Game Mix
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Benders say Phuket and get back in the W column with Victory over tough Giants Team; 8-4
Sunday June 28 Benders vs East Bay Giants
Willie Stargell Field, Alameda 1pm
Benders - 8 Giants - 4
Tough grinder of a game with the Benders earning the Win. More to follow. On a side note, it is with a hole in our hearts and our lineup that we bid la-gon to one of the SFNABA greats, Lucas Brunette #4. Lucas has been a line drive machine in this league for the past 5 seasons. His righty swing has been a thing of beauty and he will sorely be missed. To boot he is a great guy and teammate. The Benders wish him well in his new life adventures in Thailand. Just remember to keep your eye on the adam's apple.
Post game continues....Sunday brought beautiful weather to Alameda as well as a tough opponent to Stargell Field, the East Bay Giants. It also brought Pride to the City and this found the Benders a little light in players(coincidence?). No matter as the dedicated few strapped it on and prepared for battle.
Toeing the slab would be crafty Veteran Matt Gire #14(yep a full-fledge
d SFNABA old-timer now). Matt has made the very successful transition from pitcher to hitter but he still has the itch to hurl the rock. Well Sunday Matt found himself on the Tit with the back scratcher. Mixing in pinpoint fastballs and snapping breakers, Matt kept a solid Giants lineup off guard for three solid innings. Final line: 3 IP, 1 ER. Good job gobbling innings for the Staff.
The offense did it's part to put Matt and the Benders in a comfortable position starting in the top of the first. After two quick outs the Benders #3 hitter, Chester Dancer #45 laced a double down the left field line. Next up line drive guru, Lucas Brunette #4 slashes an RBI single to right and the Benders are on the board. Not to be outdone, Erik Wanner #19 goes with a pitch to right field and laces an RBI double which Lucas enables with his speed. Matt Gire #14 then helps his cause by creating some confusion regarding his speed and an error by the second baseman has the Benders up 3-0 and a nice two out rally.
The Benders would tack on two more runs in the 4th when white hot lead off hitter, Gary Kirven #10 smashes a line drive to right center. A cloud of dust later, and Kirven safe with a triple, the Benders lead 5-2. Bottom of the 4th found a pitching change and lefty Rob Ellis #34 trotting in from the Pen. Giants scratch some bleeders together to push a run across but Rob K's the side and after 4 it is Benders 5, Giants 3.
Top of the 5th and the Benders offens
e was ready to get Rob some runs. Wanner who had two smash doubles to this point draws a walk from the wary pitcher. And as everyone knows lead off walks kill. Aaron Wing #24 and Mike Gillman #36 would scratch singles and the bases are drunk with one out. This brings Iron Mike Gorospe #22 to the dish. And with the bases loaded Mike lays down a perfect squeeze which scores a run and only a perfect play from the pitcher stops it from being a hit. With two outs now Gary Kirven does his best David impression and slays the Giants with a two run infield single. Speed most definitely kills. Benders now up 8-3.
Pop Quiz Time for all you young ball players out there.
Question: The opposing pitcher hangs you a "hit me" curve ball. Do you?:
A - smash it and jog around the bases
B - quietly alert your teammates to look for the hanger
C - ground out to third
D- tell the opposing pitcher to keep throwing that weak shi$
Well if you are the Giants cleanup hitter, the answer is both C and D. Also if you know anything about Rob Ellis or any other gamer pitcher(Hawkins, Chasse, Rice, Wanner, Hando, etc.) if they are struggling it is best not to get them mad. Case in point, Rob gets nasty after the comment and K's 8 of the last 13 outs including the cleanup hitter on...you guessed it, a curve. Final line for Rob: 6 IP, 11 K's, 0 ER. Gutsy outing without his best stuff. Game Ball.
Other Stars in the Game:
Gary Kirven #10 3-5 2 1B/3B, 4 RBI Game Ball
Alex Rice #1 Gold Glove caliber glove work at the hot corner. Including a web gem on a high chopper followed by a laser to first. The left side of the infield is on lock down.
Erik Wanner #19 4-4 2 2B/BB/2 Runs
Iron Mike Gorospe #22 2BB/HBP/1B/Run and RBI Squeeze
Mike Gillman #36 2 1B/2 Runs
and Lucas Brunette #4 who tags two hits and a run in his final game. Congrats on a wonderful career.
Next week 4th of July Holiday, so enjoy the break and we will see you in two weeks.... 
Mad Dogs Maul Benders 10 -2
Sunday June 21 Mad Dogs vs Benders
Willie Stargell Field, Alameda 1pm
Mad Dogs - 10 Benders - 2
Hats off to the Mad Dogs who played a flawless game. Great Defense, nice pitching, and they also swung the sticks. One team showed up to play and the score definitely reflected that. And that's pretty much all I would like to say about that game. Well actually I don't want to be completely negative(hard not to though). So Bender highlights come from:
Gary Kirven #10 HR, 1B(yeah HR and a shot too).
Lucas Brunette #4 3-4 2B(all this guy does is hit line drives)
Erik Wanner #19 8 outs from short(at least 5 being the webgem variety. Considering the night before, he was probably seeing double so that means he actually made 16 outs)
David Schummers #15 2b/ Aaron Wing #24 2B / Al Rice #1 1B, 2BB
Rob Ellis #34 7 suck-it-up innings in relief. 9 K's
Actually that is probably way too many highlights but whatever. This was most definitely a team effort. The Benders may still live up to their moniker, however the day after is not quite as kind as it once was. Not an excuse though as the game the Dogs played was of the highest caliber.
Next week back to the scene of the crime versus the East Bay Giants.
Crab Feast in Alameda as Benders Pinch Sole Possession of First From Blue Claws 11 - 3
Sunday June 14 Blue Claws vs Benders
Willie Stargell Field, Alameda 1pm
Blue Claws - 3 Benders - 11
Beautiful day for baseball. 70+ degree weather, sun, grass(uhh, infield that is) and a battle between two quality teams for first place in the illustrious Ocean West Divsion on the East Bay diamond that is Willie Stargell Field. The Benders after their usual horse manure infield/outfield change out of their warmup unis to their home whites and are ready for the battle.
Taking the rock would be Super Soph Mike "Gillie" Gillman #36. Not having his lights out stuff, Mike mixes his arrangement up and pitches to contact. This has been a good recipe to date as the Defense has been solid. Of course first hitter, the SS(some hack) boots the ball and Mike is out of the stretch. A hit, K, another E and another hit and the Benders are down 2 after 4 hitters and about 15 minutes of game. Not nice. Mike and the SS(some Wizard) regroup and a 6U-3 doubleplay later the Benders are at the batter's rack.
It was at this batter's rack where a fight would break out. No, not some 
salacious reality TV fodder, but a fight between hitters eager to do damage. And damage they would enflict. Benders offense starts with GaryRally(tm) Kirven #10 playing some wall-ball against the right field fence for a double. Basehit and SB from Dion Jolley #7 sets the table for the meat eaters. Up steps Bender newcomer(sounds dirty) Chester Dancer #45 who fires a shot up the middle and we now have ourselves a tie game.
Offense wasn't done, not by a long stretch. Following a walk, Erik Wanner #19 blasts a wall banger to right driving in the go ahead run. An out, and two walks brings last weeks Hero, Al Rice #1 to the dish with the bases drunk. Al still feeling the effects of the high, slashes a two run single up the middle. Another walk and that man again, Jolley #7 rips a 2 run double down the line and the Benders are up now 8-2 after 1. So the Benders have scored 19 runs in their last two plate appearances. Things like that make a manager look Mahhvalous.
This basically was the game. I know baseball is a game with no clock and 27 outs and all that. But that first inning really took the life out of a very, very quality team. 3 more runs were scored by the Benders however. 2 on quality, old time baseball at bats, the fielder's choice. One by Dave Schummers #15(1-2 1B/ 2BB/ RBI/ Run) and the other by Chester "Private" Dancer #45(2-4 3B/ 3RBI/ 2 R). Speaking of Chester, he also drove and ran in the last run. With two outs in the fif inning, Dancer rips a blasts to center over the fielder's head and then turned on the Encinal Jets at second to fly into third with a triple. Ball mildy eludes the thirdbaseman and Dancer waltzes into home(pun intended).
Meanwhile, Gillman #36 continues to fight on the island and guts his way through 4 solid innings. Final line: 4IP/ 1ER/ 3 K's. Solid outing. Hey sometimes you actually have to pitch and he did that well. Defense also shored up behind him as a runner was nailed at second on a textbook relay from Rob Ellis #34 in right to David Schummers #15 at second. Some late game defensive gems were also turned in by Jolley#7 and Gillman #36 at second. And also some nifty glove work at the hot corner from perennial wall, Iron Mike Gorospe #22.
Well as it was also Old Timer's Day and the manager makes the lineup moves, said manager comes in to relieve(Erik Wanner #19). We have seen this over the last couple years with pitchers such as Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Jamie Moyer; pitchers way past their prime that have had to become crafty and smart pitchers to get the job done. With Erik though you get 
both neither the talent nor the craftiness of any of those guys so forget about that analogy. He does make the lineup so humor him. Two shutout innings later though and the old righty looked all right. Final line: 2 IP/ 0 R/ 2 K's and his patent HBP/Pick-em-off move. Side note: E also played an inning in right field making two nice plays, and also caught the last 3 with Lefty on the bump. So a bit more gas left in the tank, albeit siphoned from some sucker in the parking lot.
Come the 7th inning and the bullpen is complete with the move to the Lefty, Rob "Noxious" Ellis #34. Rob, smelling like an Old Turkey, rubs his one good eye and flat out dealt for 3 innings. His changeup would be any other pitcher's go to, money pitch. F#@<ing Nasty! His curve was bending more than a teen backstage at an R Kelly concert. Mix in a fastball that the umpire flinches at and the Blue Claws had as much hope as a crab at Fisherman's Wharf. Final line: 3 IP/ 0 R/ 4 K's.
Impressive win from the Benders with some team baseball being played. The most telling stat from the game was that the Benders struck out only once in the game against two quality pitchers. Put the ball in play and good things happen. Great game. Pitching, defense, offense, baserunning, small ball, extra base hits. Fun game to be a part of and to write about. Next week at Encinal, rematch/grudge match with the Mad Dogs. Should be fun. Oh and it is Father's Day so bring your pops, have a catch and a dog(hot dog that is) and have a nice night.
Benders Euthenize Dogs with 11 Run Eighth, Win 14-4
Sunday June 7 Benders vs Mad Dogs
Raimondi Park, Oakland 12 noon
Benders - 14 Mad Dogs - 4
Sunday found the Benders heading in their team bus to West Oakland for a game with long time rivals the Mad Dogs. The weather was beautiful and the stand(singular) was full of fans. Well actually pretty much fans of Al Rice #1, who had a posse of family and friends in attendance. And boy would he not disappoint, more on that later.
The Benders found themselves in a Dog fight right away, with the Mad Dogs pitcher firing fastballs and mowing down hitters. The Dogs also were a scrappy bunch at bat taking advantage of some Bender miscues and after 1 inning the Dogs lead 2-0. In the third the Benders were able to scratch together a GaryRally(tm) and muster a run. Gary rally consisted of a walk to Gary Kirven #10, turned into a triple(via SB) and scoring on a groundout via Mike Hamill #9. So Benders get on the board without a hit. Nice.
Dogs come back though in the 4th with 2 runs on some loud hits and a couple more miscues. Al Rice #1 who was on the bump, reached down and gutted his way out of the inning and finished a nice 4 inning, 0 ER, adrenaline fueled start. The defense wasn't all bad as a couple nice plays were made behind him at third from Rookie sensation Josh Daniels #13.
The top of 5th starts with the Benders trailing 4-1 and in need of a GaryRally. Well he's back and starts things with a single, SB and scores on a passed ball. The Benders muster another run on a Jolley walk, SB and score off a nice shot off the bat of line drive machine Lucas Brunette #4. Benders back in it and trail only 4-3 after 5 innings.
The Benders defense begins to settle down in the 5th, well basically because Rob "Noxious" Ellis #34 gets the call from the pen and it is pretty easy to defend when he strikes everyone out. Well not quite everyone, but 9 of the 12 outs he faces. Dominate, shutdown performance from the Lefty which keeps the Benders in the game and a chance to win. Line from Noxious, 4 IP, 0 R, 9 K's. Dominate. GAME BALL
With Rob putting up zeros, the Mad Dogs pitcher was doing his best to do the same. And he was doing a great job of keeping hitters off balance with fastballs, changes and curves. Through 7 innings the Dogs starter had allowed only 3 hits. Good for the Benders we don't play softball or high school rules as this would have been ball game. But we play 9 in this league and the Benders would take advantage of that in the top of the 8th.
8th inning starts with new free agent signing Chester Dancer #45 reaching on a single. This cued the music to start and a virtual Bender Conga line began to dance around the bases. Next came Erik Wanner #19 who worked a BB. David Schummers #15 follows and he lays down a perfect sac bunt which he beats out. The pitcher feeling the heat on the play fires the ball down the right field line and the tying run scores. Next batter is Mike Gillman #36 who fights off a tough two strike pitch and puts a hot shot in play to the firstbaseman who also feels the heat coming off the wheels of E #19 burning home from third. Bootsie, and the Benders have the lead.
Now the Benders have the Dogs on the ropes. Combined with the devastating body blows that Rob #34 has been landing and the sharp jabs the offense put together, the Dogs
were staggering. All that was left was the knockout blow. Well that brings me to Al Rice #1. With the stands alive with excitement, two Benders runners on base, and a slim 1 run lead Al took his stance in the box. The Dogs pitcher reaches back and fires his best heat. Al turns it around and blasts a 3 Run Home Run to leftfield. The Knockout Blow comes from an upper cut from Al Rice #1 with family, friends, and Benders going nuts.
Huge hit from Al who had just missed foul with a couple of other hits earlier in the day. GAME BALL. Benders now lead 8-4 and the Dogs are down for the count.
13 consecutive Benders hitters would conga around the bases and the Benders score 11 runs in the inning. Schummers #15 and Dancer #45 would both talley 2 hits in the inning. Gillman #36 would add a hit and 2 RBI, And Ellis #34 would 
drive in two with a double to left. Other hits provided by Hamill #9 RBI 1B, Brunette #4 RBI 1B and Kirven #10.
With Ellis on the mound and the Benders now up by 10, the game was over. Benders pull together a 14-4 win, with fireworks provided by Rice #1 and the extinguisher supplied by Ellis #34. Nice win for the Benders who will face the Dogs again. Next week back home against a tough opponent, Blue Claws, and a battle for first in the Ocean West. See you then!!!
Benders Pitching Filthy(16 K's) in Victory over Dirtbags 6-1
Sunday May 31 Benders vs Dirtbags
Willie Stargell Field, Alameda 1pm
Benders - 6 Dirtbags - 1
A rested bunch of Benders returned Home this past Sunday to face a solid bunch of ballers, the Dirtbags. Name aside, the DirtBags proved to be a clean group of players and a force to be reckoned with. Benders looked spry and rested from the two week, and in some players case a month, break.
Standing on the island for the start of this 3 hour tour, 3 hour tour, would be Gillman #36. Mike Gillman that is. From the first pitch(paint the black with cheese, strike) you knew Mike had his A-game stuff and was looking to deal. Mike dealt allright, and if you ask the Dirtbags they would say it was from the bottom of the deck. Dirty stuff. Crispy sliders, paralyzing hooks, and the sharp cheddar that would make a Wisconsiner horny. Fithy stuff from Gillie and a line to match: 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 8 K's GAME BALL
You would think bringing in a reliever would provide the opposition a glimmer of hope after the outing from Gillie. Well you would be wrong as the man getting the call would be Rob 'Noxious' Ellis #34 who was ready to hammer the final nail. Rob announced his presence with authority with virtually unhittable stuff. His fastball was not only popping leather but his slider was also applied with renaissance painter craftmanship. An artisan performance from the lefty with a line to match: 3 IP, 1 H, 8 K's GAME BALL 
Backing the armed forces on offensive would be the big man Chris "Zonk" Zonca #26. 
Chris was clearly sipping some fountain of youth cocktails at the Bay to Breakers as he came out with a youthful spring in his step seldomly seen on Benders baserunners not named Gary. Chris started his youth movement with a laser blast over the centerfielder's head for a double. His aggressive running caused a error and a huge 90 foot advancement. His next at bat, not happy with a double and error, he blasts a 
shot to left which hits the base of the wall and he blazes for a triple to leftfield. That you don't see too often, a triple to dead left field. Great hustle. Chris' line on the day: 2-3(2B, 3B, BB 3 Runs and a RBI) great game, great hustle GAME BALL
Other stars on offense were Erik Wanner #19 who took advantage of Chris' hustle and drove in 3 with 2 SF and a 1B. Line: 1-1 (1B, BB, 3 RBI)
Dave Schummers #15 also had huge at bat in the 6th. With two outs and the Benders clinging to a 3-1 lead, Dave slashed a full count double to leftfield(a patent Schummers blast) which gave the Benders a comfortable 5-1 lead.
Gary Kirven #10 would score the last run for the Benders which he helped create by stealing himself around to third. Gary-Ball at it's finest. Line: 2-4(Run, 3 SB)
Rounding out the offense:
Dion Jolley 1B, Run/ Mike Hammill #9 1B/ Alex Rice #1 1B, SB/ Aaron Wing #24 1B
Fun game, highlighted by the outstanding pitching performance from Gillman and Elllis. Next week a road game against a strong division opponent and long time nemesis, the Mad Dogs. Should be fun. See you at Raimondi Field, 12 noon.
Benders "Nine" Super against Stars, win 13-3
Sunday May 17 Superstars vs Benders
Willie Stargell Field, Alameda 1pm
Superstars - 3 Benders - 13
What with perfect weather, Bay to Breakers, Giants/Mets, trips to Alaska, pulled groins(both our own or pulling someone else's groin), the Benders had many distractions from baseball this past weekend. But a select few put all else aside and made baseball their only priority. These select few shall be known as the Bender "Nine"(although there were 11 to start, only 9 made the final trek). 
Game starts with the weather looking beautiful and Stargell field as elegant as could be. The Benders would make their way to the yard one at a time, making their entrances as elaborate as a juiced WWE wrestler. The Superstars were looking, well, super and the only question was would the Benders field enough? The answer proved to be a resounding YES!! 11 ballers made the commitment to baseball on such a glorious day so Play Ball!
On the Tit to start the game was Mattie Gire. Always a gamer and fresh from a self induced sebbatical Matt was poised to deliver. Mattie gutted through 3+ innings, mixing his normal array of movement and guessing(both on the part of the batter and catcher). Taking the baton from Matt in the 4th was Baller Mike Gillman who inherited a bases loaded and 2-0 count. No prob says the Super Soph as he K's both batters he faces and the Benders escape with a 5-3 lead.
Gillman also fresh from his relaxing time on the Island(Alameda that is) would be called upon to finish the deal. And finish he would, shutting the door on the Stars and gathering a final line of 3 2/3 ing and 0 runs. Gillie did had some help in the field from Brian Patrone #3 at first, Gary Kirven #10 at second and some nice pitch calling from Mike Gorospe #22. Nice plays were also made at short where a 6-3 doubleplay was made as well as a 1-6-3 inning ender which the SS completed from his ass(had to see it I guess). Nice defensive game again from the Benders.
Benders Nine turned in a team effort on the offensive side of the ball so let's go down the line:
Gary Kirven #10 2-5 (2 2B, 3 Runs)
Brian Patrone #3 Rbi
David Schummers #15 1B, Run
Al Rice #1 Rbi 1B, Run
Erik Wanner #19 2B, 2 Runs, 2 HBP, SB(not a typo)
Matt Gire #14 1B, 2B, 3 Runs, 3 RBI
Aaron Wing #24 1B, BB, Run, RBI
Mike Gillman #36 1B, BB, RBI, Run
Mike Goropse #22 2BB, HBP, RBI
and this leaves us with:
Dion Jolley #7
Dion had a great day at the dish which started with a perfect bunt single and ended with a "walk off" double to right. Dion was on base all day and finished with a perfect line:
4-4 3 2B, Run, BB and of course the game ending RBI which came on a rip to right center.
It was a hot, trying day with players and umpires a little testy. But the Benders rally together, shorthanded, and get the win(and a cooler full of beers). Final score reads a 10 run victory but the game was much closer and the Benders are happy to get the win. Next week, Memorial Day Holiday, no games, so see you after the break.
Just say No! (to the Hall of Fame)
Another banner day for Major League Baseball. Good luck with the fertility treatments #99.
Benders Club Sea Lions, win 9 - 3
Sunday May 3 Benders vs Sea Lions
Willie Stargell Field, Alameda 1pm
Benders - 9 Sea Lions - 3
Benders arrive at Encinal Sunday a little light in numbers(10) and also a little lighter in brain cells. Mint Juleps at the horse track will do that to you. Willie Stargell Field was looking beautiful after soaking in some needed rain drops. So while the rest of the league slept it was Play Ball for the Benders and Sea Lions.
Taking the rock for the Benders would be Mattie Gire #14. Matt has been pining for some innings and he did not disappoint this day. Mixing an array of fastballs, changeups and the occasional slider, Matt was able to keep the Sea Lion hitters(and Bender fielders WTF!!) off guard. Nice 5 inning performance from Matt who helped his cause by inducing two pitcher's buddies, the Double Play(one being the ever so tough 3-6-1 variety).
Defense was pretty solid on the day. Erik Wanner #19 provided the pitchers some help from short with 10 outs produced which is a pretty nice % of outs. Including the 1-6-3 DP, E also started a bases loaded inning-ender(6-4-3) with David Schummers #15 and Chris Zonca#26 on the back end. Zonk #26 was a hoover at first, picking bushels of rocks from the Encinal dirt. Included was a nice dig to complete a webgem barehand play from E at short. Mike Gorsope #22 once again had a nice game blocking and calling pitches. And Dion Jolley #7 and Al Rice #1 showed their valuable versatility by making plays at both third base and centerfield respectively. Al also moved to the mound to relieve Matt and was solid through three innings. Rob Ellis #34 put the finishing touches on the game with a 1-2-3 ninth.
The offense was a little Jekyll/Hydish on the day. Hitting with hangovers, not quite as easy as it once was. The second inning saw the Benders bloop and poke their way to a 7 run inning. Whatever works I guess. Big hit from Rice #1 with two outs to drive in two and put the Benders up 6. Big stick on the day was yielded by Lucas Brunette #4 who just missed a dinger and settled for a big 3B(4-4 on the day). Nice at bats from Gorospe #22 who added 2 RBI with a 2B over the leftfielder. Other knocks came from Zonca #26(2-3), Aaron Wing #24(2-4 2B 2 Runs) and Rice #1(2-4).
So Benders continue their winning ways, with good pitching, solid defense and a few nice at bats. Still looking to put it all together but hey a win is a win and we will take it. No camera this week so stock nature footage which I think sums up this game nicely anyway. See you in two weeks, have a Happy Mother's Day weekend.
Benders Hang 16 (K's) on Tsunami, Win 8-2
Sunday April 26 Benders vs Tsunami
Willie Stargell Field, Alameda 1pm
Benders -8 Tsunami - 2
Who was that again, that said "beer tastes better when you win?". Oh yeah, me. And after the game sunday the suds sure did go down smooth, along with the bbq dogs(thanks Sheila). It was good, ney.... it was great to be home at the lovely confines of Willie Stargell Field. No offense to SL Ball Park, or Riordan, but Encinal is by far the best field in the SFNABA. Not even close.
So Sunday brought sunny skies and stands full of Bender fans. It also brought a Bender team hungry to avenge a tough loss. Benders have lost two games by a total of 2 runs and with a ball hit here or a ball hit there, the home 9 could be undefeated. But hey that is baseball and precisely why it is the greatest sport on earth. No other sport creates such character, integrity and honor. Why just look at the local big leaguers(Bonds, Giambi) to see such examples of dignity and valor.....wait..ehh..strike that, nevermind. Well baseball is great for the simple fact that you get to grab your crotch while you spit your chaw and that is considered an athletic manuever.
On to the game. This game had a singular theme for the Benders...hand the rock to the pitchers and let them do their thing. Their "thing" accounted for 21 of the 27 outs. 16 via K, 4 via fielding their position groundouts, and 1 pickoff for good measure. This means the defense accounted for 6 outs. 3 via the air and 3 on the ground. Nice plays were made however, at third from Ian "Backdraft" Santa Cruz #21 and at short from Erik "E" Wanner #19 at short.
Toeing the slab for the start of this hurling domination was starter Rob "Noxious" Ellis #34. Rob mowed through 4 crystal innings allowing a single and K'ng 7. Next on the bump was super soph Mike "Gillie" Gillman #36. Mike continued his strong start to the season with 4+ innings on the tit. Mike K'd 8 during his round on the mound and fielded his position nicely. The Benders also brought out the time machine to close out the game as Erik Wanner #19 larked his way to the mound to extinguish some bother. Game ends on a pickoff and K, and time is just as it was in 2004.
I need to mention an unsung hero to this game, just like many games past. This hero is Mike Gorospe. Mike has been his usual wall behind the dish but has called some great games for the pitching staff. He has played Molina-like and has been a great big toe for the pitching staff to... ehhh, well.. walk on?? Thanks for being that big toe Mike.
On offense the Benders are still trying to get those sticks to equate to the price paid. We are scoring runs so beggars...no F-that, lets start mashing!!! Benders put 9 hits on the board but do take 8 free passes. Hitting stars on the game started with the rally starter himself Gary "Swervin" Kervin #10. No hits, 3 runs. Yeah, you know how he did that. I don't even need to explain. That a boy G.
Rookie star Josh "J.D." Daniels #13 made his presence felt with a 2-2(2B/BB/Run) day including a ripped RBI double. Luckily with the recent tree pruning near the outfield apartments, we were able to pinpoint the sniper that took Josh out of the game. Godspeed young man, godspeed. The Hammer #9 also took advantage of the moneyballers in front of him with some situational RBI hitting.
Erik Wanner #19 chipped in with a 3-4 day and his usual fear striking baserunning. Big two out 2 RBI, near ding-dong double in the 6th from Aaron Wing #24. Opened the game up
from a 5 run lead to 7 runs, nice knock . Other knocks from Lucas Brunette #4, Chris Zonca #26, and Mike Gillman #36. All lazers I might add. Oh yeah a 380ft sac fly from Ian Santa Cruz #21 who failed to see the 336' mark in right center.
Good game. Nice to get back to the winning ways. Nice BBQ time afterwards, lets have some more of both. Game next sunday, same Bat Channel same Bat Time. That means sunday 1pm @ Encinal, damn I'm getting old(christian bale you can suck it). Thanks to Brian Patrone #3 for the pics and to The Ty #33 for the help with everything else.
Benders feeling Gray after heartbreak in 11, lose 7 - 6
Sunday April 19 Benders vs Grays
San Leandro Ball Park 3:30pm
Benders - 6 Grays - 7
"Losing only helps the beer taste better when you win."___ e19
Well beer usually tastes pretty good no matter what, but I must say it did taste a bit flat after this Sunday. Benders lose a tough one in 11(yes 11) innings. This one seemed to last forever, just ask the Storm/E.B.Giants who played after our game. Unfortunately
the Benders found themselves holding the sh#t end of the stick after the 7-6 loss. Good game, hard fought by both teams. Hats off to both clubs.
The question that comes to mind after this one is HTF did we lose this game?! The answer is two fold; the Grays played a little bit better and we played a little bit worse. First we will start with the good. That begins with Mike Gillman #36. Gillie took the rock for the start and just dominated from the first inning with 2 K's. Mke rolled through 4 innings allowing only 2 hits and no runs while K'ing 4. Dominate performance from the Sophomore Game Ball
Also on the good side, the Benders opened the game with a loud first inning scoring 4 runs. After a double from Dion Jolley #7, Mike Hamill #9 let him jog home with a loud triple to right. Mike then followed Dion to the dish on a single from Lucas Brunette #4. The rally would continue with two out hits from Erik Wanner #19(2B) and Chris Zonca #26 and the Benders started the game on a high note. Nice
offensive day from Chris Zonca #26 3-4(3 1B,BB), Mike Hamill #9 3-6 (3B, 2 1B), Lucas Brunette #4 2-5 and Ian Santa Cruz 2-6. But then...
The Bad, this came with runners being left on base and also with runners being thrown out on the bases. 15 runners all toll were left on base and 9 in scoring position. The Benders also had 4 runners doubled up or hosed, 2 via nice plays from the Grays. Still too many freebies and missed opportunities.
The Ugly, well this came from the Grays hitters. Pesky bunch. 13 hits with only 1 being a solid ringing hit(3B). The rest fell in front, around, just over, or in some cases through Benders defenders. The Grays were also the recipients of 8 free passes(2 IBB) which never helps. There were a few bright spots on D with Gary Kirven #10 laying it all on the line in left and firing a great relay to Erik Schuler #2 to nail a runner at home via a nice block from Ian Santa Cruz #21 at the dish. 
Other bright spots on 
Defense came from Rob Ellis #34 and Alex Rice #1 who combined with Gillman #36 to strike out 14 Grays hitters. Game Balls to the pitching staff. Honorable mention for ugly play came from the field blue on a play at first but whatever.
Bottom line a good game. Some missed opps, some nice plays, some solid hits, some nasty pitching, but ultimately a loss. Baseball. Gotta love it. Slate wiped clean and we move on. Game next Sunday 1pm at Encinal. Bring the fam, we will bbq and have a full day of activities.
Side note: The Benders struck out the Grays cleanup hitter 5 times(Titanium Turban, Olympic Rings, Diamond Derby, Hat soaked with a tank of gas, any other valuable headgear you wish). This has only been done 48 times in MLB history. Ouch. Hope you bought the beers big boy.
Benders Win their Bout with the Crabs 11-3
Saturday April 11 Benders vs Blue Claws
Balboa Park, San Francisco 12pm
Benders - 11 Blue Claws - 3
Balboa Park Haiku
Parking lot for cops
Bad hops that cause dental work
Roxie's sandwiches
Beautiful day, stands were full of fans and the Benders were looking to avenge their previous weekends loss. Accross the diamond were the Blue Claws whom the Benders have had many good games with over the years. Saturday would feature another good game.
Taking the rock for the Benders was Alex Rice #1 who was more than ready for the challenge. Rice blazed thru 4 solid innings K'ing 4 crabby hitters and netted another on a sweet pickoff at second. Solid pitching performance from the righthander. Game Ball
Al was relieved by Rob Ellis who showed his love for the environment with his arrival via Bart. Rob's stuff however was not so eco-friendly as he lived up to his Rob "Noxious" moniker. 3 solid innings from the filthy lefty put the Benders in great position for the win. The final inning was nailed down by Mattie Gire #14 who threw strike after strike and had pitches dancing in the wind. 2 K's, a groundout and a solid closeout inning for the righty.
On offense the Benders decided to send the Crabs fielders on an early egg hunt. A far cry from last week as Benders were determined to put their wood to use. Let's start with the longest hit and work down. Mike Hamill #9. A bomb to right which is out of any park exept Balboa and maybe Yosemite. A solid 3-4(3B/2 1B) performance from the lefty and a lovely sight to see. Props to Ty for the BP. Game Ball.
Next longest was a bomb from Ian Santa Cruz #21. Again another wish-it-was-hit-at-Encinal moment. 2-4(2B) on the day. Next furthest came from Erik Wanner #19. The only thing slowing this sure bomb down was Erik himself. But hey triples are overrated anyway. Nice 3-4(2B/ 2 1B) game.
Lets just go down the list as everyone made a contribution this game:
Dion Jolley #7- pest all day. HBP/Sac Fly/Sac Bunt/BB/Run
Matt Gire #14 - Huge 2 out, 2 RBI double
Chris Zonca #26 - HBP/2 1B/ Run/ Rbi just starting to warm up I think
Aaron Wing #24 - Rally starting 2B/2 Runs
Alex Rice #1 - 2 1B/ BB/ Run
Mike Gorospe #22 - Sac Bunt/ HBP/ BB/ Run and another nice game behind the dish, including making a play on his old nemisis(the popup)
A solid game by the Benders with pitching rebounding with a solid K/BB ratio and the Offense having some fun. Next weekend another road trip, this time to San Leandro Ball Park with a game against the Greys. See you at the yard!
Demo Reel for a Champion
Why give 100% when 35 can still get you paid and laid____ Kenny Powers
If at first you don't succeed then maybe you just suck___ Kenny Powers
Benders Burned by Diablos Pitching, lose 3-2
Sunday April 5 Diablos vs Benders
Encinal High School 1pm
Diablos - 3 Benders - 2
The baseball gods have a wonderful sense of humor. After scoring 17 runs opening day, the Benders score only 2 and fall a run short. This was a great game with pitching and defense the main theme. I think maybe only 1 error in the entire game which might be a record for two teams in a SFNABA game. Hats off to the Diablos pitcher who sold his soul for the complete game 150+ pitch victory. Benders pitchers(4 total) showed no mercy as well, as the Diablos had only 4 hits on the day and only 3 left the infield. They may have had 5 hits but our rightfielder Mike Hamill #9 hosed their #5 hitter on a hit to right which turned out to be at 9-3 putout in the scorebook(what would Mike Krukow say to punctuate that? Something about pine and meat??)
On offense the Benders seemed a bit lethargic which didn't help with a tough pitcher on the tit. Only 6 hits on the day, 2 from newcomer Chris Zonca #26(great third at bat), 2 from Matt Gire #14, a perfect RBI bunt hit from another newbie Josh Daniels #14 and a single from Erik Wanner#19. A sac fly from Aaron Wing #24 and a couple of loud outs from Wanner #19 and Santa Cruz #21 as well as some nice defensive plays from the Diablos figured in the rest of the Benders offense.
Defensively the Benders made all the plays, including three very nice double plays from Ian Santa Cruz #21 at third(5U-3) and Josh Daniels #13/David Schummers #14(6-4-3/ 4-6-3) up the middle. Great game was also had from Iron Mike Gorospe #22 behind the dish. Mike called a great game. He was also his usual brick wall self and hosed two runners(one the blue missed though, Diablo runner knows he was tagged). It was a interesting day from the pitching staff as the lineup(Rob Ellis #34, Matt Gire #14, Alex Rice #1, Ian Santa Cruz #21) was dominating allowing only 4 hits(all soft singles). But we allowed 10 free passes in the last 5 innings. With the way the defense has played it was best to just let the Diablos hit the ball, hey they may not even run anyway(that was a great baseball play by the way). Lesson learned.
Even though we lost it was still a fun game, well played by both teams. Good times and the reason why at 36 I still suit up and play. Next game Sat in the city against some quality guys as well as ballplayers, the Blue Claws. Thanks again to the Diablos for a fun, well played game. Hope to see you again.......
Opening Day!! Benders - 17 Bruno Joe's - 0
March 29 Encinal Hs. 1pm Benders vs Artichoke Joes
Opening Day and you couldn't ask for a better day at beautiful Willie Stargell Field in Alameda. Everyone was chomping at the bit to play some baseball and opening day couldn't come soon enough. The Benders were eager for the challenge the Bruno Joe's would bring forth. Fortunately for the Benders the ball seemed to bounce their way all day. Coupled with the fact the Joe's had a few injuries on their pitching staff, this would make for a long day(or short, if you count innings) for the Joe's. The Benders played Tenacious Defense(0 errors) behind Lights Out pitching(2 hits, 12 K, 3 pitcher combined shutout). On offense everything the Benders hit either went around, over or through the Bruno Joe's gloves. Great start to the season with Everyone involved in the decision, a true team victory. Hopefully we didn't blow all our baseball mojo premature. Game next Sunday @ Encinal 1pm vs Diablos.
On a side note the scorebook was a mess. I know there were a lot of substitutions as well as at bats and runs to account for, but this needs to be corrected asap. We need a volunteer to account for the scorebook or at least train someone to do it right.
The Balls Have Spoken
For the first time in SFNABA history a random team alignment has taken place. And how would such a random draw pan out for the Benders you ask? Well to quote David Byrne of the Talking Heads.."same as it ever was, same as it ever was". The Benders find themselves in the Ocean West...again. The Ocean Division has been our home since 2004. Other teams found themselves moving back to where it all began as well. I guess the God of Random Order has a sense of humor. Anyhow here are the Benders scheduled opponents for 2009:
Ocean West: Mad Dogs(2), Legends(2), Dirtbags(2), Blue Claws(2), Superstars(2)
Ocean East: Storm(1), Bay Sox(1), Diablos(1), Artichoke Joe's(1), Tsunami(1), Sea Lions(1)
Bay East: Isotopes(1), Giants (1)
Bay West: Beavers(1), Greys(1)
So a tough schedule. 13 games with last years playoff teams, 2 more with playoff bubble Blue Claws, 1 game with a strong NEW team, the Giants and 4 more with teams who love nothing more than to beat the Benders. Should be fun. 2009 SFNABA looks as follows:
Bay West Bay East Ocean East Ocean West ______________________________________________________________________ Beavers Isotopes Storm Benders Greys Giants Bay Sox Mad Dogs Rebels Titans Diablos Legends Fog Blazers Artichoke Joe's Dirtbags Black Sox Heroes Tsunami Blue Claws Red Giants All Blacks Sea Lions Superstars
Spring Training
Nothing can prepare you for the upcoming baseball season like......
a little R.B.I. Nes baseball. Enjoy.
click here: NES RBI BASEBALL
note: Close programs playing music before starting a game. If the controls don't work for you, double-click the game screen.
if you have even more time: Super Mario Bros. Techmo Bowl Donkey Kong
Yancy's Saloon
734 Irving Street
(between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 665-6551
Where do the Benders go to ...well, go on a Bender? Why Yancy's Saloon of course. Located in the heart of the inner sunset and just a fastball away from Big Rec Baseball Diamonds in Golden Gate Park. Yancy's has all the amenities a ball club or fan could want. Big screen tv's to watch all the high def ball games. Darts, to help you throw out what's left of your pitching arm. Old school Mrs. Pacman/Galaga table to eat away your laundry quarters(how cool is that!) Great Jukebox with everything from Motorhead to Manilow(hey who doesn't like Mandy?!!). And of course a wide selection of liquid libations to help you celebrate life's victories like only a Bender knows how. Yep the Benders love Yancy's!!
