Thursday, November 23, 2017
by Maurice Novelle
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!


Saturday, November 11, 2017
by Maurice Novelle
Season comes to an end
The cold weather has arrived... it's time to call it quits!

Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Rain spoiler
by Maurice Novelle
Little Joe reports that only seven guys showed up and had to brave a drizzle early on so that was it!

Wednesday, November 1, 2017
by Maurice Novelle
Hi guys!  I've been a bit busy and I haven't had a chance to update our website. Last Sunday we were rained out so here's Little Joe's game report from a week ago...

Sunday, October 29, 2017
Post Season Play
by Little Joe

A warm Indian summer sun brought 14 players to field 11 Sunday morning, enough for a 7 on 7 double header. With Mo nursing a sore back, Artie filled in as both captain and pitcher for the Mozzarella Sticks and he performed admirably.
Game 1 was a well played contest and the Bazooka Joes prevailed, 3-2. Game 2 was much different. Sloppy defense by the Joes combined with timely hitting by the Sticks led to a 9 run 2nd inning more or less putting the game away. Final score: Sticks 15- Joes 3.
Big Joe made a surprise visit and he seems to be recovering nicely from his surgery. He said he had an itch to pitch but judiciously decided to limit himself to umpiring. It was good to see him on the mend.
If the weather continues to be mild there is no reason to end the season. Fourteen players was just about enough, but 16, 18 or 20 would be better , so let's see if we can get a few more of you guys out on next Sunday.


In attendance: Mauricio, Joe Torres, John, Phil, Dave, Kenny, Mike Y., Mike W., Matsui, Tony, Arun, Artie, Little Joe, Big Joe and newcomer Warren.

Sunday, September 24, 2017
Round robin bounded
by Maurice Novelle

We were short-handed again so we had to play another round robin format game and once again Big Joe's team prevailed. The final score was12-9-4. We managed to carry through five innings only. It was too hot and muggy and at the end of the game everybody was dead exhausted.

In attendance today were Big Joe, Joe Torres, Xavier, Mike W, Phil, Jay, Danny, Artie, John, Roque, Tony, Andrew, Alec, Mauricio and the writer. Last week Little Joe, Phil, Mike Y, Rob, Jay, Big Joe, Arun, Pedro, Will, Kenny, Mauricio, John, Artie, Tony and the writer made it to the field.

Just a reminder... we're collecting the dues for next year's field permit. Please bring some dough, thanks!

On a side note we would like to wish our beloved teammate and friend Big Joe all the best on his upcoming surgery and a speedy recovery. You're in our thoughts and prayers Joe... good luck on Tuesday!

See you guys next week!

Sunday, September 10, 2017
Little Joe's Game Report

Big Joe's Big Day

The word going around the field during the first game was that Big Joe, captaining and pitching for the Sticks, was so anxious to have a beer and a burger that he was very motivated to quickly dispatch the Joe's. And that's exactly what he did. Backed by good defense and displaying great stuff Joe shutout his opponents, 3-0, in an efficiently played contest. Maybe Joe was trying to impress Windsor Park's premier pitcher, Jeff, who was on hand after a long absence to be a guest umpire. Whatever the reason, he had the opposing hitters scratching their heads.

After falling behind 4-0 in game 2 the Joe's finally broke through with a 10 run second inning. After a couple of injuries and a couple of early departures and the outcome being pretty evident it was decided to end the game midway through with the Joe's leading 10-4. Then it was on to Big Joe's other specialty- the annual BBQ.

Good food and drink, and laughter, music and good conversation were in abundance. Thanks go to all who contributed to the fun. Special thanks to Photo Mike, Xavier, Artie and Lai for working the grill; and to Mike R. who came by to drop off some food but couldn't stay.  I think we should also acknowledge our invited guests who chipped in with set up and clean up: the aforementioned Lai, Lisa, Lila, Paris and Xavier's family ( sorry, didn't get their names ). Kudos to Big Joe for organizing another great BBQ event.

On hand: Joe Torres, Matsui, Mauricio, Phil, Kenny, John. Artie and Lai, Pedro and Lisa, Noah, Rob, Xavier and family, Mike Y and Paris, Tony, Lawman Matt, Mike W, Danny, Andrew,  Photo Mike, Roque, Jeff and Lila, Big Joe and Little Joe.


September 3, 2017
Rained out

Sunday, August 27, 2017
Kenny to the rescue
by Maurice Novelle

A little bit pressed for time today so the game report will be brief. Nice to see Joe 21, he's in great shape and flashed the leather at third like old times.

The Sticks and Joes split today's twin bill. The Joes won the opener 7-4 after a misplayed fly ball in right field with the bases loaded and two outs. Game two was a thriller and had to go into extra innings after the Joes scored three runs and tied the game in their last at bat. But Kenny's frozen rope down the middle in the ninth will drive in Mike Y for the winning run in a really close play at home. The Sticks won 7-6.

Once again our eight annual barbecue will be held on September 10th. Please contact Big Joe at joecoach320@yahoo.com to know what to bring. Also a quick reminder that we've started collecting for next year's field permit so bring some dough.

In attendance today were Joe Torres, John, Joe 21, Dave, Matsui, Artie, Little Joe, Photo Mike, Big Joe, Xavier, Phil, Mauricio, Mike Y, Kenny, Will, Chris, Mike R, Arun, Roque and the writer.

See you guys next week!

Sunday, August 20, 2017
Sticks losing streak ends
by Maurice Novelle

The Mozzarella  Sticks offense finally exploded to snap a seven-game losing streak and beat their arch rivals the Bazooka Joes in today's twin bill 13-3 and 17-8, a real slugfest.

Joe Torres and John were the heavy hitters and big run producers while Big Joe was just lights out on the mound with superb control of his pitches striking out several batters. But the player of the game without a doubt was leftfielder Arun. He was flawless defensively in the outfield and showed flashes of brilliance, a human vacuum catching every fly ball within his reach.

Our eight annual barbecue will be held on September 10th. Please contact Big Joe at joecoach320@yahoo.com to know what to bring. Also a reminder that we've started collecting for next year's field permit.

In attendance today were Roque, Phil, Mike Y, Artie, Pedro, Xavier, Little Joe, Tony, Joe Torres, Kenny, John, Will, Dave, Arun, Big Joe and the writer.

See you guys next week!

Sunday, August 13, 2017
Joes win close bizarre game
by Maurice Novelle

The Joes beat the Sticks 12-11 in an error-filled game, a real comedy of errors with lots of bobbled routine ground balls and lots of misplayed fly balls.

Big Joe was the winning pitcher and would drive in the winning run with the bases loaded in the top of the seventh with a two-run soft liner to shallow right field off the foul line fair by inches. The defensive player of the game was Kenny that flashed the leather at third.

In attendance today were Big Joe, Kenny, Will, Pedro, OB, Roque, David, Photoman, Joe Torres, Rob, Lawman, Tony, Mauricio, Noah, Artie, Mike Y and the writer.

Guys, we keep arriving later and later... please try to make an effort to be on time, we start at 9:00 am. Thank you... see you guys next week!


Sunday, July 30, 2017
Sticks lose two more
by Maurice Novelle

We didn't travel back in time and we were not celebrating  Old Timers' Day, but today's game seemed to convey that impression because we were surprised with the presence of two of our earliest members, Danny and Pasquale. Great to see you guys!

The Bazooka Joes took both ends of this morning twin bill by winning the opener 6-5 in extra innings and then taking the night cap 9-5. Game one was surrounded by controversy due to very poor umpiring and some blatant calls undoubtedly could have significantly affected the outcome of the game.

We had a nice turnout, in attendance were Joe Torres, Roque, Will, Mike Y, Kenny, Chris, Lawman, Arun, Little Joe, Tony, Phil, Matsui, John, Pasquale, Artie, Omesh, Josh, Danny, Mauricio, Andrew and the writer.

See you guys next week and please be on time!

Sunday, July 23, 2017
The Dirty Dozen
by Maurice Novelle

Well, not much to report today! Only twelve players made it to the field. Overcast skies and the threat of rain most likely discouraged some of the regulars that decided to bail out last minute.

It was hot and muggy and the infield did require some elbow grease to level and rake the muddy dirt around home mainly. We played the rather high jinks round robin. After six long innings everyone was exhausted and done. Mo's team with a 10-3-0 score came on top.

On attendance today were Joe Torres, Artie, Dave B, Big Joe, John, Noah, Tony II, Little Joe, Roque, Kenny, Lawman the writer.

See you guys next week and please be on time... thank you!


Sunday, July 17, 2017
Joes sweep again
by Maurice Novelle

In team sports we have all heard the expression, "Defense is the name of the game". Indeed, how many times an infielder boots a routine ground ball or an outfielder drops an easy fly ball which leads to a big inning? All the time! And to win, well... you need a solid defensive team. The Mozzarella Sticks were not. They had again a lackluster performance defensively and the Bazooka Joes took advantage of the errors to win both games 9-8 and 10-3. Offensively Freddy stole the show cracking three monster shots, Mauricio blasted one and Nick T had a pair of long doubles.

Guys, the games are ending too late. Please arrive on time so we can start the first game no later than 9:20 am. Thank you!

On attendance today were Joe Torres, Nick T, Mauricio, Kenny, Lance, Little Joe, Xavier, Tony II, Dave, Phil, Mike VI, John, Will, Lawman, Artie, Arun, Tony, Freddy and the writer.

See you guys next week!

Sunday, July 9, 2017
Joes take two
by Maurice Novelle

With the return of their captain Little Joe, the Bazooka Joes bounced back to take both ends of today double header 5-3, 8-6. 

Both games were extremely animated but defensively the Sticks looked awful at times and the Joes took advantage of the fielding errors. Pedro put the final nail in the coffin with a three-run bomb just fair past the left field foul cone by inches. Nothing wrong celebrating, even a bat flip, but flamboyantly taking a slow trot around the bases did seem a bit out of place. There's only one showboat and that's Pasquale!

In attendance today were Nick, Phil, Pedro, Mike W, Kenny, Rob, Xavier, Like Joe, Mike Photoman, Freddie, Tim, Mauricio, Noah, John, Todd, Artie, Lawman, Big Joe, Tony, Roque and the writer.

See you guys next week! Please be on time, thanks!

Sunday, July 2, 2017
Sticks sweep doubleheader
by Maurice Novelle

On a hot and humid morning the Sticks took care of business beating the Joes 3-2  and 10-6 respectively.  Game one was a pitcher's duel. Both Big Joe and the writer were impressive on the mound but the Sticks defense was better overall although Joe Torre's was just flawless at short.

In the night cap the Sticks bats came alive after Freddy's two-run blast, another tape-measure homer to deep left. The Joes tried to pull a last minute come from behind win but it was already too late.

Another great turnout! In attendance today were John, Nick T, Kenny, Roque, Artie, Dave B, Big Joe, Arun, Xavier, Joe Torre, Ron, Noah, Freddy, Matt, Lawman, Mike W, Jose, Tony, Francisco, Jeffrey and the writer.

Please let's try to arrive early at the field. Games are ending by 1 pm. See you guys next week and have a happy 4th of July!

Sunday, June 25, 2017
It's Manny time!
by Maurice Novelle

In between games in an emotional farewell ceremony we honored WP Softball all time homerun leader Manny Matos. It's not an adios, it's... hasta la vista Super Diablo!

The Sticks took game one 7-4 and the Joes won the night cap 6-3 for a double header split. The only homer was Mauricio's two run blast in the first inning of the opener. Defensively both teams were sloppy, lots of fielding errors and misplayed balls.

We had a great turnout again. In attendance were Super Diablo, Mauricio, Pedro, John, Mike W, Lawman, Rob, Little Joe, Will, Big Joe, Arun, Tony, Freddy, Ron, Phil, Matsui, Kenny, Artie, Xavier, Roque, Mike IV, Mike R, Doug and the writer.

See you guys next week!

Sunday, June 18, 2017
Happy father's day!
by Maurice Novelle

After yesterday's downpours we had to do a little bit of work along the base paths to get rid of two large puddles. There is not much to report today. There was only one team in the field, the Mozzarella Sticks. In a nutshell, the Sticks had outstanding pitching, solid defense and timely hitting and easily disposed of the Bazooka Joes in today's double header, blanking them 6-0 in the opener and later beating them in the night cap 18-7. 

Please remember that next Sunday is Super Diablo's farewell game.

In attendance today were Joe Torre, Mauricio, Roque, Kenny, Jose, Lance, Doug, Little Joe, Mike W, Big Joe, Manny, Ron, Matt, John, Noah, Todd, Artie, Dave, Xavier and the writer.

See you guys next week!

Sunday, June 11, 2017
Sticks and Joes split another doubleheader
by Maurice Novelle

The Mozzarella Sticks won the opener 4-3 and the Bazooka Joes took the night cap 7-0. Both games were very entertaining. We played in field 11 again. Everyone seems to like it better. Pedro with a two-run moon shot homer and Jason with a three-run line drive jack were the big run producers. Little Joe had a lights out pitching performance.

We had a great turnout. In attendance today were Freddy, Matsui, Mike W, Ron, Noah, Tony, Alec, Roque, Lawman, Pedro, Little Joe, Xavier, Arun, Rob, Big Joe, Jason, Joe Torre, Phil, John, Kenny, Will, Artie, Dave, Mauricio, Leo, Mike IV and the writer.

See guy next week!

Sunday, June 4, 2017
Sticks lose 11-10 to Joes in wild ten inning affair
by Maurice Novelle

After Freddy's massive three-run jack no one would had expected the Bazooka Joes to stage any dramatic come-from-behind victory but the softball gods had other plans. Joe Torre's clutch hit down the middle would put the Joes ahead again but the Mozzarella Sticks would have one last chance with the bases loaded for the win but Nick's sharply hit line drive fortuitously find Little Joe's foot and ricochet to first base for the last out. What a lucky pool shot trick!

We had sort of a discombobulating day. When we arrived in the morning participants of a children's sporting event had mistakenly taken possession of our field. Instead of requesting them to vacate and move we relocated to a nearby field.

In attendance today were Roque, Joe Torre, Phil, Kenny, Lance, Leo, Lance, Little Joe, Mike R, Freddy, Nick T, John, Mike W, Artie, Xavier, Lawman, Tony and the writer.

See you guys next week!


Monday, May 29, 2017
Mighty Kenny still unbeaten
By Maurice Novelle

Today we pause to pay tribute, remember and honor those brave, courageous and selfless men and women who gave their lives to defend and protect the principles and heritage of our great nation. Their sacrifices and patriotism cannot and should not be taken lightly. We would also like to express our sincere thanks and deepest gratitude to those who have served in the past and those who are now serving in our Armed Forces. Freedom is not free. God bless America!

After yesterday's doubleheader sweep Kenny kept his perfect winning record intact as interim captain. In the absence of Little Joe he strategically managed the Bazooka Joes to beat the Mozzarella Sticks 8-5 and 9-6 respectively. Sticks fielding miscues and weak offense would prove costly in both losses. Masterful debut and outstanding effort by rookie pitcher Todd to go the distance and win both games.

We had a great turnout. In attendance were Super Diablo Manny, Manny II, Nick T, Mike the Wolf, Will, Dave B, Kenny, Todd, Arun, Tony, Freddy, Joe Torre, Phil, Matt, John, Noah, Roque, Xavier, Mike R, Gus and the writer. Big Joe and Photo Mike stopped by but didn't stay.

See you guys next week!


Sunday, May 21, 2017
Joes and Sticks split doubleheader
By Maurice Novelle

After two consecutive rainouts it was nice to be back in the field playing ball, however we were a bit shorthanded with only fifteen players. It was indelicate and discourteous to say the least by those that RSVP "yes" and then decided not to show up. That is why you have a third option "maybe" in Whoozin.

The Joes captained by Big Joe today took the opener 7-2. The game was tied until the sixth but the Sticks made a couple of fielding errors and surrendered five runs. The Sticks returned the favor wining the night cap 7-4. Big Joe was relieved the last two innings by Todd after his back stiffened up and prevented him from continue pitching.

We witnessed some outstanding defensive plays by Joe Torre and Noah at short, and Roque and Mike W flashed the leather at third with some hot stabs, but the player of the game was second baseman Todd, that turned a brilliant double play with a dazzling spin move. Also Ron, Matsui and Phil looked like graceful gazelles roaming the outfield tracking and catching every fly ball.

In attendance today were Noah, Todd, Matsui, Lance, Dave, Big Joe, Mike W, Kenny, Joe Torre, Roque, Phil, Ron, Will, Tony and the writer.

See you guys next week!


Sunday, May 14, 2017
Happy Mother's Day - GAME RAINED OUT
By Maurice Novelle

Call it a coincidence but a year ago I sent out this email:

"Due to inclement weather, treacherous field playing conditions and expected low attendance, and after careful consideration and deliberation the committee voted unanimously to cancel today's game. Happy Mother's Day!"


Sunday, May 7, 2017
GAME CANCELLED
By Maurice Novelle

Due to expected low attendance game was cancelled.


Sunday, April 30, 2017
Miserable day for Sticks... lose doubleheader
By Maurice Novelle

People make mistakes, it's part of human nature. And the Mozzarella Sticks looked awfully human in the third inning of today's twin bill opener surrendering thirteen runs after a series of fielding errors. The final score was 17-4.

Game two was a more competitive affair but the Bazooka Joes were better and deservedly won the game 3-2. They had outstanding pitching, timely hitting and really solid defense. Big Joe was the winning pitcher. He also got a save relieving Little Joe that took a line drive off his left leg and the shim swollen up. Hope you're feeling well Joe!

We had sort of a controversial play, a grounder to short F6 with runners on first R1 and second R2 and the runners retreating back to the bases. The umpire decided because of the force play that both runners R1 and R2 were out. We did a bit of research and there is no actual rule requiring runners to physically advance and although R1 and R2 have lost the right to occupy their respective bases because the batter has become a runner, there is no requirement for them to physically move from their bases, or if they started toward the next base to retreat back to their original base to avoid a tag, etc. On a force the runners lose the right to base but they are not required to vacate. It simply means they are subject to be put out up until a trail runner or base runner is put out removing the force.

We had a great turnout. On attendance today were Joe Torre, Matt, Mauricio, Little Joe, Noah, John, Pedro, Lawman, Dave, Mike Photo, Big Joe, Ron, Mike, Freddy, Nick T, Phill, Roque, Kenny, Artie, Todd, Efrain, Arun, Jonathan, Manny and the writer.

See you guys next week!

Sunday, April  23, 2017
Sticks and Joes split doubleheader
By Maurice Novelle

Before the start of game one and to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to commemorate our 20th year anniversary our guest of honor was Cheryl Fruchter, our league founder. Great to see you... Cheryl!

The Mozzarella sticks won the opener 13-8 and the Bazooka Joes took the night cap 7-3. Newcomer Freddy, Cheryl's son-in-law, stole the show with his display of Ruthian power knocking the cover off the ball and hitting some impressive long blasts. The winning pitchers were Big Joe and Artie and the defensive players both centerfielders, Ron and Phil.

In attendance today were Freddy, Roque, Luis, Artie, Lawman, Efrain, Little Joe, Ron, Kenny, Gio, Noah, Phil, Nick T, John, Todd, Dave, Will, Big Joe, Arun and the writer.

See you guys next week!

Sunday, April  16, 2017
Sticks beat Joes 15-14
By Maurice Novelle

Happy Easter and happy Passover!

We didn't expect to have such a nice turnout for Easter Sunday. Eighteen guys made it to the field. And with temperatures in the mid 70's the weather was just fabulous to play ball.

After a series of defensive miscues by the Mozzarella Sticks, the Bazooka Joes, captained by Big Joe, jumped on the scoreboard right away to take a 4-0 lead and added three more runs later in the second with a pair of big clutch hits by John. The Sticks didn't quit and kept chipping away at the Joes' lead and in the bottom of the fifth their bats finally came alive to score six runs and go ahead 11-10.

But the Joes wouldn't surrender either and in the seventh Dave ripped a massive tape-measure homer to give the Joes the lead again. The Sticks were forced to come from behind once more. Photoman Mike came to the plate with the bases loaded and lasered a line drive to center for the win. The winning pitcher was the writer with a 3-0 record.

In attendance today were John, Eitan, Noah, Lance, Big Joe, Dave, Dave, newcomer Will, Arun, Joe Torre, Phil, Roque, Kenny, Pedro, Efrain, Photoman Mike and the writer.

See you guys next week!


Sunday, April  9, 2017
Sticks take two from Joes on Opening Day, 10-8, 6-4
By Maurice Novelle

Play ball! Our 2017 softball season got underway. We're celebrating our twentieth year in existence, not an easy feat to accomplish, a true example of resolute perseverance and dedication. 

After last week's heavy downpours  the playing field was in relative decent condition and didn't require much  raking or preparation.  Twenty one players showed up for opening day taking advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoyed the sunny skies.

The Mozzarella Sticks were the better team today. Not only they played solid defense  turning five double plays but also swung the bats really well. Dave's solo mammoth blast was impressive. Defensively for the Joes, Matsui at third made a couple of dazzling diving stabs and John made a tremendous circus catch in left field. Mo, the writer, pitched well and was the winning pitcher of both games.

In attendance today were Manny, Matt, John, Matsui, Mauricio, Artie, Sergio, Mike R, Little Joe, Jose B, Big Joe, Joe Torre, Roque, Kenny, Phil, Noah, Efrain, Xavier, Dave B,  Arun and the writer.

See you guys next week!



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