Location3 Media - Newsletter
  
Fall 2007
Volume 1, Issue 1
Back to the main page
Opinion

Make-a-Wish Kickball Tournament Recap

Saturday, September 23, 2007. 8:30 a.m. – Fluffy cotton candy clouds sweetened a baby blue sky creating the perfect day for a charity kickball tournament. As Team InSANity members rolled in—bright-eyed and bushy-tailed despite the early hour—spirits soared and expectations ran high. Team members convened in the parking lot, running through the roster and working out a lineup. Some minutes later Captain Justin Peereboom reappeared with a clipboard in hand, ready to lead Team InSANity to their designated field—a location in which, by day’s end, the members would experience a full spectrum of emotions: anticipation, hope, comfort, suspense, dread and disappointment. 

Grinning Jared Schroder enjoys a moment of pride after schredding one past the second baseman.
Grinning Jared Schroder enjoys a moment of pride after schredding one past the second baseman.
Erik prepares to take home as Lorrin boots the ball in the background..
Erik prepares to take home as Lorrin boots the ball in the background.
 The first game began with a rock-paper-scissors throw-off, a digression from the chug-off that Team InSANity had become so accustomed to. However, they didn’t let it affect their dispositions; in fact, it may have been the change they needed. Team InSANity went on to play the best kickball of their careers. The first game was a shut out—each team member played with gusto, effortlessly making play after play and inspiring awe from all lookers-on. The second game was slightly more challenging; Team InSANity was forced to step up their game. Yet, after five gut-wrenching innings and a short bout of scoreboard confusion from the dim-witted umpire, the team walked away with win number two.
A three-way tie called for a kick-off between all teams. Shredder was elected as the prime candidate due to his supreme kicking abilities. He stepped up to plate and, whether from stage fright or an ingenious strategy, suffered a brief moment of very un-Shredder-like kicking. However, this proved to be a blessing in disguise. Team InSANity was thus pitted against the seemingly weaker team (a surmise born from analysis of the competitors’ previous games).
Angie, Jared and Erik regroup and rehydrate between games.
Angie, Jared and Erik regroup and rehydrate between games.
Spirits were still high (and flowing!) after the tournament.
Spirits were still high (and flowing!) after the tournament.
Team InSANity exhibited champion-worthy skills and a determination to match; however, these attributes were not enough to overcome the convoluted manner in which teams entered the semi-finals. Ties were settled by playing a one-inning “game” whereby the winner, regardless of past performance, advanced in the tournament. Team InSANity gave that one inning their all, yet an inhumanly-powerful kick proved to be their downfall. No doubt a professional player, this kicker sailed a parker over Alex’s head, driving in a run before scoring himself. It was a great show, but Team InSANity didn’t advance to the semi-finals. Instead of becoming discouraged, the team packed up their gear and headed to the bar. After all, it wasn’t about winning or losing. It was for the kids.

Noteworthy highlights:

  • True to form, Shortstop Phil was a pop-fly prodigy, dominating every ball that came within ten feet.
  • Second Base Woman Anne, too, was unstoppable. Fly-balls and grounders are no match for her quick feet and sticky hands. 
  • Grass-stains and turf-burn, no matter—Captain Peereboom would never abandon his ship! Justin sacrificed his body, sliding on one knee to grab a short outfield pop-fly.
  • Nearly whizzing by her head, Pitcher Pascale snagged a line-drive then tossed the ball to First Base Woman Valerie Quesada, picking off the runner and making the first double play of the game.
  • Shredder sent a screamer right down the middle, nearly taking off the head of the opposing team’s second base woman and setting Team InSANity’s intimidation factor for the rest of the game.
  • In one of numerous outstanding plays, Centerfielder Erik earned the title of MVP—while rounding first base he strategically slipped, taking out one of the opposing team’s key players. Erik stood up, not bothering to brush himself off, and continued on his destination to home plate.
  • With feet fluttering like Luigi in Super Mario Bros. 2, Outfielder Alex dodged a ball ready to take him out only steps from home plate.
  • Pickles are stressful for both teams; that is, unless you have the rapid, tight-knit teamwork of InSANity fielders. Together, Valerie, Anne and Josef ensured that a dizzying run down ended the only acceptable way—with an out and no advanced runs.
  • Setting up his position in the outfield, Alex about-faced just in time to nab a fly ball. While caught of guard due to the premature pitch, it was still a can of corn for Alex.