Mazel Tov!

Despite many failed efforts to chalk straight lines on the asphalt, and much ribbing at the undulating doubles and triples lines, I am asked often to chalk the lines before games.  I can say with some certainty, I will not be asked again to make the teams.

I came to Nance Bradds with scoresheet in hand, but unable to play due to a family engagement.  Thus as a neutral party, it was suggested (by Kurt) that I make the teams.  Balancing the pitching and batting skills of six players on two teams is a challenge and I have a new found respect for the week-in, week-out ability of our commissioner to make good decisions about dividing up the players.  I admit, I focused too much on batting, and not enough on balancing pitching skills.  The result was a lopsided affair.

But enough about the game, let me tell you all about the Guadalupe Bar Mitzvah!!  I must say, the young man Jason is very impressive.  Such a calm presence, and a strong, confident voice as he led a well designed service.  There were very touching moments, especially when grandparents and parents passed the Torah to the Bar Mitzvah to begin his portion reading and Haftorah.  Jason's portion was from Deuteronomy: The Death of Moses and the Anointing of Joshua.  Truly the perfect, symbolic reading for a young man joining Jewish adulthood.

The luncheon afterward in the Leber Social Hall was catered by Bernsteins, with a fitting assortment for an end of summer holiday weekend.  The sports-themed decorations were very appropriate for the Bar Mitzvah and were not overbearing whatsoever.  The DJ did an excellent job entertaining young and old alike, and Jason looked happy out on the dance floor with his Shiksa girlfriend.

Anyway, the game.  Laura pitched well for two outs and then gave up two-out rallies - twice.  Brent let in another one and it was really all over in the top of the second.

Dave, Eric, Hansoo - 6
Ben, Kurt, Laura, Brent - 0

W: Dave Eldridge
L: Laura Hume
S, BS - none


Notes:

• Dave's 6-for-14 was the mathematical equivalent of  Kurt's 3-for-7, and the batting race was pretty much unchanged.  Kurt's 0.450 is still well ahead of Dave's 0.421.  Ironically, all three of Kurt's hits were off Dave.
• Eric and Hansoo each pitched two perfect innings, recording 11 K's over 12 outs.
• Kurt and Ben each scattered hits but allowed no runs in a "bend-but-don't-break" kind of day.
• The winning home team spread around the RBIs: 3 for Eric, 2 for Hansoo, and 1 for Dave.