Category: 2024 Season

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May 19 and 22, 2024: Games Recap

A double shot of blog posts this week…Sunday the 19th and last night:

First on May 19:

Here is Roger’s blog post:

RECORD SET IN TEAM WOLF VICTORY OVER TEAM HARRIS??????????

After winning their first three games, TEAM HARRIS hit a rough spot in the road and lost to TEAM WOLF…..

The real story in the game was the defense had a few breakdowns and offensively, balls that were hit hard were caught….

KUDOS GO OUT TO…….

*STU WEINSTEIN, once a top 3 pick in the league (a million years ago), had two shots for doubles and once again played a solid first base……

*PAT FELDMAN, playing in his first game of the season, might have set a JCC softball league record with four walks in four at bats…….none were intentional…..

*ANDY GOLLIN had two hits……

*MARK WEISSER had a hit and two walks…..

*JZ ZEIDENSTEIN had a couple of hits and three runs scored…..

*DEE HARRIS had a hit and hit by pitch….

TIDBITS…..

*”We didn’t play our best in the field, but it’s just one game and I’m confident we’ll bounce back in our next game. I like this team and I think we’ll be just fine, ” captain GRIFF HARRIS said to the media afterwards.

*Things got a little chippy and some words were exchanged when a potential double play wasn’t converted because of some questionable base running by RYAN BAUM, but that’s all it was. Boys will be boys!

*Get well wishes go out to EVAN WEISSER, who missed the game, but should be out there next game as one of the most daring base runners in the league.

*The JCC league has it’s fair share of famous people come to games……BARRY WAGNER, former softball great, was in town with wife, NANCY, to watch son BRAD play…..they may not be invited back as his team lost…..

And finally, I feel I owe it to the league to balance out all the comments about the CINCINNATI REDS and talk hockey, the greatest sport on the planet………it IS the playoffs!…….At this writing, the NEW YORK RANGERS play the FLORIDA PANTHERS in the Eastern Conference Finals and the DALLAS STARS await the Game 7 winner between the EDMONTON OILERS and VANCOUVER CANUCKS for the Western Conference Finals……Add ADAM CRONSTEIN to the list of players that follow hockey….he’s pulling for the Canucks…….KEN GROH is a Rangers fan…..GRIFF HARRIS is a TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS fan and knows everything about AUSTON MATTHEWS that you would want to know…..and yours truly is a LOS ANGELES KINGS fan who has a WAYNE GRETZKY mecca in his basement…..

UNTIL NEXT TIME……TAKE CARE AND GO X!!!!!!!

Next we have Rick T

On the leper field (Field 4), Team Tenenholtz hosted a feisty Team Kamrass.  Both teams were missing four regulars, so they split up the Kotzin brothers (Josh to Kamrass and Benji to Tenenholtz). Team Tenenholtz also had Greg Leader’s youngest son, 15-year-old Evan and Micah had brother, Jared. The Kotzin brothers played as expected, effortlessly crushing balls to the warning track and playing tough defense, while young Leader and bro Kamrass each helped their team’s defense.

The home team got off to a quick start batting around in the first and taking a 5-1 lead, but the visitors hung tough and trailed 6-5 after three. In the fourth, shortstop Jack Cohen led off with a single and the next three batters reached base. After a sac fly by Leader, the Hall-of-Famer, Howard Schwartz, got the third of his four hits to knock in a run and put Tenenholtz up 9-6. In the 5th, Jeremy Spiegel led off with his second hit of the day to start a 7-run rally, which led to a 16-6 win in 5 innings. The winning hit was an opposite field line drive from Mike Rothstein, his second hit of the inning and his 4th of the day.

After the game, Rothstein said, “If we can catch the ball and hold the other team under 10 runs, we can beat anyone. Of course, you can say that about everyone in the league!” First baseman, Zach Michelson, had another solid game at 1B. “If I keep it up, I should be able to snag defensive POY from Jeremy Fogel,” said Zach postgame. “Jeremy might be able to track a fly ball better, but he’s skinny, so you can push him around. Nobody’s gonna knock me off first base!”

Team Grefer beat Team Wagner 25-11. Our offense exploded in this one – taking advantage of difficult morning sun in the outfield on Field 1. It was a complete team effort with everyone having at least 2 hits and scoring a run, and 7 different guys having 4 hits each (Landon Krantz, Harry Meisner, Zach Mayer, Tim Trautman, Marc Simons, Gary Grefer, and myself). We broke out in the 3rd inning scoring 8 runs, with most of them coming with 2 outs.

We got a little dinged up with Landon Krantz and Zach Mayer suffering minor injuries, but they’ll hopefully be fine for the next game.

Also wishing a speedy recovery to Brad Wagner who pulled his quad in the game as well.

And finally Team Fogel won but I don’t know the score

Now onto last night 

On Field 1 we had team Wolf vs. Team Rick T

Rick for…wait for it…the winners!!

On Field 1, undefeated Team Wolf hosted a beat-up Team Tenenholtz. Howie and Mike Gray battled all night long and both pitched well. The real story, however, was the play of Team Tenenholtz’s utility player, Brian Goldberg. “I lost track of how many putouts he had, but he fielded everything hit his way,” said the captain post game. “He also had four hits and kept us in it all night long.”

There is a reason Team Wolf has reeled off a regular season winning streak extending back to the beginning of 2023. They all can hit and SS and LCF are black holes for the opponent. Team Tenenholtz was fortunate to be in the right places at the right time tonight.

It looked bad for the visitors, when left fielder Yitzi Creeger came up lame after chasing a foul ball early in the game. Yitz was able to hold down 1B after a defensive shift was made. If anyone knows a good physical therapist, please call Yitzi!

Despite the defensive machinations, Team Tenenholtz was able to take a 6-1 lead after 4 innings, but Team Wolf came back with two runs in the bottom of the 5th to make it 6-3. After a scoreless 6th, Jack Cohen came up in the top of the 7th with Sam Castellini at first base and ripped a two-run in-the-park homer to right field.  Howie was able to hold them in the bottom of the 7th as Team Tenenholtz hung on for the 8-3 victory.

Next week is a much-needed bye for the ailing Team Tenenholtz before they play red-hot Team Grefer. 

(An amazing streak came to an end. Congrats to Wes for a fun streak to start his coaching career!)

On Field 2 it was Team Fogel vs. Team Harris:

After getting back in the win column on Sunday, Team Fogel took the field seeking their first winning streak of the season vs self-acclaimed rival, Team Harris. Falling behind in the top of the first, they took no time responding with a five-spot in the bottom half. Efficient pitching by Jamey Kurtzer and great defense behind him from every position lead to a lot of quick outs. The hit parade continued through the middle innings and was eventually capped off by a two-run walk-off homer by Pete Soltesz. Everyone recorded at least one hit, with Norm Frankel and Matt Brodof leading the way with a few each. When the bats are hot and the defense is good, watch out.

On Field 3 it was team Solomon vs. Team Wagner:

Team Wagner took down team Solomon 17 to 5 on Wednesday night. The victors were without Anton Loon, Brad Wagner, Joey Hiudt and Daniel Hiudt.  After going down 2-1 in the first inning team, Wagner battled back with seven runs in the second and kept on tacking on extra runs after that in a run-rule shortened game. Everybody hit well for Team Wagner however, Matthew Leader led the way with two homers over the fence. He was quoted afterwards and he gave all the praise to a switch in his bat ammunition. The defense was led by Mark Levine who played amazingly at second base with multiple put outs and great plays.

Team Wagner takes on Team Harris next week with Raphael and Ronnie Belliard on the call.
Team Solomon takes on Team Grefer with Luis Quinones and Bip Roberts on the call.

And last but not least Team Grefer vs. Team Brafman 

Kyle for the winners:

Team Grefer beat team Brafman 13-3 in 5 innings. This was a complete game for our team with sub pitcher Tim Trautman having another good game on the mound and after 4 starts he has only walked one batter. The defense was phenomenal playing a game without errors, and offensively we had one big inning carry us through.

Sub, Tyler Stansbury got the offense going with an early 3-run bomb to right field. Landon Krantz had a good game setting the table as our leadoff man, but game MVP goes to Will Coleman who hit two balls to the fence for a triple and home run.

League Notes:

Once again, please sign up the J Classic.

Jewish Night at the Reds game is coming up in a few weeks. Please buy tickets for that great night as well.

There is a Jewish Night at FCC but it’s on a Wednesday night, so boo on that.

Big news next week…please read the note from Gig who is going to treat us all to wings post game at Silver Spring House:

Please join us at the Franklin Wealth Advisors Wing Night at Silver Spring House after the games on Wednesday, 5/29.  Wings will be provided courtesy of the JCC Softball League’s Primary Sponsor, Franklin Wealth Advisors (Greg “Gig” Franklin).  For those of you who do not know Greg “Gig” Franklin, he has been involved with the JCC Softball League for over 50 years as a player, Commissioner and long-time supporter of the League through both sponsorship and other generous donations such as hosting Wing Nights.

Please join me in thanking Gig and Franklin Wealth Advisors for not only the upcoming Wing Night, but for his many contributions to the League over the years. 

The Wing Night will be held irrespective of the games being played on 5/29.  If the games are rained out, the Franklin Financial Wing Night will still be held at Silver Spring House and will begin at 7:00 PM.

Yesterday, I took myself down to Nova Care to have them look at my knee that I hurt last week. Lucky for me it isn’t anything serious (Although I’m on the IL for another couple of weeks) but the funny part is I was down there with all of the UC student athletes. My old ass is getting looked at next to some of the women’s soccer team, a couple of tennis players and then 5 of our lineman all going through their treatment. I feel old a lot but never more than that.

Watching the continued train wreck of the Reds season unfold it once again goes to show how terrible our front office was last year. You have a chance to win you go all in ALL in. You don’t worry about prospects. If a team wanted Edwin Arroyo, fine by me. They want Chase Petty, OK let them have it if that meant the Reds could have gotten major league talent who could have helped win the division last year. Instead we famously “Liked our team” and see where that has gotten you both last year and this. Thirty years…let me repeat, 30 years…and continuing since the Reds last won a post-season series. Such a sad sad state for our favorite team. By the way, that is the longest streak in professional sports.

See everyone next week.

Marc

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May 15, 2024: Games Recap

Once again Ryan’s anti rain dance paid off as the weather was perfect for softball last night. 

On field 1 we had Team Solomon vs. the hurting Team Brafman

Stu for the victors:

Team Solomon- 12 Team Brafman- 2

Similar to Lebron James, “We Were All Witnesses” as we watched Past President of Wise Temple David Snyder round the bases for his first ever Home Run in JCC Men’s Fast Pitch Softball. As he crossed the plate after his faithful ride around the bases, David screamed ” I’m the Best MFing 10 in the League!” 

Synder, who turns 57 on Saturday, when on to say, ” It Felt Really Good, I can only hope for similar success through the season, not just for me, but our whole team. Anything is Possible!”  

David is also an author. (https://www.amazon.com/52-Shabbat-Musings-Congregational-President/dp/B0CPBB5KKS) Buy a book now and he will sign it for a small fee at any softball game the rest of the season. 

As for the rest of our team…. Ken had another masterful performance on the mound. He kept Brafman’s team off balance all game and had a huge strike out of Harry “And the Hendersons” Meisner. Defensively, the dynamic duo of middle infielders, David Squared, both fielded their positions like Furniture Fair, with style and flare. 

Offensively, Team Solomon played small ball, using their team speed to wreak havoc on the base pads. Gary “Big Fish Little Pond” Fisher had a well placed bunt to keep the inning alive. Chris “Kringle” Kunkel had two hits driving up his batting average when his family is watching to .745. Another big hit and Run scored for Brandon Lindsey “Graham”

Team Solomon looks to keep up their winning ways against Team Fogel on Sunday.

(Team Brafman would like to thank Fink for subbing and for Eppy’s “Extra Padding” for protecting him from serious injury when David Wertheim smoked a comebacker off him) Team Brafman would also like to remind his dumb capt. to not dive for balls in the outfield anymore which resulted in a sore knee.

On Field 2 we had Team Grefer vs. Team Kamrass:

Team Grefer beat team Kamrass 20-10 (I think?) in a game that was closer than the final score indicated. Commissioner Ryan Silverman responded to getting hit by an errant ball in warmups with his best game of the year with 4 hits and scoring 4 runs. Zach Mayer had a dominant 5-5 day at the plate as well setting the tone for the rest of the team. They made a nice comeback effort bringing the game within 3-4 runs, but our offense exploded in the top of the 7th inning scoring 9 runs to ice the game.

Sub Tim Trautman pitched another good game with no walks and his first career strikeout. Gary Grefer, Will Coleman, and Howard Goldwasser all had great games at the plate with each having multiple hits.

On Field 3 it was Team Wagner vs. Team Fogel

Brad for the winners:

Team Wagner defeated Team Fogel on Wednesday night, 13-9. The game was back-and-forth throughout, with Team Wagner ultimately taking control in the bottom of the sixth. The offense was plentiful, as both teams had key hits along the way, but leading the victorious 3-1 Team Wagner was Landon Hawkins with two over-the-fence homers. One was to CF, while the second one was to LC.  Hawkins also made some great plays at SS.  Speaking of great defensive plays, Dr. Bob had another outstanding defensive Web Gem at 1B by stopping a hard-hit ground ball off the bat of Joel Fogel.  Capitan Wagner also made multiple putouts at the hot corner.  Besides Hawkins, Pelberg, and Wagner providing offensive power, Mark Levine and Daniel Hiudt had huge hits.  Brad was interviewed after the game by Annie Sabo and stated, “We are hitting the ball really well, getting major productivity from the bottom of our order and therefore able to turn the lineup over.”

Well wishes go out to Joey Hiudt of the Hiudteers, as he recovers from a leg injury.

Team Wagner takes on Team Grefer on Sunday, with Reggie Sanders and Reggie Miller on the call.

Team Fogel takes on Team Solomon on Sunday with Dennis Rodman and Dennis Eckersley on the call.

And finally on field 4 it was TEam Harris vs. Team Tenenholtz

Roger for the winning Harris team:

TEAM TENENHOLTZ  7

TEAM HARRIS.           8

With the score 8-3, going into the top of the 7th inning, TEAM HARRIS was in total control, but before you could say MARC BRAFMAN, the visitors had four runs in and the tying run at 2nd base with two outs. That was as far as it went as TEAM HARRIS held on for a 8-7 victory.

Captain GRIFF HARRIS remarked after the game, “That game got a bit too close for comfort. I was ready to pull out my hair. It was a nail biter, but in the end we withstood the rally and got the victory.”

MARK WEISSER once again pitched a gem of a game with the help of son EVAN WEISSER behind the plate. “Evan called a great game. There was one time though that he called for a fast ball and I thought a change up was in order. 

I threw the fast ball and it resulted in a hit. Other than that, he called a great game.”

On the offensive side of the ball, kudos go out to the following……

DEE HARRIS had perhaps one of his best games in a while. He had two hits and once again played a stellar SS. “I can’t be overshadowed too much by my son. I felt really good at the plate and felt comfortable at SS. I play wherever GRIFF tells me to play. He’s the boss on the field. Off the field, it’s a different story.”

DAN BERNSTEIN once again came up with a few huge hits, mainly a bases loaded single to drive in two runs. The rookie also legged out a triple on a close play at third base…..good thing we don’t have instant replays.

EVAN WEISSER showed his daring speed as he scored from second base on a sacrifice bunt.

RYAN MARCUS also contributed by getting on base three times…..MARK WEISSER, RYAN BAUM, JZ ZEIDENSTEIN, STU WEINSTEIN, GRIFF HARRIS also played roles in the hitting game.

Not to be outdone, ROGER ROSENTHAL, who has stated he wants to lead the league in sacrifice bunts, laid one down to advance two runners. “I can’t hit like I once did (lol), but I still want to do whatever I can do help the team. 

Play a solid defense and bunt runners over.”

Finally, a BIG shoutout to STEVE “Z” ZAWATSKY for subbing. He always brings energy and good play.

TID BITS……

*It amazes me that our dining choice doesn’t put on the NHL playoffs, at least not in the room we were in…….NBA….NFL….tennis and fishing, but NO HOCKEY!!!!!

*League mascot, JACOB BRAFMAN, was back after a week off (we missed him) and was saying that he liked a certain athlete because his name is JACOB, so I asked him if a XAVIER UNIVERSITY player was named JACOB, would he like him?…..He shrugged his shoulders….

*RICK TENENHOTLZ is still on the mend after an injury a couple of weeks ago…..here’s to getting back on the field asap……I’m not just saying that because he’s related by marriage, but because he’s such a nice guy…..

*Finally, I don’t know who saw the TOM BRADY ROAST a couple of weeks ago, but I’d like your take on some of the “crap” that was brought up…..I thought it went way overboard on roasting……certain subjects should NOT have been brought up and were very sensitive!!!!!

League notes

A speedy recovery to Rick Lefton who is also on the IL this season. My advice is don’t go to the Reds training staff..

I always thought nothing was dumber than people spending hours on end watching the NFL draft because you could get the same info the next day and your team isn’t any better on the field than they were at the end of last season. But nothing takes the cake like a THREE hour NFL schedule release show. Do the games start tomorrow? Sure it’s fun to look at the Bengals schedule and see when they are playing and who and which games are in prime time but my goodness do we need three hours? What in the world is anyone going to tell you about two teams now that will be even the least bit important in say Nov. or Dec? (See Burrow, Joe last season) I mean come on. Roger is right with playoff basketball, hockey and compelling MLS soccer and MLB games on, do we need three hours of the schedule? Give me the Indy Fever over that any day.

Speaking of dumber shame on all of us who thought the Reds were going to take the next step. The only step they are taking is being sellers at the trade deadline. Sure, injuries and Marte eating “tainted meat” have crushed this team but this is the same front office that last year didn’t trade any prospects because “they liked the team” once again proving the time old sports story if you are winning and have a chance to win you trade your mother if it will help the team win NOW. Who knows if this group of guys will ever get that close again. And who knows if any of them not named EDLC are even any good. Rooting for the Reds with this current front office gives me, David Weil and Billy Kahn a headache.

Have fun seeing Neil Young in the Windy City, Mark Weisser.

And on the subject of concerts, check out Duffy Wolf’s pictures from Jazz Fest. He got some great ones of the Stones, Neil Young and Trombone Shorty to name a few. Very, very cool.

I’m stealing this line from Paul Doc from the Enquirer by saying stick to sports: Pres. Trump was in town yesterday and it cost $50,000 to eat lunch with him. If you had $50,000 couldn’t you think of something. ANYTHING better to do with your money than spend it on a lunch with anyone. I don’t care who it is…$50K for a lunch? 

Still time to sign up for the J Classic. Please do it. A great time will be had by all. 

I called Roger last week because he is related to a guy whose company I am calling on here at UC. I can confidently tell you that using Rogers name hasn’t worked at all as the guy still hasn’t gotten back to me. 

See everyone next week.

Marc

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May 1, 2024: Games Recap

Sorry for the delay this week in blog land 

Here are the updates from this past week

On Field 1 it was team Stu vs. team Micah

Stu for the winners:

Team Solomon starts the season off with a great win against Team Kamrass 14-7.

Team Solomon hit up and down the lineup. The top of the lineup was incredible. Ben “Norm” Charlton set the table going 3-5, David “Tent Man” Wertheim and Adam “The Bad Guy” Cronstein both going 3-3 with a walk. The bottom half of the lineup provided some great offense. Chris “Baby Bump” Kunkel had two hits. Brandon Lindsey “Graham” had two hits and an RBI in his first ever JCC Men’s fast pitch softball game.

Defensively , Ken pitched a great game and fielded his position expertly. Many are saying he is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year. Two very nice sliding catches by Adam Cronstein and everyone’s favorite captain, Stuart Solomon. Big shout out to Zach “Rock’em Zakem Robots” for holding down the catchers spot after never playing there before. (Editor’s note: I always called Zach Zakem “the wild horse” because he was fast and a good runner. But Stu name is way better so “Rock Em Zakem Robots” it will be from now on) 

On Field 2 a mighty clash of Team Wagner vs. Team Wolf

Wes who has still not lost a regular season game as a captain for the winners:

Team Wolf held on for a 10-9 victory against team Wagner. We jumped out to an 8-1 lead after two innings due to timely hitting from rookie Zach Fritzhand and Scottie “The Hitting Machine” Wolf. 

Team Wagner started chipping away in the Fourth, mounting a come back to 10-7 going into the Seventh. They quickly loaded the bases and scored two runs with solid hits by the Hiudt cousins, but with bases loaded and two outs, Team Wolf persevered and got the final out. 

Another stellar pitching performance by Mike Gray led to a super exciting game this week on Field two. 

On Field three it was Team Brafman (minus Brafman) vs. Team Tenenholtz

Rick for the winners:

It was another high-scoring affair on Field 3 as Team Tenenholtz hosted Team Brafman minus their captain. The visitors got off to a hot start scoring five in the first, but the home team tied it up in the bottom of the first and followed up with 6 in the 2nd to take an 11-7 lead. The bats were hot all night for Team Tenenholtz as Jack Cohen, Mike Rothstein, Bryce Anslinger, Brian Goldberg and Captain Tenenholtz each had three hits en route to a 19-9 victory in 6 innings.

Zach Michelson, who reached base three times, declared the victory illegal. “It is against the rules to end the game when I am next to bat!” Michelson also had a huge catch at first as he laid out to make a grab and kept his foot on the bag.  Captain Tenenholtz said after the game, “We put Zach in training after our first loss. He had to spend all week fielding throws at Camp Rothstein. I thought we were in trouble when Linda Rothstein told me before the game that she was going to have to leave so she didn’t have to listen to Mike complain on the way home. In the end, Zach’s hard work paid off and the Rothstein 10-game losing streak came to an end.”

Also redeeming himself after a tough first week was Bryce Anslinger who flashed the leather at 1B, 2B and 3B. He also scored three runs. “Just don’t ask me to track a fly ball,” Team Tenenholtz’s utility man said.

 It should be noted that once again this is a special game when Howie and Eppy are on the mound going at it. And I heard that former player Richie Katz was at the game as well. 

And last but not least on Field 4 we had Team Fogel vs. Team Grefer

Kyle for the winners:

Team Grefer beat Team Fogel 16-4 in 6 innings. After a horrible first game where we scored two runs and Jimmy Lefton hurt his knee (best of luck on your upcoming knee replacement, Jimmy), we were able to turn it completely around in this game. Sub Tim Trautman stepped in and pitched a nice game only walking one batter and chipped in with a few hits.

Our defense was phenomenal with Will Coleman setting the tone early with a sliding catch in right field and everyone played a clean game with maybe one error combined. Offensively everyone contributed, but Landon Krantz set the table well in the leadoff spot, Zach Mayer hit line drives all over the field, and Gary Grefer, Will Coleman, Oren Shmoel and Howard Goldwasser all had clutch hits.

League notes:

Happy birthday to Rick Lefton and former player Mark Wolf. 

Brad Gallop fooled his professors long enough to graduate from UC. Congrats, Brad.

Let’s all wish Jimmy a quick recovery from his knee surgery.

It was Joel “Hallelujah” Buckley’s anniversary this weekend

Please sign up for the J Classic if you’d like to play golf, tennis or pickleball.

If you haven’t already, make sure you check out the link of Scott “Why can’t we be” Friend’s son who started his own clothing line. The link to the clothing line is coolbeanz.shop and the link to the story is on WLWT. Just search cool beanz. 

And now the Lance McAlister random notes portion of the blog:

The Reds might be a .500 team until they get some guys healthy, but man it’s worth turning in every night to see Elly play. Joey was amazing at the plate in his prime and it was fun to see Jr. or Adam Dunn try to hit a ball into the river, but I don’t remember being this excited about a player on offense, defense, on the bases, brushing his teeth, etc. since Eric Davis in the late 80’s before he got hurt all the time. I don’t believe he actually threw the ball 106 the other night, but hey, why not?

How come NBA teams can have music playing all games with people on the PA saying DEFENSE as loud as possible, and yet college schools won’t or can’t do it? 

I have mentioned this before but I have no idea how real coaches sleep at night or ever. Coaching Jacob in little league ages me by the day and I’m not even the head coach (to say nothing about having to coach Eric “The Mouth of the Midwest” Gruen in our league). We are struggling as a team and I get more worked up than the kids who generally just want to go to Skyline or Rhino’s after a game. 

It’s amazing that Howie and Eppy, Jerry etc. are still out here playing each week, but how about Neil Young and Crazy Horse and the Rolling Stones both going on tour again last week. And amazingly still sounding pretty darn good! I woke up the other day with a leg cramp and it’s still bothering me and I didn’t play a 2 hour concert.

Is there a bigger waste of time in life than watching the NFL draft? It’s bad enough on TV, but I couldn’t imagine going to it in person. That said, I hope that Cincinnati gets it one of these days. It would be good for the city.

At what age are you too old to A) buy a concert T-shirt and B) wear it? 

I have to admit I’m sort of excited to watch Mike Tyson fight on Netflix.

And finally Roger called me, not once, but TWICE this week to tell me he picked up some cheap used hats, shirts and underwear this weekend at a flea market. He was very proud of his purchases and the deals he got from them. So if you are in the market for a starter jacket from the Charlotte Hornets or a NKU T-shirt, Roger has you covered.

Let’s hope for a return of all the hostages soon. Keep Israel (the people not the leadership) in your hearts.

Marc

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April 19, 2024: Update from the IL

Wednesday’s games took a toll on the legs of a couple veterans. Team Grefer lost their starting pitcher, Jimmy Lefton, to a season ending knee injury. When asked about the injury, Jimmy said, “In my first at bat, I ran to first tweaked my knee and had to do the Lessure shuffle the rest of the way.” Surgery is scheduled for May. I know we all hope to see Jimmy back in action.

Yitzi Creeger also sustained a leg injury. Reportedly, the injury, a pulled hamstring, was sustained when Yitz lined up all his kids and tried to jump over them. We hope Yitz is back in action soon.

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April 17, 2024: Games Recap

A windy (and sunny)  start to the season on Wed. night caused some interesting fielding plays. But it sure was nice being out on the fields again.

On Field one we had Team Brafman Vs. Team Wolf. 

Weston for the victors: 

Team Wolf starts the season off on the right foot with a 12-5 “closer-than-the-final-score” style game with Team Brafman. It was a back and forth battle as a 5-5 tie game heading into the top of the seventh, when Tyler Wolf (batting last due to the first implementation of his namesake “Late Arrival” rule) led off by beating out a grounder to short, Super-sub Catcher AJ Goldhoff reached on a fly ball to center, then Wes Wolf broke the tie with a 2-run triple to center field. Team Wolf went on to score 7 total runs that inning with big hits from Eli & Steve Z, Ian Conwell and many more. Eddie Gallop kept the offense afloat early in the game with hits in his first two at-bats and Mike Gray picked up right where he left off last year with a strong outing despite a tough first game from his defense. 

Team Brafman battled despite missing some of their top players, playing great defense with gale force winds coming in from left field.  (Capt Brafman would like to add that rookie Steven “Shap” Shapiro had his first hit in the league.) And playing slightly out of position Jamey Drennan made two very good catches in RC

On Field two it was Team Harris vs. Team Grefer 

Roger reports in for Team Harris:

TEAM HARRIS 12

TEAM GREFER 2………six innings…..

After a horrible weather day a week ago, it was worth the wait for TEAM HARRIS……..

After falling behind 2-0 in the early innings, TEAM HARRIS, under the leadership of first year captain GRIFF HARRIS, plated eight runs in the bottom of the third inning and never looked back in winning in a ten run rule after six innings, 

12-2….

The offensive explosion was a pleasant sight, but veteran pitcher, MARK WEISSER, pitched a gem with son, EVAN WEISSER, calling the pitches in only a way a father would love.

The defense was sparkling led by DAVID “DEE” HARRIS, the captain’s “old” man, who after a couple of misplays early in the game, was as solid as solid could be.

“I was told by my son that I’d be playing shortstop this week to help better our defense with who we had available and I didn’t want to let him down. I went back a long time ago when I was a camper at the JCC and my counselor, ROGER ROSENTHAL, yes that ROGER ROSENTHAL  taught me everything I needed to know at shortstop,” HARRIS said after the game.

HItting stars included, ANDY GOLLIN, the UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN graduate, EVAN WEISSER, JZ ZEIDENSTEIN delivered key hits, but at the end of the day, it was a total team effort from everyone.

Captain GRIFF after the game…..

“I was pleased with my first official game as a captain. I couldn’t sleep last night at all and was up trying to make out that perfect line-up card and defensive assignments. I ended up finally getting to sleep only to get up up in the early morning hours and saying to myself, ‘this is game day'”

Rookie DAN BERNSTEIN after the game…..

“I loved it! I was really looking forward to last week, but the wait was worth it. I had a great time and the guys on the team seem really nice, but does Roger ever shut-up?

Finally, 

DEE HARRIS after the game……

“I’m super proud of my son on how he handled himself in his first game as a captain. He’s learned a lot about the league coming to games for years. I think he’s only going to get better and better as time goes. He’s an old chip off the block just like his father.”

TEAM HARRIS gets two weeks off due to a holiday and a bye, but don’t think for a minute they’ll have a break. “We’re going to hold practice (who needs practice?) a few times during the break and not rest on our laurels from this victory. I want to get better and better each week.”

TIDBITS…….

The rumors are true…..ROGER ROSENTHAL and his lovely wife, Carol, were in New Jersey this past weekend attending the DAYS OF OUR LIVES fan event…..that’s right! 

Roger was amongst the stars chatting it up and trying to get as many Facebook friends as possible.

Rookie BROCK FOWLER, an Ohio University graduate, was the only rookie to attend the after-game meal at a popular restaurant. Once again, STEVE “EPPY” EPPSTEIN showed his generosity by treating those that showed up, chicken wings and everything else…..

And finally, MARC BRAFMAN drove ROSENTHAL to the after-game meal with son, JACOB, in the back seat. ROSENTHAL asked who won the Xavier/UC game that day and when JACOB said that Xavier had one, there was a loud YES from a certain individual…..guess who?

On Field three it was the sun vs. Team Fogel and Team Kamrass

Jeremy for the winners:

Team Fogel took on Team Kamrass in an affair that was largely impacted by swirling winds pushing hits deep into the outfield and a glare from the sun that impaired vision more than staring at the eclipse. In a back-and-forth effort, Team Fogel prevailed over Team Kamrass by a score of 14-13. Lots of defensive plays all around that set the tone, but notable diving stops by Joel Buckley at shortstop and snags by Pete Soltesz in left field stopped rallies from ever starting or from continuing on. On the offensive side, big contributions all throughout the order kept consistent threats alive. A couple of key two-out RBIs by rookie Sam Klinkowitz were the difference in this one. Team Fogel anxiously awaits their next instant classic in the second half with Team Kamrass. No shortage of drama in any of the matchups between these two teams.

And last but not least in the game of the night on field 4 Team Wagner took on Team Tenenholtz

Brad for the victors

Team Wagner defeated Team Tenenholtz 23-16 at the friendly confines of Field 4.  The victors took an early lead, but Team Tenenholtz battled back multiple times to tie the score.  Team Wagner had a 15-14 lead going into the 6th and added some much-needed Geico Insurance runs in the top half of each of the 6th and 7th to prevail.

Michael Askin, Bob Pelberg, Anton Loon, and the three Hiudteers (Zac, Daniel, and Joey) had key hits: Corey Norris, Brad Wagner, Landon Hawkins, Matt Leader, and Mark Levine all brought in important runs.

Rookie Landon Hawkins had the web gem of the day with a great catch at SS to end a rally. 

After a break next week to dip our fingers in the wine while describing the awful ten plagues, Team Wagner takes on Team Wolf on Field 2; that game will be aired on PBS with Jose and Ozzie Canseco on the call.  Team Tenenholtz takes on Team Brafman; Lord Alfred Hayes and Gorilla Monsoon will be on the mic for that battle.

A reminder that we are off this week due to Passover. See everyone once again on May 1.

League Notes:

Speaking of Passover if you need baked goods for your seder, look no further than Sweet Butter Bakery Sweet Butter Bakery (sweetbuttercincy.com)

The J Classic is coming up. It’s an amazing event that was started years ago in honor of Shorty Adams’ dad. J Classic – Mayerson JCC I believe Ryan and Anton are the defending pickleball champs. Please consider signing up and supporting the JCC. 

A couple of college announcements this week. Congrats to Corey Norris’s daughter for choosing Michigan St. much to the chagrin of her mom who wanted her to go to Maryland.  And congrats to Jerry Kirzner’s granddaughter who is going to Tulane next fall.

Happy birthday to Josh Rosen 

While the Reds can’t hit at the moment due to the flu and the fact they have to play Jonathan India every day I do love watching them run the bases. It’s ironic that former Cards and Royals manager Whitey Herzog died this week because he would love how much the Reds steal. Hopefully this will continue to pay off for them if/when they ever get on base. 

Todd “The Mayor” Wasserman and I were texting last Sunday during the Billy Joel CBS Special until they for some reason cut Piano Man off at the end. Is this the Heidi game part two (if you don’t know what I’m talking about look it up)? Not sure how you can start a program late due to the Masters, and then when the guy is singing his most popular , if not best, song you cut it off to go to the local news. You couldn’t have waited 2 more minutes. By the way Todd claims his favorite Billy song is Tell her About it and his favorite album is The Bridge.. The Doctor of Style David Weil did tell me he once saw Billy Joel open for Deep Purple and Foghat and when he started to play Piano Man the fans at the Cincy Gardens who were not there to see him booed. He (Joel) then told all of the fans to F-off. It would have been fun to see acts in the 70’s.

My office at UC overlooks the back of Fifth Third Arena where some of the basketball players park (illegally). I have turned our own Matt “No I am not related to Wes”  Miller into a traffic cop. I text him when the parking po-po is outside and sometimes the players hurry up and move their cars. Or as was the case this week they got a boot to which Matt replied, “I tell those dopes not to park there it’s on them now.”

And one final note on college basketball. I find it amusing that people are all up in arms about Caitlin Clark’s starting salary in the WNBA. All these people claiming to be upset by the WNBA must be asked to name 5 current WNBA players and who won the last title. If you can answer those two questions you have a right to complain about their salary. If you can’t shut your yap, go to a game and support the ladies starting this season.

RIP to Dickey Betts from the ABB. Next week I will report on a story that Eddie Gallop has about seeing them that he promised is entertaining. 

And last but not least while Roger mentioned it in his recap it does bear repeating that he and his wife went to a Days of our Lives convention. I believe it went something like this for Roger and all of their fans: SNL’s Greatest Moment #71 (youtube.com)

Have a nice Passover everyone keep Israel in your thoughts.

Marc