Our season opens Monday, April 27, with a 9 p.m game against MAC II. Please let me know ASAP if you plan to be there for two reasons: 1. If you're not going to be there, we'll have to arrange for you to sign the roster beforehand. You won't be able to play unless you've signed the waiver due that day; 2. Also, as with last year, I hope to be able to juggle playing time effectively so that we all get to play full games whenever possible.
Our second game is Monday, May 4, against last year's champions, the Greenwich Greys. It's also at 9 p.m.
I'll forward the complete schedule as soon as I have it.
All games are played at Greenburgh's Rumbrook Park. It's right at the first exit north of Jackson Ave. on the Sprain Brook Pkwy. Turn right on Dobbs Ferry Road (Rte 100B) and go over the bridge over the Sprain. Then make a right on the access road to the park 30 feet west of, and parallel to, the southbound exit off the Sprain Brook Parkway.
Unfortunately, I was not able to secure Zinsser Field for batting practice. The Little League has it booked pretty extensively, and during the week the maintenance folks don't want to commit to any specific times, leaving us in the lurch.
A few new things this year:
* This blog. This is where I'll be posting game summaries and the like, and there's a comment section on the bottom for you all to weigh in. I've also posted Mark's tour-de-force-play in progress, as well as some of the highlights from last season.
* The no contact rule is still in effect, but you may slide this season. No running past the base. Either slide or give yourself up.
* Remember, no arguing with the ump. That's my job, not that I really intend to do it. Too many gray hairs already.
To review, here are a few of the other regulations:
* You start with a one-strike count.
* You must run to the orange bag at first, and to the "fake" home plate five feet to the left of the real home, where the call will be made as if it's a force play. There are no tags at the plate.
* No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park.
* Only roster players and managers are allowed on the bench.
I hope, as Yogi would say, that this season will be deja vu all over again (although a couple more victories over the Greys would be nice). Since ninety percent of the game is half mental, I like our chances.