10 Questions...with Charlie

Today's special Thanksgiving episode of "10 Questions" highlights Charlie, B.I.A.'s first player to have his jersey retired, first switch kicker, and first (and only) player to be kicked out of the dugout for drinking.  In this blog's "first", we learn a little bit more about one of B.I.A.'s alum, including the importance of stretching and his thoughts on Charlie Benore Day.

1.  What was your favorite B.I.A. moment?

So many great moments, but my favorite is the first ever B.I.A win.  An intense, hard fought forfeit win due to the other team not having enough players for the early game.  I'll never forget the team charging the mound and piling on top of each other in jubilation after the victory was sealed.

2.  What was your worst B.I.A. moment?
Would have to be getting kicked out of dug out for drinking a second time.  Definitely a low for me.

3.  Who is your favorite B.I.A. player?

Tough call because I don’t really follow the team.  Is Jeff Bagwell still playing?

4.  How much emphasis do you place on stretching before a kickball game?

It's like I always say, stretching is like breakfast.  It's the most important meal of the day.

5.  Do you miss playing kickball?

Not a day goes by that I don't miss the game.

6.  How difficult of a decision was it to retire from the sport of kickball?

One of the hardest decisions of my life.  But, at the end of the day, needed to make the best decision for me and my family.

7.  What would it take for you to come out of retirement and step onto the kickball field for one more season?

It's not really about money at this point in my career, but, mainly, more money would help.

8.  April 1, 2009 was designated as Charlie Benore Day, where the team retired your jersey. How did you feel afterwards?

Was an amazing night!  The sincere outpouring of love and support was truly inspiring.  I don't think there was a dry eye in the whole stadium.  Definitely an emotion filled night that I will never forget for the rest of my life.

9.  How does the B.I.A. organization now compare to when you were playing?
The team has progressed from a small upstart to a large, well oiled machine.  Put simply, between Scott and Rumaldo, it's the best managed team in the sport, period.

10.  Any advice for the current and future players of B.I.A.?
Stay true to the game.  It's easy to get caught up in the money and the glam.  But one needs to remember that the game's really about nine players on a field with a ball.

Happy Thanksgiving from Balls In Action!!!

From our families to yours, have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving!!!

B.I.A. Redeems Itself With Two Wins

Balls In Action stayed perfect on Field #2 this season with two more wins last night.  Redemption from last week's loss to Fear My Spheres was on the team's mind as they took the field to stay in championship contention.

Playing first against Damnit Man, B.I.A. showed major improvements on defense as they backed up Scott on the mound by forcing them to go scoreless in their first three innings.  In the second inning, Scott's triple, followed by JT's line shot to third, would drive the game's first run.  In the fourth, Roy found himself chasing down Damnit Man's catcher, who was heading to second.  Unfortunately, as Roy pegged her with the ball from behind, the umpire ruled it illegal as it hit her head.  Roy voiced his opinion, but the ruling stood and she was allowed to advance to third base.  The next kicker would drive her home to tie the game at 1-1.  The bottom half of the same inning saw B.I.A. explode with three runs to take the lead once more as Jacob's double, a sacrifice fly by Stephanie, and hits by Steven, Laura, Laura V., and Ben proved to be more than enough to give the team a comfortable lead.  Solid defense for the last three innings would give B.I.A. the win with a 4-1 victory; their third victory over Damnit Man in four games overall.

Not wasting anytime in their next game, Balls In Action would score a season high six runs in the first inning  as Jacob, Stephanie, Steven, Ashley, Scott and Cindy would give the team six consecutive hits and 3 RKIs, setting up JT to drive in the remaining 3 runs that inning with a 3 run inside-the-park homerun.  B.I.A. kept Fly Kicks III scoreless for their first 3 innings, but in the fourth, a line drive to Stephanie would go between her legs, along with Roy commiting an error on the same line drive, resulting in the runner scoring from first for the only run scored that evening by Fly Kicks III.  B.I.A. wouldn't score again until the sixth as Steven's triple and 3 RKIs would stop the game at 11-1 due to the 10 run mercy rule. 

The two wins last night set-up another classic, yet crucial, showdown between B.I.A. and Fear My Spheres in two weeks, as one games still separates the two for first place.

McDonald's McGangBang Players of the Game:

Game #1 vs. Damnit Man - Scott (winning pitcher)
Game #2 vs. Fly Kicks III - JT (2-2, 3 RKI, R, HR)

Box Scores

Another Test for B.I.A. Tonight

Balls In Action look to come off of an 8-4 loss by Fear My Spheres and keep pace with them as two crucial wins are needed tonight.  Here's a preview of tonight's games.

Damnit Man (3-1)
6:30pm
Memorial Park Field #2

B.I.A. currently holds a three game winning streak on this field, and Damnit Man have won their last three games, so the momentum from both sides are pretty strong.  Last time these two teams met, Damnit Man came back from a 4-1 deficit to split a doubleheader with a 5-4 victory.  Scott takes the mound tonight to take revenge on a loss that he feels "should not have happened".  Look for both sides to utilize the bunt and take advantage of their speed.  All three games played against each other have been decided by one run.  B.I.A. leads the overall series 2-1.

Fly Kicks III (1-3)
7:30pm
Memorial Park Field #2

A new opponent to B.I.A. this season, Fly Kicks III could become a bit of a challenge if Balls In Action cannot clean up their errors and mistakes from last week.  Fly Kicks III definitely like to take many pitches, resulting in long innings.  Their weakness at field awareness on defense might be the one thing B.I.A. needs to take advantage of tonight and capitalize on with solid kicking and bunting, as well as smart baserunning.  Look for a win for B.I.A. after this game, unless errors become a problem, again, tonight.

10 Questions...with Stephanie

Today, we sit down with B.I.A.'s first basewoman, Stephanie, and learn about her favorite B.I.A. player, her thoughts on the McGangBang, and what goes on in her mind while playing kickball.  All this, and more, on the premiere episode of "10 Questions".

1.  What is your favorite B.I.A. moment?

Having been on the team since its birth in Winter 2007, this is a tough one. We've had so many hilarious moments (from Charlie getting thrown out of the dugout to various McGangBangs to ice cream turd) and momentous events (from our first 2-0 start to winning the Fall 2009 Championship title). I guess on a more personal note, almost doing the splits off first base for an out would rank pretty high on my list because I still don't know how I pulled that off. (I can only imagine what my mother would've said if she had seen that... "I told you not to play so aggressively!!!")

2.  What is your worst B.I.A. moment?

The infamous kick. A story which Scott has retold so many times it's out of control! It's been rough having my name tangled up in such outrageous claims, and I know I'll have to hear about it til I die.

3.  Who is your favorite B.I.A. player?

She isn't on the team anymore, but I would have to say Sara (aka Tsarable) because she was the primary reason I joined B.I.A. in the first place. If she hadn't told me about this kickball team and joined herself, I probably wouldn't have signed up to play. Tsarable also had the best kicks and skip-and-throws back to Scott while she was our catcher. If I had to pick someone currently on the team, I'd go with Royita because I know he has my back on the field and he gives the best high-fives.

4.  What would it take to get you to eat another McGangBang?

Well first I'd have to win my 4th Player of the Game award… but even then it'd be hard for me to even assemble another one of those beasts. I still remember too clearly the agony I felt on the ride home and getting ready for bed that night. I guess if I was forced to choose between a violent death and a McGB, I'd pick the heart attack… I mean the McGB.

5.  For or against bunting in kickball?
Against, it makes my job harder at 1st base.

6.  Why SALGAL on the back of your jersey?

It's an old nickname. My initials are SAL and I'm a gal... and gal rhymes with sal…. Yeah I'm cool.

7.  If our jerseys had numbers, what number would you be?

I'd have to decide between 10 and 12 in honor of Vince Young (who led Texas to its most recent National Championship title) and Colt McCoy (who will lead us to Texas' coming championship title). Hook 'em! \m/

8.  First thing you are thinking about when you are up to kick?

"The ref is looking hot tonight!" Just kidding!! It's more like "Please let me get on base!"

9.  First thing that goes through your mind when going after a popfly?

"Catch the ball, catch the ball!" Closely followed by, "I really hope this isn't going to hurt."

10.  What would you be doing right now if you never played kickball?

Well for one I wouldn't be writing ridiculous answers to this survey. But really, this is completely unfathomable to me.  B.I.A. FOREVER.

Kickball to Face Video

From my vault of random kickball "stuff", here is a funny video of a team playing kickball indoors.  The lesson here:  don't stand so close to the baseline.  Enjoy!


kickball to face - Watch more Funny Videos

B.I.A. Receives A Couple of Wake-up Calls Wednesday Night

Becoming kickball champions has its difficulties.  Trying to repeat as kickball champions has even more difficulties.  Late Wednesday night, Balls In Action experienced a lot more than they prepared for as they took on D'Feeters and Fear My Spheres.

Still perfect on Field #2 this season, Balls In Action welcomed the return of their first basewoman Stephanie and the addition of Roy's friend Ashley, and looked ahead to what was already a guaranteed victory.  Top of the first saw Steven opening the game with a single, only to be driven home with a sacrifice fly by Scott.  The one run lead would be matched by the D'Feeters, thanks in part by strategic kicking and unexpected errors.  Yvonne and Jacob got B.I.A. back on track with a couple of doubles, with Yvonne and JT driving two more home to take a two run lead.  D'Feeters would tie the score in the bottom of the third with continued strategic kicking and forcing errors.  Scott, who was making his season debut as pitcher, eventually put the clamps on the D'Feeters run production as B.I.A. would score three unanswered runs and sealing Scott's first victory as pitcher this season and B.I.A.'s third straight win, beating D'Feeters 6-3.  This victory was not well celebrated as countless errors revealed to the team that they needed a lot of work if they are to continue winning.

Returning to Field #1 for the first time this season, the mood had changed as the rivalry between B.I.A. and Fear My Spheres was ready to commence.  Already receiving one wake-up call with the errors, Balls In Action needed to take control of this game early.  Unfortunately, Fear My Spheres would score 4 runs in two innings, including a dominated 3 run first inning, to foretell the fate of B.I.A. in this game.  On the mound, Rumaldo would make begin to force two scoreless innings for Fear My Spheres, and JT, Scott, Steven, Rumaldo and Jacob would bring the team back with doubles and Scott, Steven, Rumaldo and Roy driving the runs home.  Now tied at 4, B.I.A.'s efforts proved to not be enough as they would give up an additional 4 runs in the fifth and sixth innings.  Unable to produce anymore runs would give Balls In Action their first loss this season.

McDonald's McGangBang Players of the Game:

Game #1 vs. D'Feeters - Jesse (3-3, RKI, 2B)
Game #2 vs. Fear My Spheres - Jacob (3-3, R, 2B)

Box Scores

Friendly Rivals: A Perspective on the Greatest Kickball Rivalry

With less than 12 hours before Balls In Action and Fear My Spheres renew their historic rivalry, we sat down with Lauren, coach for Fear My Spheres, and Scott, former coach of B.I.A., and asked them a few questions about competing against each other.

The first game played was a 6-3 win by Fear My Spheres back in the 2008 Winter season.  What was your impression of your opponent after that game?

Lauren:  That season we started beating our first two opponents by run-rule and by forfeiture.  We were just glad to finally play a team that could challenge us.  It's the tough games that are the most rewarding..

Scott:  We knew ahead of time that they would be tough.  I mean, look at them.  Before you even see them play you can already tell you're in for a tough game.  I remember pitching that game and saying to myself, "Man, this team is tough."  I was actually surprised we only lost by 3.

B.I.A. would win the next meeting the following season 1-0.  How did that affect your outlook on your opponent? 

Lauren:  We were only able to play B.I.A. once in Winter 2008 because of rain outs.  For the Spring 2009 season, we knew that the quality of teams in the league had improved.  For this particular matchup, two of our starters were unavailable.  We played 4 guys and 7 girls.  Overall, the game was a pitchers' duel.  Every base hit was precious and we had the feeling that this game would be won or lost by a fielding error. 

              The Spheres lost the battle on a single critical play when Kelly (our exceptional 3rd baseman) attempted to strike J-Mac with the ball while running to second base.  Kelly missed J-Mac by mere inches sending the ball into center field and allowing J-Mac to score.  In the end, we were more disappointed by our lack of offensive production than a single error.  That said, in our minds, B.I.A. was the team to beat.  Well played, B.I.A.  Well played.

Scott:  If you had told me after the first game, "Hey, don't worry...you'll win the next game by a score of 1-0.", I would have not believed you .  After losing to Fear My Spheres the first game, we knew we had our work cut out for us if we wanted to beat them.  Scoring more runs and creating less errors was our focus and strategy.  We added some depth to our lineup, mainly because of Fear My Spheres.

           The game was intense.  Every pitch, every kick, every catch was important.  I was pretty nervous on the mound and, at the same time, pumped up because I really wanted to get some revenge on that 6-3 loss.  When we scored the first run on their fielding error, I couldn't help but to think, "Okay, we can do this...we can beat these guys."  As soon as we made the final out, I was relieved to know that Fear My Spheres was human, just like us.

Many critics say that B.I.A. won their first championship because Fear My Spheres played in a different league that season.  How accurate are these critics?

Lauren:  B.I.A.'s last season, through no fault of their own, was a little odd.  Very few games were played because of rain.  Is B.I.A. capable of winning a championship had more games been played?  Absolutely.  Was B.I.A. tested that season on the kickball field of battle?  B.I.A. only played 6 games and although B.I.A. beat a good team (Damnit Man)...well, we'll let the Fear My Spheres' 6 championship t-shirts speak for themselves.  Yes, our t-shirts talk.

Scott:  We weren't able to play Fear My Spheres last season because of how quick other teams register.  I feel that our championship season wasn't cheapened because they weren't playing.  Damnit Man is a good team, too, but we took 2 out of 3 from them so I guess anyone can say, "Well, there not as tough as Fear My Spheres."  We've been knocking on Fear My Spheres door for the three seasons we've played them, only finishing no more than a game out of first place.  Had they played against us last season, I'm not sure they would have continued their Wednesday night dominance.  It is nice to be champions, though.

Any predictions for this Wednesday's game?

Lauren:  It's going to be a good close game regardless of the outcome.  We enjoy playing B.I.A. because there is none of the negativity that some of the other teams have.  It's just good, fun rivalry that makes both teams better.  FMS has the line by 2 runs.

Scott:  We've grown together with Fear My Spheres over a couse of a year, and the game of kickball has become so much fun when we play them.  The competitiveness and the intensity that we both bring makes each game memorable, win or lose.  If there is to be a winner, it will be close and it will come down to who makes the least amount of errors.  This game will be won by 1 run.

Any advice for your opponents before you take the field?

Lauren:  Don't get any "Ballz in Your Face!"

Scott:   Here comes the pain!

B.I.A. Faces Familiar Foes Tonight

B.I.A.'s season resumes tonight with two games against some familiar faces:  D'Feeters and Fear My Spheres.  Here's a preview of what's to come.

D'Feeters (1-1)
8:30pm
Memorial Park Field #2

They should rename the team to D'Feeted when playing Balls In Action.  Overall series has B.I.A. dominating D'Feeters with an impressive 6-0 record.  Although each win came with its challenges, B.I.A. has always found a way to come out on top in the end.  The last two games played between the two have been shutout victories (2-0, 5-0).  Expect B.I.A. to expose their weaknesses in the outfield and lack of team strategy, which should secure B.I.A.'s 7th straight win against the D'Feeters.

Fear My Spheres (2-0)
9:30pm
Memorial Park Field #1

Put the kids to bed for this late night game as the rivalry continues tonight!  These two have traded wins, losses and even a tie during the 7 games they have played each other.  Fear My Spheres leads this series 4-2-1.  Last time these two met, B.I.A. won an emotional 7-5 extra inning game to finish the 2009 Summer season.  Already in the second week of this season, this game should dictate the remainder of the season.  At times, the teams appear to be equally matched, and it will be that one inning that either team can take advantage of to break away from their opponent to take the win.

B.I.A. Starts Off Season In Typical Fashion

B.I.A.'s campaign for a second straight kickball championship was kicked off with their fifth consecutive 2-0 start to open the season.  Back on field #2, where B.I.A. hasn't played since their inaugural season, time wasn't wasted to justify their championship status as Jacob began the first inning with a easy single, a sac bunt by Amy, and Scott brought him home with a 2 run inside-the-park homerun.  Moreno Mustangs, facing Balls In Action for the first time, found out quickly that any fly balls were not even a concern to Cindy, Steven, JT, Jacob and Roy.  Although the 2-man umpire crew was lacking in keeping track of outs and runs, it didn't stop B.I.A.'s momentum on offense and defense.  Rumaldo's 3 hit shutout sealed the deal as an inexperienced Mustangs team fell victim to B.I.A. 7-0.  This win would not have been possible without the help from our appreciated subs, Yvonne, Alexis, Thuyvi and Jesse, who filled in the holes in our roster.

The second game would be won by forfeit for B.I.A. as Recess Renegades failed to show up.

McDonald's McGangBang Players of the Game:

Game#1 vs. Moreno Mustangs - Steven

Game#2 vs. Recess Renegades - Yvonne & Alexis

Box Score

Are You Ready For Some Kickball?

The road to B.I.A.'s second consecutive kickball championship begins tonight!  In less than 10 hours, B.I.A. embarks on its 8th season, carrying with them a champion-style momentum. Tonight's games will be at Memorial Park Field #2, which the team hasn't played on since their inaugural season two years ago. 

Here's the lowdown on both opponents tonight:

Moreno Mustangs (0-0)
6:30pm
Memorial Park Field #2

New to B.I.A.'s list of opponents, this should be an interesting game as Balls In Action usually fare well against unfamiliar opponents for the first time.  Unless Moreno Mustangs have played in another kickball league, B.I.A. should expose their unexperience on the field and take the season-opening win.

Recess Renegades (0-0)
8:30pm
Memorial Park Field #2

Recess Renegades may have finished in last place for the 2009 Fall season, but they didn't just let their opponents walk all over them.  B.I.A. knows this first hand as they were only able to squeak by with a 6-4 win last season with Scott Machala on the mound.  Another B.I.A. win is in order if the errors are kept to a minimum and the offense is on target tonight.

Team Photos

What does a championship team look like? Here are some photos of our team from this past year....

Most of the Fall 2009 (championship!) team

Summer 2009

Spring I 2009 with some of our original players visiting

1, 2, 3, BALLS!!!

More fun photos to come...!

Top 7 B.I.A. Moments

As part of our commemoration of B.I.A.'s first ever kickball championship, as well as their upcoming second year anniversary as a team, we look back at the top seven moments that have made this team what it is today.  This list contains one moment from each of the seven seasons played.  Enjoy!

1.  CAROLINE CATCHES HER OWN FOUL BALL (WINTER 2007)
    
     During the Winter 2007 season (our inaugural season), everything we did became a lesson learned in the crazy world of adult kickball.  In one of our games, Caroline Yang learned a very valuable lesson:  DON'T CATCH YOUR OWN FOUL BALL!!!  By doing so, she was ruled out due to interference.  Caroline's reaction:  "I was just helping the catcher out". 

2.  B.I.A. WINS TWO IN A ROW WITH 8 PLAYERS (SPRING I 2008)

     After enduring a rough 2-6 inaugural season, B.I.A. was determined to turn the tables around and be on the winning side of things for a change.  They did just that, but not without a hitch.  Just before their first game, B.I.A. was faced with one problem...they didn't meet the league minimum requirement of 8 players.  Thankfully, their opponents didn't mind playing with an advantage.  Eventually, B.I.A.'s 8th player would show up, and B.I.A would produce two solid victories...with the league minimum!!! 

3.  SCOTT KICKS SOLO HR OUT OF BREATH (FALL 2008)

   Playing at Memorial Park is challenging, but getting to Memorial Park is even more challenging, especially when it comes to parking.  With no parking spaces available anywhere, I decided to park along the edge of the lot, only to find out that HPD's finest was out there issuing citations and calling the wrecker to tow off any vehicle not in a parking space.  Not only did I have to miss an inning of pitching, but, after having parked my truck a 1/2 mile away, I was out of breath when I sprinted back to the field...and I was up next to kick.  I'm sure I looked pathetic bent over at the plate...exhausted...but, the first pitch was rolled and I kicked it in the gap at right center, resulting in a solo home run to start the inning.

4.  RUMALDO INJURES PINKIE (WINTER 2008)

     Who says kickball isn't a dangerous sport?  During a routine fly ball to right field, Rumaldo readied himself to make the sure out.  Just as he caught it, so did his pinkie.  The injury was enough to send him to the emergency room as a precaution, placing his finger in a brace.  Since then, several other players have experienced similar injuries.  Proof that no one is safe from injury in this sport.

5.  STEPHANE KICKS SCOTT IN BALLS WHILE STRETCHING (SPRING I 2009)

     Before one B.I.A.'s games, the team was engaged in a pre-game stretch.  Being the coach at the time, I decided to inspect the team as they stretched.  I saw Roy at the dugout and needed to talk to him about tonight's strategy.  Deciding to walk in between Amanda, who was sitting on the ground stretching, and Stephanie, who was facing away from me stretching her quad by pulling her leg behind her, I would soon find out why this was not a good decision.  As Stephanie finished her stretch, her leg came swinging back, with her foot finding my balls.  I immediately fell to the ground, only to realize later that everyone thought that I was faking it. 

6.  AMY'S SUGGESTION (SUMMER 2009)

     After our Summer 2009 season, we found ourselves hanging out with our rivals, Fear My Spheres, and sharing drinks, laughs...and an idea of merging our teams together, possibly forming a "super" kickball team.  The idea made sense at the time as both B.I.A. and Fear My Spheres were not sure if they would even have enough players for next season.  As the conversation wore thin, only one question remained:  What would the team name be?  Amy quickly answered with Fear My Balls.  I must say, I was very proud of her, considering I have never heard any inappropriate words come out of her mouth.  My world was totally changed after that night.

7.  B.I.A. DOES IT!!!  B.I.A. DOES IT!!! (FALL 2009)

     After seven seasons, B.I.A. would finally see their hard work pay off.  From catching our own foul balls to kicking our teammates balls to even suggesting that our opponents fear our own balls, we were now on top of the kickball world!  Facing three unknown opponents, a revamped roster, and even a coaching change, there was enough to put the team in a downward spiral, but teamwork, dedication, coolers of beer and a dancing catcher would seal B.I.A.'s name as CHAMPIONS!!!  Queen's "We Are the Champions" has never sounded more nice than now.