2004 Softball

2004 Major Award Winners

MVH

2004 Softball Major Award Winners

Final 2004 Softball Stats

Batting Title Winner

Final 2004 Softball Stats

June 4 Game Pictures

Nut Shell Hogs

In a season that's closing in fast on us, we had a game shortened by rain Weds. and one called off. The Hogs lost to the Beer Nuts 12-5. Spuds had 3 hits, Mike, Stan, and Areno each had 2 hits.

3 Hits

Stan scored 2 runs with compliments to his courtesy-runner Charlie. (Charlie had forgotten what it was like to score a run so we have him believing that Stan actually needs a courtesy runner.)

Courtesy Runner

Unfortunately the rainout was a game with the stands full of fans. Mike's tykes, Stan's Clan and Mom De Orzio got soaked while cheering their favorite team. Pssst..Don't let anyone know that the Nuts took the field with only 8 players. Ouch !! Make-ups and Play-off games TBD. Please be alert for short notice announcements.

Christ Church Rises And Falls

The Hogs split a doubleheader against Christ Church Monday losing the first game 7-6, but bouncing back in the nightcap to win 6-3. Our record stands at 4-11. An upcoming make-up doubleheader vs. the Beer Nuts on Wednesday will wrap up the season. Play-offs are around the corner. In the first game, the Hogs got out of the starting gate early plating 5 runs in the 1st inning. This was highlighted by Chuck's 4th Home Run.

Hit 4th Homer

But the bats fell silent after that and the Church chipped away at our lead, eventually overtaking the Hogs. How cold were the Hogs?? We finished the game with 11 consecutive outs ( that's 4 innings) without a baserunner. Brrrr... I smell stinkys. In the second game, the Hogs won 6-3. Coop err..I mean Chuck's RBI triple was the GWRBI. Spuds arrived to help out the team and the Hogs were happy to have his solid veteran presence in the line-up.

Veteran Presence

He walks, He talks, He crawls on his belly like a reptile...What is this, some kind of a circus? No. It's Coop fielding a foul pop-up. Actually it was a run, slip, crawl, dive, and a face plant. "But that's what he gets for attempting to play softball while he's chewing gum" said Areno.

Circus Fielder

Also in the 2nd game, Murph hit his team leading 6th homer.

Hit 6th Homer

Pat treated the team to post-game Pizza. We thanked him that night. We cursed him the next morning.

Sly Fox continues to hound the Hogs!! Last week we brought our 'A' game to the 'B' field and this week we brought our 'B' game to the 'A' field. We lost both ends of the doubleheader playing flat and sloppy 7-2 and 16-7 respectfully. Both Stan 'Righty' and Elmer 'The Big Unit' were pitchers of record.

There was buffoonery on defense and there was buffoonery on the base paths. It left the team searching for answers. Our hopes for a .500 season were dashed for the 16th consecutive season. While Coop went Cruising the Hogs took a Bruising. Legend Spuds showed up to play this night but was unable to give the Hogs a much needed spark.

Pat picked up 4 hits. Mike also had 4 hits including his 3rd Homerun of the season. Duff hammered out 2 hits, returning to 'Duffman' cheers after missing the last 6 games. Areno 3 hits. Chuck 3 hits, 3 runs and an outfield assist nailing the runner at home as Andy applied the tag. After witnessing a bazaar fielding demonstration unfold, we concluded that Charlie can kick the ball further than he can throw it.

The Hogs stunned previously unbeaten PCS Wireless with a 5-2 win in the second game of a doubleheader, after losing the first game in extra innings 10-9. The 2004 record now stands at 3-8. In the first game the Hogs had the lead after five innings, but the villains plated three in the bottom of the 5th to tie, and then won it in eight. Both Chuck "I'm awesome in the other league that I play in" and KKKyle went yard. The Tool hitting his 3rd and the Murphman his team-leading 5th HR.

In the nightcap, Pat The Bat's 2-run single gave him the GWRBI in a hard fought 5-2 victory. It was the PCS Wireless's first set-back of the year.

Defense played well both games particularly our four outfielders who were busy shagging long drives all evening against this power team. Stan went both games showing great control on his pitches. Coop needs a vacation. Mike had a two-bagger. Mike's Tykes wise up... they skip the games and go directly to the Stables with mom. Bob scores - scary! Boogers' bunch celebrate start of summer with pizza and Led Zepplin.

Stan Clark joined Hall of Famers Cy Young and Pud Galvin as the only pitchers to lose 300 career games, as the Hogs dropped the opener to VFW ost 11-4. However, Elmer picked up his first career pitching victory in the nightcap with a 14-10 win. Our record stands at 2-7 at the Hogs Open Break, signifying the half way mark of the season.

Elmer's claim that "The Hogs just won't play for me" rang hollow, as we scored in every inning. He posted 2 hits and 2 runs to help himself. Other highlights: The Murphman continued to show his power and speed. His SAC plated the GWRBI and his back to back Home Runs gave him 5 RBIs for the night. Coops' triple was almost an inside the park HR but he indecisively returned to third after a wide turn. His team leading 4 triples now out-number his strike outs. Yes..it's true. (p.s. thanks for the pitcher of beer.)

Noel 4 hits, 3 RBIs, distributed 2004 25th anniversary hats to the team. The lids are color coordinated and dated. We're lookin' good!

Bob scorched a few frozen ropes on his way to collecting 5 hits, one justifiably being considered as "the longest single ever". Mike is back in the groove making good contact all night. He went deep right field for his 2nd HR of the year.

Charlie's hustle only nets 1 hit but also 2 runs while playing second base. Chuck, with his 'Riverdance' warm-up routine, played to the Hog's pleasure prior to the games. While his game came up a bit Flatley, he did go yard for his 2nd HR of the year. We expect a big second half of the season from last years second round draft pick and ROY.

Areno 2 hits, 2 BB's. Pat picked up 2 hits (but not his dogs' poop) and finally gets a bar appearance.

Andy scored twice (but as a pinch runner not for himself). Elmer got credit for the run as Andy's crowd pleasing slide into home on a close play drew blood. "Andy's that type of unselfish team player... we should expect nothing less" said Areno at the post game wrap-up at the Stables.

It took him 25 years, but Stan Clark set a milestone with his 150th victory leading the Hogs to their first 2004 win. The Hogs split a doubleheader with the Mountaineers improving their record to 1-6. Stan not only won his career 150th game, he also lost his career 299th in the first game. He also racked up 4 walks and 3 runs during the night.

Kyle 'The Murphman' continues to lead the team in all power stats. 5 more hits, including a triple, 4 runs, 4 RBIs. (Of course he may be too young to qualify for Hog Stat honors.) Youth, Power and Speed have never been a Hogs' component before and we're undecided about how to deal with these qualities...perhaps a sliding scale or curve will be introduced this year to maintain some friendly competition... A moving target if you will to keep him in line with the rest of us.

Mike was as hot as the weather : 4 hits including his first HR and 5 RBI's. Noel gets bloody after a pathetic slide at home after Hit/RBI. Areno 5 Hits, 3 RBI's... He stretches a single into an ill-advised sliding double. Koop 3 hits including another triple, 4 runs, and a busy night shagging flies. He also got the GWRBI.

Pat returned with 3 runs, a double, and 3 RBIs and a fine running catch. Andy 3 walks, 2 runs, and a hit (after he took the bat off his shoulder.) Stan, as mentioned before, out-wussed Andy taking 4 walks but that allowed him to score 3 runs. Charlie got the green light on a 3-0 pitch...resulting in one of his two SAC's. "I didn't come to the ball park to take a walk" (an obvious reference to the two aforementioned Hogs). He only played one position this night and played it well.

Booger reclaimed 1st base on defense making numerous put-outs. Once again he launches a rocket to the 'B' field for a stand-up double. He collected 2 hits and 2 runs while Clay collected our bats volunteering as batboy. Stan's Clan made their 2004 debut tonight, and along with Booger's Bunch and Mike's Tykes kept the bleachers full. Good post game party at the Stables!! Oh, by the way...Chuck who ?? We're still waiting for another correspondent to step up and fill us in on the details of the post game/post-Stables Friday night Hogger which continued back at Andy and Heather's house into the early morning.

Pogey's Predators painfully paralyze the Hogs with an 11-0 first game punishment. The nightcap, in this years first doubleheader, proved more competitive but the Hogs lose 13-10 and fall to 0-5 record. The Hogs now face a perplexing predicament of being winless in '04.

Starting the game with only eight Hogs, we held off the Predators valiantly for four innings but were unable to mount any offense. When the Predators (AKA The Saloon) rallied for 7 fifth inning runs, it was all over. The second game featured the arrival of Duff (Oh Yeah !!) and Kyle and we were much more competitive on both offense and defense.

Almost every Hog had a hit or scored and it pleased the overflowing crowd of fans. Highlights: Mike returned from his golf tour and picked up 4 hits and 2 runs while playing excellent defense. Andy also racked up 4 hits including a triple. 'Wheels' seemed like a blur running the bases aboard his red #14 spikes.

The 'Tool' picked up 3 RBI's with 2 hits and a SAC. Chuck's move to the outfield could prove to be permanent as he was able to display and showcase his rifle arm (reminiscent of Areno in the 80's and 90's).

Kyle continues to impress his teammates with his power stats. He hit another triple and another Homerun, scoring twice and getting 3 RBI's. Kooper picked up 2 RBI's. Noel doubled. Charlie got two hits and was robbed of another swinging bunt hit by a bad umpire call. This 'Utility' Hog played three positions during the game. Areno filled in admirably at first base for Bobby, anchoring the entire right side of the infield in the hog depleted defense. He picked up 3 hits and 2 runs along with a few defensive gems. "He snot Booger material " was an ambiguous criticism/compliment overheard at the Stables (Areno interpreted it as a compliment). Kim and Moui were dubbed 'Charlies's Angels' as new fans continue to discover the Hogs...and we run out of room on the stat sheet. A big turnout at the Stables...Eggs 'legendary' arrival, Noel's Pizza, Mom DeOrzio's Steak and Heather's Birthday cake highlighted a festive Friday post game party. Next opponents...The 'Mountaineers'

Team founder and hitting legend Zip showed once again what legends are made of. For the sixth consecutive time, Zip flew in from Chicago to lead off a Hogs game with a hit. He then followed it up with a second hit, nearly a homerun except for a brilliant play by the right fielder. Zip now is on pace to hit over .500 for ten consecutive years.

Although The Legend led, the Hogs refused to follow. The Beernuts gave the Hogs a shellacking in a 17-3 five-inning rout, dropping the Hogs to 0-3 in 2004. The outfield resembled Baghdad as the Beernuts bombarded all fields with hits in their four innings. Scoring 6 first-inning and 7 second-inning runs, the Nuts shell-shocked the Hogs and forced us to play catch-up ball all night. This years' Legends Game came up short on the playing field but not at the bar. Fellow legends Areno, Stan, Booze, Spuds, Zip, Phil and Vince all arrived at the Legendary P-Ville 'Y' and the post-game party at the Legendary Stables for a night of buffoonery and debauchery.

Besides his hitting brilliance, Zip also hit into a game-ending double play which preventing fellow legend Spuds from getting an at-bat. Spuds was able to celebrate his 18th consecutive season, behind only Areno and Stan.

Rookie Kyle proves once again that he needs spikes as he picks up 7 total bases with his first homer and a triple.

Feeling the pressure from the presence of the Legends, rookie Charlie returned to earth going hitless and lowering his batting avg. .400 in the process.

The Tool legged out an infield hit just prior to Stan claiming "offensive indifference" as he refused to run out his grounder.

Zip also proved to be the team leader at the Stables, dousing himself with beer while the stunned Young Guns looked on.

Ever since the Sly Fox entered the league eight years ago, they have never lost to the Hogs. Monday night was no exception. The Hogs (0-2) spotted the Sly Fox five first inning runs...Battled back to a 6-5 lead in the 5th inning...then succumbed to an 8-6 loss. Highlights included Cooper's 3RBI's, Bobby went yard, depositing the ball into the B fields' infield, then coasted into third for a triple. Greg kept score. Charlie, the first rookie, is still batting 1.000 picking up 2 more hits and 2 runs. Kyle made his rookie debut with 2 Hits and 2 Runs. He also drew first blood after a valiant defensive attempt. Jim, the third rookie, also made his debut tonight. We need a scorecard to keep tabs!! Hogs welcomed back Lisa after a 3 year hiatus, (and she thought that there was no way the Hogs would still be playing this well.) Stables rocks with dissension.

Can you hear me now?? The Hogs lost the season opener to the PSC Wireless team in five innings 23-13. It was a see-saw battle with our shaky defensive jitters ultimately very costly. The stands were packed with fans for our 2004 opener. Booger's Bunch led the charge. Highlights included Charlie's debut with a swinging bunt single. Noel's 3 hits. Chuck went yard and collected 5 RBI's. Areno 2 hits. Cooper's Ho-Hum another game, another triple. Mike 2 RBI's. Big night at the Stables!

2003 MVH 2003 ROY Personnel Director GM
Noel McNew Chuck Bloemer Andy DeOrzio Areno

The First Annual Hogs Spring Fling was a huge success. The young guns set the pace at Hooters with a big turnout. Of course the Legends were on hand being the first to arrive and the first to leave. They included Areno, Booze, Eggs, Macos and Zip. Even Jammer made an appearance thinking it was the Christmas party. Zip has promised to make the stat sheet this year with a few AB's during a summer visit. Everyone was pleased with the menu...oh..I mean everyone was pleased with the venue.

The Menu

Andy showed off his custom made spiffy Hog #14 spikes. Quickly becoming the envy of his teammates. Someone was overheard saying " If you can't be good, at least look good".

And the Hogs will be looking good !! New 25th anniversary Team Jerseys are on order. (Including a Triple XXX for Bobby 'Van Deisel' Greenaway.) Noel has promised to 'put a lid on it' but before you get too excited... I think He was talking about 25th annual softball hats to complete our uniforms.

Stan announced that the season will commence the week of April 26th. Probably that Monday with an 8-10 team division. Details will follow.

The line-up, again, looks diverse with speed and slowness, power and finesse, youth and age sprinkled throughout. Chuck Charley with a 'Y' ROY 'The Tool' Bloemer sounds like plumber is poised to lead the team with his offensive performance. "He sure is offensive" replied his nemesis and SOY contender, Coop "but lets talk about softball." There should be plenty of time for that. Later, Areno #14 GM.