Sunday, August 31, 2008
Our Schedule
All opportunities/games are at Tahoe Park.
Sept. 4 - 7:30 at Loose Change
Sept. 11 - 8:30 vs. Hydrohaulics
Sept. 18 - 8:30 at SoCal's Force
Sept. 25 - 7:30 vs. Sub Shack Attack
Oct. 2 - 7:30 vs. Chocas
Oct. 9 - 8:30 vs. Loose Change
Oct. 16 - 9:30 at Hydrohholics
Friday, August 8, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Slugs beaten by Chinchillas
The final score was 9-5.
Kevin was the player of the game for making some excellent catches. Nick made some great plays at 3rd too. Erin was amazing as usual and hit the ball right where they weren't every time she came up to bat.
But, it wasn't enough.
Coach Tam no longer has to shower at the truck stop.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Slugs on a Roll
There was solid pitching from Dan, excellent fielding by Kevin, Molly and others...and everyone's bats were hot (well except Coach Tam who kept hitting it straight to the woman at first). It was an all-around strong performance from the Slugs.
Let the truck stop watch begin. The Slugs are now 3-0. But they can't rest. Next week they take on Benny's Boozers. This team has played in the league before, under a different name. They now have sponsorship and fancy uniforms. Oh, and as of last week at least they were undefeated. Be strong little Slugs, be strong.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Game Off!

The games probably would have been canceled sooner, but the sensor at T street appears to have stopped working at 1:00, when the AQI was only 115 (technically "unhealthy for sensitive groups"). So, the league proclaimed the air quality was "good." That of course was before the inversion layer settled in on the valley and forced the smoky air close to ground level. At 7:00 the sensor finally updated and it was at 177, well above the threshold for unhealthy.
It Sure Looks Unhealthy...

...but it's currently only "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
That haze we all see in the air is smoke from wildfires burning all over the state. The great Central Valley is like a giant bowl...and are we ever in the soup. The smoke is trapped, and we're stuck with it. In the air quality world, the issue is something called PM2.5, aka particulate matter, aka tiny particles of dust and soot that can lodge deep in a person's lungs. As of 2:33 this afternoon, the air quality meter closest to O'Neil field reads 115. According to the Air Quality Index that puts the air at "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

In short, it may look worse than it is. Now, Slugs are sensitive creatures. But the league is convinced we're tough, healthy adults. That means the game is on. "If the AQI goes above 150, I will be calling the league again to beg for our game to be canceled," said Coach Tam.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Truck Stop Visit Causes Softball Gods to Smile
The fueling station at the Sacramento 49rs Travel Plaza is called Liquid Gold, and perhaps that should be slugger Ed Fletcher's new nickname. Fletcher started last Thursday's Slugs v Master Batters game off right with back to back home runs to right. Poor Kim, on base both times Fletcher sent it deep was forced to scurry around the bases with a sweaty man right on her heels.
It all started earlier in the day when Coach Tam visited the aforementioned Travel Plaza to interview truckers about diesel prices. Tam was offered a ride in one trucker's rig and was told by another one that she shouldn't have any trouble getting people to talk to her. She ended those interviews quickly. But the time the coach spent at the fabled I-80 landmark appears to have paid off. Getting hit on by sweaty truckers with 100 oz beverage containers seems to have been just what Coach Tam needed to do to make the Slugs bats golden again.
If the Slugs go 0-8 or 8-0 in a single season the coach has to shower at the Sacramento 49rs Travel Plaza. Coach Kepley did this once 3 years ago after a flawless season, and if not for a late season win in the spring Coach Tam would have had to do the same but with a greater sense of shame.
Victory against the Master Batters was sweet for the Slugs who beat the lame-named team 18-7. And the best part was the amazing batting of every single Slugs player. Ed Fletcher was a standout, but all Slugs made the team proud. For the first time in recent memory they made it through their entire lineup in a single inning. It was glorius.
This week the Slugs meet St. Damien's Beard at O'Neil's field. That is, if the thick layer of smoke blanketing the Sacramento region blows on out before 9:30 Thursday night. At the moment it is unsafe for anyone to breathe outdoors.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Slugs Start Win Streak!
On Thursday the Slugs met the ERMinators. It was a team of environmental consultants who were new to the league, but not new to softball. The core of the team had played for 5 years in a Rancho Cordova league before making the switch to the Sacramento City League. The Slugs were motivated, but so were the ERMinators.
Initially the league mandated "community bats" slipped up the Slugs, that and the other teams inability or unwillingness to throw strikes. Thanks to Erin's pitching the Slugs were only down by 5 runs in the 3rd inning, when Coach Tam tried to give a motivational speech. It wasn't particularly motivational, but the Slugs kicked into gear anyway. Katherine drove in the tying run, and then it was all over for the environmental consultants.
Final score: 6-5
Victory, sweet sweet victory.
After the game, former Coach Kepley suggested it wasn't too early to start the "Truck Stop Shower Watch." After all, the Slugs own D-2 and this is only the beginning of a win streak. Perhaps Kepley suggested the truck stop showers, because he wouldn't be the one donning the flip flops.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Summer Schedule
View Larger Map
O'Neil Field is at Southside Park. They don't allow amplified sound, but I've been notified by the league that there is an exception for theme songs...rather, we can't muster enough amplification to be a problem.
WIN 06/12/08 - 8:30 PM - O'Neil Field - Slugs (H) vs ERMinators
WIN 06/19/08 - 8:30 PM - Tahoe Park - Slugs (A) vs Master Batters
SMOKED OUT 06/26/08 - 9:30 PM - O'Neil Field - Slugs (A) vs St. Damien's Beard
WIN 07/03/08 - 9:30 PM - Tahoe Park - Slugs (A) vs Schrute Farm Beets
SMOKED OUT 07/10/08 - 8:30 PM - O'Neil Field - Slugs (H) vs Benny's Boozers
LOSS 07/17/08 - 7:30 PM - Tahoe Park - Slugs (A) vs Erotic Chinchilla
07/24/08 - 6:30 PM - O'Neil Field - Slugs (H) vs Wags Hags
07/31/08 - 9:30 PM - Tahoe Park - Slugs (H) vs ERMinators
08/07/08 - 8:30 PM - O'Neil Field - Slugs (H) vs Benny's Boozers
08/14/08 - 7:30 PM - Tahoe Park - Slugs (A) vs St. Damien's Beard
Friday, May 16, 2008
Slugs Break Curse
The game started like many Slugs games this season - just one run in the first inning. Another one came in the second inning, but the Bad News and Review Bears had already amassed 10 runs. It was starting to look hopeless again. But then something magical happened, the Slugs offense came alive. They got something like 11 runs in a single inning. With at least a couple of people on base, Ed Fletcher hit a bomb into right field. It was gone gone gone.
Then, the Slugs hit the field and immediately shut out the Bears (in part thanks to a Kepley unassisted double play - also know as sacrificing his body to get an interference call). The Bears at bat had barely started and it was already over. The Slugs added 3 more runs in the next inning, and held strong on defense - securing their first victory of the season.
"I almost cried," said Coach Tam. "Thank God I don't have to shower at the truck stop."
The win was followed by victory popsicles, a couple of victory cigarettes, and victory shots of Jager.

For those of you tracking our playlist at home, here are the new theme songs:
Mark Martin - Crazy Train
Tamara Keith - All Things Considered Theme
Juliet Williams - Lose Yourself
Katherine Skorupski - Here it Goes Again
Ryan Lillis - Let's Get it On
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Slugs Rock Their Way Into an 0-6 Record
Tonight, the Slugs got their groove back. Many of the ladies wore skirts. And we looked hot, if I may say so myself. Better yet, each Slug had a theme song (see below for complete play list). Our defense was nearly flawless, and we put together several excellent runs where multiple Slugs got on base and some even made it home. Against any other team this would have meant victory. So, next week we must do it all again. We will defeat Beer 30 and they won't even know what hit them.
And for those of you who would like to download the Slugs nearly winning playlist to your ipod, here goes...
Rockin' and Bumpin' With the Slugs: (win a prize if you can match all the Slugs with their songs)
Oriole's Magic
The Distance
Still Fly
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Brick House
This Fire
Baby Elephant Walk
Star Spangled Banner (Live at Woodstock)
Molly's Chambers
Get Low
U Can't Touch This
Take No Prisoners (Megadeth)
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Walk This Way (Run-DMC with Aerosmith)
Runnin' Down a Dream
Rump Shaker
Eye of the Tiger
The Final Countdown
Monday, April 28, 2008
Our Bat Problems Could be Over...
I plan to begin lobbying the league right away to make sure they supply bats in the appropriate weights for our needs. If you have a strong preference, please let me know. I will send a list of weights and lengths to league director Ron right away. He certainly hasn't requested that info, but I'll make sure he knows where the Slugs stand anyway.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Slugs Continue Winless Streak
"The really depressing thing is our defense was solid," said a rather glum Coach Tam. "5 runs isn't insurmountable. But it is if your bats are as cold as ours were."
Sometime in the 4th inning, the word "curse" started to cross the lips of several Slugs. There is simply no other explanation. The Slugs are cursed.
After the game, in an attempt to exorcise the demons in the team's bats, team members put all the bats on grass and formed a circle around them. It was a modification of the team's usual post-game ritual of forming a circle around the game's MVP, counting to 3 and shouting "Slugs!" This time the team formed a circle and former Coach Kepley yelled "I am going to destroy all of you if you don't start fu**ing performing." Then he counted to 3 and the whole team shouted "slugs." As they stepped away, the Slugs noticed a 7 year old (or maybe she was 4) standing in a nearby dugout with a shocked looked on her face. Former Coach Kepley saw no need to apologize. This is softball and sometime softball requires a little profanity.
There are many ideas circulating to help the Slugs break their curse. They include: getting really drunk before the next game (it worked for Beer:30), recruiting the shortstop from the SoCal's Force and burying the broken red bat in center field in the middle of the night.
Coach Tam is immediately calling on all female Slugs to wear athletic skirts to the next game. "We won the last game where we all wore skirts, so it's worth a try," she said. "Secure men are also encouraged to wear skirts. They're on clearance at Target this week." Even former Coach Kepley said he would support this plan despite his conviction that skirts shouldn't be allowed in softball.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Goodbye Harrison
Slugs utility outfielder Harrison Sheppard recently (OK it was a month ago but this blogger is slow) left the Slugs and Sacramento for sunny Southern California, Reseda actually. Harrison is really crying behind that smile. This photo was taken at his final post-game Luigi's outing. We miss you already!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
From the Coaches Corner: Calling the Ball
Hey Slugs - As someone who has suffered a little vocal paralysis in the outfield, I thought it might be good to go over some general rules of thumb for calling a fly ball. For starters, staying silent when a ball is headed for you (as I have been known to do) isn't a good idea. Calling a ball if you're going to catch it minimizes injury risk and maximizes the number of outs we get...all good things.
1. Call it if you’re going to catch it. This claims the ball. First person to call it has priority. Be confident here. It’s doubtful that there’s anyone on the team who hasn’t dropped a ball, so don’t worry about that. Physical errors will happen, but it’s frustrating to have balls drop because of miscommunication. Also, calling it greatly reduces the chances of someone concentrating on the ball barreling into you.
2. Defer to the person calling the ball. If someone else calls it and you didn’t, let them have it. Move out of the way in the direction opposite to which you heard them.
3. Don’t call someone off if they’ve called it. See rule Number 2. We don’t want to deny anyone the opportunity to make a catch if they’ve called it.
4. Don’t call it if you’re in doubt. See rule Number 1. Only call it if you’re going to catch it. If you have a marginal shot at catching it, you don’t want to discourage someone who has a better shot.
5. Be loud and clear. Generally, “MINE!,” “I GOT IT!,” or “BALL!” will get the job done. You can also yell “HELP!” if something goes awry so someone with a better angle can jump in. Yelling anything else usually results in confusion. And you have to be loud enough to be heard by people running at full speed, with heart pounding and breathing heavily.
6. If two people call it at the same time: Priority in the OF goes to the CF. If the CF isn’t involved, LF has priority. In the infield, SS has priority. But remember, this is only if two people call it at the same time. If the RF calls it before the CF, it’s still the RF’s ball. If it’s between the IF and the OF, it’s typically much, much easier for the OF to catch the ball because they’re not running backwards. But really, our problem has rarely been too many people calling the ball, and this is a little confusing - so focus on 1-5 and we'll make some serious strides.
-Coach Tam
(beware, this may become a recurring feature on slugssoftball.blogspot.com)
Friday, April 18, 2008
That's it, the Slugs are just unlucky
After falling to the ground, crying and laughing simultaneously and correctly identifying how many fingers Ed was holding up, Tamara said, "this is why I won't get my big break reporting in Baghdad. I have absolutely no self preservation instinct."
Despite the pre-game incident, the Slugs were feeling good headed into their match against Beer 30. It was one of the player's birthdays and Beer 30 arrived smelling like beer. Though that may have all been radiating from one particular player. The birthday boy was so utterly smashed he was left out of the lineup. Meanwhile, the Slugs had followed Coach Tam's advice arriving at Tahoe Park sober. It seemed like a distinct advantage.
The Slugs played valiantly, with conviction and enthusiasm. There were solid hits, and some excellent fielding. There were also a few missed plays and a couple of questionable calls. But, heading into the final inning Beer 30 was up by just 2, not a problem for the Slugs. Unfortunately, with momentum on their side, tragedy again struck the Slugs. This time it was Molly.
After hitting a glorious shot up the middle, and making it safely to first base Molly was struck in the ribs by a quick moving throw. It all happened in a split second. Molly was over running the bag, as you're supposed to do when a ball intended to get her out, instead struck her down. The strike to Molly's ribs knocked the wind out of her. She was up within moments grabbing her side and hurrying the hell off the field. She wouldn't return to the game, but it wasn't long before she was back on the bench, bruised and cheering for the Slugs.
A Beer 30 player was also injured running to home plate (piling on the runs against the poor losing Slugs). It's unclear whether it was a hamstring pull or some sort of calf cramp but it looked very painful.
So, the Slugs continue their losing streak...determined not to let it last long. Next week everyone will be carrying rabbits feet, 4 leaf clovers and wearing dirty socks. Whatever it takes to turn this season around.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Shocking news: Slugs lose to Socals...again
There was solid play all around, with a big shout out to the ladies of second base and Kim in the outfield. Nick hit one real deep and worked his cardiovascular system a bit more than it would have preferred. New Slugs men Ryan and Mark also did an excellent job in the field and at the plate. And Judy Lin deserves credit for tagging out a player at home plate...never mind he thought the inning was over. Judy was on her game and made sure he was really really out. With an assist from Ryan in the outfield and more than one infielder, this was the Slugs first right field to home double play.
Obsessive former coach Kepley had all kinds of strategies and excel spreadsheets, but I (Coach Tam) would argue the real difference between this game and our previous losing efforts was the tone on the bench. We focussed on our fellow players, cheered them on and kept the energy high throughout the game. We need to do that with every game. So, repeat after me "fire it up big cheese!"
Red Bat Competition

Which leaves a question...
What should we do with the little red bat?
Should we get it bronzed? Perhaps dipped in copper? Could it be an award...to the player with the best hitting record this season?...to the player who goes to the cages the most? Should it be awarded each week to the player with the best hit, or the worst?
Slugs, please leave your ideas here by posting comments. The person whose idea is chosen by the coaching staff gets a free Jaeger shot after our next win (if you're into that kind of thing).
Monday, March 24, 2008
Copper Thieves Strike Tahoe Park
I was going to write up a full report on the copper theft at Tahoe Park - but it seems Slugs outfielder and Sacramento Bee reporter Ed Fletcher beat me to the online presses. I won't speculate about whether he got a tip from last night's game announcement e-mail...but let's just say Ed is all over this story. When I went to google to find more information about the copper theft problem, Ed's story was one of the first to come up (see below).
I did speak with league director Ron today who said he was hoping the lights would be back up and running in time for this Thursday's game...but I must say he didn't sound entirely confident. He said he would call me on Thursday to let me know for sure. But for now Slugs please plan to be at Tahoe Park on Thursday at 7, rain or shine. If the lights still aren't working we should have a good 30-40 minutes of daylight/dusk to throw the ball around before heading to Luigi's.
Copper wire theft puts pause in softball season
By Ed Fletcher (courtesy without permission of the Sacramento Bee)
The latest victim of local copper thieves is coed "D" league softball. The thieves didn't steal the ball. They stole the copper wire from the field lights at Tahoe Park's softball field. No lights, no games.
And so, Tahoe Park's Luck Dragons will have to wait in their quest for perfection.
"We started the season with two victories and are riding an eight-game winning steak," said Brian Brokaw, a member of the reigning Tuesday night champions. "We're hopeful that these crooks won't steal our momentum."
The theft occurred sometime last week between the Tuesday evening games and Thursday night matchups, said Hindolo Brima, a spokesman for Sacramento's city parks department.
He said the field should be game-ready by Thursday. Replacing the wire and fortifying the access panel will cost up to $12,000, Brima said.
For a complete story, see Tuesday's Bee.
Practice Makes Perfect...
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Slugs Practice, Slugs Lose, Slugs Practice More
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Managers Meeting...and a snap analysis of our schedule
But, Ron got really animated when directing our attention to Rule 6 in the banned bats guide. It is illegal to alter a bat. Who knew softballers were so serious. Apparently some people try to used banned bats by painting them to look like other bats. Or they open up the bat and put stuff in it, or take stuff out. Clearly this is a level of sophistication well beyond that ever attempted by the Slugs.
Well, Slugs, let me tell you...don't even try it. Ron told us a story about an altered banned bat that happened last year over at "the complex." A female batter went up to the plate with an altered banned bat. It was perhaps painted or taped over. She swung and hit the bit exceedingly hard straight into the face of the poor pitcher, who Ron says "broke every bone in her face. She's still going through surgeries and will be disfigured for life." And as if the guilt wasn't bad enough, the batter was banned from softball for 2 years. Not just Sacramento softball, ALL softball. The owner of the bat got an even stiffer sentence: 10 years. Can you imagine being banned from softball for a decade?
The next 3 months...a snap analysis.
Our schedule looks pretty darned good. There are actually quite a few bye weeks - more time for us to practice, or compete at eating dollar hot dogs at Rivercats games. Also, I believe we have just one 6:30 game, which means we should have excellent attendance all season long.
We only face the SoCal's Force once in the whole season. That means we have to beat them straight out of the gate if we want those league champion fleeces we've heard so much about. We take on the Bad News and Review Bears twice. They're good. We shouldn't take them for granted. We also face a team called Majority Rules. I haven't seen them before, but based on their number on the phone list and their name, I surmise they work in the Assembly.
Start stretching out those arms now Slugs. Try running to improve your cardio...and make sure to do whatever it takes to avoid serious injuries of any kind.
Spring Season Schedule
All games this season are at Tahoe Park...and as always, we're playing on Thursdays.
03/13/08 - 7:30 Majority Rules V Slugs
03/20/08 - Bye
03/27/08 - 7:30 Loose Change V Slugs
04/03/08 - 9:30 Slugs V SoCal's Force
04/10/08 - Bye
04/17/08 - 9:30 Slugs V Beer:30
04/24/08 - 7:30 Slugs V SN&R Bears
05/01/08 - Bye
05/08/08 - 6:30 Loose Change V Slugs
05/15/08 - 8:30 Slugs V SN&R Bears
05/22/08 - Bye
05/29/08 - 8:30 Beer:30 V Slugs
Friday, February 8, 2008
The outdoor temp is above 60...it must be time for softball
If you are a Slug and not just a casual reader of this blog (there are probably about 3 non-slugs readers), please immediately send Coach Tam your address and cell number.
There's a lot to look forward to this season. The "Ultimate Weapon" will be back for a repeat appearance, coach Tam acquired a pink bat bag, and many Slugs have been seen training, swimming to strengthen their shoulders and running to work on speed and agility.