HGRA Major League 2008 - Tournament and Standings

Our indefatigable commissioner has published the HGRA Majors 2008 Tournament brackets and League Standings:

• HGRA Major League Tournament 2008
• HGRA Major League Standings 2008

The Bandits and the Buckeyes both have a 4-4 record, so I'd say we're tied for fourth place ahead of the Seals, Redhawks and Greys. We're competitive with the Bees who are 5 and 3. The Mustangs are undefeated, and the Spiders are 6 and 1.

My goal is to finish at least in the middle and retain our players, so we're doing pretty good by my standards.

The Tournament starts on Thursday 7/24. The next game is Saturday 7/26 at 8:30 am.

There other potential game times (depending on outcomes) on Saturday 7/26 are:

• 11:00 am: For 3rd place and for pre-consolation champion game
  
• 1:00 pm: Consolation champion.
• 1:30 pm: Champions.

So it can be a long day. Don't forget water and snacks and/or lunch.

Commissioner Merley also wrote:

Note that the Mustangs clinch 1st via the tie breaker (head to head) and the Spiders get 2nd...

... In the case of rain this Thursday, the tournament seedings will be based on current standings regardless of make-up games that are played, if any. Teams should not lose a seeding spot just because they couldn't get a make-up game scheduled.

... remind your kids of the following three critical fielding issues:

1. When fielding a grounder at first, run through the bag (don't stop unless absolutely necessary). [In other words, don't block 1st base!]

2. When awaiting a throw at home or any other base, do not stand in front of the base. A fielder may never "block the base" until they have the ball in their glove.

3. Runners must be allowed to round the base. Fielders awaiting a possible throw must not take a position beside or behind a base that will impede the ordinary path of the base runner.

I'll see everyone at practice tomorrow!

Bandits 3, Redhawks 0

While I was away, the Bandits got a lot better.

Really, great play from both teams.

Ezra wins the sportsmanship award as well as doing a good job getting on base. Luke and Neil combined for a great out on a steal. Win sealing base hit from Joey. Tim did a great job pitching, especially shutting down the Redhawks in the bottom of the 6th. Excellent defensive play from everybody, including great positional sense. I was especially impressed to see everyone looking alert and in the ready position.

I was happy to see good swings, any of them might have connected for big hits.

Weather tonight: 8/10/08 - DRESS WARMLY

Looks stormy as of noon, forecase is "Variable clouds with strong thunderstorms, especially early. Storms may produce large hail and strong winds.". I'll update the blog if we get a cancellation from the commissioner and will send an email notice. I know it's July, but wet and windy can be cold. I recommend a windbreaker and a long sleeved shirt option for everyone. Players will wear their jersey over a windbreaker. Update: looks good at 5pm

Coach John is back, catch up, snacks, positions, etc

Tim and I are back and catching up. I've heard some great stories about Bandit play and I was impressed with the gloves at practice today.

Coach Marty tells me players are now more settled in positions. I've added them to the Position spreadsheet. If anyone would like to play a position other than what I have listed please email me at jfaughnan@spamcop.net. I got the list quickly from Coach Marty and I'm sure it's not complete. Marty and Gregg tell me Luke, Chris and Mac have been strong in center field.

I'll work on the rotation for next game, we only have 3 games left, and one is a playoff! We are a good team and I am looking forward to our playoffs.  Remember 7/24 is a playoff game and Sat 7/26 is the Majors Tournament, so try to be around.

Ezra's family is bring a snack tomorrow.

If anyone will miss the game this Thursday please let me know so I can adjust the schedule. It's hard to do that at the last minute.

Gregg and Marty will both miss this Thursday's game. I'm hoping Peter will be able to help out again and I have a score-keeper book I need to rememer to get to him. Steve Warner promised to help out too so I think we'll be ok.

See everyone at the game!

Coach John

Bandits beat Greys 12-7

From coach Gregg: Our Bandits get a taste of victory tonight--we played some much improved defense against the 0-5 Greys....

We were 12-1 in the bottom of the 5th- Michael pitched one inning and gave up only one run. So, we were 12-2 in the bottom of the 6th- Luke P. closed that inning and gave up 5 more. But, in the end we had enough, final: 12-7. The boys were happy.

Luke MT can pitch now (he did not pitch tonight). He cannot bat, but the umpire allowed him to play defense. Neil has a sore elbow, so we gave him lighter duty and he didn't pitch tonight either.

Peter ran the bench tonight and kept score, too. Thanks Peter. And, Joe (Joey's Dad) was happy to coach third base...