This is the 16th Anniversary Season for the Goat Scouts who are looking forward to playing again this year. The Goats are ready to have fun and win lots of games. The Goat record in 2002 was 9 wins, 5 losses and 1 forfeit by the opponents.

• Practice
• Thursday, April 24, 2003, H3 vs Running Dogs of NASA (Loss 14-19)
• Week of April 28, 2003 - bye
• Wednesday, May 7, 2003, H2 vs Deep Space Cadets (Loss 8-15)
• Thursday, May 15, 2003, H3 vs Encumber This (Win 23-13)
• Tuesday, May 20, 2003, H2 vs Eclectic Eccentrics (Win 23-13)
• Week of May 26, 2003 - bye
• Thursday, June 5, 2003, H2 vs L.A. Radars (Win 19-10)
• Week of June 9, 2003 - bye
• Thursday, June 19, 2003, H2 vs Fringes (Win 15-7)
• Week of June 23, 2003 - bye
• Monday, June 30, 2003, H2 vs Gravity Fielders (Win 18-11)
• Wednesday, July 9, 2003, EB vs Crawdads (Win 20-9)
• Wednesday, July 16, 2003, H2 vs Voodoo TOAD Fury (Loss 11-17)
• Tuesday, July 22, 2003, EB vs Bruisers (Win 17-12)
• Monday, July 28, 2003, H2 vs Wild Turkeys (Win 23-8)
• Tuesday, August 5, 2003, H3 vs K.I.D.S (Loss 15-25)
• Tuesday, August 12, 2003, H3 vs Paper Tigers (Win 21-9)
• Monday, August 18, 2003, H2 vs Homers (Win 13-6)
• Tuesday, August 26, 2003, H2 vs Deep Space Cadets (Win 12-11)

2003 Season Record - 11 wins, 4 losses

2003 Game Summaries

A first practice was held on Wednesday, April 9, 2003 with Tom Hoffman, Keith Martin, Donna Bonorris, Cindy Huynh, Lisa Tatge (rookie Goat), Toni Feldman (rookie Goat), Bryan Bell, Shuichi Ishikawa and Keizo Ishikawa. Also there to enjoy the afternoon were Tom's kids Ashley and Kevin. Five o'clock for some (Bryan, Shuichi and Keizo) just didn't register as these three showed up after six o'clock, when some of us thought practice should be ending. However, it was pretty fun and I'm sorry more weren't able to join us. It was a beautiful evening for some softball fun.

The second practice was held on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 with Keith, Donna, Lisa, Shuichi, Keizo, Larry Hernandez, Al Sirota, Chris Landry, Ian Ruiz and Lloyd Keith. It was a bit chilly out but practice was good. Other C-league teams seemed to have the same idea about practicing. I believe both Paper Tigers and Running Dogs of NASA were out there trying to practice in between the soccer games. First game next Thursday. See you then.

And it begins. The weather was sunny but chilly and the Goats were lean. Thank you to Tom for bringing 2 extra players, David Tseng and Garett Sohl. The Goats started off the game by shutting down the Dogs in the 1st inning, unfortunately they got lucky bounces in the next 3 innings and scored 5 runs each. The Goats appeared to have slippery fingers as they were unable to pick up grounders in the infield. In the bottom of the 7th inning it looked bleak for the Goats, down by 9 runs. A two out rally started the scoring, but unfortunately the Goats didn't score quite enough runs to make up the difference. Batting highlights include homeruns by Chris and David, triples by Lloyd and Garett and doubles by Chris and Larry. Final score Goat Scouts 14, Running Dogs of NASA 19.

With rain threatening, the game gets underway. The Goats held the Cadets scoreless for the first four innings with some spectacular infield plays including Keizo at first base hustling for a foul pop-up. Several of us noted that we didn't know Keizo could run. I think he just did it to keep warm because it was COLD!!! In the bottom of the 5th the Cadets took the lead and never looked back scoring 9 runs and then 6 more in the bottom of the 6th. The Goats were held scoreless for the last 5 innings unable to get anything started on offense. Batting highlights include doubles by Chris and Bryan. Final score Goat Scouts 8, Deep Space Cadets 15.

What a difference in weather, Goat defense and offense. The Goats got off to a quick start in the top of the 1st scoring 6 runs and really never looking back. In the 2nd inning, Miki was robbed of a great hit over 2nd base when the rover made the catch. The highlight of the game came in the top of the 3rd inning. Chris came up first and hit a long ball home run. As he crossed home plate he jumped over one puddle right in to another one where his foot gave out and he fell in. It was the best! Chris then complained the rest of the game about how wet his shorts were. In the top of the 5th inning Chris hit another homerun and many of us were hoping for a repeat of the slide in to the puddle, but alas he didn't fall in. He did however put us in Mercy, where we remained the rest of the game. Bryan's hitting returned to form as he matched Chris's two homeruns. This week saw the return of Keith after a 3 week vacation. He did not disappoint. He snagged some hard hit line drives down 3rd like it was old hat and even slid in to home on a close throw and was safe. Batting highlights include homeruns by Bryan (2) and Chris (2), a triple by Dave H. and doubles by Keith, Dave H., Keizo and Jose. Final score Goat Scouts 23, Encumber This 13.

It was HOT! HOT! HOT! The Goats were expecting the usual Rose Bowl breeze, but it was not to be. While the Goats were loaning catchers to the Eclectic Eccentrics: 1. Dave H. flattened Chris, who said "He doesn't hit as hard as my Mom." 2. Chris "tried to avoid" Jackie, but flattened her as well.

Busiest double play in recent years: Runners at 1st & 2nd - single to center: Dave H. to Bryan (Hey! we hit the cut- off man!) to Keith for the tag on the trailing runner. Then Keith to Lloyd (who reminds us of Art Thompson by intercepting the throw to Big Al S.) to Keith in a quick rundown for the tag on the lead runner. However, the batter took second on the play. Goat Rookie Lisa with her first put-out at Rover. Lloyd is ready to take his act to Vegas with his impressions of Bryan's and Keith's fielding flubs.

On offense, Keith, pinch-running for Wayne, goes to third for a triple for Wayne. Then Wayne pinch-runs for Keith. Thanks, Wayne. Next time I'll stop at first... Batting highlights include homeruns by Bryan(2), Chris, Lloyd and Dave H. (2), triples by Keith, Chris, Lloyd, Wayne and Shuichi and doubles by Bryan, Keith, Chris (2), Dave H. and Lisa (the first by a female this season). Final score Goat Scouts 23, Eclectic Eccentrics 13.

Another cold evening down at the Rose Bowl and the slams were coming fast and furious. In the first inning as Bryan had trouble getting a hand on the ball, Keizo remarked "Bryan's taking lessons from me". The Goats put on a hitting display in the bottom of the second as all but 3 players came up to bat. The biggest hit was by Shuichi with bases loaded and no one out he hit a Grand Slam homerun that the Radars are still chasing down. In the third inning Miki called "Keith a one man machine", as he made all the outs. Keizo tried to help the opponents by telling the catcher to "let Chris run to second before calling it a foul". As the Goats were leading by more than 10 runs it appeared the grass got pretty slippery as Lloyd went down trying to get the ball. In the bottom of the 5th, Miki attempts to stretch her hit in to a homerun by not stopping on any of the bases. It nearly works as she heads for home expecting the 3rd baseman to throw it in for the tag. Unfortunately the third baseman decides to make the play himself and tags her out just before she reaches home plate. Chris gets a high five from the opponents catcher for hitting a moving car with a foul off first. When Chris hits his second homerun, he does it by sending the ball in to the soccer game in left center. Batting highlights include: homeruns by Bryan, Keith, Chris (2) and Shuichi, triples by Bryan, Keith, Miki (the first by a female this season) and Jose and a double by Lloyd. Final score Goat Scouts 19, L.A. Radars 10.

June Gloom has taken hold, weather that is and the Goats are playing very well as a team. Tom tries his hand at pitching this week and has much success. He got them 1-2-3 in the first throwing less than 6 pitches. In the bottom of the 1st with Bryan on 2nd, Keith hit it hard to the shortstop who had to think before throwing as he wasn't too sure what Bryan was going to do. This hesitation helped Keith reach 1st safely. In the top of the 2nd inning the Goat defense let Tom down and the Fringes scored 6 runs and took the lead by 1 run. Keizo makes a nice play on a pop-up behind the plate. Who knew "Keizo got wheels"? Tom and the Goat offense and defense get the game back under control as the Goats score 4 runs in the 4th, 1 in the 5th and 5 in the 6th while only allowing the Fringes 1 run in the 5th. While coaching at 3rd Kevin jumps on Bryan's back and Bryan tells Wayne "this is how I feel when you are pitching". Keith hands out a fine to Shuichi for not running to first base on one of his hits, because you never know it might drop. Batting highlights include: homeruns by Bryan and Keizo, triples by Chris (2) and doubles by Bryan, Shuichi, Jackie, and David H. Final score Goat Scouts 15, Fringes 7.

It's the last day of June and June gloom is gone! It was HOT as the game got started and except for a nice breeze every now and then it was HOT throughout the game. Wow, what a game, 6 guys and 5 gals, barely enough for a game. After 2 innings it looked liked the Gravity Fielders had our number as they scored 6 runs by hitting some dinkers just over our infielders and in front of the outfield. The Goats came back and scored 4 in the top of the 3rd to close their lead to 1. In the top of the 4th, the Goats were hitting like crazy as everyone batted and three Goats even batted twice. The Goats added three more runs in the 5th, holding the Gravity Fielders to no runs in the 4th and 5th innings. The Gravity Fielders called the 6th inning the final inning as it was after 7pm. They scored 3 in the bottom of the 6th, but it just wasn't enough to overcome the Goats. Two highlights of the game on defense included 3 fouls hit over the fence and the Gravity Fielders left fielder doing a somersault over both sides of the fence to retrieve the game ball. The Goats were very impressed and scored him a 10 on his gymnastic display. The second highlight was the Goats own Jose diving for a foul tip behind the plate while dressed in street clothes, he thought the game was later this week. Batting highlights include: homeruns by Bryan (2), Keith, Chris and Jose, a triple by Bryan and doubles by Bryan, Keith, Chris (3), Keizo (3) and Jose. Final score Goat Scouts 18, Gravity Fielders 11.

Shocking news! Keizo, Wayne, and Jose showed up on time - early even!! $50 fine to Jose for wearing the opponent's colors - we thought he was wearing one of their shirts! An additional $500 fine to Jose for not bringing his mitt. Jose, that's like sending MER off without the rover...

Kareem's return, if not his footwork on the hill, inspired the outfield. Donna had a nice catch of a monster popup and saw more action than in all of the other games this season. Dave H. had several catches at the fence, one of which he followed with a great throw to double-up a tagged-up runner, and another with a big throw to hold the runners.

The infield was solid as well. Bryan almost turned two double plays. (A better feed from the pitcher would have done it on the first attempt.) Bryan also picked a runner straying off third, causing a quick rundown from Tom to Keith for the tag. This is the third straight game the Goats have nailed a runner at the plate - Keizo and Jose made the previous tags.

Offensively, it was Donna! Donna! Donna! with the bat and Kevin! Kevin! Kevin! with the pinch-running wheels. Keith made a very flat slide into second to avoid a tag and put the second base(wo)man into a tumble. He then completed the leg shredding by sliding hard into third on the next play.

The final shock of the night was Donna and Keith attending the post game dinner at Das Boot. Kevin was so surprised he forgot to bug Donna! So, Bryan, how was Cruise Night? And how many tattoos/piercings/babes did you and Kevin go home with???

Batting highlights include: a homerun by Shuichi (aka Sweet Cheeks), triples by Bryan and Jose and doubles by Bryan (2), Lloyd and Larry (2). Final score Goat Scouts 20, Crawdads 9.

What could have been! The Goats played with heart and put everything they had into this game. Through the 1st 4 innings the defense was unbeatable giving up only one run on several excellent plays. The first double play of the game was Lloyd to Art to Toni in the 1st. In the 3rd inning Leslie made all the plays throwing to Toni for the outs. This included a hit by Charlie that was bobbled but she stayed with it and the throw to 1st was in time for the 3rd out. Unfortunately the bottom of 4th was the Goats undoing as the TOADs hit it just over the infield and just in front of the outfield and scored a record 16 runs in one inning. Note the previous record was 15 runs by the Homers in August 2002, in the 1st inning. The TOADs did not get the Goats down as the defense came back and shut them out in the 5th and 6th innings that included a diving catch by Jose in right field to close out the 6th inning. This wasn't the only diving catch as Dave H. had one in center field earlier in the game.

Congrats to rookie Beth for purchasing a glove and bringing out another rookie, Rob, who bought the same glove, to join the Goats. Finally Dave H. sees the errors of his many high fly balls and hits two singles. This was the night for the team of "Pink". Pink shirts worn by Jackie, Leslie and Art brought each of them good luck on defense and offense. Art's first game and first hit of the season was a homerun. He was also involved in many plays at shortstop. Had it not been for the "ugly" 4th inning this could have been the best game. Even the obnoxious TOADs were not so obnoxious this evening. The only complaint was in how the field was set up, as it confused our outfielders with the boundaries and where the bases were. Batting highlights include: homeruns by Chris and Art and a double by Dave H. Final score Goat Scouts 11, Voodoo TOAD Fury 17.

Who called the Pasadena Police? Three of Pasadena's finest showed up to check on our permits for playing at Eaton Blanche park. Bruisers manager, Karen and Goat Scouts manager, Donna managed to talk their way out any trouble, but were requested to provide permits at the next game. Bruisers will play there again next week and hopefully they get the permits from Charlie.

Now, back to the game. After the Goats first at bat, rules were decided to govern certain hits. If the ball was hit into the bushes or hit the fence and went over, it was considered a ground rule double. If any ball was hit over the fence on the fly, it was an out. These rules kept the game competitive and no one came close to hitting it over. A $100 was put up by the Bruisers if Chris could hit two "rowdy" boys in foul territory by left field. Alas Chris could not do it, because the boys moved close to "Goat" cars. The Goat defense was playing very well, especially Dave who made all 3 outs in the 4th. The infield had a couple of hiccups, but at least it didn't turn in to big innings for the Bruisers. Thanks to Kevin, Donna's batting average improved. He is fast, even in his new "cool" water sandals. One of the Bruisers even asked to borrow him. Keith finally made it through a game without sliding! Batting highlights include: a homerun by Chris, two triples by Keith and doubles by Bryan (2), Chris, Shuichi and Lisa. Final score Goat Scouts 17, Bruisers 12.

For once the weather was just about perfect. Before the game started Field Manager, Keith, handed out fines to Rookies Beth and Rob for forgetting a change of clothes. Lucky for Beth (and the Goats), she was wearing cords and not a skirt! Jose was also fined for not having his glove, again. Jose's excuse was he cleaned out his car and perhaps his brother "borrowed" it. He spent an extra 30 minutes looking for it and was late to work. At least his priorities are in the right place.

Now on to the game. The Goats scored early and often and were in Mercy by the end of the 3rd and Double Mercy by the middle of the 4th. The Turkeys scored 5 runs in the 6th to get out of Double Mercy, but the Goats scored 2 and the game ended in Double Mercy. First time this season for the Goats. The defense played equally well shutting the Turkeys out in 4 of the 7 innings on such plays as Keith and Shuichi doing a slow dance on a pop up when Keith clearly calls for it and Shuichi steps in to catch it. In the 5th inning, it was the Keizo and Larry combination as every hit was back to pitcher who threw to first for the outs. Larry also had some solo plays at first diving for the grounders and stepping on base for the outs. Beth and Cindy each saw action at second base catching the feeds from Keith and Shuichi to get the runners out. Keizo announced for every good play or hit, "Just like I taught you".

Kudos to rookie Toni for going to the batting cages between games. She proudly showed off her blisters to anyone and everyone! Batting highlights include: homeruns by Chris (2), a triple by Larry and doubles by Keith, Chris, Lloyd and Rob. Final score Goat Scouts 23, Wild Turkeys 8.

What can be written about a game where runners ignored signs and popups dropped in like flies? Unknown to the Goats, this team was out for revenge after the spanking they received (27-8) last year. Young, trash talking bucks (Eric, et al) were recruited and trained at the batting cages... So, they were ready for the challenge. The Goats on the other hand came to the field without their game...

Some of the highlights include Bryan starting us out by trying to get a fast one by Eric who unfortunately caught it and Jose's single stretched to a homerun thanks to Eric who tried to TAKE him out rather than GET him out at 3rd base. Keith will have to refresh the team on signals... when he waves both hands he evidently meant "slide" not "we're not worthy". TBD or next year... to quote the Governator "We'll be back!" Batting highlights, though few, include: a triple by Keith and doubles by Bryan, Keith, Chris, Toni, Lloyd, Jose (2) and Keizo. Final score Goat Scouts 15, K.I.D.S 25. OUCH!!!

First an apology to the Paper Tigers who were unaware of the Goats big loss last week to the K.I.D.S. The Goats were out to prove themselves and prove it they did. It started in the very first inning with great hitting, scoring 11 runs and putting the Tigers in mercy to start off the game. The Tigers came back in the bottom of the 1st and scored 5 runs. It looked like it would be another close game between the Goats and Tigers, but unfortunately for the Tigers two of their 3 female players left early. This left them one short in the field and typically having to take one phantom out per inning. The Goats put the Tigers back in mercy in the top of 4th and the Tigers were never able to recover. Even in the 6th inning when the Goats missed Shuichi leaving early and forgot to put a replacement in the field. David H. covered 3rd for Shuichi, but no one was covering center for David. I guess it didn't really matter as Jackie was out there and made a beautiful catch at which point field manager, Keith, finally noticed no one was playing center. Another great defensive play was made by Beth who tagged out a runner by running them down just like Bryan taught her. Batting highlights include: homeruns by Bryan and Keith, a triple by Jackie (you go girl!) and doubles by Bryan (2), Chris, David H. and Jose. Final score Goat Scouts 21, Paper Tigers 9.

WOW, what a game. The Goat defense played so well that there were very few errors made. Only 1 or maybe 2 overthrows to 1st and one overthrow to 3rd that went past home plate as well. In the outfield only one homerun went way over Chris's head. Donna, in right center, had some difficulty with two high fly balls, but Bryan was right there to back her up. In right field, Jackie, caught one early on and so the Homers avoided hitting it out to her for the rest of the game. Beth, at 2nd base grabbed a bouncer and got the runner out with a good heads up play. Also on defense, Tom suffered a "full body check" by a Homer runner while going from 2nd to 3rd. The offense wasn't too shabby either, scoring 7 runs in the 3rd inning. During that inning the Homers were asking themselves if the Goats had batted through the line-up yet as the runs kept coming. Batting highlights include: homeruns by Keith and Chris, triples by Bryan and Keith and doubles by Bryan and Keizo. Final score Goat Scouts 13, Homers 6.

The Goats were out for payback, having lost to the Cadets in the second game of the season. Keith missed that game, so he was anxious to show the Cadets it was a fluke.

Keizo almost received a fine from Donna before the game due to an afternoon claim that "a Goat victory is assured!" - just as Cadet Manager Randy Bartos was walking past Keizo's office. Randy's response was "Ha! A Goat LOSS is assured!", but it seems the Goats ignored him.

The Cadets recruited two Ringers, Karen Chan from the Bruisers and Richard Chen from the Homers. Better luck next time, Randy, your Ringers are no good here...

Defensive Web Gems: 1. Bryan made one double play, and almost turned a second one. 2. The Outfield enforced a blanket no-fly zone (except for Richard Chen's homer when the fielders were still moving into position). 3. Keizo backed up the Catcher on an overthrow on the relay, saving a run. This is the kind of heads-up play we never see from Keizo; so he must have awakened from his afternoon slumber and remembered his pre-game "Broadway Joe" boast.

Defensive Offenses: The Goat defense wasn't perfect, as several players played Hot Potato. But Keizo gets top billing here by reminding the older Goats of Steve Sax's wild throwing exhibitions. In Saxie's defense, he had to throw the ball at least 60 feet. Keizo only has to throw the ball 15 to 20 feet! No worm was safe within five feet from the Cheese! Chick Hearn would say "he couldn't throw a pea into the ocean from the Huntington Beach pier!" But Larry said it best, "we cringed every time Keizo fielded the ball."

Game Within the Game: Normally, Richard Chen likes to go mano a mano with Bryan. But this time he and Keith hooked up for the love-fest. First inning: Richard ranges into the gap to rob Keith of a homer. Later, Keith goes to his knees to take the liner away from Richard. Keith counters with a homer in the gap past Richard into the soccer players. (Keizo-like moment: Keith mistook Bryan's high five for a stop sign at third base, but recovered to score anyway.) And finally, seeking revenge, Richard hits a long one to Keith in Right who scoops it up, throws to Bryan, who over throws to home where Keizo backs up Rob to prevent a homerun. Surprise Goat spectators included Tracy Carrillo and her daughter Brittany, who no doubt brought the Goats good luck.

Batting highlights include: homeruns by Keith and David H., a triple by Chris and doubles by Chris and Shuichi. Final score Goat Scouts 12, Deep Space Cadets 11.

Top billing is always better than no billing. I do not slumber, I take naps because I like to and because I can, and sometimes I need to.

Several worms have come forward and have signed sworn affidavits stating they felt very safe, even though they were in the so called five feet circle of death around the "Cheese". (AKA home plate, as in "as fast as cheese" or "as fast as home plate"). They all stated they never felt threatened with a strike as long as they stayed within 5 feet of the Cheese...

I really could pee into the ocean from the Huntington Beach pier, just not with a softball...

Really, no need to cringe when I field the ball, only when I throw it...(Think of all the extra exercise I give Larry and Lisa when I throw the ball. I only do this for the health and well-being of my fellow Goats.)

And please, Kei-th does not have enough ZO (a higher form of zen that all aspire to) to have a true Kei-ZO moment. His ability to get home runs at opportune times really does not measure up to being able to choke all the time...

Finally to my legion of fans (a legion is Loud and Noisy and Too Many, which happen to be the middle names of my three kids) when I am pitching, I am always the MVP of the team. Yesterday, that team happened to be the Cadets.

As I always say, Victory is assured! (but with me pitching, maybe not for the Goats). A note here to facilitate pitcher contracts for next year.... No one else has shown the ability to be a multi team winner like I have, and also to be able to consistently extract defeat from the jaws of victory. Something to think about.

Thanks for a fun season, Always_ready_to_sit_one_for_the_team_Keizo, Win one for the Donna-er