B.I.A. Drop First Two Games of Season

Balls In Action faced their first 0-2 start of the season since their inaugural season, back in the 2007 Winter season.  Both of B.I.A.'s opponents, Houston Taggers and Grenade Free America, were able to control the tempo of the game with ease.  At the end of the night, the scoreboard would tell the tale of a possible fallback for the once mighty Balls In Action.

Playing against their rivals, Houston Taggers, the pressure was on B.I.A. as they looked to start off the season with a win.  The first inning started off in unfamiliar fashion, as B.I.A. would give up its first run ever against the Taggers.  B.I.A. would make up for this with their "couples" in the bottom of the first with boyfriend/girlfriend Roy and Ashley being driven home by husband/wife Matt and Jessica.  From their, B.I.A. would find itself in a bit of a drought as they would go scoreless for the next three innings, giving up a run in each.  However, in the bottom of the fifth, B.I.A. would retake the lead as Ashley would drive home Amy and Scott from second and first, respectively, with Ashley being driven home by Rumaldo.  With a 5-4 lead, B.I.A.'s problems returned as four more runs would be allowed, giving the Houston Taggers an 8-5 lead.  The seventh proved effortless by B.I.A. and the Houston Taggers would prevail for the first time against their rivals.  Scott, who played against his wife Marvette, was not pleased.

"You can't come out and play against a team like they had tonight.  The Taggers brought it and we let them walk all over us.  We did put up a fight, but you can't give up that many runs and have a lack of offense.  It doesn't add up and we're living proof of that."

With the first game in the books, B.I.A. looked to rebound against Grenade Free America.  These two giants were scheduled to meet last season, but rainouts prevented the game from ever happening.  Both teams traded 2 runs a piece in the first.  Roy and Ashley, again, would score for B.I.A., being drven home by Matt and Jessica yet again.  However, the problems would come again for B.I.A slowly.  Having gone scoreless in the second and third inning, Grenade Free America would finally break the tie in the fourth.  Their defense, along wth B.I.A.'s lack of offense, would contribute to Grenade's six run sixth inning, the most B.I.A. has ever given up in a single inning.  At the end, B.I.A. would fall 9-2, and with it, the team's momentum.

On a lighter note, B.I.A. Hall of Famer, Stephanie Louie, along with B.I.A. Original Cory Pickvett were in attendance for part of the second game.

Player Awards
McDonald's McGangBang Player of the Game
vs. Houston Taggers:  Ashley (4-for-5, 2R, 2RKI)
vs. Grenade Free America:  Chance (defensive efforts)

KFC DoubleDown Play of the Game
vs. Houston Taggers:  Scott's double play at second
vs. Grenade Free America:  Macy's first hit of career

Subway Sub of the Night
Amy

Freebirds Fan of the Nightt
Stephanie
Cory

B.I.A.'s 12th Opening Day Looks Promising



Tonight marks Balls In Action's 12th opening day, which spans back to the 2007 Winter season.  In twelve season, B.I.A. has come a long way, and looking at their past opening day performances, tonight should be a walk in the park.

Here's a list of the past eleven opening days for Balls In Action:

B.I.A. is 9-2 when playing their first game of the season, and 9-2 when playing their second game of the season.  They currently hold a 5 game winning streak on opening day, and have outscored their opponents 114-51. 

Balls In Action will take on Houston Taggers at 8:30pm, followed by Grenade Free America at 9:30pm, both at Memorial Park's Field #1.  Houston Taggers have lost both meetings to B.I.A., being shutout both games.  This will be the first meeting between B.I.A. and Grenade Free America.

Head-to-Head: Scott vs. Irma

We're under 12 hours from the 2011 Spring I season opener for Balls In Action as they prepare to take on their most interesting rival, Houston Taggers.  We sat down with both coaches, Irma Sanchez and Scott Machala, and dig a little deeper in the rivalry.

BIA:  What do you look forward to when B.I.A. goes up against Houston Taggers?

IS:  What do I look forward to this Wednesday....hmmm...let's see, getting this over with.  I know that we will not beat B.I.A., but I hope to at least be able to get a run, or two or maybe even three or four in.  As you know, we've weeded out some of our weaker players and have made some recent player acquisitions that may play out pretty well for us.

SM:  It's a much calmer atmosphere, which is good for us going into the first game of the season, not having played for almost three months straight.  We definitely play at our best against them so I really look forward to tallying up another victory.


BIA:  B.I.A. has outscored Houston Taggers 25-0 in 3 games. Any pressure?

IS:  Pressure?  No, not really.  In each of the three instances that we've played against each other, there have been special circumstances, such as our first game as a team, the team's exodus to a high profile soccer game, and the engagement.  These have prevented the Houston Taggers from demonstrating their maximum kickball potential.

SM:  Anytime there is streak, there's pressure to keep it.  Would I love that everytime we played Houston Taggers we shut them out?  Absolutely, but eventually they will score a run or two against us.  Would I love to beat them everytime we play them?  Hell yes, but the law of average will definitely catch up to us and there will be that one time they beat us.  I don't see that happening anytime soon, though.

BIA:  What were your impressions when Scott and Jacob played for Houston Taggers during the 2010 Fall season? Did you see your rivals in a different light after the season was over?

IS:  When Scott and Jacob played with us last summer, I was very glad to learn that they were actually pleasant individuals and not the arrogant players that they appeared to be when playing against them previously.  I would like to add a little side note.  It was so sweet to see how Scott behaved around our very own Marvette.  It was obvious that Marvette was the only, if not primary reason, that Scott offered us his pitching services.  No, I did not see them as rivals once the season was over.  Despite Scott's cover as a tough and hardcore kickball player, he is a big ol' teddy bear.  Jacob, well that is another story.

SM:  I am still very grateful for the Houston Taggers organization for allowing myself and Jacob to play for them when B.I.A. was unable to.  It was my first season back in uniform since knee surgery, and I shouldn't have been near a kickball.  But they took a chance on me and there I was celebrating with them at the end of the season with a championship!  I definitely saw how exicted the team was afterwards and that they wanted to continue this success.  They have this mask of "we just want to have fun and enjoy the game", but deep inside they are competitive monsters like B.I.A. and want to be on top of the kickball world. 

BIA:  Marvette marries Scott after the 2010 Winter season. Does this intensify the rivalry, or simply foretell a possible move for one of these players to the other team? What measures have to be taken to secure team strategies and prevent them from leaking to the other team?

IS:  I must admit, I was truly happy to learn that Marvette was settling down, even if it was with Scott.  I definitely think that the marriage between two players from opposing teams will add a different spin on the upcoming kickball season.  Should be fun.  Scott, my friend, I don't know if you are aware, but girls talk.

SM:  You bet it does!  I have given her many opportunities to join B.I.A. after the marriage and she has refused each time.  an offer to play for B.I.A. is the highest honor any human can receive in their lifetime.  She's my wife, though, and I respect her decision, but I wish she would reconsider and play with God's team.  B.I.A.'s strategies are secured and only privileged to B.I.A. players and coaches. 

BIA:  What is your prediction for the next meeting between both teams on March 2?

IS:  Prediction?  Better yet, my prayers are that we get at least a couple of runs in.

SM:  B.I.A. will continue its dominance over Houston Taggers on March 2nd, guaranteed!

Exclusive Interview with Scott's Wife, Marvette

Earlier today, we sat down with Houston Tagger's Marvette Limon, wife of B.I.A.'s very own Scott Machala, and asked her to open up on some important questions as she gets ready to face Scott for the first time since marrying him during the off-season:

BIA:  How does it feel to be married to Scott Machala?:

ML:  Since our feelings and passion toward kickball are not mutual, married to the "Kickball King" makes me feel proud.  I love the fact that we are rivals.  It makes more sense to play on different teams.  It's god for our teams and our marriage.

BIA:  Did you ever think that playing kickball would lead to marriage?:

ML:  I would have never thought that a simple sport played in elementary would lead to something so significant as an adult.

BIA:  What was going through your mind during the marriage proposal in the middle of the game?

ML:  I lost it (laughs).  At that moment, I was speechless; I was thinking "is this really happening?".  I felt like I was in a movie.

BIA:  What was your reaction right before the proposal when Scott walked you?

ML:  That he was just walking me to be nice.  I really wanted to kick the ball.

BIA:  Any chance of you playing for B.I.A., or Scott playing for Houston Taggers, full time? 

ML:  It is not highly likely that we leave our teams, but in the case that one of our teams does not continue to play or is unable to play a season, the outcome looks very likely for us to be on the same team in the future.

BIA:  Whose team is better:  B.I.A. or Houston Taggers?

ML:  In terms of being aggressive, prideful and serious, then B.I.A. wins.  On the other hand, Houston Taggers strive to maintain a good team atmosphere and spirit.  Both aspects are a great combination!

Rivals Meet on Opening Day

Balls In Action will face their rivals, Houston Taggers, for the first time since their last meeting on December 1st.  Each meeting between the two has resulted in a B.I.A. victory, but that could all change as Houston Taggers have recently parted ways with a few players to make room for more productive players.  These changes don't bother coach Scott, but rather welcomes the change.

"I think it'll be good for our rivalry.  It's not fun when you play a team over and over and keep beating them.  When you wake up in the morning and already know that you are going to win, it's not that fun.  I think their coach, Irma, sees that and wants to be more competitive against us." 

To make things more interesting, some of B.I.A.'s players are not returing this season, which calls for some strategic changes in the roster.

"We don't have Jacob this season.  Abigail and Kelsey are out for this week, as well.  I'm calling up some former players to fill in the holes.  Each position is critical, so it's not just going to be anyone playing in those vacant spots.  The pressure is on to not only win the first game of the season, but to beat Houston Taggers.  There is an equal pressure finding the right players for this game."

B.I.A. has outscored Houston Taggers 25-0 in three meetings, but the last meeting was only won by a score of 3-0. 

"They are catching up to us slowly.  It's up to us as a team to keep this winning streak going against them.  I don't care if they score a run, I just care what the score is at the end of the game."

The rivalry has now switched to a more personal rivalry as the off-season saw coach Scott and Houston Tagger's Marvette get married. 

"We respect each other's teams, but are also out there to win.  She has had her chances to join our team, but she has decided to rather stay with the Taggers.  Marvette will see after Wednesday's game why she made the wrong decision."

Balls In Action will open the 2011 Spring I season this Wednesday against Houston Taggers at Memorial Park's Field #1 at 8:30pm.

10 Questions with...Abigail

On this week's edition of "10 Questions with...", we talk to one of B.I.A.'s rookies from last season, Abigail Camacho.  In this episode, we learn that the best answers aren't always so lengthy, and that confidence is key.

BIA:  During your first season, what was your favorite B.I.A. moment?

AC:  Reading the blog.

BIA:  What was your worst B.I.A. moment?
AC:  There are only good times with B.I.A.

BIA:  Who is your favorite B.I.A. player?

AC:  Scott Machala.

BIA:  What do you feel that you bring to B.I.A. personally?

AC:  A charming disposition...

BIA:  What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear the name B.I.A.?

AC:  Kickball.

BIA:  How tough is it for a female to play on B.I.A.?

AC:  It's not.

BIA:  What is the first thing that you are thinking about when you are up to kick?

AC:  I got this.

BIA:  What would be your theme song and why?

AC:  "All I Do Is Win".  I think the name says it all.

BIA:  What is the first thing that goes through your mind when playing in the outfield?

AC:  We need 3 outs ASAP.

BIA:  What would you be doing right now if you never played kickball?

AC:  Be awesome somewhere else.

2011 Spring I Season Schedule Announced

The city of Houston released its schedule for the 2011 Spring I kickball season earlier this month.  

Interesting to note that Brews On First is not in, but their counterpart Jersey Score has moved up to the Wednesday night league.  AL Kickers have changed their name to Don't Stop Ballieving, and the 2010 Winter champions, Grenade Free America are back, along with Balls N' Dolls and Houston Taggers. 

As always, the B.I.A. organization feels confident about posting yet another successful season, correcting any errors from last season.  Coach Scott has been very optimistic since the schedule's release.

"I don't see any problems staying competitive with any of our opponents.  Grenade Free America looked good out there last season, and the fact that we didn't get to play them will make both of our matchups pretty intense.  Jersey Score was a tough team when I was on loan for Houston Taggers, but overall, Balls In Action's experience, dedication and leadership will take us to the top of this league."

Scott will go up against his wife, Marvette, to open the season against Houston Taggers, who have yet to score a run against B.I.A., being outscored 25-0 in three meetings. 

"Eventually they will score a run, and eventually they'll be a threat.  Eventually could be the next time we meet.  What's important is not the stats from the past, but what we do out there this time against them."

Balls In Action finished, behind Grenade Free America and Brews on First, last season with a 4-2 record.

10 Questions with...Hinal

"10 Questions with..." is back and in this segment, we interview one of B.I.A.'s rookies from last season, Hinal Patel.  We learn about his nickname, his contribution to the team and his feelings towards being the first Indian player for the organization.

BIA:  What was your favorite B.I.A. moment during your rookie season?

HP:  Just being able to play and be a part of B.I.A.

BIA:  What was your worst B.I.A. moment? 

HP:  Losing those two key games last season against Brews on First.  I feel if we had just one extra play it could have changed the outcome of the game easily, which made those losses hurt more.  I'm ready to get back out there this 2011 Spring I season and show the rest of the league what B.I.A. can do!

BIA:  Who is your favorite B.I.A. player?

HP:  Newly-wed Scott Limon (I kid!) Machala.  His love of the game truly inspires me to play.

BIA:  What do you feel that you bring to B.I.A. personally?

HP:  Speed on the base-paths and fielding.  Oh yeah, and a little bit of humor, too.

BIA:  Why "Brownie" on the back of your jersey?

HP:  Some friends of mine called me that growing up.  It was funny and unique and just stuck through the years.

BIA:  How does it feel to be the first Indian player to play for B.I.A.?

HP:  Awesome.  I feel honored.  Look for the left-fielder hollering random things in an indian accent during games this Spring!

BIA:  What is the first thing that you are thinking about when you are up to kick?

HP:  Just go out there, relax, have fun, and get on base.

BIA:  What would be your theme song and why?

HP:  "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.  Its probably one of my most favorite songs of all time.

BIA:  What is the first thing that goes through your mind when going after a popfly?

HP:  Secure the catch and try not to let any runners on-base advance.  Kickball is tricky, since its tough to contain runners out from the outfield

BIA:  What would you be doing right now if you never played kickball?

HP:  Wishing I played kickball.

Congratulations to Sara and her fiance!!!

Former B.I.A. player and Hall of Famer, Sara "Tsarable" Garcia is now engaged to her new fiance, Jackie!!!  She said "YES!" on Valentine's Day at Discovery Green in downtown Houston.  Congratulations from the entire B.I.A. organization and the best of luck to both!

Marvette & Scott Tie the Knot!!!

On January 14th, Houston Tagger's second basewoman Marvette Limon and B.I.A.'s pitcher/coach Scott Machala tied the knot in front of 58 people during a private ceremony at Grappino di Nino's.  The two first dated on October 14th, while Scott was on loan to the Houston Taggers during the 2010 Fall season.  Scott first noticed Marvette on July 14th during the 2010 Summer season.  Congratulations to the beautiful bride and groom! 

Both Marvette and Scott have no plans of switching teams to play together.

"It's how we found each other and how we got to know each other.  He has his team and I have mine."

Of course, there was a kickball cake for the groom!

 

 

Balls In Action End 2010 On Positive Note; Looking Forward to 2011

It wasn't meant to be for B.I.A. to finish at the top of the 2010 Winter league, but given the circumstances of the make-up of the team, there were some very interesting moments.  For example,

+ B.I.A. consisted of 14 players, with 7 of those players being rookies.

+ B.I.A. would score 18 runs before allowing its first run (a team record).

+ B.I.A would win all four games by shutouts (a team first).

But most importantly, the veterans and rookies of Balls In Action have gained much respect from each other as their 4-2 record to finish the 2010 Winter season could not have been possible without teamwork.  Coach Scott contributes the player's teamwork to rebuilding the team's solid foundation.

"I was quite impressed with how well we played as a team.  There were times the inexperience showed up during games, but we were able to pull through for the most part.  We held our own and didn't let any team surprise us or walk all over us.  I feel we are still a threat out there on the field and this past season will make those who come back that much stronger."

B.I.A. finished the 2010 Winter season behind Grenade Free American and Brews on First, both tied for first place.