Palm Springs vs Valley Wide
This was my thoughts before final game,
"Girls, this is our last game, PLEASE bring HIGH ENERGY, POSITIVE ATTITUDE, CLEAR MIND, and lead with our best EFFORT yet, GOOD LUCK SATURDAY!!!!!!!"
Wow, did we BOND as an Energetic, Caring, Emotional, group of young Ball Players....staring with only 9 players really didn't faze me as a Coach, been down that road plenty of times as a player and Coach, but losing 1 to an injury that cost her a trip to ER was what made us come together....I finally saw us compete for one another, the competition amongst each other was gone, the Leadership displayed by all 8 girls left was really NEAT to be a part of, PROUD does you 8 no justice as to how I feel about your play, but it was truly impressive......down 3-1 when we lost Amanda to the Emergency Room, Cricket struck out final out in the inn to get our troops focused on game, and play for 1 reason, to wish Amanda well, and hope we could do our part and compete strong to show we miss her......lily lead off with 3b, Cricket scores her on fielder's choice, TRex 1bs, motors her way around on 2 steals and passed ball, woohoo, 3-3 tie, in their half of the 3rd, we gave up 3 bbs, and a hit batter, not good, in my visit to the mound, we just talked about minimizing the runs, and giving us a chance to come back, we then strung together 3 straight outs to limit the damage to 6-3 score, Curfew leads with 1b, Cmoney follows with 1b, Lily and Knuckles bb, Cricket 1b TRex bb and we put up 5 runs to take our first lead, 8-6, Cricket took to the circle and got the 1st out when Curfew tagged runner out trying to steal home, 2 ks followed and good ol "Lady Mo" was finally with us.......5 straight bbs to CMoney, Lily, Knuckles, Cricket, Trex, put up 2 more runs, and now hold a 11-6 lead.....after a lead off hit batter, we received a questionable strike 3, but we will take it, 1 down, 2 to go, 2 more bbs, and we get a huge out at first that alsogave us a break, runner beat the throw, but they gave us the out, we will take it, 2 down, 1 to go, and a fitting end, Cricket hits the inside corner she had been hitting all night and k on out #3, well fought game, emotionally draining, and total TEAM effort, glad you fought to the last pitch, job well done, cya on the diamond..................
PS All Stars--------11
Valley Wide---------8

Mon:
pitchers/catchers
5:30-7ish
field #5 or #6

Indio is very proud of the fact they beat us last time out, we need to bring our focus and show that game was no Lil Slugger Softball, high energy, let's do this thing!!!


Thurs vs Indio Storm:
We were on a mission to prove to Indio last week was a "fluke", we were ready to play "Lil Slugger Softball"....Tazz and Paloma reached on walks and stole 5 bases, Turtle allowed herself get hit, Joyrus smashes a triple and it was game on....Turtle faced 4 batters in the inn and we were up 3-0 after 1....Mity Mouse tattooed a 3b that may have been her best hit all season, she scored on wild pitch and we were now up 4-0 after 2 inn....with 2 quick outs, we went to work again, Paloma 1b, followed by Turtle yard work, she went yard, (that is a home run GLORIA), Joyrus Ceedee both followed with 1bs, and Kandykorn doubles them in, Gemini finishes inn with 1b and we are back in cruise control, Turtle got 2 quick pits again before her hiccup, not a problem, Tazz came in and restored order, after 3, good girls 8, Indio 2, last inn we were up to our ways again,
Mity mouse 1b, Ipod 1b for her steak(rbi Mom), and we added insurance, Tazz held down the fort and we let the Indio squad led by coach Roy know the pecking order here, Lil Sluggers eat first, everyone else get in line, cya on the diamond, I am proud of way we played with energy, effort, and FOCUS!!!!!
Indio storm.........2
Liil sluggers. 9


*************************
Thurs game vs Kruisers, (round 2):
So after a disappointing loss on Tues vs Indio Storm, we were PUMPED to get after the Kruisers.....right out of the gate we get a very dangerous hitter in Giovanni with a k looking, sweet!!!!!, but a walk, triple and a walk, and we were chasing 3 runs before we could blink......we managed a bb on our end in the 1st inning, but that was it.....Kruisers 3-0 after 1 inn........Turtle took the circle and struck out 3 batters to get momentum back on our side.....Ceedee led off with 1b, Alykat bb, 3 stolen bases later, we are only down 1 run, Kruisers 3-2 after 2 innings.....3rd inning was only inning all night where no runners reached base, good pitching on both sides, 3-2 after 3 full innings......after 9 pitches, Turtle finally got their best hitter Jalea to strike out, a great defensive play by Tazz and Tornado to get the 2nd out, but we got into a little trouble, a bb followed by a 1b, stolen base and they now had runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs, 3 pitch strike out and we were down to our half inning down 1 run...Squinky drew a lead-off walk, a quick out for them and Paloma followed with a 1b to put runners on 1st and 3rd with 1 out, Paloma stole 2nd to put go ahead runner on 2nd with 1 out, and out 2 best avg hitters coming to bat, Turtle struck out, 2 down, Joyrus at the plate, strike 1, strike 2, foul ball, BANG, Joyrus hit 2b up the middle to score Squinky, in an attempt to catch Joyrus off the bag, Paloma scores the go ahead run from 2nd, after quick chat with umpire, game is called, come from behind win, woohoo, "we are never done till the big person sings", or last out recorded, job well done, way to play till the last out....
Kruisers--------3
Lil Sluggers----4

Tues game vs Indio did not go so good.....as a defensive unit, we walked through the innings, lack of effort, lack of energy, lack of game intensity....this can all be changed, bring your FOCUS, and all will go better, win or lose, FOCUS can cure all.....with a loss, it can build a better ball player if you learn from your mistakes, do not accept them, it will allow for more mistakes if you think it is "ok", make the adjustment, fix the mental mistake, and we will be better prepared for the next pitch, cya on the diamond.......
Pitching hero: Tazz, 1 inn pitched, 5 ks
Hitting heroes: Paloma 2-2, home run, 2 rbis, Turtle 2-2, 2 3bs, Ceedee, Monster 2b, Tazz, Joyrus, Alykat, Gemini chip in with a hit, and that was it, no more highlights, surprising but true, there is always next game, and it can't come soon enough, cya ready to go on Thurs.....
Indio Storm------10
Lil Sluggers-----8



**************************

*****CYA THERE!!!*****


Once again, SPECIAL Thanks to the Following Companies or Families that made all of this possible:
*****AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS*****
*****WESTERN EXTERMINATOR COMPANY*****
***Danny/Jonnah Siegand Family******Jim/Rosa DiBello Family***
***Alex/Patty Jimenez Family********Joe/Esmy Alarcon Family***
***Michael/Donna Pete Family********Peter Garcia Family****
***Gustavo/Espy Jimenez Family***Marcus/Gloria Black Family***
***Mark/Cheryl Cavoretto Family**Miguel/Adriana Lara Family***
***Fernando/Lilly Family************Brandon/Reina Family*****
***Adrian Ayala Family**************Sonia Rodrigues Family***

***Without all your financial and emotional support, this would not be possible, THANK YOU for allowing your young BALLPLAYERS to enjoy a VERY SUCCESSFUL run in the ALL STAR SOFTBALL SEASON!!!!!! cya on the diamond....

MEET THESE ATTITUDES IN DARK ALLEY, THEY WILL DISAPPEAR BEFORE YOU CAN SAY BOO!!....LED BY GLORIA AND ESMY, TOO BAD THEY WERE NOT IN PIC.....

Team Mom Gloria gives girls new name, can I repeat it? HoodRa? Divas

Paloma-KandyKorn-Ipod-Blaze-MityMouse-Tazz
Tornado-JoyRus-Squinky-Turtle-Ceedee-Gemini
M.I.A.-Pepsi

Indio 1 vs Lil Sluggers
Season is official with the 1st game under our belt.......Indio finally found us on the field, and we were more than ready to play.......Turtle started things off by throwing 11 strikes, 5 balls, and striking out 3 batters, woohoo.....in our abs, we started slow with 2 walks, but then the fireworks started, 2b by Turtle, 1b by Joyrus, 2 quick outs before Alykat hit a 3 run Home Run, 5 runs, good gals 5-0....2nd inn Tazz in the circle, they were able to get a 2b and a bb, then 3 straight outs with 2 ks to end the inn, 2 runs across, our turn.....1b by first 3 batters, KandyKorn, Mity Mouse and Squinky, Pepsi follwed by a hit of her own, right in the back, , a k for 1 out, infield fly for 2nd out, then a 3b which turned into a home run and bruise on the mid thigh, and Paloma has the bruise to prove it, 5 more on the board, 10-2 good gals.....3rd inn and Pepsi in the circle, feast of famine for her, she walked 3, struck out 2, and got an out at home on passed ball, good and bad in same inn and only cost us 1 run, once again, our turn.....I put the brakes on our Team in the 2nd inn, as we did not want to run up the score (good sportsmanship), and I explained to girls why we did it, they were ok with it, but had hard time as I talk about the importance of AGGRESSIVE, and make sure to LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FIELD, but we managed to be GOOD SPORTS.......Turtle hit a shot down left field line, did her best FACE FIRST DIVE, except there wasn't any water, and managed to score run on a bad throw, KNUCKLEHEAD!, Joyrus followed with a 1b, Ceedee 3b, Gemini her 2nd bb, Alykat 3b, KandyKorn bb, MityMouse bb, Pepsi bb and we put up another 5 spot, good gals 15-3.......with their last ups of the game, we threw our 4th pitcher, Joyrus now in the circle, lead off 2b, followed by 14 pitches and 3 ks to end the game, good gals pull off a very fun game, get off to good Winter Start, and ready for game 2 on Thursday, job well done, cya on the diamond........Mon Heroins: Paloma hr, bb, 2 runs, 3 rbis, Turtle hr, 2b, 2 runs, 3rbis, Joyrus 2 1bs, 2 runs, 2 rbis, Ceedee 3b, 2 rbis, Alykat hr, 3b, 5 rbis, Turtle-Tazz-Pepsi-Joyrus; 3 hits, 5 bbs, 10ks and only 3 runs..

Game vs Indio #2:

Well, we went in knowing we would be playing a group of girls that had older players on team (5-11yr olds to be exact), we also knew if we played as a focused group, we would be OK......we went in focused, we pitched well minus a hiccup to start, we gloved well, we ran well, and we had timely hitting, as a result, another good outing........as you can see from after game picture, we do not focus longer than needed, we have Gemini doing a "wheelie on cleats", Tornado "spectating warm-ups" for 12u team, Paloma "yawning", Joyrus "balancing water bottle", KandyKorn making "bug eyes", MityMouse "double knotting" after the game, Pepsi "amused" by Joyrus balance act, Ipod wrapped up as if in "snowstorm", and believe it or not, the only attention I had was Tazz, Alykat, Turtle, and Squinky, yes, this is what I deal with in games and practice, it's no wonder we ever get anything done, oh well, maybe this group is meant for each other.......see ya on the diamond......
Game #2 Heroins: Tazzaroni 2b, run, sb, 2 rbis; Turtle 2b, 3 runs, sb; Joyrus, 2b, run, 2 rbis; Ceedee 2b, 2 runs, 2 rbis; Alykat 1b, 2 rbis; MityMouse 1b, run, rbi; Turtle 3 ip, 0 runs, 6 ks (36 strikes - 10 balls)
Lil Sluggers............14
Indio #2.................5

Lil Sluggers vs Indio #1:
This group of girls is overmatched by our "Lil Angels", we backed off the throttle before game even started......Our girls were told, no stealing, batting practice, and just have fun....we were able to play kids in positions they normally do not get a chance to play, and our "big guns" spent a lot of time on the bench, none the less, we put up 15 runs, and best of all, DJ Pepsi (she is double jointed at thumb), with help from Tazz in the circle, was able to hold them to zero runs.....they got close 2 times, but both times runner was caught trying to steal home by DJ, and the goose egg held up......again, timely bombs were hit, lots of walks, but more impressed with kids that swang the sticks and crushed a couple of bombs; Gemini monster 2b, KandyKorn monster 2b, Tornado monster 2b, Joyrus monster 3b, Pepsi monster 2b, Squinky monster 3b, Ceedee monster 2b, as bad as I felt for the other team, it felt even better to see our girls CRUSH these big hits, job well done, cya on the diamond.............
Indio #1---------0
Lil Sluggers-----15

Joyrus, Turtle, KandyKorn caught in the middle of stretch routine.....

Remember Winter is to build stronger softball players, we are here to get stronger as individuals so that we may make Team stronger, continue to develop and others will keep wishing they were in your shoes, cya on the diamond..................

"Monster 1bs"
This is our "rally cry", Why? you ask, because teams play our girls so deep, no matter how hard you hit it, we will only get to 1st or 2nd, it normally takes an error to get us any further, they play us as if we are in high school, can't wait to see them hit there......we once again pitched well, only 1 hiccup, but our strike to ball ratio was good enough to hold down the Storm attack.....Monster hits in the game: Tazz, 2-2 with a 3b, Turtle 2-2 with 2b and 3b, Joyrus with 3b and monster 1b, KandyKorn, 2 monster 1bs, Ipod, 1-1, monster 2b, job well done........
Indio Storm---------6
Lil Sluggers--------12

Pitching MONEY once again.....
44 strikes thrown, 21 balls, with this kind of control, we can compete with anyone, nice job, continue to put in the work and good things will continue to happen.....Turtle and Joyrus hold down the fort, 3 errors in 1 inn cost us the 1 run we allowed to score, in 4 innings we struck out 7 and only walked 2, only gave up 2 hits, wow, impressive......hitting heroes were plenty: Pepsi 2b, woohoo, Turtle 3b, KandyKorn-Alykat Monster 1bs, Pitching: Turtle 34 strikes, 16 balls, 6 ks, Joyrus 10 strikes, 5 balls, 1k, job well done................
CV Lil Arabs--------1
Lil Sluggers--------12

Pitching, Pitching, Pitching.......
47 pitches total for our Girls, Tazz and Joyrus made it happen, of the 47 pitches, only 17 balls, and 30 strikes, 2 to 1 ratio, nice........Tazz over matched the Indio Flames with 4 ks and only 2 walks, Joyrus came in and kept any hope from them scoring by continuing to throw strikes, defense made plays, and as bad as we felt, the pitching is looking extremely good, the future looks good......Monster hits: Turtle 3b, Tazz 1b, Paloma 1b, Joyrus 1b, Alykat 2b and 3b, Gemini 1b, Ceedee 2b, IPOD HOME RUN, sweeeeeet........job well done
Indio Flames--------0
Lil SLuggers--------15

Kruisers vs Lil SLuggers:
A great game was on display....it took me back to the Tournament games we played during the Summer....it was tense, it was fast, it was exciting, emotional, Hostile, and fun to be a part of.....only 1 thing during game that was out of line, Coach Tony out of line with umpire, never a good time for that.......Turtle handled the circle with poise from a College Pitcher, KandyKorn working behind the dish like she was born to do this type of work, infield making plays to keep runners and hits off the bases, we had 7 baserunners in the game, 6 of them scored, good baserunning to bring home the runs, EXCELLENT TEAM GAME!!!......enjoy for today only, as we will meet these guys again, and I will make sure you are ready for their aggressive pitcher, Jennifer, we will be ready in 2 weeks, cya on the diamond..............
Kruisers------1
Lil SLuggers--6

Ipod MIA on Tues, but she has time to play Dress-Up, what goes here???







We need to rest, re-charge the batteries, and get ready for Spring Ball!!!!

LET'S GO LIL SLUGGERS!!

Indio 1 Day "Friendly Tournament"

Sunday was a great day of Softball at the Park......A team threw a wrench in format when they did not show up for scheduled game, which meant there was no Championship game at the end.......it wound up as a "friendly" set of games, and playing for "bragging rights" instead of medals, that is OK, great experience for our YOUNG GUNS...here are small round-up of our Rodeo....

When playing in tournaments, most Coaches try and find the best players available to them, a little different from what we are building, but as we have developed over these past 4 months as a TEAM, we are up to about any challenge....Lil Arabs were a Winter Team we played this Season, they showed up with Team that played last Spring not this Winter, that team was very good, and only Team that ran through us during the Spring, and lost to us in Championships during Spring, but they were good.......Our girls showed what hard work and dedication does to the DEVELOPMENT of their game, we looked like older Team, in reality, 2 years younger than 75% of their roster.......Hemet showed up with 6 10u All Star players and 4 8u players(our age), Palm Desert had 6 10u All Star players, but we didn't get opportunity to play them, but the most exaggerated roster was Indio, 9-10u All Star players and 3 8u All Star players, really? are we that SCARY, I enjoy the work you put in, the growth that shows on the field, and dedication helps in playing in these tournaments even when you are the YOUNG GUNS on the Diamond......

Lil SLuggers vs Lil Arabs

losing the coin flip is no big deal for us, when we are sticks it sets a good tone for our team...we scrated across a run on a MityMouse walk, but always good to get on the board first, Turtle gave up a leadoff walk, but struck out the next 3 batters to finish up 1-0 after 1 inn.......2nd inning Paloma, Alykat, Tornado, MityMouse all got bbs, KandyKorn got Hit by a pitch (it didn't hurt), before we finally got our first hit, a 2b by Turtle to cap a 5 run inning, 3 ks and a catch in right field by MityMouse gets us out of the inning, end of 2, 6-0 good gals.......hitting is contagious, 2 Monster 2bs by Joyrus and Paloma, but shaky base running cost us the inning, oh well, their turn......3 more ks and at the end of 3, 6-0 little gals......Ipod pinch hit a 2b, and scored a couple of ground outs later, insurance runs always come in handy....after a 3 pitch k, Turtle lost her touch, 3 bbs and a 1b, Tazz comes in to finish what we had started, a k, and ground out to 3rd which Ipod ran down the runner to end the game, defense wins games, job well done.......

Lil SLuggers--------7

Lil Arabs-----------5

Lil Sluggers vs Hemet Screaming Eagles

We lose the coin flip again, starting to think it works to our advantage.....Paloma lead off with a 2b, Joyrus 1bs to cash in her run, and back to a good start.......Turtle started a little shaky with with back to back bbs, runner took illegal lead at 2nd called out, and that put a charge in the Tortuga, 2 ks and back to the dugout with 1-0 lead......we managed 1 bb, but got 3 ks in inn, does not happen very often, but part of the game, back to defend.....1b and 3 straight outs gets us back with sticks in just 5 minutes, that is good work, end of 2, 1-0 Young Guns.......after a k to start inning, Paloma once again gets a 1b, Tazz and Turtle follow with a bb and Joyrus cashes them in with another 2b, 2 more runs come across, woohoo..........4 bbs to start inning, again not something we do, Joyrus comes in andgets the next 3 batters with 2 ks and a ground out at 2nd, smoke clears and we are down 4-3 after 3.......our last at bat was quiet, 3 more ks by their 11 year old pitcher, NO EXCUSES, she did what she was asked to do, she overpowered our lineup.......they put across 2 more runs and we came up a little short, quite alright, we will grow up soon enough, in case you haven't realized, our Lil Sluggers are halfway to 18, what?? yes, 9 years is half way to 18, did I just age you parents, they are our "Lil Darlings"

Lil Sluggers--------3

Hemet 11 year old-6

Lil Sluggers vs Indio

We won the coin flip, wow, bad Omen??  Tazz smashes a 1b that was a MONSTER 1b, Joyrus again was clutch with her hitting as she 1b up the middle to score Tazz, once again, we showed Indio we were here to play after they had scored 4 early runs, Indio 11 year olds 4-1........Turtle threw 12 pitches and got 3 ks in 6 minutes, Lady Mo where are You?? there you are, we have been keeping your spot in the stands warm, do not leave us again, ride with the Young Guns........after a quick out, Kandy Korn forgot to take magnet out of her back pocket and got hit, Mity Mouse and Gemini follow with bbs before Paloma once again came through with bit hit, 2b up the middle to score 2 runs, Tazz follows with a bb, Turtle and Joyrus again follow with 1bs to score 3 more runs , Ceedee finds magnet KandyKorn got rid of and gets pegged herself, Ipod follows with her bb, then KandyKorn minus the magnet 1bs to drive in 2 more runs, MityMouse, Gemini also walk before Tornado delivers her clutch 1b and 2 more runs across the plate, 17 batters, 6 hits, 9 bbs and 12 runs to take control of game, Umpire let's us know 3 outs and game over.......7 pitch out to lead inning followed by a k, things then got interesting....3 walks, 2 singles and they score 4 runs, after 8 pitches Turtle chopped down their 3rd base Tree to end the game, looking, what a great TEAM win, never saw a Coach so upset to lose, not what he had planned, especially since he was hoping other Teams would beat us up before we had chance to face him, word is, they wanted to wear down our pitchers before they faced us as we are 5 pitchers deep, YA BABY!!!, Our ROWDY PARENTS also had big part in this game, as I have never heard an Indio crowd so Quiet, including Coach Roy, I thought he had Larangitus, great Team Win for the Lil SLugger Family, Job well Done........

Indio 10u All Stars-----8

Lil Sluggers-----------13

Job very well done:  Turtle threw extremely well versus older girls, defense played extremely disciplined for a bunch of Young Guns, and as  a Team we had 22 hits, Tazz, Turtle, KandyKorn, Ipod, Gemini,and Tornado all chipped in, most impressive; Paloma went 5-6 and Joyrus went 5-6, yes, 10 hits by those 2 knucklehead alone, Great pitching, awesome defense, and clutch hitiing made for a fun weekend at the Park, WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!

Lil Sluggers--------2-1

Indio 10u All Stars-2-1

Palm Desert 10u---2-1

Hemet 10u Eagles-1-2

CV LIL ARABS-----0-3

2013 PS Mohica Towing/Gustavo Const. Lil Sluggers

#2  DJ Pep Garcia               #6 KandyKorn Alarcon            #12 AlyKat Ayala

#3 Turtle Black                #8 Ceedee DiBello                  #14 MityMouse Cavoretto

#4 Tazz Lara                   #9 Ipod Pete                         #15 Squinky Damian

#5 Joyrus Rodrigues         #11 Gemini Jimenez                 #16 Tornado Jimenez   

Team Mom:  Knucklehead Esmy Alarcon     Jonni New Mom Gloria Reyes Black?

Coaches:  Adrian Ayala, Joe Alarcon, Alex Jimenez

"Champions are made, not found" 

"If you put in the work, you will perform, NO EXCUSES!"                                                 

DJ PEP WINS THE HELMET RAFFLE!!!

2013 9u PS Lil SLuggers

Coach Alex, Joyrus, Squinky, Tornado, AlyKat, Ceedee, Gemini, Coach Joe

Momma Gloria, DJ Pep, Ipod, Turtle, Tazz, KandyKorn, MityMouse, Momma Ezmy

LIL SLUGGERS VS CAT CITY DIVAS

WELL, WE PITCHED VERY WELL, A ROUTINE 1B FOR THE DIVAS TURNED INTO A HOME RUN WITH 3 ERRORS ON THE PLAY, IT WAS VERY GOOD FOR CAT CITY AS THEY WERE REALLY DOWN ON THEMSELVES...ON OUR END, CONTINUE TO WORK, GET GOOD SWINGS, DO NOT FALL ASLEEP ON DEFENSE, AND MAKE SURE YOU ALWAYS DISPLAY GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP WHEN IN GAMES, WE LOOKED LIKE THEM WHEN WE PLAYED THE GORILLAS IN PERRIS, (WE GAVE THEM 6 INNINGS OF HITTING, WE ONLY TOOK 3, GREAT SPORTSMANSHIP)

CAT CITY DIVAS--------1

LIL SLUGGERS-----------12

LIL SLUGGERS VS LADY ARABS

ANOTHER GAME WE PLAYED REALLY WELL.......AGAINST BETTER PITCHING, WE HAD SOME "MONSTER HITS", SHARK BAIT(KANDYKORN) HAMMERS A BOMB, TURTLE ADDS ANOTHER BOMB, JOYRUS ANOTHER BOMB, 1 HOME RUN AND 2 TRIPLES,  GOOD HITTING, BETTER PITCHING, 1 HIT IN 6 INNINGS, SWEET.......

LADY ARABS--------1

LIL SLUGGERS-----17

LIL SLUGGERS VS PALM DESERT

WE WALKED AWAY WITH ANOTHER 3 GIRLS WANTING TO COME PLAY ON YOUR TEAM, NOT EVEN FROM OUR LEAGUE....GOOD TO SEE YOU GIRLS ARE DOING SO WELL OTHERS WANT TO COME JOIN YOU....ONCE AGAIN HUGE HITS COMING IN BUNCHES, TAZZ HOME RUN, IPOD HOME RUN, JOYRUS DOUBLE, ALYKAT TRIPLE, TURTLE HOME RUN, GEMINI DOUBLE, VERY REWARDING TO SEE THE WORK YOU GUYS PUT IN IS PAYING OFF...

LIL SLUGGERS-------16

PD DODGERS----------0

IN A TOTAL OF 19 INNINGS WE HAVE STRUCK OUT 30, WALKED 3, ALLOWED 3 HITS AND 2 RUNS, THROWN  55 BALLS TO 139 STRIKES, THAT IS 3 STRIKES TO EVERY 1 BALL FOR 4 PITCHERS, NICE

Getting invited to play in these weekend games is good for you girls.....it puts you to the test, and makes you become better, stronger, smarter ball players......we get tested in these games beyond Spring Ball, and helps us closer to our goal of becoming a "Weekend Team".......

Lil Sluggers vs Yucca, April 7th

What started out as a tough game, with the Yucca Pitcher throwing really well, and locating her change-up, she kept us off balance...but as most teams have found out, it takes us 1 time through lineup for us to catch pitchers, and we did....we managed 2 runs in 2 inn, but here is what followed; Tazz 2b, Turtle 1b, Joyrus 1b, KandyKorn 1b, DJ Pep 1b, MityMouse 2b, Tazz 1b, Joyrus 2b, Paloma 1b, KandyKorn 1b, Joyrus 1b, AlyKat 1b, Gemini 1b, Turtle 1b, Joyrus 1b, AlyKat 1b, Gemini 1b, Tornado 1b, all in 3 inn of work, we pushed across 10 runs in just a blink of an eye, this is what you girls have become good at doing, 14 runs in 7 inn of work, on defense, we looked AWESOME!  yes we struck out 10 batters in the game, but we made 11 plays on the field to record outs, the most impressive was an overthrow from Centerfield, backed up by KandyKorn to throw out runner trying to get to 2nd , what a play, tanana....

Lil Sluggers---------14

Yucca Lady Laces---3

Lil Sluggers vs Valley Wide

Taking the game on a 2 day notice, dedication to Team by both players and PARENTS, this is nice to be a part of......We came out aggressive, but their pitcher was dealing...a quick k, good play by shortstop, and a smash caught by their 3rd base and we were out in 11 pitches.......not to be out done, Turtle got 3 outs in 8 pitches of her own to get us back in the dugout......Gemini 1b, Ipod hit by pitch, Paloma bb, CeeDee bb, DJ Pep 1b, Tornado bb, Tazz 2b, Turtle 1b, and we put up 8 runs, that is more like it, right?.....3 hits, a bb, and an error cost us 3 runs, but we get back in the dugout and clear a space for our favorite Gal, "Lady MO"......Ipod 1b, Paloma 2b, KandKorn bb, Tazz 1b, Joyrus 2b, scores us another 4 runs, 12 total, should be enough, let's go Defense!!!Turtle and Joyrus combine for 4 inn in the circle, 6 runs, 6 hits, 6 bb(ouch), 4 k's, that means 11 plays made on the field, "way to go defense!!"

Lil Sluggers----------12

Valley Wide----------6

Lil Sluggers vs Yucca

After having ruined their Sunday last weekend, they were there to return the favor.....Paloma 1b, Turtle 1b, Joyrus 1b, Gemini 1b, Ipod bb, we plated 4 runs and were off and running.......they fought back, bb, 2b, bb, huge catch by MityMouse in CF (tanana), bb, bb, and a k, 4-2 good girls.......as I always tell the girls, "Let's kick them while their down", just kidding moms, ha ha, joke, I would never say that.......Dj bb, Tornado 1b, Ceedee 2b, Joyrus HR, yes I said "Joyrus HR", Gemini bb, Ipod 1b, MityMouse 1b, another 5 runs, and back off to the races....Tazz comes in to take the circle after Paloma gets stepped on, throws 2 inn and only gives up 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 3 batters......our offense was not done, DJ again bbs, Squinker huge 2b, Tazz bb, CeeDee hits the catchers glove, Turtle 2b, Joyrus 2b, Gemini bb, Ipod bb, MityMouse bb, KandyKorn bb, DJ 1b, Squinker bb, 2 intentional outs, and we tacked on another 8 runs..

Lil SLuggers----------17

Yucca Lady Laces----3

Good weekend, flashes of GREAT DEFENSE, and timely hitting to go along with our consistent pitching, job well done, cya on the diamond........

"Age is only a number"

We scrimmaged a very good 12u Venom Team, and even though they did not pitch their best pitcher, WOW!, you girls showed that hard work pays off, no matter what the age of the player, you will get back what you put into it........we not only have put in hard work, you have made adjustments that are needed to not be left behind, I LOVE THAT!!.....

12u PS Venom vs 9u Lil Sluggers

starting out on the defensive end, we came up on something we are not used to, not hitting first, I almost didn't know how to act.........Turtle made a bad pitch to give up a 0-2 1b to their leadoff hitter, but after a good change up, line drive to Joyrus was caught (routine) and doubled up the runner at 1st, 2 down......once again, getting ahead of the batter with a 1-2 count, another cookie and bang, another 1b, after a great change up to the best pure hitter in the division, T-Rex drove a fly ball to center, if we approach it right, a long out, we didn't, a 4 base error, make the routine plays and we will be a GREAT Team, not just a good one, another 1b before a k for the 3rd out, whew...............our turn at the dish, we quickly struck out looking, yes looking...1 down 2 to go, Turtle got on with a bb, Joyrus hit a 2b, Ipod gets a bb, Alykat flies out to 1st, Gemini 1bs, there was a phantom tag at 2nd, we were called safe, upon further review, we caught a break, there was a tag, we live to see another batter, Kandkorn and her new found hitting approach drives a BOMB to left field to clear the bases, Ceedee lousy 1b and we drove in 5 runs, can this be?,  a 9u Team scoring on a 12u Team?, after 1, 5-2 litlle girls, lol...........a dropped 3rd strike gave them a runner, quick out to Turtle in the circle, 2 more k's and they only plate 1 run, starting to get exciting, can the "Little girls" really compete with the Older Girls?........we once again got out quickly, 1up 1 down, MotyMouse bb, Tazz 1b, Turtle 1b, Joyrus 1b, Ipod 1b, Alykat 1b and we pushed across 3 more runs, an aggressive atempt to score a run, our runner forgetting to slide, and we were called out at home, no casualties, all good, oops, Lil Girls 8, Big Girls 3......after another 0-2 1b, we got 2 quick outs, our gloves failed us again, and they were able to plate 3 more runs on 2 hits, 2bbs, and 2 ERRORS, up only 1 after 2 1/2 inn............we started with the best out of our Season go against us, Gemini caught all of the ball, CF moved 2 steps to her left, and "look, a ball in my glove", great at bat, better catch, 1 up, 1 down, KandKorn stayed hot with a line drive to left, Tornado bb, 2 quick outs and back to defend...end of 3 inn, Lil Girls 8, Big Girls 7.......a quick 1b by the Big Girls put a runner on base, infield fly to KandyKorn, a k follows before a bb and a 1b to score 2 runs, another k to end the inn for the Venom, Big Girls 9, Lil Girls 8......Time expires, score go back to Previous full inning since we did not get our last abs with us the home Team.........what a good game, we were not intimidated, and we played good softball.......3 big errors cost us 4 runs, we clean this up and good things will happen, job well done, cya on the diamond.......

12u Venom---------7

9u Lil SLuggers---8

"CHAMPIONS ARE MADE, NOT FOUND, LIL SLUGGERS, WOO WOO"

"WINNERS TRAIN WHILE OTHERS MAKE EXCUSES TO BE AVERAGE, EXCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN 100%, AND YOU WILL ALWAYS STAY ON TOP"

DHS Majors (11-13) vs Lil SLuggers                                                                                                                                       The size of the girls was intimidating, but the only one that was affected by that was Coach Tony........They were in awe of how our girls were warming up, and that is a good thing.......once the game got started, the lack of aggressive swings on their part, our girls got very confident......Turtle started to work, it took 16 pitches and she struck out the side...we came to bat, but only managed 1 hit, a 1b from Joyrus, and could not score either, end of 1, 0-0........Turtle gave up back to back 1bs before striking out a batter, a fielder's choice to cf, yes to center field, MityMouse threw it to 2nd to force out the runner but they were able to score a run, one last k and it was our turn to hit.........they got 1st batter out before we erupted, KandyKorn 1b, AlyKat 3b, Paloma 1b, Ceedee 2b, bb to DJ Pep, and we plated 3 runs, after 2 inn of work, 3-1 good gals....another leadoff 1b, no worries, Gemini catches line drive, throws to 1st for double play, a bb and another k follow, nice work by Turtle in the circle.........Tornado lead off with a ground ball to short, they threw it away and she wound up at 2nd, a quick out, and Tazz joins in the hit parade with her 1b, Turtle 2b, Ipod 1b, Gemini 1b, KandyKorn bb, AlyKat 2b, smoke clears, 6 more runs for our girls, end of 3 inn, Good gals 9-1.......one of our biggest strengths is our pitching, Joyrus took the circle, struck out the first 2 batters, then injured her toe, Tazz came in to relieve her, gave up 2 1bs and struck out the 3rd out.....Paloma led off with a walk, DJ 1b, MityMouse 1b, Tornado 1b on one wheel, Squinky 1b, Tazz 1b, 4 more runs across the board, 13-1.........with time running out, 3 more outs and game over, as I said earlier, defense is one of our best strengths, after 3 straight walks, Gemini again caught a line drive, threw to 1st for a double play, 2 down, 1 to go.......2 more walks, we changed pitcher and Turtle threw 3 pitches to save the win for the good gals.........job well done, cya on the diamond.....

DHS------------2

Lil SLuggers--13

9U LIL SLUGGERS VS 13u DHS Majors (5/2)

Well after playing these girls 2 times in the last week, we as Teams knew each other well...DHS is starting to get confident playing us, they are starting to feel like they can compete with us.....today, they did.......after starting with sticks, lack of aggressive running and over aggressive in same inning cost us 2 runs, so we for the first time in a while came up empty in the inning....pitching was good, and defense made the "routine plays" and we held them scoreless for a 0-0 score after 1 inn.......then came all the game action, AlyKat and KandyKorn got back to back 1bs, followed by MityMouse and Tornado bbs, DJ Pep reached on infield 1b, Tazz Ipod, Turtle and Joyrus all followed with 1bs to push across 6 runs, back as "familiar fashionistas", but when we took to the field, Joyrus in the circle gave up a lead off 1b, 2 quick outs and we were looking good, rookie scorekeepers lost a strike on the batter, gave her life and hit a 1b to prolong the inning, 2 errors followed by a drop 3rd strike and 2 more errors and we gave up 5 UGLY runs, wow, what just happened, a k to end the inn and we were shocked as a unit to see they actually scored against us with a crooked number, not kool.....Gemini restored order by quickly getting a 1b up the middle, KandyKorn cashed her in with her 1b and we plated a run that would eventually stand as the game winner.....Turtle took the circle, gave up a 1b, and 3 k's to end the game, we were bound to go into a bad game sooner or later as well as they have been playing, but we did not think it would be against a DHS squad........well, we learn from mistakes, we get stronger, and we move on......we were able to bat 1 last time before time expired, the runs didn't count as they did not get a chance for their last ups, but Squinker drove a 1b up the middle for a huge hit for her and cashed in 2 more runs, but since they did not get a chance to hit, our last 6 runs did not officially count, we win an ugly close game, job kind of well done, cya on the diamond......

Lil SLuggers---------7

DHS----------------6

9u Lil SLuggers vs 12u Dirt Devils (4/30)

Our 9 year old Team, yes I said 9 year old Team, we came to play.....Though this 12u squad was physically bigger, stronger, faster than we were, you girls showed that you can compete with anyone if you put in the work...not to lie, I was worried about a few of their hitters catching a pitch with the "sweet spot on the bat" and getting us hurt, but as pitchers, we only made 2 big mistakes, it cost us a Home Run as well as a line drive "routine" out to center field.......other than that, we located pitches well, kept their hitters off balance, and played strong defense to play a good game last night.......We keep improving every game out, play with little fear, aggressive style, and show that the future is very bright for our Local High Schools when you girls are old enough, great job, 'Pitching Heroes"; Turtle, 3 inn, 4 hits, 1 bb, 6 ks 4 runs, Joyrus, 1 inn, 1 hit (a BOMB), 0 bb, 0k, 1 run....."Hitting Heroes"; Turtle 1-2, 1r,sb, Joyrus 1-1, 1r, 1bb, 2sb, rbi, Ipod, 1-1, 1r,bb, 2sb, MityMouse, 1-1, bb, sb, job well done, "while others get impressed with routine plays, we take our position and get ready for the next pitch"........  

9u Lil SLuggers-----5

12u Dirt Devils------5

10u Yucca All Stars vs 9u Lil SLuggers

So we gave up another Sunday, sorry, your Coach must have nothing better to do than go show all So Cal that Lil SLuggers Softball can play.........we played a full 7 inn, pitched 4 pitchers, 1st 3 batters hit 6 times, only struck out 9 of their 27 outs, we played really good defense, threw strikes, and had another good outing...we put up 20 runs vs All Star team, their 2 pitchers took a beating, 1st pitcher last 1 inn and 1/3, 2bbs, 2 -2bs, 1 -3b, 4-1bs, 6 runs and she was relieved by their best pitcher,  we then continued to power hit, adding another 11 hits with 5 bbs to tag on another 14 runs, clutch hitting, aggressive running, nice........pitching was as strong as usual, Joyrus got the circle locked up with 2 inn of 1 hit ball and 0 bbs to get us started, Tazz follwed with 2 of her own and only allowing 3 hits and 2 earned runs, Paloma was a little shaky, but managed to get out of her bases loaded jam with a k and a ground ball out to Tazz, Turtle mopped up with 2 inn and 4 ks, what a great combined effort by these 4 hurlers....hitting heroes:  Turtle, 4-6, 2b, 1r, sb, Joyrus, 4-6, 2b, 1r, KandyKorn, 2-4, 2r, 3sb, Gemini 1-2, 3bb, 3r, MityMouse, 1-2, 2b, 1r, Ceedee, 2-4, 2r, job well done, cya on the diamond.....

Lil SLuggers-------20

Yucca 10u All Stars-6

                "GIRLS WITH BAT ATTITUDE"       

               "CHAMPIONS ARE MADE, NOT FOUND"            

         "WINNERS TRAIN,  EXCUSES KEEP YOU AVERAGE"

Sponsored By:  Mojica Towing, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Gustavo Jimenez Const, Marcus Black Plastering, and a whole LOT OF CARING PARENTS!!!

Team Mom G, DJ Pep, Ipod, Turtle, Tazz, KandyKorn, MityMouse, Team Mom E

Coach Alex, Joyrus, Squinky, Tornado, AlyKat, CeeDee, Gemini, Coach Joe

Missing, Coach Adrian   

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

TUES/THURS: PRACTICE, FIELD #5; 5:30-7:30

 *****Upland Memorial Day Tournament Schedule*****

We played 3 new Teams, we were taught that just showing up isn't enough to compete at higher level.....we learned that as a TEAM, we have enough talent to compete at any level....we learned that 1 mistake can cost us BIG at All Star level.....we also learned that our focus needs to be improved drastically in order to have success....we learned that we do have the ability to compete, we do belong, just can not let down at any point in game, that is what is costing us games....Do our part in game, the rest will take care of itself....the "LITTLE THINGS" is what sets us apart and makes us "GREAT"....

We played 14 inn total, we lost 3 big inn (1 in each game), and that made the difference, here are the #s, ouch.......

Oceanside vs Lil SLuggers

they scored 7 runs in 1st inning, 2-0 for 3 inn, we played good for 3, but needed to play 4.....Oceanside 9-0

Claremont vs Lil Sluggers

they scored 6 runs in the 4 inning, other wise we won game 2-1, again, 1 big inn for them, 5 inn game, Claremont 7-2

Glendora Gold vs Lil Sluggers

WE WERE WINNING FOR 3 INNINGS, 1-0, BUT AGAIN, THE 1 BIG INNING, THEY PUT UP 9 RUNS......this team was extremely good, and didn't make mistakes, we did, they won, 5 innings, Glendora Gold 9-1

combined games in 3 inn of play we lost by a combined 22-0

combined games in 11 inn of play we tied 3-3, keep focus for entire game, be mentally strong, and we will continue to grow as ball players, IT CAN BE DONE!! cya on the diamond...

Tazz, Turtle, KandyKorn all went 1-5 in Tourny, Joyrus went 4-6, chipping in with walks, Palmoma(3), Tazz(1), KandyKorn(1), MityMouse(3), Pep(1), this was all we had for offense, bad pitch selection and bad timing cost us,

Turtle, Tazz, Paloma, Joyrus, good enough in the circle, we pitched well enough to compete, just need to stay away from 1 bad inn......

After 4 Pony All Star Tournaments, 10u PS All Stars had a winning record, a Championship Banner to fly (3 total), a 2nd place finish , along with a 12-5 record.You Rock!!!  

Redlands Tournament was another learning experience, what did we learn you ask?  That there are a lot of other Cities taking exception to us beating them....they do not take kindly to our 9u girls beating them, and they are bringing their "A Game" to play us every time out to the field.....This means we need to be at the top of our game to compete, and this is where we struggle....We did have a group of girls that played well all weekend, but we need the "whole Team" to be able to do this together so that we may be more competitive against these older girls....NO EXCUSES, RIGHT?  isn't this what I always push, NO EXCUSES!! we will get back on the field as a Team dropped out in Ontario, this gives us a chance to redeem ourselves, This group of players has us all wanting and expecting huge wins, you girls have spoiled us with all the SUCCESS you have given us on the field, I will continue to push, and get the best of your ability out, as we can do this, we just need to know we do belong, cya on the diamond............................................................................... 

PS All Stars vs Lynwood (pool game #1)

Lynwood All Stars--------1

Palm Springs All Stars---13

PS All Stars vs Indio A (pool Game #2)

Indio All Stars------------6

Palm Springs All Stars---1

PS All Stars vs Valley Wide (quarter finals)

Valley Wide--------------3

PS All Stars--------------13

PS All Stars vs Fontana (semi-final)

Fontana-----------------12

PS All Stars-------------0

{another 4th place finish, not bad, just not what we are used too}

Moreno Valley All Star Tournament was a huge growing experience for our "Lil Sluggers" group..... along with the 2nd place finish, we grew up every game, we started acting like the 10 year old bullies that we aren't, (Alykat-our only Senior Citizen smashed the ball all weekend!!),  so needless to say, we came up short in the finals, much to the dismay of the Fontana Coaches when they asked if we were old enough to play in division, lol, huge compliment to how good you girls play........

We scored a total of 48 runs in 5 games, gave up a marginal 12 in the same 5, you will win lots of games this way.......unfortunately, we ran into 2 buzz saws, on the same roster, so the better Team did win Monday, but it does not take away the effort and energy you girls displayed, I AM PROUD OF ALL OF YOU, I AM EXCITED AT THE LEVEL OF BALL YOU BRING, I AM PROUD OF THE AMOUNT OF WORK YOU PUT IN, IT IS SHOWING A YEAR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, UH OH, HOW GOOD CAN IT BE NEXT SEASON???????

Pool Game #1

Mo Val Brats----------2(5 inn)

PS All Stars----------10

Pool Game #2

Indio All Stars-------1(3 inn)

PS All Stars---------15

QUARTER FINAL GAME: 

Valley Wide---------1(3 inn)

PS All Stars---------13

SEMI FINAL GAME:

Moreno Valley All Stars---0(4 inn)

PS All Stars----------------10

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

Fontana All Stars----8(5 inn)

PS All Stars----------0

Here are the weekend Heroins, if only the boys start to play like girls, they could start making noise in All Stars as well.....

Home Runs by: AlyKat, Turtle, Pepperoni, Gemini

Pitching flawless by ;Turtle, Tazz, Joyrus

All Star total #s

Turtle 22-32, .688, Tazz 16-26, .615, Joyrus 26-33, .788, KandyKorn 16-26, .615, AlyKat 13-24, .542, Squinky 3-5, .600, Gemini 10-25, .400, Mity Mouse 11-21, .524, CeeDee 11-27, .524, Pepperoni 3-21, .143, Tornado 5-16, .313

Awesome weekend, you girls are playing older than your age of 9, and a big reason our UP SIDE in this game has NO CIELING, awesome, awesome job, cya on the diamond, "CHAMPS"........

?Indio Tournament:

Charter Oak vs PS All Stars Semi Final Game

You girls have spoiled me with your success....I go into Tournaments looking forward to playing the best Teams and comparing you to what they are doing, and I always remember we are only "9u Team".......we always seem to play strong with them, for a while, then our age creeps up....we will be 10 soon enough, but for the mean time, I will continue to push you, continue to drive you, and continue to challenge you versus older girls so that you may regain top of class again......Charter is there right now, but as you showed, the best 8u pitcher last Season is no longer on top of the hill, they threw their 10 year olds in 2 games vs you guys as you smashed the ball vs their 9 yr old ace....this is good for upcoming All Star run, but we need to scratch, claw, kick, and fight for everything we can get right now, Let's Go PS All Stars "9u", I can hardly wait for next Season.......cya on the diamond.......

Charter Oak----------13

PS All Stars-----------2

Mo Val Brats vs PS All Stars

We came out and completely outplayed the Mo Val gang, that is now 2 years in a row we have been able to beat this group of girls..... the alarming thing, we continue to make the same mistakes over and over again, the lack of mental focus reminds me of a Team that wasn't a Team last Season (10u All Stars) , they all played for themselves and not for each other. This group has been so much different till now, I saw no energy, no focus, and lack of discipline creeping into our play, same issue as last year......we can fix this, but only way to do it is acknowledge it is happening.......last years group is still playing the same way, but they are 12u now, we can learn from the path they are taking, and correct our direction so that this group can continue to grow, continue to be extremely competitive, and continue to turn heads everywhere you go, and continue the success we as Proud Parents and Coaches are accustomed to seeing you girls do, it can be done, it will be done, and we will continue to "get er done"......let's shake ourselves, let's put this weekend behind us, Let's go enjoy the "road trip" to Mo Valley, cya on the dimaond........

Mo Val Brats---------5

PS All Stars---------15                                                               

Charter Oak vs PS All Stars;

We had great pitching in the game, we had lack of focus on defense, we had no game plan at the plate, and it cost us 3 runs, those 3 runs made the difference in the game...if we can correct the little things, pay attention to DETAIL, we will be ok,

Charter Oak-------4

Lil SLuggers-------2

Mo Val Brats vs PS All Stars;

We still had problems with the details, the focus was better, but attention to detail is what gets us in trouble.....we need to be close to perfect on detail to compete, FOCUS, ENERGY, and DETAIL will take us a long way.....

MO VAL Brats-------5

LIL SLUGGERS------17 

 "CHAMPIONS ARE MADE, NOT FOUND"

"NO EXCUSES!"

"WINNERS TRAIN WHILE OTHERS COMPLAIN"

We played and Hosted the Pony West Zone All Star Tournament, a HUGE thank you to all our Parents that helped make it work, SUPER BIG THANK YOU TO MARK CAVORETTO & EZMY ALARCON, as much as everyone chipped in, these were my 2 horses that handled things the way I asked them to do, a GREAT BIG thank you from me on my end, your work was not over looked, and definely APPRECIATED.

Game #1, PS All Stars vs Indio B

1 of the most over rated things in the game of softball and baseball is the home/visitor "label".....you play defense the same amount of outs, you play offense the same amount of outs, no difference...we were sticks first, we hit well, we hit a whole lot, we scored 12 runs..defense, we came out shaky, Turtle in the circle, she gave up a triple and 2 walks, only 1 run, but pitching was a little off, we went to Tazz, once again, a little off, 2 more walks, but strike to ball ratio was 1 to 1, not good enough, Joyrus came in , 12 pitches, 10 strikes, it took a pitching staff to get the job done, sweet.............

Tazz 3-3, 3 runs, 2b, 3b, Turtle 2-3, 3b, Joyrus 3-3 2-2b, CeeDee 2-3, Kandkorn, 2b, Gemini 2-2 2b, AlyKat 1-2, Pepperoni 1-2, MityMouse 1-2, job well done..

Indio B--------1

PS All Stars---13

Game #2 Coachella vs PS All Stars

A Perfect Game, not done very often, but we witnessed it this game....it takes a team, 5 outs recorded on the field, 4 k's, along with 12 runs, a perfect game that a team gets credit for, SWEET......

Tazz 2-2 2-2b, Turtle 2-3, Joyrus 3-3 2b, CeeDee 1b, Tornado 1-2, AlyKat 1-1 1b, in all, excellent offense...

Turtle 3ip, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0bb, 4k's, 9 balls, 20 strikes

Coachella All Stars.....0

PS All Stars..............12

Game #3  Indio A vs PS All Stars

This was just a practice game, I was reminded of it every inn by both Coaches on other side, they were saving their best for the Championships, allowing an excuse in case they lost is what I got out of it, our girls knew we had to do it twice, 1st game did mean something, but 2nd game was for all the hardware......they scored 2 runs early, and we were now chasing, but the plan of bunting everyone was abondoned, Thurs prac took that away from them, NICE.......we took our turn with the sticks, Tazz 1b, Turtle 1b, and we score a run, 1-0 good gals...2nd inning was the same, Turtle handles them and we are up again...KandyKorn 2b, Gemini 2b, Tornado 1b, AlyKat bb and we put up another 2 runs, 3-0 good gals.....this is where it got dicey, Joyrus came in to pitch, 2 hits and 3 walks, not like her, but gotta make the change, Tazz comes in and get us out of trouble, smoke clears, we are down 4-3....we fought back with Joyrus 1b, KandyKorn 1b, and tie the game...Tazz continues to throw well, and throws up a zero for Indio, our turn....Tornado bb, AlyKat MONSTER 3b, Tazz 1b and we were back up 6-5...3 Texas League 1bs helped push across another 2 runs, times out, down 1 ru....Joyrus leads off with a 1b, KandyKorn 1bs, Gemini bb, we have bases loaded with 2 outs, MityMouse comes up and puts the very 1st pitch over the shortstops head and in front of left field, Joyrus scores, KandyKorn flying around 3rd scores, walk off 1b by MityMouse, AWESOME job.....

Indio A------------7

PS All Stars-------8

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, INDIO A VS PS ALL STARS

With their ace in the circle, the challenge was there, hit 45 mph or go home early..as usual, we show no fear....Indio came out strong, 2 runs early and bottom of 1 we were chasing....Tazz leads of with a bb, Turtle greets her with a 1b, Joyrus 1b, Ceedee 1b, KandKorn bb, Pepperoni 1b, MityMouse 1b, and we were now up 5-2 after 1, I challenged the girls to dare walk over with me and get my favorite Softball Fan from Indio, Lady Momentum, and they responded vs the best pitcher they have seen in a long time..way to go girls.......Turtle found her rythym, stranded 2 runners in the next 2 inn, but not allowing a run.....we continued to work, after having knocked out their Ace in the 1st ining, Turtle 2b followed by Joyrus 1b, Ceedee 1b, KandyKorn 1b, we pushed across another 2 runs, quick work by Turtle allowed us to pile on, MityMouse bb, Tornado 1b, AlyKat bb, Tazz 1b, Joyrus 1b, and we pushed across another 4 runs, now up 11-2 with only 7 minutes left on the clock, meaning 3 outs and "Dinner is served", there was a smash in the 5-6 hole that Tazz gloved, turned a fired across the diamond, bang, one out, a 1b to right, 1 on and 1 out, ball hit up the middle, Turtle snags it and throws to Gemin, 2 down, 1 to go.....after a 3 ball count.... strike 1, the next pitch was a smash to 1b, Gemini knocks it down, swatted it around, corraled it and made the out at 1st......this is how in tune these girls are to the score, when they came in to me, there was no excitement, they were ready to hit again, I asked if they knew what just happened, I saw 11 sets of eyes on me wondering if they were in trouble or not, my comment , "You just won the tournament", a handful replied, this means we don't get to hit again?   what KUCKLEHEADS,,,,,

INDIO A---------2

PS ALL STARS--11

HERE IS THE NEXT CHALLENGE, REPEAT IN INDIO, ACCORDING TO OTHERS, RULES ARE DIFFERENT IN INDIO, BUT TRUST, I HAVE READ THEIR RULE BOOK AS WELL, IT IS CALLED "2013 WEST ZONE PONY SOFTBALL RULE BOOK", WE WILL BE OK, CYA ON THE DIAMOND.....3X CHAMPIONS......

Ontario 3rd Annual Brad Howell Rec. All Star Tournament

Well players and Parents, I always say we are pushing our girls to become better "Softball Players" and better young adults.....with this in mind, there comes a lot of responsibilities, such as; when is it a vacation?, when is it a field trip?, when is it TOURNAMENT WEEKEND?.......our girls played great defense, pitched extremely good, and had only 5 girls hit the ball(only 1 had more than 1 hit) in 2 games Saturday, good enough to only allow 3 runs, but only score 1 run.......we left the park, came back Sunday morning, and a different Team showed up, NOT RESTED, NOT FOCUSED, NO ENERGY, AND FULL OF STORIES OF HOW THEY SPENT THEIR NIGHT RATHER THAN GOING TO PLAY A GAME.......this lack of all of the above cost us; we struck out the 1st batter and that was it, 8 hits, 6 errors, 4bbs, 2 pitchers and we were chasing all morning long.........we didn't show up till the 3rd inning, we pushed across 5 runs, but it was too late, the damage was done, and the "Field Trip" was over........I chose my daughter to sit and make the example to get girls to get fired up, she was put to bed at 8:45pm Saturday night so she wouldn't let her "TEAMMATES down", she did nothing wrong but once again lead the TEAM in hits with 3-1bs this weekend ,  but it should have been all 9 starters that were asked to sit not just her.......I am disappointed, I know they are young, but I refuse to make excuses when WE as a group do not take these type of tournaments and games as serious as we should, this group has been EXTEMELY SUCCESSFUL, and should continue on that path.....but it is NOT OK to make a mistake, it is NOT OK to make an error, it is NOT OK to not give 100%, it is NOT OK to be less than ready to play, that is a "REC BALL" mentality, and doesn't belong on this field,...Yes I am venting, do not allow yourselves to make excuses for not being prepared when we do these Tournaments, and it starts with pulling out of your driveway and heading to these Parks, GAME READY OR DON'T SHOW UP.......

Game #1:

Cypress Gold vs PS Lil Sluggers

Focus was sharp, Turtle was on, defense was stellar....we took early Lead with Tazz 1b and 2 stolen bases, Joy hit fielder's choice for the rbi and we were up.....they tied with a one out 1b, and rbi fielder's choice to right to score the run.....we had lead off triple by Turtle, she hesitated on a softly hit ball to 3rd and was thrown out at the plate, that was it, game over, excellent defense, but not enough offense.....

Cypress Gold------------1

PS All Stars---------------1

Game #2: Pico vs PS All Stars

Tazz took the circle, and pitched her best game EVER!!!!! against a really good hitting PICO team, she held them to 2 runs on 6 hits, 3 ks, and 2 bbs.....offense was not enough again, Turtle 1b, Joyurs 2 - 1bs, Ipod 1b, and that was it, not enough for any runs........

Pico All Stars---------2

PS All Stars------------0

Game #3: Cypress Silver vs PS All Stars

Well, what happened?  hits, errors, lack of focus, zero energy, not enough Caffeine, not enough Monster, not enough Red Bull, they got us big.......we did have 1 inn where we showed up, the 4th, Turtle 1b, Pep got out, CeeDee 1b, AlyKat gets out, KFC 1b, Gemini 1b, Squinky bb, Tazz 1b, Turtle line drive out to end the rally, 5 runs in a single inning, GIRLS where were you ALL GAME????? oh well, like I said, learning experience we need to grow from, cya on the diamond........

Our Next Chapter begins with Summer Conditioning program......we will gear up for Vegas in Sept, Arizona in March, and finish with 2 World Series runs if possible, USSSA in July and Pony World Series in late July/August, THE JOURNEY BEGINS AND IT WILL BE A COMPETITIVE ROAD-- BUCKLE UP OR YOU WILL NOT ENJOY THE RIDE.....

"United We........Stand???????

Intimidation-we can say they look TOUGH, but they are SweetHearts..cough, cough..

Special Thanks to our Growing List of Sponsors:

Marcus Black Plastering Const.

Gustavo Jimemez Const.

MOJICA TOWING

Agua Caliente Band Of Cahuilla Indians

Western Exterminator Co

Our most faithful LIL SLUGGERS FAMILY!!!

"CHAMPIONS ARE MADE, NOT FOUND"

"WINNERS TRAIN WHILE OTHERS COMPLAIN"

"NO EXCUSES!!!"

10U LIL SLUGGERZ WINTER HIT SQUAD

  Coach: Joe Alarcon

#1  "KFC" Makayla Salcedo                              #9  "Ipod" Makaila Pete

#2  "DJ Pep" Alex Garcia                                   #10 "Kool-Aid" Gigi Gutierrez

#3  "Turtle" Tessah Black                                 #11 "Gemini" Myranda Jimenez

#4  "Tazz" Jazmine Lara                                   

#5  "Turbo" Joy Rodrigues                             #14 "MityMouse" Jennah Cavoretto

#6  "KandyKorn" Krystal Alarcon                    #15  "Squinky" Isabel Damian

#7  "Krunch" Feather McKellips                      Team Mom:  Esmy Alarcon

#8  "CeeDee" Corina DiBello                                                    Gloria Reyes                                     

These games are going to determine how well we can play together as a Team.  It will define the roll of each player on the team, and hopefully make a strong bond between all the girls so that we may perform as good as we can for each other.  There will be much stronger teams along the way, so if we continue to bond, we will continue to play better.  We have basically taken on 4 players(Ipod, Paloma, KFC, KoolAid) that we didn't have during the Summer.  Allowing them to gel with the rest of the group is going to make our Journey to a World Series of our Choice much more exciting.......Let  the journey begin......

Game #1:  With Lil SLuggers at the dish first, we stumbled after it looked like a promising inning......A bb, followed by a double play took us out of the inn, we managed a 2b by Turtle, but nothing else, again not the norm by us, but quite exciting for the Lady Laces....the key to any game, is PITCHING...if we throw strikes, our defense will be ready for action, if we throw balls, everyone is caught flat footed, we didn't start throwing strikes, got caught flat footed, and gave up 2 early runs, end of 1, 2-0 Laces......we got offense going, KandyKorn 1b, Gemini "Monster" 2b, AlyKat bb, CeeDee 1b, DJ Pep bb, Tazz bb and we plated 3 runs, woo hoo, back in the game, come on back "Lady Mo"...our lead was short lived, 15 balls. 13 strikes, 4 bbs, 3 hits allowed by our starting pitcher, not so good, we made the change, Turbo got us out of the inning facing only 3 batters and limiting the damage to 2 more runs.......we once again only managed 2 more bbs, but no clutch hits to score any runs, their ace pitcher Rylie was making short work of us, come back Lady Mo, we miss you, 4-3 Laces after 3....With Turbo shutting door on the last rally by the Laces, Turtle came in and nailed it permanent for the remainder of the game, Laces only managed 1 hit after putting up 4 early runs, throw strikes, and good things happen, Lady Mo not sure where to sit anymore........in our last ups, we made things happen, KFC and MityMouse leadoff with bbs, Ipod, Turtle, Turbo, KandyKorn Gemini all followed with 1bs, "Pass the Baton", a drill the girls enjoy finishing practice with, they displayed it during game, our goal, 6 hits before we get 3 outs, we did, and scored 5 runs, job well done, Lady Mo back with us..........Turtle and Turbo allow the defense to work by throwing strikes, Lil SLuggers "Hit Squad" scoring runs, nice combination........

Lil SLuggers----------8

Lady Laces-----------4

Game #2:  once again, pitching.....if we throw strikes, defense ready to go, we started out shaky again, 17 balls, 11 strikes and another 1st inning pitching change, Turbo came in and faced only 3 batters to get us out of trouble again and limit the damage to 5 runs, ouch, it's still early..............we managed a 1b and 2 bbs, but Lady Mo stays put in the Laces dugout, 5-0 Laces after 1 inn, facing only 4 batters we got back in our dugout quickly, and time to make things happen with the sticks...a mild version of "pass the baton" appeared on our side, Paloma 1b, KFC bb, CeeDee 1b, Tazz bb, Ipod 1b, Turtle 1b, Turbo 1b, and we put up another 5 runs, from a 5-0 game, we tied it up at the end of 2 inn 5-5.....pitching...........after having silenced their bats the last inn and a half, we made a pitching change, a quick out to 2nd base and they started to make noise again, a bb followed by a huge 3b to left Center, sac fly and they were now up again 7-5, yes they are at it again, and Lady Mo wearing out her cleats.........not to be out done ourselves, with 27 minutes left in the game, we sent 9 batters to the plate, a very good sign, Paloma once again 1bs, KFC and DJ Pep follow with their own 1bs, Ipod 2bs that sends Tazz home, Left Fielder threw a "dart" home, Tazz slides and takes out their catcher, looked awesome, she was safe, but what a throw, 125 lazer to the plate that we barely beat with one of our quickest players, nice throw, better slide....Turtle follows with another 2b to finish the scoring and chew up the clock, 5 more runs, and Lady Mo riding home with us........though we are pitching vs older girls, we need to continue to focus on throwing strikes, our defense is as good as it gets, let's let them shine with the"leather", and good things will happen, let's go "Lady Mo", we are going to need you in Soboba Tournament in 2 weeks....job well done, cya on the diamond.......

Lil SLuggers---------10

Lady Laces----------7

Lil Sluggers vs Indians Boys

So we lined up to play a game vs a bunch of boys, yes, a bunch of BOYS..........as a Coach, from the dugout, you Parents have a bunch of VERY CONFIDENT PLAYERS....after seeing their pitcher warm up, I knew they were in for a little trouble, we can hit, and the girls showed they could......after watching them attempt to hit vs our pitchers, I felt really bad....maybe I should have made an excuse to not play them, we just set back the Indian Boys team a couple of months.....Coach Danny knew we could play, he has umped many of our games, but he didn't think we would be the bullies all game long.........we threw 3 pitchers, threw a NO HITTER, and struck them out 9 times, in only 4 inn.........we had 20 min left to play, but Coach threw in the towel like Managers do when their Boxers are getting beat up......like I said, every game we play is Experience, and as our girls now have bragging rights over these knuckleheads, it is time to regroup and focus on the 12u Venom girls Fri.......great hitting, better pitching, good solid Team work, job well done, cya on the diamond.........

Lil Sluggers-----------7

Indian Boys------------1

12u Venom Friendly

You girls are looking sharp, with a Hemet Tourny around the corner, we are looking really well prepared to play......in our scrimmage vs Venom, sharp was only way to describe how you looked, only hiccup was addressed for a couple of players standing around not getting set, but otherwise, it looked "sharp".......hitting was awesome, I saw some big hits by the Lil Sluggers bats, I saw "clutch hits" by the Lil Slugger players, I saw "aggressive" base running by the Lil Sluggers, and most important of any game, I saw quality "pitching" by our 9 year old staff......in all; 15 hits, 4 bbs, 2ks, really good offense, 0-errors on defense, and like we always say, if you can pitch, you have a chance; 5 inn, 1 hit, 1 bb, 7ks, that means we made 8 defensive plays on the field without a single error, nice job.......we also had a really big inn in which our "pass the Baton" drill worked to perfection, AlyKat 1b, Kfc 1b, Tazz bb?, Ipod, Turtle, Joy 1bs, KandyKorn 2b, and Gemini 3b to clear the bases, once again, it was loudest when KoolAid came to bat, all girls were on their feet cheering loudly, she hit back to the mound for the out, but again delivered an RBI on the play, all I could think of was Yucca and the girls bouncing around singing "We are Family, I've got all my Sisters and WE"...........job well done, we look forward to Hemet, cya on the diamond.......

9u Lil SLuggers-----a lot

Venom-------------0

Hemet Tourny:

So after impatiently waiting to go play vs the Travel Teams, we ran into an EYE OPENING experience.....we are not as Mentally prepared as we need to be, (Coach Tony takes the blame for this one)........it was not a Bust as I have felt in the passed Tourny games, what I saw from the opposing Teams, they were not as big or intimidating as I thought they would be.....I had our girls size up the Champs of the Tourny, the Power Surge that we had to play 2 times, and they were the same size as us, same age as us, just much more mentally prepared than we were.....this will change, this one is on me and I APOLOGIZE TO YOU PARENTS AND PLAYERS for not having them ready for this level of play..........on to the next "Friendly", we will continue to learn, we will continue to grow, we will continue to get stronger.....

As far as how we played with numbers, it didn't look so good for us.......

Quakes---------6  (#4 Ranked 9yr old Team in So Cal)

Lil Sluggers----1  (Thank you Turtle and Turbo for helping plate our only run of the Tournament)

Power Surge--14 (#2 Ranked Team in the NATION, 4th Tournament win since August 10th)

Lil SLuggers---0

Power Surge--7  (not so intimidating, but very well prepared team, best pitcher throws 37-41)

Lil SLuggers--0

only 6 players from our Team were able to combine for 8 hits this weekend (Tazz, Ipod, Turtle, Turbo, Gemini, Paloma), this is not enough from these players, as they have normally come home with 5 to 8 hits per player, per tournament, when others can't help them with the stick, it leads for long games......defensively, we as a Team had 16 ERRORS that lead to 20 UNEARNED RUNS (we only allowed 9 earned)....let's clean-up the defense, and we can stay in these games, cya on the diamond.......

Week 1 Winter Softball

Desert Diamonds va Lil Sluggers

The Indio 8u Champions rolled into Town to take on the Past 8u Champions......Coach Victor is attempting to repeat what we did last Season, play vs the BIG GIRLS and see where his group stands......He said he had his girls ready to play at our level, since we are a "Travel Team", how did I get this group girls?, he asked.......well, we all signed up in PS Youth Rec Ball the past 3 Seasons, and what you see is 1 solid year of hard work, and starting our 2nd Winter Season as a group, minus 1 plus 2.....They have been told we are the best Coachella has to offer all playing on the same Team.......my last response, Lil Sluggers will take as a compliment that no other Team can do what we do, and we will keep working harder than anyone else, and will accept the Compliment of Travel Team, with PRIDE!!!  So it is good to hear what others envy from your "Lil Darlings" as softball players, that we are a Coachella Valley Travel Team, your reputation as Elite players is starting to build, now let's go out there and burn a trail that no one can ever copy by staying Focused, Working Extra Hard, and Enjoy the Rewards that come with it, (plus the fear the Valley has of you guys).....

As I said, 8u Champions, they ran through the Lil Lazerz last All Star Season, thinking PS was OK as a League, they were here to take us to the cleaners.....Pitching is always key, and allowing 4 walks and 1 hit was enough to score 2 early runs and give the Diamonds a little confident that they could play with a Travel Team, us only managing a Pepperoni 1b and ahving 3 routine outs on offense didn't help, after 1 inn, 2-0 young bucs......Paloma had a much better 2nd inn, throwing 7 strikes and 8 balls, in was huge improvement from 19 balls/13 strike 1st inn, 3 up -3 down, and now the Travel Team to bat...hitting is contagious, and after getting 3 bbs, we started to swing the stick, KFC-Tazz-Ipod all hit 1bs to jump start us, Turbo followed with a Monster 2b to cap 5 run inn, after 2, lil bucs down 2-5.......next 2 inn went good as well on the mound, KFC threw 8 strikes and 3 balls, Pepperoni threw 7 strikes and 5 balls, with that, 2 harmless inn for the lil bucs, a couple more Donut Holes for their score and they finished with only 2 runs for the game.......we on the other hand, the Travel Team we are, we hit, contagious, this is how the last 2 inn went, buckle up....Turtle 1b, Squinky 2b, Paloma 1b, KoolAid out, Pepperoni 3b, run Pep run, AlyKat 1b, KandyKorn Monster 2b, MityMouse out, CeeDee 1b, KFC 2b, Gemini 1b, Ipod Monster 2b, Tazz Monster 3b, Turbo 2b and we put up another 10 runs.....to end the game, we scored 4 runs in last inn, Coach Adrian had stopped Tazz at 3rd as a sign of SPORTSMANSHIP, other Team said that run should have scored for 5th run, that is why we were allowed to hit 1 more time, and score Tazz, we knew it would happen, they knew it would happen, but it needed to get done, good job........a little sharper focus on ball to strike ratio, a little more sense of urgency when we show up to play, and good things will continue to happen, job we done, cya on the diamond......(I was asked if our best pitchers in the Valley threw tonight, my answer was "I have 6 pitchers, ask and ye shall recieve, they can all throw 1 inn next time vs you guys if they are ready, he told me, nevermind, I was told they were monsters, you held some back right?"  Another compliment.........

Desert Diamonds-------------2

Lil Sluggers Travel Team--15

LQ vs Lil SLuggers

Just watching the LQ players warm-up was a painful experience......I went to girls once we got into the dugout and pumped the brakes right out of the gate.......they were told, I do not wish to see these girls get hurt, try and bunt the ball until you reach 2 strikes, then you will be allowed to hit.....only problem was, I didn't relay message to base Coach, and we had them confused, oops......after Coach Dan from LQ sent me a text saying, *thanks, I c wat ur doing, let them hit, good for pitcher*, we did just that.......I saw a hitting display which we needed, a confident group of players came out and put on a sweet hitting display, I even heard a parent (Angie) cheer on a foul ball, (but it was a hard hit foul ball)........I saw our pitching look good, let's make it that much better next time out.......18 hits in all, lot's of runs, and confidence and good ole "Lady Mo" back with us, let's continue to grow, continue to focus (it was AWESOME) on defense, and get in good game shape to get ready for Competitive Games in Rialto.......

Pitching Heroes.........Peperoni-2 inn/ 2 runs allowed/ 1 hit/ 3 bb/ 4 k's, KFC-2inn/ 0 runs/ 0 hits/ 6k's

Hitting Heroes........KOOLAID 3-3, 2-2bs, 1-1b, 3 runs, 2 rbi's/ AlyKat 2-3 , 1 run, 2 rbi's / KFC 2-2, 1 run, 1 rbi/ Turbo 2-2, HR, 2b, 3rbi's/ Turtle 2-2, 2 runs/ Squinky, 1-1, monster 3b/ MityMouse, 1-1, 1 run, 2 rbi's, (hitting we needed spread out from everyone.....)

LQ------------------2

Lil Sluggers-------16

Corona Core Academy vs PS Lil Sluggers Academy

Ok, we are not an "Academy", but looks and sounds good, right?  I think I will let Academy Trainers know we are from East Valley Training Academy of Fastpitch Softball Lil Sluggers School of Athletes of Southern California.....it just sounds better than, we are from Palm Springs.......all kidding aside, I hope you Parents were pleased with "our athletes" performance this Saturday...I always get a kick out of Other Coaches and Trainers letting it be known of the cost, of the size, and of the accomplishments fo their "Academy".....to see our Little Princeses compete with all that makes it sweet, a School District Employee, a Tow Service driver, and a grumpy old guy with nothing better to do can get the girls to compete with all those "accomplishments" makes it that much sweeter when we can compete with them....chalk this up for one for the "Bad News Sluggaz"...........

Game 1:  We came to play, and with the wind blowing, I felt like we were at home...Turtle looked comfy in the circle, and we came to play Defense for most of the day....Turtle threw 4 inn, allowed 4 runs (2 earned), 3 hits, 8 ks, and 3 bbs, pretty good for a Turtle....offensively, we looked sharp, fairly good approach, solid contact, good base running, and took advantage of mistakes we forced them into and turned them into runs of our own.....games are sprints, so Team with least mistakes usally comes out on top.....hitting heroes...Tazz 2b, Ipod Monster 3b in 1st inn, Turbo 1b and a bb, , Gemini2b, KandyKorn 2-1bs, to do damage by helping plate 6 runs,  good timely hitting allowed us to put a run every inn, job well done......

Corona Core-------4

PS Lil Sluggers---6

Game 2:  As quickly as we started early, we were opposite game 2, 1 bb and 3 errors cost us 4 runs, we didn't even finish sharing the Whopper with Cheese and we were down 4, what just happened?, flashback of Hemet, awwwwww.......after Tazz shaky inn, Turbo put Diesel back into the circle and got out of 2 inn 3up 3down, but wait, those Hemet flashbacks again, 4 more errors and they pushed another 4 runs, wow, did we just go back in the time machine again? Awwwwww.....offensively, Tazz started us with a great at bat, she hit a 1b to get us started, but then we saw something that doesn't happen very often, Ipod ks, and Turtle and Turbo followed by taking home a k of their own, these 2 only struck out a handful of times last year, I don't think I ever remember back to back ks from them, but it happens, awwwwww.....our 2nd inn was much better, KandyKorn 1bs, Alykat 1bs, CeeDee a 2 out 1b followed by MityMouse 1b to score 3 runs, hey, we are back in this wind aided misery.....our last ab with time running out went well, Ipod blooped a 1b(after correcting a hiccup in her swing between innings), Turtle & Turbo followed with 1bs of their own, KFC drew a bb, 1 run across, bases loaded, no outs, and time runs out, awwwwwww!!!!...well, we didn't finish our abs, so we go back to last complete inn, the Academy wins by a run, man if we just make routine plays we win by a bunch.....but, we did play well enough to know we belong on the field with these high dollar academies, and like I like to tell our girls, we are ahead of our age mechanically, and good things are about to start happening......

Corona Core-------4

Lil Sluggers Academy--3

Game Re-cap:

Lil Sluggers vs 12u Venom

You girls came out with a strong "focus" today...I always am pushing the "focus", as this is what makes for a great game, or makes a "sloppy" game...defense was stellar, only saw 1 mistake that cost us big, only had 2 bbs in game, but like usual, 1 of them scored, other than that, defense was pretty sharp.....offensively, we were helped by lots of mistakes on their part, we need to take a little better approach at the plate, slow things down, and make quality swings so we may continue to grow as an offensive unit....we still managed to get 14 hits, but they weren't to line drives we look for in an attack that makes a big statement, "we can hit!!"....Squinky hit a Home Run, Turtle hit a 3b, Gemini a 2b, Tazz, Paloma, Turbo, KandyKorn, CeeDee, Ipod all chipped in with at least 1 - 1b, so the attack was by a complete unit, which is good, but we need to try and be just a little better to compete on weekends......pitching was led by the "Tortuga, followed by Turbo and finished by Paloma, they combined for 4 inn., 2 hits, 6ks, 2bbs, and only 2 runs, pretty good for a bunch of ROOKIES.....all in all, good game, but always room for improvement, job well done, cya on the diamond.....

Lil Sluggers---------12

Venom--------------2

Lil Storm vs Lil Sluggers

So this is one of the few times I was at a game, but wasn't really there, I'm sorry, I should never let other things around League interfere with our Mission, to improve our play everytime out.......what I did see when I wasn't being pulled away, a pretty good looking Team when focused, like I said, "when focused"......looking through scorebook, I saw a whole lot of hits, timely clutch hits, and I saw us pitch and catch fairly well.......Turtle, Turbo, Tazz, Paloma combined for 5 inn, 0 hits, 11 k's, 4 bbs, and 0 runs......that is pretty good stuff.......on offense, I heard we had 3 hits and 2 runs, Paloma 2b, Tazz 2b, Turbo 1b in the 1st inn....what I did see, KandyKorn smashed a 2b, AlyKat followed with a 3b (she isn't very fast, that went a long way), it helped plate 2 more runs.....then to finish our hitting, KoolAid roped a 1b, Tazz followed with a 1b, Gemini monster HOME RUN, KandyKorn monster HOMERUN, AlyKat 2b, CeeDee 1b, Squinky 2b, all while I was trying to get a hold of Coaches to pull the plug on our attack and take our foot off  the throttle, sorry girls, a Sportsmanship thing....we remember Hemet, and it isn't fun to chase ball all around the field, right?.....So good hitting, I felt bad for Chica (Indio Pitcher), but this is the best Indio has to offer, and we looked really good, and can't wait for the weekend games, as that is where you guys are pushed a whole lot more......job well done, ....we need to thank Coach Adrian and Coach Joe, I almost felt like I wasn't needed, looks like I can take more time off, maybe I can help run the snack bar now?...cya on the diamond......

Indio Lil Storm-----0

Lil Sluggers--------9

I thought the costumes were supposed to be scary, not the person in them, right?

Halloween Bash Friendly 2013

Anyday at the Softball Park is a good day, and as much work as we have put in these past 2 weeks, our Lil Sluggers looked pretty good on the field as a "Competitive Squad".....Teams tested our ability to play the bunt, we handled it, teams tested us with the ability to throw runners out, we got them, teams tested us with the ability to play defense, we defended like no other, teams tested us by challenging us to hit, we hammered it....we played fundamental softball, the key to enjoying a full day at the park, so Thank You for allowing me to drive your Lil Sluggers hard in practice, thank you for getting this group of KnuckleHeads back and forth to the park, Thank You for allowing me to hear "NO EXCUSES" as to why we don't perform well, allowing me to hold them "accountable" for their mistakes is making this a really exciting group to lead on the field....we are just starting the 10u Journey that will take us to many challenges along the way, the better we handle them the stronger young "Ballaz" (as Adriana would say) we will become....we outscored the other 4 Teams 29runs-7runs, out hit them 35 hits - 7 hits, and outplayed them to a record of 3 wins, 1 tie......by the way, 2 groups asked not to play us this weekend, and one of them went so far as to ask the Lil Lazerz play in place of us, parents of older players asked to join our team, and offered their services if ever we need them in any game we may go to, my phone was lit up by these parents/players looking for an opening on our squad, you PARENTS should be EXTREMELY PROUD of this weekend, they don't always workout this way, but let's definitely enjoy this one, we all know Coach will forget it by the time his shuts his computer off, already thinking of fixing our 1 inn glitch where we gave up 10 bbs in 1 game, UNACCEPTABLE, wow, alright, my bad, it was a good day, I will let them have it ........it is good to see Teams giving OUR GIRLS MAD RESPECT for their game, they can have their day, mine actually was allowed a Sonic Shake, Chocalate Cream Pie, Mom normally doesn't allow it, so Turbo and I splurged.....Good Softball Weekend, back to work as Fontana will be twice as hard as this one......

I will put our individual and Team stats up as well as a small synopsis of each game, later, much later......but thought you might enjoy re-living the friendly with me through my eyes and the scorebook.......cya on the dimaond..... 

KUKUY!!!!! CORRELE!!  KUKUY!!!

Lil Sluggers vs Diamonds

WOW....Ceedee goes YARD!!!  When you least expect it, you will put in a strong swing, and POW, a Home Run over the fence....as much as we do this in practice, this is the 1st time it happened during a game, NICE...we hit the best I have ever seen this group hit in a game situation.....Gemini, Squinky, KFC, KandyKorn, Tazz, Turbo, AlyKat, Turtle, Ipod all chipped in with smashes that actually had me flinching and hoping we wouldn't hurt one of the Diamonds on the other side....but we continued our hot hitting from Sat, and it was too bad the Diamnds had to play us first out of the gate after weekend, but once again, WAY TO GO CEEDEE!!!!!!

LIL SLUGGERS VS SPARTANS

Well, it was a "Rec Ball" game, I expect us to hit these pitchers, I expect us to hit them hard..we should keep a book by who made an out and not by how many laser beams we hit,  it really is looking very unfair to play these Teams(same age), and this should be OUR 1st year 10u.....we are not punishing them by playing against girls our own age, but there isn't any challenge for our Team in these games, huge difference....I got into casual conversation with Indio parents and Coach on our "Travel Team" as Indio Coaches/Baseball Dir are referring to us as.....told them we are "Rec Team" just like you guys, just have a very dedicated group of Parents/Players that believe what I am selling them, and it shows in their play.....our own League Coaches have asked me to take the group up as we would not get anything out of division next Season, I am well aware they are in our division next Season, we were their age once, last year, and we did the same thing then as we are doing now....my response to all this, sure, I will punish our Team and not play vs your Teams as we did last Season, we didn't play House Tournament for all the back lash I would get if we beat up on these Teams, continue to build your Team and keep winning Rec Ball, good for your group, we have bigger plan, playing kids our age isn't in them, I've never done this before, let's continue to hope for the best.....

Lil Sluggers------alot

Indio Spartans----1

For those of you that made Weds optional hitting, nice job......playing against an 8u Team that has beat everyone they played by a "mercy Rule", they came ready to play....I was impressed with the pitching, avg 30-32 mph for 8 yr olds, and they had great command of the strike zone....but just as you started to hit, he changed pitchers just so you wouldn't time their pitchers.....when focused, you guys can hit, when you get into "Hero Mode", you strike you out.......remember to just do your job, lousy 1b and pass the baton, and good things will happen, it takes the 10 of us here today, and 14 of us in a game to make good things happen, STAY FOCUSED, and cya on the diamond......................

FIRECRACKER FRIENDLY

The picture says it all...after a good pitching performance by Turtle and Tazz, we couldn't make the routine plays and it cost us 2 runs, but this was our best effort of the day...

Firecrackers------2

Lil Sluggers------1

Ok, the Quakes are good, but once again, we managed to stand around long enough to allow 6 runs, only 2 earned, that means we gave away 4 runs because we are really nice, like I said, game 1 was our best effort...

Quakes-----6

Lil Sluggers--0

Our last game, and once again we managed to make another Team look like they were awesome....they weren't, we played effortless, zero energy, and just wanting to be on the road home......"Rec Ball Game" could not come at a better time, we always look good there.....

TNL----------5

Lil Sluggers-1

Pitching was good, (not average, not great, just good enough, not acceptable)

Defense was ??? (where was it, it stayed back in PS waiting for a "Rec Ball Game")

Hitting-MIA (we didn't come to hit, we looked way over matched by good [not great] pitching)

Our girls took a weekend off when we needed them to be hungry to play, maybe we don't feed the BEASTS  till after the Tournament next weekend to make them HUNGRY TO PLAY...... next week there are medals on the line, we need to show up!!!!!!

NOTHING NEEDS TO BE SAID, RIGHT?  EL MACHO...

Snack Bar Schedule Week of Nov 4th-Nov 8th

MON-1 GAMES:  No Snack Bar, DAY OFF!! WooHoo!!

TUES-4 GAMES: 5PM-8:40ISH- TURBO(SONIA)-KFC-GEMINI

WEDS-4 GAMES:  5pm-8:40ish-KoolAid-DJPep-Tazz-Ipod 

THURS-2 GAME: 5PM-8:40ISH- TONY-MityMouse- CeeDee-KandyKorn 

FRI-4 GAMES: 5PM-8:40ISH- TONY, Squinky-Turtle-Paloma

CHAMPIONS!!! CONGRATS-YOU EARNED IT-VERY WELL DESERVED!!!

Mity Mouse-Peperoni-Krunch-Tazz-Turtle-KoolAid

Squinky-Ipod-KandyKorn-Gemini-CeeDee-KFC-Turbo

Quarter Final; Lil Sluggers 12-1 vs Desert Prospects

Semi Final; Lil Sluggers 7-3 vs Diamond Girlz

Final; Lil Sluggers 16-5 vs Lady Laces

WOOHOO!!!  I am proud of the way you played, total TEAM Effort, way to hit bomb after bomb after bomb, solid pitching, good enough Defense=Tournament Champions!!!

Learning from the "Best" the Valley has to offer.....

Karina Romero-UC Riverside CF; Riley COD 2b; Jesse Reyes COD SS; Gabe Munoz COD/PS POWER Catcher; Marcus Greene Texas Rangers Catcher; Billy Olson COD/RCC Pitcher  

Stike Out Hunger Tournament:

Coach Joe-Coach Tony?

Gemini-Ipod-CeeDee-Squinky-KandyKorn-Turbo(with Deisel!)

KFC-Krunch-KooAid-MityMouse-DJ Pep-Turtle-Tazz

Oops, They did it again, they gave us a Heart Attack, but still came Home with another Championship...Nice Job Champs, you were the better Team, you did hit your way to win, job well done....

Sreaming Eagle------2

Lil Sluggers----------14

Indio FastPitch------1

Lil Sluggers---------15

Semi-Final

Indio Fastpitch-------3

Lil Sluggers----------20

Final CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

Screaming Eagles-----10

Lil Sluggers-----------11---CHAMPIONS!!!

******************************

WOW, WHAT A MONTH OF NOVEMBER....WE PLAYED A TOTAL OF 18 GAMES, WE WON 15 OF THE 18, YES, WE WENT 15-3 IN NOVEMBER!!!~!!! WE OUTSCORED THE OTHER TEAMS 217 RUNS FOR US TO 53 FOR THEM..THAT MEANS WE SCORE 4 RUNS TO EVERY 1 RUN THEY SCORE, I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS THINK, BUT THAT IS PRETTY DARN GOOD IN MY BOOK.....IT IS GOOD PITCHING, GOOD DEFENSE, AND REALLLLLLY GOOD HITTING.....I AM PROUD OF YOU GIRLS, BUT NOT SATISFIED, WE CAN PLAY BETTER, WE WILL PLAY BETTER, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO GROW, TOO BAD FOR THE OTHER TEAMS, WE ARE JUST STARTING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO WIN IN BIG GAMES.....I AM PROUD TO BE PART OF WHAT YOU GIRLS GOT GOING HERE, JOB WELL DONE, CYA ON THE DIAMOND...

                        *****10u Rampage Turkey Trot Winners*****                      

The Crew:

KFC, DJ Peperoni, Turtle, Tazz, Turbo(with Diesel), KandyKorn, Krunch, CeeDee, Ipod, KoolAid, Gemini, AlyKat, MityMouse, Squinky, Coach Joe:{, Coach Adrian:{, Ezmy:}, Gloria:}, Cheryl:}, and ME :))..................

                      *****Turkey Trot Winners-PS Lil SLuggers*****

PS LIL SLUGGERS---3 WINS, 0 LOSES

LADY LACES-----2 WINS, 1 LOSE

LQ/CALEXICO THUNDER--1 WIN, 2 LOSES

INDIO ALL STARS--0 WINS, 3 LOSES

PAJAMA JAM TOURNY---***3rd PLACE FINISH***

This is why we play outside the Valley, to see how much we have grown as a "TEAM", and to see where we need to continue to improve to become better ball players vs stronger competition....Huge thing to remember, these girls are very much influenced by what is around them, if we tell them they belong with elite competition, they will believe it, if we tell them we stink and we belong in Rec Ball, they will believe it, we didn't win the Tournament, we didn't take 2nd, but what we did do was surprise Corona with our competitve play, and once having the comment of, "They play softball in Palm Springs?", Whittier Coach Carlos had 2 daughters on team, one 10, and one 9 yrs old....he told me there is no way they compete with us next year as this is as good as they get, and he is taking both pitchers, catcher, shortstop and 3rd baseman to 12u next Season, the other 4 stay down, none of them pitchers, "we are ahead of our age" was his exact thought...Corona Coach tells me, wow, we got beat by a bunch of little "rich kids", I laughed, told him we wouldn't spend so much at snack bar so he could look at us in a different light, lol.......was impressed for us coming from the Desert.....Montclair chimed in, we are a "Rec Ball League, we can't compete with you travel teams", another great compliment, I just let them know we are same as them, just have really good work ethic from players to get better, they work hard at what they do, her response, but the uniforms, the bags, the stretching, the way they warm up, that is not "Rec Ball", just told her they have a "Baseball Coach" in the desert that teaches them well, and we as parents are lucky to have him, he gives lessons and would lose too much money if he came to "Coach Girls" in games, so we wing it on the field.......we will not be able to "sneak up" on these other Cities for too much longer, word of mouth travels faster then Facebook......

Lil SLuggers (1) vs Whittier Sting (3)

Pitchers duel, Jazmine, (Sting pitcher) threw 4-1 ratio strikes-balls, threw about 38-40 mph, not great, but very good...after our initial shock of getting past her size and settling into game, we started to put ball in play, just too little too late....they scored 3 runs on just 2 hits and 3 bbs, but made enough contact to advance runners and make those baserunners count.....Turtle in the circle was money, KFC in right field was awesome, she robbed 5 hits with a "hot shot" at 1st to help keep us close.....in the end, a bunt by MityMouse and 2 base error got us in position to score 1st run, a bb by Turtle, steal of 2nd, and LOUSY 1b by Turbo (with Deisel) scored the 2nd run, but time runs out on us just as we started to make a little offensive noise, oh well, we do belong...

Lil Sluggers (6)vs Corona Rowdy Reindeer (5)

2 quick outs to start game, but 2 1bs followed to allow 1st run of the game, but it wasn't our team, it was those Rowdy Reindeer.....we had our turn at the dish, Tazz bunt, Turtle hit by a pitch (it really din't hurt), Turbo 1b, KandyKron 2b, Ipod 2b, KFC Home Run, we came to hit, 5 runs and turn inn around, woohoo....here came the trouble, 4 straight batters get on base, pitching change after 3 runs scored, Turbo (with Deisel) came into the circle, what a job she did, limit to 1 more run but retired 3 of the next 4 batters to only allow those ROWDY REINDEER parents 1 inn to be SUPER LOUD.....with just a 1 run lead, they got a little loud again, a misplayed ball cost us a run, tying run on 2nd, Turbo strikes out batter for 3rd out and keep game tied....top 4th inn, 14 minutes left  to play, they reach on a leadoff 1b, KFC once again on patrol in right field Hot shot for out #1, grounder to 1st base Turtle out #2 and runner to 3rd base, wild pitch, runner attempts to score from 3rd base, Gemini shuffles ball to Turbo who sits on the plate and cuts runner down to keep game tied, and we still have 8 minutes to try and score a run...after a quick out, Gemini again reaches on a bb, steals 2nd base, and a dropped 3rd strike allows Ipod to reach 2nd with only 1 out...speedy(Gemini) on 3rd base attemps to score on a wild pitch, but the got us, Ipod reaches 3rd on the play but now have 2 outs and KFC at the dish.....Rowdy pitcher was laboring, she had several wild pitches in the inn, with a 3-1 count on KFC, ball 4 was high and off the catcher glove, KFC races around first and reaches 2nd base, in the confusion Ipod races home for go ahead run, dust clears, time runs out, we get the win, Rowdy Reindeer a little more mellow, but very exciting on our end of the field......

Quarter Final Lil SLuggers (3) vs Montclair (0) 

Turtle was $$$$$, she threw 5 inn, avg 8 pitches an inn, 2 hits, 3bbs, 0 runs , WOW...not to be outdone, Montclair threw well, 34-37 mph, but peppered the strike zone, we had baserunners in every inn, just could not come up with a clutch hit, Tazz, Ipod, Krunch alternated on base first 4 inn, no runs scored though...5th inn, a 7 pitch bb to MityMouse as lead off, 1b to center by Tazz and runners on 1st and 3rd, Turtle joins the party with a 1b to center and they trade places on the bases, Turbo chases Tazz and Turtle home with her 1b to center and we put up 3 LOUD runs, clock runs out we take the win...I guess it pays to look like travel team as Coach Perez from Montclair tells me , WHAT A GAME!!!....

Semi Final: Lil SLuggers (0) vs Whittier Sting( 7)

Coach Carlos from Whittier appraoched me before the game, said he knew they would see us again, but hoped it came in the finals as girls were a really sound looking team, nice compliment for our girls again....he threw one of his "Horses" at us, again she peppered the strike zone , but nothing overpowering...we hit, they made the plays, what they are supposed to do...of the 15 outs, 5 strikeouts, and 10 defensive plays, Turbo 1b, KandyKorn bb, our only baserunners, that is not nearly enough, and we were shut out....on our end, too many routine plays not made , every runner that reached for them we could have made a play on, we didn't, they did, ball game...as a TEAM, we need to pick up the defense, routine plays should be that, an out, no excuses, be ready ,look sharp, and it will be routine, my leg hurts, sun was in my eye, I didn't think I could get it, I wasn't ready, the ball slipped, even though I hear you, there are no excuses when you are prepared, and you girls are prepared, just not as "focused" as we need to be, that is easy to work on, it is a mental game we will need to win next, it will be on everyone's wish list for SANTA, a bag full of "FOCUS".....

A very competitive weekend of ball, makes me more excited for 2014 Season that starts Jan 1st, we will be the bullies, we should look really good as a Team, and play a whole lot better as we will be playing girls our own age for the 1st time in 18 months, WE WILL BE THE BIG BULLIES NOW, DON"T YOU FORGET THAT!!! 

Knuckle Up New Years Friendly:

We were back on the Diamond to shake off some rust, and boy did we carry lots of it.....after having taken 2 weeks off, we looked a little out of order, including and starting with Myself.....I decided outs weren't important somehow and killed a rally of ours by walking off the field with only 2 outs, and baserunners following me as if I was correct with out situation, I wasn't, I WAS WRONG, but glad that didn't cost us the game, WHEW!!!!!!  All kidding aside, we played good, not what we are used to , but we played well enough to scratch a win and a tie.......I am not the only person to think the tie left us feeling empty, we looked like better Team, we had winning run on 3rd with 1 out when time ran out, maybe that is why it felt as if we lost, oh well, if we put a little more giddy-up in our step next time out, if I keep track of outs, and if we bring a little sharper focus with us, it won't feel so empty next time, it happens, we learn, softball moves on. (can't believe I lost track of outs, where were my scorekeepers to remind me, oh that's right, they were under blankets sipping on Lattes, at least they were comfy, right?)

Game #1

Having lost the coin toss, we were the home Team, they chose sticks.....2 bbs and 1 error cost us 2 runs, but damage was limited after a k to last batter with bases loaded....we came out and reached on a dropped 3rd strike, yes, a dropped 3rd strike was all we could do the 1st inning, oh oh.....they were once again able to push across another run on 2 bbs and 2 fielder's choice, but damage was limited by the power of the k, 2 in the inning.....once again, only 1 bb and 2 more k's from our end, timing is a little off, no more BREAKS!!!!!!, end of 3 innings, 3-0 them.....we made some good defensive plays to keep them off the board for 2 straight innings, and we woke up with our sticks.....7 runs on 9 hits and 1 bb in the bottom of 4th inning, we restored order a little bit, and after a leadoff bb for them, 2 fielder's choice scored another run, but game end on another ground ball to 3rd base, ballgame, we had life before game dos.....

Lil SLuggers-------7

Knuckle Up--------4

Game #2

We once again were not ready at start of game, we gave up 3 runs on 3 errors, 1bb, and 1 hit......after getting 2 runners on, we struck out 3 more times to end any kind of rally and not make too much noise and down 3-0 after 1....a quick inn of defense and us not able to push anything across again after 2 leadoff bbs and at end of 2, 3-0 Knuckle Up.....they again led off with a fieler's choice not of our liking, our fielder'd couldn't choose who would take the ground ball, thus a lead off fielder's choice the wrong way...she evetually scored, and we are now chasing 4 runs, awwwwww.......we once again know we can hit anywhere against anyone, we did, 4 runs crossed and I almost walked off with only 2 outs again, but girls were finally awake and reminded me that their were only 2 outs, we plated another run to take a 5-4 lead at the end of 4 inn....with time running out, they walked, scored run and tied the game, 6 minutes to make something happen...Lead-off 2b, but it cost us 3 minutes, after an at bat that lasted 8 pitches, we advanced to 3rd, but guess what?  BALL GAME, time ran out, awwwwwww!!!!! I looked at our girls, looked back at their Coaches and saw them high fives all around, looked back at our girls just standing around, what just happened, it's over? we lost?  No knuckleheads, we didn't lose, but yes it's over, it ends in a tie becuase we didn't use our 1 hr 20 min wisely.....it happens......(technically, it didn't go 5 complete inn, it reverts back to last complete inn which was 5-4 us, but we all know they scored 5th run on us, and we didn't push #6 across in the time limit, so it ends a tie, at least it wasn't a loss, right?)

Lil Sluggers------5

Knuckle Up------5

WHAT TIME IS IT???  GAME TIME!!! 

So we just finished up a Marathon weekend of Softball.....What did we like about it?  It was filled with SOFTBALL!!!  This was a good weekend...we haven't practiced much, (darn lights), but we are really coming on strong, the work you guys put in as 8yr olds playing vs 10s, the work as 9s vs 10/11/12s, and now 10s vs our own age finally, (What on earth was Coach thinking?)...it is rewarding to see.....all that work and you girls/parents trusting Coach Joe and Myself to lead this group is starting to pay off......I am anxoius as to where this group of girls will eventually wind up in their older years, but very exciting to see at this age now....excellent weekend of games, Team Comraderie that comes with this, Family unity we share, this makes it all worthwhile to be around...I almost thought of taking offer as High School Baseball pitching Coach, (I turned it down), I almost took offer to Coach High School Softball, (I turned it down), so for now, these girls are stuck with me for awhile......but it is a "Fun Bunch" to be around, job well done, cya on the diamond......

5 games, (4 wins-1oss), 38 runs scored-11 runs allowed, Great defense (only 1 bad inning of 2 unearned runs), timely clutch hitting, and most of all, Turtle, Tazz, Turbo took care of business in the circle to allow group to compete at high level...KandyKorn and Gemini working behind the dish, DJ Pep-KFC-Capt Crunch chipping in flashing leather in the diamond and handling all routine plays, Mity-Squinky-CeeDee-KoolAid-Ipod handling anything that came their way in the green, total Team effort, which made for our exciting Weekend of Softball...get your rest, Coach always says "your only as good as the next pitch", so enjoy this, and turn the page to continue our Journey........PS Lil Sluggers, woo-woo....

                               So Cal KunckleUp Winter Tournament 

Game #1: SoCal KnuckleUp vs PS Lil Sluggers

Well, we are back on the diamond to play, but WOW, WHO ORDERED THE COLD!!!  With a familiar Team in KnuckleUp, there were no secrets, I thought...they got a new pitcher, a good one, but not a great one...she got through our lineup first time around and only gave up 4 through 4 inn, really good vs us....2nd time through, we hit and tired her out, she had nothing left and we were able to cut their 3 run lead and finish on top....great way to comeback, the tone you set and scouting being done by RC Force was setting up for clash later on.....

PS Lil Sluggers-------8

KnuckleUp---------7 

Game #2: Lil Sluggers vs STC Prospects

The STC Prospects, different name, same Team....cruising through the game, waiting for playoffs to begin, we witnessed Peperoni and KFC pitch well in only allowing 4 runs, we again hit really well off their Horse Grace, and the highlight, a KoolAid HOMERUN over head of her fellow schoolmate, woowoo.....

PS Lil Sluggers-------14

STC Prospects---------4

2:00 Seed #2 PS Lil Sluggers vs #3 Knuckleup 

Now the fun Begins......With our pitchers well rested, Turtle, Tazz & Turbo time to get us further in the playoffs......Knuckleup threw their ace at us, no problem, no problem, we put up runs early and every inn to rattle the Host sideline.....Turtle looking sharp in her 2and 2/3 inn and Tazz holding down the last 1 and 1/3, 5 runs was all they could manage to put up, normally not enough vs us....we took a 1 run lead into last inn and put up 11 runs, I thought Coach Joe's arm would need ice after all that waving runners home on hit after hit after hit after hit....it was an exciting thing to see, and well expected from this group, onto the finals.......

PS Lil Sluggers----------16

So Cal KnuckleUp--------5

Championship Game @ SunnyMead Park

#1 RC Force vs #2 PS Lil Sluggers

I always pride myself in knowing the rules of the game, and for a Coach to question my challenge is always fun to see them squirm when they are wrong......we were visitors, starting pitcher throwing Illegal Pitches all warmups, I knew we would be in her head early.....after 2nd illegal pitch, I called time, pointed it out, and we continued play...Krunch 1bs up the middle on an illegal pitch, RC Coach insists on "do over", but informed he has to live with result and correct pitcher throwing illegal pitches, he wasn't happy, Coaches weren't happy, Parents weren't happy, I smirked and went back to work at 1st base, pitcher no longer comfortable and we were able to put 3 clean runs to start....our defense was a little shaky, they clawed back, and a tie after 1 inn of play 3-3..when our girls returned to dugout, they had a swag knowing we hit their pitcher, we did, and put up another 3 runs, defense wins games, here we go......2 quick outs and they were able to scratch across 1 more in next 2 inns, but we still get a chance to hit, usually not good for other Team......through 4 inn and a 6-4 lead, we did what we do best, we hit, we run, we score......there was approx 18 min left when we started top of 5th inn, we reached base on 9 out of 10 batters, Coach Joe having RC players scrambling with his aggressive leadership, time expired while we still only had 1 out, again, their Coach complaining about time, we still need to play inn in full, he thought it was drop dead, duh......we continued to pile on runs, and took a 13 run lead into their last abs....their Coach finally came to me at start of bottom of 5th and extended "olive branch"..."Coach, you have an awesome defense, we can't hit the ball and expect to reach base with your girls getiing to everything, never seen anything like it", seeing him defeated, I took 1 last jab, told him "funny, our baseball Coach only works pitchers and hitting, tells players it's up to them to figure out defense", he sent compliments to players for getting it right, but I finished with, "our pitchers have done OK here, and our hitting just complimented the defense, but we need 3 more outs"...1st batter out quickly, an error and a bb before recording 2nd out, another bb and Tazz comes to take the rock in the circle, ground ball out and Lil Sluggers win again, not to shabby for a group of girls being taught by a "Baseball Coach", hope someone remembers to ice down Coach Joe, I think we found a comfy spot for him at 3rd base, next time, let's not complain about cold, karma brought it back to Valley and we didn't even get a chance to thaw out......, best quote of the day came from a parent telling me, "our girls were in BEAST MODE"  CONGRATS again, CHAMPS!!!,

Tazz-Kapt Krunch-Turtle-Turbo-KFC-Gemini-KandyKorn steady at the dish all day, Turtle-Tazz-Turbo-Kapt Krunch-Peperoni-KFC dealing in the circle giving other teams fits, Mity Mouse-KoolAid-CeeDee-Ipod-Squinky-giving them fits anytime balls reached our greens, way to protect our home. I hope when you parents are in "Bragging Mode" on your Insta-grams, Myspace, your space and their space accts, you remember to send an extremely important message:  my daughter's TEAM did well, not my daughter, girls and Coach Tony really appreciate the TEAM CHEMISTRY and it sends a positive message of hard work together, and not I-I-I-I-I which is not allowed in OUR dugout, it has always been and always will be TEAM that does well, cya on the diamond....

*****SoCal KuckleUp Winter Tournament Champions*****

PS Lil Sluggers--------16

RC Force----------------8

9:00am--Lil Sluggers vs KnuckleUp 

Familiar Team, we have seen pitcher 3 times, and all 3 times advantage Lil Sluggers....10 runs in 4 inn and held them to 4, good start to long day of softball....Tazz 1b followed by Capt Crunch bb, Turbo 3b and we pushed 2 across...Tazz 3b, Crunch 1b, Turtle bb, Turbo 1b and we notch another 3....Gemini long 3b, KFC 1b, Tazz 1b good for another 2 runs...Turtle bb, Turbo 2b, Ipod 1b, Gemini bb, KandyKorn 1b, KFC 1b and we score another 3 runs.....Tazz and Turbo only give up 2 runs each, only 1 earned and time expires.......

Lil Sluggers--------10

KnuckleUp-----------4

10:30am-Lil Sluggers vs SoCal Nationals (Paul)

This was a tough Team, 75% of Team was from Redlands All Stars, and we know how good they are.....Tazz 1b, Crunch bb, Turtle 3b, Turbo 1b, KandyKorn 3b, KFC 2b, MityMouse 1b, all in the 1st inn, 5 on the board...Turbo throws the 1st 2 inn and only gives up 2 runs, nice job....we kept applying pressure, Turtle bb, Ipod 1b, Gemini 1b and we push 2 more in...they reached on a lead off bb, scored but no real damage was done, end of 3, 8-3 Good Gals.....we finally went down 1-2-3, our only time of the weekend, oops....after bad abs, our 1 bad inn of defense, 3 hits, 1bb, and 3 errors cost us 3 unearned runs, it happens, turn the page, and we move on.....we were at the plate with 15 minutes left, a KFC bb, KoolAid 1b up the middle that almost wiped out the pitcher, Tazz sac fly to right, Crunch rbi to 2nd and we pushed across another 2 runs, we ate up 15 minutes and never saw the field again, pretty good for a bunch of Rec Ball players....

Lil Sluggers--------10

Nationals------------6

1:30pm-Lil Sluggers vs Colton Pride

I did ask for the best Teams coming to play, we prepared as a Team with a Mission, Show others that softball in the Valley is here to stay.....we are creating a buzzzzzzzz, and a good one, this is good to see...Colton was on my hit list, a little too big a target for us, we were pumped, 13 runs-10 hits-3 bbs, 4-2bs, 2hrs, 25 minutes, all in the 1st inn..Tazz and Turbo combined 3 inn in the circle, 2 runs on 4 hits-1bb-1k, 14balls-27strikes, that is good pitching.....we continued to hit, we put up 3 more runs, but funniest thing, everytime we hit after 2nd inn, we thought we were playing baseball and took early leads, what "knuckleheads".....Tazz 4-4/hr, Capt Crunch 3-4/2b, MityMouse 2-2/2b, Turbo 3-3, KoolAid 1-2, Pepsi 2-2/hr, KandyKorn1-2/2b, KFC 1-1/2b, Squinky 3bbs...job well done.....

Lil Sluggers--------16

Pride------------------2

4:30pm-Lil Sluggers vs SoCal Nationals (Servick)

Girls were running on fumes, but we were finishing the Mission we started, Show we are here, and they will remember who we are...13 runs, 10 hits, Gemini HR, I thought she was going to pass out, stumbling, bumbling, rumbling all the way to the plate, and not to be outdone, KoolAid hits a Home Run and only touches home plate, huh? Glad you asked...as she was close to 1st, she turned to 2nd and acted as if 1st base was placed at 57' (really 60'), headed towards 2nd but acted as if it was 59" away, continued to 3rd, where she side stepped 3rd base player and acted as if 3rd really not important to touch either since she already missed 1st and 2nd, what's one more miss, right?..by this time I was a little worried, if she misses home plate, I will personally sign her up for eye doctor, as those white squares on the clay in a diamond shape are bases, the more you collect, the better you did, we will need to explain in detail to KoolAid....she hit home plate, an official unofficial Home Run....I asked her on Monday what she was thinking, she just shrugged and said, "1st base was in the way, I didn't want to hurt her"...HILARIOUS....what about 2nd, and 3rd, and, never mind, some things better left unanswered....Gemini gets hit and it hurts, I looked at Coach as she was making way to 1st, he shrugged at me and looked away, I'm not liking it....just after Ceedee wears one in the leg, she sprints down the line as if someone shot her with a bb gun..I ask if she is OK? "I'm fine, no worries", she replies, their Coach takes this time to give me his back and ignore situation with his pitcher, Really?..as much as I don't think it was intentional, I don't like it, we will play here again, I will request this team again, I DO NOT take things lightly, I come from baseball, YOU DON"T DO THIS WITHOUT AN APOLOGY, and there are ways to let any Team know the way they play the game is not appreciated or accepted, a simple "I'm Sorry and handshake by player" displays great sportsmanship, our girls must and always do this, maybe I will remind them how to handle those type of situations next time, I refuse to allow OUR GIRLS to be exposed to injury, PERIOD....best of all, we had our 3-Headed monster finish with a PERFECT GAME NO HITTER!!! Turtle 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 bbs /Tazz 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 bbs/ Turbo, 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 bbs/ WOW!!! doesn't happen very often, but a fitting end to a great day of SOFTBAL!!! Lil Sluggers, YOU ROCK!!!!!!

Lil Sluggers----------13

Nationals--------------0

In total 49 runs scored vs 12 runs allowed...this will win lots of tournaments, continue to work, and we will continue to get better, nice job, cya on the diamond.......

****************FEB 2014 WINTER CLASSIC CHAMPIONS**************

**************Thanks to Growing List of Sponsors******************

***Reina Flores/Grandma & Grandpa Flores-10u Lil Sluggers***

***Laurence Taylor/Ca. Addiction Recovery Service***

***Desert Empire Insurance-10u Lil Sluggers***

Marcus Black Plastering Const.-Sponsored 9u Lil Sluggers

Gustavo Jimemez Const.-Sponsored 9u Lil Sluggers

MOJICA TOWING-Sponsored 9u Lil Sluggers

Agua Caliente Band Of Cahuilla Indians-Sponsored 8u All Stars

Western Exterminator Co-Sponsored 8u All Stars

Our most faithful LIL SLUGGERS FAMILY!!!-Always a Sponsor...

"CHAMPIONS ARE MADE, NOT FOUND"

"WINNERS TRAIN WHILE OTHERS COMPLAIN"

"NO EXCUSES!!!"

"Practice it right, till you can't get it wrong"

               **********2014 Palm Springs Lil Sluggers**********

10U LIL SLUGGERS "BEAST MODE" SQUAD

  Coach: Joe Alarcon

#1  "KFC" Makayla Salcedo                              #9  "Ipod" Makaila Pete

#2  "DJ Pep" Alex Garcia                                   #10 "Kool-Aid" Gigi Gutierrez

#3  "Turtle" Tessah Black                                 #11 "Gemini" Myranda Jimenez

#4  "Tazz" Jazmine Lara                                   

#5  "Turbo" Joy Rodrigues                             #14 "MityMouse" Jennah Cavoretto

#6  "KandyKorn" Krystal Alarcon                    #15  "Squinky" Isabel Damian

#7  "Krunch" Feather McKellips                      Team Mom:  Esmy Alarcon

#8  "CeeDee" Corina DiBello                                                    Gloria Reyes       

Spring Fling SCRIMMAGE:

We had not played in SCRIMMAGE in a little bit, "Rec Ball" and Snack Bar has had us scrambling.  But this was a good time, playing very competitve Teams is always good for us.  I had a question repeated all day, Where is your pitcher?  I asked which one, but knew who they were referring to.  Just told me they didn't respect the rest of the crew without our "pitcher"....Tazz and Turbo gave up only 4 runs in 10 inn to very good hitting Teams (Nationals and IV Elite), that is good, especially since we didn't have "Our Pitcher".....KFC and Peperoni only gave up 3 runs to a very improved Kapu Squad, and believe it or not, was barely enough for us to squeak out a win over them in extra inn, hats off to Puala from Coachella/kapu, she was a horse on the mound.....We had ever present hitting all day, Turbo, Krunch, Gemini, KandyKorn, and Tazz led the attack on opposing pitchers, but we all chipped in and made it happen.....defense once again has caught up with our hitting and pitching, so we are getting to play alot better as a group, keep up the good work, cya on the diamond.....

Lil Sluggers--------13

Nationals-----------1

------------------------

Lil Sluggers---------6

IV Elite--------------3

-----------------------

Lil Sluggers ---------4

Kapu------------------3

Lil Sluggers vs SoCal Nationals sCRIMMAGE

We finally get to compete with really good Travel Team at home, I almost didn't know how to act...but was brought back to reality quickly when I realized it meant field prep, scheduling umpires, and making sure team was ready to go, almost easier to pay $100 for gas, food, and snacks between games and go somewhere else to play...but really? Nothing replaces playing at home, Thanks Mark for the assist in getting fields ready Fri night......

We played good, but not Lil Sluggers softball...we played at other teams level, always a bad pattern to get into....from skipping practice, lack of energy, lack of focus, and unwilling to take advantage of playing time, we struggled out of the gate...one thing that has been constant with this team is hitting, we did that, but just came up short with putting hits and runs together.....pitching was ok, not bad, but not what we are used to.....defense was bad, it was not good, and it always shows lack of prep in practice when we play this way......I take the blame, but expect to work when and if you do decide to show to practice, as you saw game 1, it does hurt when you aren't there and focused....Nationals played the best we have seen them play, they are heading in the right direction, and want to scrimmage us again, they are very confident in what they are doing.....we should repect every Team we play, and we will get back into our usaul sharp looking selves

PS Lil Sluggers--------6

SoCal Nationals-------7

So game 2 got under way, we played much better defense, I think the Rock Star I am so much against actually did the girls some good, but it will not be a crutch for us to lean on as it will never happen again, Krunch literally ran onto field, came back and asked me where was she supposed to be playing, smiling, talking 100 miles an hour, WOW, what is in that stuff......we played this way the whole game as well, in 5th gear and putting pressure every at bat, every pitch, every inn....welcome back Lil Sluggers, "we love you Rock Star??"......NOT......trust me it won't ever happen again, no more Rock Star in my dugout.....KFC was actually awake, she was yawning between pitches, her eyes were tearing she was so tired, "we love you Rock Star!!", all kidding aside, we played much better game 2, and this is what us Parents have been spoiled to watch when these girls take the field, job well done, cya on the diamond.......

PS Lil Slugger-------6

SoCal Nationals---2

2nd Place Finish (Peter Celebrates in backround-PHOTO BOMB-)Cinco De Mayo All Star Warm Up

We played in 5 games, played ALL DAY LONG, and competed well enough to finish in 2nd place.....here is a quick wrap up of games.....

Game #1: IE Elite vs Lil Sluggers

I was told they were saving "Muffin" for the playoffs, Coach told me we figured out how to hit change up and that was only advantage she had..

Well other pitchers were hit hard, really hard.....KandyKorn hit a 2b, CeeDee 2b, Turbo HR, Krunch hr, KoolAid 3b, Squinky 2-hrs, all this helped us score 17 runs....Turtle & Turbo combined for only 1 run allowed to help secure the win.....

IE Elite---------1

PS Lil Sluggers--17

Game #2 TNL 03 vs Lil Sluggers

Well, pitching is the name of the game, and they brought it.....we saw Ramsey throwing 48-49 mph, and she wasn't their best pitcher.....we had some quality abs, just not enough of them and not bunched together...here is what we did do though, Tazz 1b/2b, KandyKorn HR, Turbo 2-1bs, Krunch 1b and a run, not enough vs a good team...we will see them again...

TNL 03------7

Lil Sluggers--3

Game #3Playoffs Begin: 9u Kapu vs Lil Sluggers

Our neighbors from Indio drew the 6th seed, we drew the 3rd seed, so we meet again....Paula is a really good pitcher, she is "9" and playing 12u rec ball, her Mom is a nut right?....not so much, we did the same thing at 9 vs 12u teams as well, except our whole team was "9", we are all a little "nuts", you guys for allowing me to play 12s, me for doing it, I guess we all deserve each other, lol.......Paula was dealing, with a few costly running errors and her clutch pitching it kept the game close.....we pushed across 5 runs, but should have been 7+.....Turtle came out strong in 1st inn, but struggled in 2nd, no big deal, Turbo came in to clean up, our defense fell asleep and allowed 3 unearned runs to get them back in the game......last out recorded at 2nd and game over, we survive to next round....Tazz 1b, Turbo 2b/1b, Krunch 1b/2b, KFC 2b/hr, this was enough for 5 runs and the win......

Indio Kapu------4

Lil Sluggers-----5

Game #4 Semi-Final Game:  Lady Laces vs Lil Sluggers

Laces got an Excellent draw, wound up with #2 seed and played their way into the Semis...we played the Laces several times last year, but we were only 9 and this was a totally different team......we hit really well, and put up a bunch of runs......Tazz 3-4/3b, KandyKorn 2-2/2b, Ipod 1-2/1b, Tyrtle 4-4/hr/2b, KoolAid 3-3, Gemini 4-4/hr/2b, Krunch 2-2/2b, CeeDee 1-2/1b, KFC 3-4, Pep 3-4, MityMouse 1-2/2b...Tazz and Pep combined for 3 inn and 0 runs allowed.......on to the FINALS...

Lady Laces-------0

Lil Sluggers------21

Game #5 FINALS:  TNL 03 vs Lil Sluggers

Ok, so we get them again, and knowing their ace will be on the mound, we have our work cut our for us....Keynon was throwing 52MPH, wow, that is serious stuff.......what did we do against her? we competed, Tazz had a leadoff 9 pitch ab finish with a 1b, she stole 2nd, stole 3rd, and while Turbo was at plate with a 9 pitch bb of her own, Tazz crossed home plate on wild pitch....after top half inn, 1-0 good gals.....here is where it came unraveled....they hit, they hit really well, we helped them with 5 walks and letting 2 catchable hits fall, all done after 1st inn 6-1 TNL......KFC once again lead off with a 1b, stole 2nd/3rd, and came home on another wild pitch...3rd inning Turtle lead off with a home run, Turbo again came up big with another hard hit 1b, Krunch followed with her 7 pitch ab 1b, but that was all we had in us, not enough vs a hard hitting team......we battled in the circle, Turbo was dealing, we just couldn't get enough defensive support as they pushed across 5 more runs in next 4 inn, we did what we could, but TNL on the radar to go get after this weekend......

TNL 03--------11

Lil Sluggers----3 (2nd Place )

                                                                              '14 Palm Springs All Stars

Bottom Row L-R

Feather McKellip, Krystal Alarcon, Makayla Salcedo, Alex Garcia, Gigi Gutierrez, Tessah Black

Top Row L-R

Jazmine Lara, Isabel Damian, Joy Rodrigues, Myranda Jimenez, Makaila Pete

Coach Tony-Coach Joe

Missing: Jennah Cavoretto

Team Mom: Esmy Alarcon (on a hike), Gloria Black ( at the Mall), Cheryl Cavoretto (chillin on Ice)

 "The Big Red Machine"------10u Palm Springs All Stars

Turbo-Ipod-KandyKorn-Tazz-Squinky-Gemini

Krunch-KFC-MityMouse-DJ Pep-KoolAid-Turtle

Coach Joe- "Ice" Cheryl- "Stretch" Esmy- "My First Rodeo" Gloria-Coach Tony

Awesome Fireworks Weekend

This is what it felt like I was watching, fireworks all weekend long during the day at that....great job hitting the ball, really good job pitching the ball, and a little shaky defense at times, but otherwise really good weekend of softball...how good was it you ask?  Well, we put up 66 runs in 5 games, they had 6 in 5 games, we had 84 hits against 15 different pitchers we faced in the games, they managed 12 hits vs Tazz, Turbo, Turtle, Diet Pepsi, KFC.....those are really strong numbers for us......it was the errors on defense that we need to clean up so we can continue to get stronger..........here are our Heroes for the weekend...

Tazz 9-15, KandyKorn 12-13, Turtle 10-13, Turbo 11-14, Gemini 7-11, Kfc 7-12, Ipod 5-11, Diet Pepsi 4-10, Krunch 5-12, MityMouse 4-8, KoolAid 7-11, Squinky 3-8.....these are some AWESOME hitting numbers.....

Enjoy the day off and we will attack defensive side of the game on Tuesday

Kapu----------------2

PS All Stars----19

Desert Prospects--0

PS All Stars-------------11

Valley Wide-------------0

PS All Stars-------------13

Redlands Red---------1

PS All Stars-------------16

Screaming Eagles---4

PS All Stars--------------7

CYA ON THE DIAMOND.......................YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!

SQUINKY-IPOD-MITYMOUSE-KFC-KOOLAID-KRUNCH

PEP-TURTLE-TAZZ-COACH-GEMINI-CHAMPIONS BANNER-TURBO-KANDYKORN-COACH JOE-ESMY

Coach Joe and Peter think they are funny.....yes, it;s gatorade, and yes it's COLD, WHEN IS IT SOMEONE ELSE'S TURN TO GET THE GATORADE SHOWER????.....

I wouldn't let them steal anyone's cheer unless they took care of business on the field, they did, and they did..Palm Springs got the Palm Springs got the what? what?....Palm Springs got the Palm Springs got the JUICE JUICE, SAY WHAT!!!

So we came in with a theme for the weekend.....FOCUS-(FOCUS), I got their attention....we lost it for an inn or 2 in Corona, but as the saying goes, "what doesn't HURT you will only make you stronger"....in our case it, much stronger..we were faced with same situation, but because we had experienced it before, we stayed together , FOCUSED, and got the job done......I was asked that if we could win this game, to please let out the longest , loudest bark possible so it could be heard all the way back to Redlands.....I didn't have to, there were a bunch of Chihuahas and one loud ROTTWEILLER that was heard all the way to Upland.......

We may have won our game on Saturday night with the coin toss, for those of you that don't know, I ran into Coach Gilbert and was told that we "got lucky" to escape with win, Indio made bad decision as we were being dominated and we were left off the hook with a pitching change....he said let's flip coin so we can set up early and settle game on the field....I was all too happy to send Coach Joe and Esmy to take care of it, I didn't know till Sunday if we won or lost the toss, we won, we were home, and it worked......

Turtle and Vargas threw really good games,{ Vargas went 5 inn-11 hits-0 bbs-2ks-3runs}, Our Own Turtle was a HORSE, 6 inn-4hits-1bb-5ks and only 1 run......

Redlands scored in the 2nd inn with a lead off walk, and a 1b...that was all damage that was done, 1 run in 6 inn....we put pressure on Redlands every inn except the 1st, we had runners all game long, and finally got it together in the 5th....

Tazz led off with a 1b, stole 2nd, and went to 3rd on a ground ball hit to 2nd by Krunch, Turtle then hit Sac Fly to deep center to score Tazz....Turbo followed with a 2 out 1b to center, Gemini laced a 3b down right field line, this is where it was funny, exciting, and extremely long....it was slow trying to score from 1st, Coach Joe was waving his arm as fast as he could as if that would speed Turbo up, it didn't, chasing her was slower in Gemini trying to get to 3rd, what seemed like an eternity, we eventually scored Turbo, and Gemini winds up with a 3b, and I was extremely exhausted watching the 2 of them cruise around the bases, THESE 2 ARE NOT BLESSED WITH SPEED, BUT THE POWER THEY HIT WITH IS EXCITING TO SEE....not to be out done, KandyKorn rips a 1b to right-center to score Gemini...what was a sprint of 4 inn in 1 hour, turned to a marathon inning and we put up 3 runs to go up 3-1, all with 2 outs...Turtle gets back in the circle, 1 pitch and KFC catches routine fly to right....next pitch and Turbo gets routine grounder to Krunch for out #2, 2 pitches later and MityMouse catches routine fly ball to left field and Banner stays where it belongs, AT OUR HOUSE!!!!.....

12 Girls(Squinky, MityMouse, Ipod, KoolAid, KFC, Gemini, KandyKorn, Tazz, Pep, Krunch, Turtle, and Turbo) enter with one common goal, to get better every pitch, 12 girls conquered their goal this time out, we played every pitch, we stayed focused, we handled our business...let's enjoy the moment, turn the page, and focus on Moreno Valley with even more intensity than PS Tournament..... 

Our Journey to get back to World Series this Season is getting more and more exciting, with each passing Tournament, each passing game, each passing inn, each passing pitch, we continue to grow and learn from our mistakes and make our Team stronger.....12 girls, 1 goal, 1 mission, to leave a mark that no other Palm Springs Teams will ever reach or duplicate, and to continue to grow and play at our highest level possible, these are 12 girls that we as parents have helped unite as ONE, PALM SPRINGS ALL STARS, YOU KNOW, WOOF WOOF!!!!

Makayla KFC Salcedo-Alex PEP Garcia-Tessah TURTLE Black-Jazmine TAZZ Lara-Joy TURBO Rodrigues-Krystal KANDYKORN Alarcon-Feather KRUNCH McKellpis-Makaila IPOD Pete-Gigi KOOLAID Gutierrez-Myranda GEMINI Jimenez-Jennah MITYMOUSE Cavoretto-Isabel SQUINKY Damian-PALM SPRINGS 10U ALL STARS

2014 Super Region Champions

Cheryl-KoolAid-Diet Pep-KFC-Krunch-Turbo-MityMouse-Turtle-Squinky-Ipod-Gemini-Tazz-KandyKorn-Coach Joe

Championship Game

Plam Springs All Stars vs Redlands Red All Stars

We lost the coin flip, No Big Deal, both Teams still get same amount of inn.....we had girls pumped, they were ready to go, and we were here to show that it was not "lucky" we won in Palm Springs, but the more focused Team that got it done...AGAIN....*****on a side note---we play the game a certain way, we always respect the other player, the other Team, the other Coach, the other parents...we never DISRESPECT ANY COMPETITOR ON THE FIELD, PERIOD".....we saw a little bit of that on Sunday, not from our side, but there still isn't any room for that on a ball field.....Coach Joe nailed it in pre-game; "emotions will run high, their parents will be extremely loud, it is just noise, stay focused, do your job, and the better Team will come out on top"... we focused, we kept calm, we made plays, we hit, we pitched well, and the better Team did win this time around, best of all, WE DID IT THE RIGHT WAY, WITH CLASS, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, AND WE DID OUR TALKING WITH 0UR PLAY ON THE FIELD, JOB WELL DONE*****

With 1 quick out, Krunch set the tone by lacing a 2b passed their extremely good center fielder-Turtle and Turbo followed with 1bs and we scratched across 2 runs...their inn also went well, after k on lead off hitter, we made 2 errors and they followed with a 1b to score 2 runs of their own, Turtle struck out next 2 batters to limit the runs and I believe shut down their attempt of control in the game.....I was thinking of a jingle during the game, "anything you can do, I can do better, no you can't, yes I can, no you can't, yes I can....)"this is how this game was flowing....we came into the dugout and scored another run, KFC hit a 1b, stole 2nd, Diet Pep hits 1b followed by Tazz 1b to add the run....KFC was a TROOPER, she was SICK, [and I MEAN REALLY SICK, NOT GOOD SICK], but she toughed it out and helped as much as she could......here came that darn jingle....anything you can do I can do better....and yes, a lead off walk scores, but damage was limited by a huge out at home as Pep threw to Tazz who threw to KandyKorn and hosed the runner at home, Lady Mo back to our dugout......end of 2 inn, 3-3 Tie.....here we go again, anything you can do, our response {NO YOU CAN"T}, and we had a big inn off their 2nd pitcher...KandyKorn 1b, KFC 2b, Ipod 1b and I had her get in a pickle to score KFC to take command of the game, 2 cross the plate and we are back in control....Turtle handled business in the circle, defense worked their magic after a k to start the inn, Lil Country hit a 1b, Vargas hits line drive that Krunch smothered, tags out Lil Country and touches 1st base for a double play, rally done.......end of 3 inn, PS-5/Redlands-3......we once again made things happen, Turbo ropes a 1b up the middle, KandKorn launches one of her bombs she has been hitting over right fielder's head, a triple and our version of Turbo scores a run, it was a bomb as Turbo came in without a throw.........they came up and scored the last run they would plate, it was earned, which didn't happen very often with Turtle dealing the way she was......end of 4 inn, PS-6/Redlands-4.....we only went down 1-2-3 once in the game, that was the 5th inn, but so did they, kinda..they got on with a bb to lead off, she went to steal, KandyKorn threw a rocket to get ball to Tazz, runner jammed the brakes and tried to get back to 1st, Tazz chased, threw to Krunch and she ran her down, on her way down she lost the ball, both umpires saw it and the call stands, runner is out.....next batter hits ground ball to Turbo for an out and then line drive to Turbo and inn over....end of 5th inn...PS-6/Redlands-4.....Coach Joe and I mentioned to girls we needed insurance runs, they didn't let us down....Turtle gets a bb, but on the wild pitch she steals 2nd base, we have all seen this movie before, get on base Turbo will normally cash you in, she hit a 2b to left center and we are now up 7-4 going into last inn....... in their last at bats, only 3 outs from another Banner, our theme for the weekend, Turtle got Lil Country to ground out to Turbo, she then struck out Vargas and struck out THEIR #6 HITTER to end the game......exciting-YES, nerve racking-YES, tense-YES, emotional-YES, and here came that darn jingle in my head again..."anything you can do, PS ALL STARS can do better, NO YOU CAN'T, YES THEY DID!!!!!!".....the hard work we have put in as a group is looking really good, so good, that everywhere we go, they pay us huge compliments, "you guys are a travel team"....no we come from a League of 43 10u players, but they are 12 with the best work ethic, compete with a huge heart, and believe in one another more than anyone else does....I love to see it, I love to be a part of it, and I say we continue on this Journey with them and see where they take us......"we are Family, I've got all my Sister's and me".......way to go, you girls knocked it out of the park.......cya on the diamond.....

*************************************************************************

Turtle Pitching Line:  6 inn- 4 runs (2 earned)- 6 hits- 3bbs- [9] ks

Offense- 12 hits- 3 bbs- 5 ks- 7 runs......

Tazz 1-3/bb, Krunch 1-3/2b/bb, Turtle 1-3/bb, Turbo 3-4/2b, KandyKorn 2-4/3b, KFC 2-3/2b, Diet Pep 1-2, Ipod 1-3, 

this was our version of "everybody hits- everybody scores, everybody hits- everybody scores".......

PALM SPRINGS ALL STARS SUPER REGION CHAMPIONS

PS ALL STARS-----------------7

Redlands Red All Stars---4

Mo Valley vs Palm Springs All Stars

*******************************************************************************

Well we came to play with a purpose of seeking the #1 seed, we are off to a really good start......We had 14 runs, 14 hits, 1 walk, 8 - 1bs, 3 - 2bs, 3 - hrs....it was really good hitting......we only made 2 outs at the plate, we got called out on the bases the rest of the outs, which means only 2 outs at the plate in 3 inn.......on defense, 7 ks out of 9 outs, ground ball to pitcher, ground ball to 2nd base, and only 1 error........good day on the field, but expect a better team Fri, as they really hit well and forced a full game of Redlands Red which we all know is a good team......good work, get some rest, and let's do this again Fri....

Offense: Krunch HR/2b, Turtle HR, Gemini 2b, KandyKorn HR, KoolAid 2b, Squinky 2b, Pep 2b, Ipod 2b

Pitching: Turbo 2 inn - 1 run(unearned), 1 hit, 5 ks, Tazz 1 inn, 2bbs, 2ks 

Job well done, cya on the diamond.....................

PS All Stars-----------14

Valley Wide ------------1

Fontana vs PS All Stars

So we came in and found out Redlands Blue had only given up 2 runs, that changed our thinking, as we were prepared for 6 runs in Redlands Red game, I switched pitchers, catcher and lineup.....we started shaky, first 3 runners reached base and 1 scored before we were able to get out of the inn, we had to score, and that we did...lead off got out on 2 pitches, Krunch reached on a bb, Turtle gets a 1b, Turbo and Gemini also follow with 1bs, bad base running and we got out again before we could score, no big deal, 2 outs and KandyKorn hit a shot that I think is still rolling to left field-Home Run, KFC 2bs and KoolAid brings her home with a 1b, we put up 5 of our own....Turtle settled down and we went 2 inn without giving up any runs.....on offense we kept hitting, Krunch again led off with a 1b, Turtle bb, Turbo 1b, and guess who, KandyKorn this time picks on the Center fielder and hits another monster shot, home run #2, another 4 cross the plate and we are back in control....in the bottom of the 3rd, much the same, Squinky led off with a bb, Tazz hit a 2b, Krunch a 1b, bad base running and we lose a runner at 3rd, Turtle 1b, Turbo 1b and 2 more cross the plate, this was enough for a mercy if we can just get 3 more outs......this runs allowed really does reward the defense, but it can get a little tense even if you are blowing a team out, almost makes you feel bad......Turtle walked the 1st batter so it was Tazz time, she came in firing strikes, k to 2nd batter, pop up from 3rd batter, and k to 4th batter, ball game and we have a chance for the 1 seed................game almost perfect, but good enough to only allow 1 run (sweet), and continue on our quest for another Banner, job well done, cya on the diamond...

PS All Stars-------------11

Fontana All Stars------1

PS All Stars vs Moreno Valley

We came into Semi-Finals pumped and ready to go......we lost the coin flip, but that was it, we hit, we ran, we scored....in the circle, Tazz was money, Turbo came in to close out the deal and keep all 3 pitchers ready for Championship Sunday......way to go, but NOW WE NEED TO BRING THIS THING BACK TO OUR HOUSE, ONE MORE TIME, WHY NOT US?

Tazz 3b/2b, Krunch 3b, Turbo 3b, KandyKorn 3b, Squinky 2b, Turtle-Gemini-KoolAid all pitched in with 1bs, more than enough runs to handle the offensive side.....

Tazz pitched 2 inn-0 hits and 1 k, Turbo finished the game 1 hit, 1 k, job well done, cya on the diamond......

PS All Stars---------------14

Mo Valley--------------0

           Moreno Valley Super Region Champions

        Cheryl, KoolAid, Diet Pepsi, KFC, Krunch, Turbo, MityMouse, Turtle, Squinky, Ipod, Gemini, Tazz

KandyKorn, Coach Joe

Championship Banner

KNUCKLE UP FRIENDLY

So we are back where we left off, on the softball field away from home and doing our thing.....I saw our group come out and look really good, hit a speed bump for 2 inn, and finish as strong as I have ever seen them play against the best TEAM we have ever played......playing 3 games, terrible weather, sticky, humid, kool, breezy, then just plain HOT!!!!!.....I for one am glad we are back, practice gets old when there aren't any games involved, and playing high level of "Desert Softball" always exciting....we came away with Sudden Impact wanting to scrimmage us more often, Knuckle Up welcoming us back, and sending Strike Force home a little quieter and hopefully with a little more respect for the little 03 team on the field, who needs a tryout of 60 players from the different area codes when you have neighbors that think softball is as good source of "Team Comraderie"......

PS Lil Sluggers vs Knuckle Up

So after Knuckle Up took a break away from the field (we had a lot to do with it), they came back with a really positive and different approach to the game....they showed hustle, focus, ability, and really clean game...Coach Joe and myself know we always have an inn, we did, and as a group fought back to beat these guys in 5 innings......good defense, good pitching, and clutch hitting, sounds familiar right....

down 2-1 after 4 inn, we sent 10 batters to the dish and pushed across 4 runs, good to see, and I just wish we can turn it on a little quicker next time....down 2-1 we struck out to start the 5th inn, only 15 minutes, we had to do something, KoolAid hits a 1b, steals 2nd, steals 3rd and comes home on a passed ball, she was losing a tooth, didn't want to come out of the game, and was in a rush to get there as quick as she could, I was praying she didn't swallow the tooth or I would never have heard the end of it (her mother yanked it out in the dugout, owwww), Ipod followed with a bb, steals 2nd, Minyun also gets a bb and steals 2nd in one motion, Pepsi follows with another bb and we are back to the top of the order......Tazz 1bs, 2nd out on a K, Turtle 1bs, Turbo 1bs, KandyKorn bbs to plate 4 runs and chew up the clock..we walked their last batter and time expired....whew, I can see our parents aging by the pitch, but somehow getting used to it, we should have named the squad the "Cardiac Kids"

PS Lil Sluggers---------5

Knuckle Up-----------------2

Lil Sluggers vs Sudden Impact

Another Team that is from all over the Inland Empire, Beaumont, Cherry Valley, Yucaipa, Guadalupe....but this group was a little different, they were very intimidated by us, they knew us, and all I heard was we are really good, and they hoped to give us a decent game, they did, we were sloppy for 2 inn on defense and gave 10 unearned runs, only 1 earned.....we hit, were sloppy on the bases, but hopefully it is out of our system, WE LAID AN EGG.......their Coach came to me in the 3rd inn and handed me his business card, asked me if we were ever available to scrimmage them, they would welcome us to Beaumont.....looks like we will be back in Beaumont soon......

Tazz 1-2, Ipod 1-2, Turtle 3-3, Turbo 1-2, KandyKorn 1-2, Gemini 1-2, KFC 1-2, KoolAid 1-2, Pep 2-2, Squinky 2-2.....we hit, I think we forgot our gloves.....

Sudden Impact-----------11

PS Lil Sluggers------------7

Lil Sluggers vs Strike Force

So, they were an 03 Team just like us, but they looked like the were JV team, they were huge.......we didn't hit on our 1st abs, they came in having faced only 4 batters, but their pitcher was just a little better than ok, nothing special....we got their lead off hitter out, dropped a 3rd strike, waved at a routine fly ball and it cost us 2 runs, should have been 3up - 3down.......KandyKorn restored order for us with a lead off 2b, Gemini also followed with a 2b, we are now down 2-1.....defense showed up, KFC, Turtle, Tazz, Gemini all made tough plays, enough that the Strike Force Coach told me we do more than just hit, we flash a little leather......we made noise every inn, Ipod bb and sac by Krunch tied the game in the 3rd, Gemini 1b, KFC 1b, KoolAid rbi and we scored another 2 runs to take a 4-2 lead...then time became an issue, with only 2 minutes left on the clock, they managed to squeeze another 10 minutes out of the game and actually told me I made a mistake on the clock, wow, really?  So I told our girls I can manage to kill a clock fairly good, everyone was to take a strike, everyone was to take a dummy sign(for their coaches to stay occupied), and I can kill 10 minutes with the best of them.....we led off with a Tazz 4 pitch 1b, there goes 3 minutes, a Krunch 4 pitch 1b , another 3 minutes, Turtle 4 pitch 1b, another 2 minutes, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick.......Squinky comes in and blasts a 2b over center fielder's head, Coach says why is she just sprinting back not looking for the ball?....my answer, unless she is jumping over center field fence, she has no chance at that......Coach then blames pitcher for feeding her a "Cookie", my reply, "Squinky that was a great pitch, but a much better hit".....KandyKorn finishes with a 6 pitch bb and game over.....never heard the rowdy group so quiet, and boy did it feel good......

Tazz 1-3, Krunch 1-2, Turtle 3-3, Turbo 1-2, Squinky 1-1, KandyKorn 1-2, Gemini 2-2, KFC 1-2, KoolAid 0-1 rbi, Pep 1-2, 

PS Lil Sluggers----------7

Strike Force "Monsters"--2

Over all a good start after a month long layoff.....we keep our focus a little better, we play defense for 2 inn in Sudden Impact game, and this was a near perfect weekend, but, we can't be satisfied, we will work, and we will compete even better than this time out, cya on the diamond......

Palm Springs Lil Sluggers "....YOU KNOW!!!........"

"CHAMPIONS ARE MADE, NOT FOUND"

If you're not practicing, SOMEBODY ELSE IS, SOMEWHERE, and he'll be ready to take your spot", Brooks Robinson' HALL OF FAME BASEBALL PLAYER 

"NO EXCUSES!"

"BE THE GIRLS PITCHERS ARE AFRAID OF, ATTITUDE!"

"THERE MAY BE PLAYERS WITH MORE TALENT THAN YOU, BUT THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR ANYONE WORKING HARDER THAN YOU" - DEREK JETER

DON'T ASPIRE TO BE THE BEST ON THE TEAM, ASPIRE TO BE THE BEST FOR THE TEAM

"People call it a TEAM, WE are not a TEAM, WE ARE A FAMILY"

"Once I step on that field, all problems go away, because I know I have 11 SISTERS RIGHT BESIDE ME" 

12 Monster Sluggers in Beast Mode

KFC-PALOMA-KANDYKORN-SQUINKY-TURBO-DJ PEP

-GEMINI-IPOD-TURTLE-TAZZ-KOOLAID

ANAHEIM SYNERGY TOY 4 TOTS CHAMPIONS 

"WAS THERE EVER A DOUBT, COACH DIDN'T THINK SO"

THANKSGIVING CHAMPIONS

"BEAST MODE"

LADY LACES WINTER CHAMPIONS

2nd Place Laces 12u Tournament

OUR LIL SLUGGERS HOLIDAY POSE

"TOGETHER WE STAND UNITED"

TEAMMATES.  FRIENDS.  SISTERS.  FAMILY

HOW DO YOU STAND?

PS Lil Sluggers vs Cali Crush

So after trying to get us to play for the past 2 months, we finally had a free day to go see what Cali Crush was all about....they are athletic, good pitching, fast, but as I found out a Team only playing together for 3 months.  We played well, we had  solid pitching, solid defense (1 bad inning where we gave up 3 runs on 3 errors), and extremely good hitting.....we have played in 5 games before these 2 games, all were played in 12u divison, and as girls said, 10u softballs look so cute......all of a sudden they are SO GROWN UP......it was a good Sunday of playing softball, but man was it HOT!!!!!, I don't complain about much, but who had the "side of DRY HEAT" with their order....well we got through it, and hit really well, yes I did say really well, 22 hits, 25 runs, and yes I felt bad....we have been on the other side of this score, and it is a snowball that is hard to stop,  but let's work and hope we continue to get even better....

Pitching:

 Turtle 2inn, 2 runs/2hits/0bb/4ks, Tazz 3inn/0 runs/0hits/0bb/0ks, Turbo 2inn, 0runs/0hits/1bb/2ks, Pep 1inn/2runs/3 hits/0bb/0ks, Mini Minyun 1inn/3runs/1hit/0bb/0ks

Hitting:

Turtle 2-4/3runs, Tazz 5-7/5 runs/3b, Gemini 2-5/4runs/2b, Turbo 4-5/3runs/2b/3b, KandyKorn 1-3/2 runs/2bb, Ipod 2-3/3 runs/ 2b/2bbs, KFC 2-5/ 2b, Pep 1-3/3bbs, Minyun 0-1 1 run/ 2bbs, Krunch 1-2/ 2runs/ bb, KoolAid 3-5/ 2b, Squinky 0-2

As you can see, everyone pitched in and made an impact on our offense, job well done, cya on the diamond...... 

Game #1-PS Lil Sluggers 15 - Cali Crush 4

Game #2-PS Lil Sluggers 10 - Cali Crush 3 

12u Victorville Revolution vs 10u PS Lil Sluggers

So this time I was asked, "Coach, how old are your girls?", "6th graders/10u Team this Season.."was my reply....they watched us warming up, saw us swing the bat, saw our pitchers warming up, and our Team does not play 10u, we look like Varsity High School Team.....they had 6-8th graders (13) and 4-7th graders(12) yr olds on Team....we saw 45-48mph, but didn't really put anything together against them.....were they good? yes, were they great? NO, were we intimidated?, very much so......we had 1 good inn with the sticks, Gemini 1b, Ipod bb, KoolAid 2b, Pep 1b, Minyun 1b and we were able to score our only 2 runs of this game, .....we played 2 inn of bad defense again, this time it cost us 7 runs that should not have been on the board.....I as a Coach am also learning where to play you guys to make us stronger, once I figure it out we will be much more competitive......I thought I had it figured out, but playing this age should not make a difference how or when we field the balls, it just shows how important it is to be constantly anticipating a play to be made...we had 6 hits in 5 innings, not nearly enough, but what doesn't leave us hurting, will make us stronger in the long run, we will continue to work, and we will continue to get better.......before George from Revolution left, he came and told me we play much better than 2nd Team(Lady Laces), he is glad our girls are not same age as his as it would have been a different outcome when they were our age..a compliment we will take.....

12u Victorville Revolution------9

10u PS Lil Sluggers-----------------2

12u Lady Laces vs 10u PS Lil Sluggers

After we went on break for 1/2 hour, our group had already forgotten how we lost the 1st game, short term memory good if we can learn from it, I just don't think our girls know any better......Lady Laces picked up several new and older players, I guess we will run into this playing up before our time.......they also looked much older than us, but here we go again......we sent 11 batters, got 4 hits-4 bbs and 5 runs, this is how we have been spoiled to see OUR GIRLS play.....Turtle 2b, Tazz bb, Gemini 2b, Turbo bb, Ipod 1b, KoolAid bb, Pep bb, KFC 1b, this inning we expect to see....2 errors cost us 2 runs again, but we did limit the damage, after 1 inn 5-2 PS....2nd abs for us Gemini led off with a 1b, Turbo followed with a bb, Ipod 1b, KoolAid bb, Pep bb and we pushed back another run.....we played strong defense and got out of 2 on no out to keep score 6-2 after 2 inn......Laces now working on their 3rd pitcher, Turtle bb, Tazz finally wakes up and hammers a 3b, and we score another run in the 3rd..Turbo took the circle and had hitters way off balance and impatient with off speed pitches, knuckle ball and change up going to be really good pitches in this division, she faced 9 batters in 2 inn and only gave up 2 runs and retiring 6 batters....after game was done, and Laces only pushing across 4 runs in 5 inn, it was a good effort, and definitely good to see they have to throw 5 pitchers to limit the damage you girls were causing....FOCUS 1 PITCH AT A TIME, GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN, NO MATTER HOW OLD OTHER TEAM IS, WE PLAY OUR WAY, WE WILL ALWAYS ENJOY THE RESULT, cya on the diamond.... 

PS Lil Sluggers-----------8

Lady Laces-----------------4

We began pool play vs Kapu, we like them, we wish them well, they have a fan in ME as they are doing what we did at a young age, competitive with all regardless of who they are, just NOT a fan when we play them, if they ever figure out they can win no matter who is on the other side, they will be hard to beat.......

We came to hit, we hit well, and they struggled at the plate vs our pitchers.....in 3 inn we plated 14 runs and only allowed 2, good sign of things to come....

Our big inning came in the 1st inn, Turtle 3b, Tazz 1b, Turbo 2b, Squinky 1b, Tazz 1b and Turbo 2b(yes Tazz and Turbo 2 hits in same inn, they were MONSTERS) along with 5bbs to score 9 runs, Squinky also chipped in with 2 hits in the game, whose got next????

PS Lil Sluggers--------14

Kapu---------------------------2

In our 2nd game I was asked if I was embarrassed to have you girls playing in this tournament, I answered I am never embarrassed to show the hard work you girls put in, and actually take you guys all over southern Cali to play, and never embarrassed but fairly proud of what you guys accomplished so far......this set the tone for what was about to happen....

We played this nucleus in rec ball, it was a 5-2 score, I was thanked by a parent at the time for showing good sportsmanship.... this time that was out the door as I allowed girls to face same pitcher and score 14 runs before we made an out, and that was our choice to get out....I was asked if I was upset at them, told them nah, just be careful of what you wish for as it may not be any fun.....

I was also asked if I would consider giving team lessons, may be an easy fundraiser if it happens....never embarrassed about where you play, but extremely proud of what you girls are able to do....

3 HIT CLUB- PEP (3B) - PURPLE MINYUN - TURBO (2B/HR)

2 HIT CLUB- KFC - KANDYKORN - KRUNCH - KOOLAID(2B)

PS Lil Sluggers----19

WV Scorpions---------0

Waiting for Semi Final game we weren't sure who we were playing, Lady Laces showed up and we got a request from them, please go easy, please give us a chance, and please allow us to score some runs.....well......we hit again. We played great defense, and Turtle and Turbo combined for a NO HITTER......always a good feeling, a PERFECT GAME NO HITTER BY 2 OF OUR HORSES!!!! 

3 HIT CLUB- TURTLE - TAZZ(2B) - TURBO(3B)

2 HIT CLUB- KOOLAID - PURPLE MINYUN(2B) - KRUNCH - KFC(3B) 

We did what we were supposed to do, and onto the FINALS

 PS Lil Sluggers-----15

Lady Laces--------------0

In the final we once again faced our Lil buddies from Indio, Kapu came to fight this time around.......it was 6-5 us after 3 inn, and we were down 8-6 after 3 1/2 inn, what??? 8-6 them?....... Yup, and we finally had our inn, 8 runs in the bottom of 4th and 4 runs in the bottom of 5th inn to WIN IN MERCY, but was it a little fight with us  for 3 inn....a little close for comfort, but the strong finish is what we push ourselves to do....congrats CHAMPS, YOU PLAYED STRONG ALL WEEKEND, AND DESERVE EVERYTHING YOU GET FOR THE WORK YOU PUT IN......JOB WELL DONE

3 HIT CLUB-TAZZ(2-2B/3B) - KOOLAID(2B) - TURBO(3-2B, WALK OFF RBI)

2 HIT CLUB-TURTLE(HR) - IPOD(2B) - KOOLAID(2B) - DJ PEP(2B) - KFC

INDIO KAPU-------8

PS LIL SLUGGERS-18

Here are some offensive #s we as a team should be proud of, I know I am extremely proud of these as I do know the work that goes into it

TURBO 12-13, 6/2BS, 1/3B, 1/HR, TAZZ 9-10, 2/2BS, 1/3B, TURTLE 7-10, 1/HR, KOOLAID 7-8 2/2BS,  DJ PEP 7-9 2/2BS,  KFC 6-8(3B), MINY MINYUN 6-9 2/2BS(THAT IS 14 DOUBLES, 3 TRIPLES, AND 2 HOME RUNS), WHEW, THAT IS ALOT OF POWER HITS, WE ALL HIT, BUT THESE GIRLS KNOCKED IT OUT EVERY GAME ALL DAY LONG, JOB WELL DONE !!!!!

TEAM BATTING: TURBO 12-13, TAZZ 9-10, TURTLE 7-10, KOOLAID 7-8, DJPEP 7-9, KFC 6-8, MINI MINYUN 6-9, KRUNCH 5-10, KANDYKORN 4-7, IPOD 4-9, SQUINKY 3-7

TEAM PITCHING

SO WE HEADED OUT TO PLAY IN ANOTHER FRIENDLY IN MORENO VALLEY.  AFTER ALL OF US BEING STALLED BY A TERRIBLE TRAFFIC ACCICDENT, (GLAD FERNANDO-LILY-SQUINKY-AND BO MADE IT WITHOUT ANY HARM OR DAMAGE AS IT TURNED OUT THEY WERE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT), WE FINALLY ARRIVED AT THE PARK TO PLAY, WITHOUT A REAL WARM-UP, AND WITH KNUCKLEUP DIRECTORS READY TO PUSH OUR GAME TIME BACK, WE GOT OURSELVES READY TO GO......WE SHOWED OUR NEW LOOK "NEXT MAN UP ATTITUDE" ON THE FIELD, THOUGH IT WAS A LITTLE ROUGH IN 2 INN, (1ST INN VS STRIKEFORCE / 2 INN VS CALI CRUISERS), WE PLAYED REALLY WELL THE REST OF THE WAY......PITCHING ONCE AGAIN WAS STRONG - TAZZ- TURTLE - TURBO, DEFENSE DID ENOUGH TO GET THE JOB DONE, DIET PEPSI HAD A HUGE CATCH IN RIGHT FIELD TO START A DOUBLE PLAY VS STRIKEFORCE, SQUINKY ALSO DID THE SAME VS SUDDEN IMPACT, KANDKORN ALSO PULLED OFF A DOUBLE VS CALI CRUSH, SO DEFENSE LOOKED GREAT AT TIMES....HITTING WAS NOT WHAT WE ARE USED TO WATCHING, BUT TAZZ - PEPSI - SQUINKY - GEMINI - TURTLE - TURBO ALL CHIPPED IN AT DIFFERENT TIMES IN ALL 3 GAMES TO PUSH ACROSS ENOUGH RUNS TO HELP KEEP US AHEAD...BUT IF WE CAN KEEP FROM LOSING FOCUS WHILE WE ARE PLAYING, CONSTANTLY EXPECT THE NEXT PLAY, NO MATTER WHAT POSITION WE ARE PLAYING, WE WILL CONTINUE TO GET THE END WE RESULT WE ALL LIKE.....STAY FOCUSED, GET PREPARED, PLAY SMART, ANTICIPATE THE NEXT PLAY, GREAT THINGS WILL HAPPEN.... 

PS LIL SLUGGERS VS SUDDEN IMPACT

HERE IS THE BACK STORY, WE PLAYED THIS TEAM 3 WEEKS AGO, THEY WERE UP 9-2 AND THEIR COACH HANDED ME A BUSINESS CARD TO PLAY THEM AGAIN IN BEAUMONT, (CLOSE TO HOME HE TELLS ME), SURE, WAS MY ANSWER, I CALLED, I EMAILED, I SENT A TEXT, NO REPLY....I ASKED DIRECTOR IF HE COULD MAKE SURE WE PLAY THEM AND WE WILL COME OUT, IF NOT I WASN'T INTERESTED...HE HOOKED US UP, THEY THREW THE SAME PITCHER AT US THAT BEAT US 1ST GAME, WE PUT UP 7 RUNS AND THEY MADE THE CHANGE IN THE 2ND INN....WE PUT UP ANOTHER 3 ON THE ACE RELIEVER, 10 RUNS IN 3 INN, NOT TO BAD FOR A TEAM THAT WAS RUN THROUGH OUR FIRST TIME AROUND...OUR PITCHING BETWEEN TAZZ AND TURBO HELD THEM TO 1 RUN ON 3 HITS, SECOND TIME AROUND WAS NOT AS KIND TO THE SUDDEN IMPACT SQUAD...ON TO THE NEXT.....

OFFENSE- TAZZ 1-1 3 RUNS, PEP 2BBS-2RUNS, TURTLE 2-3, TURBO 1-2, GEMINI 2-3-2B, KFC 1-2, MINYUN 1-2, SQUINKY 1-1 3B,

PS LIL SLUGGERS-----10

SUDDEN IMPACT------1 

PS LIL SLUGGERS VS STRIKEFORCE

PLAYING VS THE LOUD/CONFIDENT COACHES AND FAIRLY HIGHLY ENERGIZED SQUAD FROM LAKE ELSINORE, WE RAN INTO OUR 1ST BLIP OF THE DAY....WE MADE NOISE OUT OF THE GATE, 6 PLAYERS REACHED BASE AND 4 CAME ACROSS WITH RUNS, TAZZ BB, TURBO 2B, GEMINI 1B, KANDYKORN BB, IPOD BB, KOOLAID 1B ALL COUNTED FOR OUR RUNS TO START STRONG...IT WAS SHORT LIVED AS WE WALKED 2, ALLOWED 2 HITS AND 3 ERRORS AND 6 RUNS CAME ACROSS FOR THEM BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO EVEN SIT ON MY BUCKET, WHAT JUST HAPPENED??? GOOD THING IT WAS EARLY, AND AFTER WATCHING NEXT PITCHER WARM UP BETWEEN INN, WE WERE READY TO TACK ON MORE BEFORE THEY PULLED THEIR STARTER....MIGHTY PURPLE MINYUN GETS A BB, STEALS 2ND, SQUINKY 1BS HER HOME AND TAZZ 2BS, PEP 1BS AND GETS TAZZ HOME BY ATTEMPTING TO ADVANCE TO 2ND AND DISTRACTING THE STRIKEFORCE DEFENSE, IT WORKED AGAIN, WE SCORE ANOTHER 3 AND TAKE A 7-6 LEAD....TURTLE FOUND HER LOCATION, 3 STRAIGHT ROUTINE GROUND BALLS TO IPOD AND ON TO THE 3RD....WE REACHED WITH KANDYKORN 1B AND IPOD BB, BUT UNABLE TO SCORE....AFTER 2 1BS, TAZZ GOT LEAD RUNNER AT 3RD, AND PEP CAME UP HUGE WITH CATCH IN RIGHT FIELD AND DOUBLE UP RUNNER AT 2ND AFTER RUNNER AT FIRST MADE IT BACK SAFELY, "RALLY KILLER" AT IT'S BEST.....WE CAME UP WITH 10 MINUTES LEFT TO PLAY, I MENTIONED IT TO OTHER COACH, HE SAID, "AW, I DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE CLOCK"...FUNNY HOW HE FORGETS HE ADDED 10 MINUTES WHEN WE LAST PLAYED THEM AND ACCUSED OUR SCOREKEEPER OF LOSING TRACK OF TIME.....WE REACHED WITH A KFC 1B, SQUINKY FIELDER'S CHOICE, TAZZ 1B, PEP 1B, TURTLE 2B, TURBO 1B, AND AFTER BEING TOLD WE WERE NOW ON LAST BATTER, GEMINI FOULED OFF SOME UGLY HIGH PITCHES TO TRY AND CASH IN TURBO FROM 3RD, BUT COULDN'T QUITE GET TO LAST HIGH PITCH THROWN AND GAME ENDED......REALLY STRONG OFFENSIVE SHOWING AGAINST REALLY TOP NOTCH TRAVEL TEAM....

PS LIL SLUGGERS------11

STRIKEFORCE---------6

PS LIL SLUGGERS VS CALI CRUSH

THIS IS THE GAME I THOUGHT WOULD BE OUR LESS COMPETITIVE GAME, WE PUT UP 25 RUNS IN 9 INNINGS WHEN WE LAST PLAYED THEM....THEY CAME WITH 4 NEW PLAYERS, AND THEY CAME TO PLAY.....PITCHER/.CATCHER/1ST BASE/SHORTSTOP ALL NEW ADDITIONS......WE CAME OUT STRONG AGAIN, TAZZ 1B, PEP 1B, TURTLE 1B, TURBO 1B, GEMINI CATCHER'S INTERFERENCE, KANDKYKORN BB, MINYUN BB, WE WERE ABLE TO SCORE 3 RUNS AND LEAVE THE BASES LOADED... THEN WE STUMBLED, BAD PLAY ON BUNT, 2 ERRORS AND A RUN CROSSED FOR CRUSHERS.....WE WENT DOWN WITHOUT MAKING ANY NOISE OF OFFENSE, AND OUR DEFENSE FELL ASLEEP.....ERROR GETS ON BASE, HIT BATTER, 1B TO LEFT, AND A DOUBLE PLAY WITH KANDYKORN CATCH AND DOUBLE RUNNER AT 1ST, WHEW JUST GOT OUT OF A BIG JAM, BUT STILL GAVE UP 2 RUNS......THIER LAST INN WENT DOWN 1-2-3 TO STOP THEIR SCORING AT 3.....WE MADE NOISE OUR LAST INN AGAIN, KFC BB, STOLE 2ND, SQUINKY AND TAZZ FOLLOWED WITH A BB TO LOAD BASES, PEP CAME UP WITH 2B UP THE MIDDLE FOR 2 RBI'S AND TAZZ CROSSED THE PLATE ON A WILD PITCH......3 MORE RUNS TO BREAK THE TIE......IT'S HOT, LET'S GO HOME, CYA ON THE DIAMOND.......

PS LIL SLUGGERS-------6

CALI CRUSHERS--------3

ANOTHER SOLID WEEKEND, JUST REMEMBER WE WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY STRONG TEAMS TO MAKE US STRONGER IN THE LONG RUN, "REC WINTER BALL" IS FOR PRACTICE, FRIENDLIES AND TOURNAMENTS IS TO SHOW WHAT WE CAN DO VS THE BEST IN SO CAL, CYA ON THE DIAMOND.........

AS WE SHOWED TO INDIO, I HAD OUR GIRLS SIT FOR A LITTLE "PEP TALK".  HERE IS HOW IT WENT DOWN.....I sensed the girls not quite "chillin" as a Team the way they have in the past....I had a vibe that we weren't 100% as one....in speaking with them, in sharing my feelings of the SUCCESS they have had, and the work they put in to get there, it is unmatched by any Valley group I have seen or been around at such a young age....I shared the process has really just begun as they have just started middle school, and high school and hopefully College will be here sooner rather than later.....as a group of 12, as a TEAM of 12, SISTERS that hold each other responsible and accountable for their actions, SISTERS THAT PLAY FOR EACH OTHER NOT AGAINST EACH OTHER, a FAMILY BOND that can't be broken if they trust and care for each other, picks each other up and not beat each other down,  " FAMILY " ......this group can continue to do things I have never been a part of......regardless of where they go when our JOURNEY comes to an end, they will be much stronger for it as YOUNG ADULTS when we are through.....I wasn't upset and made sure they knew that, I just sensed a disconnect THAT NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED from the girls and wanted to re-adjust us in the right direction we are heading.....needless to say, I was choked up, the girls responded by playing the best game they have played in since the World Series......this is why I spend my time with this group, this is why I am proud to share in their success, this is why I always tell them there isn't a limit as to where they can take their game, the effort they showed up with and played with against a fairly big team across the field, and played much older than their age.....it was a good talk, it was an inspirational moment for myself, and the girls really responded with their ability on the diamond....my daughter tells me on the drive home, "Dad, I'm proud of how my SISTERS and I played tonight, can I take a nap now?"..., these are moments I will cherish forever, and this "Pep Talk" will stay with me for a while, I hope the girls continue to work as one, and continue to be rewarded with their play on the field as they outwork everyone else around them.....good things come to those that work hard, and this TEAM OF SISTERS shows it can be done out of "lil ole Palm Springs Rec Ball".........oh yeah, after Turbo's comment on the way home, glad we only have 1 child, whew!!!! 11 sisters???? AWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!.....by the way, we were able to beat the 12u Indio Storm , and boy were they every bit of 12u.....

GREAT TEAM DEFENSE - GREAT TEAM OFFENSE - AND MOST IMPORTANT, GREAT TEAM PLAY.......CYA ON THE DIAMOND......

10U PS LIL SLUGGERS----------10

12U INDIO STORM-------------------2 

Krunch 1-3/ 2runs, Pep 2-2/2runs, Tazz 2-2/2runs, Squinky 2-2/1run, KandyKorn 1-2/2rbi's, Ipod 1-3/1run, Gemini 1-2/1run, Turbo 2 rbi's, Koolaid 1-2/1rbi, KFC 1-2/1 run

TAZZ- 5 inn pitched, 2 runs(1 earned), 5 hits/3bbs/2ks

 Yucca 12u 2nd Place Finish

KFC- Turbo- Squinky- Gemini- KandyKorn- Minyun- Pep- Ipod- Turtle- KoolAid- Krunch- Tazz

Didn't win this one, playing vs 12/13 yr teams is tough, we managed 2nd place 3 wins 2 loses....we will grow soon enough, JOB WELL DONE, cya on the diamond...............

We came to see how we can handle a 12u Tournament.....We had flashes of YAAAA!!!, then we had flashes of UH OH!!!......in all, we beat a BIG and AGGRESSIVE Indio Sorm team to reach the Finals, we were able to weather the Storm.....but it was the Lady Laces and their ace pitcher that was able to hold us off in the Finals.....

PS Lil Sluggers vs Laces

We started strong, a Tazz bb, Pep 1b, and Turbo 2b to scratch 2 runs, but we gave them right back as we were unable to find the strike zone, 2 hits and 2bbs to give the 2 runs right back.....we once again scratched with Squinky bb, Krunch 1b, KoolAid 2b, and Tazz 1b to score 2 more.....then defense bit us, 2 errors, 1 huge hit and they pushed 3 more across and retake the lead, 5-4 Laces after 2 inn.....we did what we do again, hit, Turbo 1b, Gemini 2b, KandyKorn 2b, Squinky bb and we scored another 2 runs to take the lead....but our most consistent part of our game failed us, pitching, we are normally very good with 3 headed monster, we gave up 4 hits, 4 bbs to allow 6 runs and Laces finished with a big win for Yucca softball, after 11 months of games vs Yucca, they finally beat us.......

Tazz 1-1/2b, Pep 1-2, Turbo 2-2/2b, Gemini 1-2/2b, KandyKorn 1-2/2b, Krunch 1-2, KoolAid 1-1/2b

PS Lil Sluggers-------6

Laces---------------11 

PS Lil Sluggers vs High Desert High Speed

We once again started well with the sticks, Tazz 1b, Pep 2b, Turbo 1b and we pushed 2 runs across, they got a lead off bb that came around to score, 2-1 after 1.....after reaching on a bb, we didn't do anything vs High Speed Lady Mo just left our dugout.....they once again had a lead off bb, and again she came around to score, 2-2 after 2 inn of play, LADY MO getting comfy in High Speed dugout.....we came to bat in the 3rd, we always have a big inn, this was it....Pep reaches on a 1b, Turtle follows with a 2b, Turbo 1b, Gemini "takes one for the team" and get hit by pitch, ouch.......KandyKorn clears bases with a 3b, Ipod follows with a bb, Krunch a 2b, KoolAid bb and we score 6 to put game out of reach.....they managed a 1b in the last inn, but that was it as pitching came up big.....

Tazz 1-3, Pep 2-2/2b, Turtle 1-2/2b, Turbo 2-2, KandyKorn 1-2/3b, Krunch 1-1/2b

PS Lil Sluggers---------8

HD High Speed--------2

Playoffs:

HD High Speed vs PS Lil Sluggers

we were home, we allowed 3 hits, 2 errors and gave hope to an over matched High Speed team and allowed 3 runs across, I challenged girls to deliver KNOCKOUT hit early, they did, we made noise, Tazz 1b, Pep 2b, Turbo 2b, KandyKorn 2b, Ipod 1b, Krunch Home Run and we tallied 6 runs of our own.....we allowed 1 hit and kept the HD bats quiet, but they returned the favor as we only managed to hits with a Pep 1b and Turtle 1b, not enough to push anything across, 6-2 after 2.....3rd inn they had a short spurt of offense again, 1 bb, 2 1bs, and a huge out at home to end the threat, but they managed 2 more runs......here comes our big inn again, Gemini 1b, KandyKorn 2b, Ipod bb, Krunch 1b, Infield Fly out, Minyun 1b, Tazz bb, Pep 1b, Turtle 1b, Turbo 3b, Gemini 2b, KandyKorn 1b, Ipod 2b, Krunch 1b, ground ball out and k to end the nightmare, 11 hits and 2bbs for 11 runs.....Pep comes in to close out the game , allows 3 1bs to allow 1 more run, but damage was done from the Lil Sluggers side, job well done....

Tazz1-2, Pep 3-3/2b, Turtle 2-3, Turbo 2-3/2b/3b, Gemini 2-3/2b, KandyKorn 3-3/2b, 3b, Ipod 2-2/2b, Krunch 3-3/HR, Minyun 1-2

PS Lil Sluggers---------17

HD High Speed---------7

Semi Finals

PS Lil Sluggers vs Indio Storm

We just played these guys on Tuesday, advantage us as we were able to see their hitters and the size of them.....now to repeat Tuesday.....we once again came out strong, Tazz 2b, ground ball out, Turtle 2b, Turbo 2b, Gemini bb, KandyKorn bb, Ipod bb, IF out, and 9th batter flies out to end 4 run inn.....Indio came up and went down quietly 1-2-3, end of 1st 4-0 "young bucs", Tazz once again came up big, 3b, Pep rbi ground out, Turtle 2b, Turbo bri 1b, Gemini 1b, KandyKorn 1b, and we scratch another 2 runs......Storm now made a little noise, 1b, 1b, 1b, 1b, we catch runner trying to score for 1st out, fly ball to pitcher and a k to leave bases loaded and only allow 1 run, whew, could have been bad...end of 2, 6-1 "young bucs".....we once again made noise, Krunch gets hit by pitch, ground ball out, Tazz 1b, Pep 1b, Turtle 2b, Turbo 1b, and we scored another 3 runs, and boy will we need them.....facing the top of the order, they were hungry and loud Storm group, I even heard parents say a "STORM" was coming.....1 out 1b, bb, 1b and we nail another runner at 3rd for the 2nd out, they continued though, bb, 1b, 1b, 1b and another 4 runs across, turns out it wasn't a storm, just slight drizzle we were able to stay dry.......end of 3, 9-5 "Young Bucs"....we only managed 7 batters next 2 inn, it was ok as they did the same, "Ball Game"....onto the FINALS again as this group has come accustomed to doing....

Tazz 3-4/2b/3b, Pep 1-4, Turtle 2-2/2b/2b, Turbo 3-3/2b, Gemini 1-2, KandyKorn 1-2, Ipod 1-2, Krunch 1-2, KFC 1-3

PS Lil Sluggers---------9

Indio Storm------------5 

Finals

PS Lil Sluggers vs Lady Laces

It was our 3rd game in a row, NO EXCUSES....we were flat for an inning, spotted them 6 runs on 2 hits, 4 bbs, 3 errors, not a Championship like showing......we settled down though, Turbo came in and held the Laces down to 2 runs in 4 inn, but it was a little too late......we had our "big Inn", but only managed that inn and nothing else....I share in the blame, I told the girls when we beat Storm, we just beat the best Team there, I should have kept my mouth shut.....I over looked the Laces as we beat them 9 out of 10 times....no matter what age they brought, it just wasn't something I expected......Their 8th grade-13 yr old pitcher had enough to keep us in control, and we just couldn't put it together for more than 1 inn....the better Team did win the Championship, I saw their parents as excited as I have ever seen them, and their girls played strong defense behind Hailey in the circle to get the job done......we spooked them, 4 run 3rd inn, KFC 1b, Tazz 1b, Pep 1b, Turbo 1b, Gemini 1b, KoolAid 1b and 3 fly ball outs means we had every batter put the ball in play with 6 finding pay dirt for 4 runs.....it wasn't enough, but was enough for me to let the crowd know they were playing a "6th grade Team", and when Laces are off in High School next Season, we will officially enter the 12u division....credit to the Lady Laces, they have always been good to us, and it was their time, but as always, we'll be back for more...cya on the diamond.....

Tazz 2-4, Pep 2-3, Turbo 1-3, Gemini 2-3, KoolAid 1-3, KFC 1-2 (not enough of us in the hit column)

PS Lil Sluggers-----------4

Lady Laces--------------8

2nd place finish for the 10u Lil Sluggers in the 12u Division....NICE.......

After a long competitive weekend in Yucca, we got back to work in our Winter League.  Kapu, Cruisers, LQ DBacks and Storm on our to do list, and for some reason, other Teams playing really hard vs us, and seem rather ordinary vs others....good thing, we must always be prepared as we are getting the best game from others, and it will make us stronger in the long run, WIN OR LOSE.....

Lil Sluggers vs 10u Kapu

There aren't any secrets between these 2 Teams, Coach Eli and Coach Martin always up to playing our girls, and they are really getting stronger every time we play them......we didn't help our own cause as we allowed 9 walks and 3 errors to help the ever improving Kapu Team score against us, but we are learning pretty quickly that they don't need our help, as they are putting together some really good abs.....offensively we did what we do, we hit really well, 15 hits to go along with 7 walks allowed us to put pressure on their defense every inn...we will continue to work, and never take Kapu too lightly as they are doing really well playing up in the 12u division....

PS Lil Sluggers-------------16

Kapu Fastpitch--------------8

Lil Sluggers vs Cruisers

Another good effort in the circle, but we lacked the clutch hitting we normally carry everywhere we play..we challenged every inn, but only managed 7 runs in 4 innings, that is not like us......on the other hand, 7 runs normally enough for us to hang onto, Tazz threw 3 strong inn and only allowed 1 run, we then walked 4 batters in the bottom of 4th inn before another pitching change and had Turbo close out the game and limit the damage to 3 runs, enough to hang on, but really closer than it needed to be....

PS Lil Sluggers-------------7

Cruisers-------------------------4

PS Lil Sluggers vs LQ DBacks

Coach Adrian of the Tribe gave me a scouting report on the Dbacks, they have a so so pitcher to start the game, and strong pitcher to close, pile on their starter otherwise it is tough to score late.....I let our girls know this, and had them pumped before the drive out there.....he was right, a so so pitcher to start, 6 runs on our side, but then they brought in another pitcher that had a change up but no speed, we piled on another 5 runs and only played 2 outs in the inn (thanks alot Esmy/Gloria), since our strategy of only 2 outs cut our at bats short,  we needed to make up for it the 3rd inn, their closer was in, a little wild but fast....we did put up another 4 on her as well as take home a bruise in the wallet to Turtle and another in the chicken bone to KoolAid, and yes, it hurt, OUCH!!!!!!........there's no crying in softball!!!!unless it is a 45 mph pitch, you guys are excused on this one......Turtle was throwing lights out, 2 scoreless inn, then the 3rd a little rocky after getting hit in the previous ab, Turbo came in and limited damage again and squashed any noise they were about to make......it was a fairly quiet game, no cheering on their side, our girls not very vocal during game, I could almost hear myself think all night...hmm...wonder where Turbo wants to stop for dinner, hope she's hungry as I know I am, I wonder if we can be first out of the park this time, I was awaken and brought back to reality as our drive home I felt as if we were in a NASCAR RACE, I was told I have to be the slowest driver and to get out of the way(not slow, JUST SAFE), and that was our parent.....oh well, we made it safely , Brandon was a flash and out of sight in about 3 seconds, and not too far behind was Josey, yes Josey flew by me as if I was driving a Big Rig, well, speed isn't what Turbo is blessed with, I guess I'm to blame????? On to Thursday and the strong Storm from Indio......

PS Lil Sluggers----------------------16

LQ DBacks-------------------------------2

Lil Sluggers vs Indio Storm

We had another game with tough pitching..... the Indio Storm have a pitcher in Cabanyez that can flat out pitch, always a great test for us in the box, and we are always up for a challenge.... we had base runners every inning and applied pressure with every batter.... Pep 1b, Turtle bb, and Turbo 1b cashed in first 2 runs...Minyun7pith bb, Kfc 1b, Tazz2b cashed in next 2 runs, Turtle 1b, Turbo1b, Gemini 1b, Koolaid 7 pitch bb, Minyun 6pitch bb, Kfc 1b, Squinky 1b, and we pushed 4 more runs across.....8runs in 4 inn, that is a lot of base runners...Tazz led the defense with a great pitching performance, only allowing 4 runs, 2 earned, and defense made enough plays to keep the Storm off the bases, Pep-Minyun-KoolAid-Squinky patrolled the outfield, KFC-Gemini-KandyKorn-Turbo-Turtle locked down the infield, Tazz in the circle, 2ks and 10 defensive plays on the field, a recipe for success,  job well done, who's got next????

on a side note, not very many times I question JUDGEMENT calls in a game, they eventually balance out during the game itself....there were 2 plays I thought could have been called outs in our favor, a play at home and a play at 2nd, though it would have been nice, I understand I don't need to BEG for calls from umpire....there was then a play at 1st that should have gone their way, it didn't, it went for us, turned to be a "Rally Killer", but as I always say, "don't beg for calls and they will even out", keep the mental focus, play the next pitch, and we will be fine, way to keep your composure, way to focus, and way to make plays happen, cya on the diamond...............

Tazz 1-3, Pep1-3, Turtle1-2, Turbo 3-3, Gemini 1-3, Minyun 2bb, Kfc 2-2, Squinky bb, Koolaid bb, (total team effort)

PS Lil Sluggers------------8

Indio Storm----------4

LIL SLUGGERS VS LQ DBACKS

IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE WHEN THE GIRLS ARE FOCUSED AND READY TO PLAY.....THIS WAS TRUE IN THE WARM-UP SESSION PRIOR TO LQ GAME......THEY WERE ON POINT, SHARP, AND MAKE ROUTINE LOOK ROUTINE.....HITTING WHICH WE ALWAYS HANG OUR HAT ON, IT WAS SHARP...THIS NORMALLY TELLS US WE ARE IN FOR A FUN GAME......

WE PUT UP 6 RUNS IN THE 1ST, 4 RUNS IN THE 2ND, WE PUMPED THE BRAKES AND STILL MANAGED 1 IN THE 3RD AND 4TH INN.......WHAT WAS MORE IMPRESSIVE THAN OUR HITTING?  GLAD YOU ASKED...WE PITCHED TURTLE, IPOD, TURBO, AND MINYUN, 1 HIT, 4KS, OBB, YES, THAT IS A BIG GOOSE EGG FOR WALKS, NO WALKS IS IMPRESSIVE......WE HAD KANDYKORN, GEMINI, PALOMA, IPOD ALL CATCH AS WELL WHICH MADE THE PITCHING THAT MUCH BETTER....THIS ALL BEGAN IN OUR WARM-UPS, IF I CAN ONLY GET THE GIRLS TO REALIZE GAMES ARE WON AND LOST IN PRACTICE AND PRE-GAME, GAMES WE JUST SHOW OFF THE SKILL THEY HAVE BEEN TAUGHT.....IT WILL COME WITH AGE, CAUSE RIGHT NOW BELIEVE ME, THEY ARE JUST A BUNCH OF "GOOF BALLS".....OH WELL, ON TO THE NEXT GAME........

MINYUN 2 RUNS, PALOMA 2 RUNS, PEP 2 RUNS, GEMINI 2-2, KANDYKORN 1-1, TAZZ RBI, TURBO 1 RUN, TURTLE 2-2(HOME RUN), KFC BB, IPOD 1B, SQUINKY 1B, KOOLAID 1B (TEAM OFFENSE AT IT'S FINEST)

LIL SLUGGERS---------------12

LQ DBACKS-----------------------0

COACH ADRIAN AND THE SOFTBALL TRIBE COULDN'T MAKE WEDS GAME, WE COVERED FOR HIM AND FACED OUR BIG TEST IN COACH ROY AND HIS INDIO STORM......

IT WAS AN OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION WITH THE HELP OF SOME CARELESS PLAYS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FIELD....THEY BATTED 32 TIMES IN 6 INN, THEY PUT UP 10 RUNS AND LEFT 4 BASE RUNNERS DURING THEIR FIREWORKS......WE WERE NOT TO BE OUT DONE, BATTED 33 TIMES IN 5 INN, PLATED 15 RUNS AND LEFT  4 BASE RUNNERS AS WELL, BUT WE MADE OUR ABS A LITTLE MORE EXPLOSIVE TO MAKE THE 5 RUN DIFFERENCE....ONCE AGAIN, GOOD WORK IF YOU CAN FIND IT......

TAZZ 1B/3B, PEP 1B, TURTLE 1B, TURBO 1B/HR, KFC 2-1BS, IPOD 1B, KANDYKORN 2-2BS, KRUNCH 1B/2B, MINYUN 1B/2B, KOOLAID 1B, SQUINKY 1B, ONCE AGAIN TEAM OFFENSE AT IT'S FINEST

INDIO STORM------------10

LIL SLUGGERS----------15

HAPPY HOWLOWEEN

(WE HAVE OUR OWN SCARY HOWLIGANS)

What do you think of pumpkin I carved?  Creative right???

Send me pics of your costumes and we will post for a couple of days.....

Check the TURFS, good for any daily activity, even at this age......

Where was this costume 4 months ago?  Mark must have got to mail first.

DJ Pep, I mean Lil Miss Einstein even if only for 1 day....

Hunger Games Below, and Bo looking like he missed lunch....

 Which Super Hero looks more intimidating?, My vote the Lil Slugger THUG....(KFC)

Would you want these "Super Heroes" saving you?? Look too happy.....

Never thought you would say this one needs a shot of caffiene, Starbucks anyone?

Oops, should have ordered tall Hot Chocolate not Venti Caramel Latte....

Put shorts on the wrong end first and this happens

KoolAid - Gemini - Sebastian sneaking off to go through the goodies bags, busted......

Coach El Macho Below.......

Pre-Turkey Tournament

"BEAST MODE - CARDIAC KIDS"

PEP - KOOLAID - PURPLE MINYUN - KFC - KANDYKORN

EZMY- SQUINKY - PALOMA - GEMINI - TURBO - TURTLE - IPOD - TAZZ - GLORIA

So I was approached by 2 different Coaches and 1 Team Manager about our girls this weekend...where have we been, and where do we come from?  How big is the Academy we are from ?  I think some of you know how much fun I have with this type of stuff, and I left them scratching their heads when our conversations ended....The most interesting, they have 14 Teams, 3 in 10u, 4 in 12u, Manager- $1,800 month (schedules all Team activity/recruits new players), Bench Coach-$1,500 month (all game decisions), Pitching/defense Coach-$1,500 month (places players in positions entire game).  They work Defense 1x a week, they work offense 1x week, and Manager supervises their agilities 1x a week.  My response, "PS Lil Sluggers Academy of Fastpitch Softball Low Desert Valley", 2-Team Moms (show up whenever they feel, and I don't question where about)FREEx2(bargain like a clearance rack), 1 Asst Coach (Jumps 3 inches off ground on wave around at 3rd base, only before lunch though)-FREE, and myself, job description? I am the baby-sitter 3-4 times a week, 2 hours at a time, and play as many games as we can so that we can figure out what this game is all about........I had some funny looks, but all was said with a straight face and wished the Teams well in the Tournament....We knocked 2 of them out, and there was huge animosity towards us, I think I made them upset.........but for me, it makes my "Daddy Day Care" worth it to beat these high dollar Teams on our NO BUDGET(thus their parents not knowing how to act by losing to a Team without a budget or high dollar Coaching Staff).....Our Girls played extremely well, and deserve everything they have accomplished, we will stay the course, and continue to enjoy the Lil Slugger Train ride they have us on, cya on the Diamond, Champs..............

Game #1 Lil Sluggers vs Corona Crush

The Crush was the 10u Corona All Star Team, and according to the Coach, a very successful run....they were very well schooled, pitched well, hit well, and played defense well....we also being 10u All Star Squad didn't give any ground, we pitched well, we played great defense, and we hit extremely good.....Tazz bb, Pep 1b, Turtle 2b, Turbo 1b Gemini 2b and we had 4 runs as Corona made a pitching change, KandyKorn bb and Krunch 1b ended our 1st inn with 4 runs, and we are off to a goood start....we came up again and made more noise, Squinky bb, Turtle bb, Turbo 2b and 2 more runs came off their ace this time...we hit 1 more time with bb to KandyKorn and a 3b by Paloma to score our last run, Squinky reached again on a bb to end our offense and the game, great start to a competitive Tournament....

Tazz bb - run, Pep 1-2 - run, Turtle 1-1 - 2b - run, Turbo 2-2 - 2b, Gemini 1-2 - 2b, KandyKorn 2-bb, Paloma 2-2 - 3b, Squinky 2bb

Tazz 3 inn - 1 run - 4 hits - 1k, Turtle 1inn, 0 hits, 0 runs...

PS Lil Sluggers----------7

Corona Crush------------1

Game #2 Lil Sluggers vs The Next Level 10u

We pitched extremely good again, and even better, we came out swinging the sticks again....Pep reached on a dropped 3rd strike that no one saw, even their Coach had no clue as to what happened, after Pep tried to tell me she was out, she ran to 1st and wound up safe as it was a dropped 3rd strike, as I was told by a parent later, the Coach was "discombobulated"...... Turtle then 1bs, Turbo 1bs, KandyKorn bb, Ipod 1b, Paloma hits a bomb for a home run, Koolaid 1b and we threw up 6 on the board...quick work on defense and we got sticks again.....Tazz 1b, Minyun bb, Turtle 1b, Turbo 2b, Gemini hit by pitch - OUCH, and we close inn with 1b by Paloma to add another 3 runs....after 1 more clean inn of defense, we need 3 to mercy the Team...KoolAid 1b, KFC bb, Tazz 1b, Minyun up to bat and game called on time......another good game for the Lil Slugger Train.....

Turtle-3 inn 2 hits, 1bb, 0 runs, 5ks

Tazz 2-2 - run, Pep run, Minyun bb - run, Turtle 2-2 - 2 runs, Turbo 2-2 - 2b, Gemini bb, KandyKorn bb - run, Ipod 1-2 - 1b, Paloma 2-2 HR - 1b, KoolAid 2-2 - 2 1bs, KFC bb

PS Lil Sluggers------------9

The Next Level-----------0

Game #3 Lil Sluggers vs Imperial Beach Loyals

Home Team again, we allowed lead off 2b, but they tried to bunt, popped out to Ipod and doubled off runner at 2nd, another fly ball to short and we dodged a big momentum switched to start game.....Tazz again leads off with a 2b, Krunch follows with a 1b, Turtle a 2b, Turbo a 1b, Ipod a 2b, KandyKorn 1b and we started strong again with 4 runs......they went 3up 3 down the rest of the way, we continued to put pressure on their defense....KoolAid bb, Minyun 1b, Turbo bb, Gemini 1b, Ipod     1b, KandyKorn 2b, Pep 1b, Tazz 1b, Krunch bb, Turtle 1b, and KFC 2b and the mercy rule again kicks in.....solid pitching, better defense, and hit attack gone wild......

PS Lil Sluggers------------9

IB Loyals----------------------0

Quarter Finals PS Lil Sluggers vs LB Firecrackers

Paying to play in a "Travel Academy Program" sometimes not always good for Team leaders as Parents now think they have the right to yell whatever they want whenever the feel it is ok to do....This game started quick, Paloma reached on an error, parents already barking about positions, it was only the 2nd batter....Turtle 1bs, Joys ropes a line drive into pitcher's glove and they double up Turtle at first, this is where the fun was starting, parents came into dugout giving Coaches an earful for not playing girls where they belonged, Coaches bit their lip and allowed them to vent, and they just got out of a potential big inning, some people right?....we once again came up big as the lead off runner was thrown out trying to steal by Gemini, and they went quietly after that......Coaches were now as irratated as their own parents, jawing at me saying their younger Team was about to show the "Older girls" how to play....no sooner they aim these remarks to me and Ipod rips a shot to left field, it scoots passed LF and BAM, a Home Run......I kept quiet, KandyKorn gets a bb, Pep hits fly out to Pitcher and Coaches again letting me now how good they play in Long Beach, my response, I'm glad we get 3 outs in the Desert or we would be in trouble.....right on cue, KoolAid has my back, she ropes a line drive down the 3rd base line, Home Run, 2 more on the board for us, and if pictures don't lie, they knew it, I smirked, said "God Bless us for 3 outs per Inn" and gimped my way back......3-0 good gals.....They once again led off with a 1b, KandyKorn throws her out trying to steal, they hit a 2b, we misplay a 1b in the outfield and they score a run, we get out of inn and limit damage to 1 run, as good as this was, I now needed to go hear another earful from chirpy visitors dugout.....down 3-1, the parents were looking for a fist fight with their own Coaches, I told you so, your a little "perrito" , do as I say and make me want to bring my daughter back he tells their Coach, all while their Asst telling me I will learn how to teach players the game Long Beach way, like Dirtbags, (Cal State Long Beach DirtBags)....right on cue, Tazz 3bs, Paloma 1bs, Turtle 1bs, Turbo 1bs, Ipod 1bs, Pep 1bs, KoolAid 1bs and we put up 6 runs, in the middle of all this Manager finally tells loud parents, now 2 of them barking and wife doing the "hold me back" deal, to "shut up, I don't have time for you".........we got them out 1-2-3 and game ends on mercy, girls get their high fives, Coaching staff looked as if they were heading to war zone, but as for us, on to the Semi...

paying just to say you are on a travel team not always the best solution, they are now 0-4 vs us, Loyals only League Team.....they could at least keep that info to themselves, and not make us aware of it as if we are supposed to give up since we are not part of "Academy" in their eyes, I like the Lil Sluggers Fastpitch Academy, and the price is right.......

Tazz 1-2/3b, Paloma 2-2, Turtle 2-2, Turbo 1-2, Ipod 2-2/Home Run, KandyKorn bb, Pep 1-2, KoolAid -2-2/Home Run

Turtle 4 inn, 1 run, 6 hits, 1 k

PS Lil Sluggers------------9

Long Beach Firecrackers-1

Semi - Finals PS Lil Sluggers vs So Cal Select

2 words, Great Pitcher's duel......best pitcher we faced in the tourny, but we had been dealing all weekend and matched them pitch for pitch.....we out hit the other team, but they didn't make any mistakes on defense and kept us honest....they scored 3 unearned runs, but that was enough to take us into extra inn as we only managed 3 runs......inn starts with a runner at 2nd, they attempt to bunt her over, we field bunt and throw her out at 3rd, 1 down, runner at 1st, 2 to go.....ground ball to pitcher and 2 down 1 to go...fly ball to Paloma and now our turn to score in ITB(extra innings).....we were in the right spot with a fast runner at 2nd, KFC was last batter so she took 2nd base, Tazz battled but went down swinging....1 down runner at 2nd, Paloma now in battle of her own, pitcher throws wild pitch we advance to 3rd and Paloma draws a bb, advances to 2nd without a throw.....2nd a 3rd, Turtle at the plate with Turbo on deck, I like our chances.....after a 1-1 count, Turtle rips a 3b to right field, we score, game over.....onto the FINALS...........these "Cardiac Kids", act as if parents and Coaches down age with these kind of games.......

Tazz 3-4/2 home runs, Paloma 1 hit bb, Turtle 4-4, game winning 3b, Turbo 2-3, KandyKorn 1b, Pep 2b, KFC game winning run....

Tazz 7 inn/ 3 runs/10 hits/3 ks

PS Lil Sluggers-----------4

SO Cal Select---------------3

Finals:  Lil Sluggers vs Corona Crush

I was glad to see a Coach in my eyes that does things the right way on the field.....his team was disciplined at the plate, they pitched well, and were very aggressive on the bases.......we had our hands full.....after a lead ff 2b, they cashed her in on a passed ball 1-0 them....we led off with a 1b and cashed in Tazz on an aggressive run home after a dropped 3rd strike, out at first and we manage a run, 1-1 after 1....they once again led off with a 2b, and again, cashed her in on aggressive run on another passed ball, 2-1 after 2 inn....they constantly pressured us, hit batter, a bb, a 1b and they plated another 3 runs....we are now in chase mode down 5-1 going into the bottom of the 3rd...Tazz hit a 1b, Turtle hits a 2b, Turbo infield 1b, what?, ya deep 5/6 hole and she legged it out, why was it important, it scored 2nd run of the inn.....5-3 and we are back in it.......well, like I said, they were disciplined at the plate, with a great approach by their hitters, if made a mistake on the pitch, they drove it, a line drive down 1st base line gets them a home run, a 1b, a bb and they managed to plate 2 more in the inn, 7-3 them....playing chase it was now our turn....Pep 1bs, Minyun bb, Tazz 2b, Turtle 3b, Turbo 1b and we claw back 2 more runs...7-5 Crush.....we finally got them 1-2-3 with the 3-4-5 hitters in the line up, it felt as if we had just restored order, bottom 5, and we still haven't had our big inn we always have....batting in the bottom of the 6th inn, it was our time.......Minyun hits line drive to reach on a 1b, Tazz follows with a Home Run, Paloma 1bs, Turbo 2bs, KFC 1b, KandyKorn huge 3b, the clay clears, and we had an exciting 6th inn with 6 monster hits, 5 huge runs and a 10-7 lead going into the last inn.......Turtle took to the circle, (a lead off bb, for added drama, uh oh...), k to next batter, 1 down 2 to go, 1b by the lead off hitter, runners on 1st and 2nd.....next hitter grounds out to Tazz and now runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs and #3 hitter up to bat.....right on cue, 2nd pitch she blast a 1b to shallow left, 1 run scores, Coach sends runner from 2nd while KFC has ball in her glove, she launches a throw home and beats her by 10 feet, kandyKorn blocks plate, apllies tag, dust clears, in a dramatic call, umpire walks around the plate, sees the ball, "YOU'RE OUT!!!!"......ball game, Lil Sluggers pull it off, after 8 hours at the park, we come home with another medal, a huge Trophy, and the rights to say, League Ball can compete with high dollar Academy Teams......always a good feeling on my part, and every time we do win one of these, yes, it is an upset, this isn't supposed to happen, but the work our Lil Girls put in is an amazing thing to see come together and compete where we "don't belong".....CONGRATS CHAMPS, CYA ON THE DIAMOND....

PRE-THANKSGIVING TURKEY CHAMPIONS

PS LIL SLUGGERS-----------10

CORONA CRUSH---------------8

WinterBall vs Kapu All Stars

So we went out to play Indio Kapu, we are clicking on all cylinders, and boy is it fun to watch.  We had 3 defensive errors, but pitching and other defensive plays erased those mistakes.  Tazz and Turbo in the circle, KandyKorn, Gemini and Ipod behind the dish kept hitters off balance, and Kapu is a good hitting team......on offense, we hit extremely well....we made corrections to a few players during game, and did it ever work....we only struck out 1x, big improvement from 2 weeks ago, and made fairly good contact......we went yard 3x in the game, and that was good to see (Tazz- KandyKorn - Gemini) all cleared the fence in the game, job well done, ENJOY THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS, AND CYA ON THE DIAMOND.......

Pitching:  Tazz - 3 inn/ 0runs/ 2 hits- 1bb/ 2ks, Turbo - 2 inn/ 0 runs/ 1 hit/ 1 bb

Hitting:  Tazz 1-3 / HR, Turbo 3-3/ 2b, KandyKorn 3-3/ HR, Gemini 3-4/ HR, Minyun 2-3, KoolAid 2-3, Pep 1-2, Ipod 1-2, KFC 1-4, Squinky bb

TOYS 4 TOTS CHAMPIONS

OUR CHAMPIONS TAKE TIME TO GIVE TO THE TOYS 4 TOTS COLLECTION

Well they have done it again, after another nail biting game, Our Champs put together a huge inn to come from behind again to win another championship, this time beating an Academy 4 times, and losing once, to claim the "SHIP" .....as much as we are spoiled by the level of ball being played by these young ball players, we are really proud of what they continue to accomplish and build together, a Family that can count on each other when it is needed most, "Sisters" that will do their part to make it happen, job well done, cya on the diamond.....

Game #1

PS Lil Sluggers vs Norco Fillies

The first of our Tourny wins, we hammered the ball.....equally and more impressive was our pitching, Tazz and Turbo combined for 4 inn to hold the Filles to 1 run, 3 hits......that and the constant pressure we had at the plate was awesome start....Tazz HR , KandKorn 1b, Turtle 1b, Turbo bb, KFC sac fly, Ipod 2b and we put up 3 runs, Pep bb, Minyun bb, Turtle 1b, Turbo 1b and we score another 3 runs, Ipod 2b, Gemini bb, Pep bb and we notch another run, KandyKorn 1bs, Turtle 3b, Turbo 3b, KFC 1b, Gemini bb and we push another 4 to end the game early...and we are off!!!

PS Lil Sluggers------------11

Norco Fillies Academy-1

Game #2

PS Lil Sluggers vs Mission Viejo KnuckleHeads

after a slow start on offense by going down 1-2-3, Knuckleheads made noise with their turn at the dish...they led off with a 1b, stole 2nd, we collected 2 outs then gave up a 1b to allow first run of the game, after 1, 1-0 Knuckleheads....Turtle took command in the circle and only walked 2 and kept them off the board with great location and a solid defense, this allowed us to do what we do best, hit....Turbo 1b, KFC 1b, Ipod 1b, KoolAid 2b, Minyun 1b and we notch half a snowman-3 runs......KandyKorn 2b, Turbo 3b, KFC 2b, Ipod bb, Pep 1b and we add another half a snowman-3 runs......Minyun bb, Tazz 2b and we put up a straight line, 1 run, but finish strong, KFC loses at dodge ball and gets hit in the hat rack, but the ball was OK.....Ipod follows with a HR and we put up our last crooked number, 2 runs.....Turbo took the circle to close out the game, 1 run on 2 hits and 1 k, time expires, and onto the Quarter Finals.......

PS Lil Sluggers-----------------------9

Mission Viejo KnuckleHeads Academy-2 (what a kool name, wish I would have thought of that)

PS Lil Sluggers vs So Cal A's (Academy)

What is at stake in this game?  Glad you asked and I made sure to let the girls know....win this game and advance to Sunday Championship game, lose and go to Semi Final game and be forced to beat winner 2 more times.....yes it was heavy, but the game was INTENSE!!!.....Tazz was lights out, she handled an aggressive lineup with POW in the bats, held them to 1 run on 4 hits in 8 innings.....not to be out done, Jaden (A's pitcher) held us to 2 runs on 10 hits in 8 inn.....the defense was spectacular on both sides....they were clean, highlight after highlight on their side.....but we were not to be out done and matched their defense every inn....in the 7th inn, ITB puts a runner on 2nd, fly ball to Tazz get out #1, k for out #2, 1b to left, Koolaid throws to Kfc, Kfc throws to KandyKorn and blocks the plate to erase the runner....we live to see another inn...with runner again on 2nd for the 8th inn, ground ball to Gemini, out at 1st, Turtle throws to 3rd to nail runner by KFC blocking 3rd, she never reached the base, 2 down and a fly ball to end the inning with our turn to score and top of the lineup.....With Gemini going to 2nd, Tazz hits fly ball to RF, Gemini tags and advances to 3rd.....KandyKorn hits blooper to LF, it falls and allows Gemini to plate the run and earn a trip to the "Ship".....wow, learning to win these games is a good feeling, just seems to age me every time it goes down this way.......

PS Lil Sluggers------------------2 (8 innings)

So Cal A's Academy---------1

Championship Game #1

So Cal A's vs PS Lil Sluggers

Well..............as good as we played Saturday, we were total opposite Sunday.......we gave 4 runs on 6 errors in the 1st inn, 1 more run on 2 more errors in the 2nd inning, 1 more run on 2 more errors in the 5th inning, and they finally got a clean run in the 6th...Toys 4 Tots, we were in a giving mood I guess....we left 10 runners on, we hit but never that clutch hit we normally come away with....in all, not a really good showing.....

So Cal A's Academy-------------7

PS Lil Sluggers ---------------------0

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME #2 WINNER TAKE ALL....

PS Lil Sluggers-----------------5 (TOYS 4 TOTS CHAMPIONS)

SO CAL A'S ACADEMY-----4

UNITED WE STAND

TEAMMATES - FRIENDS - FAMILY

HOW DO YOU STAND?

So we took time off, regrouped and got ready for game action, then got rained out.......we jump started again, got ready again, and played in a scrimmage extremely well...we were ready, but with a new start comes new competition vs older teams......Adrenaline Athletics is an Academy that had good success last year and grew from 1 team to 4 this Season....well they came ready to go, I'm glad we are maturing and responded with solid play ourselves......we shook off the rust, and now that the crew is back together we can attempt to make noise this Season.......

Lil Sluggers vs Adrenaline 03

We lose the flip, we make an error and 6 batters later we are down 2-0....Tazz BBS, KFC bbs, Turtle 1b, KandyKorn smashes a 2b, Gemini BBS, Squinky bbs, and we just knocked out their best pitcher, Paloma gets a full count 2b to finish the inn with 5 runs.....Turtle and Tazz go next 3 inn and only give up 1 more run…we continued to hit, Turtle 1b Turbo 1b adds run in the 2nd, Tazz bb, Turtle 1b, Turbo 1b and we finished our scoring....strong game, solid hitting, good start for the new Season..

Offense Heroes: Turtle 2-3, Turbo 2-3, KandyKorn 1-2 / 2b, Squinky 1-1, Krunch 1-2 / 2b

Pitching Turtle 3inn / 3 runs/ 6 hits / 2bb / 2 ks

Lil Sluggers -7

Adrenaline 03 -3

Lil Sluggers vs Adrenaline 02

What on earth is in the water in Corona??? Do they deliver to PS??? Well as intimidating as they looked, we played with this group,...I'm hard to impress, but boy am I ever proud of playing tough with the big dawgs....we out hit them 11-7, we out pitched them, but we also made 3 more errors than them and it cost us 4 runs, size is great for football, but in a skill game like softball, focus and execution makes a difference,lack of it over shadowed our strong hitting performance at the plate, ..Gemini slammed a 3b, Pep bb, Tazz and KFC both 1b, Turtle 2b, Turbo 1b and we pushed across 4 runs, we stranded 9 runners in scoring position, unlike us, we normally can get that clutch hit,  but it happens, on to the next

Offense Heroes: Tazz 1-3, KFC 2-3, Turtle 2-3 / 3b, Turbo 2-3, KandyKorn 1-3 / 2b, Gemini 1-3 (slowest 3b ever), Krunch 1-1, Squinky 1-1

Pitching:  Tazz 4 inn / 6 runs(2 earned) / 7 hits / 0bb/ 3ks

Lil Sluggers -4

Adrenaline 02 -6

Lil Sluggers vs Sudden Impact

After a short rest, we were refocused, energized, and ready to go....we hit, we hit hard, we hit often...I was getting an earful from other coach as how our girls struggle to hit a change up, I don't know what he was watching, 19 hits, 12-1bs, 6-2bs, 1-3b, I hope we can struggle and hit like that every game we play.....pitching was money, Turbo threw 25 pitches/19strikes, and we played stellar defense to blank them for 3 inn, recipe for success..

Offense Heroes: Tazz 3-4 2-2b, KFC 2-2, Turtle 3-4 2b, Turbo 3-4 2b, KandyKorn 1-3 2b, Paloma 2-3 3b, Squinky 1-2, IPod 1-1, PEP 1-1, Koolaid 1-1, Minyun 1-2, that is solid way to struggle with a change up

Pitching:  Turbo 3inn/ 0 runs / 3 hits / 0bb / 1 k/ 25 pitches (6balls - 19 strikes)

Lil Sluggers-15

Sudden Impact-2

A good start, we can and will improve, and let's see what Beaumont has in store for us in 2 weeks.....

Sudden Impact Friendly

Lil Sluggers vs SC Fire

We came out crushing the ball, normally it takes a couple of inn, but we were ready despite the early start time....7 hits, 3bb, and 10 runs in all...but just as we came out and took advantage of solid hitting, we dropped 5 routine fly balls that eventually cost us 7 runs....after the first inn, we didn't score any more, and we made too many errors to hold the fiesty Fire offense from scoring.....credit to the Fire squad for continuing to put pressure on our defense, they made our mistakes count and we couldn't answer their intensity after the first nn......let's move on to the next.......

Offense Heroes- Tazz 1-2 HR, KFC 1-2 2b, Turtleb 1-3, Turbo 2-3 2b, KandyKorn 2-3 2b, Paloma 1-2

Lil Sluggers -10

SC Fire-12

Lil Sluggers vs Knuckle Up

after a 1/2 hr rest, we had our next game changed, instead of Dynasty we get Knuckle Up....Defense came out and played, in 5 inn of work, 3 ks, and 12 routine plays all made to look routine....whenb we can hit location on pitches, we can make our defense look a lot better, and we made very quick work of the Knuckle Up Crew....all 12 outs were recorded in the infield, ground ball to KFC-#1, ground ball Turtle to KFC #2, ground ball turtle to Kfc #3, Fly ball Turbo #4, ground ball Turbo to KFC #5, Turtle to KFC #6, ground ball KandyKorn to KFC #7, ground ball Tazz to KFC #8, ground ball to KFC#9, ground ball Pep to KFC #10, Fly ball to Pep #11, Ground Ball Turtle to KFC #12, 3ks and ball never left the infield to get all routine plays and make really quick work on defense....offense slowed down after game 1, but we had enough to push 3 runs across.....KFC 3b and Turbo rbi for run #1, KandyKorn 1b, Gemini sac bunt, Krunch bb, Ipod rbi, Tazz rbi 2b and 2 more runs to finish our scoring....EXCELLENT DEFENSIVE GAME, enough offense and we scrated a win , let's go get Vegas Pink Ladies.......

Pitching Hero- Turtle 5inn - 1 hit - 2bb - 3 - ks

Hitting Heroes- Tazz 1-2, Kfc 1-2 3b, Turtle 1-3, KandyKorn 1-2, Gemini 1-2 sac 

Lil Sluggers -3

Knuckle Up- 0

Winning coin flip again, Coach Joe says "sticks", I see expression on Vegas Coach, "Surprised we took sticks".....Tazz 1b, KFC 1b, Turbo 2b, Gemini 2b, Paloma 1b, and girls had Coach Joe look like a GENIOUS, 5 hits 1bb to score 4 runs....scetchy defense again costbus 2 runs, can we stay aggressive every pitch, their is our "big challenge"......end of 1st inn, 4-2 good gals....We batted all 9 players again for 2nd straight inn, Tazz 2b, KFC 1b, Turtle 1b, Turbo 1b, KandyKorn 1b, Paloma 1b, Ipod 1b and we scored another 5 runs.....defense again, guess what, 2 more errors and they score 3 more runs....we were able to limit the damage, but can we play clean defense again?.....end of 2, 9-5 good gals.....we batted 7 more playeers, and yes another 2 runs, Tazz 1b, KFC 2b, Turbo sac fly to close the inn....a 10 pitch inn, 3 up 3 down and we finally took defenseive challenge and played CLEAN.....we once again batted 9 players, Pep bb, Squinky 1b, Tazz 1b, KFC 1b, Turbo 2b, KandyKorn MONSTER 3b, and we pushed across 5 more.....only 3 minutes on the clock, we ran to field, no warm up pitches, ground ball Turbo to Turtle for out #1, line drive to Turbo out #2, 1b to center, ground ball to KFC for out #3 all in 3 minutes time, good sportmansip by our girls to allow Vegas to bat again, that is what I always hope our Team is about.....GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP.....

Offense Heros- Tazz 4-4 2-2b, KFC 4-4 2b, Turtle 1-4, Turbo 3-4 2-2b, KandyKorn 2-3 3b, Gemini 1-3 2b, -Paloma 2-4 2b, Ipod 1-1, Squinky 1-2

Pitching Hero - Turbo 4 inn -5 runs(2 earned) -5 hits - 1bb- 2k 

We will work on cleaning up the defense end of the gam, and onto the next Tournament, Lil Sluggers Softball gaining respect every field we go to....these girls deserve a big "I'm proud of You" and a really big HUG, as they continue to impress with their level of play vs some very big, strong, and older Teams than our own....continue to work, good things will come your way.....

2015 College Junior Classic Tournament 2nd place

5 wins - 2 loses - 7 straight hours of softball, UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

We arrived on Saturday morning to get our Softball on, we did, it was good to get into game mode after 2 weeks of 0 games and only 4 practices.  Though we started and played well, there was LOTS of rust in game speed, but field time will change this...

Game 1:

We played Orange County Dynasty, they are FOR REAL.......they play clean, they pitch well, and are extremely aggressive on defense...I as a Coach saw a big difference in the way they attack the ball, and the way we allow play to come to us.....Something I will fix, and we will be even more impressive next weekend....we did enough on offense, we did awesome in the circle, and scratched a win to start the tourny....

Lil Sluggers------4

OC Dynasty-------1

Game 2:

We hit, we hit a lot, played strong on defense, and pitched lights out...5inn, 4 hits, 0bb, 3ks and only 1 unearned run...enough for the #1 seed and onto double elimination in the playoffs....

Lil Sluggers------9

Prospects---------1

Game 3:  9:30 am Sunday Morning

After a team dropped out early Sat morning, a replacement Team was brought in to play....Lq DBacks were the call up, we did what we needed to do, and finished early..

Lil Sluggers------14

LQ DBacks--------1

Game 4: 11am Sunday Morning

Dynasty once again matched up with us....we played even through 3, a 1-1 tie...then we had our inning we normally have, 3 runs on 5 hits to take a 4-1 lead....2 quick outs in the bottom of 5 and the wheels fell off....we lost our aggressive nature and it cost us 3 runs, enough for Dynasty to pull even with us....We tacked on 1 more runs, but again, allowed 2 runs to lose the game in 6 inn and dump us into the loser bracket..

Dynasty-------6

Lil Sluggers-5

Game 5:  2:00 pm Sunday Afternoon

 After a 15 min break, we were at it again.....again, we hit well, we pitched even better, and defense was back where it needed to be....fighting for survival, we brought out the sticks in strong fashion and got back into a groove at the plate...onto the next....

Lil Sluggers-------8

Prospects---------0

Game 6:  3:30 pm Sunday Afternoon 

If we win, we force the "What if " game, if we lose, we are 2nd best today.....with that in mind...we came out and played probably our best  game this Season.....yes we had good hitting, we played strong defense, we had good pitching, but most impressive, we did something we normally don't do as our offense is normally steady and consistent....we won a game by playing "small ball", never something associated with our team, but something we work very hard in practice....we laid down 3 consecutive bunts to earn us 3 runs and take a lead after scoring a crooked number, good to see it play out, and it makes our offense more dangerous now that Girls know we can win "small ball: when we need it.....again with strong pitching we were able to finish the game with 1 more than Dynasty and play in the "what if" for the Championship Game.... 

Lil Sluggers-------3

Dynasty-----------2

Game 7:  5:15 pm Sunday Evening 

Championship Game.....this group has played in numerous Championship Games, we should be getting used to this.....what we haven't realized yet, is to stay in the moment, we tend to cruise through sections of games as if we are bored, and it normally costs us a run or two.....though we didn't get the girls to deliver at the plate which has been a strong point for us, we were making enough plays to keep game close.....playing catch up, down by 2 runs, one of our options was shut down, "small ball" was gone as we couldn't give away outs, and not hitting as usual combined with aggressive style defense by the Dynasty, we didn't have an answer for them....they did play better, they did play more aggressive, they were more patient at the plate, and the did pitch better than us....even though they were the better team today, this could very easily flip to our side the next time we see each other......we finished 2-2 vs the Dynasty, we will be invited to play these guys again, and if we improve like I expect us to, we will have enough to get it done next time out....7 straight hours of softball, if we played anymore I was going to have my mail delivered to LQ fields.....it was a good showing, but I as a Coach and as a Parent have been spoiled to win these games....but with every loss comes a lesson, ours will be addressed at practice, and we will be all the better for it.....

Lil Sluggers-----0

OC Dynasty-----6

 TRIBE SCRIMMAGE

TRIBE GOT US TO SCRIMMAGE, NOT ON OUR RADAR, WE PLAYED TO GET BACK ON TRACK......WE DID PLAY WELL, BUT SOME OF OUR BAD HABBITS KREPT UP AGAIN........WE WILL FOCUS AGAIN ON HITTING AS WELL AS GETTIN AGGRESSIVE THE MINUUTE YOU STEP ON THE FIELD.....CYA ON THE DIAMOND.....

TRIBE-----4

LIL SLUGGERS--5

TOP ROW 12U OC DYNASTY

LIL SLUGGERS 

TAZZ - IHOP - KANDYKORN - TURBO - SQUINKY - GEMINI - KFC - PALOMA - PEP - KOOLAID - TURTLE

UNITED - DISCIPLINE - COMMITMENT - SACRIFICE - HARD WORK 

BACK 2 BACK PONY CHAMPIONS!!!

"CHAMPIONS WERE MADE - NOT FOUND"

"2x Champions were made - Not Found"

"IF YOU'RE NOT PRACTICING - SOMEWHERE - SOMEONE

ELSE IS AND WILL TAKE YOUR SPOT" - BROOKS

ROBINSON / HALL OF FAME

PS LAZERZ VS LI SLUGGERS

After not having really played in some time, this was a good outing.....we have focused on several things to improve our squad, we put it into play, and I was glad with the results....we shouldn't play this well vs girls 2 years older than you, but I expect it, and I want you girls to also believe this should be the result no matter who is on the other side........once again, after a few pitching location misses, and their aggressive plate abs, we paid a heavy price out of the gate to the tune of 4 runs in 1 inn..........our defense also made key mistakes, but as usual, early in the game, we still have to hit......our sticks did a really good job of keeping pressure on the defense, no "heroes", just quality swings and it will net good results, and there was plenty of that......Pitching once again came up strong, 3 pitchers in 5 inn, no one over 34 pitches, we can compete at every level and enjoy quality softball.....job well done, cya on the dimaond.......

PS Lazerz--------5

PS Lil Sluggers--16

So, we just played our first real games in some days, we had a forfeit as our buddies from San J(Screamin Eagles) decided to drop out late notice (11:30pm),  it put us up against the strong StrikeForce squad......while we were warming up, I watched enough of the game to see Strikeforce taking it to KnuckleUp, they hit hard, they pitched well, they overpowered them....it put us on notice, and yes we were up for the challenge........

Lil Sluggers vs StrikeForce

Coin flip in our favor, we start in the box......Tazz works a bb, 2 quick outs, followed by Gemini, KandyKorn, Ipod bbs and we scratch a run.....they start with a 1st pitch 1b, 2nd batter hits ground ball and Ipod erases lead runner at 2nd, runner at 1st and their #3 hitter lines ground ball to Ipod, we hose batter at 1st for out #2 and catch runner trying to advance to 3rd and end the threat with Turtle to Ipod for the double play.......Lady Mo back with us, welcome back!!!!....2nd inn was a lot more like us, bb to Squinky, KoolAid sac to get Squinky to 3rd, Pep sac fly to score Squinky, this is what we have worked on, being productive, sac abs for the better of the team, I was a proud pappa to see this work as we have done over and over in practice........Tazz 1b, Turtle 1b, Turbo huge 2b after their Coach told his pitcher to challenge her, she did,  he lost.......Gemini follows with a 1b and we took control, 4 more runs......Tazz again threw 5 pitcches to record 3 outs with Turbo, Gemini, and Ipod all making the defensive plays clean.....our 3rd inn on defense went even faster, Turtle threw 4 pitches, got 2 ground balls for routine plays to Paloma for out 1 & 2, and soft fly ball to record 3rd out.....on offense, after a comment sparked our fire, we hit like I like.......Ipod 1b, KFC 1b, KoolAid 1b, Pep 1b, Tazz bb, Turtle 1b, and Turbo again showing not smart to challenge her with another huge bases clearing double, Gemini bb, KandyKorn 1b, Ipod 1b,KFC 1b, KoolAid 1b, and the smoke clears with  9 run nightmare........

Lil Slugger------14

StrikeForce--------0 

After a great start to the day, we were locked in a great defensive battle with the KnuckleUp crew......We don't score to start, they scratch 1 run, we score 2 on a Home Run by Squinky that finally stopped about 250' from the plate, A BOMBASO!, they scored another in the 3rd to tie it up, Gemini 1b, KandKorn bb, Squinky 1b, Pep 1b and we go up 4-2.......this is where it fell apart.....error on the first batter, bb and a fly ball to KoolAid for out #1, another big error cost us 2 runs and k for out #2, should have been inning over, 2 runners stranded and a 4-2 lead, instead 4-4, 2outs and we were chasing the wheels off our wagon, we caught them, but damage was huge, 6 unearned runs and a 8-4 deficit......we came to the plate with tme working against us, 1st out was quick, but nothng else went quietly.....Turtle 1bs, Turbo 1bs, Happy Feet pinch runs, Gemini 1bs, KandyKorn 1bs, Ipod 1bs, 8-6 game, bases loaded with 1 out, and time runs out......AWWWWWWWWW!!!!!, but it happens, we finished strong, we stumbled in 1 inn and it cost us......we learn from the mistakes, we continue to fight till the last pitch, and we accept the result of the game.....what do we come away with?  Even though we had our bad inning, we just about overcame a 4 run deficit by continuing to fight,  never quit, stay together, and most important, Lady Mo comes back with us, we could use her in Arizona....

Lil Sluggers--------6 (strong finish, loud answer to their big inn)

SC KnuckleUp----8

Az Usssa GrandSlam Tournament

Down time is FUN time, we have lots of FUN, must be too much down time............

Way too much down time....as this is way too much FUN.................check out Mom in back "PHOTO BOMB", GOTCHA..

Az Grand Slam Tournament

We had 3 pool play games, we won 2 and lost 1.....every game we had our share of "what are we doing" moments, but every game we also had our "that is what we are supposed to do" moments.....we played 3 more games on the win or go home Sunday, winning another 2 games and losing 1, trailing in all 3 games the fight we displayed was good to see, never Lose Focus, stay together, do your part, and good things will happen, we kept it together for 2 games, and lost it in the 3rd, but those of you not aware, Pitcher plays on 4 teams and all she does is pitch, Cali, Az, Vegas, Texas, Utah, she has been everywhere, she showed her poise, and we now have something else to work on to get better, how to hack her I Phone and keep her away from the field next year, I got this, we will be ready......I saw a Team that showed they belong, that played with a Target on it's back  (being the only Cali Team), and took some verbal abuse from parents as well as Coaches from Az Squads just cause we weren't locals...on the other hand, Umpires, random parents just curios of ability our girls would play with, and Tournament Director letting me know how respectful, disciplined, and exciting it was to watch us and pull for our girls during the run..........big thing to remember, we are a young 12u Team, we aren't supposed to compete, we are from PS REC BALL, they thought we were nuts to be driving so far to play -  we were competing in a growing business of Fastpitch Softball in the state of Arizona, and we come from Rec Ball organization......always good to hear, always good to see girls compete, and I'm always proud to watch girls elevate vs these travel teams, we will continue to work, we will continue to compete, we will continue to grow, I AM PROUD OF HOW WE PLAYED IN ARIZONA,  and I look forward to next Spring Training Season in the "OVEN", who ordered the extra side of burn me now rays!!! 

PS Lil Sluggers vs Az Power

This was one of the games where I had Power Academy Pres in my ear on how to Coach travel ball vs Rec Ball, we had Parents telling girls where pitch was coming so they could hit.....it worked for 2 inn, we changed signs, I was exchanging pleasantries with their Coaches and Parents, and we began to hit, we hit hard, we hit soft, we ran well, we did our job and pulled off big win.....as we were shaking hands, Mr big shot told me he would see us in the playoffs and outcome would be different, that KnuckleHead, I lost sleep going over how to pitch to that team, and they lost their 1st playoff game, the rematch never happened, I can say he got me as he kept me up till 3am disecting their swings and hits, good night.....

PS Lil Sluggers-------------11( we lost to them 2 years ago 7-4, we are now even, anxious to play 3rd)

AZ Power----------------------4

PS Lil Sluggers vs SideWinders

After racing over to next field, we had 12 minutes before game time, enough to drink a gatorade, jack someone's grapes(I think Gemini's), jack someone else's cheese slice(I think Joy's), and we were ready to go.....I over looked the Team, that's on me, we didn't execute game plan as I wasn't as prepared as I needed to be............we looked up, and we were chasing 6 runs, only good thing, they didn't have a pitcher that could stop us, so we need to fight........we fought, we managed 4 hits and 3 bbs to score 3 runs and leave the bases loaded, only 2 minutes on the clock, and runs allowed counting in seeding, game was called, they came to play, we showed up late, it happens, we move on......

PS Lil Sluggers---------3

Az Sidewinders---------6

PS Lil Sluggers vs AZ Aztecs

If ever there was a Team I felt bad for, it was this Team, it reminded me of Pres Day 3 years ago , and where we were awaken to travel softball....those teams can ball, we needed to work, and we grew up to compete at every level.....Aztec pitcher's were throwing 30-35 mph, great in rec ball, oh no..... way to slow....... for tournament ball......we took advantage and hit like we were in high school, we pumped brakes really hard, and we moved on to better things.....

PS Lil Sluggers ----------15

Az Aztecs-------------------1

PLAYOFFS---------

PS Lil Sluggers vs Az Hotshots

#1 seed in pool, #4 seed overall of 22 teams thx to Saturday play.......

So here is another team that had Coaches with 6 Teams in Academy, 8u-HS, she asked where we were from and how big our group was, I stopped, counted girls on our side, and said, we are 11 strong, 11 players that is and not teams, and we are from PS Rec Ball, and here to learn from Az softball......she wished us luck, and before we knew it down 2-0.....we came back, hit well, pitched even better, and made plays like we as parents are used to seeing.......at the end during the high 5s, she looks at me and says, "if this is Rec Ball, we are charging way too much, I will let my parents know you guys are highest paid Cali Teams so they don't follow you to Palm Springs"...good to hear, and again makes me PROUD of the work the girls have put in........

PS Lil Sluggers------------6

AZ HotShots----------------3

PS Lil SLuggers vs AZ Krytonite

When we arrived to the Az field, 1 team got my attention before I even got a chance to sit.....the Kryptonite.....they could hit, down 5-0 in 3rd, they went up 7-5 in 1 inn, it reminded me of what I have seen us do, but they were the grown up version of us.....Asst Coach played college ball at COD, told me they moved to Az to have his daughter be closer to AZ State softball, she was their catcher, 5'8' / 145lbs, and only 13yrs old......I wondered how did they ever lose in pool play, they could flat out hit like no other.....I watched their pitchers, nothing special, I saw their defense, very suspect, but they could hit.....we started play and quickly both sides were retired with only 4 batters....in this time, I realized parents on their side loud and a little rough......"slice and dice", "hit the snot out of it", "show this 10u what AZ is about", "they can't hit what they can't see", 'lime green is blinding", all in the 1st inn....I walked by, and he asked if I was intentionally slowing game up, it breaks routine of their team, they need to be playing and not waiting on me", told him "my bad, it takes a while to wipe the snot off a bunch of 10 yr olds,  but I will try and speed up game for him, I took longer out of the dugout, I slowed my gimp, and he asked if I could get get help from the snoring parents supposed to be watching a game...the girls could not have planned it better, 6 hits, 4 runs, and we let them off the hook with base running error, 4-0, I looked up, smirked, and was told to early to smile yet.....they crawled back into the game on 2 costly errors, we adjusted, stopped the onslaught, and hung onto 4-2 lead...again, my now buddy on the other side told me way to early to think we will play again, they can do us the favor of getting us past traffic and early drive home....on cue again, 5 more hits, another running error, but get 1 more back.......we started 6 inn up 5-3, our player gets hit in the head, he insists it hit her bat, I get her to 1st, ask if she's ok, all smiles she is good, parent again tells me he has never seen anyone react so happy to gettig hit, unless she really didn't get hit......another mistake, we get doubled up, and of course, "karma, you don't get something for nothing", he yells.....last ab, ground ball to 3rd, don't expect something for nothing I let him know, he said they still have 2 more outs......very next pitch ground ball out to pitcher, out #2, before my response it he yells at me they only need 1 out.....1 ball and 2 strikes, we get the 3rd out, he stands up and tells me let's do this next week( he is willing to pay for hotel stay for entire team as well as pay gas - that SORE LOSER)........one thing I've always done is go back and play where we lost, and accept the challenge of any team.....is 4 hours really that far???

PS Lil Sluggers------------6

Kryptonite-------------------3

Semi Finals (#2 Storm vs #4 Lil Sluggers / #11 FireBirds vs #10 Impact Gold)

We made the final 4, we are on fumes, but they have to be as well was my thought....they were fresh, pitcher was dealing, and we gave up too many routine plays to compete......I was told AZ Mizuno Storm has huge backing from Mizuno Gear, there Coaches show up to train elite athletes, feed them knowledge, and push to excel or move on to the next player...with Mizuno behind them, expectations are high, and the discipline they showed it is really working....I don't come away from too many games saying we don't belong, this game showed that Team Discipline is where we came up short.....they were expected to do what was asked(lose roster spot if they don't), we were not as sharp...they were told the focus wasn't good enough, we were wondering where we were going to eat lunch....it happens, it happened, we learn, we move on, what can we take away -  though we din't come home with 1st or 2nd, we did finish in the final 4, and put up strongest outing in Az over the last 3 years.......this time out we did lose to the more disciplined team, we lost to a better pitcher, but we will be stronger because of it..............

We played really well, 22 teams in the field, finishing tied for 3rd, and again, we are a young 12u team.....others looked really big, I will research steroids and see how effective they can be for us, not really, it just means we will work to compete next time out, I'm proud of where we are at, but more excited of where we can be, cya on the diamond......

4 wins / 2 loses....really strong showing, enjoy Monday, back to work Tuesday 

Well I'm not in the middle of all KAOS, at least no eggs in my hair, smile....

"How much longer?  bucket is getting heavy...."

Sure....these are for Gilly, right......I wonder who this Gilly kid is, and then she is at front of the line....

OK, so here is where our Super Hero Leaps a fallen child, "sorry Michael I think she is out to save someone else"

maybe she is just trying to out run Lily, or Fernando, what happened to "kids Easter Egg Hunt"

upon closer look, Josie and Angie in the mix as well, I think next year we start Adults out of different gate....

now after dodging Parents throughout the field, the fun begins.....

check the bags, who's has the most eggs, next year Josie is restricted to Albertson's bag....

keep him occupied, I have a "Fart Bomb" for this knucklehead........

girls are our "Lil Princess". till you add confetti eggs and silly string, they become "ANIMALES!!!"

"HMMMM, I wonder if I should have had my wheaties, I could have gotten more than 2 dozen eggs......"

SO I HAVE TO SHARE, IF YOU NOTICE, ALL PICS ARE BEFORE HUNT, OR AFTER....WHAT HAPPENED TO DURING, I ASKED SONIA TO TAKE PICS FOR WEB SITE, SHE SAID I GOT THIS....WHAT SHE FAILED TO MENTION, WAS SHE WAS ALSO GOING TO JOIN THE HUNT.....SHE WAS CAUGHT ON VIDEO, MICHAEL (IPOD'S LIL BRO) WAS RUNNING AND TRIPPED OVER HIS 2 LEFT FEET, OUT OF NO WHERE, WONDER WOMAN LEAPS OVER HIM AND HIS BUCKET, HELPING HIM UP?, NOT QUITE..... TO FIGHT FOR THE SAME EGGS MICHAEL WAS FALLING OVER, WAIT....IT'S NOT WONDER WOMAN...IT'S OUR PHOTOGRAPHER SONIA....RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THE PLAYERS... WRESTLING PLAYERS FOR THEIR 3 MINUTES OF FUN, SHAME ON YOU WONDER WOMAN/PHOTOGRAPHER/ SONIA, YOU'RE BUSTED!!!!  SO OUR SECRET UNDER COVER PHOTOGRAPHER DID GREAT WORK,  IF YOU COULD ONLY SEE THE VIDEO, HILARIOUS......BUT SHE DIDN'T JUST GET SONIA, SHE CAUGHT FERNANDO,  JOSIE, LILY, AND ANGIE ALL IN THE MIX....AMAZING WHAT SOME PARENTS WILL DO WHEN CONFETTI EGGS ON THE LINE, SHAME ON ALL OF YOU........................CYA ON THE DIAMOND, AND MAYBE WE TAKE THE OVER ZEALOUS PARENTS AND GIVE THEM THEIR OWN EGG HUNT NEXT YEAR, I BET THEY WON'T FEEL BAD WHEN THEY KNOCK EACH OTHER OVER EITHER.........SORRY MICHAEL!!!!!!

KNUCKLE UP FRIENDLY

So we went and played competitive ball again, first time in 3 weeks (Arizona )....after a really good defensive practice Friday night, we almost forgot that hard work and discipline required to compete at this level...we can get away with lots of mistakes in Rec Ball, but the discipline required to compete on other side of the Mountain doesn't forgive anyone, and we will need to clamp down and focus on discipline so we  are better prepared to play strong defense no matter what side of that Mountain we are at.... 

We played with really good pitching, we had timely hitting, but we struggled at times on the defensive side, it put the pressure on the offensive side of the game, which fortunately we were able to step to that challenge.....as far as wins and loses, we did go 3-0, but always push yourself to get better, always push yourself to play stronger, and we will continue to play at a high level....cya on the diamond...

Game #1

PS Lil Sluggers------------9

Dynasty-----------------------7

Game #2

PS Lil Sluggers------------12

Screamin Eagles-----------2

Game #3

PS Lil Sluggers-------------11

Knuckle Up----------------------1

LOOK!!!, UP IN THE SKY!!!, IT'S A BIRD!!!, IT'S A PLANE!!!, NO, IT'S...IT'S..G, WHAT IS THAT?, I DON'T HAVE MY 1 LENS SHADES ON...GILLY WHO WAS THAT!!!!!!!!!....FORGET THAT, MOM WE ARE GOING TO BE STARS, WE ARE THE NEW AGE PAPARRAZI, YEAH!!!!!!!

AS WE ALL SAW TONIGHT, OUR ROSTER FINALLY BACK TO 11 ACTIVE PLAYERS, WE WENT 4 WEEKS WITH ONLY 10 ACTIVE, AND ONE OF THOSE WEEKS WITH ONLY 9.  I FEEL ALOT BETTER AS A COACH WITH ANOTHER PLAYER ON THE ROSTER, I CAN BREATHE JUST A LITTLE EASIER, THOUGH IT IS MUCH BETTER WITH 12 PLAYERS, I WILL HOLD OUT 1 MORE WEEK PRIOR TO BRINGING 1 MORE OUT TO JOIN US.

WELCOME "ROCKET" TO OUR CREW, SHE WILL RUN WITH US FOR THE NEXT 2 MONTHS AND HELP US GET THROUGH THE ALL STAR SEASON, FOR THIS GROUP, ABOUT ANOTHER 30-35 GAMES.....ALSO JOINING US WILL BE ALYKAT,  A COUPLE OF PLAYERS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AND WE WILL BE ABLE TO ABSORB THE LOSS IF THAT HAPPENS....THANK YOU COACH ADRIAN FOR HELPING OUR ALL STAR CAMPAIGN THIS SEASON. WE NOW REACH REQUIREMENT OF MINIMUM OF 12 PLAYERS TO QUAIFY FOR THE RUN.......

MAKE SURE GIRLS PUT THEIR PATCH ON UPPER RIGHT PANT LEG.  ALL MUST BE ON THE SAME SIDE, MAKE SURE IT IS THE RIGHT SIDE, LEFT SIDE IS WRONG.....

SAT GAME VS IV ELITE

WE HAVE LOST OUR WAY, BUT I'M CONFIDENT WE WILL GET OUR "MOJO" BACK

NO EXCUSES!!!

AFTER ARRIVING AT PARK 7AM, GETTING FIELD READY FOR GAME, I WAS PUMPED READY TO GO.....HURRY UP AND WAIT, HURRY UP AND WAIT, HURRY UP AND WAIT......OUR TIME ARRIVES, BUT IT LOOKED LIKE I WAS ONLY PERSON PUMPED TO GO....WE WERE FLAT, WE WERE GOING THROUGH THE MOTION, WE WEREN'T IN THE RIGHT FOCUS, DOESN'T LOOK GOOD HEADING INTO A GAME THAT HAS A TEAM DRIVING 1:45 MINUTES LOOKING TO GET AFTER US....WE KEPT IT CLOSE ON DEFENSE FOR 4 INN, BUT THE LACK OF FOCUS AT THE PLATE WAS REALLY BAD, WE HAD A PLAN TO ATTACK THEIR PITCHER, IT WENT OUT THE DOOR, WE HAD SIGNS TO ENABLE US TO SUCCEED, THEY WERE IGNORED.....WE GOT HITS IN INFIELD THAT WE QUIT ON......TOTAL LACK OF EFFORT, TOTAL LACK OF RESPECT FOR THE GAME AND EACH OTHER, WE QUIT ON OURSELVES, AND WE QUIT ON EACH OTHER.....WE DID HAVE AN INNING WHERE WE PUT UP 5 RUNS,  BUT AS SOON AS WE MADE OUR 3 OUTS IN THE INN, WE BASICALLY JUST WENT THROUGH THE MOTIONS AGAIN.......I HOPE EVERY PARENT AND PLAYER READS THIS, IT'S NOT GOOD, THE DIRECTION ISN'T WHAT I'M USED TO FROM THIS GROUP....I DROVE TO REDLANDS AFTER GAME, IN MY MIND I WONDERED WHAT I COULD  HAVE DONE TO MAKE IT BETTER, WHILE AT THE GRADUATION PARTY, I WAS REMINDED BY 6 FORMER PLAYERS HOW I ALWAYS PREACHED FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, AND UNITY BEYOND THE GAME.....I WISH WE CAN GET THERE AGAIN, I CAN ONCE AGAIN POINT GROUP IN SAME DIRECTION, BUT I CAN'T FORCE IT, IT WAS AN AWESOME FEELING TO SEE MY "MAGIC" FAMILY AGAIN, I WAS REMINDED WHY I PUT IN MY TIME, TO SEE THESE NOW YOUNG MEN A SUCCESSFUL START IN THEIR YOUNG LIVES, IT WAS MUCH  MORE THAN A GAME FOR US.... NOW I'M PART OF YOUNG SOFTBALL PLAYERS, TEAMMATES, SISTERS, IF WE CAN GET BACK TO WHAT GOT US HERE, WE WILL BE HARD TO CONTEND WITH.....IF WE CAN ONLY GET BACK TO BEING A FAMILY....

IV ELITE-------5

PALM SPRINGS--5

I'M NOT SURE WHY A TIE FEELS SO EMPTY,  THERE IS TOMORROW, I WILL ATTEMPT TO FIGURE IT OUT, IF I CAN ONLY KEEP THE "LIL SLUGGER " FAMILY IN THE SAME DIRECTION....CYA ON THE DIAMOND..... 

ALL STARS 2015

SO WE ARE NOW OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY.......AFTER WHAT SEEMED LIKE A DISCONNECT WITH GROUP, THE BEST THERAPY FOR THEM WAS MY EXTENDED FAMILY "SO CAL MAGIC"....I SHARED MY THOUGHTS OF WHERE WE WERE AT AND HEADING, THEY SHARED WHY "MAGIC" HAS BEN SUCH A BIG PART OF THEIR YOUNG LIVES, IT RE-ENERGIZED MYSELF, I SHARED WITH OUR GIRLS TO SEE WHERE THIS CAN HELP LEAD THEM TO, COLLEGE EDUCATION, DISCIPLINE, GREAT WORK ETHICS, UNITY, FAMILY, ALL BEACUSE OF STRUCTURE ESTABLISHED IN A BASEBALL PROGRAM, AND NOW SOFTBALL....THE VALUE IS FAR BEYOND WINS AND LOSES, MUCH MORE THAN BALLS AND STRIKES, HITS OR ERRORS....ONCE THEY REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING PART OF A GROUP LIKE THIS, THEY TOO CAN BRAODEN THEIR CHANCES OF A BETTER FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES.....I'M GLAD I WAS ABLE TO SPEAK AND SHARE IN THEIR SUCCESS, AND HOPE I CAN ONE DAY SHARE IN THESE MEMORIES WAY BEYOND THE DIAMOND WITH MY "LIL SLUGGERS" FAMILY........

REDLANDS RED VS PALM SPRINGS

I LOOKED FORWARD TO THE TEST RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE....WE CAME OUT AND WERE SHAKY ON DEFENSE, 2 1BS AND 2BBS COST US A RUN, WE LIMITED THE DAMAGE AND GOT OUR TURN AT THE PLATE.....AFTER A LINE DRIVE OUT, IPOD 1BS, STEALS 2ND,  AND WAS FOLLOWED BY A TURBO 2B TO TIE THE GAME.....TURTLE THEN DIALS IN AND ONLY THROWS 7 PITCHES TO GET US BACK IN THE DUGOUT AND BACK AT THE PLATE....KANDYKORN, NOT VERY GOOD AT DODGE BALL IS MY GUESS(LAST ONE PICKED - FIRST ONE OUT ) , GETS DRILLED SQUARE IN THE BACK, AS SHE REACHES 1ST BASE I ASK THE PITCHER IF BALL WAS OK, SHE SMILED AND SAID, I THINK SO?, I GOT THE "YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS LOOK" FROM KANDYKORN.....WE MOVE ON, A LITTLE ICE WILL TAKE THE BOO BOO AWAY, BUT GLAD WE CAN CONTINUE GAME AS THE BALL WAS OK...... KOOLAID BB - TAZZ 2B - TURBO 2B - GEMINI BB - TURTLE 1B - AND WE PUSH ACROSS 4 RUNS.....WE THEN MANAGED TO ALLOW 3 HITS, 2 BBS, AND 3 ERRORS THAT COST US 2 RUNS, OOPS......WE THEN TOOK THE FIGHT OUT OF REDLANDS, PEP 1B - ROCKET 3B - TAZZ 1B, TURBO 1B TO PUT UP 3 MORE, AND REDLANDS DECIDES THEY'VE HAD ENOUGH AND WAIVE THE TOWEL, WITH 8 MINUTES ON THE CLOCK, THEY SAID THEY WERE DONE......WE JUST SET A GOOD TONE FOR ALL STARS, WE CAN NOW SAY WE MADE REDLANDS CALL  IT EARLY....

TURTLE 3INN PITCHED - 5 HITS - 3BBS - 3 RUNS / TAZZ 1 INN - 1 HIT - 1 RUN

TAZZ 2 HITS - IPOD 1 HIT - TURBO 3 HITS - GEMINI 2 BBS - TURTLE 1 HIT - ROCKET 1 HIT

REDLANDS RED----------4

PALM SPRINGS-----------8

VALLEY WIDE VS PALM SPRINGS

HERE IS THE LINE, PS 20 HITS, 21 RUNS, VALLEY WIDE 6 HITS, 3 RUNS....

TAZZ 3 HITS - IPOD 1 HIT - TURBO 2 HITS - GEMINI 3 HITS - PEP 2 HITS - KFC 3 HITS - KANDYKORN 2 HITS - SQUINKY 2 HITS - ROCKET 2 HITS

TURBO 2 INN PITCHED - 1BB - 2KS / KFC 1INN PITCHED - 1BB - 3 HITS , 1 RUN / IPOD 1 INN PITCHED - 4 HITS - 2 RUNS

PALM SPRINGS -----21

VALLEY WIDE ---------3

EXACTLY WHAT I DEAL WITH IN THE DUGOUT, AND PARENTS THINK I NEED XANAX......

WE DID JUST EARN A TRIP TO WORLD SERIES WITH ENTRANCE FEE PAID....WOOHOO...

WELL AT LEAST WE CAN SAY THEY ARE CHAMPIONS AGAIN, IMAGINE IF I WAS ON THAT LIL PILL, I MIGHT KNOW WHAT I WAS DOING OUT THERE, COACHING IS OVER RATED..

 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

MO VALLEY VS PALM SPRINGS "LIL SLUGGERS"

SO I GO MEET COACH MARTY FROM MO VALLEY FOR COIN FLIP, HE TELLS ME HE IS MISSING HIS #1 PITCHER, I AM IMMEDIATELY SUNK KNOWING THEY DON'T HAVE A CHANCE WITHOUT HER.....I TELL HIM IF WE WIN, WE WILL GO TO MORENO VALLEY TO PLAY THEM, AND IF HIS PITCHER BEATS US, HE CAN HAVE THE BANNER....HE DIDN'T ACCEPT, BUT DID SAY NO OTHER COACH WOULD OFFER THAT AND THANKED ME FOR SUGGESTING IT, WE FLIP, WE WIN, BUT I LET HIM HAVE THE OPTION OF HOME OR VISITOR, HE CHOSE HOME, AND I WALKED BACK TO GIRLS KNOWING THE GAME WAS ALREADY OVER AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW MANY BANNERS THEY WILL HAVE AFTER THIS......IN DISECTING THEIR HITTERS VS OUR PITCHERS, IT WAS GOING TO BE A SHORT GAME AS THEIR WAS NO WAY I WOULD ALLOW THEM TO THINK THEY BELONG ON THE SAME FIELD WITH US.....WE CAME OUT AND 1ST 2 HITTERS WERE WAY OFF BALANCE AS I PREPARED THEM FOR 50MPH, WE SAW 32MPH, GOOD FOR 8U, NOT 12U....TURBO FINALLY SAT BACK LONG ENOUGH TO START OUR 2 OUT RALLY, SHE 1BS, GEMINI 1BS, KFC 1BS, TURTLE 1BS AND I GET HER OUT FOR BEING TOO AGGRESSIVE, ON ME, NO EXCUSES, I MADE AN EARLY MISTAKE, WE SCORE 3 TO TAKE EARLY LEAD.....TAZZ IN THE CIRCLE, I STAY UP ALL NIGHT LOOKING AT MO VALLEY HITTERS SINCE THEY WERE 8U VS US, IT WAS OVER, 12 PITCHES, 4 BATTERS AND 0 RUNS....WE COME TO THE PLATE AGAIN, ROCKET MAKING HERSELF AT HOME WITH US 1BS TO LEFT, KANDYKORN BREAKS HER SLUMP BY HITTING A 2B, TAZZ CHIPS IN WITH A 1B, TURBO AGAIN 1BS AND WE PUSH ANOTHER 3 RUNS.....TAZZ PLUCKS THEIR 1ST BATTER, AND IT HURT, 44 MPH INSIDE FASTBALL, OUCH..BUT SHE THEN THROWS 12 MORE PITCHES AND THROWS UP ANOTHER 0 FOR THEIR SIDE, 6-0 AFTER 2 INN......WE STILL PUT PRESSURE, KFC 1B, ROCKET BB, KANDYKORN 1B, SQUINKY 1B, AND WE PUT UP ANOTHER 3 RUNS......TAZZ AGAIN WORKS OUR GAME PLAN AND THROWS 9 PITCHES FOR ANOTHER MO VALLEY ZERO, END OF 3, 9-0 GOOD GALS....WE NEED 1 AND HOLD THEM SCORELESS TO END THE GAME, TURBO BBS, YOU WILL NOT SEE THAT VERY OFTEN, SHE DOES NOT LIKE TO WALK, BUT ALL PITCHES WAY OUT OF THE ZONE OR SHE WOULD HAVE FOUND A WAY TO SWING, GEMINI FOLLOWS WITH HER OWN BB, KFC THEN 2BS, TURTLE 1B AND WE PUT UP 4 RUNS.........3 MORE OUTS, TURBO THROWS A CHANGE UP AND GETS GROUND BALL THAT TAZZ GETS AND THROWS ACROSS THE DIAMOND FOR OUT #1, 4 PITCHES LATER SHE GETS A STRIKE OUT FOR OUT #2, 6 PITCHES LATER GROUND BALL TO KANDYKORN WHO FIELDS AND THROWS TO TURTLE FOR OUT #3, BALL GAME, AND PONY REGION CHAMPS TO THE PALM SPRINGS LIL SLUGGERS....EXCEPT, WE WEREN'T VERY EXCITED, I DIDN'T HEAR MUCH FROM OUR PARENTS, GIRLS DIDN'T GET TOO EXCITED, AND I FELT BAD FOR MO VALLEY AS I KNEW THEY WERE MISSING AN ACE THAT CHANGES THE GAME......I HAVE ALWAYS WORKED SEVERAL GIRLS AT EVERY POSITION SO THIS NEVER HAPPENS TO US, NEXT PLAYER UP, WE HAVE HAD LOTS OF SUCCESS WITH IT, BUT I GUESS IF I DO GET THIS XANAX AS SUGGESTED BY SOME PARENTS, WE CAN BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, AND MAYBE THIS WILL GIVE US REASON TO CHEER, LIKE I HAVE SAID IN THE PAST, I WILL FIGURE THIS THING OUT, THE MORE THE GIRLS WIN, THE MORE WE AS A GROUP ARE FEELING ENTITLED, (NOT A GOOD SIGN), IT TAKES WORK TO GET THEM WHERE THEY ARE, AND THAT LITTLE PILL HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, I WILL HAVE TO SEE WHAT IT DOES DO TO ME, MAYBE I CAN FINALLY SLEEP, TO BE CONTINUED...I DO NEED TO ADD, REDLANDS PARENTS CHEER 10X AS LOUD AS OURS, AND THEY WERE 2 FIELDS AWAY AND I KNEW THEY DID WELL, THERE IS XANAX GOING AROUND IF YOU ASK ME, BUT IF YOU WANT MY GUESS IT IS AMONG OUR PARENTS AND NOT THE COACH.....I WON'T ASK ANYMORE, BUT FROM MY END, IT IS SAD THAT THE PARENTS NO LONGER CHEER FOR ENTIRE TEAM, BUT THOSE PLAYERS WILL ALWAYS KNOW THAT I HAVE THEIR BACK, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR THEM, NO MATTER HOW MUCH LONGER OUR RUN LASTS.......

CONGRATS CHAMPS

MO VALLEY-----------0

PS LIL SLUGGERS ALL STARS-13 

***NO GATORADE - NO WATER BOTTLES - NO THERMOS - NO SNACKS***

***NADA - ZIP - ZILCH - ZERO ( NO ONE IS IMMUNE TO THIS RULE!!!)

TOWELS OK, SQUIRT BOTTLE OK, NOTHING ELSE, PERIOD!!!

IT HAPPENED - A PLAYER BROUGHT IN A COOLER - DO NOT SEND THEM WITH ANYTHING -

WE HAVE WATER, WE HAVE AREA FOR COOL TOWELS - DO NOT JEOPARDIZE THE TEAM BY DOING THIS- DON'T KNOW HOW ELSE TO ASK!!!(YOUR CHILD WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE DUGOUT AS I WILL NOT ALLOW HER TO AFFECT WHOLE TEAM!)

GATE FEE $2  

PARENTS VOLUNTEER TEAM WATER LIST - THANK YOU FOR LOOKING OUT FOR OUR GIRLS!!! (WATER ONLY - NO GATORADE)

Game 1:  vs Coachella - Espy - DONE GIRLS SAY THANK YOU!!!

Game 2: vs Mo Valley - Lily - DONE GIRLS SAY THANK YOU!!!

Game 3: vs Playoffs - Tony - DONE

Game 4: vs Playoffs - Esmy - DONE GIRLS SAY THANK YOU!!!

Game 5: vs HD ASSASSINS - Angie (FRIDAY)

Game 6: vs FONTANA BLUE - Gloria (SATURDAY)

Game 7: vs Fontana Playoffs - GLORIA(SATURDAY)

Game 8: vs Fontana  Playoffs - TONY (SUNDAY)

Game 9: vs COLTON  - LILY

Game 10: vs COLTON - ANGIE

Game 11: vs COLTON - TONY

Game 12: vs COLTON - TONY

COACHELLA ALL STARS VS PALM SPRINGS ALL STARS

We got under way, yes we were the much better team, but man do we look flat......we did what we had to do, we pushed across more than them, but there is lots of room to get better, so we will do it at a much higher level as MO VALLEY came and ran through Coachella as well.....get your rest, and let's get up for our next challenge.......

Coachella All Stars------4

Palm Springs All Stars---14

MO VALLEY vs PS ALL STARS

We came out very focused - energized - and a much better prepared Team...

Boy did we run into a very talented pitcher.......Mo Valley has come up with a huge talent in the circle.....after having just 1 quality swing vs her in the 1st inn, We had to change our stratedgy.....we stumbled in the circle the 1st / 2nd inn and it cost us a run....in the 2nd, we led off with a KFC bunt, she stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on a gournd ball......we get a bb to Rocket, steal 2nd and with runners on 2nd / 3rd, KandyKorn lays down a bunt, KFC scores and Rocket to 3rd....on a dropped 3rd strike to Squinky, catcher throws to 1st and Rocket scores....2 runs score and the ball never leaves the infield.......we make a change in the circle and Tazz regains control.......then we have a huge inn.....Tazz leads off with a 2b, Ipod 1b, Turbo line drive 2b, Gemini 1b, KFC line drive 1b, Rocket line drive 2b, KandyKorn sac bunt and we make a BIG baserunning mistake and get doubled up at home......2 down, 6 runs across and we continue inn, Squinky 1bs, Tazz 1b, Ipod 1b, Turbo 2b, Gemini 1b KFC 1b and we score another 4 runs all with 2 outs.....smoke clears, 10 runs across and we gets 3 outs and on to the semi final.....Tazz makes quick work and we wait for Redlands in the Semis...job well done......

Mo Valley-----------1

PS All Stars--------12

In the semis we once again are rough in the circle and give up 2 runs on 2 hits and 1 bb, we came to the plate, and with a LOUD & PROUD Redlands group of Parents, we came right back, Tazz and Ipod bb, Turbo laces a 1b up the middle to score both, but Coach Tony gets excited and they hose Turbo at 1st, complete mistake on my part- all on me........Gemini picks me up with a line drive 1b, KFC and Turtle bb, Pop up for out #2 and KandyKorn and KoolAid reach on bbs to score 2 more runs, we then made another mistake by leading off early and left the bags full, but still put up 4 runs.......with Tazz and Turbo ready to go, it was time to take control again.....3 up, 3 down and we are up again.....Tazz 1b, Turbo 1b, Gemini 2b, KFC 1b, Turtle 2b, Rocket 1b, KandyKorn sac and we plate another 5 runs......top 3 and we have a 9-2 lead.......Tazz again 3up and 3 down,  guess what, we get to hit again.....Tazz hits a line drive that gets through the left fielder and Tazz circles the bags for an assisted home run....Ipod bbs, steals 2nd, goes to 3rd on ground ball, and scores on Gemini sac fly, notch another 2 runs.........11-2 and we need to go 1 more for mercy.....Turbo takes the circle, bbs lead off, Gemini throws her out trying to steal, yes, they are chasing 9 runs and they get hosed stealing..Turbo then ks their #4 hitter looking for out #2 and ks #5 hitter for out #3...we need 1 run for mercy....Turtle bbs on 4 pitches, and time is called....ball game on time......funny thing lost their team 12 minutes, instead of Coach making subs, he sends his Asst with new lineup card to make changes, only the line up card was changed according to positions on field and not lineup on original card, and he thought he was right for doing it.....just when I thought I saw it all with High School Coach asking for a "do over" and thinking she was right, I see an All Star Coach not know how to make player subs by submitting new lineup card, WOW!!!!!!.....good game on a hot day......

Redlands Red----------2

PS All Stars--------------11

LET'S GO GET THIS PITCHER, I LIKE OUR STICKS MORE THAN I LIKE MO VALLEY PITCHER, IF ONLY OUR PARENTS CAN TAKE PAGE OUT OF REDLANDS BOOK AND BE AS LOUD AS THEY ARE, AND THEY ONLY SCORE 2 RUNS, BUT DO THEY CHEER LOUD!!!!!!!!

PONY WEST ZONE ALL STAR CHAMPIONS

WHEN YOU WIN, EVERYONE WANTS TO BE IN THE PIC, STILL CAN'T SHAKE THE MONKEY BEHIND YOU GUYS....

PONY DESERT REGION CHAMPIONS

PONY INLAND REGION TOURNAMENT CHAMPS

WE MUST TURN THE PAGE, FOCUS ON TODAY, AND NOT WHAT WE DID LAST SEASON.......WE HAVE GREAT MEMORIES FROM LAST YEAR, HERE ARE NEW MEMORIES FROM THIS ALL STAR SEASON......

PONY DESERT REGION ALL STAR CHAMPIONS

DESERT REGION WE CAME OUT SWINGING THE BAT, STAYED DISCIPLINED AND BEAT THE BEST ALL STAR PITCHER WE HAVE FACED YET, MO VALLEY IS FOR REAL, SHE WILL BE HARD TO BEAT AGAIN, BUT TEAM DISCIPLINE GOES A LONG WAY

PONY INLAND REGION CHAMPIONS

INLAND REGION WAS EARNED, HIGH DESERT PUSHED US TO OUR LIMIT NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE, AND WE HIT ENOUGH, PLAYED GREAT DEFENSE, AND PITCHED STRONG TO NOT ONLY TAKE HIGH DESERT'S BEST SHOT, BUT ALSO BEAT A FONTANA TEAM THAT WAS OVER LOOKING US....WE GOT THEIR ATTENTION, AND PLAYED EXTREMELY WELL FOR ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER

PONY SUPER REGION 3RD PLACE

COLTON SUPER REGION WE CAME IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE, NOT NEARLY ENOUGH, AS WE HAD RATTLED THE FONTANA CAGE AND THEY WERE OUT FOR REVENGE, THEY TOOK THE GAME TO US, WE SHOWED UP, BUT THAT WASN'T ENOUGH, TIP OUR HAT FOR THE GOOD PITCHING FROM FONTANA, RE GROUP, AND SEE IF WE CAN TURN OUR FORTUNES IN REDLANDS 

 PONY ZONE 1ST PLACE

WE PLAYED 5 GAMES ON OUR WAY TO THE FINALS WIN IN REDLANDS ZONE TOURNAMENT....INDIO PLAYED INSPIRED BEHIND THEIR ACE, HD ASSASSINS HAD SPECIAL BP TO TRY AND SCORE RUNS TO KEEP PACE WITH US, COACHELLA, WELL...THEY'RE COACHELLA....FONTANA, WE CAME UP SHORT IN COLTON, BUT CAME UP BIG THIS TIME AROUND, MO VALLEY HAS AN ACE, AND MAY BE BEST PITCHER IN TOURNAMENT THIS YEAR, BUT WE CARRY BIG LUMBER AND NOT AFRAID TO USE IT, "LADY MO" SITTING WITH US AT THIS WORLD SERIES.....

INLAND REGION CHAMPIONS

I gotta admit, I expect girls to play well no matter where we go, winning the way they do is a result of the hard work they have put in.....as much as I do expect big things from them, they themselves enter each game with tons of confidence, and boy is it going a long way with this group........

Game 1:  HD vs Palm Springs

As I told you before, I did meet their manager, good person, and a very competitive Team he is rolling with...he has as we found out, 2 extremely good pitchers, and we happened to get to both of them, means we aren't too bad ourselves....after a 2-2 tie through 5 inn, we exploded in the 6th for 10 runs, but wielding the lumbar first, we had to play defense, we managed to allow 4 runs, 2 earned, but still enough to pull off the win.....close, but we walk away knowing we would see them again....

High Desert Assassins----------6

Palm Springs---------------------------12

Game 2:  Fontana Blue vs Palm Springs

We played these guys in Mo Valley last year, they aren't as strong as they used to be, alot has to do with our girls developing in the game at a much quicker rate than most others, good for "our girls".....we only allowed 1 hit and 2 bbs in 4 inn, we put up 10 runs in three inn, another good one for the "good gals"...(the pitching Coach was the same Coach that beat us as 9 yr olds, she complimented the positive strides we have taken, kudos to us once again)

Fontana Blue-----------0

Palm Springs-------------10

SEMI FINAL:  PALM SPRINGS VS HIGH DESERT

We met up with these guys again, I knew we would have to play them again, just hoped it was in Finals not Semis.....I won the flip, and chose "Home" for the first time ever......we shut their offense down, but we came out throttle down, and pushed 4 across in the first 2 inn....up 8 was pretty much over, just a matter of final outcome as we have never given that big a lead.....they did fight back, but only managed 3 runs in 5 innings, their scorekeeper had it 6-3 going into the 6th, asked where we scored after the 3rd, told her we only scored in the first 2, but did scratch 8, she left 2 runners stranded on 3rd both times, cool move, I've never tried it, and it didn't work for them, when I told them she scored on a line drive to left off of a change up in the 1st and off a ground ball up the middle on a fastball low in the 2nd , her response, "your book tells you that?", of course, don't all books do that, wait, my bad, am I giving away too much, I'm here to help educate everyone....said she may have lost a run in all the fireworks...Coach Joe tells me, if she would focus on keeping score instead of trying to Coach she may have kept up...comedy relief at the right time, only Coach Joe right?...  onto the Finals, what better way to spend "Family Day"....

High Desert---------3

Palm Springs--------8

CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY: PALM SPRINGS VS FONTANA RED

As I was told by the Fontana insiders, they have a Coach much like myself....he tells his girls they will be very hard to beat, they will be remembered for years after they are done in Fontana Softball, they will leave a Legacy surpassed by none.....in telling them all this, they have only been in 1 Finals Game, that was today, and thanks to our "Princess' in Cleats", they were not allowing a Banner on their watch.....We flipped coin and lost, Thanks Coach Joe, but no big deal, our girls normally good with the lumbar.....before the first pitch was thrown, I was answering a protest as a "Knucklehead" on our side was out of uniform, we won't name him as he has done well with us....when I showed affidavit with his name on it, Coach AJ from Fontana tells me we all have rules and we should all follow them, and normally I dress opposite the girls, but thanks to all the heartache others giving our Team this Season, I have been in the same colors as the girls, LOUD AND PROUD to represent PALM SPRINGS LIL SLUGGERS ALL STARS FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEST BRANCH ON THE SOUTH SIDE AROUND THE MOUNTAIN NEAR THE GOLF COURSE....whew, now to remember that on the next protest, I got your back Lil Marcus, oops.......we got off to a good start, KFC 1b, Turbo bb, Gemini 1b, Turtle sac fly rbi, KandyKorn bb, Ipod 1b and we put up a crooked number and leave 3 on the bags.....they fought back but only managed 1 run, after 1 inn, 2-1 good gals...we go to work again in the 2nd, Squinky bb, KFC 1b, Turbo sac fly rbi, Gemini 1b and we push across 1 more.......Turtle then takes control of the game by locating pitches as well as she has done in the last 5 months, 3 inn, 25 pitches, 9 batters and 3 gooses eggs for Fontana, (those are large ZEROS on the scoreboard).....we on the other hand had them in trouble every inn, the 5th inn we erupted, Ipod 1b, Rocket 1b, Pepsi bunt and ducks on the pond with no outs(that's bases loaded), Tazz 1bs, Turbo sac fly rbi, Gemini 1b, Turtle 1b, 4 runs across and they make a pitching change with 2 outs and runners on 2nd & 3rd, KandyKorn follows with a bb, Ipod 2b and Rocket 1b to help us push across 8 runs.......3 more outs and we go home with another banner.....Turtle was on, she and Turbo threw a great pen pre game, (warmed up good), before she went out, I told her, we are in the middle of the order, but SO WHAT, locate and defense will work....2 pitches, I'm relocating Krunch and the ball lands in her glove in the process, 1 down, 2 to go, weak ground ball for an infield 1b......ground ball to Tazz and we get the out at 1st for out #2, line drive up the middle for a 1b, 1st and 3rd with 2 outs, no big deal, 2 pitches later, ground ball to 3rd and KandyKorn throws to 1st, KFC reaches high and gets out #3.....we get a little excited with this win, good to see, I was beginning to think they were bored....Umpire Frank comes to me after the game and tells me they have 9 Teams in Fontana, I ask if that is all divisions combined, he says NO, IN THE 12u DIVISION......I almost fell over, this Season we have 31 - 12u players in League, we had 14 teams combined, we aren't supposed to compete like this, wether their League is that big or not, you are playing well beyond your years.....always good to hear what we are up against, it makes me think where else we can get better as a group to continue to play with these big Leagues...gotta love it, CONGRATS AGAIN CHAMPS, LOVE THAT YOU PLAY AS WELL AS YOU DO, I AM PROUD OF ALL 12 OF YOU KNUCKLEHEADS.....job well done, cya on the diamond......

Fontana Red-------------1

PSLSASFSCWBOTSSATMNTG------------11 

CONGRATS CHAMPS!!!

                                                       3RD PLACE IN COLTON!!!!(WOOHOO!!!)

FONTANA RED------8

PALM SPRINGS----0(LOSS BY MERCY)

FONTANA SUPER REGION CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

FONTANA 1 / MORENO VALLEY 0

FONTANA PITCHER NO HITTER / MO VALLEY PITCHER 2 HITS

"FOCUS MAKES A HUNGRY PLAYER DANGEROUS"

Pretty scary right??? Nah, they are a bunch of softies, they get manicures before the game......

Redlands Zone Champions, has a good ring to it, check out the "Monkey" in the background...Hilarious

This is what these goofballs are really like, they always say a "Goofy Pic", I say a normal one.....

Palm Springs vs Moreno Valley - REDLANDS ZONE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

So here we go, as the #1 seed I get to call the coin flip, I was set up yesterday, so this time I call "tails", it lands "heads", I give up....we are sticks, girls excited to go hit first, and actually, I am just used to it.....after 2 quick outs, Turbo 1bs followed by Turtle 1b and Gemini bb, but we left the bags loaded, a good sign for things to come....Turtle retires the first 2 batters, but Vanessa (Mo Valley Pitcher) reaches on a 9 pitch walk, a 1b and 2 walks later they scratch across a run first, we make a pitching change, Turbo limits the damage by serving up a ground ball to Tazz and retires runner at 1st, end of long 1st inn, 1-0 Mo Valley....we come to the plate, back to back ks, reach on a bb and get hosed trying to steal 2nd, on to the next strategy.....Mo Val goes quietly as well, a k, routine fly ball to Krunch, Fly ball to Tazz and we got sticks again......here comes the fun.....after a missed sign, we record out #1, Ipod then sees the sign and bunts her way on safely, it can be done......Turbo gets drilled in the ribs, runners now on 1st and 2nd and 1 out, a wild pitch and 2nd and 3rd with 1 out, Turtle 1bs up the middle and drives in Ipod and Turbo to 3rd, Turtle steals on the next pitch and Gemini follows with a 1b to score both Turbo and Turtle.....another k for out #2 and Krunch follows with a 1b of her own to score Gemini......we just notched 4 runs in the top of 3rd inn, all started by a bunt, IT CAN BE DONE.......not to be outdone, Mo Val fights back, they lead off 1b, 8 pitch bb to #5 hitter and now runners on 1st and 2nd, ground ball to KandyKorn and we get out #1....ground ball to Tazz and out #2 with a run scoring, change up away and weak fly ball to Turtle for out #3 and we limit the damage to 1 run, end of 4 inn, 4-2 good gals........5th and 6th inn went fast, we faced 16 pitches in 2 inn and did nothing with it, but Turbo matched Vanessa pitch for pitch and also only faced 6 batters to get through those 2 inn quickly......last inn, time expired, 4-2 lead, let's go get 2 more for insurance, let's take this home, girls were now pumped, emotion was back in the game, and it was what we needed.......Pep leads off with a walk, after ball gets away from pitcher, Pep off to the races, ball rolls into right field, Pep now at 3rd, I'm pumping the brakes but Coach Joe has other ideas, he sends her, catcher as surprised as I was, doesn't collect the ball and Peperoni is safe....that was a LOUD RUN on a WALK.......Tazz then 1bs up the middle, but we fizzled again and now up to the defense to hold a 3 run lead.....facing bottom of the order, we were in good shape, lead off walk, oops, not good, ground ball up the middle, Gemini pulls it in running towards 2nd base, HANDS OFF TO TAZZ AS IF IT IS A SWEEP TO THE LEFT, we get lead runner, I'm still not sure what she was thinking......runner on 1st and 2 to go, infield fly to Tazz, 2 down 1 to go, fast ball outside and ground ball to finish the game, we bring it home, finish a solid 5 days of games, and show up big when it counts.....It took all 11 players to get it done, a huge TEAM WIN, as much as we would like to always be THE ONE to get it done, we are very fortunate to have a solid group that will pick each other up and make sure our best effort will get it done as a group....we had "11 HEROINES", and yes, we are a tough out when we play together with energy......I have said out of the gate, we aren't supposed to do this, we are softball 11, which means next year is when we are supposed to be good, not this Season.....3 Tournament wins at 11 years old, we are doing OK for a bunch of young bucs......"Princess in Cleats"----I didn't get it before, but now I do, they get "manicures" and their finger nails are so "CUTE"......so long as they continue to burp like truckers, spit like baseball players, and play like All Stars, I will adjust to nail polish on the field,  I guess.........

OFFENSE: TAZZ 1B / 8 TRACK 1B/ TURBO 1B-BB/ TURTLE 2-1B/ GEMINI 1B-BB/ KRUNCH 1B/ PEP 1B-BB

PITCHING: TURTLE  2/3 INN - 1 RUN - 1 HIT - 4 BB-- / TURBO 6 1/3 INN - 1 RUN - 2 HITS - 2BB - 3KS

Palm Springs All Stars---------------5

Moreno Valley--------------------------2

CONGRATS CHAMPS, PONY WEST ZONE CHAMPIONS....

PALM SPRINGS VS INDIO

So we get going in game 1, we looked flat, Paula looked pumped and ready for the challenge...she pitched well, she had 2 strikes on 16 of our 29 batters, that means we were hitting defensively instead of offensively.....we managed 1 run in the 1st inn of 4 bbs, all were full count bbs....we score 1 run in the 3rd inn thanks to a dropped 3rd strike with 2 outs and a 1b....we scored 3 runs on 3 walks and a 1b in the 5th while we sacrificed a runner at 2nd to score one of those runs.......we really didn't do much, but managed to cross the plate 5 times........on defense, we started shaky in the circle, we made a pitching change and took control of the game......we made all the routine plays, and even caught a line drive which was their best hit of the game, a LOUD OUT.....we finished the game with a fielder's choice from center field to 2nd, very rare to see, but we pulled it off.....defense and pitching was really good, now let's turn that into some offense Thurs, as I had Coach Angel (High Desert) come to me and ask how we did, told me they were ready for Thurs, we'll cya then.....

Hitting: Tazz 1-3 / 1 rbi, Krunch 1-2 / 1 rbi , Team 12bbs

Pitching: Turtle 1 inn 0 runs/2 bbs / 1 1b , Turbo 4 inn 0 runs/0 bbs / 1 1b

Palm Springs All Stars--------------5

Paula (Indio) All Stars---------------0

Palm Springs vs High Desert

This was a different TEAM representing PS than I have seen the last 3 weeks....there was High Energy, there was aggressive hitting, there was fairly clean defense, more like what I have been spoiled to Coach......I say WELCOME BACK.......14 hits, 8 runs, and could have been a couple more.....deefensively, well.........only 2 big mistakes, only cost us 2 runs, we were clean on all other 15 outs, it made them earn their runs, advantage us......defense is always the backbone of all Champions, add in some offense and you always have a chance....though we are 1st year 12u, we are a hard out when we bring our "Big Girl" game, get some rest, let's continue our roll..........

Hitting:  Tazz 3-4, Krunch 1-3, Turbo 1-2, Ipod 2-3, Gemini 1-4, Turtle 2-3, KandyKorn 1-3, Squinky 1-1, Peperoni 2-3

Welcome back "Lil Sluggers"

Pitching: Tazz 6 inn, 4 runs, 8 hits, 1 bb, 3 ks..............

HD Assassins--------4

Palm Springs _____8

Coachella vs Palm Springs

We came in knowing that "runs allowed" would be crucial for a better seed in playoffs.....we would score runs, but most important was not allowing runs against us......we did hit to the tune of 13 runs, and we put on the brakes after 1st inn, we only hit in 2 inn as we had enough for 12 run mercy if we could hold them to a donut on the board.......we had a gem in the circle, 9 batters, 1 hit, and she was erased at 2nd base on attempted steal........job extremely well done.....leaves us in a good spot for Saturday, and most likely a rematch vs Fontana Red which beat us in Colton....eat your Wheaties, we will need the energy.......

Hitting: Tazz 1-2, Turbo 3-3, Turtle 1-2, Gemini 2-2, KandyKorn 2-2, Rocket 1-2, Pep 1-2, 

Pitching: Turtle 3 inn / 1 hit / 0bb / 4ks

Palm Springs ----------13

Coachella-------------------0

Palm Springs vs Fontana Red (Semi-Final)

So, brackets set up exactly the way Tazz - Turbo and I penciled in prior to game #1......it meant we would be in a good spot, and it would be up to us to seal the deal, and we are close........we were set to play Fontana which knocked us out on their way to Super Region Champions.......I was told by directors to always call heads on coin flip as it has always landed on heads, I call heads, and guess what, it lands on tails.......I was set up.......I turned to Coach AJ and told him I hope this hat is worth the cost of coin flip.......after a 2 pitch out, we went to work....Ipod bb, Turbo 1b, Turtle 1b, Gemini 1b, Krunch 1b, Rocket 1b, Pep 1b and we pushed 4 across........6 pitches and we were up 4-0 after 1........6 pitches and Fontana sent us back to defense before I could open my water, waaaaa.......2 ks, a 1b, and ground ball out and I get to sample my agua, 4-0 after 2 inn......another short inn for Fontana, 14 pitches and we go quietly....they made some noise, after a quick out they hit a 2 strike bomb, we made a mistake and they scored their first run of the game.......4-1 after 3 inn, and guess what, I now have the attention of the Fontana parents as they were trying to pick our signs........we made noise of our own again, a bunt by Peperoni and we are off to the races.....I asked if she is ready to steal, she says yes, after strike 1 we go, she makes it, runner on 2nd and parents now a little quieter than before.......2 outs and Turbo drives a 1b up the middle to cash in the Pepsi, alot quieter now, unless you were listening to me bark back at their parents..........Tazz returns to the circle and shuts them down, 10 pitches and the Rotwieller in me is back.......5-1 after 4 inn.......I had girls sprinting in and out of dugout to show Fontana we were here to play, not same Team they beat in Colton......we went down in order but they were loud outs, line drive, hard ground ball, and line drive again but they made the plays........we go back to defend, 2 quick outs then here they came, a bb, and 2 bloopers than found the hole, it cost us 2 runs, but Tazz again locates and gets a weak ground out to squash the rally....PS 5-3 after 5 inn.....we once again go down quietly, but with a 2 run cushion we are in good shape.....they came again, 2 lead off 1bs, I am now in full Pit Bull mode with parents, and Tazz knifes right through the next 2 batters, 8 pitches and 2 ks....2 down, tying run on 2nd, 3 straight inside pitches and jam sauce, she jams the batter for weak ground ball out to end the rally......5-3 after 6 inn......I challenged the girls for 2 more runs, Ipod 1bs, steals 2nd on 2nd pitch, Turbo 1bs to put runners on 1st and 3rd, after line drive out, Gemini sac bunt cashes in Ipod and Turbo to 3rd, KandyKorn bb and Krunch 1bs in Turbo........the 2 runs I asked for........with bottom of the order, and Fontana now a little on the quiet side, Tazz again takes control. fastball high and routine out #1 to Krunch......a 1 ball 1b to center, no big deal, k to next batter, I now bark 2 down, 1 to go, again silence on the other side......2 quick strikes followed by out #3....we goin to the ship.......job well done, bring on Mo Valley and Vanessa, she can deal, but I will take my chances with our bats........

hitting: Ipod 1-3, Turbo 3-4, Turtle 1-4, Gemini 1-3, KandyKorn 1-3, Krunch 2-4, Rocket bb, Pep 2-3

Pitching: Tazz (Monster) 7 inn - 3 runs - 7 hits - 1 bb, 7 ks......BEAST MODE

Palm Springs-----------7

Fontana-------------------3

The better Team did win, now let's turn the page and FOCUS ON MO VALLEY......... 

12u Lil Sluggers vs 14u Tribe

Our Team "THUG" gets a little candy and remembers how to smile, HAPPY BIRTHDAY KFC...

So after a 6 week game layoff, we finally got back into the diamond to do work......we were sketchy, shaky on defense, but pulled it together when we needed it, defense and pitching is always key, we will fix it, and will continue to get back into stride we are used to playing.......on offense, we did what we always have been able to do, keep pressure on the defense......a Tazz leadoff bb and stolen base is cashed in by a Turtle 1b, a KFC 1b and ball thrown all over the field scores her on 4 errors......a Tazz 1b, 2 stolen bases and Beetle(Victoria) ground ball scores Tazz, Turbo follows with a 1b and scores on a KandyKorn "MONSTER" 2b, she then thought she was fast and gets thrown out at 3rd, but we cashed in Turbo and give credit to the Tribe, 2 great relay throws to record the out.......Gemini then bbs, steals 2nd and advances on a fly ball by Squinky to center, and scores when"Cousin" KoolAid 1bs her home.....we pushed 5 across in 4 inn, our down fall was 5 walks in 3rd inn and 4 of them scored.........we fix that, and we are good to go.....timing is everything, and this was our first game action for pitchers, next time out, we will perform a whole lot better.....I can hardly wait...

Tribe-------------5(batted 5 inn)

Lil Sluggers--5(batted 4inn)

Pitching---Tazz  2 inn - 2 hits - 1bb - 1k - 1 run / Turtle 1/3 inn - 5 bbs - 3 runs / Turbo 1 2/3 inn - 2bb - 1k - 1 run

Hitting --Tazz 1-2/ 2runs / Beetle 1 rbi/ Turtle 1-2 1rbi/ Turbo 1-2 1 run/ KandyKorn 1-2 1rbi/ Gemini 1bb 1 run/ KFC 1-2 1 run/ Squinky sac fly/ KoolAid 2-2 1 rbi / Pep bb 

We just got in our 1st Friendly of the Winter Season, and with it came some rust, injuries, solid pitching , and timely hitting......AND PARENTS HOW GOOD DID IT FEEL FOR ONCE THAT COACH TONY DIDN'T LINE THEM UP VS MONSTERS LIKE HE NORMALLY DOES, it wasn't an option, we were the older Team this time, and boy do I know understand what it felt like to be the "big kid on campus".....our Tournaments will come with some BIG TEAMS, but most "Friendlies" we will be amongst the older Teams for once......we put up really big numbers, didn't surprise me as we normally play well vs Big Girls, so this kind of felt like we should be among those others such as HD ASSASSINS we played this Summer, Coach Anthony was glad we were playing against our own age and not picking on bigger kids anymore, so we didn't play older girls this time around, but our Tournaments will be a bigger test till the end of the year as those Biggies can still and will still play us.....

As to the games, we Pitched really well.....we had a 3-Headed Monster, but like I always say, when injuries come into play, "next man up", in this case, Tazz - she did what she always does, take care of business....Turbo- she did what she always does, throw strikes and let the defense make plays...but "next man up? KFC...yes, not only was she the next man up, she couldn't wait to get in there.....I would ask her to go warm up, and before I finished she was on her way.....next man up always gives all girls the hope that they will have their chance, take it, and own it, that took place this Sunday and for myself as a Coach, I LOVED IT!!!  the true test is to get her out there again and have her repeat her performance, JOB WELL DONE KFC!!!!

We hit extremely well, but like always, we waited to get all parents on the edge of their seats before we made it happen, there was one game where we led off by getting struck out, 1 down 2 to go was what one of the players on the bench yelled out, we then had 10 straight batters reach the base, 9 hits, 1 hit batter , 7 runs before we made our next out, this is what we have been known to do, "but do we have to do it in just one inn all the time, I'm not as young as I used to be, and I hope these Kardiac Kids don't send me to my rest place earlier than I need to be, estas NINAS!!!!", their Coach then replies I guess we will have a short at bat if this inn ever finishes, they just burned 24 minutes on the clock, in  ends, we left them 6 minutes on the clock when I checked with Coach Joe and Lil Marcus in the dugout, we got this.....

Defense has been a little slower to come, we are playing DEFENSE a step slow, "defensively" instead of AGGRESSIVELY......I will change that, that will come with a fast pace at practice, and getting all girls there, Thurs was 1st day I had all 12 there, so I know it will catch up to our sticks........

So we are off to a good start, but we need to step up to where we were last Season.....and so you know, before our last HUGE inn, I challenged and questioned why the girls were there, did they really want to be there, or were they there because they wanted to be part of something someone else is winning for them, I asked if they have the "HEART" to play hard no matter if winning or losing, BOY DID THEY EVER ANSWER, AND I WILL NEVER QUESTION IT AGAIN, MY BAD....

TOTAL RUNS--------PS - 37 RUNS / (OUTLAWS -FIRE - QUAKES) 7 RUNS COMBINED

TOTAL HITS----------PS - 40 / (OUTLAWS - FIRE - QUAKES) 9 HITS COMBINED

THESE GIRLS ROCK IN THIS GAME, WHAT WAS I THINKING EVER QUESTIONING THEIR HEART.....

OC OUTLAWS--------1

PS LIL SLUGGERS-13

---------------------------------------

TEMECULA FIRE-----1

PS LIL SLUGGERS---17

---------------------------------------

QUAKES-------------------5

PS LILSLUGGERS-----7

JOB WELL DONE..........

OFFENSE: TAZZ 6-6/ KFC 5-8/ TURTLE 2-2/ TURBO 6-9/ KANDYKORN 4-5/ GEMINI 7-8/ KOOLAID 4-6/ BEETLE 3-8/ SQUINKY 2-5/ IPOD 2-5/ PEP 2-5/ KRUNCH 1-4

PITCHING: TAZZ - TURBO - KFC - ---J-O-B W-E-L-L D-O-N-E!!!

CYA ON THE DIAMOND........ 

SUDDEN IMPACT FRIENDLY

SO 2ND FRIENDLY OUT OF THE GATE, WE ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF BECOMING A VERY STRONG TEAM, HITTING HAS BEEN WHAT WE HAVE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO SEE, DEFENSE IS ROUNDING INTO SHAPE (4 RUNS ALLOWED ONY 1 EARNED), AND MY MOST EXCITING ELEMENT OF THE GAME, OUR PITCHING.....TAZZ ONLY 3 INN PITCHED, TURBO 4 INN PITCHED, KFC 3 INN, SHOWED  SHE CAN BE A MEMBER OF "3 HEADED MONSTER", BUT NOT TO BE OUT DONE, BETTLEMANIA AND 8-TRACK ALSO CHIPPED IN, KANDYKORN, GEMINI, AND KRUNCH ALL STARTED A GAME AS CATCHERS, 3 DIFFERENT STARTING CATCHERS???, WHO DOES THAT???, LIL SLUGGERS DO, WORK HARD TO MAKE THE GAME EASIER, BE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY READY AND MAKE THE DAY SHORTER, KEEP THE DAY SHORT AND RESULTS WILL BE POSITIVE....IF WE CONTINUE TO DEVELOP IN THE CIRCLE, WE ARE HEADED FOR ANOTHER EXCITING SEASON.....I WILL POST THE SCORES, BUT WILL ADD DETAIL IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, JOB WELL DONE.......CYA ON THE DIAMOND....

GAME 1

SUDDEN IMPACT------------1

PS LIL SLUGGERS------------12

GAME 2

PS LIL SLUGGERS------------10

SCREAMING EAGLES---------1

GAME 3

PS LIL SLUGGERS-------------18

BEAUMONT OUTKASTS-----1

IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO GET TESTED ON THE OTHR SIDE OF THE HILL.....THOUGH WE HAVE BEEN IN AMONG SOME OVER MATCHED TEAMS, LOTS OF IT IS BECAUSE OF THE WORK OUR GIRLS HAVE PUT IN.....WE FACE A MUCH BIGGER CHALLENGE AT LA MIRADA, THES TEAMS COMING FROM AZ WILL TRAVEL WITH STRONG TEAMS, OC TEAMS ARE ALWAYS STRONG, OUR LEVEL WILL NEED TO AMP UP, OUR FOCUS WIL NEED TO BE MUCH HIGHER, OUR PLAY WILL NEED TO BE MUCH HIGHER......WE WILL HEAD OUT SATURDAY MORNING, WE WILL CATCH OUR BREATH, AND WE WILL GIVE OC THE BEST WE HAVE ON THAT DAY.......CONGRATS ON OUR WORK ON THE FIELD, AND LET'S FOCUS ON BIGGER AND BETTER CHALLENGES......

PS LIL SLUGGERS VS SDDEN IMPACT

WE ADJUSTED LINEUP WITH LATE ARRIVAL AND MISSING ONE OF OUR TEAM LEADERS TO HANDLE FAMILY.......I TOLD THE GIRLS LET'S GO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS FOR OUR TEAM MATE, LET'S GO DO WHAT WE DO......WELL.....2 UP, 2 DOWN, NOT EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR, TURBO THEN 1BS TO LEFT, KANDYKORN SMASHES A 2B TO SCORE TURBO, GEMINI FOLLOWS WITH LINE DRIVE OF HER OWN TO SCORE KANDYKORN, BEETLE HITS A 1B, BUT BAD BASE RUNNING AND WE SCRATH 2 RUNS.... 2ND INN WE HAD KOOLAID AND SQUINKY BOTH GET LEFT ON BASE AFTER HITTING 1BS, NO RUNS SCORED....3RD WAS DIFFERENT, AFTER A QUICK OUT, TURTLE AND KANDYKORN HIT 1BS, GEMINI FOLLOWS WITH A BB, BEETLE GETS HIT ON THE HAT RACK AND DIDN'T EVEN FLINCH, UMPIRE CALLS FOUL BALL, AND BEETLE BAILEY STARTS TO COME BACK, "JK" HE SAYS, AND OUR HARD HEAD, (LITERALLY), GOES TO FIRST AND SCORES TURTLE....KOOLAID AND PEP FOLLOW WITH A 1B AND A 2B TO SCORE 4 MORE RUNS, THAT IS WHAT WE ARE USED TO WITH THIS GROUP....SQUINKY THEN LEADS THE 4TH WITH A 2B, KFC 1B, TURBO 1B AND WE ADD ANOTHER RUN, ......IN THE CIRCLE WE WERE MONEY, 4 INN, 3 HITS, 4BBS, 1K, 3 RUNS, AND 3 PITCHERS, IF WE CONTINUE TO GET MORE CONFIDENT IN THE CIRCLE, WE CAN DO BIG THINGS NEXT SUMMER.....

PS LIL SUGGERS-----------8

SUDDEN IMPACT----------2

PS LIL SLUGGERS VS OUTKASTS

2ND GAME, MUCH THE SAME THING, WE HIT, WE RUN, WE SCORED....IT HAPPENED OFTEN, IT HAPPENED EVERY INN, AND THE PITCHING PATTERN HELD UP, 2 INN FOR STARTER, 1 INN FOR EACH RELIEF PITCHER....AS BORED AS OUR GIRLS LOOKED IN THIS GAME, EXPERIENCE IS VALUE THAT WE CAN PUT IN THE MEMORY BANK FOR FUTURE USE...13 HITS, 6 WALKS, AND DOUBLE DIGITS ON THE BOARD.....IN THE CIRCLE, NEVER IN ANY TROUBLE, AND AGAIN, VALUABLE GAME EXPERIENCE GAINED....

PS LIL SLUGGERS-------10

OUTKASTS-------------------0

PS LIL SLUGGERS VS T-FIRE

WITH OUR PITCHERS STILL FRESH, ONLY 3 IIN, 3INN, AND 2 INN APIECE, WE WERE GOOD TO GO....OUR CATCHERS WERE FRESH, , ONLY HAVING CAUGHT 2 INN IN A GAME AT A TIME BETWEEN 4 CATCHERS(KANDYKORN - GEMINI - KRUNCH - IPOD), WE WERE READY, THE HEAT WAS NOT A FACTOR IN WEARING THEM DOWN.......WE DID SOMETHING A LITTLE UNUSUAL THIS GAME,  WE TOOK 5 BBS IN ONE 1INN, I DON'T REMEMBER WHEN WE LAST DID THAT, WE DID GET 5 HITS IN THE SAME INN TO SCORE 7, T-FIRE WAS IN FOR A LOOOOOONG HOT GAME, US...WELL....JUST TRYING TO KEEP GIRLS INTERESTED IS THE CHALLENGE....BEETLE JUICE, TURBO AND KFC DID WHAT THEY DID ALL DAY, CONTROL THE OTHER TEAMS BATTERS AND GIVE US A CHANCE TO COMPETE, LET'S USE THIS TUNE-UP AND GO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS IN THE OC NEXT WEEKEND.....

PS LIL SLUGGERS-------------10

T-FIRE---------------------------------1

 HITTING HEROES: KFC 3-7, TURTLE 4-8, TURBO 7-9, KANDYKORN 6-7, GEMINI 4-7, BEETLE MANIA 3-5, KOOLAID 4-7, PEP 3-6, IPOD 1-4, SQUINKY 3-5, KRUNCH 2-6

PITCHING HEROES:  TURBO 4 INN, 0 RUNS - 3 HITS - 1BB - 4KS / KFC 4 INN, 0 RUNS, 2 HITS 1BB, 5 KS / BEETLE 4 INN - 3RUNS - 5 HITS - 3BBS - 3KS.....

Sat Oct 17th - OHANA TIGERS FRIENDLY

Game #1: TEAM STING  - 7 / PS LIL SLUGGERS - 9 

Game #2: SOCAL 3D - 2 / PS LIL SLUGGERS - 8

Game #3: IE FIRECRACKERS - 5 / PS LIL SLUGGERS -4(TYING RUN ON 2ND WITH 1 OUT)

WELL, WE MADE THE DRIVE OUT TO PLAY THE BIG DOGS, WE SHOWED UP AND MORE THAN HELD OUR OWN, 13 INN OF WORK VS STRONG TEAMS, WE ONLY HAD 2 BAD INN ON DEFENSE, THAT IS FAIRLY GOOD, BUT IF WE CLEAN THOSE 2 INN WE TAKE 6 RUNS OFF THE SCORE FOR THE OTHER TEAMS....IT WAS A REALLY GOOD WEEKEND, I AM PROUD OF THE WAY WE PLAYED, I AM PROUD THE WORK THEY HAVE PUT IN IS SHOWING WHEN IT COUNTS.....I AM PROUD OF WHERE WE STAND VS THE BIG DOGS OUTSIDE OF OUR AREA......

OUR GREENS KEEPERS, PEP - KRUNCH - IPOD - KOOLAID - SQUINKY - KFC- THEY PATROLLED THE GREENS AND MADE GOOD WORK OF IT, WE DIDN'T MAKE TOO MANY MISTAKES - WE MADE OUR FIELD WORK A STRENGTH AND NOT A WEAKNESS, GREAT JOB.....CLAY CREW, TURTLE - KANDYKORN - GEMINI - BEETLE - TURBO - KFC - TAZZ, WE MADE MOST ROUTINE PLAYS, FELL ASLEEP IN 2 INN, BUT OTHERWISE REALLY STRONG SHOWING...JOB WELL DONE, OUR CIRCLE PATROLS - TAZZ - TURBO - KFC - WE HAD 1 GLITCH IN 1 GAME, OTHERWISE WE WERE SOLID, KUDOS TO YOU THREE!!!!!!, OUR BACKSTOPS - KANDYKORN - GEMINI - IPOD, WE HANDLED THE CIRCLE PATROLS AND MADE THEM STRONGER BY YOUR WORK BEHIND THE DISH, AWESOME JOB......OUR OFFENSE, WE WERE ON POINT ALL DAY LONG, WHEN WE NEEDED THAT HIT, WE GOT IT, WHEN WE NEEDED THAT SACRIFICE, WE GOT IT, WHEN WE NEEDED THAT RUN, WE GOT IT, GOOD WORK IF YOU CAN FIND IT, WE CLOCKED IN, WE HANDLED OUR BUSINESS, WE COLLECTED OUR CHECKS, WE CAME HOME HAVING PUT IN A GREAT DAY AT THE OFFICE, JOB WELL DONE,CYA ON THE DIAMOND.....

PS LIL SLUGGERS HITS------31

OTHER 3 COMBINED-----------19

___________________________________

PS LIL SGGERS RUNS-----------21

OTHER 3 COMBINED-------------14

___________________________________

BY FAR THE BEST WEEKEND FOR THIS YOUNG WINTER SEASON, GREAT START FOR OUR NEW JOURNEY, LET'S STAY FOCUSED, LET'S KEEP THE COURSE, LET'S GET BETTER EVERY TIME OUT, GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN ON THIS RUN........JOB WELL DONE, BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS TO COME........CYA ON THE DIAMOND.......

PS Lil Sluggers vs Team Sting

We played the Sting in Corona once before, they are really good at small ball (bunting), our girls have worked hard to defend this....we handled it well for 3 out of 4 inn, but that 1 inn was like we were the "keystone Kops"...with reliable fielders, we just fell asleep on what we were supposed to do, 3 walks did not hel the cause, but we still made way too many mistakes.....on offense, 12 hits, we came to hit, KFC home run and a 2b, Kandykorn Home run and a 3b, Tazz a 1b, Turbo 3 - 1bs, Turtle 2-1bs, Beetle 2b, it helped push across enough runs to hold on at the end, back and forth game where we did finish strong......in the Circle Turbo threw 1st 2 inn and allowed 1 run to 7 total batters, KFC strugled with command but was able to limit damage in 3rd inn, Turbo came back to close the game and move on with a win in the first of 3 games.....

PS Lil Sluggers----------9

Team Sting 2-------------7

PS Lil sluggers vsSOCAL 3D

Though we haven't played this team, they have had lots of success in Triple Crown and USSSA tournaments, this is a good test to see where we stand.....Coach Marcus has been winning coin flips, so we keep sending him for the Karma he has brought to us, come on Marcus, bring "Lady Mo" back with you.....we win the flip, we choose sticks, and we are ready to go, we went 3 up and 3 down, but all outs were hit hard, line drive to shortstop, line drive to 3rd base, deep fly ball to left, I told the girls, play solid defense, we will score runs.....2 strikeouts , 1b, bb, and ground ball to short and we are down 1-0 after 1st....we then sent 9 batters to the plate, KandyKorn - Turtle both 1b, Gemini and Pep both bb, on a KoolAid infield fly the ball bounced in front of 2b, Turtle comes home and Team looked shook....Krunch then bunts the ball and we score Gemini, Beetle reaches on infield 1b and damage was done, 3-1 good gals......Tazz locks down the 2nd inn, 2 runners reach on 2 errors, but we made enough plays to leave them there.....3rd inn and new pitcher for 3D, Kandykorn ropes a 2b, Turtle bbs, Gemini bunts to load the bases, Ipod 1bs and we score 3 more runs.....Turbo comes in to shut down the game once again, 2 inn,  batters, 1 run and we have enough to close out 3D...but not finished yet, Tazz leads off with a 1b, KFC reaches on a dropped 3rd strike, Turbo hits ground ball to 2nd that scores Tazz, Kandkorn 1bs, Turtle follows with a 1b to score KFC, end of game, and we once again proved when we are on, we can play with anyone, job well done

PS Lil Sluggers---------8

SoCal 3D------------------2

PS Lil Sluggers vs IE Firecrackers (Indio Kapu)

So now comes the BIG test, play the Monsters that will be 14u soon, very soon, if not already there.....the first time in 8 games we lose the flip, Lil Marcus needs to take "Lady Mo" to dinner, we want her on our side...we took the field, plan was to keep Tazz and Turbo fresh to pitch this game, Tazz only 2 inn coming in, Turbo had 5 which meant she was available to close only......Tazz made quick work, only one 1b and a bb to keep them off the board......we did the same in our frame to end the 1st 0-0....they then started the scoring with a lead off home run and 2 1bs to put up 2 runs......we were facing the fastest pitcher we have seen to date, and it wasn't even their best, but we were ready......Gemini and Pep led off with 1bs, dropped 3rd strike and KoolAid reaches 1st and Gemini scores, Krunch then bbs, Tazz line a 1b to score Pep, Turbo laces a 1b to score KoolAid, we are now up 3-2 after 2 inn of play.....this is where we played our 2nd bad inn of defense on the day, after striking out hitter which hit a home run, next batter reached on 4 straight pitches, an error at 3rd put runners on first and 3rd, a bloop 1b cashes in a run, but a bad throw to no one cost us another run and advances runner into scoring postion again, routine ground ball scores that runner and we get out allowing 3 runs on 1 hit, 3errors, and 2 bbs......if we don't lose our focus, if we keep our kool, if we anticipate the next play, it is another goose egg on the board for them.........we came up and went down 1-2-3, only positive, we will start at the top of the lineup next inn.......Tazz again sliced through their top of the order and brought us back in the dugout chasing 2 runs.......focus and execution is key, understanding the game and your part in the game is vital to our success.......we led off with  TAZZ 1B, ON AN 0-1 COUNT BUNT WAS GIVEN, WE TOOK  AND GOT HOSED AT 2ND, WE DID NOT ATTEMPT TO STEAL AS THIS CATCHER HAD A HOSE...WE DIDN'T EXECUTE A BUNT AND IT COST US A RUN.......KFC then follows with a 2b to left, Turbo matches her double with another 2b, 5-4 score, tying run at 2nd, 1 out,  KandyKorn at the plate, BALL GAME!!!, we lose a 1 run game where our mental mistakes cost us, but from these loses comes our development that will continue to make us stronger.......so we lost, but we gain valuable experience that will help us down the road....we played a very strong team, we came within 1 run of them, and we stay in our division, but they move on to 14s where their age dictates,  job well done.....

PS Lil Sluggers----------4

Desert Firecracker IE (Indio)--5

IE FRIENDLY



I WAS EXCITED ABOUT THE TEAMS WE WERE SCHEDULED TO PLAY, THERE WOULD BE QUALITY PITCHING COMPARED TO WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IN A MAJORITY OF THE GAMES...THE ELITE HAD A PITCHER WE FACED AS SO CAL FIRE ACE IN FEBRUARY, DYNASTY HAD A PITCHER WE FACED IN BEAUMONT IN JULY, AND SHE WAS A QUALITY PITCHER....THE T-FIRE, WELL.....THEY LOOKED AS OVER MATCHED AS US WHEN WE WERE 7, BUT I'M GLAD WE GREW IN OUR GAME....... THOUGH WE WON ALL GAMES WE PLAYED, WE DIDN'T PLAY AS STRONG AS WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST, 3D - FIRECRACKERS 02 - STING, THOSE GAMES WE PLAYED MUCH STRONGER - OUR FOCUS WAS MUCH BETTER......I HAVE BEEN SPOILED TO SEE OUR GIRLS COMPETE AT A VERY HIGH LEVEL AGAINST VERY GOOD TEAMS, NO REASON WE CAN'T DO THAT EVERY TIME OUT, LACK OF PREPARATION AS A GROUP HAS ALOT TO DO WITH IT, IT'S BEEN AT LEAST 3 WEEKS SINCE WE HAVE HAD THE WHOLE GROUP TOGETHER, AND THIS IS WHERE IT SHOWS UP, VS QUALITY OPPONENTS.....WE SHOWED SOME FIGHT VS ELITE, BUT WE WERE OUT HIT BY THEM, 8 FOR ELITE (3 BB) - 7 FOR US (6 BB), BUT WE DID PUSH ACROSS ENOUGH TO FINISH ON POSITIVE END.....VS T-FIRE, WELL, AGAIN, THEY ARE IN OVER THEIR HEAD...VS DYNASTY, AS GOOD AS THEIR PITCHER THREW, WE LET HER OFF THE HOOK BY NOT TAKING QUALITY SWINGS, NOT HAVING A PLAN AT THE PLATE, WE STRUNG TOGETHER 1 BIG INN, BUT AGAIN, NOT WHAT WE ARE USED TO AS A GROUP......WE WILL CLEAN IT UP, WE WILL PLAY BETTER, AND IF THIS IS OUR BEST PERFORMANCE, WE CAN GET A WHOLE LOT BETTER......CYA ON THE DIAMOND........

GAME 1 PS LIL SLUGGERS - 8 / ALL AMERICAN ELITE - 5

GAME 2 PS LIL SLUGGERS - 11 / T-FIRE - 0

GAME 3 PS LIL SLUGGERS - 6 / IE DYNASTY - 4 

MORE TO COME IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS...... 

PRE - PARADE WARM -UP

CANDY TOSS WORKING, LOOK AT KIDS STILL PICKING UP CANDY BEHIND GIRLS......

Competitive games are always good, Riverside Elite - Sudden Impact - Outlaws, we went to Fontana hoping to see quality pitching and quality teams.....I will repeat time and again, hard work always pays off, you will always get good results if you put in hard work to achieve it......in saying this, the quality work you are putting in is really showing up when we get out to these games, Riverside Elite left League ball to venture out into Travel ball, Sudden Impact has players from Beaumont, Hemet, Yucaipa, Outlaws are also a League Team getting into travel, not as easy as it looks after fielding strong All Star and Select Teams, we have been there and know it is not easy route at all.....these games are helping prepare us for our Road Trip to Vegas, hopefully we continue to grow, continue to achieve, and continue our path to success by always remembering what got us there, HARD WORK!!!!

We once again had a bad inn, this time it was right out of the gate, 3 errors, 2 hits, and before we could flinch, 4-0 Riverside Elite......after only sending 4 batters our 1st inn and only getting 1 hit, we sent 16 batters, 9 - 1bs, 1 2b, 4 bb and we pushed 10 runs across, 32 minute inn.....defense was then awake, we hit their lead off batter, threw her out at 2nd, caught routine fly ball in right, struck out 3rd out, only 9 pitches and we were at the plate again....only 18 minutes on the clock, we did it again, 12 batters, 7 hits, 3 bbs, 9 runs, and with only 2 out, the time ran out, only 2 inn of defense, and only 3 inn of hitting, though it was still 1hr 20 min long, it was by far our shortest game.....job well done after our sloppy 1st inn....

Hitting Heroes : Turtle 3-4(2b) - Turbo 3-3(2-2b) - KandyKorn 2-3(3b) - Gemini 2-2(2b) - KFC 1-2 - Squinky 2-2 - KoolAid 3-3(2b) - Tazz 2bb - Beetle 2 bb

Pitching Hero:  Tazz 2inn - 4 runs(1earned), 2 hits, 1k, 6balls-24strikes

PS Lil Sluggers----------18

Riverside Elite-------------4

In game 2 and after our bats were going, we were up for the Sudden Impact Challenge.....they had a 1st base Coach that was announcing pitches by watching our catchers, but they still had to out smart our strategy, and that is always leaning in our favor....we faced 15 batters in the game, only 2 reached base, and 7 play were made on the field, we were sharp, we played clean, we played smart, (STRATEGY) always good to have in your pocket.....offense we had their pitcher in trouble every inn, though we scored 11 runs, it seemed like 20 as many base runners as we had, aggressive, patient, and even our outs were hit hard, 3 hits line drives, 3 fly balls that were caught but nothing routine looking, 17 hits, good things happened, and if not for those line drive outs, we are probably still hitting now.....job well done

Hitting Heroes: Tazz 2-3(3b-2b) - Turtle 3-4 - Turbo 2-3(2-2b) - KandyKorn 2-3(3b) - Squinky 3-3 - Beetle 1-1 - Krunch 1-2(2b) - KoolAid 1-2 - Ipod  1-1 - Pep 1-2

Pitching: Turbo 3inn - 0 runs - 2 hits - 5 ks - 7balls - 21 strikes / KFC 1 inn - 0 runs - 1 hit - 5balls - 10 strikes 

PS Lil Sluggers-------------------11

Sudden Impact--------------------0

A little cool air and they act like blizzard is coming.....these girls.....

Our last game, I gotta say, it was raining, wind blowing, and COLD!!!!!! I went to check on game status, response, "we will play if field is playable, hopefully rain lets up.....I told girls we would have short warm up, sit tight....while this was happening, I see a player from San Bernadino step wrong on the base and break her finger, it wasn't good, I tell director if bases are wet in our game, we were out, that is not happening to us for playing in the rain......2 minutes later, it stops, rain is gone, hot chocolate is here, and it is cold like no other......our warm up session, 13 minutes, pitchers are ready, and lets get this game in now before we get snow fall......once again our pitching and defense took control, 11 batters, 3 inn, 3 base runners and another goose egg for the other side.....we put up 4 runs, 6 runs, 5 runs and again end the game at the plate with time expiring.....quality pitching, quality defense, and clutch and timely hitting made the cold go away, not really, Parents looked like they were heading to the snow.....another good outing, and we are playing well at the right time, hopefully we don't lose our "MOJO", and it travels with us to Vegas, job well done, cya on the diamond

Hitting Heroes: Tazz 1-3 - Turtle 2-3 - Turbo 1-2(2b) - Ipod 1-1 - KandyKorn 2-2(2b) - Krunch bb - Gemini 3-3 - KFC 3-3(2b -3b) - Squinky 2-2(2b) - Beetle 1-2 - KoolAid 1-2 - Pep 2bb

Pitching Heroes: Beetle 2inn - 0 runs - 2 hits - 1bb - 8 balls - 17strikes / KFC 1 inn - 0 runs - 1k - 4 balls - 8 strikes

PS Lil Sluggers-------------15

OutLaws-----------------------0

Player numbers will be posted Monday...........

VALLEY WIDE STRIKE OUT HUNGER CHAMPIONS

We played to keep our bats going, as a team we hit well, our timing is as good as I have ever seen from this "Lil Slugger" Team, there is a much BIGGER TEST in Vegas, we will see if our bats travel to games out there, as pitching, hitting, and defense will be much stronger....in the 4 games and 3 Teams we played we were the better prepared team, we will build on this, turn our attention to bigger games, and go make it happen......job well done, cya on the diamond...

Though the level of pitching is not what we have been hitting as of late, we did swing the sticks well, EXTREMELY WELL...most on the team had their batting averages go up, considering we have so many abs in the Season, that is a very hard thing to do, but we did.....in 111 abs, we only struck out 2 times, that is .08 percent of the time, less than 1 time per 100 tiimes at bats, simply unbelievable(WE ARE SEEING THE BALL WELL), you have no idea how excited I am to say that........to go along with the impressive hitting was just as impressive pitching......we only gave up 6 runs in 4 games, we used 4 pitchers, and none threw in more than 5inn total, this is what it will take to keep us competitive, and to keep the arms strong no matter where we  play, we know we will aways have a chance to compete....we will try and continue to push ourselves to get stronger, and hope we can compete at a higher level than now, job well done, cya on the diamond......

HITTING HEROES: TAZZ 7-10 / KFC 6-11(2B-HR) / TURTLE 9-11(2B) / TURBO 7-10 (3-2BS) / GEMINI 11-12(2B) / SQUINKY 8-9 (2-2BS, 2-3B) / BEETLE 7-10 (2-2BS), KOOLAID 5-11 (2-2B) / KRUNCH 3-8 / PEP 5-8 (2 HR) / IPOD 5-8

PITCHING HEROES:  PEP 2 1/3 INN - 5 RUNS -1 HIT - 5BB - 5KS / KFC 3 INN - 0 RUNS - 3 HITS - 0 BB - 5KS / BEETLE 1 2/3 INN - 1 RUN - 3 HITS - 3BB - 2KS / TURBO 3 INN - 0 RUNS - 2 HITS - 0BBS - 5KS / TAZZ 4INN - 0 RUNS - 5 HITS - 1BB - 4KS 

A quick Thank You to Cali Parks, I asked her on Weds if she would be available if needed as we only had 10 players going to Hemet, I hadn't even finished asking and she said YES without hesitation, told her I needed to ask Dad as well, but wanted to see where she stood, Dad also said yes before I could finish, she got a taste of Lil Slugger softball, and good to know she can help us out of a bind if ever needed....... 

PS LIL SLUGGERS------------18

SANDLOT GIRLZ---------------5

-------------------------------------------------

PS LIL SLUGGERS-----------------14

SAN JACINTO CRUSHERS------1

----------------------------------------------------

PS LIL SLUGGERS-------------------16( SEMI - FINAL GAME)

SAN JACINTO CRUSHERS--------0

----------------------------------------------------

PS LIL SLUGGERS----------------------12 (CHAMPIONSHIP GAME)

SUDDEN IMPACT-------------------------0

 YAAA!!!! 2nd place Az State Championship Tournament

8:00 am (18-0 Lil Sluggers win vs AZ DGSA Scorpions)

9:30 am (6-3 Lil Sluggers win vs AZ Force)

12:30 pm (16-0 Lil Sluggers win vs AZ Lady Cats)

10:30 am( 12-0 Lil Sluggers win vs  Az Desert Kaos)

12:00 pm - QUARTER FINAL (11-0 Lil Sluggers Win vs AZ ThunderCats) 

1:30 pm - SEMI FINAL (1-0 Lil Sluggers win vs New Mexico Lady Titans)

3:00 pm - CHAMPIONSHIP (GAME 2-0 Lil Sluggers Loss vs AZ Firecrackers)

Az State Championship 2nd place finish

A great weekend, as good as I can remember.....and yes, we "PUT A RING ON IT!!!" 2nd place, but 53 mph hard to hit.....

    "SOFTBALL HAS BROUGHT US TOGETHER, FRIENDSHIP HAS MADE US FAMILY"

As strong as we have EVER PLAYED as a TEAM, hard to say that with as much success as we have had.....Saturday we handled "round robin" games fairly strong, it left me thinking we have extremely good chance to finish strong in playoffs...after a parent came and told me they were trying to put Team Dinner together, I liked the idea, but MY MIND went back immediately to the games.....after I received info as to where we were going as a TEAM, I sent it out, but my head was still in going to scout teams we may face on SUNDAY.....the Team Family bonding that comes from this is awesome, much different from other times when I am left at park as everyone racing off in their own directions, I'm glad this time was able to happen without me asking for it, TEAM CHEMISTRY AWESOME!!!,  and as much as I would have enjoyed to be there, I came for 1 thing, to have our girls compete at highest level...........I will post Picture as soon as I get a chance, we look like a "FAMILY"......we ate drive through and headed back to field, scouting 3 teams we may be playing, we played them, we beat them, and we were off to the finals, and though I MISSED TEAM DINNER, I didn't miss getting ready for elimination Sunday with "scout sheets" in hand.......

Facing the Desert Kaos, we were very much the better Team....we pitched well, Tazz and Turbo combined for a 2 hitter in 3 inn, the offense was explosive highlighted by a KandyKorn bomb of 185' (home run fence at 175')...14 hits/ 12 runs and off to next game.....

PS Lil Sluggers--------------12

Az Desert Kaos----------------0

Game 2 was a bigger challenge, I had Coach in my ear about other Team carrying girls with 02 bdays, (1 yr older), he gave me plenty of info, but I stayed out at park watching team play, and we were ready.....Tazz and Turbo once again combined for a 3 hitter in 4 inn, and defense was on it's game......explosions again on offense, 15 hits/ 11 runs, highlighted by 11-12 hitting by Tazz - KFC - Turtle - Turbo combined.....Coach came and made a comment, I've never seen anything like this, we throw fastball away, they hit it, change away, they launch it, slider in, hammered, "I need baseball Coach number you tell me works with these girls".....smoke clears,  I walk away with a pitcher's number moving to California looking for a softball team, she didn't believe me when I told them they could find us at Palm Springs Youth League, onto the Semi Final...........

PS Lil Sluggers------------11

Az ThunderCats-----------0 

Game 3 was a big test.....the one reason I enjoyed watching these girls play defense, 0 errors in 6 inn with only 2 strike outs....that meant 16 plays needed to be made on the field, they were clean, everyone knew their role, and they won 4-0 game.....we came in and played clean, we made the plays, including bases loaded double play to squash their only rally.....DEFENSE WAS AWESOME!!!!!! Gemini laced a lazer over right fielder's head for a 3b, they over throw and she walks in for the only run of the game, we had other scoring opportunity's, we just didn't capitalize, but in this game, 1 was enough....Turbo and Tazz again handled the circle the way it is supposed to be done, they PITCHED really well, they didn't throw the ball, they sliced their batters and shut out a very good hitting team, again, DEFENSE ON POINT as we only only allowed 3 runs in 6 games to this point...... "WE GOING TO THE SHIP!!!"

PS Lil Sluggers-----------------1

New Mexico Lady Titans------0 (I will always remember these Titans) 

Championship Game...the Firecrackers offense was scrappy, defense was good, but their strong area, 53-55 mph gas!!  Combine that with a change up at 30 mph, it was almost unfair, we needed to scratch, claw, and hope we could make something happen....we managed 3 hits and 2 bbs, not nearly enough when their HORSE was dealing......we pitched well, all weekend we pitched really well, defense complimented our pitchers as we didn't strike out many, all plays were made on the field..........they came up clutch, timely hitting, it's priceless in a game of this magnitude to be able to string 2-3 hits and scratch a run, they got it done, we learn and make it happen on another day.....

PS Lil Sluggers------------0

AZ Firecrackers-----------2

We played AWESOME!!!!! Pitching - Defense - Hitting - we put it all together and had a fun run....These kind of games makes teams stronger, we will grow from these type of tournaments, it's not fun to lose, but believe me when i say it brings out the animal in you when you have been knocked down and you didn't like how it felt.....you will know how it felt, it will drive you to compete harder, smarter, and WE ALL BECOME BETTER FOR THE EXPERIENCE!!!!"...FUN, COMPETITIVE, AND REWARDING WEEKEND OF SOFTBALL, ......CYA ON THE DIAMOND, FAMILY!!!!"

6 WINS - 1 LOSS , 65 RUNS SCORED - 5 RUNS ALLOWED , MAKES FOR GREAT TEAM SUCCESS - JOB WELL DONE

SOFTBALL BROUGHT US TOGETHER, FRIENDSHIP HAS MADE US FAMILY

 AZ STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 2ND PLACE FINISH

With our last Spring game comes the preparation for the BIGGER CHALLENGE, DEFEND OUR WORLD SERIES TITLE...but also comes time to say Good-Bye to one of our Teammates, I had a hard time replacing her when she left us last Season, and was excited when she came back this Season.....but all goods things come to an end, and I hopefully speak for all of us in saying she will be missed.....Rigo / Maggie / and Minyun have been big part of what we accomplished this Season, and as much as I hate to lose her, she will be a big addition to whatever Team she plays for next, THANK YOU MINYUN, we will see you on the ball field again soon...

I HOPE SOME DAY OUR GIRLS WILL REALIZE THE HISTORIC PRESENCE OF SHIRLEY BURKOWITZ AND MAYBELLE BLAIR, THEY WERE PIONEERS OF WOMEN IN COMPETITIVE SPORTS, AND THEY DID IT IN SKIRTS!!!!

We played the Chris' Angels crew, and I asked if Paula could throw from 40', as this is the same thing we will play in UPLAND - gas from the other circle...she was a challenge, we struck out 5 times against her, it just meant she was dealing....but as I tell the girls, I asked for the challenge of 40' for 2 reasons, 1st to get us ready for Upland, and 2nd and most important, to let her know when we see her in All Stars, we are coming, we don't scare easy, and yes, we will bring the bats and be up for the challenge.....we put 9 runs across in 5 inn, we had 5 clutch hits, 7 walks, and had her in trouble every inn.....the most impressive thing that happened, as Shirley and Maybelle sat and watched our girls play, Tazz - Turbo - and Beetle did something special, THEY COMBINED FOR A PERFECT GAME!!!! - What is that, glad you asked....it is when the pitcher doesn't allow a hit, doesn't allow a walk, doesn't allow a base runner, and defense doesn't make any errors.....for 1 pitcher to do it is awesome, very rare for 3 to combine as most Coaches will not pull pitcher that is performing that feat....then comes us, we play as a TEAM, we WIN as a TEAM, We LOSE as a TEAM, and we combined for a PERFECT GAME AS A TEAM!!!! job extremely well done, hope those two (Shirley & MayBelle) were paying attention, there was a good game going on here, and we were all part of it......cya on the diamond....

PS Lil Sluggers-----------------9

Chris' Angels-------------------0

Hitting:  Tazz 2-2/ Minyun 2 bbs/ Turbo 1-2/ KandyKorn 1 bb/ Tsunami 1 bb/ Pep 1-1/ Squinky 1 bb/ Turtle 1-2

Pitching:  TAZZ/ TURBO/ BEETLE 5 inn - 0 RUNS - 0 HITS - 0 BBS - 4ks PERFECT GAME - NO HITTER!!!

I HOPE WE SENT YOU OUT ON A HIGH NOTE MINYUN, WE WILL MISS YOU!!!!! 

This next man up mentality continues to keep us playing at a high level, it didn't matter how we moved the defense, we made the plays, our line drives travel, we had plenty of hits throughout the day, and Pitching once again did their job, 5 pitchers, 3 games, and only 1 run scored in 2 games combined, it was the 3rd that was woozy....but once again our streak of winning more than we lose away from home has extended over 3 years.....strong day of games, 2-1 definitely a good showing, and it shows the commitment you make to each other will continue to carry you a long way.... THE ALL STAR JOURNEY HAS BEGUN IN UPLAND AND CONTINUES AT SAN JACINTO NEXT WEEK........

Game 1 vs Upland Green

This game had everything in it, Turbo and Pep combined for a 1 - hitter, that was on first pitch of the game, a change-up left on the plate, and good teams will hit mistakes, after that pitch, 1 runner reached on a fielder's choice to get runner at home trying to score, and that was it, pitcher's did what was asked, locate pitches, and let the defense work, of the 12 outs, 10 were recorded with the defense, on offense, we came to hit...Tazz 1b, Turtle bunt, and Beetle 2b scoed the 1st 2 runs, after a Squinky bb, KoolAid - Tsunami - both 1b, Jelly Bean bbs, Tazz 2b and KANDYKORN HOMERS about 210'..they changed pitchers, we had runners every inn, but made more noise in last inn when KandyKorn 1bs, Turtle bbs, Turbo bunt 1b, Beetle 1b, Stretch chips in her 1b and time expires.....we hit really well to back up the arms in the circle...

Palm Springs All Stars----------11

Upland White All Stars-----------0

Pitching: Turbo/Pep - 2 inn - 0 runs - 1 hit - 0 bbs, 2 ks

Hitting:  Tazz 2-3, KandyKorn 2-3, Turtle 2-2, Turbo 1-3, Beetle 2-3, Stretch 1-3, Squinky 2 bbs, KoolAid 1-2, Tsunami 2-2, Pep 1 bb, JellyBean 1 bb

Game 2 vs Jurupa All Stars

Pitching once again was on, Beetle cruises in 1st 2 inn, Turtle only allows 2 base runners and 1 run, Turbo comes in to close the door and keep Jurupa All Stars to just 1 run.....Hitting was again doing our thing.....KandyKorn again hits a rocket, 188', 190 was Home Run, push ups at practice will bring the fence closer...Turtle followed with a 1b, Turbo bb, Beetle rbi ground ball, Stretch 2 run 2b, and we were off....Tazz leads off with a bb and Turtle brings her home on a lousy 1b to plate another.....in the 4th, Stretch leads off with a 1b, ground ball fielder's choice get her out at 2nd but Squinky makes it safe, Tsunami bbs, Pepsi 3bs, Jelly Bean hits a rope down 3rd base line to finish our scoring, another big day at the plate......

Pitchers: Beetle/Turtle/Turbo - 5 inn - 1 run - 1 hit - 2 bbs - 3ks 

Hitting: Tazz bb/ KandyKorn 2-3/ Turtl 2-2/ Turbo bb/ Stretch 1-2/ Tsunami bb/ Pep 2-2/ JellyBean 1-2

Palm Springs All Stars----------7

Jurupa All Stars------------------1

Game 3 vs Upland Green

And then it happened, here is where we came unglued....we played in Riverside Victory Friendly early April, we allowed a Coach to mentally take us out of our game, those are times that we put in the bank and become even stronger mentally so it doesn't happen again, we had turned the corner after that, and it was the last time we had been out played.....it happened again, this time it was from their batters, they would step in the box, they would check for our signs, then be ready to go, we allowed it to change our pace in the circle, a plan that worked for them, and sped us up to where we no  longer were effective, 2 routine plays were not made, that didn't help, we tried to make the tougher play and it worked against us, keep it simple, execute the routine, and it will always limit the damage and keep us in a game, extra hitters come up with us making bad decisions, advantage we have then goes back to them......9 runs came across before we could make the right adjustments, Turbo and Beetle came in and held them to only 2 runs in 3 inn, but we were playing flat and Lady Mo took our energy right into their dugout......we will have to go get her back next time we step on the field, as most Teams we play are always full of emotion in their game, us, not sure where to buy it, as we don't carry it with us anywhere we go.....we learn from this again, make the right adjustments, execute OUR plan, and take our chances.....cya on the diamond.....

Palm Springs All Stars-------1

Upland Green All Stars------11

Pitching: Tazz 2 inn/ 9 runs - 7 hits - 2bbs/ Turbo 1 inn 0 runs - 1 hit - 1bb/ Beetle 1 inn - 2 runs - 2 hits- 1bb / Pep 1 bb/ 2 hits

Hitting:  Tazz 1-2/ KandyKorn 1-1/ Turbo 2-2/ Squinky 1-2/ Pep 1-2

**** We once again welcome a new Team member to the Lil SLugger Family.....Jelly Bean - Dad Andy - Mom Erika, she helped get us through Upland as KFC out for 3 more weeks as of Friday, somehow we always have someone missing , we work way to hard to allow 1 or 2 players leave us out of our Summer Run, Jelly Bean will allow us to continue to make noise and make sure PONY allows us to continue with the # we have on our affidavit....welcome aboard, cya on the diamond..........

Our last tune up prior to Tourney time.....it went well, 8 inn played, 4 pitchers, 3 hits, only 4 BBS, 13ks, and 3 UNEARNED RUNS, it means we made a defensive mistake that cost us, though we did win, tournaments seeding is based on runs allowed, we want to be as clean as possible to give us best route possible, this is why "moving our feet" is a huge point of emphasis!!!!!

Vs Valley Wide

In warming up pitchers, I made a change just by the approach, Turtle was throwing like she did 2 years ago, it carried into the game, 7 batters, 1 bb and 4 ks, it got us out of inn quickly, and allowed us to save Beetle for next game...Pep came in and repeated what Turtle started, 2 inn, 8 batters, 3 ks, and only 2 bbs, it kept us in the dugout shade, and allowed us to hit well rested......we had a tough time finding an offensive rythum, Tazz 2b, Beetle RBI, and 2 BBS,slow 1st inn...2nd inn 2ks and fly ball, still slow...Squinky 1bs, Jelly Bean BBS, Tazz 2bs, KandyKorn 1bs and we finally made some noise... Stretch BBS, tsunami bloops a 1b, Pep follows with her own 1b, Gemini laces a 2b, Gustavo owes her a "beso", and again we made noise....Jelly Bean hustles on line drive for a 2b, we then somehow had 6 BBS consecutively, that won't happen too many times, I really encourage swinging the bat, we looked good on offense, and best part of the game - the girls started to cheer for each other, an emotional part of our game that has been missing, but I was glad to hear!!!!!!

Palm Springs all stars  ---------11

Valley Wide all stars----------0

pitching: Turtle/Pep: 4 inn/0 runs/3 BBS/ 7ks

Hitting: Tazz 3-3/ KandyKorn 1-1/ Turbo 2 bbs/ Stretch 2 BBS/ Tsunami 1-2/ Pep 1-2/ Gemini 1-2/ Squinky 1-2/ Jelly Bean 1-1

Vs Redlands Red

Though Redlands stronger team than valley wide, Tazz and Turbo kept their offense quiet, 2 big defensive mistakes cost us 3 runs, if we stay focused, make routine plays, we keep a donut on the board, but hopefully it is out of our system....pitching will keep us in games, defense does their job and we will be hard to beat......at the plate we had 15 hits, Beetle 2b, Gemini 2b, Squinky home run, Pep home run, Pep 2b, we were loud with these big hits....and again most impressive, the girls actually cheering for each other, emotion can add a lot to the game, and we are coming around on that end....

Palm springs all stars-----------14

Redlands all stars-----------------3

Pitching: Tazz/Turbo 4 inn-3 runs-3 hits-1 bb-7 ks

Hitting: Tazz 2 BBS/ Beetle 2-3/ KandyKorn bb/ Turbo 1-1/ Gemini 1-3/ Stretch 1-3/ Turtle 2-2/ Koolaid 1-3/ Tsunami 2-3/ Pep 2-3/ Squinky 3-3/ Jelly Bean bb, all 12 players reached the base......

NOW THE TOURNAMENT SEASON BEGINS, LET'S DO THIS!!!!!!!

 Our latest update, we are so used to winning the big game that I forgot to get girls to take a picture with their medals, we did take 2nd place, they played well, Heat made a few more plays than us, there will be other games, and I for one will look forward to playing these guys again!!!!! Congrats on your 2nd place finish, not result we like, but nothing to be ashamed of!!!!

we could have lost to Coachella and not won anything, CONGRATS!!!

As game started, we quickly notched a run on 2BBS and a Gemini 1b, but Heat scratched back at tied it up....we then started to lose our zing, failed bunt attempt by running into the ball, walk followed by a failed bunt gets us thrown out, routine fly ball and we went in order...they took a turn wit the sticks and we went through the motion of a game, but we let the moment get the best of us to the tune of 3 UNEARNED RUNS ( runs by errors ), we fought back, Squinky decides swinging the bat more exciting than looking at strike 3 and rips a 1b, KandyKorn continues her power swing with a double, Turtle chases them with a 1b, Turbo rips her 1b, Gemini laces a double and we tie it up..…then we did it again, 2 more runs on errors, we gave them the lead again.....chasing 2 runs, KandyKorn starts us with a1b, Turtle follows with her own 1b and we are 1st and 3rd, Turbo laces a shot back at pitcher, scores KandyKorn and moves Turtle to 3rd, Stretch then hammers a 2b and are back in it, 6-6.....…Turbo then dialed it up a notch and sent Heat down in order the 4th/ 5th/ &6th inn, time expired and we are in extra inn…...KandyKorn again crushes a hit to score Beetle, Turtle moves her to 3rd on a ground ball, Gemini then laces a 1b to score our second run, up 2 runs and ready to close it out, the game sped up, we allow 3 more unearned runs and it cost us....if we make the plays that come our way, it's a 6-2 game in our favor, when we aren't mentally prepared, well it normally will cost us....this is is where we can and will learn to make us stronger, I take a big responsibility in this, I had a different defense for this game, I changed my mind, THIS IS ON ME, I AM REALLY BIG ON DEFENSE NUMBERS EVERY TIME I MAKE A LINE UP, AND I LET MY EMOTIONS DICTATE AGAINST WHAT I NORMALLY DO, NUMBERS ARE KEPT AT EVERY LEVEL FOR THIS EXACT REASON, SUCCESSFUL TEAMS HAVE COACHES THAT GO BY THE NUMBERS, WE HAVE LIVED BY THAT MANTRA, MY EMOTIONS GOT IN THE WAY TODAY, I LET YOU GIRLS DOWN, I LEARN FROM LOSSES, I LET IS ONE GET AWAY, I WILL NOT SLEEP EASY, BUT WILL DEFINITELY MAKE BETTER DECISIONS FOR YOU GIRLS TO SUCCEED NEXT TIME OUT.…..and yes it's not what we are used to, but these type of games is what will make us stronger in the long run, CONGRATS ON YOUR 2ND PLACE FINISH!!!!!!!!

Palm SpringsAll Stars -----8

Redlands Heat --------------9

Semi vs Coachella

Our girls were very excited to play Coachella, if you weren't aware, Turbo and Tazz challenged Roy to a game in CV friendly, he didn't cave in and gave them excuses, in PS Turtle and Tazz challenged him to a game, again, not happening, I asked him for a scrimmage the past 2 weeks, he wouldn't even respond as he was digging for a way to get us out of 12u All Stars, it didn't happen, we keep organized paperwork, and we play by the rules.... We started sloppy, 2 infield errors and a lousy 1b and they scratch, but that was it, pitching was money, defense cleaned up, and we put up a BIG number, a really BIG number on the board before we pulled back, a simple scrimmage that girls asked for would have made this a better time for them, but there was no holding em back.....job well done, onto the finals....

Palm Springs All Stars--------17

Coachella All Stars---------------1

Day 1 UNDERWAY!!!!!

We are off and running, we played solid the first 2 games, though we gave up only 1 run, it really could have looked a little sharper on defense, and we have seen this group hit much more, this on a day where we put up 25 runs, this Coach must be hard to please.....

Game 1 vs Redlands Red

We were sticks, we get 2 early walks to Tazz and KandyKorn, Turbo laces a 2b and we scratch 1st 2 runs of tournament play...2nd inn Koolaid reached on a 1b, Tsunami and Squinky both bbs, but that was it, nothing across...4th inn was exciting, after Beetle reached on a bb, Pep lays down an awesome bunt, winds up on 2nd with Beetle on 3rd, Tsunami and Squinky again walked, and Tazz ground ball to short for 2 runs, after 1st and 2nd and no one out, a line drive catches us sleep in the bases for a double play, with Turbo at 1st, Beetle rips a 2b to left, Turbo scores and Beetle was playing chase, but she got hosed at 3rd, but the hit was awesome.....last inn we once again went to work, Pep leads with a 1b, Jelly Bean joined the party with a bb, Squinky again walks, Tazz - Turtle - KandyKorn and Beetle  all 1bs to help us score 7 more runs....we had plenty on the board, our mission was to put up a goose egg for the other side, 3 arms in the circle helped come close, only one run scratched across, Tazz - Turbo - and Beetle handled the circle with relative ease, and cruised after some great defensive help to cut down runners at 3rd and at 2nd after big hits....on to the next.....

PS All Stars------------12

Redlands Red All Stars--1

Hitting:  Tazz 1-3/ Turtle 1-3/ KandyKorn 2-3/ Turbo 1-3/ Beetle 2-2/ Pep 2-2/ KoolAid 1-2/ Jelly Bean 1-2/ Squinky 3 bbs

Pitching:  Tazz / Turbo / Beetle:  6 inn/1 run/ 3 hits/ 2 bbs/ 6ks

vs Vipers

after knowing all we needed was a win to secure 1 seed, the girls made quick work of it, 3 inn, mercy rule to close it out, and we only had 2 turns at the plate...Tazz - Beetle - Turtle handled the rock, 9 up, and though they had 1 single, Stretch eliminated her trying to steal, - 9down....we hit - we scored alot, and all players had a plate appearance even though we only hit 2 times.....6 bbs, 9 hits, and a mess of runs, this team was in over their head, and though we played nice, girls did what they had to do....Sunday's games count, win and go on, lose and go home, win and come home with hardware, get your rest, and let's go bring this thing home.....

Hitting:  Tazz 1-1/ Turtle 2-2/ KandyKorn bb/ Turbo 1-1/ Gemini 1-1/ Beetle 1-1/ Stretch 2-2/ KoolAid 1-1/ Jelly Bean bb

Pitching: Tazz/Beetle/Turtle: 3 inn/ 0 runs/ 1 hit/ 5 ks.....

PS All Stars---------13

Vipers All Stars------0

***2016 Pony Desert Region 12u CHAMPIONS!!!***

Celebrate this one, we played strong, we played hard, and we win big!!!!!

12u Palm SPrings All Stars......YOU KNOW!!! WOO WOO!!!

Finals vs Redlands Heat

Exciting, nail biting, fast, pressure filled, quality softball game.....this is the type of game that makes the girls stronger, they will benefit from these type of games way beyond All Stars....

We got off to start we like, Tazz 1b, but then she is called out as she makes contact to 1st baseman, but umpires never saw it, and we lose her advancing to 2nd, not much after that, they took their turn, after a mistake on the field, they scratch the first run, best part of that, girls came in knowing we would score, and saying we will get it back....KandyKorn reached on a hit by pitch, except it hit part of the bat, which means it's a strike, but we did benefit from it.....Squinky walks, Pep walks, and KoolAid delivers a 1b, Tazz scores Squinky on a sac fly to right, Turtle 1bs, Turbo 1bs, and like the girls believed, we scratch 3 runs to take the lead.....a clean 4 batter 2nd inn for our girls and we were back at the plate.....KandyKorn again leads off with a walk, Squinky not good at dodge ball get hit by a pitch after it bounced , Pep delivers a 1b, we score JellyBean running for KandyKorn....Tazz hit sac fly to score Squinky and as we were sleeping again on the bases we get caught napping for the 3rd out....Tazz wasn't feeling well in game vs Coachella, no big deal, we have a 2nd ace in Turbo that picked her up in the game....now she wanted to return the favor, she came and asked me for the ball, my reply, "go get them, Turbo has you if needed"....4 batters and we end the 3rd 5-1 good gals....after a lead off 1b by Turtle, another failed plate appearance gets us doubled up, our 3rd miscue on offense....only inn we went quietly....after their lead off walk comes home to score with the help of 2 more errors, we end the 4th up 5-2....KandyKorn again leading the inn, she hit the ball 170', that is good as the fence was only 165', HOME RUN and we get the run back....they scratch again in the 5th, how you ask?, well we once again were in a generous mood, we give them the run, 6-3 after 5 inn.....we had quality swings in the 6th, their Left Fielder brought Gemini's Home Run ball back with a great catch, Lady Mo not sure where to sit anymore, she is making a hard decision as they keep coming up with good defense....we need 3 more outs.......we get a K for out #1, 1 pitch later Beetle throws out batter for out #2 on routine ground out, we then walk #2 hitter, #3 puts one over our head for a run and runner on 2nd...another walk and tying run goes to 1st....wild pitch puts runners on 2nd and 3rd, but on a 7 pitch at bat, ground ball to Turbo at 2nd and we make the routine play to retire the side for a HUGE win for the confidence of our GIRLS!!!!  Though we know we are the better Team, we needed to show it on the field and not Social Media....we congratulate the Redlands Heat for taking one from us, but this one here, this one is OURS!!!! and know it wasn't won on that inter web thing, but they will be harder from here on out, as their help is coming, and those girls can play, just means we take our end a little more serious, and focus a little hard, and let's go chase the next banner in Colton, JOB WELL DONE, CYA ON THE DIAMOND, CHAMPS!!!!!!!

BY the way, "LADY MO" rides home with the Palm Springs All Stars, You Know!!! Woo Woo!!!

Palm Springs All Stars------------6

Redlands Heat-------------------------4

Hitting:  Tazz 1-4/ Turtle 3-4/ Turbo 1-4/ KandyKorn HOME RUN/ Squinky 2 bbs/ Pep 2-2/ KooAid 1-1/ 

Stretch came in and gave us GREAT DEFENSE when KandyKorn had Asthma ISSUES, Great Team Player

Jelly Bean injects our pitchers and catchers with good running every time they get on, and get on base they do, I don't need to holler for her as she is always ready to go, another Great Team Player, may have to call her "Ally the Jett", with her PF Flyers.....Sandlot Knuckleheads, never mind....

CONGRATS CHAMPS!!!!!

Semi vs Coachella

The game started with our 1st loss, they win the toss and pick home, we move to our side, their Coach didn't like it as they were just starting to warm up, yes the comment of we are trying to get under their skin, REALLY?????  well, we scratch 1st on a KandyKorn walk and Turbo 1b.....Tazz shuts them out, 1-0 good gals.....2nd inn we load bases, but can't deliver clutch hit, but we are close...They score their lead off walk to tie the game, 1-1....then it happens, Turtle - Turbo - Gemini - Beetle - Squinky all reach base safely, Pepsi hits ground ball fielder's choice to scratch one more, I then sub in KoolAid, she is not on the line up card, they call me on it, should be an out and we go to next inn, before a pitch is made, Coach Roy protests and wants Myself and KoolAid tossed, as I approach Roy, I let him know they will reverse the call as Koolaid on the affidavit, accept the out or we will go back to her walk and run will count, his reply, but don't you get tossed??? NOPE, clerical error, add her to lineup, we move on....Director Dana comes out, official PONY RULE:  player is added to lineup, she is on affidavit, Coach stays, continue inn with 2 outs.......I look at Roy, he tells me, "well, you can't blame me for trying" , we score 4 total in inn, we go on to score 11 more after that highlighted with a Squinky HOME RUN!!!!!!  Tazz and Turbo limit them to 3 runs, and off to the FINALS, thank you Coachella, it's been fun....now should I tell them that Redlands Heat now going to play with Travel Ball players that didn't play a single Rec Game, nah....we don't play that way, if they are our age, let's go do this......

Hitting- Tazz 4-5/ KandyKorn 1-3/ Turtle 2-3/ Turbo 3-3/ Gemini 1-3/ Beetle 2-4/ Squinky 2-3(HOME RUN)/ Tsunami 1-1/ KoolAid 1-1

Pitching- Tazz / Turbo 5 inn - 3 runs- 5 hits- 6bbs- 3 ks

Palm Springs All Stars-----------------16

Coachella All Stars-----------------------3

We came out to send a message, we are the harder working team, we are the more disciplined team, and yes, we are the better team.....we sent 12 batters, 5 hits and 4 walks and we plated 7 runs....2nd inn 3 more hits and a sac fly for 2 more runs....we went quietly for next 3 inn, but then came the 6th, Koolaid roped  1b, Tazz laces a 2b, KandyKorn works a bb, Turbo and Gemini follow with RBI 1bs, and we are back in control.....on defense Tazz and Turbo led the charge, we sent them down in order till the 4 inn, a harmless single....then came the 5th, they pushed 2 runs across, and though we wanted a goose egg, we were up 11-2 going into the last inn.....we were playing strong, no errors, they just had clutch hitting.....last inn they had 3 hits, it allowed 2 more runs before we closed them out.....again, we win by 7 runs, but our goal was zero runs, now we need help to get back in #1 seed and we got it.....Bomb Squad scores 6 runs on Heat and pushes us back in the spot we care looking for....we play clean Fri and we get Saturday off and stay in the 1 seed, let's go do this!!!!!!!!

Vs Valley Wide

Zero was the goal, 3 pitches in, 1b up the middle, next batter, routine ground ball to Tazz, fake to first, catch runner at 3rd, a play we have discussed, just never had opportunity, it worked...…next batter ks, routine ground ball to Turtle and we are at the plate......back to back walks to start to Tazz/ KandyKorn, turbo RBI ground ball, 1-0 good gals.....2nd inn after a 1b, we catch next batter off 1st for out #1, next batter ks, we pitch around best hitter to get their #2 hitter, it worked, 3rd out and no runs.…then we go to work, Squinky/ beetle walk, Pep 1b, stretch BBS, Tazz/ KandyKorn/ turtle/ 1b, turbo bbs, Gemini / beetle 1b/ we put up 9 runs......to save our pitchers, Tazz takes the circle, 5 batters and 1 run, 10-1, we need 3 runs to mercy, and Valley Wide on 3rd pitcher, after a lead off 1b, we sleep on the bases and get doubled up on line drive, 2 down and we still need 3 runs.....Tazz/ KandyKorn/ turtle/ turbo all reach on walks and we now need 2, Gemini then laces a 2b that gets away and she gets everyone home as well as herself, game ends on mercy, and we get #1 seed....

Pitchers: Turbo/Tazz: 3 inn -1 run - 5 hits - 2 bbs- 3 ks

Hitters: Tazz 1-1/ KandyKorn 1-1/ Turtle 1-2/ Turbo 2bbs/ Gemini 2-3/ Squinky 1 bb/ Beetle 1-1/ Pep 2-2/ Stretch bbs

PS All Stars ----------13

Valley Wide-----------1

Semi vs Coachella

Palm springs--------16

Coachella---------------3

And though the effort was there, I wasn't ejected, koolaid was legal player, we put up 15 more runs after that, wait till he finds out Redlands Heat has 4 players from Corona Angels and so cal Dynasty on their roster, maybe he can protest their roster and my ears will stop ringing, and I won't need ask anyone to pull the daggers out of my back anymore...

Championship vs Redlands Heat

We are the better team, we have made mistakes to keep them in games, 3 on offense, 5 on defense, 3 runs on errors kept their hope alive, but we pushed enough across to bring home banner#11 for Palm Springs All Stars, our entrance for World Series is now paid for, job well done, awesome fight, get your rest, we will need it for next week....2016 west region 2 CHAMPIONS!!!!

Palm springs ALL STARS-----------6

Redlands Heat---------4

Side note, Heat has added 4 players to their roster that play for really good travel Academys, corona angels/ sc dynasty, as a Redlands parent told me, they are coming to lend a hand....

Pitching and defense always win games..................

WHEN WE ACCOMPLISH THIS, WE COME HOME WITH CHAMPIONSHIP BANNERS, AND ENJOY THE MOMENT...

THIS AN EXAMPLE OF ENJOYING THE MOMENT................WE NEED TO WORK ON THAT.....

Championship vs Redlands Heat

Coaches and myself continually let the girls know we are the better Team, it will take a special pitcher and Team to get us out of our rhythm ...it has been done, (Phoenix - 2 hitter 2-0 loss), but it is only on rare occasions), if we continue to make the "small adjustments", we will continue to be a hard out.....I've never met anyone that has hit every time up, I also have never met anyone that doesn't make mistakes, but if we can continue to focus on the little things, our mistakes and outs can be overcome, we just can't allow it to take us mentally out of the game.....we did this, we played strong as a "TEAM", and we did overcome a really strong Team that was basically playing a home game.....I am proud of the growth you girls have shown, I am proud of the ball players you are becoming, and I'm excited to see how far you can take it, as their isn't a ceiling on any of you, and as a group, there isn't a cap big enough as we continue to make big strides in the right direction, CONGRATS....CHAMPS....and I'm glad "Lady Mo" came back to our side, we with stood every challenge, and was it ever so good to see you girls rise to the challenge.....

after emotions were running high, 1 inn went in the books 0-0...we told our girls we would hit, and we would score, just keep sharp focus on defense so the sticks can carry us out of the gate....2nd inn also harmless for the Heat, then came our turn.....Gemini laces a 3b, Beetle follows with a 2b, Pep lays down sacrifice bunt, and Tazz doubles her home, in a matter of 8 minutes we scored 3 runs.....after 2 quick outs, they put a string of hits together, 1b, 3b, bb, it allowed them to score 1 run, but most important, they were hits, and not mistakes on our part, we can live with that....our challenge, answer their 1 run with 2 of our own, KandyKorn bbs, Gemini 2bs, Beetle sacrifice bunt, and Squinky hammers a 3b for our 2 run answer, "Lady Mo" back in our dugout...end of 3rd, 5-1 good gals....they reached on a lead off 1b, 2 pitches later Gemini hoses her trying to steal, by 10 feet....next batter ks, and Pep comes up with ROUTINE catch to end their inn, and again, routine plays were being made, always a good sign......Turtle reached on a 1b, stole 2nd, but on a rare occasion, our bats failed us, end of 4th inn, 5-1 good gals.....here they came again, back to back hits, with runners on 1st and 3rd, Tsunami makes a catch in right field for out #1, runner tags from 3rd and scores, runner from 1st gambles and tries to advance but KandyKorn hoses her at 2nd, 2 down, a very LOUD 2 outs...fly ball to Pep and we are out of the inn, 2 runs across, our challenge, match their 2 and add 1 more....Turbo leads off with a bb off their new pitcher, Gemini stays hot and laces a 1b, Beetle once again bunts them over, Squinky rips another 3b, as Coach Joe wants to send her, I have him stop her at 3rd, 1 down, 2 runs across and we are hitting well, Pep laces a 1b off the 3rd baseman that still hurts me thinking about it, it came off her arm, she was still holding her forearm during medal ceremony, it didn't tickle....Tazz follows with 3b and we not only matched but doubled their score from previous inn......up 9-3 and needing only 3 outs...lead off 1b, no worries, Tazz ks their pitcher, 1 down, 2 to go....after they get in pinch hitter, Tazz gets another K, her knuckle ball working well....2 down and 1 to go.....next pinch hitter reaches on a walk, they follow with a 1b up the middle, but we still have 2 outs and their bottom of the order....strike 1....strike 2....fastball away, strike three, ball game, Colton Super Region Champions....12u Palm Springs All Stars......yes, they did it again, 2 banners this year, 12 TOTAL for Palm Springs Lil Sluggers......and this vs a Redlands Select Team together all year, and adding players every time we take the field, we do us, and all will be good....JOB VERY WELL DONE.. CYA ON THE DIAMOND ....CHAMPS!!!!

ONLY 1 THROWING ERROR - OTHERWISE CLEAN DEFENSIVE GAME!!!!!!!

Palm Springs All Stars--------------9

Redlands Heat All Stars------------4

Hitting- Tazz 3-4/ Turtle 1-4/ KandyKorn 1-3/ Turbo bb/ Gemini 3-3/ Beetle 1-1/ Squinky 3-3/ Pep 1-2

Pitching- Tazz 6 inn - 4 runs - 9 hits - 3 bbs - 6 ks

STAY HUMBLE, CORONA ANGELS KNOCKED OUT OF PGF, THOSE PLAYERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ZONE AND WORLD SERIES, SOCIAL MEDIA HAS A WAY OF GETTING PLAYERS FIRED UP, LET'S DO OUR TALKING ON THE FIELD, AND WE WILL BE MORE THAN OK.....

Our drive and focus this all star season has been routine plays.....it has cost us several runs, but if we can clean this end of it up, expect to watch big things from this team.....our offense allows us to overcome lots of our mistakes, but it would be so much easier to complete routine, than rely on our bat to bail us out.....Turtle and Beetle were hungry for inn in the circle, they did their job........defense made the plays, we did our job.....and the bats, we hit it hard, we had help from other side as they allowed routine ground balls and routine fly balls to fall and allow us to run all night long....we will take it, but what I rarely ask from the group, we need better approach at the plate vs better teams so we can continue to have success, it will get better, we will show better, and we will continue to move forward....

Palm Springs All Stars----------12

High Desert All Stars -------------0

Pitching: Turtle/ Beetle- 3 inn- 1 hit - 3 bbs- 3 ks

Hitting: Tazz 3-3/ Turtle 2-2/ Turbo 1-2/ KandyKorn 1-2/ Gemini 2-2/ Beetle 1-2/ Squinky 1-2/ Stretch 1-2/ Tsunami bb/ Jelly Bean 1-1/ Pep 1-2/ Koolaid sac bunt

Vs Redlands Red

I ran an ingenious plan by our girls, let's go through the motion of a game, let's not worry of winning, it would place us as #2 seed and we play colton on Saturday, win and we play Heat in semi and knock them out on Saturday.... It would put us vs Redlands red in finals Sunday, I got a huge NO!!!!!!!!!!!!, it really was a great strategy, they wouldn't hear me out, they would have none of it, so what happened??? We mercy the Redlands red team, we seed #1, and we most likely play valley wide in semi Saturday..... Maybe I will try this strategy in Redlands in 2 weeks, this time I say nothing to the girls about it...

Pitching: Pep/Turtle/Beetle- 5 inn-0 runs-1 hit- 2 bbs- 4 ks

Hitting: Tazz 2-3/Turtle 1-3/ Gemini 1-4/ KandyKorn 3-3/ Turbo 3-3/ Beetle 1-3/ Pep 1-3/ Tsunami bb/ Squinky bb/ Koolaid 1-2/ Jelly Bean 2 bbs/ 

Palm springs all stars------12

Redlands red all stars-------0

Side note- play aggressive and we will not complain of how or what they say, play passive and increase they possibility of getting hurt or feelings injured, PLAY AGGRESSIVE!!!!!!

Semi vs Valley Wide

We came in rested, Tazz and Turbo not having thrown a single pitch, Turtle / Beetle/ and Pep handled the circle, catchers only going 1 inn before they switch, and hitters swinging the lumber well, all players having played in both games even though we were able to mercy both teams, we were in good shape.....Tazz threw 2 inn, Turbo threw 3 inn, catchers again changing every inn, we are still fresh and ready for Sunday championship game...offense did their thing, 4 runs - 2 runs -1 run - 3 runs and another mercy, and once again all players play a role in the win......now let's finish what we started and go bring this thing home......

PS All Stars-------------10

Valley wide All Stars--2

Pitching Tazz/ Turbo-5 inn-2 runs-7 hits-2 bbs-6 ks

Hitting: Tazz 1-1/ Turtle 1-3/ KandyKorn 1-3/ Turbo 1-2/ Gemini 1-2/ Beetle 1-2/ Squinky 2-3/ Pep 1-3/ Koolaid 1-2

As we arrived at Redlands, we knew they only allowed 1 run in 2 games, that means we need to be near perfect to earn the #1 seed.....and also having been told they managed to get their "star" to help get over the 2nd place hump, this should be very competitive weekend.....

This after a 2nd place finish - WE WILL BE BACK!!!!

Though we didn't win this one, the girls matched Heat pitch for pitch, hit for hit, and almost run for run......along the way we learned a valuable lesson, "don't wake a sleeping animal- they could be hungry".....why do I say this, I asked the scorekeepers with radar gun what  speed their "secret weapon" was throwing, 3 change ups @ 39 mph, fastballs ranged 49-55 mph, last 3 pitches of the game all registered 56 mph....next time I say let's let her sleep,  and we will all be better for it......on that same note, I asked how our "Monster" did, 46-49 mph, change ups 32-34, those are really good numbers, we just faced High School speed at 12u division........our players only struck out 1 time in the 7 inn game, means we put our bat on the ball, just didn't come up clutch like we normally do.....they had 9 hits, we had 8 hits, they struck out 5 times, we struck out 1 time, they walked 3 times, we walked 1 time, they had 1 error for 1 run, we had 4 errors for 3 runs, in a clean game, we lose 3-2, in our game, we lost 6-3....either way, we played well and matched them pitch for pitch, the emotion were high on their side, I could taste the venom coming from their dugout, they wanted this more than us, and they were a little sharper than us on the field......hopefully we can fix our flaws and see them in the finals at World Series with a different result...our flaws are fixable, our bat speed is fixable, our emotions are fixable, that I can help with, what I can't help??? I hope it is the last I hear of it, I'm waiting for "THE CALL" to let me know how they won the game, and I'm sure it's coming soon........on my way out of the park, I had an odd request, I always try and be a good sport with others we play, with Coaches, Players, and parents  alike, giving others more reason to get excited or wishing they beat us not exactly something that helps our girls, so as I always tell the girls, "Let's Kill them with Kindness", and let's do our thing on the field....I was asked to be in 2 Pictures with Heat players, I looked around to see what I was being set up for, they laughed and just responded the sportsmanship I handle our team with is something not visible on softball fields,  and they just hoped I could share in their daughters memories as to how to handle themselves after wins and loses, as a "Good Sport", I then looked around again to see if any of our girls were looking, had them take the picture, and told them I hope I don't wind up on their dart board or their snap chat as girls will LYNCH ME FOR BEING A GOOD SPORT!!!!!!, we played good game, but plenty of room for improvement, they played their best game, we will be ready in the World Series, you can go to the bank with that!!!!

Redlands Heat-------------6

Palm Springs All Stars-----3

Pitching - Tazz 7 inn/ 6 runs - 9 hits - 3 bbs - 5 ks (only 78 pitches)

Hitting:  Tazz 2-4/ Turtle 1-4/ Turbo 1-4/ Gemini 1-3/ Beetle 2-3/ Pep bb/ KoolAid 1-1

2nd Place finish Pony Redlands Zone Tournament

Vs LA Quinta

Aggressive was our theme at practice, don't be a step late, well, we were a step late, we were late on the ball, and though pitching was strong, hitting was again solid, it was the lack of aggression that cost us 3 runs..…at best we can be the #2 seed, if we still handle our end we should be in good shape, we just need to get more aggressive, good thing to come tomorrow, and I wouldn't want to be Colton.....

LA Quinta --------3

Palm Springs-----15

Pitching- Beetle 3 inn- 3 runs -3 hits 1 bb- 4 ks

Hitting: Tazz 1-2/ Turtle 2-3/ Turbo 2-3/ KandyKorn 2-3/ Gemini 2-3/ Beetle 2 bbs/ Stretch 1-1/ Koolaid 1-2/Squinky 1-1/ Pep bb/ Jelly Bean 2 bbs

Vs Colton

One of the kool things about all stars is comparing our girls vs other cities to see where we stand, we are a little ahead of Colton, Pitching was again solid, I felt bad even having tazz and turbo pitch as they looked totally overwhelmed...a couple of plays we weren't aggressive and it gave them 2 runners, otherwise almost perfect game....offense was hard to watch, as we were executing our offense, they once again looked over matched, but we learn sportsmanship from these games, and that goes a long ways.......we are getting warmed up, now elimination time comes, let's turn it up a notch and get ourselves in another Championship Game.....cya on the diamond..

PS All Stars-------14

Colton all stars---0

Pitching: Turbo/Tazz/Pep -3 inn-0 runs-2 hits-0bbs- 7 5ks

Hitting: Tazz1-2/Turtle3-3/ Turbo bb/ Pep 1-1/ Kandykorn1-1/ Squinky1-1/ Gemini1-2/ beetle2 bbs/ Stretch1-1/ Koolaid1-2/ Tsunami1-2/ Jelly Bean1-2

WIN OR GO HOME TIME....I WOULD RATHER US PLAY AGGRESSIVE- FOCUSED- ENERGIZED, AND I LIKE OUR CHANCES, LET'S GO DO THIS CHAMPS !!!!!

Playoff vs Valley Wide

Girls were ready, I had "discussions" on our lineup prior to warming up, girls not buying in on my strategy, players not there wasn't their fault, I should overlook it, on my part, it would send wrong message...next man up, lets hold down the fort, and hope it works out, or this would be on my head....every move we made worked, we started positively by scoring early, we played great defense, we had base runners early, we hit the ball hard, their strategy of pitching off speed not really working....our defense every inn getting it done, making routine plays, then it happened, 4 straight batters reached, sac bunt executed, 2 pinch hitters reach base, and we are up 6-0....after a 1 out single reaches 3rd, we send runner to score another at home, again, execution was flawless...then we did it again....7 hits and a walk and we score another 6 runs...defense made the plays to keep them off the board, 5 inn, only 1 k, which means 14 plays made on the field, that is a recipe for a really good result, and made this one of our best "team games" since Arizona.....came at the right time, as we will need to repeat this to stay competitive vs Heat in championship game, LET'S DO THIS TOGETHER!!!!!!

PS All Stars--------13

Valley Wide ALL STARS--0

Pitching- Turbo5 inn -0 runs -1 hit-4 bbs-1 k (65 pitches)

Hitting-Tazz 2-4/Turtle2-4/Turbo2-3/kandykorn1-3/ Gemini3-4/ Beetle1-3/Tsunami 2-2/ Pep bb/ Squinky2-2/ Jelly Bean1 bb

Back on the diamond again...... It felt good to be back, and though only 2 practices together, we played well enough to come out with 2 big wins....I was a little worried with the defense, as we didn't have enough field time to shake the rust in only 2 practices...…and yes it showed we were rusty, pitching was hit and miss, 4 pitchers threw well with the exception of 2 inn, and those 2 inn cost us 13 runs....though I would love for defense to share in the fault, it does show the importance of locating and not just getting the ball and throwing it.....this is done at practice, not in games, confidence goes a long ways when you practice the right way, and it will carry into games.......hitting didn't skip a beat, we hit the ball well, our only negative, 7 strike outs, not something we are used to, once again, the importance of hitting fundamentals, not just taking a turn at the plate.....though we did well, we will get better, our Journey for '16/'17 Season kicked off on a good note, now we focus on making ourselves better for the next time out.....

Vs Phenom 03

Though we were scheduled the 03 Team, they snuck in a couple of 02 players, and if it mattered, they hit in a different order to get their 02s more abs.......I didn't think this was done in friendlies......but our pitching was money this game, and with only 3 ks, it meant our defense came ready .....Turbo - Turtle - and Pep handled the circle, we faced 20 batters, only 5 over the minimum.....hitting was clicking, 11 hits/ 4 bbs, it helped us score in 4 of our 5 abs...…..nice start for our new campaign....

Hitting- KFC 1-2/ Turtle 1-1/ KandyKorn 2-3/ Gemini 2-3/ turbo 2-2/ Beetle bbs/ Tsunami 1-2/ Koolaid 1-2/ Tweety 1-2(welcome aboard)

Pitching Turbo/Turtle/Pep -5 inn- 2 runs- 2 hits - 3 bbs-3 ks

Vs All American elite

Here came our first hiccup... After we get through inn 1 in only 4 batters, the wheels fell off...we reach on a bb, then we miss hit and run sign and get thrown out for out #1, after batter reaches base on a 1b, she walks off the base on 3-1 count, 2 down, we string 2 more hits for a run, but what could have been didn't happen, we let a struggling pitcher off the hook, and it carried over to the field....." Lady Mo" not only left our dugout, she went for a siesta on the elite bench......we failed to the tune of 9 runs, and as we were trying to stretch our pitchers, this definitely back fired....we made a change, but it was about 5 runs too late as we gave up 11 runs in the game.....we did finish strong at the plate, 8 straight batters reached base, but time was not on our side, we go down to a good team, but not close to best we have played, onto game #3.....

Hitting- KFC bb/ turtle 1-2/ KandyKorn 2-2/ Gemini 2-2/ Turbo 1-2/ Beetle 1-2/ Tsunami 1-2/ Squinky 2 bbs/ Koolaid 1-2/ Pep 1-2/ Tweety bbs

Pitching Pep 1.2 inn/9 runs/ 8 hits/ 2 bbs/ Beetle 2.1 inn/ 2 runs/ 3 hits/ 4bbs

Vs 21u Fury

When a Friendly Director comes and let's me know the girls are older than 14u, and we don't need to play them if we chose, you know you are in for a battle.....what we had coming in, we were going to change speeds pitching, and we were going to locate pitches.....that was a big thing vs older girls, they all feel they should hit it out of the city, but making them lose their patience at the plate would-be our advantage.... It worked, they were swinging to hit the ball to San Bernardino, it worked in our favor....we only had 1 hiccup in the circle, but after a change, the off speed location got us out of trouble, and it is really good to see.....offense was the surprise for me, coming in I didn't think we would hit the way did, but I also thought their pitching would be stronger....we put up 9 runs, we had 17 hits/ 2 bbs/ and only1k...…good finish to our new Journey.. …

Hitting KFC 3-3/ turtle 2-3/ KandyKorn 3-3/ Gemini 1-3/ Turbo 1-3/ Beetle 1-3/ Tsunami 1-3/ Squinky bb/ Koolaid bb/ Pep 2-2/ Tweety 2-2

Pitching Turbo 3.2 inn/ 2 runs/ 2 hits/ 2 bbs/ 2 ks/ Turtle. 1 inn/ 4 runs/ 2 hits/ 3 bbs/ 1 k

2 wins and 1 loss out of the gate, we see where we can improve, let's not make excuses, lets focus on getting better....cya on the diamond champs!!!!!

We are a work in progress.....why would I say that after 15-2 game?  Because we should always come out of a game wanting to be better, never be satisfied with results, look to improve in every aspect of your game....we hit really well, we played good defense, and our pitching is looking to find their stride that we had when we last played in July.......our Winter ball is to keep us sharp for games around the hill, hitting, pitching, fielding, running, we need to continue to improve, and we will showcase our ability in future games.....job well done, cya on the diamond.....

Tribe........2

Lil Sluggers...15

Pitching:  Tazz - Turbo - Beetle - Turtle / 5 inn - 2 runs - 7 hits - 5 bbs - 2 ks (3 double plays)

Hitting:  17 hits - 3 bbs - 3 2bs - 2 3bs - 1 hr / 0 strike outs

We were ruuuuuusty!!!!!!!...... Pitching, 4 mistakes on location cost us all three runs, defense was fairly clean, just need to be alot more aggressive to keep runners off the bases....but where we looked like a different team, at the plate.........that is what has carried us everywhere we play, it stayed on vacation......3 hits, 2 walks, 1 failed bunt cost us our best chance at a run, and way to aggressive at the plate, Katie only threw 67 pitches in 6 inn, 10 pitches an inn, great on her part, bad approach on ours......hopefully we can fix it at practice, and have a better outing with the hammer Sat in Lq.....

Pitching- Tazz/Turbo/Beetle 6 inn- 3 runs-7 hits- 6 ks- 2 bbs

Hitting- we are still waiting to see the hits, we were on snooze control...

3 hits in 20 abs, that is a .150 avg. ........NEED MAJOR IMPROVEMENT!!!!

Laces----------3

Lil Sluggers--0

Playing vs teams that were familiar to us, just these were older teams, yes that time again, we play vs bigger older girls.....this is where the concern kicks in, some of the girls approaching as if we are oldest and can afford to be a distraction rather than focus and be at our best every pitch.....the game is speeding up, the distance stays the same, less than100% means we look like we don't belong, 100%, we are "EXTREMELY GOOD TEAM"....wanting to be at game to play makes a big difference......Screaming Eagles / Firecrackers we played half a game.....we woke up and played very strong, but giving up runs early with half energy was too much to overcome, IV Force was there to play, they wanted to be there from the start..they wanted to compete.....we showed up, we were dressed for a game, but not "focused" at all....once we woke up, a different team, more energy, more fire, " I don't care attitude" gone, now we look like a team.....we finished strong, hopefully it carries to last game.....well, like the pattern a few have fallen into, more focused on things away from field than the game.....after a strong start, latest gossip was too much to ignore, and half the team once again checked out....once we fight through the gossip and join the "TEAM" , we look really good again.....I hope girls come away learning that anything less than 100% is just average, average is not good enough to compete at this level, hopefully the game is important enough to give it our full attention, as anything less.....well......, ask the Screaming Eagles how it feels to beat a better team, it is something we can answer in win vs IV Force and Sudden Impact, but don't have an answer as we didn't 100% energy vs lesser team....Sudden Impact Coach Mike asked how many girls were high school, and he would look for us on pre season schedule, I told him they were 7th/8th grade, he was blown away, they were freshman/sophomore staying busy for high school.....HOPEFULLY WE LEARN WHAT WE CAN BE, AND NOT THROW AWAY WHERE WE CAN GO !!!!!, cya on the diamond.........

Vs Eagles

We came out flat....we went through motion of game, but zero energy as a team..…..routine swings were getting through, plays on defense not being executed, we looked like we were in over our heads.......they jump out 4-0 on 3 unearned runs....they scored 1 more unearned with the help of Firecrackers..... We finally woke up in the bottom of 3rd, Pepsi bbs, steals 2nd, TBird drives her home, we are on the board.....in the 4th, Turtle 1bs, KandyKorn 3bs, Turbo 1bs, Beetle 1bs, Pep 1bs and we pushed across 3 more...if we come to play at game time, we win 4-1, but 2 strong inn not enough this time around, one thing I told the girls Cooper (Firecrackers manager) told me, eagles had 11 players but needed help, he sent group text and had 4 firecrackers show up in 15 minutes, that is girls that WANT to play, I remember when that was our group.......

Pitching: Turbo / Tazz/ Beetle -5 inn-5 runs -5 hits -1 by- 6 ks

Hitting: Turtle 1-2/"KandyKorn 2-2/ Turbo 1-2/ Beetle 1-2/ Pepsi 1-1/ Tbird 1-2/ 

Lil Sluggers......................4

Eagles/ Firecrackers.......5

**********

Vs IV Force E1 Prospects

We win the coin flip, Tazz hammers full count 3b, KandyKorn 1bs, we scratch first and were feeling good.....then it happened, they took their turn with the hammer, we helped by watching them hit, they had 6 hits with 2 strikes, they had 2 bunts with 2 strikes, and they even took 2 strikes left handed and then laced a 2b right handed in same at bat.....their parents took to supporting their girls really loud, telling them to keep us running, it will do us good......when they put down their hammers, my simple message, make better pitch location as they can hit a fastball, and let's make our abs quality, fastball only.....Gemini 1bs, Pepsi 1bs, Tbird 3bs, Tsunami 1bs, we push 3 across and are back on speaking terms with "Lady mo"...as Turbo takes the rock, her message was simple, they love the fastball, and they will hammer it, we will pitch backwards, trust pitch being called and we will quiet their bats......after only facing 8 batters and only 2 runs, I couldn't hear their parents or coach anymore, it was the best thing to wake us up, 28 mph change up, 29 mph knuckle ball......Beetle came in to record the last 3 outs, I even got yelled at for stalling, told him not what we do,......our 3rd abs were awesome, Turtle lead off with a walk, then it happened, KandyKorn/ Turbo/ Beetle all 1b, Gemini 2bs, KFC 2bs, Tbird bbs, Koolaid 1bs, Tazz 3bs, Turtle 1bs, we put up 9, and while they made pitching change, Lady Mo came to cook in our dugout….......so yes we came back strong, and yes I was running out the clock, but we completed the inn and ump did allow them to stretch 5 minutes into 12 minutes.....Lady Mo finished with us......THIS TEAM HAS MY RESPECT, THEY CAN SWING THE HAMMER!!!!!! I received a phone call from local coach asking what I thought of team, his daughter played for their organization before, told him that they can hit a fastball, but glad our girls showed we can hit as well, he said what did I mean, he thought they crushed us and was going to gloat, told him that we also come from good organization, and we had enough fight to quiet them down, but they were really good hitting team, he was quiet, I thought he hung up, his response was hilarious, it was a friendly or they may have played harder.......RESPECT NOT GIVEN , RESPECT TAKEN, maybe he shouldn't leave after 2nd inn again!!!!

Pitching: Tazz/ turbo/ beetle: 4 inn/ 11 runs/ 9 hits/ 3 bbs/ 1 k....

Hitting: Tazz 2-2/ Turtle 1-2/ KandyKorn 2-3/ Turbo 1-3/ beetle 1-3/ Gemini 2-2/ KFC 1-3/ Pepsi 1-2/ Tbird 1-1/ tsunami 1-2/ Koolaid 1-2 ( ALL 11 PLAYERS HIT!!!)

Lil Sluggers.............13

IV Force ........11

*********

Vs Jv High School Sudden Impact

We came out strong first 2 inn, we pitched awesome, we played defense, and we hit really well, Turbo 2b, KFC home run, Pepsi 1b, Tbird 1b, tsunami 1b, Tazz 1b, Turtle 1b, before they could flinch it was five run flurry......then it happened, they strung together 2 runs on 3 big hits and a bb,  if we don't get 2 runners out on the base paths it could have been bad...but this is when we lost our focus again...we rally with a Turbo 1b, KFC 2b for another run, but 3-4 girls just hanging catching up on the latest tabloids......Beetle took the circle in the 4th, after girls were reminded we were in a game, they got back to work, 4 batters, no runs......we scored 1 more with Tbird 1b and Koolaid RBI ground out......our scoring was done, with 7 minutes left, Sudden impact started top 5th and pushed 3 across before time expired, and though inn was not complete, we held them off ....coach Mike was telling his girls it ended in a tie, but our girls still did their victory high five in the circle to congratulate their hard earned win, their pitcher was throwing gas.........and they also skipped 2 girls in line up that were 0-4 in game, I mentioned to 1st base coach, he just shrugged his shoulders, so I just mentioned I was glad the score reverts to last complete inn, 7-3 looks better than 7-6........it doesn't really, I was just making point that I knew they were skipping batters, almost like having older players to beat younger team (Firecrackers).....maybe I just take this competition and rules way to seriously, I need to lighten up, then I remember.....discipline separates average from quality, I can be average at home, anything less on the field is unacceptable......

Hitting: Tazz 2-2/ turtle 1-2/ turbo 2-2/ KFC 2-2/ Pepsi 1-2/ Tbird 2-2 (4-5 overall)/ tsunami 1-2

Pitching:: Tazz/ beetle/ turbo 5 inn -6 runs -9 hits- 4 bbs- 3ks 

Lil Sluggers.........7

Sudden Impact......6

A different approach with players, but same expectations, PERFECTION.... If you prepare your mind to compete, if you train your body to believe you are best on the field, and expect the best, good things will happen....Koolaid behind the plate, though she had zero game experience, she threw out first base runner "like a BOSS"....Tsunami made 2 solid plays at 2nd, T Bird made all routine catches at first base...Turtle ran down a fly ball in centerfield that looked like a gap shot, Turbo caught a line drive and doubled runner from right field at 3rd base....KandyKorn- Gemini with help from Tazz and Turtle called pitches during the game, very little help from me....these are signs of growing in the game with the mind, awesome to see......the game knowledge they display is years ahead of their age, and I like it!!!!!!

Hitting - 21 hits (3 hits - Turtle/ Tsunami) / (2 hits - Turbo/ Tbird/Koolaid/Pep/Squinky)/ (1 hit- Tazz/ KandyKorn/Gemini/Beetle/KFC)

Pitching: Tazz/Turbo/Beetle/KFC -4 inn/ 4 hits/3 bbs/ 4 ks / 3 runs 0 ERRORS!!!!!!!!!

PS LIL SLUGGERS.........20

LQ FLASH...…..….….............3

( Coach Dan insisted in 100% effort from us with zero let up, we put the hammer down and went to work).......

After late cancellation, it allowed us to get our game back vs Tribe......we hit really well, we pitched really well, and except for only a couple of mistakes, we played really good defense......live speed always better than practice, and playing vs our friends always pushes everyone to go hard, including the parents....I heard their side cheer really loud, good for them, they were short handed, missing 3 strong players.....but like we have always done, " next man up ".....we did what we needed to do, hopefully it carries over to SUNDAY GAMES....

Make sure we get our rest Saturday night, Sunday games are EARLY!!!!

Pitching: Tazz/ Turbo/ Beetle : 5 inn - 2 runs - 6 hits - 3 bbs - 2 ks

hitting: 2 Hits - Turtle/ Kandykorn/ Gemini/ Turbo/ Tbird/ Koolaid/ 

1 hit: Tazz / Beetle/ Kfc/ Pep/ Squinky- ( Tsunami 1 bb) 

Ps Tribe.............2

Lil Sluggers.......13

*** TROLLER ALERT !! TROLLER ALERT!! TROLLER ALERT!!***

Our web page has always been to keep our parents informed of our Girls, when they play, where they play, and how they play.....in saying that, I somehow offended someone not on our Team, but find it rather amusing we could get their attention ON OUR TEAM PAGE.....I guess I can't be blamed for telling it like it is, as the insight from our dugout is always a handful, we have comedians, we have a mash unit, we have dancers, we have a teen - age "Daddy Day Care", all while game is being played, but they still play at a high level,  and by the Grace of God, usually play a very competitive game...sorry to offend anyone, but I tell it like it is for our girls to continue to strive for greatness, and hopefully we will continue to be competitive with the high powered Academies put in front of us, cya on the Diamond...no matter where that Diamond is, we will bring our best effort...... 

Going to play in games "around the hill", I always go in knowing we can compete because of 3 phases of our game, we can

HIT as well as any Team we play, we can DEFEND and play CLEAN on defense, and we can PITCH as a unit as well as any Team we play (even though several throw faster than us)......but the one thing that normally puts over the edge against all these Teams we are successful against, and biggest part of our game I am most proud of, THE SMARTEST TEAM ALWAYS MOST SUCCESSFUL, regardless of the amount of talent......Travel Softball has become a very big business, it is no longer a "DAD" Coaching his daughter because she wants something to do......it is Pitching Coaches, Hitting Coaches, Fielding Coaches, Conditioning Coaches, and Mental Make - Up Coaches, on top of paying to stay on these Teams.....Team Easton has players on it's roster that just last year came from Team Easton - Palm Desert All Stars - and PD Prospects, 3 Teams now combined to form this years 14u Team Easton......SoCal DirftDogs, they have players from RC Force - MV KnuckleUp- Upland HillToppers-SoCal Rampage....yet, our girls continue to compete vs these bigger, stronger, and in most cases more athletic Teams......how? what's different? what our girls are doing is "using their HAT RACK".....if they think the game through, if they anticipate situations, they can put themselves where they need to be prior to it happening.....this is where we have always excelled, BEING THE SMARTEST ON THE FIELD......I get a kick out of listening to Coaches and Parents during the game, a power hit in the gap doesn't mean the game is over and we failed, slicing through the rest of their lineup to limit the amount of runs scored and keep us in the game is our task.....striking out with runners on 2nd and 3rd doesn't mean the game is over, how can we outsmart their pitcher and defense to push those runs across is what makes a strong Team....we have been very good at "out smarting" the other Teams.....that means we MUST continue to stay focused on every pitch, stay focused on every throw, stay focused on every catch, stay focused on every hit, these are the "Little Things" that take an extreme amount of discipline...when we do this as a TEAM, we will continue to have success at a high rate.....we didn't have our complete game like we used to when we played 12u ball, but the little things is what will allow us to play at a higher level in 14u ball....and most important for you Parents and Players to remember, these Girls on the other Teams are expected to be putting in work everyday, most play 3 weekends a month, we are already behind as we don't put in half the time they are required to,  I personally will continue to challenge the girls and hopefully we can continue to be the Smarter Team, as every time we show up, we are up against Teams that are totally invested $$$  in the game......cya on the diamond......

vs Team Easton

Coach Dan(PDHS Asst Coach) came to me prior to game and let me know Yucaipa was a good fit, he just didn't plan on Coaching and thought he would sit in a chair to watch his daughter play......on paper this Team should have run through us, but the game was played on the field and our group was ready to go..... our girls came up with 2 clutch hits that made the difference, Pep hit a 2 out - 2 strike 3b to score 3 runs in the first, and an 0-1 count 2b to plate the winning run.....what we did really well was pitch and play defense......they put up 3 runs on 2 bbs and a big error, but otherwise we stayed out of real trouble.....pitching was key, we were able to stay out of any real trouble by not allowing more than 1 base runner other than our bad 2nd inn.....pitching and defense saved our behind this time out......

PS Lil Sluggers-----------6

Team Easton--------------5

Hitting:  Turtle 1-1/ KandyKorn bb/ Turbo 2-2/ Beetle bb/ TBird bb/ PEP 2-2/ Tsunami bb/ KoolAid 1-1/ Gemini 1-1

Pitching: Tazz 2 inn - 4 runs - 4 hits - 2 bbs -2ks/ Turbo 2 inn- 1 run - 1 hit - 1 bb- 3 ks 

vs OutKasts

Plan A pitching gone bad, back up plan 6 batters into game.......we score 1st run of the game, then we look like we don't belong on defensive end...lots of standing and watching, it happens when we aren't throwing strikes.....we make a quick change, only after their girls and Coach finding it amusing to be putting up runs at will......Beetle gets our strike zone back, we limit the damage, and get our turn at the plate......we then send 11 batters to the plate, and follow by another 8 batters in the third......all this while only facing 6 hitters in their 2nd inn and zero runs.....our offense was so long we didn't have to play defense more than 2 inn......once again, though our offense was good, we had 9 walks in this game, 6 of them scored, our pitching is what made the difference.....Beetle faced 10 batters and allowed ZERO RUNS!!!!! 

PS Lil Sluggers----------9

OUTKASTS------------4

Hitting:  Tazz 1-2/Turtle bb/KandyKorn bb/Gemini 1-1/Beetle bb/ TBird 1-1/ Pep 1-1/ Tsunami 1-2/ KoolAid 1-1/ KFC 1-1 

Pitching:  Beetle 2 inn- 0 runs - 3 hits - 1 bb/ KFC 6 batters - 4 runs -3 hits - 2 bbs

vs SoCal DirtDogs

Very good Team, I was asked by 3rd base Coach where we were from.....Palm Springs...HUH???? ya they sometimes play ball out there in the DESERT....he asked where we played, told him Winter and Spring in League, but get in as many Friendlies and Tournaments as schedules allow.....What League?  is it open to anyone?? Bro, we have 4 Teams in Winter, 5-8 Teams in Spring.....most of our games outside of League.......he left the conversation with this comment.....if we lose to your League Team, girls will do some sprints after game to get the parents their moneys worth, we shouldn't be losing to any League Team, "No Offense"....none taken, every run we score we hang our hat on, every out we record we CELEBRATE......it would be an honor to be able to beat your crew.......well, our pitcher only wearing 1 cleat at game time, plan "B" now in effect.....after making 5 changes to go to plan "B", we make it work, 9 pitches and a 1-2-3 inn....every run we scored was work, but we pushed them across.....they were able to scratch 3 runs, but once again, "our pitching and defense" was clutch, it lead our attack, and was complimented by our BIGGEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE DAY.....KANDYKORN"....we played in 11 inn, she caught 8 1/2 inn, something we never ever do (most other Teams do this all the time)......Gemini gets injured by leaving her foot where it could get hurt, she did.....Koolaid was brought in to help fill the void, it was asking a little much of her as she has only caught in 1 game, that was on me.....not having anyone else ready for the spot, KandyKorn was pressed into action, she STOOD TALL (ABOUT 4"11").....JOB WELL DONE, hopefully I can develop help so we never face that again............as I was finished loading gear into my truck, I glanced back to the field, Coach didn't lie, his girls were still doing sprints as I drove off......hmmmmm.....should we be charging start up fees, monthly fees, tournament fees, all these fees so it is ok to have girls do sprints after games if we lose???? I will have to put some thought into that, right???

PS Lil Sluggers------------6

SoCal DirtDogs-----------3

Hitting:  Tazz 1-3/ Turtle 1-2/ KandyKorn 1-2/ Turbo 2-2/ Tsunami 1-2/ KoolAid 1-2/ KFC bb/ Squinky 1-1

Pitching:  Turbo 2 inn - 1 run - 1 hit - 3 bbs / Tazz 3 inn - 2 runs - 4 hits - 1 k

CATCHING:  KANDYKORN 4 1/2 INN --- THAT IS LIKE A BIG BOSS (4 Foot 11 inches)!!!

Winter games are played with one purpose, get ready for games around the hill.......develop pitching so they can compete outside the Valley, learn positions so we are comfortable outside the Valley, and improve our plate approach so we can continue to have success outside the Valley...... In saying that, we worked 4 pitchers in a game that have struggled, they did well, 5 inn/ 4 hits/ 6 bbs/ 4 ks/ good numbers, but still need to improve ball to strike ratio, 57 balls / 52 strikes, we should be throwing 1 ball and 2 strike ratio....best part of the game, no errors... If we don't give extra outs, we can normally have good results.... Our 2nd game we threw our most consistent pitchers, 6 inn/ 2 runs/ 2 hits/ 3 bbs/ 3 ks/ 27 balls/ 57 strikes, against a good hitting team, a big reason we can compete vs the best teams.....our lineup is getting competitive, though our numbers are down from previous years.....this means we need to re focus on every pitch, stay with our game plan, and have the ability to slow the game down.....when we try and do too much, we give away the advantage to the other team, something several players are doing, allowing the game to get ahead of us.....we have the ability to change our numbers, but we need to work hard on keeping our focus and leaving outside distractions out of the dugout....we have changed our warm up routine, something new, hopefully it will bring better results.....yes we have won some big games, but they have been close with our lack of game discipline..... All current game stats will be sent home on Tuesday, hopefully players share with you, and like a progress report at school, you can go over it together, and more important explain the importance staying focused and improving every practice and game we are a part of, cya on the diamond.....

Lq Flash -------4

PS Lil sluggers---14

-------------------

PS Tribe--------2

PS Lil Sluggers--7

Positive from games, we hit the ball, we put up runs, defense was OK, a couple of key mistakes hurt us, and pitched strong minus one inn.....what we should walk away knowing, CV hungry to beat us, and not showing up with same emotion allows team to believe they are just as good...…the little details we work on in practice need to translate to a game, or it will limit players ability to play different positions.....if I can walk away from team and girls take two things from what I have been able to teach, focus on every pitch, and be a good teammate, then I can do so with my head held high and know I did the best I could with the girls wanting to be coached...…cya on the diamond.....

PS Lil Sluggers ----------11

CV Arabs--------------------8 ( wow - yes 8!!!!!)

San Bernadino Friendly under way, second time out we get to location and it is COLD and DARK.....but getting home at an early time always a big bonus once the play has been completed....I personally know we will not win every time we take the field....but I always hope we bring the focus on every pitch so that we can play at our best level, and not just hang out and wait for someone else to make a play....when that energy is not at it's highest, well....that's when it will bite us, and it will leave an owy.....we had this in our 2nd game, no matter who I moved where, no matter how much I asked, our energy was not what it need to be, we didn't lose to a better Team, we lost to a more energized group.....they just came off a Triple Crown Tourney where they got rolled over, they were knocked down to the Bronze bracket (lower 60 Teams), yet we allowed them to get after us as if they were top 5 Team......it wasn't a player, it was 12 players that couldn't match their energy.....Lesson learned???? we will have to see when we are faced with adversity again, and with Halloween Tournament coming, hopefully our "A" game will travel with us as well.......

Big Time Softball

Pitching has been really good from our key arms every time out, we continued the trend.....(Kathy)Turbo 2 inn and 6 batters, Patricia(Beetle) 1 inn and 5 batters, Shelby ( Turtle) 1 inn and only 3 runs......hitting, as a Team, it is getting better....12 hits, 3 bbs, and we were creating havoc on the base path every inn....this was a good combination...and though we are down a catcher, Wendy(KoolAid) was pressed into action, her development is impressive, her understanding of how to handle pitchers getting better by the pitch.....it will make us a stronger unit.....

Big Time Softball-------3

PS Lil Sluggers---------9

Team Easton

Here was our zero energy game.....though they are a good Team, by no means are they a Team that is 4 runs better than our squad....we had 8 hits, they had 8 hits, we had 3 bbs, they had 1 bb, we had 4 key mistakes, they had 1 mistake.....they were productive with their at bats, put the ball in play, and keep the pressure on the defense, we didn't handle the pressure, we made mistakes on offense as well......take the errors from the game, we lose 3-2, if we are clean on the bases, it is 4-3 us.....but we were sloppy on the field, and sloppy on the bases....what we did well, we continue to pitch at a high level Suzy (Tazz) and Kathy ( Turbo) handled the circle well, Phat Amy (Gemini) was erasing the base runners at ease, I was hoping they would all attempt to steal, but she shut that phase of the game down, ......5 inn and 8 hits, less than 1 hit an inn, that is quality every time out, now if our ENERGY can match our pitching, if energy can match our hitting, we will be ok, but I will google where the best price on energy is, as we need it by the pallet .....

Team Easton-------6

PS Lil Sluggers----2

Dynasty

Lots of familiar faces, it is already setting us up for complaints come All Stars next year, and they won't be coming from Coachella, it will be Moreno Valley.....Dynasty is Organization based in Riverside, an extremely well run group when Coach Lily is around, but Coach wasn't with this team, and they could have used him...75% of the roster is the 12/14u Moreno Valley All Stars, the biggest critic of Lil Sluggers next to our local buddies is a Mom on the Moreno Valley group, she didn't acknowledge me, she gave me "stink eye", after that treatment,  I had to turn the girls loose on them....if she doesn't give me "the look", we would have pulled back after 1st inn, but just wanted to send message that we will be coming next year, work hard or we can mail in the result.......we were able to throw 5 pitchers, only give up 4 runs, play clean defense, we needed this energy in game 2....oh well, I'm sure we will meet again with them......

PS Lil Sluggers------------------15

Dynasty----------------------------4 

Our Team batting average climbed, our Team pitching continues to pitch well, and biggest bonus this weekend,Wendy ( KoolAid) continues to improve behind the plate.....this can only make us stronger, so contiue to focus, play with energy, and good things will continue to happen to our group, let's not accept to be good, let's push each other to be GREAT!!!! cya on the diamond.......

Hitting Heroes:  Suzy -Tazz 6-8/ Shelby - Turtle 6-8/ Kathy -Turbo 6-9/ Phat Amy-Gemini 4-9/Juanita-  TBird 3-7/Brittany- Pep 1-5/ Patricia Beetle 2-5/ Cheryl- Tsunami 3-6/ Wendy -KooAid 3-6/ Bailey-KFC 2-5/Emma- Squinky 2-4

Names ???? Some things I just don't ask and walk away shaking my hat rack..…

Pitching:  Suzy-Tazz /Kathy-Turbo /Patricia-Beetle / Shelby-Turtle /Cheryl- Tsunami, they all took their turn, and they all made it happen

 Current player avg - THESE ARE REALLY GOOD NUMBERS!!!

Turbo .652/ Turtle .610/ KandyKorn .606/ Tazz .579/ TBird .526/ Pep .526/ Gemini .500/ Beetle .500/ Tsunami .500/ KFC .457/ KoolAid .432/ Squinky .409

The Squad....Olympian LovieAnne shares her medals

Bailey - Phat Amy - Wendy - Juanita - Emma

Coach Tommy - Brooke - Suzy - Patricia - Coach Malcolm

Cheryl - Shelby - Olympian LovieAnne - Kathy - Brittany 

A new way to entertain themselves, they re - named eribody....don't ask why, I don't have an answer...

Halloween Tournament

We had a strong showing this weekend, though we lost 2 games, it was only by a total of 2 runs, I hope our girls can come away knowing that it takes our full attention to detail when we are in close games, a small mental lapse, and that is enough to take us from a win to a loss......it's never fun, but should be stronger players in the long run, game experience, tough situations, it makes or breaks players and teams, the smartest, strong willed players overcome, hopefully we are blessed with a dugout full of these type of players to make them stronger in their future softball endeavors......our best cure is to get back on the field and hopefully punish the next team we face, it will show our true character as players, do we grow from the loss??? or do we allow it to linger and get the best of us???...cya on the diamond...

Vs A Cut Above -Playoffs

we had a plan, I didn't sleep going through it in my own mind, not a single batter came up where we hadn't gotten her out twice already.....we executed flawlessly.....and we hit like we do, plating 11 runs and sending 17 batters.....that is a big inn......

We win the coin flip and go play defense....we get out of the gate slow, but are following game plan to silence their bats, end of 2 it was 0-0 tie.....we then send 11 hits and 3 bbs to score 11 runs, extremely quiet on their side always good, and "pass the baton" on our side going strong...they then reach on an error, follow with a double, another error, a single before we record the 1st out, then a line drive double play to end the threat, whew!!!!! they plated 1 more run , again reached on an error, double to score the run, but that was it......their last abs went quietly, and we wplay strong enough to now reach the semis and stay in the hunt for the title....

Hitting:  Tazz 2-3/ Turtle 2-3/ KandyKorn 1-2/ Turbo 1-2/ Gemini 1-3/ Squinky 1-2/ KFC 2-3/ Beetle 1-2

Pitching Tazz: 5 inn/ 3 runs-5 hits-3 ks, ONLY 48 PITCHES!!!

A Cut Above..........3

Lil Sluggers...........11

vs Epic

these girls were HUGE!!!!! But if we focus on detail, we should be good....we put up runs, all looks good, then it happened, 3 walks and 4 big hits and we are chasing......at the plate we send 9 batters and wreak havoc on the bases, we are back in it....pitching change, plan back on track.....we were able to not only catch them again, but go ahead......then I let these knuckleheads talk me out of strategy to kill the clock, instead of walking batters intentionally to waste our time, they wanted to play it out, it almost bit us as we allowed 2 more runs, but held on to advance to the "ship".... 

Big advantage to the Epic Team was they saw us playing as they were warming up....they started and played all game with a very deep outfield......we lose flip, but we do not mind getting to bat first.....we quickly stay hot at the plate and put up 3 runs with getting 9 batters to the plate, Tazz 1b - KandyKorn 2b- Turbo 1b- Gemini hit by pitch - TBird 2b - Beetle 1b, big start we were looking for....as we went to play defense, we had shaky start in the circle, 2 straight walks, a triple and 1b followed, 2 outs later, they hit a 1b - 2b - 3b consecutively, followed by a walk before we could get final out, we were now looking up at 7-3 score.....we then put up another 9 runs by continuing to hit in the 2nd/3rd innings, and we were back in position to finish on top....pitching change worked in our favor, 2 innings we only allowed 1 run, and at end of 4 inn, 12-8 us...they managed to get 2 more across, but we held on in very exciting game to advance to the finals.....trick or treat Epic, let's rest before the "ship" sails without us...

Hitting:  Tazz 2-4/ Turtle 2-4/ KandyKorn 3-3/ Turbo 3-4/ Gemini 2-3/ TBird 2-3/ KFC 2-3/ Beetle 2-2/ Squinky 1-1

Pitching: Turtle 1 inn - 7 runs - 5 hits - 3 bbs - 2 ks/ Turbo 3 inn - 2 runs - 4 hits - 1 bb - 1k/ Tazz 1 inn - 2 runs - 1 bb - 1 hit - 2 ks

Epic Softball..........10

Lil Sluggers............12

Championship Game vs Outkasts 

Rain, no rain, rain, no rain, rain, no rain, game time in 25 minutes......here we go......this was a well played game, both sides had big hits, both sides played good defense, both sides pitched well, they made one more play than us, they had 1 more clutch hit than us, they had clutch pitching to get out of jams, it happens, hopefully the execution of every pitch wether hitting or fielding can get stronger, as we get older, the team with the least amount of mistakes will always come out on top, maybe next time out we can focus on 1 PITCH AT A TIME!!!

This was a good game from the first pitch to the last pitch......intense on both sides, defense on both sides, pitching on both sides....our pitching mistakes they took advantage of, the had 7 hits, but of those 7 hits, 2 were Home Runs and 2 were triples.....those 4 mistakes cost us 4 runs.....attention to detail, it can be done, the focus just needs to be at a heightened level, this is where we need to be able to "slow the game down", and execute our "game plan"......we had a harmless inn, a Turtle 1b, a deep fly out and a line drive out, they were here to play....they then hit a line drive to outfield that we didn't track and it cost us 3 bases, a 1b cashes her in, the 1b steals 2nd and we were out of position to record the out, both of these players wind up scoring, mistakes are hard to overcome with a Team that is playing with high emotions that they had......TBird and KFC were the story of this game, they went to the plate 6 times, they had 6 hits.....it can be done, they were responsible for 3 of our 4 runs....TBird 3b, KFC 1b and we score our first run....Tazz 1b, steal 2nd, ground ball out gets her to 3rd, and illegal pitch gets her home, now tied at 2-2.....Turbo settled in the circle and helped us get 2 scoreless inn, after 3 inn we are now tied 2-2.......in our 4th we had their pitcher on the ropes again, TBird 1b, KFC 1b, but we allowed game to speed up again and strike out and hit ground ball to leave runners on the bags.......they had an answer for our threat, this is where I made a mistake, after retiring 6 straight batters, I made a pitching change, unlike me, but just knew it was the right thing to do, they hit a 1-2 count Home Run......, they follow with a 1-0 1b, and 1-1 3b to go ahead by 2 runs, we hose their runner at home trying to score, but the damage was done........the importance of hitting locations is as important as reaching the plate, make them hit our pitch, not their pitch......4-2 after 4 inn......we then went quietly in the 5th inn, but our pitching matched their's and ended 5 at 4-2 game....our 6th was again strong, line drive for 1st out, but we put a good swing on the ball, Gemini 2bs to start us, TBird once again 1bs to give us a strong heartbeat again, KFC again follows with a 2b to tie the score, we get a 5 pitch walk to Squinky and now have runners on 2nd and 3rd with the top of the order coming up, but Jillian (Outkast Pitcher) again threw great location and got us out to leave the go ahead run at 3rd......after a lead off 1b, Tazz matches Jillian by striking out the next 3 batters, end of 6th inn, 4-4 tie....this is how Championship Games should be played, with everything on the line, with every pitch of importance, with emotion from all sides, and I do have to say, Outkast hosted the tournament, Moms were running the snack bar, players were selling raffle tickets, Dads were prepping the fields, but when our game started, it seemed like ALL OF BEAUMONT WAS THERE TO CHEER FOR OUTKAST PLAYERS TOGETHER.......1 more inn, next run wins the game , we are at the top of our order, they will be in the same spot, the way a game should finish.....this last inn is how all game was played, they were extremely hungry for the win, their side was extremely emotional on every pitch, on a 2-1 count Turtle hits a ground ball to shortstop, she throws her out from her knees, out number one and their side erupts with cheers.....on an 0-1 count KandyKorn hammers a 2b, their left fielder was runner so hard it limited us to a 2b, all out effort...runner on 2nd and 1 out, always a good spot for us, Turbo at the plate, and we saw some thing that hasn't happened since Jan 24 of LAST YEAR.....she struck out looking on 4 pitches, the last time she struck out was JAN 24th of 2015 (OVER 300 AT BATS!!!).....that is something I will probably never witness again in my life time, a player to play the competition we do, the pitchers we have faced, and go over a year without striking out, I just wish she would have struck out on Tuesday and not in the Championship Game, but like I told her, IT HAPPENS - (she had me throw BP to her Halloween Night she was so upset).....we then hit a foul ball that their 1st baseman went after and caught over her shoulder, they made the plays with the game on the line, we come up empty, and now time for us to hold them....they lead off with a ground ball to Tazz, while Turtle was getting to the bag, Tazz decides to run the ball all the way to first to get out number 1.....then on a 1-1 count their player of the night, Jillian showed us she is more than just a pitcher and hammers a triple....and while hanging out at 3rd, we lose our focus, throw the ball over our pitchers head, out of position to back up the play, the ball rolled all the way to right field fence, the run scores we come up 1 run short, our mental lapse cost us, their mental focus bailed them out.....on a tight game, anything can happen on every pitch, I know I sound like a scratched CD when I tell the girls to move their feet and expect the unexpected, this play is the exact reason of what can happen we we lose our focus, we always have somewhere to be, and something as simple as a return throw to the pitcher results in the winning run, for our loss of focus....again, we will hopefully learn from this, not point fingers, but learn as a group from this....scenarios will run through my head for the next couple of months , or at least till we play these guys again, and hopefully we can be as emotionally invested as they were, hopefully we can stand united as one, and hopefully we will be on the other side of a 1 run game next time out....cya on the diamond....

Hitting:  TBird 3-3/ KFC 3-3/ Tazz 1-4/ Turtle 1-4/ KandyKorn1-4/ Gemini 1-4/ Squinky bb

Pitching:  Turbo 3 inn - 2 runs - 2 hits - 1 bb - 26 pitches/ Tazz 4 inn- 3 runs - 5 hits - 3 ks- 41 pitches ( WE PITCHED WELL, THEY JUST PITCHED ONE RUN BETTER)

Outkasts......5 ------Halloween Champions

Lil Sluggers....4 -----2nd Place Finish

Though we came out and played extremely well in game 1/ all phases of the game were on, hitting, defense, and pitching......we came to play.....then game two was under way, we hit to start, but ran into very motivated and aggressive group, they got us on a double play, we lose a pitcher, and go to plan b.....it backfired, they reached 6 straight on 4 hits, 1 walk, and 1 error....before we flinched we were down 3-0, but we limited the damage by playing smart, we used their aggressive nature against them, and only gave up 1 more run, we learned from the game, hopefully we execute the plan and come out with a w Sunday....cya on the diamond...

Phenom 0/ lil sluggers 7

Hitting:  Tazz 2-2/ KandyKorn 2-2 (Home Run)/ Turbo 1-2/ KFC 1-2/ Tsunami 2 bbs

Pitching:  Turbo 2 inn-0 runs-1 hit-2 ks(18 pitches) / Beetle 2 inn-0 runs-0 hits-1 bb-2 ks(24 pitches)

A Cut Above 4 / Lil Sluggers 3 

Hitting:  Tazz 2-2/ Gemini 1-2/ TBird 2-2/ Pep 1-1/ KFC 1-1/ Squinky 1-1

Pitching:  Turtle 4 inn - 4 runs - 5 hits - 3 bbs - 2 ks

Together we are strong/ United we are one/ individuals we will fail, stay United, and we will enjoy coming to games. Allow distraction, we are bound to fail.....

Vs FIRECRACKERS

We played a good "team" game, what is normally hard to do, it was easy last night,  "to motivate"  this team to play .....they had a quality pitcher, we had quality pitcher,  they had quality defense, we played quality defense, they were aggressive on the bases, we ran the bases, the biggest difference was our offense vs their offense....they had 2 quality hits plus we made 2 mistakes, but with the hammer, we took several quality swings, and had them chasing every inn, our mostly clean defense and quality swings were big tonight, ....quality swings is one of our biggest focuses during Bp, it was really good to see......

Lil Sluggers--------8

Firecracker--------3

Anxious to get back into game action, I really needed the girls to believe that together they can play with anyone, but with our 5 game losing streak, it was once again hard for them to grasp it till we make it happen again.....we will go as far as our group of "Parents" take us....I have always told the group this, I've gone a step further, when your parent is saying something to you, act like you are interested and paying attention, nod your head, but focus on our game plan, and not what you just heard from the stands.......it can bond us as a Team, or it can split us as individuals.....it had worked till a little adversity came our way, and true to form, the adversity was showing up on the field, we needed to change that, stay to our course we have established in the past, and we would overcome any short deficit being displayed at our games.....I took responsibility for all parents and apologized to the girls for the distractions, it's time to keep our heads in the dugout and focus on us 12 players and 4 coaches, and turn this thing around......parents will be parents, but we as a Team have the ability to get ourselves out of this by trusting in what has got us to this point, dedication - hard work - unity - family, we can only go up from here, we need to grow the strong bond we have always had, and we will push through our losing streak....

We played 5 games, 4 games were played at 1 hr 20 min, Championship was 2 hours 5 minutes long......add it up, 7 hours and 15 minutes of field time, YES....7 HOURS AND 15 MINUTES ON THE FIELD....we put up some huge numbers, we played tireless minutes, and we played really well in the process......I can't remember the last time I felt this proud of a game we lost, but the way the girls played for one another, the way they kept fighting for each other, the way the stayed together, it gave us the energy to keep fighting til the last out, and after 2 hours and 5 minute game, we came up 1 run short, but we fought till the last pitch, and we have nothing to hang our head about, in the very near future, we will be back to competing vs girls our own age, I played you up an age group so that we may be better prepared for future games, the time will come where you will say, "I get it, these players aren't that good", and all because you girls allowed and trusted me in the growth of your game by picking on the older girls, it will pay off in a big way in the long run.... 

We didn't start the way I was hoping for, we gave up 5 unearned runs in the 5 games, 4 came in the first game....but either way, we didn't hit like we normally do, only 1 run pushed across through 5 inn, usually not recipe for positive result...

Sudden Impact 10

Lil Sluggers------1

Game 2 went much more the way I was expecting to start, runs early, hits often, and finally hitting our stride on defense, only 1 unearned, which meant our sticks would hold us up and help for a good seed for the playoffs....

Screamin Eagles-----6

Lil Sluggers-----------10

Quarter Final

by getting the 3rd seed, we were on the road to face Sudden Impact in Finals if we could take care of business in front of us....not knowing anything about the team, we quickly learned they could hit, we made some pitch adjustments, and held them quiet after the first inning, but our sticks starting to heat up, we hit in bunches, and run production was looking better.....

Mo Valley Tigers-----3

Lil Sluggers----------15

We meet our buddies from Yucca Valley, Coach Ernesto tells me he has a plan to silence our bats...last time we faced them they beat us 3-0, I figured he would attempt to throw off speed, implemented a game plan at the plate, and sure enough, the girls were prepared and up for the challenge, PATIENCE at the plate......we executed flawlessly, we played strong defense, and paved our way to the finals and Sudden Impact in front of us.....

Yucca Laces-------0

Lil Sluggers--------20

Back in the finals, game 5 of the night, it felt good to be here.....though I knew the other Team had 4 players from their "A" Team, I told the girls to keep believing in what we are doing, we can compete with them, and have an excellent chance to beat these guys......we played strong, our best effort of the night, and that is saying a lot since we had just come off 3 straight wins.....every player contributed, defense, hitting, base running, pitching, catching, we played an AWESOME game, yes we came up 1 run short, but the level of ball we played vs these 2 combined teams was beyond impressive.....we never quit, we could have laid down after they put up 5 runs in the 6th, but we came right back and scratched 3 more, just 1 run short of extending the game, TEAM EFFORT, not enough can be said of comraderie and playing for one another......THE most important part of the night wasn't even displayed on the field......it was our PARENTS, it took me back when we started playing at 8 yrs old, it was positive, and as much as I always keep the girls from listening to anything outside the dugout, the POSITIVE ENERGY for every player coming from the stands was really good to see, it does affect the way the girls play, and POSITIVE ENERGY had a good effect on what we did on the diamond, believe it or not, big reason I always tell girls to ignore the parents, it's not always positive, and usually aimed at individual players and not the TEAM, TOGETHER this TEAM will play well, Saturday night was a big example of what we have done in the past, and will continue to do if we keep pulling in the same direction....TOGETHER!!!!!

Here are some Scary good numbers the girls were able to put up this Saturday.....

OFFENSIVE NUMBERS ARE IMPRESSIVE!!!

US - 53 runs / Them - 27 runs

Us - 67 hits / Them - 36 hits

Us - 16 bbs / Them 13 bbs

Us - 11 ks / Them 16 ks

CURRENT BATTING AVERAGES - MOST VS OLDER PITCHERS THAT WILL BE PLAYING HIGH SCHOOL IN FEB.

KFC - .571 (9-12)

PEP - .500 (6-8)

TURTLE - .494 (5-9)

TAZZ - .563 (5-10)

TURBO - .580 (7-12)

KANDYKORN - .538 (6-12)

TBIRD - .562 (6-9)

KOOLAID - .369 (2-7)

GEMINI - .477 (7-11)

BEETLE - .500 (4-8)

SQUINKY - .458 (4-8)

TSUNAMI - .433 (6-11)

Team Sat #s......67-120 / .558 avg 

Girls hit extremely well, 1-10 we brought the hammer....pitchers stepped up, defense was solid, and best of all, the personal attacks from Dirt Devils parents next to our dugout were quieted by our over aggressive hitting and running, it was done to let them know we didn't appreciate their behavior, and the scoreboard spoke volumes...we respected the game, played with class, and sent our message, get your rest, we maybe playing them again, I can hardly wait...cya on the diamond....

PS lil SLUGGERS------17

Colton Select BD ------3

___________

PS lil SLUGGERS--------19

Hemet Dirt Devils--------0

------THEY DON'T LOOK VERY SCARY, BUT THESE GIRLS CAN PLAY!!!!

Semi - Final vs Colton Blue Diamond (14u Pony World Series Champions)

We came in ready to play, all through warm ups it was hard to keep ourselves focused on the game at hand, I was already going through Finals scenario, but had to make sure we got through the semi's first, and it wasn't easy keeping girls focused in the game at hand, we all expected and wanted to play the Finals already......we played this team on Saturday, we  made 2 mistakes that cost us 2 runs, otherwise it was a zero for them.....on the offensive side, we brought the hammer, I was expecting much of the same, but in the back of my mind, was making sure we were at full strength for the Finals.....we only allowed 3 base runners in the 1st 2 inn, a goose egg for them.....as for us, we kept the pressure by hitting 1-12 in the lineup, we plated lucky 7 through 2 inn...then it happened, we made 4 errors that cost us 4 runs, but as I kept telling the girls, all we need is 1 more run than them, we are still ok, just re focus....we plated 2 more, now with a 5 run cushion, and we get back to the field, we make another big mistake to allow 1 more run, but we are still up 4 on the board, and only 7 minutes left on the clock, simple instruction....take 2 strikes, and then be ready to hit, Koolaid burns 4 pitches and 5 minutes, plan going well......Tazz takes 2 pitches, and it was announced last batter, clock runs out, we finish 4 better, and onto the Finals....as we are shaking hands, CBD Coach lets Coach Eli and myself know they won the 14u Pony World Series, we both looked at each other, and I asked with the same group?....he paused, said he was missing a couple players, but that was their Championship Team...he told us he would see us in June.....their pitching Coach then told me they won it with 11/12 year old pitchers, and would be ready next time they face us.....this will go into my memory bank, in case we should ever play again.....

PS Lil Sluggers----------9

Colton Blue Diamonds---5

AS YOU CAN SEE - GIRLS ARE "CAMERA SHY" 

FINALS VS LACES

We watched a very competitive game between Laces and the E1 Prospects....a 2-0 lead was erased in the 4th and finished 3-2 Laces.....the game looked really good, defense, pitching, and timely hitting, though I thought it would be a Prospects win, I was glad to see Laces pull off the "Upset"....well, our plan was to not let Abby beat us, 4 pitch walk, it was planned, and knuckle ball off the end of her at bat for a ground out, this coming off a called 3rd strike in Hemet, she was not happy (execute pitches and you can own the plate!!!).....all other players can be tamed, and Tazz did a number with their lineup , and the defense we played, almost flawless, 1 bad throw, otherwise we made all the plays we needed, and were never in any real trouble....the most excitement we had was running the bases, we hit, we hit some more, then when we got tired, we hit again.....apparently, we forgot we should run in this sequence to be successful..LEFT FOOT - RIGHT FOOT - LEFT FOOT - RIGHT FOOT - LEFT FOOT - RIGHT FOOT.......we got ahead of ourselves, and our left foot was trying to lap our right foot, and we lost our rhythym, left, right, left, left, left, it wasn't a good ending, we wipe out at 3rd, I was guiding Tazz to catch KoolAid, and I saw a cloud of dust, somewhere in there Koolaid's left foot lapped her right foot, she got a boo boo, and good sportsmanship from the Laces, they didn't go tag her out, trust me I would have had our girls tag her out, then check if she was ok......this all happened after Tsunami was sliding into 2nd safely, and like any good Coach, I tracked the ball into right center and sent her to 3rd, when I picked up her progress, she was moving slightly slower, who am I kidding, she was gimping her way to 3rd....I asked whassappenin???? She let me know something landed on her, she took it in the wallet, and she was not good......my response, ice it, take an Advil, and always remember, left - right - left - right - left...now I need to add, and don't let the "Dirt Monster" grab your foot, it never ends well, and make sure you are not at the bottom of a "dog pile", worst spot to be.......so needless to say, umpire lets us know, I can pull them out of the game, not take an out, but they can't come back into the game, as soon as I let the girls know, they both said they were ready to go.....they both hit in their next abs, and KoolAid tells me at 1st that she should get hurt more often......IT'S GOOD TO BE YOUNG......they had a small rally in their last abs, but with 1 run across, 2 down, and 2 Laces on the bases, their Shortstop hit a line drive to Center Field, Pep got on her horse, tracked it like no ones business, and made an awesome catch over her right shoulder, not any easy thing to do, but she made it look rather easy......we put an emphasis on outfield drills during the week, and boy did Pep show hard work pays off!!!!!! 

Though we won the game in a run away, it was really good to see the girls compete at the level we have become accustomed to watching....pitching, defense, and of course, HITTING, on a cold night, our sticks were on fire, and the scoreboard paid the price, good win, good Tournament, and good to see the girls back where they belong, in the Winner's Circle....cya on the dimaond....

PS Lil Sluggers------------17

Yucca Laces---------------1

 GIRLS HIT AND SCORED AT ALARMING RATE IF YOU WERE ON THE OPPOSING TEAM, AS FOR OUR SIDE, IT WAS GOOD TO SEE THEIR HARD WORK PAY OF!!!!

RUNS:  US - 72 / THEM 9

HITS:  US - 71 / THEM 15

WALKS: US - 16 / THEM 6

STRIKE OUTS: US 4/ THEM 17

AS A TEAM, WE HIT 71-94 / THAT IS .755 BATTING AVERAGE

WE NEED TO HIRE THAT HITTING INSTRUCTOR FULL TIME - AT ANY COST NECESSARY!!!, CYA ON THE DIAMOND...........

Tazz 12-14----------.606

KFC 9-12------------.596

KandyKorn 7-8-----.566

Turbo 9-11----------.616

Turtle 7-9------------.521

T Bird 3-9------------.537

Pep 6-10-------------.513

Beetle 4-8-----------.500

Tsunami 7-7--------.493

Squinky 4-7---------.473

Gemini 1-5----------.462

KoolAid 2-4---------.377

Every game we have played this Winter was played with a bigger focus than just the game at hand, it is the start of our Journey for World Series come July 2017....all the practices, the conditioning, the defensive practices, the batting practices, the base running practices, the bullpen / catcher's practices, it is all in preparation for the end of our rainbow, "World Series 2017".....the girls know, and hopefully all you parents understand that playing these bigger girls, sometimes Sophomore in High School, Freshman in High School, it is to prepare us for our Final Exam.......it is not always the result we like, we sometimes looked over matched by the opposition, but the game experience they are gaining is something that can't be duplicated or replaced in a practice or Rec Ball level, this is the plan I have put forth in front of them, the Challenge that will make them stronger players in the days ahead.......so long as they keep up the hard work, so long as they continue to grind, so long as they don't make any excuses, so long as they continue to progress, so long as they get "Softball Smart",  THEY WILL BE BETTER FOR THIS IN THE LONG RUN!!!!!....

With our plan to play vs older players, I almost always make the girls aware of what they are up against, but Immediately let them know, "SO WHAT!!!!", we can play with them, we will play with them, but stay focused, stay alert, and be prepared on every pitch....sometimes the moment gets too big, we lose focus, start to spectate, and thus the game speeds up, and this is the time where we are vulnerable against bigger stronger teams.....

We faced the 02 USA Athletics, and though we played strong vs them, we were outplayed by an older Team....they had a very good "Pitcher"...she didn't throw fast, but she could locate her pitches, kept our hitters off balance, and made quick work of our lineup.....we played well on defense, but they made enough plays, and bunched together enough hits to hold us at bay, onto next game.....

USA Athletics 02-------6

PS Lil Sluggers 03/04--2

Game 2 vs 02/03 USA Athletics

So this Team was a combination of 3 Teams, IE Dynasty 02/ USA Athletics 03/ Illusion 02/03....when you can pic 1 Team from 3 different Travel Rosters, you will wind up with a pretty good team, and this is the juggernaut we ran into.....they pitched well, played aggressive defense, very aggressive hitters, and quality at bats from their lineup, 1-15, they were quality every time at the plate.....down 10-0, I huddled the girls, told them our next opponent was watching us not put up a fight, was watching us go through the motion, and we could change their thoughts of us by simply taking it one pitch at a time, put together some quality swings, and let them know we were going to be a tough game when we get to their field...we did just that, we strung together 5 straight hits and 1 sac fly, notched 3 runs, and were now taking a little momentum into the next game, we showed some fight, and will play much better in final game....

USA Athletics-----------10

PS Lil Sluggers---------3

Final game of the day, all pitchers available, we had a fight on our hands....this was beyond an emotional game....after they had a dad get tossed on the first play of the game, IT WAS A CATCH, it got a little testy all game after that....they scored the first run, and after a 5 error melt down in the 2nd inn, we allowed 3 more runs....then we came alive, Tazz reaches on a lead off 2b, Pep reaches on a bunt , continues to 2nd, runners on 2nd and 3rd, KandyKorn smashes a 2b to left-center, Turbo laces a 1b to left, Tbird laces a 3b to right - center, sac bunt by Beetle and we pushed 5 runs across to take a 5-4 lead.....in the 4th they reach on a lead off walk, on a bunt we get out #1, a strike out for out #2 and runner on 3rd, we get the lead off batter to ground out to Tsunami at 2nd for our #3......we come to the plate with about 12 minutes on the clock.....Squinky leads off with a 5 pitch walk....Tazz immediately 1bs and we have 1st & 2nd, Pep grounds out to 2nd but advances runners, KandyKorn then launches a 3b to left center that keeps the inn going, Turbo follows with another 1b, cashes in KandKorn, and ball game is called.....emotional, draining, but as we have come to see so often, the girls battled till the last out, they were playing a little upset, with and edge, and overcame a 4 run deficit to finish on a positive note.....focus every pitch, good things will happen, they did, and it did, job well done, cya on the diamond......

Big Time Softball 02/01------4

PS Lil Sluggers 03/04-------8

....GOD BLESS THE DIBELLO ......RIP JIMMY........

 Lil Sluggers - our 11 players "Hit Squad preparing for action"- now hopefully game goes like pic.....

Winter Batting Avg:

#1 KFC - .596 (56-94)          #2 PEP - .500 (43-86)

#3 TURTLE - .526 (50-95)   #4 TAZZ - .629 (66-105)

#5 TURBO - .623 (66-106)   #5 KANDYKORN - .573 (55-96)

#7 TBIRD - .545 (48-88)       #10 KOOLAID - .355 (27-76)

#11 GEMINI - .468 (44-94)   #12 BEETLE - .488 ( 42-86)

#15 SQUINKY - .452 (28-62) 

THESE ARE REALLY SICK #S, I M PROUD OF THE WORK THEY PUT IN, AND THE CONFIDENCE THEY SHOWED AT THE PLATE TO HIT VS OLDER PITCHERS

After 28 days of no games, and though rain put a big dent in our practice, we played through our game rust, and came away with a strong start to 2017!!!! Three games under our belt, 2-1 vs extremely competitive teams, we can now get our next journey going knowing we can compete at the level we left off on last season, and somehow still playing vs freshman, how does that happen???? We continue to come up with clutch hits, strong defense, and most important, 6 pitchers threw in the 3 games, a "Team" that accepts their role will always do well, we are off to a great start, and hopefully we can keep this thing rolling......

Vs Freshman Halos ( 3- 8th graders)

We lose flip and start on defense, 2 errors cost us 2 runs....we get our sticks and with Tazz/ KandyKorn/Turtle/Tbird reaching on walks, KFC 3bs, and Turbo 1bs and we put up 3.....once again an error cost us another run, but we answered again with a run of our own and hold a 1 run lead.....we give up 2 bbs and they both score, chasing again, but damage was limited as Koolaid runs down a line drive in right center and keep us in the game......we then had a Turbo 1b, Gemini bbs, Turtle 8 pitch walk, Tbird walk, Pep with an 0-2 triple to score them all, Beetle follows with a 1b to finish our scoring and get us off to a great start......

PS Lil Sluggers----------9

Halos (Freshman)-----5

Vs E1Prospects

They won their first 2 games, we knew it should be a good game, and with only 5 players of their 15 player roster still on board, we were up to it......2 different pitchers, only 1 run allowed on 1 hit and 5 bbs, it kept us off the field and with the sticks....we had big inns, clutch at bats, aggressive running, and did well vs their 3 pitchers....all players had either a hit, run scored, or RBI for a quality team game........

PS Lil Sluggers---------13

E1 Prospects------------1

Vs OC BatBusters

This was game I looked forward to the most, I was just hoping as strong an organization as this is, that we would face an 03 team, we didn't, coach told they would go dark in a week, Hacienda Heights High School starting up....I didn't tell the girls, just hoped for a competitive showing.....we didn't hit, neither did they, we chased bad pitches, they took the walks....we gave up 7 walks, and 5 of them scored...…no excuses, they played smarter than us, and we took the loss as a learning lesson....

PS Lil Sluggers-------1

OC BatBusters-------5

Pitchers did great, after early struggles, we relied on our defense and trusted location to keep us out of big inn, Gemini played strong behind the plate, with KandyKorn feeling under the weather, Gemini handled our staff to perfection....defense came up with majority of routine plays, and Koolaid had 3 big catches to stomp out rallies, we also cut down 3 runners with heads up plays at home and 3rd base...…hitters did what we do, hit with a purpose, and keep the line moving, good start, and with our timing coming back, it should get much better, especially when we finally play kids our own age......cya on the diamond...

Making sure the girls stay busy with the Rain always in play has not been easy, though we don't get it on our end of the Valley, somehow it always comes into play around the hill, glad Sunday we were able to play, even though the field was soaked on Saturday, it absorbed enough to get in the games.....I keep telling the girls, we are finally going to play girls our "OWN AGE", and then somehow these travel Coaches manage to risk their high school players status by using them in games that tip toes the CIF rules, and for What???? I'm not sure, but glad we are on the positive end of the scorebook.....The Heat's pitcher was clocked throwing 53-56 mph, I believe it, she was bringing it, and she may be #2 pitcher in Div 2 High School Team, that is saying a lot that we were able to beat her, that is fastest pitcher we have faced since 55 mph at 40' in Arizona.....game experience is GOLD, hopefully we aren't taking these for granted, as it will pay off at the next level if we approach games with the future in mind at all times....I will be a fan of their pitcher, he has asked to play us after High School Season, it is a huge compliment that High School Varsity Coach wants to play 7th & 8th graders with High School pitchers......job well done, if he would have seen our "A" game, he may have wanted us to play their entire Varsity Squad, but that will come once you guys are in High School yourselves......

We came in with a plan, 2 inn per pitcher, use all 6 pitchers, rotate and use all 4 catchers.....we accomplished most of it, we used 5 pitchers, none threw more than 2 inn,  catchers didn't put in more than 2 inn behind the plate per game, and all 4 caught, and if our 6th pitcher wasn't MIA, we would have done everything planned.....we covered the defensive side of the game much better, only 2 inn where errors cost us, but big improvement over previous friendly, and making "key" changes on defense actually improved the play.....never take for granted where you play, but focus on being the best player no matter where your number is called, and since the girls are now aware of where mistakes are being made and by who, they don't like it, but are very aware of when they make that mistake, and can help push themselves to make better decisions, and take a more focused approach....they will understand fielding percentages, put outs recorded, assists, and most important, ERRORS they make in the game, just like the batting avg they constantly chase, their fielding % will also be at every practice so they can see where the improvement needs to happen, and why the fielding changes have been made, it is a good thing, they won't take for granted where they play, but will need to continue to focus on getting better every time they step out on that field...the harder they work, the better they play, the better they play, the stronger we look, it really does come down to "focus" with this group, somehow they will see the importance of it, and the fielding % and errors will go in a positive  direction they are looking for......proud of the way we were able to beat an extremely strong pitcher, and hopefully she will have prepared us for game vs any other gas thrower we may face in future games, cya on the diamond.....

Game 1

PS Lil Sluggers--------------------13

So Cal Heat/Dynasty--------------2

Game 2

PS Lil Sluggers---------------------6

So Cal Heat/Dynasty--------------5

Getting a call late Sat afternoon with the possibility of playing travel team from Washington had me excited, my thoughts were if I can get 7 girls to say yes, I would grab what we need from Coach Adrian to make sure this opportunity doesn't pass us by...... within 5 minutes I had 6 say yes, so I committed and knew I could borrow players if needed......Coach Brian from Wash squad then calls me and tells me he only has 4-13s and 10-12s on his team, but that they have been back to back State Champions, and were just looking for games........his 2nd Wash team backed out, and asked if I can find another team as he really wanted to play 3......after sending out text to local Coaches, we had a 3rd in 5 minutes.....he had same response, I have 6, but I will make it work......schedule was set, and I anxiously awaited Sunday morning......

They were legit, clean on defense, quality pitching, aggressive on the bases, quality with the sticks, but as we so often do, we managed to play better defense, pitch just as strong, and come up with quality hits......this game was well worth the short notice, and the girls can come away saying they beat Washington St Champions not once, but twice.....and in my eyes was well worth the experience....and most important, all our players were able to make it, and I didn't need to ask for help from anyone to make it happen, 10 strong , and plenty of quality pitches put into play from our end.......though Coach Bobby from the Messengers was game to play, I felt bad they they were a little over matched, not sure who he was missing, but glad he was able to make it out........so we came away knowing we can play with the best "Washington St Softball Academy" according to Coach Brian, an experience that was well worth the early wake up call......cya on the diamond......

This is how our day went, just a small step ahead of a very talented team, than you Coach Marcus for spending your time looking on social media to find this, what a KOOL PICTURE........

Coach Brian from Washington Elite had extremely good compliments of how our girls played the game, I know we don't have the "High Powered" Coaches most other organizations have including Washington Elite, but this does show is hard work pays off, our girls win despite their Coach, they play a strong game, kudos to you girls... 

Washington Coaches faced same situation I did 5 years ago, his 04 group stronger than the 03s, rather than throw away the 04s, he kept the few 03s that could help, and build around the 04s....I faced it when girls were 7 and 8 yrs old, the 02s were strong, but the 03s showed more potential, rather than chase the 02s, I made the decision to allow the 03s to blossom, and fill in with 04s along the way, it was best decision I have ever made, and glad I chose that route, these girls have out worked all ages around them, glad I'm on for the ride...........cya on the diamond...............

Some Kool Numbers from Sunday

3 double plays ( only 2 errors last 5 games)

Us 44-79-.557/ Them10-49-.204

Us 31 runs / them 0 runs 

Team batting average-.523

Def fielding%-.900

Team goals prior to Season: 

Team batting-----.500 / Team Defense------.900

We are where we need to be......

---------------------------------------

Game 1

Washington----------0

PS Lil Sluggers-------6

Game 2

Messengers------------0

PS Lil Sluggers--------A LOT

Game 3

Washington------------0

PS Lil Sluggers--------10

Quality pitching, all 6 pitchers pitched, we put up ZEROS for 14 inn......and DEFENSE WAS MONEY, we killed it at the plate, quality abs, if I can ever figure out how to Coach, we may be able to compete at a high level every time we step on the field, someday I will be out of the girls way and they will be able to perform at a higher level, cya on the diamond....... 

Playing vs JV High School Team was fun, watching our girls completely out class the older girls didn't surprise me, it just showed me something I have been trying to tell the girls since they started playing, if you come out and work hard, keep your focus, play the game the right way, good things will happen, this game is the example of hours of practice time on the field, and just executing what was fine tuned during those hours of work, it was rewarding for myself, watching them practice, complain, and try to always find the easy way around things, being told NO, being told work harder, expecting nothing less than 100%, then watching their success unfold during game time, it makes it all worth while, cya on the diamond............now if I can figure out how to Coach a Softball Team, girls will be OK......baseball was so much easier,  but I will figure it out just as you girls are entering High School.......

Weekend College Softball Games

KandyKorn - Sierra Romero - Turtle - Squinky - Turbo - Tazz & Pep, Lil Marcus wishes girls were taking picture of him and Sierra...come on girls, what were you thinking when he needed yall....

Paige Parker -Oklahoma Pitcher finds a Beetle in the desert, just happens to be our Beetle.....

UCLA Coach Perez and TBird strike a pose, these college players and Coaches have been extremely good to the youth while at BLD....hopefully these memories will last and encourage the girls to never take a "softball moment" for granted........ 

KFC found not Gabby, but Maddie Jelenicki  , UCLA Catcher, she hit grand slam vs LSU, and snapped a memory for years to come, hopefully one day she can return the favor to someone else......

I first need to say how much I appreciate the willingness to play on short notice......only 6 players on Weds as we had a few "sicky - poos", and 2 showed up that probably should have been home as well.....i received a call Weds night @ 10:30pm if we could come out and play, I answered we were under the weather, but I would let him know Thurs......I received another text at 6:00 am if it was a go.....told him I would ask parents just after they got into their morning routine, after my text went out, we were on to play in 10 minute span.......that dedication I always preach to each other, to the girls, and most of all to our Lil Slugger Family, it came through in a request that I didn't mind if we didn't make as I knew so many were not feeling well.....but we were on, game in a matter of minutes, I really enjoy carrying the gear for these girls to play, Thank you Fam.......... 

I always challenge the girls when we are missing anyone, show up, focus on what we need to do, and be the best you can be no matter where you play, missing 2 and having one that all the girls were keeping an eye on to make it through the game, we played well......one inn that we had avoided for a good string of 5 games finally got us, 2 errors in the inn allowed 3 dirty runs, and though we gave up 5 in the inn, we came away tied with 23 minutes on the clock......we pushed 2 more across, and shut them down to come away 2 runs better on our end..........our highlights were again our pitching, 5 pitchers, 4 earned runs, and we had 4 errors, but limited the damage with our mistakes by still playing strong defense......and the work of KoolAid behind the plate, yes she came up big, she was directed to trust the instruction being given to her, not what was being explained to her just after she was given direction, trust what we work on, she trusted, and she looked like she has been catching all her life,........we hit well, and though we were in cruise mode most of the night while feeling "ill", we still looked like a well oiled machine, really good to see with the Select games coming quickly........

And hopefully we can all welcome the Olivares Family......weeding through players to fill a role we needed, trying to find the right family, the right player, and understand their role on the Team, we have made the decision to bring on AO........she fits the need we are looking for, her ability to pitch is a bonus, but the Family accepting to be part of our group and allow the player to be 1 of 12 players is what will make this a good fit, and I hope we made the right decision, as we only move forward, and never look back..........cya on the diamond.......

PS Lil Sluggers---------8

Golden Bears-----------6

Team avg.---.515 / Team Fielding % -- .896 ( sharper focus - it will get better)

Select Season can't come soon enough.....................

We came in limping......several players were feeling the effects of District Track Meet.....dehydrated, sore muscles, headache, dizziness, it changed what we were doing immediately after game time.....we had 1 extra player on the bench, but after game time, it felt as if we were short 5......we played 2 inn with 8 players, we used only 9 for the entire 2nd game, and we had 2 players playing with very heavy legs, signs of muscle cramps and NOT ENOUGH LIQUIDS........but in all this, NO EXCUSES......we played just well enough to come away with positive scores, hopefully next weekend we will bring a better product on the field.......

Game vs Blue Jays was a good start, Turtle - Turbo - and Beetle came up with clutch 2 out hits to help us put up a crooked number on the board.....on defense Beetle to Turbo, Turtle fly ball, and tazz strike out had us up 5-0 after 1......we then had to make changes for the weak leg issues, pitching changed, outfield changed, and catching changed, with players scrambling, we still played strong, 1 bad inn, 3 errors cost us, but we held on , and now just hoping we could finish game with 9 walking bodies......

Us---------8

Blue Jays--4

Game vs Rampage we were going through the motion, but I was mostly monitoring girls to keep them upright... solid start, but we again fell apart in the 2nd inn , mostly by playing girls out of their comfort zone, I made the adjustments again, and we fell back into making routine plays......the game was closer than needed to be for 3 inn, but as we have so often witnessed with this group, it takes us till our 2nd time around to get to a pitcher, and once again, this was the case...11 batters - 8 runs - 6 hits - 2 bbs, and ball game called as time just ran out......it couldn't come at a better time.....

US--------13

Rampage----5

pitching came up big again, 5 pitchers - Tazz (1 inn) -Turbo 2 inn- KFC 2 inn - Beetle 2 inn - Turtle 1 inn, only 8 hits, catching once again solid, KandyKorn - Gemini - Koolaid all came up big,  and if we continue to limit the un earned runs, we will be hard team to play.....my phone doesn't ring as often as it used to for games, but most of those teams had lots of high school players on their rosters, I'm sure once high school season is over they will set their sights on us again.......TBird and Tazz toughed it out, they had hard time playing though muscle soreness......AO did more than adequate job filling in where I needed her, KoolAid once again gaining valuable game experience behind the plate, and with KandyKorn unable to work on the field game 2, really glad the other 9 held in together long enough to play out the clock, cya on the diamond........ 

Team Hitting:  .520 (only 4 ks this weekend)

Team Defense: .902 fielding %

As we arrive, a little early, we see Screamin Eagles, or some of them anyways, he filled in with Desert Firecrackers, playing Redlands Heat...after 5 minutes of watching them, I knew the challenge of playing Coach Gil and Heat this week was not what I was expecting...neither Team played catch, neither team pitched, and neither team hit that well.....we have been playing up vs older girls for so long, I forgot how it would feel to play vs our age, Coach Steven came to me right away and thought we stopped playing as our High School girls were gone, he said he hadn't seen us around....67 games into our new Season, we don't play with High School girls vs younger Teams because we don't have any, and we have always been the youngest playing older Teams, it feels good playing in our own group, hopefully Parents will see the method to my madness we started years ago......

As we started play, we had a coin flip, something different from last week, and our luck, we lose both flips, which means we need to account for 2 extra inn of pitching......the plan stayed the same, 2 inn per pitcher, it's warm so we would rotate catcher every inn......and every inn we rotate players......of our 62 games,  2 games  have been played with entire 12 players roster...yup, someone missing at every game so far since January.....Girls had talked me out of bringing on 12th player,  but when they started to give excuses as to why they can't be at game, and only a couple of games lost to injuries, it was time, all of a sudden players showing up to practice and games.....and as I told the girls, I feel better with 13 players, I will deal with Coach Joe letting me know 13 is too many, but I will show him the amount of practices they miss along with games they miss so he can see why the 13th is needed....but in all this, the best thing that could have happened to us did, AO is as passionate about the game as I am, and never a question as to where she plays, when she sits, or when her number is called, she just goes out there and does what is asked of her, and we will save her arm along the way to be strong in high school, not just in these games.....ONCE AGAIN, WELCOME ABOARD AO......

PS Lil Sluggers vs Redlands Heat

Turbo and Tazz pitched the 4 inn, 2 inn each, 1 run - 4 hits - 6 bbs - 4 ks.....our defense came up big, as we never faced more than 5 batters an inn.....hitting was clutch, they tried a plan we have faced before, throw off speed to us, as we hit fastballs....2 pitchers, 10 hits, 4 walks, and 12 runs......hmmmmm....it didn't work, again......they bring in their Ace, 6 hits with only 8 batters faced, only 1 k, ya, we played just how we left off against her in the World Series, hit it hard and ask questions later......job well done, cya on the diamond....

PS Lil Sluggers----------15

Redlands Heat------------1

PS Lil Sluggers vs So Cal Blue jays

Blue Jays are showing to be a really good Team, I will stick to the plan, 2 inn per pitcher, rotate catchers, and change the defense every inn, the girls now fully understand the importance of playing defense, girls thought they were playing their best position, I started showing them their fielding % and explaining how it works, I also asked them to take the numbers home and share with their Parents, like a progress report from school, but this being a progress report on the field.....I'm sure they didn't, as they were surprised , I play the girls according to their performance on the field, not as to how I wish they would play....these games are to build on those numbers, improve them and make them better for the next level....it will not cost them $$$ at an extra lesson to get better, just hard work and desire to be better, never settle, and never think it takes money to play better.....

our biggest glare vs Blue Jays is the inability to play the bunt....they have scored on us in 3 inn, and everyone of those runs involved the bunt....there has been 7 different players involved in those bunts, so it is something we will give extra attention to so that we continue to get better....aside from that, our pitchers continues to be a good story....we pitched 5 pitchers, none more than 2 inn, and never allowed more than 1 run per inn this weekend.... though the Blue Jays threw their ace at us for 3 inn, we had pressure on her every inn, base runners make a pitcher and defense feel a little extra pressure, and we applied plenty of it, job well done, cya on the diamond..............on a side note, Squinky came to me Thursday and told me she could hardly walk as she rolled her ankle, being around sports injuries my entire life, I thought 2-3 weeks before she is 100% again, as she showed up Saturday, she was peppered with questions, how do you feel?, did you ice on and ice off? did you elevate? did you stay off it as much as possible?, I'm good, I'm good, I'm good was all I got out of her, she hit a bomb in her last at bat, she was running really well, I holler at her when she reaches 2nd base and the 3 runs have scored, "I thought you were hurt?!!!"  her response was priceless, "I heal fast"........drama queen....cya on the diamond...

Pitching: AO - KFC - Pep - 6 inn - 2 runs - 5 hits - 2 bbs - 4 ks (that's good work)!!!!!

PS Lil Sluggers-----------6

So Cal Blue Jays---------2

This is just a small sample of what the girls have accomplished.....girls have won at a high level everywhere we have gone......no matter what others say about what we do, or how we carry ourselves, no one can take away what "Our Girls" have accomplished.....We are a "Select" team, we have the nerve to go compete vs travel teams, and when we do, we have always held our own....trust me when I SAY I AM VERY PROUD OF WHAT WE THEY HAVE DONE TO THIS POINT!!!  I had a parent tell me of the hate being spewed towards us, it fuels me, it drives me to make the girls compete even better, even though one of our players insisted on knowing who it came from, we will only get stronger with those comments, I wouldn't have it any other way.....this has been an issue with "Lil Sluggers" since we started to win.....no one ever said a word when they ran over us, Coach Roy - Coach Gordo - Coach De Lara, even Coach Clarissa, these Coaches ran us over when we were 7 years old, I didn't cry or wine about it, I simply asked a few girls if they were in it for the long run, and if so, let's give up our Summer and learn to pitch, hit, run, catch, and throw.......they did, we learned, and I knew who ever believed in what we were doing, they would enjoy the ride......it has been a heck of a ride,  and we are not letting up because of a few bad apples envious of what our girls can do.....if they put in the time, energy, and effort our girls have, they would also carry their head up high and know their skill level is above most others.....but it wasn't given to them, they out worked all others while they were at home on their electronic devises, or swimming, or at the mall, at parties, we were working, and I am proud of where the girls are now, and where they can go, we will let others continue to try and knock us down, but we will never say we got beat by a better prepared team, maybe a more focused team on that night, but we will continue to work, and will be as prepared as anyone in the other dugout.....JOB WELL DONE, CYA ON THE DIAMOND..

A PROUD COACH!!!!

vsHD Rampage

The girls continue to play strong, these games are a good test to keep us fresh for stronger Teams, and this is a good tuneup, we are heading in the right direction....Tazz lead off with a 2b, KFC cashed her in, and we were off to another strong afternoon with the stick.....Turbo - KFC - and Turtle , they showed strong in the circle, 3 inn worth of strike outs, we didn't over power the batters, we located pitches, kept batters off balance.........and only 1 throwing mistake, otherwise we were clean!!!!!!with the sticks, quality approaches, it is registering, going up there with a plan, don't just take your turn in the box, but attack the pitcher's mistakes, and make quality swings, I see the focus in your approach as batters, and the success by understanding what it is to attack - the mistakes made by the pitchers, it seems simple enough, but when the game speeds up, we lose focus, and thus the failures.....continue to stay focused, and success will always be at your finger tips.....

Turbo - KFC - Turtle - 5 inn/ 0 runs / 4 hits/ 1 bb/ 9 ks

Hitting: Tazz 3-3/ Turtle 2-4/ KFC 1-3/ Turbo 2-3/ KandyKorn 3-3/ TBird 1-2/ Beetle 2-3/ KoolAid 2-3/ Pep 1-3/ AO Sac Fly

PS Lil Sluggers--------11

HD Rampage-----------0

vs Redlands Heat

What a difference 8 months make.....what was a huge rival of ours, the So Cal Heat, it's no longer there.....while we have upgraded our roster by the addition of just 1 player, the Heat is struggling to be competitive with us on the diamond.....they are no where near their level of play last year, and though I wish they were stronger, I continue to remind myself of the 20-0 and 20-1 losses to these softball powers, and was congratulated by the Heat Coach for being the only Team to score a run in 4 tournaments, so the turn around in 3 years is good to see,  it definitely humbles me.....and to see those girls now sophomores and freshman in high school, I'm glad we chose the route we did.........

As hard as it is to digest, this game was 1-0 after 1 inn, we left the bases loaded, but still only managed 1 run in our half inn.....but as a theme which has been repeated so often, our pitching was money....Tazz - Pep, and AO did what was asked, locate pitches, we will play defense, and we will stay in the shade and swing the bat.......5 inn, only 1 run, 3 bbs, 5 hits, and 4 ks, this was enough to keep the Heat in check and off the board.....hitting was really good to see, 10 hits and 8 runs in inn #2, all off Heat's ace pitcher, our approach has been impressive to watch......with a new pitcher in the 3rd, it was much of the same result, 5 hits, 4 bbs, and another 8 runs.......

Tazz - Pep - AO / 5 inn - great job, locate pitches, good things happen...

Hitting: Tazz 1-2/ Turtle 2-2/ KFC 1-1/ Turbo 3-3/ Gemini 1-3/ KandyKorn 2-2/ TBird 1-3/Beetle 1-2/ KoolAid 2-2/ AO 2-2

PS Lil Sluggers-------17

Redlands Heat--------1 

The Select League has been a little disappointing.....I really expected our girls to be pushed a lot harder than they are, they really haven't been tested for more than a couple of inn.....so these Friendlies, they are a bigger challenge, and better for the girls to continue to compete at a higher level.....as I say this, we hadn't played the 14u Easton since last October, and now that the team was made of 03/04 players, we ran through them, with a bomb that landed 225' from home plate courtesy of TBird, and almost through the back window of a Durango parked on the street.....when we played the Dynasty 02/03, we were once again the dominant Team......the girls just continue to play strong vs good opponents....we finished the day with TeamSmith organization......it is a strong softball Academy, but we also looked like the much stronger Team, all this while changing the defensive side of the game every inn in every game....Our big challenge has been our own dugout, the girls get so distracted during the game, they forget we are playing a game half the time......I do worry for them, as hard as you think I am on them, High School is going to make our time look like grade school, so yes , I do worry for them.....I do hope it will click for them, as time is running short for some of them, and I would hate to see their play affected by the way they lose focus so easily......on the bright side, they can play, we hit 33-65 as a Team Sunday, .508 avg., that is really impressive......we outscored them 27 -6.....and we used 5 pitchers to keep them at bay, and never pitching more than 2 consecutive inn......KoolAid again continuing to improve behind the plate, she threw out 2 consecutive runners at 2nd, and I almost wanted girls to walk next batter to give her a chance to get a 3rd, but that would seem a little too confident on my part....(I should have given her the chance).......I was pleased with the work we put in, the level of play we displayed, but I will go on Amazon and order a couple of cases of EXTRA STRENGTH "FOCUS", hopefully it will help us in the long run.....cya on the diamond......

vs Team Easton

After they reach on a lead off blooper, they were able to steal, get to 3rd, and score as we were late on throw home, but we limited them to 1 run in the game, and that was it.....we matched their run, Tazz bbs, KFC gets her to 3rd, and Turbo lines a 2b off a pitch that was bounced , I've only seen that once before, he was in the Major Leagues and was known for being a great bad ball hitter, that was our version of a bad ball hit......after the 1-1tie, we erupted for 12 runs in 3 inn, highlighted by the 225' HR by TBIRD......TAZZ and KFC held Easton at bay by pitching well, job well done.....

Team Easton--------1

PS Lil Sluggers------13

vs Dynasty 02/03

We started slow on defense, the strike zone eluding us, Turtle dialed it in, and closed them with 3 ks...our turn with the sticks, we we over aggressive and had 3 routine outs.....after struggling to find the zone in the 2nd, I had a pitcher pull herself from the game, next man up, we got this, 3 pitches and 2 outs later, we were back at the plate.....we again exploded, Gemini- KandyKorn- Turtle- KoolAid-TBird- Pep - KFC all reach base, AyO and Tazz hit ground balls to advance runners, and we scratch 5 runs.....game was basically over, Turbo and Ayo closed them out in the circle, and after scratching 2 more runs, we were on to the next, KoolAid throwing out consecutive would be base runners, PRICELESS.....her improvement behind the plate is awesome, I even had Gemini insist on catching Thurs, I think she is feeling the pressure from her "Cuz".............job well done....

Dynasty 02/03-------1

PS Lil Sluggers-------7

vs TeamSmith

This is the game I anticipated to be our toughest....I watch batters take a stance, watch their swings, and it tells me a lot as to how well the team is coached on hitting.....this team was impressive with the aggressive approach they were taking....I have in the past been around our own players while watching hitters at all levels, High School, College, and travel Teams, they can break down a batters swing as well as lots of paid Coaches, that is the knowledge of the game they have achieved to this point....we use that to our advantage, and as pitchers, rather than just throw a ball, change up, fastball, every pitch is with a purpose, and we can use their aggressiveness against them, it was rewarding to watch their batters get frustrated, their coaches get frustrated, and continue to give us information the more our pitchers and catchers worked around their sticks....this is info they can use as long as they play the game, and hopefully they will continue to improve, and begin to question my thoughts with pitches, so they can grow even stronger mentally......Ayo - KFC - Tazz did well in the circle, only 4 hits allowed, only 5 bbs, and only 4 runs, and when we are putting pressure on their pitcher every inn, it was a good sign of we are here to play......only 10 players, 1 hurting to where she couldn't play, and we were bruised, scraped, but finished the weekend strong, job well done......

TeamSmith 02/03----------4

PS Lil Sluggers--------------7 (game was never that close)

3 months ago, our hitting and fielding was behind our normal numbers, I sat the girls, showed them where they were, showed them where they are normally, and CHALLENGED them, focus on what we are doing, quit making excuses, start to believe in yourself and your team, and we will start to put up numbers like we are accustomed to seeing....we have, it has gotten enormously better, and we are just scratching the surface......

Jan - 432 avg. / .827 fielding avg.

Today - .562 avg / .927 fielding avg.

12 players - Coach Joe - Coach Eli - Coach Marcus - it has made a big difference, I cherish each game these girls play, as I know what they are achieving is not normal, I am enjoying the ride, and grateful for all their success!!!!!! Cya on the diamond......

-PROUD COACH-

So, we get the pool schedule for Classic, The Factory - an established Softball Academy out of San Diego, Lakewood Hustlers, another big softball Academy but located in Orange County, Ca Panthers, mid size softball Academy in Diamond Bar.....we had our work cut out for us.....also in Tournament, Aldema Dirtdogs - out of Montebello, OC BatBusters from Orange County, lots of softball power was represented......as I looked for the Teams, common opponents, previous matchups, etc., I noticed that we were more than competitive with their accomplishments, and had beaten several Teams that they had lost to, a very good sign, but there in lied the issue, they were more than prepared to play the games, and though the match ups were good for us, we were not ready, we did not mentally prepare for the challenge on the importance of every pitch, watching the other teams, we lacked in a big way what they flourished in, FOCUS......I challenged the girls to find a way to get to the same MENTAL APPROACH other teams showed, one of our constant battles is just that, MENTAL FOCUS.......we will get there, but that is something that players themselves need to reach, I can address it, but in the end, they need to find that zone to get them to play to the best of their ability Mentally, and positive results will always follow......

vs Factory Red

Yes they were big, yes they had a good pitcher, yes they played aggressive defense, but the biggest difference, we were playing on our heels, before we flinched, we had struck out 11 times, never happened before, and though pitcher was good, definitely not the best we had faced......our approach not where it needed to be.......in the circle, 4 pitchers, 5 hits, 3 walks, and 9 runs, but if we can't score runs, it only takes 1 run to beat us.......

The Factory------9(Factory won Classic 9-8)

PS Lil Sluggers---0

vs Lakewood Hustlers

If we lose this game, we will play into the late night, and it was cold!!!!!!! I told girls, game 1 you guys played under your ability, yes The Factory was good, but we are not an 11 strike out Team, and we need to play aggressive.......KFC threw a "gem" in the circle......5 inn and 1 run, I've always told her she has it in her, but she needs to believe it herself before she can make it happen......tonight she believed, pitching isn't just being fast, it is about locating, keeping a hitter off balance, and allow the defense work for you, today as she put it together, we made the plays behind her, and that is rewarding to see......offensively, we had 2 line drive outs in the first inn, and yes, it meant we would hit as top of the lineup had just set the tone.....12 hits in the game, only 2 ks, AWESOME TEAM EFFORT!!!!!...it was cold when we finished, girls were halfway into the parking lot when we cleaned the dugout, so they didn't realize how well they played, a simple be here at this time and cya tomorrow....(Hustlers won JO Classic in March going 5-0)

Hustlers------------4

PS Lil Sluggers----5

I don't know who took this picture, I don't know where all the other girls were at, but it was such a nice park, and though only 6 Knuckleheads were in it, I hope it represents most of who we are minus 5 Knuckleheads.......thanks for sending it to me.......

vs So Cal Dynasty

we finally were able to address Hustlers game, girls finally alerted on next loss and we go home,  focus from pitch #1, make every pitch the most important pitch, no rest till we are done......we came out sharp, we jumped out on them, 2 hits and a walk and we scratched on the board....but they came right back, 2 walks and hit batter, big double play bailed us out, 1-1 tie....2 more hits, and we are on the board again......after hitting long fly ball out, we got 6 straight hits, and after ground ball out, a 3b to hang a 7 on the board.....in the circle, never a threat again, they had their inn, and Ayo threw 4 inn, we made the plays, and finished with a well needed mercy, confidence was back.......

SC Dynasty---------1

PS Lil Sluggers-----14

vs DirtDogs

This is where the wheels fell off.....we should have had a 30 min break, it turned out to 1 hr 30 minutes(darn rain), too long for this group........we lost our edge, we lost our focus, we lost our fight......as we were warming up, the DirtDogs we getting after it, I had to stop our girls a couple of times, ask a couple to sit and figure out how to better use their energy, and we watched the focus and attention to detail others were using, we then did used it for about 5 minutes, and we were back to the same thing, focus was gone, not a good sign as the DirtDogs were putting in work.....

after another 30 minute wait to start the game, we were done mentally.....we had checked out prior to first pitch....it showed...pitching was off, defense was off, hitting was off, and they were on, not a good combination.....we didn't lose because of a player or two, we lost as we didn't make the game a priority.....we just hung out in the dugout and were happy to be playing, we just showed up....it takes more than that, it takes focus, the will to push through any distractions, and we didn't have it in us.....it's a shame, I was disappointed in the lack of attention to what was asked, but that does fall on me, it was my fault I couldn't push the right button to get them motivated, good ole Amazon should help me find the answer......onto the next....

DirtDogs--------12(they lost to Ca Panthers in Semi 9-7) Panthers lost to HD Intensity 8-4, we have always beat Intensity by a mercy score in 4 inn during Redlands Select League.......huge difference FOCUS can make.........

PS Lil Sluggers--2

5th Place, and most importance,  we didn't lose more games than we won, 2-2 record......only 2 friendlies or Tournaments where that has happened, that is BEAST!!!!!!  

Jarrod "Country" Dougherty

Gone but not forgotten - 

We came in knowing High School age players would be playing............I mentioned to girls at practice, but told them it is something we have done since we started, play vs older girls, it was nothing we hadn't done before.....15-18 yr olds on 2 of the Teams we were going to play, and the area we were in, it would take our best Team effort to compete.....this is exactly what the girls did, play United, play as a Team, regardless of where I put them, they had each other's back, and it showed in the games on every pitch....we pitched like we were the older girls, 4 pitchers, only 7 hits, 5 walks, 6 ks, and 3 runs in 3 games combined.....we defended like we were the older girls, 0 ERRORS, and 1 runner thrown out on called play that was executed PERFECTLY......and we hit, boy did we hit, as a Team, 44 hits, only 4 ks, and combined 45 runs...we make no excuses when we win or lose, just play united, play together, play FOCUSED and good things will happen......

vs Corona

When we entered Ontario Friendly, I asked who was coming, Corona was first City mentioned, "We're in" was my immediate response, as they were last Team to knock us out of Pajama Jam in Corona 2 years ago.....it was a different outcome, we came out Focused, I enjoyed the complaining from Corona Coaches, down to us not having ID badges, they were actually asking their runners to bump into us so they could get the extra base......I then asked the girls to do something we don't normally do, pitch inside 6 straight pitches, strategy out the window, and Coaches needed to know we were not going to stand by and let them push us around......In speaking with Coach during game, he told me he remembered us, but never as good as what the girls showed, I just told him every Team has their day, and we had ours, especially when we could see every pitch he was calling, and sitting on that pitch....he thanked me for being honest, and he had to do better job with that.....Tazz - KFC - Turbo kept them to 3 hits - 2 walks and 1 k, and most important, 1 run.....huge double play by KoolAid catch in right field, relay from Tazz to KandyKorn to get runner going to 3rd, and we stopped their only rally of the game.....off to a good start...

PS Lil Sluggers------------18

Corona 14u All Stars-------1 (3 inn)

vs Ontario High School

Playing Ontario was not hard to get excited for, after a 2 hour break, facing a Bear look alike, we came out slugging the ball, a lead off ground ball, no problem, sharp ifield 1b by KFC, KandyKorn homerun, Turbo 1b, TBird 1b, Gemini 2b, Ayo 1b, and we pushed 4 across.....2nd inn was even better, Pep 1b, KoolAid and Tazz 2b, KFC 1b, KandyKorn bb, Turbo 2b, TBird 1b Gemini bb and we pushed another 6....we capped it with Beetle 1b, Pep bb, Tazz 1b, KandyKorn home run, Turbo 1b and we notched another 4.............with plenty of runs, and the girls all hitting at will, we faced 4 pitchers in the game, but equally impressive with our offense, was once again our pitching......Ayo threw 2 flawless inn, 2 ks, 3 balls and 18 strikes, pitch to contact and be aggressive around the plate, let the defense do their thing, Turbo came in and threw 13 pitches , allowed 1 hit, 2 ks, and it was ball game.....

PS Lil Sluggers----------14

Ontario High School-----0

vs Montclair HS

As we were getting ready to go back to back, and face another High School pitcher, I had to ask on my way out of her age, Montclair HS Junior, #3 Varsity Pitcher, #1 JV Pitcher, in Montclair, that is no joke......she was firing the ball, Coach told me 55-57 mph in high school.....I believe it, but we told the girls, SO WHAT!!!!!! she supplies the power, do you job and supply the barrel....after a quick out to start, KFC gets on with a walk, KandyKorn and Turbo follow with 1bs, and we scratch first.....but they had their inn, 2 straight 1bs, followed by a k, then we made our only mental mistake of the day....routine ground ball up the middle, we held runner at 2nd, but didn't make the throw to 1st, now a run scores, only 1 out, and runners on 1st and 2nd and 1 run across, though the inn could have been much worse, KoolAid threw out runner at 1st on line drive to right field, 2 runs across, but the explanation I got for lack of throw was exactly what we have been asking for...player came to me and said it was her fault, she told her not to throw and try and get runner that wasn't advancing, it was a bad decision, but the girls were communicating with each other, I LOVE IT...I just told them make sure and always get the sure out, as the home run play can get us in trouble with good teams, and this was a good team......we changed our approach from bring the hammer, to patience, make her locate better, and take the walk if pitch not what we are looking for, it worked, 5 walks, 3 hit batters, 3 1bs, and 7 runs, with the expecting us to sit back on offense again, we got aggressive, Pep and KoolAid walk, we then bunt Tazz - Kfc - Turbo- Turtle (with 2 strikes as she had a bad wing), and we finished with a Gemini 1b and we push 5 more across....3 different approaches in 1 game, and though I could see them getting frustrated, I had the Corona High School Coach behind me complimenting the girls with the discipline we needed to change our approach at the plate on the fly......for 3 straight inn!!!!! yes, it is good to see with the FOCUS the girls came with, discipline, production, results all followed, and what a rewarding day in the diamond..........job well done....

PS Lil Sluggers---------13

Montclair High School--2

I was asked make sure you bring your All Star book, affidavit, and League Insurance.....we check in, start warming up, and in rolls in the Screamin Eagles, Coach Steven asked me who we were playing, and then tells me he has 5 players to fill in...so much for affidavit, as that is the PONY BIBLE for Softball Teams......I've always told the girls, let's play whoever is in front of us, and make our best effort to be 1 run better and the end of the game.....we also faced Menifee and Hemet All Stars, and our girls played really well, the rust was very obvious at the start, we left runners on base and had LQ in trouble, but never the clutch hit.....by the time Hemet and Menifee were on the Menu, we were ready......it is a good start, but we have really had to balance our 8th graders schedule with practice / game schedule.....Awards/ Trips/ and soon Promotions, once we get through the last of their ever important time, we can get back to game time.....

vs LQ/Screamin Eagles

Coach Steven let me know he can never keep a full roster, so he is always looking for places for his players, and somehow he always finds his way to the other side of the diamond of our games.....slow start, pop up to short, and pop up to 1st, 2 down and lazer to left  by kandyKorn for 2 bases, Turbo 1bs her home, Gemini 1bs and we scratch first....pitching was still the same approach, 2 inn, get loose, and make a change, it was our theme for the day, and it worked to perfection....Kfc and Ayo did the work, only blemish, our corners were caught napping on a bunt, followed by a 3b to get them within 1 run....our sticks started to work together....Pep reached on a 1 out 1b, KoolAid walks, KFC 1b, KandyKorn walks, Turbo 1lbs and we scratch 3 more, time called, and finish on a positive note....

PS Lil Sluggers------5

LQ/Screamin Eagles/Golden Bears--1

KFC/Ayo 4 inn - 1 run - 2 hits - 2 bbs- 5ks

KFC 1-3/ KandyKorn 1-2/ Turbo 3-3/ Gemini 1-2/ TBird 1-2/ Beetle 1-2/ Pep 1-2/ KoolAid bb

vs SC Rattlers

We won the coin flip, we chose sticks, Coach looked at me SHOCKED....I told him we didn't want to move, and already in 1st base side.....after 3 straight 4 pitch walks, we hit 2 line drive outs, and a pop up, we will have our chance again.....Turbo and Pep handled the work in the circle, 3 inn, 39 pitches, and only 11 batters, it kept us off the field, and in the dugout waiting our turn to hit.....with 5 run limits, we only had 3 outs recorded the rest of the way, Shark Bait (TBird - she wiped out rounding 3rd, I looked but never did find the clay monster that tripped her), Beetle, Pep, KoolAid, KFC, KandyKorn and Turbo all reached base with hits and scratch our 5 runs.....we followed up with Gemini, Turtle, Shark Bait, Ayo, Beetle, KoolAid, and KFC again reaching on hits and scratch 5 more for the mercy......energy was strong, girls really wanted mercy so we could get out of the sun, and finished game in 45 min......

PS Lil Sluggers-----------------10

So Cal Rattlers-------------------0

Turbo/Pep 3 inn-0 runs-1 hit-1bb-2ks

KFC 2-2/ KandyKorn1-1/ Turbo 1-2/ Gemini 1-2/ Turtle 1-2/ Shark Bait 2-2/ Ayo 1-2/ Beetle 2-2/ Pep 2-2/ KoolAid 1-2 

vs Menifee

strong at the plate, but once again, equally impressive, 3 pitchers, 0 runs, and never in any trouble on defensive side of the game......with the sticks we did a number.....13 hits in the game, 4 runs scored in the 4th with 2 outs, they refused to be the last out.....as well as we played the 3 games, as strong as we looked with the 7 pitchers we used, none more than 2 inn, we still have and must make improvements to our game to defend our title.....the bulls eye is evident, local cities not the only ones wanting to bring us down, they are lots of people rooting against us, if we continue to work, stay focused, and just control what we can control, we are going to be more than okay......

PS Lil Sluggers-------9

Menifee---------------0

Tazz/ Beetle/ Turtle 6 inn-0 runs-1 hit-2bbs-3 ks 88 pitches

Tazz 1-3/ KFC 1-2/ KandyKorn 2-3/ Turbo 2-3/ Gemini 1-3/ TBird 1-3/ Ayo 1-2/ Pep 2-2/ KoolAid 2-2

Good work, BUT WE WILL GET BETTER, and that is a very good feeling......job well done, cya on the diamond.... 

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY LIL SLUGGERS......

THEY LOOK LIKE YOUNG LADIES, THIS IS WAY TOO FAST......

YOU HAVE A PROUD COACH, CONGRATS....CYA ON THE DIAMOND......

This crew now FRESHMAN.....hopefully their size will catch up with their ability to play softball....

CONGRATS....and on to the next ADVENTURE in HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMICS!!!! 

CHECK OUT KNUCKLEHEADS IN STANDS,  NEXT TIME I WILL ASK FOR FAMILY PIC ,  THEN GIRLS  BOMB THEM.......it's a plan......

HITTING: We have been spoiled to impressive hitting - this weekend a little different, but the strength of our defense was there to cover our sticks (4 errors - 4 games, enough clean plays to limit the damage)

Tazz 3-12/ KFC 3-12 bb/ Turbo 7-12 bb/ Gemini 5-9 4 bbs/ Pep 4-7 4 bbs/ KandyKorn 1-10 2 bbs/ Shark Bait 2-8 bb/ Turtle 5-10/ KoolAid 6-8/ Beetle 1-4/ Ayo 0-3 2bbs 

Strong weekend with the sticks in yellow, Kudos for helping pick up the slack!!!

TEAM GAME - TAZZ - KFC - AYO - TURBO worked the circle

all 11 played solid on defense, and as a Team, we "PICKED EACH OTHER UP!!!" with the sticks, job well done.....

Finals vs HD Impulse

Info from Coach Armando....3 players held back last year, they are 15 yrs old, Catcher - Pitcher - 3rd baseman.....held back to avoid other players entering High School, and so that they can have strong Season prior to High School....6 others on roster returning Victorville HS players......we had our hands full, but we planned for this game, and pitching in Semis by KFC and Ayo set up plan perfectly.......they used their Ace in Semis, we had 2 ready to go that have pitched in big games all Season, we were up to the challenge....afterKfc reached on a ball hit between 3 players, Turbo drove her home with a lousy 1b, we scratched first...the next 2 inn we left runners, but no real threat....4th inn we again had Turtle reach on a 1 out 1b, steal 2nd, and be driven home by a KoolAid 1b....2-0....then we had our inn....Coach Joe normally tells girls he feels a big inn coming, he feels it in his bones.....we didn't get that feeling from him, so I told girls we haven't had our inn, and Coach Joe has that feeling, let's have an inn.....after a great play by their shortstop to get 1st out, we erupted....3 full count walks followed by a Beetle 1b to cash in 2 runs, Turtle, KoolAid, and Tazz all followed with 1bs and we had a live Merry - Go - Round working.....fielder's choice to get us for out #2, but Turbo - Gemini and Pep all followed with 1bs, smoke cleared, 9 runs in the inn.....

Our mental approach that I have been BEGGING for was here today, the girls were pulling for each other, they were playing as one, it was good to see, 14 outs recorded on the field, only 1 k....but the location of pitches was on point in the game, Tazz had a GAME!!!!!! only 47 pitches in 5 inn, 9.5 pitches an inn avg, it is a game pitchers dream of throwing.....locate the pitch, we will make the play behind you, the most batters we faced was 5 batters in an inn, pitch to location, WE WILL MAKE THE PLAYS......as good as the offense was in the 5th, it could not have ended any better, 1st pitch change up and KFC gets out to Turtle, 9 pitch ab and they get a 1b,, but no worries, very next pitch, ground ball to Tazz, throw to KFC, relay to Turtle, game ending double play.......defense wins games, and pitching allows defense to work, it all came together at the right time.......the game is played to have fun.......with the right mental approach, this game will come easy, physically anyone can play, but what will separate us is the approach we bring with us, and for today, it was really fun to watch......cya on the diamond ...... CHAMPS........  Colton and El Monte looking forward to facing us again, WE WILL TAKE THE CHALLENGE, WE WILL BE READY...

PS Lil Sluggers-------------11

HD Impulse (Victorville HS)--0

Hitting: Tazz 1-4  / KFC 1-4  / Turbo 2-3  / Gemini 2-3/ Pep 1-3/ KandyKorn bb/ Beetle 1-2/ Turtle 2-3/ KoolAid 3-3

PITCHING: TAZZ 5 inn/ Zero Runs/ 1 hit/ 1 bb/ 1 k....ONLY 47 PITCHES....BEAST MODE!!!!!

DEFENSE HAD 14 CLEAN PLAYS!!!!!!!

Semi vs Colton

What did I learn on my way to do the coin flip??? I found out this is exact team that won the '16 14u World Series, they are mostly Colton High School players......3 8th graders / 8 Freshman , they played well.....during our hand shake, Their Manager Ana told me they will see us again, they didn't have their best day...Coach Daniel tells me he wishes he would have playedus in finals, and not Semis, as in his mind we are the best 2 teams in it......he wished us luck in finals, and said they look forward to playing us again at their home, Colton Pony Fields.....obviously I told him we are always up to the challenge, and if they get bored at practice give us a call and we will be happy to play them.....

Sleep is over rated....I was on 3 hours sleep, I now know how Adriana feels when she sleeps in her chair while we are playing, acting like she is watching, hmmmmm.....I think I may take this game too serious at times, but we came in knowing where every batter's previous abs vs our pitchers, their success and failures, and shifted our defense to those exact locations... the result???? only 5 hits, 5 bbs, and 10 defensive plays....the game wasn't easy, we put ourselves in jams, worked our way out, and just played focused ball, made the plays at the right time to keep them off the board.....at the plate, they only had 1 clean inn, we had them in trouble every inn, just kept hitting right at them, the quality swings we are after were there, they just hadn't found a gap yet....we scrated in the 2nd, pushed 3 across in the 3rd, and 1 in the 5th, most important, no base running mistakes, which made them work really hard as we were putting up quality abs......we had 10 minutes to burn in our last abs, 5 batters were able to use the clock, we all took a pitch, and time was their biggest enemy, we burned the time, and onto the finals......

PS Lil Sluggers------------------5

Colton ------------------------------0

Pitching:  KFC & Ayo - 6 inn - 5 hits - 5 bbs - 5 ks - ZERO RUNS !!!!

Hitting: KFC 1-3 / Turbo 2-3/ Gemini 1-2/ Pep 1-2/ Shark Bait 1-2/ Turtle 1-3/ KoolAid 2-2 

El Monte

Playing with an up graded roster from last year's World Series Semi Final game, though I was pumped for the match up, we didn't look like we could match their energy.....we were a step late, playing chase , but somehow finding our way to make plays....softball is the same as many other sports, ENERGY can make a huge difference, it is more than an equalizer...it allows a lesser team to play with stronger team, equal teams to look mismatched, a stronger team to make it look like they are in a higher division......down 2-0, we chipped away, though we only had 7 hits in the game, they were clutch hits, and we were able to push across 1 more than them.....but on defense, we kept them in it, our standing around, lack of energy, it kept it a close game, we ended a bases loaded inn with KandyKorn fielding the bunt, getting out at home, and making the throw to complete the double play to Joy at first.....WE WERE PUMPED AFTER THAT!!!!!! Our girls weren't really sure what happened, once I got them off the field, they realized how bad a call that was to try and bunt with bases loaded......now they were MENTALLY FOCUSED.....we scored one more, and had a couple minutes before the next game......they showed fight at the right time.....

PS Lil Sluggers-----------4

El Monte------------------3

Tazz & Ayo 6 inn, 3 runs - 7 hits - 4bbs - 2ks - DEFENSE 16 outs made with 2 errors

Hitting

Tazz 1-3/ Turbo 1-3/ Gemini 1-2/TBird 1-3/ Pep 1-2/  Turtle 1-2/ KoolAid 1-2

HD Pulse

Who is HD Pulse?? 2 players from League, 3 players held back in 8th grade INTENTIONALLY, and 6 players from VictorVille High School....so it is extremely important to have girls with energy, HD most definitely brought it.....aggressive, energy, attention to detail, it all favored their team, we fought till we had to make pitching change due to over heating, we then walked 4 out of 5 batters, made another change, but we were about 4 batters too late......that is on me, bad pitching decisions......but a step late, lack of energy, there is no excuse for that...if we bring our "A" game, and we will need it, we will be OK.....but anything less, we are asking for trouble.....tomorrow's menu includes Colton High School & defending 14u World Series Champions......we have to bring our best, anything less will send us home early....I can scout till I can't keep my eyes open anymore, but bringing the "will to compete" comes from the girls, and I will say my little prayer that girls bring it Sunday morning.....

PS Lil Sluggers-----------6(we were down 4-0, took lead, but gave it up)

HD Impulse---------------9

Pitching

Ayo - KFC - Turbo 6 inn - 9 runs (5 earned) - 8 hits/ 7 walks/ 2 ks/ 3 errors

Hitting

Tazz 1-3/ KFC 1-2/ Turbo 2-3/ Gemini 1-2/ KandyKorn 1-2/ Turtle 1-2/ TBird-Pep-Ayo bb

Tournament Season not all lost - 4 Wins - 4 More Banners

Championship Game vs El Monte 10-0 Good Gals

Championship Game vs HD Pulse 11-0 Good Gals

Championship Game vs CV Thunder 12-0 Good Gals 

PARENTS - FAMILIES - FRIENDS - COACHES - PLAYERS

WE STARTED THIS RUN AS YOUNG AS 6 YRS OLD, PICKED UP PLAYERS AND FAMILIES WITH LIKE MINDS ALONG THE WAY - I MADE A PROMISE TO YOU GUYS "COMMIT TO A FAMILY - PLAY AS ONE - DEDICATE YOURSELF TO A MOVEMENT" - WE WILL HAVE OUR FILL OF SUCCESS.......WE HAVE SEEN IT COME TO FRUITION......I AM MORE THAN PROUD OF WHERE WE HAVE COME FROM....BUT EVEN MORE EXCITED AS TO WHERE OUR GIRLS CAN GO FROM HERE......REGARDLESS OF OUTCOME NEXT WEEK....KNOW I AM PROUD OF EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU GUYS THAT HAS MADE THIS RUN A BLESSING TO BE A PART OF....LET"S TAKE THIS NEXT CHALLENGE AND MAKE IT AS EXCITING AS WE POSSIBLY CAN.....WE TURN THE PAGE TO THE WORLD SERIES AND LET'S FILL WITH AS MANY POSITIVE MOMENTS AS WE CAN, CYA ON THE DIAMOND....... ***AN EXTREMELY PROUD COACH***

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*****TBIRD WINS HOME RUN CONTEST!!!!*****

I entered this with 1 daughter, she multiplied by 11-- MI FAMILIA!!!

Ya they scurred me as well, things they come up with.............THEES FOOS.......

Games are under way....we are off to a good start.....now the real games start, let's carry the momentum to the playoffs....let's go do this!!!!!

vs Valley Wide

The plan was to save pitchers for the playoffs... count on the staff to hold the teams at bay....it back fired in the 3rd inn....KFC started us strong, but I pulled her as we were putting up runs at will, and they were not reaching base.....my change didn't go so well, by the time I made the 3rd switch we had given up 4 runs, Turbo got us out of the jam, but the runs we allowed would come back and dump us from the top seed.....it will make our road tougher, but no reason we can't still pull this off, in the end, we still need to be 1 run better then anyone that lines up against us, we got this, 1 game at a time, 1 inn at a time, 1 pitch at a time, we can still make this happen......

PS Lil Sluggers----------14

Valley Wide--------------4

Hitting: Tazz 1-2/ KFC 1-2/ Turbo 2-3/ Gemini 1-2/ Gemini 1-2/ Pep 2-2/ TBird 1-3/ Turtle 2-3/ Beetle 2-2/ Ayo bb

Pitching: KFC - Turtle - Turbo/ 4 inn-4 runs-10 hits-1bb-6ks

vs Shafter

This game we all looked forward to, but we realized after we saw pitcher warming up they were not the power of the division.....14 run first inn, and we put the brakes after 7 batters.....it was that bad...but most important, we used 3 pitchers in game, and only 2 hits in the game, defense did what was asked of them, and offense was in stride all 3 inn....job well done, onto the playoffs.....

Shafter Bakersfield------0

PS Lil Sluggers----------14

Pitching: Tazz/Ayo/Turbo 3 inn-0 runs-2 hits- 1 bb- 2 ks

Hitting:  Tazz 1-2/ KFC 3-3/ Turbo 2-2/ Gemini 2-3/ KandyKorn 1-2/ Pep 2-2/ Tbird bb/ Turtle 1-1/ Beetle 2-2/ 

vs Colton

FIRST I START WITH A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO OUR PARENTS- THIS PARENT UNITY FOR ALL PLAYERS HELPED BRING THEM OVER THE TOP....IT WAS A GREAT FEELING FROM A COACH TO EXPERIENCE....I WISH OUR GIRLS CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE THIS KIND OF SUPPORT FOR ALL OF OUR PLAYERS, IT REALLY DOES HELP THEM BOND, WE ARE ONLY AS STRONG AS OUR PARENTS, AND TODAY WAS AWESOME!!!!

This was more of a grudge match than a game.....Colton not playing the game with respect, the way it's supposed to be played, they are actually playing "Bully Ball".....though we had a slow start, we came on with a !BANG!!!!!......POW......VAMONOS!!!!! Tazz reaches on her 4 at bats, KFC hits a BOMBASO!!!!Turbo coming through when needed with 2 hits, Pep reaching base in her 3 abs, Turtle stretching a single into a double, and Beetle and Ayo starting the rally with "lousy singles", KOOLAID reaching base in her only ab, ..as a Team we were on it, we will need this times 2 vs El Monte, Si Se Puede!!!!.....the fight the girls showed when we had to match the emotion shown by Colton, It is something I will never forget....we overcame, our mistakes, and playing flat....we matched their emotion, played inspired to take the fight out of the bullies....and the fight was a "memory I can pass on to future players"...that is how you fight a bully, one pitch at a time, rip the cover off the ball, and put up crooked numbers on the board.....I AM PROUD OF THE FIGHT, A BIG SPOT IN MY MEMORY IS BEING FILLED BY THESE AWESOME PLAYERS...I CAME INTO THIS WITH A DAUGHTER WANTING TO FOLLOW IN HER COUSINS FOOTSTEPS, AND AM WALKING  AWAY WITH A FAMILY THAT HAS THE SAME PASSION I DO TO COMPETE AT A HIGH LEVEL!!!!!

WE HAMMERED THE BALL.......WE PITCHED WELL.....AND PLAYED WELL ENOUGH ON DEFENSE TO HOLD OFF THE BULLIES, JOB WELL DONE, NOT LET"S TURN THE PAGE ON FOCUS ON EL MONTE!!!!

Hitting- Tazz 3-3/ KFC 2-4 and a BOMB!!!/ Turbo 2-3/ Pep 1-1/ Turtle 1-3/ Beetle 1-2/ Ayo 2-3

Pitching- Tazz & Ayo 5 inn/7 runs/6 hits/ 4 bbs/ 1 k

Let's turn our attention to El Monte- WE CAN DO THIS!!!!

The AGONY of DEFEAT......vision from outside the gate, these moments can be the best thing for a player, it CAN drive them to SUCCEED, walking off after being outplayed by opponent, this is what makes GREATNESS if we SEIZE the opportunity...time will tell....

I personally apologize for not having them as prepared as other teams we faced on this day, I always take losses very personally, and refuse to sit back and allow them to think it is OK, but we will re focus on where I went wrong, and get it right....though they were teams we had beaten several times this Season, they made the adjustments needed, and now it is up to myself to make adjustments, pass it to the players, have them buy in, and show we can still play at a high level we are all accustomed to watching......A BIG THANK YOU TO PARENTS FOR ONCE AGAIN TRYING TO ENCOURAGE THE TEAM.....IT IS A GOOD FEELING FROM A COACH AND PARENT TO HEAR PARENTS BEHIND THE ENTIRE TEAM, WE JUST CAME UP SHORT, AND FOR THAT I APOLOGIZE TO ALL PARENTS...IT'S ON ME.......AFTER 17 BANNERS and 3 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIPS......well....this is hard to swallow, but the strong minds survive, and we are blessed with very strong minds......

vs El Monte

El Monte came to play....with Pitcher Ortega making first appearance vs us this Season, she came with a focus that put a big challenge on us.....she delivered, she out played our bats, and we tip our hat to the work she put in on this day......we will have another day, but how we approach after this type of loss can really define a player, we can allow other team to dictate the pace, or we can dig deep, make a change in our approach, and improve our game every time out.....

El Monte---------8 ( 14 hits/ 7 in 1st 2 inn for 5 runs)

PS Lil Sluggers--4 (9 hits)

After taking a big loss to El Monte , we had to re group, and get back on the diamond to compete at a high level.....my comment to girls prior to pitch one in this World Series was this, HD Pulse is the best hitting Team in the Tourney, we need to be perfect to beat them, or they could be a road block as they hit the ball extremely well.....it showed up in the game, they hit line drives in every direction, they didn't need or wait for our assistance to score, they hit the ball hard...one of our biggest strengths through the years has been our ability to hit the ball, these 2 games we didn't get it done, we didn't string enough quality abs together to keep it close, the better hitting team on this day won both games, it will make us stronger if we as a group and individuals learn to get better from our failures, continue to grind out abs when pitchers are on their game, NO EXCUSE - learn from what allowed us to fail, improve on that, and put it to work in the game....Softball and Baseball is a game of adjustments, we can choose to improve, or we can choose to feel bad for ourselves and stay at the level we are at, I think we need to choose to improve, it's all we know, it is how we have played, and it is what we will continue to do, cya on the diamond...... WE NEED OUR MOJO BACK!!!

HD Pulse-------10 ( 10 Hits)

PS Lil Sluggers-1 (4 hits)

vs Laces

So we came in to play the Laces.....and even though we've played Laces since we were 10, this is a different team, and definitely much stronger.....they came ready to play....they started early, and then we were always chasing.....down 4 runs in our last abs, we pushed across 3 runs, but it still left us shy 1 run.....we had 5 physical break downs on defense today, they cost us 4 runs.....we had 3 mental lapses on offense, which cost us 3 outs, that means instead of playing with 21 outs in a game, we gave away 1 inn, not a good thing......after starting our Series strong, we didn't bring the mental edge we needed, we need to mature between the ears, our "hat Rack", come play with a purpose, a hunger to succeed no matter what it takes, and make sure no obstacle is too big, the mental part of the game was won by our last 3 opponents, they were invested, they were hungry, and though the mistakes we made weren't big, it was enough to allow others that had a huge agenda to beat us be successful......

Yucca Laces-----7

PS Lil Sluggers--6

so what went wrong?   well when playing an emotional tactical game of softball, you have to be 100% invested, it doesn't matter your role, you need to be 100% in your part and make it happen......we tend to just go through the motion at times, and that is normally when the action comes your way....21 clean plays in 7 inn game, in the process of those 21 plays, you need to mix in quality abs every time in your offensive inn.....that is 21 outs you are playing with, and how you approach your ab, how you do your job, that is what makes a team tic.......quality 21 outs on offense, clean 21 outs on defense, if broken down this way, it sounds easy enough, right?....not really Coach, that's a whole lots of numbers,....but if we take the game 1 pitch at a time, the mental part of it is easy, this is where we struggle, this is where we fall behind the teams that are turning the corner when they play us,  but, and there is always a "But"...we need to grow with the mental part every pitch, and the game will come easy, 21 outs defense, and 21 outs offense, 1 pitch at a time.... the MENTAL PREPARATION of those 21 outs is the difference....we need to push hard to stay MENTALLY in the game so that we can do our part in those 21 plays......doing your part by staying sharp on the mental side is what will separate us from anyone else our age.....there is a reason for every pitch, every play, and how much we invest ourselves Mentally that will make a big difference......we can do it, we will do it, cause we need to do it, the "SMARTEST PLAYER WILL ALWAYS WIN", PERIOD!!!

Though we didn't get the results we were all hungry for, having won 21 World Series games in a row before losing our last 3, and I know you guys realize how competitive I am...this may have been one of the most enjoyable journeys I have been a part of....I don't like to lose, it drives me to put in the time to get better....12u Triple Crown World Series Champs, why?, "Good Chemistry"....12u USSSA Elite 16 World series Champs, why?, "Good Chemistry" 10u CCYB World Series 2nd Place, why? "Good Chemistry", 11u Triple Crown 4th place out of 84 Teams, 13u CCYB World Series 3rd Place out of 72 Teams, WHY the Success of these Teams?...."GOOD CHEMISTRY"

OUR girls, OUR Team experienced this, it started in game vs Colton, it carried over vs El Monte, and though girls were running on fumes, we felt the PARENT CHEMISTRY vs Pulse.....It was very evident in game vs Laces, down to the last out......I do not like to lose, I think I've shared that, but what keeps me coming back, OUR girls.....obviously not for the money, I considered it at High School level, but money changes why you are there,  but the Chemistry our girls are receiving from the positive PARENT support is what allows them to grow, And the PARENT SUPPORT WE AS A TEAM RECEIVED Was as good as anything I have ever been a part of...We will be ready after our short break for Vegas, and with the TEAM CHEMISTRY at an all time high, I will do everything I can to make sure we are ready to compete at the level we are all used to watching, the CHEMISTRY we are a part of is what will take us there...........Lil Sluggers--I came in with 1 daughter, and I now have 11 kids, 11 ball players, 11 sisters, and most important, 1 TEAM...man I love this game, cya on the diamond....

Hard to get these girls to smile, they are not into the picture thing.....

Remember when......this gift exchange with the 8u PS Team was PRICELESS!!!

When asked to trade with Team, a couple of theirs said "We want Lil Sluggers..they're Champions"

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YUMA AZ/CA BORDER MADNESS 

"The Squad" before game vs E1 Davila.....

So after I got home, I sent email to Tourney Director JJ (E1 Prospects "PRES")...

a simple Thanks for hosting  us, and he put together a competitive Tournament at an Amazing Softball Complex.....I got 2 things back from him of interest to you girls.....our Pool Bracket was the hardest he put together, he was told we were really good by other Prospect Teams, so he grouped us with stronger Teams to balance the playoffs....it worked, every Team in our pool made it to Semi Finals except us, the 4th Team in it was Yuma Stars, which means we played this weekend vs every Team in the Semi Finals.....Venom beat E1 Davila to reach the Finals, and E1 Nunez beat Yuma Stars to also reach the Finals, Venom then beat E1 Nunez 3-2 to win the Championship game.....so we did EXTREMELY WELL going 3-1 in YUMA, as hopefully we learn from this, we can compete with anyone, and extremely IMPORTANT to play the game 1 pitch at a time.....the 2nd thing he told me, his umpire crews made comments of how professional you girls played the game, and wondered why we didn't have E1 on our Jerseys.....he then saw results more closely from our games, and realized we played much better than most of his E1 Teams in our division, even beating his personal 02 players that were loaned out to E1 Davila......so he may be paying the desert a visit and convince us to be E1 Prospects.....it's not that I would entertain it, it's the compliment of JJ - PRES recognizing you girls can ball without the "Special Training" all other Organizations receive, he was surprised it was just Coach Joe, Coach Eli, Coach Lil Marcus and Myself that runs the Lil Sluggers....I wasn't offended, just took his compliment in stride and Thanked him for His compliment of how you girls play the game....JOB WELL DONE....CHAMPS...cya on the diamond..... 

This weekend we played AWESOME!!!!! every game was competitive, we played strong, Pitching was AWESOME....KFC..Boo Boo...Turbo...all did a FANTASTIC job in the circle, our pitching was HUGE this weekend...KandyKorn and Gemini more than handled their own behind the plate, all 3 pitchers much different in pitches they throw, and catchers adjusted well to all 3 of them....defense I can't compliment enough, Players had to adjust quick to positions, and no matter who I put where, we looked like we belonged...Turtle, Pep, Beetle, T Bird, BooBoo, Tsunami, KoolAid, no matter which way I moved them, we continued to make the plays, and BOY DID I MOVE THEM....it wasn't that I said , "OK now your turn here, your turn there"....it was done by necessity, and I'm glad ALL OF YOU WERE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE!!!!!.....and of course, what I always say is the strength of our Team, we hit the ball, we hit the ball hard, we hit the ball often....1-5 in the order (KFC-KandyKorn- Gemini- Turbo- TBird) brought home 36 hits combined in 4 games...6-10 in the order (Turtle - BooBoo-Pep -KoolAid-Beetle-Tsunami) brought home 17 hits....no matter who other pitchers  pitched to, we had lots of success as a team...... so yes, I'M PROUD of the way we performed for 4 games, we just came up short 2 outs in the game we needed most....it happens, we learn from it, we move forward, and we look forward to the next challenge, job well done, cya on the diamond......

vs Venom 7-3 us

vs E1 Davila 12-2 us

vs E1 Nunez 9-8 us

vs Yuma Stars 6-5 them (AWWWWWW!!!!!!!)

AND BE PROUD TO WEAR THE INVISIBLE BADGE OF BEING THE ONLY TEAM TO BEAT IV VENOM THIS WEEKEND!!! THEY WENT 6-1, THAT 1 IN THE LOSS COLUMN WAS TO THE AMAZING ACADEMY LIL SLUGGERS....

YAAAA!!! WE WORKED!!

Cost for Tournament - $25 player

Gas back and forth - $30 day

Food - snacks - water - $75 day

Energy & Effort to play - $00000

All I ever ask the players, give the TEAM 100% ENERGY - 100% EFFORT, and we will always have a chance to compete with anyone....but it can't be partially invested, it must be 100% of the time, PERIOD.... END OF STORY!!!!

Here is what our game results look like, and trust me it doesn't tell the story of how these games were played.....( DOUBLE ELIMINATION TOURNAMENT - must lose twice in playoffs)

QUICK NOTE - HIGH SCHOOL ONLY ALLOWS 20 GAMES IN SEASON - LATE FEB -EARLY MAY/ WE JUST PLAYED 9 GAMES in 2 DAYS/ as a warm up FOR WINTER SEASON.

(Round Robin)

Game 1 12-0 win vs SGV Klutch

Game 2 6-3 loss vs Prospects

(PLAYOFFS)

Game 3 6-3 loss vs Firecrackers

Game 4 win vs Laces 6-4

Game 5 win vs Kaos 13-3

Game 6 win vs Dynasty 11-4

Game 7 win vs E1 Prospects 6-3 (Semi Finals)

Game 8 win vs Firecrackers 18-16 (Championship Game - Must win 2 times)

Game 9 loss vs Firecrackers 4-3 (Championship Game - If Necessary Game)

Offense 75 runs scored / 46 runs allowed-oops...way too many...6 wins - 3 losses

Hitting : Tazz 11-25 / KFC 15-23/ KandyKorn 14-26/ Gemini 10-25/ Turbo 12-24/ TBird 15-22/ Turtle 11-24/ Pep 10-21/ KoolAid 9-18/ Tsunami 4-17

Pitching: Tazz 2 wins 1 save/ KFC 2 wins 1 save/ Turbo 2 wins 1 save/ Turtle 2 saves/ 46 innings

Yes, it was Firecrackers 1st loss in game 8, which meant we had to play again....I did know that was a possibility, but I wanted to keep girls focused on current game, and never look ahead...after we lost Saturday, we had the longest road to Championship...girls kept asking if we won this game, if we win that game , are we in finals, I never gave them a straight answer, as I wanted to keep them focused on the ONLY game, OUR NEXT GAME.....our next game turned into 6 games in 1 day, and PARENTS....YOUR GIRLS SHOWED ME SOMETHING----HEART - WILL - DETERMINATION & WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW - EXPRESSO SHOTS BEFORE SEMI FINAL GAME ......I wanted to call it a day after we beat Firecrackers, pitchers were sore, catchers were giving everything they had, we were spiked, bruised toe, bruised thumb, hurt feet, playing with HEAVY HEARTS, and we started with 2-3 sick at 7:00 am...Firecrackers were happy to get the win without playing the final game, but I was looking out for girls and willing to concede the game.......as I was letting them know we wouldn't play next game, the GIRLS SAID, "NO WAY--WE ARE PLAYING", I let them know we really were on fumes, our 4 pitchers had 27 inn already, we needed to just go home and nurse our achy bodies, and call it a good tournament....they wouldn't hear it, they were playing, and that was that...we let them know we were staying, and they settled on 1 hr 20 minutes drop dead....it made for a great game.....but the time crunch did work against us....we had 4 minutes on the clock and were were down 4-3....if we don't score in 4 minutes, it's over...we got the lead off 1b, umpire tells me 3 minutes, we call hit and run, foul ball, and yes, their coach was taking time between pitches to kill the clock, part of the game I never do, as I let girls determine the outcome, not my stalling, but it is fair game and I do understand the strategy.....2nd pitch we get out number 1, umpire lets me know we have LESS THAN A  MINUTE.....I tell next batter swing and we are off...ball was caught for out #2, we had runner tag up and try and advance, she was called out....even if she was safe, time was expired.......and it was our last opportunity, we just came up about 3 minutes short on the clock from trying to put something together.....they did win, BUT, and there is always a BUT.......THE HEART - FIGHT - GRIT - DETERMINATION they played with all day long, it was all I ever ask for.....LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FIELD.....and I can answer for the girls on this one, we gave every bit of energy we had, we played with determination as we were tested in every game, the TENACITY you showed SUNDAY can take you girls a long way in the game, once you show up with it, it is hard to take away, IT'S OUR JU JU, OUR MOJO, IT'S BACK.....AND WE CAN'T LOSE IT IF WE PLAY EVERY PITCH 100% OF THE TIME....and I AM PROUD OF WHAT I WATCHED YOU GIRLS PULL OFF.....PLAYING FOR EACH OTHER ....PLAYING UNITED...PLAYING AS ONE......IT WAS REALLY FUN TO WATCH....cya on the diamond.......

Parents picked up chair they thought belonged to one of our Parents, Turtle gave it a try, and barely got into it.....in unison, they said it belonged to Peter....sorry Pete, but girls found your chair in Vegas!!!

 To place in Tournament is always a good experience, we represented well !!!

Sunday Playoffs

vs Artesia Punishers

This Team was for REAL...they could hammer the ball, they played solid defense, and we were in a battle to find a way to advance....Tazz worked the circle, only allowing 8 hits and 1 walk and 1 K in the game, which meant we were playing solid defense behind her, when there were plays to be made, we made them....line drives to Gemini at 3rd, no problem....line drives to KFC at Shortstop, no problem....ground balls to the right side, Turtle and Turbo on duty, no problem...TBird - Pep - Koolaid - Beetle - Tsunami, all took their turns working the garden, we handled it....behind the plate, KandyKorn and Gemini were locked in.....they had 1 rally, we were ready to make the pitching switch, having put on plays to get runners off the bags, we couldn't connect all game long, finally it worked by Tazz calling it, throwing behind the runner, getting the final out, and ending the rally to send us to the Semi Final game....a short rest, and onto the Semis...

PS Lil Sluggers--------8

Artesia Punishers------4

Semi Final vs So Cal Athletics

The last time we played a Team from So Cal Athletics we went 2-1 vs them, we beat them, they beat us, and we beat them again to win it.....this is a great organization, and it showed up on Sunday...yes they had a couple of big players, but that is nothing new, we are usually the smallest Team and youngest Team on the field....what hurt us in this game, was we left our solid defense we had been playing the last 9 games on break....too many "routine mistakes" to overcome, Ayo pitched a solid game, but we didn't have her back.....our bats will always keep us in games, the way our girls hit the ball, we always have a chance to come out on the positive end....our sticks did their job...we had pressure on the Athletics all game long....the last inn was exciting to watch and be a part of.....down 3 runs, KoolAid led off with a 1b, after fly ball out, it was 1 down and KoolAid on 2nd....Tazz then 3bs over the right fielder's head, run scores, still down 2 runs....KFC then laces a 2b to left-center and scores Tazz, 6-5 and still down 1 with 1 out....pop fly in infield, 2 down and still need KFC to tie the game....Gemini steps to the plate, on an 0-1 count, she rips a 2b of her own, score now tied, 6-6, 2 down and go ahead run Gemini standing at 2nd....Turbo in the box hits a 1-2 line drive to left center for another double and Gemini scores the go ahead run....fly ball to left to end the rally, but it was a loud 4th inn......KoolAid 1b - Tazz 3b - KFC 2b - Gemini 2b - Turbo 2b, in clutch at bats, it put us in a good spot.....well, then came the defensive side of the ball...up 1 run, we gave up a lead off walk, tying run now on base, we then give up a 2b, winning run on 2nd base, we give up a single, 1 run scores, winning run on 3rd, they hit another 1b, we lose, they delivered when they had to, we left them in a position to win the game, by our mistakes in the game earlier, but the fight they came back with down 3 runs in 1 at bat, THAT IS IMPRESSIVE!!!! it normally doesn't happen, usually Teams down by that much late in the game just quit, WE DIDN'T, WE FOUGHT TIL THE END, WE JUST CAME UP 1 RUN SHORT.......the fight our girls are playing with, the emotion they are coming to the game with, the never say I'm out attitude they are now making as part of their game, it is what will have us compete at any level.....though that 1 run kept us from the Finals, it was a STRONG PERFORMANCE in VEGAS.....we have played well out of the gate this Winter, if we keep this approach, WE WILL KEEP ROLLING....job well done LADIES, YOU PLAYED AWESOME 2 WEEKS IN A ROW (and 14 Games)....short break and we will get back to it, cya on the diamond.....(though I didn't take any Team pictures, 8 of the Girls went out down Fremont St to go Zip Lining for KFC's Birthday ( I will post pics sent to me asap), it was an experience I didn't expect, and to hear the girls talk about it is rather funny...I knew I should have stayed to scout Teams, lesson learned, but I caved from parent pressure (ADRIANA) for skipping out on last Team function in order to scout Teams....YOLO is over rated, next time I scout, and you guys can play....cya on the diamond)......

PS Lil Sluggers------7

SC Athletics---------8

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Vegas Hitting: Tazz 8-14/ KFC 7-14/ KandyKorn 6-13/ Turbo 6-9/ Gemini 9-13/ TBird 7-12/ Turtle 4-11/ Pep 4-8/ KoolAid 3-8/ Beetle 2-4/ Ayo 3-6/ Tsunami 1-4

Vegas Pitching:  Tazz 2 wins - KFC 1 win - Ayo 2 saves - Turbo 1 win

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I need to bring needle and thread next time, look at all the holes in the girls pants, they can't take care of anything!!!!................

960 lbs + 400 1bs = 1360 lbs of softball POWER!!! (Pep - Beetle - Ayo - Tsunami missing)

KFC Birthday @ Fremont St and Zip Line rendevous

Girls gotta eat..food was good, company was better....

Sat Results

Game 1 vs Lil Rebels - 6-6 TIE

Game #2 vs LV Scorpions - 14-3 WIN

Game #3 vs LV Rockies - 12-0 WIN

A really strong start, 2 wins and 1 tie, we end up the ! seed as we allowed fewer runs than the Lil Rebels, it puts us in good position for Playoffs... our pitching did awesome, Turbo / Ayo / Tazz / KFC all worked the circle and kept the other Teams from doing any real damage, our damage control with the defense doing their job is what we worked on in the short practice week...and what is always good to see, our sticks traveled with us to Vegas, 1-12 we hit well, when their number was called, when plays were put on, they executed....it leaves us in a good spot for the playoff run, hopefully we can keep the 3 phases of the game going, we can't win if we fall short on any of them.....

3 Games on the line, and after not having the best of practice, we had to prove as a TEAM that we are in it for each other, and continue to play as a TEAM ....we lose our focus too quickly, it's when we realize it takes all of us to have success, alone we will not ever play at our best, and this weekend we showed that "together".......we are a TEAM.....hopefully our girls can realize THAT WE ARE STRONG TOGETHER, AND WEAK AS INDIVIDUALS.....and I as a Coach watched a TEAM play extremely well in all phases of the game....we pitched well, AYO started us in game 1, KFC closed the game.....Tazz kept it rolling in game 2, Turbo closed it down......KFC followed in game 3, and Tazz closed it out as time ran out with AYO back in the game......Catchers had it fairly easy, our pitchers locating with their glove work behind the plate kept us in positive situations all day long, KandyKorn - Gemini - KoolAid did an awesome job....DEFENSIVE side of the ball....we made all the routine plays minus 1 ( 2 players failed to communicate loud enough- better 2 than none), and though a ball was hit to the fence, if our approach was different it could have been caught.....besides these 2 blips on defense in 14 inn, we were clean and made the routine and tough plays that came our way.......hitting once again continues to roll, we are making lots of noise with the bat, and seeing the reaction of TBIRD go yard to deep center field on the faces of TNL......that was sweet.....their 1st base Coach had just made the comment of not playing for the bunt, and POW......200' bomb in Center Field.....a comment was made that, "No way they are 14u", I heard it, so I had to share with them, "we are 1st yr 14s with 4 2nd year 12s".....WOW.....their reaction once I filled them in with our age....but I did wish them luck with the "older Teams" than us...... still hanging around in 14s, we are half their size......we played strong, in all 3 phases, and all on the same weekend...it is a great sight to see when these girls play together......IT MAKES IT A MUCH EASIER RIDE HOME....or was i just feeling the effects of hanging at the park all day long with the aroma from the "flowers"?.....TODAY, IT WAS A GOOD DAY......cya on the diamond.......

Game !

PS Lil Sluggers -------8

Marucci Patriots------1

Game 2

PS Lil Sluggers--------10

SoCal Raiders----------1

Game 3

PS Lil Sluggers-------12

TNL-------------------0

We came in with a plan....catchers and pitchers were to call the game, focus on approach from hitters, pitch to their weakness.....it worked, when their first hit came, it wasn't that we "didn't catch it", it was that we made a bad pitch....I immediately asked catcher what was called and where the location was, pitcher responded she made a bad pitch....I LOVE IT!!!! recognize the mistake, correct it, and learn from it...after a walk we got out of inn with routine ground ball...in the 4th inn, same situation, 2 down, miss location and they hit the ball, we didn't drop it, they hit a bad pitch from our part.....pitcher/catcher recognized it, made correction, and we got out of inn again....learning from mistakes is what will make them better, making an excuse for mistake, well.....it's not good.....they took responsibility for mistake, thus moved on and it didn't hurt us......games and teams will get better, but it is always the same approach, look and see what the batters are giving us, take advantage, locate, and let the defense work..... we had a great day at the plate, and once again, zero in on "your pitch", hit the mistake the pitcher makes, and it turns into "quality at bat", quality at bats make for positive results....this more than anything is what we have worked on at a young age, they are just now starting to understand it a whole lot better as they get older and wiser in the game....it is good to see them mentally prepared, not make excuses, and hold themselves accountable for their play on the field.....cya on the diamond.....

Game 1

PS Lil Sluggers-----8

Hemet 16s-----------0

Game 2

PS Lil Sluggers-------15

Hemet 16s------------2

Hitting:

Tazz 4-6/ KFC 6-7/ KandyKorn 1-5/ Gemini 1-3/ Turbo 2-4/ TBird 1-2/ Turtle 2-5/ KoolAid 2-4/ Beetle 1-4/ Ayo 3-4/ Tsunami 2-4/ Pep 1-4

Pitching:

Tazz 2 inn/0 r/ 2 h/ 2bbs/2ks- Turbo 2inn/0r/2hits/1bb/1k- Pep 1inn/0r/0h/0bb/3ks

Ayo 2 inn/2 h/4ks- KFC 2 inn/2r/2h/1bb/2ks - Beetle 1inn/0r/1h/0bb/0k

KandyKorn 3 inn catching- Gemini 3 inn catching - KoolAid 5 inn catching (only 1 stolen base in 10 inn)

Why on earth would I post this picture for LV Lil Rebels Friendly???....GLAD YOU ASKED!!!! We are supposed to learn from our loses.....we are NOT supposed to let our lack of focus dictate the result of a game....well....we did....our lack of focus dictated our play, and against an above average Team, it hurt us....we as a Team were more focused on what "Taco Lady" was saying, and their girls were saying, than staying in the moment.....we pitched really well, 5 inn by Tazz and Ayo combined, only 5 hits - 4 walks, but 2 HUGE mistakes.....we allowed their runner to advance on a delayed steal, simply by not paying attention to her, then on a "Routine" fly ball she scored, this is a run that should not have scored.....on a second play we made 3 mistakes , that is THREE MISTAKES ON 1 PLAY.......after recording an out at first base for out #2, and their #12 batter coming to the plate, we made a throw that should never have been made, mistake #1, then instead of playing corner of the bag at 3rd we reached and allowed the ball to get passed us, mistake #2, and by spectating on the throw from left field instead of backing up the play, the runner at 3rd base walked home, mistake #3.....this is also a run that should not have scored....these are mistakes we talk about endless times, we practice endless times, but we CONTINUE to make them as the LACK OF FOCUS comes from within, Coaches can't do it for them....so 2 runs they scored should never have crossed the plate.......on offense, Jillian, their pitcher, same pitcher we score 11 runs against last time we played her, and 7 runs against the time before that, well, she held us to 4 hits, yes, ONLY 4 HITS.......once again, LACK OF FOCUS AT THE PLATE.......don't get me wrong, I KNOW MORE THAN ANYONE WE WILL NOT WIN EVERY GAME, but how we win, and how we lose does make a difference in our approach to the game.....one of our "TEAM LEADERS" echoed the lack of focus I was worried about, but instead of getting fired up, players got offended she said anything.....hopefully us as players can change this, I'm a big boy and I take it when players continue to laugh at whatever I say, but when your own Team feels the same lack of focus, you really do need to check yourself, I need to change my approach, or the "struggle" against good teams will not change, until I am willing to make the change myself.......good pitching - good defense minus 2 plays - but we couldn't add our sticks to the game, and we came up short because of it.....onto the next....

PS Lil Sluggers----------2(only 4 hits - Tazz-KFC-KandyKorn-Turbo)

E1 Prospects-------------3  

VS LV Lil Rebels

A little insight as to why I was going to make sure we played in this Friendly....when we played this Team in Vegas, I was trying to run the time out on the clock without opening a new inning...it ALMOST BACKFIRED....up 5-1 with 8 minutes on the clock, if we get them in order, we need to play another inn, I had the girls stretch the inn by walking their batters, just to burn the time left in the game, well....after we intentionally walked 3 batters, we couldn't get the last out.....we finally did, but it wound up 5-5, and I have had a hard time coming to grips with the strategy....it worked, but man were we close to giving that away, and it was my single most KNUCKLEHEAD MOVE I have done with this group.....

So we scored early, we scored often, and was glad the approach changed in the game from the way we started....we had "quality swings"....it helped that their outfield play was struggling, they dropped balls, missed cuts, and we took advantage......it helped that their shortstop was afraid to get in front of the ball, it helped that their 2nd baseman was also afraid after she played a ground ball wrong and also got hit in the face.....it helped that we were aggressive on every mistake they made, we create our own LUCK by putting QUALITY SWINGS on pitches made to us, "HIT THE BALL HARD AND GOOD THINGS WILL COME OUR WAY".....this game was a good example of it, we hit the ball hard, and even though most of our hits are plays I EXPECT OUR GIRLS TO MAKE, the quality swings allowed us to reach base frequently........the result of a game is not something we can take for granted, it is something that we have to create by being totally invested in every pitch....though it sounds hard to do, it's not, the game flies by when we are emotionally invested......hopefully we can make this a pattern, it can take us a long way in the game, and hopefully I can find a way to bottle it up, and bring with us to every game from here on out........quality pitching once again, defense did their thing, and more importantly, our bats woke up to the tune of 16 hits (though our girls make most of those plays), and aggressive base running made it for a good way to end our day, cya on the diamond.....

PS Lil Sluggers-------10

LV Lil Rebels----------3

Stats after our 21 games:

15 Wins - 5 Loses - 1 Tie

Hitting:                                              Pitching:

Tazz--------.500 / 28-56                    6 Wins - 3 Loses - 1 Save

KFC---------.589 / 33-56                    4 Wins - 2 Loses - 2 Saves

KandyKorn--.491 / 27-55                     Catching:  40%  (4 Th Out / 6 Steals)

Gemini -----.491 / 26-53                      Catching:  50%  (4 Th Out / 4 Steals)

Turbo------.553 / 26-47                    3 Wins - 0 Loses - 4 Saves

TBird ------.580 / 29-50

Turtle------.458 / 22-48                   0 Wins - 0 Loses - 2 Saves

KoolAid-----.425 / 17-40                     Catching:  30%  (1 Th Out / 3 Steals)

Beetle------.313 / 5-16                      0 Wins - 0 Loses - 2 Saves

Ayo---------.563 / 9-16                      2 Wins - 0 Loses - 2 Saves

Tsunami----.273 / 7-29                      

Pepsi-------.452 / 19-42                    0 Wins - 0 Loses - 2 Saves

***I had a parent from other team tell me he forgot how competitive our girls play, he told me we looked small when we were warming up, he said like “ bobble head players” with our helmets on, after game he told me our girls are better than what he was told we were, and he wishes his daughter was 2 yrs younger so she could play with us, and not against us, he left shaking his head having watched us play, job well done ladies, cya on the diamond, CHAMPS.....

We needed the work, we needed to prove to ourselves that we can play with this group....we last played the Tribe Dec of 2016, they beat us 9-7, and we played sloppy that day....today, we realized the importance of making quality pitches, selling out for fly balls that come our way, and most important, NEVER QUIT IN A GAME......I told the girls 3 things with the Tribe.....They can hit really well, they have a shaky defense, and we can hit their pitching....well, we scratched a run in the first, but we played shaky with their abs.....though balls are hit hard in the air, we have to give ourselves our best chance to catch them, that happens by "selling out 100%".....we did limit the damage to 3 runs, but now the girls needed to dig deep and show we belong with the big girls.......we pushed across another run, and this time we shut them down........we wound up catching up to their pitcher, hit the ball hard, then dropped bunts to make them chase the ball....as planned, we had them chasing us around the bags, 4 runs then 3 runs and closed with another.....defense was strong after the first inn, pitching was strong after the first inn, and hitting, well we got stronger as the game went on, the approach we brought is what I hope we can carry onto the field no matter where we play or vs who we play, yes, we came up on the positive end of the score book, but the way we did it is what was impressive, the way we fought all game is what makes the game fun to watch, win or lose, and this time around, it was a win for us..... job well done, cya on the diamond.....CHAMPS!!!!

PS Lil Sluggers-----10

PS Tribe------------3

Pitching: Tazz 2 inn - 3 runs/ Ayo 2 inn 0 Runs/ KFC 1 inn 0 Runs

Tazz 2 hits - KFC 2 hits - Turbo 1 hit - TBird 1 BOMB - KoolAid 1 hit- Beetle 1 hit - Ayo 2 hits - Tsnami 1 hit - Pep 1 hit

Hitting: TEAM - 12 HITS - 10 Runs - 6 stolen bases, JOB WELL DONE!!!

T BIRD WENT YARD AGAIN!!!!!!

Tune up for Yuma, Laces have played us strong, but we need to show we can play and be ready for anyone we may see in YUMA.....we had a strong start, Tazz Bomb out of the gate, KandyKorn matched her with another lazer, Gemini and Turbo finished our scoring punch, 2 across and off to what we needed to do....2nd inn defensively we again had a clean inn, but with the sticks we left our game plan, 5 straight bad abs cost us 5 outs, our approach has to change at the plate, slow the game down, zero in on one pitch, and put a quality swing, we can play strong together...after our little talk, 9 out of 10 batters reached base, they changed pitchers, and we scratched 7 runs.....AS A TEAM, WITH A PLAN AT THE PLATE, WE CAN CAUSE DAMAGE....Ayo and KFC worked the next 3 inn and though they did reach base, nothing was ever hit hard enough to hurt us, the quality of locating pitches, changing speeds, and solid gloves behind them, we made short work on the diamond.....at the plate, we did it again, 4 of the next 7 batters reached on hits, with the big blow, a line drive up the middle off Ayo's bat to knock out their pitcher.....again, this was to keep our timing and game speed with Yuma in mind, hopefully we can carry it with us, and Represent So Cal strong in the AZ/CA Border Madness!!!!cya on the diamond, CHAMPS......

Yucca Laces-------0

PS Lil Sluggers----12

PITCHING: TAZZ - AYO- KFC / 5 inn - 0 runs- 2 hits - 5 bbs - 4 ks

Hitting: Tazz 2-2/ KFC 2-3/ KandyKorn 1-1/ Gemini 2-2/ Turbo 2-3/ Turtle 1-2/ Ayo 1-2

PRACTICE: 

Lil Sluggers Back At It

June 10th: Games - location and times coming soon

Thurs 5/31: Practice 6:00-7:30 ish./ Demuth #5...shake the rust, focus on the mechanics,,,,get back to remembering how to play aggressive -confident softball 

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DIRTBAGZ WEB PAGE: www.leaguelineup.com/12dirtbagz 

For a group of girls that got together in late Feb, we were able to play fairly good softball.....it took a while for them to understand the importance of every pitch, the importance of somewhere to be on every pitch, the importance of moving runners and not playing Hero ball, but somehow we managed to compete vs every team we faced,,,was I surprised??? YES....and tho we were not the Lil Slugers, we did get all Teams to "TAP OUT" of our in house End of Season Tournament....Teams decided they didn't want to play us, so just our luck, NO TOURNAMENT......it's a compliment we will take in stride, notch our belt as a victory....job well done "DirtBagz"......."next man up" mentality with this Team was how we survived, we had roster of 13 players, but only had all players show up on 6 games, we filled the holes, played ball and had positive results most of the way....JOB WELL DONE!!!

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        -CHAMPIONS- *****Making Money LIKE A "BOSS"*****                        

BIG DAWGS Below came up short only on the scoreboard, as they were HUGE!!!

Pacoima LongHorns.....or as our girls were saying...."BIGHORNS"!!!!!!

X Mas Classic Tournament 

Saturday our focus was on point....pay attention to detail, play just a little bit better as we are short handed AGAIN...but with the help from Laces in Max and Micky, we played AWESOME ....our FOCUS is exactly what we needed to compete, and it was good enough for 2nd seed and a rematch vs the Host Riverside Rage....Sunday our approach was different, as soon as we made an out at the plate, we carried it to the field, we were no longer playing as one, as we allowed our failure at the plate to take our MENTAL approach out of us....we did hit the ball well, enough to score 1 more run than the Rage, but it was how we played that was an issue....I challenged the girls after the game, get your mental focus where it was Saturday, or we will fail in the Finals, we got by the semis, but we need to play as one, and the attitude being displayed was not going to give us a chance....it changed, they came back SHARP, and we played one of OUR best games EVER!!!!....we were back to the MENTAL FOCUS that can overcome talent by the opposition....we kept our FOCUS, OUR MOJO, OUR JUJU...and we saw how ugly it can be to LOSE FOCUS from the other side...Coaches cursing at Umpires, players CURSING at Umpires, and Parents blaming Coaches, Umpires and anyone else that would listen to them.....in the end, OUR ATTITUDE CAN MAKE OR BRAKE US, BUT WE MANAGED TO REGAIN OURS, KEPT OUR HEAD WHERE IT NEEDED TO BE, AND PLAYED THE GAME OF THE YEAR FOR US, AND I AM PROUD TO BE THE ONE TO CARRY THE GEAR, JOB WELL DONE...CHAMPIONS!!!!!, CYA ON THE DIAMOND....

Extremely important FACTS!!!!....we played 2 games Saturday, KFC - Micky- Turbo - Pep pitched, we only struck out 2 batters of a possible 37 batters...that means the other 10 players made 35 PLAYS ON DEFENSE TO GIVE US A CHANCE TO COMPETE....KFC-PEP-TURTLE-TURBO-TBIRD- MICKY- GEMINI- BEETLE- TSUNAMI - MAD MAX, THEY MADE 35 PLAYS TO HELP COMPETE, A TEAM GAME!!!!

Sunday was the same thing, KFC - TAZZ - MICKY HANDLED THE PITCHING,  3 strike outs of a possible 51 batters, which means defense made 48 PLAYS ON DEFENSE TO WIN THE GAME!!! KFC - PEP - TURTLE - TAZZ- TURBO- TBIRD - MICKY - GEMINI- BEETLE - TSUNAMI- MAD MAX, YES THEY MADE 48 PLAYS TO WIN THESE GAMES!!!!!

Why do I EMPHASIZE what I as a Coach and other competitive PAID Coaches do all the time, put together a game plan, hope for the best execution possible, and put the TEAM in a position to compete...we did it this weekend, not with 1 player...it took 10 on Saturday and 11 on Sunday, it's never 1 player, WE COMPETE AS A TEAM, PERIOD!!!....and this weekend, 85 plays made by a TEAM to win 3 games and only lose 1 game by 1 run.....it takes a TEAM....and though we were shaky Sunday morning, the FINALS we continued to play as ONE as I had to remind in a stern way we need to play together, not playing as one and playing selfish...WE SHOOK THAT ATTITUDE, PLAYED TOGETHER, AND CAME HOME WITH POSITIVE RESULTS, ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE COACHED, IGNORE THE OUTSIDE NOISE, AND DO YOUR JOB, GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN....JOB WELL DONE, cya on the diamond.......CHAMPS!!!!!

Hitting Heroes: KFC 9-11/ Tazz 3-6/ Gemini 6-9/ Mad Max 5-10/ Turbo 5-10/ TBird 5-7/ Turtle 2-11/ Pep 3-8/ Beetle 3-5/ Tsunami 2 bbs- Sac Bunt/ Micky 1-4 Sac bunt-2bbs

Pitching:  KFC 5 inn- 4 runs-7 hits- 4bb/ Tazz 4.2 inn-4 runs-6 hits-3bb-2k/ Turbo 1 inn-3 runs-2 hits-2 bbs-1k/ Pep 3 inn-0 runs-1 hit- 1bb/ Micky 3.1 inn- 6 runs-5hits-4bb-1k

3 Wins 1 Loss - Tournament Champions

Finals vs Pacoima LongHorns 

Our first time we played this Team it was a Defensive Game as well as a Pitcher's duel....the big advantage we had, we used 4 pitchers Saturday, the most they pitched was 3 inn, we were strong for this game.....LongHorns used 1 pitcher all 3 games, and she was warming up for our game after just playing in a 6-3 game vs El Monte, advantage Lil Sluggers bats......we won the flip, but we chose sticks....we went down 1-2-3 with some rather bad looking abs, but the way we headed out to the field was what I was asking of them in the Semis, play hard, live with the results, and move on, STAY FOCUSED.....after Micky struck out their FAST lead off hitter, they put 3 hits and 2 runs across, fly ball to KFC and fly ball to Turtle and we LIMITED the damage, 2-0 Long Horns....then we came to life....Max struck out on 10 pitch at bat....as she came in, I told her that at bat will help the rest of the team, she can't put it past us anymore, she is low on gas.....Turbo drives first pitch up the middle for a 1b, then Goliath, I mean TBird HAMMERS a 2-2 pitch to DEEP center field for a HOME RUN......after another quick out, Pep laces a 1b to left center, Micky gets hit, Tsunami running in her place, KFC follows with a 1b...Coach didn't want to pitch to KFC, they wanted to walk her and pitch to Tazz...it was a HUGE MISTAKE...Tazz drove the ball to deep Left Field and scored Tsunami and KFC, Tazz on 2nd and we were PUMPED!!! Coach Marcus then showing his "dodge ball" skills as our girls were pulling the ball hard down the line, Gemini then reaches on an 8 pitch at bat, we knocked their ACE out of the game.....after a pitching change, Max laces a double, smoke clears, we pushed 6 runs across, and as we had witnessed from the other Coaches, they were coming unglued....as I stayed to watch them Saturday, the minute there was any pressure, the Coaches were tough on the players, to the point where it affected their play, well it was happening in our game as well..6-2 us after 2nd inn....they immediately reached on a bloop 1b, Turtle laid out for it, but didn't quit, she threw the ball to 2nd, it got away, but Mad Max backed it up and hosed runner at 3rd to Micky for the out....Coach let her have it, parents and Coaches yelling at her for getting out, it was getting ugly....we retired their fast runners for the 2nd and 3rd outs, and I was listening to the other dugout imploding......we picked up where we left off, TBird bbs, Turtle laces a 1b and we have 1st and 3rd....fake bunt steal and ball rolls into CF, runs cores, Parents blaming Coach for bad strategy, Coach yelling at girls for calling the play....Pep 1bs and scores Turtle, things all positive for the Lil Sluggers crew...after a leadoff bb, they hit 1b to right field, next batter, their pitcher, 1bs both players home, but as she was walking back to the base, we back door pick her and she never saw it coming, OUT was the call, then they fell apart, 2 parents asked to leave the dugout, pitching Coach after a couple of F BOMBS was asked to leave, several choice words later, umpires threatened to forfeit the game, as they were sorting it out, I brought all our players to the circle, we all shared a "small chuckle".....but I reminded the girls, this team can hit, keep our focus, and let's finish this thing......the very next pitch landed ON THE MOON!!!! glad she didn't get extra runs for distance as she launched it......Micky was running out of gas, I called time, we were loaded with pitching options, I asked the girls, which one of you guys wants the rock, Tazz said ME, KFC was told if she can't go, you come get her, we got this......strike out followed by a pop up and we were back in the dugout, but was it a very loud F BOMB LACED LOUD INN......8-5 us in the 3rd.......we again got hot, they brought back their ACE, by this time it didn't matter....Gemini 1bs, Mad Max 2bs, Turbo 1bs, and though they made plays to get us out, the girls were playing at the top of their own game which meant as a Team we were ON POINT!!!!.... 10-5 going into bottom half inn, 5 minutes on the clock,  I went to stall game as I did NOT WANT TO SEE THE BIGHORNS BAT AGAIN!!!!, THEY WERE HUGE!!!!....I told girls , I am only here to kill the clock, we have 5 minutes to burn, the umpire wants us to get this thing done, so here I am burning time....they were at the top of the order, SHE WAS FAST....bunt 1b.....the next 4 batters were STUDS....specific instruction, DO NOT CHALLENGE THEM, THEY WILL HIT, LET'S PITCH AND MAKE THIS HAPPEN......fastball away, she hits it off the end of the bat, KFC gloves it and doubles runner off 1st, 2 down and 1 to go.....curve ball away, off the end of the bat again and we make the play, my thought, this happened too fast, and we may start another inn.....I actually had my head down in thought for next inn when I heard BALL GAME.....I had to look up to be sure, and yes our girls were jumpin all over, we just did it, pulled off the BIGGEST UPSET in 14u SOFTBALL this day, and is it ever rewarding for this equipment guy......these girls earned it.....only 1 catcher Gemini with emergency catcher in Tbird....Pitchers KFC - Pep - Turbo - Micky working Sat as we were short .....infield filling in where I needed them , Pep 3rd base, Beetle 2nd base, Turtle in Outfield, Tsunami, 2 run saving catch to keep us in the game vs LongHorns....Micky - Tbird - Pep - Beetle all holding down their spots....Turtle, Turbo, Kfc, Tazz, and the help of Mad Max holding our own in the infield......I always tell the girls, play for each other, play as one, don't let the outside noise interfere with what we are doing..... and I have to share, as I was moving players after our substitutions were made, I asked a couple of players what they thought for 2b, IMMEDIATELY THEY SAID BEETLE!!!! It was the right answer, it was the obvious choice, but the players saying it told me they were in it for each other, and they had TRUST!!!!, we went on to win the game, and how they played it UNITED is what allowed it to happen, JOB WELL DONE CHAMPS!!!!!!! cya on the diamond........

Pacoima Long Horns------5

PS Lil Sluggers-------------10

14u X Mas Classic  CHAMPIONS

Semi vs Riverside Rage 

We came out and quickly gave up 2 runs, much the same the first time we played them, no ones fault, they just came to play and hit.....we then matched their start, KFC 1b, Tazz 1b, Gemini 1b, Mad Max 1b, Turbo 1b, and we were back in front 4-2...the alarming thing was we then made 3 consecutive outs, and our focus was gone....they had a 1b in their next at bats, but we some how figured out to lose our Team game.....KFC got us back in the groove by going Yard, 5-2 game in our favor, but in the dugout it felt as if we were losing....players pulled away from, me, players walked away from me, and it was effecting our play....we made mental mistakes on the field, but it was becuase we allowed our failure at the plate to dictate our play, 3 1bs and an error and it was back to 5-4....as soon we got our abs back, T Bird started us with a LOUSY 1b as Equipment Coach constantly asking for....Pep followed with a 6 pitch ab 1b up the middle, Beetle cashed both in with 1b up the middle, KFC followed with a 1b but we were back in control..7-4 top 4th.....KFC came in to releive Tazz in the circle, and after a long inn by the Rage, we limited the damage, they had 6 runners reach, but only 2 scored, they were back in it, but we held them off when it could have been much worse...7-6 after the 5th.....they led off on another mistake by us, 3 pitches later we get the 1st out, tying run on 2nd....Fly ball to Micky in left and we had 2 down and 1 to go...they hit a 1b up the middle, tie game, but we are the home Team and still get our last chance....their best hitter then hits a ground ball to end their rally, KFC's knuckle ball was on, whew.......our last chance, we need 1 run to win it...Pep leads off, and they let an infield fly drop, Pep reaches and Tsunami lays down a perfect bunt to get Pep to 2nd.....Kfc Laces a 1b up the middle, 1st and 3rd with 1 out...Tazz at the plate, on a 1-2 count, we had talked about driving the ball to right field all game as their Lefty pitcher was throwing a screw ball with massive break to it, she bloops it to right field, Pep comes in to score, ball gets away, KFC scores behind her, we did what we had to, we pull off the hits we needed and scored the 1 run we needed to advance....onto the finals, LET'S DO THIS!!!!!!

PS Lil Sluggers-----------8

Riverside Rage----------7

vs Riverside Rage

We are playing missing 3 players that play key roles on our team....but we plugged the holes without skipping a beat....play every pitch, know what our job is, and never lose our focus, we put it all together!!!...We had 1 bad inn...we came out slow, and they pushed 3 runs across...it all changed after that point, after we hit into a double play on a hit and run, we played really strong.....5 runs across in the next 4 inn, and Pep dialed it up for 3 inn in the circle to allow us to finish on top....Gemini was a BEAST behind the plate, and TBird chipped in and helped close the game as a catcher, YES A CATCHER, I should have used her back there more often.....a slow start, but a whole lot of action after that....we hit up and down the line up, we made plays all over the field, and it turned out good for us....

Riverside Rage-------3

PS Lil Sluggers-------6

vs Pacoima LongHorns

They were ANIMALS!!!!.....my curious mind always working, I asked their Coach where they were from, and how old they were...7 - 02 and 3 -03...YES, HIGH SCHOOL SOPHMORES!!!!!....our girls kept saying how big they were....I told them we have played vs older girls since we were 7 yrs old, what's one more game???? every batter was tough, they played clean DEFENSE, and had quality at bats....in saying that, we took it up a notch...KFC and Micky threw a gem in the circle.....we made all the plays behind them and kept the game close....time running out, chasing a run, we lead off with a bunt 1b, follow it with a 1b and we are now 1st and 3rd, then it happens, the stall tactic....Coach slows the game down by taking a visit to the mound, as soon as he breaks up the huddle, he calls game, 1st and 3rd , no one out, and we lose by one....it's stratedgy, it worked for them, but hopefully we get another chance at them on Sunday....job well done, cya on the diamond.....

PS Lil Sluggers-------1

Pacoima Long Horns--2

Strike Out Hunger Tournament Champions - IN BEAST MODE FASHION

 Size us up against any of our Opponents, "We Don't Look Very Intimidating", I have been told we look like a bunch of Kid Sized BOBBLE HEADS warming up wearing our helmets...and I stood back and watched, and we actually do, BUT the way our girls play the game, we can play with anyone if we channel our focus in the same direction for 90 minutes, and we were ALL A WITNESS TO HOW AMAZING THEY REALLY CAN PLAY, TOGETHER, UNITED, DISCIPLINED, and most IMPORTANT, WITHOUT ANY OUTSIDE DISTRACTION, BEYOND WORDS TO SEE THEM TRUST IN OUR SYSTEM, BELIEVE IT CAN BE DONE, AND EXECUTE IT WITHOUT HESITATION.....this game will be extremely hard to repeat, BUT, after having watched it once, we all know it can be done again, BELIEVE THAT!!!!! cya on the diamond.....CHAMPS

Boo Boo - KFC- KoolAid- Gemini- Pep- Tsunami- Turbo- TBird- Beetle- Turtle- Tazz- KandyKorn

12 Players - 1 Softball Family - "BEAST MODE CHAMPIONS" 

Our Softball Buddies from the High Desert...Yucca Lady Laces...always a Big Test on the field when we play.....

So we start with Laces on the day, and finish with San Jacinto before we head into the playoffs....our goal was to be top 3 seed to avoid 5th game, Laces and San Jacinto wound up with 5th game, and it showed with the pitching....ONE of the MOST IMPORTANT things I have tried to teach girls is the IMPORTANCE OF PITCHING and how it dictates a game.....offense and defense, if you don't understand what a pitcher is trying to do, you will struggle on both sides of the ball.....on defense, LOCATE pitches, make a batter leave her comfort zone, and swing at something that looks like a strike, but is off the plate enough to give the advantage to our defense....thus we get ROUTINE ground balls, ROUTINE fly balls, and we record ROUTINE OUTS......when that pitch is not executed, that is when they HIT the ball hard, and wind up on base, and lots of times score runs as a result.....all because of understanding the importance of PITCHING on defense.....HITTING is the opposite, FOCUS on ONE pitch, let all other pitches go, there is a PLAN before you go to the plate, Focus on ONE PITCH, and live with the result of your best swing on that ONE PITCH.....the Pitcher is trying to get us out on her pitch, and if we do not FOCUS and show DISCIPLINE, we will get out on her pitch......we finally saw what this should look like in the playoff games.....vs Kaos and vs Laces, we showed discipline and focus, if they hear it enough, hopefully it will be engrained in their "lil brains" and they will be able to apply it every time they take their turn to hit......and hopefully it's not an approach or plan they forget anytime soon, as success is in their "hat rack", and now THEY WERE WITNESS to following a plan....and we as parents, WOW was it exciting!!!!

vs Laces

Our approach wasn't there, messing around during warm ups, hands in pockets during drills, it wasn't a good look....I addressed it, and it carried with us to the field....to the Laces credit, they were pumped to play us, and we as a Team didn't take it serious enough.....they squared up the ball and drove it all over the place in the first inn, we were playing chase, we were down 3-0 before we blinked......hitting, we were chasing her pitches, not quality abs, and Lady Mo packed her gear and went to sit with the Laces.....they scratched another run, again, quality abs on their side, just trying to limit the damage so we have a chance to get back at them.....3rd inn we got started, Turbo - TBird - Turtle had consecutive hits, Beetle Sac Fly, and we now had made it a game, 4-3 them....they pushed 1 more across, and time expires, they get the game, but one more game before the playoffs....

PS Lil Sluggers-----3

Laces---------------5

vs San Jacinto

It was a pitcher that we knew would take her lumps, struggled with location, and didn't spin the ball.....14 hits, and every inn was filled with runners, we had quality swings, but we knew we had the pitcher over matched, and we did what we needed to do....now another break so the playoffs can begin.....

PS Lil Sluggers-----14

San Jacinto---------5

Playoffs vs Kaos

With the game time moved up, we were in rush mode to get loose.....but it didn't allow for the girls to lose focus as we so often get into the habit of doing....we were in the moment, and though I heard them saying this was the field we lost on last year, I just told them let's focus on now, 1 pitch at a time, and we will live with the results.....LOCATE pitches, and if they hit, limit the damage, and we will take our turn with the sticks.....we did just that, though they Hit the ball, we did what we had to do, and they didn't score.....we on the other hand, we were locked in, Tazz bbs, Gemini 1bs, KandyKorn bbs, Turbo 1bs, Tbird bbs, Turtle 2bs, Pep, Ayo and Beetle all reach safely and we are up 5-0 after 1 inn.....2nd inn was same for the Kaos, after 2 1bs and a bb, we limited the damage, 3 straight batters retired and ZERO runs, LIMITING THE DAMAGE.......we continued to hit, Tazz 1b, KFC 2b, KandyKorn 1b, Turbo bb, and we push across 2 more runs......it continued on our side, Turtle 1b, Pep 2b, Beetle Sac and we push another across, Tazz 3b, KFC 1b and we push another just as time expires......onto the Finals, and we just shook our Demons from the World Series loss on field 6....

PS Lil Sluggers-------9

Kaos------------------0

FINALS vs LACES      

WE Had a PLAN to attack their pitcher KATIE....she handled us in game one, but had an approach to change things....we were pumped, but the Laces were swinging hot bats, and they put up 5 runs in 2 inn on quality swings, we had 1 error, but they were playing really well on offense......we didn't execute our approach in first inn, we allowed her to only throw 4 pitches, and record 3 outs.......but as girls came in the 2nd inn, we reminded them, Katie has thrown 4 games already, she is tired, we can't let her off the hook, sit on screw ball inside, and turn on it...DO NOT CHASE ANY OTHER PITCH, SCREW BALL INSIDE AND TURN ON IT!!!! Coach Ernesto kept his same plan, Screw Ball inside, and we made them pay......KandyKorn 2b, Turbo 2b, TBird 2b, Turtle rbi ground ball, Pep went Yard, YES PEP WENT YARD!!!!!, all this noise, and we are back in it, 5-4 Laces with only 1 out in the 2nd inn....KoolAid starts us again with 1b, Tazz follows with a 1b, Kfc at the plate and they call time.....I let coach Joe know KoolAid ties the game, and Tazz we take the lead, well we kept hitting, KFC 1bs, Gemini 1bs, KandyKorn 1bs, Turbo ground ball rbi, TBird 1bs, Turtle 1bs, Pep walks, POWER hitter, they didn't let her hit the ball again......KoolAid hits 1b that somehow found it's way threw the infield, Tazz 3bs, and one of our highlights, with the throw coming home, KoolAid rounded 3rd, there was a collision at home as the ball beat her there, but in case anyone missed it, KoolAid took out the catcher Montana in the collision, knocked the ball loose, and danced around her to score the run, WOW, this is just how the inn went for us.......KFC singles, even though the ball was 1 foot from a home run she only made it to first, hmmmmm , Gemini 1bs, and we finally made the 3rd out on a hard hit ball from KandyKorn's bat to 3rd.....SMOKE CLEARS, 3-2bs, 1-3b, 1-HR -10-1bs/ and a walk, 15 runs come across the plate, and we are now up 15-5 after 2 inn, what an inn it was.....every batter was reminded, STAY WITH THE PLAN, TRUST IT WILL WORK, AND THEY DID, AND THEY HAD QUALITY SWINGS WAITING FOR 1 PITCH.....Tazz and AYO shut down the Laces bats in the next 2 inn, locating pitches, not just getting the ball and throwing it, locate your pitch and make them swing at your pitch....they put up zero runs in 3rd and 4th, and though we didn't score any more, we didn't get cheated, we had great swings, they just made the plays....... we EXECUTED OUR PLAN to PERFECTION......trust and believe, then execute, it all clicked in the game, all at the same time, and boy was it fun to watch, hopefully we can take away the importance of quality warm up, and focus on the plan, and we can rejoice on the results win or lose, this time around, it was a BIG WIN!!!!!, and most important, "LADY MO" back in our dugout!!!!.....cya on the diamond CHAMPS......

PS Lil SLuggers--------15

Lady Laces-------------5

We are off and running......though we were off to a slow start in game 1, it didn't surprise me as we hadn't played in almost 3 weeks....timing was off, and good thing pool play games are just for position, as Sunday will be FOR REAL!!!!!....after our slow start in game 1, we dialed it back up in the following games, 2 & 3 were much more the way we are used to watching the girls play, much more energy, a lot more life to our step, and results reflected it in the game.....we saved our pitchers, paced our catchers, and shook the rust on the field, all game time coming back after the 3 weeks between games, and yes I was "Jonesing" to get the girls back in a REAL GAME.....LET'S BRING HIGH ENERGY FOR PLAYOFFS...LET'S DO THIS...

vs OutLaws

Not having played these girls in almost a year, it was a very different team......but we just didn't bring it, they had 2 hits in the grass, all other balls they put in play were fielder's choice by us, except we didn't execute on 5 straight ground balls and it cost us.....when they had a strong 1b to right field, we turned a double play yet missed the "routine" plays on lack of execution, it just didn't click for us in game 1, it happens, we had SUGARo between games, and onto game #2....

SC OutLaws-----------6

PS Lil Sluggers--------1

vs Lady Laces

Could we continue to score the way we did 3 weeks ago?....kinda of, we put runners on, we moved them over, executed bunts, and kept scoring .....one of most exciting plays, we ran on 1st and 3rd...full count and 1 out, catcher threw the ball past the center fielder...before you knew it, Tazz in a run down at home and after a slight collision, she scores, all on a 1st and 3rd walk!!!!!!....we played like a much different team, and yes we came out on top......Pep had a great outing in the circle......3 inn, 0 runs, and only 1 hit, Tazz her normal self, 3 inn 0 runs and 1 hit.....good bounce back game.....

Lady Laces-------0

PS Lil Sluggers---6

vs Big Time Softball

We came to hit in this game....we hit often, stayed aggressive on bases, and scored lots of runs.....hit the ball hard, put pressure on the defense, and live with the results......it worked out.....in the circle Turbo threw 3 inn, 2 hits, 2 unearned runs, and KFC came in to close the deal to allow mercy score      that got us off the field early....it was a great team win, even with only 2 outfielders to close it out....hmmmm.....a subject I will leave alone......we put it together, and hopefully with the game time rust now gone, we can bring our "A" game on Sunday, we will need it...cya on the diamond.......

Big Time Softball------2

PS Lil Sluggers-------13

SEMI FINAL vs Laces

As much as we want to win every game we ever play, it won't happen.....the best thing that can come from a loss when we do lose, is "LEARN FROM IT"....ask yourself, what could I have done different, every player on the team could have done something different from this 1 run loss to make a huge difference....the last inn approach from Laces as a fan of the game was fun to watch.....they MENTALLY had GREAT at bats....we know the feeling, we have been there before and done the same thing, we were down 5-1 in Hemet, and we MENTALLY had the best inn I have been a part of since Colorado 2004....but they executed the exact same way, and we paid a heavy price for it.....was the game lost in the last inn???, NOPE...it was a 6 inn game....we scratched 5 runs-5 hits-1bb in our first at bat, 5-0 us....in the following 5 inn we only had 5 hits, left runners in scoring position with BAD at bats....we had 12 batters come up and have an advantage in the count, this is what we HOPE for as a batter as the pressure is on the PITCHER to make a quality pitch in order to get us out, of those 12 at bats, we had 12 routine outs on OUR side, meaning the PLAN we had, the APPROACH we need to have success every time we step to the plate, it wasn't executed on OUR part.....DISCIPLINE puts you in good opportunities, but then taking advantage of that position requires the same amount of DISCIPLINE, this is where we went wrong.....10 POP flies in the infield, and 2 ground balls, THAT IS 12 OPPORTUNITIES WE LET GO AND DIDN'T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF!!!!!! THEY COST US 5 RUNS!!!!!.....so we should have been 10-1 going into the 6th inn......yes we made mistakes in the last inn, 3 were huge on the field, but as much as we didn't execute our at bats, WE NEED TO GIVE CREDIT TO LACES HITTERS......they put together 4 hits, 1 walk, and 3 errors to score their 5 runs, and 6 of those that reached base for them by error or hit were DONE WITH 2 STRIKES ON THEM.......they executed their plan at the plate when they needed to, we didn't execute at the plate when we still had a big advantage......like I asked them to think about on the way home, WHERE COULD I HAVE CHANGED MY APPROACH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.....That is what will make us better for the next game we play.....FOCUS, ENERGY, ATTENTION TO DETAIL, all these over rated, but can't compete without them at any level....we catch like HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS, WE THROW LIKE HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS, WE HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE TO HIT LIKE HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS, BUT WE NEED TO KEEP THE MENTAL APPROACH LIKE HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS IN ORDER TO ELEVATE OUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL......BE THE REASON WE PLAY WELL AS A TEAM, NOT THE REASON WE ARE THINKING ABOUT WHAT WE SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER......it will come, that light will shine bright, we just want it to happen before we graduate high school, not after we put away our glove, pass on our bat, and look back at that last game and say, wow, I wish I could have done this or that different, it's not too late, but it comes from each player individually, and man it can be a really big difference......the game has always been described as 10% physical, 90% mental, meaning the "smartest" player should always come out on top.....if that is the case, we should have plenty of positive results left in us!!!!! cya on the diamond.............

PS Lil Sluggers-------5

Lady Laces-----------6

We are back at it again......it was a good start to a new Season......goal today was to regain our Team chemistry we have played with in the past.....though we were not all here, we did play strong, of the 15 inn played today, we had 2 inn where we didn’t execute the routine like we normally do, but I did expect it......what I didn't expect was for us to be able to clean it up as fast as we did...it's a great start, and best of all, it will get better.....atta girls......best of all, way to have each other's back when we had an issue where we were threatened by physical violence....really??? on a softball field????....and yes, after dealing with that non sense, we played really strong as a unit......job well done....

Game 1 vs So Cal Crunch

PS Lil Sluggers--------16

So Cal Crunch----------0 ( Their pitcher is OK, but the importance of a mask in the circle right!!!)

Game 2 vs X.E.L.

PS Lil Sluggers Boxing Academy----11

X.E.L. Bullies-------------------------7 (I did let him know we are 14u Team/ with an 11 yr old)

I was addressed in aggressive manner by Coach, I simply told him we wouldn't back down from any physical threats, and was willing to call off girls as we are here to play softball, not be bullied, he apologized for their comments, and game finished on good note, we need to learn to keep OUR KOOL, as it is a game we are playing, not looking for a fight...we play with respect to the game, and we never back down, but we do play it the right way, ALWAYS!!!! 

Game 3 vs BTS

PS Lil Sluggers---------18

BTS----------------------1

Hello fellow visitors.....

vs So Cal Crunch

For those of you that don't know, Crunch is made up of mostly Varsity Hemet High Softball, they dominated their area, but as some Coaches try and stretch the rules, they used an ineligible player and lost 6 league games to forfeit as a result.....hmmmm...we ran into Coaches stretching rules this year as well, after hearing Directors "Esplain" themselves, I wasn't shocked , we'll leave it there.....after we got out on 7 pitch at bat, it set the tone that we would hit, and I was already in lining up pitchers for the day, as I was in thought process, KFC ripped a LAZER up the middle that took out the pitcher, it sounded as if something broke, it was not a good sight, and thankfully my prayers were answered and pitcher was able to continue to hit in game, she just didn't pitch anymore.......KFC stole 2nd, and like old times, Turbo 1bs her home......Shark Bait bbs, and Turtle 1bs to right and drives Joy home, Pep followed with another 1b, and we were back doing what we normally do, score runs.........Tazz took to the circle, 23 pitches, 2 inn, and 0 runs, working on polishing her pitches, she was done for the game.....with the sticks we didn't let up, our 11 year old P Dawg 1bs, Tazz followed her with a 1b, KFC doubled to right, a plan of ours after watching their defense set up.....Turbo 1bs, Shark Bait rocks a 3b and now 6-0 good gals.....Turbo took the rock and threw the next 2 inn, 3 meaningless 1bs and a bb, no runs, and Hemet High nucleus walked away wounded as they couldn't manage to scratch......we weren't done, we pushed across 10 runs on 4 walks and 8 hits, Tazz bb, KFC 1b, Gemini bb, Turbo 2b, Shark Bait 2b, Turtle 1b, Ayo bb, KoolAid 1b, P Dawg bb, Tazz 1b, KFC 1b, we pulled ourselves off the bags 3 times to get out of inn, and with 7 minutes on the clock, they tapped out, good start for a new Season.....

PS Lil SLuggers--------16

So Cal Crunch-----------0

We had Ayo in the circle, she throws strikes, and after 3 straight runners reached with our help, 2 errors, we got out of inn by 2 pop ups to Gemini behind the plate.....simple words to the girls, "we will score, we will clean up defense as I expected some rust, lets go do this, plenty of game left......down 3 runs, Tazz led off by playing great dodge ball and reaching on a walk....X.E.L. was the site host, most players from Valley Wide High School, Div 3 softball......KFC ropes a 1b to left, after a line drive out to 3rd, Joy hits 1b up the middle and we scratch 2 runs, Shark Bait follows with a 1b to score Joy, and turtle cashes in Shark bait, they flinched, and we were up 1, 4-3 good gals....we hit the ball well this game, we scored lots of runs, we had another hiccup in the game on defense in the 4th, but were never in any real trouble.....what was a little upsetting, after trying to get lead runner at 2nd, our throw took Tazz into the base line, she collided with runner coming in, the rule on that play is "defensive interference" - we were in the base path without the ball, a change in rule this year, it came as we made a bad throw which took Tazz into the base line, it's a play where it's unfortunate 2 players collide, it happens, but it escalated more than it should have after that....these type of plays happen, it is to be expected, but how we control our actions is what makes us who we are....Gemini comes in telling me their Coach told their player to "Knock us out next time".....I simply instructed girls how we handle the play on the field, we have been in situation before, and we took care of it on the field....that is "how you play the game".....what their Coach said has no place in the game, nor is it something I would ever let the girls ever be a part of, we play softball, not MMA!!!!! As I thought we had situation handled, I had their Coach come and call me out, I had him follow me out of dugout, it wasn't going to happen in front of girls, as he vented what he thought we were saying, I told him he had it wrong, go ask his Coach what instruction he was giving his player to "knock us out"......we weren't here to fight, we were here to play, but we wouldn't back down from anyone, not here, not tomorrow, NOT EVER!!!! once he spoke to other Coach, he apologized for his action, his other Coach also apologized, as for our girls, WE WILL ALWAYS CONTINUE TO PLAY THE RIGHT WAY, NO MATTER WHO WE PLAY, WE WILL LET OUR GAME DO THE TALKING FOR US, END OF STORY, .......job well done ladies, 

PS Lil SLuggers---------11

X.E.L.--------------------7 

Game 3 was eagerly anticipated, after our little brush up in game 2, we were going to play a Team that called Coach Joe a Jerk last time we played them, Coach Joe was making a bee line towards them,  I happened to be back of the line, so I grabbed him and told him to let them vent, you would be mad if a bunch of 7th/8th graders just beat your 9th/10 graders too......well, now we are a year older, but so are they, most of this team is the Varsity Highlanders softball Team....sorry parents, I always had a plan of playing older girls as I knew down the road our girls would be playing older girls in high school anyways, it was my way of preparing them for that time.......well, now that most of ours have played 1 season of high school, we were ready, it was never much of a game, as well as we played, I had in my mind that it should be a quiet ending, we pulled back in game, but our girls did have a great game at the plate, pitching we killed it, defense was on, and we hammered the ball past their outfield all game long.......as game ended, and it felt like a MARATHON GAME, their Coach had his emotions in check, and it was the ending I was hoping for, quiet, calm and respectful......another good outing, and rust will be shook soon, and hopefully we can watch our girls compete at level we have come accustomed to watching them perform at, job well done, cya on the diamond......

PS Lil Sluggers-------------------18

BTS-------------------------------1 

Plan is to shake the rust, improve the girls game where they struggled in high school, and compete at a high level along the way....it can be done, but we will need to work hard at practice so games can look this good when we suit up, it's a good start, but it won't always be this easy, there will be bumps along the way,  and we will face them head on so we can come up stronger when it's all said and done.....job well done, cya on the diamond...............

Weekend Pitching

Pep 3.1 inn - 0 runs -1 hit-2bbs-1k/ Tazz 4 inn- 0 runs-2 hits -1 bb-1k/ Turbo 2 inn-0 runs-3 hits- 1 bb/ Ayo 2 inn-3runs-4 hits- 1k/ KFC 2 inn- 4 runs-3 hits-2bbs-1k

Weekend Hitting

Tazz 3-6/ KFC 7-8/ Gemini 3-6/ Turbo 6-8/ Shark Bait 7-8/ Turtle 4-9/ Pep 4-7/ Ayo 3-7/ KoolAid 3-8/ P Dawg 5-8/ Squinky 3-7

GOOD WORK for only having 2 practices, most of these teams practice 4-5 times a week, I always say, QUALITY over QUANTITY......but when you charge, you need to have lots of practices......  

I greet the opposing Coach James, he tells me Coach Efrin & USA Athletics not available as he had girls on vacation and asked him to fill in, great....just glad he asked for a fill in and didn't cancel on us after he was asking for game last Sunday on my drive home.....Coach James is Head Coach for Valley View High School, and he had nucleus Varsity Roster, almost questioned if he should be playing us...I told him we were up for challenge, and would do our best not to embarrass them.....I guess after both games today, we showed that our 14u roster has what it takes to compete vs Div 3 High Schools.....nice job ladies.....

Game 1 vs Intense Heat

SO we get underway, we defend first, first pitch swinging they reach 1b, second pitch of the game finds the grass and now 1st and 3rd....Tazz strikes out 3 hitter, and Koolaid chases down runner in between 2nd and 3rd, 2 down and 1 to go, 5 hitter then smashes a line drive to Turbo, out #3, we get sticks, I take mental notes, we got this next time around.......Tazz and Pep reach on 9 pitches as her rise ball was off.....Turbo follows with 1 out 1b, and then "Big Dawg" trots to the plate....T Bird launches a 1-2 count to Mesquite Ave......grand salomi, we are back up 4-1...Tazz took the rock again, but we made slight adjustments in our pitches, we had their batters off balance, and 3 up 3 down for a quiet inn.....we came back to the plate, P Dawg walks, KoolAid 1bs, and we are making noise again....Tazz 3bs them home, Pep follows with a 1b and we push 3 more across.......in Tazz's last inn, they reached on 3 1bs, harmless but strung together it cost us a run....we finished inn with great back hand stab by Pep at 3rd, nice job.....7-2 good gals..... our half we continued to hit, TBird 3bs, Turtle 1bs her home with line drive up the middle, P Dawg follows with 1b and we scratch again...........then the wheels fell off.....after a routine out to Ayo at 2nd base, we drop "routine fly ball" in infield, we let "routine ground ball" get through that bounced 4 times, should never happen.....we let "routine fly ball" over our head by stepping in instead of back, should never happen, before we blinked, 4 unearned runs across, and 11-7 score............simply told girls, "No Excuse", 1 pitch at a time, expect the ball, and good things will happen......we turned it around, 3 up 3 down, and girls got their "JUJU" back in time to run out the clock......pretty good start, to a Coach that wasn't sure we could play with his "Varsity Nucleus"....job well done......

PS Lil Sluggers----------11

Intense Heat------------7 

Game 2 vs Intense Heat

We got sticks, after a quick break, Pep starts us with 1 out 1b, Gemini 2bs her home, we scratch first...in the circle, Ayo was dealing first 2 inn, lousy 1b was it......after 2, 1-0 good gals..... our 3rd inn we blew it open, I kept telling girls we would catch this pitcher , just stay disciplined at the plate, focused on our plan, we would hit in bunches......it happened.....KoolAid 1bs to start us, Squinky 1bs, Tazz doubles to right as they were playing us with 3 outfielders on the left side(NO RIGHT FIELDER)......Pep looks good in yellow and wears one, Gemini 2bs down the left field line, Turbo 2bs to left center, TBird 1bs (a victory for them), Ayo reaches on catcher's interference, P Dawg follows with her 1b to right, KoolAid 2bs and the clay settles, we notch 8 runs and knocked out another pitcher......after their long inn on the field, they led off with a 2b, trying to get lead runner we were late and now runners on 1st and 2nd....2 quick outs, and 1b to center and they scratch 2 more runs.....by this time, we found our grove at the plate, even though they changed pitcher, we rudely welcomed her back in the circle......Pep once again with a 1 out 1b, Gemini , Turbo follow with 1bs, TBird gets walked, (I think they were tired of chasing her hits), Turtle, Ayo and P Dawg follow with 1bs, 4 more across the plate......after our big inn, we made a change in the circle....Pep took the rock, 3 straight 1bs, no big deal, focus on locating, we will make plays......ground ball to 3rd, Turbo snags it, touches 3rd, throws across the diamond, double play and we are back in control, Pep retires next batter, and we limit the damage to 1 run......we scratch again with a Tazz 1b, Pep Sac Bunt, Gemini 2bs, Turbo 1bs, and after Left Fielder had struck out to end inn and being yelled and by her MOM, No not the Coach, HER MOM.....I looked at her position prior to pitch, her shoulders were hanging, she was mentally taken out of game by her MOM letting her know she failed on a quality pitch by Pep...the ball found her, she didn't react till ball was nearly to her, she spun around left, then right, then left and never found the ball, YES, SHE SHOULD HAVE CAUGHT IT, but her head was probably in her last at bat........as she was being yelled at again by her MOM, she simply said, "I never saw it", HMMMM, if she was only allowed to digest the at bat, leave it at the plate, and MOVE ON, she may have made that "routine" catch, the importance of not carrying your failures to the field with you....they will happen, it's how we handle them as players, Coaches, and PARENTS the will make the PLAYER STRONGER.....this was perfect example of how "NOT TO HANDLE IT"...... teaching moment for me as a Coach...and learning moment for our girls.....it cost them another 3 runs, and now the game was blown wide open......we finished strong on defense as time ran out....another good outing for the LIL SLUGGERS SOFTBALL ACADEMY.....had to throw that in, everyone seems to be using the term now, why not us???? job well done, cya on the diamond......

PS LIL SLUGGERS----18

Intense Heat----------5  

IMPRESSIVE #s ON SEASON:

PITCHING

TAZZ 3 wins- 7 inn /Ayo 2 wins- 6inn/ Turbo 2 Saves 4 inn/ Pep 2 Saves 4.2 inn/ KFC 1 save 2 inn

HITTING:

Tazz .462(6-13)..........................KFC .875-(7-8).....................Gemini .588 (10-17)

Turbo .733(11-15).......................TBird .857-(12-14)..............Turtle .437-(7-16)

Pep .667-(8-12)............................P Dawg .667-(8-12).............KoolAid . 429-(6-14)

Ayo .417 -(5-12)..........................Squinky .385 -(5-13) 

Well schedule finally allowed game to happen.....it should have waited 1 more week......we just weren't emotionally engaged it game, and it cost us........we over looked the ability of the Xtreme.....they made us pay for it.....infield fly drops off lead off batters bat, routine play, but we didn't execute it.....she wound up scoring the only run on a sac bunt and 2 - 1bs later.....that was the ONLY RUN OF THE GAME....we had our chances, after we had bases loaded and only 1 out, a line drive to 3rd and we get doubled up....we had runners on 2nd and 3rd, and on sac bunt, we turned our back on the ball, and we gave up possibility of another run.....this normally not how we play, 2 reasons which may have helped this happen, we weren't focused, and we had plenty of game rust.....since we have lived by "Montra" of NO EXCUSES, this is on us.....we can take valuable lesson from this, NEVER OVER LOOK ANYONE....AND ALWAYS GIVE THE GAME 100% OF OUR ATTENTION, it jsut showed we need to be engaged at all times, not just when it's our turn to hit........we will learn from this, we should be hungry next time out, time will tell if we can take something positive from this loss, Hopefully we can turn it around next time out......cya on the diamond............

Xtreme-----------1

PS Lil Sluggers--0

Pitching:

Tazz 3 inn - 1 run- 2 hits - 1 k- 39 pitches

Ayo 3 inn - 0 runs- 1 hit- 6ks- 34 pitches

Hitting:

Tazz bunt - KFC bb- Pep bb- Turtle bunt- P Dawg HBP/ KoolAid bb/ KandyKorn HBP

NOT A LOT OF HITTING- BETTER APPROACH AT THE PLATE, THINGS WILL CHANGE...

Focus was sharp, girls were in the right frame of mind to play.....as we were getting ready to warm up, girls took it upon themselves to discuss game approach, THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO.....I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER THAN TO SEE THEM GETTING GAME READY AND NOT GOOFING AROUND, I LIKE IT!!!!  needless to say, I let them be, I let them handle it themselves, and our game time was on point!!!! It wasn't one player, it was the whole TEAM that bought in and allowed themselves to FOCUS on game ahead......we got sticks, and after focusing on their pitcher and how they were attacking us, we set a game plan, and we executed.....even though there are times we don't score, if we approach 1 pitch at a time, if we execute our game plan, we can have lots of success, today was that day.... 5 hits and 2 walks from our first 7 batters, before they blinked, we put up 6 runs, simple approach, disciplined at bats, and good things happened....on defense, we made every play except for 1, and once I saw position of player, I tried to adjust her, but it was too late, ball came on her quick.....other than that, we did work......the negative thing that came from it, Rage is a Travel Team that is based out of Div 1 Riv Poly High School, we are not supposed to compete with them, their Coach told me they beat Palm Desert and La Quinta during Season, and lost in Quarter Finals during CIF, yet with our crew doing what they do, we showed we can play with anyone when our head is in the game.......with our play during the game, Corona Spirit (Corona Santiago High) saw us play, decided to not play us, they were afraid for us, this from a Team that just lost to Team we were beating....HMMMMM......we can compete at High Level, continue to grind, and GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN!!!!! I like it, job well done, cya on the diamond....

I always have plan A/ plan B/ plan C/ and back up plan with pitchers.....game 1 went as Planned....game 2 didn't happen, a Team with high school / College Players tapped out as they "didn't want to hurt us", the SPIRIT FROM CORONA had just lost to Riv Rage in game before us, Rage Coach let him know in the 3rd inn they wouldn't play us, Director told me he didn't want to lose to us as we were young Team, and we were beating the *#*# out of Rage which they just lost to......so we came home with 3 Pitchers ready to throw, but saved their arms for bigger games ahead, vs Teams that won't run from us!!!!!......

HIGHLIGHTS:

KandyKorn throws out runner @ 3rd Base

Tazz kills rally with fake throw home and getting runner leaning @ 2nd with KoolAid covering, 3rd out and rally DONE....

Pep hosed runner @2nd from Center after first 2 hitters reach base 

KFC erases runner at 3rd with Gemini applying tag

Turbo gets line drive @ 1st with only 1 out, eliminated big inn

AYO was dealing, kept tough lineup in check with Highlight DEFENSE BEHIND HER!!!

First inn was FIRE!!!!.....Tazz laced 2-2 count 2b to get us started....KFC hammers 1-0 count 2b to score Tazz...Turbo hits 2-0 count line drive to get KFC to 3rd and Turbo to first....Gemini reaches on 6 pitch walk after hitting 2 foul balls that forced pitcher to throw errant change ups.....T Bird hit 230' GRAND SLAM, and yes I let Coach know she is incoming FRESHMAN.....Pep reached on 5 pitch walk....KandyKorn 1bs and runners on 1st & 3rd, Beast P Dawg gound ball to score Pep......

3rd inn T Bird 1b....Pep 1b to right center.......KandyKorn 3b to right that came down with water on it, poor right fielder made me dizzy chasing that ball.....

KoolAid led off with lazer 1b to center...Tazz hits ground ball, we lose KoolAid but get Tazz on the bag......KFC stays hot and now have runners 2nd/3rd.....Turbo line drive to 2nd to score Tazz....plenty of offense to back up the pitchers of Ayo and KFC in short first game....

PS Lil Sluggers-----------9

Riv Rage-------------------2

Pitching:

Ayo 3 inn/ 1 run/ 3 bbs/ 3 ks/ 40 pitches

KFC 1 inn/ 1 run/ 3 bbs/ 24 pitches

Hitting:

Tazz 1-3 2b/ KFC 2-3 2b/ Turbo 2-3/ Gemini bb/ TBird 2-2 Grand Slam/Pep 1-1/ KandyKorn 2-2 3b/ Beast P RBI/ KoolAid 1-2

So we came out to play to keep us ready for World Series.......what I wanted to see as a Coach, 1.  quality pitching....2. clean defense.....3. good approach at the plate with disciplined at bats.......we got all 3 and had good results because of it......we had 1 hit by 4 different pitchers.....we had 1 error, a throwing error, otherwise 16 clean plays as we only had 5 ks.....DEFENSE WINS GAMES........as far as hitting, it was a really good thing as we had not played a game in just over a week.....22 hits total, 4 bbs and ONLY 1 K.........all three phases of the game, and we were on!!!!!  I have been telling the girls, we are playing extremely well, we PUT IN REALLY GOOD WORK AT PRACTICE......and hopefully it carries over to WORLD SERIES GAMES.....I like where we are at, we have prepared, and will bring our best game, as for today, we once again made an older Team look bad....to the point the Coaches were yelling at the girls as I left that they lost to a younger Team, keep up the grind, and we will live with the results...job well done, cya on the diamond.....

Game 1

Tazz came out throwing strikes, defense took care of the rest....Gemini started a double play, throw to KFC , relay to Turtle, 2 quick outs.....ground ball to Pep, Pop up to Turbo, after a walk, runner left a day early and we are out of inn again....Turbo takes the circle....KFC ground ball out, 9 pitch walk, Tazz pop up for out #2, K for out #3, drop curve was filthy.......Pop up to KandyKorn, ground ball to Gemini, ground ball to Pep and DEFENSE LOOKED GREAT........hitting, we put up hits in bunches, and scored runs in bunches.....that was huge for us, as timing is easy to lose and hard to get back, but we were on this game.......job well done, small break, and let's get ready for round #2.....

Hitting: Tazz 2-3/ KFC 2-3/ Turbo 2-3/ Gemini 2-3/ TBird 1-2/ Pep 2-3/ KandyKorn 1-2/ Turtle 1-2/ KoolAid 1-2/ 

Pitching: Tazz & Turbo / 5 inn - 0 runs- 0 hits- 4 bbs- 3ks

PS Lil Sluggers---------9

XEL---------------------0  

Game 2

Defense and Pitching.....it fueled us today, and this game was no different....KFC took the circle, 2 inn of 1 hit ball, Pep came in to close , and again 0 hits, just had a couple of walks that made inn a little interesting.......3 inns was all we could get in, we kept applying pressure on offense, thus the long inn, and did exactly what we needed to keep them from having any big inn.......offense once again was BIG......we hit in bunches, and applied pressure on the bags......20 batters in 3 inn, 8 hits, 5 bbs slowed the pace........our timing is looking good, let's carry this into our next game!!!!!!!

Hitting:

Tazz 1-1/ Kfc 2-2/ Turbo 1-2/ TBird 1-1/ Pep 2 bbs/ KandyKorn 1-1/Turtle 1-2/ KoolAid 1-2

Pitching:

KFC & Pep- 3 inn/ 1 run/ 1 hit/ 5 bbs/2ks

PS Lil Sluggers--------6

XEL---------------------1

Games are underway.....we get a tough draw in Round Robin....#1 Ranked Team from Colorado, #1 Ranked Team from Northern California, and an extremely tough USA Athletics Team that has battled us through the years since girls were 9 yrs old, we are 4 wins 2 loses against them......well we got off on a great start, we were good hosts to Colorado Tigers, but id we can keep our focus long enough, we can compete with anyone....we managed to keep our focus, even better, we talk about a game of adjustments, we made them and started to hit their first pitcher the 2nd time through the lineup.....we made the adjustment when they brought in their ace in the 4th, we watched her pitching in previous game, adjusted to what she was throwing, and we made it work for us.......small adjustments, staying focused, and believing we CAN DO.......it's a great start, and gives us a jump for tomorrow's games. job well done.....cya on the diamond.... 

vs Co Lakewood Tigers

We were sticks, but their pitcher handled us the first time through, if we can adjust, we will be ok....more important, their offense saw 7 pitches, 4 HITS, 1 run, and 3 outs......we had a challenge ahead of us.....they once again came out the 2nd inn and stayed with their plan, 11 pitches, 4 HITS, 1 run , and they took 2-0 lead....here was our dugout between inn.......stay focused, they hit well, they don't miss pitches, we just need to pitch outside the zone and get routine outs instead of chasing hits, we now see how they are throwing us, let's sit on the pitch, and drive it , good things will happen.....by throwing balls, we now got 3 batters out consecutively.......by sitting on 1 pitch, we scratched 4 runs in 2 inn...STAY FOCUSED, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN!!!!!!!Ayo reached on a walk, Tazz hit a bomb to left for a 3b, but we get out at home.....NEVER MAKE THE FIRST OR LAST OUT AT 3rd or HOME, PERIOD!!!!!! We did, but KFC hits deep Sac Fly to right to cash in Tazz, 2-1 game after 3 inn.......4th we erupted....Gemini hits blooper to right, TBird hits blooper to left, wild pitch later and we are 2nd and 3rd and no outs......we strike out for 1 out, and Turtle hits ground ball up the middle to score Gemini ....Turtle steals 2nd and now have KandyKorn and Turtle on the bags....we failed to lay down a bunt, but KoolAid hits ground ball to 2nd, after KandyKorn hesitated, she goes home and KoolAid did her job, put it in play and get KandyKorn home....2 walks later to Ayo and Tazz, we finish inn by hitting deep fly to right, now 4-2 good gals.....Ayo now throwing, we kept Tigers off the bags by throwing balls, yes we were throwing balls and they were getting themselves out......3 straight inn we got them out by adjusting and using their aggressiveness against them....I LIKE IT!!!!!!our last abs, I simply tell girls, we have enough, but if we continue to stay focused on our plan, we will put up 2 more runs......KandyKorn walks, disciplined and not chasing......Ayo gets hit, 1st and 2nd....Tazz hits 1b, and they throw ball all over the field, we score 2 runs, and Tazz winds up on 3rd, on a routine ground ball they couldn't execute, ......KFC then rips a 3b to Right Center....3 more across, 7-2 good gals......I did something in last inn we should never do, but the confidence I have in our defense and our pitching, I let umpire know the last batter was not out, it was only 2-2 count when she ran to first on a DROPPED 2ND STRIKE.....I knew time was running out, only ones aware of taking the 3rd out on 2 strikes was the Tigers Coach and myself, she shoved her girls on the field to start next inn, I insisted to umpire it was only 2 strikes, he asked their book, and they agreed, strike 2, which meant we could run out inn as there was 1 minute 12 seconds on the clock......2-2 count, I had Ayo throw a ball to KandyKorn, time officially expired, we must finish the inn, BUT TIME WAS EXPIRED!!!! we get routine ground ball, we EARN the WIN, and I get TOLD BY COACH THEY WILL SEE US AGAIN.....they are a good team, and as good as anyone we have ever played, and I believe we will see them again, until we do, we will take this one....job well done, cya on the diamond.......

PS Lil Sluggers--------------7

Col Lakewood Tigers--------2

PITCHING:

Tazz 3 inn- 2 runs-8 hits- 1 bb/ Ayo 3 inn- 0 runs -0 hits- 1 k

Hitting:

Tazz 2-3/ KFC 2-3/ Turbo 1-3/ Gemini 1-2 bb/ TBird 1-3/ Pep bb/ KandyKorn 3 bbs/ Turtle 1-3/ KoolAid GO AHEAD RBI/ P Dawg 2 runs scored for catcher (SHE IS ONLY 11!!!!)

Game 2 vs USA

Though we have played well, we had that 1 inn....after playing strong 6 inn vs EXTREMELY good Team, we came unglued....we had 4 ERRORS, it cost us 4 runs.....after a good showing, we came up short....4 different players, we allowed game to speed up, and it cost us.....at least it's round robin, and hopefully we can turn it around for next game........

USA--------------9

PS LIL SLUGGERS--5

Pitching: Ayo 3 inn/4 runs/6 hits/ 3bbs - Tazz 1 inn/ 5 runs/4 hits/1bb/1k- Joy 1 inn/0 runs/ 1 hit/1k

Hitting: Tazz 2-2/ Pep 1-2/ Gemini 1-3/ TBird 1-3 (HOME RUN)/KandyKorn 1-3/Turtle1-3/ Ayo 1-2

GAME 3 vs Central Cali Tsunami

After playing fairly strong in game 1 & 2, if we clean up our defense we can compete with anyone out here, all Teams are beating each other, very competitive Teams......we came out of gate flat .....something we hadn't done, but it happened...3 errors once again got us, to the tune of 4 runs....routine plays we didn't make.......but we had fight in us, we clawed back, and went ahead in the top of 6th as we sent 9 batters and 5 runs across, with 2 run cushion, once again that error bug got us, we did manage to limit the damage, wound up in a tie game, and though it kept us in a good seed for playoffs, we felt as if we let one get away.......games with bigger meaning on Friday, hopefully we can clean up the defensive side, and we will compete strong........

TSUNAMI-----------6

PS LIL SLUGGERS---6

Pitching: Tazz 4 inn/5 runs/6 hits/3 bbs/1 k- Turbo 2 inn/ 1 run/1 hit/1 bb

Hitting: 

Tazz 2-3/ Kfc 1-3/ Gemini 1-3/ Kandy 1-3/ TBird 1-3/ Turbo 1-3/ Pep 1-2/ Ayo 1-1

More to come after I can get situated after HILARIOUS DRIVE HOME!!!!!!  We were sharing stories our our "Infamous" work shared during our PSYL  involvement to help grow softball in the League, and boy was it COMEDY the things we lived through.....I was laughing so hard the girls had me in tears on the way home......this is what this game is about, GO HARD FOR 2 HOURS, LEARN FROM OUR PLAY- BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE...AND THEN SHARE THE COMRADERIE ON THE RIDE HOME....memories, experiences to be passed on in years to come.......when my number is called, and there is a smile on my face, YES.....most of it will be reliving these moments the girls have shared along the way, OMG !!!! So much easier if I would have had a son, or settled for a pet.....instead....HILARIOUS MOMENTS ON AND AROUND THE FIELD!!!!!! cya on the diamond..... 

PLAYOFFS:

vs The Factory Ice

First inn we reached by walks to Tazz and T Bird, but we couldn't cash them in...they in turn came up and put together 3 hits to score 2 runs, we were chasing 2....Turbo led off with a 2b, Pep and Turtle walk, Ayo 1bs to score Turbo and Pep, KoolAid ground ball moves runners, and KFC 2bs Ayo and KoolAid home, 4-2 good gals.....we settled in on defense, quality pitches kept their bats off balance, and we made ROUTINE plays, 4-2 after 3.....Turtle reached on an error, we'll take it, but we get thrown out at 2nd, Ayo followed with a 1b, Tazz 2b, KFC gets hit, and Gemini reaches on a walk, while TBird was at bat, we Courtesy Ran for our Catcher, though I announced "OUR Catcher" their Coach protested after Tazz scored on a wild pitch.....Umpire allowed the out for courtesy, but refused to take run off board as extra pitch had been thrown....he then protested game, but again 1 pitch too late, run counts, protest denied, 6-2 good gals......bottom 4 they scratched 1 run, Ayo came on to throw 1 pitch and get pop up to Joy for 3rd out, and that sun was tough as I was calling for Tazz to make the play, Joy called her off otherwise it would have been 6-5, way to pick each other up......6-3 after 4 inn......TBird 2dbs, Joy 1bs her home, and we score one more to make it 7-3.....Ayo made quick work in the 5th, time expires, and we move on to face the Athletics.....

The Factory-------3

PS Lil Sluggers----7

Pitching:'Tazz 3.2 inn/ 3 runs/ 5 hits/ 2 bbs/ 2 ks- Ayo 1.1 inn/ 0 runs/ 2 hits

Hitting:

Tazz 2-3/ KFC 1-2/ TBird 2-2/ Turbo 3-3/ Ayo 2-2/ KoolAid 1-2 

vs Athletics

This Team can "rake"....but we had a great start.....Tazz 2bs on a ground ball through the infield to right, Gemini 1bs her home out of reach of shortstop......KandKorn 1bs her up the middle and we have 1st and 3rd....Joy 1bs to right center and now have 3 run inn.......after they reach on lead off walk, ground ball to KFC and Turbo, and routine fly ball caught, we get out of inn with 3-0 lead....we went down quietly in 2nd inn, but they scratched in the bottom, a 1b to left, and 2b to center, she tried to get 3 bags, TAZZ nailed runner with throw to Gemini and we dodge a big inn, 3-1 after 2.......our 3rd again LOUD inn.....KFC 3bs to center....Gemini 1bs her home...Tbird 2bs her to 3rd, 2nd and 3rd with no outs....infield fly for out #1, but Turbo follows with 2 run 2b to left center, 3 more across...after 3 inn, 6-1 good gals......their #4 hitter then launches a 2-0 count change up 575 feet, 6-2 after 4 inn....then the momentum changed, TBird gets hit in the back of the head on a 3b, we pull her from the game, but it left us trying to cover left field on defense, and with USA hitters, it may have been most important position....up 6-3, they started rally.....6-4 lead, we drop routine throw and extend the inn, they score 2 more runs, and we were faced with 6-5 lead....once again, "Routine".....they were in our head, we were making comments in dugout as if we had won, they were focused on next at bat, BIGGEST DIFFERENCE.....the ball found us, we didn't execute, and now we found ourselves in extra inn......we once again had 2 outs up 7-6, but couldn't catch a routine fly ball....we "floated", they capitalized, and we found ourselves scrambling to next field while the Athletics celebrated a great come from behind win.....if we "coast" and lose focus, anyone can play with us, if we give the game the respect it deserves, a LOUSY 1 hr and 30 minutes.....we are a different team, it's that LOUSY 1 HR 30 MINUTES that we struggle with......on to Fenway to face KB Fastpitch from Wash..........

Athletics---------8(3rd Place Finish)

PS Lil Sluggers----7

Pitching: Ayo 8 inn/ 8 runs (only 4 earned)/12 hits/2bbs

Hitting:

Tazz 1-4/ KFC 1-4/ Gemini 3-4/ TBird 2-3/ KandyKorn 1-3/ Turbo 2-3/ Ayo bb

vs KB Fastpitch Wash

We were flat, game was waiting on us to arrive, 5 minutes all the rest we got.....we came out flat....7 -0 before we blinked, top 3rd another 3 runs, down 10-0 after 2  1/2 inn, this wasn't us, but we had to shake bad start, they didn't care how we lost, they wanted to play next game, we needed to quit feeling sorry for our selves, and go play the game.....WE DID.......Ayo 1bs up the middle, KoolAid 1bs up the middle, we are now getting into it emotionally....Tazz 3bs them home, there is hope.....KFC and Gemini follow with 1bs, TBird 2bs them home.......Kandy 1bs and we now have 1st and 3rd....Turbo long fly ball to bring TBird home, it's now 10-6 with only 1 out......Pep 3bs home KandyKorn, Turtle 1bs home Pep, KoolAid 1bs for 2nd time in inn, Tazz 2bs them both home, KFC 2bs home Tazz, Gemini finishes inn with line drive out to deep center, damage was done, 11-10 good gals after 3rd inn......Turbo took the circle, kept KB off the scoreboard for 1st time, we had a spring in our step again.....4th we had 1bs by kandyKorn and Turbo, but coudn't push them across....in the 5th we had Turtle and KoolAid 1b, but again could push them across......11-10, and trying to close them out...KFC now in the circle....we made the routine plays, we come into the dugout, and time expires......we move on to play another game.....

KB FastPitch Wash ------10

PS Lil SLuggers------------11

Pitching

Tazz 2 inn/ 7 runs/9 hits/ 1 bb- Turbo 3 inn/ 3 runs/ 4 hits/ 2 bb- KFC 1 inn/ 0 runs/ 0 hits/1bb/1k

Hitting:

Tazz 3-4/ KFC 3-4/ Gemini 2-3/ TBird 1-3/ KandyKorn 2-3/ Turbo 1-3/ Pep 2-3/ Turtle 2-3/ Ayo 1-3/ KoolAid 3-3 

vs BatBusters

We were on FUMES......we didn't have much left, we were riding on emotions, as our physical state was gone, the bad thing, our emotions usually switch more often than not, hopefully we can maintain our focus......after lead off 2b by Tazz, it takes their pitcher 5 pitches to get 3 outs, what happened to our discipline we have just been playing with?????they come up, and WE WERE ON FUMES!!! Tazz volunteers turn 1, and will try for 3 inn, they can hit, they swing like their jersey says, like "BatBusters".....we blinked, 2-0 them......our turn, Turbo 1bs to center, Pep follows with a 2b, 2nd and 3rd no outs, Turtle 1bs, KoolAid 1bs, PDawg 1bs, we were able to tie it up, as we were called on runners interference for allowing ball to hit us......2-2 after 2.....3rd inn we picked it up again, TBird 1bs, and KandyKorn hits 220' bomb, 2 more across for us.....bottom of the 3rd.......2 down and runners on 2nd and 3rd for the batbuster, on a routine ground ball we drop the throw to end the inn, instead of 4-2 us, we came in down 5-4, our focus was gone the inn prior, our mental approach was now gone, and it bit us on a routine catch.....time left, we needed to scramble again.......Pep led us with a 1b, Turtle follows with a 1b, we them get 2 quick outs, Tazz follows with a 1b, 5-5 tie with 2 outs....KFC launches a 240' bomb to deep center, we are now back up 8-5......Turbo took over for Tazz pitching, and she shut down the BatBusters bats for the next 2 inn, we were back in control.....it was our dugout that was the issue, we gained control on the field, and lost it in the dugout, as a Coach it wasn't a good sign, but I hoped we had enough to survive this game......Kandy led off with line drive, Joy followed and we now had 2 runners on, Pep laces a 1b and score KandyKorn....Turtle hits ground ball but they get Pep at 2nd, 1 down and runners on 1st and 3rd....KoolAid 1bs home Turbo, and we are now up 10-5.......Joy was locating, keeping BatBuster frustrated, and we keep them off the board again....going into last inn, it's 10-5 us.....Tazz reaches on a walk, KFC 2bs her home......11-5 going into bottom of 6th.......Then I made a mistake, it is something I have always done, try and keep the arms fresh, give the batters different look, and it bit me.....I pulled Joy, we lost the strike zone, and before we knew it, they found their "JuJu".....2 walks and 4 illegal pitches, 11-6 runner on 3rd, ZERO HITS......they then put together 3 straight hits, we make another pitching change, but they weren't to be denied, BatBuster they were, 3 more straight hits, they pull off huge inn, 12-11 BATBusters, and well earned at the end, they hit their way into the semifinals.........what a finish.......

BatBusters-----12(2nd Place Finish)

PS Lil Sluggers---11

Pitching:

Tazz 3 inn/7 runs/11 hits/1 bb- Joy 3 inn/0 runs/4 hits/1 bb- KFC 1 inn/5 runs/4 hits/1bb

Hitting:

Tazz 2-3/KFC 3-3(HOME RUN)/TBird 1-3/ KandyKorn 2-4 (Home Run)/ Turbo 2-3/ Pep 3-3/ Turtle 2-3/ KoolAid 2-3/ PDawg 1-3

WOW!!! If you have a WEAK Ticker, this is not where you wanted to be....it was an EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER......My plan ALWAYS, show that our LOCAL SOFTBALL TALENT can play with anyone, no matter how big or how expensive their ACADEMIES might be......WE SHOWED UP!!!....I'm proud of the ability of you girls to score runs, to pitch under pressure situations to defend at an Elite Level....our 3 loses, a combined total of 6 runs, and USA Athletics in Semi Finals, they were 2 of our loses.....after beating Factory Softball, we go down to USA (2 routine plays away from winning).....we play KB Fastpitch from Wash., down 10-0 after 3 inn, we win 11-10.....we play BatBusters, down 2-0, we battled, went up 11-6, but went into cruise mode and lost 12-11....we were on a HIGH, we were on a LOW, we were on a HIGH, we were on a LOW.....I had umpires let me know how impressed they were with our girls, I had Director seek me out telling me he didn't think we would compete strong, WE PROVED HIM WRONG......and I came away knowing Lil Sluggers Softball is well RESPECTED!!!! I was invited to seek Umbrella of Big Academy, we'll see if girls can benefit from it, otherwise I'm not about to be snowed just so our girls "pay for promises"....fun, exciting, and emotionally taxing World Series, exactly what I wished for........job well done LADIES!!! WE SHOWED WE BELONGED!!! cya on the diamond......

3 WINS - 3 LOSES - 1 TIE

7th Place Finish- EXTREMELY GOOD!!!!

BatBusters 2nd place/ USA 3rd place - only teams we lost to, WE CAN PLAY WITH ANYONE - WHEN WE ARE FOCUSED!!!

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR FEW PARENTS THAT TOOK IT UPON THEMSELVES TO FEED ALL THE GIRLS, IT KEPT OUR ENERGY JUST HIGH ENOUGH TO FINISH THE GAMES ..MUCH APPRECIATED!!!!!

HUGE TEAM NUMBERS:

Runs Scored Us-----54/ Them-----50

Pitching:

Tazz 16.2 inn/ 28 runs/ 40 hits/ 10 bb/ 3ks

Ayo 14.1 inn/ 12 runs/ 21 hits/ 5 bb/ 1k

Turbo 7.2 inn/ 4 runs/ 10 hits/ 2 bb/ 1k

KFC 3.1 inn/ 5 runs/ 4 hits/ 2 bb/ 1 k

Hitting: Tazz 14-22/ KFC 11-18/ Gemini 10-21/ TBird 9-20/ KandyKorn 8-19/ Turbo 11-20/ Pep 7-17/ Turtle 7-19/ KoolAid 6-15/ PDawg 2-8/ Ayo 6-11......

That is good Hitting & good Pitching

Game 1 - Quick Synopsis

The Factory...down 2-0, we battle, we pull off 7-3 win, but they couldn't handle losing to us, I AM HUGE ON RULES, I WILL BACK DOWN FROM NO ONE....though he was trying to get us on a violation, any violation, I didn't budge, we concede 1 rule in exchange for a run, the only reason, it put another pitch in the book, and his protest was DENIED by 1 pitch, WHAT A KNUCKLEHEAD!!!, SORE LOSER!!!!!

Game 2 - Quick Synopsis

WHAT A GAME...they all came through in the clutch, we all had our moments, and best of all, we took them to extra inn, it just wasn't our game, BUT I WAS PROUD OF OUR FIGHT!!!! 8-7 USA

Game 3 - Quick Synopsis

after tough loss, we head into next game on ZERO rest, emotionally drained, down 10-0, I challenged the girls, THIS ISN'T WHO YOU ARE< BUT YOU ARE SHOWING EVERYONE HERE AND WASHINGTON THAT WE DON'T HAVE IT IN US, WE ARE GOING THROUGH THE MOTION.....we go on to put up 11 runs, show who we really are, and live to play again.....WOW!!! 11-10 over KB Fastpitch Washington

Game 4 - Quick Synopsis

3 straight games, on fumes, TAZZ- TURBO on FUMES, AYO no longer AVAILABLE....KFC if needed....we were literally piecing it together......we were up 11-5 after being down 2-0 to high powered BatBusters...BUT WE BELONG!!!! they win 12-11, but they had their hands full with the Lil Sluggers Academy....way to show up!!!

Game 7 vs Klutch Red   5-0 Lil Sluggers

Game 6 vs Dynasty        5-5 TIE

Game 5 vs Ruthless       5-5 TIE

Game 4 vs Outlaws       15-0 Lil Sluggers

Game 3 vs E1 Prospects  7-1 Lil Sluggers

Game 2 vs LV Rebels       12-2 Lil Sluggers

Game 1 vs Desert Xtreme  8-2 Lil Sluggers

5 WINS 0 LOSSES 2 TIES ---- TOP TEAM -- ***LilSluggers***

7 Games, +- run differential to see who finishes top of your division, top 8 from each division to play Sunday to see "Who is Top Dog"......a different format from any tournament we have done, but it puts every game and every run scored at a HIGH PREMIUM......to make sure we could compete at a high level every game, we came in with 2 MAJOR APPROACHES, KEEP PITCHING STRONG throughout the 7 games, and to keep CATCHERS rested so they could work along side pitchers through the 7 games.......and though pitchers wanted to stay in for long inn, it was short work in games that kept them strong the whole weekend......coming into Sunday, after 4 games, Ayo - 4 inn/ Turbo 4 inn/ KFC 4 inn/ Pep 4 inn, none of them in any trouble, and all fresh and strong after 4 games  going into Sunday Games vs strongest Teams........Catchers caught minimum inn, KandyKorn 6 inn/ Koolaid 5 inn/ P Dawg 5 inn, all inn spread throughout the 4 games, they each sat alternate inn to just stretch while teammates picked up work behind the plate, it worked......all 3 were strong for Sunday games.......our offense came through batter after batter after batter during Sat Games, 8 runs, 12 runs, 7 runs, 15 runs, that is good hitting at clutch times......it left us in the 2 seed, believe it or not, the Klutch Team scored more than us and put us at 2 seed going into Sunday, we did what we had to do, and we all chipped in when our number was called.....

Our Results:

+ 6/ +10/ +6/ +15/ 0/ 0/ +5 = +42 with Record of 5 Wins 0 Losses 2 Ties

(Only 4 undefeated starting Sunday Play) We Have a Chance......

AS OF 7:30 Sunday Night.......Top Team +- Format....PS Lil Sluggers!!!!!!

Team Bownet on the way....YOU EARNED IT!!!!!!!

YOu have won Banners/ Medals/ Shirts/ Trophies/ Plaques/ $$$$$/ now a Team Bownet!!!! LET'S GO!!!!

Sick Numbers

Runs Us —-57/ Them 15

Hitting: Team .525/ 83-158 AWESOME!!!

Pep 6-13/ Kfc 11-18/ Kandykorn 13-19/ Turbo 12-18/ Shark Bait 8-17/ Turtle 8-13/ Ayo 6-12/ Mari 7-16/ Koolaid 7-15/ P Dawg 3-9/ Squinky 2-8

Pitching: 31 inn/ only 15 Runs

Ayo 13 inn / 3 runs

Kfc 6 inn /5 runs

Turbo 6 inn/2 runs

Pep 6 inn/5 runs

Game 1:

Desert Xtreme, we hadn't played them since our 1-0 loss, and as I was told, they let everyone know they beat the Lil Sluggers, it was felt as far away as Colorado, hmmmm, that is RESPECT!!!!!! Well, after a 1-1 start in the 3rd, we blew it open, and though they received lots of help from other organizations, (we always see this against us), we did what we were supposed to do, handle teams that we should be ahead of, this was just another team.....job well done....

Xtreme---------2( Xtreme Manager was there, so it was good to show what PS Academy can do, ) 

PS Lil Sluggers--8

Game 2:

LV Rebels, this was a good test for us, and though they took us lightly to start, we had throttle down trying to get rest for 3rd game, though we put up runs, the long inn we had ate up our time, who needs rest......

LV Rebels---------------2

PS Lil Sluggers---------12

Game 3:

E1 Prospects....we have battled with these guys over the years, but as all big academies, everyone recruits to make team stronger, and they did, they were stronger......we did finally get to them, something I expected, and we made good work of it,  the best thing was Coach from Summit High (Fontana Area), came and let me know how impressive the girls looked....he has Coached High School Softball for 23 years, his baby pitches for E1, and he let me know Lil Sluggers would be a REALLY STRONG High School Team in the Citrus Belt League, most E1 goes to Fontana High, Summit, and we have beat their best year in and year out....he also asked if I Coached High School, I had to tell him I have so much fun beating Academy Coaches as a "Rec Ball Dad", I could never get as much satisfaction as I do competing vs Coaches that charge for their services, I would not have the excuse of "I DO IT FOR THE KIDS" , and trust me , it is FUN watching PAID Coaches CRINGE every time we beat their TEAMS....that is exciting enough for me.......good work......

E1 Prospects----------1

PS Lil Sluggers-------7

Game 4:

SC Outlaws, we jumped all over their pitcher, we saw 3 balls roll to the fence, that fence was 320' away from home plate......as Coach was trying to get info about our team, he finally came out and asked if he should match his "Ace" vs our "ACE", ( Turbo was in the circle ), I told him our girls would welcome the challenge......what I didn't know, his "Ace was a LEGIT ACE!!!!.....she was Menifee High Starter, throws 63 MPH, change up, and a rise......she actually thought she would throw it by us, the best thing that happened, KFC has 5 pitch battle and laces line drive 1b, KandyKorn laced 1-2 count fastball to left for a 1b, Turbo laces line drive to left for a 1b, TBird laces a 1b to left field, Turtle laces change up that hits 3rd base for a 1b, Ayo line drive to center.....63 MPH go BOOM.....she finally registered 3 outs, but damage was done, she told me she took us lightly, and was impressed with our hitting, it didn't happen to her in High School that way, so she was surprised we got her, NOT BAD FOR A LIL TEAM OUT OF PALM SPRINGS..........that made my Saturday.......and NO, Girls in the Desert can't hit that, they can't even see it, So it was big to have that inn.......

SC Outlaws--------------0

PS Lil Sluggers----------15

Game 5 vs #4 Ruthless

This was a good game, but knowing we had most dominant team in Klutch game 3, we had to pace our pitchers....If defense does THEIR JOB, doesn't matter who pitches, we can compete.....after back and forth battle, we finish in a tie, but it took all 1 hr 20 minutes to make it happen........it leaves us in the hands of other teams to beat undefeated teams to keep us in the mix for Power of the Weekend......

SC Ruthless------------5

PS Lil Sluggers---------5

Game 6 vs #5 Dynasty

We again came out playing strong...we had a couple of mental lapses, that cost us runs, not that they were better than us, we just had "Mental Block" and got caught watching game instead of staying aggressive, but as we do so often, our bats bailed us out, 2 3bs pushed across enough runs to tie us up, and on a huge highlight play, KFC dives to 3rd base side, throws from her belly to get force out at 3rd with KandyKorn covering, she tells me she got cleated, in the emotional moment it was, I told her it would hurt more if she had dropped that throw, My Bad JOB WELL DONE!!!!!!

SC Dynasty--------5

PS Lil Sluggers----5

Game 7: The ShowDown......SC Klutch vs PS Lil Sluggers

2 Things.....Lots of Buzz around Klutch running through all their games relatively easy, only tough game they had came from behind with a grand slam to finish the game for them......and not many teams take us serious unless they have played us in the past, we sneak up on lots of teams as we don't have the "Academy" behind us, that us good for us, and huge compliment when we can compete......as we got going, we were playing strong, we were locked in, and scoring early always a good thing.....Pep lead off with a walk, KandyKorn Turbo and TBird all followed with 1bs, and we were up 2.....defense was on....Ayo was dealing, 12 pitches, 3 batters, and 3 outs thanks to runner thrown out at 2nd, nice job Kandy, and KFC applying a tag that hurt my head( you mad Bro?), we were back in the dugout.......we again applied pressure with Mari lead off 1b, but we couldn't push her across.......then we did it again, KFC wlaks, Kandy 3bs, TBird walks, and afterTBird steals, Kandy scores on the throw, they didn't think we would run on their catcher, but they have choice, throw us out at 2nd, or concede the run, they did both, safe at 2nd, and safe at home.........4-0 good gals......defense was working....Ayo making quick work, 12 pitches, 12 pitches, 9 pitches, 6 pitches, ground ball to short, 1 down, 1 pitch, error and runner at 2nd, 3 pitches later, ball hit to KFC, throw out runner at home, Beast P behind the plate, tags for out #2, gets ball back to Ayo, turns to throw to Mari, out #3 trying to take extra base, YOU HAVE A JOB, DO YOUR JOB, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN......3 batters, 3 outs, 6 pitches.......4-0 good gals.......we push across 1 more, after KFC 1b and KandyKorn 1b, TBird popped up to deep right, both runners tag up, move to next base, 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs, they protest tag and throw ball to right field, we score insurance run, 5-0 good gals.......4 minutes on the clock, not enough time for them to score 4 runs, we went after both runners reach base, time on our side, KFC gets lead runner at 3rd for 1 out, time low and on our side......ball hit to Ayo, throws home for out #2, bases still loaded, time now 3 minutes over, I made sure everyone aware time had expired and we would finish the batter, umpire checks the time, and he calls game on a full count and bases loaded, though I would have been a little upset if it was us, I have confidence we would have made the out........and by the way, we have had a game called on us with runners on 2nd and 3rd, and 2-3 and 4 batters coming up, so I get it, but it still doesn't feel good.....first time it was on other side, we usually give them option to play inn out...........NICE JOB LADIES!!!!!! job well done, cya on the diamond.................

SC Klutch-----------------0 (only loss in 7 games)

PS LIL SLUGGERS-------5 

We last played 2 1/2 weeks ago, game time is so much faster than practice, and trying to play every 3 weeks to keep up with game speed, stay on top of school work, and be ready when Season rolls around....we came in having been scheduled with 5 different teams,and wound up playing Team 5 & 6...after watching Teams warming up, the only good I saw coming out of it, I saw Menifee High School pitcher warming up that threw gas (63 mph)vs us last time we played....but we didn't get to face her, they saved her for game vs Team playing after us.....all we can do is play who they scheduled us with, and I was disappointed it wasn't 63 mph.....we hit the ball extremely well, we once again pitched solid for all 10 inn we played....and we did have an area we needed to work, we stood around and reacted late on defense, we were not dialed in every pitch, when our pitching is strong, it gives our defense the chance to lose focus as not every ball being hit hard, and it burned us on routine ground balls, we were a step late as we were not ready to make the plays......that mental lapse is something only a player can change, hopefully we can be mentally strong, as physical part of the game we have a strong pulse on..... 

ShockWave---------3

PS Lil Sluggers------13

------------------------

SC Outlaws---------3

PS Lil Sluggers-----13

PITCHING:

Ayo - 3 inn/ 0 runs/ 3 hits/ 1 k- Pep 3 inn/ 0 runs/ 2 hits- Turbo 3 inn/ 3 runs/ 4 hits/ 1k- PDawg 2 inn / 3 runs/ 3 hits/ 2 bb/ 2 ks

HITTING:

Pep 4-4 3bbs/ Turtle 5-6/ KandyKorn 5-6/ Turbo 5-6/ Tbird 5-5/ Gemini 3-5/ Ayo 2-5/ KoolAid 4-6/PDawg 2-4

Girls Were Looking Sharp Ready to Get After It......after a couple of Inn we picked up where we left off last time we were on the field, nice job ladies......................

The Calm Before The Storm, ....As Soon As They Saw A Camera Out, They Were Hamming It Up, Don't Let Their Innocence Fool Ya.........................

We scheduled Moreno Valley High School and Valley View High School last weekend to get ready for this friendly, the quality of Teams we would be playing were no joke, and I hoped the playing quality Teams would have us playing at our peak.....well Rain changed our plans, but Monday Practice was geared towards this weekend, repetition on defense, staying strong with our Pitchers, and getting in quality swings to be ready for the quality arms we would face......we did well, Dynasty picked up Kaiser High School Varsity Pitcher, we faced her for 5 inn, and though we tied 8-8, it was a game we should have won, we gave up 5 unearned runs, but after falling behind 4-0, we fought back, and Coach Izzy now wants to play us again as he has won his last 3 tournaments, and having older pitcher he didn't expect to be challenged, but was impressed with how you girls battled.......Revenge never matched up with you girls, but Coach also invited us to play XMas Tournament as he didn't think we were as strong as we showed, and Lady Aguillas, last time we played them they beat us 8-3.....we went down 3-0 and had our pitcher knocked out by 2 line drives, we made the change, shut them down, and came back on them as well, so yes, we came back and avenged our loss to them, we shook the rust, played strong enough to not lose, but we also came away knowing we can play so much better, job well done.....cya on the diamond............ 

vs Dynasty

Two 3bs and 3 three 1bs , we went down 4 runs.....we came up, 2 quick outs, then KandyKorn draws a 5 pitch walk by laying off the rise ball, Turbo then laced a 3b off Kaiser Varsity Pitcher to set the tone that we can hit her........4-2 after 1st inn....Ayo settled in, we shut them down the next 2 inn.......then came our 3rd inn.....KoolAid also has patient at bat, 4 pitch walk off not swinging at a rise ball.....KFC follows with a 1b up the middle, Turtle follows with a ground ball and we scratch back, KandyKorn 1bs to right, Turbo line drive 2b to right center, TBird 1b up the middle, and Gemini capped our scoring by hitting a 3b to left...we had disciplined at bats, laid off the rise, and forced pitcher to throw fast ball, we made the mental adjustment we needed to, and now we were back in control.....7-4 good gals...just as we were pumped with our offense, we came out flat on defense, 2 errors and a failed bunt coverage, then their only hit of the inn on a 1 ball 2 strike pitch, a double to deep center, we blinked and we were looking at 8-7 game in their favor.......bottom of 5th coming up, Cristina 1bs to right field, moves to 2nd on Ayo ground ball, reaches 3rd on a wild pitch, and scores on a KoolAid ground ball, game tied as time ran out......though we didn't lose, we didn't play our best, but as it happens most of the time, we hit really well , and we pitched just as good as if not better than Kaiser High Varsity Pitcher....nice work....

02/03 Dynasty...............8

PS Lil Sluggers...............8

vs Revenge

We have seen this team play, just never played them.....Coach told me he was anxious as we never drew each other in tournaments, but beat El Monte on regular bases, and had just beat them the previous weekend......well, we got sticks, Turtle 3bs, KandyKorn 1bs, Turbo 2bs, Gemini 1bs, Gemini bbs, Christina hit by the pitch, and before you knew it, we scratched 4 runs.......great start.......a 4 pitch walk, a 1 out 3b, and a wild pitch, it was now 4-2, and it was a game.........P Dawg reaches after being hit, Turtle 1bs, but we couldn't scratch any runs.......they again reached on a 4 pitch walk, followed by another 3b, and now it's 4-3 good gals after 3 inn.....Turbo then lead off with a 1b to right, Gemini 2bs to left, Pep 1bs and we are back on the board 5-3 good gals....Pep then takes the rock in the circle, 2 inn, 6 batters, and we kept batters off balance with off speed pitches, and no runners reach base.......we continued to hit, KFC 1b, Turtle 3b, KandyKorn and Turbo 1b, we scratch 2 more runs.....Pep 1bs, Christina 1bs, Ayo 2bs and we scratch 2 more runs, we took control with the sticks, and Pep quieted down their bats.......

PS Lil Sluggers-------------9

HD Revenge----------------3

vs Lady Aquillas

we lose the flip, and Lady Aguillas get sticks.......though they hit a 1b off Ayo, we didn't allow any runs, it may have done the damage as the 1b was off the palm of Ayo's hand.....as she was pitching 2nd inn she was hit in the same spot, it cost us 3 runs in the process, we made the change, and got out of inn before any further damage, down 3-0 and losing Ayo in the circle, "Next Player up" mentality has always carried us,and it did in this game as well........down 3-0 and bottom of 3rd, Ayo reached on a walk, P Dawg 1bs and advances on wild pitch, 2nd and 3rd with 1 out.....KFC 1b and Turtle 1bs to tie the game, 3-3 after 3 inn......Lady Agillas then scores after lead off 1b and error, down 4-3, and Turbo was able to keep Lady Aguillas to 1 run in 4 inn, it gave us a chance to battle back......KFC took the rock in the 6th, they scored again to go up 5-3, but we finished the inn with a double play, KFC throws to Pep who threw to Turtle and we are back in the dugout with 15 minutes and a chance to battle back.....after getting out on a ground ball, Christina reached by getting hit again, (not a good dodge ball player at all), Ayo then 1bs, Kool Aid hits ground ball to get runners to 2nd and 3rd with 2 out.....P Dawg, (yes our 12 yr old), hits a 1b to left and we scratch 2 runs, and with P Dawg at 2nd base we popped up for 3rd out, but we were tied after 5 inn, and 2 minutes on the clock......I don't know if Lady Aguillas realized the time, they were taking pitches, time runs out on foul ball pop fly to Turtle, game over, and we get back at a Team that beat us last time out, we AVENGED our loss from 2 years ago, and having to do it after our pitcher got knocked out, "NEXT PLAYER UP".....job well done......cya on the diamond.......

PS Lil Sluggers-------------5

Lady Aguillas---------------5

Hitting:

KFC 3-8/ Turtle 5-7/ KandyKorn 3-6/ Turbo 5-7/ T Bird 3-7/ Gemini 2-6/ Pep 2-6/ Christina 3-6/ Ayo 2-6/ KoolAid 1-6/ P Dawg 3-5 (12 yr old).......

Pitching:

Ayo 4 inn/ 7 runs/ 10 hits/ 1k

Turbo 4 inn/ 4 runs/ 6 hits/ 0 bbs/ 0ks

KFC 4 inn/ 4 runs/ 4 hits/ 2 bbs/ 2 ks

Pep 2 inn/ 0 runs/ 0 hits/ 0bbs/ 0ks

2 Practices in 2 weeks, High School Happens, Holidays Happen, Girls have other interests Happens...though it makes it tough to keep girls playing, I am never surprised to see you compete at high level when you do get on the field......I have enjoyed the level of ball you girls have continued to play, I am always proud to see you do your thing at that level, and most important, the expressions when you succeed, the reactions you display when you've done well, yes it is what drives me as a Coach, and I am glad the success keeps you girls working to get better in the short amount of time we have had on the field.....job well done.......

Game 1

Playing HS Teams, and recognizing them from having played Travel Ball around So Cal, it makes the challenge fun......If we handle our end of the field, we should play strong vs any team, regardless of age....it was good to see Seniors and Juniors on the Team, it helps our preparation for HS, and our focus was on point starting on pitch 1........though we traded goose eggs in the 1st inn, we hit the ball hard all over the park......16 hits, 5 bbs, and 14 runs......this is exactly what we as parents have been spoiled to watch......PSHS only beat this Team 11-5 during Rain in March, and they were losing 5-2 for 4 inn........so you can see the level we are capable of playing, Ayo (Freshman) and Joy (Sophomore) kept the bats quiet, we made 1 mistake, 0-2 fastball over the middle of the plate, it traveled 975 feet......(3 run Home Run), I asked if she missed knuckle ball location, she told me fastball was called, I was actually relieved to hear that, as her knuckle ball retired 7 straight batters, only 3 batters reached, 2 errors and a bomb.....I will take that, my sign wasn't picked up by catcher, it was on me......the 1 bad sign I noticed and was worried about, we started to lose interest in the game, that is definitely not good, as we do lose interest when Teams not competitive, hopefully we can outgrow that, and hopefully we outgrow it yesterday......great start to a perfect softball weather day.....

PS Lil Sluggers--------14

MVHS-------------------3

Pitching: Ayo & Joy 5 inn/ 3 runs/ 2 hits/ 1 bb/ 1 k

Hitting: KFC 1-2/ Turtle 1-2/ KandyKorn 2-3/ Turbo 3-3/ TBird 2-2/ Gemini 1-2/ Pep bb/ Christina 1-1 2 bbs/ Ayo 3-3/ KoolAid 1-3/ P Dawg 1-2

Game 2 (4 MONTHS/ 24 GAMES SINCE OUR LAST LOSS- WOW!!!-WE CAN'T WIN THEM ALL)  

Our lack of interest carried over..... we first struggled to find the strike zone, 21 balls and 14 strikes, not a good sign, plan "b", Ayo rushed back in, she settled down their bats, allowed us to regain control, and our defense fed off of our pitching, KFC made 3 HUGE defensive plays to keep lead runners from advancing, Squinky - Gemini - P Dawg hosed runner at home to close 3rd inn, we settled down just by locating pitches.....what we didn't change, our offense, facing a pitcher we knocked out in 2 inn game 1, we took her for granted, bad approach at plate, she mowed us down, we made her look good, but more than the bad approach, we looked dis interested in the dugout.......it happens to us WAY TOO OFTEN.......what I do know, it is something the girls need to reign in, or as in this case today, a lesser team, a lesser player, a more focused player can take advantage of it and before you know it, it gets away from us......we scratched 2 runs on a 1b by KoolAid with 2 outs, an inn later Squinky hammered a 1-1 change up 210 feet, fence was 195.....but that was it for offense, only 7 hits in the game, not like us, but like I said, our interest was gone, more worried about when game was over, WHEN A PLAYER ASKS TO GO , YOU GIVE HER THE ROCK, SHE WANTS IT, LET HER GO....well, we made a Team that had been dominated at the plate look good, 6 hits, 3 bbs, and 2 errors, what just happened, 11 batters, 5 runs (3 earned) and chasing 3 with 10 minutes on the clock...it happens, 1 bad inn, now, if we learn from this inn, we are ok....if we have the same loss of interest, that isn't good....the game wasn't lost in that inn, it was lost with our lack of interest as the game got started.......that we can change, there is the challenge, "DO YOU HAVE IT IN YOU TO CHANGE YOUR APPROACH????"......We've seen it happen before, but it is a pattern you do not want to be known for......YOU CAN MAKE A CHANGE, BUT WILL YOU TAKE THE CHALLENGE???

PS Lil Sluggers---------3

MVHS-------------------6

Pitching: KFC/AYO/Pep 5 inn-6 runs-12 hits-6 bbs- 2 ks

Hitting: KandyKorn 1-1/ Turbo 1-2/ Gemini 1-2/ Christina 2-2/ KoolAid 1-2/ Squinky 1-1

Klutch can play, I received a call from E1 Prospects Coach asking for a game, he told me a couple of teams were merging and we were a good test for them.....a couple of Teams actually meant 3 Teams working together, and a catcher coming from 18u Klutch to help in the last game, all this with 18 players in a uniform for the Klutch Team....that is RESPECT......2 things I knew we would do, Pitch well, and hit, my one worry, defense.....it had been 1 month since our last game, and defense is normally where the rust will show, and it did......so as far as hitting, we swang a BIG STICK....as far as pitching, we came up with HUGE pitches, just played shaky defense in 2 inn, to the tune of 8 runs and 5 errors, and we spread the mistakes all over the field....I did expect this, and once again playing with only 10 players, we needed to count on everyone to do their job, 8 out of 10 inn we killed it on defense, it was just those 2 inn....it gives us something to work on, continue to hit well, continue to locate pitches, and focus on every pitch and defense will take care of itself.....19 runs scored in 10 inn, just under 2 runs an inn average.....9 runs allowed, just under 1/2 run per inn, we were the stronger team, we will play better, and hopefully this will make you stronger for the next level......job well done, cya on the diamond...........

Game 1

PS Lil Sluggers---------------11

SC Klutch----------------------0

Game 2

PS Lil Sluggers---------------8

SC Klutch--------------------9 ( they hit 5 inn/ we only hit 4 inn/ all of a sudden it was time limit not inn ???/ I should never have shown up the umpire to start, but we are here to educate everyone, including the umpire!!!!!)

Merry X Mas Family !!!!!

Yes, time for the kids to make out a wish list, but I want to reach out and say THANK YOU!!!! Girls have had another amazingly successful Season on the Diamond, and that is with the help of all you PARENTS!!! The passion shared on the field can only be achieved with you guys making plans and getting them to and from practices, as well as games.....So I had to let you all know, Holidays this time around in my household is already a good time, gifts my kid and better half receive is fun to watch, the the SUCCESS "my" girls have had on the field, IT IS A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING, so once again, I hope the BEST for all the FAMILY, and we all continue to share in positive memories with the girls on the field......HAPPY HOLIDAYS LIL SLUGGERS FAMILY!!!!!!

- Coach Tony-

Back on the field... 1st time in over a month.....yes the rust was there.....we made key mistakes that cost us 2 runs, we failed to have quality swings, which in turned kept us off the bases.....pitching was good enough to give us a chance, but our DEFENSE justwasn't what if needed to be to allow Valley to overcome our 1 run lead.......those mistakes will happen, it's just a shame they happened when we didn't hit in the game as well.....I look forward to our games in 2 weeks, and hopefully DEFENSE will be better than today, NO EXCUSES, just BETTER!!!!!.......

vs Valley Game 1

2-1 score...we were up 1-0 through 4 inn, but the we fell apart......the little things...a routine ground ball, we make they play but throw to 6 foot 5 inch 1st baseman that we don't have, lead off runner is on.....they bunt, we make another great play, but didn't finish the catch, though is was up the line, we should have finished the play.....we then allow 2 passed balls to move runners, they finished their scoring on a ball hit to pitcher, failed to look back runner, and now we were down 2-1.....the ball never left the infield and they scored 2 runs......, we just didn't execute the way we needed to, and at this level, IT WILL COST US, NO EXCUSES, learn from it and move on.............yes it can get better, should get better, COMMUNICATE, MAKE THE ROUTINE PLAYS, HAVE A PLAN AT THE PLATE........

Valley----2

PS Lil SLuggers--1

vs Valley Game 2

Much better approach at the plate....we kept runners on bases every inn.....we didn't try and do too much, and we had success as a TEAM when we did it together.....4 hits in game 1, we had 8 hits in game 2.....we doubled our production, but most important, we made them work.....we hit line drives instead of pop ups......we hit line drives instead of ground balls...TEAM OFFENSE travels....HERO BALL costs us, the approach was much better in the second game, and we will hit a whole lot better next time out.......job well done, cya on the diamond...............

PS Lil Sluggers--5

Valley---------1