13 May - Ball, Butuan-style

Tigers: 1B: Heidi; 2B: Rickey/Bizarro Rickey; 3B: The Jaguar; SS: DT; LF: Ferdie; CF: Contrary aka Fake Steve; RF: Bags
The Butuan Sluggers

Game One:
Tigers: 8
Sluggers: 1

Dude, this one was sweet. We played at the Butuan, Philippines Athletic Park against the local team, the Sluggers. They've even got a permanent sign (we got no sign!!) announcing that it is their home. They've got ladies who keep the score sheet in during the games. They've got a former national pitcher (who pitched for us). The game occurred after a long training period on the beaches of Panglao and an overnight ferry trip. Wearing our new jerseys we took the field and played a game of fast pitch softball.

Some basic notes in an exciting game. Rickey met his opposite. He is "wiry", bends at the knees, participates in every play and is energetic. After Rickey messed up some plays at 2B, Bizarro Rickey took over and Rickey became DH. The first screw up was partially due to DT. Someone stole 2B and Rickey went to cover. DT ran at 2B too scaring off Rickey. Second time Rickey was totally at fault. Got in the way of a sweet (chocolateh sweet) double play. After that, Rickey pulled himself due to his fear of burning his sensitive skin. The Jaguar (especially), Contrary and Heidi were excellent in the field.

At the plate, Contrary had a nice 3-rbi triple. Rickey's OBPS was .600. He even advanced a base two times without challenge, was in the process of stealing another that developed into a hit-and-run with the Jaguar, scored 2 runs and hit a boomer that was stolen (Willie Mays-style) in RF. Bags got hit twice by a pitch. He must owe someone money. Heidi got hit once too. Contrary's bro-in-law (Ferdie) busted open the game with a grand slam inside-the-park homer in the 1st inning. All else was fine after that.

After the game we ate at True Brew, Contrary's restaurant/coffehouse. Excellent (no joking) food and drinks.

PS: Note from trip. If you are ever signed up for the Amazing Race, get DT to be your partner. He's got major travelling skills.