IT'S OVER and OUT !!!

“Missed It by That Much” - Secret Agent 86, Maxwell Smart.

TOTTENHAM - Well, it's been over 5 months and it's time to put Rusty Rebels 2007 season blog to bed. The shock of the playoff elimination has passed and I'm using the motto “there's always next year” to help get me through. Of course, I'm only joking and even though the Rebels didn't make it to the finals or the semi-finals or even the quarter finals for that matter, we still had a good season finishing with a .500 record, 11 wins, 11 losses, 0 ties and having some fun along the way...

Like most teams, the Rebels had some ups and downs throughout the season, in fact they started the first half of the season with a 7-4 record, but the second half saw inconsistent hitting, lackadaisical fielding at times and the focus seemed to decline over the dog days of the summer. But the we are told over and over again, “it's all practice until the playoffs”. I've said it before and I'll say it again, winning and confidence are contagious, that's why teams get on winning streaks and keep on winning.

The Rebels playoff run started offensively strong, beating the Hot Tub Woodies in game one by a score of 17-16. There were certainly some tense moments, in this game, but in the end the Rebels managed to squeak this one out.

The second game of the playoffs had the Rebels up against the Mighty Banshees. The Banshees, in four games played over the 2007, had claimed victory over the Rebels every time. Four wins for the Banshees, two wins in regular season play and two games in 2007 tournament play. The Rusty Rebels came out in the TOT playoffs and upset the Banshees with a 10-8 victory.

The third game of the 2007 playoff run had the Rebels up against The Recycled , another team the Rebels had a difficult time against during the regular season . The Recycled took it to the Rebels and the end result was the Rebels first playoff loss. The Recycled hammered the Rebels by a 11-4 score.

The forth game had the Rebels playing the hottest team over the last 4 regular season games. The Lucky Stiffs were playing some great baseball and the Rebels came out swinging, but a rally in the early innings was foiled by the hit to right field, with runners on 1st and 2nd , no one out, the hit was caught and the Stiffs turned a triple play to end the inning. The triple play seemed to deflate the Rebels and change the game. The Stiffs went on to win the game by a score of 9-5.

After 4 games in the playoffs, the Rebels spirits were high, after all they had won 2 games and the top 8 teams had a birth in the quarter finals. The Rebels, on Saturday afternoon, were tied with several other teams with two victories in the playoffs and with only two games left to be played, by other teams, in the round robin, the Rebels looked like they would be playing on Sunday. Two games remaining, only one that could affect the Rebels playoff run, start preparing for Sunday... Right??? WRONG!!! The Rebels were eliminated from playoff contention, not by games won or lost, but by the Plus/Minus or runs for and against..... “ Missed it by that much”!!

Well there's always next year, but the difference next year will be a different Rusty Rebel team on the field. It really wasn't about the team on the field or whether you win or lose, it's really about just playing the game of baseball, bonding with your team mates and having fun. There are things that will stand out about the 2007 season, as there were about the 2006 season. The Rebels, like most teams, had an eclectic group of guys and when I think back about the season and the guys on the team, I think about how everyone had little things I remember; Andy with his sunflower seeds, Glen with his cigars, Mikey Boy with his tooth picks, and everytime I see a Coke, I'm reminded of Captain Hugh. Yuck!!....I don't like Coke.

The final installment of the 2007 Rebels blog seemed to take some time to be written, I kept thinking about finalizing it, but just never got around to it, probably because the season had ended and my interest had diminished . But now, the new 2008 season is getting closer and the T.O.T draft is less than a month away, it seems hard to believe with the long winter we've had, that we will soon be back on the diamond.

Most of the 2007 Rusty Rebel team will be dispersed to their new 2008 teams, but memories of the 2007 Rusty Rebels team will remain with us. I will probably leave the Rusty Rebel blog online, I hope the people who took the time to read it were somewhat entertained. Have a great 2008 season!!! REBELS REBUILD!!!!

RUSTY REBELS PLAYOFF RUN BEGINS...

RUSTY REBELS PLAYOFF RUN...


Beginning Wednesday September 19/2007 to ....
VS. The Hottub Woodies, The Banshees, The Recycled, The Lucky Stiffs and ...

The Rusty Rebels are heading into the 2007 T.O.T playoff run and after winning the last game of the season against the Dislocated Joints, by a score of 18-6, the Rebels may have enough momentum and confidence to edge them into the games that really matter. After a good first half of the season with a record of 7-4-0 , the Rebels struggled down the stretch run, winning only 4 games in the last 11 games with a record of 4-7-0.

As I have heard numerous times, from numerous people, the regular season games don't mean anything and they are just practice up until the playoffs. I can't say I agree with this assessment, I believe winning is contagious and creates momentum, a momentum that could carry a team through to the finals. Take for example the 2005-06 Stanley Cup Playoffs; The Edmonton Oilers squeaked into the playoffs by taking the final playoff position days before the playoffs began, and after eliminating the Detroit Red Wings in the first round, rode the momentum all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes, taking the Hurricanes to 7 games before being eliminated....

The Rebels have the offense to put double digit runs on the scoresheet; they also have the defense to stop their opponent in the single digits, the only problem they face... is to get the offense and defense on the same page at the same time. The Rusty Rebels will need this combination over the next four games to play on the Sunday of the playoffs... REBELS RENEW!!!


The Rusty Rebels had 2 wins and 2 losses in their last 4 games of the season and finished the season tied for sixth position with The Recycled. The Recycled were awarded the sixth place in the standings based on the head to head match up with the Rebels. The Rebels were beaten by the Recycled in both regular season games. Can the Rebels last four game momentum carry the them into the Sunday Playoffs??

The Hottub Woodies: The Woodies ended the season in 10th position, and they went 2 wins and 2 losses in their last four games. The Rebels defeated the Woodies in both regular season games.

May 24/07 Rebels win 21-14
July 23/07 Rebels win 19-8

Banshees: The Banshees ended the season in 1st place in the standings, edging out the Saints in the last game of the season, by a score of 3-2. The Banshees have had the Rebels number this season, defeating them on 4 occasions, twice in the regular season and twice in the July Tournament. The Banshees went 3 wins and 1 loss over the last 4 games of the season.

June 14/07 Rebels lose 9-8
July 18/07 Rebels lose 20-11

The Recycled: The Recycled and The Rusty Rebels both played .500 baseball this season and both finished in 6th place in the standings. The Recycled retained the sixth position in the playoff format based on head to head play against the Rebels. The Recycled beat the Rebels in both meetings in the regular season... The Recycled went 2 wins and 2 losses in the last four games of the season.


June 21/07 Rebels lose 22-19
July 04/07 Rebels lose 13-7

Lucky Stiffs: The Lucky Stiffs are the sleeper in this year's playoffs. After having 4 wins over the last 4 games of the regular season the Stiffs are going to be a tough team to beat. The Rebels season record with the Stiffs was 1 win and 1 loss.

May 15/07 Rebels win 13-10
Aug. 21/07 Rebels lose 15-7

...

REBELS SMOKE THE JOINTS... LEGALLY ... 18-6

RUSTY REBELS vs. DISLOCATED JOINTS.
Game # 22 - September 4, 2007
Rebels win 18-6
Team record: 11-11-0

Coventry Park- On a night filled with clear skies and a perfect temperature for a baseball game, the Rusty Rebels were about to play their final game of the T.O.T. regular season game against the Dislocated Joints. The Joints smoked (okay, maybe not smoked) the Rebels in the first meeting of the season, by score of 7-2 and the Rebels, after losing to the Saints one week earlier, needed a win on this night, to finish the season with a record of 11-11-0 and winning percentage of .500.

This game was a rescheduled game that was supposed to be played on Thursday September 6, 2007 at Coventry, but because several players were playing in Niagara Falls on the following weekend the game had been moved up to the Tuesday night. The Joints and Rebels were playing on Coventry diamond #2 , for the first time this season, and the Rebels did not look out of place, on this diamond.

The Rebels started the game with hits from three of the first four batters and brought in 4 runs in the first inning to get off to a much needed quick start and the Joints countered with a couple of runs, but could not manage to get their bats going against the Rebels air tight defense.

Over the next several innings the Rebel batters kept pounding the baseball all over the field, giving the Joints more than they could handle, and the Rebels runs kept piling up on the scoresheet and at the end the Rebels had scored 18 runs (16 more than the last game against the Dislocated Joints) and went on to an easy defeat of the Joints.

This win put the Rusty Rebels baseball team back at .500, but it also give the team confidence going into the 2007 T.O.T. playoffs. The Rebels find themselves playing four playoff games in four days starting next Wednesday night September 19, 2007 against the Hot Tub Woodies, followed by games against the Banshees, the Recycled and the Lucky Stiffs.... REBELS READY!!!

Highlights: Rebels offense and Rebels defense....RUSTY REBELS BASEBALL CLUB....

REBELS BEATEN BY BLESSED SAINTS... 15-9

RUSTY REBELS vs. THE SAINTS
Game #21 – August 28, 2007

Rebels lose 15-9
Team record 10-11-0

Coventry Park- On game day, in the wee, small, early morning hours, long before most people were even awake, a Lunar Eclipse occurred in the clear morning sky and with a lunar eclipse is always a full moon present. When a full moon occurs, strange things happen; animals do weird, wild things, werewolves roam the streets of Tottenham (confirmation of werewolves is unsure, they could have been really hairy men.... or women) and baseball games can have some strange happenings, with regards to scores, mishaps and outcomes. With warm temperatures and high humidity,at game time, the Rusty Rebels were looking for a better result against the Saints, than their previous meeting, when the Saints marched over the Rebels by a score of 18-5.

The Rebels were missing several players from their lineup, most notable was Captain Hugh, who was AWOL and fortunately the team managed to procure the services of Rob H. The game started the same way the Rebels last game finished, with intensity filling the diamond #3 air, the Saints playing for top spot in the league and the Rebels playing to stay at .500 or better for the season.

The first couple of innings were scoreless, but the blessed Saints began dropping baseballs in all locations that the Rebel players could not get to and after numerous innings of such auspicious hitting, the Saints found themselves in a very comfortable lead. The Rebels had some shining moments, and as they have done all season, the defense and offense both played well, but they were no match for the devine team of destiny on this night....REBELS RELIGIOUS!!!

The Rebels play their final 2007 regular season game the upcoming Tuesday at Coventry Park at 8:30 pm. A win would boost the team back to .500 and a loss would give them a 2 game under .500 losing season...

Highlights: Mikey Boy hit an in the park homerun; Cliff, the Saints outfield made a barehanded stop, as the ball was going by him, to prevent extra bases for a Rebel's batter; Jeff M. the Saints pitcher, pitched a great game, keeping the Rebels off balance all game;

RUSTY REBELS GET STIFFED... 15-7

RUSTY REBELS vs. THE LUCKY STIFFS
Game # 20 – August 21, 2007
Rebels lose 15-7
2007 Team Record 10-10-0

Coventry Park- Global Warming?? I don't think so. The game day morning was cold!! Cold enough to wear jacket and definitely too cold for the 21st of August, the day sky was overcast and at game time, there was a light drizzle making the baseballs, bats and the playing surface slick for the Rusty Rebels rumble with the Lucky Stiffs. The Lucky Stiffs were defending their 10 game winning streak and Rebels with a 25-7 win over the Dogcatchers, the previous week, were confident enough to stop the Stiffs at 10 games.

The first two innings were quick and the only run scored was by the Stiffs in the bottom of the second. In the bottom of the third inning the Stiffs scored another run to increase their to 2-0. In the forth inning the Rebels finally scored some runs to tie the game, but in the bottom of the inning the Stiffs tallied 6 runs to regain the lead. The Rebels countered with runs in the next couple of innings, getting close, but the Stiffs played tough, both with defense and offense and the Rebels just couldn't seem to produce the big inning. Going into the open inning, the Rusty Rebels still had a chance to get back in the game, but all it would take was four pitches from the Stiffs pitcher; a ground ball out, and two line drives into Bill's glove and 1-2-3 it was game over...

This was a very good game, with two very good teams, it had the intensity of a playoff game. With only 2 regular season games remaining for the Rebels, the intensity can only make the Rebels players sharper going into the 2007 T.O.T. Playoff run... REBELS REVING UP!!!

Highlights: The defense of both teams was stellar; The Stiffs batters put several balls over the Rebel outfielders for key runs in the game; Paul made a throw to home, narrowly missing an out at the plate; Captain Hugh made a couple of nice plays at short to first for outs; Mikey Boy and Jimmer both hit a triple;

Sidenote: The Rusty Rebels only have 2 regular season games remaining, both scheduled to be played at Coventry Park. The last game of the season has been rescheduled to Tuesday September 4, 2007 at 8:30 pm. Check with co-captain Donny B. for confirmation.....

REBELS RUFF UP THE DOGCATCHERS... 25-4

RUSTY REBELS VS. THE DOGCATCHERS
Game #19 August 14, 2007
Rebels Win 25-4
2007 Team record 10-9-0

Coventry Park- It was a perfect night for baseball; The temperature hovered around 26 degrees celsius at game time, there was a sun and cloud mix and a warm summer breeze rustling the diamond 3 trees, the Rusty Rebels and The Dogcatchers were ready to meet for the second time this season. The Rebels were victorious in the first meeting on June 11, 2007 at Keogh, by a score of 14-7.

Nine of the Rebel players had played in the weekend tournament at Coventry, on various teams, so there were probably a few aching muscles and joints going into this game.
The Rebels got off to a terrific start spraying the baseball to all areas of the diamond and scored several runs in the first inning to create team momentum. The Dogcatchers could not get their bats going against the Rebels defense.The Rebels sailed through the early innings, tallying numerous runs, including a seven run inning that was highlighted by an in the park, grand slam homerun by co-captain Donny B. The Rebels bats had come alive in this game, the Rebels players hit for 3 in the park homeruns; Mikey Boy hit the first, Donny B. with the grand slam and Paul H. with the third.

The Rusty Rebels, on this night, looked like the Rebels of the start of the season, hitting the baseball with authority and with strong, well positioned defense not giving the opponent a chance to get back in the game. Perhaps the Rebels are gearing up for a playoff run, and with only 3 regular season games remaining, the Rebels looked solid in this game against the Dogcatchers... REBELS RESPLENDENT!!!

Highlights: There were plenty of highlights in this game, a full team contribution, and everyone on the Rebels squad should be mentioned, but certain plays of the game should be remembered. Dave M. made a great over the shoulder catch in right field; Donny B. hit a grand slam homerun; Mikey Boy and Paul H. also contributed with in the park homeruns; Rebels had a seven run inning; Steve K. (Fingers) went 3 for 4 and the plate; Jimmer caught 2 line drives at third, one off Randy H. and the other off Anicete G;

Side notes: The Rebels play the Lucky Stiffs next Tuesday August 21, 2007 at Coventry Park at 7:00 pm. The Lucky Stiffs have won 10 games in a row. The Rebels won the last time these two teams met (13-10), in a rain soaked, thunderstorm delayed game at Coventry on May 15, 2007.

RUSTY REBELS SMOKED BY JOINTS... 7-2

RUSTY REBELS vs. THE DISLOCATED JOINTS
Game # 18 August 9, 2007
Rebels Lose 7-2
2007 Team record 9-9-0

Coventry Park- I must admit, I forgot to update this game, I had a lot of things going on with the tournament team and totally lollygagged on the Rebels play in this game. Based on the game score, it wasn't a great batter's evening, but conversely the defense of the two teams looks like they played well. REBELS REVISTED!!!

Side note: The Rebels play the Dislocated Joints, in the last game of the season, on Thursday September 6,2007 at Keogh Park.

RUSTY REBELS BITE THE RED DOGS... 4-3

RUSTY REBELS VS. RED DOGSGame # 17 July 31, 2007
Rebels win 4-3
2007 Team Record 9-8-0

Coventry Park- Hot, Hot, Hot, the daytime temperature reached 32 degrees Celsius and with the humidex the temperature felt like 38 degrees and the weather had an effect on the game. The Rebels had not played in a week, but despite the warm temperatures were geared up to play the Red Dogs. The Rebels were missing several players from the lineup; Andy, the Rebels P1, was absent and the Rebels called on Randy H. from the Dog Catchers to fill the position. The Rebels were also missing Tony M., Dave M., Steve K., and Larry U from the lineup.

The Red Dogs got off to a great start scoring 3 runs in the early innings. The Rebels bats were having difficult times getting the ball out of the infield, both teams actually had problems batting on this night. The humidity had deadened the ball and the heat probably didn't help the energy levels of the players.

In the forth inning, the Rebels managed to score a single run, when Captain Hugh hit a ball into the outfield, driving in Jimmer T. who was on second base, and putting the Rebels on the scoreboard. The Rebels defense kept the Red Dogs in check, not allowing any more runs other than the 3 runs scored early in the game. In the later innings the Rebels scored 2 more runs to tie the game and going into the 7th inning (open) the 3-3 score remained. The visiting Red Dogs were shut down quickly by the Rebels defense and in the bottom of the inning the Rebels scored Captain Hugh, who was on second base, to win the game. This win placed the Rebels one game over the .500 mark and improves their record to 9-8-0 for the 2007 season. REBELS REVERE!!!

Highlights: Captain Hugh made a great catch deep behind third base; Jim H. ( the Wadd) made a fantastic running catch in center field, a hit that probably would have gone for extra bases if not caught;

Sidenote: After playing the last 2 games at Coventry Park, the Rebels head back to Keogh Park next Thursday August 9, 2007 evening vs. the Dislocated Joints at 7:00 pm.

RUSTY REBELS TRASHED BY THE RECYCLED... 13-7

RUSTY REBELS vs. THE RECYCLED
Game #16 - July 24, 2007
Rebels lose 13-7
Record 8-8-0

Coventry Park -It was a rainy day, no seriously it rained earlier in the day, which probably made the Coventry Park diamond surface better for playing on. The with a win over the Hottub Woodies on Monday night, the Rebels had shaken the monkey off their backs and were looking to keep the momentum going.

Captain Hugh (P2) was the Rebels pitcher on this night (Andy had other commitments) and Hugh pitched very well the entire evening. The Rebels offence got off to a good start, scoring 4 runs in the first inning, but the Recycled, with their strong bats, countered in the bottom on the inning and it wasn't long before the game was back to even. Captain Hugh pitched a good game, the Rebels defense played quite well and the Rebels offense had their chances, but the in end the Rebels just didn't have enough offense to match the recycled on this night. The Rebels even their season record of 8 wins and 8 losses and zero ties. REBELS RECYCLED!!!!! Again...

Highlights: Mikey Boy's consecutive hit streak came to an end, with a line drive to second base, ending the streak at 14 consecutive hits; Hugh in the Pitcher position, caught a screaming line drive, back up the middle, over his head, doubled up the runner on first , who came off the bag; Paul H. did a little bit a pitchin'; Larry ( Uniac) showed his incredible speed in some action out in center field; Jim H. (the Wadd), playing at shortstop, snagged a ground ball, then with a throw to Jimmer at third , with a tag on the runner going from 2nd to 3rd base, not a force play;

Sidenotes: The Rebels players hung around the Coventry Park parking lot drinking some refreshing beverages and light snacks after the game on Tuesday; thanks go out to Donny B. for providing the beverages. The Rebels play their next game on Tuesday July 31, 2007 vs. the Red Dogs at 8:30 pm.

REBELS COME UP BIG WITH WOODIES...19-8

RUSTY REBELS vs. HOTTUB WOODIES
Game # 15 July 23, 2007
Rebels Win 19-8
2007 Record 8-7-0

Keogh Park- On this warm, slightly humid, partially cloudy evening the struggling Rusty Rebels were up against another struggling team in the Hottub Woodies. The Woodies, who had not played since being spanked by the Hole Asses, a week earlier, by a score of 33-0 were probably still thinking about that loss. The Rebels came out swinging, the bats lighting up the Woodies pitcher Wayne B. who was throwing perfect, hanging pitches and the Rebels tallied several runs to take an early lead.

The Woodies had some good at bats, scored some runs, but could not match the Rebels on this night. In the second inning, the Rebels bats were smokin' and scored a 7 run inning and the Rebels defense held the Woodies to very few runs per inning . In the later innings, the Rebels scored another 7 run inning, and this one seemed to deflate the Woodies. The Rebels with a commanding lead, controlled most of the Woodies offense, and the defense played strong in the final innings and the Rusty Rebels went on to their first victory in 6 games.

Highlights: Larry (Uniac) hit a triple over the head of the right fielder and chugged around to third base with a knee and head first slide, he also made good contact at another at bat; The Rebels scored two 7 run innings; Mikey Boy made a spectacular catch on the warning track, against the left field fence, thanks go out to Paul for positioning advice; Captain Hugh and Glen both hit long bombs off the outfield fences; Steve K (fingers) drove in 2 runs; Mikey Boy went 4 for 4 at bat, for the third consecutive game; Jimmer T. and Donny B. both danced around theirassigned bases, looking for the bases or making catches. REBELS REVIVED!!!!

Side Note: The Rebels play again on Tuesday July 24, 2007 at Coventry Park vs. the Recycled...

RUSTY REBELS HAUNTED BY THE BANSHEES ... 20-11

RUSTY REBELS vs. THE BANSHEES
Game # 14- July 18, 2007
Rebels lose 20-11
2007 Team Record 7-7-0

Keogh Park- It was a rainy day, okay it wasn't rainy, but I bet you're thinking about pizza right now; In actual fact it was a humid evening, the annoying little bugs were flying around the players faces, the lights were buzzin' as they started to light up the playing field and the Rebels and Banshees were preparing to do battle again. The Banshees were victorious against the Rebels in the last three meetings (once in regular season play and twice in tournament play), and The Rebels with five losses in a row were due for a win.

The visiting Banshees began the evening batting first, and it didn't take very long before they had runners on the bases poised to score. The Banshees brought 3 runs in to score in the first and the Rebels countered with only a single run in the bottom of the first inning. In the top of the second inning, the Banshees came out kickin' and scratchin' and put a 7 run inning on the scoresheet, the Rebels matched the 7 runs in the bottom of the inning, making the score 10-8 Banshees. Over the next couple of innings the two teams exchanged several runs, but the Rebels were unable to catch or over take the Banshees. Again, as in previous games, the Banshees pitching was stellar in this game, Frank (the Banshees pitcher) kept the Rebels off balance and induced pop flies and weak ground balls to keep the Rebels from creating any rallies.

In the sixth inning, the Banshees offense went to work again, scoring 7 more runs and putting the game almost out of reach. The Rebels managed a couple more runs over the last 2 innings, but with the Banshees pitching and defense rolling along, the Rebels could not generate enough offense to overcome such a large deficit. REBELS REGRESS!!!

Highlights of the Game: Rebels 7 run inning; The Banshees two 7 run innings; The Rebels defense for 2 innings in the middle of the game; Andy made a nice stab on a line drive back up the middle; Banshees pitching; Mikey Boy went 4 for 4 for the second consecutive game;

Side Notes: Rebels have two games on the schedule next week: Monday night at Keogh at 7:00pm vs. the Hot Tub Woodies and on Tuesday at Coventry at 8:30pm vs. The Recycled....

REBELS COME UP STINKY AGAINST ASSES...13-12

RUSTY REBELS vs. HOLE ASSES
Game # 13 July 11, 2007
Rebels lose 13-12
2007 Team record 7-6-0

Keogh Park-With strong winds, a sunset burning the retinas of the fielder's eyes and considerably cooler temperatures than the weekend tournament, the Rusty Rebels were ready to get back to the regular season action. After a successful tournament on the weekend, when the Rebels went 2 and 2 in the four games played (successful in a glass half full perspective) and had a chance to beat the Banshees in the semi-final game, but just fell short, the Rebels looked like the mini slump might be coming to an end...

Several of the Rebel players arrived, to the Wednesday night game, only minutes before game time (perhaps they were experiencing a tournament hangover) and there were times when the others, already at the park, were starting to get worried, six players to cover 10 positions, “not so much”. The visiting Rebels started the game batting with 9 players on the lineup card and shortly after the game began, C.C. Donny arrived giving the Rebels a full lineup.

The Rebels came out swinging, punching the baseball into all fields and at the end of the visitor's half, of the first inning, they had scored 7 runs and were looking very confident. The Hole Asses countered in the bottom of the first inning with 2 runs. Over the next several innings, the defense for both teams played well and neither teams scored again until the fourth, when the Rebels tacked on a couple more runs. The fifth inning saw both teams score some runs, but the Rebels still had a commanding lead. In the bottom of the sixth inning, all the Rebels needed was the defense to shut the door for six more outs and it was good night Irene...

The Hole Asses didn't view it the same way, and in the bottom of the sixth inning the Asses came out on fire. With help from the strong winds and bright sunshine, the Rebel players had difficulty making and holding on to some potential catches. The Hole Asses scored 6 runs in the bottom of the sixth and left the 7th stranded on second to close the scoreboard gap. Going into the bottom of the 7th inning (open) the Rebels were clinging to a 12-10 lead and the Asses with all the momentum, were coming up for their last at bat. It was up to the Rebels defense to preserve the pending victory...

The 7th inning started off promising, a ground ball to Captain Hugh, throw over to first, one down. The Asses batters then poked several well placed hits in to unmanned territory and 1 run came in to score and the tying run came to third base, with only one out. The next Asses batter hit a fly ball into left center field and Paul H. made the catch for the second out. On the fly ball, the runner at third base tagged the bag and came in to score, tying the game at 12-12. The next Asses batter got a base hit to move up an existing runner to third. With Asses on third and first (the winning run on third) Captain Hugh's stratagem was to walk the next batter to load the bases and keep the force in play, and pitch to a weaker batter on deck. Unfortunately, the plan was foiled by the next Asses batter, who drove a ground ball between short and third to bring in the winning run and serve the Rebels a heartbreaking defeat...

This loss was the forth in a row and fifth in the last six games for the Rebels. In a game with so many statistics and superstitions, perhaps the Rebels need an amulet or a good luck charm to help get back in to the win column...

Next Wednesday July 18,2007, the Rusty Rebels play the mighty Banshees again; The team who defeated the Rebels on June 14/07 in regular season play and twice in the July 7 and 8 tournament. Perhaps in a game where superstition, jinxes and curses play an important role, we should start bringing our luckiest of lucky amulets to the games to break the losing streak. Maybe we could find our lucky charms (not the cereal), whether it's a rabbit's foot or a Troll doll (you know who you are) or a lucky penny or pyramid power or whatever brings ya luck!!! What ever the it is, secretly hide it in your baseball bag and lets hope it kicks in for the game vs. the Banshees. REBELS REINCARNATED!!

Game Highlights: Andy through a cutoff catch to home, to Luniac, for a fist pumping out at the plate; 7 runs in the first inning; 2 strike outs by Rebel players, Paul H. and Dave M. (this is a highlight if your a fan of JUGS-O-BEER.... MMMMMMMMMMM... Strike Out Beer and who doesn't like a couple of BIG JUGS); Mikey Boy went 4 for 4, all in the same location (move a little to your left COXY!!); Dave M. crushed a ball to right field (probably his best hit of the season) only to have it caught in right field by Jamie M. (a sub for Asses). I'm really grasping for highlights in this game...

Side Notes: Rebels take on the Banshees, on Wednesday evening at Keogh Park at 8:30 pm.

RUSTY REBELS play in " HELP THE KIDS PLAY BALL" Tournament.

Tottenham Oldtimers Baseball Tournament:

The Rusty Rebels Baseball Club was a participant in the July 7 and 8 tournament held at Coventry Park. The tournament was a fun 'Beer League' tournament open to Tottenham Oldtimer teams and players. The cost of $20 per player and other proceeds went towards HKPB (Help the Kids Play Ball) program, Scotiabank will match all funds raised.

RUSTY REBELS vs. HOLE ASSES.
1st Game... Saturday July 7, 2007- 11:20 am start
Rebels Win 16-9

The Rebels won their first game of the tournament vs. the Hole Asses with some good defense and strong batting. The Rebels scored 10 runs in the first two innings and kept pounding the baseball to a tune of 16 runs. In the 6th inning (open inning, due to time) the Asses mounted a small comeback scoring 5 runs to make the game score more respectable...

RUSTY REBELS vs. DOGCATCHERS.
2nd Game...Saturday July 7, 2007-2:00 pm start
Rebels Win 17-16

The Rebels were up against a tough Dogcatchers team in the second game. The two battled back and forth for the first five inning, and with the Rebels trailing by a score of 12-10 going into the last inning (6th, again due to time) the Rebels were coming up for their final at bat. The Rebels got off to a bad start with the first 2 batters in the inning getting out. The Dogcatchers only needed one more out for the victory.

With the next batter, the Rebels bats came alive, and hits started coming, base runners filled the bases, the Rebels scored the 2 runs needed to tie the game, but that only the beginning, the Rebels scored 7 runs in the inning to take a 17-12 lead. In the bottom of the inning, the home team Dogcatchers managed to put on some base runners, and brought 4 runs in to make the score 17-16, with 2 out and the tying run on second base, the Rebels caught a break when the Dogcatchers batter Dave M. hit a ground ball to Donny B. at first base to end the game....

RUSTY REBELS vs. BANSHEES.
3rd Game... Sunday July 8, 2007- 11:00 am start.
Rebels Lose 16-6

The Banshees are the team that beat the Rebels back on June 14, 2007 and the Rebels have been having a difficult time winning league games ever since. The Rusty Rebels had to scramble minutes before the game to find substitutes for a couple of missing regulars. Mikey Boy had other commitments for Sunday and Captain Hugh had an urgent matter to attend to. The Rebels managed to procure the services of several substitutes, bringing the total used this tournament, by the Rebels, to five.

The Banshees came out swinging in this game, hammering the baseball all around the outfield. They managed to pound the ball over the Rusty Rebels players heads on several occasions for multiple, in the park home runs. The Rebels had a difficult time with their offense; The Banshees pitcher Frank was throwing great pitches (balls with backspin, knuckle balls) and their defense was always in very good position, as a result the Rebels were unable to create any significant rallies and could only muster up six runs in the entire game. Even though the Rebels lost this game, to the Banshees, they still managed to make the top four teams in the round robin round and got a birth in the semi-finals. Unfortunately, the team the Rebels would face the the semi-finals would be the Banshees again...

RUSTY REBELS vs. BANSHEES.
Semi-finals.
4th Game... Sunday July 8, 2007- 2:00 pm start
Rebels lose 9-6

The Rebels, despite losing to the Banshees on Sunday morning, managed to qualify for the semi-finals with their two victories on Saturday. Captain Hugh was able to make this game and the Rebels picked up Dan C. (Woody) to replace Rob (sub) who could not play the 2:00 pm game. The Rebels defense played much better in this game, but the offense still couldn't get a rally started off the Banshees pitching and defense. The game was close throughout, and the Rebels were only trailing by 3 runs going into the top of the 7th (open) inning, but again the Banshees pitching and well positioned defense made short work of the Rebels batters and the Banshees earned a birth in the tournament finals...

Special thanks go out to the guys who substituted for the Rebels throughout the weekend tournament. Thanks to Wilf, Randy, Rob, Dan and Wayne.

DUSTY CLEATS STEP ALL OVER REBELS...11-7

RUSTY REBELS vs. DUSTY CLEATS
Game # 12 July 5, 2007
Rebels lose 11-7
2007 Record 7-5-0

Keogh Park-Thursday evening was warm and humid; earlier in the day there had been a threat of thunderstorms. The home team Rebels had not played in a week, and surely some of the Rebels were still thinking about the crushing 18-5 defeat to the Saints the past Thursday. This was the Rebels first game of July...

The Dusty Cleats drew first blood in the game, scoring 2 runs in the first inning, but the Rebels evened the score, the in the bottom of the second. The Rebels and Cleats exchanged runs over the next couple of innings, but in the fifth inning, the wheels fell off for the Rebels and the Dusty Cleats struck for a 7 run inning, capped off with a monstrous, towering home run over the center field fence into the tennis courts, scoring the 7th run from second base. The Rebels played good defense in the game, but the Cleats managed to hit the baseball right spots. The Rebels bats started slow, with Pully (the Cleats pitcher) throwing pitches with a lot of backspin. It took a couple of innings for the Rebels to adjust, but they started to make good contact, the only problem was... the balls were finding the gloves of the Cleats defense...

The Rebels played a decent game on Thursday evening, but seemed to just miss on the big hit or inning. The loss on Thursday was the third loss in a row, and the fourth in five games for the Rebels. Perhaps the Rebels have become a little bit complacent with such a great start to the season and have lost that edge that was there when winning games. Perhaps these are the Dog Days of Summer and teams have a tendency to relax when there is nothing to play for. The Rebels are playing in a tournament this weekend, July 7 and 8 at Coventry Park, maybe this is just the thing to spark the team, rejuvenate the intensity with something to play for, and to right this rudderless ship back in the right direction. REBELS REDIRECT!!!!

Highlights of the Game: Paul H. playing second base, knocked down a ball, tumbled and stumbled and managed to crawl on his hands and knees to second base to force an out; Glen G. was hitting the ball very well; Dusty Cleats batter (????) hit a monstrous home run over the center field fence; Tony M. made a nice running catch in the field.

Side Notes: The Rebels played six games in the month of June, with record of 3-3-0, Rebels scored 63 runs with an average of 10.5 runs per game and allowed 66 runs against with an average of 11.0 runs per game. The Rebels are playing a tournament this weekend a Coventry Park, three games guaranteed, this is a chance to work out the kinks and prepare for the second half of the season. Watch for tournament results next week...Rebels play the Hole Asses next Wednesday night at Keogh Park at 7:00 pm.

SAINTS MARCH OVER THE REBELS... 18-5

RUSTY REBELS vs. THE SAINTS
Game # 11 June 28, 2007
Mid-way point in the Rebels schedule.
Rebels lose 18-5
2007 Record 7-4-0

Keogh Park-The week's weather had been stinky hot!! Hot and humid until Thursday when the heat wave broke and the temperature started to drop. By game time Thursday evening, the colder temperatures had moved in and it would appear that the cold also crept into Captain's bag of Rebel bats. The bats were ice cold at the plate and it took five innings just to score a single run. The Rebels had scored 19 runs in the previous game, in a loss, but against the Saints, the offense took the night off; give the Saints some of the credit, they played very well in the field and now are in sole position of first place in the standings.

The Rebels had not played in a week and had plenty of time to ponder the 22- 19 defeat to The Recycled on the previous Thursday night. With the Bluegrass festival happening last weekend, the Legion was filled with Bluegrass fans following the loss to the Recycled, so most of the Rebels players opted to go to the Village Restaurant for a post game beverage and discuss what the heck happened to the outstanding Rusty Rebels defense...

The game against the Saints, was the mid-season point in the 2007 Rusty Rebels season and after 11 games the Rebels stand tall with a respectable record of 7-4-0. A record that is certainly respectable, but... the Rusty Rebels have lost 2 games in a row and 3 of the last 4 games, with losses to the Banshees, the Recycled and the Saints. It is not time to panic yet; most teams go through rough patches and slumps, throughout the season, and if there was a time to have a slump it would be half way through the season, apposed to near the end of the season. Yet, the Rebels find themselves in uncharted waters, with this loss to the Saints, the Rebels find themselves with their first back to back losses this season. The Rebels have the defense and offence to turn it around, they just need to find the win column to regain their winning confidence.

The Rebels defense has had some difficulties over the last couple of games; mental errors, bobbled balls and some good hitting, by the opposition, has contributed to the Rebels recent slide. Thursday night the visiting Rebels offense definitely had the cold bats, the Saints were pounding the baseballs all around the park and all the Rebels could do was watch the fireworks, a rather fitting situation considering the July 1st long weekend was only days away.

The Rebels offense didn't score a run until the fifth inning, bringing home only a single run, from second base, on an off field hit by Steve (Fingers) into right field. By the top of the seventh inning (open) the score seemed to be out of reach, but the Rebels would not go down without a fight, they managed to get base runners on base and start a small rally, but being down by 17 runs was too much to ask of any team, and the Rebels could only muster 4 more runs to make the score slightly more respectable. The Rebels play their next game on Thursday July 5/07 vs. the Dusty Cleats at 8:30 pm.

Game Highlights: Paul H. made a great running catch in center field running down a ball that looked like it might drop in for extra bases; Mikey Boy made a spectacular catch in right field, on the warning track, with his back almost against the right field fence; Jimmer danced around the third base bag catching two towering infield pop-ups; The solid hitting of the Saint's batters, scattered the baseballs to all areas of the diamond, keeping the Rebels defense guessing on every pitch; The solid defense of the Saints, keeping the Rebels off the bases.

Side Note: The Rebels have another week off between games; more time to ponder the results of the Saints game. The Rebels seem to play some of their best baseball when playing multi games in a week or when the games are closer together. The Rebels are considering entry of a team in the upcoming BEER LEAGUE tournament on the weekend of July 7,8. Stay tuned for tournament results and information. REBELS RETREAT!!!

RECYCLED EXPOSE REBELS... 22-19

RUSTY REBELS vs. THE RECYCLED
Game # 10 June 21, 2007
Rebels lose 22-19
2007 Record 7-3-0

Keogh Park-With a strong wind blowing from the north, and the temperature dropping throughout the evening, the home team Rebels had a difficult time with The Recycled. The visiting Recycled came out swinging and took a 4 run lead in the top half of the 1st inning,. The Rebels defense was slightly shell shocked, making a few mental and fielding errors, putting them in a deep hole before they had their first swing of the bat. The Rebels countered with a 5 run bottom of the first and were right back in the game.

After a stellar defensive game on Monday, the Rebels defense fell flat in the early innings, against the Recycled. The Recycled bats were pounding the ball, and even managed two home runs over the right field fence into the tennis courts. On one of the home runs the Recycled had base runners. The second was a solo home run. From the first inning, the Recycled kept piling up the runs, the Rebels would counter, but could never seem to catch up. The Rebels had a chance in the bottom of the seventh inning, down by 3 runs, they managed to get a couple of base runners on, but could not bring them home. Maybe everybody was thinking about the Bluegrass Festival this upcoming weekend...

Highlights of the Game: Rebels scored 19 runs, a season high, the bats were swinging well, not very often do teams score 19 runs and lose; The 2 Recycled home runs; The Rebels scored a 7 run inning; the Rebels defense played better in later innings, the last two innings were 3 up, 3 down innings, but the scoring damage had been done, and the Rebels could not come all the way back from such a huge deficit;

Side Notes: Tony M. was back in the lineup and made a couple of nice catches in center field, as well as solid contribution at the plate. Roman D. is running another baseball clinic at Keogh Park, this upcoming Wednesday June 27, 2007 at 700 pm. REBELS RECYCLED!!!

REBELS PUT PRESSURE ON LIGAMENTS...6-4

RUSTY REBELS vs. TORN LIGAMENTS - Game #2
Game # 9 June 18, 2007
Rebels win 6-4
2007 record 7-2-0

Keogh Park- On this humid evening, the Rusty Rebels faced an opponent for the second time this season; the Rebels faced the Torn Ligaments less than two weeks ago, on June 7, 2007 and the Rebels were victorious by a 11-6 score. On this night, the second matchup with the Ligaments, the baseball was not carrying well, most hits to the outfield seem to get caught up in the humid air and make them easy catches for the outfielders. Tony M was missing from the Rebels lineup.

In the first inning, the home team Rebels defense made easy work of the Ligaments and then managed to put up 2 runs in the bottom of the inning. Both teams scored several runs over the next couple of innings and the score remained close. The Rebels had a chance for a huge inning, but a base running error brought it to a screeching halt.

Captain Hugh had a triple late in the game; a line drive that went under the glove of the Ligaments fielder to the fence, cleaning off the bases and vaulting the Rebels into a lead, a lead that the Rebels defense would defend in the top of the seventh inning for the Rebels seventh win of the season.

Game Highlights: The defensive play of both teams were a highlight, not often do you see such a low scoring game without good defense; The Rebels outfielders were very good and should really be given their dues for where the Rebels are in the standings today; Glen G caught at least three fly balls in left field, Mikey Boy made a nice catch in right field with the warning track under his feet, Larry A. made a great effort in trying to catch a fly ball into center field, managed to bobble the ball several times before it hit the ground, but Larry smartly picked up the ball and gunned it to second base, to Jim H. (The Wadd) for a tag on the hitter, to record the final out of the game; Paul H. and Dave M. were both hitting the ball well, Dave hit a solid line drive into right field and Paul is such an all round consistent baseball player; Captain Hugh showed us the cannon of an arm he has, when he through a rocket to Donny B, on first base for an important out, and then again a bullet to home plate to Luniac, standing on the plate to get Doris C. trying to go home; Steve ( Fingers) got a nice hit, in the later innings to keep the inning alive; Andy G. caught a line drive up the middle of the diamond; Jimmer caught a line drive, off the big bat of Rick H., stung down the third base line; Captain Hugh to Jim H. (the Wadd) on second base to Donny B. on first for a double play;

Side Notes: The Rebels bats have cooled down a little from the month of May, when they hit an average of 15.2 runs per game, and the defense allowed 10.4 runs against. In the month of June, the Rebels are averaging 10 runs per game and have reduced the runs against to 6.25 per game. The defense is looking really good, for the second game in row the Rebels defense has managed to stop the opposition from scoring in the final inning and hold the lead or give the Rebels batters a chance to come back. REBELS REPEAT!!!

MIGHTY BANSHEES SQUEEZE REBELS... 9-8

RUSTY REBELS vs. BANSHEES
Game # 8 June 14, 2007
Rebels lose 9-8
2007 Record 6-2-0

Keogh Park- On this warm June evening, the Rusty Rebels were taking on the mighty Banshees, the only undefeated team in the TOT baseball league. The Rebels hovering close behind in the standings, knew what was on the line this evening. This was not just a showdown for top spot, this was a chance for the Rebels to show the other teams in the league that the mighty Banshees were only human and that they could be beat. The Rebels were missing three regulars from their roster, but got off to good start in the first inning, scoring 3 runs in the top, and the Banshees countered with only a single run. The Rebels managed to score another run in the second inning increasing their lead and the Rebels strong defense kept the Banshees off the score board.

The pitching in this game was fantastic, Andy was moving the ball all around the plate, as he usually does, but the Banshees Pitcher Frank was not only moving his pitches around the plate, but he was also putting excellent backspin on the ball, and he may have also been throwing a knuckle ball. Whatever Frank was throwing, it was frustrating the Rebels batters and causing them to hit ground balls to Banshees well positioned defense. Rebels were having difficulty generating any more offense.

In the fourth inning, the wheels fell off for the Rebels; the Banshees started hitting the ball very well, into the gaps, and over the heads of the infielders. The Banshees tallied a total of six runs in the inning, to take the lead, the Rebels were determined not to give up the seventh run and the defense tightened up to stop the Banshees with the seventh run stranded on third.

Going into the top of the seventh inning, the Banshees had a 9-5 lead and the Rebels had the top of the batting order leading off. The Rusty Rebels started the inning by getting some runners on base, and eventually brought 3 runners home to make the score 9-8. With the tying run on third, the go ahead run on second, with 2 outs, the Banshees pitcher induced a short infield pop fly to record the third out and hand the Rusty Rebels their second defeat of the season and bring an end to the Rebels 6 game winning streak.

Game Highlights: The Banshees pitching and defense was very good on this night; Captain Hugh made a spectacular over the shoulder catch behind third base; Banshees third baseman made catch off a screaming line drive over the third base bag; Banshees center fielder robbed Rebels player Donny B. with a long running catch which originally looked like it was going to be a hit up the alley for extra bases; Rebels defense played another solid game.

Side Note: The Rusty Rebels and the Banshees play each other, again on Wednesday July 18, 2007 at Keogh Park. REBELS REJUVENATED!

REBELS ESCAPE DOG CATCHERS... 14-7

RUSTY REBELS vs. DOG CATCHERS
Game # 7 June 11, 2007
Rebels win 14-7
2007 Record 6-1-0

Keogh Park- Monday night was probably the best game time weather, this season, for baseball. With clear skies, a warm breeze and very comfortable temperatures, the Rusty Rebels with two games on the schedule this week, were about to face their toughest challenge of this young 2007 season and put their 6 game winning streak on the line. With almost a full team, 12 players, the visiting Rebels led off batting, scoring only one run in the first inning. The Dog Catchers pitcher Randy H. was throwing short and low pitches, which kept the Rebel batters swinging at pitches that they really didn't like very much.

In the bottom of the first inning, the Dog Catchers countered with 2 runs. The two teams exchanged runs over the next couple of innings, but no team was dominate or able to score more than a few runs per inning. The teams kept pace until the middle innings, when the Rebels caught a lucky break with several Dog Catcher errors, opening the door for a big inning for the Rebels. The Rebels managed to put 6 runs up on the scoresheet, stranding the seventh run on second base...

With a comfortable lead, the Rebels defense went into shut down mode and limited the Dog Catchers batters to scoring very few additional runs in the final innings. The Rebels showed great defense again in this game, it sounds like a broken record, but their defense has been a strength from the beginning of the season and seems to be getting better with each game played. The Rebels go on to defeat the Dog Catchers by a score of 14-7 and increase their winning streak to 6 games...

Highlights in this game: Captain Hugh was smoking the ball off the pitching of Randy, and on one occasion put a line drive off the fence in right field; Jimmer playing third, turned a double play on a hit to third, force at the bag and a throw to Donny at first for the double; Mikey Boy hit a fly ball to center field which the Dog Catchers fielders neglected to call and the ball dropped between them for a key hit in the game; The Dog Catchers shortstop Dave M. screamed a hit over the third base bag, down into the left field corner where Glen G. played the ball back to the infield....

Side Notes: The Rebels won their 6th game in a row; On Thursday night they face the undefeated Banshees for the top spot in the standings. REBELS RESISTANT!!!

RUSTY REBELS TEAR UP LIGAMENTS...11-6

RUSTY REBELS vs. TORN LIGAMENTS
Game #6 June 7,2007
Rebels Win 11-6
2007 Record 5-1-0

Keogh Park- Thursday night was a perfect night for baseball, the temperature was considerably warmer than earlier in the week. I pity the poor saps that had to play on Tuesday night this week, with temperatures hovering in the single digits, it was cold enough to freeze your lug nuts off. (Didn't you sub for a team on Tuesday Mikey Boy?) The Rebels had not played in 10 days, and there was a chance they could be a little rusty. (pun intended) The team only had 9 regulars in the lineup and a sub (Dennis) who fit into the Rebels lineup seamlessly...

The visiting Rebels got to the Ligaments pitcher early, scoring 2 runs in the first inning. The Ligaments pitcher (Sandy B.) was tough on the Rebels batters this night, inducing numerous ground ball outs throughout the game, with his high arching pitches and a very quick delivery to the plate, he kept the Rebel batters off balance.

The Rebels put up a seven run inning again in this game; In the seven run inning, the bottom 3 batters in the order led off; 3 singles later the bases were loaded, with no outs, and the top of the order was poised to earn their huge pay cheques. The Rebels cashed in, scoring the 7 runs capped off with a solid line drive, to center field, by Mikey Boy, for a triple to score the seventh run from second base.... The Rebels defense was terrific again on this night!!! The team went to the bottom of the seventh inning with a five run lead and shut the door for a 11-6 win.

Highlights in this Game: The seven run inning, with solid contributions from the bottom of the order; Rebels center fielder Tony M. with a strong throw to third base, on a couple of bounces, to Jimmer T. to tag the runner; Andy G. making a reactionary catch, on a screaming line drive, up the middle off the bat of Ligaments Doris C.; Glen G. started to hit the ball better, after going into a one game slump; Solid defense limiting the opposition to only 6 runs.

Side Notes: Next week the Rebels play 2 of the top teams in the league, on Monday they play the Dog Catchers and on Thursday the undefeated Banshees. The Rebels put their 5 game winning streak up against the these teams. REBELS READY!!!

REBELS EAT UP THE HOT DOGS...13-5

RUSTY REBELS vs. RED DOGS.
Game #5- May 28,2007
Rebels Win 13-5
2007 Record 4-1-0

Keogh Park-Monday evening was a perfect night for baseball, with one exception, the setting sun in the western sky, slightly impairing the vision of the first baseman and the right fielders at the start of the game. The Rebels again had a full lineup, Captain Hugh was scheduled for dental surgery, but had it postponed and he was able to make the game. The Red Dogs squad was coming in to this game as one of only two teams undefeated on the season, with a record of
2-0-1.

The game began on time with visiting Rebels batting to start the game. The Red Dogs well placed, high lobbed, spinning ball pitching was keeping the Rebels off balance in the first couple of innings and for some of the Rebel players, the whole game. The pitches with tight backspin and high lob created frustration for the Rebels at the plate, one of the Rebel players was struck out on a third strike foul tip, other players popped out or weakly grounded out to Red Dog’s defense.

After several innings and very little to show for their efforts, the Rebels started to adapt to the Red Dog’s pitcher; the hits started coming fast and furious, runs started crossing at home and the Rebels found themselves scoring a seven run inning, taking the lead and never looking back on their way to a 13-5 victory.

The Rebels defense was spectacular in this game, Captain Hugh again showed the whole gamut of his baseball skills with several outstanding plays at shortstop, a couple of attempted second to first double play chances with Jim H. (TheWadd) that just fell short of the back end outs. The left fielders made several running catches that were hit short and could have easily dropped in for base hits, Andy and Donny B. made a few tough plays at first on bunted or miss hit balls. In the bottom of the seventh inning (open) the Rebels showed confidence and poise as they quickly retired the Red Dog batters to win their fourth game in a row…

Rebel highlights in this game: The defensive play in this game is definitely a highlight; Captain Hugh hit a line drive to right center field for a double, the throw from the outfield was mishandled and rolled behind third base, Hugh with alert base running went from second to home to score a run; Mikey Boy hammered a fly ball over the heads of the Red Dog outfielders to clear the Rebel runners off the bases and record a stand up triple; Steve K. (Fingers) drilled a hit down the third base line and eventually came around to score a run.

Side Note: On Saturday May 23, 2007, Mikey Boy and I (Jimmer) attended the free baseball clinic that Roman D., Umpire in Chief was putting on for anyone interested in improving their game. The clinic was held at Keogh Park, there were 10 plus players in attendance at all levels from the TOT Oldtimers league, and we spent 2 plus hours working with Roman. For those who didn’t know about clinic and have never had a chance to spend time on the diamond with Roman, I highly recommend doing so. I was very impressed with the baseball knowledge and experience passed on to us. Roman hinted about having another clinic in about a month.

The Rebels schedule for the month May has concluded. The Rebels played five games in the month of May with a record of 4-1-0 with a win percentage of .800. Rebels scored 76 runs over the 5 games with an average of 15.2 runs per game and had 52 runs against with an average of 10.4 runs scored against per game...
REBELS RESPECTABLE!!

RUSTY REBELS GET WOODIES... 21-14

RUSTY REBELS vs. HOT TUB WOODIES.
Game #4 - May 23, 2007
Rebels win 21-14
2007 Record 3-1-0

Keogh Park- Wednesday night was unseasonably warm for the month of May; the daytime temperature had reached 28 degrees Celsius, there was a smog alert in the city, the bugs and mosquitoes at Keogh Park were flying around creating a nuisance, but the warm weather may have been a contributing factor for the baseballs cutting through the humid air reaching the perimeter of the park on numerous occasions. Captain Hugh was needed to start his second consecutive game as a pitcher and made short order of the only three batters he would face, three pitches and three fly balls to the Rusty Rebels well positioned outfield. In the bottom of the first inning, the Rebels came out swinging, managed to score six runs and leave the seventh run stranded on third base. By the top of the second inning, Rebels P1, Andy G. had arrived and Captain Hugh returned to the shortstop position.

The H.T. Woodies have definitely increased their power at the plate over the 2006 lineup. Good hitters are going to get there hits in softball; containing the weaker batters and keeping them off base will increase your chances for victory, the Rebels managed to keep the Woodies in check for several innings, but then, the Woodies started to put some runs up on the scoresheet, sending several of Andy’s pitches off the right field fence for several huge runs and then, H.T. Woodies third baseman Steve B. hammered a three homerun over the right field fence... The Rebels bats were also hitting well, on all cylinders, and the runs were piling up inning after inning. Going into the top of the seventh inning (open inning) the Rebels had a 21-10 lead, but the Woodies with their 2007 power hitting lineup would not go down without a fight; the Woodies got several base runners on early and managed to score 4 more runs before the Rebels defense shut the door and the team won their third game in a row. The Legion was rambunctious with Rebels this night...

Some Rebel highlights in this game: The Rebel bats knocked in 21 runs ( a season high), a great play by shortstop Captain Hugh, going deep into the hole and making a backhanded catch and throwing to second for a force play, two line drives up the middle to pitcher Andy, he got a piece of the first one, slowed the ball down enough to allow Jim H. to recover the ball, toss to Hugh on second for the force, second line drive was a clean catch and Andy almost doubled off the Woodies base runner on first, this game was a complete team effort at the plate and on the field…

Side Note: Not really a highlight, but one of the Rebel players was struck out looking at a third strike pitch, D'oh !! I can't seem to recall which player it was, but the initials J.T. seem vaguely familiar. mmmmmmmmm jug o' beer!! REBELS REJOICE!!

REFLECTIONS FROM THE HOT TUB... LINEUP.

As I was perusing our schedule, I noticed we play the Hottub Woodies this upcoming Wednesday May 23, 2007, at 8:30pm, at Keogh Park. Mikey Boy, as I like to call him (Mike O.) and I (Jimmer) are part of the 2006 Hot Tub Woodies alumni; we had the pleasure of playing with a terrific group of guys last season. I was reflecting on how bad a season we actually had on the field (we played some pretty bad games!!!) , but I also reflected on how much fun we had off the field.

The 2006 H.T. Woodies looked good on paper, but in the game situations, something almost always seemed to be out of sorts. The nights the bats were hitting on all cylinders, the defence couldn't stop a beach ball and on the nights the when the defence was stellar, the bats were colder than the North Pole. We did manage to win 6 games and we weren't the worst team (close) at the end of the season, but it rarely seemed to come together on the field.

On the field was fun, but it was spending time away from the diamond that brings a smile to my face. Post game nights at the Legion were a riot. With guys like Coxy, Woody, Dancer and Fast Eddie, throw in a Barbie (the Woodies unofficial groupie) and almost anything could happen. I can remember nights where tears were streaming down my face from laughing so hard, most of the time at my expense.

So how does all this pertain to the Rusty Rebels? I see similar qualities in the 2007 Rusty Rebels after only 3 games, without the H.T. Woodies losing aspect. On the Woodies, at the end of the season, Mikey Boy had the second highest on base % at .672, he would have the sixth highest average on the Rebels based on last years statistics. I had the worst on base average at .435, which I'm working on improving this season.

On Wednesday night, The Rebels do battle with the 2007 version of the Hot Tub Woodies, it's always an exciting evening when facing a former team for the first time. The Rebels are searching for their 3rd win in a row, it would be a sweet win for Mikey Boy and myself (Jimmer) to pull out a victory over our former team... REBELS RETURN!!

REBELS COMEBACK AGAINST STIFFS...13-10

RUSTY REBELS vs. LUCKY STIFFS.
Game #3 - May 15, 2007
Rebels win 13-10
2007 Record 2-1-0

Coventry Park- It is said that character is an intrinsic part of any successful team. Last night's game started to reveal the character of this Rusty Rebel squad... The game started on schedule without the Rebels starting pitcher and Captain Hugh (P2) was thrust into action to begin the game. The visiting Lucky Stiffs managed a few seeing eye hits off the Rebels pitcher, who was actually pitching quite well in his 2007 pitching debut, but the Stiffs still managed to post three runs on the scoresheet before the Rebels could even record an out. The northwest sky was filled with dark ominous clouds, the roar of thunder and bright flashes of lightening looming in the distance and moving ever closer by the minute. The sky had darkened to the point where the baseball coming off the bat had become difficult to see and a light rain had begun to fall. With one batter out, three runs already scored and runners on first and second bases for the Stiffs, the umpire had no choice, but to suspend play until the diamond lights came on and the impending thunder storm had moved through....

Thirty minutes later, the eye of the storm had passed, rain had almost stopped and the new diamond lights were beginning to glow, the rain delay was over and play could resume. During the rain delay, the Rebels Pitcher (P1) Andy had arrived (after being stuck in traffic) and was excited to continue on with the game. With Captain Hugh back at shortstop and Andy on the mound, the Rebels managed to stop the Lucky Stiffs from scoring any more first inning runs and were poised to mount a comeback.

The Lucky Stiffs were playing some tough baseball and going into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Rebels found themselves down by 4 runs. After only scoring 6 runs in the five innings, the chance of a comeback seemed bleak, especially against the Stiffs tough defense. Then suddenly, as if a switch had been turned on, the Rebels bats started to come alive, the hit baseballs seem to find the holes, gaps and alleys, singles were dropping in everywhere, the bases were filled with Rebel runners and the scored runs started to talley... The Lucky Stiffs couldn't get the three outs they needed to secure their lead and the Rebels kept scoring, 7 runs in total, to end the sixth inning and vault the Rebels to a 13-10 lead.

In the top of the seventh inning, The Lucky Stiffs with the shock of the Rebels tremendous comeback, could not muster any more offence and the rejuvenated Rebels defense made short work of the UNLUCKY Stiffs... and the Rebels win a character building team game.

This comeback showed genuine character, and throughout this 2007 season, I'm sure we will see plenty more character as the Rebels quest for the 2007 T.O.T championship continues...REBELS REBOUND!!

RUSTY REBELS POLISH OFF THE DUSTY CLEATS. 17-7

RUSTY REBELS vs. DUSTY CLEATS.

Game # 2 - May 14, 2007

Rusty Rebels win 17-7

2007 Record 1-1-0

Keogh Park- When Captain Hugh arrived at the park on Monday, he suggested that Rebel players, under the age of 50, run 2 laps around the outfield; there were no takers to his suggestion. Perhaps what happened was the suggestion of running laps became embedded in the subconscious of all the Rebel players and when the game began the Rebels decided to run the infield bases to appease Captain Hugh. The Rebels, as a collective group, ran around the bases 17 times to bring home the first victory of the 2007 season.

The Rebels didn’t win this game on offence alone, the defensive play was also extremely good; well positioned outfielders and solid infield plays kept the Dusty Cleats off the bases most of the evening. Some offensive and defensive highlights would include: A towering home run over the left center field fence by Rebels left fielder Glen G., a seven run inning and Co-Captain Donny B. displaying some of his goaltending skills, when he kicked out his left leg and made a spectacular toe save at third base. (Just kidding Don).

The Rebels played a very good game, both offensively and defensively. After 2 games, I’m starting to see the awesome potential that I referred to in the first game summary. As the season progresses, Rebels players will become more comfortable with positions and the skills of teammates, The Rusty Rebels are going to be a force to contend with... REBELS REBELLIOUS!!

ASSES SPANK REBELS IN OPENER... 16-12

RUSTY REBELS vs. THE HOLE ASSES.
Game #1 - May 7, 2007

Rebels Lose 16-12.

2007 Record 0-1-0

Keogh Park-Whether it was opening night jitters, nerves or just a thin layer of winter rust, The Rusty Rebels could not muster up enough offense to defeat The Hole Asses on opening night. Give credit, where credit is due, The Asses had a great night at the plate; solid, well placed hitting, a seven run inning, and a monstrous home run over the left centre field fence lead the Asses to the victory.

The Rebels also had a solid night of batting, but unfortunately most of the good contact at the plate, ended up in the gloves of the opposition. The Rebels have an extremely dangerous batting line up, solid pitching and a defense as good as any in the Oldtimers league. Based on what I have seen, early in the 2007 season, I predict at the conclusion of the 22 game regular schedule, the Rebels will be competing for the top spot in the league standings... REBELS RECOVER!!