Gift from God

Quietly Ken Griffey Jr. retired yesterday. Truly a great player who undoubtedly would have broken the home run record, without steroids, if it hasn't for all the injuries he sustained in Cincinnati. What I remember the most about Jr. was that he had the most beautiful, fluent, and perfect left handed hitting bat speed/swing/mechanicsthat I have ever seen (aplogize to Ted Williams - who I never saw). Everything he did in the box was on point - he made it look effortless.

I've always said that being a left handed hitter is a Gift from God,

http://softballinsider.blogspot.com/2008/06/lethal-lefties.html, there is no excuse for not being at least a decent left handed hitter in softball for a variety of reasons like base distance, facing primarily right handed pitching, generally weaker fielder's on the right side, etc.

In honor of Ken Griffey's Jr. Excellence, I've consulted my smoking softball idol and retried great left handed hitter in his own right Tommy Higgleson

to post some impressive and different softball left handed hitters, swings and images ranging from power LH hittersbalanced all field threats,line drive strokes and pesky slap left handed hitters who take advantage of their speed

Lefty's - a true Gift from God

Make it Perfect for Joyce's sake

By now everyone has seen the blown call by umpire Jim Joyce’s that ruined Armando Galarraga's perfect game yesterday

that came with two outs in the ninth inning Wednesday night in Detroit.
Traditionalist will say all that human error is part of the game and they are right, but I think MLB should make a special exception for this one b/c nothing occurred afterwards that changed the outcome of the game.

Moreover, unlike other bad umps who are confrontational and stubborn

Joyce admitted he got it wrong and tearfully apologized in person to the pitcher. That shows he cares and loves/respects the game.

Joyce showed up to work Thursday in Detroit, looking as if he hadn’t slept. He appreciated the outpouring of support from umpires, family and friends but lamented strangers lashing out at his wife and children. “I wish my family was out of this,” Joyce said, holding back tears as he spoke nearly two hours before the Cleveland-Detroit series finale. “I wish they would direct it all to me. It’s a big problem. My wife is a rock. My kids are very strong. They don’t deserve this.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AhQA2arCYdWhomiliWpWprU5nYcB?slug=ap-joycescall

He has had a 20 year brilliant umpiring career - give him a mulligan and make this a perfect game. Sometimes change is needed.

Recognizing the Real MVP on Memorial Day

Many of us enjoy picnics

and softball

on Memorial Day

as we enjoy a long weekend in honor of the soldiers who have given their lives for our country.

Well I also want to give a shout out to the Real MVP's out there, the current servicemen and woman of the United States of America for all they do for us.

Specifically, I want to Recognize my cousin

Phillip A. R

US Marine Corps Lcpl stationed at Twenty nine Palms, Ca.

I'll let the fact that your a Yankee and Giant fan slide this time little cousin, b/c you are appreciated.

Thank You True MVP

Softball Mount Rushmore

Almost everyone has heard of Mount Rushmore
which pays tribute to 150 years of U.S. presidents. Honoring great American Leaders Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Well the new hot team in the Big Apple League, Mayaguez, is on fire with an 8-2 start thanks to the leadership and recruiting efforts of their own Mount Rushmore

Brain Trust of :

Jack O Nellie Alvardo

Rudi Robinson (left below reaching into bag)

and Pipo (not pictured).These guys have successfully recruited talented pitching and players from all over NYC and have somehow convinced Central Park legend Enrqiue Perdomo

to come out of retirement and pitch for them. But possibly the greatest recruitment feather in their cap was the enlisting of Taryn as their new #1 fan

They are not a fluke.

Breaking News : Get Well Soon Bobby "Larry Merchant" Fishman

Breaking News !!!!!

Central Park Softball legend Bobby Fishman

AKA "Larry Mercahnt"

has had serious health issues and will be down for a while. But this story has a good ending as he is now doing well, resting, and recovering at his sister's home. The privilege of competing against and knowing Bobby Fishman over the years has been all mine. He has made Central Park and Inwood a better place to play ball with his unique spirit and skills. Rest up brother can't wait to see you out there driving everyone crazy. Your a Legend