Jacob and JT Return To Two More Wins

Wednesday night not only saw the return of kickball at Memorial Park, after two straight weeks of rainouts, but also the return of two key players to B.I.A.'s lineup, Jacob and JT.  Jacob, who has been out since before the season started due to a minor motorcycle accident, and JT, who has returned from Louisiana, didn't miss a beat as they combined for an impressive 7-for-9 kicking to keep B.I.A.'s winning streak alive at 4 games.  Their efforts included 4 runs scored, 4 RKI's, four doubles.

First game of the night pitted Balls In Action against BHP Billiton, a team they defeated during the 2010 Spring II season at 8-0.  A shutout victory would fail early on in the game as BHP Billiton scored two runs to open the first inning.  However, B.I.A. would quickly get back on top by scoring three runs to end the first inning, as Chance, Scott and Ashley would each drive in one run.  After tying up the score at 3, BHP Billiton found themselves behind a run once again as Chance would drive in Roy with a triple, his first of the season.  From there, B.I.A.'s defense remained solid and wouldn't allow another run for the remainder of the game.  B.I.A.'s offense, on the other hand, was not done and scored two runs in the fourth and another run in the fifth, with Jacob, JT, Stephanie and Amanda highlighting some impressive kicking to ending the game at 7-3.

Second game of the night would see Balls In Action playing Houston Taggers for the second time this season.  Last time these two met, Scott pitched an impressive 9-0 shutout.  With a different lineup, Houston Taggers looked to bring a second win for their team.  Unfortunately, B.I.A. had other plans.  Going for their fourth win in a row, Scott would pitch 4 scoreless innings.  Chance would drive in Jacob home in the first inning, followed by a four run blast in the second, an inning that saw JT, Scott, and Ashley drive in runs.  Now up 5-0, the third inning would see a 7-run dominance, especially from Chance, Jeff and JT, who combined for 4 RKI's, 2 runs, a double and a triple.  Leanne, B.I.A.'s new "12th Man", drove in a run as well, after being taunted at the plate, being referred to as an "easy out".  Another run in the fourth seasled the deal as Chance drove in Scott and the game would end in a mercy rule 13-0.

Luckily, B.I.A. did not forfeit any games, as Claire would be a no-show for both games, putting the team in a bind up to the last minute.  Coach Scott expressed sincere gratitude for the subs who filled in Claire's spot ont the roster.

"We were very gracious that a lady from the Houston Taggers organization was available to play with us for the first game, and equally gracious for one of our fans to play with us, especially since we were in a very tight spot."

B.I.A. now shares the top spot in the standings with Brews on First.

McDonald's McGangBang Players of the Game:
vs. BHP Billiton - Chance (2-for-3, 2 RKI, 3B, R)
vs. Houston Taggers - JT (2-for-2, 2 RKI, 2-2B)

KFC DoubleDown Plays of the Game:
vs. BHP Billiton - Scott's catch at the mound.
vs. Houston Taggers - Doug's double play.

Subway Sub of the Night:
Leanne Mazoch

Freebird's Fan of the Night:
Chris Rode

Special Report: Kickball's "Crippling" Effect

Looking from the point of view of someone who hasn't played kickball, one could come to the conclusion that there shouldn't be any reason why anyone would get hurt while playing a "child's game".  However, these past few season have opened up everyone's eyes on the injuries that can occur towards any player, on any given night.  From jammed fingers, leg cramps, sprained ankles, and even surgery, some of the players for Balls In Action have experienced the "crippling" effect that kickball can dish onto them.

For starters, Scott has seen a jammed finger continue to be in the healing process, nine months after it happened.  Stephanie has also fallen prey to a jammed thumb that is still not at 100%, over one year since the incident.

Muscle cramps have become a problem on the team as well, with players such as Amanda and Ashley having to play through the pain.  Even past players, such as Andy and Chris, favored their quad muscle on their kicking leg, making it difficult to kick and run.

Jessica's sprained ankle is still keeping her on the bench, for now, but it is uncertain when she will return.  Her injury is considered to be the worst on field injury in team history.

Even injuries sustained off the field have left players wanting to play, yet having to sit out against their will while they recover.  Scott and Jacob are prime examples of this.  Scott's knee surgery had left him to sit out the entire 2010 Spring II season, a season where they were crowned co-champions.  Jacob's motorcyle accident, although not serious, has him out for another two weeks. 

With future injuries trying to be prevented each game, the uncertainty of what, when and where will continue to linger on in the minds of those that have suffered previous injuries, or for those that don't want to go through the healing, missing games in the process.

Wet Fields Cancel Anticipated Games

In what was being billed as the "Night of the Undefeated", the rainy Houston weather put an end to it just hours before game time.  Three teams, Balls In Action, Brews on First, and Kickballas are undefeated, and Balls In Action was scheduled to play the other two undefeated teams on the same night.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. 

The games will be rescheduled for August 18.  All tickets with a July 21st date will be honored then.

The Tough Road Ahead

B.I.A.'s incredible 2-0 start last Wednesday proved to many that the team is ready to not only successfully defend its co-championship from the season before, but to make sure that their next championship is not shared with another team.  If the team's performance from Week 1, scoring a combined 20 runs and allowing only a single run, is any indication of things to come from, then Balls In Action are well on their way to winning its first back-to-back championship, and doing it with a perfect 10-0 record.

Yet, the road will get tougher for Balls In Action, as the pressure builds.  This Wednesday's games will put B.I.A. to the test as they take on Brews On First, a tough opponent from last season, and Kickballas, a team who has also scored a combined 20 runs in its first two games.  Both opponents are 2-0 after Week 1, and appear to have the same agenda in mind:  win, win, win.

Coach Scott sees both sides of the coin as they prepare for this week's games.

"We can't get complacent.  Last week's games were exciting.  Our run production was excellent and our defense was one step ahead of our opponents.  However, the teams we played against didn't have a chance, or clue, against us.  These next two teams smell blood, and seem ready to attack.  We have to be better than last week."

B.I.A. will take on Kickballas at 7:30pm, followed by Brews on First at 9:30pm, both games at Memorial Park Field #2.

Scott, Team Returns in Dominating Fashion

A very special opening day was a complete success for Balls In Action.  First, Scott returned to the mound, his first time since the middle of March.  Second, the team is celebrating its tenth season as a team.  And finally, they are 2-0, their seventh time in team history for opening days.

Not having met their opponents before, B.I.A. decided to welcome them to the league in the same manner that they were welcomed:  complete and utter domination. 

The first game of the night pitted B.I.A. against One Legged Hobos, and from the start it wasn't pretty.  Balls In Action would begin the season with a 3 run first inning, an important inning that saw Roy, Stephanie and Chance combine for 3-for-3, with 3 runs scored and 2 RKIs, before the first team out was commited.  Ashley would finish the 3 run inning with an RKI double.  After giving up one run in the bottom of the first, Scott would prove to everyone why he is considered one of the best kickball pitchers today, by shutting out One Legged Hobos the remainder of the game.  Up 4-1 after two innings, B.I.A. would put the game away with a solid 7 run third inning, that inlcuded two 2RKI doubles by Stephanie and Scott.  The game was called due to a 5th Inning Mercy Rule, and Balls In Action opened up their 2010 Summer campaign with a dominating 11-1 victory.

The second game saw the same mentality by B.I.A., as they would go up against Houston Taggers.  Again, the first inning was opened up with a 4 run performance, which included doubles by Chris, Stephanie and Dan, which helped drive in the runs.  The second inning produced another 3 run showing, with solid hitting by the entire team, and the third inning added two more runs, including a nice double by Amanda.  After the fourth inning went scoreless, the umpire called the game as time expired, and Balls In Action would waqlk away with a 9-0 shutout of Houston Taggers.  Solid pitching by Scott, including getting out of tight bases loaded situation in the third, kept their opponents at bay.

McDonald's McGangBang Players of the Game:
vs. One Legged Hobos - Ashley (3-for-4, 2B, 2RKI, R)
vs. Houston Taggers - Stephanie (4-for-4, 2-2B, RKI, R)

KFC DoubleDown Play of the Game:
vs. One Legged Hobos - Chris (Stand up triple in the second inning)
vs. Houston Taggers - Chris' two sons for retrieving the foul ball.

Subway Sub of the Night:
Chris - Combined .750 kicking, 1.500 slugging (3-for-4, 2B, 3B, 2RKI, 3R)

Freebirds Fan of the Night:
Chris' two sons

Holes In Roster Don't Concern Coach

The official 15 player roster, which included 9 guys and 6 girls, has slowly deteriorated over the past couple of weeks.  Two new players were unable to commit to a full season, while JT and Rumaldo are currently involved with their temporary work assignments in Louisiana.  On top of that, injuries are still occuring, even before the season officially begins.  Jessica is still healing from her sprained ankle from last season and is unsure when she will be back this season.  Jacob was involved in a motorcycle accident last Friday morning.  Although he sustained no serious injuries, he is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. 

With the roster now down to 9 healthy, commited players, Coach Scott doesn't see any need to create panic. 

"I am confident that anyone I put out there to fill in the vacant positions will help us continue our winning tradition.  We are not at full strength, but we don't have to give up either.  Everyone that steps out on that field in B.I.A. black will do his or her part to help bring another championship home."

Although a consistent roster is ideal, Coach Scott understands that unexpected events will cause any roster to be modified.

"I want all of our injured players to heal up.  I want all of our players who are unable to commit to take care of their business.  Their spot on the team will not be lost.  I want them to be at 100% physically and mentally when their time has come to rejoin the team."

Rainy Weather Cancels B.I.A.'s Opening Day Plans

Houston will have to wait for another week to experience Balls In Action's monumental tenth season. Rain has hit the city all day and has made all fields unplayable. Today's cancelled games will be made up on August 11. All game tickets purchased ahead of time will be honored on the make-up date.

B.I.A. Looks to Honor Tenth Season with Strong Opening Day

The fans will come out, the media will be in full swing, and the teams will stare in awe as America's beloved kickball team, Balls In Action, take the field for their tenth season.  Whether you have been a fan since the beginning, or caught on to the team's hype in their later seasons, one can make the point that their success on opening day for B.I.A. has been one of their strongest qualities.

In the nine seasons prior, Balls In Action has a 14-4 record on opening day, with an equal 7-2 record for both the first game and second game.  The team has only suffered an 0-2 start once, which was during their inaugural season.  Only twice has B.I.A. walked out of opening day with a 1-1 record, the latest being last season.  The remaining six seasons, the team has enjoyed a 2-0 start after opening day, the first time being during their second season, an impressive 2-0 start that was accomplished with only four guys and four girls.

Tonight's games favor B.I.A. to begin their tenth season at 2-0, with their first opponent, BHP Billiton (Memorial Park Field #1, 6:30pm) and second opponent, We Got the Runs (Memorial Park Field #1, 8:30pm).  Coach Scott values the teams successful past on opening day and sees tonight's games going very well for B.I.A.

"You never know what to expect on opening day.  Any team can beat you, no matter your performance from seasons before, but our history on opening day proves how strong of a team we are and how ready we are to play."

Team Notes:
Balls In Action is 1-0 against BHP Billiton, defeating them last season 8-0.  This will be the first time B.I.A. will go up against We Got the Runs. 

Scott will take the mound for the first time since his season ending knee surgery.  He missed the entire 2010 Spring II season due to chipped cartilage underneath his left knee cap.

Rumaldo will take the field for the first time since the 2009 Winter season.  He missed the entire 2010 Spring II season due to a commitment in Louisiana.

Happy Birthday to Jacob!!!

From all current and former players of Balls In Action, we would like to wish Jacob a very happy 26th birthday!

Twenty Questions with Coach Scott

Coach Scott has done more than his share of interviews over the past 3 years with ESPN and the like, but today I had the privilege of getting an in-depth, exclusive interview for our B.I.A. blog. It's the interview we've all been waiting for, and what better way to start celebrating 10 seasons of B.I.A. than a trip down memory lane with our esteemed coach and pitcher!

salgal: First of all, welcome back, Scott! You were unable to play all last season because of your knee surgery. What was it like having to sit out an entire season?
Scott: That was, without a doubt, the most difficult thing to do. Don’t get me wrong…I was proud to have coached a team to victory, but to watch others have that luxury of going out there and playing kickball, playing the game that I hold dear to my heart, it was definitely very difficult to have to accept.
salgal: Yes, I remember looking to you in the dugout after we'd take the field, and I could see how badly you wanted to be out there with us. But we're glad you will be rejoining us tomorrow! How do you feel about coming back to play tomorrow night?
Scott: I can’t wait. I’m a bit nervous and the butterflies will be in my stomach tomorrow night. Yet, I know that feeling I get when I take the mound will be back and it’ll feel like I haven’t missed an entire season.
salgal: We're about to start our 10th season of B.I.A., hard to believe! What do you think about this? Did you ever think we'd be playing this long?
Scott: B.I.A.’s 10th season is a very special milestone in the team’s history. We’ve endured quite a bit: top-notch victories, bitter defeats, breath-taking plays, shocking errors, painful injuries. On top of that, we were able to win a couple of championships. I never thought we would be playing this long, but I’m very fortunate to know so many that have been able to help keep this team going and continuing its success on the field.
salgal: Well, part of the solidarity of the team has been due to your leadership and commitment as our coach. What motivates you as Coach and what is your #1 goal for the team?
Scott: My #1 goal for the team is play hard….win or lose. I can’t find any fault in a team that loses when they put every ounce of energy into the game. Knowing that your teammates want to play at their best really helps in the motivation to want to coach the team to victory.
salgal: Equally as important as your coaching has been your role as our pitcher. What goes through your mind right before you pitch?
Scott: When I first started pitching, it was always “Come on Scott, just roll it down the middle.” Now it’s more of how fast or slow should I pitch. Should I make it bounce? Down the middle or at the corner? What if I curve it this time? There’s definitely more thought into it now than before.
salgal: And what goes through your mind right before you kick?
Scott: Again, when I first started playing, I was always popping it up, so I always kept telling myself “Keep it on the ground.” Now that I’ve been able to control my kicking, it’s more of “Okay, where are the holes in the defense? Where are the nervous people in the outfield? Should I just bunt it and move the runners over?” Again, it’s become a more complicated process of thinking for me.
salgal: Yes, I think for a lot of us who've played several seasons, our strategy in kicking and in the field has changed over time. What are your thoughts on the evolution of B.I.A.'s game play?
Scott: We have definitely come a long way. I think if we watched a video of ourselves play from the first season, we would probably laugh and/or be disgusted. I know I’ve come a long way from throwing my cap on the mound after giving up the winning run. We are definitely a more serious team and I feel it works better that way for us, especially since we are still able to have fun with kickball.
salgal: The changes in the game rules over the seasons has also affected our game play. What are your thoughts on the evolution of the City of Houston's kickball rules?
Scott: I wish they would make a decision on the rules and just stick with it. Every season it seems like the tweak them just a bit, without warning. I wouldn’t care on what they agree on, just as long as we have a set of “official” rules and that each season we play, those are the rules we play under. But as Rumaldo always says, “That’s the city for ya!”
salgal: It's definitely been frustrating at times. But let's move on to some fun questions; we're curious to know which moments stand out most to you. Which of our 9 seasons played is the most memorable?
Scott: The 2009 Fall season, hands down. We won our first championship. I remember setting that season as the standard for how we play now. No more 2 or 3 win seasons for us. We were on top of our game that season.
salgal: For sure! What are your top 3 all-time favorite personal B.I.A. moments?
Scott: #3 is when I struck out my first kicker during the first season. It was the last game of the season and I struck him out swinging with a 13” diameter ball. To this day I’m not sure how I pulled that off. It’s a 13” ball for crying out loud!
#2 is kicking a homerun after running a ½ mile back to the field when I had to move my truck to a different parking spot. I didn’t want to get a ticket by the officer out in the lot and moved it about a ½ mile away. I was so winded after that, but when I got back to the dugout, it was my turn to kick. I swung at the first pitch and rounded all four bases for a homerun. I was tired!
#1 is defeating Fear My Spheres 1-0 in what can only be the toughest game I had to pitch. I seriously thought that I was going to have a heart attack on the mound. The game was too intense and there were plenty of times I thought we were going to lost that 1-0 lead. That game is definitely the greatest game in B.I.A. history.
salgal: I'm a little scared to ask, but what is your least favorite B.I.A. moment?
Scott: When we were down a girl during the 2009 Summer season. Luckily the umpire allowed us to play with only 3 girls, but I was so pissed off about the girl no-showing, especially after she told me she would, that, from that night on, I changed my attitude on coaching. Coaching a kickball team shouldn’t be that nerve-racking, but that night it was…because of her.
salgal: I'm really glad we haven't run into the situation since. Looking back, which B.I.A. moment makes you laugh the hardest?
Scott: Some people have bought this story, but many have not. I laugh a lot about this story, even now! I’m talking about keeping the story going about how Stephanie (aka salgal) accidentally kicked me in the groin! I think her foot glanced onto my knee, but I played it off by falling to the ground, tearing up in pain, holding my groin. It was fun while it lasted, but she’s been too tough to make her believe my “side” of the story.
salgal: Wait, it sounds like the story is starting to change! I was scared that would be your least favorite moment, but since it didn't really happen I guess it can't be! You'll never get me to believe your side of the story, but it definitely makes me laugh too. I'm surprised how many times I've heard you tell this story; I have a feeling I'll never hear the end of it! Which B.I.A. moment is the most surprising to you to this day?
Scott: Winning our first two games of our second season with only 4 guys and 4 girls. Just an unbelievable effort by us that night. We definitely surprised both ourselves and our opponents that night!
salgal: It was crazy that we won that game, especially since we hadn't gotten many wins yet! What is the most outrageous or craziest B.I.A. moment you can remember?
Scott: Caroline catching her own foul ball. I don’t think anything can top that!
salgal: We all had a good laugh about that! Speaking of Caroline, she was a key person in creating our team jerseys. We've had the same jerseys for 10 seasons now. If our jerseys had numbers, what would yours have?
Scott: 12…no doubt about it. It’s the day that I was born and it was a number I wore in high school. It’s quite possibly the best number in the world.
salgal: Well hopefully one day we'll have new jerseys so you can wear your number again. Over the years BIA has developed into a one-of-a-kind kickball team because of the unique things we have and do. Which is your favorite?
Scott: The blog. It started off as a joke, but I’m amazed by how many actually read it. It’s definitely your #1 source for all B.I.A. news, scores, and more.
salgal: Haha yes, I remember mentioning it to you as a joke but I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how far you've taken it. One last question on favorites: Who is your favorite BIA player (past or present)?
Scott: That’s a tough one. If I had to choose one, I would pick Jacob. He’s very fast in the outfield and quick on the base path. I know I can always count on him to make the play. He’s just as determined to win as I am.
salgal: I remember when you interviewed Jacob, he made the comment in one of his answers that kickball saved his life. How has kickball changed your life?
Scott: I never knew how much of an impact kicking balls would have on my life. It has been a pleasure thus far and I don’t see myself giving up this slice of paradise anytime soon.
salgal: I know it's hard to fathom, but one day you'll have to retire from kickball.... When and how do you see that happening?
Scott: Whatever date will be on my death certificate will be the day I stop playing kickball. I hope they have kickball in heaven.
salgal: The kickball world will mourn that day. But since we know that day won't be here anytime soon, what are your aspirations for the next 10 seasons of B.I.A.?
Scott: I’m hoping we can continue playing with this same intensity, if not more. We’ve made so many friends through kickball and B.I.A. that playing another 10 seasons will just make that bond with each other stronger, thus making us more successful on the field and making this game more enjoyable down the road.
salgal: Yes, we've come a long way and we're all looking forward to our 10th season this summer! Well, that's all the questions I have for now. Thanks for taking the time to open up to us; it's been a pleasure talking with you and getting to know your personal views on kickball and our team. Go B.I.A.!!