SB Drumhead Court Martial

"The jury" is in - 2 game suspension as a result of :

http://softballinsider.blogspot.com/2011/05/ozzie-is-to-twitter-as-ricky-is-to-blog.html http://softballinsider.blogspot.com/2011/05/answering-animal-farm-critics.html

I experienced no joy or satisfaction from this incident as my focus has always been towards good softball and excellent sportsmanship. I disagree with the league's decision, but I will respect it and comply with the verdict. They say "Do the crime, Do the time", too bad only one party got punished this time around as I am deeply disappointed that no formal action or warning was given to umpire Mr. Johnson for his repeated unprofessionalism and poor officiating.

As for the whole investigative/judicial process, it started out on one path and ended on another. Initially I was given a chance to give a thorough written statement and speak to committee members on the matter. Very standard. Very fair. No further questioning was needed, then something changed as via email I received the following "Coerced Confession" framed styled questions

1. Do you feel that your actions were inappropriate or constitute Unsportsmanlike Behavior? What should your punishment be?

2. Do you think you handled the disagreements you had with Mr. Johnson's " unprofessionalism" in the correct way?
3. Is Mr. Johnson responsible for your actions on Sunday because he "goaded" you and acted unprofessionally?
4. Is there a different way of handling your complaints about Mr. Johnson's " unprofessionalism" that you can suggest aside from how you handled it on Sunday?
5. In retrospect, do you wish you had acted differently in any way or have any regrets about your own behavior and actions?

At this point, I sensed the investigation was resembling a drumhead court-martial.These were held in the field to hear urgent charges of offences committed in action. The term is said to originate from the use of a drumhead as an improvised writing table and a traditional gathering point for a regiment for orders or decisions. The term sometimes has connotations of summary justice, with an implied lack of judicial impartiality, where appeals were always denied.

In these questions, I sensed a Salem Witch Trail judicial approach based on an agenda focused on provoking me to admit guilt and punish me for publicly campaigning for the firing of Mr. Johnson on my blog. This type of questioning and judicial style represents an ever-present, but subtle, danger of those who in the name of righteousness manipulate the system. In extreme circumstances it could spread fear, paranoia and/or suspicion. I would be remiss if I didn't remind the committee that next time they ask questions make sure you remember not to frame them to get the answers you want. Rather seek the Truth.

Regardless, I promptly answered all these questions with the same skill as they were constructed and in the end I accept the verdict and look forward to moving on from this incident and proving that I am the better man.

Tie = Kissing Your Sister

Ties are relatively rare in baseball, since the practice dating back to the earliest days of the game is to play extra innings until one side has the lead after an equal number of innings played. For example, the only non spring training tie I can remember was the 2002 All-Star game when both teams ran out of pitchers.

In softball ties are also very rare, and usually only happen when either the lights go out during a night game or a time limit expires. The latter is what transpired last night as Turner and Charter Fabric "CF" squared off to a 2-2 tie called after the one hour and twenty minute time limit expired. that was so wack.

Charter Fabric games rarely make this blog but last night's game was the exception as pitcher and play director Chris Lutkin
again continued his masterful pitching by matching legendary hard throwing CF ace Cedric out for out. Turner is to be commend for grinding out runs while hitting in a very dark home plate area and specifically for tying the game with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th with a long home run. Now that's good softball.

Unfortunately, all that excellent pitching, defense, and late inning drama was kind of wasted as nobody won the damn game. As the old expression goes "a Tie is like Kissing Your Sister". You get no joy, pleasure, passion, or satisfaction from it. (like if you were 'kissin' your sister"--blechhh/disgusting!).

Ties and time limits don't belong in softball. and this game is evidence of that. It took an instant classic and made it obscure footnote

Dressed To Impress

I would like to recognize the best dressed team in softball:

The Gentlemen

who wear Tuxedo's uniforms while they get down to business. Their classy look is matched only by there spotless 8-0 start in http://brooklynsbestsoftball.com/

Frank Sinatra would be proud.

The Egg Project runs on Premium

After hurling a masterful 3-1 complete game victory over the previously undefeated Rangers last Sunday, avid Central Park pitcher, player, and overall wonderful guy Chris "Premium" Lutkin
is now displaying his professional skills by directing a play called "The Egg Project"on May 20,21,27 and 28th @7:30 pm at the

Dixon Place Theater
161A Chrystie Street
New York, NY
www.dixonplace.org

No need to ever walk around carefully like your on egg shells around Chris b/c he is one of the nicest and best overall guys you will ever want to meet, play with, and play against.
Give his production a shot b/c nice guys don't have to finish last - This guy is a winner

Softball Diary : Street Game on Cinco De Mayo

I had had enough of softball politics yesterday and was determined to get my softball Independence back on Cinco de Mayo. Even though I didn't have a game schedule, I still had to get back on the softball streets and help others b/c sometimes in softball you have to follow the JFK saying of "Ask not what your softball country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your softball country".

First item on my agenda was to make sure the Jersey City league could play their regularly scheduled game. The heavy rains had damaged the Gateway field,
but with some hard work and assistance from my partner Pat Ryan the field was good to go and everyone was happy.
The Jersey City league has been my own little personal project as I look at it as a neglected abused animal that only needs a little love to grow and flourish. So far, we are off to a promising beginning.

Later in that day, I had to ride the softball style 8 mile bus
( and train) to go to Inwood Hill Park and assist Yoda with player development



I snuck in a workout in Inwood as well and for one day at least I had my independence while helping others.