Homers

The Homers, est. 1991, tries to be a pleasant yet competitive team in JPL's C League Softball.

Email the regular Homers or anyone affiliated with the team. To get on or off either mailing list, http://googlegroups.com.
2021.09.15
Standing: Scott Morgan, Danny Castano, Karrie Hawbaker, Chad Galley, Sue Kientz, Will Reid, Leah Forrest, Jeff Osman, Daniel Limonadi, Robb Warren, Ana Morino, Johnny McGrory, Ryan Kinnett
Kneeling: Sofi Castano, Becky Castano, Bella Castano, Ron Baalke, Austina Wang, Abby Couto, Tony Ganino, Richard Chen, Annette Nasif
Missing: Tony Greicius, Dustin Graf
From Karrie's camera: normal silly siliest


Schedule

Jul 14 1. Homers 19, Paper Tigers 7
Jul 20 2. Space Force 7, Homers 20
Jul 27 3. Eclectic Eccentrics 15, Homers 19
Aug 02 4. Homers 16, L.A. Radars 14
Aug 10 5. Mercy Be Crazy 17, Homers 28
Aug 16 6. Homers 16, Cinco Equis 16
Aug 25 7. Voodoo TOAD Fury 27, Homers 20
Sep 01 8. Bruisers 15, Homers 22
Sep 15 9. Homers 15, Titans 12

Games are at Hahamongna Park's lower level. Field HN has the backstop and the dirt infield. HS is diagonally opposite.


M. Homer (body)

 
 #                  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9   $
 1 Jeff Osman       1  1  1  1  2  1  2  2  3   1
 2 Ron Baalke       2  4  3  4  3  4  1  1  1   1
 3 John McGrory     8  2  6  5  8  6  5 15  7   1
 4 Scott Morgan     3  6  4  2  1  3  3  3  2
 5 Richard Chen     6  5  5     7 12  4 12  4   1
 6 Leah Forrest    11 11 13 12 12    12  9  9   1
 7 Robb Warren     10     8  3  4  5 11  6  5    
 8 Ana Morino       8  2  6     8  6 13    11   1
 9 Tony Ganino         7     6 13  2  7  7 16  10
10 Chad Galley        13 14     6  8  8  5  6  10
11 Ryan Kinnett          11 10 11 11  6 10  8
12 Sue Kientz          S  S     S  S  S  S  S
13 Abby Couto       7  8          15  9  8 15   1
14 Annette Nasif             8 14  9 10 13 14   1
15 Will Reid        5  9    11    14 14    17  10
16 Austina Wang           9  7 10 10    11 13
17 Tony Greicius   12 12 12     5        4          
18 Daniel Limonadi           8 14       13 12   1
19 Dustin Graf      4 10  9       13         
20 Dorothea Chen    S  S  S     S                   
20 Clement Chen     S  S  S     S                   
22 Jenelle Graf        S  2               
23 Kim Kinnett            S     S
23 Rook Graf           S  S
23 Chloe Kinnett          S     S
26 Becky Castano                           10
27 Bella Castano                            S
27 Danny Castano                            S
27 Sofi Castano                             S
27 Haley Ganino        S
27 Sheila Ganino       S
27 Karrie Hawbaker                          S
27 Fred Rotenberg         S
27 Lori Rotenberg         S
#==current ranking,
*==previous ranking,
Out,
Spectator,
Late arrival,
Early exit,
Disabled/dead
Male player, confirmed
Female player, confirmed
male player, presumed
female player, presumed

The algorithm to determine the winner:

  • number of regular season games attended
  • if tied, irregular season games attended
  • if tied, lowest sum of order of appearance at regular season games
  • if still tied, order of appearance at irregular games
  • Order of appearance also pretty much determines: 1) each game's batting order, 2) the order of sitting out defensively, and 3) who gets sent over to the other team if they don't have enough. Note: the payment of team fees counts as an irregular game.

    M. Homer (food)

     #                  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9
     1 Jeff Osman       +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +
     2 Robb Warren      +     +  +  +  +  +  +  +
     2 Richard Chen     +  +  +     +  +  +  +  +
     4 Ron Baalke       +  +  -  +  -  +  +  +  +
     4 Scott Morgan     -  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  -
     6 Sue Kientz       +  -  -  +  -  +  +  +  +
     7 Ana Morino       +  +  +     -  +  +     -
     8 John McGrory     +  +  +  -  -  +  +  -  -
     9 Dorothea Chen    +  +  +     +            
     9 Clement Chen     +  +  +     +            
    11 Austina Wang           +  -  +  -     +  +
    11 Abby Couto       +  +           -  +  -  +
    13 Leah Forrest     +  +  -  -  -     +  -  +
    14 Ryan Kinnett           +  -  +  +  -  -  -
    15 Daniel Limonadi           -  +        -  +
    16 Annette Nasif             -  +  -  -  -  +
    17 Chad Galley         -  -     -  -  +  -  +
    18 Bella Castano                            +
    18 Becky Castano                            +
    18 Karrie Hawbaker                          +
    18 Danny Castano                            +
    18 Sofi Castano                             +
    23 Kim Kinnett            -     +            
    23 Chloe Kinnett          -     +            
    25 Tony Ganino         -     -  -  -  -  +  -
    26 Sheila Ganino       -
    26 Lori Rotenberg         -
    26 Haley Ganino        -
    26 Fred Rotenberg         -
    30 Jenelle Graf        -  -
    30 Rook Graf           -  -
    32 Dustin Graf      -  -  -        -         
    33 Tony Greicius    -  -  -     -        -   
    34 Will Reid        -  -     -     -  -     -
    
    # current ranking
    * previous ranking
    + attended dinner
    - skipped dinner

    M. Homer (soul)

                     1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 sum
    Will Reid        1  1     2        1         5
    Tony Greicius    1     1                     2
    Chad Galley         1        1               2
    Abby Couto          1           1            2
    John McGrory           1           1         2
    Richard Chen     1                           1
    Tony Ganino         1                        1
    Daniel Limonadi                       1      1
    Ryan Kinnett                          1      1
    

    15 September 2021: Homers 15, Titans 12

    From: Daniel Limonadi

    Another season comes to end, though of course this was no normal season - made short with a late start due to the waning effects of the global COVID pandemic, but marking the beginning of a return to normal for large parts of the world, and allowing us to enjoy a little company again while playing ball.

    Eh, whatever, it was a fun season with a great bunch of people! Team turnout for the last game was excellent - with 14 players and many spectators, showing just how strong the Homer's family continues to be. In case you didn't get it via other means, a nice end of season team photo is attached.

    Defensive highlights from this week included an Abby to Johnnie double play in the 2nd, keeping the Titan's scoreless that inning. Despite some good bats and very fast running by a pretty fleet footed Titan team, our infield did its usual excellent job handling most of the plays that came their way, and the outfield (notably Will and Johnnie) helped contain the Titan offense as well.

    On the offensive front, everyone in our line up got on base at least once. Becky made her season debut and got a hit, then made a clever move for the record books and decided to take a break while she was ahead... so she has the best batting average of the season at 1000. Richard got on base every at-bat, though in general many of our strong bats had some trouble with the Titan's pitching. Despite the challenges we still managed enough runs to win the game.

    The blow by blow is below:
    Homers     5  5  0  0  3  2    15
    Titans     4  0  4  0  2  2    12
    
      Ron      P  C  P  -  P  C
      Richard  LF RF LC C  LF -
      Leah     2B 2B 2B -  2B 2B
      Chad     C  LC -  1B LC 1B
      Johnny   LC 1B -  LC 1B LC
      Ana      3B 3B -  3B 3B 3B
      Ryan     1B -  3B 2B C  -
      Daniel   RC -  1B RC -  RC
      Austina  RF -  RF -  RF -
      Tony Ga  -  P  SS P  -  P
      Annette  -  RC RC RF RF RF
      Jeff     -  -  C  -  -  -
      Abby     SS SS -  SS SS SS
      Will     -  LF LF LF -  LF
      Becky    -  -  -  -  -  -
    
    Dinner was at Round Table and was perhaps attended by Jeff, Ron, Sue, Robb, Chad, Karrie, Richard, Daniel, Annette, Austina, Bella, Sophie, Danny, Becky, Leah (I'm going off memory and there might be some errors - sorry!) [Editor's note: ABBY, our MVP!!!]

    Austina has wrapped up her internship at JPL and is back at school - We wish her the best of luck this school year and hope to see her again next year!

    The next game will be in April 2022, assuming there is no new plague, pestilence, famine, alien invasion, murder hornet swarm, city eating inferno, earthquake, asteroid impact, rogue west coast hurricane, or other major global disturbance. So, 50/50 odds?

    1 September 2021: Bruisers 15, Homers 22

    From: Ron Baalke

    The Bruisers attempt to recall the Homers failed miserably and the Homers came from behind to beat the Bruisers.

    The Bruisers did field a very good team and quickly took a 6-0 lead after the first two innings. The Homers started to comeback an led 9-6 after 4 innings. The lead was extended to 22-11 after 6 innings, and Homers held on for a 22-15 victory.

    The HOMERS improve their season record to 6-1-1.

    Offense:
    Daniel and Ryan hit home runs. Ron when 4-for-4 with 5 RBIs. Johnny went 3-for-3 with a triple, and Daniel also went 3-for-3. Tony Gr, Chad, and Ryan all were all 3-for-4.

    Defense:
    Abby completed a double play to Richard in the 1st inning. Leah made a great catch in the 2nd inning. Ron made a tag out of a runner at home plate.
    Bruisers    4  0  2  0  1  4  4    15
    Homers      0  0  3  6  7  6  x    22
    
      Ron       P  C  P  P  C  -  P
      Tony Gr   LC LC LC LC -  LC LC
      Abby      SS SS SS SS SS SS SS
      Chad      LF RC LF RC LF RC -
      Tony Ga   3B P  3B -  P  P  3B
      Ryan      C  1B -  3B 1B C  C
      Leah      2B 2B -  2B 2B -  2B
      Richard   1B 3B -  LF 3B LF 1B
      Austina   RF -  RF RF -  RF -
      Daniel    RF -  RC C  RC 1B RC
      Jeff      -  -  C  -  -  -  -
      Annette   -  RF 2B -  RF 2B RF
      Johnny    -  LF 1B 1B LC 3B LF
    

    Sideline Participants: Sue and Rob
    Dinner was at Rounds with Ron, Sue, Scott, Rob, Jeff and Austina
    Next game is Wednesay, Sep 15th at HN (dirt) against the Titans
    Let Jeff or Richard know if you can't make the game.

    25 August 2021: Voodoo TOAD Fury 27, Homers 20

    From: Robb Warren

    Few can argue that the manner in which Major League baseball is played today is a far cry from yesteryear. And I'm sure that many fans embrace the new changes to the game, pointing out that everything must evolve with the times. However there are many old-schoolers that cringe every time their favorite player is thrown out by a 3rd baseman playing in short right field, or an "opener" is on the mound to begin the game (I will let you decide which camp you're in). Fortunately we have to look no further than JPL softball to return to the foundations of the game we all grew up with. And maybe, just maybe, this is the way it really should be. Thus, for your perusal...

    The top 10 reasons why it's better to be a Homer than a Major League baseball player.
    1. Homer infielders never deploy the "shift".
    2. Homers never start a runner at second base in extra innings.
    3. There's no such thing as a routine ground ball, which makes things much more entertaining.
    4. There's no such thing as a routine fly ball, which makes things much more entertaining.
    5. Homer pitchers have never been caught using foreign substances to gain illegal spin advantages on their pitches (thus Homers are just more honest).
    6. Major League catchers deceptively "frame" pitches. Homer catchers never do (thus Homers are just more honest).
    7. Homer management never worries about pitch count.
    8. Major League players never get to bring their dogs to a game (at least not into the dugout).
    9. Homer's big hitters never get "beaned", at least on purpose.
    10. There is no documented evidence that any Major League player has ever uttered the iconic words “We beat the TOADS" (words which, incidentally, were not uttered by any rationally thinking Homer after this week's game).
    Now that we have established the supremacy of Homers ball vs. Major League baseball, a summary of the game seems appropriate.

    This year's rematch of the Homer/TOAD rivalry was pretty one-sided, and not in the Homers favor. The Homers did take an early lead in the first inning, however they then proceeded to give up 16 runs over the 2nd and 3rd innings thereby pretty much sealing their fate. There were a couple of stellar defensive plays punctuating what was otherwise a somewhat flat overall performance by the Homers. Anna made a nice stab of a line drive in the first, and Richard made a sliding catch of a sinking fly ball in short right field (and didn't injure himself or others in the process... yes, there is precedent). On the offensive side of things, Johnny hit a massive homer in the first, and Will followed suit with his own homer in the 4th. Tony Ga was the only Homer to reach base in each of his at bats, albeit heavily relying on his cheetah like speed to leg out an infield single

    . In spite of the on-field disappointment of the loss, Homers did receive some good news. Will announced that he and his wife received the keys to their new home earlier in the day... and... that they will become parents in the near future. Congrats to Will and Genevieve. And now for some stats.
    Voodoo TOAD Fury  2 10  6  4  5  0   27
    Homers            3  4  0  6  3  4   20
    
      Ron             P  P  P  P  -  C
      Jeff            -  -  C  -  C  -
      Abby            SS SS SS SS SS SS
      Richard         RC LF RC -  RF 1B
      Johnny          LC LC LC LC LC LC
      Ryan            1B C  1B 1B 1B 2B
      Annette         RF RF 2B RF 2B -
      Tony            2B 1B RF C  P  P
      Chad            C  RC -  RC RC RC`
      Ana             3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B
      Will            LF -  LF LF LF LF
      Leah            -  2B -  2B -  RF
    
    Field Manager responsibilities were carried out by Scott, while spectating duties were performed by Sue and Robb. All world problems worth solving were addressed during a coupon driven dinner at Rounds attended by Scott, Abby, Leah, Sue, Ron, Jeff, Richard, Chad, Johnny, Anna, and Robb.

    Next week's game is Wednesday (9/1) against the Bruisers on the grass field. Usual notifications protocols are in effect.

    16 August 2021: Homers 16, Cinco Equis 16

    From: Scott Morgan

    Not to be outdone by Dyersville, Iowa, Pasadena declared Hahamongna Park the West Coast "Field of Dreams" for the HOMER's game against Cinco Equis. Manager of the HOMERs, 'toothless' Richard Jackson was skeptical, exclaiming before the game - "Where's the corn?"

    The game ended in a 16-all draw, leaving both sides longing for a rematch next year - or perhaps younger versions of both teams will play in the dusk of a Fall evening on the Field of Dreams to determine a winner.

    Offensively, Abby hit a homer into the virtual cornfield.

    Historic defensive plays included a leaping catch of an outfield line drive made by Will and an outfield putout from Dustin to Annette.

    Richard took a tumble in short center field after a collision with Abby which left him shaken and disoriented. Shortly afterward he questioned - "Is this heaven?". Abby responded "It's Pasadena".

    On leaving the field, an apparition was seen in the oak trees - a stocky player with blond hair, red sweatpants, and Dodger cap. Those listening carefully thought they could hear a hearty laugh...

    Next game is Wednesday (8/25) against the TOADs on the dirt field. Please let Richard and Jeff know if you won't be able to attend.
    Homers           0  0  5  4  1  5  1   16
    Cinco Equis      2  0  0  5  1  3  5   16
    
      Jeff           C  -  C  -  C  -  -
      Tony Ga        RF 1B 1B P  -  C  1B
      Ana            3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B
      Ron            P  P  P  -  P  P  P
      Johnny         1B LC LC 1B 1B LC LC
      Chad           LF C  -  LC RC RC -
      Annette        2B 2B 2B -  2B 2B 2B
      Ryan           RC -  RF C  LC -  C
      Richard        LC -  LC 2B LF 1B RC
      Dustin         -  RC RC RC -  RF -
      Austina        -  LF -  RF RF -  RF
      Will           -  LF LF LF -  LF LF
      Abby           SS SS SS SS SS SS SS
    

    10 August 2021: Mercy Be Crazy 17, Homers 28

    From: Ryan Kinnett

    Much like the Earth hurtling through the debris field of comet Swift-Tuttle, pummeled by so many Perseid meteors, our beloved Homers bravely took to the field of Hahamonga on the 10th of August and masterfully handled a gauntlet of line drives and flies emitted from Pitches Be Crazy. Jeff landed a rare catch behind Homeplate, while Leah snagged a quick flasher at second in the 2nd. In the 4th, Johnny snagged a grounder at short, making a toss to Leah who beat the runner to second for the force-out. As if the Homers weren't already dazzled by earlier defensive plays and Perseids, Annette tracked a blazing meteor into right field, making a spectacular catch and donating the curiously yellow space rock to a local museum.

    On offense, the Homers opened with fireballs of their own, putting up 10 runs in the first, a feat that was not to be repeated.. until the fourth! The Pitches quickly caught on, slowing the Homers' momentum to 4 runs in the second and nil in the third. The meteor shower peaked in the 5th inning with a homerun by Chad.

    Last but not least, the Homers enjoyed phenomenal 3rd-base coaching throughout the game, as well as field management and scorekeeping by the best in the business. The team was joined by Dora, Clement, Chloe, and Kim [and Sue].
    Mercy Be Crazy   5  6  4  0  2  0    17
    Homers          10  4  0 10  4  x    28
    
      Jeff           C  -  C  -  C  -
      Ron            P  P  P  -  P  P
      Ana            3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B
      Tony Gr        LC LC -  LC LC LC
      Chad           RC RC -  LF LF C
      Richard        LF -  LC 1B 1B -
      Austina        RF RF -  RF RF -
      Johnny         SS -  LF SS SS LF
      Ryan           1B 1B 1B RC -  1B
      Tony Ga        -  SS SS P  -  SS
      Leah           2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B
      Daniel         -  LF RC -  RC RC
      Annette        -  C  RF C  -  RF
    
    Dinner was at Roundtable with Jeff, Scott, Robb, Richard, Clement, Dora, Austina, Annette, Daniel, Ryan, Kim, and Chloe.

    2 August 2021: Homers 16, L.A. Radars 14

    From: Leah Forrest

    The final (JPL) softball game of the Olympic season was played between the Homers and the LA Raders on August 2nd. The Homers emerged victorious, earning their gold medals after holding off a late game rally by the Raders to win the game 16-14. Contributing to the 16 runs was 2 home runs from Will, a triple from Ron, and a double from Austina. Defensively the Homers showcased their talents in the infield with a double play from Tony at SS to Ryan at 1st, and a line drive snag from Johnny at SS. Daniel and Annette returned to the homers for their first game this season with several great plays in RCF + LCF, and Will made a running catch in LF that even made the other team applaud.

    With the Winter Olympics only 5 months away, the Homers will have to start training for their next sport to compete in…. Ski jumping? Luge? Curling? Only time will tell.

    Join us tomorrow, when the Homers take on MercyBeCrazy at Hahamonga HN. As usual, please let Richard and Jeff know if you can't make it.
    Homers      2  2  5  2  1  0  4     16
    LA Radars   0  0  1  3  2  0  8     14
    
      Jeff      C  C  C  C  C  C  RC
      Ron       P  P  P  P  P  P  P
      Austina   RF RF RF RF 2B RF RF
      Johnny    SS SS SS SS 1B SS -
      Tony      3B 3B 3B 1B SS 3B SS
      Daniel    LC LC LC LC LC LC LC
      Annette   RC RC RC RC RC RC 3B
      Ryan      1B 1B 1B 3B 3B 1B 1B
      Will      LF LF LF LF LF LF LF
      Leah      2B 2B 2B 2B RF 2B 2B
      Robb                        C
    
    Dinner @ Rounds: Jeff, Scott, Robb, Ron, Sue

    27 July 2021: Eclectic Eccentrics 15, Homers 19

    From: Richard Chen

    In the biggest upset for the United States at the Tokyo Games, Simone Biles withdrew from the gymnastics team competition after bailing out of a vault halfway through and stumbling on the landing on Tuesday. "At the end of the day, I have to do what was right for me," she said, "and that is to get on a plane with my friend and sub for the Homers against the Eclectic Eccentrics."

    Unfortunately, Simone and Naomi couldn't quite get to Hahamongna on time, but Jenelle and Austina filled in admirably, Jenelle going 2-for-2 with 2 runs scored, and Austina fitting in wonderfully and enthusiastically. Ryan also debuted on the year and toughed it out for much of the game in left-center field despite recovering from a broken leg. Game ball goes to Johnny, who 1) went 4-for-4, 2) hit a ball waaaay over everyone for a 2-out, 3-run homer to put us up 10-6, and 3) had an unassisted ground-ball double play in the seventh to erase any lingering doubt about the game. Ron also went 4-for-4; Leah, Richard, Dustin, and Ana got three hits, and Tony Gr homered but more accurately hate homered, putting one into a group that was encroaching on our permit.
    Eclectic Eccentrics  2  4  4  1  2  2    15
    Homers               3  7  1  2  6  -    19
    
    Defensive line-up:
      Jeff        C  C  C  C  C  C
      Ron         P  P  P  P  P  P
      Jenelle     RF RF -  RF -  -
      Richard     SS SS SS SS SS -
      Johnny      1B 1B 1B 1B -  SS
      Dustin      LC LC -  LF 1B 1B
      Ana         3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B
      Ryan        RC -  LC LC LC LC
      Tony Gr     LF LF LF -  LF LF
      Austina     2B -  RF 2B RF RF
      Chad        -  RC RC RC RC RC
      Leah        -  2B 2B -  2B 2B
    
    Field Manager: Scott, Robb
    Cheer Section: Rook+Fred+Lori, Clement+Dora, Kim+Chloe, Sue

    Dinner was at Round Table with Robb, Scott, Ryan, Johnny, Ana, Austina, Dorothea, Clement, Jeff, Richard

    Next game is Monday, August 2, against the L.A. Radars on HN (with backstop).

    As usual, please let Richard and Jeff know if you can't make it.

    20 July 2021: Space Force 7, Homers 20

    From: Johnny McGrory

    It was another beautiful day (maybe a bit warm) as the HOMERS took the field against Space Force for their second game of the season. The offense got rolling quickly, scoring 14 runs in the first two innings! This included homer runs by Tony Ganino, Abby, and Chad. Later, Will tacked on another home run to continue the scoring. The bats only slowed down when the HOMERS started with one or two outs on the inning. Although it was only the second game of the season, the HOMERS looked as though being rusty is only a myth. Tony Ga took control of the defense with an unassisted out at 1st, a double play to Dustin in the 4th, and a double play to Johnny in the 5th. Fantastic defensive plays also made by Abby with a jumping catch in the 1st and Chad from RCF to Leah at 2B to get the out later in the game. The softball gods must be slightly upset with the HOMERS however because for the second game in a row, magnificent plays from LCF to get the out at the plate have been called safe. Hopefully they will get one of those called in their favor one day, but until then, the great all around play will continue to carry the team forward. Great job to everyone involved in Tuesday's victory!
    Space Force   1  2  1  0  0  0  3    7
    Homers        5  9  3  3  0  0  -   20
    
    Defensive line-up:
      Jeff        C  C  C  C  -  C  C
      Johnny      LC 1B RC -  1B LC LF
      Ana         3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B
      Ron         P  P  P  -  P  P  P
      Richard     RF LF -  P  SS RF RF
      Tony Ga     1B SS -  SS RF 1B -
      Abby        SS RF SS RF RC SS SS
      Will        LF -  LF LF LF LF -
      Dustin      RC -  1B 1B C  -  1B
      Tony Gr     -  LC LC LC LC -  LC
      Leah        2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B
      Chad        -  RC RF RC -  RC RC
    
    Field Manager: Scott
    Cheer Section: Janelle, Rook, Sheila, Halley, Sue

    Dinner was at Rounds with Ron, Richard, Clement, Dora, Jeff, Scott, Leah, Abby, Ana, and Johnny

    Next game is tomorrow, Tuesday July 27, against the Eclectic Eccentrics on HN @ 5:30.

    As usual, please let Richard and Jeff know if you can't make it.

    14 July 2021: Homers 19, Paper Tigers 7

    From: Jeff Osman
    Wow, it has been such a long time since I wrote one of these things. Let's see if I remember how to do it.

    First we start with a (hopefully) humorous narrative to try and tie the latest edition of the HOMERS softball team to something happening out in the real world:

    Given the events of the last 16 months or so, just being in the real world might seem humorous. We can try to relate the latest adventures of the HOMERS to the pandemic. Or, we can try and rehash the 2020 election. Then again we can try to go for some tie in to the Big Lie. There is always the Capitol insurrection. Maybe the second impeachment trial? How about climate change? Some many things have happened since the last time the HOMERS actually played together as a softball team. Maybe the best thing to say is just how good it felt to get the team together for some fun and to enjoy being in the company of people again!

    And, the HOMERS started off the delayed 2021 season right where they left off, with a solid victory against the Paper Tigers.

    Next we give a box score/defensive recap:
                   1  2  3  4  5  6  7  TOTAL
    HOMERS         5  4  2  5  0  3  0   19
    Paper Tigers   1  0  0  2  2  2  0    7
    
      Jeff         C  C  C  C  RC C  C 
      Ron          P  P  P  P  C  P  P
      Dustin       RF RF LF RC RF LF RF
      Abby         SS SS SS SS P  SS SS
      Will         LF LF LF LF LF RC LF
      Richard      CF 1B RF 1B SS 1B RC
      Johnny       1B CF 1B RF 1B LC 1B
      Ana          3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B
      Tony         -  -  LC LC LC RF LC
      Leah         2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B
    
    Field Manager: Scott
    Spectators: Clement, Dora, and Robb (who also base coached).

    We then call out any highlights from the game:

    A special shout out to Dustin who filled in as a substitute for his HOMERS debut. Something tells me we will be seeing more of him as the season goes on.

    Offensively the HOMERS lived up to their name with Will getting the honor of hitting the first home run of the season in the second inning. He was later joined by Richard and Tony Gr who each hit one in the 4th. Every other HOMERS player had at least one hit during the course of the game.

    Surprisingly (given the long lay-off) the HOMERS defense made several impressive plays as well. These included 2 throw outs at home (Will-Richard-Ron, and Johnny-Jeff), but after some discussion, and a sense of not wanting to beat up on an opponent too badly, the second one was nullified and the runner called safe. Our mostly female infield continued to show why we play them there. Leah, Ana, and Abby all made great plays!

    And we finish with a dinner summary and reminder about the next game:

    The first post game dinner of the season was held at Rounds (since EVERYONE seemed to have a coupon!). Attendees included: Jeff, Richard, Clement, Dora, Ana, Johnny, Leah, Abby, Robb, Ron, and Sue.

    We will have another game next week, but as of now we still don’t have a schedule. HOMERS regulars keep an eye out for a separate email with the details soon.

    Correction: both plays at the plate were called safe.

    History

    After each game, she or he who chooses the dinner location writes a reasonably factual Homers Report:
    2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991

    who played when | who hit what


    Team Song

    submitted by Linda Ikami
        _------_
       /        \         DO RE MI DRINK, by Homer J. Simpson.
      |          |
      |          |      *ahem* La la la la.... *ahem* LAAAAAAA!!
      |     __  __)
      |    /  \/  \       DO...... the stuff... that buys me beer
     /\/\ (o   )o  )      RAY..... the guy that sells me beer...
     /c    \__/ --.       ME...... the guy... who drinks the beer
    (              )      FAR..... a long way to get beer...
     \_   _-------'       SO...... I'll have another beer...
      |  /         \      LA...... I'll have another beer...
      | | '\_______)      TEA..... no thanks, I'm drinking beer...
      |  \_____)          That will bring us back to...
      |_____ |            (Looks into an empty glass)
     |_____/\/\
     /         \          D'OH!
    

    Comments? Complaints? Email sent to richard.chen@jpl.nasa.gov may get acted upon.

    last update:Wednesday, 29-Sep-2021 01:17:35 CDT