Heavy Metal Softball

Gentlemen (And Ladies!), The Winner Is...!!!

Finally, here are the results, in short summary, of the MVP balloting that took place recently in which most of you participated. A special thanks to everyone who voted by replying to my repeated e-mail messages (remember, tournament MVPs will still be selected using our time-honored offensive points system). Fourteen Heavy Metal Softball regular members were eligible to vote this time, having participated in the Tulare City, Thursday Men's, spring 2009 league. In order of highest cumulative point total, with adjoining number of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place votes, here is this league's MVP and the rest of the worthy contenders:

League MVP: Steve Stafford (29 total points -- 5 first place votes, 1 second place vote, 1 third place vote. Great offensive effort!)

1st Runner-Up: Joaquin Perez (28 total points -- 5 first place votes, 1 second place vote. Your effort is always really appreciated!)

2nd Runner-Up: Lencho Martinez (13 total points -- 1 first place vote, 2 second place votes, 2 third place votes. Good job, buddy!)

3rd Runner-Up: Brian Hollingshead (9 total points -- 1 first place vote, 1 second place vote, 1 third place vote. Take a bow!)

4th Runner-Up: Mike Lujan (8 total points -- 2 second place votes, 2 third place votes.  Somebody loves you!)

5th Runner-Up: Lee Garcia (7 total points -- 1 second place vote, 4 third place votes. Somebody, I know, we can count on!)

6th Runner-Up: Donny Aguiar (6 total points -- 2 second place votes. Always showing how consistent batters do it!)

7th Runner-Up: Lucio Cobos (4 total points -- 1 second place vote, 1 third place vote.  Make room for the youth movement!)

8th Runner-Up: Wes Avery (3 total points -- 1 second place vote.  Good league effort!)

9th Runner-Up: Frank Fletcher (1 total point -- 1 third place vote.  Always in consideration!)

In the interest of integrity and not wanting to violate any trust, I kept meticulous records of all the oral and online ballots that I received from the 12 regular members who decided to vote. As it turned out, this was as close an MVP race as we've ever had. Lucio Cobos and Lencho Martinez were asked to vote, but for reasons of their own -- whether technical or philosophical -- both did not choose to do so this time around. Once again, let these words be of warning: Rule #1 -- If a player decides not to participate in the balloting to determine our league MVP, he will remain unqualified to receive this honor, despite perhaps receiving the most cumulative points (the honor will be bestowed upon the next eligible player in line). This rule has been instituted to enforce fairness with the outcome of the voting -- in other words, as you give, so shall you receive. Two other rules also affect a player's MVP eligibility: Rule #2 -- At least half the games of a league/tournament must be played; and Rule #3 -- The agreed-upon league/tournament participation fee must be paid. I'm sure everyone can see the need for such rules. I, myself, voted for who I thought were three deserving men. Because I am the ballot collector and, also, because the results could possibly hinge upon my final selections, I always believe it is wise to make clear my own personal choices for MVP, hopefully without offending any of my other close friends on the team, who already know that only three choices can be given. My votes, in order, were: Joaquin Perez (1st place vote); Donny Aguiar (2nd place vote); and Lencho Martinez (3rd place vote). I will not give any specific reasons for my choices (none of us have to), but I will say that I really appreciated these men for the contributions they made during this league. In all actuality, everyone on this team is deemed valuable, both on and off the field. I hope all of you will understand this personal feeling of mine, and why I have such a difficult time revealing my selections. But I feel I must. No other selections from specific team members will be revealed unless one of you is curious and wants to inquire, in which case, I'll gladly let you know. And, once again, a sincere thanks to all of you.

And that's another league MVP wrap for now, folks....