YSA Playoffs: Hounds Fall Gallantly vs Chico's

On a crisp August evening, it was time for the Hounds to take the field at DeWitt Clinton for our first playoff game in Division 1. The opponents were Chico's, a team we have had trouble figuring out. We came into the game feeling good about our chances though and excited about the opportunity. With our ace pitcher Iain on the mound, we felt we could keep the game close and maybe even pull off the upset.

We came to bat first as the away team and were able to get some hits in the first inning, but were not able to put up any runs on the board. Chico's came to bat and promptly put up 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st. We would finally get on the board in the top of the 3rd on an RBI single from Iain, but the difficulty we were having just to get that one run did not bode well for the future. Sure enough, Chico's pitcher kept our hitters off balance the whole game and we were unable to muster any significant rallies against him. Meanwhile, their offense continued to put up runs here and there, aided by some Hounds miscues. We kept the faith though, believing we could turn it around right up until the last inning, but it was not meant to be. A simple 1-3 comebacker ended the game and our season. Final Score: Hounds 1, Chico's 6.

Before anything else, we must tip our cap to Chico's. They are a really solid ballclub, they have a very good pitcher, and they made some really nice plays defensively to keep us off the board. They are also not as obnoxious as some of our other opponents in this league, and I find myself almost rooting for them to win the whole thing. We must also acknowledge the work of our pitcher, Iain. He did very well to keep this potent Chico's offense at bay, and really, only about 2 of the 6 runs that scored off him were actually earned runs. He kept us in the game, but we were just not able to muster enough to get him the win. To top it off, he went 3 for 3 and had our lone RBI in the game. He deserves special recognition for his contributions. Props, kid.

Our season is now over and the long off-season is now underway. It has become pretty clear that as presently constituted, pulling off a championship in this D1 is going to be a very tall order for us. Perhaps the answer is to drop down a division, perhaps the answer is to re-tool and get back at it. There is plenty of time to reflect on this, but one thing I know for sure is that the Hounds will rise again.

YSA: Hounds Clinch

After a rough loss in our last outing, it was time to renew pleasantries with Stumble Inn. This was a continuation of a game a few weeks ago that took a turn for the worst with a bench-clearing brawl. We came into it knowing that it could once again get heated with so much on the line. But give a lot of credit to the opposing manager, he came over to the dugout before the game and apologized to us for what happened in the past. It takes a big person to apologize and you could tell the guy was sincere. We were able to move forward and finish the game without further incident.

The scenario was simple. Top of the 8th inning, 1 out, Hounds leading 11-10 with runners on 2nd & 3rd. A win and we continue the season in the playoffs, a loss, and the season is over. Iain was due up and they don't call him Mr. Clutch for nothing. He promptly stroked a clean base hit right up the middle to plate the two that were on base. Another RBI by Mano made it 14-10 and we had to feel good about our chances going into the bottom of the 8th. Iain came on to get the save for the pitcher of record, who was Margaret. He closed out Stumble 1-2-3 with some solid defense at short from Andy. The final play was a 6-3 ground out, and as the ball landed in Mano's glove over at first, we knew we were moving on to the 2nd season. We had a muted celebration as we knew that although we accomplished a big goal, we have our sights set on bigger things. Final Score: Hounds 14, Stumble Inn 10.

Congratulations team for making the playoffs in this grueling Division 1. The competition is stiff in this league, and we should give ourselves a lot of credit for persevering amidst a lot of adversity. Thanks also to Amy once again and JT for coming out and helping us when we were in a pinch. Now we must set a higher goal– a goal which is attainable! All records are out the window and we have as good a shot as anybody. 

YSA: Hounds Fall to Wolves

On a picturesque July evening, it was time for the Hounds to take the field at DeWitt. The opponents were perennial powerhouse Citywolves, a team we have never beaten. We came into the game knowing a win would get us in to the playoffs. Cap was out serving the final game of his 2 game suspension and Mike was once again at the helm. 

As the away team, we came up to bat first and were unable to muster anything against the Wolves' pitcher. Margaret was our starting pitcher and she got touched up for 7 runs in the bottom of the 1st. Let's tip our caps to Citywolves, they have some tremendous hitters and were able to spray the ball all over the field with authority. They put on a hitting clinic, and there was little we could do to stop it. In the 2nd inning, we were held scoreless while Wolves put up another 2. We were held scoreless again in the 3rd and Iain came on to pitch the bottom of the frame. The Tailor would fare no better and the Wolves continued to rake. They took advantage of relatively minor Hounds mistakes to blow the game open. 6 runs in the 3rd and 5 runs in the 4th and the scoreline was now an embarrassing 20-0. We put up 3 consolation runs in the top of the 5th, but it was not enough to keep the game going. The first mercy-rule loss in Hounds history was complete. Final Score: Hounds 3, Citywolves 20.

I know it's tough to take a loss like this. I know I saw a lot of shell-shocked faces after this one. But the bottom line is this... we are still alive! A win in our next game gets us in to the playoffs. After that, all records and what happened in the regular season counts for absolutely zero. Anything can happen. OK, we were not the better team tonight but I'm telling you guys, no way CityWolves are 17 runs better than us. We just have to pick ourselves up here, believe in each other, and we can turn this thing around.

YSA: Hounds Walk Over Bloomberg

The Tailor is now 4-1 with a team-leading 6.59 ERA

Sam had another big day at the plate with 3 RBIs

A-Town bustin it all the way

Mike's W-L % as manager is 100%

C-Rod makes the play

In the midst of a historic heatwave gripping the city, it was time once again for the Hounds to take the field. The opponents were our old friends the Bloomberg Bombers. Their roster seemed to have been almost completely turned over though, and there was none of the old testiness of other encounters. We came into the game facing plenty of adversity...a loss in our last official game, the game after that up in the air, an almost month long layoff, Cap suspended, questionable rulings by league officials, and to top it off, almost half of our roster unavailable for this game. Luckily we were blessed to be able to get original Hound Amy and new recruit Libby to fill in and help us round out our lineup. MikePa took command of the troops in Cap's absence.

Iain took the mound in the top of the 1st, and he battled out of a bit of trouble to get through the inning scoreless. Then, our offense struck in the bottom of the 1st on RBIs from C-Rod, Mike(2) and Sam. Staked with an early lead, Iain was masterful and in full control of the strike zone the whole game, and if Bloomberg did score, it was due to some questionable D. He also hit a solo home run. Bloomberg would get through the 2nd with no damage, but then in the 3rd we exploded for 6 runs, and it seemed like we were on our way. Iain locked it down, and Bloomberg was only able to muster some insignificant runs. They were ready to say goodnight by the time the 7th rolled around and we gently rocked them to bed. Final Score: Hounds 12, Bloomberg Bombers 4. 

Mano held it down at 3rd for Cap admirably

Amy made her return to the Hounds

MikePa played at a speed Bloomberg was not ready for

This was an important win, and the bottom line is the result, but we need to step up our game for our next match up against perpetual contenders Citywolves. After the 3rd inning, we played pretty much even up with Bloomberg, as there was a bit of playing down to the competition on our part. In the end, I think it's beneficial in a way to have not let it get to mercy rule, as we got a couple extra innings of reps, but let's not make a habit out of this, because a storm is coming. A win in our next game clinches a playoff spot, but it will be a hard win to get. Citywolves would love nothing more than to put a damper on our playoff hopes.

On a side note, a big thanks to Amy & Libby for filling in for us on such short notice and helping us get this win. There is no way we could have done it without you.

An Update on the Stumble Inn Game

Regarding our game against Stumble Inn that descended into madness, here is the latest:

• The league has ruled that the game will be continued ONLY if the result has any bearing on the playoff standings. Right now, that is very much looking like the case.
• I chatted with the umpire of the game, Mike, at the All-Star game. Unfortunately, his recollection of events does not fully coincide with reality. For starters, he did not remember that a run had already scored when I came across the plate. Also, he ruled that my run does not count because I acted with "malicious intent" when I collided with Stumble's guy. I can live with that ruling, but it stinks that he did not give us that run that scored before. So, bottom line, according to the ump's report, the score is 10-10 with runners on 2nd & 3rd with no outs. I of course will fight to the end to make sure that run gets credited to us, and I also hope that Mike's recollection was off and the actual report he handed in to the league the day of the incident more accurately reflects the scoreline.
• I have been suspended for our remaining two regular season games as well as being ejected for the Stumble game. Mike intimated to me at the ASG that Stumble's guy is also ejected and suspended, but I did not ask how long he was suspended for. I am a big believer in picking and choosing your battles, and I won't press on that issue when there are other things that are more important.

C-Rod & Justin Represent the Hounds at the ASG

Over at DeWitt Clinton Park, it was time for the annual Yorkville All-Star Game. Cindy "C-Rod" Rodriguez and Justin "Kaiser" Hoyt were sent to represent the Hounds.
Unfortunately, victory was not to be for the Hounds team, but a fun time was had by all, and the Hounds distinguished themselves with some solid play in the field. C-Rod had one at-bat and took a walk, while Justin went 1 for 2 with a run scored. Well played, Hounds!

YSA: Hounds Outlast the Weisers

After a bit of a long break, it was once again time for the Hounds to take the field. The location was DeWitt Clinton Park, where we had lost our last two in a row. However, we were coming in riding a modest two game winning streak overall and with as much confidence as we have had all season. The opponents were the Weisermazers, a team with a tricky name to pronounce but a solid group of ballplayers. We eeked out a win against them last summer and we knew we had a tough game on our hands.

As the road team, we came to bat first. After a walk to Andy, Justin came through with a 2 out, 2 run home run to put us on the board. We would not score again until the 5th inning as Weisers pitcher kept us off balance. Meanwhile, Iain took the mound and was in control throughout. Our defense was solid for the most part but there were a couple of minor miscues that might have led to runs being scored. Fortunately, most of the miscues were contained to the early part of the game. MikePa continued to play like a man possessed in the outfield, with several highlight reel catches. We came into the top of the 5th trailing 2-6. We never got down however and always knew we had a shot to get back in this thing. We scored two runs in the 5th on RBIs from Juiena and Iain, but that was just a prelude of what was to come. We exploded for 7 runs in the top of the 6th, all on singles and doubles. We made solid contact up and down the line up, with 4 runs being scored with 2 outs. In fact, we scored an impressive 8 runs with 2 outs in this game. Now we were up and added some insurance in the 7th on a solo home run by Push and an RBI double by Andy. Iain closed the door in the bottom of the frame to seal our 3rd win in a row. Final Score: Hounds 13, Weisermazers 8.

Hounds we are now 5-3 and this group really has me believing. It was great to see how we rallied around each other and pulled out a gutsy win against a good opponent. We must keep the momentum as we enter this final stretch of the season.

YSA: Hounds Drop Another

After getting beaten badly in our previous game, the Hounds took the field at DeWitt looking to get back in the win column. The opponents were the dreaded Amalgamated team, who we have much history with. After dominating them in the early years of the rivalry, they re-tooled their team and have gotten the better of us in 3 out of the last 4 meetings coming into this one.

Our starting pitcher was Margaret, and the veteran was on point again. We came to bat in the top of the 1st, and a baserunning blunder cost us a chance at possibly scoring in that inning. Amalgamated was now up and they put a quick 3-spot on the board. This time around our defense was not as shoddy as last game, although a couple of miscues were made. Nevertheless, it was a close 6-3 game entering the bottom of the 5th, with the Hounds trailing. A pitching change was made, with Wink coming in for Maggie Ballgame. Unfortunately, the Winkster did not have his command on this night, and was quickly replaced by Iain. Mr. Clutch got things under control, but a lot of damage had been done, with 7 runs scoring in the frame. Things were looking bleak, but again, we showed a lot of determination and fight to make the game closer. MikePa had another big day offensively, going 3 for 3 with 2 runs scored. Push was also perfect at the plate, going 2 for 2 with a run scored. Alan and WInk each had 2 RBIs. But it would not be enough as Amalgamated closed us out with a scoreless 7th. Final Score: Hounds 8, Amalgamated 14.

Another loss means we are now 2-3 and in danger of letting this season get away from us. I am sick about this loss, mainly because I just hate losing to this particular team. But I have to give them credit, they are the defending champs and in 1st place. If there is a silver lining here it's that we were in this game for most of it, and I feel like if we can improve and get a chance to face them again down the road, we can get a different result. We now enter a stretch of 3 games against some of the bottom teams in the division. We must get a winning streak going here.

YSA: Hounds Get Smoked

On a gorgeous sunny day in Central Park , the Hounds took the field looking to go for 3 in a row. The opponents were the CPAs from Citrin Cooperman, and we came to the field optimistic. That optimism proved to be misplaced...

Our starting pitcher was Margaret and she was as usual, in full command of the strike zone. She deserved a better result than her team was able to get. We came to bat in the top of the 1st  and were unable to muster anything. Cooperman was now up and they proceeded to put up a quick 6 spot on the board. Let's give this team a lot of credit, they had good hitters making solid contact all up and down their lineup. Their pitcher was also very crafty in that he had us consistently swinging at pitches high in the zone. As a result, we got under a lot of his pitches, and there were tons of harmless pop ups by our team. 

We put up 4 runs in the top of the 2nd, but after that, it was a pretty quiet day for our lineup. Meanwhile, Cooperman continued to rake and by the late innings, it was clear who was the better team at this moment. We were just fortunate not to get mercy-ed, missing that threshold by two runs. The big highlight of the day was the cooler of ice cold brewskies that awaited us after the game. Final Score: Hounds 7, Citrin Cooperman 17.

There's no need to sugar coat, we got rocked today. We took one on the chin, but there is no reason we can't bounce back. A quarter of the season is behind us but there is still the majority of the season ahead of us. We have a big game coming up next Tuesday against one of the best teams in the division. It only gets tougher from here, folks. Hit the cages people, we need to get this offense in gear.

YSA: Hounds Pull Out a Gutsy Win

Looking to build on the momentum of our previous win, the Hounds took to the field at Harlem River Park. It was a crisp day more appropriate for fall league, but the sun was out in full force. The opponents were the Furies, a classy ballclub that edged out a close one against us last fall.

As the home team, we took the field first behind Iain, our starting pitcher. Ol' Mr. Clutch was masterful, consistently staying in the zone and containing the Furies hard-hitting offense. They put a run on the board in the 1st off two clean hits. We responded though with three of our own. From there it was a closely-contested ball game, with each team taking turns with the lead. Our defense was in bend but don't break mode– we made a couple of blunders and positioning mistakes, but we made the plays we needed to and kept the game within reach. Rookie Teresa had some nice plays in the outfield and Karim was nimble over at 1st base. Mike had another big day going 3 for 3 with 2RBIs and a run scored, while Iain also went 3 for 3 including a solo homer and the tie-breaking hit in the bottom of the 6th. We took a one run lead into the top of the 7th, and were able to close out Furies with a strong 1-2-3 inning. Final Score: Hounds 8, Furies 7.

What. A. Gutsy. Win. This Furies team had some fantastic hitters and we were able to contain them. Give yourselves a lot of credit for that. We may not have been firing on all cylinders (especially offensively) in this one, but we stilled pulled out the win. Winning when you don't play your best is the hallmark of a good team. We have now won two in a row and are a danger to any team that crosses our path right now. There's no reason we can't go on one of our long winning streaks. The Hounds have been unleashed. 

YSA: Hounds Fall on Opening Day

There was much excitement as the Hounds gathered at DeWitt Clinton Park for Opening Day 2013. We could not have asked for better conditions: the weather was perfect for softball, mid 70's with a late afternoon sun blanketing the field. The field itself had also clearly undergone some repair work and was in good shape. Our opponents were The Headliners, a solid yet somewhat mouthy ballclub. Their mouthiness made the end result of this game that much more difficult to swallow...

Our starting pitcher was Juiena, and as she usually does, she threw strikes and gave no one a free pass. As the home team, we took the field first, and there were some early warning signs in the top of the 1st. Headliners got 3 runs aided by some defensive miscues. We were able to get one back in the bottom of the frame on rookie Angel's RBI double. However, things got ugly in the top of the 2nd, as our defense really struggled and our opponents made us pay. They put up a 7-spot and all of a sudden we were down 10-1. Things were looking bleak, but I was encouraged by the fact that we did not give up. We battled back to get the game as close as 11-8, but that is as close as we would get. Wink came on in relief of Juice and did an admirable job of keeping us within striking distance. There were some nice moments for us, Pat hit one of his tape-measure shots for a two-run home run, Mano had a solo jack, rookie Andy went 3-3 with 2 RBIs in his Hounds debut, and Mike made some nice plays in the outfield. Unfortunately, we did not do enough on this day and our opponents were able to get the win comfortably. Final Score: Hounds 9, Headliners 16.

I said it at the field but it bears repeating: the defensive effort we put in today is not going to get it done in this division. If we continue to play like that, it will be a long and frustrating season. The team we played was good, but they have weaknesses and I still believe we are better top to bottom. We just butchered way too many routine plays. We are better than this, team. We have got to get our act together– our next game is just in a few days.

YSA: Hounds Finish in Style

For our final game of the season it was over to Thomas Jefferson Field again to take on the team from Bloomberg. Unfortunately, they did not have the guts to show up. Our season ends with the much-hated forfeit victory. Final Score Hounds 7, Bloomberg 0.

Fortunately, there were enough Hounds at the field to get an intra squad game going. It was a thrilling game, with Cap's Hounds 'Orange' taking an early lead on Iain's Hounds 'Blue'. The Blue team came back though and built up a lead of their own. Fittingly, Orange was able to tie in their last licks, but they could score no more and we all had to kiss our sister. Final Score: Hounds Orange 10, Hounds Blue 10.

YSA: Hounds Pull Out a Gutsy Win

After a blowout win in our last game it was time to head over to scenic Central Park for our penultimate game of the season. The opponents were the Weisermazers, and they gave us a good game. Again, we were short-handed and were not able to have enough people to field a full team. We were short one fielder and had to take an automatic out. However, we fought valiantly to keep the game close. We played impeccable ball, save for some unfortunate base-running blunders which cost us a couple of chances at big innings. Juiena was our starting pitcher and she was in her zone, playing heads up defense as well as going 2-4 with a run scored. After a back and forth contest, we were down 4-3 entering our last licks in the top of the 7th. MikePa led off with a walk, then the next two batters popped out. Things were looking bleak but Weiser's pitcher couldn't find the strike zone and walked the next two to load the bases. After a pitching change, Cap was up and tied the game with a single. Next was Wink who stroked a two-strike pitch into right-center to drive in the go ahead runs. After another RBI by Rebecca we were now up by three heading into the bottom of the frame. After a bit of a scare in which the tying run came to the plate, Juiena was able to get the last out and this one was the most rewarding win of the season. Final Score: Hounds 7, Weisers 4.

YSA: Hounds Strike Back

With our backs against the wall and seemingly little to play for but pride, the Hounds took the field at the Queensboro Oval. The clay field is not ideal for the game we love, but we made the best of the situation. Our opponents were the team from Ralph Lauren, and they gave us a pretty decent fight for a few innings. Margaret was the starting pitcher and she threw strikes early and often. Meanwhile, the offense was led by Pat and Mano, who each went 5 for 5. Wink also chimed in with a 3 run jack and 6 RBIs in total. Our defense had some gaffes but we also made some solid plays, including some nice relays to the plate by Juice and Paige. We broke the game open in the late innings and the tension from the losing streak was finally released. Final Score: Hounds 24, Ralph Lauren 9. (mercy)

Hounds Fall Again

On a hot summer evening, the Hounds took the field at DeWitt looking to get off the schneid. It was not meant to be though, and the losing streak now stands at 5. We got beat by a team that hit, fielded, and played better than we did, so there is really not much to analyze here. We can now truly say that all hope to make the playoffs is lost and the final three games are all about pride at this point. Final Score: Hounds 5, Amalgamated 13.

YSA: Hounds Fall Again; Season in Turmoil

After a strong 3-1 start to the season, we dropped another one today to make it two losses in a row and a .500 record. The opponent was Paragon Sports, and although they played with great spirit, they are a team we should beat handily when we are playing like we can. Last week, our defense was strong and our offense was weak, while this week it was vice versa. Margaret was the starting pitcher and she did her job and gave us a chance to win. We let her down defensively though and gave Paragon way too many extra outs. The bottom of the 5th was particularly bad as we gave up 6 runs to cough up a 5-4 lead. The one silver lining is that we mounted a gallant comeback in the bottom of the 7th and even had the tying run on base, but it was too little, too late. Final Score: Hounds 8, Paragon 11.

We are in the doldrums team but there is still time to turn this thing around.

YSA: Hounds Fall to Wolves

For Game 3 of the season Juiena took the mound for us as we were hoping to go 3-0. We were up against one of if not the best team in the League, the Citywolves. We played well and held our own against the champs, but we did commit some miscues which cost us dearly. Juice was in full Houdini mode, getting out of jam after jam. She gave us a chance to win the game but we did not do enough to get her the win. The Wolves are a complete team and were able to prevail this time, but we can take some comfort in knowing we kept it close. Final Score: Hounds 3, Citywolves 6.

Let's shake off this first loss and come out strong next week. Same time, same place.

YSA: Hounds Fry the Fish

Wink took the mound looking to give us back to back wins to start the season. He pitched brilliantly, allowing only 3 runs through the first 4 innings. The defense behind him was much improved from Opening Day. Meanwhile, our bats were disciplined and every Hound was able to contribute to the scoreline in some way. Allie and Pat each had 3 RBIs, with The Bopper going yard for the first time this season. We let in some cheap runs in the last inning, but the game was well in hand at that point. Final Score: Hounds 14, Fish 5.

We're off to a 2-0 start and are improving week to week. Hopefully we can keep building on this as more difficult games lie ahead.

Hounds Win On Opening Day

With Juiena on the mound, the Hounds prevailed in a close one against Top of the Rock. The umpire blew a few calls but fortunately it did not cost us the game. We had some standouts like JT (2-2, BB, 2 RBIs, 2 RS), Iain (3-3, RBI, RS), Pat (2-2, 2 RBI), Karim (1-1, RS,RBI), and rookie Sam (3-3, 2 RS). Our defense was solid for the most part even though there were a couple of miscues. Juiena aided her own cause with a 2 RBI single. The game was called early due to darkness, and it was not too soon. Final Score: Hounds 12, Top of the Rock 10.


The season starts on a high note but we are going to have to make some improvements if we are to hang with the elite in the division.

YSA: Hounds Fall Again; Season on the Brink

After losing on opening night, it was time to get back on the field and get back to our winning ways. The location was DeWitt Clinton and it was a very humid night in the city. Our opponents were the cityknights, a team made up of some of the members of last season's overall league champs, the citywolves. We knew we would be in for a tough battle and that is exactly what we would get. 

As the away team, we came up to bat first. Cityknights' pitcher is a very crafty fellow, changing speeds, location, and working very quickly. We were able to scratch out a couple of runs in the top of the 1st, MikePa driving in JT with a single, and Pat driving in MikePa with a sac fly. Juiena was our starting pitcher , and she gave it her all out there. cityknights are just a good offensive team and are going to put up runs against anybody. It didn't help that our D wasn't particularly sharp. There was a mixture of nice solid plays and questionable blunders. We got into deep trouble, falling behind 8-2 and in danger of getting blown out. But we fought back gallantly, lead by Juiena, who was a Houdini in the middle innings, getting us out of jam after jam. We put up 2 in the 3rd on RBI base hits from Iain and Pat. Another 2 scored in the 4th on JT's double. Now we were down only 8-6 and finally showing signs of life.  Unfortunately, the comeback would end there. We were able to hold cityknights scoreless for a few innings, but in the bottom of the 6th they put up another 5 spot in what can only be described as a debacle of an inning. We turned a bloop RBI single from one of their bottom of the order hitters into a 3-run home run with our defensive butchery. It was ugly out there, there is no need to sugarcoat it. In the top of the 7th we went out 1-2-3. Final Score: Hounds 6, cityknights 13.

Our record now stands at 0-2 and I think it's time for all of us to ask ourselves some questions. Are we going to continue to play like this? Are we willing to do what it takes to improve? Do we want to come to the ballfield for shits and giggles or do we want to actually win some games? There are some clear remedies from the outset. On the defensive side, we need to be a lot more communicative, and we also have to be smarter out there. There were many throws that should have never been made last night. We really need to think about risk/reward before making some of these throws. We need to accept that these are all good offenses and they are going to put up runs regardless. I know people are just trying to make a play, but sometimes, putting the ball in your pocket IS the best play to make. I am confident that with some adjustments, we can turn around the defense. More troubling is what is happening on the offensive side. We are making it too easy for the opposing defenses. There were two 1-2-3 innings and 2 innings were only 4 batters came to bat this last game. Too many pop ups and easy outs. We have to face the fact that the umpires are allowing these fast pitches and we have to adjust. The only way to improve our hitting right now is to get our timing down, and the only way do that is to go to the batting cages. We have almost two weeks until our next game. I am going to organize something in the Bronx during this break, most likely on Saturday, October 1 late morning/early afternoon. Be there, or go to the cages on your own. We all owe it to ourselves to do this.