It’s June 29 and we’re at about the half-way point for tournaments this summer. We have 3 scrimmages in Napa this weekend, then it’s Benicia, San Anselmo and we’re done. Many good things have come about as a result of this, but I’ll be the first to admit that I’ll enjoy the break when it’s over.
(By the way, Paul Ash has taken some very cool pictures. )
One thing that I’ve enjoyed has been the nicknames we’re throwing around. Good way to break the ice, get the team chemistry working.
Kelsey: Swamp Dog
There was a record producer years ago that went by this name. For me it conjures up a player who will do whatever it takes, not afraid to get dirty, someone a little shifty. Plus I’ve been threatening to call her this for the last year, it wasn’t until now that she actually became the swamp dog.
Bria: Quarterback
When I was about 25 I played with a guy who was a high school quarterback – he was our centerfielder. He was one to pride himself in taking charge in the outfield, directing traffic, making great plays. Bria had wanted to play a different position, she was a pitcher and first baseman during the rec season. My intention was to emphasize to her how important her role as an outfielder would be.
Kelly: Skywalker
I wish I had this kid for the entire season, she is going to miss the last 2 tournaments. Kelly has speed and hustle, and so much desire that I’ve used her as an example more than once. She’s not great swinging the bat, but she finds a way to get on base, and when she leads off, it’s usually not more than 2 or 3 pitches before she makes her way to third.
Erin: Buckeye
I wasn’t sure if she was going to be Buckeye or Hawkeye. She wears an Ohio State sweatshirt and an Iowa sweatshirt to practice sometimes. Very good player, and a kid with confidence and a sense of humor.
Alexis: Spidey
I pulled this one out of thin air so I’m not sure how much sense it makes, but Alexis is quite a good player. She benefits from being around her older sister who plays on the 12U tournament team, and her dad who is an experienced ballplayer himself.
Kera: Wheels
Talk about being born to run, Kera is pretty darn fast, and once she gets going on the bases, she donesn’t want to stop. Even if it mean running through a third base coach’s stop sign.
Haley: Stingray
I credit Kelsey for coming up with this one. At first I was at a loss coming up with one for Haley. She’s the one who is really bound to gain the most from this experience, I think in a couple of years she’ll be one of the top players in the league.
Taylor: Pepper
I started calling Taylor this going back to last year. She’s got a saucy mouth and a strong bat. The first time I ever interacted with her was 2 years ago, she was heckling me as I took batting pracice.
Morissa and Elena: Moose and Mouse, or, Oscar and Felix
Best friends, same school, same team – I first liked the Odd Couple names, but the kids made the change based on their relative sizes.
Jordan: Mungo
Just like Alex Karras in Blazing Saddles, Jordan is a very strong girl. When we started scrimmaging with Alameda and San Anselmo, she was murdering the ball. She’s going to be a good pitcher very soon.
Audrey: Supermodel
What can I say? She reminds me of Cindy Crawford, who strikes me as not just a pretty face, but a physical woman with brains. Audrey will not be overshadowed by her older sister.
Josie: Steely
Couple things going on here. Last year I told Nat and Kelsey about the steely glare a pitcher should have when facing batters. Josie has it. Then there’s the Steely Dan song, when we play it, I love the way Earl improvs during the last break – “Josie you’re a BAD girl”
Claire – Doc
This girl has an incredible demeanor – very positive, very enthusiastic. I can tell that she’s smart, I wouldn’t be surprised if she becomes a doctor when she’s an adult.
Natalie – Pork Chop
Well, this is kind of a fmaily joke. Before I met Mary Ann, I rarely ate pork. Now that we have two kids, I couldn’t imagine NOT eating it.
There are also nicknames for the coaches, but in a much less official capacity. Annie is Burger (name derivative), Maria is Popcorn (she can pitch with some heat), and Kelsey calls me Old Yeller (my propensity for shouting, no doubt)