Heavy Metal Softball

First (And Last!) Tournament of the Year Goes Well...

Hey, guys!

Considering the fact that several Heavy Metal regulars were missing for one reason or another (Rich and Wes, I'm truly sorry about your grandma; Gene, I hope you enjoyed your trip!), I thought that we accomplished more than one could hope for with a mixed team -- making it to the playoff round. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves, because I know I did. I'd like to thank those members who usually play with the Alias softball team for helping keep our tournament hopes alive by agreeing to play with us. Here are the final tournament statistics, a short summary of each game's highlights, and an invitation to all Heavy Metal players to play some more next year....

Heavy Metal's "Sox Summer Scorcher" Tournament Summary --

Tournament record: 2-2; made playoffs (lost first round)

Team Statistics (alphabetically):

Vern Amaro -- 9 for 12; .750 BA; 40 points.
Loyal Brown -- 7 for 11; .636 BA; 23 points.
John Chaves -- 4 for 12; .333 BA; 20 points.
August Faria -- 7 for 12; .583 BA; 34 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 9 for 12; .750 BA; 43 points.
Lee Garcia -- 6 for 12; .500 BA; 22 points.
Carlos Martins -- 3 for 5; .600 BA; 20 points.
Matt Soares -- 6 for 12; .500 BA; 22 points.
Ray Soto -- 3 for 5; .600 BA; 14 points.
Eddie Sousa -- 2 for 10; .200 BA; 16 points.
Del Toledo -- 5 for 11; .455 BA; 25 points.
Nelson Vieira -- 4 for 12; .333 BA; 24 points.

Tournament MVP: Frank Fletcher (43 points)

Tournament Team Average: .508 (64 for 126)

Game 1 Highlights: Lost 12-16. Vern Amaro went 4 for 4; 4 singles; 3 runs; 1.000 BA; 3 bonus points (4 for 4); 13 points. Loyal Brown went 2 for 3; 1 single; 1 triple; 3 RBIs; .667 BA; 10 points. Lee Garcia went 3 for 4; 3 singles; 1 RBI; 2 runs; .750 BA; 9 points.

Game 2 Highlights: Won 19-5. Frank Fletcher went 2 for 3; 1 double; 1 HR; 3 RBIs; 2 runs; .667 BA; 16 points. August Faria went 2 for 3; 2 singles; 1 RBI; 3 runs; .667 BA; 10 points. Eddie Sousa went 2 for 2; 2 singles; 2 RBIs; 1 run; 1.000 BA; 8 points.

Game 3 Highlights: Won 22-1. Frank Fletcher went 3 for 3; 2 singles; 1 HR; 3 RBIs; 3 runs; 1.000 BA; 18 points. Vern Amaro went 2 for 3; 2 singles; 4 RBIs; 2 runs; .667 BA; 14 points. Carlos Martins went 2 for 2; 1 single; 1 double; 3 RBIs; 2 runs; 1.000 BA; 13 points.

Game 4 (Playoff Round) Highlights: Lost 4-??? (too much; forgot score!). Not many highlights here. Combination of hot sun, tired players, good opponent. We had 10 singles, producing 4 runs. Ray Soto went 2 for 3; 2 singles; 1 RBI; .667 BA; 4 points. Frank Fletcher went 2 for 2; 2 singles; 1 RBI; 1.000 BA; 4 points. Loyal Brown went 2 for 2; 2 singles; 1.000 BA; 2 points. In comparison, it is safe to say that this was not the best game of the day!

Comments: Overall, I would say that I was pleased with Heavy Metal's regular players, most of whom are Waukena/Tulare Western alumni or associated with Waukena/Tulare Western in some way (though Buena Vista and Palo Verde were also well-represented!). I'm extending an invitation to August and Carlos to play more with the team in the future, perhaps join as regulars. I'm also asking current Heavy Metal regulars to be prepared to play a few more tournaments next season, maybe once a month or every two months. We'll see. Check your e-mail, guys, and look for announcements and updates here at the website. Well done, men. See you on a future field, in a distant dugout.