That’s Italian for it’s a matter of inches. 

Yes, our Bocce Italiano night was instantly off to a very competitive start as the tape measure appeared early in the first game between Clay’s “Balls Out” team with Jack Campbell, visitor Shannon and regular sub Pete Stahl. New Captain Dianne’s “Just Rolling into It” showed they hadn’t forgotten anything from last season when Leslie, Lynne and substitute Taylor Missin got hot early in the  game and decisively beat Balls Out 11-4.

The night’s second game between “Don’t Stop Ballieving” with Captain Jill, Jen and substitutes Tiffany (having handed off Maverick to daddy Pete) and guest Shannon battled back and forth, one point at a time with Captain Travis’ “Throwing Shade” with teammates Jim Leon and Bob Meier and sub Gerda. Though very close, the Ballievers eased ahead of the Shades winning 12-8. Despite the loss, at the game’s end Captain Travis recognizing true potential wisely tapped substitute Gerda to become a permanent player for the Shades.

As the weather cooled the Rollmasters took the court with Jim Leon subbing for Captain Karen and regulars Chris Cattich, Jamie and sub Bob. They faced off against captain Kelly Simmons’ Ballbarians, with their full roster of Scotty, Jim Woodcock and Chris Coates. The Ballbarians took an early lead, but Rollmasters came back strong to a near tie mid game, finally some terrific rolling by Kelly and Scotty had the Ballbarians leap ahead to close out the game at 12-8.

Final note to Captains, the game ends when the first team makes 12 points. However it is possible to score even more points, if you still have a few balls left to roll. Remember, it can be a decisive factor as League standings are based on both games won AND total points scored (TPS).
Please plan on arriving about 6pm this Friday for drinks and appetizers. The first game starts promptly at 6:30pm between Don’t Stop Ballieving and Rollmasters. Just in case you forgot, I have attached our team roster below, plus our first round standings.
This week’s theme is Viva la Mexico

Round 2 Viva La Mexico

Tortillas – June & Rich

Carne Asada – Chris

Chicken- Chris

Refried beans – Carla

Shredded Cheese – June & Rich

Mexican rice-Gail

Chips, salsas -Gerda

Guacamole – Kelly & Travis

Watermelon with Tajin -Lynne

Shrimp served cold  – need volunteer

Ina Garten’s Fiesta Corn & Avocado Salad- Jill & Jaime

Margaritas- Chris

Mexican beer – need volunteer

Mexican popsicles – Leslie

Yes tomorrow is the Championship and its high stakes for both Carla’s Keep on Rolling and June’s Fugetabocce. Captain Carla’s teammates Rich, Karen & Bob were amazing in the last two games and if they keep on rolling like we’ve recently seen Captain June with Brooke, Jamie and an unnamed substitute will have to be on their toes.

The Playoffs two weeks ago were very exciting. The night’s opener Wooden Spoon match between the Belles and Rollin Stones at 5th and 6th place respectively saw the Belles barely sneaking out a win over Captain Jill, Kelly, Travis and Jimmy for a 12-10 final score. It has been an interesting season for the Rollin Stones, except once in Game 4 they only narrowly lost each game, often looking and playing like victors. The sad result is a consistent 0- 5 win loss record and this year’s Wooden Spoon. Captain LeAnne and her Belles, Dianne, Leslie and Chris let out a big sigh of relief.

The second Playoff game of the night was a repeat between Clay’s High Rollers and Fugetabocce. Unlike Game 5 when Captain Clay with Scotty and two substitutes Tiffany and Gerda managed to defeat the formidable Fugetabocce, they succumbed during the Playoffs 12-6. Once again Captain June will be leading her team into the Championships and the High Rollers will be playing tomorrow for third place.

The real shake up was the night’s last game between undefeated and first place Crushed Oysters, with Captain Chris, Jack, Jim and Jen against Carla’s Keep On Rolling. Carla’s teammates have impressed us with a meteoric rise in the standings. After Game 4 and with only one game left in regular season play they were in 5th place and looked to be heading towards a Wooden Spoon match. They pulled out a win in Game 5 and with the Belles loss that night to the Crushed Oysters, Keep on Rolling had just enough Total Points Scored (TPS) to grab 4th place and a playoff berth. Well they made the most of that opportunity when they defeated the incredible Crushed Oysters 12-8. Congratulations Keep on Rolling you are playing in the Championship tomorrow. The Crushed Oysters will also play in the night’s first game against High Roller for third place.

So High Stakes means High Steaks for dinner. Cocktails and appetizers are at 6:00 pm, with the first game at 6:30, then dinner at 7:15 followed by the Championship and finally the awards ceremony. Our menu is below, please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

HIGH STEAKS

• Deviled Eggs – June & Rich

• Cheese platter – Jennifer & Bob

• Charcuterie platter – Dianne

• Veggies & Dip – Tiffany & Pete

• Ribeye Steaks – Chris & Jack

• Twice baked potato – Chris & Jack

• Summer Tomatoes with Basil – Karen & Brooke

• Wedge Salad – Leslie

• Gin & Tonics – Chris & Jack

• Cupcakes – Cris

• Wine/Champagne – need volunteers

Game 5 two weeks ago was certainly a bit of a shake up.

Captain Carla’s Keep on Rolling pulled out a 12-8 win over Jill’s Rollin Stones for the night’s first match. The Rollin Stones Kelly, Travis and Jimmy now have just one more chance to avoid the Wooden Spoon. Most importantly the win for Keep On Rolling with Rich, Karen & Bob gave them the opportunity to move up from fifth place depending on the outcome and scores of the High Rollers and Belles of the Ball in the evening’s next two matches.

Clay’s fourth place High Rollers played a very hard fought match against the number two team Fugetabocce, captained by June Weaver. The High Rollers with regular Scotty Howard were very skillfully assisted by subs Tiffany & Gerda and secured the win over June, Brooke, Jaime and Pete 12-10. The win didn’t knock Fugetabocce out of second, but it did secure third place for the High Rollers and a playoff berth.

The night’s last match began with the undefeated Crushed Oysters missing their star player Jim Leon. What should have been a golden opportunity for third place Belles of the Ball turned into a crushing defeat 12-4 when Captain Cattich tapped Morgan to fill in for the missing Jim. Morgan’s accuracy and speed had the Oysters saying ” Jim, who?”. Holding Captain LeAnne’s Belles down to a total of just 4 points also meant that Carla’s Keep on Rolling with the same 2-3 win-loss record as the Belles, surpassed the Belles by 3 TPS.

So, Keep on Rolling has moved into forth place after Game 5 and secured a playoff berth for this Friday. The Belles, LeAnne, Dianna, Leslie and Chris will be facing the Rollin Stones for the first game of the playoffs, with the loser earning the Wooden Spoon at 6:30pm sharp

STANDINGS

Our Theme for Friday’s playoffs is Mediterranean Nights, the menu is below. Please let me know what you and bring and I will post.

• Hummus & pita chips – June & Rich
• Veggies with Tzatziki – Jill & Jamie
• Baba Ganoush with toasts – Carla
• Meze Platter – Olives, Stuffed grape leaves, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini – Jennifer & Bob
• Figs with Gorgonzola – need volunteer
• Shish kabobs, Beef & Chicken – Chris & Jack
• Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion & Feta salad – Gail
• Fig, Pancetta & Arugula salad – Clay
• Orzo salad – Leslie
• Baklava – Chris & Jack
• CBL Negroni’s – Chris & Jack
• Wine – LeAnne

Alabama – https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxpzSLBo7_gb0hafZSoYRj1vxbgBq4JYPp

Yes, our theme for next Friday night is Southern BBQ but before I get into the menu, let’s take a look at the standings before our final regular season game.

Game 5 is the final game of our regular season before the playoffs. During the playoffs the top four teams will have an equal chance at the Championship, with the two teams in 5th and 6th place playing for the Wooden Spoon. Clearly in the lead and currently undefeated are the Crushed Oysters , followed closely by Fugetabocce with a 3-1 win-loss record. The question is: who will be third and fourth? The Belles are in third place with a 2-2 record and 41 TPS. Also with a 2-2 record are the High Rollers, with just 34 TPS. Friday’s games pit the Belles against #1 Crushed Oysters and the High Rollers against #2 Fugetabocce, both potentially losing scenarios that will leave these teams with a 2-3 win-loss record. This opens up an opportunity for Carla’s Keep On Rolling. If Keep on Rolling can defeat Rollin Stones they will also have a 2-3 win loss record and at least 48 TPS. So if the Belles lose with less than 7 points OR the High Rollers lose, Keep On Rolling will take 4th place and move into a Championship berth.

So before its Gone with the Wind, Captains get your teams prepped and ready because after Friday There ain’t nobody lookin’ back again.

Our menu is Southern BBQ, please let me know what you can bring and I will post. The night’s first game will be at 6:30 between Rolling Stones and Keep on Rolling.

Southern BBQ

• Deviled Eggs – need volunteer
• Southern Pimento Cheese and Club Crackers – Carla
• Celery and Ranch dressing – Karen & Brooke
• Pickled Veggies – Chris & Jack
• BBQ Chicken – Chris & Jack
• Corn Bread squares or muffins – Jill
• Mac & Cheese – Dianne
• Coleslaw – June & Rich
• Potato Salad – Jennifer & Bob
• Watermelon – Tiffany & Pete
• Pecan Pie Bars – Kelly & Travis
• Adult Lemonade – Chris & Jack
• Beer – need volunteer
• Wine – need volunteer

Ella Fitzgerald https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxRJV8lCp-J7_HWBB6-gE2TQuDGJgVCv8P

A tropical heatwave, the way the balls moves that temperature proves its really a can-can. Yes, we can can finally have a Bocce League night that is not freezing cold. So be prepared this Friday for some summery weather (swimming is allowed), and some equally hot playing.

Round three despite some chilly temps did have some very fiery playing. The night’s first match between the Belles of the Ball and Keep on Rolling was a very closely fought game that looked like Captain Carla with teammate Rich, sub Gerda and visitor Luke Darwin had in the bag. But the Belles with Leslie, Diane, Chris & Captain LeAnne sneaked out a 13-10 win.

Our first and second place teams Fugetabocce and Crushed Oysters faced off for the second game of the evening. Emotionally tired from the funeral preparations for Captain June’s Mom, Team Fugetabocce with Brooke, daughter Kerry & her husband Ryan, never really got going and were soundly defeated by Chris Cattich’s Crushed Oysters. The Oysters’ Jim Leon with visitors Charley & Jack Darwin were superb with a terrific last frame of 4 points, securing their 15-3 win and a first place position.

The High Rollers and Rollin Stones started the night each with a two loss record, but Captain Clay’s wise decision to tap Jim Woodcock and Kelly’s sister Monica as substitutes along with teammate Scotty Howard was instrumental in securing the High Roller’s first win of the season over The Rollin Stones an all Simmon’s family team comprised of Travis, Kelly, nephew KC and Mom Chicky. The game was still good fun and very close but ended with a 12-10 win for the High Rollers.

STANDINGS

This Friday drinks and appetizers are at 6:00pm and the first game between Belles of The Ball and High Rollers starts at 6:30pm. Our theme is Viva la Mexico, please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

• Chips – Pete & Tiff
• Salsa, green, red, fire roasted – Pete & Tiff
• Guacamole – lots of guacamole! – Travis & Kelly
• Spicy Shrimp appetizer – Dianne
• Watermelon skewers with Tajin – need volunteer
• Grilled Adobo Chicken – Chris & Jack
• Chipotle Flank Steak – Chris & Jack
• Tortillas, corn 6″ – June & Rich
• Cheese, shredded or crumbled – June & Rich
• Refried Beans – Carla
• Mexican Rice – Jill & Jamie
• Black bean, corn, and tomato salad – Leslie
• Mexican fruit popsicles – Brooke & Karen
• Margaritas – Chris & Jack
• Mexican Beer – Jen & Bob

The standings are published and June Weaver’s Fugetabocce has already moved into first place. Folks this is the importance and the opportunity of TPS, total points scored. Captain June’s team rolling the final frame in their game against the Belles, chose to continue rolling the last bocce ball in their hand even after they earned the winning 12 points, finishing the game with 13 points against Belles of the Balls’ 7. Sure they took a risk, but it has moved them ahead of the Crushed Oysters who have also won both games of Round 1 and Round 2, but cast their last balls against Rollin Stones after earning the winning 12 points at their feet. No Guts, no Glory.

Sorry, there’s no blow by blow recap of the night’s three games but there were a few highlights, Rookies Bob and Jen Meier are already playing like they’ve been doing this for years, and our newest sub’s Tiffany and Pete Stahl made a sterling debut appearance rolling like seasoned veterans. And it must be mentioned Captain Jill’s Rollin Stones two consecutive losses does not tell the tale of some very close games. Teammates Kelly, Travis and rookie Jimmy D should be watched very closely.

STANDINGS

Round three begins this Friday at 6pm for drinks and appetizers, and the night’s first game between O Captain, My Captain Carla’s Keep on Rolling and the LeAnne’s Belles of the Ball begins at 6:30 sharp. Our theme will be Asian Luau and our menu is below. Please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

• Eggrolls – Diane
• Shrimp Chips – Leslie
• Potstickers with Dipping sauce – Clay
• Maui Onion potato chips & dip – June & Rich
• Asian Ribs – Chris & Jack
• Teriyaki Chicken – Chris & Jack
• Fried Rice – Lynne & Jim
• Tropical Fruit Salad – Jack & Charlie
• Asian Salad – Leslie
• Coconut cupcakes – Travis & Kelly
• Tropical popsicles – Chris
• Asian Beer – LeAnne
• Wine – Scotty
• Pina Coladas- Chris & Jack

Campbell Bocce League 10th Season

Yes, hard to believe but this will be the tenth season for the Campbell Bocce League! Oh where does the time go when we’re having fun? Looking back through some of our earliest scores, team names, captains, players, scores and fun theme dinners sure brings back great memories. When we started this little home grown league, I thought it would be just a few fun evenings never imagining the camaraderie, competitiveness and friendships that would grow playing from simply playing bocce. And here we go again…

Our first match of the season was bitterly cold and windy, definitely reminiscent of the “Stick” and totally appropriate for our theme dinner Take Me out to the Ballgame. The night’s opener between Captain Clay’s High Rollers and Cattich’s Crushed Oysters was a quick and decisive game at 12-2, with The Oysters literally crushing Gail, Scotty, Clay and substitute and rookie Bob Meier. Cattich, Jim Leon, Jack and rookie Jen Meier were in terrific form for so early in the season.

Game two was a different story, Captain’s June and Carla’s players fought a very long and close battle that just didn’t seem to end, so long that Captain Carla walked off the court for dinner believing their game had ended due to time constraints. The final score of 12-10 had Weaver’s Fugetabocce with Brooke, Jaime and substitute Jim Leon, victorious over the Carla’s Keep on Rolling, Rich, Bob Meier and substitute.

With the cold weather few stuck around to see the night’s final game between the Belles of the Ball with Captain Leanne, Chis Coates, Diane Lopez and Scotty subbing for the vacationing Leslie and Jill’s Rolling Stones. The Stones were off to a fast start with great rolls by rookie Jimmy DiRuscio, subs June Weaver and Brooke and Captain Jill. The Belles fought back slowly and managed to clinch the game with a final 3 point roll to close the evening at 12-9 at the dark hour of 9:15pm.

Final note to Captains, the game ends when the first team makes 12 points. However it is possible to score even more points, if you still have a few balls left to roll. It can be a decisive factor as League standings are based on both games won AND total points scored (TPS).

Standings

This Friday we will be meeting at 6:00pm for drinks and appetizers. Our theme is Bocce Italiano, the menu is listed below, so please let me know what you can bring and I will post. The night’s first game is between Fugetabocce and the Belles of the Ball at 6:30pm.

• Salami & Cheese – Jill & Jamie
• Olives, Pepperoncini, Artichoke Hearts, etc.(antipasto platter) – Dianne
• Prosciutto & Melon – Kelly & Travis
• Figs with Gorgonzola – need volunteer
• Grilled Italian Sausage – Chris & Jack
• Hot Pasta – Chris & Jack
• Green Salad – LeAnne
• White Bean Salad – Leslie deGiere
• Tomato with Mozzarella and Basil – Tiffany & Pete
• Garlic Bread – Clay
• Italian Cookies – Gail
• Beer – June & Rich
• Wine – need volunteer
• Pellegrino – Carla
• Aperol Spritz – Jack & Chris

This Friday we will see the conclusion to an unusual 2021 Campbell Bocce League Season. We are foregoing a playoff round given the late start to the season and moving straight to the Championship. There will be two games played, the first game at 6:30 between third and fourth place and at 8:00 the Championship game will be played between first and second. Place is determined by the standings after five games of our regular season, first by win- loss record, then by TPS (Total Points Scored).

The first game will be played at 6:30 pm between the Ru Barbs captained by June Weaver with Jaime, Gail, and Rich and the Ru Ollerz with Captain Conor Pullman Jim Woodcock, and substitutes. This game will determine Third Place.

Facing off in the Championship are first place Rumba with Captain Chris Cattich, Karen, Kelly & Blake playing Clay Lingo’s second place High Rullers with LeAnne, Travis and Chris Coates.

Following the conclusion to the Championship Game there will be a short awards ceremony. The menu for this Friday is High Stakes. Please let me know what you can bring and I will post. And Captains I absolutely need a head count, please contact your teammates and let me know who will or and will not be attending by Thursday noon.

HIGH STEAKS

• Deviled Eggs – June & Rich

• Cheese platter – Lynne & Cris

• Charcuterie platter– Leslie

• Veggies & Dip – Gail

• Ribeye Steaks- Chris & Jack

• Twice baked potato- Chris & Jack

• Summer Tomatoes with Basil – Karen & Brooke

• Green Salad – LeAnne

• Gin & Tonics – Chris & Jack

• Cupcakes  – Kelly & Travis

• Wine – need volunteer, please someone bring Pinot Grigio for my husband!

This coming Friday September 10 we play again for the final round of our regular season. This fifth and final round determines which teams will play for the Championship and who will be awarded the Wooden Spoon.

Currently leading with a 3-1 record and 45 TPS are Clay Lingo’s High Rullers, with LeAnne, Travis and Chris Coates, and in second place with a 3-1 and 44 TPS are Chris Cattich’s Rumba with Karen, Kelly & rookie phenom Blake Smith. Both these teams will face off next Friday in the night’s second game. The winner is guaranteed a Championship berth, but the loser may or may not get the same chance. It all depends on June Weaver’s Ru Barbs, also with a 3-1 record but only 41 TPS. If the Ru Barbs with Jamie Milliner, Gail Gilbert and Rich Weaver win their match Friday they will have a 4-1 record and a well earned place in the Championship.

Just a heads up, the Championship and Award ceremony will be September 24.

Next Friday kicks off at 6:30 with the first game between Ru Morse and Ru Ollerz. Our theme will be Asian Luau, so please let me know what you can bring and I will post. No beer needed this week, we’re floating in suds.

• Eggrolls – need volunteer

• Potstickers – Gail

• Maui Onion potato chips & dip – June & Rich

• Asian Ribs – Chris & Jack

• Fried Rice – LeAnne

• Tropical Fruit Salad – need volunteer

• Crazy Asian Salad – Leslie

• Coconut cupcakes – Karen & Brooke

• Wine – need volunteer

• Pina Coladas – Chris & Jack

Yes, there will be Bocce this Friday, September3! And next Friday, too. This is the only time we will be playing on back to back Fridays.

Round 3 turned our Bocce League upside down with each and every team who lost in Round 2, winning in Round 3. It also shook up the standings just a bit. Without a playoff round this year every point scored will absolutely make a difference as to who plays for the Championship. Remember it’s your win-loss record AND your TPS (Total Points Scored) that determine place.

Standings after Round 3

First game is at 6:30 between Ru Ollerz and Rumba. The weather looks to be a bit cooler with some clouds, so don’t forget your CBL sweatshirts.

The theme will be Southern BBQ. Please let me know what you can bring and I will post.

• Deviled Eggs- need volunteer

• Southern Pimento Cheese and Crackers – need volunteer

• Pickled Veggies – Chris

• BBQ Chicken – Chris

• Corn Bread – LeAnne

• Mac & Cheese – Brooke & Karen

• Coleslaw- June & Rich

• Watermelon – Clay

• Peach Crumble Bars – Leslie

• Beer & Wine – Kelly & Travis, Lynne, Blake

• Spiked Sweet Tea- Chris