The Ottawa SweatSox

The Official Sox of the NCBL; EST 1981

Welcome to the home of the Ottawa SweatSox, a Tier V team playing in Tier II of the National Capital Baseball League

August 18, 2010: Cialis Broken Wood Page Updated
August 12, 2010: 2010 SweatSox Schedule Updated

2010 SWEATSOX AWARDS

The 2010 SweatSox Award Ceremony will begin tomorrow exclusively on SweatSox Twitter. Each day, for about a month, a different award winner will be announced. Yes, we do like to drag things out here in SweatSox Nation.

For all you non-Twitter followers, fear not, you can check back here for weekly website updates with full descriptions about your 2010 Award Winners. Good luck to all.

AT LEAST WE DIDN'T GET SWEPT

SweatSox lose 7-1, Chiefs win series 5 points to 1.

"HEY, THAT'S MY OPEN DOOR"

SweatSox lose 8-1, Chiefs lead series 3 points to 1.

THE BARRHAVEN BEER SPILLER

SweatSox tie 7-7, series tied 1 point to 1. Per SweatSox by-laws, that's all we can report about a playoff game.

PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

Just got word from the Authority that our playoff schedule has finally been released.

The season ending stats are also posted on the Statistics page; this included career stats and all time pitching/hitting leaderboards. Where do you rank among the greats?

DINNER TIME

...not coming soon, probably not coming at all. Actually I'm quite positive there will be no writeup about this game. I don't even remember what game this was, even though it took place "last night".

HOW DOES THE DUCK HUNT GUN WORK?

For the third time this season, game #340 of the 2010 NCBL season, aka SweatSox vs Athletics was postponed due to rain. At least this time we got through two batters in the top of the first inning. The game will likely be rescheduled for tomorrow, or Tuesday at the latest.

Because there was a pitch thrown, the Hyjinx was given the green light to proceed. I was too wet to hang around but I heard the guys had a good time, and hopefully they didn't start another ChugOff without the two time defending runner-up.

It should also be noted that today was the first time the August Staches were to be revealed. Taking an early lead is the reigning Mr. Hyjinx, the man we now call OML, Marcus Lettus, Marc Lett:

NO WE ARE NOT!

If SouthGate is only barely playable after 3 hours of maintenance the day after a rainstorm, there is no chance it's playable after two days of hardcore rain. So, our game tonight against the Athletics has been RAINED OUT.

ARE WE PLAYING TONIGHT?

The SweatSox are back in action tonight vs the Athletics at SouthGate. That's right folks, we play at SouthGate the day after a thunderstorm. That probably means the field will be unplayable, unless of course the Consultant is back in town. Check out some pictures of the backstop taken at 9:00AM, and then just after 12:00PM.

AYDELU vs SPORTSPLEX

Ever wonder how Aydelu and the Sportsplex look from the sky? Check out the latest article on Athletics site for more pictures, and more details on that very subject. It's a good read. And big shoutout to the Outaouais Tribu, please win the rest of your games so the Brewers can play there next season and we can finally get this diamond out of the NCBL rotation. You guys did forget to mention the double rubber, where nobody over 5 foot 8 can pitch there and not risk rolling an ankle.

I'M MOVING TO STITTSVILLE

For the first time since our last trip to Aydelu, the SweatSox suited up for a rare Sunday game, taking on a Metcalfe Mudd team that no current full-time Sox pitcher has ever beaten. Since sending the GLE, Murdock, Josh, Cop, or J-Mart to the mound was obviously futile, the nod went to half-rookie Ross Hughes, who was signed to a minor league deal by the SweatSox last week.

Before Hughes could take the field, the SweatSox got to bat because according to the Authority, the NCBL website, and apparently nobody else, they were the visiting team. This proved to be a key point of the day, because the Sox would score all the runs they would need to secure the victory after first inning RBI’s from David Nelson, and the eventual game winner from the YouTube Sensation himself.

In his first start as a SweatSock, Hughes pitched a complete game gem, surrendering only 3 hits, 7 walks, 1 run, with 6 strikeouts for his first career win. This performance was easily good enough for the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award, which Travis still has hidden somewhere. Speaking of the medal, if we don’t get that back soon, the A&W medal will be replaced by the 1994 Golden Tae E Lee Cup Canadian Taekwondo Championship medal, and Murdock will get his ass kicked ninja style.

Honourable mentions from the game go out to KJ, who was hit by a pitch for an unprecedented 5th game in a row, and to the following SweatSox who all had 2-hit games: Cory, Travis, Army, Nelson, Ramage, and Martensen. Shoutout to Ian Stewart who almost hit the ball out of the infield, and mark my words, I predict big things from Ian next game.

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by D.Nelson, who went the extra mile by bringing the always treasured extra cooler of beer - It wasn’t quite a double beer day, but more like a single-and-one-quarter beer day. The SweatSox Hyjinx welcomed the return of a former Sox great, as the 2002 Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy winner returned to the circle, even though he didn’t actually sit in the circle. Jonathan Gilbert came to the game under the assumption that Cory was pitching so that he’d be able to witness Lee Shields’ final pitching record (career innings pitched) go down. Sadly, our great lefty didn’t pitch, so the record still stands. Maybe next game!

Speaking of our next game, next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Raiders Wednesday night at McCarthy. We’re not sure who will start, but there will be a few pitching changes throughout the game as we continue to get our playoff roster qualified.

KICKED IN THE SPINE

Last night, for the third and final time this regular season, the SweatSox and Chiefs faced off at the Sportsplex. Coming off an unprecedented 13 days rest and looking for his 4^th win of the season, the Sox sent GLE Cory Bond to the mound. Unfortunately, Cory has no idea how to pitch with a healthy arm and had one of his weakest outings of the season (still a good start by SweatSox standards though).

Cory pitched into the 4^th giving up 3 earned runs, 4 hits, 5 walk, with 3 strikeouts, but left with the Chiefs up 1. Recent SweatSox acquisition Ross Hughes took over in relief, and pitched the final 3 innings giving up only 1 hit, 2 walks, with 3 strikeouts. Unfortunately, the Chiefs relief pitching was equally effective, and the Sox lost 7-6.

Offensively, the SweatSox put up 7 hits, but none was bigger than a third inning two run double from the Bus Cop Mark Bond, who was playing in back-to-back games for probably the first time in years. The Cop RBI’s were the first two of his 28 game career, beating the previous record set by Josh Ramage, who recorded his first RBI in his 21^st game played. Cop also had a couple nice catches in LF, so for his overall effort, Mark gets his 4^th 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award.

Honourable mentions go to Travis Murdock who had another 2-hit game, Craig Cornell who had a hit and two runs scored, and to Kent Johnston, who was hit by a pitch for the 4^th consecutive game (I predict this streak goes at least 5 games).

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was three-fold, the parking lot circle, the ESM rectangle, and a 1-hour superfluous cool down period. The highlight of the Hyjinx was checking out what kind of batteries run David Nelson’s iPhone – I guess you had to be there. Honourable mention goes out to Cory, who won a ChugOff exhibition match; hopefully that’s not a preview of the official ChugOff Championship round, which by the way still doesn’t have an official time/place yet.

HALAL

SweatSox lose 11-1. That's about all there is to report about this game. See ya.

MAKEUP GAMES ANNOUNCED

Cory finally got around to sending me the updated league schedule, which has our two rainouts rescheduled. We now play on:

SWEET, I GET TO WATCH THE ALL-STAR GAME

Ladies and gentlemen, tonight's game against the Athletics has been cancelled due to the rain. Here's a little something to help cheer you up from this devastating news:

60 DOGS

Last night, I got stupid, and decided to compete in a DogOff. I ate 14 or so dogs, and I do not feel good today. I don't really remember what happened in the game, I know we won, I know John Groves pitched a complete game, and I'm pretty sure Craig and I had HR's - that's what the stats say at least.

BROWNTOWN

So last night, for the second time this season, the SweatSox & Athletics faced off at in National Capital Baseball League action. In their first matchup, the Athletics jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, so the Sox were hoping to make things a bit more competitive this time around. To do so, The Authority knew he had to pick one of the two Sox pitchers with a sub 8.00ERA to take the mound, so he flipped a coin and picked staff ace Cory Bond to try and get the job done against the well rested Athletics.

The SweatSox took the early lead when in the first, Travis Murdock recorded a sacrifice fly, scoring Denver Hunt from third base. The Athletics answered back in the 3rd, but the always scrappy Sox regained the lead in the 3rd after Marc Lett legitimately stole third base, then scored when the ball found its way to left field. The Athletics tied the game one inning later.

The score would remain tied 2-2 until the top of the 9th (that’s correct, the 9th) when out of nowhere, the Sox exploded for 7 runs on 7 hits, effectively putting the game away, right? The GLE figured now was as good a time as any to turn things over to the bullpen, who made things exciting by giving up 5 runs, setting things up for Josh Ramage to step in and record the one out save. SweatSox 9, Athletics 7, season series tied 1-1.

We’re going to go ahead and say that with 9 innings played; this game was the longest game in SweatSox history; with 8 innings pitched, Cory set a new personal record for IP in a game (and became the 1st Sox pitcher since Jon Gilbert in 2004 to pitch 8); and we’re pretty sure Marc Lett’s 4 hit game was also an NCBL personal best. For reaching these milestones last night, let’s go ahead and give GLE & OML a share of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award. Well done guys. Honourable mention goes out to Kent Johnston, who not only drew the only 3 walks of the game for the Sox, but was also more vocal in CF than we’ve seen lately, especially after one of his throws was cut, and another never made it to 2nd because nobody was on second. ACF was in top form.

A BIG website shoutout also goes to WLE Ian Stewart, who recorded hits 3 and 4 of his rookie season last night, including a big 2RBI single in the 9th inning, which should have been the game winning runs.

The Après Baseball Hyjinx featured the first ever Code: Wiener, despite a previous report that it had been averted. The owner of the first ever Code: Wiener is veteran Craig Cornell, whose 8 year exemption status saved him from entering the Hall of Shame. The Consultant promises to bring food Monday night for the rare Double Meat Night! We're all not looking forward to Tuesday morning.

With no food on the menu, six SweatSox warriors moved the Hyjinx down the street to a local Hunt Club/Merivale establishment, where they were able to witness the LeBron reaction, as well as the Joey Votto all-star announcement. We also found out that Cory makes his own garlic cheese bread now, which ranks #1 on his garlic bread standings. The highlight of the night however was when the owner of the restaurant came by and offered to void the entire beer tab if Josh Ramage got up on the bar and danced for 5 minutes… We’ll leave it to your imagination to figure out whether B’Josh went through with it or not.

Next up for most of the SweatSox is a matchup with the Raiders, Monday night at 6:15PM, Sportsplex. Cory & Denver’s next baseball action will be over the weekend, since they’ve signed on to be a part of the Burlington Bulls at the 2010 Brewers Tournament. Marc Lett may or may not get an email to also be a part of this tourney. Good luck guys!

WORST HYJINX EVER

Well another episode of BunOff 2010 took place last night, and as you may recall, there are never any winners in the BunOff, only losers. There was cheating, premature tagging, and no heart whatsoever. I can't believe I've wasted two lines on this already. In happier news, the semi-finals of the 2010 Radio Vision Buzz Light-Years Contest took place last night, with Cory and myself (Shaun Keay) winning their respective matchups. The finals will take place at a day/time that's yet to be determined. Stay tuned.

Earlier in the night, the SweatSox lost to the Mudd, again, by a score of 13-7. Josh Ramage started for the first time in over a year, but left after only 3 innings citing potential arm fatigue. James Martensen pitched the final four innings, and picked up the loss. 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award Honours go to Travis Murdock, who went 2/3 with a BB, 2B, RBI, and three runs scored.

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Athletics, tonight, 6:15PM, at the Sportsplex. Our GLE Cory Bond is scheduled to start.

ANOTHER CHUGOFF UPDATE

With the semi-finals of the ChugOff, aka the 2010 Radio Vision Buzz Light-Years Contest scheduled to take place tonight, I figured it would be a good time to update the bracket.

BUNOFF 2010

I told you it would happen last week, and sure enough it did. The Sox and Outlaws played 8 innings, but still couldn't find a winner. The GLE pitched 5.33 innings, and John Groves, making an emergency appearance pitched 2.67 innings of perfect ball. 2-2 final.

I hate to do this, because I'm not that type of guy, but the true star of the game was me (Shaun Keay). I was the only one with a 2-hit game, and I finally scored my first run of the season, scoring from second base off a Denver Hunt RBI single no less. Take that Director. For that, I'm taking my 6th career 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award.

The Hyjinx was a fun one, the quarter-finals of the 2010 ChugOff took place, as did the first round of the 2010 SweatSox BunOff Invitational. Winners from the Chugoff quarters were myself, and David Nelson. There were no winners of the BunOff, only losers. Shoutout to OMG, who made what is believed to be the first ever emergency meat run, and did it in record time, just under 2 hours. Pizza was also ordered for the 2nd time in team history, no thanks to that crappy call center in India. Big ups to the Outlaws though, who won the Hyjinx after drinking a beer with the dude on the bike. Hope he picked up his beer cap.

Let's see, next up we have a date with the Mudd, Wednesday night at the Sportsplex. The Mudd won the first matchup between the two teams earlier this season, so the Sox will be looking to avoid the season series loss.

AN ODE TO THE GLE...I MEAN A SOX-OUTLAWS RECAP

We'd like to shoutout to the anonymous former SweatSock who took it upon himself to create the following video recap of our game against the Outlaws last week. I guess those night courses in video editing have really paid off, right C. Chapman? Damn that's too obvious, Chris C.?

THE POOL TABLE AT THE DOLLAR

Josh Ramage made his first start in over a year "last night" and left the game with an 11-2 lead. In true SweatSox fashion, we blew the lead, yet somehow managed to win a close one 14-12. Ramage gets a legit win, KJ had the game winning hit/RBI in the 6th, and Denver led the way with 4 stolen bases on pavement.

Next up is a matchup with the Tier leading Outlaws. The season series is tied 1-1, so I predict the game will end in a tie. I know that doesn't make much sense, but that's what I'm sensing.

9710mL

So this was the day of the Great Earthquake of 2010. Nothing much to report from this game, other than a 1st inning Marc Lett "Winchester" Grand Slam. I do remember the Hyjinx though, after all it was "last night"...the 1st round of the 2010 ChugOff took place, it was a good opening round, and an updated bracket should be posted soon.

Also, big shoutout to the Cheerleaders who were at the Oak, my favourite cheer was the "Best Friends We'll Always Be" one.

DE-TWEET

So "last night", we played in the pouring rain, on Cable TV, and suffered our 2nd consecutive mercy loss. Fortunately, we had one shining star on this horrifically gloomy day: The HRK Cory Bond. I would have posted some video from the game but I have no PVR, so I can't get it on my computer. I did manage to take a picture of my TV after Cory's HR (see below). If anyone out there has a way of getting this game or some of it's highlights into cyberspace, feel free to do so, and email me at Shaun.Keay@SweatSoxBaseball.com.

SET YOUR PVR'S...

The TV taping goes down tomorrow night at the Sportsplex, and will be shown on Rogers Cable 22 on:

BUN HAMMER TOSS

In this game, umm, "last night", we got hammered by the Tribu & crew - surprise surprise. As predicted, our one ray of sunshine was Kent Johnston, who recorded his first career wood bat HR on a 1st inning 2-run jack. He gets the A&W, and we get cheap beer at the Beer King. I guess it was worth it.

THE "SACRIFICE FLY"

Okay let's see, this was the game where "last night", we beat the Braves 3-2 after entering the bottom of the 7th tied 2-2. Army got to third base, Travis flew out to right, and Army scored. E9 or E12?

It looks like we gave the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award to Cory Bond & John Groves! 2 pitchers? No kidding. Oh well.

Next up for the SweatSox is another trip to Aydelu to face the Tribu. I'm sure this will be a disaster, although I do expect big things from center fielder Kent Johnston, who is due for a big day at the plate.

IT HAD TO HAPPEN EVENTUALLY

Moments ago, I received word from our Authority (Cory Bond), that our game tonight against the Raiders has been postponed. I think it has something to do with the rain that's been coming down since about noon.

Our next game is Friday night at the Sportsplex, 8:30PM, against the Braves. The GLE is scheduled to pitch, but I have a feeling once again he'll get shafted with a no-decision. I hope I'm wrong.

RAW DOG

The SweatSox seemingly took the night off on the field last night, getting blasted by the Barrhaven City Chiefs 11-1, and since I was on the bench for the entire game, I want to take something off too. No, it won't be all my clothes - instead I will take this writeup off. That's your game recap folks. Hope you enjoyed it.

WHAT'S THE NON-MARRIAGE PRENUP? (my spell-check wants to change PRENUP to PREOP)

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Raiders on Wednesday, 8:30PM, at the Sportsplex. We're not quite sure who is going to be the starter, but safe to say it'll either be Cory Bond, Josh Ramage, Jacques Martensen, Ian Stewart, Mark Bond, Travis Murdock, Andy Nelson, John Groves, Mark Dorrington, Lee Shields, Vance Vance, or Jonathan Gilbert.

UPDATED CHUGOFF INFO

There has been overwhelming feedback recently on the 2nd Annual SweatSox Radio Vision Buzz Light-Years Contest, and since I'm a man of the people, I've decided to make a couple changes before the contest gets started on Friday. First off, our 2010 #1 SuperFan Leslie Woollam has requested to be entered into the contest - Request Approved.

Secondly, many thought it wasn't fair that last years champion Cory Bond got an automatic bye into the finals. After discussions with the Chugoff panel of judges, we came to a fair compromise that the defending champ would get a bye into the semi-finals, not the finals. Sorry Cory. To figure out who exactly our GLE would face, the panel decided to match him up against the Top 2 Greatest SweatSox of All-Time, Doug Dorion and Mark Dorrington. It seems only fitting that the Top 3 SweatSox, as voted by you, face off in this the 30th Anniversary Season of the SweatSox.

THE DAISY DUKE CURVEBALL

For the first time in NCBL history, the SweatSox and Barrhaven City Chiefs faced off last night at McCarthy. Things were getting a little wonky even before the game started when scheduled starter Travis Murdock suddenly remembered he had a coaching gig three-and-a-half hours away, and had to miss another start. If that wasn’t bad enough, Old Man Lett, who holds spots 1, 2, and 3 on the SweatSox catching depth chart, was also missing. No starting pitcher or catcher, lovely.

THE BOND-BOND BATTERY

With time running out before a “final” lineup had to be printed, the Authority went to the one person he knew would take the hill and give it all he’s got, a man who would be making his third consecutive start, and that of course was: himself. Making his return to the SweatSox after missing the last 5 games due to a “season ending” arm injury was Mark Bond – and what better way to phase him back in than to stick him behind the plate and throw 100+ balls back to the pitcher.

FROM B’JOSH TO GRE?

As per usual, the SweatSox fell behind early after giving up two runs over the first two innings, but fought back and took the lead in the third after a bases clearing double from our very own Cory Bond, who swears even before the Sox took the lead he was already taking himself out of the game on the counts of his arm was falling off. Enter Josh Ramage, who as part of his quest to become more like our GLE, not only struck out the side like Cory did earlier, but blew the save in the 6th in hopes the Sox would get him another dirty win.

JELLYLEGGER

Mission: Accomplished, because in the bottom of the 6th an Armando Navarro RBI walk scored the Bus Cop to tie the game, and in the 7th a Jamal Martensen game winning RBI walk-off single again scored the Bus Cop, securing the win for the SweatSox. SweatSox 6, Chiefs 5.

THE SOCCER BALL

Ramage picked up the win after pitching the final four innings, giving up 5 hits, 4 walks, 3 earned runs, while recording a season high six strikeouts. On offense, shoutouts go to Army who went 0/1 with 3 walks, Kent Johnston who went 1/2 with a double, 2 walks, and a stolen base, the Bus Cop who as mentioned scored the game tying and winnings runs, and to myself, Shaun Keay, who was only 1 strikeout away from the always desirable Golden Sombrero.

I GOT A SCISSOR

Your 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award winner, for the third time in his career and the first time this season, is Denver Hunt. The Shostappa went 2/3 at the plate with a walk, scored the first Sox run of the game, was the catalyst for getting a double play call for the team, paid his league fees (and then some), and brought out some sausages for the Hyjinx. It was a great all-around effort from our second baseman.

ENGINEERING RINGS

The Après Baseball Hyjinx wasn’t looking too promising when right off the bat, the BBQ wouldn’t start. With OML out of the picture, many thought it was a simple cause of “we don’t know what the hell we’re doing”, but alas the problem was eventually traced to the propane, or lack thereof. Knowing something had to be done or else Denver’s meat would go uneaten, our fearless leader took off in search of gas. This selfless act will go down in history as the first ever SweatSox “propane run”. Thanks Cory.

NO SACRIFICES AFTER A WIN

With Cory back, the Hyjinx were allowed to continue, and the team was able to properly welcome Ramage’s Posse into the circle, who turned out to be a bunch of Yankee fans! Afterwards, we got a rare 2010 appearance from a bag of shelled peanuts, and just as the rain started to fall, the Hyjinx officially ended. I ended up getting back home in Kanata at about 2:00AM, thanks in part to a detour I had to take to avoid a Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere check. Arrive Alive everyone!

Next up for the SweatSox is another matchup with the Chiefs, Monday night at the Sportsplex. I’m not in the business of making predictions, but I’ve got a feeling a lefty will be starting on the mound.

For the first time this season, your CK SweatSox took on their bête noire’s, the Metcalfe Mudd, last night at the Sportsplex. The Mudd have owned the SweatSox ever since both teams found themselves in Tier II, beating the Sox 6 out of 9 times, and with two of their three losses coming at the hands of the OMS. The Mudd eliminated the Sox in the first round of the 2008 playoffs, and also ended our famous run-scoring streak early last season. So needless to say, despite the Mudd’s winless record heading into last nights’ game, the Sox knew they were in for a tough one.

I’M NOT AFRAID OF HITTING A KID

The pitching matchup was a nothing new to this rivalry as the SweatSox GLE Cory Bond took on the Mudd’s SweatSox Killer, Sean Byrne – hey, he has the same name as me, but it’s spelled differently…that’s a homonym!

I’M NOT AFRAID OF 25 TO LIFE

The SweatSox took the first lead of the game in the bottom of the third inning after Kent Johnston scored Denver Hunt on a sacrifice fly. That lead lasted about all of 5 minutes because in the top of the fourth, the Mudd plated 3 runs off two Sox errors, including an extremely rare E8, or 8E as some Sox might have scored it. The Mudd would capitalize on another error in the 5th, scoring two more runs which was more than enough to increase their overall winning percentage against the Sox. Mudd 5, SweatSox 2, SweatSox Errors 6.

COME’ON

Although he picked up the loss, we’ll give Cory a share of the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award. Bond pitched 6 innings, giving up 4 hits (only 1 of which reached the outfield), 2 earned runs, 4 walks, and with a season high 5 strikeouts. The other half goes to Rookie Jason Martensen, who was one of the few who played an error free game on defense. At short, Jeff Martensen recorded a season high five assists and at the plate got one of the four Sox hits.

HEY ZEUS

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by the WLE Ian Stewart, who bought the good buns but saved a few bucks on the meat by getting some weak no-name brand. Stewart was also guilty of the always predictable, yet highly shameful Rookie Beer Spill. That’s why he’s the WLE!

I WANNA GET INTO THAT

Army Navarro was also a force in the Hyjinx; after loaning a chair to Jebediah Martensen and giving Cory a revised game schedule with the games he’d be missing this season, #12 found the inner strength to put back a SECOND beer (that’s 1.5 more beers than usual). Somewhere, the AFB is wiping a tear from his eye. There were reports that OML was actually hiding under a nearby car, siphoning beer from Army’s bottle.

THAT’S MY BROTHER

One of the major topics of conversation last night was the 2nd Annual SweatSox Radio Vision Buzz Light-Years Contest, aka the 2010 Chugoff. After receiving great feedback from last year’s contest, the Chugoff will return; the only notable change to the rules was that the defending champion gets an automatic bye to the finals. I’m taking you down this year Cory! So without further adieu, here is the randomly generated 2010 Bracket (click to enlarge):

THE DOG WAS DRIVING?

Next up for the SweatSox (4-4) is their first ever game against the Barrhaven City Chiefs (2-5). Denver Hunt is scheduled to host the Hyjinx, but will get a little assist from Army who promised to bring some corn on the cob.

BUN IS BREAD

With the first set of NCBL rainouts Wednesday night, things weren’t looking too good last night for the second matchup of the season between the SweatSox and the Braves. Fortunately, the ~~home team~~ SweatSox did everything they could to clean Faulkner up, and although it wasn’t quite as spiffy as a Fall-Ball Beelen job, they got the job done.

With the game underway, the SweatSox drew first blood when a James Martensen single in the 2nd lead to an RBI double for Travis Murdock. The Sox would add two more in the 3rd after Craig Cornell and Kent Johnston reached base safely to start the inning, and a pass ball and Cory Bond RBI plated them both. Unfortunately a few untimely errors early gave the Braves a 4-3 lead heading into the 5th, but the late rallying SweatSox once again showed up, scoring 4 runs over the final two innings en route to a 7-5 victory.

On the mound, the GLE made his third start of the season, pitching four innings of four-hit, four-walk, one earned run and three strikeout ball, earning his second win of the season – and twenty-third career 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award. Martensen pitched the final two innings, and after some great managerial decisions from the Authority to keep him in the game when he pitched himself into a few jams, earned his first career NCBL save. Well done guys.

Offensive stars of the night include: Travis Murdock, who continued his “30 game hitting streak”* with a 2 hit night, which included an RBI double; Kent Johnston, who reached base safely in all 4 of his plate appearances (1 hit, 3 walks), and David Nelson, who recorded the first SweatSox sacrifice fly of the season.

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by me, Shaun Keay! Yay! After bragging for hours that I had brought the perfect ratio of meat to buns, I was nearly sent back to Tier 5 when a pack of 12 dogs magically turned into an 8’er. I would like to officially apologize to the team for this error, I should have known better, especially since my dad always told me growing up: “Shaun, make sure your dog to bun ratio is perfect” – it was practically my family motto. Maybe that’s why I somehow got a “9E” in the scorebook? On behalf of the team, I’d like to accept my own apology. We’re all good now.

Next up for some SweatSox is an old man tournament out in Carleton Place (PS – my dad wants to know why he wasn’t invited). The entire gang will reunite Tuesday night, 6:15PM, Sportsplex, for the first matchup of the season with the Metcalfe Mudd.

DOG-SITTING

With the month of May a distant memory for a few slumping Sox, the team was back in action last night in the first of three matchups this season with the Athletics. The night got off to a great start for me when David Nelson (our 10th man) showed up, and I was finally allowed to ride the pine. Thanks Mr. Authority.

It took a couple extra minutes, but the Athletics managed to scrape together 8 guys to start the game. Obsessed with getting that automatic out in the batting order, SweatSox starter Travis Murdock did whatever he could to get there before the 9th man showed up. It took a couple hit by pitches, a walk, and three hits, but we got there! Mission accomplished. Oh, 5-0 Athletics through 1.

P90X

The SweatSox would get two of those runs back in the 3rd when Murdock & Bond recorded RBI hits. The Sox bats kept rolling the following inning in the 4th when Craig Cornell knocked in a run off his second triple of the season, and later scored on a wild pitch. But the Athletics offense was too overpowering, scoring 7 runs over the final three innings en route to the win. Athletics 12 – SweatSox 5.

WHAT IS A MURDOCK?

Offensive notables from the game include: Travis Murdock, who had a three-hit night, going 3/4 with a triple, 2RBI, and a run scored; Craig Cornell, who went 2/4 also with a triple, an RBI, and run scored; and finally Denver Hunt, who somehow found the energy to score from first on Craig’s triple. Honourable mention goes out to: Marc Lett, who for the first time this season, “wore one” at the plate; and Kent Johnston, who went 1/1 after a super clutch 6th inning pinch hit appearance.

I’M THINKING OF GOLF

The Après Baseball Hyjinx featured a rare softball/fastball matchup that surprisingly the Haz was not playing in, but did star a blonde in a #2 jersey. Back in the circle, the boys ate their wieners while reminiscing about all the great TV shows we used to watch. We found out one of Kent’s favourites was:

Finally, a dishonorable mention goes to Marc Lett, who committed the very rare “veteran” beer spill:

Next up for the SweatSox is the second of three matchups with the Braves, Thursday night at Faulkner.

I DON’T KNOW WHERE IT CROSSES THE PLATE

Round two of three between your SweatSox and the Outaouais Tribu took place last night at Aydelu. That’s the official story anyways, depending on who you ask it might have been an ABAA Midget B matchup between Gatineau 4 and Les Mariniers from this past Wednesday, or maybe even a Tribu- Raiders game from two weeks ago. Nevertheless, the SweatSox were indeed playing at Aydelu, with its customary double mound, slanted outfield, quicksand infield, and overhanging trees. This place makes Brewer look like Fenway.

CJAY

Like last game, things didn’t get off to the greatest start. SweatSox emergency starter James Martensen, who replaced a “stiff” Travis Murdock, got himself in to a bit of a jam in the first when with two outs and one man on, gave up a World Series winning walk-off grand slam; at least that’s how it looked from the celebration. At least they didn’t top it off with a “1-2-3 WIN” chant.

CURVE BALLS THAT CURVE

Still feeling down after losing the World Series in the first, the SweatSox then proceeded to give up 5 more Tribu runs, which chased Martensen from the game. The Authority turned the ball over to his #1 reliever Josh Ramage, who pitched the rest of the game (4.67IP) giving up only 3 hits, 3 walks, and 0 earned runs. The SweatSox managed to add a couple runs late in the game, but the damage was already done. Tribu 9, SweatSox 4.

I DRIVE GUYS TOO

Honourable mentions from the game go out to Marc Lett, who went 1/2 with 2RBI; Travis Murdock, who also went 1/2 and was hit by pitches twice (neither of which he made any effort to get out of the way, allegedly); and Cory Bond, who ruined his chance at a Golden Sombrero with a 6th inning walk, finishing with only 3 K’s. Which means, your 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP award winner is…Kent Johnston. The Director was the only SweatSock with a multi-hit game (2), scored half of the team’s 4 runs, drew a walk, and caught both balls hit his way in CF. We won’t mention how he got caught stealing though.

ANOTHER INACCURATE SCOUTING REPORT

The SweatSox would like to thank spare Phil Johnson for coming out and making sure we had enough players to play. Phil the Gritty Baseballer (PtGB) was pretty good in his outfield debut, making two very difficult catches in RF, but unlike the scouting report we’ve been getting for years, was not able to catch EVERYTHING. We’d also like to shout out to injured SweatSox Armando Navarro, who made an appearance midway through the game, and stayed for the Hyjinx. A good showing from a Sox veteran; here’s to a speedy recovery, and a safe “drive home”.

QUIET TIME

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was centered around the planning & preparation for the second half of the double header. With that said, the SweatSox are proud to announce the following additions to their fan club: Destiny, Candy, Angel, Cherry, Raven, Anastasia, Roxy, Houston, Porsche, and Crystal.

POSITION NUMBER THIRTY FIVE

Oh, and we may have left a lit match somewhere near where the BBQ was sitting, hopefully nothing in Quebec will catch on fire because of it.

Next up for the SweatSox is a matchup with the Athletics. Barring any further unforeseen circumstances, Travis Murdock will get his second start of the season. I predict a complete game victory…for Athletics pitcher Graeme Nichols.

DOUBLE EXTRA BACON

Welcome back! Last night, for the first time in 10 days, the SweatSox took to the field at Faulkner facing off against the defending Tier II champions, the undefeated first place Outlaws.

Things weren’t looking too good for the Sox early, as back-to-back-to-back errors led to an unearned Outlaw run. Fortunately, the SweatSox answered in the second after a Cory Bond sacrifice bunt led to a Travis Murdock run off a wild pitch. The Sox would add two more runs in the top of the third, capped by an RBI single from the Murdock. The Outlaws fought back, scoring a run in both the third and fourth innings – so for those paying attention, we’re all tied up at three through four. That’s when the season took a turn for the worse.

With two outs in the 5th, a ball hit to shallow center field led to a collision between SS Rafael Castillo, and 2B Denver Hunt. Long story short, Castillo’s arm collided with the steel ribs of Hunt…end result, a broken wrist for Raf, likely ending his 2010 season. Enter James Martensen, another Pinecrest Alumni, to the active SweatSox roster.

With our leader, Authority, and G.L.E. Cory off driving Raf to the hospital, and half the team still in tears after thinking the Sox season was toast, the Sox somehow managed to find the inner strength to mount a 7th inning rally. The eventual game winning run was scored after a FC RBI from Josh Ramage, and some insurance was added after I nearly took one into the LF pond, scoring one more. SweatSox 5 – Outlaws 3.

Taking home your 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award is the man known by only one person as: “Ram Jam”. Osh Kosh B’Josh is much cooler. Anyways, despite Ramage blowing a save, and Cory’s win, he did pitch 3.33 innings of 2 hit ball en route to his first win of the season. Having the game winning RBI didn’t hurt his case either! Well done Ramage.

Ever wonder what happens if an elephant was to battle a shark, or how about a polar bear and a shark? Well neither did I, but that’s what happens when the CSI team is off on assignment, and we’re subjected to Ramage-Stewart battles of the mind. The rest of the evening was centered around what kind of food to get Après Hyjinx; David Nelson wants McDonalds, Kent Johnston wants another BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBLT from Subway.

Next up for the SweatSox is their second matchup of the season against the Outaouais Tribu at Aydelu. The Murdock is scheduled to start.

THE 2010 SWEATSOX SCHEDULE

The full 2010 schedules were released by the league earlier today. Here's what the SweatSox can look forward to this season:

DRIVING WITH NUNCHUCKS

Looking to extend their winning streak to three games, the undefeated SweatSox took on the undefeated Outaouais Tribu last night, in what the Sox hoped would be a repeat of Mark Bond's last start against the kids. Well, not so much. In the first, Bus Cop gave up 2 runs on 3 walks, and broke a nail, so to start the second The Authority Cory Bond immediately went to the bullpen and brought in the rookie lefthander Ian Stewart (so does that mean he's the WLE?). Stewart pitched the next 3.33 innings, surrendering 3 hits, walked 10 (4 HBP), gave up 8 runs, with 3 strikeouts - by SweatSox standards, not a bat first outing at all.

Making matters even worse, in the 5th inning on a shallow fly to left-center, Armando Navarro suffered a potentially season ending knee injury when he moved sharply to avoid incoming center fielder Kent Johnston. Unconfirmed reports say Army tore his ACL, MCL, PCL, and ZCL. Despite this news, we all expect #12 to be back on the field with us next Friday.

Not everything from last night's game was negative, here are a couple positives from our beatdown. First, Craig Cornell made what some Sox veterans are calling the greatest defensive play at 3rd in team history - the scorebook describes this play better than anything I could write: 5-4. Second, Rafael "No Warm-up" Castillo made his first "official" pitching appearance for the SweatSox in the last inning, recording the final two outs, giving up no hits, no runs, no walks, but did get called for a balk. Taking home 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award honors for the second time this season, is Rookie David Nelson, who went 1/2 at the plate which included an RBI double, and made a very routine catch in right-field.

The Après Baseball Hyjinx was hosted by Marc Lett, who both wagon'd in the BBQ and supplied the meat. The highlight of the night included a dude punching a sign at the bus stop, fortunately for him the Bus Cop was long gone thanks to an early ride home from an enthusiastic Travis Murdock.

Next up for the SweatSox (2-1) is a matchup with the defending champions and Tier leading Outlaws (3-0) next Friday at Faulkner. Is it too early for Tequila Sunrise?

RAMAGE HITS A TRIPLE?!?!

For the first time since the good old Tier IV days, the SweatSox returned to JetForm last night, and played host to the Braves. The story early in the game was the SweatSox offense, which put up 7 runs over the first two innings, highlighted by triples from David Nelson, Armando Navarro, and Joshua Ramage. It should be noted that last season, only Craig recorded a triple, and so far this year, we've got four. Are we using new balls or something?

Travis Murdock made his first start of the season on the mound, throwing 4 innings of 3 hit ball, allowing only 1 run, four walks, with 7 strikeouts en route to the win. Ramage made his second relief appearance of the season in the 5th, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) before turning over the ball to Cory Bond, who recorded his 5th career save, and now sits alone atop the all time SweatSox save list. Speaking of our GLE, Bond also recorded career strikeout 350, and is now only 15 behind Sox Hall of Famer Lee Shields for the all time record. Ah what the heck, here's one more quirky stat...with his appearance yesterday on the mound, Travis moved up to 16th on the SweatSox all time games pitched list, passing the Consultant Craig Cornell, with whom he was previously tied.

For the 7th time in his career, the 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP Award goes to Army #12, who went 3/3 at the plate (single, double, triple), and in the 5th inning actually threw a ball from deep left field, onto the Queensway - not an easy feat.

The Après Baseball Hyjinx took place at a nearby establishment, where I'm sure a bunch of funny things happened.

Next up for the SweatSox (2-0) is a matchup with the Outaouais Tribu (1-0) tonight at SouthGate. The Bus Cop, who looks stronger than ever, is expected to start & go deep into the game to give the rest of the pitching staff a well deserved break.

ANOTHER SWEATSOX STREAK ENDS

When you hear the date Monday, August 20, 2007, what's the first thing that comes to mind? If you said it was the last time the entire SweatSox active roster was together, and the date the last official team photo was taken, you'd be correct. That is until last night, 998 days later, Friday, May 14, 2010, opening day, where all 13 SweatSox were in attendance.

Back Row (L to R): Craig Cornell, David Nelson, me, Kent Johnston, Cory Bond, Josh Ramage, Marc Lett, Ian Stewart
Front Row (L to R): Denver Hunt, Travis Murdock, Armando Navarro, Mark Bond, Rafael Castillo

So the question now is, over/under, 998 days until the next SweatSox team photo?

IF I HAD A SUPERPOWER…

After hundreds of hours of offseason practices, workouts, training seminars, and game-planning, the SweatSox 2010 season finally got underway last night at the Sportsplex (not the Sensplex). For the second consecutive season, the opening day opponent for the SweatSox was the Raiders, who split the ’09 season series with the Sox 2-2.

With a 6:15PM sharp start-time, some projectionists estimated the new look SweatSox offense would score their first run by 6:18PM. While this prediction was not far off, the first runs scored came from an unlikely source, Rookie David Nelson, who in the top of the first, in his first career NCBL at bat, recorded a 2-run homerun. It was the first ever SweatSox non-OMS wood bat jack – where did this kid play little league?

The SweatSox would add three more runs in the second inning off the bat of the two-time, and reigning Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy Winner Craig Cornell, who with the bases loaded and two outs hit a bases clearing triple. The Sox would add two more runs over the final two innings, leaving them with a final tally of 7 runs; would that be enough for the win?

The opening day starter for the SweatSox, for the 6th time in his career, was the 2009 National Capital Baseball League’s Gerry Wallace Memorial Award winner, Cory Bond. Our GLE threw 4 innings, gave up 0 hits, walked "a few", and struck out 3. Even with a no-hitter going, Cory turned the ball over to Josh Ramage in the 5th, who pitched the final two innings, also giving up 0 hits; so I guess the SweatSox recorded their 2nd no-hitter in as many seasons! Final score SweatSox 7, Raiders 1.

Although Travis Murdock still thinks he gets to keep the actual 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP medal, we’ll still award it, and it seems only fitting it go to the man who thought he had to give back his jersey after the game. In his NCBL debut, David Nelson went 4/4 with a double, HR, 2RBI, 2 runs scored, and a couple nice plays at first. We’ll keep him.

…IT WOULD BE DUNKING

The Hyjinx has seen its share of characters over the years, Matt Robert, the Casselman Boys, Sir William Freeman, Travis Murdock, Marc Lett & Mark Bond, but I’m not sure the circle is ready for one of our newest recruits, Rookie Ian Stewart. Stewart seems to have the perfect mix of vocal and physical Hyjinx involvement, and when the beers were running low, he entered the mix for Rookie of the Year by driving off to pick up more. It was an all-around solid rookie showing last night.

WAY TO GO MARCO

Not to be outdone in the Hyjinx, the reigning Mr. Hyjinx, OML, acted out a scene from the game when he was at 2nd, and the Bus Cop knocked a double to deep left. Lett took on the role of third base coach Kent Johnston, who morphed into the A3BC when Lett refused the go-home recommendation. It kind of looked like a sit-up, while standing erect.

JOSH VS GIRL

Although it was only opening day, the Hyjinx was full of excitement; we even had our first Après Baseball Challenge. In this installment, Josh took on his text messaging friend in a 3-pitch Wiffle Challenge. Although B’Josh claimed his pitches were tougher, his hits were weaker, and so your Wiffle Challenge Champion is: Girl.

FIGHT WITH TIGER?

Those in attendance at last night’s game may have noticed some superficial injuries on the “melon” of sophomore SweatSock Denver Hunt. Although one player jokingly asked if it was the result of a tiger attack, the story that followed was both shocking and not that far off. As it turns out, Denver was taking in the good weather last weekend and went camping with a couple buddies. Just after sundown, he was roasting marshmallows over a campfire when out of nowhere, a giant bear strolled into the campsite. In what can only be described as an act of heroism, Denver stood up and fought the bear, allowing his buddies to escape safely. The SweatSox are very fortunate that all he suffered was a few scrapes and bruises. Denver Hunt, a true hero.

BAROMETRIC PRESSURE

Next up for the SweatSox (1-0) is a matchup with the Braves (0-1) Monday night at Ottawa Stadium. Cory said I could throw, so your probable pitcher on Monday is I, Shaun Keay. See you then.

THE 2010 SWEATSOX

The SweatSox roster for the upcoming season is finally complete (pending final payments of course). So Tier II teams, open up your little black books, and get your scouting reports ready for thee 2010 SweatSox:

So here we are, in alphabetical order: Cory Bond, Mark Bond, Rafael Castillo, Craig Cornell, Denver Hunt, Kent Johnston, Shaun Keay, Marc Lett, Travis Murdock, Armando Navarro, David Nelson, Joshua Ramage, and Ian Stewart. Due to National Security, we are not allowed to post a picture or list the real name of the OMS - but he's in.

SweatSox followers will immediately notice the absence of several big name Sox players. The Sox were really hoping MIA Mike Hindmarsh would come back for a second season, but even we couldn't track him down. 5 year Sox veteran Joseph Majic is taking the summer off to work on his poker game, and John Groves will be spending most of the summer travelling the Antarctic, losing his OM status which I believe now falls to Marc...correction: Old Man Lett!

As mentioned in an earlier report, Denver Hunt is making his return to the Sox this season, and will be joined by SweatSox/NCBL rookies David Nelson and Ian Stewart. Nelson comes to us out of our Pinecrest Farm System, so we know he'll be a fine addition to the team, while Stewart grew up playing with Carlingwood Frank Ryan, who have provided us with studs like Travis Murdock, Daniel Massey, and Brian Yabsley!

It's been 981 days (August 20, 2007) since all members of the active SweatSox roster have made it to the same practice/game, but if I were a betting man, I'd say this is the year where we'll finally be able to pose for our third ever real team picture! UPDATE - Joe wants in on this action.

TURDUCKEN

The SweatSox opened their preseason exhibition game schedule this afternoon with a matchup against Winchester, in Winchester. Although I missed the game due to some Keay family business that required my attention, I did get a couple reports from a couple different people, so I think I can accurately recap the game.

From what I can tell, the SweatSox took an early 3-0 lead after solo HR’s (do they count as HR’s if they’re in Winchester?) from Denver Hunt & Craig Cornell, and a sacrifice fly from Cory Bond. Then things got a bit out of hand: apparently Kent Johnston got hit in the head with a baseball in CF (E8?); Travis Murdock, who has been very sick the past 2 weeks, threw up in his catchers gear behind the plate; Ian Stewart set a new SweatSox record with 14 balks on the mound; and Jeff the Vampire bit John Groves in the neck. Ouch.

The SweatSox ended up losing the game 14-3, and have a lot of work left to do to avoid falling back to Tier III next season, but to be fair they were missing starting pitcher Josh Ramage, who called in sick early this morning. Whether he became sick due to a bug, or at the thought of returning to Winchester, is still in question. Also missing was fan-favourite Armando Navarro, who was spotted hanging out at the circus (of sun).

Next up for the SweatSox is one final indoor practice tomorrow night, and then beginning May 1st the “official” outdoor practices will commence.

FROM SWEATSOX TO FATCATS

The SweatSox would like to congratulate 2009 call-up Danny Desclouds, who tried out for the Fat Cats this past Saturday, and "most likely will make the team".

A not so honourable mention to NCBL fan-favourite Andrew "The Haz" Hazard, who "did not make the cut".

Hey Haz, SweatSox tryouts are still going on, swing by the dome and show us what you've got.

GLE WINS NCAA-MM-S&F-BC

Congratulations go out to Cory Bond, who picked 3 of the 4 final four teams, and correctly chose Duke as the 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions en route to winning the inaugural NCAA March Madness SweatSox & Friends Bracket Challenge. Honourable mentions go out to Josh Ramage, who finished a distant second, and to Chris Chapman, who celebrates a strong third place finish.

Well done to all bracketeers, and good luck to everyone in this years SweatSox Fantasy Baseball League, which is already underway.

APRIL FOOLS!

Well the SweatSox have done it again - yesterday we fooled you all into thinking there would be an April Countdown. Well the joke's on you, cause there is none!

T3 CHAMPIONSHIP IS GREATEST MOMENT

It was another exciting countdown this past month, and as most of you expected, the SweatSox 2005 Tier III Championship was voted Greatest, and most Memorable Moment, in SweatSox History.

Stay tuned for the April Countdown, it promises to be even better that the January, February, and March Countdown's combined!

THE HUNT IS BACK

After taking a year off to heal up, the SweatSox are pleased to announce that Denver Hunt will be making his return to the active roster this coming season. Denver will be taking the spot of MIA Mike, who appears to have gone MIA with one of our jersey's!

CORNELL RIDES CORNELL TO TOP OF LEADERBOARD

I thought he was crazy when I first saw his bracket, but the Consultant knew what he was doing when he picked Cornell as one of his final four teams. At first I thought it was just because his last name was the same name as the school, but no, turns out he actually spent a couple years studying there many years ago. After taking a couple risks, the leader of the SweatSox & Friends Bracket Challenge through two rounds is: Craig Cornell.

Rank	Bracketeer	Points
1	Craig Cornell	57
2	Cory Bond	52
3	Joseph Majic IV	51
4	Marc Lett	51
5	Sean Elias	50
6	Chris Chapman	49
7	Joe Majic II	49
8	Josh Ramage	47
9	John Groves	47
10	Rafael Castillo	47
11	Kent Johnston	46
12	Joe Majic III	46
13	Lee Shields	41
14	Shaun Keay	42
15	Doug Horner	39
16	Mark Bond	39
17	Ray Cuthbert	37
18	Rob Keay	36
19	Sammy Majic	35
20	Andrew Elias	33
21	Travis Murdock	31*
22	Joe Majic I	30
23	Joe Majic V	30
24	Will Majic	29
25	Pre Op	29
26	Rob Harbic	25
27	Matt Robert	21
27	Armando Navarro	12
28	Doug Dorion	0

29	Mark Dorrington	-

A couple notes from the leaderboard:

In an effort to "better his odds", Joe Majic submitted 5 brackets (at 5x the cost)...
...but Joe's #1 and #5 brackets are exactly the same.
Lee and Cory's point total was just about the same after Round 1, but then Cory exploded ahead in Round 2.
Although Travis officially recorded 31 points, he wants everyone to know he should have gotten them all right.
Pre Op submitted a bracket, then switched it up a few hours later.
Matt Robert only filled out winners for the first round and left the rest blank. I guess he quit on it.
I'm not sure Army knows how the brackets work, he picked Nicaragua to win it all.
Doug Dorion could not be located, so his entry fee and bracket were never received.
Mark Dorrington wanted to participate in the Bracket Challenge, but we all realized there would be too much pressure on the NCAA teams to live up to his predictions, so he opted to sit this one out.

Good luck to everyone on the next set of games next weekend!

SWEATSOX & FRIENDS BRACKET CHALLENGE

After talking about it over the past couple of weeks, the SweatSox are proud to announce the creation of the NCAA March Madness SweatSox & Friends Bracket Challenge. SweatSox of the past, present, maybe future, and a couple trusted friends all paid a small fee, and have filled out brackets for the U.S. college basketball tournament that starts today.

With only hours to go until the first game starts, we already have over 25 entries which should lead to a competitive couple of weeks. It's not too late to submit your bracket if you still want in, email marchmadness@sweatsoxbaseball.com to receive the bracket template. Money can be paid (along with your league fees) to Cory at the next practice.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY?

So today at work, people, who are uncharacteristically dressed up in green, keep walking by wishing me a Happy St. Patty's Day. What's up with this? Apparently it's a day when people sit around, drink beer, and cause ruckus. Well, the SweatSox don't recognize this day, because we already have 24+ days reserved on the calendar for doing just that, it's called Après Baseball Hyjinx!

But for all of those who insist on getting hammered tonight, be careful and stay safe, or you may end up looking something like this:

2010 NCBL NEWS

The annual NCBL Spring Meeting took place earlier today, and as usual there was lots of exciting news that came from it. Most notably, Tier II will now be a 9-team tier, because the Braves are coming down, the Chiefs and Winchester are coming up, the Mudd are staying put, and unfortunately the Acadiens are off to Tier III. It should be an exciting and extremely competitive season. Oh, and the Knights finally volunteered to test their skills up in Tier III, good luck guys.

Folded Team: Blue Jays

New Teams
Ottawa Royals - Tier 3
Bytown Bombers - Tier 4
The Reverse Vampires (TRV) - Tier 4

Team Movement
Braves move from Tier 1 to Tier 2
Chiefs move from Tier 3 to Tier 2
Winchester Sox move from Tier 3 to Tier 2
Acadiens move from Tier 2 to Tier 3
Knights move from Tier 4 to Tier 3
Misfits move from Tier 4 to Tier 3

2010 Tier Alignment
Tier 1 Teams : Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Gryphons, Marc Sports, Panthers, Ponies, Selects
Tier 2 Teams : Athletics, Braves, Chiefs, Mudd, Outlaws, Raiders, Sox, Sweat Sox, Tribu
Tier 3 Teams : Acadiens, Braumeisters, Cyclones, Expos, Irish, Knights, Mavericks, Misfits, Royals
Tier 4 Teams : Black Sox, Bombers, Coyotes, Dukes, Express, Hurricanes, Rockets, Sharks, TRV
(all tiers to use 6 team playoff structure)

New Tier Presidents
Tier 2 - Brian Samuel, Braves
Tier 3 - Mike Glustien, Royals
Tier 4 - vacant

Other News
- All teams to play 2 games at Ottawa Stadium
- Tier 4 will play 20 game schedule (up from 18)
- Tier 3 will use wood bats from start of season
- Baserunner must avoid collision at home plate (all tiers)
- 2010 Banquet date : October 22nd, 2010

IT'S WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED...

The SweatSox are now in full offseason recruitment mode, and we have ONE spot open for ONE lucky free agent...

Do you think you have what it takes to be a part of the SweatSox?
Can you handle the Hyjinx?
Can you swing it, like REALLY swing it?
Can you handle the Hyjinx?
Are you right handed, or a left handed non-pitcher?
Can you handle the Hyjinx?
Can you deal with your deepest darkest secrets being published on Facebook, Twitter, and uploaded on YouTube?
And most importantly, can you handle the Hyjinx?

If it's been your lifelong dream to play for the SweatSox, apply now, email your story to The Authority, aka Cory Bond.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR

Just wanted to pop-in and wish myself a very happy birthday. Once again, I took the liberty of shutting down the site so that everyone could celebrate my greatness, without the distractions of all that SweatSoxBaseball.com has to offer.

INCREDIBLE!

Wow what a February Countdown, I really didn't know which day was coming next!

Starting today, we'll be counting down the Top 30 Greatest/Memorable Moments of All-Time. For those who have no idea what these countdowns are all about, in honour of our 30th Anniversary Season, we're having monthly Top 30 Countdowns - simple as that.

DOUG DORION IS THE GREATEST

Congratulations to Doug Dorion, who just announced as the Greatest SweatSock of All-Time. Doug, your $1,000 cash reward is waiting, but it must be picked up in person, by you, at a Hyjinx. We'll see you soon.

Also, a big shoutout to all SweatSox who made the Top 30 GOAT list. Now let's just hope everyone can improve their ranking in the Top 31 list next year!

Stay tuned for the February Countdown, it promises to be even better that the January one!

SWEATSOX 30th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

The SweatSox would like to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year! We hope your New Years Eve celebrations were full of Hyjinx, and worthy of at least an honourable mention on the website someday.

With the calendar now flipped over to 2010, we can officially begin the celebration of the SweatSox 30th Anniversary Season. This promises to be one of the most memorable seasons in SweatSox history, as many former SweatSox will come out of hiding throughout the season, join the Hyjinx, share some stories of years past, and honour 30 years of SweatSox greatness....well maybe greatness isn't the best word.

To help kick-start the '30th Season' festivities, we will countdown the 'Top 30 Greatest SweatSox' of all time. What makes someone a great player? Where will you rank? Will all current SweatSox make the cut?

Check out the countdown results EXCLUSIVELY on Twitter, as I will release at least one name each day over the course of the month. Check the link below for more detailed results/comments, probably updated on a weekly basis.

2010 WEBMASTER UPDATE

Earlier today, I, Shaun Keay, received a phone call from Cory "the Authority" Bond. At first I was a little concerned that he was going to cut me, but then I remembered I'm Shaun Keay and the team would fall apart if I ever left. Turns out the GLE called to let me know that he was exercising the 2010 team option on my Webmaster Contract, which means, ladies and gentleman, that once again I will be the official man behind the keyboard for the 30th SweatSox Anniversary Season.

I guess moving the site to our own domain, revolutionizing the NCBL universe by introducing Twitter, putting videos up on the site, and gaining an international audience via DJ Mark Bond combined to earn me a second season at the helm. Actually now that I think about it, I can't believe he waited until the last day of the year to renew my contract. What a D-Bag.

BOHICA: SWEATSOXBASEBALL AGAIN NAMED TOP NCBL WEBSITE

For the third consecutive year, the SweatSox are proud to announce that their SweatSoxBaseball website (formerly OttawaSweatSox2) was named 'Top NCBL Team Website' by the International Committee of Amateur Baseball Team Website Scouters! As mentioned, this is the third victory in as many years in this category.

The SweatSox would like to thank the Committee for the votes, their fans for all the love & support, and the rest of the league for continuing to visit our page and making it the most viewed site in the NCBL.

SWEATSOX HAVE SPORTSMANSHIP...AND BASERUNNING SKILLS?!?

The NCBL Fall League officially wrapped up today with the announcement of its award winners. The SweatSox were again well represented in this event, here is a list of Sox award winners:

    - Rafael Castillo wins the Frito Lay Fanatics Best Baserunner Award
    - Cory Bond wins the Frito Lay Fanatics Most Sportsmanlike Award
    - Marc Lett wins the Chateau Lafayette Red Eyes Most Sportsmanlike Award
    - Cory Bond wins the Fall League Executive of the Year Award
    - Marc Lett wins the Fall League Most Sportsmanlike Award

Congratulations to you all for representing the SweatSox with class, and be sure to deliver the hardware to the SweatSox Hall of Fame at your earliest convenience.

FRITO LAY FANATICS WIN THE FALL LEAGUE

The SweatSox would like to congratulate the Frito Lay Fanatics for capturing the inaugural NCBL Fall League Championship earlier today, with a 5-1 victory over the Golden Seals. The Fanatics were the official Fall League team of the SweatSox, who were represented by Rafael Castillo, Armando Navarro, and of course led by the Authority Cory Bond. Several Sox made guest appearances for the FLF throughout the season, including Marc Lett, Joshua Ramage, and Travis Murdock. Well done everyone.

...But if there were, I'm sure we would have partied it up with THE Grant Fuhr, well not Ramage, cause he would have bailed.

WAR double walks of shame
WAR lathering up in Purell
WAR the 'uglier the freakier' theory (you know, with Halloween coming up)
WAR Kent, Ken, Joe, Mark, Travis, and Billy
WAR Allison & Brooklyn, and them not taking NO for an answer

and last, but certainly not least: WAR TOBY!!!

THE POSTER MAKES ITS ROUNDS

Another interesting development from the NCBL Banquet last night was during the looping slideshow, when several pictures of Tier II teams in possession of the Moosehead Acadiens banner surfaced. Nobody is quite sure about how exactly the banner escaped from the Acadiens, but it was, and here are the pics to prove it:

BREAKING NEWS: GLE & #12 TAKE HOME SOME HARDWARE

The 2009 NCBL Banquet took place earlier tonight at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre, and the SweatSox made out quite nicely, with two of their three finalists taking home the big prize.

Early in the ceremony, the GLE Cory Bond was announced as the Tier II Pitcher of the Year.

Not long after, Armando Navarro was announced by Rodney Walsh, as the Rodney Walsh Award winner for Sportsmanship & Ability.

THREE SWEATSOX NAMED AWARD FINALISTS

The finalists for the NCBL Year-End Awards were released earlier today, and three SweatSox made the cut. Congratulations to:

    - Cory Bond, who was nominated for the Gerry Wallace Memorial Award (Best Pitcher)
    - Armando Navarro, who was nominated for the Rodney Walsh Award (Sportsmanship and Ability)
    - Travis Murdock, who was nominated for the Rookie of the Year Award

Award winners will be announced at the NCBL Banquet on October 23, 2009. Good luck SweatSox.

NCBL FALL LEAGUE UPDATES

Because the SweatSox are well represented in the inaugural NCBL Fall League, currently taking place Saturday's at Faulkner, it seems only fair that we honour our fearless warriors here on the grand-daddy of all NCBL websites, SweatSoxBaseball.com.

From what I can gather, active SweatSock Josh Ramage has teamed up with Mike Evans, who nearly became a SweatSock, on the Cracker's Two Irates squad; while Marc "12:30" Lett is the lone SweatSock on the Chateau Lafayette Red Eyes.

Carrying the bulk of the SweatSox are the Frito Lay Fanatics, managed of course by our very own Authority Cory Bond. The GLE is joined by active SweatSox Armando Navarro & Rafael Castillo, current SweatSox SuperFan Chris Hart, one-time unofficial SweatSock Marcel Levac, and former SweatSock and current Duke John Mendonca (pronounced Mendossa). Sources close to the league are reporting that the Travis "The Murdock" Murdock joined in on the fun and played a game with the Fanatics this past weekend, despite still being in bed 10 minutes before gametime.

To keep track on how your favourite SweatSock of the past, present, or maybe even future is doing in the fall league, you can check out one of the following links:

Through 1 week of play, the Frito Lay Fanatics were atop the standings with a 1-0 record...

SWEATSOX AWARDS END TODAY

After nearly a month of handing out hardware, the 2009 SweatSox Awards Ceremony came to an end earlier today with the Player with the Most Awards Award. The SweatSox would like to congratulate all award winners, and send a special message to those who feel they were robbed of glory: "DO BETTER NEXT YEAR"

SWEATSOX HoF - CLASS OF 2009

The SweatSox would like to welcome the newest inductee into SHoF, Chris Chapman. The tombstone below will be hung in the SweatSox Hall of Fame until the end of time itself:

Chris Chapman (1999-2007)

Inducted September 14, 2009

Sox second and first baseman and also captain, scout, general manager, webmaster and sponsor over his storied career. Greatest offensive season was 2001 when he hit .471 but later would help guide the Sox to a Tier III Championship. Responsible for two of the smartest moves in team history: 1) Last minute sales pitch to regain the services of current Sox 3rd baseman and two-time Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy winner the Consultant from storming in another direction and 2) Helping vote down the West-End Warriors application at the 2003 NCBL meeting, and following it up by snagging all time wins leader the GLE. The GLE acquisition notably led to half the current team roster while the Consultant helped land the OMS. The Angry First Baseman was also known for only drinking a single beer after games and was instrumental in the formation of Team Scissors. Welcome to the Hall of Fame, you Lazy Bastard.

TEAM GLE-EN

The fourth annual SweatSox Golf Championship took place earlier today at Emerald Links Golf & Country Club, featuring three foursomes showcasing players from both the past and present, and I suppose future if Glenn someday suits up in legendary SweatSox gear.

Finishing in third, and taking home the bronze medal was Team Central America. The Nicaraguans (Armando Navarro and Rafael Castillo) teamed up with legends Chris Chapman & Ray Cuthbert (both of Guatemalan descent) to form a team their countries could be proud of. Team Central America made the turn at +1 and were building momentum to make a run at the title, but reports indicate Army burned out by the 11th hole which put a Tiger Woods like comeback on hold. TCA finished a respectable +2 for the tournament, finishing with the 11th best round in Tournament history.

Finishing in what I would describe as a disappointing second place was Team Bait & Switch, consisting of The Consultant Craig Cornell, Mr. Hyjinx 2009 Marc Lett, the Webmaster of the Year I, Shaun Keay, and John 'OMG' Groves. We made the turn at -5, highlighted by incredible chip-ins from Craig and Marc, and were on pace to shatter the all time SGC record set by Team Scissors back in 2007. Unfortunately that's when the beer must have kicked in because not even the combined forces of John and I could keep the team under par on the back nine, because we shot a +3 finishing with a final score of -2, 8th all time.

Which means, using deductive reasoning, your 2009 SweatSox Golf Champions is Team Gleen, which consisted of the GLE, official Team Green member Travis Murdock, the Director of Green Kent Johnston, and leader of the GreenBombers Glenn Williams. Team Gleen shot a front nine -1, and when they discovered the leaders were 4 strokes ahead decided to turn the green up a notch, clutch up, and sink some shots....which really meant Kent upped his game to another level. Team Gleen credits their back nine comeback to Travis Murdock, whose preshot warm-ups enabled the rest of the guys to rest between shots. Team Gleen finished with a bogey-free round of -4, winning by two strokes over Team Bait & Switch.

The Après Golf Hyjinx, or perhaps even the Final Hyjinx of 2009, took place at the Royal Oak and featured a sweet bait & switch, Adrian Peterson, caesar salad, and an official approval of a counterfeit JimboTron. The SweatSox year-end festivities was a big success, so a big shoutout goes to KJ for organizing it all. Four active SweatSox weren't able to make it out to golf: 1) Joe Majic who was in MTL celebrating his birthday; 2) Mike Hindmarsh, who wouldn't be Mike had he showed, 3) Bus Cop was in a land far, far, away; and 3) Josh Ramage - who had no excuse...boooooooo

	Year	Team	Golfers	Course	Score
1	2007	Scissors	Adrian, Chris, Rob, Lee, Ray	The Canadian	-7
2	2007	Green	Kent, Andrew, Joey, Sean	The Canadian	-5
3	2009	Gleen	Kent, Cory, Travis, Glenn	Emerald Links	-4
4	2007	MVP	Shaun, Marc, Craig, Cory	The Canadian	-3
5	2006	Green	Kent, Andrew, Joey, Sean	Manderley	-3
6	2008	Light Green	Kent, Joey, Sammy	Meadows	-3
7	2006	Scissors	Brian, Chris, Rob, Ray	Manderley	-1
8	2009	Bait & Switch	Craig, Marc, Shaun, John	Emerald Links	-2
9	2007	FoK	Jon, Tony, Ryan, Kirk	The Canadian	E
10	2008	Sharmandory	Cory, Shaun, Armando	Meadows	+1
11	2009	Central America	Armando, Rafael, Chris, Ray	Emerald Links	+2
12	2008	Groves	OMS, Craig, John	Meadows	+2
13	2006	MVP	OMS, Cory, Marc, Craig	Manderley	+3
14	2006	All-Stars	Shaun, Jon, Armando, Stefan	Manderley	+5

CHECK OUT THE PICTURES SECTION OF THE WEBSITE FOR THE FULL-SIZE VERSIONS OF THE PHOTOS ABOVE

CORNELL RECEIVES THE HEAD FOR 2ND TIME

For the second time in his career, Craig Cornell is the winner of the Doug Dorion Memorial Trophy, meaning his is the SweatSox Most Valuable Player. With his victory this year, he becomes the first player since Marc Lett in 2004 to win the award without pitching a single inning; which means his combined effort on both offense and defense was extra special this year.

Craig led the SweatSox in 8 offensive categories and was second in two more – he batted .386 with a .509 slugging percentage and a .527 on base percentage & also led the team in plate appearances, hits, doubles, triples, and walks. Hitting out of the leadoff or number two spot in the order, the Consultant still managed to record 12 RBI and 14 runs scored. On defense, Craig made the move from 2B to 3B and set multiple franchise records from the hot corner including 30 assists, 19 putouts, and a .860 fielding percentage. When needed (which was often), the man with the greatest hair in the league was both willing and able to play different positions including 2B, SS, C, OF, and DH.

MR. HYJINX 1900's

After hearing that her man won one of the most sacred prizes that can be awarded to a member of the SweatSox, Mrs. Marc passed along a few pictures from the reigning Mr. Hyjinx' old yearbooks. They're not as good as the one Mrs. Army secretly forwarded to the team a few years back, but enjoy:

Games on:
Sunday	3
Monday	3
Tuesday	7
Wednesday	3
Thursday	3
Friday	5
Saturday	0
Games at:
Aydelu	2
Brewer	1
Faulkner	3
McCarthy	4
Southgate	1
Sportsplex	11
Stadium	1
Winchester	1
Games at:
6:00PM	2
6:15PM	13
8:00PM	1
8:30PM	8