The Empty Pitchers begin their fourteenth season together, meaning the team has spent five long, upward-moving years together learning how to hyphenate properly.

The team pays homage to its Spanish and German heritage this season, despite season five's tragic Eskimo / Djiboutian heritage mishap. Those of us there will never slide headfirst wearing a parka.

New Faces

Val, who subbed just once for us, will patrol the outfield and infield this season. Joining her and the other ladies will be Trina, who brings pitching experience to the team and Dani, who brings the potential for crazy new uniforms to the team.

Loaded with testerone, subs Joey (Lena's husband) and Dennis (of Friday's Free Agents) join the team this season. Jason is taking a season or two off to coach his daughter's softball team, and Dennis is temporarily taking his place. Need gardening advice? Ask Dennis.

Connie and Ron are taking the season off to get ready for the planning of their out-of-state nuptuals. Speaking of nuptuals, congrats to Dani and Tom who became engaged just this past weekend!

Old Faces

For the first time in EP memory, every season's opponent has a history with EP. The only new team to the division is last season's tournament champ, The Big Kids, who beat the Empty Pitchers in the title game.

Last season the pitchers notched victories in their bedpost against Balls Out, Armadillos and Cerveceros. Rivalry games of note: C Dogs, Armadillos and Warriors.

To win, we must have a balance of offense...

And defense...

We must also avoid injuries, such as a moth in the ear.

Standings  

0-0   Armadillos 0-0   AZ Outlaws 0-0   Balls Out 0-0   C Dogs 0-0   Cerveceros 0-0   Empty Pitchers 0-0   The Big Kids 0-0   Warriors

Upcoming Games

Cerveceros @ AZ Outlaws
Balls Out @ Warriors
Armadillos @ C Dogs

Tibetan Mountain Monk says:
I have seen many odd things in my days, but few are as amazing as some of these college mascots, including the Fighting Artichokes there in Arizona:
First ten crazy mascots
Second ten crazy mascots

My picks this opening week... this is hard to do as I never want to pick against the Pitchers but perhaps they will prove me wrong so I never shall do so again.

AZ Outlaws, Warriors, The Big Kids and C Dogs.

Last week: --
Total: 118-74

Known Travel

Sept 18th - Keith, Dani and Tom

Sept 24th - Dani, Tom and Marlee

Oct 2nd - Dani and Tom

Radar's 4077 Update

Joey's ankle should be ready by the first game.

Courtney and Andrew continue to heal. Andrew is further along and ready to sub when needed. Jessica remains very pregnant.

Riddles of Raoul
What always runs but never walks, often murmurs, never talks, has a bed but never sleeps, has a mouth but never eats?
Highlight space between quotes for answer: "   A river.     "

The voters have spoken and yes, there is a new MVP who has yet to adorn the crown (which is really shaving cream sprayed in a circle atop the top vote-getter's head).

Keith had competition from a lot of criers on the team... only Lisa did not weep openly at any point during the season, but Keith retains his Most Sensitive designation. Congrats!

While Jami continued to improve on her lack of use of foul language during the game in front of young fans, it was Ted's improved improved defense and hitting (despite his increased foul language) that awarded him Most Improved. Congrats!

Nobody was more vital to the team's lineup success than Lena, who brought three subs to the team last season which led to multiple wins. She is the Assistant GM of the season. Congrats!

Most not named Raoul by a landslide is Lisa. I'm sure someone will explain it to her. Congrats!

MVP was not as close as in recent years of voting. The award goes to the human infield vacuum at first base, Jami. The wild throws she scoops are incredibly more difficult to reign in that the shots to 2B, SS and 3B. Her dramatic walk-off homeruns apparently swayed voters too. Congrats!

8pm - Away
History: 0-1
S13P L 18-4

The Pitchers open the season against the team that closed their season this summer. The Big Kids beat up on both the little kids on Dawson's southeast field last season and the the northeast field's big kids in the tournament.

Just like the show Survivor, EP will need to outhit, outwit and outspit for victory and a date with Jeff Probst.

Perhaps a little science will be needed too. Check out this breakdown of another tiple play and if didn't watch the previous videos full-screen, make it so with this one.

The team is encouraged to monitor 2B Marlee's backhanded glove flips of the ball this season.

The Big Kids Scouted: Danger lurks everywhere when these guys and gals are at the plate.