Like always... I expect this to fall on deaf ears... My parting speech as manager of the Loose Cannons.

For a lot of you newer players (John, Adam, Ryan specifically), I can tell this last season has been a rather eye-opening experience. As you can probably acknowledge, this isn't a "hold on, let me bring my beer to second base" kind of league. The demands and the commitment that I laid on you were high. At times, I can come across as a harsh and angry son of a bitch, but understand that I am committed to helping you all develop your game. With that said, this is suppose to be fun. And I am a firm believer that despite losing and the frustration that goes along with it, I still view this opportunity to play with you all (and I hope you guys do too) as a fun and challenging experience.

During the season, I've thought long and hard about how to build a winning team. Along the way, I've recognized that there are those that cannot be helped... and there are those that are "simply getting the feet wet." I think of you guys as the latter and still see the potential that has yet been reached.

Now, for the rest of the returning players, think about what it is you want from this team. If all you want is a social gathering, you are more than welcome to join us for lunch after the game. Otherwise, evaluate your performance, and think about what your strengths and weaknesses are... what aspect of the game you bring. We all have parts of our game we need to improve on, but there were times when I question what some of you have to offer (as I failed to see offense nor defense) except burning outs and a body on the field... which I can get anyone off the street to do. Paying $55, showing up for practice and doing the same sh*t, and saying you're "committed" are easy to do. Playing the game and getting better isn't as easy. Like anything else in life... make a case for yourself.

The 2008 Cornerstone Memorial Day Tournament (5/24/08 - 5/26/08)

Friday, 5/23/08

Francis organizes everyone to watch the new Indiana Jones flick. While I enjoyed the movie, I will admit that it probably ranks 3rd out of the 4 Indiana Jones films... in this order:

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Slept at midnight.

Saturday, 5/24/08

Woke up at 5:30 a.m. all jacked up to play softball. Had to settle for 3 games of MLB 2007 on my PS3.

Get to a wet and misty Westlake Park at 9:30 a.m., just in time for the Manager's meeting.

Danny (Reverend): We're playing at Westlake because the field at Gellert is too small for some of you guys (points at me and Wilson... alluding to the Cannons).
Wilson (laughs)
Tommy:

1st Game vs CEBC Red

I wasn't too thrilled of the girl Yo brought out to play with us. Apparently, Yo got her off an ad that she placed on craigslist.

Our run production was mediocre. By the end of the 4th inning, we had an 8-3 lead. Dave Lam makes a trio of highlight plays at left-center leading me to realize how much I miss him playing regularly with the Cannons. Eric is on his game and is pitching a gem. By the 7th inning, we're still nursing an 8-3 lead. Knowing I had some runs to flirt with and feeling a little ballsy, I make my first managerial move by subbing in the Chairman, Jesus, John, and Ken for Savage, me, Reid, and Eric. The move pays off as the subs score 6 runs to inflate our lead to 14-3. My goal of getting the subs in to warm up and provide some/any relief to my studs works to perfection. One managerial good move in the books.

2nd Game vs Bored...

Both teams proved ineffective with their hitting. Bored helps us get out of few jams by being overly aggressive with their base running. Still, we did not take advantage. At the end of 7th, the two powerhouse are tied 1 all. Who would of thought that would be the case. Cornerstone gives us the okay to play additional innings. Initially, I wanted to decline figuring that we take the tie and set ourselves up to potentially be 5-0-1 (which is better than 5-1), but my manlihood was challenged by Bored's manager, Tim. As such, I took the bait and paired their middle of the lineup against our bottom of the lineup. Foolish managerial move (that's 1 (good) - 1 (stupid)). Yet, it all worked out fine, as I was able to secure victory with a towering triple over the right-fielder's head. Rachel drives me in as we finish Bored off on a 2-1 victory. Personally, I don't know what it is, but we always seem to beat them despite them having better players and stronger hitters.

After the game, we go to Fuddruckers for hamburgers. How fitting as our next opponents were named, The Carnivores.

Game 3 vs The Carnivores

Winning the first two games afforded the luxury of putting in the subs for the third game. Yet, I hate dropping any games. And as such, the subs were on a short leash. Nonetheless, the subs held their ground by scoring 5 runs in the first inning and 1 in the second inning. Then the scoring went dry for next three innings with no one making it past second. Savage and I snarl as we both sense danger lurking...

Savage: T, I think it is time to make a move now... or else we're just waiting to lose.
T: I agree. Next inning, Randall, Wilson, me, and you are going in.

As our fans watched the four of us grabbed our gloves and walked onto the field in the 6th inning, there was a sense that we were not going to let this game slip. And sure enough we didn't despite the Carnivores putting forth a good effort and take the lead from us after the 6th inning, 8-6. Additional bleeding was averted when I made a good defensive throw to Yo at home plate to get the runner out and end the inning. Still, we had to hit. Savage started off the mayhem with Judge, Will, Eric following his path. Wilson sacs in a run and the game is tied 8-8 with the runners on 3rd and 2nd with one out. I come up with another chance for the heroics, but come up lame as I get fooled badly chasing a short pitch, popping up to second base. So with two outs, and the game tied, Randall comes up and delivers the knockout blow, a 2 run double. Our defense holds strong and we win 10-8.

At the end of the day, we're all feeling pretty good about ourselves as we exceeded my goals of going 2-1.

After the games, I raced over to Yet Wah at Diamond Heights Blvd to celebrate the Bush Baby's cousin, Chris, who graduated from high school and will be attending Boston University in the fall. I was extremely tired, but still managed to have a great time as it is always fun to hang out with the Bush Baby's family.

Napped from 7-8 p.m. Slept at 11:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 25th

Woke up at 8:30 a.m. starving to play again. After scarfing down a yummy waffle and veggie scramble breakfast that the Bush Baby prepared, I spent much of the morning relaxing on the couch watching nothing particular on TV.

Get to the park by 1 p.m. and fulfilled my umpire duties.

Game 4 vs CCU

At 2:30 p.m., our game against CCU took place. Unable to get locked in, I struggled a little hitting the strike zone and ended up walking some of their players. It didn't help matters further when the Cannons made error after error and failed to hit. We lose a disheartening game to a team that was winless after the first day, 9-2.

All of sudden, we were 3-1, with desperation and worry over a lack of offense in our minds.

Yo: What time do we start tomorrow?
T: 9:30, Field 2
Yo: All man, it is so early.
Other Cannons: (complain as well)
T: Why are we complaining? We shouldn't be tired as we didn't hit and didn't run around the bases.
Cannons: (STFU)...

I stayed a little longer with Egg and observed the two Cornerstone teams matchup. Reverend Danny alludes that we may have let our guard down and were too cocky. I know better. Our offense simply sucks right now.

As I'm driving home, Eric and I talked over the phone about the Cannons' status in the tournament. He told me not to worry as he was bringing his friend Dave. As soon as I get home, I get a text that Bobby will not make it as he is making up his Midnight Madness games up north due to some rain delays.

As soon as I got home and showered, I get a call from the Bush Baby to buy pizza as we were entertaining her cousins from Boston who were visiting. So much for rest, as after pizza, we went to CBC to bowl.

As always, Tommy, the softball player, was not fazed and did not disappoint, as he made his transformation into the Grand Puba. In the Puba's one and only game, before calling it a night, the Puba unloads a 214 to impress the 20-year-old girls from Boston.

Went home to slumber at 1:30 a.m.

Monday, May 26th

Woke up at 8:00 a.m. and snoozed till 8:30 a.m. I was really starting to feel it throughout my body, and also, mentally, as the tight games and the terrible loss on Sunday had taken a toll.

Game 5 vs Smack That

Bernard from Cornerstone comes by and tells me that there is 4 teams with a 3-1 record. Great.

Our offense starts off humming, but again falls stagnant. Yet, something clicks again just as we're come close to defeat. At the end, we manage a scary 12-8 victory. Not much of a confidence booster.

Game 6 vs CEBC

Off the bat, we storm off with a 5 run first inning and follow with a 2 run second. However, CEBC manages to stay with us along the way. As the game progresses, the mental fatigue leads to errors on the field. The physical fatigue leads to ineffectiveness on offense as my plan to rest Eric, Savage, and myself have never truly materialized due to the tight games and the overall lack of team offense.

We fall hard as we drop the game 21-9, assuring us of a 3rd place showdown against CEBC (again).

Game 7 vs CEBC (playoffs)

I unload all the subs for this game and for a while, they manage to score some runs, but things get out of hand when our pitching collapses and some of our players start fooling around when there is an obvious point that we are not really playing for anything except pride.

Eric: Hey T, it might be time to yank some of them and get the game going out of respect.
Tommy: I agree. Savage, are going in to pitch now.

When the team returns, I unload my last demand:

Tommy: I know there is nothing to play for right now. But let's show some respect for them and for ourselves. Quit f*cking horsin' around!

I come in the next inning to replace Judge. Savage claims a few of the CEBC players take offense that I returned to the game, but little did they know, I wasn't going to allow some of our players to make my team look like fools.

We finished the game and congratulated our opponents.

Overall, I felt this team really fought not only our opponents, but themselves all weekend offensively. That in turn led to some uncharacteristic failures on defense. Still, we showed fight despite the many challenges we faced. At the end of the day, I'm proud of our effort and am happy that we fought hard and allowed ourselves an opportunity to challenge for the top spot.

We had our moments... good and bad. And I appreciate all of them as I always felt this is always a bunch of fun players, win or lose.

3 games in 3 days. A precursor to the Cornerstone Memorial Day Tournament (7 games in 3 days).

After two consecutive losses with the Black Sox and the Cannons, the latter was extremely disheartening, I was ready to "revive" my "love" of the game by subbing for Reid's Chronicle team. John, one of the new Cannons, also played as well. I was happy to see that he was devoting an entire weekend to softball (but more importantly, gaining experience and improving his game). He has the tools and the smarts. The rest will all come in time...

Conversation before the game:

John: So, has the anger subsided since yesterday.
Tommy: Let's just say, I was still fuming at 10:30 last night when I wrote about the game in my blog.
John: (laugh)
Reid: (laugh)
Tommy: (laugh) Let's just say... I'm hoping today brings better results.

Tommy, batted 5th, Left-Center
John, batted 10th, Right Field/3rd Base

Unlike yesterday, I had 4 at-bats instead of 3 as the Chronicle team rolled to a 13-8 victory over Nicaragua.

1st AB: Fouled/Struck Out to end the inning
2nd AB: Crush a ball against the fence, drove in two runs as I jogged to second base
3rd AB: Single to Right Field
4th AB: Single up the middle

My arm was hurting mid-game as the toll of 3 games in 3 days coupled with house painting and an intense morning workout today left me running on fumes and pure adrenaline (or is it anger). Nonetheless, I was fueled by the fact that it was an extremely fun game against an always challenging and competitive Nicaragua team.

John had a critical two-run single (and instinctively ran to second when the ball was thrown home) to start off a 10 run second inning.

After the game, John asked me if I was planning to have a team next season. I told him that I would have a team, but that I wanted him to bring his other two friends, Jon and Justin, as I have plans to purge some of the dead weight on the Cannons. John reaffirmed that his friends were interested. And I rejoiced by responding, "That's what I want to hear John..."

Another pathetic Cannons game. Again, I feel sick to my stomach playing with these guys each week.

Moment of the game: Top of the 6th. We're down 18-3. Guy on the opposite field from us catches a ball and his head bounces off the ground. He is lying on the ground, hurt. Played on both fields have stopped. Randall comes up to me and we have a quick laugh.

Randall: Man, you're pressing...
Tommy: Yeah, no kiddin'...
Randall: I can see it. All of us are pressing...
Tommy: Yeah, it's okay. We should be pressing. I can tell Savage is pressing.
Randall: Yeah...
Tommy: Like I said, it's okay. Even if he goes 0 for 4 or you go 0 for 4 or I go 0 for 4... it's not like I'm going to move us down the lineup, especially with the rest of these guys hitting like sh*t.
Randall: Hahahah... yeah, well...
Tommy: Hahahah... exactly, I don't even know what to say anymore.

We lose 21-4.

My speech at the end of the game:

"Summer season signup is in 2 weeks... I'd like to know who is interested. But think before you answer... cause I don't know if I can take another season of this lame production."

And I stomped off.

Benny, the manager of the Black Sox, who was due to play the next game, chased me down and asked if I was okay. I harped again about the Cannons:

"Benny, sometimes on the Black Sox, I feel no matter what I do, we lose. Whether I go 0-4 or 4-4 with 3 homeruns. But I can accept that with the Black Sox. They recognize that they are an old team and that they are overmatched. Their roles may be spoilers. But on this team, these guys all rely on 3 people to win a game for them, Randy, the big guys there (pointing to Savage), and me. If we have a bad day, like today, it's game over. So why bother? Most of these guys have never won anything in softball. The ones that have won know they can't do it alone. I'm not saying everyone has to be a gamebreaker, but sh*t, most of these guys can't even get the ball out of the infield. Doesn't matter how much practice they get or advice they get. Can't throw, can't catch, can't hit, and don't listen. F*ck, who are you trying to pretend to be? Is it f'en Halloween? Do you just want to latch on and say, "Hey, I'm part of a softball champion team..." Cause in reality, you're not! Some of us are or were. Some of us are capable of once again being part of a champion team. So unless, you think you can play for a champion team, let's stop pretending to be 'softball players' and spare me the time and energy of having to come out here, hold practice, and then get my ass whooped."

Benny replies with, "Perhaps some of these guys are just here for the social aspect of it..."

I retort, "I see most of these guys every week. There are a lot of social gatherings I'd rather attend than to come here and embarrass myself. You want to go out to eat? Then go out to eat. You don't need to use this as a social network gathering."

Of course, Francis walks by and yells, "You wanna go eat?"

I look at Benny and disgustedly exhumes, "No!"

Benny shakes his head, and I get in my car and drive away.

Words I live by... sung by the great Van Halen (in their music video, they urge people to act on the problems of the world):

Right Now

Don't wanna wait 'til tomorrow
Why put it off another day?
One by one, little problems
Build up, and stand in our way.
One step ahead, one step behind it
You gotta run to get even
Make future plans, I'll dream about yesterday.
Come on turn, turn this thing around

(Right now) Hey! It's your tomorrow
(Right now) Come on, it's everything
(Right now) Catch your magic moment
Do it right here, now
It means everything

Miss a beat, you lose a rhythm
An nothin' falls into place, no!
Only missed by a fraction
Slipped a little off your pace.
The more things you get, the more you want
Just trade in one for another
Workin' so hard to make it easy
Whoa, got to turn.
Come on, turn this thing around

(Right now) Hey, it's your tomorrow
(Right now) Come on, it's everything
(Right now) Catch that magic moment
Let's do it right here,now
It means everything

Said a lie to me
Right now
What are ya waitin' for?
Ohh!
Turn this thing around
Right now

(Right now) Hey! It's your tomorrow
(Right now) Come on, it's everything
(Right now) Catch that magic moment
And do it right, right now (Right now)
Oh, right now!

It's what's happening
Right here,now
Right now
Right now
What are ya waitin' for?
Turn this thing around
Turn this thing around
Right now
Tomorrow still far away
What are ya waitin' for?
Turn this thing around
Turn around
Turn this thing around
Right now
Turn it right now
Right now
Right now
Turn this thing around
Turn this thing around
Turn this thing around
Turn this thing around
Turn this thing around
Turn around
Right now

Before the Cannons' Spring Season started, I was excited to bring in 3 new players.

Unfortunately, out of the three players, I really only have one decent, and I hand that adjective out generously, player in John.

JOHN
While John's hitting is mediocre at best, he does possess the instinct in defense that I like to see in all my players. Offensively, I can also tell he is trying to find his niche... whether it be a line-drive hitter or perhaps a light-power hitter. Still, I have something to work with.

ADAM
The second newbie of this project is Adam. His power is sub-par, but sadly enough, he may have more bite than one-third of this team. Also, his attitude is good and he falls well in line with the "effort player" that Ming currently is. While his defense is shotty, it can be worked on. On offense, he needs to establish consistency with the line drive.

RYAN
My cousin, Ryan, is currently a mess. It probably doesn't help that I display my displeasure so openly. However, I've never been one to conceal my thoughts and my feelings. After 5 games, I've realized that he needs extensive work both on offense and defense. I don't know at the moment how else to help him except to practice and perhaps move him, defensively, into a position that he can thrive or succeed.
Needless to say, "I don't need another catcher!..." which unfortunately, looks to be the case.

THE REST OF THE CANNONS

JONES
Jones looks to be a no-show the rest of the way. In any other season, I would be upset, but it's not like he's hitting... so I can care less.

JUDGE
His bat is waking up, but there are still aspects to his game that bug me offensively and defensively. Again, an effort player who, at times, doesn't always give his full effort. Offensively, he is incapable of learning a new approach. As such, I'll have to settle for his singles.

SAVAGE
An off year? Perhaps. His "other activities" catching up to him? Perhaps. In any case, his enthusiasm is lacking this season for a multitude of reasons. It is tough, with the crap that the team is displaying.

RANDALL
He's battling this year... like any other year. There are great and questionable moments. But I can tell he is trying his best to spark this team. And for that, I am willing to take the occasional duds with the bat... as I, too, have that issue from time to time. Still, he is my shut-down defender whether that be in the outfield or infield.

REID
Nothing super special, but nothing terribly horrible. His coverage on defense is at time shotty, but also, at times spectacular. His offense is also inconsistent, much again, in part to him perhaps trying to do more.

MING
Consistent effort player as always. Hitting has digressed again, but his defense has actually been pretty solid.

RAY
No gripes from him this year, which is a welcome sight. He does have a slightly better attitude. However, his first-base skills are still shotty. And he has yet to learned how to hit. Nothing promising to build on this year.

FRANK
He is actually finding holes to hit into this year. And perhaps that is probably the reason I still give him grief to get better defensively to balance out his game. His inability to throw and catch the ball limits me supremely as to what I can afford to do with defense. For now, he will continue to remain an incomplete softball player for his lack of defensive prowess.

I wonder now, do I have another season (Summer) in me with these guys?

People have asked me who I support... Clinton or Obama?

Despite being a registered Republican (how much longer, I do not know), I am supporting Hillary Clinton because of her experience.

Some people have said that 'experience' is overrated and what America needs now is 'change.'

I personally feel that statement is half correct as America does indeed need 'change,' but it has to come from someone who has 'experience.'

From all the interviews I've seen, Obama is a great speaker... better than Clinton. However, even now, I fail to see what his message is. At the moment, I just hear someone touting 'change' and everyone is flocking to him like seagulls to bread. A bit silly I think...

Apparently, Obama has a strong youth, elite, and black backing. I'm 30, Chinese-American, and consider myself middle-class. And while I am also a strong supporter of ANY qualified person, whether he is black, Chinese, Latino, or white, the truth remains that the presidential candidate has to have the qualifications/experience in politics. That goes for any job interview whether it be for the President of the United States, doctor, nuclear physicist, limo driver, etc.

Not to mention, the country is ready to have a woman lead after 200+ years of male leaders.

Clinton may be on her last foothold in this race, but I hope she fights on (as she seems to be). There is still a chance for things to happen (another Rev. Wright statement), or America wakes up and realizes that 'change' is not a term to simply throw out there without any substance to follow.

Go Hillary! If not, McCain it is...