Never Fear, Underdog Is Here!

American’s love a good underdog story.  Look at some classic 80s movies– Hoosiers, Vision Quest, the Bad News Bears.  It is simply American to root for the underdog.  There is just something in our genetics that calls for rooting for the little guy.  The guy that is a longshot.  The guy that no one gives a shot in hell to. 

Tonight, as we march into kickball battle, we are that underdog.  We are the team that no one expects to win.  But anyone who thinks that is unAmerican and their phones should immediately be wire tapped and their teams sent to “re-education” centers in Gitmo.  So I say to thee, that we are true patriots, and that we have the full force of the collective American ego behind us tonight, and that it is our manifest destiny to defeat the infidels of Vandalay. 

Action Item 1: 

Post a response letting me know whether you will be at tonight’s 7:15 game vs. Vandalay Industries.  Remember that the word “whether” gives a choice, as in “whether or not.”  Of course, being a true American, you know our basic English rules, so I did not need to remind you of that fact.

Scouting Report:

What can I say?  Vandy is a good team whose record does not reflect how good they really are.  They are the only team to ever have kept the #1 sead, My Left Foot (the team we played Metal Mania week), to a 1-0 game.  They have solid defence and solid kicking.  They also are smart base runners, so it is very important that we get the ball back to the pitcher ASAP.  The outfield needs to make sure to get the ball in as quickly as possible too.  Vandy is a stanch “no bunting” team, so we do not need to defend the bunt. 

Captain’s Tip of the Day:

By this point in the season, we all know how to play.  Just remember to do the little things like backing each other up, getting the ball back to the pitcher quickly, tagging up, and talking to each other.  Other than that, have fun.

Also, it is supposed to be 101 degrees today with a heat index of 112 and a code red.  I suggest bringing water.

Libations:

Who is bringing cups and beer tonight?  One case is not enough…we need at least 2.  If you have not brought beer yet or you only brought cups or ice, this is your opportunity to excel. 

Reimbursement:

You know who you are.  Get me back with a few duckets tonight. 

Run, run, run, away
Like a train runnin off the track
The truth gets left behind
And falls between the cracks
Standing on broken dreams
But never losing sight
Spread your wings

We’ll get higher and higher straight up we’ll climb
We’ll get higher and higher leave it all behind

— Dreams, Van Halen

PS-

IF you need more motivation, last year’s 15 seed, Tony’s Tigers, had an improbable and amasing run in the playoffs, going all the way to the championship game.  Also, we played Vandy in 2004 in the playoffs.  That year they were the 11 seed and we were the 5 seed.  They upset us 9-3.  All I have to say is that payback is a bitch.