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

Our Take Me Out to the Ballgame last Friday was surely reminiscent of a Giants game at San Francisco’s first professional stadium, Candlestick. No Willie Mays, no Beatles, no “the Catch” and certainly nothing as earth shaking as the ’89 Giants-A’s World Series game but still a memorably chilly evening of great Bocce and great ballpark style food.

This Friday we can hope for warmer weather, but best be prepared with your favorite Hawaiian shirt and possibly a jacket for Asian Luau and our fifth and final game of the regular CBL season. The night’s first game will begin with the top two teams Ballbarians and Throwing Shade at 6:30. As usual cocktails and appetizers begin at 6pm.

STANDINGS

Our theme and menu is Asian Luau, please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

Eggrolls – Chris & Jack

Ahi Poke dip with tortilla chips or rice crackers – Leslie

Potstickers – Dianne

Asian Ribs – Travis & Kelly

Teriyaki Chicken – Chris & Jack

Fried Rice – Lynne & Jim

Tropical Fruit Salad – Clay

Asian Salad – Jen & Bob

Coconut cupcakes – need volunteer

Wine – need volunteers

Asian Beer – June & Rich, Gerda, Tiffany & Pete

Pina Coladas – Chris & Jack

It doesn’t happen often, but we were fortunate to have the ideal weather for the League’s third round of games. Hot weather, great music and wonderful food plus the very popular Luxury Lemondade set the scene for another great round of games.

A quick recap: The first game between Captain Dianne’s Just Rolling Into It with Lynne and cleverly picked subs Tiffany & Jim Leon defeated Captain Jill’s Don’t Stop Ballieving., The Ballievers playing with their full roster for the first time this season lost, 12 to 5.

The Ballbarians with Captain Kelly defeated Balls Out led by Captain Clay 13-7. Making their first appearance this season, substitutes Camille Milliner and Garrett Meier performed well, giving the Ballbarians fits for the first few frames.

Travis’ first place Throwing Shade continued their winning streak for the night’s final game, defeating Captain Karen’s Rollmasters 12-7.

STANDINGS

Next Friday July 26, our theme will be Take Me Out to The Ballgame. Let’s hope the weather isn’t reminiscent of Candlestick, but be prepared just in case. Cocktails and appetizers at 6:00, first game begins at 6:30pm with Rollmasters and Balls out. Our menu is below, please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

Popcorn – Jen & Bob

Peanuts – Jill & Jaime

Nachos – Travis & Kelly

Ruffles and Onion Dip – June & Rich

Hot Dogs, Polish and Hot Links- Chris

Chili – Dianne

Toppings  – Karen & Brooke

Potato salad – Clay

Adult Root Beer Floats – Chris

Ice Cream Sandwiches – Lynne & Jim

In English that translates to “the ball is in your court”, and the Rollmasters and Throwing Shade sure took the opportunity to rack up some extra points while they were in the court Friday night. Though it only takes 12 to win, they strategically placed as many extra points on the board as possible, giving them a true advantage in the standings.

Throwing Shade led by substitute Chris Cattich while Captain Travis was generously playing Uber Host to our English visitors Luke and Lucy, with Bob, Gerda and Irish sub Linda Pullman (yes, big sister to our Conor) eventually smashed Captain Clay’s Balls Out with Jack, Gail and Rich in the night’s second game, 15-8. Though it was closely fought until the 8 – 8 mark, some smart rolling and a fantastic four point final frame has given Throwing Shade the number one position in league standings.

Friday’s first game between Captain Jill’s Don’t Stop Ballieving and the Rollmasters led by Chris Cattich and June who stepped in for the vacationing Captain Karen set the tone for extra points. Again it was a very slow start as the Ballievers with Jen, Carla and substitute Charlie Darwin (yes another Brit you all remember, now mother of two) held their own against the aggressive Rollmasters Jamie, June, Chris and sub Jack Darwin (Charlie’s husband and father of the two). But with two former Championship winning Captains June & Chris steering the team, the Rollmasters racked up an impressive 14-7 win and a very strong third place standing.

Captain Kelly’s Ballbarians also ruled the court on Friday (no surprise with Kelly as captain), with Jim Woodcock and Chris Coates anchoring the south end along with Just Rolling into It’s substitute Conor and Lynne covering for Captain Dianne. Just Rolling Into had sub Taylor Missin and Leslie at the north end playing frames against the Ballbarians’ Kelly and Scotty. The Ballbarians got off to an early lead , but Lynne, Leslie, Taylor and Conor rallied strongly to a near tie at the 7 point mark. Kelly & Scott earned the game’s winning point and conclusion 12-7 for the Ballbarians.

STANDINGS

Our third Round is July 12 starting at 6pm for drinks and appetizers. Game 1 starts at 6:30 featuring Just Rolling Into It and Don’t Stop Ballieving. The Theme is Southern BBQ, please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

Round 3, Southern BBQ

Deviled Eggs- Cris

Southern Pimento Cheese and Crackers – Carla

Pickled Veggies- Chris

BBQ Chicken- Chris

Corn Bread- Jill & Jaime

Mac & Cheese  –Dianne 

Coleslaw- Jen & Bob

Squash casserole -need volunteer https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/old-school-squash-casserole-recipe

Watermelon- Tiffany & Pete

Pecan Pie Bars- need volunteer

Beer & Wine – need volunteers

Luxury Lemonade- Chris

Captain Travis has just pointed out that I have reported the score of the game his Throwing Shade played against Captain Jill’s Don’t Stop Ballieving incorrectly. Well apparently the board was marked wrong and It was actually Throwing Shade who triumphed over the Ballievers. Final outcome was 12- 8 Throwing Shade.

Updated standings are: