And So It Begins!

Welcome to the 2022 season! This Sunday, the willing Few Good Men will start it out at 9:30 SHARP (we won't be there long) at our Southern Home in the frigid wet to stretch the arm until the shoulder says, "What are you DOING?" (10 minutes?) and then get gone.

"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." ~ Chinese proverb

“People writing about Spring Training not being necessary have never tried to throw a baseball.” ~ Sandy Koufax

Let's Play Two!

... but not today.

Pre-pandemic, today's field was the best-drying field on which we played. Unused for a season, it has developed some sort of moss / algae in the places where it puddles and, even on a dry week like last week, the right side of the infield is "greasy". With the night's rain not ending til daybreak, the field will not get close to being safe in time for us.

We've seen this tale before. For the 2nd time, the Sox lose a series opener then take home-field advantage in Game 2. And, for the 3rd time in a month, Saturday night rain clears but leaves an unsafe field and leaves us at home on Sunday like we're the Yankees.

And then there were two. Two potential weeks of baseball remain this season before the curtain falls. Play ball!

Today Is Canceled

Last night's downpour has, at 8am, left a 25' puddle near the 2nd baseman and a 40' pool at 1st base (and with recent "improvements", a good-sized area of the parking strip, too.)

Our Autumn Home is the best-drying field at which we play, but there is not enough time. Next week, Play Ball!

For Nightowls and Early Risers

There was a downpour in town around 8pm and it has - at midnight - left flooded not only the entire right side of Our Autumn Home's infield but, with recent construction, a good chunk of the parking strip, too.

That field is the best-drying field at which we play, but is there enough time? In daylight, between 7am and 8am, the field will again be inspected ...

Henri Really Blows

With some forecasts bringing rain in as early 3:45am, the only winner on Sunday is Henri. No nuthin' for us. Can't risk Charlie blowing off the road, after all.

Last Day of "Summer"

The summer permit ends this Sunday, August 22, and we likely won't get the Fall permit for August 29 (through the first weeks of November) until late next week. Who knows where we will land? Come on out and enjoy at least one more week of pastoral baseball!

 

If you have not been getting weekly emails, email metrowestbaseball@gmail.com or you will not get the specific announcement!

If It Keeps On Raining ...

... the levee's going to break! Nothing like a lil Sunday morning Zeppelin to ease the pain of another week without baseball.

Who'll Stop the Rain?

Good news? The field is mowed. The geese are happy. It didn't rain on Thursday. 

Some day, perhaps, there will be no Saturday night rain, no Sunday rain and we'll play ball. But not this week.

Long as I remember, the rain's been comin' down ...

We Get To Play Baseball!

With broom in tow late this afternoon, the field was swept of standing water and ought to be dry and tight by our 8:45am (prompt) arrival. The field will definitely need some TLC, so if you have a metal rake, bring it along. If you have a mower, all the better!

Nope ... Not So Happy 4th

 

 

On the drive to the field, with the car's heat on, it was clear that we'd not be doing anything this Sunday, the 4th of July. The silver lining is that, while normally all of home plate gets very mushy in the rain, the footing - at least in the lefty batter's box - is tight. That could bode well on future rainy Saturday nights.

A Happy 4th of July!

Week 3, 8:45am on The 4th of July. The start time continues to creep earlier, intentionally, to get us "well-practiced" at arriving on time on Game Day. We still need more pitching to get us our 18 innings, so more practice on defense and BP as we stretch out the arms. If we get the numbers, maybe we would play a 3 or 4 inning game at the end.

Practice Won't Make Us Perfect But ...

From now through October, we're playing every Sunday that does not rain! The cancellations would appear here but tomorrow looks good! 9am practice, lets try to remember how to catch a fly ball!

This April Fool's Day ... No Joke!

There will be a baseball season. It may start on the Fourth of July. Maybe even later. Once it is Covid-safe and we have no Health Dept. hoops through which we must jump, it will begin.

There will be the usual opt-in email going out in the upcoming weeks. If you question whether you are on the mailing list, get in touch.

On To November?

With it already drizzling and with temps not getting out of the 40s until late in our session, there is no Final Game today. Get in touch if you want to play in November!

The Magic Number

Only baseball has The Magic Number - and we've hit ours!

15 to 17, depending on Stephen's power of persuasion on Nathaniel and Taylor: David, Danny B., Peter, Charlie. Mike D., Jeremy, Howard, Mark H., CK, Jim, Stephen Perkins (+1 or 2?), Rolando, Rob +1 (Dan), The Mustache

... and that, historically, brings out enough of the "day of" commitment-phobic to get us to a genuine baseball game, since anyone else showing up puts us where we want to be. And, this time, gets them some BBQ!

Thanks to all who are pitching in to feed the masses! The picnic table will be covered with food so bring a chairs!

It's Sunday!

Yes, we play baseball!

The High Heater

Every MLB team has at least a few pitchers who can hit 100. But we're talking temps that high today so don't expect to play a full nine. We'll do what the numbers and stamina allow and quickly get to the AC in the clubhouse!

A Good Day for Baseball!

Today's weather will be nearly ideal ... once we fully sweep yesterday's deluge into the past. Get on your way to help out!

No Game Today

... and the forecasters better be right or there could be 18 with bats coming after them! This was a very challenging call with bright sunshine in Framingham right now, but most are now calling for rain by about 10:30. Even if a little later, it looks like we surely will get soaked on the field and dash to the cars before we play nine - if the forecasts haven't already depressed our numbers to far fewer than 18.

So get a couple more hours sleep before the Sox play the Yankees at 10am, read that Intro, have a safe and happy 4th, and see you next week!

No Game, No Practice

“Baseball’s absolute unpredictability makes amateurs of us all.” ~ Roger Angell

The same can be said of the weather. It rained around 5am, leaving the field a bit wet. It may rain here again. It may not. But, in drawing players from across the region, what a forecast like this does is depress the numbers. (Charlie reports rain now in Newburyport; online calls for drizzle in Framingham around 7:35 for 20 minutes.) A handful of guys not showing because of sketchy weather and we simply don't have enough for a game.

Our 3 week winning streak is over, bringing out "record" to 4-7.  Go spend time with whoever will nag you about skipping out on them next week and we'll go for it then.

Opening Day at Last

 

"It's like Christmas, except it's warmer."

~ Pete Rose

"An Opener is not like any other game.

There's that little extra excitement, a faster beating of the heart. …

You know that when you win the first one, you can't lose 'em all."

~ Early Wynn

“There's nothing like Opening Day. There's nothing like the start of a new season. I started playing baseball when I was seven years old and quit playing when I was 40, so it's kind of in my blood.”

~ George Brett

“You always get a special kick on Opening Day, no matter how many you go through.

You look forward to it like a birthday party when you're a kid.

You think something wonderful is going to happen.”

~ Joe DiMaggio

“There is no sports event like Opening Day of baseball,

the sense of beating back the forces of darkness
and the National Football League.”

~ George Vecsey

“If you want to see a bunch of happy Americans,

go out to Opening Day at any baseball stadium in the land.”

~ Ben Fountain

We're On!

Reminder: we are at our annual Autumn home at 9:30 sharp due to the annual Memorial Day weekend soccer tourney at our Summer home. 

The grounds crew has worked the major puddling around 1B and 2B, the ground under it is tight and the mound and home plate area are dry as a bone. With the field already starting to bake, there will be no issues ... so let's get out there!

Mmmmaybe This Morning ...

It's bright and sunny after last night's downpour. Heading to check the field to see if the water has puddled, possibly sweep it if not too deep. Check back around 8:30 or call the cell.

Mother Nature Gets Her Way

... and she's all wet here in Framingham. No game. No practice. No throwing. No nothing ....

Here We Don't Go Again!

With eyes on the sky, waiting for the rain to come, surely the majority have already decided that next week, we'll play ball. For sure! When the lawn was being thatched in March, this scenario was imaginable. But let's try to get in one good practice and then have Opening Day on May 19.

No Practice

As forecast all week, it's simply too wet. the field isn't playable. Enjoy a Holiday and we'll practice again next week.

We're Official!

No longer is this sign going to stop us. The permit is in hand and we're on the field tomorrow. If you've not been getting emails, get in touch!

Preseason Begins!

Traditionally, we try to get onto the field on the First Sunday in April. If you're late in responding to (or did not get) the opt-in, info requests will be answered very late on Saturday ... but plan for some baseball-ing tomorrow!

One Final Game

We've got a Sunday hard count of 19 with 6 or so additional "I'll try / maybe" so before the mitts turn into mittens, we''ll be playing ball!

Come 9am, the grooming of the field will begin. The blustery wind is taking care of the wet. But a month of inactivity has left some areas of infield lumpy from human and geese activity. Please come early (with a rake if you have one) to pitch in so that we can have the First Pitch at 10am.

No Game Today / Next Last Attempt

Weather-wise, it was a long-shot all week. It is encouraging that we had 14 who emailed to commit to play despite that forecast. But at 2am, in a light mist, there was way too much standing water on the Dennison infield to expect it to dry and solidify by game time.

We’ve come to the end of regularly scheduled games. Mother Nature wreaked havoc on the season’s first 9 weeks and for much of the season, and is mistreating us to the end. But if we can catch a break, maybe we can get out and catch a ball.

By Tuesday / Wednesday:

- we’ll have a better idea about next Sunday's weather (currently a promising game time temp of 55 with clear skies!)

- we'll have seen a Red Sox Duck Boat parade #coramagic #relentless #cyeovaldi

- we’ll make the call as to whether we’ll end it on November 4 or we’re already safe at home for the season, based on how many of you email that you are jacked to still try to jack one out

Play ball ... or stare out the window for at least 5 months while wishing that you played more ball!

No Game Today

With a 9am windchill temp of 39 degrees rising up to about 46 towards the end of 9, we'll heed the pearls of wisdom from two players: "The field will never dry out ... be smart" and "stay in and have a warm breakfast." Sage advise.

 

But we still have 2 more weeks! Announce your presence with authority.

Updates

Charlie went in to MGH yesterday. From Leslie Barnaby: They found 3 blocked arteries - one completely and 2 at 70-80%. He needs coronary bypass surgery. We are very lucky that his heart is strong. It created auxiliary pathways. His BP is high. Dr. said that he was lucky that we brought him in despite having no specific pain or symptoms. We are very lucky!

Less important: we've hit our magic number and, on Sunday, we play baseball. We, too, are very lucky. We get to play baseball!

A Name-Game Win

In 40 hours, we got 15 names and 2 more recruits. Historically, when that number of you have stepped to the plate by Friday, a few more decide to have a few fewer on Saturday night, and then on Sunday  ... play ball!

Saturday update: 16 names (+2 rookies) and counting ...

Fall Ball!

THE best time of year to play baseball. October can be as chilly as April. But unlike in spring, by autumn you've remembered how to get to and catch a fly ball and your hands don't seem to sting much anymore. July? August? WAY. Too. Hot. But for Fall Ball, you throw on a sweatshirt to go to the car. Stretch and toss, and maybe a few grounders or fly balls in and you're thinking about peeling off the sweatshirt. But you're having so much fun and you're up to bat with runners on and you leg out a double and you make a show of it by calling time out, peeling off the sweatshirt, tossing it to the ball boy and dusting off your pants as the hometown crowd continues to roar ...

Thru October: The Clubhouse opens at 9am. The lineup is posted in the dugout at 9:50. First Pitch is 10am! (Remember to take your sweatshirt home.)

Sometimes You Win ...

Last year, we were rained out on Mother's Day and not once after that. Those were The Good Ol' Days. This year, Ma Nature taketh away: 4 of 5 11pm forecasts said that the rain was over  - but it is still raining after midnight here in Framingham. Since no forecaster called for the sun to come out by 3am or anytime before our 9am First Pitch, there is no way that the squish of the infield gets tight for us to play.

Check your emails by late week for the release of the Fall permit!

''Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." ~ Casey Stengel

There simply isn't a dry enough window in any forecast to get a game in on a field that's been soaked since Saturday.

We ought to have the Fall permit in hand this week and, while there's still nearly a half season remaining, expect that we'll have a strong turnout next week in anticipation of closing down our "summer home" next Sunday before moving south to our annual Autumn residence for the duration of the season.

Yep ... No Game

When they call for rain in the days leading up to a game, the numbers are going to be lower even if it doesn't rain. When it actually does rain - like it did at 4:30am and like it will again soon - the number that should be showing up at the field is zero. No game. No practice. More sleep!

Tomorrow, We Play Baseball!

There's been direct contact, Old School -style, with enough players to be sure that, despite the Holiday weekend, we will indeed have enough for a game.

Dave, Howard, Charlie, George, Josh, Christian, Hugh, Steve J., Jon, Hamlet, Chris P., Stephen P., Rob, Carlos (+2). That's 16. No word yet from many more of the commitment-phobic, the skeptics,  and the technologically challenged who will surely put us over the top.

Nathaniel W. wants to play, making 17 who've committed, but needs a lift from Boston, around South Station, around 7:30. Anyone in the area?

Gear is there at 8am for 8:20 BP. All please sign in by 8:45 so that we can start at 9am and be gone by around noon.

Happy 8th of July!

Expecting it to be the season debut of at least 4 more players (Charlie, Josh, and 2 rookies) and a low-humidity morn. But still, it's better to be playing in the cool temps at 9:05 than 12:05 so please be signed in, as usual, by 8:45.

Stop Reading ...

... and start driving! The gear will be there at 8am. Will you?

Sure, Why Not ....

.... what's a 2018 Game Day without threatening clouds and a late-game chance of rain? We're a go for Sunday, instead of doing this all over again on Monday and possibly not playing at all. Dennison, with gear arriving at 8:30am and all signed in by 9:15am. Play damp ball!

Let's Do It

Put some baggies in your wet cleats and, at 9:15am,  practice ball!

One Hour Delay / Limited Practice

It’s rained already and could continue until around 9am or a little later. We’ll have a window with no rain after that but the field will be wet and any balls used today will be used for the last time by getting waterlogged and bat-bustin’ heavy. So BP likely can’t happen or we’ll have no balls left when we eventually do have full workouts. But we can still do as we did the only other time that we got onto the field - throw, try to remember how to catch a fly ball and hit a cutoff, while pitchers could conceivably even throw off the mound.

We’ll meet at 10:15am and still plan to be off the field by around 11:30.

The Season Begins ... Next Week

Welcome to Week #1 of The Permit. Showers have begun here in Framingham - go back to bed! Last year, we had no rainouts after Mother's Day. This year, we've had one playable Sunday in all of April.

Good Bunting, Bad Bunting

In a few weeks, the bunting will be hung from the Grandstand for Opening Day. Below, in a Sports Illustrated ad, is incredibly bad bunting for a good cause. All three batters hold the bat dangerously. Head in the game - fingers out of the way!

It’s a No-Brainer

They’ve been calling for rain on Sunday morning for a week and it’s begun. The numbers are good for both Sunday and Monday (17 confirmed usually gets us 20) but “Harvey” continues to be a total dick. No game on Sunday.

Use Sunday’s free time to free up Monday, when we will bear the fruits of our Labor and play baseball, continuing our remarkable streak of playing every week since Mother’s Day.

Father's Day

In 36 hours (as of Friday 4pm), we got to 15 "confirmed" - three more than showed up last year and more than enough, based on previous attendance inquiries, to get us to where we need to be.
 

Dave C., Christian, Matt A., Frank M.,Nick, Mark K., Ed P., Eloi, Albert, Jason, Trey, Kyle, Marlon, and the season debut of both Paul O. and Charlie.

Add in the rumored, the many who are computer illiterate, lazy, or non-committal and there's no doubt that we're looking good. So is the weather. Play ball!

No Game

It seems obvious, with forecasts all week that would please Noah, but let's make it official - no game. This Sunday, be nice to Mom, the wife, and everyone else that you know, so they will be nice and not complain when you come out to play next week, and the week after, and Father's Day, and Thanksgiving ...

"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. Been erased like a blackboard. Rebuilt and erased again. Baseball marks the time. This field ... this game ... it reminds us - of all that once was good. And it can be again."

~ Terence Mann, "Field of Dreams"

Our 21st Opening Day is this Sunday.

 

If you haven't finalized your bat order,

if you want to take extra BP with Adam,

if you want to play ball,

get in touch!

“They give you a round bat and they throw you a round ball. And they tell you to hit it square.”

~ Willie Stargell

While we looked much better on Sunday at the end of practice than we did at the beginning, it was nearly unanimous that we scrape off the rust in a practice one more time this coming week before we begin games.

The 2017 Season

“Baseball has a way of ripping your heart out, stabbing it, putting it back in your chest,

then healing itself just in time for Spring Training.”

 ~ Noah Syndergaard

The permit application has been in for weeks. Recruiting is already bringing in a new class of rookies. And the Opt-in email has gone out and ought to be in your inbox for you to respond and get onto this year's email list. If you've not received it or responded, get in touch - we're hitting the field this weekend!

Eli Says ...

Play ball!

While there was a brief shower, it's not balmy and there's a little breeze, if we postpone The Finale, then next week could be worse. And it's not as bad out there as it will be in January!

If you want to play ball again before April, get out to the field!

This Sunday: The Final Game

We’re outlasting both MLB’s World Series and The World Series of Poker’s November 9.

We’re at 19, surely enough to end the season with 9 innings of Our Usual Thing.

Uncomfortably Dumb

No Game Today! In consultation with the BABL, it's been decided that, while not dangerous due to a wet field, it's not too bright to be trying to play while so cold and windy.

                         Temp. Feels Like

 9:00am            44 °F   37 °F

10:00am           47 °F   39 °F

11:00am           48 °F   41 °F

12:00pm           50 °F   43 °F

  1:00pm           52 °F   46 °F

Same time next week!

Plan to Play!

2pm, Saturday: puddling behind 1B but the mound and plate are tight and this field drains very well. It's likely to be chilly and windy, but that's October baseball!

2am, Sunday: no puddles, no crackheads. All infield is tight, but lumpy. Grab a rake and bring it or get there and grab a rake.

We're still on ... unless it's too stupid-cold. Charlie's bailed. Maybe he's the smart one? Email if you're out. BABL, get at Paul.

The question is the temp and winds (45 mph gusts, windchill.) A final determination will post between  8am and 8:15am.

 

    Time             Temp. Feels Like

 9:00am            44 °F   37 °F

10:00am           47 °F   39 °F

11:00am           48 °F   41 °F

12:00pm           50 °F   43 °F

  1:00pm           52 °F   46 °F

Find the long-johns. Popups will be fun!

No Drought on Sundays

... so no game this week. While we did have the numbers for today, they're too low to try to pull it together for the Monday holiday.

Gather your loved ones, decorate the house for Columbus Day, sing some traditional Columbus Day songs, enjoy a traditional Columbus Day feast ...


We've got 3+ more weeks to see if we can beat Mother Nature.

Yep ...

... we've hit 14 confirmed by Wednesday night which, over the last couple of months, seems to be the magic number to get us to 21 or so by the time Game Day rolls around. The rain seems to be coming late Saturday day and clearing for our game, while the hurricane is heading out to sea. So we're looking to go on Sunday, and not the Monday backup plan.

Update, noon on Thursday: ... and just after posting, we got to 15.

Mother Nature Wins Every Time

No game. With a mist still in the air and the field soft in several places, it's a good day to stay in and watch QB34, as Big Papi takes snaps for the Patriots.

We'll do Our Regular Thing next week and look to reschedule with the BABL after that.

We'll See

... in the morning. Forecasts still show the rain ending. The field drains very well. Both will be rechecked in the morning and the game will go on if the field can tighten and conditions made safe.

The notice typically goes up around 8:15am but will likely be earlier this week.

More Balls!

On Friday, 3 dozen more baseballs arrived. While the bench won't be as deep as in the last month or so, we've got a game going on tomorrow!

6 weeks left, through October. Maybe into November. We'll see. But maybe a couple more rainouts, too. So likely, we'll play 4 or 5 more games. Make this week one of them!

Play Ball!

Not only is it dry now, but the sun is peeking out. Though the sun may wane,  there looks to be no strong rain showers heading our way. Game on!

...and Kyle Y. is on his way up from Connecticut to make 18!

7+ Weeks Left ....

... and we've certainly got at least one more game. 18 for Sunday!

14 on Tuesday has been getting us 21-22, so 18 on Wednesday is right on target for another solid showing.

But 3 for next week, September 25? Where y'all going?? Maybe Eli, Ron, and I tag along?

There Goes The Mo' ...

... here comes the rain. And lightning and high wind gusts. Now heavier than they'd been forecasting, it looks like there's no escape, while they are using words like "torrential rain" and "severe thunderstorms". Sometime around 10:30 to 11:30 in Framingham. Better to not get caught out in for the sake of a game. Make nice to your loved ones this week so that you can abandon them next week!

So Far, Game On ...

There's talk of a cool front clearing out the humidity during the game. It may bring rain. Or not a drop. Best current guess, based on a lot of forecasts, is that it's going to be sporadic, if at all, and we're playing. And should it hit, it would be fairy light and quick and we can ride it out.

More forecasts to be checked in the a.m., with a final decision by about 8:15am. Go to bed!

Like Good Pastrami ....

... we're on a roll.

We're at 20 for this coming Sunday!

Friday 12:02am update: ... and now 21.

More Good Numbers!

We're at 19 for Sunday and we're on a roll!

Saturday, 11pm update: looking more like 22! Nice!

The Game Winner!

A classic dump-to-right swing by Charlie ... and legging out a double!

Best Supporting Actor Nominees: Eli Gronkowski (in green jersey)

and Trey, coming in to back up the plate.

Cheerleading and cinematography by Leslie B., with our eternal thanks!

... and 18 are on the active roster for the upcoming Labor Day Sunday game!

The Beginning of The Fall

Updated on Saturday, 1:22pm
Add Paul O. and Danny S. and the tally for Sunday is 21. Others expressing interest but not yet fully committing could have us near the ideal of 23! The Labor Day Sunday count is 18 ... and there are September callups are out there...

The moving vans have arrived at our Autumn home, as have the construction crews - only the first and last entrances to the parking area are open. It seems a little more lumpy than last we visited and there's grass on some basepaths, but ... there's no place like home.

The Shade Tree Rule:
One bench has shade, the other does not. Over 20 years, we've noticed that the Shade Tree team seemed to have an advantage, particularly in the later innings. The game will stop and the teams will switch benches if 1) The temperature is 76 degrees or higher (cuz, you know ... America) and, 2) The Shade Tree team is winning by 8 or more runs at the end of an inning, after the top of the fifth and through the 7th inning stretch, and 3) Someone calls it!

The Only Stat That Matters

Jim is in, too, making for 14 ... and he's wondering what's taking so long for you to join us!
Thursday, 1:20pm update: A softball teammate, Matt A., is expected to be in and we're at 15 ...
Expecting some regulars to get us over the top.
Don't make us call you out (Paul, Ed, Scott, Stephen G., Jeff ...)
 Thursday, 3:29pm update: ... and Jeff makes 16! We're going to get there...
Friday update: with a new recruit, another softball player, and the commitment-phobic, we'll get a game! And, with the new permit in hand, we've got a bonus Finale at our "summer home".
Saturday 2pm update: Ed makes 17 ...and we're already at 17 for August 28 and 16 on Labor Day Sunday.
 Saturday 5:44pm update: Trey has 2 more from his softball team ... 19.
Saturday 8:50 / Final Update: Hamlet makes it 20, a likely new recruit would be 21 ... play ball!

Perfect Storm

Forecasts are calling for local rain in the next half hour and continuing, albeit sporadically, until near noon. Perfectly timed to keep our numbers down and soak us at the field.

So, a bad morning to get out on the field. A good day for French Toast. And we'll try again next week.

Late's Not Great

More than half of those arriving last week were late. At 8:45am - the time when it is necessary to have all hands on deck in order to start the game on time at 9am - we were quite close to leaving the field for a team breakfast for those who were on time.

Certainly, we all oversleep, have trouble getting out the door, etc. Do not let that stop you from coming, no matter the time. We'd all be happy to see you at 10:30am! But the habitual tardiness - showing up every week after 8:45am - has got to stop!

No Attendance Taken, But ...

... of course there's a game! Play ball!

(And if you could explain why, at 6am on Saturday, this site had 147 hits, get in touch, thanks!)

Getting There

14. The number we've been at the last couple of Thursday nights that have gotten us to 19 by Sunday morn.

There's definitely baseball on Sunday - and no rain in the forecast! Dave C., Jason, Stephen G., Charlie, Paul, Maurice, Ron, David S., Trey, Ed, Howard, Kyle, Jim, Pat ...(insert your name here!)

That Magic Number

We're at 18 confirmed, though it seems that when we hit 15 or so, there will be 18 at the field. So we're looking good - as long as Mother Nature doesn't throw us a curve ....

Sunday, 2:07am update: we've had some rain, but the game is still on, as of now. A final decision will be posted near 7:15am.

3rd of July

...and then there were 18.

Send an update if your status changes, whether you're counted in now but are out or if you're not counted but plan to play.

Friday, 10am update: 19, with the likelihood of picking up an additional small smattering of players who are in another league but have an off-day.

Sunday, 1:00am: 20!

Yeah... No Game

If only - like it appears on the radar - it were actually raining now. But forecasters (Chs. 4, 5, 25, NECN) all say that by 8am, there will be widespread showers. Given that the numbers were already going to be crushed by the earliest start ever because of the short window of the permit, it's just not going to work today.


Future cancellations for 9am games (8am field prep / BP, all signed in by 8:45am) will be posted by around 7:15am.

"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains.” ~ Casey Stengel

The Sun's Up ...

.... the game's on - the last one at our "summer home" before our "road trip"!

Finally!

Officially, the latest date for Opening Day in our 20 years is upon us tomorrow!

Game time is 9:30am. In order for the game to start on time, your name must be on the sign-in sheet by 9:15am. Play ball!

Baseball: No Game, But ...

With a forecast that will suppress the numbers and it being Mother’s Day, it’s likely we’d not get 18, so the game is off and Opening Day will be next week. But ...

7:45am update:

... there’s a small window to get onto the field before the rain. I’ve thrown some BP, but have not pitched. So, just after 9am, I’ll be taking a bucket of balls to the hill to stretch out the arm. If anyone wants to stand in the batter’s box, there’ll be a helmet. Beyond that, I'm open to drills, etc. Once the rain comes - seemingly between 10am and 11am - we’ll get gone.

Final Practice

The permit ends at noon; the rain is holding off until the afternoon. Practice ball!

It's Official!

The permit was picked up today. Except for Memorial Day Weekend and the following weekend, we're at our usual "summer home". This week at 9:30, the time of First Pitch through May, we'll scrape off the rust - take BP, throw off the mound, try to remember how to catch a fly ball and pick up a grounder, and do some drills.

You'll get an email on Saturday if you've opted in. Otherwise, get in touch!

It Happens Every Spring

The bad news is that the only local airing of the 1949 comedy film, "It Happens Every Spring" coincides with Red Sox Opening Day on Monday at 4pm.

The mixed news is that a permit request has been submitted and I'm told that "it shouldn't be a problem", but it won't be released until the fields are made ready - likely in a week, possibly two.

The good news is that, yes, as soon as there is a Sunday with no snow - April 10? - we'll begin our 20th season by finding a patch of grass on which to throw and to see if we can remember how to catch a fly ball.

In a day or two, look for the annual opt-in email .... and play ball!

Game On!

We're on the back edge of the rain now, there ought to be nothing falling about the time that the gear arrives at 9am. Your shoes may get damp on the long walk from Lloyd's Diner to sign in, but we've got numbers and you might have 5+ months to dry out your shoes. Get in the car! Play ball!

And Now There Are 20

While life has gotten in the way for a few, we're still looking at enough to play. Keep an eye on the sky for the scattered showers, which ought not be bad enough to wash out the game. Around 8:15am, we'll make that determination, but even if light rains come, they will go, you won't melt, and we will play!

3:30pm update: Still at 20 .... play ball!

Game(s) On

The numbers look good for games this week and next, then get even better for October 25th and November 1st - both games could be a season-high!

October 10, 2:24pm update: We're now at 17 for tomorrow. Historically, this announcement has brought even more out of the woodwork. So play ball!

October 10, 7:52pm update: holding at 17. So go to bed (or at least pass on that last drink) ... and dream of donuts both on your bat and in boxes by the dozens near the sign-in sheet until 9:45am!

... and look for the basketball court to find the baseball field. The former landmark, a big concrete grandstand, has vanished!

At Least 3 More Weeks But Not Today

A tough call. But no game.

This week's rain likely filled the bowl in which this week's permitted field sits. Even though the rain has gone, a long week of forecasted rain into this morning surely beat down our numbers. So will 50 degree temps (with a windchill into the 40s.) In contact with 4 players this week, all were out for the week. The numbers simply wouldn't be there for a full game.

Stay in your PJs and watch the 9:30am battle for 2nd place in the AFC East, go out for brunch, take her to the in-laws or The Big E, catch the Red Sox finale. We'll come out swinging next week.

Three more weeks of games, four or more if the temps rebound and interest stays strong.

Wanna Be a Patriot?

... then play baseball, The American Pastime! The Patriots seemingly have already mathematically clinched the AFC East and since Jacksonville hasn't already started scoring, there's no way they're winning this week. If our game starts on time, you'll be off the field by kickoff. Play ball!

No Game

With widespread rain Saturday night, sporadic rain forecast through the morning, and the permit for a filed that collects water, there are certainly a handful of players now sleeping with their alarms off and getting 18 would be unlikely even if it were to not rain. Let' come out swinging on the 20th!

At The Half

In what may be our shortest season ever (remember back to that February of '15?) it's also possible that we've got more games left to play than we've got in the books. Now with 5 rainouts, we've had but 11 games. And there are 10 more Sundays scheduled through October. If we keep playing only to November 1st, it would make this Sunday just the beginning of the 2nd half of the season. Adding November 8th means 12 games left to play. And autumn's the best time of year to play baseball.

Two more 9am games before September's time shift to 10am games.

The permit is still in flux, hopefully to our benefit (there's a call into Dave Dombrowski's office.) So if you didn't get emails over the weekend, you're not on the list - get in touch!

Baseball: Fall Begin With a Whimper

No game. While it will be a blistering summer day, Framingham got drowned around 5:45pm, then again for a couple of hours around 9:30pm. The hoped-for fields are still soaked. But there are still 10+ weeks remaining on the schedule - and more if we go into November.

The Fall Permit

An email went out to the mailing list with new details. If you didn't get it, get in touch!

Final Week of Summer

At least according to the permit, this could be our last game at our "summer home". The application is in, with vague assurances ("shouldn't be a problem") that we'll have a field through October. But ... come on out tomorrow for what could very well be the Summer Finale!

Next week - possibly as late as Friday - we'll learn where we'll be for the fall.

Through August, the Game Day schedule, starting one hour before First Pitch:

8:00 - :05     Gear arrives at the field.

8:05 - :25     Groom the field, stake the bases, warm up.

8:25 - :50     Grab a ball bucket and a helmet, give one to another player and start BP.

8:30 - :50     Manager’s split the teams.

8:45             Sign-in deadline.

8:50 - 57      BP ends, announcements, split onto benches, home team takes the field.

9:00             First Pitch.

 

Game's begin at 10am starting September 6th.

The 5th of July

Uncle Sam and a bunch of players want YOU ... 

to have a safe and happy 4th of July and to be at the field the next morn by 8:45am!

No Game. More Rain

"If the rain comes they run and hide their heads
They might as well be dead
If the rain comes, if the rain comes."
~ Rain by Lennon / McCartney

As our next game - on the 5th of July - approaches, the lads from across the pond are disqualified from this discussion: which is the greatest American rock and roll band?

Father's Day Rained Out

Here's hoping that all of your other Father's Day wishes come true!

With summer officially beginning on Sunday afternoon, thus concludes the shortest Spring schedule - only 5 games played - in our 18 year history. Incredibly, there are only 7 weeks of the Summer permit remaining before the expected 11+ weeks of the Fall permit.

Record-setting

We’ve not had a rainout since Memorial Day 2014. But with a deluge at 4am (which will keep 6 players from getting out of bed, so we'd never hit 18), a band of rain likely coming through in the next couple of hours, then a possibility of more rain by the late innings of our game, the streak is over. And so is our spring schedule, with 9am games beginning next week.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains.” ~ Casey Stengel

Last 2 Weeks of Spring Schedule

Through May, gear arrives at 8:30am, with all signed in by 9:15am to get underway at 9:30am. Come June, and for the three summer months, it's a 9am First Pitch. 

Game Day schedule, starting one hour before First Pitch:

:00 - :05     Gear arrives at the field.

:05 - :25     Groom the field, stake the bases, warm up.

:25 - :50     Grab a ball bucket and a helmet, give one to another player and start BP.

:30 - :50     Manager’s split the teams.

:45             Sign-in deadline.

:50 - 57      BP ends, announcements, split onto benches, home team takes the field.

:00             First Pitch.

Opening Day 2015

At long last, the bunting is hung for our 18th-ish Opening Day. That it coincides with Mother’s Day is unfortunate but we’ll be off the field by 12:30pm. Optimism abounds, with the farm system producing a good group of rookies to join the veterans (some long-lost.) We’ve certainly never started this late. And it’ll be hot one. Bring some fluids, grab the med kit’s sunscreen ... and play ball!

We've Been Permitted!

The last 2 weeks of May are unusual, but we're otherwise at our usual summer home. This Sunday, we'll dig into the dirt and leave the rust behind. Throw off the mound, take (reasonably) unlimited BP, try and remember how to catch a fly ball...

Gear arrives at 9am, with all arriving by 9:15am - the time to be signed in for games in May.

Opening Day will be next week, May 10. Prepare Mom now. All Moms are invited to come and toss out the first pitch. We could serenade them with "Take Me Out To The Ballgame". But let her know that you'll be getting the exercise that she wants you to get. Until the Babe Ruth League season is over in June, we're off the field no later than 12:30pm. You'll lavish her soon after!

Details will be emailed later on Saturday. If you're not getting emails, get in touch!