It was beautiful evening at the Campbell Bocce Grounds Friday night. The balls were rolling, the wine was flowing and the music had us swaying. Really it was only the music, not the wine. I think.

First match was Barb’s BB Busters vs Erin Go Bocce , and it was definitely an example of practice makes perfect. With two of Captain Conor’s EGB players, Lori and guest Jeff (subbing for Carl Alderete) having had more than a few hours of practice the previous night, it was a lopsided win. Barb and regular team player Nate were ably assisted by substitutes Rupert and Carla but the foursome could not put any combos together and lost miserably 12-1 against the accurate rolling of Conor, Deb, Lori & Jeff.

The second game of the evening pitted Cozzie and the Hot Rollers, with super competitive Captain Carla and teammates Jamie, Jim Woodcock and Jill (subbing for Moshia) against the Ball Breakers. With a quick three point lead, BB Captain Chris Cattich and his strategically picked substitutes Jim Leon, Nate and Carl (better late than never Alderete) looked to be real threat to Carla and her ace veterans. However, in very short order, the Hot Rollers got their game on and never looked back. Final score Cozzie 12- Ball Breakers 4

The evenings final game matched missing Captain Teds’ Balls Deep and Game of Throwns with Captain Jill, Rupert, Carol and Chis Coates. Carl (thanks for the gorgeous wine Alderete) filled in for the missing Ted and paired with teammate Jim Leon dominated the scoreboard end of the court. Jack and Leslie did the same on their end, although Jack graciously granted a couple points to his wife in honor of their 21st anniversary early in the game. Balls Deep 12- Game of Throwns 6

Results Round 2

Erin Go Bocce 12, Barbs Bocce Ball Busters 1

Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 12, Ball Breakers 4

Balls Deep 12, Game of Thrones 6

Standings

Balls Deep                                             2-0

Cozzie and the HotRollers             1-1

Erin Go Bocce                                       1-1

Game of Throwns                               1-1

Barbs Bocce Ball Busters                1-1

Ball Breakers                                          0-2

Our Round 3 dinner theme will be Mexican Fiesta, Ole! Let me know what you can contribute and I will post it on this page.

• Chips- Carol
• Salsa, green, red, fire roasted- need volunteer
• Guacamole- lots of guacamole! – June & Rich
• Grilled Adobo Chicken- Chris
• Chipotle Flank Steak- Chris
• Tortillas , corn 6″- Barb
• Cheese, shredded or crumbled- Jill & Jamie
• Beans- Deborah
• Rice- Deborah
• Black bean corn, and tomato salad (recipe posted on our website)-Michelle
• Mexican fruit popsicles- Lori
• Margaritas (just need Blanco or Reposado 100% Agave Tequila)- Chris & Jack
• Mexican Beer- need volunteer

Once again we kick off tomorrow night at 6:30 pm sharp. First game will be between Barb’s Bocce Ball Busters and Conor’s Erin Go Bocce.  Our theme is Asian Luau.

• Eggrolls- Lynne & Jim
• Potstickers- Carol
• Fried Wontons-need volunteer
• Asian Ribs- Chris & Jack
• Teriyaki Chicken- Chris & Jack
• Fried Rice- Deborah
• Tropical Fruit Salad- Chris & Jack
• Asian Salad- Leslie
• Coconut cupcakes- Jill
• Asian Beer- Conor
• Wine- need volunteer
• Pina Coladas- Chris & Jack

Comment, or call or email to let me know what you would like to bring, and I will get it posted.

The theme is Italian Night, as we celebrate all things Italian in our first round of the season with:

• Cheese- Lori
• Salami- Rupert
• Olives- Jill & Jaime
• Peperoncini- June & Rich
• Green salad- Leslie
• Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil- need volunteer
• Italian Sausage- Chris & Jack
• Sauteed Peppers & Onions- Chris & Jack
• Hot Pasta- Lynne & Jim
• Garlic Bread- Deborah
• Italian Cookies- Chris
• Beer- Conor
• Wine- Carol
• Limoncello- need volunteer

Please let me know what you can contribute and I will post here on the website.

First game begins at 6:30 promptly with Teams Cattich and Lusher rolling. Dont forget, we need Team names by Thursday evening 5pm.

 

The Polo Grounds, Wembley Stadium, even the Emirates have nothing on the newly remodeled Campbell Bocce Grounds. As we begin our Fifth season, the Campbell himself is busy engineering a new marvel for players and fans alike. The only question is will it be ready in time. High hopes people, the proof will be in the pudding in two short weeks when the first games commence on June 10 at 6:30 pm..

Following our traditional kickoff dinner and cocktails this past Friday, six captains were appointed and teams selected. This year’s league captains are:

Captain Conor Pullman– returning League champion, Mr Pullman is known for his dedication and focus, consistently leading his team to the top end brackets.

Captain Barb Kutschinski -2015 winner of the “Captain, O My Captain” trophy, the indefatigable Barb is raring to go, and vows to lead this year’s team to their best season ever.

Captain Ted Lusher– creator of the inimitable Teddy, awarded to the League’s first place team, Captain Ted is also our behind the scenes consultant for the new Campbell Bocce Grounds.

Captain Jill Milliner– from “2015 Rookie of the Year”to captain in just one season, Jill is know for her decisive play and innate understanding of Bocce strategy.

Captain Chris Cattich– will last year’s “Wooden Spoon” award upset the dead eye accuracy and perfect timing of new Captain Chris Cattich?  Let’s see if CCC can share his skills with his new team members and reclaim some of his former glory.

Captain Carla Brouillette– can you say Competitive? How else to describe the drive and determination (even with cocktail in hand) of this one woman dynamo. With perhaps the strongest lineup in this year’s league, Captain Carla will be the one to watch.

All Team members you are all responsible along with your Captain to come up with a name for your team by Thursday, June 9. Teams are listed under the website tab, TEAMS.

Captains you are responsible to communicate game dates and times to your teammates, assign substitutes when needed and coordinate who plays at each end, and which of your teammates is responsible for the scoreboard.

A roster with contact details, will be sent to all captains and players by Wednesday this  week.

This year the first round of League games will begin on Friday June 10, at 6:30 pm. Regular game nights will be on alternate Fridays beginning at 6:30pm. The full 2016 season schedule is posted on our website under the tab “SCHEDULE”

There will be 5 rounds, with three games each evening, concluding with a round of playoffs, and then a final Championship game.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

 

CHAMPIONSHIP & AWARDS

Once again another Bocce season has come to a close. This was our fourth season and we have witnessed some significant changes in our roster. At the end of last year, we said a sad good by to the Kris & John Costa, Sheryl Landi and Luke Darwin and this year we were joined by several new players. Carol Lingo, Nate Castillo and the magnificent Milliners, Jill and Jamie are all now CBL regulars.

We have had a great season of competition, exciting games and wonderful meals, a combination that makes for an outstanding league, the one and only Campbell Bocce League.

Tonight’s Championship match was as exciting as they come…. But before we get to that game and announce this year’s Champion, it is time to acknowledge some players with some very special awards

TOP SCORING SUB

Formerly part of the regular roster, this substitute attended nearly every game and was at the ready whenever called. She admirably filed the role of missing players for several teams this year and in appreciation and acknowledgement of her contribution, Kay Missin is awarded CBL Top Scoring Substitute.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Every Rookie hopes to make a good showing in their first year in the League, but this player was truly outstanding and played the game as well as any seasoned veteran. Accuracy and speed combined with an innate understanding of strategy helped her bring her team to a first place standing early in the season. Campbell Bocce League awards Rookie of the Year to Jill Milliner

MVP

Our most valuable player has most typically been a seasoned veteran with an excellent skill set. This season our MVP not only demonstrated outstanding Bocce skills, more importantly he was an invaluable asset to both his Team and the league when he filled in for his missing Captain on at least three separate occasions. And as this was just his first year with the league we are even more impressed with his contribution. Jamie Milliner you are Campbell Bocce League’s 2015 Most Valuable Player.

O CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN

Captains play an important role in CBL. They have significant responsibility to organize their players, to direct strategy and promote teamwork while the game is in progress. It is a position that indicates honor and respect from one’s teammates and recognition as a leader by one’s peers. O Captain, My Captain is one of the most recognized works by poet Walt Whitman and honors the accomplishments of his Captain while lamenting his loss in battle. Though not every Captain can take home The Teddy after winning the Championship, we still wish to call attention and say thank you to a Captain who has the true spirit of CBL in her veins. Barb Kutschinski you are awarded the League’s O Captain My Captain trophy.

THE CAMPBELL TROPHY

For the second year we are awarding, The Campbell Trophy. Like its imitator the Heisman, The Campbell is awarded to the most outstanding player in the league whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.

Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. We have a player who has demonstrated these attributes over all 4 seasons.

As a First year coach, he was considered hopeless, yet he brought his all woman team to the playoffs. In his Second season he improved even more with a respectable 3-3 record. Last year he and his team earned a championship berth by defeating the towering dynasty of Jim Woodcock and his Sleeps With The Fishes. In his Fourth and final season he once again was in the Playoffs, winning the Championship and coveted Teddy, along with his Dragon Ballz teammates.

For these accomplishments and more we are proud to present The Campbell Trophy to Clay Lingo.

THE WOODEN SPOON

For every winner there must be a loser. Though they played each game with determination and true passion, the season was not kind to this team. It wasn’t the worst record ever in CBL and as a matter of fact this team won the very first match of the season against the infamous Captain Woodcock and his Funky Cold Pollinas. The season definitely turned sour when the Girls lost game after game, although sometimes by only a few points. With a 1-4 regular season record, Girls with Balls lost in the playoffs to 5^th place Funky Cold Pollinas and retired the season in last place. To Captain Lynne, Chris Cattich, Leslie deGiere and rookie Carol Lingo, we present The Wooden Spoon.

THE TOAST

There is one more thing to say before we recognize this year’s Champions, and that is to say good by to two very dear friends who have moved far from the beautiful lit court of the Campbell Bocce League. Susan Chaney left after the playoffs to return to her home country and resume her career and life as an artist. Tomorrow Clay Lingo leaves us to begin a new adventure in work and life in Sunny Florida. We wish them both success and happiness. A Campbell Bocce League toast, May your Balls never hit the Walls to both Susie and Clay!

THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Once again the Championship match was a superb performance of ball rolling, trash talk and some anxiety. The final score of 12-9 hardly depicts the competition that ensued between Conor Pullman’s Dragon Ballz and Carl Brouillette’s Easy Rollers. The Roller’s Moshia and Ted anchored the south end, playing against Dragon’s Clay and Carl. While at he north end of the court, Captain Connor with Jim Leon faced off against captain Carla and her homey Lynne Missin substituting for London’s Lady Susie. Though relatively close Dragon Ballz never relented, repeating plays that stood them in good stead through the entire 2015 season. When the dust settled, it was Dragon Ballz on top completing an outstanding season with only 1 loss in 7 games.

Congratulations to Campbell Bocce League’s 2015 Champions! Dragon Ballz -Captain Conor Pullman, Clay Lingo, Jim Leon and Carl Alderete.

Tomorrow night after an amazing season, the fat lady will have had her moment and a new Champion will be crowned. Whose name will be engraved on the towering Campbell Bocce League perpetual trophy? Which players along with their captain will take home the Teddy? Well don’t miss the excitement Friday night beginning at 6:30 pm.

Our last major event was the Playoffs with the fierce competition between all six teams. The night’s first game was a tooth and nail biter as the 5th place Funky Cold Pollinas faced off against 6th place Girls with Balls for the dreaded Wooden Spoon. With both Captains Woodcock and Missin missing, Jamie Milliner and Chris Cattich filled in to exhort and coach their players, utilizing subs Rupert and Mo for the FCP and Conor subbing for the missing Missin. You may all well remember the first game of the season when Girls with Balls and the Funky Cold Pollinas battled point by point for over an hour with GWB emerging victorious 12-11. Well not this time! The Girls were emasculated 12-4 and appropriately enough will be awarded The Wooden Spoon for Last place. The Funky Cold Pollinas saved their dignity and have retired the season in Fifth place.

The Playoffs next two games pitted 2nd place A Bocce Problem against 3rd place Easy Rollers, and 1st place Dragon Ballz and 4th place East Coast Cosmos. All four teams had an equal chance at the Championship if they won their match.  Captain Barb with her full ABP team, Michelle, Nate and Jill playing like a well oiled machine nearly had the game clinched when Easy Rollers, Ted, Susan and Mo, led by the competitive Captain Carla roared back and clinched a championship berth 12-10.

The night’s final game couldn’t have been more different. With two 4 point combos, Dragon Ballz, Clay Lingo and Jim Leon utilized red hot sub Kimberly (once Captain Conor wisely begged for her assistance) to absolutely burn the struggling East Coast Cosmos 12-1. Led by Captain Bobby, Jack, Chris and Rupert of the Cosmos turned in their worst performance with only a single point earned by Jack early in the match saving them from total annihilation. The Dragon has earned their Championship berth, and will be facing the Easy Rollers Friday night.

Friday night will begin with A Bocce Problem and East Coast Cosmos playing for 3rd and 4th place. This swan song for both teams will commence during Cocktails and Appetizers. Then we will light the BBQ and thrown on the Ribeyes. We will keep an eye on the steaks and enjoy the rare opportunity to see two great teams Dragon Ballz and Easy Rollers battle for the right to clam the Teddy and have their names emblazoned on the Campbell Bocce League perpetual trophy.

Results Playoffs

Funky Cold Pollinas 12, Girls with Balls 4

Easy Rollers 12, A Bocce Problem 10

Dragon Ballz 12, East Coast Cosmos 1

Menu Championship

• Ribeyes – Jack & Chris
• Twice Baked Potatoes – Jill & Chris
• Classic Green Salad- Carol
• Tomatoes with Basil – Chris
• Cheese Plate – Michelle & Mo
• Salami & Olives – Clay
• Lemon Bars – Leslie
• Champagne – need volunteer
• Red Wine – need volunteer
• Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – Lynne, Rupert
• Beer – need volunteer

The playoffs are coming tonight !

Regular play concluded on beautiful Friday night under the lights. Competition was fierce with Conor and Dragon Ballz fighting to regain first place from Barb’s team A Bocce Problem. Outstanding players Carol Lingo, Susie, Rupert and our newest substitute Leanne each dominated the court with accuracy and strategic positioning.

Results Round 5

Easy Rollers 12, A Bocce Problem 10

East Coast Cosmos 12, Girls w/Balls 6

Dragon Ballz 12, Funky Cold Pollinas 6

Standings

Please note, when the win loss record is the same, standing is determined by total point scored (TPS)

Playoff Schedule

6:30 Funky Cold Pollinas – Girls w/Balls, for the Wooden Spoon

7:15 A Bocce Problem – Easy Rollers, winner advances to Championship

8:00 Dragon Ballz – East Coast Cosmos, winner advances to Championship

The theme is All American, as we celebrate the Red, White & Blue with:

• Hamburgers & Fixins’s- Chris & Jill
• Corn on the Cob- Leslie
• Three Bean salad- Carol
• Potato salad- Rupert
• Deviled Eggs- Nelly
• Vegetables with dip- Chris
• Chips & dip- we have tons
• Brownies- Deborah
• Beer- need volunteer
• Wine- need volunteer

My apologies but the recap of the the round 4 matches will be published at a later date. So you will all just have to wait to hear how The Dragon was Slain, The Easy Rollers slid into third, and Jack & Chris had their hottest night in years.

This Friday the theme is “Take me out to the Ballgame”.

Results Round 4

Easy Rollers 12, Girls with Balls 8

A Bocce Problem 12, Dragon Ballz 2

East Coast Cosmos 13, Funky Cold Pollinas 4

Standings

A Bocce Problem            3-1

Dragon Ballz                     3-1

Easy Rollers                      2-2

East Coast Cosmos        2-2

Funky Cold Pollinas        1-3

Girls with Balls                1-3

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

• Popcorn- Chris
• Peanuts in the shell- Jill
• Deviled Eggs- Leslie
• Ruffle Chips and Onion dip- Susie
• Nachos- Deb
• Hot dogs & Buns-Chris
• Toppings, Onions, relish, sauerkraut, mustard, hot peppers, grated cheese, chili – Carol
• Old Fashioned Coleslaw – need volunteer
• Potato salad- Michelle
• Ice Cream sandwiches – Clay
• Beer

We now have just two games left in regular season play and the summer is literally flying by. It seems like the recent 4th of July celebrations were a year ago not just a few weeks ago. Hot and sweaty has been the weather and the level of play, with Round 3 reaching new heights of competition.

New Captain Barb Kutschinski and her Team, A Bocce Problem with resident Artist Nate Castillo, seasoned pro Michelle and the willowy Natalie Coates substituting for Jill Milliner leaped to second place in League standings by soundly defeating Funky Cold Pollinas. The FCPs Captain Jim and Deborah were joined by experts subs Kay Missin and Bobby Corso, but they just could not manage the points and remain tied in third place.

Balls were flying in game two between Dragon Ballz and Girls with Balls, but nature had her way as Girls with Balls Captain Lynne, Chris Cattich, Leslie and Carol Lingo couldn’t come up with more than a pair between them and lost 4 to 12 to Captain Conor with Clay, Jim Leon and substitutes Ru and Taylor teaming up to replace Carl Alderete.

The evenings final game was another blowout when Easy Rollers Captain Carla and Susie played pool, destroying every point opportunity of the East Coast Rollers with their ricochet play. With Teddy and Moshia’s incredible accuracy at the opposite end of the court, the East Coast Rollers Chris, Jack, Bobby and Rupert were absolutely stunned 13-5 Our next dinner theme for Round 4 will be Mediterranean Nights. Let me know what you can contribute and I will post it on this page.

Results Round 3

A Bocce Problem 12, Funky Cold Pollinas 9

Dragon Ballz 12, Girls with Balls 4

Easy Rollers 13, East Coast Cosmos 5

Standings

Dragon Ballz                     3-0

A Bocce Problem             2-1

Funky Cold Pollinas        1-2

Easy Rollers                     1-2

Girls with Balls                1-2

East Coast Rollers             1-2

Menu Mediterranean Nights

• Beef Shish Kabobs – Deborah & Chris
• Chicken Skewers – Clay
• Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion & Feta Salad- Mo & Michelle
• Arugula & Fig salad – Chris
• Fig and gorgonzola hors d’oeuvre – need volunteer, recipe posted on Campbell Bocce League website, under RECIPES
• Hummus and Pita chips – Carla
• Veggies with tzatziki – Leslie
• Meze Plate, olives, pepperoncini, artichoke hearts,stuffed grape leaves –need volunteer
• Dessert – Jill & Jamie
• Wine – need volunteer
• Beer – need volunteer
• Negronis & Americanos Cocktails- Chris & Jack

Get your beautiful Campbell Bocce League sweatshirts.The perfect addition for those nights when the games heat up, but the weather cools down. Heather grey traditional men’s crew neck sweatshirt in S, M, L, XL or XXL, We have to order by Friday at noon, for a very special price of $35.00 each. Runs true to size but for comparison Jack Campbell wears a Large, and I like the fit of a Medium.

Call or email me ASAP to place your order before Friday.