vs. PROXIMITY "SWINGERS" [41-10]

The time for Game 2 had arrived, and the sun was shining again. The Pirates decended upon Regents Park with the intent of regaining some honour versus Proximity ,who in my absence last year, humiliated us.......

This year would be different and the intention was converted into reality from the very first innings. With exceptional batting from everyone, almost getting us through the order twice, even with an automatic out! The first innings ended 13-1. This advantage and lead was stretched mercilessly to 33-6 after 4 innings.

As the light faded and the lead was secured we did ease off a little finally bringing the game to finish at 41-10. All credit to Proximity, they didnt call for mercy and were gracious in defeat.

Some highlights courtesy of Alan the Panda.
  • Ange - Grand Slam home run, but didn't pop the chain..., body on the line stopping that line drive with her shin, and the collision with and flooring JB when going for the in-field fly ball
  • Coxy - missing / hurdling over the bases (it's softball not athletics), forgetting to run to 2nd when he was forced (might be Ange's bad base coaching), some nice hits
  • Rosey - THAT nonchalant catch in left field
  • Jime - hopping round the bases with an injured ankle, and having to repeatedly call Coxy off her fly balls.... and having to resort to hand signals to ensure he got the message
  • JB - hitting that home run and not even breaking a sweat, pitching as always
  • William - for catching
  • Gray-O and Hooky for definite improved batting
  • Ant - still watching the ball when running round the bases.... and great game awareness for a blind, mid air tag of the incoming runner.
  • Bridge - for making Ant run: just before the batter comes up, throws game ball to Ant at 1st, misses Ant at first, Ant running 25 odd feet after the ball and back again.
The ingame antics were topped off as we relaxed, basking in the glory, finishing of the remaining beers and when suddenly the Pirate's Rite of Passage awoke..... It was time for the athleticism of Coxy to be tested and he managed it well, toppling Johnny Posh from first place setting the new time to beat of 52.8 seconds (Video to follow soon).

Great game everyone! A well deserved victory. Next week's game is versus Betgenius, a solid promotion from Division 2 who apparently toppled the great Cap Gemini last night.

Captain Rubble
Posted by Johnny Bravo at 15:04 0 comments
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vs. BA BAA'S [18-5]

The first game of the season was upon us. Arriving early to warm up and shake off the rust from many winter months we preceded to crack open the beers and keep warm. Although the sun was shining, as Bridget 'checked in' to the Arctic on Facebook it was admittedly a little cool.

Our previously unknown opposition, a promotion from Division 2, arrived and were welcomed with a relaxed opening innings where our fielding warmed up allowing them a respectable 4 runs, reduced to 1 more run in the second innings and then they were locked out for the remainder of the game. Some great infield play and throws (ignoring my desire to roll around the grass excessively), a solid start from the outfield and an impressive jumping, stretching catch from Coxy in his debut game for the Pirates.

With our first game resulting in a win, a big welcome to Alex and Coxy, as well as a welcome back to Bethan and Bridgerama, great start to the season.

New team shirts should be arriving before next week's game, so the Pirate challenge and Rite of Passage will be back in action soon. Who will break the 60 second barrier?

A little reminder for the budding photographers amongst us, we are generally pretty poor at recording the seasons, so feel free to snap away. If you upload any photos to Facebook and tag Portland Pirates they will be pulled through to the blog photo page linked above.

Capt Rubble.


Posted by Fuel at 09:08 0 comments
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Game Schedule Announced.

So the time is upon us, with the 2011 season schedule available for those who want to plan ahead (just follow the schedule link at the top of this page).

I have highlighted all our games in red and it looks like we have a clean sweep of Wednesday night's for 2011, our first game is next Wednesday the 4th May versus an unknown promotion from Division Two.... The Ba Baa's.

There are still two more chances for training before the season starts; tonight and next Tuesday. As usual, calendar invites will be sent, or let me know if you would like to attend. There will also be a chance for some batting cage time this Sunday or Monday, so again, if you want to know more just let me know.

Captain Rubble.

Posted by Johnny Bravo at 12:16 0 comments
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New Year, New Season, Sign Up Now!



It's almost time for the new season, so dust of your eye patches and wooden legs. The season starts the first week of May, games are generally every week on a Thursday (final schedule to be confirmed).

There will be an opportunity to learn what softball is all about during pre season training / introductions to softball nights on the 20th and 27th of April and 3rd of May. 



As a brief summary, it’s about a little sport.... (ideally in the sunshine at Regents Park), plus a fair amount of socialising with teams from other advertising agencies across London and a fair amount of social drinking.

All are welcome to join,  you can even come along just as a spectator to see if it takes your fancy, or as supporter / cheerleader.

The ‘Engine Derby’ game is also a big event, with the current score being Pirates 2 – Engine 0.
If you’re interested in joining / playing again, follow the sign up links at the top of this page or just drop me an email at work.

Captain Rubble.

Posted by Johnny Bravo at 20:44 0 comments
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vs. DEAL BREAKERS [8-11]

Posted by Johnny Bravo at 16:31 0 comments
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vs. TEQUILA [7-23]

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vs. THE ECONOMIST [21-3]

Yet another scorching evening in Regents Park for the Pirates to venture forth versus their old enemy The Economist. However this game was more of an exhibition match featuring two of this years Rookie All Stars. A big congratulations to Laura and JB for making the first selection for a trip to The States and TPT. Also congratulations to Phil and Paul from the Engine crew for also making the team.

With such pedigree on the Pirates team the results was as big a shock to The Economist as our invite for them to join us for drinks afterwards.


AND JOHNNY P'S RITE OF PASSAGE

To celebrate the departure of Posh Johnny to a jet set world of cappella vocals, he dutifully arrived to support the Pirates, champagne in hand. With much beer, Pimms and champagne drunk, the game was over so it was of course time for Johnny P's farewell Pirate challenge which he attacked with gusto to set the current fastest time of 1'01.3' For everyones entertainment here is the home movie by our very own videographer Becs, aka Legs, aka The Flasher.

Posted by Johnny Bravo at 09:33 0 comments
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LASL Summer Tournament

The Sun was shining yet again for the 2010 LASL summer tournament (Codename: "I have a puppy between my legs.... and I quite like it" for those who remember any of the evening once we retired to the Sun Inn).

Anyway, back to the softball, having all dragged ourselves up at the crack of dawn to travel the length and breadth of London to arrive at the Old Deer Park for 8.30 am to be told first game was at 10am, oh well time for beer.....

The day started hard with defeats at the bats of Cap Gemini (fully stacked with every GB player they could muster), but a respectable 6-15 result, the constant flow of beers and relentless sun beating down on us kept us moving onwards and upwards to further losses against Rainey Kelly and Tequila. Even Newbies streaking home run wrapped in the Pirate Flag couldn't save us from these first 3 losses.

However we were a scratch team and it took a couple of games and a few crates of beer before we found our Mojo and recorded a comprehensive win versus The Orphans whose ringers were not to be underestimated but couldnt hold back the wave after wave of Pirate runs. However it was the first innings of this game when the Pirate fire was really lit as Orphans Kiwi rookie steamed in to home oblivious of Lola and the inevitable tag out, bowling her off her feet. However as Lola was delivered to A&E, the Pirates were fired up with revenge and The Kinks 'Lola' suprisingly went on to knock the Orphans out of the competition and make the Plate final for another game against Tequila,

And so the seemingly impossible had happened, we were in the Final. With only thoughts of Lola and the imminent hours in the pub and beckoning cold beer, the Tequila grudge match commenced. At the top of the first innings I demanded an improbable 14 runs from the Pirates who only delivered 11. Very dissapointing. But we went on to stretch the lead before Tequila made a valiant effort to pull us back in. Final score 22-17 and the silverware was ours.

Finally it was time for the pub. Our resident bard (aka Panda) has provided the following memorable moments and awards:

"Hmm lets see, I can only mostly remember the pub antics and am having trouble remembering the softball!"

Play of the day: Lola - Great relay to get ball into Lola at home, Kiwi proceeded to run straight into the tag and through her - knocking her clean off her feet backwards. Lola lying on the ground asking Ronnie if she got the tag as she couldn't see the ball still perfectly held in her glove. Textbook play.

Picture of the day: Steve asleep having a happy dream...

Downing a pint in less than 3 seconds award: Newby

Quote of the day: Laura - I have a puppy between my legs... And I quite like it!

Whiter than White Legs award: Ange

Forgetting they still had their cleats on after a couple of hours at the pub: Ange

Coolest Hat award: Waldie for his Panama

Party Harder award: Portland Pirates - last softball team standing at the pub

Scared Chicken award: Mike Lock for refusing Newby's challenge of downing a pint

Only coming with one sock award: Laura

Another great summer tournament, another great night in the pub, and more great new friends. Take it easy all, see you around the Parks and Pubs.

Posted by Johnny Bravo at 14:09 1 comments
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vs. CAP GEMINI [13-15]

After last weeks game to forget.... the Pirates sailed out onto Regents Park to face off against last years (to be honest almost every year...) league champions Cap Gemini.

Previous games against Cap have resulted in losses, 7-23 and 12-24. Although again this was a defeat every Pirate showed their intent and it was an incredibly close game losing by just 2 runs. In fact it was a game that was there to win, and if we had been full strength or were a little luckier with the bounce of the ball..... just maybe. A huge cheer for everyone, and as JB would say this will send a message to the rest of the league correcting last week.

Although as always everyone played great, a real team result, I have to admit memorable moments for me were Cap Gemini's young upstart and representative of the GB team stepping up to bat and being caught out by Pau repeatedly. And having their coach and captain stepping in to bat because he was worried they could not hold on to the lead and win. Well done everyone!

Come on Pirates! Lets get to the final again, and take this years trophy out from under these Cap Gemini, invaders to our advertising league from another sector.

Posted by Johnny Bravo at 07:48 0 comments
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vs. PROXIMITY [13-28]

Calling all Pirates.......

We'll just put this one behind us and move onwards and upwards, and I promise no more holidays.

Next its time to overcome the might of Cap Gemini.

Posted by Johnny Bravo at 16:11 0 comments
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vs. ENGINE/WCRS [25-21]


The Engine Group Derby......... another great game, The Pirates continue to rumble on through Division 1 undefeated, what more really needs to be said; the pre match banter, the buying of more booze than should ever be associated with sport, the tension building, no mention of innings 5..... But here are a few in-game and post game snippets, all the photos and videos can be found on Facebook.



Damo’s inspiring pitchside banter: If in doubt celebrate. They won’t bloody argue with that, will they? (Said with very grumbly voice and big frown) - Bex

The mini chocolate brownie off between Ange and myself (I won) - Bex

Ange’s right arm – my god that girl can throw! - Bethan

Waldie's spectacular flying leap to save yet another potential over-throw by me. Phew! - Ange

Johnny Posh dancing in to two – Andy G

Pau’s herculean fielding where he lobbed the ball back to pitcher from a position so far south he was in almost in Surbiton - Bex

Laura actually hits the ball to the right….right into Tara’s ankle! :-/ Oops!! - Laura

Forgetting how to open a can of beer... - Alan

Bex styles out her shock at catching someone out “yayayay….i mean..this happens all the time!” - Pam

Simon’s gravity defying DOWNWARD hit which, impossibly, always results in a monster out-of-the-park smash - Bex

Jas makes a play for team fashionista "Surely I’ve upped the softball fashion stakes with my red coat display? And I actually made it to fourth base!"

An excellent rendition of barbershop blues from our recently formed Pirates Performance Group: Posh Jonny as Ooompa man, Pau as baritone and starring our very own Cheryl Cole (Jess) - Bex

And of course the inaugural Pirate Rite of Passage, a challenge set to decide who would take home and wear the last of our team shirts. Bex's video footage is all available on Facebook to relive the comedy moments.

Congratulations to Stephen 'Thorn' for setting the current fastest time:
Stephen - 1:05.6
Alan    - 1:06.5
Andy    - 1:08.5
Remember this week is game free, but there is the first of the Rookie Trials on Monday night. Great practice for all levels, more socialising and always the chance of a free trip to the USA.
Posted by Johnny Bravo at 21:17 0 comments
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Rookie Trials

As I am sure some of you have heard me mention, The Players Tournament (TPT) is a four day tournament held in the U.S each year for teams from advertising leagues around North America and Europe.

Each year the LASL select a ‘rookie’ team (people who are new to the game) who are trained up and taken to the tournament to compete with established teams.

Previous trips have been to locations such as San Diego, Phoenix and Palm Springs, this year we return to Tucson. Games are played on full sized baseball diamonds the tournament, sponsored by Miller Genuine Draft is a fantastic opportunity to play great softball, with experienced teams in it’s home country.

If you want to know anything about the trials or TPT just ask myself, Ange or Alan in the park. And if you want to sign up for the chance to have an awesome trip to the states or just a chance for some great training and a few more beers in the park, let me know and when this years forms are sent to me, I'll let you know. You can also find out more about TPT, or watch the videos from last year on the TPT website

Trial dates are set over 3 weeks in June, 3 Monday nights (14th, 21st and 28th) and finally 1 Friday night in July (on the 2nd).

Posted by Johnny Bravo at 14:58 0 comments
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vs. DDB 'Paddington Pirates' [19-14]

Having overcome 'the panic' of a girl drought, we gathered on a scorching evening in Regents Park for 'The Pirate Derby', Portland versus Paddington. DDB's crew certainly didn't appear like pirates; smart uniforms and regimented pre game warm up training, whilst across the diamond as our motley crew gradually arrived we hit the beers and soaked up the rays.

With the eye of Moe providing a consitent Blue throughout, the game was a close one although we kept an edge and we took our knocks (especially Laura), but fought on to maintain our lead and finish a second game with a score of 19-14. Another good result versus the unknown DDB who had previously been division 2 champions.

Same time, same pitch next week for the 'Engine Group Derby' when we will be facing the challenge of our friends and colleagues throughout the building.....
Posted by Johnny Bravo at 14:50 0 comments
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