US Olympic Team

[IRISHMAFIA]

Got back a little while ago from watching Team USA defeat NPF's Washington Glory, 2-0. The Glory had five hits to USA's four, but a Glory error was costly.

Abbott looked great, but terribly illegal. Cat was rolling, but for some reason slowed the pace a little bit. When that happened, she seemed to lose a little of her control including a WP on a U3K that hit the ground so hard, it bounced over the temporary backstop. Glory coach wasn't happy that the umpires would only allow the runners one base. Finch allowed 3 hits in the final two innings, but no runs.

There were more than 8,700 fans in Prince George's Stadium, home of the Bowie Baysox. From what I understand, this is the largest crowd to attend a Bound 4 Bejing game to date. Green Beret jumpers delivered the Olympic flag, ASA banner and the American flag and game ball, though the last jumper didn't quite make the field after both predecessors experienced hard landings.

ASA umpires Diane Carden, Laurie Zeiders & Wes Kreigh did a great job. Rules were ISF pitching for Team USA, NCAA for the Washington Glory. They played "pitch your own ball" which means Diane had to swap out balls every half inning.

Enjoyed seeing and chatting with ASA and Central Atlantic notables MD/DC Commissioner and host, Jack Mowatt, ASA President-Elect Andy Dooley, Henry Pollard, Bob Savoie, Mark Ingrao, Ray Barrier and a few of the elite umpires from the Northern VA, MD & DC areas.

Jack Mowatt and MD/DC ASA did a great job on a wonderful show, as did Team USA who stayed around to sign autographs for anyone who wished one.

I strongly suggest you catch this team if they are anywhere in your area.

[jmaellis]

I watched the Team USA v Virginia Tech. game a couple of days ago. If it wasn't for the uniforms one might have been confused which team was going to Beijing. Just say'n.

[azbigdawg]

I wonder how ASA is going to stroke itself after the olympics are over.......

[Steve M]

The night before they went to Bowie, they were here. I had the pleasure of doing that game - against some local former college players. What a show they put on. They stayed long after the scheduled autograph session - not a one showed anything but enthusiasm for and towards their fans.
An hour or so after leaving the park, the plate ump and his significant other along with my wife & me were eating at a local restaurant. Six of the players came in with one of their sons. They are just as classy off the field. They were thrilled when I picked up their bills.
I'll second what Mike said - if you get the chance to see them - do what you can to see them.

[argodad]

Originally Posted by Steve M

The night before they went to Bowie, they were here. I had the pleasure of doing that game - against some local former college players. What a show they put on. They stayed long after the scheduled autograph session - not a one showed anything but enthusiasm for and towards their fans.
An hour or so after leaving the park, the plate ump and his significant other along with my wife & me were eating at a local restaurant. Six of the players came in with one of their sons. They are just as classy off the field. They were thrilled when I picked up their bills.
I'll second what Mike said - if you get the chance to see them - do what you can to see them.

They were at the ISF stadium in Plant City FL on May 3. Some of the teams who played in the HS Finals the following week came to town early to see them. A mom told me this story.

During the autograph session, two of the younger players on a 1A team asked Natasha Watley how she ran so fast. Natasha told them that she ran a lot, did quickness drills, and lifted weights, but that the secret really was "in the genes." An hour later when they got to their car, one of the girls turned to the other and said, "We really have to start working out in jeans."

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by argodad

They were at the ISF stadium in Plant City FL on May 3. Some of the teams who played in the HS Finals the following week came to town early to see them. A mom told me this story.

During the autograph session, two of the younger players on a 1A team asked Natasha Whatley how she ran so fast. Natasha told them that she ran a lot, did quickness drills, and lifted weights, but that the secret really was "in the genes." An hour later when they got to their car, one of the girls turned to the other and said, "We really have to start working out in jeans."

And she is not a small woman, much bigger in person than I expected. But when that bat touches the ball, she flies. It's like, step 1, step 2, gone..........

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

I wonder how ASA is going to stroke itself after the olympics are over.......

World Cup

[IRISHMAFIA]

A humorous moment that probably only a few caught was when the stadium announcer was running through sponsoring/supporting groups for the game......"ASA umpires......Trojan Athletic Gloves....."

Is that what they are calling them now? Has sex now become a sport?

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

A humorous moment that probably only a few caught was when the stadium announcer was running through sponsoring/supporting groups for the game......"ASA umpires......Trojan Athletic Gloves....."

Is that what they are calling them now? Has sex now become a sport?

Now, that thar is funny, I don't care who you are.


I caught team USA in La. against ULL. Team USA 2, ULL 0, Finch threw a perfect game.