Players Lose 14-9
posted: 9/05/2007 at 8:16 PM
The Blazer players, hoping to rally from behind, couldn't get the big hit in the bottom of the final inning, and the Blazer staff team pulled out a 14-9 victory on the makeshift softball field at PGE Park on Wednesday.
Confused?
A little background for you. A conversation about softball came up last week at the practice facility, and what chance the players would have against the Blazer coaches on the diamond. So, a game was organized. We thought about trying to get a local softball field in a park or something, but then decided to go ahead and do it right. We got PGE Park in downtown Portland, the home of the Portland Beavers, the AAA team. The grounds crew did a great job converting the field to a softball diamond, the game was on.
I think we've found something that Greg Oden can't do, and that's hit a softball very far. The players, behind the hot hitting of leadoff man Jarrett Jack, grabbed a 6-3 lead, but they couldn't hold it. I shouldn't just throw Oden under the bus. There were several interesting moments watching these NBA players at the plate. Steve Blake was hit by a pitch, and then bunted for a single later in the game. That was horrible. Guys who can play softball: Martell, Jarrett, Raef, Brandon, McRoberts. Guys who can't play softball: Oden, Aldridge, Frye, Green, Blake. The players I didn't mention fit in some other catagory. I'm sure you were dying to know that.
The winning team fielded such people as, Nate McMillan (who showed up in an entire baseball uniform, complete with metal spikes), Kevin Pritchard, Dean Demopolous, Maurice Lucas, Bill Bayno, Monty Williams, Mike Golub (our c.o.o.), and several other staffers. And, yours truly was at shortstop for the management team. In case you're wondering, 3 for 4 with a triple and 3 RBIs. I have to tip my cap to Luke though, who went the distance on the mound. Brian Wheeler, by the way, was behind the mic on the p.a. system at PGE and did a bang-up job.
It was a very cool thing to be a part of, and was a chance for the players to have some fun with the coaches in something outside of basketball. There was a lot of trash talking, and everyone had a good time. It was just a quickly-put-together afternoon of competition. And, I'm sure the players will be hearing about it for a while.
A reminder about tonight's radio show. It's a "best of" Trail Blazers Courtside tonight from 6pm-8 on KXL-AM 750 in the Portland area. You can click on the Courtside link at the top-right of this page to listen live as well. We're going to replay some of the great moments from this summer, as they happened on the show, and will also have some of the good interviews, like Oden's first interview, seconds after he was drafted by Portland. We'll also have an audio replay from the memorable draft-lottery party, and segments from draft night at the Rose Garden.
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Nice... I want your job MB,
Is KP still going to Spain? I watched the game today vs Croatia and rudy had 7 of the last 8 points in a spain 1 point loss. He also had a drive to the hoop with 3 seconds left in which he got hacked by 2 guys. No foul called and the game was over. Sergio only got 4 minutes too... I am not sure what that indicates. I am looking forward to the next update MB.
HEY MIKE, You got any more pics from the softball game? Would love to see them if you do. That oden picture cracks me up for some reason.
That sounds like it was a lot of fun! I wish I could have seen that rather than the Beavers game I attended with the Blazers. :)
Was it fast or slow pitch? Who pitched for the players?
Are the Blazers having another BBQ for season ticket holders?
Thanks!
Michael
Good to see the players and coaches can have some fun. It just builds a better team. Good thing they don't get paid for their RBI....
Wow....Mike Barrett at Shortstop and posting pretty good numbers...Who'da thunk it. Maybe you can come down and help out the Orioles next season. Anywho, judging by how awkward Greg looks in this picture its obvious that softball is not one of his strengths but we all cant be the "Jarrett" Jack of all trades...
McRoberts seems like he would have some game - a good natural athlete. You gotta love how hitting a round ball with a round bat can put athletes at the mercy of physics and technique.
Hilarious. Just wish I was there to hit for the cycle. Fortunately, they're all beasts at basketball, which happens to be why Mr. Allen pays them.
-Rip City-
Awesome coverage as usual. Hey, what happened to the latest workout interview with B-Roy? I thought that was one of the best ones yet. It's not on the video page. Keep up the good work. GO BLAZERS!!
Aldridge has a a look on his face like, "This sucks, someone throw me a basketball". Out of all the pictures in the gallery Jarret looks like the only one with a professional swing. He kind of looks like a right handed Ken Griffy Jr. I love this team and can't wait until the first game.
So have all the coaches been hired? Had heard earlier this summer that Dwane Casey, Nate's assistant at Seattle, may join the group.What came of this rumor?
I not sure if i should be impressed with the sustained athleticism and endurance of the staff or horrified with the lack of ability to play softball by the players. Probably a bit of both. Either way, i'm glad the staff won. That is who i would have been rooting for had i known about the contest. It's nice to know you don't let your fans down, MB.
I have to admit, i'd have handicapped a players victory had i been forced to guess. However, i think you should give the players some action back. A softball victory is nice and all, but i think taking the kids out for a round of 18 would be the best way to humble them.
If that were to happen, i would give action for anyone who wanted the players. No way Mike, KP, and company would lose that one, even with Rice. The average age of the players is so low, Mike, there might be enough testosterone there to get them to bite.
Hey MB,
There's a Poll over at Blazer's Edge. I voted for you & Rice.
http://www.blazersedge.com/poll/1189067756_sLECpeiq
Could you help me out. Please.
Hey MB,
There's this Poll over at Blazer's Edge.
http://www.blazersedge.com/poll_vote/1189067756_sLECpeiq
I voted for you and Rice. Could you guys help me out. Please.
Hey Mike and fans! Why is no one concerned about Joel being absent from the team right now? He's missing out on connecting with all the new players. Joel is a great player, but I'm thinking he's hurt or something close to it. Huum! I'm wondering if this will be posted.
Hi Mike. As a serious fan and one that wants to keep everything positive. I want to know what have you heard on Joel? Should I delete my concerns. I just can't see him not being there with the rest of the team. Is he rebounding fron an injury? I know he's a family man, but so is everyone else! I'm Out!
I hear that Joel will be with the team soon. That's great. I was a little rattled to see he wasn't there with the team. I can't wait to see Him, Greg, LA, and Fry just standing side by side. Impressive that will be. D. Miles can run and the team we have now fits his style. Red Hot and Rollin, lickity brindle up the middle, bingo bango bungo, and don't forget (Rip City Alright)
Does anyone remember?
Hey MB thanks for all the good lowdown! What's your take on the team right now. Question? Do you think we will be a running team now that we have fresh legs that can run. Who do you think will be the go to guy Roy, LA, Fry,Jack, Or the big man? Mike you have the best job in town and if you ever need someone to carry your bags I'M THERE!
I like all of your updates MB.
Mike,
Can you put to rest a rumor that Oden blew out a knee? Crazy I know, but it'd be nice if a official source put a end to this rumor.
Thanks!
Sorry bro.
It's not a rumour.
He is having exploratory surgery this Thursday to assess the extent of the damage:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/johncanzano/2007/09/breaking_news_tune_into_the_ba.html
Not good news, but WAY too early to panic.
All we can do now is stay calm and PRAY.
I'm sure Mike will give us the latest as soon as he hears it.
Its a sad day for blazers fans at this point. Unfortunately, I bet MB is not at liberty to talk about Odens injury beyond what the blazers already released. The only thing we can do is hope that its not very serious. The good thing is KP and PA will have the best doctors money can buy. Dont think for a second that everyone involved in Odens procedure will be anything less than overprepared.
i knew oden couldnt play softball. i live in Ind and saw him play(poorly)last yr in a weekend tourney.this was before the wrist operation
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