The Ottawa SweatSox

The Official Sox of the NCBL; EST 1981

Welcome to the home of the Ottawa SweatSox, a Tier V team playing in Tier II of the National Capital Baseball League

September 13, 2009: Pictures Page Updated
August 12, 2009: Travis Tracker Updated
August 12, 2009: A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award Page Updated
August 12, 2009: Statistics Page Updated
August 11, 2009: Cialis Broken Wood Page Updated

SWEATSOX 30th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

The SweatSox would like to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year! We hope your New Years Eve celebrations were full of Hyjinx, and worthy of at least an honourable mention on the website someday.

With the calendar now flipped over to 2010, we can officially begin the celebration of the SweatSox 30th Anniversary Season. This promises to be one of the most memorable seasons in SweatSox history, as many former SweatSox will come out of hiding throughout the season, join the Hyjinx, share some stories of years past, and honour 30 years of SweatSox greatness....well maybe greatness isn't the best word.

To help kick-start the '30th Season' festivities, we will countdown the 'Top 30 Greatest SweatSox' of all time. What makes someone a great player? Where will you rank? Will all current SweatSox make the cut?

Check out the countdown results EXCLUSIVELY on Twitter, as I will release at least one name each day over the course of the month. Check the link below for more detailed results/comments, probably updated on a weekly basis.

2010 WEBMASTER UPDATE

Earlier today, I, Shaun Keay, received a phone call from Cory "the Authority" Bond. At first I was a little concerned that he was going to cut me, but then I remembered I'm Shaun Keay and the team would fall apart if I ever left. Turns out the GLE called to let me know that he was exercising the 2010 team option on my Webmaster Contract, which means, ladies and gentleman, that once again I will be the official man behind the keyboard for the 30th SweatSox Anniversary Season.

I guess moving the site to our own domain, revolutionizing the NCBL universe by introducing Twitter, putting videos up on the site, and gaining an international audience via DJ Mark Bond combined to earn me a second season at the helm. Actually now that I think about it, I can't believe he waited until the last day of the year to renew my contract. What a D-Bag.

BOHICA: SWEATSOXBASEBALL AGAIN NAMED TOP NCBL WEBSITE

For the third consecutive year, the SweatSox are proud to announce that their SweatSoxBaseball website (formerly OttawaSweatSox2) was named 'Top NCBL Team Website' by the International Committee of Amateur Baseball Team Website Scouters! As mentioned, this is the third victory in as many years in this category.

The SweatSox would like to thank the Committee for the votes, their fans for all the love & support, and the rest of the league for continuing to visit our page and making it the most viewed site in the NCBL.

SWEATSOX HAVE SPORTSMANSHIP...AND BASERUNNING SKILLS?!?

The NCBL Fall League officially wrapped up today with the announcement of its award winners. The SweatSox were again well represented in this event, here is a list of Sox award winners:

    - Rafael Castillo wins the Frito Lay Fanatics Best Baserunner Award
    - Cory Bond wins the Frito Lay Fanatics Most Sportsmanlike Award
    - Marc Lett wins the Chateau Lafayette Red Eyes Most Sportsmanlike Award
    - Cory Bond wins the Fall League Executive of the Year Award
    - Marc Lett wins the Fall League Most Sportsmanlike Award

Congratulations to you all for representing the SweatSox with class, and be sure to deliver the hardware to the SweatSox Hall of Fame at your earliest convenience.

FRITO LAY FANATICS WIN THE FALL LEAGUE

The SweatSox would like to congratulate the Frito Lay Fanatics for capturing the inaugural NCBL Fall League Championship earlier today, with a 5-1 victory over the Golden Seals. The Fanatics were the official Fall League team of the SweatSox, who were represented by Rafael Castillo, Armando Navarro, and of course led by the Authority Cory Bond. Several Sox made guest appearances for the FLF throughout the season, including Marc Lett, Joshua Ramage, and Travis Murdock. Well done everyone.

...But if there were, I'm sure we would have partied it up with THE Grant Fuhr, well not Ramage, cause he would have bailed.

WAR double walks of shame
WAR lathering up in Purell
WAR the 'uglier the freakier' theory (you know, with Halloween coming up)
WAR Kent, Ken, Joe, Mark, Travis, and Billy
WAR Allison & Brooklyn, and them not taking NO for an answer

and last, but certainly not least: WAR TOBY!!!

THE POSTER MAKES ITS ROUNDS

Another interesting development from the NCBL Banquet last night was during the looping slideshow, when several pictures of Tier II teams in possession of the Moosehead Acadiens banner surfaced. Nobody is quite sure about how exactly the banner escaped from the Acadiens, but it was, and here are the pics to prove it:

BREAKING NEWS: GLE & #12 TAKE HOME SOME HARDWARE

The 2009 NCBL Banquet took place earlier tonight at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre, and the SweatSox made out quite nicely, with two of their three finalists taking home the big prize.

Early in the ceremony, the GLE Cory Bond was announced as the Tier II Pitcher of the Year.

Not long after, Armando Navarro was announced by Rodney Walsh, as the Rodney Walsh Award winner for Sportsmanship & Ability.

THREE SWEATSOX NAMED AWARD FINALISTS

The finalists for the NCBL Year-End Awards were released earlier today, and three SweatSox made the cut. Congratulations to:

    - Cory Bond, who was nominated for the Gerry Wallace Memorial Award (Best Pitcher)
    - Armando Navarro, who was nominated for the Rodney Walsh Award (Sportsmanship and Ability)
    - Travis Murdock, who was nominated for the Rookie of the Year Award

Award winners will be announced at the NCBL Banquet on October 23, 2009. Good luck SweatSox.

NCBL FALL LEAGUE UPDATES

Because the SweatSox are well represented in the inaugural NCBL Fall League, currently taking place Saturday's at Faulkner, it seems only fair that we honour our fearless warriors here on the grand-daddy of all NCBL websites, SweatSoxBaseball.com.

From what I can gather, active SweatSock Josh Ramage has teamed up with Mike Evans, who nearly became a SweatSock, on the Cracker's Two Irates squad; while Marc "12:30" Lett is the lone SweatSock on the Chateau Lafayette Red Eyes.

Carrying the bulk of the SweatSox are the Frito Lay Fanatics, managed of course by our very own Authority Cory Bond. The GLE is joined by active SweatSox Armando Navarro & Rafael Castillo, current SweatSox SuperFan Chris Hart, one-time unofficial SweatSock Marcel Levac, and former SweatSock and current Duke John Mendonca (pronounced Mendossa). Sources close to the league are reporting that the Travis "The Murdock" Murdock joined in on the fun and played a game with the Fanatics this past weekend, despite still being in bed 10 minutes before gametime.

To keep track on how your favourite SweatSock of the past, present, or maybe even future is doing in the fall league, you can check out one of the following links:

Through 1 week of play, the Frito Lay Fanatics were atop the standings with a 1-0 record...

SWEATSOX AWARDS END TODAY

After nearly a month of handing out hardware, the 2009 SweatSox Awards Ceremony came to an end earlier today with the Player with the Most Awards Award. The SweatSox would like to congratulate all award winners, and send a special message to those who feel they were robbed of glory: "DO BETTER NEXT YEAR"

SWEATSOX HoF - CLASS OF 2009

The SweatSox would like to welcome the newest inductee into SHoF, Chris Chapman. The tombstone below will be hung in the SweatSox Hall of Fame until the end of time itself:

Chris Chapman (1999-2007)

Inducted September 14, 2009

Sox second and first baseman and also captain, scout, general manager, webmaster and sponsor over his storied career. Greatest offensive season was 2001 when he hit .471 but later would help guide the Sox to a Tier III Championship. Responsible for two of the smartest moves in team history: 1) Last minute sales pitch to regain the services of current Sox 3rd baseman and two-time Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy winner the Consultant from storming in another direction and 2) Helping vote down the West-End Warriors application at the 2003 NCBL meeting, and following it up by snagging all time wins leader the GLE. The GLE acquisition notably led to half the current team roster while the Consultant helped land the OMS. The Angry First Baseman was also known for only drinking a single beer after games and was instrumental in the formation of Team Scissors. Welcome to the Hall of Fame, you Lazy Bastard.

TEAM GLE-EN

The fourth annual SweatSox Golf Championship took place earlier today at Emerald Links Golf & Country Club, featuring three foursomes showcasing players from both the past and present, and I suppose future if Glenn someday suits up in legendary SweatSox gear.

Finishing in third, and taking home the bronze medal was Team Central America. The Nicaraguans (Armando Navarro and Rafael Castillo) teamed up with legends Chris Chapman & Ray Cuthbert (both of Guatemalan descent) to form a team their countries could be proud of. Team Central America made the turn at +1 and were building momentum to make a run at the title, but reports indicate Army burned out by the 11th hole which put a Tiger Woods like comeback on hold. TCA finished a respectable +2 for the tournament, finishing with the 11th best round in Tournament history.

Finishing in what I would describe as a disappointing second place was Team Bait & Switch, consisting of The Consultant Craig Cornell, Mr. Hyjinx 2009 Marc Lett, the Webmaster of the Year I, Shaun Keay, and John 'OMG' Groves. We made the turn at -5, highlighted by incredible chip-ins from Craig and Marc, and were on pace to shatter the all time SGC record set by Team Scissors back in 2007. Unfortunately that's when the beer must have kicked in because not even the combined forces of John and I could keep the team under par on the back nine, because we shot a +3 finishing with a final score of -2, 8th all time.

Which means, using deductive reasoning, your 2009 SweatSox Golf Champions is Team Gleen, which consisted of the GLE, official Team Green member Travis Murdock, the Director of Green Kent Johnston, and leader of the GreenBombers Glenn Williams. Team Gleen shot a front nine -1, and when they discovered the leaders were 4 strokes ahead decided to turn the green up a notch, clutch up, and sink some shots....which really meant Kent upped his game to another level. Team Gleen credits their back nine comeback to Travis Murdock, whose preshot warm-ups enabled the rest of the guys to rest between shots. Team Gleen finished with a bogey-free round of -4, winning by two strokes over Team Bait & Switch.

The Après Golf Hyjinx, or perhaps even the Final Hyjinx of 2009, took place at the Royal Oak and featured a sweet bait & switch, Adrian Peterson, caesar salad, and an official approval of a counterfeit JimboTron. The SweatSox year-end festivities was a big success, so a big shoutout goes to KJ for organizing it all. Four active SweatSox weren't able to make it out to golf: 1) Joe Majic who was in MTL celebrating his birthday; 2) Mike Hindmarsh, who wouldn't be Mike had he showed, 3) Bus Cop was in a land far, far, away; and 3) Josh Ramage - who had no excuse...boooooooo

	Year	Team	Golfers	Course	Score
1	2007	Scissors	Adrian, Chris, Rob, Lee, Ray	The Canadian	-7
2	2007	Green	Kent, Andrew, Joey, Sean	The Canadian	-5
3	2009	Gleen	Kent, Cory, Travis, Glenn	Emerald Links	-4
4	2007	MVP	Shaun, Marc, Craig, Cory	The Canadian	-3
5	2006	Green	Kent, Andrew, Joey, Sean	Manderley	-3
6	2008	Light Green	Kent, Joey, Sammy	Meadows	-3
7	2006	Scissors	Brian, Chris, Rob, Ray	Manderley	-1
8	2009	Bait & Switch	Craig, Marc, Shaun, John	Emerald Links	-2
9	2007	FoK	Jon, Tony, Ryan, Kirk	The Canadian	E
10	2008	Sharmandory	Cory, Shaun, Armando	Meadows	+1
11	2009	Central America	Armando, Rafael, Chris, Ray	Emerald Links	+2
12	2008	Groves	OMS, Craig, John	Meadows	+2
13	2006	MVP	OMS, Cory, Marc, Craig	Manderley	+3
14	2006	All-Stars	Shaun, Jon, Armando, Stefan	Manderley	+5

CHECK OUT THE PICTURES SECTION OF THE WEBSITE FOR THE FULL-SIZE VERSIONS OF THE PHOTOS ABOVE

CORNELL RECEIVES THE HEAD FOR 2ND TIME

For the second time in his career, Craig Cornell is the winner of the Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy, meaning his is the SweatSox Most Valuable Player. With his victory this year, he becomes the first player since Marc Lett in 2004 to win the award without pitching a single inning; which means his combined effort on both offense and defense was extra special this year.

Craig led the SweatSox in 8 offensive categories and was second in two more – he batted .386 with a .509 slugging percentage and a .527 on base percentage & also led the team in plate appearances, hits, doubles, triples, and walks. Hitting out of the leadoff or number two spot in the order, the Consultant still managed to record 12 RBI and 14 runs scored. On defense, Craig made the move from 2B to 3B and set multiple franchise records from the hot corner including 30 assists, 19 putouts, and a .860 fielding percentage. When needed (which was often), the man with the greatest hair in the league was both willing and able to play different positions including 2B, SS, C, OF, and DH.

MR. HYJINX 1900's

After hearing that her man won one of the most sacred prizes that can be awarded to a member of the SweatSox, Mrs. Marc passed along a few pictures from the reigning Mr. Hyjinx' old yearbooks. They're not as good as the one Mrs. Army secretly forwarded to the team a few years back, but enjoy:

OUTLAWS COMPLETE COMEBACK AFTER TRIBU COLLAPSE

The improbable Tier II championship matchup came to an unlikely end last night as the Outlaws defeated the Tribu 7-3, taking the series 3-2. The turning point in the series came in game four, when the Tribu, up two games to one, failed to close the Outlaws out while up two runs heading into the bottom of the seventh. The Outlaws capitalized on the Tribu's inconsistent pitching, unexplainable errors, and a few mental mistakes to steal game four, and then carried that momentum into Quebec winning the fifth and deciding game.

The SweatSox would like to congratulate the Outlaws for winning the 2009 Championship, and I'm sure the Outlaws would like to thank the Sox for giving them the confidence from their first round matchup to go all the way. See you guys next year in the Dome, where hopefully we'll get that beer we were promised.

OUTLAWS vs TRIBU?? UMMM...WHAT?

The SweatSox would like to congratulate both the Outlaws and the Tribu for reaching the Tier II Championship Final. Having beaten the SweatSox and upset the Mudd, the Outlaws will take on the Outaouais Tribu, who started the playoff upset trend with a two game sweep of the Athletics, who in a Post-Season Preview were favoured to win the series 2-1.

The best of five championship final begins on Monday, August 31 at 8:00PM in Aydelu.

SWEATSOX AWARDS

From now until the day of the SweatSox Team Party, the year-end awards will be unveiled one by one, or perhaps occasionally two per day!

The awards will be released first via Twitter, and then updated on the main site whenever I, Shaun Keay, get a chance. Click here to see the list of 2009 SweatSox Award Winners after they are released.

Good luck to everyone, and be sure to check out http://twitter.com/SweatSox for all the latest SweatSox updates.

SWEPT, SHOTS, AND SALAD

Needing a win to extend their quarterfinal series against the Outlaws, the SweatSox showed up ready-to-go, that is once the full squad actually arrived minutes before opening pitch. The Sox knew they were in for a long night when four hits and two errors led to four Outlaw runs in the top of the first. It wasn’t until a Travis Murdock RBI single in the third that the SweatSox got on the board, but any momentum gained was hampered in the top of the fifth when the Outlaws scored two more, and led 6-1 through five and a half.

With the top of the order due up in the bottom of the fifth, the SweatSox absolutely had to get something going otherwise they could kiss their season goodbye. The Sox started things off with two walks and three hits which led to three runs, but an infield fly, groundout, and questionable strike three call on me, Shaun Keay, ended the rally. Down two runs in the bottom of the seventh, the Bus Cop Mark Bond started things off with a double and eventually scored, but that was as close as the SweatSox got: Outlaws 6, SweatSox 5; Outlaws win the series 2-0.

The final Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by yours truly, me. It was a somber mood for a while, as we all reflected on not only what could have been, but the overall season in general. Already plans were set in motion to sign a big bat to get the Sox over the proverbial hump.

Next up on the agenda was to try and plan out the offseason Hyjinx; the Director has taken it upon himself to plan out the next three activities: an exhibition game against some softballers, SweatSox Poker/Team Party, and the annual SweatSox Golf Championship. More details to come in the near future.

After watching a bit of the Tribu-Athletics semi-final matchup (that I predict will be a Tribu sweep), the team headed down the street for some Après-Hyjinx Hyjinx. After watching the Yankees clean up, some dude named Ass Shaven kick a ball back and forth, and signing the Consultant & CSI: Dexter to brand new 10 year contracts, the team called it a season after exchanged handshakes, hugs, and double fist punches, before heading home.

KEAY BEATS ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS

Last night in game one of the best of three quarterfinal series against the Outlaws, the SweatSox not only lost the game 5-4, but lost the arms of the brothers Bond to injuries suffered while on the mound.

The game started off well for the Sox, who got through the first inning without giving up a run, and even recorded a double play on defense; things got even better in the top of the second when the SweatSox opened up the scoring, plating two runs on what should have been the final play, and third out of the inning. Unfortunately, things got off track in the bottom of the 2nd when three hits, two walks, a sacrifice bunt, and an error led to 5 Outlaw runs, and a 3-run Sox deficit.

FONDUE IS FOR...

The score remained 5-2 until the 6th inning when the Sox fought back with 2 more runs, but the writing was on the wall when two more runners were stranded on base; then after being retired in order in the 7th, the SweatSox found themselves down 1-0 in the series.

TEAM COOLANT

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by CSI: Dexter, who declared the first ever Code: Baby Orange hours before the game. After some debate amongst the veterans about whether or not the colour coding was accurate, the Authority himself stepped up to avert this Code, by bringing a cooler to hold the ice & beer Marc brought.

OH NO HE DIDN’T

The Hyjinx quickly took a turn for the worse when Kent Johnston, fresh off a 1/1 with 3 walks (and a CS) performance committed the ultimate sin, the veteran beer spill. Credit the Director for being man enough to pose for a post-spill picture.

SUSPICION

If the beer spill was bad, then this was worse. In what may go down as one of the most questionable, objectionable, distasteful, and offensive acts in Hyjinx history, the Bus Cop and the man formerly known as G’Zaun proceeded to spend most of the night half naked. To avoid a possible 5 game suspension, we’ll leave it at that.

FOOD WAS ORDERED

In an effort to get their bats going for tomorrow’s game, the remaining Hyjinx’ers proceeded to throw an impromptu batting practice. Since it was dark and we couldn’t have people hitting actual baseballs in the dark, the solution was simple: the Wiffle Ball Championship! After crunching the numbers, determining who hit the most wiffles into the would-be field of play, who missed the fewest, and who didn’t hit their bat against the brick wall, I hate to say it, but it was our very own HRK Cory Bond who takes the title. The GLE can now add WBC to his already impressive résumé.

THE FOOD ARRIVED

Moments after batting practice ended, The Murdock received a phone call from the pizza delivery guy who couldn’t seem to figure out that the only people sitting in the parking lot were the ones that were waiting for the food. Once things were sorted out, the Sox sat down for a nice family dinner.

5 MINUTES LATER

The food was done.

TEAM BOOSTER CABLES

With no more food, beer, or need to practice, the Sox called it a night and retreated to their vehicles. Naturally, the Sox had to overcome an obstacle just doing that, as we soon found out Army’s car would not start; reports are indicating that it was the extended use of the radio to blast HOT89.9 throughout the circle that was the cause. In what turned into a race of who could find the cables first, I’m proud to say that I, Shaun Keay, took down the WBC, who finished only seconds behind. This is not the first time I’ve come to the rescue, years ago in the same parking lot, these same cables were used to help the Treasure Hunter boost his car when it wouldn’t start.

Next up for the SweatSox is a do or die matchup against the Outlaws tomorrow night. Travis Murdock will take the hill looking to extend the Sox season; Murdock recorded a no-decision in his only start against the Outlaws earlier this season.

Unbiased Projection: Sox lose a close one.

Stats for the game last night could be found in the Statistics page if we kept playoff stats.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

GIVE THEM THE DESTINY SPEECH

The twenty-fourth and final game of the SweatSox 2009 regular season took place last night at the Sportsplex against Les Acadiens Moosehead, who not only were missing a ninth player come first pitch, but they didn’t even have their traditional Moosehead poster hanging off their dugout. Weird.

IT’S JUST FOR KIDS

Joshua Ramage took the hill for only his second start of the year, and got some run support early. In the top of the first with runners on first and second, Cory Bond dropped his team leading third sacrifice bunt of the season but it was misplayed & overthrown by the Acadien pitcher and Craig Cornell was able to score from second in the process. A few pitches later Kent Johnston scored from third after a throw from the Acadien catcher attempting to catch the HRK stealing second went astray.

BABE RUTH

The Acadiens got one of those runs back in the bottom of the inning, then added three more in the third to take the lead. The Sox responded with a run in the fourth thanks to a Travis Murdock RBI, but in the bottom of the 4th the Acadiens capitalized on four Sox errors for 5 runs, and a 9-3 lead.

I’M JUST SAYING IT’S A LOT OF MEAT

Things were looking pretty grim for the SweatSox until a single from Craig in the 5th scored two runs, brining the deficit down to ‘only’ four runs. The Authority figured this would be a great time for a pitching change and sent The Murdock to the hill. Travis got out of the inning facing only four batters, which included a strikeout, a walk, and remarkably no errors.

PRE-OP BUN STEAL

Needing at least four runs in the 6th and final inning to keep the game going, the SweatSox did what they always do in this situation: roll over and die. Wait, that’s not what they did? The SweatSox actually put a rally together, capitalized on opponent errors, had quality at bats, and clutch hitting from both a player having a career night, and a player who was praying to the baseball gods earlier in the night to be put in this exact situation. After scoring two runs to bring the Acadien lead down to two, The Consultant recorded his fifth hit in five at bats, scoring Rafael Castillo in the process. With the bases loaded and down only 1 run, Armando Navarro stepped up to the plate and knocked a base hit into CF scoring John Groves and Mark Bond, which would end up being the game tying and winning runs!! Great job Number Twelve. Looking to protect Travis’ dirty win, the Authority sent OMG to the hill, who worked around two infield errors for his second save of the season. SweatSox 10, Acadiens 9.

NOT SO SECRET CLEARANCE

Taking home his 8th career 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award was of course Craig Cornell, who walked away with the SweatSox all-time single game record of 5 hits in 5 at-bats; Cornell also had 3RBI and 2 runs scored. With the five hits, Seductive Eyes raised his batting average to .386, winning the 2009 SweatSox batting title. Honourable mentions from the game go out to Mark Bond, who caught the entire game behind the game, learning a thing or two from the quarterback/umpire along the way; and to Rafael Castillo, who got to live out a lifelong dream of playing in the OF, and for good measure recorded a putout and an assist from LF.

IT’S ALL THE GRIT I’M CHEWING

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by the Bus Cop, whose case of Dos Equis XX made its SweatSox debut in the circle. After the team ran out of propane last night, OMG rebrought the dogs & buns that went unheated and we had ourselves a BBQ. Things got even better when the Director Kent Johnston busted out some ‘Secret Meat & Bread’ and all of a sudden we had a rare double meat night. The Murdock took control of the Hyjinx early when he shared a story about his most recent death-defying experience, this time it was running at Army-like speed to get away from a gasoline bonfire attack. The story itself was highlighted by a self-inflicted head (or hand) bump on the open gate of his van.

I LOVE THIS TEAM; SO MUCH BETTER THAN OTHER TEAMS

Next up for the SweatSox is the 2009 NCBL Tier II playoffs, more specifically a best of three quarterfinal series against the Outlaws rumoured to begin Sunday night. It is still unknown who will have “home field advantage” for this series; our baseball experts have studied the schedule and are reporting that if the Outlaws win their regular season finale on Thursday, they will finish 4th and host the Sox in Game 1.

Stay tuned for official confirmation of the Round 1 schedule.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

JUICE BOX

In their final home game of the regular season, the SweatSox took on the Mudd last night at the Sportsplex. For the fourth time this year, and for the second time by a 1-0 score, the Sox walked away losers at the hands of the ‘Metcalfe’ squad.

PREGAME HAMBURGER

Cory Bond picked up his fourth loss of the year, but took some solace in the fact that once again the run given up was unearned. The GLE pitched 4 innings of 5 hit ball, giving up 0 earned runs or walks, while striking out 7. Josh Ramage and the Bus Cop combined for 3 innings of relief giving up 1 hit, 1 walk, with 3 strikeouts.

I CAN TASTE THE TEAM BUG-SPRAY

Offensively, Kent Johnston led the charge going 2/3 with a walk. Rafael Castillo, John Groves, Marc Lett, Joseph Majic, and Ramage all contributed with a hit each. Honourable mention to Army Navarro who laid down a nice sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the seventh to get the tying run in scoring position.

3 NEW FACEBOOK PROFILES

The Après Baseball Hyjinx will probably go down as one of the weaker ones in recent memory. It would have easily been the worst ever had it not been for Joseph Majic, who made the mid-game call to Mrs. Joe to avert yet another SweatSox CODE: ORANGE. We are proud to announce that she did come through, so here is your shoutout: SHOUTOUT!!!

FRANK GORE

Next up for the SweatSox is their final game of the 2009 regular season tonight at the SPORTSPLEX against the Acadiens. Will tonight be Bizarro Night?? Sadly, it doesn’t appear likely.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

SWEATSOX CLINCH

Needing a victory against the Raiders last night to secure a spot in the NCBL’s 2009 Tier II playoffs, the SweatSox defied the laws of probability and secured a rare second win in a row, winning by a score of 6-3, not 5-3.

Travis Murdock took home, well it was already at his home, the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award after pitching 4.66 innings of 5 hit ball, giving up 3 earned runs, 6 walks, with 4 strikeouts and the win. The “Murdoc” also went 2/3 at the plate with an RBI and run scored.

Honourable mentions go out to Mark Bond, Rafael Castillo, Craig Cornell (2RBI), Joshua Ramage (RBI), and Cory Bond (RBI), who each had a hit in the SweatSox victory. The GLE also gets credit for his first save of the year, pitching a Mariano Rivera-like 4 out save.

Nothing eventful occurred during the Après Baseball Hyjinx, hosted by B’Josh; the Sox just enjoyed a nice relaxing Tier I matchup between the Cardinals and Braves. Again, nothing interesting happened there.

Next up for the SweatSox is a battle Monday night against the Tier leading Mudd, who have owned the Sox in recent memory. Who could forget the 1-0 streak ending loss the Sox suffered at the hands of the Mudd earlier this year, lets hope nothing like that happens again next week. The GLE is slated for his final start of the regular season.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

SWEATSOX...WIN???? WTF!!

After nearly 3 weeks off, the SweatSox last night finally took the field to face off against the Athletics, who held a 2-1 season series advantage heading in. Right off the bat, the Sox were surprised to see the McCarthy diamond was in prime playing condition, contrary to pregame rumours from Twitter user @jbeelen32.

SIGNED LYNX BALLS

The game did not get off to the greatest of starts for the Sox, which of course meant it was business as usual in SweatSox nation. Through 2 innings the Athletics held a 3-0 lead; but in the 3rd singles from Armando Navarro, Rafael Castillo, and Kent Johnston led to two Sox runs, who now trailed by only one. The Athletics added a run in the bottom of the third, and the two run lead stuck for two innings, when the Sox EXPLODED for five runs on 1 hit and 5 walks off the reigning Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy Winner David Fenn. There was no scoring in the 6th or 7th and the SweatSox post a rare victory. SweatSox 7, Athletics 4.

POSING WITH THE SIGN

Winning his 6th career 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award was John ‘OMG’ Groves, who pitched 6 innings, limiting the high powered Athletics offense to only 9 hits, 4 runs, giving up only 1 walk with 5 strikeouts and the win. The Bus Cop also pitched for the first time against the Athletics since the unfortunate “Wild Thing” episode, picking up his first career save after giving up “only” 2 walks with 2 strikeouts in the 7th inning.

SECRET BEER

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was in danger of a CODE: ORANGE thanks to Travis Murdock’s ex-employer who has refused to pay him what he is owed. Fortunately, the Sox are among the best in the league at stepping up and averting these kinds of codes; BIG SHOUTOUT to #12, Army Navarro, for saving the day!

ARMY WOULD HAVE WON THE POST-GAME RACE

We would also like to give shoutout to outfielder/shortstop Rafael Castillo, who once again despite not hanging around for the Hyjinx, provided the team with a bag full of meat & bread. His dog to bun ratio was off slightly, instead of the usual 24 dogs, 24 buns - Castillo brought 48 dogs and 72 buns. Still, it was another legendary showing from Raf. Thanks bud.

RESEALABLE CHIPS

Highlights from the Hyjinx included a rare veteran beer spill, this time out of the bottle of the Consultant Craig Cornell. Looking to piggyback off this spill, Bus Cop provided a less exciting ketchup dribble. Army continued his strong showing by splitting a hot dog with an actual dog, kind of like in the Lady & the Tramp with the spaghetti. If Army keeps this up, he may qualify to be a finalist for the title of Mr. Hyjinx 2009.

McCARTHY GUNSHOTS OR GERMAN FIREWORKS

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Raiders tomorrow night back at McCarthy. The Murdock will take the hill in a game where if the Sox win, they officially clinch a playoff spot. Prediction: Sox win.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

UPDATED SCHEDULE

The league has released an updated version of the rainout schedule. The information on the remaining games can be seen at the top of this page, or by clicking on the Schedule link.

SON OF A B!TCH

The fourth and final matchup of the 2009 regular season between the Sox and Raiders will have to wait as earlier tonight McCarthy was found to be unplayable, thanks of course to Mother Effing Nature. This is the third game in less than a week that a SweatSox game has been postponed, which also means that the Sox will have at least 18 full days off between games. The good news is the SweatSox were playing like garbage before the rain came so it's not like things could get any worse after this long layoff.

I'm feeling a little more down than usual, so I think I'll need a little something extra to cheer me up:

THE CONSULTANTS MASTER PLAN

The SweatSox inbox has been flooded over the past 24 hours with reports that it was actually a cottaging Craig Cornell who was the mastermind behind the closing of the Ottawa area baseball diamonds until Monday morning; so that he wouldn't have to rush back to the city to make the starting lineup.

I'm here to tell you that these reports are 100% true - all baseball in the City of Ottawa was cancelled this weekend thanks to Seductive Eyes. Send your hate mail to theconsultant@sweatsoxbaseball.com.

You all know the drill, here is a little something to turn that frown upside down:

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Raiders Wednesday night at McCarthy. Oh, and let's not forget about our boy Travis Murdock, who would have went 2/3 on Friday and 4/4 today had the games not been cancelled - check out the latest version of the Travis Tracker.

THE AUTHORITY DOESN'T CANCEL GAMES

Despite the inclement weather throughout the day in the nation's capital, it took a call from the Commissioner's Office and a press release from the City of Ottawa to officially cancel today's game between the SweatSox and the Mudd.

No word yet on when this game will be made up. As per usual, here's a little something to cheer you up after another depressing rainout:

STOP AT ALADDINS, GET A CHEESE PIE

Last night, the SweatSox took on the Acadiens, and lost 8-5.

For the 21st time in his career, Cory Bond takes home the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award after a 3-hit performance, and for providing a brilliant explanation (helped of course by the Murdock) on why his only out should have been a HR. The GLE also gets a shoutout for averting the Code Orange after another MIA performance from MIA Mike Hindmarsh.

The remaining quarterfinal matchups, and the semi-final matchups of the 'Radio Vision Buzz Light-Years Contest 2009' highlighted the Hyjinx last night, click the thumbnail below to see the updated bracket:

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup against the Mudd next Friday at the Sportsplex. The weather forecast looks amazing, with a 0% chance of precipitation.

UPDATED SCHEDULE

The NCBL released the makeup schedule yesterday afternoon. The SweatSox, having had 3 games rained out so far this season, have had all of their games rescheduled. The information on the remaining games can be seen at the top of this page, or by clicking on the Schedule link.

SO WHAT DID O.J. DO?

The much anticipated matchup between the SweatSox and the Athletics, featuring recently signed all-star free agent David Fenn took place last night deep in McCarthy Park, where only the strong survive, and Ice Cube CD’s are left at home. As expected, Fenn made his first start of the year against his former squad, countered by Travis Murdock who was looking to extend his perfect 1-0 pitching record so far this season.

REALLY? COM'ON

The SweatSox took the lead in the bottom of the first when Armando Navarro reached base even though he struck out. He stole second, then while stealing third one pitch later the ball thrown from the catcher sailed to left field, scoring Number Twelve for the first run of the game.

HEY BABY

The Athletics took the lead in the third inning when with two outs and nobody on, they rallied with three hits and two walks to score two runs. The score would remain 2-1 until the 6th inning when the Athletics broke it open after an unfortunate McCarthy bounce to lead off the inning led the way for four more runs, and a 6-1 Sox deficit. To make matters worse, the SweatSox hadn’t even recorded a hit; that is until Kent Johnston stepped to the plate and gently knocked an infield single to break-up the no-no. The Director even had time while running to first to yell at Army (who was at third) to run home – I guess the ACF really wanted that RBI.

RAMMED THAT CHICK

For good measure, the Athletics added their final two runs in the 7th for an 8-2 lead heading into the final half frame of the game. Not wanting KJ’s infield hit to be the only hit of the game, the HRK Cory Bond started things off with a leadoff double; Bond advanced to third on a Ramage bloop single, and later scored on a wild pitch from D.Fenn. In his final at bat, Joe Majic broke his “10 game” no hit streak with a hard hit single to the OF. Although they had a few runners in the 7th, the SweatSox were no match for their 2008 MVP, and lost the game by a final score of 8-3.

HE BETTER CALM DOWN OR HE WON’T GET THE CALLS

Although he deserved better, Travis picks up SweatSox career loss number one after pitching five and two thirds and giving up six hits, six runs, four walks, two earned runs, with seven strikeouts. The highlight of the game was a nice diving catch from leftfielder Army Navarro, who combined with his two runs scored, three stolen bases, and one walk, earns his second 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award of the season. Honourable mention to Josh Ramage, who was only a couple meters away from being safe on an attempt at stealing home.

WORST BBQ EVER

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by Joe Majic, who not only brought the team beverages, meat & buns, but also arrived on-time to the game while driving two other SweatSox - why didn’t Joe win game MVP honours? Unfortunately due to some poor carpooling from the east side of Bank street, the Sox were without an actual BBQ for the post game BBQ. That didn’t stop Joe from cooking his meat though, through some hard work, dedication, and concentration, Joe was able to “cook” multiple hot dogs using only a BIC lighter. Yummy!

MUSTARD AND RELISH BETWEEN MY LEGS

With the Radio Vision Buzz Light-Years Contest Chug-Off 2009 debut Monday night still fresh in everyone’s head, another quarter-final matchup took place last night, this time between Cory Bond, Rafael Castillo, and Army Navarro. Unfortunately Castillo didn’t make it to the game, and Army left right after the game, so Cory was declared winner by default – Bond now joins me, Shaun Keay, in the semi-finals. The rest of the quarter-final matchups AND the semi-final matchups will take place this Friday night at McCarthy, with the Championship Round taking place at a later date to be determined.

To see the updated bracket, click the thumbnail below:

Finally, the SweatSox would like to give a shoutout to Prince Fielder, brother of Cecil Fielder, for winning the 2009 MLB Home Run Derby.

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Acadiens Friday night at McCarthy...Mark Dorrington is NOT scheduled to be there...he really isn't.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

I FMC, BACK IN 15

The third meeting of the season between former Tier IV rivals, the SweatSox and the Raiders, took place last night at the Sportsplex with the season series tied 1-1. Looking to avenge a loss to the Raiders in their last matchup, Cory Bond took the hill for his team high seventh start of the year.

KLEATS

Just like last game against the Tribu, the visiting team plated the first two batters of the game, unfortunately the SweatSox were the home team so through half an inning the Raiders were up 2-0. The Sox got one of the runs back in the second inning when with two outs, Marc Lett recorded an infield hit, stole a base*, then was knocked in on an RBI double from the HRK. The SweatSox tied it up at two in the third inning when Army Navarro led off with a single, stole second, and was knocked in on a Kent Johnston RBI single.

GENERIC INFIELD SCOLDINGS

The Raiders took the lead for good with a run in the 4th during a classic Tier V SweatSox 3-error inning. Looking on the bright side of things, at least the 3 errors in the 4th didn’t even account for half of the 7 SweatSox errors committed last night. It’s good to see that every once in a while the Sox pay tribute to their roots with a performance like that. To seal the deal, the Raiders added runs in the 6th and 7th en route to the 5-2 victory.

WHILE THEY WERE WAITING FOR THE RULES

The defensive highlight of the night, yes, believe it or not there was actually a defensive play made, was a sliding scooping catch in right field from John Grove to end the 3rd inning, keeping a run off the board in the process. Not since the GLE made the diving catch in the playoffs against the Gryphons has there been such a clutch play in right. Feeding off this momentum, I predict Army will record a similar catch tonight at McCarthy, this time though in left field.

LETT SLAYS TWO

Splitting the hardware, that of course being the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award was long-time Sox battery Cory Bond and Marc Lett. Although the GLE picked up the loss, he pitched 4 quality innings giving up 4 hits, a walk, one earned run and 3 strikeouts. The HRK also picked up the first RBI of the game with his double in the second. Lett had a nice 2 hit game, with a run scored and a stolen base, and defensively recorded 2 assists including another would be base stealer thrown out at third. Congrats guys.

PROCESSED HUMAN > GROUNDED UP HUMAN

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by Rafael Castillo, who stuck with the success of his first hosted Hyjinx and rebrought a case of Coronas (sans lemons). Even though he had to leave right after the game, big props to Castillo for following through with his beer duties.

A REGULAR AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WILL DIE IN 2012

The Hyjinx centered around a sad story told by Mr. Joe Majic, who informed the team that the once famous Angry Dragon has long delivered its last drink. The cause of death was described as a mix negligence, abandonment, and mould infestation. Upon hearing this most saddening of news, Army Navarro has volunteered to construct a team funnel, which he will unveil at some point this season; probably the same time Travis pays Kent his winnings from the IOU invitational...no wait he just did...scratch that off the Corona cardboard. To honour the passing of the Angry Dragon, Kent and Travis faced off for the first ever SweatSox dog/chug-off. There is video of this momentous occasion, which prematurely ended with Baby Blue spilling his beer:

MURDOCK DEFECTING TO RAIDERS?

Not seen in the video (but you can hear it) was I, Shaun Keay, sneaking in with my own chug for the dirty victory. Travis blames his spill on not properly executing the correct rotational spin of the beer bottle mid-chug.

WHAT’S Y2K?

After a random draw, the rest of the Beer Chug Bracket was formed, good luck folks:

I’LL QUIT WITH YOU – NO, I DON’T WANT TO REMEMBER ANYTHING ABOUT THIS

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Athletics tonight at McCarthy. The rumoured pitching matchup is Travis Murdock for the Sox and David Fenn for the Athletics. Although Travis will pitch well, I predict a Sox loss at the hands of their 2008 MVP.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

THE ARTIFACT

SweatSox vs Tribu, round four took place last night at Aydelu with the Sox heading in with a 2-1 advantage in the season series. Leading off for the visiting SweatSox was Craig Cornell, who arrived only moments before gametime claiming he got lost en route to the diamond we played at only a couple weeks ago. Sources are reporting that the Consultant took an unadvised right turn at a detour that he never should have gotten to. Nevertheless, Seductive Eyes led off with a walk, which was followed by a Rafael Castillo single. With two on and nobody out, I, Shaun Keay was able to knock Craig in on an RBI single, and Travis Murdock was able to knock in Raf after an error by the Tribu third baseman. 2-0 SweatSox after half an inning.

YOU GUYS ARE MY FAMILY

Pitching for the SweatSox was John Groves, who was also making his first appearance of the season against the Tribu. The first inning was highlighted by 3 Tribu hits, but some reckless base running prevented them from capitalizing and putting a run or two on the board. First inning shoutouts to Kent Johnston in CF with another outfield assist and to Joe Majic for recording all 3 putouts, the first time that has happened since these kinds of stats have been recorded.

FIELD HOCKEY...SHOOT RIGHT...STUPID SPORT

The score remained 2-0 until the 5th inning, when OMG ran into a bit of trouble and was pulled in favour of reliever Joshua Ramage. B’Josh got out of the inning only allowing 1 inherited runner to score off a sacrifice fly. The inning also featured a 2-4-5-6 pickoff thanks to a heads up play from the Murdock.

HULKING UP

Up 2-1 heading into the final inning, the SweatSox added some insurance when I, Shaun Keay, recorded my second RBI of the game, this time though off a HBP to the back. Earlier in the inning though Army Navarro, running home from third, ran into the catcher and was immediately ejected because you are not allowed to do that in the NCBL. Fortunately, after pleas from Sox management that in fact it was allowed, the coaching staff from the Tribu stepped in on behalf of our number nine batter, and Navarro was subsequently unejected. Thanks guys.

I’D CALL THEM REFS

In the bottom of the 7th, the Tribu started the inning off by reaching base on back to back errors, but a double play turned by Craig and Raf turned the momentum back to the SweatSox. After pitching around the Tribu cleanup hitter, Ramage got the 3rd out on a routine fly ball to center, and the Sox win the game 3-2, and the season series 3-1.

OFF THE SANDAL AND IN

Winning one half of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award was OMG, who picked up the win after pitching 4 strong innings, giving up 4 hits, 2 walks, an earned run and a strikeout. The other half of the A&W goes to Rafael, who went 2/3 at the plate with a run scored. Honourable mentions go out to Craig, who went 1/1 with 3 walks, and to I, Shaun Keay, with my aforementioned 2RBI.

THANKS FOR NOTHING LETT

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by Groves, while Cory Bond was set to host the BBQ. Craig brought the BBQ to the game after having Marc drop it off at his place, but as it turns out Cornell claimed Lett forgot to drop off the propane…E2. Reports have been confirmed that the Après Baseball Hyjinx wasn’t even the first set of Hyjinx to happen at Aydelu, sources say a small group of Sox were spotted in the parking lot BEFORE the game with an open case of beer from the Beer King. Those same SweatSox finished the game a combined 0/9.

PEANUTS BUT NO BEER, THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE

The Hyjinx continued with a brief visit from Quebec’s finest, who luckily for Army, left before they could see him spill my beer. Number Twelve tried to say that I, Shaun Keay, was at fault for him spilling the beer but he was quickly corrected, and another spill was added to his tracker.

I’M 4/50, NO WAIT 5/50, WRITE THAT SH!T DOWN

The Hyjinx concluded with a near person spill (OMG) thanks to what is believed to be the first ever chair break during a Hyjinx. Groves then explained how he read in the paper about a similar incident that happened on the island of Katakkatak. When the word ‘newspaper’ was uttered, the Director stepped in and asked if anyone had seen the new City of Ottawa sign located in the Constance Bay area, which he learned about in the Citizen earlier in the day:

TRAVIS vs CHRISSY, PART II

The second half of the double header featured Mr. Double Play Travis Murdock hitting for the cycle, topped off by a reported Grand Slam. That is all we can discuss.

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Raiders Monday at the Sportsplex. With the season series tied 1-1, the Sox will send the GLE to the mound, who has been owned by the Raiders so far this season. I predict a poor defensive effort from the Sox on Monday, which will in turn cost the Sox any chance at winning the game.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

THE FLY BALL TO JOSH THAT KENT CAUGHT

Last night, the SweatSox took on the Outlaws in their fourth and final regular season matchup of the 2009 season. With the season series tied at 1-1-1, this game could have playoff tiebreaking implications so there really was only one person the Sox could send to the mound to get the job done: Mark Dorrington. Unfortunately, the OMS was not available so they had to settle for lefthander Cory Bond.

WHY IS IT 15-30-40

It wasn’t looking good for The Authority early on, as his pregame warm-up was delayed when he had to hand-write a lineup after receiving a cryptic communiqué from Armando Navarro, who sent the text message “Wdpd”. It took a few minutes, but after realizing Army was referring to the Wisconsin Dells Police Department, who are notorious for being late, we knew Army wouldn’t be making it by game time.

THE 3-0 FAKE BUNT

After throwing 3 warm-up pitches, ‘Stu’ promptly called game-on, and we were underway. Cory walked the first batter on 4 pitches, but got the next batter to ground into a 6-4-3 double play, then got out of the inning on a routine ball to Rafael Castillo.

“NEXT TIME HIT HIM”

In the second, once again the Outlaws got the leadoff batter on base, but like the first inning the SweatSox turned another 6-4-3 double play to end the threat. There were no double plays in the 3rd inning, and Josh Ramage was quick to point out that Cory still hadn’t recorded a strikeout yet. In the 4th Bond struck out the side in order.

TOMORROW’S LUNCH

The SweatSox opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th after a Craig Cornell leadoff double was followed by a sacrifice bunt from the HRK, and two batters later Seductive Eyes crossed the plate when the Bus Cop reached on error. In the top of the 5th Cory got out of the inning with the help of the third SweatSox double play of the game, this time thanks to Craig at 3rd who caught a liner then promptly threw out the runner returning to 1st.

0-2 HIT & RUN

The SweatSox added a second run in the bottom of the 5th after Travis Murdock settled for a double (but should have hit a HR if not for a gust of wind, see Travis Tracker) then scored on a Cornell RBI single. With one out in the top of the 6th and after hitting an Outlaw with a pitch, Cory requested a session with the Consultant, who advised him his day was done. The GLE turned the ball over to Josh Ramage who quickly got the second out, and Travis ended the inning when he threw out a runner trying to steal second.

THROW IT AROUND

Looking for a “legitimate” save, Josh took the mound in the 7th and with the help of a SweatSox franchise record 4th double play of the game, recorded career save number two, while the GLE picked up career win number thirty-eight.

FRANCHISE RECORDS

Offensively, the SweatSox walked only once and didn’t strike out at all. The 1 walk, a HBP to the Bus Cop, was the fewest since being asterisked by the * two years ago, and the 0 strikeouts appears to be a modern day franchise record. The third franchise record set last night was the actual length of the game; previously the record was the SweatSox vs Old Sox game, better known as the original OMS game that lasted 1 hour and 22 minutes; last night’s game finished in 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 46 seconds - 2 minutes and 14 second quicker.

WE HAVE A PUBLIC URINATION

Individual honourable mentions go out to Travis, who we hope broke out of his slump after his 5th inning double from the SlumpBusting spot in the order en route to scoring the game winning run; and to John Groves who was a part of 3 of the 4 double plays, recording 3 assists and 4 putouts along the way. The 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award was a three way split between the GLE, who pitched 5.33 innings of 0 run, 2 hit ball; The Consultant who went 2/3 with a double, game winning RBI, and a run scored; and to I, Shaun Keay, for recording 11 putouts at 1st including several nice stretches and scoops, which I of course credit to studying Cory while he plays there.

I DID NOT LOSE MY HELMET AND GLOVE

According to the SweatSox schedule, the Après Baseball Hyjinx was scheduled to be hosted by Mike Hindmarsh. This prompted several SweatSox to ask the question: “Who is Mike Hindmarsh?” With MIA Mike on the beer, it was a given that the SweatSox were victims of yet another Code: Orange. Knowing we were going to have A&W winning performances and needing to celebrate, Craig and I stepped up to avert this most horrific of emergency codes, and the end result was a double beer Hyjinx.

IS THAT A KEG IN YOUR PANTS...

The extra beer appeared to be too much for the Director, who after a visit from Mrs. Kent + 2, committed career beer spill number one. The ACF tried to recover by telling a bunch of amusing narratives, including:

● a dude who either used to or still collects bus transfers and plastic bus pass covers
● the BrownShow feeling cheated about his non-corked wine bottle
● and a complete recap of a game of Risk he recently played, where at one point he owned, or conquered, or whatever the term is, all the Americas. It was unknown who owned the Ukraine.

...CAUSE I WANT TO TAP THAT ASS

The Hyjinx continued with a joint operation between the Bus Cop and the Murdock. The task was to stack empty beer bottles on top of the cooler; one SweatSox reportedly described this operation: “like two monkeys trying to discover fire”.

WHAT IS A BEER PONG

The rest of the Hyjinx was centered on ‘Empty Beer Bottles in a Box Pong’. Travis led the way and after hours of practicing he was ready for his YouTube moment, a one time chance to bounce it in and be a legend forever...

Big thanks to Cory for providing the video.

SWEATSOX KEEPING IT CLEAN

With both teams calling it a night, well the Outlaws leaving first since nobody outlasts the SweatSox (unless we have somewhere better to go), we decided to take a few pictures of the leftover mess from both teams. On the left, you can see the Outlaws carelessly left their empty case in the middle of the parking lot, with a few un-wiped spills. On the right, you see the SweatSox put all their empties back in the cooler, and cleaned up all peanut shell & beer spill messes.

And finally, the Bus Cop continues his push for the Mr. Hyjinx 2009 title with a red nose, pornstache, and quirky comment:

Next up for the SweatSox is a return trip to Aydelu to take on the Tribu for the final time this regular season. OMG is scheduled to host the Hyjinx, while Cory has volunteered to host his second BBQ of the year. It is still undecided where the second half of the double header will take place, suggestions?

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

NO FENN TODAY

Due to rain throughout the day, the SweatSox vs Athletics matchup scheduled tonight at Kinsmen has been cancelled. This game was of particular interest to SweatSox fans as it would have featured the return of the 2009 Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy Winner (SweatSox MVP), David Fenn, to the NCBL.

Pending the return of his SweatSox uniform, Dave would have suited up for the opposing Athletics, joining the second place squad as they make their run for the pennant. The next Sox-Athletics matchup is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at McCarthy.

As for the rainout, and as per tradition, here is a little something to cheer you all up:

NOBODY AT SECOND

Looking to avoid a 3-0 deficit in the season series, the SweatSox took on the Mudd last night at Faulkner sans the Consultant, the Bus Cop, B’Josh, and MIA Mike. Making his second appearance of the season was Pinecrest alum Danny Desclouds, and taking the mound for his third start of the year was Travis Murdock.

MY FIRST RUN OF 2009

The SweatSox provided Murdock with some early run support in the second inning, after I led the inning off with a walk, advanced on a John Groves single, and scored on a Rafael Castillo RBI single. After an Armando Navarro single loaded the bases, some good contact by the Director Kent Johnston led to an E5 RBI, and a 2-0 SweatSox lead.

DANNY NOT ALLOWED TO DO THE BOOK

The Mudd fought their way back with a run in the bottom of the second off a rare Rafael error at short, and then in the third a second Castillo error led to the tying run, and we were all squared up at two heading into the 4th. Things remained tied until the 6th when a Murdock walk to the leadoff man was followed by an RBI triple to opposite field, and with no outs and a man on third Murdock’s night was done. OMG came in and with the infield playing in, got out of the inning with three straight ground balls.

IF IT WAS A BAT, IT TOUCHED MY ARM

Like last game against the Raiders, the SweatSox needed at least a run in the 7th to keep the game going, and Army got things going with a leadoff walk and a stolen base. Navarro advanced to third on a passed ball, and Joe Majic eventually scored him on a clutch sacrifice fly to left field.

THE MOST PAINFUL HBP EVER

OMG went 3-up 3-down in the bottom of the 7th and for the first time this year the SweatSox were in extra innings. With two outs Marc Lett reached base after being hit by the pitch; he was subsequently subbed out for the speedier me, but not even that big managerial move was enough to rally the Sox bats, and we headed to the bottom of the 8th.

YOU DON’T KNOW HOW FRUSTRATING IT CAN BE

The game once again ended in dramatic fashion: with runners on second and third and two outs, the decision was made to have the righty pitch to the lefty batter which in hindsight turned out to have be the wrong move as he poked the walk off RBI single to RF. Mudd 4, SweatSox 3.

Honourable mention go out to Marc Lett, who threw out 2 runners attempting to steal bases, and would have had a 3rd if not for a little snafu at second. It was another big day for Army, who went 1/1 at the plate with two walks, and although he picked up the loss John Groves takes home the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award after a strong 2-hit performance.

IT’S MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN BEER

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by the Director, who went above and beyond the standard two-four and brought an even 30 to the Jinx. After some early discussions on the pros and cons of adding tea & crumpets to the regular Hyjinx rotation, the conversation switched over to planning the next Sox poker game; there are now rumours of a CDI? On the topic of poker, it is also being reported that Travis is still outstanding on payment from the IOU Invitational. Uh oh.

I GUESS IT’S NOT GOOD TO TRAFFIC IT

The festivities continued despite the brief rainfall that scared away the unprepared, and in a brilliant move the HRK pulled out the Hyjinx umbrella, which he also recently discovered can also be used as a golf umbrella! When the rain let up, the bugs came out to play which led to the legendary 'two bugs on one squish' by our very own Lett. Feeling a high from the big kill, Marc then came up with a brilliant idea to have a breathalyzer attach to the iPhone, now although there are already devices out there that perform this function, Marc wanted it to be a built in app where you blow directly into the USB port. If anyone wants to use this idea, feel free, but we demand you give full credit to Marc Lett; we’d do the same if the tables were turned.

WEED IN THE HOOKAH IS DANGEROUS

The Hyjinx were about to be adjourned for the day, when a couple female soccer players briefly joined the circle to help finish the remaining beers. One of them was a little discouraged at the fact that she practices so hard but doesn’t get a chance to play; but a couple nice words of encouragement from The Authority completely revolutionized the way she looked at the world, and now she is eagerly looking forward to giving it her all at the next practice.

DID YOU EVER HEAR OF A TUNE-UP

With all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed, the Sox called it a day after dominating the 6:15PM Hyjinx, but unfortunately came one team short on the 8:30PM Hyjinx, losing to the Kanata Selects who were celebrating a 13-1 victory over the Braves who came unprepared and were discussing the possibility of driving to Hull to grab their drinks...amateurs.

Next up for the SweatSox is a rematch with the Athletics, who dominated the Sox last time in the infamous HBP Duel. Due to pitch for the SweatSox...probably not the Bus Cop.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

LOST IN TRANSLATION

In an article posted a couple weeks ago, I implied that the embedded DJ Mark Bond YouTube video was created by the SweatSox’ Mark “Bus Cop” Mark Bond. What seemed like an obvious attempt at sarcasm and humor, and a convenient way to get Megan Fox on our site ended up getting back to the UK group, who weren’t as appreciative.

After reviewing the original posting and talking it over with the SweatSox legal team, I would like to formally apologize to the UK based dance act including DJ Mark Bond, DJ Marc Envy, and vocalist Keri Buxton for what appeared to be claiming credit for their work, more specifically their video containing copyrighted footage from the original Transformers movie. I would also like to apologize to anyone who may have confused the Bus Cop with DJ Mark Bond, again it was not my intent to claim ownership of their work; on the contrary we have all become big fans.

In a related story, the following video IS ACTUALLY our Travis Murdock back when he was 7 years old:

Furthermore, although we haven't seen much of him this season, but this is definitely a video of our Mike Hindmarsh giving a speech at the North West Local Health Integration Network, in partnership with the Family Health Team (FHT) conference in Thunder Bay (October 2008):

Who can also forget the great Bill Freeman, a true rookie throughout his SweatSox career. Willy moved on from baseball to pursue a football career, here he is giving an Après Football interview:

And finally, we’ve also discovered a secret website for the GLE, check out what he’s been up to lately:

PRE OP

For the second time this season, and the first time since opening day, the SweatSox and Raiders faced off on a beautiful Tequila Sunrise evening at McCarthy. Making his fifth start of the year, GLE Cory Bond took the mound looking for his first win against the Raiders in over five years.

LISTEN TO YOUR MANAGER

Bond pitched well through the first four innings, pitching out of several dangerous situations including a big strikeout to end the third inning with the bases loaded. The SweatSox opened the scoring in the top of the 5th after a Rafael Castillo single was followed by an RBI double from Army Navarro; Kent Johnston followed Army with a routine fly ball to left field, which somehow turned into an E7, and a 2-0 Sox lead.

COLUMBIAN FLIGHT

It was at this point Cory should have called it a day, but instead he took the mound in the 5th and 4 batters, 3 runs, 2 hits, and a walk later, the Sox were all of a sudden down 3-2. Josh Ramage took the ball and got out of the inning, and ended up pitching the final 2 innings without giving up a hit, recording 2 strikeouts, but did surrender 4 walks.

SURROUNDED BY NINE POLICE CARS

Needing at least a run in the top of the 7th to keep the game going, the SweatSox loaded the bases with only one out and The Murdock up at the plate, looking for the ultimate slumpbusting hit. Travis hit the ball hard, breaking his bat in the process, but unfortunately it was hit right to the Raider shortstop who easily turned the game ending double play. Raiders 3, SweatSox 2.

HIDING IN THE SHADOWS

Leading the SweatSox offense last night was Army Navarro, who went 2/3 with the RBI double, run scored, stolen base, and the single that got the 7th inning rally started. For his effort, Army takes home his 5th career 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award.

MARCXIMUS BLOXIMUS

The Après Baseball Hyjinx started off with a few new entries into the SweatSox Lost & Found. First, a big blue water jug was found and after studying it for a few moments, it was determined it belonged to the OMG, who seemingly showed his age in forgetting this fairly large object. Second, a black baseball glove was found on the bench, again after careful studying it was determined not to belong to the GLE since it of course was for the left hand; it was later claimed by the Game MVP Navarro. Much like during a game Army is in such a hurry to steal second base, after the game he is always in a rush to get his equipment to his car, that it must have slipped his mind. And finally, for several minutes after the game, our very own Travis Murdock was declared lost; although his posse was still around so the Sox knew he probably didn’t call it a night. Murdock returned later on still in possession of his broken bat, and reports are coming in that he nearly took on the entire McCarthy Street Crew.

A BEER SHAMPOO

Once everything had been returned to its rightful owner, the Hyjinx continued as regularly scheduled, and featured a SweatSox history lesson. In Orleans we were faced with the question of why we are called the SweatSox, but last night we got a lesson on the actual SweatSox spelling. As it turns out, the ‘x’ in SweatSox was originally designed to be both backwards AND upside-down, so from this point forward we will turn back the clocks and spell our name the way Sox legends like Doug Dorion, Doug Horner, and Vance Vance used to do it. There were also unconfirmed reports that the ‘o’ is SweatSox is also supposed to be backwards, I guess we’ll have to invite the old gang out to a game and ask them ourselves.

DELETING JESUS

The rest of the night was centered on the missing cell phone of one of the fans from Team Murdock. After receiving a call on the SweatPhone asking if the phone was still there, the Bus Cop somehow managed to sniff it out and from that point forward it was fair game on the French phone -->

THE SACRIFICE

To close the Hyjinx, the SweatSox said goodbye to their most loyal fan over the past two games, the Pink & Purple Raccoon. He was given a proper SweatSox sendoff, something only a bag of peanuts, a case of empty beer, a single beer bottle, and a blue bra have seen in the past...the always rare SweatSox Sacrifice. After given a beer and a refreshing shower, thanks in part to Army’s grocery store visit, the SweatSox headed home knowing they had the support of the baseball gods for their next game against the Mudd Sunday night at Faulkner; I predict at least a tie game after 7 innings.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

DADDY, WHY ARE THEY CALLED THE SWEATSOX?

On your marks, get set, go. On a night when the great Heritage Park Canine vs Raccoon Hunt of 2009 was taking place in the woods, the SweatSox and Acadiens were meeting for the second time this season. After struggling in his start on Friday, Mark Bond was thrown right back in the line of fire when he was given his second consecutive start with hopes of making it at least through the first inning.

SPACE IS TRIPPY

Before Cop could take the mound, the Sox got their at bat and after two errors scored the leadoff man Kent Johnston, another error off the bat of Cory Bond scored Craig Cornell, and all of a sudden the SweatSox were up 2-0. That lead would last only a few minutes, because in the bottom of the first three SweatSox errors led to three Acadien runs; at least Cop survived the inning (no-hit streak ended with the leadoff batter)!

GEOSYNCHRONOUS ORBIT

In the second a leadoff single from Marc Lett led to an RBI single for the Director, who scored one batter later off the first SweatSox wood bat single, and first career NCBL triple, for the Consultant. The Acadiens would tie it up at 4 in the bottom of the second after Cop hit the leadoff batter and then proceeded to throw 3 consecutive wild pitches, advancing the runner all the way home.

THE 1-8 IS MUCH WORSE THAN A 9-3

The score would remain tied until the 6th inning when the SweatSox added two more runs which included the second RBI of the game from the ACF, who was eventually tagged out at second base off the extremely rare 1-8 pickoff. K “where were the base coaches” J took some comfort in hearing that it was the second time the Acadiens had pulled off that play this year, and from the on-deck circle the HRK breathed a sigh of relief knowing that the 9-3 he fell victim to earlier this year was finally matched.

THE WEBSITE IS STUPID

The Acadiens answered with another run in the bottom of the 6th and trailed by only 1 heading into the 7th. After a leadoff single from Cory was followed by a single from me (Shaun Keay), Rafael Castillo got the sign to push both runners into scoring position. After a bunt attempt failed miserably, thanks in part to bad advice from the Bus Cop, a passed ball saved Raf and moved the runners over anyways. After some heads-up base running from our fearless manager, the final Sox run crossed the plate.

TABLES, LADDERS, AND CHAIRS - TLC

Up 7-5 in the bottom of the 7th, Bus Cop FINALLY settled down and struck out two of three to end the game. Mark pitched seven innings of four hit ball, giving up two earned runs, nine walks, with twelve strikeouts to earn one half of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award. But who would he share it with? It could have been Travis, who had he worn his contacts would have went 4/4 instead of 0/4 (see Travis Tracker)...

IT’S PEOPLE LIKE YOU

This game in particular will probably be remembered for all the oddities that occurred throughout the contest, for example here’s a taste of what went down:

IF I WERE SINGLE, I’D TAKE HIM

If all that happened during the game, just think about the Hyjinx that went down Après Baseball. The first Hyjink of the night was to retrieve the raccoon from his cylindrical home, and adopt him into the circle. Before he could fully appreciate what the SweatSox were all about, he was given a shirt, bat, and glove and he took the field so he could hit a few balls and catch a few flies; then and only then would he be accepted by the team. Check out his adventures in the Pictures section. For his effort, the P&P Raccoon was awarded the second half of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award. Where is the medal anyways?

SECOND ERROR, FIRST ADMITTED

After going over the game breakdown with our new mascot, the topic of Kent’s E8 came up, who admitted to the error and subsequently withdrew his protest of the ABCX Controversy, citing the chance of a “perfect season” was no longer in play.

INTENTIONAL BEER SPILL

With the night coming to an end and with the Bus Cop unable to finish his beer, he performed what is believed to be the first ever intentional beer spill. As a result of this misconduct, Cop will be benched for the next game, which happens to be this Wednesday against the Raiders at McCarthy. Après Wednesday's game, it has been announced that the first ever UFC Night will be taking place, as players will take turns battling each other in the world famous Octagon.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

GLECK SEE

For the second of four times this year, the SweatSox faced off against the Athletics last night at the Sportsplex. Taking the mound for the first time since his seventeen strikeout no-hitter, Mark Bond was looking for another quality outing, the pregame key to success was simple: throw strikes.

WARNING TO BOTH BENCHES...

The top of the first, more specifically, the first seven batters set the tone for the rest of the game, as the Bus Cop walked six (hitting three), giving up five runs on no hits, recording only one out, then banished to left field in favour of John Groves. OMG hit a fourth Athletics batter shortly thereafter, but got out of the inning without surrendering a run of his own. Down 5-0 heading into the bottom of the first, the SweatSox answered by going three-up three-down.

...THANKFULLY NOT EVEN FIVE HBPs LATER

In the second, the Athletics got on the board in the HBP contest after 1st baseman Marc Lett was plunked for the “third” time in two games. The SweatSox opened their scoring with a couple runs in the 3rd after Kent was hit by the pitch, which was immediately followed by a near-jack from the Seductive Eyes Consultant with the Greatest Hair in the League, Craig Cornell. This shot to deep right scored Johnston from 1st, and had Cornell not been face-to-face with the DL would have had his first NCBL triple? Instead he settled for a double, and later scored on an RBI single by me (Shaun Keay) two batters later.

Now down only 5-3, things were looking promising for a SweatSox comeback, that is until two SweatSox errors and 7 Athletics hits led to a 7 run inning, and a 12-2 lead with six outs to go until the always embarrassing mercy rule defeat.

IT’S NOT PURPLE, IT’S BLUE

Looking to keep the game going, the SweatSox vets had to step up, and of course they did. Armando Navarro led the inning off with a walk, then played a Jedi mind-trick on the Athletics pitcher Graeme “the BlogMaster” Nichols, somehow getting him to try and pick off his own first baseman. The E1 advanced Navarro to second base, and then manager Cory Bond, seeing that the situation called for a ball hit to the right side, pulled a hesitant Director from the game in favour of himself. Bond came through with a U3, but it might was well have been a sacrifice dribbler, as it advanced Army to third. Craig then did what Craig does best, and knocked in Navarro with his second hit of the night. Game continues!

SPONSORED BY WEIGHT WATCHERS

The 6th inning didn’t score any runs, but it was highlighted by another Lett HBP, his “fourth” in two games. In the 7th inning, Travis Murdock, who ended up pitching the final 3 innings, hit the fifth Athletics batter of the night, but then recorded his fourth of the game to get out of the inning.

Down 9, the SweatSox needed a big inning if they were going to squeeze this one out. They did not, but Army did get hit by a pitch so although the Sox lost 12-3 they did win the HBP Contest 5-4. There must have been something in the air.

DOMINATING, JOE STYLE

Whether it’s Tier 4 baseball, midget hockey, or women’s field hockey, you know Joe Majic is somewhere in the middle of it all, dominating. This was also the case last night after the Bus Cop could not fully break the bamboo bat the ACF broke earlier in the night (the bamboo was the second bat he broke in the game, the first one was the one he bought last week). Joe then stepped up to the plate and despite a potential, and likely injury to himself, took a few swings and completed the task. DOMINATION!

IT’S KINDA CREEPY

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by the newly crowned winner of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award which Travis seems to have stolen, Craig Cornell. Cornell, fresh off the full release package at the sports therapy clinic, may have another spot in the record books for possibly being the first person ever to bring 32 beers.

THE SHOSTAPPA CHECKS IN

With beer in hand and food on the BBQ (thanks to the GLE), the official SweatSox phone rang with Sox alum Denver Hunt on the other end. Hunt, who also has a brother named Craig, recently found his jersey and extended an invitation to pick it up in the future. It was good to hear from the greatest name in Sox history.

WELCOME TO THE CONVERSATION

It eventually came to the point in the week when Baby Blue TM was wiping the text messages from the past week off his phone. He was about to hit delete when he noticed this gem lying in his sent folder. Instead of just typing it out, we decided to get our boy Jimbo to do read it out loud for us. Enjoy.

> 99%

With lots of food, it was only natural that the beer would run out more quickly. It did, so the Sox decided to venture over to ESM, where they received exemplary service last week, to extend the Hyjinx. This time though, the Sox got in on the nation wide video hold’em poker tournament taking place live. After hours of back and forth action, the team of Cory Bond and Marc Lett actually came in first place in the East Side Mario’s Canadian Hold’em Challenge (I’m pretty sure that’s what it was called), hitting Quad-Queens and a full house with Aces over Kings in the final two hands to take first prize, which unfortunately for them was nothing except pride.

Quick shoutout to Army who lost his wallet for about an hour, before finding it in his car’s armrest moments before calling to cancel his credit cards.

ARCADIANS

Next up for the SweatSox is a trip to Army’s end of town for a matchup with the Acadians at Heritage tomorrow (Sunday) night. After only lasting an out last night, the Bus Cop gets his second consecutive start and will look to tie big brother with his second win of the year.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

This is a simple game. You throw the ball. You hit the ball. You catch the ball. Baseball is a simple sport really, if you follow these three basic rules. Nevertheless you know for the Durham Bulls, a class-A baseball team whose SweatSox like antics and superstitions seem to hinder their baseball ability, you know it’s going to be a very interesting season.

The movie starts off with the early star actress Susan Sarandon, (also recognized from choice film “Little Woman’ and SNL skit ‘Mother Lover’), who plays the role of Annie Savoy, an avid Bull’s groupie, who chooses a player each season to romance in an attempt to bring out the best in the upcoming star. However in this 1988 sports comedy, Ms. Savoy romances both veteran minor-league catcher Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) and the team’s star rookie, wild pitcher “Nuke” LaLoosh. This love triangle proves to be more interesting as the plot progresses.

On a side note, I strongly feel that the SweatSox could benefit from Max Patkin, the Clown Prince of Baseball, if he were to perform prior to all home games, as he contributed to one of my favorite moments of the film. Furthermore, I also enjoyed the similarities between SweatSox pitcher Mark “Bus-Cop” Bond and Nuke LaLoosh. In LaLoosh’s character struggle he tries desperately to overcome his inability to hit the strike zone as he walked 18 batters in his pitching debut… a new league record. This was no doubt his biggest obstacle to overcome. Much like the SweatSox, once the team’s veteran catcher and his boundless wisdom, teaches LaLoosh to clear his mind and to not think, his performance drastically improves. Moreover, as a pitcher myself, I am very thankful that my catcher does not tip off the batter when I shake off his signs as this would royally piss me off.

I was also pleased when I noticed that a SweatSox player made an appearance in the movie. Sitting on the bench tapping his bat with a chicken bone cross to lift the curse off of his bat was Armando “Jose” Navarro. I’ve also seen him around the field spray-painting team members’ helmets to boost their batting average. Unfortunately the Bull’s did not have a team Green, so the Director, the Murdock and the No Show Joe were M.I.A.

From this movie I will never look at women’s garters the same way. Rainouts now take on a whole new meaning. Meat doesn’t just refer to women. Cutting a head off a live rooster is the only way to lift a curse off a glove and that candlesticks always make a nice gift.

BREAKING NEWS: The SweatSox have finally discovered why Mark Bond is always travelling & missing games, turns out he moonlights as a DJ, here is a sample of his* work:

If you get annoyed after only a few seconds, fast forward to 1:14 and I promise things will get better.

*OBVIOUSLY this video was not created by the Mark Bond from the Ottawa SweatSox, it belongs fully to the UK's DJ Mark Bond. Please do not confuse the two.

YOU'LL BE MY WINNER TONIGHT

Looking to tie their season high with two consecutive wins, the SweatSox packed their bags and hit the road to face the Outaouais Tribu last night at Aydelu. We would like to quickly shoutout to Mrs. Army for sending Army to the proper diamond, but next time please make sure he has his jersey!!

THROW YOUR WEDNESDAY

Making only his second appearance on the mound this year, Rookie Travis Murdock got the call to try and defeat the Tribu on their own turf. After a relatively quiet opening inning, things got interesting in the second when the rule differences between Ontario and Quebec became apparent. Turns out across the river you have to get hit with the ball twice in one at bat before being allowed to take first, as baseball magnet Marc Lett found out. Lett was directly quoted as saying that the “first one hurt more than the second.”

DO WE HAVE A GAME ON WEDNESDAY?

After stranding three runners in the top of the third, the SweatSox quickly gained the momentum back in the bottom of the inning when Lett gunned down a Tribu runner attempting to steal second.

I’M GONNA GO GET MY BAG

The SweatSox opened the scoring in the top of the 5th after back-to-back singles from Craig Cornell & Travis Murdock had runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out. The HRK Cory Bond, who nearly lived up to his name in the 1st, stepped up to the plate and despite everyone telling him to swing away, laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt down the 1st place line to put both runners in scoring position. From the bench, Kent Johnston could be seen with a tear in his eye.

SHE’S OVER THERE ON THE CONCRETE

Oh, and Joe Majic was up next and knocked in both runners with a single to right-center...whatever.

BY A MILE

The Tribu answered with a run of their own in the 6th, marking the first time they scored a run against the SweatSox in just over 14 innings. It was also the first earned run given up by the SweatSox in 25 consecutive innings, likely another active league record we were in possession of.

IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, IT’S A BAT

The SweatSox were retired in order in the 7th, so it was up to Travis to protect the 1 run lead. With one out, a ball was hit over the head of the Director in CF, but a perfect bounce into his glove limited the Tribu batter to only a single. With a runner on first, a ball hit to short set the stage for a rare 6-4-3 double play from the SweatSox, highlighted by a big scoop at first from Cory to end the game. Even Poppa Cornell, who was watching from the stands, appreciated the effort from our first baseman.

DID YOU SEE THAT SLIDER? SICK!

Travis pitched the complete game, giving up 6 hits, 1 earned run, 5 walks with 2 strikeouts, for his first career win. At the plate, Murdock went 1/4 (should have been 2/4, see Travis Tracker) and scored the game winning run, meaning he is now the proud owner, for the second time, of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award. Honourable mention to Joey who was 2/4 with 2 runs batted in, to Rafael Castillo who help turn both SweatSox double plays last night, and to Josh Ramage who broke another bat, his second of the year and third overall bringing the number of bats broken this year to thirteen and only two behind last year’s total. Ramage’s broken bat also looked eerily similar to the bat he broke earlier this year:

JOSH’S BROKEN WOOD FROM PRESEASON & LAST NIGHT

I’M ALMOST TWENTY

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by the Murdock, who before the game announced a Code: Baby Blue was in play; turns out a Code: Baby Blue means beer with no ice and no cooler. We’ll add that to the list. It was also during the Hyjinx that Travis finally recorded a point on the ‘18+ XX Fan Counter’, when the new Mrs. Travis, “Raych”, made her debut.

SPIDER-ARMY

After recalling that a foul ball was stuck on top of the backstop, the challenge was presented to Army to climb and retrieve it. After putting his cleats back on, Army went to work and without any troubles, got the ball down. Army gave the ball to Cory, who presented the ball back to Army for a job well done!

RED TRACKPANTS = A NO NO

With the beer all gone, and no thanks to KJ who didn’t leave any of his 3 cases of Coors Light behind, the real SweatSox (Craig, Bob, Jamaal, and Bill) decided to extend the Hyjinx & find a local establishment nearby where they could have a drink or two and maybe catch a few highlights, kind of like a Boston Pizza or East Sides. After driving for a few minutes, they stumbled upon this place called 'Everyday We Drink' and after a quick discussion, majority ruled, so it was decided this is where the night would continue.

TRAVIS’ NICE ASS, GET’S THEM EVERY TIME

The Sox were greeted at the door by a friendly hostess, Natalie, who handed the guys over to Stacey to show them where their table was. After ordering their drinks from Troy, they met a fan who we believe had multiple personality disorder, we never could find out if her name was really Alison, Krissy, or Chloe. One of these personalities actually stole the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award that Bob was wearing, twice. It was safely returned at the end of the night.

YOU THINK ITS 613 OR 819?

After another successful double header the SweatSox retreated back to Ottawa, much to the dismay of Bill, who didn’t seem too concerned in crossing the bridge. He was probably more interested in visiting Sal and making it a triple header, but common sense prevailed and he swerved his blue pickup truck back on course. It was an even more successful night for Bob, whose cell phone felt a bit heavier at the end of the night than it did at the start. I guess 7-digits weigh more than they used to.

THE LITTLE LEAGUE PLEDGE

Next up for the SweatSox is the second matchup of the year against the Athletics, who recently have joined the NCBL online community with a BlogSpot Blog; I wonder who the Master is behind that? To check it out, click here. The SweatSox would like to officially welcome the Athletics to the web, and we hereby extend an invitation to the Little League Pledger on Friday to do so in front of our cameras. Oh, and the starting pitcher for the Sox on Friday, probably someone with the last name Bond or Dorrington.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

DO YOU HAVE A TREASURE CHEST?

It took exactly a month & nearly half the regular season, but the SweatSox and Acadiens finally faced off against one another last night at the Sportsplex, days after being rained out on the patented SweatSox Family Fun Day.

To start the game the SweatSox sent their GLE Cory Bond to the mound, who was looking for only his second victory of the year. Bond started the game off well, getting out of the first inning after only a handful of pitches combined with some stellar infield defense from Travis Murdock, who was making his season debut at second. In the bottom of the inning, the GLE morphed into the HRK and knocked in the first two runs of the game on a bases loaded single. GLE + HRK = OMS?

THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH CO-MINGLING

It didn’t take long for Cory to revert back to normal, with two outs in the second and on a dribbler back to the mound, he decided to make things interesting and throw it to the right field bullpen instead of first base. Playing right field, Army Navarro, seemingly shocked that the pitcher threw the ball his way, decided to play along and threw the ball to the 3rd base dugout. One run scored and the SweatSox were up by 1 through 2.

After an uneventful 3rd inning, the SweatSox broke the game open in the 4th scoring 4 runs on 4 hits, with RBI’s going to Craig Cornell, Murdock, and Shaun Keay (x2) - OMG led the inning off with a nice double to the gap in right.

FAKE BUNTING ON 3-0

There was no scoring in the 5th inning, but it was highlighted by a spectacular inning ending diving catch by the Bus Cop that led to an 8-3-6 double play. Fearing the defense had reached its peak, The Authority made the call to bring in right-hander Josh Ramage to close the game, much to the disappointment of the home plate umpire. Ramage pitched the final 6 outs with a 5 run lead, with fewer than 4 combined team errors, giving up only 3 walks, striking out 2, after tying his left shoe before his right, with at least 9 fans in the stands; meaning all criteria was met for the bizarre “Josh Save”.

THE HUNT CLUB SHAKE

With the win Cory picked up career win number 37, his stat-line for the night: 5 innings pitched, 0 earned runs, 4 hits, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts. At the plate he went 1/3 with 2RBI and a stolen base, which means for the 18th time he takes home the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award. Honourable mentions to all SweatSox and Acadien batters for hitting a Sportsplex record 14 parked cars with foul balls.

THE GREAT DEBATE

Offensive notables include the Murdock who had a 2 hit night (should have been 4, see Travis Tracker) including a double, with an HBP; The Consultant nearly had a 3 walk night but was caught off guard by a strike call during his “ball four bat throw”, and had to settle for his second hit of the day and only two walks with a stolen base mixed in there somewhere; and the Bus Cop nearly had his first career jack after a big hit to deep left-center left him with a double.

COTTAGE CHEESE

Defensively the Sox played much better than they have in recent games; the left side of the infield was solid as both Cornell and Rafael Castillo picked up 2 assists each, Travis picked up a game high 4 assists from second base, and Cop had 3 putouts in center. The site of someone other than Cory or the Director in center field brought back memories for Sox catcher/utility-man Marc Lett, who realized that when he was playing second base a few games ago, he had officially played all 9 positions at some point in his SweatSox career.

KEYS LOCKED IN CAR

The Après Baseball Hyjinx were in real jeopardy for the first time this year; as the extended absence of Rookie Mike Hindmarsh continues to put the beer schedule in disarray, and a Code: Orange was in play. Fortunately, Osh Kosh B’Josh was running late and after a few subtle hints were made via text message for him to get beer (“GET BEER”), Ramage did indeed show up and saved the day, bringing the beer of summer.

KEYS NOT LOCKED IN CAR

Before the case was even opened we already had our first Hyjink of the night, as CSI: Lett announced he had locked his keys in the car, well actually his car locked his keys in his car; kind of like the time Craig’s cat locked Marc out of his house (but that’s a story for another day). The next logical step was to call CAA, the Canadian Alcoholics Anonymous, so they could somehow rescue Marc’s keys – Joe was just about to dial when Marc discovered that they keys were not in fact in his car, but rather his back pocket.

THAT’LL BE ON THE WEBSITE

With a BBQ and no food, the SweatSox Hyjinx ended rather quickly so they were forced to relocate to East Side Mario’s, despite the plea from Josh to go to Boston Pizza. Before they left, they had to clean up their mess and as Josh was carrying the empties to the recycle bin, the first ever SweatSox Collapse took place, as all 24 bottles smashed on the ground. As Ramage was running for cover to avoid being spotted as the one who made this mess, the rest of the team was hard at work sweeping away the smaller pieces of broken glass using the big pieces of broken glass. Parking lot honourable mentions go out to Mark for the hiccup beer spill via his nose AND the sunflower seed spill, and to Travis who tried to explain what a beer spill actually was.

THE COLLAPSE - BEFORE & AFTER

THE EAST SIDE HOUDINI

With half priced apps featured on the menu, the Sox went to town...Shaq Town that is, featuring the daughter of a prominent member of the St. Paul’s High School faculty. Along the way, Lett set the first ever record for total number of empty beer pitchers stacked on top of one another, with two. Murdock also played big throughout the Hyjinx, but first had to overcome an inner-battle to discover the proper ‘food-to-eat to food-to-doggybag’ ratio.

IF YOU SAY IT DRUNK

Much of the evening was a three-way affair between Ramage, Murdock, and newcomer Haché, who years ago was the likely victim of schoolyard bullying from our very own Mr. Burlinchester. In an unrelated note, reports are coming in that Ramage spent the entire night sick with food poisoning.

ARE YOU HALF PRICE TONIGHT?

With the night declared another successful Hyjinx, the SweatSox retreated to their respective parts of the city: Kanata, CFR, Pinecrest, and South Ottawa (where it has been a little dry lately forcing the late night waterings of the front lawn).

Next up for the SweatSox is the third matchup of the year against the Tribu. With the season series tied 1-1, the Sox will look to win one on the road as they cross the bridge for the first time this year. Travis says he’s bringing the meat again, not sure if this is for the post-game BBQ or the second half of a double header?

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

MISSING: MARC LETT

It's been nearly two days since anyone has seen or heard from SweatSox catcher/utility man Marc Lett. If anyone has seen this man, who was last spotted June 7th driving East on Katimavik road in Kanata, please contact missingmarc@sweatsoxbaseball.com. Any information leading to the whereabouts of this man will be rewarded with some sort of webpage shoutout.

3 MINUTES = 30 SECONDS

Family Fun Day is arguably one of the most important days for the SweatSox every single year, as it’s a chance for the team to get to know one another by meeting the people that are closest to them. It’s also an opportunity to share stories, have a few laughs, and to celebrate the fact that the SweatSox are one big, happy, united family.

MURDOCK FAN RUSHES THE FIELD WITH GLOVE

The only bad thing about Family Fun Day is by the time the featured game is finished, there is only about 2 hours of daylight left; which is why when the SweatSox-Acadiens game was called after the 1st inning due to inclement weather, the Sox could still see the glass half full. Not happy about this turn of events was starting pitcher Travis Murdock, who recorded a would-be SlumpBusting single to the 2-man Acadien outfield – but since the game never happened, neither did that hit...unless of course we were keeping track of Travis’ What-Could-Have-Been stats; wait a second, we are, check out the updated Travis Tracker.

I CALL THAT A ME SHOWER

Also upset about the cancellation was The Consultant Craig Cornell, who was so well aware of his 2-hit performances in both previous Family Fun Day games that he didn’t even bother showing up until he was due up at the plate. Joe Majic also showed up just as the game was beginning, but he’s Joe so we were happy he showed up at all.

Once the game was cancelled, the question then became where do we set up the Hyjinx? Should we stay in the dugout and do things there, do we not even let the rain impact our decision and do it in the rainy parking lot, do we postpone Family Fun Day, go to a bar, or relocate to somebody’s house. After careful consideration weighing the pros and cons of each option, it was decided that we would go to somebody’s house. Army Navarro offered to host, but not all Sox were fans of travelling from Kanata to Orleans, so instead the Majic’s opened their door, well their garage doors at least, to the Sox for their Après Baseball activities.

TURN RIGHT, NOW

The simple 10 minute commute turned out to actually be noteworthy as several Sox got sidetracked or lost. Kent Johnston was the first one off-track, when he prematurely turned right onto Katimavik instead of the 417. Johnston then reported a shady vehicle tailing him so he used the lessons learned at the OMS School of Driving to shake the vehicle off his tail. Rumor has it that it actually may have been Marc Lett, who had never been to Joe’s, on his rear. Lett was never seen or heard from again.

Travis was the next one to call and ask for directions after he mistakenly went to Mama and Papa Majic’s house, which fortunately was only a few blocks over from where the actual Hyjinx were being hosted. Finally, I was a little rattled from leaving the friendly confines of Kanata where I currently reside that I got off one exit to soon. I still got there, but only a few minutes later than I could have been.

TEAM GREEN RECRUITS

The official Hyjinx began once the beer and food arrived; Joe Majic did his part by brining half the beer in one of his 4 coolers, and Bus Cop averted the hole left by Cory after he averted Hindmarsh’s Code: Orange last game, who knows what’s going to happen next game. See what you’ve done Mike?!?

THESE ARE BIG

Making a quick appearance was ready-to-go spare Samuel Majic, who brought some extra chairs and a mobile poker table, which would first be used as a snacking table. On the menu were 6 different kinds of sausages (including Portuguese) provided by The Director, who averted the Code: Eats the night before. The FCF also brought dogs, the proper B2D ratio, and even stepped up and brought emergency beers, bringing the beer total, if you ask Travis, to ‘500’.

CREDIT IS ACCEPTED HERE

With everyone’s belly full of food and dozens of beers still remaining, an impromptu game of poker started up under the watchful eye of our MVP award, the Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy (aka The Dorion or The Head). It was at this time Mrs. Joe crashed the party begging the winner of the game to take the trophy home with them, despite the fact it helps scare off the raccoons in their garage - Request was denied. Before the cards were dealt, the SweatSox realized that most of them didn’t have any money; so the poker game turned into the IOU Invitational, the rule being if you don’t pay the winner before the start of the game on Thursday, you were benched. Manager Cory Bond confirmed that he would abide by this rule when setting the lineup; even if we had to play with 8.

RAISE AND RE-RAISE, I DON’T LIKE IT, BUT I RESPECT IT

The IOU Invitational was a back and forth battle between the usual heavyweights; and making his SweatSox Poker Debut was the Murdock, who had been waiting for this moment ever since he joined the team so he could take everyone’s money and avoid finding a more steady method of income. The cards weren’t favoring Travis early, but when he did go-all in it was a Jack on the river that gave him the high stack with only a few Sox remaining.

BUS COP GETS MURDOCK’D ON THE RIVER

JOHNSTONED

The final three came down to Josh Ramage, Johnston, and Murdock. Ramage was no threat so of course he bowed out first, and after hundreds of folded hands, we finally had an all-in and a call. With a King on the river, Travis had won the IOUI...that is until after careful examination, it was revealed that Kent actually rivered a straight, and he was then officially declared the winner; Murdock was Johnstoned. Travis, Cop, and I each owe KJ money before next game, or Cory will sit us.

426HP...BOTH WRONG

With his newfound wealth, Kent had no more reasons for hanging around so he called it a Hyjinx, but not before reverse dunking a football, spilling his phone & knocking his battery case off in the process. Bond was also about to call it a day choosing to go to his softball game and hit multiple homeruns, when a light bulb went off in Joe’s head, why not have a HR Derby? Easy choice.

The rules were simple, 2 rounds on the Pinecrest Junior Diamond, wood bats, 5 outs each, person with the most combined HR’s after both rounds wins respect, glory, and the title of HomeRun King for an entire year...and quite possibly forever.

The first round went something like Cop 1, Joe 0, Travis 0, Ramage 3, I had 2, and Cory had 4, although he should have had a 5th if not for a leaping Joe over the fence. To try and catch Cory, I decided to have Cop throw to me in the second round and instead of tossing them in there ala Craig, he was throwing as if he was facing the Tribu in the 7th inning last week, and struck me out. Cory needed just 1HR in the second round to win, so for good measure and to show he is the true champion; he knocked in 6 for a total of 10. All hail the HomeRun King: Cory Bond. Add the HRK to the list of individual winners from the world of sports yesterday: Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Roy Halladay, Tony Stewart, and Cory Bond. Sounds right to me.

There was video of Cory’s jacks but because he hit so many, the file was too big to upload.

HYJINX WITHIN A HYJINX

The HR Derby was just what the Sox needed, as it gave our bodies a reason to consume more beer; so the Après Derby Hyjinx began on the junior diamond bleachers shortly afterwards. The SweatSox traded more stories from years past, shared some funny anecdotes, and watched the beautiful sunset on another successful Family Fun Day.

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup Thursday night at the Sportsplex against the Acadiens; here’s to hoping for better weather.

LOL LOVE YOU

SweatSox Outlaws Round III took place last night at the Sportsplex with the Sox holding a 1-0-1 advantage heading into this matchup. Coming in, the SweatSox knew the key to victory would be getting off to a quick start while holding the Outlaw offence in check. To achieve this goal, the Sox sent OMG to the hill to try and duplicate the outing he had in his last start against the Outlaws earlier this year.

In the top of the first, the SweatSox were retired in order, and in the bottom of the inning three Sox errors led to four unearned Outlaw runs. Great start boys. With 2 outs in the 3rd, Armando Navarro broke up the perfect game with a single, which he followed with a stolen base, and after an Outlaw error scored the first Sox run of the game, who now trailed 5-1. After a Cory Bond single to leadoff the 4th led to another run, the Sox were looking good only down 3 runs – but then in the bottom of the inning the Outlaws chased OMG from the game en route to adding another 4 runs to their total.

The SweatSox managed to rally for 4 runs in the 5th with RBI’s off the bats of John Groves and Cory Bond, who also had a key stolen base with 2 outs, to climb within 3 runs with 2 innings to go. 6 batters and 6 outs later, the Sox lose 9-6.

VISUAL MINORITY

On the mound, OMG went 3+ innings giving up sox hits, seven runs (0ER), with two walks and the loss. Josh Ramage, who lost his glove twice on Tuesday, closed the game with 3 innings pitched, giving up two hits, two runs (0ER), and a walk all in his first inning, then went 6-up 6-down over the final two.

Offensively the SweatSox were limited to five hits featuring two off the bat of C.Bond. Kent Johnston and Navarro each had one, and Joseph Majic, who surprised everyone when he made an atypical appearance to an 8:30PM game, had his first hit of the season. Travis Murdock finished with no hits, which included zero hits in the 5th inning. See the Travis Tracker for what-could-have-been. Murdock did however finish with two stolen bases.

Defensively the Sox committed their usual five errors, but none of them came from DH’d shortstop Rafael Castillo, who finished 8/8 at shortstop including six assists. For his outstanding effort, Castillo takes home his second 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award.

HYJINX CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME

After another Hindmarsh bailout hours before the game forced a Code: Orange, Manager Cory Bond once again showed why he is the great leader we all know he is, as he averted the potential disaster by bringing 43 beers (5 different kinds) to the game. Not since the B.F.L. Hyjinx hosted by the Brothers Elias has there been such a variety of beer to choose from. On the menu was the Hyjinx debut for Bud Light Lime, which received positive reviews from Army Navarro who drank a record two beers - In fact, many of the Sox drank multiple BLL’s without feeling so much as a tingle. Honourable mention goes out to the GLE who successfully opened his first career non-twist-off beer using only a lighter, his finger, and pure will and determination.

THE HISSING LIGHTER

Another big SweatSox trend lately is having Marc Lett, who would have had the game winning grand slam if he showed up in the 7th inning, bring his portable BBQ and have someone else bring the food. Last game it was decided that Travis’ posse would be supplying the meat, but once again Murdock showed up solo (as per Murdock #1) although he did come through with not only the buns, dogs and stolen condiments, but the proper B-2-D ratio. All the bread would have been consumed if not for a few jerks that were eating dogs without a bun. So for the second time in a row the Director took care of the final two buns via a hot dog bun toss which missed the intended target. Johnston then spent the next 3 hours blaming the bread instead of owning up to the poor toss.

EXPLODING MUSTARD

It was about at this point when screams & cries were heard from the Outlaw circle, turns out they had their own emergency, a Code: Red (spilled beer). Fortunately they recovered from this catastrophe by calling in some replacement beers which arrived in good time. Well played gents.

CYCLE OF HERPES

Once the few SweatSox who were still at the diamond won both the 6:15PM and 8:30PM Hyjinx, things shifted into another gear. When a bunny was spotted near the equipment shack, the Bus Cop accepted the challenge to try and snap a picture of him. Instead of creeping up on the “fuwwy little wabbit”, Cop ran in a full sprit after him deep into the woods. After being gone for a lengthy period of time, the Sox just about declared Cop ‘Missing in Action’...that was until the woods lit up like a Christmas tree when flashes from the camera were coming in bunches. Mark emerged moments claiming that somewhere in the roll of film was the picture he was dared to take. There was no such picture, although there was a pretty picture of a random flower. The Great Bunny Chase of 2009 continues next Thursday.

Next up for the SweatSox is their first meeting of the season with Les Acadiens Moosehead on Sunday in Kanata. Also on deck is the 3rd Annual Family Fun Day, the Sox are expecting a big turnout from everyone, especially since it’s going to be a beautiful day.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

BOND THROWS A 17K NO HITTER

I’m not sure if we’ve mentioned it or not, but the SweatSox were shutout for the first time in 179 games this past Sunday. Last night the Sox took on the Outaouais Tribu for the second time this year after losing 8-1 in the first matchup. With the OMS Mark Dorrington ready to start, Manager Cory Bond made a controversial decision and opted instead to send the Bus Cop to the hill.

The game was actually in jeopardy of not even taking place as of course Southgate was in full SouthCrap mode. With large puddles situated at third base, around second base, and at the backstop; the SweatSox began a door-to-door search for a couple buckets, a shovel, and a rake. Fortunately, a generous neighbour in the last house on the left was able to loan the requested items, and then most of the SweatSox forwent their pregame warm-ups in order to fix up the field. Thanks neighbour!

GROUND RULE SINGLE

The first inning began a little shaky for the Bus Cop, who was making his first start of the year. A walk and an error led to a few Tribu base runners, but Cop settled down and got out of the inning without any runs crossing the plate. The next hour and a half was a pitchers duel; the SweatSox almost struck first when lefty Cory Bond nearly hit his first wood bat HR after bouncing one off the fence; Cory had to settle for a stand-up triple*, or ground rule-double after the ball somehow managed to escape the field of play...only at SouthCrap. Marc Lett nearly cashed him in, however a great defensive play by the Tribu first baseman ended the inning.

HEADPHONES WITH NO MUSIC

In the 5th, the SweatSox did strike first after a key Tribu error led to a leadoff base runner; which they did manage to cash in. Some insurance was added in the 6th inning off a Travis Murdock RBI, and that was just about all the supporting cast would contribute. The star of the night was the Bus Cop Mark Bond, who quietly recorded the first ever SweatSox complete game no-hitter (w/ shutout), setting a franchise record along the way with 17 strikeouts, surpassing the previous record of 15 co-held by the OMS and GLE (who still holds the lefty record). Cop was quickly awarded his second 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award, and received mentions on both the NCBL and Tribu websites. Congrats Mark.

BTW, as you may know, MLB record for a 9 inning game is 20, held by Kerry Wood, Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson. 20 of 27 is 74% of batters striking out. 17 of 21 is 81%. Wow.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SNACKS?

The beers went down much more smoothly last night after witnessing a legendary performance like that, but even more so when Rafael Castillo revealed the Hyjinx beverages: Corona’s! Blastball coaching legend Marc Lett also followed through with his pregame guarantee that he would provide the team with some Cuban’s if they won the game; the cigars were also the focal point of a Cuba-Nicaragua history lesson from Professor Armando.

McGANGBANG

The evening continued on through the usual late-night Southgate fireworks, multiple bathroom trips which reportedly included a ‘kitchen toilet bowl slam’, and yet another epic Murdock story about an original McDonald’s creation involving 2 main dishes blended into one. We also want to throw a big shoutout to JimboTron, who made his first ever Hyjinx appearance last night too.

YOU’RE A GEEK

Now I’m not afraid to admit it, but sometimes I post material that turns out to be inaccurate or imprecise; I’m still trying to achieve the level of precision & accuracy Shannon, Craig, and Rob set before me. In the RIP article I mentioned that Winchester was the next in line to take the regular season run scoring streak from the SweatSox, and the Rockets* were next in line for the overall record. After due consideration, I regret slapping an Asterisk on the Rockets, and not also adding one to Winchester. Although Winchester* can take the record in 2 years, they of course play(ed) a bulk of their games in Winchester, where a monkey with a bat could hit a HR every game and keep the streak alive. So with Winchester* and the Rockets* now ineligible for the record, we look forward to seeing whether or not the Expos will reach the SweatSox level of greatness in 3+ years. Good luck boys.

Speaking of corrections, last night Josh Ramage proclaimed he was the only SweatSox with a SAC bunt this year, which of course is incorrect as OMG had a big sac bunt against the Outlaws the last time they met. Sorry B'Josh.

Next up for the SweatSox is the third matchup of the year against the aforementioned Outlaws; OMG gets the call on the mound looking to repeat his performance from earlier in the season when he picked up the victory against them.

WAR Running hard to first ALL the time.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

JIMBOTRON COMES HOME

After nearly a year and a half since his last SweatSox contribution, I'm happy to report that amongst all the feedback yesterday for the deceased streak was a message from our old pal JimboTron.

To hear what he had to say about the Streak and a few of our Rookies, click here.

Let us hope this was not a one-shot deal, and that we will be hearing from Jim on a more regular basis.

On a more serious note, the SweatSox would like to thank everyone from around the league who sent in words of encouragement and support after reading our Streak obituary yesterday. Specifically, we'd like to mention by name the Coyotes, Braumeisters, Outlaws, NepeanBrewers, and the Dukes. Honourable mentions to the Gryphons, LesAcadiensMoosehead, and Expos for their support.

It's good to know that despite the friendly rivalries between NCBL teams, we can all come together for a good cause when we absolutely have to. Cheers to you all!

TROPICAL CHICKEN

It was a cold, frigid evening last night at the Sportsplex where the SweatSox took on the Mudd for their second matchup in less than a week. Everything seemed normal before the game: most of the team had to hop the fence to get in, only 9 guys made it, Ramage was marking his territory in left field, and Army was getting loose by playing catch with his boy. Nobody knew it at the time, but an hour and a half later the SweatSox would suffer their most devastating defeat in modern day history.

HE BALKED MAN

Starting on the mound for the SweatSox was lefthander Cory Bond, who was looking for his second victory of the season and first against the Mudd since the playoffs last year. Bond got off to a quick start retiring the first two batters, at which point he had recorded his 300th career inning pitched. Bond took a few moments to relish in this most epic of milestones, and before he knew it he had given up a base hit and walk; then on a dribbler down the third base line threw it to first, pulling Ramage off the base and allowing a Mudd runner to cross the plate.

The GLE settled down after this miscue and retired 14 of the next 16 batters he faced before turning thins over to Josh, who retired the final 2 outs of the game, both by strikeout. Cory went five and a third, giving up 3 hits, 0ER, 1 walk, with 6 strikeouts, earning the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award; his second of the year and 17th overall.

CORNELL PERCENTAGE

However as everyone in the NCBL, and mens leagues across the nation now know, the story of the game was the SweatSox offence, or lack thereof. For the first time since June 2002, the SweatSox were shutout of a game, whether it was in the regular season, playoff, or tournament play. The SweatSox regular season streak of 150 consecutive games with a run could be surpassed by the Winchester Sox exactly 2 years from now (assuming the 24 game schedules continue) but their overall record of 179 is safe for a little while longer, since of course Winchester was shutout by the Gryphons in the 2007 playoffs. The Tier 4 Rockets have the shortest route to catch the overall record set by the SweatSox, sitting at 114 consecutive games they have only 65 more games to go. They could match this record in about 3 years, but of course unless the rules change they would have accomplished the entire feat using metal bats, so we of course will attach an Asterisk (not the Diamondback, the actual symbol when you press shift+8) to the record.

HE JUST FINISHED EATING DINNER

Although the 0 runs scored overshadowed anything that happened on the field, there were a few noteworthy events that took place last night during the game. Travis Murdock & Kent Johnston recorded the only hits, with the Director’s hit being officially declared a ‘SlumpBuster’; Cory got hit by another pitch, and stole a base, while he was pitching too; and the Nicaraguans combined for five of the six SweatSox strikeouts, including three from Army Navarro who was caught looking 3 times, but managed to line out to the shortstop to avoid a Golden Sombrero. Figuring that not too many people strike out three times looking, we did some research after the game and found out that accomplishing this feat is funny enough, known as the Dirty Number Twelve. No kidding, we can’t make this stuff up!

HE MOVED LIKE A NINJA

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by OMG, who continuing the latest fad brought two small coolers rather than one large one. On the menu were some name brand peanuts and movie popcorn. This led to a Monsters vs Aliens conversation between Diego Navarro and Marc Lett, a welcomed change from the usual conversations Lett has to put up with during the 2009 Hyjinx.

CRISPY

Once the beer “ran out”, the Sox decided to extend the Hyjinx by moving east on Hunt Club towards one of the local establishments near Merivale. Although most of the team didn’t care where they went so long as there was beer there, Osh Kosh B’Josh made an emotional plea to head over to Boston Pizza; the team accepted his pitch and off they went. The trip nearly turned out to be a disaster, because the Rookie Murdock nearly broke his neck when ordering his entrée. From nowhere, the waiter disappeared from the south side of the table and appeared on the north east quadrant, forcing an awkward movement in the Rookie’s upper body. We have not heard from Murdock today to find out whether or not the whiplash he no doubtingly suffered will keep him out of action this week.

GUITAR HERO vs ROCK BAND

The rest of the evening centered around the Red Wings-Penguins game on the big screen, and whether or not Travis could successfully pour beer from the Team Pitcher, without spillage. The SweatSox are glad to report that he was, and as a result earned a full box of ‘New Axe Hair’ Gel and Shampoo. The folks at Axe should also be happy to hear that as a result of their sponsorship of the SweatSox, other products of theirs are being purchased by certain ‘unofficial’ members of Sox management. I’d say it was a worthwhile investment!

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Tribu Tuesday night at Southgate, a SweatSox righty with the initials MD is scheduled to start the game on the hill. It should be a good one.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

Tonight, the SweatSox are saddened to announce the passing of their NCBL record setting "Run Scoring Streak". Back in June 2002, when only two of the active SweatSox were on the team, the Sharks beat the SweatSox 7-0; who knew then that the next time they would be shutout would be approximately 7 years, and 150 games later. Actually, if we include tournaments, and playoffs (but not preseason), the streak actually reached 179 games.

Over the years the 'Streak' faced many obstacles, from Peter "the Darkness" Gauthier, Martin Trepanier & the Asterisk, to Jamie Beaupre, Jason Gordon, and even Andrew Hazard. But in the end, it was the Metcalfe Mudd combination of Sean Byrne and Greg Elliott who put the 'Streak' to rest, forever.

Special shoutouts to the following players who during the streak recorded the only RBI's in 1-run SweatSox games, in effect the 'Streak Keepers': Bill Freeman (twice), Kent Johnston, Bryan Fenn, Josh Ramage, and the man who was there from the start: Marc Lett (twice, including a HR on May 23, 2007).

Witnessing the passing of the 'Streak' was (in alphabetical order): Cory Bond, Rafael Castillo, Craig Cornell, John Groves, Kent Johnston, Marc Lett, Travis Murdock, Armando Navarro, and Joshua Ramage. Let us hope all these players hang their heads in shame for years to come for allowing this to happen.

Here's a look at the rest of the active run-scoring streaks throughout the league. With the SweatSox now back at 0, the Winchester Sox in Tier III now claim top spot...no pressure.

Rank	Tier	Team	Consecutive Regular Season Games With a Run
1	II	The CK SweatSox	150
2	III	Winchester Sox	102
3	IV	Rockets	92
4	III	Expos	72
5	IV	Hurricanes	59
6	III	Barrhaven City Chiefs	54
7	I	Brewers	44
8	II	Metcalfe Mudd	34
9	IV	Knights	29
10	IV	Sharks	27
11	IV	Dukes	25
12	I	Kingston Ponies	22
13	I	Gryphons	20
14	II	Athletics	14
15	I	Cardinals	10
15	III	Mavericks	10
17	II	Outlaws	9
18	I	Marc Sports	9
19	IV	Coyotes	8
20	III	Braumeisters	7
20	III	Aylmer Cyclones	7
20	IV	Black Sox	7
20	IV	Express	7
24	I	Kanata Selects	6
24	I	Capital City Cubs	6
24	II	Outaouais Tribu	6
24	IV	Beau's Misfits	6
24	III	Blue Jays	6
29	I	Diamondbacks	5
30	II	Acadiens	4
31	I	Panthers	3
32	III	Fighting Irish	2
33	II	Raiders	1
34	I	Braves	0

The 'Streak' was a topic of conversation pretty much at every game; with a few veterans always cracking a smile between one another every time that first SweatSox run would cross the plate.

To honour the passing of the streak, the main page of SweatSoxBaseball.com will be shut down for the day. The site will return to normal at 12:01AM on Tuesday, June 02, 2009 with a full recap of tonight's heartbreaking loss, as well as stats, an updated Cialis Broken Wood chart, and your feedback about the 'Streak'.

THIS IS PAINFUL

An updated version of the Tier II schedule was released earlier today, and one of the modifications was the change in time & venue for the Friday, July 10, 2009 SweatSox game vs the Outaouais Tribu.

Previously, the game was scheduled for 8:30PM at McCarthy; but now the game has been moved to 8:00PM and at Parc Aydelu.

The SweatSox have played only 1 game in modern day history at Aydelu, and that of course was on July 10, 2006 when Cory Bond led the team with 5 innings pitched, a 2-run homerun, and his first NCBL intentional walk to a 5-4 SweatSox victory.

This night was also memorable for the Après Baseball Hyjinx, where Army Navarro forgot to bring the beer despite the fact he was there hours before opening pitch. To make it up, he rushed to the local Dépanneur, picked up 48 beers (a 30/18 split), two bags of chips, and of course, a Sloche.

The updated schedule can be found by clicking here or by clicking the link on the frame to the left.

In other news, a double-header is now scheduled July 10th...

RELAXXX KENT...CALM DOWN BUDDY...YOU’RE BETTER THAN THIS!!

ARMY OWES MOTHER NATURE

On a night where Army was both scheduled to work AND host the SweatSox Hyjinx, Mother Nature saved his butt by dropping rain throughout the day across Billy Freeman's favourite city, cancelling the Sox vs Raiders game, and all NCBL games according to the NCBL's Twitter feed (great idea by the way).

The Sox will now have to wait until Sunday before taking the field again, where they will once again face the Mudd, this time though at the Sportsplex.

To continue a tradition Shannon started last year on the site, here's a little something to brighten up our day after an always depressing game cancellation:

WAR Craig & Rafael not breaking any bats today
WAR The SweatSox Word of the Day: "Costa Rican Snorkel"

LISTEN UP, WE HAVE A NEW RULE

Playing their second game in two days, the SweatSox took on the Mudd last night on the mean streets on McCarthy Park. On the hill for his second start of the year was OMG, who was looking to duplicate his 2008 Game 20 performance against the Mudd and lead the Sox to victory.

TEXT MESSAGING BETWEEN INNINGS

In the top of the first a leadoff single and a ball just off the end of my glove in LF led to an early Mudd run; fortunately I was able to compose myself, hit the cutoff man who in turn threw the runner out at third base. The Mudd went up 2-0 in the 3rd inning after back to back SweatSox errors at 2nd base, ending the Bus Cop Experiment. In the bottom the inning Marc Lett led off with his team tying 2nd HBP of the year. Eager to make up for his infield blunders, Cop followed Lett with a base hit to left, then later told OMG that he still owed him one more. With runners on first and second with nobody out, Kent Johnston stepped to the plate and...grounded into a 6-5 putout. Still 2-0 after 3.

I HAVEN’T SEEN A 9-3 IN OVER 10 YEARS

In the 4th Cory Bond, wearing his SweatSox throwback uniform, knocked a base hit to right and was not thrown out at first! After the only Mudd error of the game advanced “Bruiser” to 3rd, Bond was able to score on a Josh Ramage fielder’s choice. With the score 2-1 heading into the 6th, back-to-back-to-back Mudd hits to start the inning led to 3 more runs and a 5-1 advantage. In the bottom of the inning, 2 walks combined with Cop’s second hit (as guaranteed earlier in the game) had the bases loaded with two outs and the SlumpBusting spot due up at the plate; unfortunately it was not meant to be as the SweatSox stranded 3 more (of a total of 10) runners on base.

BUS COP LAST SEEN AT BUS STOP

The 7th inning changed nothing and the Mudd once again beat the SweatSox, this time by a score of 5-1. OMG picks up his first career SweatSox loss after pitching 6 innings giving up 5 hits, 3 earned runs, no walks, and 4 strikeouts. Cop pitched the 7th inning giving up just 1 hit with 1 strikeout; and combined with his 2 hit performance earns him his first ever 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award, winning the award in front of Mrs. Mark, who was making her debut in the makeshift “stands”.

THE ABCX CONTROVERSY

Honourable mentions from the game go out to: Craig Cornell who recorded a hit, walk, assist and 2 putouts; Armando Navarro who recorded a walk, and then OMW (One More Walk) for a total of 2, and 2 stolen bases; and to the ACF turned FCF (Furious Center Fielder) who was 5/6 (or arguably 5/5) on defensive plays in CF. The first ever SweatSox Tribunal is set for tomorrow night just after the lights go off at 11:02PM on the McCarthy bleachers to resolve this issue.

THE CORNELL

The McCarthy Bleacher Hyjinx was hosted by CSI: Marc who manned up and brought the always popular 2-8; although he wasn’t sold on the fact that keeping the empties was worth while, “It’s only ten cents” he says. Including the preseason games when the Hyjinx began, accounting for the one Local Heroes Brewer Hyjinx last week, factoring in the double beer day from the upcoming FFD, lowballing the number of empties per game at 24 even though a box of 28 is recommended, and assuming the worst and a 2 game sweep in the first round of the playoffs, Hyjinx empties are valued at $69.60. If someone collets all the empties and returns them at the end of the season, they can head over to the BeerKing, buy 2 cases of Keiths, a pack of cigars, bag of chips, and the gas it takes to get there and back. “It’s only ten cents”...I think not.

WILL FIELD GROUND BALLS FOR FOOD

The Hyjinx continued on and went the latest it’s ever gone this year. At 2 minutes before midnight, and as reported first on SweatSox Twitter, Rookie Travis Murdock spilled his first beer of his career. When a picture with a flash-less cell phone proved too difficult to take, the team stepped up with 4 other cell phones to shine light on the spill. The picture turned out flawlessly, check out the Twitter page to see it. What isn’t known is why so many peanuts were present in the spill, it is rumoured that Travis only eats the peanut shells and throws away the peanuts. That should be Murdock definition #4.

NEARLY ABANDONED EIGHT BEERS

At about 12:45AM, several police cars surrounded McCarthy after an 11-54 (suspicious vehicle) was called in, probably because said vehicle was half way behind the no parking sign. Fortunately, a Code 7 (Out of Service to eat) must have been called as the police retreated to the Wild Wing parking lot [quick side note to any Wild Wing employee reading this: we want 200 wings delivered to our bench tomorrow]. At this point the SweatSox decided it would be a good time to evacuate the premises, but our Hyjinx host thought that being spotted with a cooler walking out of a would-be abandoned park at 1 in the morning would force the cops to call for a 10-32 (request for intoxilyzer) so he left the cooler in the park; however after a few quick calculations it was determined that there was no way he was over the new .05 limit and returned to collect the red cooler (which so beautifully matches his red wagon).

CODE ORANGE

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Raiders tomorrow night, also at McCarthy. Army is scheduled to host the Hyjinx, despite the fact he told the team he wouldn’t even be there tomorrow. This should be interesting...I mean Rafael was scheduled to bring food for a practice, and when he realized he couldn’t make it, still brought the food, then left. We look forward to seeing Army tomorrow!

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

THE HOT CARL

In the words of the often imitated but never duplicated Craig Cornell... A tie in baseball is “like kissing your sister.” However, this is how last nights game ended as the SweatSox and Outlaws finished in a 6-6 draw.

THE SHAUN

After two defensive errors and 2 walks led to just one Outlaw run in the first, the SweatSox answered with 4 runs in the 3rd with RBI’s from Craig Cornell, Kent Johnston, Travis Murdock, and Shaun Keay. After an exchange of single runs over the next 6 outs, the Outlaws came to within one after two more runs in the 4th. With the SweatSox up 5-4 heading into the 7th, they added one more in the top after a Keay double led to an RBI single for Josh Ramage. Now up two, the Sox just needed 3 more outs to secure their fourth win of the season.

THE MURDOCK

The bottom of the 7th began with a SweatSox error followed by an Outlaw single which brought the Outlaws back to within 1. SweatSox starter Travis Murdock was subsequently pulled from the game after pitching 6+ innings giving up 6 hits, 6 walks, 6 strikeouts, and 3 earned runs; and turned the ball over to Cory Bond who was looking for his first regular season save in years. Bond struck out the first two batters he faced, and had two strikes on the third batter before giving up a single which scored the runner from second after a close play at the plate. One out later and that’s all she wrote, Bond blows the save and the Sox tie the Outlaws 6-6.

THE RUSTY TROMBONE

Defensively, the SweatSox were even worse than last game and committed a season high 5 errors which lead to 3 unearned runs. The Sox did manage to turn another double play, this time off a fly ball catch from shortstop Mike Hindmarsh who threw it over to me at 1B. On the base paths, for the second time in two games and the second time in his life, Travis was caught stealing – extending his all time SweatSox single season & career record for number of times caught stealing since the stat was kept.

ABE LINCOLN

Offensively the Sox recorded a season high 11 hits, with 1-hit contributions from OMG, myself (SK), Marc Lett, Murdock, and Navarro. The big hitters of the game were The Consultant Cornell and Mr. Burlinchester Josh Ramage who each went 3/4 at the plate (including a Cornell double). For their offensive outputs, both Cornell and Ramage will share the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award (or for short 2004AWKIBGMVPA). Oh, and Craig broke ANOTHER bat; that brings us to a 2009 total of 8, more than half way to breaking last year's total of 15!!

THE NAVARRO

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by the Director Kent Johnston, with an assist from Marc Lett who brought the BBQ, and Army Navarro who supplied the meat. Navarro even went so far as to bring extra snacks, the proper condiments, and amazingly the proper dog-to-bun ratio! After a couple dogs were eaten sans bun, the challenge was presented for someone to eat the remaining two buns at once, with the reward being a mention on the site. Never one to back down from a challenge, KJ stepped up, squished those buns into a baseball like shape, and shoved it into his mouth.

THE ANGRY DRAGON

Once the main course was complete, the Sox moved on to the snacks which included salt & vinegar chips that the Director devoured (why was he so hungry for snacks?), ketchup chips that were too “ketchuppy”, the usual peanuts that one player was quoted as saying “weren’t as satisfying”, and a bag of lettered pretzels. With all this extra food, there was bound to be a spill of some sort and indeed there was, the pretzels were the first to fall and funny enough, the spilled pretzels spelled out the name of the SweatSox starting pitcher for tonight.

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the 2008 Tier II Finalists & the team that beat them in the playoffs last year and in their preseason matchup earlier this month, the Metcalfe Mudd.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

WON THE GAME, LOST THE HYJINX

Looking to rebound from a beat-down Tuesday night against the Tribu, the SweatSox took the field last night at Faulkner for a matchup against the Athletics who were rocking their new-look uniforms. Looking for his first win of the year the Sox sent lefthander Cory Bond to the hill, who took the bump despite a million different things wrong with him; it was a heroic effort on his part.

The game didn’t get off to a good start for the Sox, who went three up three down in the top of the 1st, and it got worse in the bottom of the inning after a leadoff walk and a defensive error led to two Athletics runs. In the 2nd inning the first two Sox batters were retired in order, but then C.Bond drew a two out HBP, which was followed by a Ramage SINGLE; 4 walks and 4 wild pitches later, the SweatSox had 4 runs on the board. A two run lead should have been enough for the GLE, but three Athletic hits in the bottom of the inning led to two more runs, and a tie game heading in to the 3rd.

In that third inning, both teams traded single runs, but it was in the 4th inning when the Sox scored 3 more runs, which came off their first three RBI of the game (Rafael Castillo, Kent Johnston, Travis Murdock). Bond then turned things over to John Groves who in the 4th, who kept the Athletics off the board for the first time in the game. In the 5th the Athletics added two more runs, but unfortunately time ‘ran out’ and the Sox were able to walk away with the 8-7 victory. Bond picks up his first win of the year, and Groves picks up the first SweatSox save of the year.

Offensively the Sox were limited to only 4 hits, courtesy of Castillo, Ramage, Mike Hindmarsh, and C.Bond, who would have had a second if not for the always shameful 9-3 putout. Bond later credited this play to the wind blowing in, the shallow right fielder, and the growing bruise on his leg. Honourable mentions go out to Armando Navarro, who drew two walks, scored two runs, and stole a base; and Craig Cornell, who also drew two walks, scored a run, and broke a bat in his first at bat of the game.

Defensively, the Sox committed a season high three errors, but also had their second double play of the game, this time starting in RF when Navarro caught a fly ball then gunned the runner out who was retreating back to second. Shoutout to Murdock who also threw a would be base stealer out at second base late in the game; perhaps Travis put a little extra into that toss to second after he himself was picked off earlier in the game for the first time in his life.

"THAT MANS GOT A HIGH THRESHOLD FOR PAIN"

The 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award goes out to winning pitcher Cory Bond, whose three innings of work giving up 5 hits, 3 earned runs, a walk, and three strikeouts combined with going 1/2 at the plate with a walk was just enough to take home the hardware controversy free. The medal actually made its first appearance of the season last night, and was awarded to Bond in a beautiful ceremony from Ramage and myself (SK) during the Hyjinx, which I hosted.

Highlights of the Hyjinx included the Bus Cop spraying his own eye with ice cold beer water to remove a foreign object, an intense discussion on whether or not more beer should be brought to the games since more people are staying afterwards and it’s running out more quickly, and a rock jumping competition which was won by Rookie Mike Hindmarsh, whose 5 foot leap in flip-flops (while talking on cell phone) was more than enough to claim this victory. Hindmarsh also set the SweatSox beer bottle stacking on grass record, with 3.

Next up for the SweatSox is a rematch with the Outlaws Sunday night at the Sportsplex. The Director will be hosting the Hyjinx, and Marc Lett doesn't know it yet, but hopefully he will be able to bring his mini BBQ, which in turn will force Army to bring some meat, and we can have a little picnic afterwards!!!

Tonight however, the SweatSox will be Tier IV scoreboard watching as the BlackSox take on the Misfits in a game the BlackSox could actually win to end their 22 game losing streak...

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

2009 SWEATSOX SCHEDULE RELEASED

Moments ago the 2009 Tier II schedule was released and Cory was kind enough to forward that to me so I could share it with you all.

TRIBU SLAY THE DARK BEASTS

Playing their first of six games in thirteen days, the SweatSox started things off against the Outaouais Tribu last night at Brewer Park. Looking for his second win of the year, the Sox sent Josh Ramage to the mound after scheduled starter Cory Bond showed up to the diamond claiming to be “sick”.

Ramage got out of an early jam in the first, but unfortunately a couple walks led to three Outaouais runs in the second. The Sox answered with a run in the bottom of the inning after a missed fly ball off the bat of Joseph Majic scored John Groves from second base. The Tribu broke things open in the 3rd inning after a few SweatSox errors led to four unearned runs, knocking Ramage out of the game. Danny Desclouds, making his SweatSox debut, took the ball in relief and pitched two innings of 1-hit ball with three strikeouts, and an unearned run. The Bus Cop closed the game with two innings of his own, giving up no hits but walked three. The SweatSox were never able to get the bats going, and as a result lost the game by a final score of 8-1.

“SO APPARENTLY IT WAS A FORCE PLAY”

Offensively the Sox managed only 4 hits, courtesy of Rafael Castillo, Travis Murdock, Armando Navarro, and Kent Johnston (who had broken a bat in an earlier plate appearance).

Defensively the SweatSox played their weakest game of the season, committing three errors, many mental/modified errors, and even broke out a ‘Trot’ after a booted play in right field. However, honourable mentions go out to Mike Hindmarsh, who in his SweatSox debut made the only play he got at SS; to Travis Murdock, who threw out a Tribu runner at 3rd from the backstop; and to The Director who scored the first OF assist of the season from his home away from home: Center Field. For recording one of the four SweatSox hits, his defensive effort, and for coaching the infield from the outfield, KJ takes home his 6th career 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award.

RIP KITTY CAT

As scheduled, the Hyjinx took place a few blocks over at Local Heroes, where a promotion for 35% off large wings was taking place; and apparently that’s all they were serving as anything else ordered never arrived.

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Athletics tomorrow night @ Faulkner. I will be bringing the beer, I even asked Army if he had any suggestions, his response.........

Stats for the game last night can be found in the Statistics page.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

KENT GETS HIS INITIAL BACK

After remembering to bring the game balls to Tuesday night's ballgame, Kent "The Director" Johnston has successfully earned his initial back on the company logo.

It's probably a good thing only Cory and Kent are running things this year, and not Cory, OMS, Craig, and Kent.

After practicing alongside one another for many months leading up to the regular season, the SweatSox and Outlaws faced off last night at McCarthy Park, a diamond where the lights shine bright until 11:00PM, and not a moment thereafter.

Looking for their first ever 2-0 record since then move up to Tier II, the Sox sent Old Man Groves (OMG) to the hill for his first appearance of the 2009 campaign. After a quick top of the 1st, the Sox jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom after Craig Cornell answered the challenge the Bus Cop laid down on him in warm-ups, with his first hit of the year, a double. That was followed two batters later with an RBI double from Rookie Travis Murdock.

The score remained the same until the 5th, when the Sox finally broke open the game with a 6 run inning, highlighted by a 3-run double from “left fielder” Marc Lett (in yet another brilliant managerial move from The Authority).

“WE DON’T LIKE YOU JOHN”

Groves cruised into the 6th but after the first SweatSox error of 09 kept the inning alive, the ball was turned over to Mark Bond for his first appearance of the year. After taking a few batters to find the strike zone, Cop settled down and got out of the inning with only an unearned run tagged to Groves.

The SweatSox added two more in bottom of the 6th and then in the top of the 7th, a rare 5 (Cornell) - 4 (Navarro) - 3 (Ramage) double play ended any chance of an Outlaw rally. SweatSox 9, Outlaws 1. OMG (1-0) finished with 5.66IP, 2H, 0ER, 3BB, 6K, the victory, and one half of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP award.

YOU’RE KILLING INDEPENDENT CORY

Defensively, the Sox were once again surprisingly solid. Armando Navarro finished with 3 assists and a putout at second base, Rafael Castillo also had 3 assists from short, but the New Axe Hair Dirtiest Performance of the Game Award goes to The Consultant, whose 3 assists and 3 putouts from third base combined with his 2nd plunge of the year, this time out of the batters box, earned him this most prestigious award.

Offensively, Seductive Eyes finished 2 for 4 with an RBI and two runs scored, Lett finished 1 for 2 with 3RBI, but big ups to Murdock who finished 3 for 4 with 4RBI, a run scored, a stolen base, and the second half of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP award. Oh, and I finished 1 for 1 with a leadoff single in the 2nd and a walk in the 4th.

YOU KNOW THE PEANUTS THAT HAVEN’T GOT HERE

Making a surprise appearance in the stands late in the game, and first appearance ever, was Mrs. Cory & Mrs. Cory’s sister, bringing the total number of girls brought by Bond = 2, and by Travis = 0. When told of Murdock’s claims to fame, Mrs. Cory was quoted as saying she could bring “15 girls” to any given game. This should make for an interesting Family Fun Day, whenever that may be.

OUT HYJINXED THE BYLAW

The Bleacher Hyjinx was hosted by the man known as either: Josh Ramage, Mr. Winchester, Mr. Burlington, or more commonly Osh Kosh B’Josh. B’Josh received criticism early for his questionable beer count, but a second cooler was later found in his possession and all was forgiven. Shortly after the Hyjinx began, the lights went out which meant everyone had to be on their game; Ramage didn’t get the memo and not only did he spill the first beer of the year, he spilled somebody else’s beer! Poor Rafael...never saw it coming.

As the night went on and the temperature kept dropping, one man apparently didn’t get the TWO messages about dressing warmly. This man couldn’t have been Army who bailed early Monday night because of the coldness...of course it was Army. Another shameful bailout of the Hyjinx; and to make matters worse before leaving Army publicly proclaimed his new love for the Evil Empire, joining the likes of current & former Sox like the G.L.E., Mike Hindmarsh, and Sir William Freeman as fans of the Bronx Bombers.

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup next Tuesday against the Outaouais Tribu @ Brewer.

Stats for the game last night can be found in the Statistics page.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

Only two games into the regular season, the SweatSox are happy to report that they're already 33% towards matching last year's broken wood total of 15.

Career Broken Wood Tracker
Name	# of Broken Bats
Mark Dorrington	4
Bryan Fenn	3
Dave Fenn	2
Joshua Ramage	2
Craig Cornell	2
Joseph Majic	1
Kent Johnston	1
Shaun Keay	1
Marc Lett	1
Armando Navarro	1
Rafael Castillo	1
Mark Bond	1
John Groves	0
Travis Murdock	0
Mike Hindmarsh	0
Cory Bond	0

YOU CAN’T TEXT IN WINTER MITTS

After an intense offseason filled with recruiting, dieting programs, practices, workouts, planning, scheming, and preparation, the SweatSox finally hit the field for their first game of the 2009 NCBL regular season. Their opponents: the 2008 Tier III Champion Raiders, a team they had not faced since game 11 of the 2004 season, a game where current SweatSox Kent Johnston and Craig Cornell finished with 2 hits, 2 stolen bases, an RBI, and a walk each. I, Shaun Keay had 2 RBI’s and hit the only sacrifice fly of the game, and apparently the Sox turned a double play that game too! Wow.

Anyways back to last night, getting his 4th SweatSox Opening Day nod, Cory Bond took the hill with new white balls no thanks to acting head-coach Kent "The Director" Johnston, who was looking to save a little mileage on his car by removing all three boxes of balls from the trunk, and forgot to leave a few for the game (DP #1).

“DID HE HIT ME IN THE BACK”…“GOOD CALL”

Bond was solid through three innings, striking out 8 and walking only 1. In the 4th, he got into a bit of trouble after a failed pickoff attempt, and a few more walks led to the first Raider run of the game. The GLE left the game down 1-0 and turned things over to Joshua Ramage, who after a quick 5th inning got some run support after a KJ squibber down the 1st base line. Up 2-1 in the bottom of the 6th, a pinch hit Armando Navarro single got thing going, which was followed up by a well placed sacrifice bunt by Ramage. With two outs, Navarro stole third before the pitcher made a move to the plate; seemingly confused by what was taking place before his very eyes, the Raider pitcher froze just long enough for Army to slide in safely (DP #2).

Up 3-2 in the 7th, Ramage got into a bit of trouble on the mound but after a well timed and perfectly executed trip to the mound by The Authority Bond, Ramage settled down with back to back strikeouts to seal his own victory. Bond finished with 4IP, 0H, 1ER, 4BB, and 8K; Ramage finished with 3IP, 3H, 1ER, 1BB, 3K, and the W.

HE MUST HAVE SEEN SOMETHING I DIDN’T

Defensively, the Sox committed a rare total of 0 errors, although there were a few “modified” errors. Shoutouts go out to Castillo & Cornell, who made some great plays in the middle infield and to Groves & Cop, who made a couple catches in the OF.

Offensively, John Groves got the first SweatSox hit of the season in the 5th inning, which was followed by a broken bat single from the Busk Cop. In the 6th inning, Castillo knocked in the Game Winning RBI off a base hit to LF and combined with his stellar play at SS, earned himself his first ever 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award. For his 8 strikeout and no-hit performance, Cory Bond earns the inaugural “New Axe Hair Dirtiest Play/Performance” award.

THERE ARE 15 GOOD TIMES IN A DAY

In order to elude the Blue Beer Stealer, the SweatSox took the Hyjinx over to The Consultant’s (who is indeed working for free) who also just happened to be hosting it. The Sox were pleased to see they wouldn’t need any help opening the bottles because for the first time this year there were regular twist off caps. Feeling the pride in his first victory up in Tier 2, A&W winner Castillo joined the festivities and enjoyed his first Hyjinx drink. Johnston tried to skip the Hyjinx but the thought of being the only ‘Rebel’ was too much to bear. If only he could stop time like his boy Hiro, he could have enjoyed a couple drinks and gotten his 7 hours sleep….

After the earlier SweatSox PSA, I figured the rest of the guys would know to come prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at them. We all knew it would be cold, so how do you counter that, you dress warmly. Army Navarro, after complaining that his beer was too cold (too cold, WTF, can a beer be too cold), called it a night and retreated home in shame. Bus Cop, who is rocking the GLE circa 2003 figure, also complained of the cold and tried running to big brother’s car to find something warm; thankfully Cory couldn’t allow his family name to bear the shame of the ill-equipped sibling, so his request was subsequently denied.

The frosty weather wasn’t very kind to some of the handheld electronics owned by several SweatSox, the aforementioned Cop dropped his own phone after a perfect toss from three seats over, and on his way out Groves had the first ever Back-to-Back (or Double) BlackBerry spill. It should be noted that Travis Murdock, an expert texter, didn’t drop his phone once despite having it in his hands for most of the night. Well done TM.

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with their indoor workout buddies the Outlaws, tonight at McCarthy, 8:30PM. Mark Dorrington will start the game on the hill, but in the event he can’t make it, John Groves will get the call.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

Once upon a time, I was sleeping in a cabin when I began to hear strange noises coming from outside; after tiptoeing to the window, I was surprised to see 7 wolves no more than 14 feet from where I stood. Frightened, I grabbed my keys and when the wolves weren’t looking I ran to my car, a half-white half-blue spray-painted Acura, and drove away. A pair of wolves spotted my escape and chased my car; one of them was hoping to sneak in via the double door trunk, but as I turned to yell in an attempt to scare them away, I ran over the other one...it felt like a speed bump.

The SweatSox held their second outdoor practice of the seasons last night at the friendly confines of the Nepean Sportsplex’ Hamilton Yards. This practice featured some Gryphon-like defensive drills but unfortunately BP wasn’t as productive, as Mr. Lidz took it upon himself to swing for just over 18 minutes, while the rest of the team was averaging about 4. With the shortened time, some SweatSox were forced to rush their swings which in turn cost the Nicaraguan faction of the team two wooden bats, including the legendary Mr. Nasty. R.I.P.

Despite what one SweatSox elder may try and sell you, the SECOND Hyjinx of the year took place immediately following the practice and was hosted by Cory Bond, who among other things happens to be: the older brother of Bus “Fluffer” Cop, our new Head Coach & General Manager, and The Authority himself! Bond set the tone for all future Hyjinx after bringing 30 beers sitting amongst 3 bags of ice in a now slightly dented cooler.

With the team settling in nicely, we were witness to the first ever SweatSox 'Reach Around' courtesy of the 'La Ping' combo – both gentleman surly left with smiles on their faces. The Director also left in a happier mood than when he arrived, as he found out that one SweatSox rookie will be a welcomed addition to the always changing Team Green, although the subsequent attempts to officially induct him onto that team were reportedly futile. Perhaps next time the Director will apply some car and love using a financial document from Presidents Choice Financial.

Speaking of rookies, here is the second annual SweatSox preseason Public Service Announcement: to fully enjoy the SweatSox Hyjinx, keep the following basic checklist in mind when you’re packing up to get ready for a game: lawn chair, umbrella, sweater or parka, pair of pants, snacks to share, and at least two semi-funny anecdotes.

And finally, big shoutout to the L.A. 'Mighty’ Ducks of Anaheim (the official NHL team of the SweatSox) for defeating the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in last night’s Western Conference semi-final triple overtime thriller. It is fortunate there are no Wings fans on the Sox, as any such person would be automatically benched for the season opener May 11th.

Next up for the SweatSox is an exhibition game Tuesday night against the 2009 Tier II favorites Metcalfe Mudd, the team that defeated the SweatSox two games to one in last year’s Tier II playoffs.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

SweatSox offseason practices one through fourteen were just like any other, completely unworthy of website mention; however there was something different about practice number fifteen. As our Twitter readers are already aware, last night was the first official Après Baseball Hyjinx of the 2009 season.

The night started off on a bit of a downer, as only nine of the eleven full time SweatSox were in attendance; it got a bit better as Army hustled in a few minutes late citing SENS traffic as the cause for his delay, even though he lives in Orleans! It’s early in the season so we allowed this obvious lie to go unchallenged.

Once practice was underway, the scouts got a good chance to see the new & improved Sox in action; Cory Bond was clocked throwing a career high 88mph to the new second string catcher Armando Navarro, while Kent Johnston, who was making his SuperDome debut, and Joshua Ramage, who was still crying due to the lack of birthday shoutouts on any of the SweatSox media outlets, were running the long toss drill to perfection. The rest of the guys were taking BP, running laps, fielding ground balls, or working on their relaxation positions on the ground.

As the clock struck midnight, practice ended and Good Friday had officially arrived. Looking to commemorate this holiday, the Sox celebrated the only way they know how…found the nearest pub and got their drink-on. The first Hyjinx of the year brought out some deep dark secrets from some of the Sox, now I would never betray the trust of those who found it within themselves to share these secrets….haha of course I would: Josh Ramage buys all his hats from LIDS, Kent loves gymnastic vaulting, and Army has always wanted to know what would happen if a dog actually dropped a curveball while it was in competition!?!

Practices continue next week, same time, same place…..and this time, The Director will get his Fishbowl!

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

It would appear as if the NCBL's only fully sponsored team isn't immune to the struggling economy. When our team of Internet predators tried to access the Gryphons site earlier today, they got the following page (below). We can only conclude that in order to reclaim lost funds, the Gryphons had to sell their site to the German online marketing site: MetzwerkReklame. The entire NCBL cyber-world is hoping they will be able to get their domain back in time for the regular season.

Feedback or comments can be sent to feedback@sweatsoxbaseball.com. We read, and appreciate, each and every one of your emails.

Thanks to the generous support of you, the people, the SweatSox have finally earned enough revenue to move to our own domain: SweatSoxBaseball.com. With more bandwidth, more storage space, and more built-in features, 2009 is sure to bring unprecedented greatness and superiority the likes of which have never been seen before.

To find out how you too can contribute to the SweatSox, or for information on how you can donate funds to our team, email support@sweatsoxbaseball.com.

Due to popular demand, the SweatSox will now be able to provide instant updates on all their latest happenings; we are able to do this through the Twitter technology. Want to know the score of a SweatSox game before it's published on the NCBL site? Want real-time updates on the Après Baseball Hyjinx as they're in progress? Want to hear breaking news before it's even posted on this site? Well fear not, now you can. All you have to do is keep checking the Twitter window at the top of this page for all the latest news & updates as we upload them through our mobile phones.

This banner hijacked the site for exactly 24 hours yesterday to honour the new boss of the SweatSox website...me!

JOE and MRS. JOE’s HOUSE – Fresh off the 51 day OC Transpo strike, the Bus Cop Mark Bond came out the big winner at yesterday's SweatSox poker night winning two out of the three games played, intimidating players throughout the night with his patented stare of death.

The night didn’t get off on the right foot though as the news began to spread that the SweatSox Guitar Hero Marc Lett and the reining Mr. Hyjinx Sir William Freeman would be missing the festivities for reasons beyond their control. Sitting in their place was a player who has never suited up or pitched for the SweatSox, Diamondback Marcel Levac. Levac and the D’backs will be moving up to Tier I this season, and reports are circulating that they will be wearing new Gryphon-blue coloured jerseys in honour of their former Tier II rivals.

With just about everyone ready to play, the Sox had to wait for the Director of Green Kent Johnston to show, calls made to his house concluded he pulled out of his driveway at 7:45PM for a 7:00PM start time. During this time, host Joseph Majic was caught putting illegal tape around the poker table, no doubtingly trying to hide a couple face cards under the table.

YOU’VE BEEN JOE’D

Shuffle up and deal!!! The first poker game got started just after the New York Knickerbockers defeated the Toronto Raptors, which was with about 10 minutes remaining in the first quarter. After witnessing the total domination by the Knicks, Joe Majic was clearly inspired and started taking down the SweatSox one by one.

● Shaun Keay.....you got Joe'd.
● Willy tried making a move, but he got Joe’d.
● The ACF got much more A after he was Joe’d.
● What about the former SweatSox GM??? Joe'd.
● Even Mr. Burlington was no match, because he got Joe’d too.

It eventually came town to a final three of Joe, Bus Cop, and Levac. The cards were dealt and all of a sudden we had a three-way all-in. With a pair of Kings, Bus Cop came out of nowhere and half-Joe'd (or Sammied) the competition to win the first Sox poker game of 2009.

“ARE YOU ASKING ME FOR A COUNT?”

Game two was much less dramatic than the first, and featured the return of SweatSox GM Cory Bond to the poker table after 4 year hiatus. The GLE should have stayed on the couch though, because he was out after two hands. Things remained pretty relaxed until a fight nearly broke out between the Director of Green and Will Majic over an impromptu chip count request. Fortunately, things settled down in time for a Marcel-Joe all-in showdown; after two consecutive winning hands, Levac drew pocket aces and that was more than enough to take down Mr. Majic. An honourable mention goes out to me for winning a $5.00 side bet vs the Bus Cop.

“I RAISE YOU FIV...”IM ALL IN”...AHHHHHHHH”

The third and final game of the night just goes to show why sometimes too much of a good thing can be really bad. The game got off to a good start with some great back and forth action until eventually we were all witness to the ‘New Axe Hair’ Dirtiest Call of the Game courtesy of Craig Cornell, who set up Mrs. Joe (aka Mary) so badly that she has reportedly quit poker forever and started smoking again after quitting over a week ago! For his effort, Craig took home one of two 1-year supply packages of ‘New Axe Hair Gel and Shampoo’ thanks to our good friends at Axe.

The game then came to a standstill when the four remaining players began waiting for somebody else to knock off somebody else off so they could at least win their money back. During this stare down, the clock struck midnight and when the folks in the losers lounge couldn’t find any reruns of 'Cops' or 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' on TV, they were able to catch up on the latest happenings on WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown. The main event was a tag team featuring Michelle McCool & Maryse vs. Eve Torres & Maria; and the team with the girl in the red outfit won. Hours later, a rare miscalculation on the part of the league Treasurer cost him 99% of his chips to the Bus Cop, who with his newfound wealth was able to pick off the rest of the competition one by one. Bus Cop survived the longest poker game in SweatSox history and became the evening’s grand champion! Good job BC.

THE HEAD STAYS IN THE GARAGE

Overall it was a great night, and the SweatSox would like to once again thank the Joe’s for hosting the festivities and for continuing to store some of the team’s legendary hardware. For their kindness and generosity, the team unanimously awarded them the second 1-year supply of ‘New Axe Hair Gel and Shampoo’.

Next up for the SweatSox is...ummmm...I’ve got no idea...ask Kent or Cory...for I am Shaun Keay, Webmaster Extraordinaire!!

WAR Rainbow Trout Cake

For the first time since the Chapman-Mortgages era, the SweatSox have found themselves a new team sponsor. Now anybody could go out and find a sponsor that will sign them over a cheque to cover team expenses, however the SweatSox are very sensitive to the current economic situation and refuse to accept such generosity. The SweatSox do however accept material goods from company's so when one of our new General Managers met up with representatives from the fine company Axe, it was a clear match made in heaven.

Upon hearing stories from the great SweatSox Hyjinx, Axe immediately wanted to jump on board and in the first phase of our new relationship, they have supplied us with two 1-year supplies of 'New Axe Hair' Gel and Shampoo to hand out at SweatSox Poker this Friday night.

The SweatSox would like to thank Axe for their support, and look forward to a long-lasting relationship filled with free gifts and samples.

Reports are coming from the NCBL meeting currently taking place at the Nepean Sportsplex that are sending shockwaves throughout the Tier. As expected, the Cardinals and Raiders will pitch to stay in their respective tiers while the Diamondbacks will move up to Tier I, but in a bit of a surprise, the Old Sox will move back to Tier III where their journey began 4 seasons ago. Along with the move back to Tier III, the Old Sox have officially changed their name to the Orleans Mavericks; at least that's one less 'Sox' team in the NCBL...no wait, the Crickets who changed their name to the Fireballers have once again changed their name to the Black Sox....great.

Also announced, the ~~Old Sox~~ Mavericks have upgraded from the BallCharts site and created a new team page located here: http://orleansmavericks.webs.com/. We here at SweatSox2 would like to send the new Mavericks site our best wishes, and may all your post-game TomFoolery be documented forever.

It is with great honour that I introduce to you all the newest member of the OttawaSweatSox2 Webpage Team, me. My name is Shaun Keay, and I have been a member of the SweatSox since 1998, where in my rookie year I batted .400 with 2HR & 12RBI. I've also done a bit of pitching, and my career ERA sits at a very impressive 25.87.

As everyone is now aware, former webmaster Craig Cornell has stepped down his administrative duties which not only included the day to day SweatSox operations, but also meant keeping this site up to date. As the SweatSock whose been here the longest, I know I have what it takes to build on what Craig has created and keep this site the very best it can be. As the new Webmaster, I'm very much looking forward to working with SweatSox2 administrator Shannon Rankin, in collaboration with site photographer Cory Bond in continuing the SweatSox2 tradition of excellence.

If anybody would like to get in touch with me or provide feedback on the site, I can always be reached via email at ottawasweatsox2@yahoo.com.

For the second consecutive year, the SweatSox are proud to announce that their OttawaSweatSox2 website was named 'Top NCBL Team Website' by the International Committee of Amateur Baseball Team Website Scouters! This is their second victory in two years in this category.

The SweatSox would like to thank the Committee for the votes, their fans for all the love & support, and the rest of the league for continuing to visit our page and making it the most viewed site in the NCBL.

October 31, 2008

Last night at the Southway Inn, the last official NCBL event of 2008 took place as teams from all tiers came together in celebration of yet another fun & exciting summer. The SweatSox were represented by 2007 Team MVP members Cory Bond, Craig Cornell, Shaun Keay, and Marc Lett. Armando Navarro also made a brief appearance, but quickly left the premises after realizing he was the only one in full uniform.

The night was nearly ruined before dinner even began, as the Southway Inn announced an impending hotel wide Code Orange. The SweatSox took this warning seriously, and proceeded to purchase all remaining cold beer. After the Code was averted, the rest of the league had to suffer through a Code Burgundy (aka warm beer) - score one for the SweatSox.

The awards ceremony capped the evening, and the SweatSox were well represented as they had a finalist in each of the five tier two award categories. They knew it would be tough to win, but banked all their hopes & dreams with their Rookie of the Year nominee/Tier II finalist Mark "Bus Cop" Bond, whose epic 9.33 innings pitched and .000 batting average was the talk of the town.

Unfortunately the Sox were shutout, but we would like to congratulate all the Tier II award winners:

- Tier 2 Pennant Winner – Diamondbacks
- Tier 2 Championship Winner – Diamondbacks
- Blair Mackenzie Trophy - Tier 2 Most Valuable Player Award – Greg Elliott, Metcalfe Mudd
- Tier 2 Batter of the Year – Greg Elliott, Metcalfe Mudd
- Gerry Wallace Memorial Award - Tier 2 Pitcher of the Year – Jason Gordon, Metcalfe Mudd
- Tier 2 Rookie of the Year – Wade Wilson, Athletics
- Rodney Walsh Award - Tier 2 Sportsmanship and Ability – "The" Ryan Chow, Diamondbacks

Although I wasn't there to witness it myself, reports from the banquet indicate that during the presentation of the Rodney Walsh Award for Sportsmanship and Ability, Mr. Rodney Walsh himself gave our SweatSox2 website a shoutout!! Thanks Big Rod!!

In Tier I news, a big congratulations goes out to the Gryphons manager (Phil?) who took home the Ross W. Potter Award for Manager of the Year. Great job coach!

Also congratulations goes out to ~~Bill Beelen~~ Tom Toll who won the 50/50 draw!

With the league banquet exactly one week away, the NCBL released the list of award finalists. The SweatSox are proud to announce that they have a finalist in each of the five Tier II award categories:

Most Valuable Player - David Fenn
Best Batter - David Fenn
Best Pitcher - Cory Bond
Rookie of the Year - Mark Bond??? WTF
Sportsmanship and Ability - Sir William Freeman

After an afternoon of golf, it was time to get back to business as the SweatSox Annual Banquet took place last night at the home of now two-time SweatSox golf champion Joseph Majic (co-hosted with Mrs. Joe). On the agenda, a Rib dinner with Garlic Bread (and optional cheese), a couple rounds of hold'em poker, some RBI Baseball emulated on an XBOX, and last but not least, the presentation of the 2008 SweatSox Awards.

- Rib Dinner and Garlic Bread (with option cheese) was extraordinary.
- Craig dominated the RBI Baseball matchup.
- Joe won the first poker event; Kent the 2nd.

Then it was time for the award ceremony:

Award	Winner(s)
3rd Annual SweatSox Golf Champions	Kent Johnston, Joseph Majic, Samuel Majic
Most Swings and Misses of a Golf Club vs a Golf Ball	Armando "2 Strikes" Navarro
My Car Window Got Smashed by a Foul Ball as I Stood Helplessly at 1st Base	Shaun Keay
Top Hitter in Round II of the Playoffs	Craig Cornell
20-20 Club (20 Walks + 20 Runs Given Up in a Single Game)	Joshua Ramage
Most Valuable Mid Season Acquisition	John Groves
Best Name	Denver Hunt
Most Broken Bats	Mark Dorrington
Fewest Beers Consumed All Year	Bryan Fenn
Most Beers Consumed All Year	Marc Lett
Most Ridiculous Hyjinx Conversations	Greg Sanders & Gil Grissom
Mr. Hyjinx	Bill Freeman
Most Green	Kent Johnston
Webmaster of the Year	~~Craig Cornell~~ Shannon Rankin
Executive of the Year	Craig Cornell
The OMS Award	Mark Dorrington
Rookie of the Year	Mark Bond
Gold Gloves	Kent Johnston & Bill Freeman
Sportsmanship and Ability	Sir William Freeman
Top Hitter	David Fenn
Top Pitcher	Cory Bond
Top Left Handed Pitcher	Cory Bond
Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy (MVP)	David Fenn
SweatSox Hall of Fame - Class of 2008	Ray 'Limousine Ridin' Cuthbert

In his first year with the SweatSox, David Fenn took home top honors by winning the Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy (aka The Head) for team MVP. Dave was the team's best and most consistent hitter all year long hitting .391 with a team leading 25 hits out of the leadoff spot. He also pitched in several big ball games including a complete game shutout on the season's final day to clinch 3rd place for the Sox. He also led the team in appearances, innings pitched and strikeouts. Congrats Dave on an award well earned!

Also a big shoutout to Cory Bond, who in a very close vote, took home his 6th consecutive Top Left Handed Pitcher Award.

It was also revealed that this years inductee into the SweatSox Hall of Fame was Ray Cuthbert.

Ray Cuthbert (1990-2004)

Inducted September 27, 2008

As one of the cornerstones of the SweatSox during the 90s and into the millenium, Ray Cuthbert took over from Doug Dorion as the Sox organizer in a similar fashion that Skywalker took over from Kenobi (just without the blood shed). With facial hair that both Jason Giambi and Ron Jeremy could be proud of, Ray led the team both on the field and off the field. As the only SweatSox member to never have driven himself to a game, Ray "limousine ridin" Cuthbert could be found firmly planted behind home plate during most of his tenure. As the team's official historian/pack rat, it is rumoured that to this day Ray holds game sheets somewhere in the SweatSox historical basement archive as far back as 1992. Some of these have even been shared with the current web site adminsitrator, whoever that may be, so that all stats on the NCBL's most active web site are 100% accurate and up to date. To this day, stories are still told during the Hyjinx that allude to Travis' mom's sweat pants also being down there somewhere but we will probably never know the truth. For his contribution as statistician, his defensive play behind the plate, his putting up with guys not paying until the last few weeks of the season, Ray Cuthbert is honored as this year's inductee into the SweatSox Hall of Fame (This honor is shared with his steel garden shed that housed the SweatSox equipment for many years).

The third annual SweatSox golf tournament took place yesterday at the Meadows Golf & Country Club, and featured a half rookie, a spare, the OMS, and regular ordinary players from the everyday roster. After some last minute delays, a couple no-shows, and a text message from the doghouse...nine SweatSox hit the links vying for the one-of-a-kind trophy named after it's creator...the 'Navy'.

MEET THE TEAMS

The 9 golfers split off into three teams: Team Sharmandory (top left), Team Light-Green (top right), and Team Groves (bottom).

The Team Groves threesome consisted of Johnny "the Hammer" Groves, Craig "Seductive Eyes" Cornell, and of course Mark "can't think of anything to put here" Dorrington. Their round was highlighted by two OMS aces, both of course on PAR 5's!! Fearing the Meadows would shut down operations immediately for the rest of the year so they could OMS-proof their course, Team Groves decided not to officially record these aces, which turned out to be costly as they finished the day +2, and good enough for the bronze place finish. Honourable mention goes out to the bird on the thirteenth fairway who wouldn't stop squawking, that is not until the OMS told it to 'shut up'. The bird was so scared, it died later that night.

Team Sharmandory was put together at the last possible minute thanks to some tardy Sox, but nevertheless featured Shaun "Fairway" Keay, Cory "GLE" Bond, and Armando "Man that Cop was Friendly" Navarro. Their round displayed an equal mix of hooks & slices, but when it mattered most they came together as a team united (with a 1-2-3 cheer), and fought their way to a second place finish with a score of +1.

Team Light-Green's members included Joseph & Samuel Majic, as well as the Director himself Kent Johnston. Their round was highlighted by a dozen or so monster drives, several beautiful iron shots, some gorgeous recovery shots, and of course 18 or so center-of-the-cup putts. Team LG was the only group to finish under par, and won the tournament with a score of -3.

Year	Team	Golfers	Course	Score
2007	Scissors	Adrian, Chris, Rob, Lee, Ray	The Canadian	-7
2007	Green	Kent, Andrew, Joey, Sean	The Canadian	-5
2007	MVP	Shaun, Marc, Craig, Cory	The Canadian	-3
2006	Green	Kent, Andrew, Joey, Sean	Manderley	-3
2008	Light Green	Kent, Joey, Sammy	Meadows	-3
2006	Scissors	Brian, Chris, Rob, Ray	Manderley	-1
2007	FoK	Jon, Tony, Ryan, Kirk	The Canadian	E
2008	Sharmandory	Cory, Shaun, Armando	Meadows	+1
2008	Groves	OMS, Craig, John	Meadows	+2
2006	MVP	OMS, Cory, Marc, Craig	Manderley	+3
2006	All-Stars	Shaun, Jon, Armando, Stefan	Manderley	+5

The rest of the afternoon can be adequately summarized with the following headlines & illustrations:

CORNELL SHOOTS, K'ZER & OMS REACT

The SweatSox would like to congratulate the OMS on yet another monumental breakthrough; yesterday he became the first person in the history of the universe to discover the above species of frog. With naming rights being the reward for this kind of discovery, the OMS went against the suggestion of the rest of his threesome in naming it the "OMS Frog", and instead dubbed thee the "Blue Leopard Frog".

As the news of this discovery continues to spread, the animal kingdom has just announced that the Blue Leopard Frog has replaced the Blue Whale as the biggest animal on earth, citing of course the OMS clause. Congrats Mark!!

Including but not limited to: Doug Dorion Memorial Trophies, Blair Mackenzie Trophies, Gerry Wallace Memorial Trophies, Jim Dean Trophies, 2004 Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Awards, Winners Humide Moist Towelette Trophies, SweatSox Top Pitcher Awards, SweatSox Top Left Handed Pitcher Awards, Players of the Mid Decade & Players of the Half Decade Awards, and obviously countless OMS awards.

Preseason	03 games x 24 bottles @ 0.10/bottle	$7.20
Regular Season	23 games x 24 bottles @ 0.10/bottle	$57.60
Playoffs	02 games x 24 bottles @ 0.10/bottle	$4.80
Total Money Collected from Empties:		$69.60

18+ XX Fan Counter
Name	# of Fans
Cory	2
Mark	1
Army	1
Joe	1
Mike	1
Travis	1

Games on:
Sunday	7
Monday	3
Tuesday	4
Wednesday	2
Thursday	3
Friday	5
Saturday	0
Games at:
Aydelu	1
Brewer	1
Faulkner	2
Heritage	1
Kinsmen	2
McCarthy	7
Southgate	2
Sportsplex	8
Games at:
3:30PM	1
6:00PM	4
6:15PM	6
8:00PM	2
8:30PM	11