This is the 12th Anniversary Season for the Goat Scouts who are looking forward to winning more games. The Goat record in 1997 was 8 wins, 5 losses, 1 forfeit by the opponents and 1 cancelled game due to Galaxy Soccer. We had a lot of fun, some really great plays and awsome hits.

• Thursday, April 23, 1998, H2 vs LA Radars (Win 13-8)
• Thursday, April 30, 1998, H3 vs TBD (Win 28-18)
• Monday, May 4, 1998, H2 vs Devil Rays (Rained Out)
• Monday, May 11, 1998, H3 vs Deep Space Cadets (Loss 14-18)
• Thursday, May 21, 1998, H4 vs Rick's Rejects (Opponents were a No Show)
• Wednesday, May 27, 1998, H4 vs Crawdads (Win 24-17)
• Wednesday, June 3, 1998, H3 vs Voodoo TOAD Fury (Win 17-16)
• Monday, June 8, 1998, H2 vs Homers (Win 23-20)
• Wednesday, June 17, 1998, H3 vs Bruisers (Win 24-9)
• Tuesday, June 23, 1998, H2 vs Eclectic Eccentrics (Win 22-15)
• Thursday, July 2, 1998, H4 vs Cassini Grounders (Postponed)
• Thursday, July 9, 1998, H3 vs Planet X (Win 22-7)
• Thursday, July 16, 1998, H3 vs IR Sox (Opponents forfeited to us)
• Wednesday, July 22, 1998, H3 vs Wild Turkeys (Win 21-14)
• Thursday, August 6, 1998, H3 vs The O Zone (Win 14-12)
• Tuesday, August 11, 1998, H4 vs Paper Tigers (Win 16-7)
• Tuesday, August 18, 1998, H3 vs Devil Rays (Opponents forfeited to us)
• Tuesday, August 25, 1998, H2 vs Gravity Fielders (Opponents forfeited to us)
• Thursday, September 3, 1998, H2 vs Homers (Loss 7-11)

1998 Season Record - 11 wins, 2 losses, 1 rain out, 1 postponement, 4 forfeits

1998 Game Summaries

According to my sources only 7 players showed up to practice. It was a good thing it wasn't a game, because it looked like the "Bad News Bears" showed up rather than the "Goat Scouts". Manager Bryan gave a lecture at the end of practice regarding the rusty play. One player countered that they were all a year older.

For this practice 9 players showed up including a couple of rookies. I think we all got a pretty good work out running after the ball, at least I did. Everyone took a turn at bat and in that area we looked pretty good. Now if the fielding could improve just a little, we'll be unbeatable.

It's the first game of the season and the Goats are ready to play. You wouldn't know that it was softball season by the looks of the gray skies on this day. The wind was blowing and it was chilly on the field. Several players were in shorts thinking it would be as warm as it had been earlier in the week and boy, were they wrong, it was COLD!

This was a really tight game throught the first 5 innings. In the second inning Michael was practically our whole defense when he snagged two flies in right field. In the 5th inning Tom H. makes an amazing line drive grab above his head and in the 7th makes another great catch that still has our opponents wondering how he hung on to the ball. Note that Keith and Miki team-up for a double play (1st of the season). Batting highlights include homeruns by Bryan (3), Michael and Tom H, a triple by Keith and doubles by Keith, Tom M., Larry, Lloyd (2) and Tom H. Final Score Goat Scouts 13, LA Radars 8.

Before the game started Lloyd told Donna that he runs slow and she runs snail! But this lack of speed did not effect the game and oh what a game it was! TBD came out and scored 3 runs in the top of the 1st but then the Goats scored 11 runs before the first out was recorded in the bottom of the 1st. Defensively the goats held TBD to 3 scoreless innings with the exception of the 4th and 7th where they scored 7 runs each. The mercy rule came in to effect early after the Goats scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 2nd and the rule stayed in effect for the remainder of the game.

Tim was overheard asking for snacks as he noticed that TDB was well supplied with food. Next time Tim, bring some for all of us. Art batted left handed for most of the game and still managed to go 4 for 4. Larry had a tough game at short as the ball kept bouncing up and hitting him in the shins. I guess it's time to buy shin guards for the next time we play on this field. Batting highlights include homeruns by Tom M., Larry, Art and Tim, triples by Bryan and Keith and doubles by Bryan, Keith, Miki, Gary, Art (2) and Tim. Final Score Goat Scouts 28, TBD 18.

It was a beautiful day in Pasadena, oops I must be dreaming again. It was an overcast, drizzling, dreary, rainy day and only 13 of you Goats responded to my e-mail regarding attendance at the game. Eight were willing to battle the elements and play and the rest had other things they had to do except Tom H. who was pretty sure the game would be rained out. Tom was right, we were rained out. Bryan called the opponents and it was a mutual decision to call the game on account of rain. Usually we get rained out in April, not May, but then again this year we blame it on EL NINO...

Another cold, windy day at the Rose Bowl. Rain was threatening. Several of us felt a couple of drops during the game, but it didn't dampen our spirits. The game was close, 6-6 at the bottom of the third, but that's when our opponents put on a batting show and the Goats turned in to the "Bad News Bears". At the end of the third the score was Deep 15, Goats 6, not quite the "mercy rule", but close enough. The Goats battled back but fell short in the end. Oh the shame, our first loss and so early in the season. Batting highlights include homeruns by Lloyd, a triple by Bryan and doubles by Bryan, Keith, Larry (2), Miki and Lloyd. Keizo joined us for the first time in forever and was 4 for 4. Come out more often, Keizo. Final Score Goat Scouts 14, Deep Space Cadets 18.

Special kudos to the only member of Rick's Rejects to show up for the game, Jacob. The Goats were beginning to wonder it they were in the right place at the right time. Thanks also to all the Goats who came out ready to play, too bad our opponents didn't! The goats did not waste this opportunity to get in some batting and fielding practice. This was the first game of the season for Tracy, Kareem and William and they showed us that they did not get rusty in the off season. Hope to see you all at next weeks game.

When the day started out, the Goats didn't know if there would be a game or not and as the day wore on it looked as if we would only field 9 players. But what a fine group of 9 players they were. As the game got under way, the Goats appeared to be out matched as the score in the middle of the 2nd was Goats 2, Crawdads 7 and it was looking bleak. However, in the bottom of the 2nd every Goat got to bat and by the end of the inning it was Goats 12, Crawdads 7. The Goats were on a roll, they started believing that could actually win this game with only 9 players. On defense the star of the evening was Cindy, who made quite a few outs playing second base. Keizo had some difficulty in the left field with the sun in his eyes and no hat or sunglasses and was moved to right. Later after pulling a muscle in his leg he was moved to 3rd base. Batting highlights include homeruns by Keith (2) and Ron, triples by Keizo and Keith, and doubles by Lloyd and Ron. Final Score Goat Scouts 24, Crawdads 17.

A game against the TOADs! What could be more fun? It was you typical June day in an El Nino year, with rain threatening. In the very first inning Keith forgets to remain at 2nd as Miki hits a line drive to short to end a good start. Keith tells me in his defense that Miki's line drive was *HARD* and *LOW* all the way to the shortstop, and inches off the turf when he caught it. It would have been a double play anyway, had it hit the ground. So, hoping that he might distract the shortstop, Keith chanced it!

The game stays pretty close until the Goats mercy rule in the top of the 4th, but the TOADs rebound with 8 runs of their own and from then on it's just an inning by inning game. The Goats lead going in to the bottom of 7th by 5 runs hoping that it enough to hang on and win. The TOADs get 4 quick runs before the Goats even get an out, but then it's 2 quick outs. The next batter hits a double and the Goats get the next batter out and win by one run. Defensive highlights include: Tom M. catching one deep in foul in the 2nd and Miki catching a high pop fly in center for the final out in the 5th. The second double play of the season occured when Keith and Paula connected. It should be noted that it could have been an easier double play had Keizo ducked like REAL pitchers do! Batting highlights include: homeruns by Bryan and Kareem, triples by Bryan and Tom M. (2) and doubles by Keith, Tom M. and Kareem. Final Score Goat Scouts 17, VooDoo TOAD Fury 16.

It was another lovely overcast day at the Rose Bowl, but at least it wasn't windy or too cold! Another tough, tough opponent however. Before we got underway, Kareem strided in from Jury Duty in Pasadena so as not to miss this important game. Patty, Miki and Donna were stunned that he ran to the Bowl from the court house, but if anyone can do it, it's Kareem who loves to run! In the first inning the Goats mercy ruled the Homers, but it didn't last long. From then on it was touch and go. It stayed so close throughout the game that at the end of regulation it was tied. Some of us wanted to end it, but the guys would not settle for a tie. So we played an extra inning and the Goats scored 3 runs and held the Homers off in the bottom of the eighth to win.

According to the Homers web page, this was their first defeat after 18 straight wins. Defensive play of the game goes to Keith who tagged three players out at home with assists from Kareem, Lloyd and Bryan. Two of those tags were against the same guy. Guess he didn't learn the first time! Batting highlights include: homeruns by Bryan, Keizo, Kareem and Michael, triples by Keith (which could have been a homer if slow poke Donna wasn't running with a refrigerator on her back), doubles by Miki, Lloyd, Kareem and Tom M. Final Score Goat Scouts 23, Homers 20.

Way to go GOATS! We've defeated two of best teams in the league back to back...

It was the best weather of the season, so far, for a game. The Goats had several family members attend including Kareem's wife, Denise and son, Bryce. Bryce slept for awhile as Denise went jogging around the Bowl. He woke up, but didn't cry so that Kareem could take his turn batting and also play center field. Bryce got fussy just as Denise returned and the inning ended. By the middle of the 3rd inning the Goats were up by 12 runs, so Bryan switched everyone around defensively and Cindy got a turn at first base. She was a little nervous but was able to get a runner out with a throw from Paula. Later when the Goats were up by 20 runs, Bryan had an all female outfield one inning and an all female infield in the last inning where Miki played short and didn't commit an error, (Keith, Larry take note...you can be replaced)! She also made an unassisted out and connected with Cindy at 2nd for another out. Batting highlights include: Homeruns by Bryan and Lloyd, triples by Paula, Keith and Lloyd and doubles by Keizo, Paula, Keith, Miki, Tom M., Kareem and Larry (after Donna told Larry to try the heavier bat). Final Score Goat Scouts 24, Bruisers 9.

Another beautiful day at the Rose Bowl. El Nino might just be gone. Spectators includes event Lloyd's wife and granddaughter Jackie and Tom H.'s son Kevin. Defensive highlights included a double play in the first inning Lloyd to Bryan to Paula. In the last inning Bryan nags Paula for catching one in short right and then he turns around and catches one in short left even though they were both playing in the infield. Once again Cindy gave first base a try for a couple of innings. On offense it should be noted that Kevin ran out of his shoes practicing to run for his dad. Lloyd "hurdled" the shortstop causing her to miss the ball so that Cindy got a single in the 5th. The mercy rule came in to play in the 3rd inning and continued through the end of the game. Batting highlights include: homeruns by Keizo, Tom M. (2), Lloyd and new goat Tom C., triples by Kareem and Lloyd and doubles by Bryan, Keith (2), Tom M., Kareem, Lloyd and Tom C. Final Score Goat Scouts 22, Eclectic Eccentrics 15.

Due to the July 4 Holiday Weekend, Manager Miki elected to postpone this game until later in the season so that everyone could get a head start on the 3 day weekend.

After not playing for a couple weeks, there was concern whether the Goats would be ready. Planet X came out and scored 3 quick runs in the top of the 1st, but by the end of the first the Goats were in control and mercied them in the 2nd inning. The Goats held Planet X scoreless through four innings. Defensively it was noted that Keizo did a little dancing trying to find 1st on a double play. Offensively Michael hits a homer but runs a triple and Miki notes that it reminds her of Don Johnson. In Michael's defense, 3rd base coach Lloyd held him at third because he looked winded and it was awfully hot out. Batting highlights include: homeruns by Bryan, triples by Michael (2), Tom C. and Matt, doubles by Keizo, Keith, Michael, Art, Tom H., Tom C., and Matt. Final Score Goat Scouts 22, Planet X 7.

It was HOT, HOT, HOT and the opponents were unable to rustle up a team so they forfeited. Miki told me that Ron and Courtney were planning on coming, as this was probably their last opportunity to us all since they are moving to OHIO in a week or so. Bye, Bye Ron and Courtney, the Goat Scouts will miss you, but you can keep in touch with us by logging into the Web site on occassion. See you all at next weeks game.

Another HOT day in Pasadena and our hottest batter Tom C. continues his perfect batting record even as a switch hitter. The Goats came out hot and scored 8 runs in the first inning, but the Turkeys came back and scored 8 runs of their own in the first. It looked like it was going to be a close game. In that first inning, a ball was hit to the left side where someone yelled "Tom, you've got it" and Tom H. was at short, Tom M. at Left and Tom C. in Center and no one "got it". Tom M. decided later that someone should have yelled for the Rover to get it and not "Tom"! Fortunately for the Goats the Turkeys didn't score again until the 6th inning and by then the Goats were leading 19-8. Batting highlights include: homeruns by Lloyd and Kareem, triples by Bryan, Lloyd and Gary and doubles by Keizo (2), Tom C. (2), Tom H. and Kareem. Final Score Goat Scouts 21, Wild Turkeys 14.

Stifling heat in Pasadena once again. The Goats gathered for the game and at first it appeared as if our opponents were a no show, but they were just on the wrong field. The goats started the game with only 8 players in the top of the first inning. Defensively we gave up second and rover and the O Zone scored 6 runs. Luckily for us Keizo and Paula showed up at that point or else it would have been a long afternoon. Unfortunately the O Zone lost 3 players at the end of the first inning and played with only 7 players and we caught for them, except on plays at home. It seemed to go pretty well and the game stayed close. In the bottom of the sixth, however, we continued to catch for them even though Richard Chen from the Homers joined them in the field to play Center. Game ended after 6 innings at 7:20 p.m. Batting highlights include: homerun by Keizo and almost Paula (she was tagged out at home, so it counted as a triple) and triples by Bryan, Larry and Paula. Final Score Goat Scouts 14, The O Zone 12.

The heat is on, but thank goodness for a little shade and a little breeze. The Goats played with only 9 players today and proved once again that 9 can play just as well as 10. It also meant that there would be many opportunities to improve their batting and slugging averages. Early on defensively, the Goats played homage to the "Three Stooges" as the ball first went through the legs of Michael (3rd), then Keith (short) and finally Kareem (left) picked up the ball. It was quite a sight! Even with plays like that, the Goats held the Paper Tigers scoreless for 3 straight innings. On offense in the 4th inning ,Keith slides in to 3rd safely and gets an "owie" for his efforts. Batting highlights include: homeruns by Keizo and Michael (2) and doubles by Keizo (2), Paula (although she was tagged out at third), Keith (3), Michael and Kareem. Final Score Goat Scouts 16, Paper Tigers 7.

It was actually a very pleasant day in Pasadena, not too hot! It would have been a beautiful evening for a softball game, but alas our opponents could not rustle up enough players for a game and therefore had to forfeit to us because the Goats could field a team of about eleven. Only two games left...GO GOATS!

Dang! Our opponents forfeited to us again because they could not field a team. Bummer, big time because the Goats really needed to get in some playing time, before the big rematch next week against the Homers. Oh well, only one game to go...

Last game of the season vs Homers, a team we beat in extra innings in June. Today the Goats would not be so lucky. It was a hot, muggy day at the Bowl and the Goats were only 9 strong. Defensively the Goats were outstanding holding the Homers runs to a minimum. In the 3rd inning Kareem catches one in deep center hit by Richard Chen for the 3rd out. The Goat bats were really quiet and only came alive during one inning, the 5th. In that inning Lloyd hit a Grand Slam home run. Our luck seemed to turn that inning when our good luck charms and cheering section, Denise and Bryce showed up. Final score Goat Scouts 7, Homers 11.

Thanks to all the Goats for a great season. Our record was 11 wins, 2 losses, 4 forfeits to us, 1 rainout and 1 game postponed, but never rescheduled. See you all next season...