RCBA Media Center

It looks like the Originals have taken their strategy this year from last year's champions, the Allsorts . . . that is, don't peak until the last weekend of the season!

After a rousing first inning the Originals went to sleep for the rest of the evening and allowed the Beasties a pretty easy path to victory, suffering an opening night loss that will likely go down as one of the worst in our history. But as I said earlier, let's not despair, it's a long season. The final score was Beasties 21, Originals 7 (ouch).

This game also marks what may be the last game ever to be played at Riverdale East. Please note the new schedule, 3 parks at McCleary in addition to Riverdale West. So it seems like it's goodbye to the monster hill in left and dodging runners on the track, it's been a long time.

We have a new treat for you this year, our chief statistician (that's the young one who likes his numbers) has decided to keep track of On Base Percentage and Runs Scored, so you will be able to track your success or lack of it during the season. For those of you who think RBI's are important I direct you to master Sabremetrician Bill James' "Baseball Abstract", where he reaons with good evidence that the only thing in baseball that matters is bases, bases, and bases. The other stuff just takes care of itself. You can find the weekly stats page here, and I will also add it to my signature.

Welcome to the newcomers last night, Jessica, Roy and Daniella. A special shout-out to Nathan, the "original", always remember to please play as we say, not as we do.

To those who thought it was too cold, all I can say is they don't call games on account of temperature in this league, so please try to make it next week.

We are going to need new shirts, I'm still investigating possibilities, and we'll pay for those when we get them. But aside from that I am going to require $40 for returning players, and $60 from rookies. This covers the cost of our permit, insurance and deficit from 2001-2002. Please bring your money next week as the league requires our fee to be paid in full by week 3.

Tyler wanted to go see Coldplay at the Koolhaus, instead he had to put up with some coldplay at McCleary . . . where we had to suffer through some very kool 10 degree gale like conditions in a abbreviated game against the Thunderdawgs.

I think our stat page may be changing the way we approach the game (I'm basing that on the 100 hits that the page has already registered!). Singles are the new name of the game for the Originals. Last night proved the point that base runners are what makes the world go round in the RCBA. Final score Originals 28, Thunderdawgs 4.

Now before we let that go to our heads, let's remember the opponents did not play their best game, but after last weeks thrashing at the hands of the Beasties, a win is a win, and a win by 2 dozen feels good no matter how cold it was.

Next week's game is at SE McCleary against the Hitmen, one of the up and coming teams in the league, so let's pray for warmer weather and see if we can keep those singles comin'.

Gail is working on some great looking shirts for this year, we'll hopefully be able to fill you in this week. Thanks to everyone who paid, to the rest of you . . . let's try to remember this week.

The Originals had one of those nights when we just couldn't push any runs across the plate. We ended up scoring our lowest run total since July 31st 2002 . . . our second lowest score in recorded history (well so what if that history has only been recorded for 4 years), even our elders were hard pressed to remember such a measly output by the Originals and their predecessors.

The final score was 17-8 for the Hitmen. Let's give them their due, they played a fine game in the field, but still we need to get the offense cranked up a bit.

On the bright side we have some reinforcements on the way. We finally got William committed to playing for the Originals, and Alfie has hinted he has another friend willing to play, so hopefully that will make up for the east coast firepower we lost over the winter. As well we're still waiting for some of our virtual members to show up for the 2005 season.

Gail has done a great job with the new uniforms and by the time they are ready we should once again hopefully be strutting our stuff.

Next week we are at the SW corner of McCleary against the Allsorts. Let's remind them what a fluke last years championship win was for them.

Now that the warm weather has started to show up so too have the hordes of Original wannabees. We added a few more players this week, and are now pretty well stocked, so tell all your friends that it's too late to join for this year . . . but the league is still looking for players so they can contact the commissioner whose email is on the league page.

As for this weeks game, it was pretty sloppy. We somehow squandered a big lead and lost to the Allsorts. We scored a bunch of runs at the top of the order, but the bottom half was not producing anything of substance. In the field we are just starting to find our way as well, and one bad inning really did us in. On the other hand we are starting to look a lot better with the addition of a couple of beisboleros Dominicano, and we all learned we also have a Cuban jardinero on the team, so our baseball pedigree is definitely improving.

Not to worry yet, it's early and I feel we are flying under the radar this year, letting other teams take us lightly.

Gail has ordered the new uniforms, they are $34 so could everyone please bring her the money this week so she doesn't get left holding the bag.

Next weeks game is in the NE corner of McCleary against the Sultans. Let's start to inch our way back towards .500.

The warm weather arrived and the Originals seemed to heat up a little at the plate . . . at least for a couple of innings. We continued with what is becoming this year's trend, starting off really well and then relaxing and letting the other team catch up. We'll have to see if we can put together a solid game from beginning to end, and also try to kick-start the bottom of the batting order, as the top of the order continues to produce the majority of our runs.

The final score against a rag-tag bunch of Sultans was 28-6, and it's only our sloppy fielding that allowed them that many.

Next weeks game is against the improving Thunderdawgs. This will give us an opportunity to claw our way back to .500 for the season. Make sure you adjust your auto-pilot so that you arrive at Riverdale West for that game. For those of you who need reminding the map is on the "Parks" page of the website.

We continue to improve against weak competition, defeating the hapless Thunderdawgs 29 - 12 in the vast expanse that is known as Riverdale West.

Last night was a more complete game than we have been seeing of late as we had all parts of the lineup contribute throughout the game. Our defense also was a little less shaky and only let the opposition score in 2 innings.

So we have clawed our way back to .500 and look to continue our winning ways next week against the Gorillas in the southeast corner of McCleary. We saw them at the bar last night and they are eagerly looking forward to this game. Let's not let them down!

I want to give props to Gail for the fantastic looking uniforms. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the improved play. Please don't forget to bring your money to her for those shirts as she is out of pocket a considerable amount.

Also after checking the instructions on the tag it is clearly marked "Do Not Machine Dry", so please take care and hang to dry.

Please note that the stats will not be available till later today as our statistician is busy, and the league is getting later and later with the results so the standings are also not updated yet. Check back later.

See you next week . . .

The Originals played last week in what was billed as a competitive game, but the reality was that the Gorillas were hardly any competition for the Originals. In a game that they were only too glad to call because of rain after 6 innings, the Originals pounded out the runs and kept the Gorillas from any real threatening innings on the bases.

So our record is finally above .500 with a game this week against the Burning Sensation who lost their first game of the season last week. We are going to be without a few of our stalwarts as I hear that the people who keep our city "running" are going to be spending some time inspecting the state of our local golf courses. So it could be a tough game this week at McCleary.

The stats need to be retrieved from the league, and the standings are yet to be posted so all you folks around the world who are eager for more Originals news will just have wait. It's outta my hands.

Last night marked the best all-round performance by the Originals so far this year. Whether it was our sparkling shortstop-third base combination (Who was Wally Pip?), or our ingenious batting order is up for debate, but against one of the better teams in the league we played a solid game in the field and scored enough runs when we needed them to prevail over the Burning Sensation 13-9 at McCleary Park. The win was especially sweet as the Sensation are a much better team than the ones we have recently been beating.

We've clawed our way into sole possession of third place, and await our meeting in 2 weeks against the league leading Hitmen. Not to look past next week though, we play the win-challenged Toronto Athletic club (now there's a misnomer for ya'). The game next week is at McCleary NW.

Stats are up . . . read 'em and weep.

See you next week.

Movie treatment for the Revenge of the Originals.

In a park, far far away, the Originals plot their return from the stinging defeat handed to their forces in last years Final game. The beginning of the year saw them looking old and defeated, but lately the tide has started to turn and the faint glimmer of hope has started to return to those who can remember better times. Lately the Originals have played some better games, their strength is returning and they are about to face the menacing Hitmen, who have yet to lose a game, in next week's match at Riverdale.

Young Hero: Master what must we do to win the game?
Old Master: We must hit the ball where they ain't, young one.
Young Hero: How is one as old as you able to do that?
Old Master: You must feel the force young knight. Only then can you find the weak spot in the opponents defenses.

Young Hero: Why does the Lord of the Longball continue to hit fly balls?
Lord of the Longball: When you can score as many runs as I do Young Hero, hits don't matter.
Young Hero: Then why do you continue to occupy such a lowly place in the stats?
Lord of the Longball: I think someone must be spreading lies about my hitting. I will attempt to seek them out and destroy them.

Young Hero: Oh Master of the Batting Order, why am I always hitting near the bottom, surrounded by those who cannot advance me towards the home base to score a run?
Master of the Batting Order: Don't be so impatient young one, if I don't put Don William and Don Guillermo and the Lord of the Longball near the top, I will face certain rebellion. Did you not see what nearly happened to the Lord Manager in my absence last week? Be patient, your time will come.

Young Hero: Oh Princess of the Maritimes, why can you not help me to score more runs?
Princess of the Maritimes: Well young Hero, I am doing the best I can, and if you want a ride home, you better not question my abilities.

Young Hero: Oh please, Lord of the Batting Order, I am beginning to lose hope, I feel you do not trust my abilities … will you never let me hit amongst the Knights at the top of the batting order so that I can score more runs, and take my true place in the Originals' stats.
Lord of the Batting Order: Be patient young hitter, I have many old warriors who must be shown respect or else they may plot against me. You must wait your turn … continue to improve, sooner than you think your time will arrive.

Lord Manager: Hey Lord of the LongBall, you better back up a bit on this hitter.
Lord of the LongBall: Don't worry, I got it covered …
Young Hero: What the ! ! !

Young Hero: Oh Teacher, why must I get so much homework?
Teacher: Because young Hero, that's just the way it is … don't question the way it is, because it's always been that way.

Young Hero: Oh Lord Manager, do you have 2 dollars so I can shoot pool?
Lord Manager: You must fight against the temptations of the Dark Side, Young Hero … and besides don't you have any money of your own?

… to be continued …

There's nothing left to say …

What this team obviously needs is some more "spirit".

JOB LISTING:
WANTED:
Young energetic, creative writer for award winning documentary website. Future growth opportunities in young startup cable network devoted solely to news and features about the Originals Ball Team. To be called ONN, the Originals News Network, with our catchy slogan "All Originals All The Time" and featuring shows such as our "What's ON!" news hour starring said crack young reporter, and devoting 4 primetime hours a week to our baseball reality show "Bring it ON!" where the characters of the Originals ball club get together for a little whine and dine.

Salary and benfits negotiable.

Movie treatment continued. …

In a park even further away than far far away the Originals once again defeated the Thunderdawgs in a match that was eerily similar to the last game with a final score of 29-11.

Young Hero: But Master of the Batting Order, what have I yielded to deserve 3rd in the order

Master of the Batting Order: Oh Young Hero, A ruler must sometimes humour as well as command

Oh who am I kidding to try to follow in the great literary footsteps of our "Old Master" Who, incidentally has semi-retired from the pangs of weekly chores.

Thanks to my big mouth I can now hang a new "shingle" outside my residence that reads "playwright" - thank goodness I'm in the building materials industry.

I must mention that William was named MVP going 5/5 with a Grand Slam and 2 runs!

Goodenow (Mr. NHLPA) resigned and immediately tried his hand at ball last night. In an attempt to level the "playing field" he quickly traded two of our players to the opposing team.

Shawn did catch our "Young Hero's fly ball but the plan still failed.

Marco struck out … once ? twice? … oh sorry that's right the first two misses at the pitch were just to "draw them in" he said in an interview shortly after the game. Goodenow is back on the Canada Pension Plan once again.

Oh and just one more observation.......the girls on this team "ROCK!" (thanks for the lingo Bobbi)

Don't forget that the "Princess of the Maritimes" is in the Maritimes next week (have a great week off Alice) so we need all the girls out at McCleary Northeast for our game with the Gorillas.

Have a great long weekend......see ya next week.

Gail

The longest running production in Hogtown is "Les Miserable" and last night The Originals defense were cast.

Fortunately the squad managed to eke out a 21 - 19 win vs. the Gorillas. Thanks in part to Bobbi for "stopping the bleeding" with an amazing catch in centre rover position for the 3rd out to win the game.

Offensively it wasn't too bad. William smoked a bullet just at the right time to bring in 3 runs in the bottom of the eighth. If it wasn't for the fence at McCleary SouthEast the ball would be in Lake Ontario!

The women kept up their end of the bargain as well.

Although our poor "Young Hero" went 0 for 4 … oops sorry that was the pool games at the bar … forget I even mentioned that …

In an attempt to bolster ratings, next week ONN will air a pilot entitled "Rubber Match" co-starring The Burning Sensation.

Next weeks game vs. the Burning Sensation at McCleary is a BIG game, as the winner will undoubtedly capture 2nd place during the regular season.

2nd place means playing the Thunderdawgs, 3rd would currently play the Gorillas - a much tougher opponent.

So let's try to stop juggling the ball and keep the errors to a minimum. See you all next week …

Les Mis continues …

The ONN Pilot will not be aired on time as filming ceased due to rain …

Mercy Rule #!%@?#!@!! How could the Originals let that happen?

Don't even know what the score was … oh just looked it up … 23-15 for them

We need our defense to show up this week …

Not sure what to write this week … not very inspired.

ONN has now pulled funding for the pilot project with promises of trying again next season.

According to our statistician … we stranded 17 runners in 9 innings vs TAC including leaving the bases loaded 3 times …

Our Captain, Shawn continued to try to set a fine example and wins the regular season batting title.

What has happened to the Originals I came to love? Our attitude? team spirit? (oh, sorry Mitch you did show up this week) our energy? Where is our defense that we lost about 4 games ago and never recovered?

Next weeks game (as Jim mentioned) is at McCleary 6:40 SHARP. If the teams don't have enough players at the start of the game they will suffer 1 out per inning until they have enough. Also 8:15 will be the cut off point for the game.

I am sorry that Shawn, Gail Marco and Bobbi will not be in attendance for the first playoff game. Come on Originals … make us proud!!

The Originals showed their dogged determination in the face of adversity last night. Our stalling tactics only worked for minutes, and the Gorillas finally got the game started while we were very short handed all 'round. The first inning saw us ill-prepared and quickly down by 6 runs in the top of the inning, and starting the bottom with an automatic out and adding two more quickly. The second inning we managed to get our footing in the field, hold the opponents off the scoreboard, catch our breath and add 4 runs to get back in the game.

From that point the Originals seemed to have the game in hand, keeping the Gorillas off the bases, making plays whilst reclining in the field, scratching and clawing for runs and leading 9-6 by the late innings of the game.

Then the Gorillas managed to put together their second big inning of the night, and take the lead 12-9. But once again the Originals refused to give up. We got back to even, only to once more give up a few in the top of the last inning. Trailing by three with the meat of the order coming to the plate and the sun rapidly disappearing over the horizon, the Originals inevitable juggernaut pretty quickly put the opposing side out of their misery.

It was a memorable game. Strange happenings and good results. Final Score 16-15. On to the semi-finals.

Sunday we will be playing the Burning Sensation on the same field. Please be there by 1:30 at the latest. We will need to play another couple of strong games in the field to capture the flag, but at least we know we won't quit until the game is over.

P.S. Two minor notes. Firstly I would like to point out for historical purposes that I am undefeated as coach since August 25, 2002 when we lost the semi-final game to the Thunderdawgs . That just about makes up for my record preceding that date :)
Secondly there will be a prize for the person who can find previous mention of the "tire tracks in center field" that I managed to get tripped up by last night. You need to know the last word in that press release to win. Prize to be determined.

ORIGINALS 2005 RCBA Champs …

Yesterday in two of the grittiest team games in memory, the Originals won two back to back games against solid competition to win their second RCBA Championship in the last 3 years. Though not without mistake the Originals won these games by never getting down, staying positive, playing defense and doing what needed to be done to secure the victory.

In the first game against the second place Burning Sensation we took a lead that held up pretty well until late in the game. The Sensation managed to catch us near the end, but we put a few runs on the board in the 10th inning and then played a solid defensive inning when it counted the most and came away with a 12-11 victory.

In the Final game we faced the powerhouse Hitmen, who had previously breezed through the league and playoffs, and seemed poised to capture their first league crown. But they maybe didn't respect the Originals fully, and that would be their first mistake amongst many. Again we put some runs on the board and held off the Hitmen through to the ninth. In the bottom of the ninth nursing a 2 run lead we bent but didn't break and sealed the deal on a long fly ball to our coach (who really took one for the team and played the entire 19 innings on Sunday in the outfield - not his customary position - but because he was needed).

I'd just like to close by saying that in 3 playoff games we won by a total of 4 runs. We held every opponent below their season average in runs, and we did what we had to do to claim the title. It was a perfect day, other than the drunken louts in the stands (I know I'm supposed to forget about that …), and I have never been prouder of the Originals … seeing the coach claim his first title, having the next generation contributing to the cause, and the next-next generation there, and also good to have the first generation show up at the end of the season to remind us what it's all about. As good a group of people as we've ever had, I look forward to seeing you all in December and on the field next year.

Way to Go ORIGINALS!!!!!!!