We never know what to expect in the Campbell Bocce Ball League and this season was no exception. This Friday the two teams playing for the Championship had an incredibly rocky start. What the Focce captained by Jill Milliner with players Scotty, Gail, Garrett and Rich lost their opening game against Rolling Thunder 12-0. Not an auspicious start, and certainly a devasting feeling for Captain Jill the owner of more than one Wooden Spoon. A 3-2 season with very low TPS, meant WTF barely squeaked into fourth place. However, they rose to the occasion in the Playoffs defeating thir nemesis first place Rolling Thunder for a shot at the Championship.

Captain Dianne of the Bocce Bunch with Gerda, Jim, Carla and Jim faced her very first game with no players and though she wisely picked Brooke, June and Scotty as substitutes, still lost the opener to Sons of Pitches 13-10. The Bunch with their roster nearly intact although Jim Woodcock remained on the disabled list, roared back scoring a winning 13 points in each of their next three games. Despite a shocking loss in Game 5 to Jamie’s Pallino Crushers the Bunch remained in second place with a playoff berth. The Playoffs gave the Bunch a second chance to defeat of Sons of Pitches and the final score 12-1 was a complete reversal of their first season game. The Bunch will now play What The Focce for the Championship.

Another Topsy Turvy result was the season of Captain Jamie and his Pallino Crushers. Hank, Clay, Connor and Camille. With a string of 4 losing games with devastatingly low scores, the Crushers came together as a team in the fifth and final season game and crushed the stalwart Bocce Bunch 12-7. Their performance in the Playoffs was equally impressive defeating Captain June’s Mission Imbocceball and saving themselves from the ignoble Wooden Spoon. Who knows if the Season wasn’t about to end where the Pallino Crushers would have placed. Congratulations Crushers for an outstanding comeback performance.

Friday will open with the game between Rolling Thunder and Sons of Pitches for third place. After a break for dinner, we will all have the chance to see who will be this year’s Champion when the Bunch and WTF take the court. Following the conclusion of their game we will have a short awards ceremony.

Our dinner theme is “High Steaks” the menu is below, please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

Deviled Eggs – Gail & Hank

Cheese Platter – Karen & Brooke

Salami Platter – Jen & Bob

Veggies & Dip – Jill & Jamie

Steaks – Chris

Twice baked potato – Chris

Summer Tomatoes – June & Rich

Green Salad – Tiffany & Pete

Cupcakes – Kelly & Travis

Gin & Tonics – Chris

Champagne & Wine – Camille & Garrett

Well, last Friday the dream was shattered for the playoff hopes of Captain June’s Mission Imbocceballs. This coming Friday August 22, we will see whose dreams are made.

First the standings. With formerly first place Bocce Bunch and second place Sons of Pitches losing their games they have ended respectively in second and third place and tied for a 3-2 season with Captain Jill’s What the Focce. The WTF’s despite missing Gail, played with regulars Scotty, Rich and Garrett and rolled over the Mission’s Pete, Leslie, Jen and Jack and secured a fouth place standing and a spot in the Playoffs.

The Pallino Crushers led by Captain Jamie, though missing rookie Hank, players Clay, Conor and Camille had their most outstanding performance of the season, truly crushing top ranked Bocce Bunch 12-7. Despite their terrific win, the Crushers remain in 6th place and will face off against Mission Imbocceball for the Wooden Spoon.

Finally with the surprising losses of the Bunch and the Sons, Rolling Thunder’s fourth season win earned them a 4-1 standing and First place at the end of regular season play. The Thunder’s Captain Bob will be leading Brooke, Chris, Tiffany and Karen into the Playoffs and a chance for a championship berth.

STANDINGS

Our next Game night is Friday August 22 at 6:00 pm for cocktails and hors with the night’s first match beginning promptly at 6:30pm featuring First Place Rolling Thunder playing Fourth Place What The Focce with the winner heading to the September Championship. That match will be followed by the playoff for the Wooden Spoon between Mission Imbocceball and the Pallino Crushers. Second Place Bocce Bunch will face off against Third Place Sons of Pitches in the final night’s match to determine who earns a Championship berth.

Our theme for the Playoffs is Mediterranean Nights and the menu is below. Please email me what you would like to bring and I will post. See you in one week!

Hummus & pita chips- Camille & Garrett

Veggies with Tzatziki – Tiffany & Pete

Meze Platter – Olives, Stuffed grape leaves, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini – Bob & Jen

Figs with Gorgonzola – Jill & Jamie

Shish kabobs, Beef & Chicken – Chris

Tomato, Cucumber & Feta salad – Lynne & Jim

Arugula & Fig salad (recipe on our website)

Zucchini Salad – June & Rich

Orzo salad – Leslie

Baklava – Kelly & Travis

CBL Negroni’s – Chris

Wine & Beer – LeAnne, Dianne

Our final regular season game is this Friday, and there is one match up you won’t want to miss. Game Two this Friday features 5th place Mission Imbocceball with Captain June Weaver, Pete, Leslie, Jen and Jack playing against Captain Jill’s 4th place What The Focce with Scotty, Gail, Garrett and Rich Weaver. If the Mission can squeak out a win over WTF, they will move into 4th place and retain the opportunity to play for a place in the Championships. If WTF wins they maintain their fourth place standing. Both teams have played brilliantly at times, but not consistently enough to predict a clear favorite, so this Friday we will see who will win and who is going to the Wooden Spoon game.

Remember the top four teams will roll into the Playoffs with Second place playing Third and First place playing Fourth place. The winners of those two matches will play for The Championship.

Our theme this Friday is Asian Luau and the weather should be ideal for that Hawaiian shirt you have stashed in the back of the closet. The menu is below, please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

Eggrolls- Jill & Jaime

Potstickers-  Clay

Ahi Tuna poke- 

Asian Ribs- Lynne & Jim

Teriyaki Chicken- .Chris & Jack

Fried Rice- Dianne

Tropical Fruit Salad- Cris McKenzie

Asian Salad- Leslie

Coconut Cupcakes-  Kelly

Wine- Gerda

Asian Beer – June & Rich

Pina Coladas- Chris & Jack

Rarely do we have such perfect weather for Bocce. Instead we can expect much cooler (dare I say cold) temps and wind. But last Friday it all came together, great weather, excellent food and another competive round of Bocce for our Southern Nights theme.

There are now only two rounds to go in the five rounds of our regular season. Four of six teams have the same 2-1 standing. However please keep in mind that the teams in the top four places at the completion of regular season will go on to the Playoffs. With the two winners from the Playoffs going to the final Championship game. When there is a tie in the standings, place is determined by Total Points Scored (TPS). So whether you win or lose getting as many points on the board is important.

STANDINGS

Our theme for next Friday is “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and like the infamous Candlestick the weather is predicted to be cool, cloudy and possibly windy. So come prepared, break out those Campbell Bocce League sweatshirts and ball caps. The menu is below, please let me know what you can bring and send your selection to my email address at cmcoates@aol.com and remember to cc everyone.

Round 4 Take Me out to the Ballgame

Popcorn- June & Rich

Peanuts- Jen & Bob

Nachos- Lynne & Jim

Ruffles and Onion Dip- Jill & Jamie

Hot Dogs, Polish and Hot Links – Chris

Toppings, Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Onions – LeAnne

Chili- Clay

Potato salad- Leslie

Fresh Corn Salad (Ina) – Dianne

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/fresh-corn-salad-recipe-1914351 –

Adult Root Beer Floats – Chris

Ice Cream sandwiches – Kelly & Travis

Cracker Jacks – Gail

Our Bocce Italiano night really upset the apple cart for four out of six teams. We have only played two games each, and with the exception of Captain Kelly’s Son;s of Pitches, the teams who looked like winners in Game 1 were significant losers in Game 2, and the losers in Game 1 each looked like Champions.

There were a few surprises in the night’s games. June as a multi-Championship Captain rarely loses and certainly not by much, but Kelly’s SOP, hung them out to dry, defeating the Mission with a resounding 12-4 score.

The appearance of Jim Leon in the second game of the night who was MIA for our first Bocce Night was a significant factor in the terrific win for Captain Dianne’s Bocce Bunch over Rolling Thunder led by Captain Bob. Again a resounding defeat 13-3.

Finally, What the Focce who were shut out in their season opener, saw all their players Rich, Garrett, Gail and Scotty (ably filling in as Captain for the ailing Jill) rolling strongly for a squeaky win over Jamie’s Pallino Crushers 12-8. Rookie player Hank was an important factor in the Crushers tight battle, playing very well for his debut appearance on the Campbell Bocce court.

STANDINGS

This Friday we will meet at 6pm for Southern Nights, with the first game at 6:30 between What The Focce and Sons of Pitches. Our menu is below please email me at cmcoates@aol.com, and cc everyone with what you can bring. See you Friday, the weather should be good.

Deviled Eggs – Gerda & Camille

Southern Pimento Cheese and Crackers – Jill & Jamie

Pickled Veggies – Chris

BBQ Chicken – Chris

Corn Bread – Lynne

Mac & Cheese – Leslie

Yellow Squash casserole – Clay

Coleslaw – Dianne

Watermelon – June & Rich

Pecan Pie Bars- Kelly

Beer & Wine – LeAnne

Luxury Lemonade- Chris

And Play Bocce! This famous Italian quote, “Eat well, laugh often, love much” pretty much sums up our leagues return to what we do best. Good food, lots of fun, great friends and of course Bocce.

The night began molto rapidamente as Game1 was a blur, quickly ending once Captain Bob’s Rolling Thunder smashed Captain Jill’s What The Focce 13-0. Rolling strongly for the Thunder were Karen, Tiffany, Brooke and Bob and Chris. Focce regulars Scott and Rich were joined by substitute Jack, but will need another game to revive their skills.

Game 2 between Captain Kelly’s Sons of Pitches with Travis, Leanne and substitute Tiffany could have been a blowout against Captain Dianne’s Bocce Bunch. The Bunch were entirely MIA, no Woodcock, no Gerda, no Carla and no Jim Leon but Captain Dianne wisely tapped Brooke, Scotty and June to build a dynamic team of all subs. Back and forth to a 9-9 tie, then those Sons of Pitches pulled ahead to capture the win at 13-10. Excellent effort Dianne et.al.

Our final night’s game was between long time CBL Champion Captain June Weaver and her Mission Imbocceballs, with outstanding rolls by Jack and Pete, closely aided by Jen and Captain June against Captain Jaime and the Pallino Crushers. The Crushers’ fought a very close point by point game with players Clay, Conor and Camille (sure she’s not a ringer?) but in the end were defeated 12-7.

Its too early for meaningful results, however to get you in the mood here are the results from Game 1 and the Standings so far.

The Theme for next Friday June 27 will be Viva La Mexico, first game is at 6:30 between the Sons of Pitches and Mission Imbocceball. Our menu is below, please email me what you can bring, copying all our members and I will post on the website for reference. FYI, the Teams, Schedule and Standig are psoted on our website.

Tortillas, Corn 6″ – Carla

Chips and Salsa – Tiffany & Pete

Lots of Guacamole- Gail & Hank, Jill & Jamie

Taquitos and Salsa – June & Rich

Shrimp served cold or Ceviche style – Clay

Carne Asada 4 – Chris

Pollo Asado – Chris

Refried beans – Dianne

Mexican rice – LeAnne

Watermelon with Tajin – Karen & Brooke

Corn and Black Bean Salad – Jen & Bob

Margaritas – Chris

Mexican beer – Gerda

Mexican popsicles – Leslie

Not for Leo XIV but for the Campbell Bocce League Captains who were anointed, appointed on Friday night. Using the traditional green pitcher each Captain in turn selected the members of their team.

The Captains are Bob Meier, Jill Milliner, Kelly Simmons, Dianne Lopez, June Weaver and Jamie Milliner. Please contact your Captain to weigh in on your team name. Team names are due by Monday June

As announced Friday night, all teams have five players who must each play if present. The decision of when to insert the fifth player is at the Captain’s discretion, and the player who then must leave the field cannot return.

One other note, and new this year, if you are called to substitute for another team, you can only play as a substitute for one game.

Round 1 begins at 6:00pm Friday June 13 with the first game between Captain Bob’s team and Captain Jill’s team starting at 6:30pm.

Finally, our theme on June 13th will be Bocce Italiano. The menu is posted below, please let me know what you can bring and I will post. When you email your selection please copy all players.

Bocce Italiano

Salami & Cheese – Jen & Bob

Olives, pepperoncini – Karen & Brooke

Prosciutto & Melon- Camille & Garrett

Grilled Italian Sausage – Chris

Penne with Roasted tomato & Goat cheese – Chris

White Bean Salad – Jill & Jamie

Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil – Tiffany & Pete

Green Salad – June & Rich

Garlic Bread – Clay

Aperol Spritz – Chris

Italian Cookies – Gail

Limoncello –

Wine & Beer –

After a devastating 0-5 season Captain Clay’s Balls Out with stalwarts Jack, Gail & Rich, delivered an amazing performance to capture the win in their playoff game over Don’t Stop Ballieving. The Ballievers Jen, Carla and Brooke aided by Jim Woodcock substituting for the vacationing Captain Jill could not extend their winning streak from Game 5 into the playoffs, losing 12-5 to Balls Out. Congrats to Balls Out who managed their first and final win of our 2024 season and Condolences to the Ballievers who have earned the dreaded Wooden Spoon.

Our second and third games last Friday established the teams who will play for the 2024 Campbell Bocce League Championship. On Friday August 30^th we will open with a game between Captain Dianne’s Just Rolling Into It and Captain Karen’s Rollmasters, the winner earns the third place season title. The Championship game immediately follows dinner and Captain Kellys undefeated Ballbarians, Chris, Jim Woodcock and Scott will be playing Captain Travis’ Throwing Shade with Jim Leon, Bob and Gerda. It should be a blockbuster.

STANDINGS

The theme for our Championships is High Steaks. The menu is below and I would appreciate an RSVP from each player, plus a heads up if you are planning to bring a guest. Please let me know what you can contribute and I will post.

Championship High Steaks

Deviled Eggs – Gerda

Cheese Platter – Cris

Salami Platter – Dianne & Rocky

Cold Prawns and Cocktail sauce – Lynne & Jim

Ribeye Steaks  – Chris

Twice baked potato – Chris

Summer Heirloom Tomato Platter – June & Rich

Green Salad – Jill & Jaime

Cupcakes – Kelly & Travis

Gin & Tonics – Chris

Wine – need volunteer

Beer – Karen & Brooke

Yes, this Friday when the Play offs commence at 6:30, the ball is truly in your court. Four teams have an equal chance of making the Championships. The top four teams, Ballbarians, Just Rolling into it , Throwing Shade and Rollmasters will face off for a championship berth on August 30th.

We will start the ball rolling with the infamous Wooden Spoon competition between Balls Out and Don’t Stop Ballieving, Captain Clay with teammates, Jack, Gail and Rich have this one last opportunity to climb out of the basement and a 0-5 season if they can deliver a curve ball to Captain Jill with her roster of Jen, Carla and Brooke. It could be a repeat of last week’s game however when the Ballievers were ball of fire and fried Balls Up 12-8.

Our second game will be between second and third place, Just Rolling into It and Throwing Shade. The winner will advance to the championship. The Ballbarians in first place will keep the ball rolling for the night’s final game with fourth place Rollmasters, again the winner advances to a whole new ball game.

Our theme is Mediterranean Nights, cocktails and appetizers are at 6pm. Please let me know what you can bring and I will post on our website.

Hummus & pita chips – Gerda

Veggies with Tzatziki – June & Rich

Meze Platter – Olives, Stuffed grape leaves, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini – Jen & Bob

Figs with Gorgonzola – Clay

Shish kabobs, Beef & Chicken – Chris

Tomato, Cucumber & Feta salad – Lynne & Jim

Arugula & Fig salad – Dianne

Zucchini Salad- https://playswellwithbutter.com/shaved-zucchini-salad/ – Karen & Brooke

Orzo salad – Leslie

Baklava – Chris

CBL Negroni’s- Chris

STANDINGS