 60, we ought to have 40 players! It's going to be a long winter. Play ball!

The Final Finale

Mother Nature scored in the top of the 9^th, but we’re coming up for our last at-bat. The week looks dry and this Sunday should be in the mid-to-upper 50’s. One last time, let’s play ball before trading the gloves and cleats for mittens and boots. And perhaps, as Pete suggested, we’ll hit a bar afterward, for some wings and bragging and story-telling.

Count on a game.To gauge interest and to get an accurate count so that we do indeed have a game, I’m going to, through the week, try to call some of the more likely attendees. I’ve called three Luddites, likely to not check here, and all three are coming (Charlie, Mike, Jason.) I've begun, in random order (the order of opt-in from spring) to call guys and the first 10 are locked in already (Me, Charlie, Mike, Jason T., Jared, Howard, Jeff K., Zach, plus two mystery voters.)

If you're one of the two mystery voters, already voting yes, please email me so that I can get an accurate count.

Please don't vote if we've already spoken by phone.

If you've not voted but are coming, email or call instead of voting. (The email is to the right, under "contact".)

I'm determined to get 22 players out there...  

Snow Way!

Anyone want to see how far they can hit a snowball?

We'll try again for November 6th. (Supposed to be near 60 degrees by mid-week.) A new poll on attendance will go up in the next 24...

The Final Game

Either this weekend, or the next dry one, we will definitely have one last shot at glory. We'll have a final game, even if delayed by snow until Christmas!

So that all who want to play can get a sense of whether it will be this weekend, there is a poll on the right. Please vote only once. Keep in mind that the "yes" votes may look low, but there are players who've already committed but are computer illiterate (Hi, Charlie and Mike!) making the "yes" total here appear lower than it really is.

The Other Team's Bus

It finally arrived! All too often, we've been waiting at 9:40 for more players and the bus hasn't shown up. Until last week.

There was supposed to be a softball game at the other field. A team from Worcester came but the other team didn't. So while our guys were leaving us short by drifting away as the morning turned to afternoon, we recruited those players to join us. And they were enthusiastic - downright joyful - to be out on the field for some fun.

I expect them this week, too, leaving little doubt that we'll have a couple of good games before packing it in for the season.

A Dry One ...

... which is a rarity the last couple of weeks! There's actually no guarantee that we do have three games left. We have three weeks left. But if it rains next weekend, that would leave only the final game! Play ball!

No November

Gotta say, it was disappointing to get only 15 players on such a gorgeous Sunday. That being so, it seems most unlikely that 4 weeks from now we'd get both great weather and enough players for a full game.

So... we've got three weeks remaining til we, sadly, trade in cleats for snowshoes.

I've been most sedate this season, refraining from nagging people about showing up late. It's obvious by how fast you all blow out of there once the last out is made that we've all got other places to be. Late players delay the start and, therefore, the end for everyone. And if you've ever been there before 9:45, you know how much it sucks waiting for players to show up when they should be there already.


So ... get there by 9:45 or there may be a bunch of guys waiting to beat you with a bat.

At Least 4 More Weeks...

 ... but it seems like none will have better weather than this coming week! Make any excuse that you need to make, to anyone that wants you elsewhere!

We'll definitely go though October. Whether we make it into November wil depend on if attendance is strong over the next three weeks and if the weather doesn't get too cold.
 

Nope!

Too wet already. Too much chance of rain on the way. Too many guys who already expected no game, so too few who set their alarm, so that too few will come to even have a game. Too bad.

Yes, this means that the game today is cancelled!

And, then the sun popped out, within 10 minutes of my posting this. But still, it's too late and there still will be intermittent rain.

TWIB Notes

For tomorrow, keep in mind that Dennison does dry better than other fields…

Last week, for the 2nd year in a row, Team Fogie won the “Old vs. Young” Game, getting a big early lead and then holding on as the game went on.

In the past, I’ve sworn that because of my age I don’t remember who won. But I’ll now admit that The Brats had previously won 9 of 10. Of course, as they do each time that Team Baby loses, they cried “do-over” and wanted a rematch right away.

While competing is a good part of the fun, it was evident that both sides wanted to win this one. So that things don’t get too chippy, it may be best to resume “regular season” games as we hit October this week. With 5 weeks left (and more if we go into November), maybe we’d do a “Home vs. Away” game, splitting players up by mileage driven. But let’s see how attendance and the weather cooperate as we near the end of the season.

A Week Without Sunshine

This week (possibly through Thursday) the one bright window seems to be coming on Sunday morning. We're due, since for much of the late summer, the one weekly stretch of bad weather occurred on Sunday mornings.

So forget the lawn - it's plenty green and they're wearing them longer this fall. The painting won't have time to dry before the next rain. And the chores will wait for 9 innings. With Dennison being a faster drying field than most, and with any (overdue) luck, we'll play ball!

Do Over?

With but 14 players signed in at 9:45 (and two more later), we decided instead to play a regular split-up-who-showed-up game and to try again this coming week to play the Old vs. Young game with two full teams.

The Old. vs. Young Game

It's “The Series for The Ages”, the “Chronological Clash”, pitting Experience vs. Exuberance, Geezers vs. Brats. This weekend is our 11.5th Annual Old vs. Young Game. (Yes, there were 2 games about 7 years ago, when The Babies cried so much after losing that we played a second game.)

When you sign in and check off positions, also write your age in years and months on the right side of the sheet. (I love watching you guys count on your fingers how old you are!) We'll split the teams by age and have some fun. The dividing line is usually near 32, depending on who shows up. I'll manage Team Fogie while the oldest The Brat Team will manage them and we’ll have at it for some fun bragging rights.

I Knew It!

I knew that someone would go out in the hurricane and see how hard they could throw! Zack impressed his neighbors. But failed us. He didn't get video!

Looking Back & Ahead

It was a Throwback Week of sorts on Sunday and great to have Dan back and Jared make a rare appearance. Even Johnny - the little lefty pitcher from several years ago - popped in. It's perhaps been the toughest year for personnel, as over the winter Dan moved to NY and Tony left to run the stadium and food and beverages for the Single A Hagerstown Suns (MD). Jarod left in June for Philly. Brent’s been a no-show all year. A lot of solid reliable veteran pitchers. A lot of good guys.

Dan was The Man, as he often used to be, throwing a complete game as the game went down to the wire: 9th inning, tying run in scoring position.

But most impressive and important to the game, he showed up at 9am, raked the field, and volunteered to manage. Take his cue, guys!

Though some nice plays were made, it was not a crisp game. The rust of 2 games played in a 6 week and 6 day span was very evident. We lacked an edge, on the field and with the pace of the game.

Kudos to Robbie who, in one inning, was the only defender on his team who was taking the field. And he was running out to his position! Take his cue, too!

This coming Sunday looks like beautiful baseball weather. And was a possibility to have the 11^th Annual “Old vs. Young” Game. The Battle of the Ages. The Chronology Clash. But it would be more competitive and fun, as the only “important” game of the year, to have a more skilled game played at a higher level. With all the rainouts, let’s have one more regular game this week and then play “The Game” on the 18th, which would then be three straight weeks of games for the first time since July.

Labor Day Sunday

With the forecast for Sunday looking like summer - high 80's and more humid - I did not request a holiday Monday permit.

But we're now heading to our Fall Home Field, Mary Dennison, for 9am BP and a 10am first pitch. Sign in - really, really with your shoes on and your name on the dotted line - no later than 9:45. (If you're one of the habitually tardy, then the game is at 9am. Just show up then!)

A Prodigal Son would like to return: Anyone coming from the Boston or Revere area on Sunday? Old friend Dan Dingerson is hoping to make a return visit, but would need a ride from the game, rather than waiting for the 3:15 train from Framingham. Email or call me, please.

With a long weekend, and only our 3rd game in the last 7 weeks, I'm hoping to see many of you out there! Remarkably, we've got at least 9 weeks left on the calendar - and more if we go into November - meaning that we've still got 1/3 of the season left to go!

Irene

'nuff said?

Anyone want to go out in a hurricane and see how fast they can throw a ball or how far they can hit one?

You'll be all alone. Have fun. Shoot some video and email it to me. I'll be sleeping in.

Next weekend is Labor Day. If Labor Day Sunday is rained out (making it the the 5th time in 7 weeks), we'll plan to play on Monday.

For the remainder of the season, be signed in no later than 9:45am, so that the First Pitch can really be at 10am.

The Fall Permit

It's official: we're permitted every Sunday into November at Mary Dennison Field. (See link on right for updated Field Directions.) We will definitely play through October. We'll potentially play into November, as weather and attendance allow.

This week, Irene permitting, is the final 9am game. 10am games begin in September, for the rest of the season, to allow for the grass to become drier as we arrive.

Make the effort to arrive on time, signing in no later than 8:45 this week, and 9:45 after that. ("Make the effort" is polite for "do it!") Too many are habitually arriving too late to be equally split and still have games begin on time. This past week (eventually one of the best games of the year) there were about 9 guys at 8:40 waiting for the opposing team's bus to arrive. This delays the start and is especially unfair to those who arrived nearer 8am with the gear, who groom the field, lay bases, want BP, and to the managers who are trying to make evenly split teams so that we have a competitive game. And it then in turn delays the end, which is going to be more important as we make the Fall Time Shift the following week.

Goodbye Merloni?

The field, not Lou. Our summer permit does end after this coming Sunday. No word yet, but typically we're moved over to Dennison. As soon as I know, you'll know.

Good news, if we're at Dennison: The Speen St.bridge south of RT-135 is again open after two years of being washed away during torrential spring rains. It's a much more pleasant ride to leave Dennison and head south and loop back around north to Speen St. (stopping for some fresh fruit or ice cream at Sunshine Farm on the right), as opposed to going north and waiting at the Beaver St. light at RT-135, which has a very short cycle.

Wherever we do go, and as long as we do not get rained out for the 4th time in 5 weeks, we'll be at my personal favorite field - Merloni - this Sunday.

And actually, Lou's "The Baseball Show" (CSN, Saturdays from 9am-12pm, repeated from 12pm-3pm) is decent background noise.

Another Surprise Rainout

... that wasn't supposed hit until later today. But according to our paperboy, Charlie, it's been raining on and off since 3am. Even if it stops soon, and doesn't start again until the afternoon, the rain that has come will keep enough guys from coming that we wouldn't hit 18 anyway.

Next week is the last week of the summer permit, probably the last at Merloni...

No Sun, No Fun (No Game!)

"There's three things you can do in a baseball game: You can win or you can lose or it can rain."  ~ Casey Stengel

There may be pockets of "less murky" this morning, but we've simply had too much overnight rain.

Upcoming:

I'm out of the lineup next week, so we'll rely on all attending veterans to pull the game together in my absence. Can any please confirm that they will be there? (Ought to be fun: you get choose the mangers ... and no Dave to pitch or bitch!)

We're at Merloni for two more weeks - August 14 and 21 - before the "summer" permit ends. But there are still at least 12 more weeks of games: definitely through October, and then into November as weather and attendance allow. As soon as the fall permit is released, all info will be here.

Besides being the first "fall" game, August 28 is the last August game, so it's also the final 9am game.

On Labor Day weekend, the time of the first pitch shifts to 10am. If it rains, we'll play on Monday. To those of you who are habitually late, keep trying to get there for 8:45 ... and then you'll be there to stretch and take BP!

The 2nd weekend in September will be the 12th Annual "Old vs. Young" Game. We'll list our age when signing in, we'll split by age into two teams, and play the only "meaningful" game of the year.

Caught By Surprise ...

... that it has poured in Framingham in the last hour, then it stopped. But by 7:30, it has started again. The radar shows another heavy rain cell bearing down on us, due in around the time of the First Pitch, and possibly rain throughout the morning. I hope that you use some common sense and check this out before leaving home.

As much as it pains me, there is NO GAME TODAY!

Check back late today-ish for details on the plans for the annual "Old. vs. Young" Game and more.

Meanwhile, go put on AMC for the conclusion of "Bull Durham" and think about the best all-time baseball movies. Submissions for an upcoming poll are welcome!

Odds and Ends

This Saturday, the Special Olympics have Merloni. Their rain date is Sunday, meaning that we wouldn't have a game if it rains on Saturday. Be warned and keep an eye on the forecast. Fortunately, no forecast (like the new weather widget on the right?) shows any rain until at least Monday.

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Rules reiteration regarding dead balls, pickoffs, and The Hidden Ball Trick : 

The ball is dead once it crosses the plate if a) the hitter does not make contact and b) the catcher does not make a clear and immediate attempt to pick off a runner. If a pick-off is attempted, all runners must tag up before advancing until such time as the pick-off play completes, either as a clean play or to the point at which an error occurs.

To clarify: on a clear pick-off attempt, all runners need to retag before advancing. The intent of this is to prevent excessive leads off a base to sacrifice the runner in order to score another runner, while still allowing for runners to tag up on a pick-off play and then attempt to advance.

The ball is also dead once fielders make a reasonable effort to return the ball to the pitcher.

Once dead, the ball remains dead until the pitcher is again set on the rubber.

I suppose this leaves the door open to a legal hidden ball trick. But we're not all lawyers and I am not going to spend endless hours closing loopholes. So officially add it to our list of "rules changes" from MLB: The hidden ball trick is not allowed. Period. Yes, I've pulled it in the past and it's all good fun. If you must, feel free to try to convince me why having it would benefit the game. But foremost, the spirit of good sportsmanship rules.

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Rules reiteration II: The basics of the infield fly rule are that when there is a man on first and second or bases loaded with less than two out and the fielder can make a fair ball out with "ordinary effort", 1) while the ball is still in the air, the umpire will immediately call that the infield fly rule is in effect, 2) the batter is automatically out, 3) runners may advance at their own risk.

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The ball order still hasn't arrived. For two weeks, we'll use a different, fat seamed ball. Enjoy, pitchers.

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Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

And we're rolling on, not even close to being halfway into the season, but nearing the annual "Old vs. Young Game" come early August.

The atmosphere is jovial. The last two weeks have been the closest games of the year, with extra innings last week. We finally got rid of Jarod Q., and Jared B. returned. Tony is up from the Carolinas this week. The wet is over and Sunday looks like baseball weather. Let the good times roll.

Game On!

While there are small puddles in the expected areas, the field and sky are getting drier and brighter by the minute and the underlying dirt is tight! Get out of your PJs, get your gear (Jim: get your muffin; Jason: get your coffee on the way) and try to get there early to pitch in to prep the field. First pitch is at 9am!

Farewell To Jarod

This Sunday, one of the longest-tenured players, a Favorite Son, and all around Good Guy Jarod Quant will be playing in his last game with us after nearly a decade. He's signing as a Free Agent back in the National League (Philadelphia) at the end of next week. And while he promises to make it back in the Fall for a game or two, do come on out this Sunday to bid him adieu.

No Game!

Sorry for the delay! I often work on a Saturday night. This was one of those nights when I got home at 2am, to bed at 3:15am. The alarm was set for 6:30am, to check the field and have a posting by 7am, but I slept through the alarm for an hour! In the next email (no, none have gone out for some time) I will put my cell, the number to call when I ought to be at the field (or have a posting) but there's no sign of me. Anyway....

The field is squishy and even if delayed, the game would be played on a mucky wet field and we wouldn't get 18 anyway. So, again, pardon the delay and the problems it may have caused (though common sense and your Mom would tell you to not go play baseball in such weather) and go have a good breakfast, watch some Sunday morning news shows, go back to bed, play with the kids, or go be a productive citizen, and I hope to see you next weekend!

Game Delayed, If Not Cancelled

I overslept (gotta post further explanation and cell number) but am now off to check the field. If on (and I'll repost around 8:10) we'll have first pitch at 9:30. Fairly certain that the field is under water, but am off to the field now.....

Game 3

Hard to believe that we're really only weeks into games. But what a pleasant day at the ballpark! (And I really don't think that it had anything to do with my being on the winning side for the first time all year.) There was no finger-biting, finger-wagging, bat-flipping, umpire-bumping, or late hits, and there were no suspensions.

Still, I swear that we've had games in other years that were close after the 2nd inning. Howzabout we come this weekend prepared to play great defense from the start?

More Gear: Why is it that every week, things are left behind? I've already got bats, batting gloves, clothing ...

But what concerns me more is that on consecutive weeks we've lost donuts - and I've had to take the time to walk the field thoroughly to make sure before leaving. And this week, we lost a game bat, plus my sunglasses went walking from where I left them after, I'm told, someone was asking if they belonged to anyone. If you find gear left lying around, please turn it over to me so that the rightful owner can claim it.

The Summer Schedule

For the next three months, it couldn't be simpler to remember:

Every week, we're at the longest-named field in America: Merloni Field at Winch Park at Framingham High School.

Every week, June through August (at which point we'll need to get a Fall permit), the gear arrives at the field at 8am to begin grooming the field, laying the bases, etc, and it's always appreciated when you pitch in!

Be signed in no later than 8:45am so that games can begin at 9am.

*******

The first of the ball orders is going fast. For those of you (the majority, still) who've played but not yet paid, go tape some cash into your glove right now!

*******

The Lost and Found Department is officially open. We made it a whole week before gear was left at the field. Name it to claim it!

Memorial Day Sunday at Dennison

A good start to the long-overdue season. Well, a rough first inning or two, but then it was a well-played, evenly-matched game. Great to see those who made their first appearance!

This Sunday, the first with forecasts of summer weather, is the only game of the spring / summer at Dennison. It's also the last 9:30 game of the spring. The gear will be there at 8:30, the field condition is unknown, and please be signed in by 9:15.

There's a link to directions on the right of this page. Note that construction has shut down Speen St south of RT-135, so your GPS may lead you on a journey longer than the linked directions.

All subsequent games - from June through the summer - are at Merloni, with the first pitch at 9am, so please be signed in no later than 8:45.

And get out there soon to bid adieu to Jarod Q., as he soon makes a move to the National League, closer to his beloved Cubs, in Philly!

Game On

While not balmy, and we may burn through some balls on damp grass, let's finally put winter behind us and play ball!

See you between 8:30 and 9:15. The flyover will be at 9:27 and after 7 long months, the First Pitch will be finally be at 9:30!

Amazing ...

... that considering all of the rain, I stepped to the plate at 3pm today and it was as if it had never rained!

If there is no serious rain overnight, it'll be playable, though in need of grooming.

If it is lightly raining, it ought to hold up well.

If it's at all playable... wouldn't having Opening Day be amazing?

Check back... I'll be up around 7am or 7:30 to do the final field check and to post, if need be ....

It's Possible ...

The rain may end, but the squishiness of the infield could be a last-minute call for our long-delayed Opening Day. If the rain does end, I hope to have some time to get to the field (Merloni) on Saturday and push any standing water.

If playable, or close to it, the gear and I will be at the field on Sunday at 8:30. Sign in by 9:15 for the 9:30 game.

After this wet week, I'm sure that the field will need some work. Many of you voted to "Play ball!" If it is to happen, we need you to pitch in and help with prepping the field, so please make an effort to bring a broom and shovel and come closer to 8:30 than 9:15.

No Game

The overnight rain made the infield unplayable, despite this morning's window of no rain. There are now 3-inch deep squishy footprints of mine leading to the batter's box and a few steps up the line. There is standing water up the first base line, around home plate, first and second bases, and the pitcher's mound. Even if we could move the water, the dirt underneath is muck.

Tell your wives / girlfriends / boyfriends that you're spending the day with them, because the next 20-something weeks, you'll be out playing ball. Just not today. And the geese have this Sunday to themselves.

At 7:25...

I'm out to check the field, broom in hand. It rained lightly at 3am, but the forecasters say we've got a window this morning with no more rain. I'll repost the definitive word by 8am.

Opening Day

Though I know that it kept some from coming out, last week's 2nd "scrape-off-the-rust" was definitely useful to many. And now we've got our latest First Game ever, but it's here at last!

Still disorganized from my computer crash, and will soon get to you the full schedule, etc., but in a nutshell, until Memorial Day we've got 9:30 games at FHS.

The bunting is hung. Any volunteers to sing the National Anthem?

The gear will be at our "home" field at 8:30. Be signed in no later than 9:15 for the 9:30 flyover / first pitch.

Play ball!

For The Good of the Game

Unlike what Bowie Kuhn did to the Red Sox in 1976 "in the best interst of baseball" (yep, look it up, kiddies) this really will benefit us all in the long run

We're at Merloni (as we are every week except Memorial Day weekend) at 9:15 for the final "scrape-off-the-rust" session. Games will begin next week.

Basically, enough guys wanted a 2nd time out before games, or couldn't make the first, which was cut short by next permit holder. It's Mother's Day. It's also one more chance for catchers to look over the gear and for us to collect some money for the ball order. And the last chance for extended BP, since once games begin, we'll be limited to 6 or 8 cuts each morning.

I know that many on the poll wanted to "play ball". Once someone voted, I was unable to edit that to say " ... and I promise to be there in time for BP, because we all could use some practice."  Only two voted as "working out elsewhere." The #2 response was that we ought to have more practice time.

So, after speaking last Sunday with veterans and rookies alike, it's somewhat of a split vote. So to work on timing, to prevent injuries, knowing that it's still a long season, we'll have some simulated situations and in the long run, have a group of guys better prepared to play sound, skilled, fundamental baseball.

At Long Last ...

... we're permitted. This Sunday, 9:30am, Merloni Field at Winch Park at Framingham High School (see link to directions) we'll have a "scrape-off-the-rust" session. Pitchers can get time on the hill, batters can dig into the box.

Typically, we'd have two weeks of this, though I'm sure that you're all antsy to get going. On one hand, pitchers still need time to stretch out. Fielders need to remember how to catch a ball. And two weeks gives most players at least one week to make it out to try to avoid injuries and the ugly 22-19 game. On the other hand... let's play ball.

I've added a poll, on the right. Meanwhile, this Sunday is supposed to be a beautiful day!

I never want lack of funds preventing anyone from coming out. But given that we may be playing a game next week, we quickly need to order balls and some other gear. Please remember to bring your contribution!

Finally.

For Tomorrow ....

The short version: Still no permit, my computer is still down, we will be at Dennison at 10am tomorrow (4/24).

The extended version: I’m told that we will get a permit. Hopefully in the coming week. At that point, we’ll have one “scrape-off-the-rust” session instead of the usual two and then have games every week. I hope that you’re all throwing on your own if not with us on Sundays!

My computer crashed almost two weeks ago, so I am not technologically organized. This is the easiest way to keep you informed, though it is a work in progress/

One obvious use of the site will be to get out word quickly if we’re rained out. From here on, it's where to look, instead of your email inbox. I will still email you about other specific things, like the schedule. But to email everyone and not be filtered out as spam, I have to send out 12 emails. A rainout posting is timelier and the 25 guys who need to know about that morning can just as readily hit the site as check mail. Get into the habit of checking here on your own from time to time!

Tomorrow: A period with no rain is expected in the morning. I expect the mound, infield, and batters box will be wet. So we will be on the grass and throw, chase a fly ball, drill or whatever anyone wants, and then call it a day.

But with no computer access in the morning, I ask you to use your own judgment as to whether to come, since I won’t be able to email or post. If unsure, call me between 9am and 9:45 only, please!

Still No Permit

... and now no working computer at home.

Tomorrow, only if the overnight rain has ended, I'm game for throwing at 10am at Dennison (80 Beaver St., 01702). The field may be wet, but if nothing new is falling from the sky, we can throw for a few, chase a fly ball, and call it a day. Best we can do under the circumstances.

Use your own judgment as to whether to show, as I will not be able to send an email or access this blog again before tomorrow, and if it is still raning, then I'm going back to bed!

 

Time to hit the field!