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.

Coach Blames Himself After Team's First Loss

What would start off as a great night for B.I.A. would end in disaster.  Last Wednesday night saw B.I.A. solve their run production problems in the first game, only to have to be faced with it again during the second game.

In the first game at Field #1, Balls In Action would take on new opponent Shake & Bake (not to be confused with Shake N Bake from their first season).  From the start, B.I.A. would take it to their opponents, scoring 4 runs in each of the first three innings.  In the first, Roy would highlight the inning with a 3 run homerun.  Scott would drive in two runs, with Matt and Kelsey each driving a run each during the second innning.  The third inning saw Chance make his return with the team with a grandslam.  B.I.A. shutout their opponents 12-0, resulting with a victory by 5th inning mercy rule.  Scott, coach and pitcher for the team, could not have been more pleased.

"We struggled last week offensively, but we really piled on the runs tonight.  We're still a real sound team defensively.  Things are starting to click with this team, despite half the team being rookies."

Those words would be challenged during the team's second game as they met rival Brews On First.  B.I.A. has seen success in their only three meetings, beating them each time, but during their fourth meeting, Brews On First had different plans.  B.I.A. struck first in the top half of the first inning with Jacob scoring on a RKI single by Jessica, making that 18 straight runs by the team without giving up a run (a team record).  However, in the bottom half of the first, Brews On First would score two runs on careless errors by B.I.A.  The second inning mirrored the first, with B.I.A. scoring one run on a sacrifice fly by Hinal, scoring JT, but giving up two runs defensively.  The third inning saw B.I.A. shutout and also giving up an additonal run, making the score 5-2.  The rest of the game was a defensive battle, and Brews On First would land their first victory over Balls In Action in four meetings.

"They got in our heads tonight," explained Jacob after the game.

Scott would be more vocal after the game about suffering the first loss of the season.

"I got my team to ignore their trash talking, their drunkeness...and we succeeded in that respect.  But we were too focused on it...we left ourselves vulnerable defensively by doing just that.  I take full responsibility for the team's performance tonight."

Scott's fiancee, Marvette, would help out B.I.A. against Brews On First, making her debut.

McDonald's McGangBang Player of the Game:

vs. Shake & Bake:  Chance (1-for-1, HR, 5RKI, R)

vs. Brews On First:  Matt (2-for-2)

KFC DoubleDown Play of the Game:

vs. Shake & Bake:  Roy's three run homerun

vs. Brews On First:  Scott throwing out runner at home

Subway Sub of the Night:
Marvette

B.I.A. Opens Season With Two Wins Despite Cold Weather and Sluggish Offense

Balls In Action finally took to the kickball fields last night as they opened up their 11th season against Houston Taggers.  B.I.A. previously shut them out on the two prior meetings with ease, but the pressure was on to not only keep their winning streak alive, but to keep their opponent from scoring.

After a scoreless first inning, Matt and JT would open the second inning with two singles, with Abigail driving in Matt from second on a RKI double.  After an additional two scoreless innings, the fifth inning would be B.I.A.'s best.  With two outs and JT at third, Roy would blast a shot into right-center field and collect his first inside-the-park homerun of the season, making the score 3-0.  Solid defense by Balls In Action in the sixth sealed the deal and gave them the win on their opening night.

The game was briefly delayed during the fourth inning as Scott would propose to girlfriend Marvette from Houston Taggers along the first base line following an intentional walk. 

"I was very nervous.  I couldn't get all the words out.  I'm glad everybody was a part of something special tonight.  Marvette and I met on this very Field #2, so it made sense to propose to her here tonight."

After an hour break, B.I.A. met their new opponent, Where My Pitches At.  What resulted in a very slow run production for Balls In Action during the first game only got worse during the second, as the team was only able to shell out one run the entire game.  The only run came in the third inning off of a blast to right field by Scott, driving in David. 

After the game, emotions ran high from some of the players, who expected a better performance overall, including Jacob.

"We kicked the ball well.  We just couldn't get anyone home.  Our mental game is not quite there yet."

Ashley leant her theory on the lack of run production after the victory over Where My Pitches At.

"The ball wasn't pitched very fast.  It's very difficult to get a great kick in when the ball is coming at you slow."

McDonald's McGangBang Player of the Game:

vs. Houston Taggers:  Roy - 1-for-2, HR, R, 2RKI

vs. Where My Pitches At:  Scott - 2-for-2, RKI

KFC DoubleDown Play of the Game:

vs. Houston Taggers:  JT's play at third base

vs. Where My Pitches At:  Jessica's throw to Jacob at first, tagging out the runner

Subway Sub of the Night

None

Freebirds Fan of the Night

Justin & Lynda Holub

Henry & Valerie Machala

Nam Nguyen & Rachell Austria

Happy Birthday to Jessica Goodman!!!

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

Play Ball!!! (For Some)

The 2010 Winter kickball season began after two weeks of cancellations, but only for those teams playing on Memorial Park's Field #1.  Good news for teams like Brews On First, who finished the night with 2 wins, and Houston Taggers, but not very welcoming news for Balls In Action, who have been waiting to play since November 3.

The cancellation of only one field prompted Scott to immediately demand an explanation as to why B.I.A. would have to sit out for a third straight week.  Below is the city's official response on the matter:

Unfortunately, we are not going to be able to make up the games from
November 10th and 17th. There are no more available dates. The only

option is to issue refunds.

In reference to yesterday’s rainout decision, the fields were indeed too

wet to play. However, the reason why they were still not in playing
condition was because of damage done to the fields during last weekend.

A private organization that rented Fields #2 - #3 played on the

fields during the weekend when they were too wet and caused damage

to the fields.

We are sorry for the inconvenience this problem caused for your team.

Due to this, B.I.A.'s season is now reduced to six games, with their next two games being two weeks away, December 1 against Houston Taggers and Where My Pitches At, both on Memorial Park's Field #2.  Scott, although eager to get on the field, has expressed his frustration on the matter.

"I hope they can get these fields in playing condition by December 1.  This is completely ridiculous and unprofessional, especially to allow an organization to play on wet fields.  If we can't, why should they?"

Never in Balls In Action's franchise history have they had to endure three straight weeks of not playing.

Rain Dampens B.I.A.'s Return Yet Again

As soon as the city of Houston delcared all fields were playable, the rains came in, making the fields anything but playable.  B.I.A. was set to take on Where My Pitches At at 6:30pm, followed by a Houston Tagger matchup at 8:30pm, both on Field #1.  As soon as Scott and Rumaldo arrived at the park, it was clear that Balls In Action would have to wait yet another week to play kickball.

"The fields were so wet that if you stepped onto the infield, you probably would have sunk about two inches down."

Although Scott was disappointed, it does give the team a chance to recover, as rookie Abigail was out sick and rookie Sarah was not scheduled to appear for Wednesday's games due to outside obligations.

Both of these games will be made up at a later date.  The city of Houston has not updated their schedule at the time of this article.

Rain, Wet Fields Cancel Opening Day

The kickball world will have to wait until December 8 to see Balls In Action take on Brews On First, as early morning rains have left the fields too wet to play on, prompting the City of Houston to cancel all games tonight and reschedule them for December 15.  Rookie catcher, David Chu, took the cancellation hard.

"That is such a Debbie downer.  I was really looking forward to this, with or without Zeus' lightning bolts.  My uniform looks good...was ready to play."

As it stands, Opening Day will now be November 10, with Balls In Action opening the season at 6:30pm against a new opponent, Where My Pitches At, followed by an 8:30pm game against Houston Taggers, both at Memorial Park's beloved Field #1.

Happy Birthday to JT!!!

From all current and former players of Balls In Action, we would like to wish JT a very happy 24th birthday!

B.I.A. Reveals New Logo and Jersey

After months of planning, Balls In Action finally revealed their new logo and jersey to the public on Thursday.  The team's new logo is a complete overhaul from the original, dropping the lightning bolt and the red and white colors, and opting for a one color design.  Also new this season will be the first time each player will have their own number on the back of their jersey.  The jersey has shifted from a 100% cotton shirt to the Champion Double Dry Jersey, which is made up of a wicking material designed to keep each member of B.I.A. moisture free during game play.  The jersey is accented by contrast stitching  The team plans to wear their new jerseys for opening day on November 3 against Brews on First.

A very special thank you goes to Mona Beediahram of AMB Designs.  Without her, these new B.I.A. jerseys would not be possible!

B.I.A. Begins Third Year With Tough Schedule

Balls In Action returns to kickball next week for the 2010 Winter season, which will also mark the team's third year anniversary.  B.I.A., however, will have no time to celebrate as its schedule will include two defending champions from last season, with the remainder of the field making its debut season.  The tension will be high when the team opens the season with a rematch of the final game of the 2010 Summer season between Brews on First (2010 Fall champions for Wednesday nights), a game where B.I.A. came out winners in a tight 3-1 game and clinching their share of a three way tie for the championship.  Also on B.I.A.'s radar will be the Houston Taggers (2010 Fall champions for Tuesday night), a team where Scott and Jacob played for last season, and showed considerable signs of improvement.  It's unclear if Shake & Bake is the same team from B.I.A.'s first season, and the rest of the schedule is all against teams that have not played before, which leaves a lot of discussion about the uncertainty of each team.

Here is the 2010 Winter schedule: