Week 3

One hour forward, two hours back?

Sean Piccoli just can’t seem to get the hang of this time thing.

One week after his miraculous rising at the advent of Daylight Savings Time, it looked like Chico’s Bail Bonds might really be needed, as the coach of the like-named team was nowhere to be found during his team’s double-header.

Piccoli turned up just fine later, but now has work to do as he had to right an 0-4 ship. Though in fairness, the Bail Bonds ran into arguably the two best teams in the league, falling to the Boss Players and We B Zellin’.

Boss Players Boss John O’Connell, he of the admit-nothing/deny everything creed of legendary families such as his, waved off interview requests after the game. But exuberant Zellin’ coach Robert Smith, as usual, was more than happy to dish.

“We played our best game of the season so far,” Smith gushed after his 21-12 victory. And who could argue? Each of the 12 Zellins reached base at least twice, and 10 of the 12 scored at least once.

Outfielder/leadoff hitter Oscar Vargas and shortstop David Torres had four hits each; and Andrew Parkinson, Pete Boyd and Phil Mullins had three. Smith reached base three times (hit, two walks) and scored three times. Rookie catcher Michelle Johnson got her first hit and drew a walk. She also scored twice.

Smith also cited strong pitching by Clyde Barrow and outfield play, notably Parkinson, as keys.

Zellin’ third baseman Karsten Ivey was out injured and had to keep score. "I hated having to sit there and watch," he told Smith. "I didn't want to keep no darn score seeing
that. I wanted to be playing."

Meanwhile, Jaded (2-1) is lurking in the weeds as the big boys grab the headlines. Jaded thumped the previously unbeaten Real McCoys 15-2, helped in part by a psychological ploy by Tom Fleming. The pitcher showed up wearing a gray jersey, the team color of the McCoys. It worked as the McCoys’ first run didn’t come until the sixth inning.

Jaded was powered by Joe Sachitano (4 for 4 with a homer), Jean-Louis Monzon (3 for 3, a walk and four runs), and Dave Cody and Fleming (three hits each).

AFDI returned to the win column, topping In the Red, who was without shortstop Henry Fitzgerald, as the Irishman took off St. Paddy’s Day weekend.