Heavy Metal Softball

Round Robin Tournament Format Suits Our Style More...Confirmed!

First -- as always -- I wish to thank all of the players who represented Heavy Metal Softball this weekend for their effort, help, and cooperation in competing in our ninth tournament of the year. Here are some final tournament statistics for those who are interested:

15th Annual Valley Softball Extreme Classic Tournament Summary --

Tournament Record: 3-1 (playoffs -- much better showing!)
                               1st game: Won 8-3 vs. Bandits
                               2nd game: Won 9-8 vs. Chuggers
                               3rd game: Won 11-9 vs. Blown
                               4th game: Lost 4-11 vs. Infectious Waste

Team Statistics (alphabetically):

Vern Amaro -- 7 for 14; .500 BA; 14 points.
Rich Avery -- 6 for 14; .429 BA; 16 points.
Wes Avery -- 5 for 11; .455 BA; 33 points.
Nathan Brown -- 4 for 12; .333 BA; 16 points.
Dennis Ellorin -- 3 for 14; .214 BA; 11 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 8 for 14; .571 BA; 40 points.
Lee Garcia -- 7 for 12; .583 BA; 17 points.
Paul Lawrence -- 7 for 16; .438 BA; 24 points.
Mike Lujan -- 6 for 13; .462 BA; 21 points.
Joaquin Perez -- 4 for 14; .286 BA; 12 points.

Team Batting Average: .425 (57 for 134; we averaged 8 runs/game for the tournament. Obviously, we need a much higher team average -- and score a lot more runs -- to give ourselves a chance, but this tournament was probably our best effort so far this year.)

Tournament MVP: Frank Fletcher (40 points)


2006 Season Statistics (alphabetically; all players):

Donny Aguiar -- 34 for 66; .515 BA; 101 points (6 tournaments)
Vern Amaro -- 39 for 85; .459 BA; 91 points (9 tournaments)
Rich Avery -- 20 for 50; .400 BA; 48 points (6 tournaments)
Wes Avery -- 48 for 87; .552 BA; 220 points (9 tournaments)
Nathan Brown -- 4 for 12; .333 BA; 16 points (1 tournament)
Tony DeLanda -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 22 points (1 tournament)
Dennis Ellorin -- 3 for 14; .214 BA; 11 points (1 tournament)
Frank Fletcher -- 47 for 91; .516 BA; 216 points (9 tournaments)
Lee Garcia -- 25 for 66; .379 BA; 74 points (8 tournaments)
Richard Hart -- 12 for 34; .353 BA; 41 points (4 tournaments)
Gene Hitt -- 19 for 47; .404 BA; 79 points (5 tournaments)
Paul Lawrence -- 41 for 100; .410 BA; 174 points (9 tournaments)
Mike Lujan -- 33 for 80; .413 BA; 122 points (9 tournaments)
Joaquin Perez -- 4 for 14; .286 BA; 12 points (1 tournament)
Randy Pilgrim -- 10 for 37; .270 BA; 42 points (4 tournaments)
Matt Soares -- 16 for 31; .516 BA; 46 points (4 tournaments)
Devin Stafford -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 23 points (1 tournament)
Steve Stafford -- 11 for 42; .262 BA; 70 points (5 tournaments)
Art Tabacco -- 9 for 11; .818 BA; 44 points (1 tournament)
Manny Vasquez -- 5 for 16; .313 BA; 5 points (1 tournament)
Nelson Vieira -- 5 for 12; .417 BA; 18 points (1 tournament)

Round Robin Tournament Format Seems To Suit Our Style More...

First -- as always -- I wish to thank all of the players who represented Heavy Metal Softball this weekend for their effort, help, and cooperation in competing in our fifth, and final, CCASA Rec. Series tournament of the year. All the conditions seemed right, even the weather contributed nicely...but it just wasn't in the cards for us this time around -- or the whole series, for that matter. But the important part is that we stuck together for the entire five-tournament series -- something few other teams can claim. In other words, we committed ourselves. Here are some final tournament statistics for those who are interested:

CCASA Rec. Series #5 Tournament Summary --

Tournament Record: 0-2 (but a strong 0-2!)
                               1st game: Lost 6-7 vs. Thunder
                               2nd game: Lost 10-11 vs. Good Friends

Team Statistics (alphabetically):

Donny Aguiar -- 3 for 6; .500 BA; 6 points.
Vern Amaro -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 2 points.
Rich Avery -- 2 for 5; .400 BA; 2 points.
Wes Avery -- 3 for 6; .500 BA; 13 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 10 points.
Lee Garcia -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 6 points.
Gene Hitt -- 4 for 6; .667 BA; 26 points.
Paul Lawrence -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 8 points.
Mike Lujan -- 2 for 5; .400 BA; 7 points.
Randy Pilgrim -- 1 for 5; .200 BA; 5 points.
Steve Stafford -- 3 for 6; .500 BA; 13 points.

Team Batting Average: .419 (26 for 62; we averaged 8 runs/game for the tournament. Obviously, we need a much higher team average -- and score a lot more runs -- to give ourselves a chance, but this tournament was probably our best effort in the whole series.)

Tournament MVP: Gene Hitt (26 points)

Manager's Award: Rich Avery (Always there for the team and brings a steady stream of good vibes into the dugout. Also, nice stretch for the out at first!)


2006 Season Statistics (alphabetically; all players):

Donny Aguiar -- 34 for 66; .515 BA; 101 points (6 tournaments)
Vern Amaro -- 32 for 71; .451 BA; 77 points (8 tournaments)
Rich Avery -- 14 for 36; .389 BA; 32 points (5 tournaments)
Wes Avery -- 43 for 76; .566 BA; 187 points (8 tournaments)
Tony DeLanda -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 22 points (1 tournament)
Frank Fletcher -- 39 for 77; .506 BA; 176 points (8 tournaments)
Lee Garcia -- 18 for 54; .333 BA; 57 points (7 tournaments)
Richard Hart -- 12 for 34; .353 BA; 41 points (4 tournaments)
Gene Hitt -- 19 for 47; .404 BA; 79 points (5 tournaments)
Paul Lawrence -- 34 for 84; .405 BA; 150 points (8 tournaments)
Mike Lujan -- 27 for 67; .403 BA; 101 points (8 tournaments)
Randy Pilgrim -- 10 for 37; .270 BA; 42 points (4 tournaments)
Matt Soares -- 16 for 31; .516 BA; 46 points (4 tournaments)
Devin Stafford -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 23 points (1 tournament)
Steve Stafford -- 11 for 42; .262 BA; 70 points (5 tournaments)
Art Tabacco -- 9 for 11; .818 BA; 44 points (1 tournament)
Manny Vasquez -- 5 for 16; .313 BA; 5 points (1 tournament)
Nelson Vieira -- 5 for 12; .417 BA; 18 points (1 tournament)

As manager and spokesperson for this team, I'd like to express how appreciative I am for having such a great bunch of guys to play with. Our collective heart was really into the two games we played. The control of both games was in our hands in the final inning each time, but I guess fate had something else planned. And so ends our last experience with the double-elimination format. In two weeks, I'd like to play another tournament -- the 15th Annual Summer Slam, at Plaza Park in Visalia -- with the more familiar round robin format. The last time we played round robin, if all of you can remember, we went to the championship game -- a full day of play! Let's see if our fortunes change with this slight turn in the situation. Anyone up for it? Just let me know....

   

Rookie Makes His Presence Known By Claiming Award During First Opportunity!!!

After the Tulare Spring 2006 league campaign, Paul Lawrence made the most of his first season with the team by being presented with the coveted Heavy Metal Softball "Circle of Honor" MVP plaque by team manager, Vern Amaro. MVP! MVP! MVP! -- you deserve it, flash!

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

Finally, here are the results, in short summary, of the MVP balloting that took place recently in which all 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). Sixteen Heavy Metal Softball regular members were eligible to vote this time, having participated in the Tulare City, Wednesday Night, spring 2006 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: Paul Lawrence (31 total points -- 3 first place votes, 5 second place votes, 1 third place vote. Great offensive/defensive effort!)

1st Runner-Up: Nelson Vieira (30 total points -- 6 first place votes. Your effort is always really appreciated!)

2nd Runner-Up: Donny Aguiar (18 total points -- 2 first place votes, 1 second place vote, 5 third place votes. Your all-around team effort and attitude always puts you in contention, good buddy!)

3rd Runner-Up: Frank Fletcher (17 total points -- 2 first place votes, 2 second place votes, 1 third place vote. Take a bow!)

4th Runner-Up: Art Tabacco (12 total points -- 3 second place votes, 3 third place votes. Good job!)

5th Runner-Up: Mike Lujan (9 total points -- 3 second place votes. You da man!)

6th Runner-Up: Steve Stafford (6 total points -- 1 first place vote, 1 third place vote. Always showing how the veterans do it!)

7th Runner-Up: Vern Amaro, Lee Garcia, Matt Soares (1 total point, tie -- All three, obviously, had 1 third place vote. Must be Feeling Sorry for Old Managers Day! To the person who voted for me -- thanks!)

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 14 regular members who decided to vote. As it turned out, this was one of the tightest league MVP races we've ever had. Rich Avery was asked to vote because he is a long-time member of Heavy Metal Softball (Council of Elders), and he would have remained technically eligible to receive MVP votes and have them posted-- even though he did not comply with all three rules of eligibility -- but he elected not to do so this time around. Johnny Lopez -- who helped fill in one game (thanks, buddy!) -- was also technically eligible to receive MVP votes and have them posted, but he was not asked to vote because of also not complying with the eligibility rules. Once again, let these be some words 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: Nelson Vieira (1st place vote); Paul Lawrence (2nd place vote); and Art Tabacco (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 to the singular person who gave me consideration this time around, once more, a sincere thanks to you.

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

Looking For Our First Win Since Tournament #1...

First -- as always -- I want to thank all of the players who represented Heavy Metal Softball this weekend for their effort, help, and cooperation in competing in our fourth CCASA Rec. Series tournament of the year. All the conditions seemed right, even with the weather growing increasingly hot...but we just can't get ourselves over the hump win-wise the last few tournaments. Here are some final tournament statistics for those who are interested:

CCASA Rec. Series #4 Tournament Summary --

Tournament Record: 0-2 (my backside's starting to hurt!)
                               1st game: Lost 5-10 vs. Total Kaos
                               2nd game: Lost 7-12 vs. Thunder

Team Statistics (alphabetically):

Donny Aguiar -- 4 for 7; .571 BA; 11 points.
Vern Amaro -- 4 for 6; .667 BA; 7 points.
Rich Avery -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 2 points.
Wes Avery -- 2 for 8; .250 BA; 17 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 6 for 8; .750 BA; 19 points.
Lee Garcia -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 4 points.
Richard Hart -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 4 points.
Paul Lawrence -- 2 for 8; .250 BA; 11 points.
Mike Lujan -- 3 for 6; .500 BA; 7 points.
Matt Soares -- 2 for 5; .400 BA; 8 points.
Steve Stafford -- 0 for 5; .000 BA; 4 points.

Team Batting Average: .397 (29 for 73; we averaged 6 runs/game for the tournament. Obviously, we need a much higher team average -- and score a lot more runs -- to give ourselves a chance. Both games we played were very similar -- with too many goose-egg innings....)

Tournament MVP: Frank Fletcher (19 points)

Manager's Award: Donny Aguiar (Good blend of offense and defense, to go along with a good sense of dugout humor -- in other words, you take a ribbing very well! Also, nice throw to get the out at home plate.)


2006 Season Statistics (alphabetically; all players):

Donny Aguiar -- 31 for 60; .517 BA; 95 points (5 tournaments)
Vern Amaro -- 30 for 65; .462 BA; 75 points (7 tournaments)
Rich Avery -- 12 for 31; .387 BA; 30 points (4 tournaments)
Wes Avery -- 40 for 70; .571 BA; 174 points (7 tournaments)
Tony DeLanda -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 22 points (1 tournament)
Frank Fletcher -- 37 for 71; .521 BA; 166 points (7 tournaments)
Lee Garcia -- 16 for 48; .333 BA; 51 points (6 tournaments)
Richard Hart -- 12 for 34; .353 BA; 41 points (4 tournaments)
Gene Hitt -- 15 for 41; .366 BA; 53 points (4 tournaments)
Paul Lawrence -- 32 for 78; .410 BA; 150 points (7 tournaments)
Mike Lujan -- 25 for 62; .403 BA; 94 points (7 tournaments)
Randy Pilgrim -- 9 for 32; .281 BA; 37 points (3 tournaments)
Matt Soares -- 16 for 31; .516 BA; 46 points (4 tournaments)
Devin Stafford -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 23 points (1 tournament)
Steve Stafford -- 8 for 36; .222 BA; 57 points (4 tournaments)
Art Tabacco -- 9 for 11; .818 BA; 44 points (1 tournament)
Manny Vasquez -- 5 for 16; .313 BA; 5 points (1 tournament)
Nelson Vieira -- 5 for 12; .417 BA; 18 points (1 tournament)

Personally, I liked our attitude, our defense...even our offense at times during this tournament. But we need to get more consistent and hopefully have the breaks come our way. In other words, I felt we were much more competitive this time around, but we definitely have to hit some of those goose-eggs into a gap somewhere! Remember: CCASA Rec. Series final tournament in Paso Robles in a couple of weeks -- we can do well if we bring it all together....