Heavy Metal Softball

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!!!