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Heavy Metal Breaks Through With A Couple Of Wins In CCASA Contest -- Finally!
Posted by Vernon Amaro at Mar 14, 2007 5:00PM PDT
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This Time It's Play Two, Then Play Two More!
First, I want to thank all of the players who represented Heavy Metal Softball this weekend for their effort, help, and cooperation in making our second CCASA Rec. Series tournament of the year a somewhat successful effort -- after all, we finally broke the curse that's been hanging over us for quite some time now in this series. Here are some final tournament statistics for those who actually visit our website and are truly interested in such things. So, without further adieu, I present some facts from this particular contest:
CCASA Rec. Series #2 Tournament Summary --
Tournament Record: 2-2 (much better!)
1st game: Won 7-6 vs. Second String
2nd game: Won 16-4 vs. Old School
3rd game: Lost 9-15 vs. Under Dawgz
4th game: Lost 7-24 vs. Young Gunz
Team Statistics (alphabetically):
Donny Aguiar -- 8 for 18; .444 BA; 30 points.
Vern Amaro -- 8 for 15; .533 BA; 17 points.
Rich Avery -- 3 for 15; .200 BA; 13 points.
Wes Avery -- 6 for 16; .375 BA; 19 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 7 for 16; .438 BA; 30 points.
Lee Garcia -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 19 points.
Gene Hitt -- 7 for 14; .500 BA; 13 points.
Paul Lawrence -- 13 for 17; .765 BA; 37 points.
Mike Lujan -- 5 for 16; .313 BA; 23 points.
Steve Stafford -- 4 for 13; .308 BA; 14 points.
Team Batting Average: .437 (62 for 142; we averaged 9.75 runs/game for the whole tournament. Again, we need to improve our team batting average, as this current one won't win tournaments....)
Tournament MVP: Paul Lawrence (37 points -- "Sizzlin' Stick" award!)
2007 Season Statistics (alphabetically; all players):
Donny Aguiar -- 12 for 25; .480 BA; 38 points (2 tournaments)
Vern Amaro -- 11 for 20; .550 BA; 22 points (2 tournaments)
Rich Avery -- 4 for 20; .200 BA; 16 points (2 tournaments)
Wes Avery -- 7 for 22; .318 BA; 28 points (2 tournaments)
Dennis Ellorin -- 0 for 5; .000 BA; 2 points (1 tournament)
Frank Fletcher -- 11 for 23; .478 BA; 42 points (2 tournaments)
Lee Garcia -- 6 for 16; .375 BA; 21 points (2 tournaments)
Gene Hitt -- 9 for 20; .450 BA; 19 points (2 tournaments)
Paul Lawrence -- 17 for 24; .708 BA; 49 points (2 tournaments)
Mike Lujan -- 7 for 22; .318 BA; 27 points (2 tournaments)
Joaquin Perez -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 8 points (1 tournament)
Steve Stafford -- 6 for 19; .316 BA; 27 points (2 tournaments)
Nelson Vieira -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 8 points (1 tournament)
And that's all, folks!!!
First, I want to thank all of the players who represented Heavy Metal Softball this weekend for their effort, help, and cooperation in making our second CCASA Rec. Series tournament of the year a somewhat successful effort -- after all, we finally broke the curse that's been hanging over us for quite some time now in this series. Here are some final tournament statistics for those who actually visit our website and are truly interested in such things. So, without further adieu, I present some facts from this particular contest:
CCASA Rec. Series #2 Tournament Summary --
Tournament Record: 2-2 (much better!)
1st game: Won 7-6 vs. Second String
2nd game: Won 16-4 vs. Old School
3rd game: Lost 9-15 vs. Under Dawgz
4th game: Lost 7-24 vs. Young Gunz
Team Statistics (alphabetically):
Donny Aguiar -- 8 for 18; .444 BA; 30 points.
Vern Amaro -- 8 for 15; .533 BA; 17 points.
Rich Avery -- 3 for 15; .200 BA; 13 points.
Wes Avery -- 6 for 16; .375 BA; 19 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 7 for 16; .438 BA; 30 points.
Lee Garcia -- 5 for 15; .333 BA; 19 points.
Gene Hitt -- 7 for 14; .500 BA; 13 points.
Paul Lawrence -- 13 for 17; .765 BA; 37 points.
Mike Lujan -- 5 for 16; .313 BA; 23 points.
Steve Stafford -- 4 for 13; .308 BA; 14 points.
Team Batting Average: .437 (62 for 142; we averaged 9.75 runs/game for the whole tournament. Again, we need to improve our team batting average, as this current one won't win tournaments....)
Tournament MVP: Paul Lawrence (37 points -- "Sizzlin' Stick" award!)
2007 Season Statistics (alphabetically; all players):
Donny Aguiar -- 12 for 25; .480 BA; 38 points (2 tournaments)
Vern Amaro -- 11 for 20; .550 BA; 22 points (2 tournaments)
Rich Avery -- 4 for 20; .200 BA; 16 points (2 tournaments)
Wes Avery -- 7 for 22; .318 BA; 28 points (2 tournaments)
Dennis Ellorin -- 0 for 5; .000 BA; 2 points (1 tournament)
Frank Fletcher -- 11 for 23; .478 BA; 42 points (2 tournaments)
Lee Garcia -- 6 for 16; .375 BA; 21 points (2 tournaments)
Gene Hitt -- 9 for 20; .450 BA; 19 points (2 tournaments)
Paul Lawrence -- 17 for 24; .708 BA; 49 points (2 tournaments)
Mike Lujan -- 7 for 22; .318 BA; 27 points (2 tournaments)
Joaquin Perez -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 8 points (1 tournament)
Steve Stafford -- 6 for 19; .316 BA; 27 points (2 tournaments)
Nelson Vieira -- 2 for 6; .333 BA; 8 points (1 tournament)
And that's all, folks!!!
No Tournament Championship Glory For Heavy Metal In 2006!
Posted by Vernon Amaro at Oct 7, 2006 5:00PM PDT
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As The Saying Goes, "There's Always Next Year!
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 eleventh -- and final -- tournament of the year. Here are some final tournament statistics for those who are interested:
Twisted Fifth Annual Softball Tournament Summary --
Tournament Record: 1-2 (no accolades!)
1st game: Lost 5-15 vs. Still Tippin'
2nd game: Won 11-4 vs. ABC Eagles
3rd game: Lost 12-13 vs. Light It Up
Team Statistics (alphabetically):
Vern Amaro -- 4 for 9; .444 BA; 12 points.
Manuel Avery -- 1 for 3; .333 BA; 3 points.
Rich Avery -- 2 for 5; .400 BA; 7 points.
Wes Avery -- 6 for 9; .667 BA; 33 points.
Dennis Ellorin -- 1 for 9; .111 BA; 3 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 4 for 7; .571 BA; 21 points.
Gene Hitt -- 1 for 9; .111 BA; 8 points.
Paul Lawrence -- 3 for 8; .375 BA; 13 points.
Johnny Lopez -- 3 for 8; .375 BA; 7 points.
Mike Lujan -- 4 for 8; .500 BA; 23 points.
Joaquin Perez -- 4 for 9; .444 BA; 18 points.
Bill Thrasher -- 3 for 8; .375 BA; 11 points.
Team Batting Average: .380 (32 for 92; we averaged 9.3 runs/game for the tournament)
Tournament MVP: Wes Avery (33 points)
2006 Season Statistics (alphabetically; all players):
Donny Aguiar -- 40 for 74; .541 BA; 127 points (7 tournaments)
Vern Amaro -- 47 for 102; .461 BA; 108 points (11 tournaments)***
Manuel Avery -- 1 for 3; .333 BA; 3 points (1 tournament)
Rich Avery -- 27 for 64; .422 BA; 73 points (8 tournaments)
Wes Avery -- 62 for 105; .590 BA; 291 points (11 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 -- 6 for 32; .188 BA; 20 points (3 tournaments)
Frank Fletcher -- 57 for 106; .538 BA; 273 points (11 tournaments)***
Lee Garcia -- 31 for 76; .408 BA; 102 points (9 tournaments)
Richard Hart -- 12 for 34; .353 BA; 41 points (4 tournaments)
Gene Hitt -- 24 for 65; .369 BA; 102 points (7 tournaments)
Paul Lawrence -- 49 for 116; .422 BA; 221 points (11 tournaments)***
Johnny Lopez -- 4 for 12; .333 BA; 13 points (2 tournaments)
Mike Lujan -- 40 for 99; .408 BA; 160 points (11 tournaments)***
Joaquin Perez -- 7 for 23; .304 BA; 31 points (2 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 -- 15 for 51; .294 BA; 88 points (6 tournaments)
Art Tabacco -- 9 for 11; .818 BA; 44 points (1 tournament)
Bill Thrasher -- 3 for 8; .375 BA; 11 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)
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 eleventh -- and final -- tournament of the year. Here are some final tournament statistics for those who are interested:
Twisted Fifth Annual Softball Tournament Summary --
Tournament Record: 1-2 (no accolades!)
1st game: Lost 5-15 vs. Still Tippin'
2nd game: Won 11-4 vs. ABC Eagles
3rd game: Lost 12-13 vs. Light It Up
Team Statistics (alphabetically):
Vern Amaro -- 4 for 9; .444 BA; 12 points.
Manuel Avery -- 1 for 3; .333 BA; 3 points.
Rich Avery -- 2 for 5; .400 BA; 7 points.
Wes Avery -- 6 for 9; .667 BA; 33 points.
Dennis Ellorin -- 1 for 9; .111 BA; 3 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 4 for 7; .571 BA; 21 points.
Gene Hitt -- 1 for 9; .111 BA; 8 points.
Paul Lawrence -- 3 for 8; .375 BA; 13 points.
Johnny Lopez -- 3 for 8; .375 BA; 7 points.
Mike Lujan -- 4 for 8; .500 BA; 23 points.
Joaquin Perez -- 4 for 9; .444 BA; 18 points.
Bill Thrasher -- 3 for 8; .375 BA; 11 points.
Team Batting Average: .380 (32 for 92; we averaged 9.3 runs/game for the tournament)
Tournament MVP: Wes Avery (33 points)
2006 Season Statistics (alphabetically; all players):
Donny Aguiar -- 40 for 74; .541 BA; 127 points (7 tournaments)
Vern Amaro -- 47 for 102; .461 BA; 108 points (11 tournaments)***
Manuel Avery -- 1 for 3; .333 BA; 3 points (1 tournament)
Rich Avery -- 27 for 64; .422 BA; 73 points (8 tournaments)
Wes Avery -- 62 for 105; .590 BA; 291 points (11 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 -- 6 for 32; .188 BA; 20 points (3 tournaments)
Frank Fletcher -- 57 for 106; .538 BA; 273 points (11 tournaments)***
Lee Garcia -- 31 for 76; .408 BA; 102 points (9 tournaments)
Richard Hart -- 12 for 34; .353 BA; 41 points (4 tournaments)
Gene Hitt -- 24 for 65; .369 BA; 102 points (7 tournaments)
Paul Lawrence -- 49 for 116; .422 BA; 221 points (11 tournaments)***
Johnny Lopez -- 4 for 12; .333 BA; 13 points (2 tournaments)
Mike Lujan -- 40 for 99; .408 BA; 160 points (11 tournaments)***
Joaquin Perez -- 7 for 23; .304 BA; 31 points (2 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 -- 15 for 51; .294 BA; 88 points (6 tournaments)
Art Tabacco -- 9 for 11; .818 BA; 44 points (1 tournament)
Bill Thrasher -- 3 for 8; .375 BA; 11 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)
Heavy Metal Battles All Day In Tenth Tournament of the Year!
Posted by Vernon Amaro at Sep 9, 2006 5:00PM PDT
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Ten Tournaments...Boy, Now We're Playing Regularly!
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 tenth tournament of the year. Here are some final tournament statistics for those who are interested:
Knuckle Up Fall Showdown Tournament Summary --
Tournament Record: 1-2 (no accolades!)
1st game: Won 15-8 vs. Ag Transport
2nd game: Lost 16-23 vs. Bleacher Bums
3rd game: Lost 9-13 vs. Bandits
Team Statistics (alphabetically):
Donny Aguiar -- 6 for 8; .750 BA; 26 points.
Vern Amaro -- 4 for 8; .500 BA; 5 points.
Rich Avery -- 5 for 9; .556 BA; 18 points.
Wes Avery -- 8 for 9; .889 BA; 38 points.
Dennis Ellorin -- 2 for 9; .222 BA; 6 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 6 for 8; .750 BA; 36 points.
Lee Garcia -- 6 for 10; .600 BA; 28 points.
Gene Hitt -- 4 for 9; .444 BA; 15 points.
Paul Lawrence -- 5 for 8; .625 BA; 34 points.
Johnny Lopez -- 1 for 4; .250 BA; 6 points.
Mike Lujan -- 3 for 10; .300 BA; 15 points.
Steve Stafford -- 4 for 9; .444 BA; 18 points.
Team Batting Average: .535 (54 for 101; we averaged 13.3 runs/game for the tournament -- a much better result than in previous contests)
Tournament MVP: Wes Avery (38 points)
2006 Season Statistics (alphabetically; all players):
Donny Aguiar -- 40 for 74; .541 BA; 127 points (7 tournaments)
Vern Amaro -- 43 for 93; .462 BA; 96 points (10 tournaments)
Rich Avery -- 25 for 59; .424 BA; 66 points (7 tournaments)
Wes Avery -- 56 for 96; .583 BA; 258 points (10 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 -- 5 for 23; .217 BA; 17 points (2 tournaments)
Frank Fletcher -- 53 for 99; .535 BA; 252 points (10 tournaments)
Lee Garcia -- 31 for 76; .408 BA; 102 points (9 tournaments)
Richard Hart -- 12 for 34; .353 BA; 41 points (4 tournaments)
Gene Hitt -- 23 for 56; .411 BA; 94 points (6 tournaments)
Paul Lawrence -- 46 for 108; .426 BA; 208 points (10 tournaments)
Johnny Lopez -- 1 for 4; .250 BA; 6 points (1 tournament)
Mike Lujan -- 36 for 90; .400 BA; 137 points (10 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 -- 15 for 51; .294 BA; 88 points (6 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)
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 tenth tournament of the year. Here are some final tournament statistics for those who are interested:
Knuckle Up Fall Showdown Tournament Summary --
Tournament Record: 1-2 (no accolades!)
1st game: Won 15-8 vs. Ag Transport
2nd game: Lost 16-23 vs. Bleacher Bums
3rd game: Lost 9-13 vs. Bandits
Team Statistics (alphabetically):
Donny Aguiar -- 6 for 8; .750 BA; 26 points.
Vern Amaro -- 4 for 8; .500 BA; 5 points.
Rich Avery -- 5 for 9; .556 BA; 18 points.
Wes Avery -- 8 for 9; .889 BA; 38 points.
Dennis Ellorin -- 2 for 9; .222 BA; 6 points.
Frank Fletcher -- 6 for 8; .750 BA; 36 points.
Lee Garcia -- 6 for 10; .600 BA; 28 points.
Gene Hitt -- 4 for 9; .444 BA; 15 points.
Paul Lawrence -- 5 for 8; .625 BA; 34 points.
Johnny Lopez -- 1 for 4; .250 BA; 6 points.
Mike Lujan -- 3 for 10; .300 BA; 15 points.
Steve Stafford -- 4 for 9; .444 BA; 18 points.
Team Batting Average: .535 (54 for 101; we averaged 13.3 runs/game for the tournament -- a much better result than in previous contests)
Tournament MVP: Wes Avery (38 points)
2006 Season Statistics (alphabetically; all players):
Donny Aguiar -- 40 for 74; .541 BA; 127 points (7 tournaments)
Vern Amaro -- 43 for 93; .462 BA; 96 points (10 tournaments)
Rich Avery -- 25 for 59; .424 BA; 66 points (7 tournaments)
Wes Avery -- 56 for 96; .583 BA; 258 points (10 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 -- 5 for 23; .217 BA; 17 points (2 tournaments)
Frank Fletcher -- 53 for 99; .535 BA; 252 points (10 tournaments)
Lee Garcia -- 31 for 76; .408 BA; 102 points (9 tournaments)
Richard Hart -- 12 for 34; .353 BA; 41 points (4 tournaments)
Gene Hitt -- 23 for 56; .411 BA; 94 points (6 tournaments)
Paul Lawrence -- 46 for 108; .426 BA; 208 points (10 tournaments)
Johnny Lopez -- 1 for 4; .250 BA; 6 points (1 tournament)
Mike Lujan -- 36 for 90; .400 BA; 137 points (10 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 -- 15 for 51; .294 BA; 88 points (6 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)
Congratulations to Mike Lujan -- Heavy Metal's Newest League MVP!!!
Posted by Vernon Amaro at Sep 1, 2006 5:00PM PDT
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Our Team's Highest Award Couldn't Have Gone To A Nicer Guy!!!
After the Visalia Summer 2006 league campaign, Mike Lujan finally made close a thing of the past by capturing his first league MVP award. In the near future, he will be presented with the coveted Heavy Metal Softball "Circle of Honor" MVP plaque by team manager, Vern Amaro. MVP! MVP! MVP! -- you deserve it, my friend!
After the Visalia Summer 2006 league campaign, Mike Lujan finally made close a thing of the past by capturing his first league MVP award. In the near future, he will be presented with the coveted Heavy Metal Softball "Circle of Honor" MVP plaque by team manager, Vern Amaro. MVP! MVP! MVP! -- you deserve it, my friend!
Summer 2006 End-of-Season Categorical Leaders -- Thursday Men's D-Red
Posted by Vernon Amaro at Aug 31, 2006 5:00PM PDT
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Some Bragging Rights From Our Summer 2006 Visalia City League Campaign!!!
At the end of each league season, some recognition is always given to those individuals who contributed to the team in some way. The following categories -- most 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! Don't get defensive. Get it -- "defensive"! Oh, never mind....) So, for what it's worth, here we go:
Visalia City League, Thursday Night, summer 2006
3-7 record: No team award; MVP selected solely by offensive/defensive points
OFFENSIVE CATEGORIES --
Most Plate Appearances: Frank Fletcher, Mike Lujan (tie, 41)
Most At-Bats: Mike Lujan (40)
Most Runs: Frank Fletcher, Paul Lawrence (tie, 21)
Most Singles: Donny Aguiar (23)
Most Doubles: Steve Stafford (7)
Most Triples: Tony DeLanda, Lee Garcia, Gene Hitt, Art Tabacco (tie, 1)
Most Home Runs: Steve Stafford (2)
Most RBIs: Steve Stafford (19)
Most Walks: Paul Lawrence (4)
Most Sacrifices: Frank Fletcher, Steve Stafford (tie, 2)
Highest On-Base Percentage: Donny Aguiar (.667)
Highest Slugging Percentage: Art Tabacco (1.635)
Highest Batting Average: Donny Aguiar (.657)
Most Hits: Frank Fletcher (24)
Most Single-Game Points: Steve Stafford (23)
Most Offensive/Defensive Points: Steve Stafford (100)
DEFENSIVE CATEGORIES --
Most Put-Outs: Rich Avery (44)
Most Assists: Lee Garcia (24)
Most Errors: Tony DeLanda (7)
Highest Fielding Percentage (infield): Lee Garcia, Art Tabacco (1.000 [no errors!] -- "Gold Glove Award")
Highest Fielding Percentage (outfield): Steve Stafford (1.000 [no errors!] -- "Gold Glove Award")
Highest Fielding Percentage (utility): Frank Fletcher (.938 -- "Gold Glove Award")
Most Defensive Points: Rich Avery (42 -- 44 put-out pts. plus 2 assist pts. minus 4 error pts.) (Reminder: +1 point for a put-out, +1 point for an assist, -2 points for each error. In other words, errors "take away" from your overall offensive/defensive effort!)
All of which leads to, if the above stats were used primarily in making our choices...
Most Valuable Player (Visalia City League, Men's D-Red, summer 2006): Mike Lujan (113 offensive/defensive points)
And for our "special" categories...
Most Non-Appearances (regular members): Matt Soares (9) (Check your schedule, big guy! Nelson was a distant, though close, second with 7, and Tony took third with 6. Some others also were considered, even though their physical bodies actually made it to the games!)
Perfect Attendance (regular members): Vern Amaro, Rich Avery, Frank Fletcher, Lee Garcia, Gene Hitt, and Mike Lujan (All 10 games; gold stars to all of you!)
Most Memorable Performance: Steve Stafford (Playing against Them, Steve lead an onslaught that produced 23 offensive/defensive points, which consisted of going 3 for 4, with 2 doubles, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 3 runs, an .750 BA, with 1 put-out in the outfield for a 1.000 fielding percentage. Not bad for someone who's getting a little long in the tooth -- like yours truly!)
Greatest Increase in Batting Average from Last League (spring 2006; minimum 5 games): Lee Garcia (+.209, from .263 to .472) (Donny Aguiar came in second with a +.177 increase -- good job, buddy!)
Biggest "Plunge" in Batting Average from Last League (spring 2006; minimum 5 games): Gene Hitt (-.104, from .533 to .429) (Art Tabacco came in second with a -.102 decrease; Steve Stafford was third with a small -.035 decrease. To be honest, everyone else increased their average this league, though it was much tougher than the previous Tulare league in which we won a championship!)
Best Player Quote: Sorry, but I can't recall any at this time!
Best Acting Performance by a Player/Manager: Drum roll, please...Vern Amaro!!! (7th time in a row! A seven-peat! Incredible! Can this person run the career table! This is for impersonating, once again, the second baseman -- and spokesperson -- of a pretty darn-good softball team! By the way, were there any other eligible candidates on the team?)
"100 Points Plus Club": Vern Amaro (1994 T.C.L. 130 pts./1999 T.C.L. 109 pts./2001 T.C.L. 103 pts./2002 T.C.L. 140 pts./2003 T.C.L. 106 pts./2004 T.C.L. 110 pts./2005 T.C.L. 103 pts.); Rich Avery (2000 T.C.L. 129 pts./2004 V.C.L. 102 pts.); Wes Avery (2005 T.C.L. 129 pts.); Matt Beltran (1999 T.C.L. 104 pts.); Gordon Caudle (2000 T.C.L. 120 pts.); Kurt Chambers (2004 T.C.L. 100 pts.); Frank Fletcher (1994 T.C.L. 115 pts./1999 T.C.L. 169 pts. [record]/2000 T.C.L. 134 pts./2002 T.C.L. 146 pts./2003 T.C.L. 113 pts./2004 T.C.L. 111 pts./2004 V.C.L. 112 pts./2005 T.C.L. 134 pts./2005 V.C.L. 109 pts./2006 V.C.L. 111 pts.); Gene Hitt (1994 T.C.L. 108 pts./2000 T.C.L. 138 pts./2002 T.C.L. 121 pts./2005 T.C.L. 100 pts./2005 V.C.L. 106 pts.); Mike Lujan (2005 V.C.L. 101 pts./2006 V.C.L. 113 pts.); Rene Regalado (1999 T.C.L. 109 pts./2000 T.C.L. 120 pts.); John Souza (1994 T.C.L. 122 pts.); Steve Stafford (2006 V.C.L. 106 pts.); Art Tabacco (2005 V.C.L. 116 pts.); Nelson Vieira (2002 T.C.L. 114 pts./2004 T.C.L. 112 pts./2006 T.C.L. 114 pts.)
Heavy Metal Softball rocks! And I'm not joking here. 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, as I know some of you come to play despite conflicting personal schedules, various aches and pains, balancing family and friends, and putting up with my managerial decisions. And so, in the meantime...keep rockin', guys -- and stay healthy for our next campaign!
At the end of each league season, some recognition is always given to those individuals who contributed to the team in some way. The following categories -- most 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! Don't get defensive. Get it -- "defensive"! Oh, never mind....) So, for what it's worth, here we go:
Visalia City League, Thursday Night, summer 2006
3-7 record: No team award; MVP selected solely by offensive/defensive points
OFFENSIVE CATEGORIES --
Most Plate Appearances: Frank Fletcher, Mike Lujan (tie, 41)
Most At-Bats: Mike Lujan (40)
Most Runs: Frank Fletcher, Paul Lawrence (tie, 21)
Most Singles: Donny Aguiar (23)
Most Doubles: Steve Stafford (7)
Most Triples: Tony DeLanda, Lee Garcia, Gene Hitt, Art Tabacco (tie, 1)
Most Home Runs: Steve Stafford (2)
Most RBIs: Steve Stafford (19)
Most Walks: Paul Lawrence (4)
Most Sacrifices: Frank Fletcher, Steve Stafford (tie, 2)
Highest On-Base Percentage: Donny Aguiar (.667)
Highest Slugging Percentage: Art Tabacco (1.635)
Highest Batting Average: Donny Aguiar (.657)
Most Hits: Frank Fletcher (24)
Most Single-Game Points: Steve Stafford (23)
Most Offensive/Defensive Points: Steve Stafford (100)
DEFENSIVE CATEGORIES --
Most Put-Outs: Rich Avery (44)
Most Assists: Lee Garcia (24)
Most Errors: Tony DeLanda (7)
Highest Fielding Percentage (infield): Lee Garcia, Art Tabacco (1.000 [no errors!] -- "Gold Glove Award")
Highest Fielding Percentage (outfield): Steve Stafford (1.000 [no errors!] -- "Gold Glove Award")
Highest Fielding Percentage (utility): Frank Fletcher (.938 -- "Gold Glove Award")
Most Defensive Points: Rich Avery (42 -- 44 put-out pts. plus 2 assist pts. minus 4 error pts.) (Reminder: +1 point for a put-out, +1 point for an assist, -2 points for each error. In other words, errors "take away" from your overall offensive/defensive effort!)
All of which leads to, if the above stats were used primarily in making our choices...
Most Valuable Player (Visalia City League, Men's D-Red, summer 2006): Mike Lujan (113 offensive/defensive points)
And for our "special" categories...
Most Non-Appearances (regular members): Matt Soares (9) (Check your schedule, big guy! Nelson was a distant, though close, second with 7, and Tony took third with 6. Some others also were considered, even though their physical bodies actually made it to the games!)
Perfect Attendance (regular members): Vern Amaro, Rich Avery, Frank Fletcher, Lee Garcia, Gene Hitt, and Mike Lujan (All 10 games; gold stars to all of you!)
Most Memorable Performance: Steve Stafford (Playing against Them, Steve lead an onslaught that produced 23 offensive/defensive points, which consisted of going 3 for 4, with 2 doubles, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 3 runs, an .750 BA, with 1 put-out in the outfield for a 1.000 fielding percentage. Not bad for someone who's getting a little long in the tooth -- like yours truly!)
Greatest Increase in Batting Average from Last League (spring 2006; minimum 5 games): Lee Garcia (+.209, from .263 to .472) (Donny Aguiar came in second with a +.177 increase -- good job, buddy!)
Biggest "Plunge" in Batting Average from Last League (spring 2006; minimum 5 games): Gene Hitt (-.104, from .533 to .429) (Art Tabacco came in second with a -.102 decrease; Steve Stafford was third with a small -.035 decrease. To be honest, everyone else increased their average this league, though it was much tougher than the previous Tulare league in which we won a championship!)
Best Player Quote: Sorry, but I can't recall any at this time!
Best Acting Performance by a Player/Manager: Drum roll, please...Vern Amaro!!! (7th time in a row! A seven-peat! Incredible! Can this person run the career table! This is for impersonating, once again, the second baseman -- and spokesperson -- of a pretty darn-good softball team! By the way, were there any other eligible candidates on the team?)
"100 Points Plus Club": Vern Amaro (1994 T.C.L. 130 pts./1999 T.C.L. 109 pts./2001 T.C.L. 103 pts./2002 T.C.L. 140 pts./2003 T.C.L. 106 pts./2004 T.C.L. 110 pts./2005 T.C.L. 103 pts.); Rich Avery (2000 T.C.L. 129 pts./2004 V.C.L. 102 pts.); Wes Avery (2005 T.C.L. 129 pts.); Matt Beltran (1999 T.C.L. 104 pts.); Gordon Caudle (2000 T.C.L. 120 pts.); Kurt Chambers (2004 T.C.L. 100 pts.); Frank Fletcher (1994 T.C.L. 115 pts./1999 T.C.L. 169 pts. [record]/2000 T.C.L. 134 pts./2002 T.C.L. 146 pts./2003 T.C.L. 113 pts./2004 T.C.L. 111 pts./2004 V.C.L. 112 pts./2005 T.C.L. 134 pts./2005 V.C.L. 109 pts./2006 V.C.L. 111 pts.); Gene Hitt (1994 T.C.L. 108 pts./2000 T.C.L. 138 pts./2002 T.C.L. 121 pts./2005 T.C.L. 100 pts./2005 V.C.L. 106 pts.); Mike Lujan (2005 V.C.L. 101 pts./2006 V.C.L. 113 pts.); Rene Regalado (1999 T.C.L. 109 pts./2000 T.C.L. 120 pts.); John Souza (1994 T.C.L. 122 pts.); Steve Stafford (2006 V.C.L. 106 pts.); Art Tabacco (2005 V.C.L. 116 pts.); Nelson Vieira (2002 T.C.L. 114 pts./2004 T.C.L. 112 pts./2006 T.C.L. 114 pts.)
Heavy Metal Softball rocks! And I'm not joking here. 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, as I know some of you come to play despite conflicting personal schedules, various aches and pains, balancing family and friends, and putting up with my managerial decisions. And so, in the meantime...keep rockin', guys -- and stay healthy for our next campaign!
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