Friday, May 30, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Shameless plug: FOR THE HUTCH
In two weeks, come see Hutch's band, FOR THE HUTCH, the authors of the song "Keep it Vintage" and the self-proclaimed official rock band of the Bridgeport Orators.
WHO:
For the Hutch
with Tied for Last and Protect Your Neck.
WHO:
For the Hutch
with Tied for Last and Protect Your Neck.
WHAT:
An evening of loud pop tunes with a side of booze.
WHERE:
Barney McNabb's
600 Tuckahoe Rd
Yonkers, NY 10710
WHEN:
Saturday
June 7
8 p.m.
WHY:
Cause it's what a good vintage lad would do.
By the way stay tuned, as For the Hutch plans to hold the 2nd Annual "Keep it Vintage" benefit, proceeds to benefit the Orators VBBC. Show will be later this year. Details coming soon...
Friday, May 23, 2008
The 10th Inning...with Brian "Barkeep" Donnelly
Everyone knows him from tending bar at The Field restaurant/bar in Bridgeport. Little do they know, Brian “Barkeep” Donnelly’s vintage “alter-ego” as the boisterous LF for the Bridgeport Orators.
Barkeep, a pesky top of the order hitter, is known by his fellow ballists as a guy who sacrifices life and limb to catch a fly ball. He has a fire in his stomach, not just because he has access to hard liquor from his job as bartender either. The Barkeep is always willing to speak his mind, sparking his teammates and making things happen on the ballfield with his dangerous speed and sometimes supernatural fielding abilities. He does it all while dedicated – rather than hit a cutoff he’s been known to run a ball all the way back to the infield. His banner moment came last year, when he showed up to play a vintage nine even though he was to be married in mere hours.
We took the opportunity to talk with Donnelly this week, and see what makes his vintage mind tick.
KEEP IT VINTAGE: Let's get the obvious out of the way. On the morning of the day of your wedding, you showed up to play some ball. Obviously that is multi-tasking but let me ask you this: did you ever think of rescheduling the wedding to an offday?
BARKEEP: I have my priorities; my wife's my life. Besides how could I say no to a beautiful woman who includes Oktoberfest and Amsterdam in our honeymoon plans?
KIV: You're generally considered one of the faster runners in the vintage game. Are you really fast or is everyone else really, really slow?
B: I'll take the pat on the back, but in all seriousness if the lads didn't support the tobacco peddlers so much we'd be a faster team. But yes, even without the smokes, I'd still out run the lot of them without spilling me beer.
KIV: A lot of people know you as a bartender. Compare mixing it up at the watering hole to mixing it up in the outfield.
B: Curious question...and I really don't think there is an eloquent answer for it. I guess with the off-season acquisition of the very talented Irish, first sack has really started to resemble The Field.
KIV: Tell me a little bit about how you first heard of vintage ball and became an Orator.
B: My great-grandfather shared fields with the Orator himself, so when our founding fathers held their initial meeting at the bar I tend, I was intrigued.
Then I overheard tales of barnstorming across New England and pictured flashy uniforms with hundreds of cranks cheering our efforts and lining up for our autographs. The Yankee blue uniforms sold me.
KIV: What's a better insult for an opposing team fielder who catches a fly ball on the bounce - nancy boy or a fancy lad?
B: I think we need to take a more aggressive approach than that. Those scallywags should to be tarred, feathered and thrown back into the kitchen where they belong. Maybe one of them can fix the run in my stockings.
Barkeep, a pesky top of the order hitter, is known by his fellow ballists as a guy who sacrifices life and limb to catch a fly ball. He has a fire in his stomach, not just because he has access to hard liquor from his job as bartender either. The Barkeep is always willing to speak his mind, sparking his teammates and making things happen on the ballfield with his dangerous speed and sometimes supernatural fielding abilities. He does it all while dedicated – rather than hit a cutoff he’s been known to run a ball all the way back to the infield. His banner moment came last year, when he showed up to play a vintage nine even though he was to be married in mere hours.
We took the opportunity to talk with Donnelly this week, and see what makes his vintage mind tick.
KEEP IT VINTAGE: Let's get the obvious out of the way. On the morning of the day of your wedding, you showed up to play some ball. Obviously that is multi-tasking but let me ask you this: did you ever think of rescheduling the wedding to an offday?
BARKEEP: I have my priorities; my wife's my life. Besides how could I say no to a beautiful woman who includes Oktoberfest and Amsterdam in our honeymoon plans?
KIV: You're generally considered one of the faster runners in the vintage game. Are you really fast or is everyone else really, really slow?
B: I'll take the pat on the back, but in all seriousness if the lads didn't support the tobacco peddlers so much we'd be a faster team. But yes, even without the smokes, I'd still out run the lot of them without spilling me beer.
KIV: A lot of people know you as a bartender. Compare mixing it up at the watering hole to mixing it up in the outfield.
B: Curious question...and I really don't think there is an eloquent answer for it. I guess with the off-season acquisition of the very talented Irish, first sack has really started to resemble The Field.
KIV: Tell me a little bit about how you first heard of vintage ball and became an Orator.
B: My great-grandfather shared fields with the Orator himself, so when our founding fathers held their initial meeting at the bar I tend, I was intrigued.
Then I overheard tales of barnstorming across New England and pictured flashy uniforms with hundreds of cranks cheering our efforts and lining up for our autographs. The Yankee blue uniforms sold me.
KIV: What's a better insult for an opposing team fielder who catches a fly ball on the bounce - nancy boy or a fancy lad?
B: I think we need to take a more aggressive approach than that. Those scallywags should to be tarred, feathered and thrown back into the kitchen where they belong. Maybe one of them can fix the run in my stockings.
The "10th inning" is a series of posts where we chew the fat with the Bridgeport Orators team and other vintage personalities.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Captain's Corner: 4/18 trip to Meddowe
This week, we're catching up with co-captain Kurt 'El Heffe' Wehmann on his thoughts regarding the game of the week (Capt. Howitzer wasn't in attendance this weekend).On May 19, the Orators played their first games in several weeks and the results were anything but pretty with two crushing defeats in a row. Bridgeport was clobbered in rainy conditions by Meddowe BBC in two straight games. Still, it wasn't all bad according to El Jefe - it was a fun day and Meddowe are premium vintage gentleman. "Vintage Joe" Vigorito had a hot day at the dish, going 6-7. Pete "Junior" Shanazu took catching duties on the overhand game and Skootch (who retired after last season) made a surprise appearance. Louis, the newest Orator made his debut.
Well enough of this buildup, let's get right to the interview with Kurt:
KEEP IT VINTAGE: Two convincing losses. What went wrong?
KURT: Yeah, we really took it on the chin in the boxscore. We could have used three or four more regulars. Everyone seemed to hit the ball pretty hard, Meddowe is a excellent fielding team. Our only problem was fielding and the wet-slick conditions didn't help. If you give a team one or two extra outs an inning they are gonna put up some crooked tallies.
Skooch made our highlight play of the day in the 80's game going over the shoulder style like Mr. Mays (Huzzah!). Every time I looked up, Ginger was putting the ball hard by the 2nd sack along with playing a shutdown right garden.
KIV: So tell me about Skooch's return to the vintage game? I hear he put on a fielding display?
K: Skooch was excited to suit up for us again. The catch I mentioned above "made my month" he said. He missed seeing he fellow ballists.
KIV: Louis made his Orator debut. How'd he look out there?
K: Louis looked great in the field and at-bat. He missed a couple of pop-ups, but who hasn't? We correct his form on that and I doubt we see another missed. He hit line drives and stole more that a couple bases. He moves like a puma on the diamond. I nominate "Puma" be Louis' nickname.
KIV: Do you think the long stretch of no games or practice had an effect on the boys?
K: I don't think so. I didn't see anyone dragging it out there. I was surprised how focused everyone was considering the weather conditions.
KIV: How do you think the team will rebound next week?
K: I'm excited to see the Hooks at our field Sunday, June 1. We are always competitive with them. As long as we keep hitting the ball hard and tighten up the fielding, the wins will start piling up!.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Park City spanked!: O's losing streak continues
5/18/08
Bridgeport Orators at Meddowe BBC
--------
GAME 1 (1860's rules), LOST: Orators 4 - Meddowe 24
GAME 2 (1880's rules), LOST: Orators 5 - Meddowe 15
Bridgeport Orators at Meddowe BBC
--------
GAME 1 (1860's rules), LOST: Orators 4 - Meddowe 24
GAME 2 (1880's rules), LOST: Orators 5 - Meddowe 15
Friday, May 16, 2008
The 10th Inning...with "Vintage Joe" Vigorito
"Vintage Joe" Vigorito isn't just the team's founder and president, he is very much the face of the Bridgeport Orators. This guy eats vintage, breathes vintage, sleeps vintage, regurgitates vintage and then eats more vintage. His story is one anyone affiliated with the Park City Nine knows - in just months after witnessing his first vintage base ball exhibition, Joe had formed a whole team complete with uni's, sponsors, a homefield, and probably most importantly a roster full of fine young gentleman looking to become amateur ballists.
He might be the brains behind the organization, but Vintage Joe is certainly no slouch on the field or at the strikers line either. He has been seen on the field, holding down catching duties, covering first sack and even patrolling the outfield. He's gritty, enthusiastic, and a good will ambassador to the vintage game. So let's cut the hyperbole and get right to it. We had the chance to sit down with Lord Orator himself and get serious to know what makes a vintage gent tick.
KEEP IT VINTAGE: Some have said, and when i say some I mean me, that you started the modern Orators just so you can add another jersey to your already staggering collection. Care to comment?
JOE V: Actually it's more of knicker fetish for me more than anything else. You just don't see enough mens knee length pants anymore. This was a great opportunity to bring'em back. I do have a jersey addiction and it is a fair observation on your part. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that it was a motivating factor. I've gone to great lengths to get my hands on a new prized jersey I've fancied. This would be right up there: An opportunity to create my own! Unfortunately my creative license was suspended with my intent to recreate the original Orators Jersey. That said, there has been rumblings of alternates.
KIV: Speaking of any new jerseys in your collection?
JV: Yes, I've recently added an authentic Johan Santana Mets home jersey and my most recent addition is a game worn Bridgeport SoundTigers away Mathew Spiller Jersey I won in an auction. Pretty sweet but I'm swimming in it. Spiller is a 6'6" defensemen. Bad jersey calculation on my part. That's it. For now.
KIV: Obviously the history has a lot to do with Jim O'rourke - the Orator himself. Let's be honest, do you think you and Jim would get along? Or do you think he feels you're kind of riding his coattails as the quintessential vintage Bridgeporter? (what might you guys talk about or do if you met?)
JV: Good question, I struggle with this daily. What does this say about me? I couldn't even come up with my own team. O'Rourke would probably enjoy what I am doing and applaud the effort. However, after all the pleasantries were over, I can see him suing me for copyright infringements etc. He was a talented lawyer you know. Last time I checked, I didn't sign any paper work to use his and his team's name. Guess we'd just have to start form scratch and that means...new jerseys!
KIV: You've said in the past the roots of the team were planted when you looked into joining the Newtown Sandy Hooks last year. Tell us the story, but if you could add gnomes and maybe fairies to it. I like gnomes...
JV: When I was just a young little gnome, a fairy came to me in the middle of the night while I was holidaying in Belize. What the fairy said was not really important. What was important was the the replenthentic Orators jersey she was wearing over her fairy dress and wings. It was at that moment that I realized, I needed to go back to bed and this little gnome may have hit the sauce too hard that night while hitting the streets of Belize!
Years later, after I had grown out of my gnome stage, I was introduced to vintage and the [Newtown] Sandy Hooks. As I was about to join the Hooks, suddenly my memory of that warm Belizean night came back to me. I remembered the jersey the fairy was wearing and suddenly I realized it was my time - time to get vintage in Bridgeport. Hence the Orators came to be.
KIV: You obviously spend a lot of time practicing, playing, organizing games, and of course sending your team a lot of e-mails every day. Let me ask you - what is more important to you - keeping it vintage or your family?
JV: At risk of losing my marriage, I'll keep this short. What is most important to me is keeping my family vintage and my vintage family. My wife and I just bought a home that was built in 1914 - pretty vintage huh?
KIV: As the guy who got this team off the ground and runs things behind the scenes, it's probably pretty gratifying to see the team together, playing, having fun. When did you hit that pinnacle and say all this work is worth it? And be honest did you think you were pretty cool for orchestrating it all?
JV: I think I felt my most gratified when we held our first group team meeting at The Field [restaurant]last year. When people hand over $175 bucks for a uniform and sign up for baseball without gloves - sigh unseen - you feel pretty good. I guess what rivaled that was our first game against the [Hartford] Dark Blues and our game at Harbor Yard last July. I though I was pretty cool before I got vintage, however I think my coolness increased one or two levels on the coolness barometer since I've starting Oratin. I maybe approaching the coolness level of my holiday taking, jet setting gnome days.
The 10th Inning is a series of posts where we'll profile different Orators and other vintage personalities.
He might be the brains behind the organization, but Vintage Joe is certainly no slouch on the field or at the strikers line either. He has been seen on the field, holding down catching duties, covering first sack and even patrolling the outfield. He's gritty, enthusiastic, and a good will ambassador to the vintage game. So let's cut the hyperbole and get right to it. We had the chance to sit down with Lord Orator himself and get serious to know what makes a vintage gent tick.
KEEP IT VINTAGE: Some have said, and when i say some I mean me, that you started the modern Orators just so you can add another jersey to your already staggering collection. Care to comment?
JOE V: Actually it's more of knicker fetish for me more than anything else. You just don't see enough mens knee length pants anymore. This was a great opportunity to bring'em back. I do have a jersey addiction and it is a fair observation on your part. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that it was a motivating factor. I've gone to great lengths to get my hands on a new prized jersey I've fancied. This would be right up there: An opportunity to create my own! Unfortunately my creative license was suspended with my intent to recreate the original Orators Jersey. That said, there has been rumblings of alternates.
KIV: Speaking of any new jerseys in your collection?
JV: Yes, I've recently added an authentic Johan Santana Mets home jersey and my most recent addition is a game worn Bridgeport SoundTigers away Mathew Spiller Jersey I won in an auction. Pretty sweet but I'm swimming in it. Spiller is a 6'6" defensemen. Bad jersey calculation on my part. That's it. For now.
KIV: Obviously the history has a lot to do with Jim O'rourke - the Orator himself. Let's be honest, do you think you and Jim would get along? Or do you think he feels you're kind of riding his coattails as the quintessential vintage Bridgeporter? (what might you guys talk about or do if you met?)
JV: Good question, I struggle with this daily. What does this say about me? I couldn't even come up with my own team. O'Rourke would probably enjoy what I am doing and applaud the effort. However, after all the pleasantries were over, I can see him suing me for copyright infringements etc. He was a talented lawyer you know. Last time I checked, I didn't sign any paper work to use his and his team's name. Guess we'd just have to start form scratch and that means...new jerseys!
KIV: You've said in the past the roots of the team were planted when you looked into joining the Newtown Sandy Hooks last year. Tell us the story, but if you could add gnomes and maybe fairies to it. I like gnomes...
JV: When I was just a young little gnome, a fairy came to me in the middle of the night while I was holidaying in Belize. What the fairy said was not really important. What was important was the the replenthentic Orators jersey she was wearing over her fairy dress and wings. It was at that moment that I realized, I needed to go back to bed and this little gnome may have hit the sauce too hard that night while hitting the streets of Belize!
Years later, after I had grown out of my gnome stage, I was introduced to vintage and the [Newtown] Sandy Hooks. As I was about to join the Hooks, suddenly my memory of that warm Belizean night came back to me. I remembered the jersey the fairy was wearing and suddenly I realized it was my time - time to get vintage in Bridgeport. Hence the Orators came to be.
KIV: You obviously spend a lot of time practicing, playing, organizing games, and of course sending your team a lot of e-mails every day. Let me ask you - what is more important to you - keeping it vintage or your family?
JV: At risk of losing my marriage, I'll keep this short. What is most important to me is keeping my family vintage and my vintage family. My wife and I just bought a home that was built in 1914 - pretty vintage huh?
KIV: As the guy who got this team off the ground and runs things behind the scenes, it's probably pretty gratifying to see the team together, playing, having fun. When did you hit that pinnacle and say all this work is worth it? And be honest did you think you were pretty cool for orchestrating it all?
JV: I think I felt my most gratified when we held our first group team meeting at The Field [restaurant]last year. When people hand over $175 bucks for a uniform and sign up for baseball without gloves - sigh unseen - you feel pretty good. I guess what rivaled that was our first game against the [Hartford] Dark Blues and our game at Harbor Yard last July. I though I was pretty cool before I got vintage, however I think my coolness increased one or two levels on the coolness barometer since I've starting Oratin. I maybe approaching the coolness level of my holiday taking, jet setting gnome days.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Captain's Corner: Still no Base Ball, 5/10
Each week, we will catch up with Team Captain Matt "Howitzer" Lungariello (pictured above) on his thoughts regarding the game of the week. Of course, the team hasn't played in about a month, so we don't have much to talk to about that we haven't already covered in previous Captain's Corners. But heck, we'll do our weekly interview anyway whether it's necessary or not.
Last weekend on May 10, the Orators had an off week to spend time with their mommies on Mother's Day. Don't worry it's vintage to care about your mamma. OK then... So now, here is our interview:
KEEP IT VINTAGE: So it's been a while since we played, yet I keep interviewing you every week.
HOWITZER: Yeah, it feels like we haven't played in months. Yet, we have too many games scheduled for this season.
KIV: Do you think it's messed up that I only prepared two questions rather than the traditional five for today's interview?
H: Yes I do. I used to think you were pretty good at giving interviews. Not anymore though.
KIV: Fine then, I'll extend this interview out. But, forgive me I can't ask anything cool because I'm doing this on the fly. So, ummm how's this weekend looking?
H: I'm not sure to be honest. For a few upcoming games, its seems like we are having trouble fielding a full team. Kind of strange since we have enough players for two teams.
HOWITZER: Yeah, it feels like we haven't played in months. Yet, we have too many games scheduled for this season.
KIV: Do you think it's messed up that I only prepared two questions rather than the traditional five for today's interview?
H: Yes I do. I used to think you were pretty good at giving interviews. Not anymore though.
KIV: Fine then, I'll extend this interview out. But, forgive me I can't ask anything cool because I'm doing this on the fly. So, ummm how's this weekend looking?
H: I'm not sure to be honest. For a few upcoming games, its seems like we are having trouble fielding a full team. Kind of strange since we have enough players for two teams.
KIV: What else, what else? Yeah, here's something I often question - why do you think people on Joe's email list insist on replying to all?
H: I don't think they fully understand how to use e-mail. We are ballists, not computer techs. And besides, they didn't even have computers or email in 1864.
KIV: Also do you think you or any of the other team is interested in buying someone's used uniform? If they didn't want it, why not just give the uniform up? Isn't it kind of like if I buy it, I'd be donating the old uniform owner money? Let's face it there doesn't seem to be much of a market for used orators uniforms.
H: Yeah, it doesn't seem like anyone is buying them. I would be a little happier to see them at least offer to donate whatever money they make back to the team. I really don't understand this at all.
KIV: Are you as excited as I am for the new Indiana Jones movie?
H: Hell yeah. I don't have a good feeling about it being any good. And after reading some Lucas comments about it, I am almost positive that I wont like it. But i wont let a little thing like "100 percent letdown" get in the way of me having fun.
H: I don't think they fully understand how to use e-mail. We are ballists, not computer techs. And besides, they didn't even have computers or email in 1864.
KIV: Also do you think you or any of the other team is interested in buying someone's used uniform? If they didn't want it, why not just give the uniform up? Isn't it kind of like if I buy it, I'd be donating the old uniform owner money? Let's face it there doesn't seem to be much of a market for used orators uniforms.
H: Yeah, it doesn't seem like anyone is buying them. I would be a little happier to see them at least offer to donate whatever money they make back to the team. I really don't understand this at all.
KIV: Are you as excited as I am for the new Indiana Jones movie?
H: Hell yeah. I don't have a good feeling about it being any good. And after reading some Lucas comments about it, I am almost positive that I wont like it. But i wont let a little thing like "100 percent letdown" get in the way of me having fun.
Friday, May 9, 2008
The 10th Inning...with "Gentleman" Ben Fortney
He is down with the Wu-Tang Clan, is always willing to talk conspiracies and call government officials lizard people, and is a survivor of the mid-90's suburban gang wars and helicopter chases. But hey, he did it all while being "gentlemanly." And that's why Ben Fortney (3B) has become one of the premier ballists in the Orators lineup. A fine defenseman and solid top of the order hitter, "Gentleman" has earned the respect of his teammates on the field. Off the field? Not so much, but it's all because his "vintage spirit" allows him to gentlemanly trade jabs with his fellow athletes.
Despite having a pretty tough commute from Long Island, New York, "Gentleben" signed up for the O's in Bridgeport's inaugural season. He remained a fixture for the team until a shattered ankle had him sidelined... In true vintage spirit, he made a comeback playing in the last game of the 2007 season and is looking to start off 2008 strongly.
We got the chance to speak with the Long Island... umm... Lethal guy? Ok, I couldn't think of a nickname, but without further delay...
Despite having a pretty tough commute from Long Island, New York, "Gentleben" signed up for the O's in Bridgeport's inaugural season. He remained a fixture for the team until a shattered ankle had him sidelined... In true vintage spirit, he made a comeback playing in the last game of the 2007 season and is looking to start off 2008 strongly.
We got the chance to speak with the Long Island... umm... Lethal guy? Ok, I couldn't think of a nickname, but without further delay...
KEEP IT VINTAGE: You live in Long Island and take trip to New England every week to Orate. What makes you keep coming back except maybe a masochism thing where you like the long commute and getting beat up on the field?
GENTLEMAN BEN: Y'know, I'm just happy to be here and hope I can help the ballclub. I just want to give it my best shot and good Lord willing, things'll work out. Gotta play 'em one day at a time.
KIV: You famously broke your ankle in a rare Orators win last season but used modern surgery to repair the break. Do you think you betrayed your vintage ethics in doing so?
G: At the time, I contemplated eschewing modern medicine, rubbing some herbs on it and constructing a splint out of elm, but i think that was just the Demerol messing with my head.
KIV: Your nickname is "Gentleman." Am I to believe that having your sleeves rolled down and smoking tobacco is gentlemanly? Maybe it's just because I've known you ten years, but you never struck me as a gentleman...
G: That's not what your sister said...
KIV: Some have noted that you and Jay "Papi" Ortiz have an uncomfortably close onfield relationship. Some have even noted that it's like the show Moonlighting and everyone is questioning will you or won't you? Ok, I am the only person who noted the moonlighting thing. Thoughts?
G: What happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room. Unfortunately they didn't have locker rooms in 1864, so you see it inside the chalk. In actuality, communication is the key to any good marriage... err, team. I try to stay on the same level with my left-side compatriot. We discuss the usual topics, positioning on the striker, covering the sacks on steals, taking cut-offs from the outfield, how buff Jay's gotten since he started working out, what kind of pitches the hurler is throwing... Y'know, base ball stuff.
KIV: This is your opportunity to give me a WWE smackdown talk about the rest of the season. And go!
G: I'll tell you Mean Gene, the squad just needs to keep taking their vitamins, and saying their prayers. We need to hit em where they ain't, score early and score often. Defense wins championships. We've always got to remember that it's a simple game, see the ball - hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains... think about it.
In "The 10th Inning," we will periodically do a Q&A with Orators roster members and other vintage personalities.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Captain's Corner: 5/4/2008
Each week, we will catch up with Team Captain Matt "Howitzer" Lungariello (pictured above) on his thoughts regarding the game of the week.
Last weekend on May 4, the Orators ended up idle when a trip to face the Hartford Dark Blues was cancelled due to rain. With a tough end to April for the Park City Nine, the rain week was a chance to put the first weeks of the season into perspective.
We got the chance to chat with Howitzer today and make sure all is still well on the Bridgeport scene:
KEEP IT VINTAGE: So the first rain out of the season - Is it a good thing or a bad thing to have two weeks off after the sweep at Waterbury?
HOWITZER: I think we all wanted to get back out there and put the three game sweep behind us. We were a little sloppy during the 60's games and it would have been nice to get a little more practice with the underhand game.
KIV: How are the injuries coming along?
H: It looks like only Cap is out at the moment. Everyone else would be clear to play at this point. Paul's hammy is not 100 percent, but we don't have a game this weekend anyway. I am not concerned about it at all.
KIV: Up next is two games of 1880's rules vs, Meddowe. This after the team struggled with several 1860's rules games to open up the season. Do you think the change to overhand pitching is going to be a welcomed change or cause problems?
H: I think we will be OK playing the 80's games. But, that is definitely not going to help us with the 60's. If anything, we will be more sloppy the next time we play the 60's games.
KIV: The overhand game can be offensive friendly if you don't have the pitching to stop hitters. Do you think the Orators have enough pieces to realistically be a competitive 1880's game?
H: We definitely have the pitching to do it. I think there will be a little pressure on Kurt since Cap won't be available. We have Gozer to close out the games, but the middle innings are what worries me. Now that I think about it, I don't know who is going to pitch the second game. I should look into that.
KIV: It's a month since Opening Day soon enough. There's been some up's and downs and even injuries. You said before you expected the team to win some this year. Has your thought process changed? Are you worried about the rest of the season or making any changes based on injuries?
H: My thought process is still the same. Like I said, I wish we played last weekend so that everyone could put last week's performance behind them but we still have a lot of talent. Once the season starts, it's nice to play a bunch of weeks in a row to gain a comfort level. But we cant make excuses, we are professionals (or at least we pretend we are) and we need to rise above it.
A few other things. Did you notice that Mike the ump is still on the e-mail list? You think he put Vintage's email addy into his spam folder? City is on there too. That must be annoying. And you didn't hear it from me, but don't be surprised to see a "Joe Louis like return"* from Khalid at some point this year.
* - Taking big bucks to make a comeback even though he is obviously past his prime.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Hartford doubleheader rained out
Today's scheduled doubleheader with the Hartford Dark Blues was rained out.
According to Orators Team President Vintage Joe Vigorito, he is looking into rescheduling the games for later this season.
According to Orators Team President Vintage Joe Vigorito, he is looking into rescheduling the games for later this season.
Friday, May 2, 2008
The 10th Inning...with "Ginger" Kirkpatrick
Cranks and teammates alike know "Ginger" as one of the original Orators - a ballist who plays hard, produces steady results, and is always at the game. Let's not forget, when needed, he is never afraid to break a finger or two or three. He mostly patrols second sack, though he doesn't seem ready to let anyone forget he's had a couple of memorable games as a substitute outfielder. Though he admits to being a stranger in a strange land in "the garden" (a.k.a. outfield), it's a testament to Ging's character -he is willing to do whatever the team needs him to.
Kirkpatrick became an Orator almost by accident. At an open meeting of Newtown Sandy Hooks prior to last season, Ginger met Joe Vigorito. Though Ging was looking into becoming one of the Hooks, Vintage Joe mentioned the possibility of getting a new team going in the Park City...the rest is history. We at Keep it Vintage took the opportunity to chat a bit with the Red-headed Wonder this week and get to know the man behind the myth:
KEEP IT VINTAGE: You hold the Orators game attendance record. What's the secret there, Mr. "Iron Horse?"
GINGER: Do I? God, that's sad. I need to fake an injury or something.
KIV: They call you ginger. Is that because of your hair color or just because you have a little "zing" on the field or something?
G: I liked "Ginger" because of the shout-out to my hair. South Park did a recent episode on bigotry toward "ginger people"; it was a very important South Park. But "ginger" also means playing with hustle or spirit, which I try to do. It was also the most manly name I could think of.
As a point of interest: Ginger Beaumont, a turn of the century centerfielder, got his nickname from his Titian locks, as well. So he and I have two things in common because, as anyone on the team will tell you, I'm a natural centerfielder.
(Does using the word Titian make me gay?)
KIV: Some on the team have a bet going on how old you really are. Some of the more popular votes say 17, 23, 39, and one as high as 81. Care to share the real age or is it ungentlemanly for me to ask that?
G: Who said 81? What's his address?
KIV: You have a special ability to jam or break a finger or fingers on command. I say this is a superhero waiting to happen. Tell me your superhero name and how you got this superhuman ability. Also do you have advice for others on how they can hurt their fingers at any given moment?
G: Heck...fingers? I've had surgery on three of my four limbs. That leaves only my right arm, which - as anyone on the team will tell you - is a cannon.
If I were a superhero - and I'm not saying I'm not - my name would be known only to a select few, such as a trusted female reporter, or a young male ward whom I keep in a cave.
KIV: What made you choose to keep it vintage as opposed to say keep it softballage?
G: I played softball for, like, 10 years - the last few in coed leagues. I missed baseball, and jumped at the chance to play with the Newtown Sandy Hooks, er, I mean, the Bridgeport Orators. It's been a lot of fun, and my teammates are cool. The only thing that coed softball had over Vintage is that there was always the chance of hooking up with someone on your team. With the exception of BenJay, guys on the Park City squad don't fraternize in such a way.
KIV: Anything to add?
G: Okay, you beat it out of me....I am a superhero, and my name is White Lightning.
Kirkpatrick became an Orator almost by accident. At an open meeting of Newtown Sandy Hooks prior to last season, Ginger met Joe Vigorito. Though Ging was looking into becoming one of the Hooks, Vintage Joe mentioned the possibility of getting a new team going in the Park City...the rest is history. We at Keep it Vintage took the opportunity to chat a bit with the Red-headed Wonder this week and get to know the man behind the myth:
KEEP IT VINTAGE: You hold the Orators game attendance record. What's the secret there, Mr. "Iron Horse?"
GINGER: Do I? God, that's sad. I need to fake an injury or something.
KIV: They call you ginger. Is that because of your hair color or just because you have a little "zing" on the field or something?
G: I liked "Ginger" because of the shout-out to my hair. South Park did a recent episode on bigotry toward "ginger people"; it was a very important South Park. But "ginger" also means playing with hustle or spirit, which I try to do. It was also the most manly name I could think of.
As a point of interest: Ginger Beaumont, a turn of the century centerfielder, got his nickname from his Titian locks, as well. So he and I have two things in common because, as anyone on the team will tell you, I'm a natural centerfielder.
(Does using the word Titian make me gay?)
KIV: Some on the team have a bet going on how old you really are. Some of the more popular votes say 17, 23, 39, and one as high as 81. Care to share the real age or is it ungentlemanly for me to ask that?
G: Who said 81? What's his address?
KIV: You have a special ability to jam or break a finger or fingers on command. I say this is a superhero waiting to happen. Tell me your superhero name and how you got this superhuman ability. Also do you have advice for others on how they can hurt their fingers at any given moment?
G: Heck...fingers? I've had surgery on three of my four limbs. That leaves only my right arm, which - as anyone on the team will tell you - is a cannon.
If I were a superhero - and I'm not saying I'm not - my name would be known only to a select few, such as a trusted female reporter, or a young male ward whom I keep in a cave.
KIV: What made you choose to keep it vintage as opposed to say keep it softballage?
G: I played softball for, like, 10 years - the last few in coed leagues. I missed baseball, and jumped at the chance to play with the Newtown Sandy Hooks, er, I mean, the Bridgeport Orators. It's been a lot of fun, and my teammates are cool. The only thing that coed softball had over Vintage is that there was always the chance of hooking up with someone on your team. With the exception of BenJay, guys on the Park City squad don't fraternize in such a way.
KIV: Anything to add?
G: Okay, you beat it out of me....I am a superhero, and my name is White Lightning.
This is the first in a series of articles called The 10th Inning, where we will profile members of the team and other vintage lads.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Captain's Corner: 4/27/2008
Each week, we will catch up with Team Captain Matt "Howitzer" Lungariello (pictured above) on his thoughts regarding the game of the week.
Last weekend on April 27, the Park City Pow-wow's a.k.a. the Gray Guns a.k.a. the Seaside Slammers a.k.a. the just plain ol' Orators had their first road trip. Things didn't go well, with the Bport Boomboys losing three games in a row and being outscored by double digits for the day.
We got the chance to chat with Howitzer today and go over the tough weekend and look ahead to the team's pending trip to Hartford where they'll square off with the Dark Blues:
KEEP IT VINTAGE: Tough losses this weekend. What went wrong?
HOWITZER: We didn't play good team defense and we didn't hit. It's as simple as that. We put ourselves in a big hole in two of the three games, and in the other game a huge inning is what killed us.
KIV: What positives can you take away from it?
H: We got some of the new guys more experience in actual game action. It's not the same as practice, there is a little more pressure during the real thing. Plays happen faster, everything speeds up.
It was fun to see Cap out there also. I think that everyone can learn something from him. I asked him to pitch, play second base, center field, and right field. He was punched in the face and he hit a home run. He did it all while having fun out there. Shame he broke his face though, we hope he has a speedy recovery.
Honorable mention goes out to Mike "Whit" who pitched very well for Newtown and kept us off balance all day.
KIV: What's the area - defense, offense, etc - that the team has to work on the most?
H: Defense, defense, defense. If you play solid defense, everything else falls into place.
Another area we have to work on is having fun. If you can't have fun playing this game, there is something wrong with you and you shouldn't even show up. Once we went down by a few runs, everyone tried to be a hero and bring the team back to life. Three singles is what scores a run in this game. An error here, a swinging bunt there. That's all it takes to get it going.
I am not too concerned about the hitting though. No, we didn't hit particularly well, but it was just one day. We will come back from that. Everyone needs to relax and let their talent take over. You see the ball, you hit the ball. You may see that right field is open and try to hit the ball between first and second. That sounds good in theory, but the pitcher doesn't allow you to go to right field. You have to hit the ball where it's pitched. If you try to hit it to right or left field and the ball is not pitched there, you can pop it up just as easily as if you are trying to hit a 10-run homer. Sometimes, you have to take what they are giving you. The biggest hole in the infield is always up the middle.
KIV: You and Paul are banged up and it's only the second week. Are injuries a big concern?
H: Well, I am going to be playing this weekend. It's not that big of a deal that I sat out three games last weekend. A lot of people complained to me that I wasn't playing them enough last year, so hopefully I got everyone into the games. I would rather take playing time away from myself, because I won't get too mad at me.
Paul, hopefully, will be back in two weeks. That's all part of the game. Ginger usually plays with one or more broken fingers at a time. Irish banged up his hand a little bit. We will work through it. We have enough guys to make it happen every week. We had a lot of injuries last year also.
KIV: Looking ahead, the team's heading back to Hartford for the first time since the very first game last season. What are you looking forward to?
H: They beat us up that first week. We were a scared bunch of rookies. We didn't know what we were supposed to do or how to do it. I am looking forward to it. It's been 12 months since we went out to that field, and we can really see how far we have come. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that I want to keep those games competitive after giving up 30+ runs last time. It was a blowout of biblical proportions. It's a long drive out there, I am sure the people that make the trip we will ready to play.
KIV: You think the O's can take the Blues?
H: We can beat anyone. We can also lose to anyone. We have a few different faces right now. We are still a very young team and we lack consistency to be a real force in this league. We need to avoid the big inning and when we are in a jam we need to try to limit the damage. "Damage control" is what i am always saying to the boys. If you load the bases with no outs, don't try to turn a triple play. Limit the team to one or two runs by getting the sure out, making the smart play, and not giving up by letting frustration take over. We have a tendency to lose focus and become unable to stop the bleeding. Then it snowballs on us. There have been a lot of games that we lost by having one bad inning.
Last weekend on April 27, the Park City Pow-wow's a.k.a. the Gray Guns a.k.a. the Seaside Slammers a.k.a. the just plain ol' Orators had their first road trip. Things didn't go well, with the Bport Boomboys losing three games in a row and being outscored by double digits for the day.
We got the chance to chat with Howitzer today and go over the tough weekend and look ahead to the team's pending trip to Hartford where they'll square off with the Dark Blues:
KEEP IT VINTAGE: Tough losses this weekend. What went wrong?
HOWITZER: We didn't play good team defense and we didn't hit. It's as simple as that. We put ourselves in a big hole in two of the three games, and in the other game a huge inning is what killed us.
KIV: What positives can you take away from it?
H: We got some of the new guys more experience in actual game action. It's not the same as practice, there is a little more pressure during the real thing. Plays happen faster, everything speeds up.
It was fun to see Cap out there also. I think that everyone can learn something from him. I asked him to pitch, play second base, center field, and right field. He was punched in the face and he hit a home run. He did it all while having fun out there. Shame he broke his face though, we hope he has a speedy recovery.
Honorable mention goes out to Mike "Whit" who pitched very well for Newtown and kept us off balance all day.
KIV: What's the area - defense, offense, etc - that the team has to work on the most?
H: Defense, defense, defense. If you play solid defense, everything else falls into place.
Another area we have to work on is having fun. If you can't have fun playing this game, there is something wrong with you and you shouldn't even show up. Once we went down by a few runs, everyone tried to be a hero and bring the team back to life. Three singles is what scores a run in this game. An error here, a swinging bunt there. That's all it takes to get it going.
I am not too concerned about the hitting though. No, we didn't hit particularly well, but it was just one day. We will come back from that. Everyone needs to relax and let their talent take over. You see the ball, you hit the ball. You may see that right field is open and try to hit the ball between first and second. That sounds good in theory, but the pitcher doesn't allow you to go to right field. You have to hit the ball where it's pitched. If you try to hit it to right or left field and the ball is not pitched there, you can pop it up just as easily as if you are trying to hit a 10-run homer. Sometimes, you have to take what they are giving you. The biggest hole in the infield is always up the middle.
KIV: You and Paul are banged up and it's only the second week. Are injuries a big concern?
H: Well, I am going to be playing this weekend. It's not that big of a deal that I sat out three games last weekend. A lot of people complained to me that I wasn't playing them enough last year, so hopefully I got everyone into the games. I would rather take playing time away from myself, because I won't get too mad at me.
Paul, hopefully, will be back in two weeks. That's all part of the game. Ginger usually plays with one or more broken fingers at a time. Irish banged up his hand a little bit. We will work through it. We have enough guys to make it happen every week. We had a lot of injuries last year also.
KIV: Looking ahead, the team's heading back to Hartford for the first time since the very first game last season. What are you looking forward to?
H: They beat us up that first week. We were a scared bunch of rookies. We didn't know what we were supposed to do or how to do it. I am looking forward to it. It's been 12 months since we went out to that field, and we can really see how far we have come. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that I want to keep those games competitive after giving up 30+ runs last time. It was a blowout of biblical proportions. It's a long drive out there, I am sure the people that make the trip we will ready to play.
KIV: You think the O's can take the Blues?
H: We can beat anyone. We can also lose to anyone. We have a few different faces right now. We are still a very young team and we lack consistency to be a real force in this league. We need to avoid the big inning and when we are in a jam we need to try to limit the damage. "Damage control" is what i am always saying to the boys. If you load the bases with no outs, don't try to turn a triple play. Limit the team to one or two runs by getting the sure out, making the smart play, and not giving up by letting frustration take over. We have a tendency to lose focus and become unable to stop the bleeding. Then it snowballs on us. There have been a lot of games that we lost by having one bad inning.
The Broken People report
Two weeks in and the walking wounded are already piling up! This isn't even mentioning Pops and Barkeep's shoulder problems:
Paul, hamstring hamstrung, 2 weeks
Ginger - multiple finger(s) strains, breaks, etc. - day to day
Howitzer - ankle, day to day
Cap - broken face, 4 weeks
Irish - hand, day to day
Paul, hamstring hamstrung, 2 weeks
Ginger - multiple finger(s) strains, breaks, etc. - day to day
Howitzer - ankle, day to day
Cap - broken face, 4 weeks
Irish - hand, day to day
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
