Another split night for the Excelsior Covenant Team. The first game was against the only undefeated team in the league. THe final score was 4-1 (ECC losing) with few hits and big defensive plays. With the one exception of our good friend, and soon departed Brian Board, there were few errors. Unfortunately, Board misjudged the distance of a fly ball that went just over his head. More exciting (and redeeming), he caught a fly ball with an extended back - we were going to give him a gift certificate to our friend, Mike Isaacson at South Lake Chiropractic (a healer, if I may), but since Board is leaving for Seattle in a week, we decided to go on the cheap and simply mention him in the blog.
No big hits this game, but the gloves were hot. Wiersma (Andy) was quick on the glove at shortstop picking up anything between 2 and 3 (the third baseman needed an extra foot of ability). Wiersma grabbed one at the grass and hurled it to first for the final out of the inning. THirdbaseman, Small, did a fine job at third thanks to the encouragement of his team. He almost forced a 5(UA)-3 double play, but the ump wasn't watching as closely as Small would have liked...
Steve Adams was at the mound for both games, and he held a close game at 4-1. Welcome Back Steve (don't leave again!)
The second game was even more exciting. The defense continued playing tough, and the bats were on fire. Andy Wiersma (the youger brother of Brian) had two big homeruns! We are waiting for next week for Brian's big bat appearance. Tom Talmo is a hot bat with quick speed. He always gets to first and is around the corner by the time most of our team would be leaving homeplate (especially Mrosko). Speakking of Mike, he went opposite field twice for multipl RBIs, and did well hustling in Right-center field. A fine performance in front of his two children and wife.
Jon Volling was another hot bat with consecutive base hits - unfortunately late in the game, Kyle hit a big double (with an attempt at triple) and sent john sliding into home...Kyle failed to listen ot the base coaches yelling "stop" at second base...thanks John for taking it for the team (Had Kyle stopped at second, he would have been driven home by Wiersma's second homerun...impatience is never splendid!)
The game ended early as ECC pulled in a few runs for a final score of 19-6.
As always, a big shout out for the fans! We had a large crowd at mini-Wrigley, including Nancy, Emma and Annie Carlson supporting Tim. The new baby's Ashlyn, Lauren and Micah James attended with great grunts and yawns...Mary and Pete Studer came down from the hill to enjoy the show, and the Clawson's happened to arrive at the end of the game after enjoying a delicious dinner at 318, where their daughter Katie (sp) serves most graciously.
Finally, Coach Quinlan continues to organize a great team. Thank you for all the work you put into the team and the encouragement you offer.
Look forward to seeing everyone on Monday at Freeman fields at 7:30 (note that there is only one game this week).
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
The Schedule Link works
I have finally corrected the softball schedule link on the right side of the page. Try it out.
See you tonight at Wrigley Field, I mean Excelsior commons - 7 and 8 pm.
See you tonight at Wrigley Field, I mean Excelsior commons - 7 and 8 pm.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Thank you to our visiting player
A big thank you to Jordan FromWisconsin (I think that was his name). And to Brian Everett who brought his friend, Jordan, to play with us.
Come back, anytime (and bring the bat).
Come back, anytime (and bring the bat).
A Short Walk Home...and we beat the Baptists
Well tonight was bittersweet.
The first game was a doozy, and we lost 25-9. Councilman Steve Adams was no where to be found, so Kyle had to step to the mound for another double-header (all of our games are double-headers). Kyle decided to let the opposing team start off easy, so he walked several batters, only to have Bruno hit a grand slam - finally a perfect pitch, followed by a perfect bat! TO Kyle's defense (the Sportswriter saw the whole thing) - the winds were blowing 30 mph across the plate, and pitching was less than an easy endeavor on this beautiful, yet windy, summer evening.
The game quickly progressed in the same direction. After a 7-run first inning, the team finished all three of their home runs in the following at bats (each team has three home runs - after this each homerun is an out). It was a long first inning, especially if you were on defense watching the pitcher continually walk players around the bases. (Sadly to say, the pitcher was furious that the opposing team wouldn't swing when the pitches were close...)
There was a highlight - Anderson struck out with two beautiful swings that slightly missed the ball (he made up for the strikeouts in the second game).
It was a breath of fresh air when the game was over and we could move to field 4 to play Ridgewood Church (the church formerly known as Minnetonka Baptist).
The second game turned out much better. First of all, Kyle struck out the first batter as he watched the third strike blow by him. (Kyle had 4 strikeouts on the evening - two were backwards Ks and since I cant figure out how to do a backwards K on the computer, I simply have to expain it)...
There were several triples in the game - from Brian Everett, Brian Wiersma, Jordan from Wisconsin, and Kyle Small. Jordan from Wisconsin had an in-the-park-homerun, which was cause for great celebration. THe bats were alive in this game, and in the fourth inning, everyone but two players crossed home plate. We won the game 13-3.
The play of the night, however, was the defensive Unassissted Double Play by Sir Brian Everett ( he looks like a royal-family type fellow). Brian was playing first base, and Ridgewood had runners on the corner. The batter hit a high line drive down the first base side, and Brian grabbed it as the runner on first was trying to get back to base. However, in the split second that Brian caught the ball, he tagged the runner, and we joyously walked back to the dugout, as Brian, single-handedly turned a double-play. Good job Brian - you daughter and wife are proud. (Brian had several representatives at the game, including his wife, daughter, Mother and father-in-law, and his dog (who appears to be needing obedience lessons from Tom Talmo).
Speaking of Tom Talmo, who came out with a consistent swing of singles. Tom is our all-star histler. He hits the ball weekly, and runs around the bases despite sprained and strained ligaments in several areas of his body. Tough work, Tom!
We had a good night, and it was good to see us end the evening on a high note. NExt week we play the only undefeated team and Haggerty's painting. The best part is that the game is located on our own Wrigley Field in downtwon Excelsior. Come and join us for a slug fest!
As always we want to thank out fans - a long list that includes: TIna and Adrienned Quinlan, and grandparents Steve and Pam Pitts. Harlan and MArgie Swanson, THle Wiersmas (and dog), Debbie Talmo and Jackie and Ashlyn Everett, Connie Volling, Tricia, Patrick, and Freddie Stolz (Patrick cheered from the sidelines tonight - see you next week in uniform?), Jaci, Rachel and Jacob Mrosko (and a grandparent, I believe), Jessie and Lauren Volling, And the Jones', who its always hard to keep up with - good to see you Dave, Diane and Andy. The list goes on, and we thank the growing group of fans, who continually come out to support the team.
The first game was a doozy, and we lost 25-9. Councilman Steve Adams was no where to be found, so Kyle had to step to the mound for another double-header (all of our games are double-headers). Kyle decided to let the opposing team start off easy, so he walked several batters, only to have Bruno hit a grand slam - finally a perfect pitch, followed by a perfect bat! TO Kyle's defense (the Sportswriter saw the whole thing) - the winds were blowing 30 mph across the plate, and pitching was less than an easy endeavor on this beautiful, yet windy, summer evening.
The game quickly progressed in the same direction. After a 7-run first inning, the team finished all three of their home runs in the following at bats (each team has three home runs - after this each homerun is an out). It was a long first inning, especially if you were on defense watching the pitcher continually walk players around the bases. (Sadly to say, the pitcher was furious that the opposing team wouldn't swing when the pitches were close...)
There was a highlight - Anderson struck out with two beautiful swings that slightly missed the ball (he made up for the strikeouts in the second game).
It was a breath of fresh air when the game was over and we could move to field 4 to play Ridgewood Church (the church formerly known as Minnetonka Baptist).
The second game turned out much better. First of all, Kyle struck out the first batter as he watched the third strike blow by him. (Kyle had 4 strikeouts on the evening - two were backwards Ks and since I cant figure out how to do a backwards K on the computer, I simply have to expain it)...
There were several triples in the game - from Brian Everett, Brian Wiersma, Jordan from Wisconsin, and Kyle Small. Jordan from Wisconsin had an in-the-park-homerun, which was cause for great celebration. THe bats were alive in this game, and in the fourth inning, everyone but two players crossed home plate. We won the game 13-3.
The play of the night, however, was the defensive Unassissted Double Play by Sir Brian Everett ( he looks like a royal-family type fellow). Brian was playing first base, and Ridgewood had runners on the corner. The batter hit a high line drive down the first base side, and Brian grabbed it as the runner on first was trying to get back to base. However, in the split second that Brian caught the ball, he tagged the runner, and we joyously walked back to the dugout, as Brian, single-handedly turned a double-play. Good job Brian - you daughter and wife are proud. (Brian had several representatives at the game, including his wife, daughter, Mother and father-in-law, and his dog (who appears to be needing obedience lessons from Tom Talmo).
Speaking of Tom Talmo, who came out with a consistent swing of singles. Tom is our all-star histler. He hits the ball weekly, and runs around the bases despite sprained and strained ligaments in several areas of his body. Tough work, Tom!
We had a good night, and it was good to see us end the evening on a high note. NExt week we play the only undefeated team and Haggerty's painting. The best part is that the game is located on our own Wrigley Field in downtwon Excelsior. Come and join us for a slug fest!
As always we want to thank out fans - a long list that includes: TIna and Adrienned Quinlan, and grandparents Steve and Pam Pitts. Harlan and MArgie Swanson, THle Wiersmas (and dog), Debbie Talmo and Jackie and Ashlyn Everett, Connie Volling, Tricia, Patrick, and Freddie Stolz (Patrick cheered from the sidelines tonight - see you next week in uniform?), Jaci, Rachel and Jacob Mrosko (and a grandparent, I believe), Jessie and Lauren Volling, And the Jones', who its always hard to keep up with - good to see you Dave, Diane and Andy. The list goes on, and we thank the growing group of fans, who continually come out to support the team.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Temporary Delay...
Much apologies from the Sports Writing staff. Our main (and only) writer suffered illness and a family miracle this past week during the regular writing schedule.
Last Monday's game, however, may be something we wish to leave unscripted. After the prior weeks hard hitting, solid fielding turnout, this past Monday was a real question. We lost both games, suffered weak hitting, and difficult fielding. No need to recap the specifics.
Unfortunately, we did suffer one injury. Super Steve Anderson came out to play a terrific game in right field, but following a few innings, he suffered some pain in the arm and needed to sit out the rest of the night. We look forward to his return in the coming weeks.
All that to say, we had a great fan turn out. Leading the fans - as always - the beautiful princess, Adirenne Quinlan and mother, Tina. Adrienne always comes with her classy sunglasses and comfy seating. Even when we don't mention it, we always appreciate the Quinlans support! Adrienned brought her grandma and grandpa out to supprt the team. Her grandpa, our very own Pastor Steve decided to celebrate the day after his 60th birthday with us. congratulations!
Before the team packed up and went home, we sang a quick round of Happy Birthday for our right-center fielder, Jeff Causton. His birthday was on Tuesday, June 12. Below is a picture of Jeff with his beautiful daughter.
Between the last game and the upcoming game, we are happy to announce that though Kyle Small's hitting streak ended at 11 for 12, his wife gave birth to their son - future third baseman and number 2 hitter for Minnetrista Covenant Church (the future church plant of Excelsior Covenant Church), Micah James Small (and the crowd goes wild!!!!!!!!)
Last Monday's game, however, may be something we wish to leave unscripted. After the prior weeks hard hitting, solid fielding turnout, this past Monday was a real question. We lost both games, suffered weak hitting, and difficult fielding. No need to recap the specifics.
Unfortunately, we did suffer one injury. Super Steve Anderson came out to play a terrific game in right field, but following a few innings, he suffered some pain in the arm and needed to sit out the rest of the night. We look forward to his return in the coming weeks.
All that to say, we had a great fan turn out. Leading the fans - as always - the beautiful princess, Adirenne Quinlan and mother, Tina. Adrienne always comes with her classy sunglasses and comfy seating. Even when we don't mention it, we always appreciate the Quinlans support! Adrienned brought her grandma and grandpa out to supprt the team. Her grandpa, our very own Pastor Steve decided to celebrate the day after his 60th birthday with us. congratulations!
Before the team packed up and went home, we sang a quick round of Happy Birthday for our right-center fielder, Jeff Causton. His birthday was on Tuesday, June 12. Below is a picture of Jeff with his beautiful daughter.
Between the last game and the upcoming game, we are happy to announce that though Kyle Small's hitting streak ended at 11 for 12, his wife gave birth to their son - future third baseman and number 2 hitter for Minnetrista Covenant Church (the future church plant of Excelsior Covenant Church), Micah James Small (and the crowd goes wild!!!!!!!!)
Monday, June 4, 2007
A fine defensive show
During a beautiful evening at Freeman field, Excelsior Covenant split two games. The first game was a face-off between fellow evangelicals, Westwood. The game started off well with a two run homer by Andy Wiersma in honor of his mother and father (who attend almost every game). Besides his homerun, Andy had a stellar evening at shortstop leaping through the air, falling on his back, and soaring into the outfiled as a fine defensive show.
We entered the last inning of the first game down 12-10, which was the final score. Our rookie of the evening was Youth Pastor Steve Anderson, also known as Super, who joined us following his finishing up the semester at Bethel Seminary. The second game went quite well for Super, who had several hits and fine catches in the outfiled. Unfortunately, he ended the first game for the team with an alarming "swing-n'a-miss." To date, both pastoral members of the team have had stikeouts that call forth laughter and humiliation. In the end, we played an excellent game against Westwood - and in good evangelical style, no one drank, smoke or cursed, or so the record shows.
The second game was better. We played TMC, Tonka Men's Club, and we came out with big bats and better gloves. Our defensive efforts continue to improve throughout the weeks, and it is worth saying that the Twins farm team is looking at our second baseman, shortstop and left-fielder for potential contracts.
We turned one double-play, had a tag-out on an attempted double, and barely missed any fly balls. Excellent gloves, indeed.
We won the secind game by an easy ten runs, and again, I have forgotten the exact score. (POst the score int he comments if you remember it).
Kit Housch came out tonight with a big stick, pushing the ball far out into both left and center field. Brian Wiersma poked a major blast to left-center, hauling in two runs on a triple. Steve Anderson corrected his swing and had several fine hits. And John Quinlan made a dash of a run to first base, but was called out - the play is still under review.
We all came out to play hard tonight, and that we did. Unfortunately, we did have an injury - catcher and one of our lightning speed, base-hitters, Tim Carlson, pulled that muscle that sits on the front side of the leg, just above the knee - it might be called a hamstring. Andy Wiersma should have injuries, but he is still young enough to fall on his back and not break any bones.
Pastor Kyle stepped in and pitched two games in Steve Adams' absence. Kyle not only took the mound but batted 8-8 with a double; he crossed the plate six times which says something about the batters following him. It is worht noting that following last the May games, Coach John Quinlan was pondering moving Kyle out of the number 2 spot, as he was failing to connect at the plate, yet since Kyle was forced to pitch tonight, Coach didn't want to place too many difficulties on him. Obviously, Kyle has regained his position at number 2 - he better not screw it up.
In the end, it was a beautiful night - the sun broke through the rain, and a splendid time we had.
Thank you to the many fans that attended the game, including Ashley and Lauren's mothers, as well as Lauren's grandmother. Brian Wiersma's wife was there, as was the Mrosko family. The Folwick's stopped by to cheer us on, and a young boy named Jack, who was just there to watch stayed for the full two games. Great thanks to the Wiersma parents, Dan and Carleen for coming out to support their boys and the entire team! Thank you to all the fans who support the team, both in person and afar.
We look forward to seeing you next week, again at Freeman Field at 6:30 and 7:30 pm.
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