News and Announcements
Team Alert! -- 2002 Fall Men's Slow-Pitch Softball League
Posted by Vernon Amaro at Aug 6, 2002 5:00PM PDT
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Who's interested in playing the 2002 fall men's slow-pitch softball league in Tulare that is starting to fill up now? The deadline is 5:00 p.m., August 23rd. The nights for men's play will be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, though we want to try to get Monday nights because some Heavy Metal members are already committed to playing on other Wednesday and Friday night teams. The cost will be $30 each, payable ASAP. We played very well in Division 3 during the spring men's league, so I'd like to play again if we could. All of you know how to get hold of me. I will need to know soon....
Sox Summer Scorcher Tournament Results!!! (July 29th)
Posted by Vernon Amaro at Aug 5, 2002 5:00PM PDT
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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.
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.
Division 3, End-of-Season Categorical Leaders
Posted by Vernon Amaro at May 23, 2002 5:00PM PDT
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Something For Everyone (And Then Some!!!)...
At the end of each division season, some recognition is always given to those individuals who contributed to the team in some way. The following categories, some real, some intended for a few laughs, are mostly from the offensive part of softball; some are just plain offensive! (Have a little sense of humor, guys!) So, for what it's worth, here we go:
Highest Batting Average -- Vern Amaro (.690)
Most Hits -- Vern Amaro (29)
Most Walks -- Gene Hitt (3)
Most Singles -- Vern Amaro (24)
Most Doubles -- Rich Avery, Frank Fletcher (tie, 5)
Most Triples -- Joe Machado (4)
Most Home Runs -- Wes Avery, Frank Fletcher (tie, 2)
Most RBIs -- Frank Fletcher (25)
Most Runs -- Gene Hitt (27)
Most 4-Hit Games -- Vern Amaro, Rich Avery, Gene Hitt (tie, 2)
Most Single-Game Points -- Wes Avery (28)
Most Team Points -- Frank Fletcher (146)
Most Valuable Player (2002) -- Frank Fletcher (146 points)
And for our special categories....
Most Times On Disabled List -- Lee Garcia, Gordon Caudle (tie, though Lee might have had the slight edge!)
Most Non-Appearances -- Loyal Brown (he was our lefty pitcher, wasn't he?!)
Most Under-Rated Power Hitter -- Ray Soto (should have saved it for that elusive 300+ yard drive onto the fairway!)
Most Stops At The Plate -- Eddie Sousa (in both defensive and offensive categories!)
Most Messages Returned To Manager -- Nelson Vieira (1; does anyone else know how to use e-mail! Does anyone read anything I write!)
Most Reliable, Consistent, Well-Liked, Trustworthy, All-Around, Darn-Good Ballplayer -- Nelson Vieira!!! (not a bad manager, also (Bases-R-Wild); don't even think about it, buddy!!!)
You've been a great bunch of guys to play side-by-side with, men! All kidding aside, I was really proud of our efforts, most especially the consistent team attitude displayed. I tip my cap off to all of you. Y'all ready for more? I'll see what I can stir up and let you know. In the meantime...keep rockin', Heavy Metal!
At the end of each division season, some recognition is always given to those individuals who contributed to the team in some way. The following categories, some real, some intended for a few laughs, are mostly from the offensive part of softball; some are just plain offensive! (Have a little sense of humor, guys!) So, for what it's worth, here we go:
Highest Batting Average -- Vern Amaro (.690)
Most Hits -- Vern Amaro (29)
Most Walks -- Gene Hitt (3)
Most Singles -- Vern Amaro (24)
Most Doubles -- Rich Avery, Frank Fletcher (tie, 5)
Most Triples -- Joe Machado (4)
Most Home Runs -- Wes Avery, Frank Fletcher (tie, 2)
Most RBIs -- Frank Fletcher (25)
Most Runs -- Gene Hitt (27)
Most 4-Hit Games -- Vern Amaro, Rich Avery, Gene Hitt (tie, 2)
Most Single-Game Points -- Wes Avery (28)
Most Team Points -- Frank Fletcher (146)
Most Valuable Player (2002) -- Frank Fletcher (146 points)
And for our special categories....
Most Times On Disabled List -- Lee Garcia, Gordon Caudle (tie, though Lee might have had the slight edge!)
Most Non-Appearances -- Loyal Brown (he was our lefty pitcher, wasn't he?!)
Most Under-Rated Power Hitter -- Ray Soto (should have saved it for that elusive 300+ yard drive onto the fairway!)
Most Stops At The Plate -- Eddie Sousa (in both defensive and offensive categories!)
Most Messages Returned To Manager -- Nelson Vieira (1; does anyone else know how to use e-mail! Does anyone read anything I write!)
Most Reliable, Consistent, Well-Liked, Trustworthy, All-Around, Darn-Good Ballplayer -- Nelson Vieira!!! (not a bad manager, also (Bases-R-Wild); don't even think about it, buddy!!!)
You've been a great bunch of guys to play side-by-side with, men! All kidding aside, I was really proud of our efforts, most especially the consistent team attitude displayed. I tip my cap off to all of you. Y'all ready for more? I'll see what I can stir up and let you know. In the meantime...keep rockin', Heavy Metal!
Overall Heavy Metal, Division 3, Individual Statistics
Posted by Vernon Amaro at May 21, 2002 5:00PM PDT
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For The Stat-Chaser In All Of Us...
This news-story was continually updated throughout the Division 3 season to provide players with individual stats to take with them for whatever reason they deemed interesting. I always strive, along with our team statistician, Jerry Dean Amaro, to make this information as accurate as possible. So, for what it is worth, here are the final statistics:
Individual Statistics (Games 1 thru 10; alphabetically):
Vern Amaro -- 29 for 42; 2 walks; 24 singles; 3 doubles; 2 triples; 22 RBIs; 26 runs; .690 BA 6 bonus points (4 for 5); 140 points.
Rich Avery -- 20 for 42; 13 singles; 5 doubles; 2 triples; 19 RBIs; 12 runs; .476 BA; 6 bonus points (4 for 5); 97 points.
Wes Avery -- 12 for 24; 5 singles; 4 doubles; 1 triple; 2 HRs; 13 RBIs; 11 runs; .500 BA; 3 bonus points (4 for 4); 75 points.
Loyal Brown -- 6 for 16; 5 singles; 1 double; 4 RBIs; 3 runs; .375 BA; 21 points.
Gordon Caudle -- 17 for 39; 2 walks; 13 singles; 3 doubles; 1 triple; 11 RBIs; 12 runs; .436 BA; 70 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 26 for 42; 2 walks; 17 singles; 5 doubles; 2 triples; 2 HRs; 25 RBIs; 25 runs; .619 BA; 3 bonus points (4 for 4); 146 points.
Lee Garcia -- 14 for 37; 12 singles; 2 doubles; 10 RBIs; 5 runs; .378 BA; 46 points.
Gene Hitt -- 25 for 41; 3 walks; 21 singles; 1 double; 3 triples; 13 RBIs; 27 runs; .610 BA; 6 bonus points (4 for 5); 121 points.
Joe Machado -- 16 for 41; 8 singles; 4 doubles; 4 triples; 12 RBIs; 8 runs; .390 BA; 68 points.
Ray Soto -- 21 for 41; 18 singles; 1 double; 1 triple; 1 HR; 6 RBIs; 19 runs; .512 BA; 3 bonus points (4 for 5); 80 points.
Eddie Sousa -- 10 for 39; 10 singles; 4 RBIs; 8 runs; .256 BA; 34 points.
Nelson Vieira -- 21 for 37; 1 walk; 15 singles; 4 doubles; 1 triple; 1 HR; 22 RBIs; 19 runs; .568 BA; 114 points.
Team Average (Games 1 thru 10): .491 (216 for 440)
Division 3 record: 7 wins, 3 losses (tied for second-best record; 3rd place trophy awarded in tie-breaker)
2002 Division 3 MVP -- Frank Fletcher (146 points; awarded 3rd place trophy)
Previous MVPs (from past seasons) -- Gene Hitt (1st place trophy; by vote); Frank Fletcher (1st place trophy; by vote); Vernon Amaro (1st place trophy; by vote -- I gave it to my brother, Jerry Dean, our pitcher, whom I believed deserved it, also); John Sousa (1st place trophy; by vote); Frank Fletcher (1999 season; 169 points); Gene Hitt (2000 season; 138 points); Vernon Amaro (2001 season; 103 points)
A plaque will be created to honor our past MVPs, engraved with their names, and it will be given to future MVPs to hold onto until it is presented again. In the past, first, second, and third place votes, with numerical value, were given to determine the team's MVP; we can still go back to that. Defense and leadership are also determinants of that kind of selection. As of now, however, points from the offensive categories are means of selection. I will be asking our current team members how they want to go, and, after that, the method will be a permanent process.
Thanks, Jerry Dean, for sacrificing your time and effort for Heavy Metal's cause! As an original member of the team, we appreciate and enjoy you in the dugout (oh, and you too, Waylon!)
This news-story was continually updated throughout the Division 3 season to provide players with individual stats to take with them for whatever reason they deemed interesting. I always strive, along with our team statistician, Jerry Dean Amaro, to make this information as accurate as possible. So, for what it is worth, here are the final statistics:
Individual Statistics (Games 1 thru 10; alphabetically):
Vern Amaro -- 29 for 42; 2 walks; 24 singles; 3 doubles; 2 triples; 22 RBIs; 26 runs; .690 BA 6 bonus points (4 for 5); 140 points.
Rich Avery -- 20 for 42; 13 singles; 5 doubles; 2 triples; 19 RBIs; 12 runs; .476 BA; 6 bonus points (4 for 5); 97 points.
Wes Avery -- 12 for 24; 5 singles; 4 doubles; 1 triple; 2 HRs; 13 RBIs; 11 runs; .500 BA; 3 bonus points (4 for 4); 75 points.
Loyal Brown -- 6 for 16; 5 singles; 1 double; 4 RBIs; 3 runs; .375 BA; 21 points.
Gordon Caudle -- 17 for 39; 2 walks; 13 singles; 3 doubles; 1 triple; 11 RBIs; 12 runs; .436 BA; 70 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 26 for 42; 2 walks; 17 singles; 5 doubles; 2 triples; 2 HRs; 25 RBIs; 25 runs; .619 BA; 3 bonus points (4 for 4); 146 points.
Lee Garcia -- 14 for 37; 12 singles; 2 doubles; 10 RBIs; 5 runs; .378 BA; 46 points.
Gene Hitt -- 25 for 41; 3 walks; 21 singles; 1 double; 3 triples; 13 RBIs; 27 runs; .610 BA; 6 bonus points (4 for 5); 121 points.
Joe Machado -- 16 for 41; 8 singles; 4 doubles; 4 triples; 12 RBIs; 8 runs; .390 BA; 68 points.
Ray Soto -- 21 for 41; 18 singles; 1 double; 1 triple; 1 HR; 6 RBIs; 19 runs; .512 BA; 3 bonus points (4 for 5); 80 points.
Eddie Sousa -- 10 for 39; 10 singles; 4 RBIs; 8 runs; .256 BA; 34 points.
Nelson Vieira -- 21 for 37; 1 walk; 15 singles; 4 doubles; 1 triple; 1 HR; 22 RBIs; 19 runs; .568 BA; 114 points.
Team Average (Games 1 thru 10): .491 (216 for 440)
Division 3 record: 7 wins, 3 losses (tied for second-best record; 3rd place trophy awarded in tie-breaker)
2002 Division 3 MVP -- Frank Fletcher (146 points; awarded 3rd place trophy)
Previous MVPs (from past seasons) -- Gene Hitt (1st place trophy; by vote); Frank Fletcher (1st place trophy; by vote); Vernon Amaro (1st place trophy; by vote -- I gave it to my brother, Jerry Dean, our pitcher, whom I believed deserved it, also); John Sousa (1st place trophy; by vote); Frank Fletcher (1999 season; 169 points); Gene Hitt (2000 season; 138 points); Vernon Amaro (2001 season; 103 points)
A plaque will be created to honor our past MVPs, engraved with their names, and it will be given to future MVPs to hold onto until it is presented again. In the past, first, second, and third place votes, with numerical value, were given to determine the team's MVP; we can still go back to that. Defense and leadership are also determinants of that kind of selection. As of now, however, points from the offensive categories are means of selection. I will be asking our current team members how they want to go, and, after that, the method will be a permanent process.
Thanks, Jerry Dean, for sacrificing your time and effort for Heavy Metal's cause! As an original member of the team, we appreciate and enjoy you in the dugout (oh, and you too, Waylon!)
Experience, Chemistry, And Focus Will Create Wins...
It should be apparent that Division 3 will be more of a challenge than last year's Division 2 "wake-up call." Why "more of a challenge," you say? Because we need to continually challenge ourselves, and each other, in the spirit of unity. I believe we did just that, without any speeches, teeth-gnashing, or hints of negativity before, during, and after our first game. I didn't expect any, as I know I have assembled a mature, talented, solid group of friends -- great job, guys! Our first game I expected to be a measuring stick, with some of our players establishing timing, headiness, and the "eye of the tiger" for the first time, and Chente's Riders ready to stampede all over us. We held firm, though, and packed quite a wallop, I might add! Because of our average age, I don't expect great speed on defense, but we know how to play our positions by now, and we all know each other from playing together for so many years. But we have to take care of business in the next double-header, two very good teams -- Rage and Acclaim Auto Body (Greg's team!). As a matter of fact, I think all the teams in our league are very good. So we have to maintain that "killer instinct" to assert ourselves during the beginning, middle, and end part of the game. There was a little scoring mix-up in the first game, which was unfortunate, but we shouldn't have to rely on the scorekeeper, umpire, or opponent's errors to help us out (or hurt us, which can be the case sometimes). We need to always play to our potential, which I believe we did against Chente's Riders. I've played long enough with all of my teammates to know that when we bring our "A" game to every game, we will not go away disappointed. Our gloves, arms, bats, and feet should reflect our burning desire to play our best. Of course, our heads are the most integral part of our game. It was a little disappointing last year, but the challenge that is in front of us this year, if we continue to show experience, chemistry, and focus as we have so far, should make winning this division all the more sweet. Remember, Unity! is our strength and motto. Let's all contribute in every waking moment of the game. Heavy Metal has a proud, winning history, but let's not sit on our laurels. Looking forward, not back, should always whet our desire to see what is around the next bend. All of us should help each other make the turn -- together. Let's turn it around, then turn it on, men! (Note -- Remember the U.S. Olympic women's softball team? On the brink of a disastrous early elimination, they came back to deservedly win the gold medal. We can learn from these dedicated female counterparts. Winning is believing; you create an intention, and then you act upon it.)
Heavy Metal rocks!!!
It should be apparent that Division 3 will be more of a challenge than last year's Division 2 "wake-up call." Why "more of a challenge," you say? Because we need to continually challenge ourselves, and each other, in the spirit of unity. I believe we did just that, without any speeches, teeth-gnashing, or hints of negativity before, during, and after our first game. I didn't expect any, as I know I have assembled a mature, talented, solid group of friends -- great job, guys! Our first game I expected to be a measuring stick, with some of our players establishing timing, headiness, and the "eye of the tiger" for the first time, and Chente's Riders ready to stampede all over us. We held firm, though, and packed quite a wallop, I might add! Because of our average age, I don't expect great speed on defense, but we know how to play our positions by now, and we all know each other from playing together for so many years. But we have to take care of business in the next double-header, two very good teams -- Rage and Acclaim Auto Body (Greg's team!). As a matter of fact, I think all the teams in our league are very good. So we have to maintain that "killer instinct" to assert ourselves during the beginning, middle, and end part of the game. There was a little scoring mix-up in the first game, which was unfortunate, but we shouldn't have to rely on the scorekeeper, umpire, or opponent's errors to help us out (or hurt us, which can be the case sometimes). We need to always play to our potential, which I believe we did against Chente's Riders. I've played long enough with all of my teammates to know that when we bring our "A" game to every game, we will not go away disappointed. Our gloves, arms, bats, and feet should reflect our burning desire to play our best. Of course, our heads are the most integral part of our game. It was a little disappointing last year, but the challenge that is in front of us this year, if we continue to show experience, chemistry, and focus as we have so far, should make winning this division all the more sweet. Remember, Unity! is our strength and motto. Let's all contribute in every waking moment of the game. Heavy Metal has a proud, winning history, but let's not sit on our laurels. Looking forward, not back, should always whet our desire to see what is around the next bend. All of us should help each other make the turn -- together. Let's turn it around, then turn it on, men! (Note -- Remember the U.S. Olympic women's softball team? On the brink of a disastrous early elimination, they came back to deservedly win the gold medal. We can learn from these dedicated female counterparts. Winning is believing; you create an intention, and then you act upon it.)
Heavy Metal rocks!!!
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