Its Friday "you ain't got no job, and you ain't got shit to do"

Friday is a classic 1995 stoner comedy-drama-buddy film and who can ever forget the famous line "you ain't got no job, and you ain't got shit to do "

Well if your free for the next few Friday's and are interested in playing some good organized "Dogs Chasing Cars" pickup at Heckscher Field #2 between 12 noon and 4pm please let the softball Mayor Jimmy Bitros know. It's a great group of guys approximately 1/2 of whom play in the Big Apple League and several who are his  team The Rangers. He's only looking for 5 or 6 new players so if you are interested please e mail him at jbitros@mindspring.com asap.

I wish I could go but I work for the Man, but I highly recommend as a classic NY softball experience.

No No Recognition

A No Hitter is Special and should be recognized... just ask this sideways version of me

after Johan's masterpiece.Well the insider would also like to recognize West's Edgar Jr

last years picture - over 25 pounds ago

for throwing a 6 inning no hitter (mercy win) over a good Empire squad last Sunday. Edgar is a true modified pitcher and his accomplishment deserves respect. Like Johan he was made a major comeback as has changed both inside and out (lost over 60 pounds) and is truly enjoying the game and life.

Well done Natural

Secret Weapon

The Jersey City Softball League has had 21 games and 20 rain-outs this year.

Damn.


Makes me think what legendary Big apple Commissioner Jeff Marcus would do in my situation. Hell why wonder? Let's just ask Jeff Marcus

Alrightie then. Anyway, I have secured a large amount of fields and with just a little luck we will have a strong second half of the season.

One team hoping to finish strong this year is my team - West NY



A big (and fun) reason we are off to a solid 3-1 start is the use of our secret weapon - Wil Enriquez.


Throughout every entire game, the 53 year old team catcher

amazing serves as our main courtesy runner

 

 

The Insider recently caught up with Will to ask him how this all came about and who the hell he was exactly running for? 

Cool stuff. Fun Team

Perception is not Reality - Latin Fallacy

A big stereotype in baseball/softball is that Latin players are dumb and/or lazy.

You hear things like:

• "Latin players are dumb"
• "Selfish"
• "You can't win with only Latins"
• "Egotistical"
• "Can't take a walk"
• "Moody"

Stop. Just Fucking Stop

That is so fucking racial, myopic, and ignorant that it really bothers me.Yes there are numerous Latins that fit that description
 
 but don't let a few bad apples ruin your perception. Latins love the game, are smart, and have mad heart. Pros like Rivera, Carew, and Clemente are revered for their ability, dignity, wisdom, and class.

Recently I caught up with 2011 Big Apple Rookie of the Year Christian Goris and asked him about the subject


Yes Christian is a hick but he is smart, gritty, and never quits. The Face of America is changing both on and off the field don't be afraid to embrace it.

Changing Positions

"Yo before I start this blog I just want to thank everybody for being so patient and bearing with me over these last 41 days while I figure this shit out"

One of the hardest things any players has to do is change positions. Some players adapt fairly well

Former Gold Glove SS A-Rod is a solid MLB 3B

others try really hard but are just ill suited to ever become serviceable   

Murphy at 2B? - hay dios - Horrible

and then you have the drama queens who begrudgingly move to a new spot

Hanley Rameriz "Diva"

Reasons most players hate "moving" to a new position include but are not limited to:

1. Ego and Pride
2. Prestige and Entitlement
3. Selfish 
4. Asshole
5. Confidence
6. Effects their hitting - Mental
7. Pressure
8. Fear of Embarrassment
9. Admitting your walking the Softball Green Mile
10. All the Above and more

Ironically I can relate to these feelings as recently I had to change positions in the business world just to earn a living. For years I was a damn good mortgage back securities analyst
 
 but the recession and a long 6 month unemployment spell forced me to take a temporary assignment during  tax season in Jersey City. I've tried really hard to be professional about the whole thing but the truth is I have had to swallow my ego as it has involved a non glamorous position consisting of

• Long hours - I'm lazy at this job as I average like only 60-65 hours a week plus weekends
• Less pay
• Data entry and Horrible technology
• Customer service ass kissing bullshit
• New field - I don't know shit about cost basis accounting
• Boring, check that beyond boring
• Frustration - Mr Ronda your not the man anymore
• Keeping my big fat mouth shut and swallowing my ego
• and worse of all playing a lot less softball

The people are very nice but the job fucking sucks. I hate complaining because it has dug me out of a huge financial hole but it just does. I hate money and the uninspiring/uninteresting things we do to make it. I can't believe I once wanted to be a millionaire businessman.

I've been sad, edgy, and overwhelmed throughout this experience, but sometimes you just have to take one for the team
 

and swallow your pride and change positions in life.

Needless to say, this new gig has consumed me as I haven't written a blog in 41 days. However, I will not let this or any job take me prisoner anymore and take away the things I love. I love this blog and the writers block is over.  Time to remind everyone that it is more than just a game.

Holler!!!!!!!!!!!!