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.