Zog: Hounds Win Best Team Spirit Award & $100 for Make-A-Wish

Just got word from Zog that our team won the Best Team Spirit Award for the Spring/Summer Season. The award was voted on by all participating teams. This marks the 2nd season in a row that we win the award. Anyone that has been in our dugout knows that we always support one another and never, ever get down on each other. It also doesn't hurt to have some of the comedians we have on the team to lighten the mood.

Best of all, the award includes a $100 check on our behalf to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Sometimes we can lose sight of the fact that we are representing a great charity, but this award reminds us that we are making a difference just by participating.

MAJA: Hounds Stumble at the Final Hurdle

It was a brisk Saturday afternoon in the city and  the championship was on the line in Central Park. Weather had prevented this series from happening for about a month, and we were champing at the bit to get on the field. The trophy was on display for all to see, and all that was left was to throw the first pitch.

Our staff ace Margaret took the mound looking to continue her dominance. Unfortunately, our opponents had other plans, and we appeared to be a bit tight from the long layoff. They were able to hit bleeps and bloops all over the field, and were also aided by some Hounds miscues. By the time the top of the 1st was over, we were down 5-0. We fought right back in the bottom of the 1st, Dave hitting a 3-run homer. But after that, they shut us down. They tacked on some runs and we stayed quiet. Final Score: Soft Balls 8, Hounds 3.

For Game 2, coach took no chances and put Margaret right back on the hill. This time our defense was much better, but our bats continued to stay dormant. Let's give credit to Soft Balls too though, they made some nifty plays in the field to keep us off the scoreboard. Both teams matched each other blow for blow until the bottom of the 5th. Soft Balls scored a run on an error and heading into our last licks we were down 1-0.

The first two batters of the inning made harmless outs and now it was Alan's turn up to bat. What happened next will forever shroud this series in controversy. Alan hit a tough ground ball to the 3rd baseman, who fielded it cleanly but his throw pulled the 1st baseman off the bag. Alan was clearly safe; I was pumping my fist knowing we were still alive before I realized the ump had actually called Alan out. A massively blown call at completely the wrong time. There were even guys just walking in the park who saw that the ump blew the call. Who knows what would have happened if Alan had been called safe, but I liked our chances with one of our best hitters(Dave) due up next. Regardless, we're not going to win many games by not scoring any runs, and we shouldn't have left our fate to the umpires. An epic pitcher's duel closes out the 2-game sweep. Final Score: Soft Balls 1, Hounds 0.

The season is over but the dream continues.

Zog: Hounds Tackle Huskies, 8-5

For Game 2 of the Zog Fall season it was over to the infamous Colonel Charles Young Field in Harlem. We have had many misadventures at this field, but fortunately on this night, the field was not as bad as it has been in the past. It was a late evening game, and our opponents were NYC Huskies, a UConn alumni team.

Margaret once again got the nod at starting pitcher. She performed well, holding the Huskies to only 5 runs. Our defense was sharp for the most part, with Iain making a couple of outstanding defensive plays to demoralize the Huskies. On offense, the top of the order carried us, with Jason T. the star of the show. He went 3 for 3 with 2 home runs, including a leadoff shot. Mega also had a big game, going 3 for 3 with a 2-run home run. Of the ladies, Camille was a standout, going 2 for 3 with an RBI, and playing very well behind the plate. We were able to overcome a baserunning blunder by your captain in the last inning, and hold on for an 3-run win. Final Score: Hounds 8, Huskies 5.

All in all, it was a solid win against a good opponent. We are now 2 and 0 and have put ourselves in a strong position to start the season. We should all feel good about that as we head into this holiday break.

Zog: Hounds Pound Balls of Steel to Start the Season Right

Having finished last season respectably in the top 4, the Hounds were eager to take the field once again and start a new season. The fall season is only 6 games long, making each game that much more important. 

For opening day we headed over to DeWitt Clinton Park in Midtown. This field has always been good to us, and today would be no different. In the opposing dugout was Balls of Steel, a solid-hitting ballclub with a a few good fielders that made the mistake of not having enough females. Perhaps they could have gotten away with it against another team, but not the Hounds.

We were up to bat first and from the very beginning, we were able to find the holes in the defense. Iain, Dave, and Braden each had monster games. Iain had two home runs and 6 RBIs, Dave had a home run and 5 RBIs, and Braden also had a home run and 6 RBIs. The rest of the squad contributed too, it was an all around team effort offensively.

Our starting pitcher was Spring/Summer Season MVP Margaret. As usual, she pitched very well. For the most part, we made the defensive plays we needed to make, and were able to keep a big lead throughout the game. By the time the last inning rolled around, the result had long been decided. Nice work, Hounds. Final Score: Hounds 22, Balls of Steel 10.

Zog: M&M win Team M.V.P. awards

Congratulations to Margaret and Mega for being voted team M.V.P.s for the 2009 Zog Spring/Summer Season. The awards were voted on by their fellow Hounds.

Margaret was indispensable to our team with her outstanding pitching, solid fielding, heads-up play, and overall leadership. She was by far the leading vote-getter among the females.

Mega was also an integral part of our success this season. He was a steady presence in the lineup throughout the season, and he led the team in numerous important offensive categories, including hits and RBIs. He also contributed with good pitching when we needed someone to step up.

Cheers to you, Margaret & Mega, you have a drink on me at the next team get together!