The Jesuit Outcasts are now in sole possession of first place in the Bubba Strike's Back Fantasy Baseball League. All is now right with the world.
So it looks like, in the real world, I'll be joining a baseball team afterall. The Bisons disbanded, because the coach was a flake and just dropped the ball with the whole team. So I e-mailed the commish and the following exchange occurred:
Hey Gerard,
Its Charlie O'Donnell... I came down to your batting practice and you recommended me for Nelson's team. That turned out to be a disappointment. After two practices, he seemed to give up and he's not going to have a team. Its a shame too, because it seemed like he had a few pitchers and infielders who could play... maybe a few guys to build a team around. I called him up and his answer was, "Guys aren't calling me back." That didn't make any sense, because it seemed like the crew he had at the practices was pretty enthusiastic... I think he just decided he didn't want to coach. So now, I'm back to square one. Are there any other teams in this league still looking for players? After the two practices, I got pretty excited about playing again, so you can imagine how frustrating this is now. Let me know if you have any more leads?
Thanks,
Charlie
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Then I get this e-mail:
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Charlie my name is Joseph Fastaia and I am the manager for the Brooklyn Dodgers that plays in the UBBL league. Gerard forwarded your email to me and I was interested in what you said. I have a team of 13 players right now. I am looking for 4 more guys. I have 1 trying out tonight infact. I can tell you right now, you want to play ball, that's all I need to hear for people to be on my team. I do not care if they are not the greatest, if they love to play, that's good enough for me. I am so cocky that I believe I will bring the best I can out of that person and give them new heights for the game. If you are interested you can email me back and we can set up a date for me to look at you as well as tell you more about my team.
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My response:
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Sounds great...
Here's my info:
I turning 25 in July work in midtown and live in the city, but my job is very flexible and I have car, so I can almost guarantee that I can make most, if not all, the games. Actually, I can drive into Brooklyn tomorrow morning if that works for you, but I have to be somewhere at 12. Then, I'm in San Fran from Sunday until Wednesday and I'm free after that.
Baseballwise, I catch and play outfield. I have a good arm, but with some accuracy issues, which is the only reason I don't pitch. At the plate, I'm basically a contact #2 type hitter... not too much pop, just line drives and walks, but we'll see how that plays out in practice. I'm definately not a flashy player, but I'm good over the long run. The one thing I can guarantee is that I can outhustle any guy you have on your team. Call my cell if you'd like to meet up tomorrow morning somewhere. If not, I'll have to meet you later next week or next weekend.
Charlie
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You gotta love that... Throwing down the gauntlet: " I can guarantee is that I can outhustle any guy you have on your team."
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I love your spunk. I have not met you but I can tell you I would like you to be on my team. There is one problem about tomorrow I have to work, but I am having a practice next Friday the 23rd at 5pm at Marine Park. Your age is right around ours. We are a bunch a guys that want to play just like you, that's why I feel your a prefect fit for this team. Position wise, I need a catcher but outfield is already filled up because everyone on my team can play everywhere. So more then likely your going to catch, but play other positions because its going to be hard to have everyone down at once. The price is 360. Jersey is included, plus umpire fees and registration. Baseball pants and hats your on your own because I feel you gotta feel right in them and instead of buying a whole bunch of cheap ones that everyone does not feel good in. Once you pay, you pay and that's it. I look forward from hearing from you and like I said before 4 more guys I want and I see you as one of them and you will love this team because we have fun and we will win.
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You hear that, folks... I got spunk. Spunk me, baby. So now, I'm a Dodger.