Yes, It is almost that time of year again, the birds are singing, the bees are buzzing and very soon the balls will be rolling. Campbell Bocce League will kick off its fourth season on Friday May 29th at 6:30pm.

Following our usual kickoff dinner and cocktails, captains will be appointed and teams will be selected. After the formation of the six new teams, the rules of the league and the 2015 season schedule will be handed out. We may even play a few games.

This year the first round of League games will begin on Friday June 12, at 6:30 pm. Regular game nights will be on alternate Fridays beginning at 6:30pm. The full 2015 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. Don’t worry if you can’t participate on every scheduled evening, we allow substitutions.

We need a full complement of 24 players, so please let me know via email if you will be part of the league this year, and if you will be attending the kickoff dinner for team selections.

Our 2014 season has come to a close and tonight’s Championship game was just as exciting and hard fought as every other match that was played this year. But before we get to that game and announce this year’s Champion, it is time to take a look back at the entire year.

With three seasons now completed Campbell Bocce League has amassed some real history and interesting statistics. Leslie deGiere has been our record keeper for three consecutive seasons, faithfully recording captains and their teams, game scores, and player substitutions. It was time to take a look at those numbers, put them into perspective and acknowledge some of our very talented players.

THE CAMPBELL TROPHY

We have a new award this year, 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. This year we have two players who have both demonstrated these attributes.

They have each had remarkable careers in the short history of our league, coming from a first year start that was at the very bottom of league standings to a championship in Season 2, and once again each played in this year championship. Sheryl Landi & Moisha Smith, in recognition of your hard work and success you are awarded The Campbell Trophy.

The Campbell Trophy/Sheryl Landi

The Campbell Trophy/ Moisha Smith

CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS

Captain Courageous is the title of a famous work by Rudyard Kipling that was immortalized in film with Spencer Tracy playing the Captain. The story is one of an older man who helps a young man reach his true potential, by teaching him through personal example the benefits of a strong work ethic and how to overcome hardships. In our League we have a Captain who exemplifies the same qualities, with a strong work ethic coupled with personal responsibility he has coached his teammates helping them develop into excellent players. Though his teams have not yet won a single season, they have improved from a fifth place finish in Year 1, to a Championship berth in Year 2 and a respectable fourth place finish this year. In recognition of your contribution John Costa you are our Captain Courageous.

Captain Courageous/ John Costa

GOLDEN BALL AWARD

In many professional sports there is an award to recognize the player who over several seasons or even an entire career consistently demonstrates exceptional skill and focus. These players are often instrumental in bringing their teams to Championship rounds year after year. Our Golden Ball Award recognizes the contribution of a player, with the best performance over three seasons. 2^nd place in season 1, 3^rd place in season 2, and this year he was once again in the Championship to assist in a 1st place finish. Statistics don’t lie, this outstanding performance belongs to Bobby Corso who has earned Campbell Bocce League’s Golden Ball trophy.

Golden Ball Award/ Bobby Corso

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Although Luke Darwin could not be with us this evening, having returned home to resume his university career, you were all here when he was awarded the League’s 2014 Most Valuable Player. Luke put more heart and focus into this game then any other player and contributed to both the court preparation, set up and breakdown for each of our games. In Thanks to Luke and recognition of both his skill and contribution, let’s raise a glass and toast this years MVP- Luke Darwin.

Most Valuable Player/ Luke Darwin

MAN OF THE LEAGUE

This is a very special award to recognize both outstanding skill and personal contribution to the league. It is a pleasure to have an individual who combines exceptional talent with service to the League. Throwing or rolling the ball with precision, coaching his teams to outstanding performance season after season, skillfully grilling outstanding Asian ribs, supplying fine wine and married to our first female captain. This award is for our own Man of The League- Jim Woodcock

Man of the League/ Jim Woodcock

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. With a 0-6 record, Captain Rupert DePhillips along with Carla Brouillette Susie Chaney and Kris Costa have earned the Wooden Spoon.

The Wooden Spoon/ Ru’s Garden of Earthly Delights

THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Tonight’s Championship was played between the No Talent Ass Clowns and Sleeps with the Fishes, coached by two of our most formidable Captains, Clay Lingo and Jim Woodcock.

First a little history:

Captain Jim Woodcock in our 2012 inaugural season led his Woodies with only 2 permanent members, himself and Ted Lusher along with a constant changing roster of substitutes to the first ever CBL Championship.

In our 2013 Season 2, Jim’s team Checkered Napkins ended the regular season tied with John Costa’s Mangiamos, both with a win loss record of 4-1, but with Captain Jim absent for the playoff round his Napkins lost to Conor’s Trinity Plus 12-10 and finished the season in third place.

And this year, Jim and his Sleeps with the Fishes, Michelle, Chris Cattich and Bobby Corso were near unbeatable, until they ran smack dab into Clay Lingo and the No Talent Ass Clowns for a humiliating 12-7 defeat in the final game of the regular season. Yet during the Playoffs, SWT Fishes once again showed their true ability defeating The Minions for a place in tonight’s Championship.

Captain Clay Lingo started his CBL career with an all woman rookie team, The Ramones. Despite the many laughs and constant ribbing, thru Clay’s careful and consistent coaching the Ramones ended the season, not in last place but in fourth losing in the playoffs to the Ru’s Goombas. Clay was awarded Campbell Bocce League’s 2012 Best Captain for that performance.

In Season 2, Clay’s Ramones ended the season with a respectable 3-3 record, though with a hyper competitive year 2 League this respectable record only earned a fifth place finish.

And this Year Clay Lingo and The No Talent Ass Clowns, Carl Alderete, Moshia Smith and Sheryl Landi, rocked the league when the defeated SWT Fishes in the year’s final regular season game. The No TACs lost only their first season game to Conor’s Minions in a very close 12-11 decision. No TAC won every other game to wind up in tonight’s Championship round with a SWT Fishes.

And as expected tonight’s Championship was a battle royal between two highly skilled and fiercely competitive teams. Early on SWT Fishes built a 10-2 lead over No TAC. But with great determination Carl Alderete paired with Sheryl Landi started a comeback drive and SWT Fishes were shut down for several frames bringing the score to 10-6. Yet in the end SWT Fishes rallied one point at a time to clinch the 2014 Championship 12-6.

Congratulations to Sleeps with the Fishes, Captain Jim Woodcock, Bobby Corso, Chris Cattich and Michelle Smith, Campbell Bocce League’s 2014 Champions!

Sometimes no matter how had we try, things just don’t change. Que Sera, Sera. Whatever will be, will be. Hence the conclusion of our usually tumultuous playoffs resulted in no change in league standings.

Interesting enough, the night’s first game for the dreaded Wooden Spoon between fifth and sixth place Bollabridgidas and Ru’s GEDs resulted in the first ever league shut out, 12 -0. Desperate to avoid a repeat of their last place finish in Season 2, Captain Lynne, Chris, and Leslie with Jim Leon subbing for the normally indefatigable Barb completely stymied Rupert and his ladies. Carla, Susan and Kris Costa just couldn’t make up for Captain Rupert’s worst showing of his career. Though the Bollas won the game, and ended the season with a respectable 3-3 record that matched the 4th place Minions, they could only avoid a last place finish, as they didn’t qualify as one of the top four teams at the conclusion of regular season play.

Game 2 of the playoffs pitted our second place team, SWT Fishes against Captain Conor’s third place Minions. And this game was the highlight of the playoffs, Captain Jim, Bobby, Chris Cattich and Michelle just could not be beat. Conor and his Minions’, Jack, Luke and Jim Leon rolled point after point, but were blocked, knocked, and eventually mocked by the unstoppable Fishes 12-8. The Minions end the season with a 3-3 record and an overall Total Points Scored of 67, matching SWT Fishes for TPS, but it is Sleeps with The Fishes with their playoff win, and 5-1 record who will go on to the Championship round.

The final game of the Playoffs was between first and fourth place teams, No TAC and The Mangiamos. The Mangiamos who had nudged the Bollas out of fourth place at the end of regular season play, by scoring 9 more TPS, forgot to bring their shoes to the Playoffs. No TAC’s Captain Clay with his sharp shooters, Sheryl, Moisha and Captain Conor substituting for the missing Carl gave no ground and mercilessly hammered Deborah, Kay and Ted and Captain John. Though they never lay down, the beleaguered Mangiamos only managed 2 points, losing 12-2 and their opportunity to play in the Championship to Clay Lingo and his No Talent Ass Clowns.

So it is nearly the end of the season, the Championship is looming and we are all wondering who will walk away Friday with the trophy. Will it be No TAC or will it be a repeat for Captain Jim with his SWT Fishes?

Be There or Be Square and please send your RSVP’s.

Results – Playoffs

Bollabrigidas 12,  Ru’s GED’s 0

SWT Fishes 12, The Minions 8

No TAC 12,  Mangiamos 2

Standings after Playoffs & TPS- total points scored

1. No TAC                      5-1    TPS 71
2. SWT Fishes              5-1    TPS 67
3. The Minions            3-3    TPS 67
4. Mangiamo                2-4    TPS 54
5. Bollabridgidas        3-3    TPS 55
6. Ru’s GEDs                 0-6   TPS 44

Championship Schedule

6:30 Cocktails & Dinner

7:30 SWT Fishes – No TAC

8:30 Awards Ceremony

Menu “High Steaks”

• Costa Eggs-Kris
• Hors d’ oeuvre- Barb
• Cheese Assortment- need volunteer
• Ribeyes- Chris & Jack
• Twice Baked Potatoes  – Chris & Deborah
• Green Salad- Susie
• Summer Tomatoes- need volunteer
• Chocolate Cake- Leslie
• Beer &  Red Wine – need volunteers

It Couldn’t Be Done

Jim scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that;

At least no one has done it”;

But No TAC, put down their drinks and picked up the ball,

And the first thing we knew they’d begun it.

With Carl & Sheryl and Taylor’s sly grin,

Without any doubting or quiddit,

They scored point by point as they tackled the thing

That couldn’t be done, and they did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,

There are thousands to prophesy failure;

There are thousands to point out to you one by one,

The dangers that wait to assail you.

But just buckle it in with a bit of a grin,

Just roll those balls like you know it;

Rack up the score as you tackle the thing

That “couldn’t be done,” and you’ll do it.

With apologies to author Edgar Albert Guest,  Game 1 between the seemingly indomitable SWT Fishes and No Tac just demanded a poetic tribute. Captain Jim and his fabulous team of Bobbie, Chris Cattich and Luke substituting for Michelle in this game, had an absolutely amazing season up to last Friday night. Not to be outdone or even slightly  intimidated Clay Lingo with teammates, Sheryl, Carl and Taylor standing in for Moisha managed the near impossible with a smashing win over Sleeps with The Fishes. We said It Couldn’t be Done- but they did it!

John Costa’s Mangiamos with Deborah, Teddy and Kay definitely had their groove on as they decisively  won Game 2 against Ru’s GED’s. Ru and his Ladies, Carla, Kris and Susie were completely surprised by the swiftness of the court surface. Though in last place, the GEDs have one more chance in the infamous Wooden Spoon game that kicks off the playoffs on August 22.  The Mangiamos with this win now have moved into fourth place in the standings which gives them a chance at the the Championship.

With the return of Captain Lynne and her energetic coaching for the final season game pitting her Bollabridgidas against The Minions, I thought we might finish regular season play in fourth or even third. But once again despite an excellent 5 point performance by battl’in Barb and the lovely Leslie, a fast court surface and perhaps my bum leg, did not help us reach our true potential. Conor assisted by substitute Chris Cattich for the primping Jim Leon, held our end of the court to just 2 points in favor of the Bollas. While on the opposite end Jack and Luke held their own and then some against Barb & Leslie. Final score The Minions 12 Bollas 7

Results Round 5

No TAC 12,  SWT Fishes 7

Mangiamos 12 Ru’s GEDs 5

The Minions 12,  Bollabrigidas 7

Standings after Regular Season play (when there is a tie in the Win Loss record, total points scored in regular season play are used to determine place)

1. No TAC                      4-1    with a total of 59 points
2. SWT Fishes              4-1    with a total of 55 points
3. The Minions            3-2
4. Mangiamo                2-3    with a total of 52 points
5. Bollabridgidas         2-3    with a total of 43 points
6. Ru’s GEDs                 0-5

Playoff Schedule

6:30 Bollabridgidas – Ru’s GEDs, for the Wooden Spoon

7:15 SWT Fishes – The Minions, winner advances to Championship

8:00 No Tac – Mangiamos, winner advances to Championship

Menu “Southern BBQ”

• Costa Eggs-Kris
• Southern Pimento Cheese and Crackers –  need volunteer
• BBQ Chicken- Chris
• Corn Bread- Leslie
• Mac & Cheese  – Michelle & Moisha
• Coleslaw- Clay
• Corn on the Cob- need volunteer
• Watermelon- Deborah
• Brownies- Luke
• Beer & Wine – need volunteer    

To quote Captain Conor, Round 4 were the best games of the season. We had it all,  The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat!
The human drama of athletic competition. This was Campbell Bocce in Round 4.

The nights ultimate heartbreaker was game 1 between Captain Clay’s No TAC and Ru’s GED’s. What started out as an almost embarrassing rout, with a score of 0-8 in favor of No Tac, almost became the comeback game of the season. Carla, Susie, Kris and Rupert never gave up, and point by point brought the score back to nearly even. However, No TAC with Moisha, Sheryl, Clay and a very adept substitute Luke  finally won the day 12 to 8. Tears but no fears Ladies, Rupert and his Garden of Earthly Delights have one more chance in the upcoming Round 5 to pull themselves up from the basement.

Game 2 was an epic battle, if Homer hadn’t the Trojans, the game beween SWT Fishes and The Minions would have inspired his Iliad. Perhaps this wasn’t a ten year siege but it certainly ran long, as competition was fierce and neither side showed their Achilles heel. But all stories and games do come to an end, and SWT Fishes with Moisha substituting for missing captain Jim, along with Bobbie, Chris Cattich and Michelle, barely defeated Conor, Jack, Luke and Jim Leon 12-11, retaining their number one spot in league standings.

The evening’s final game, was played out more like one of my favorite movies “Galaxy Quest”. This Star Trek parody ended each episode “never give up, never surrender! And the Bollabridgidas secured their second win of the season, by never quitting even when they were down more than 6 points, holding Captain John Costa, Kay, Teddie and substitute Chris Cattich pointless for five frames. Finally, Barb, Leslie, Chris and Lynne’s skillfully chosen substitute Jim Leon, squeaked out the last two points to victory, winning 12-10.

In honor of Carla, Susie, Kris Rupert and all the players who have experienced the Agony of Defeat, I am attaching a link to one of the most famous poems of American Sports. http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/casey-bat#

And in keeping with the poem, the theme for Round 5 will be Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Let me know what you can contribute and I will post it on this page.

Results Round 4

No TAC 12, Ru’s GEDs 8
SWT Fishes 12, The Minions 11
Bollabrigidas 12, Mangiamos 10

Standings

SWT Fishes              4-0
No TAC                      3-1
The Minions            2-2
Bollabridgidas         2-2
Mangiamo                1-3
Ru’s GEDs                 0-4

Menu “Take Me out to the Ball Game”

• Popcorn-Chris
• Peanuts in the shell-Carl
• Costa Eggs- Kris
• Ruffle Chips and Onion dip- Chris
• Veggies with Spinach dip- Lynne
• Hot dogs- Susan
• Buns- Susan
• Toppings, onions, relish, ketchup,  mustard, hot peppers- Chris
• Toppings, sauerkraut,  grated cheese- Clay
• Three Bean Salad- Leslie
• Rita’s Macaroni Salad- Chris
• Potato salad- Kris
• Cracker Jacks – Deborah
• S’Mores- Chris
• Honey Graham Crackers – Kay
• Beer – need volunteer    

We are now just past the half way point of regular season play. Standings are no surprise, with Captain Jim Woodcock and his indomitable Sleeps with the Fishes leading the league standings. Aided by stalwarts Bobbie Corso, Chris Cattich and The Italian Gal, they absolutely destroyed the Bollabridgidas 12-4 in Game 3. Despite some well rolled balls by the Bolla’s Barb and Leslie, at their end Coach Lynne and Chris just couldn’t out perform Jim and Bobbie.

Rupert and his Garden of Earthly Delights were assisted by substitutes Mr Smith and Captain Woodcock standing in for the vacationing Carla and Kris Costa, but as in their last two games Rupert, Susie and the subs put up a valiant effort but in the end were defeated by the competent coaching of captain Conor and his Minions, Jack, Luke and Jim Leon. Given the home court advantage for three of the Minions it is really no surprise.

Clay and his regular No TAC team  of Carl, Sheryl and Mr. Smith all on hand and working the court like pros, soundly defeated the Mangiamos. Captain John was MIA, but the Mangiamos were lucky to have the visiting Judy Thomas joining Deborah, Kay and Teddie. The Mangiamos fought well and  even looked like they might come back for the win, but it was not to be and the Mangiamos now join the Bollabridgidas with just one win to date for the season standings.

FYI, there is a new section to our Campbell Bocce League website, RECIPES. Just look on the Navigation bar on the far right.

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

SWT Fishes 12, Bollabridgidas 4
The Minions 13, Ru’s GEDs 10
No TAC 12, Mangiamos 8

Standings

SWT Fishes              3-0
The Minions            2-1
No TAC                      2-1
Mangiamo                1-2
Bollabridgidas         1-2
Ru’s GEDs                 0-3

Menu Mediterranean Nights

• Beef Shish Kabobs – Deborah & Bobbie
• Chicken Skewers – Chris
• Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion & Feta Salad- Susie
• 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 – Barb
• Veggies with tzatziki – Leslie
• Olives & The Eggs! -Kris
• Dessert – Michelle
• Wine – need volunteer
• Beer – need volunteer

 

OK Everyone, here we go again. Round 2 showed a lot of spirit and just like Round 1, each game was closely fought. There was one exception, the game between Lynne’s Bollabridgidas and Lingo’s No Talent Ass Clowns was nearly a run away with Mr Smith, aided by substitutes Jim and Matt Coates skillfully winning 3 and 4 points in a frame.

But the big news, (and gang it is time to pay attention), is that Captain Jim Woodcock’s Swims With The Fishes has an early lead in the standings. SWT Fishes, with teammates Mrs. Smith, Chris Cattich and Bobby Corso is 2 wins to 0 losses. I know it may seem early, but beware, previous seasons have proved that Captain Jim rarely gives up a lead.

Finally, a big thank you to Captain Jim for his awesome Asian styled BBQ ribs, Matt’s Lumpia, and to everyone who contributed to an absolutely wonderful Asian Luau dinner.

Results Round 2

Mangiamo 12, Minions 10

No TAC 12, Bollabrigidas 8

SWT Fishes 12, Ru’s GEDs 11

Standings

SWT Fishes               2-0

No TAC                       1-1

The Minions             1-1

Mangiamo                 1-1

Bollabridgidas         1-1

Ru’s GEDs                 0-2

The theme for this Friday’s dinner is Fiesta Mexicana!

• Chips- Kay & Lynne
• Salsa, green, red, fire roasted- Kay & Lynne
• Guacamole- lots of guacamole! – Barb, Bobby
• Grilled Adobo Chicken- Chris
• Chipotle Flank Steak- Chris
• Tortillas , corn 6″- Kay & Lynne
• Cheese, shredded or crumbled- need volunteer
• Beans- Deborah
• Rice- need volunteer
• Leslie’s corn, jicama and tomato salad- Leslie
• Mexican fruit popsicles- Luke, Cattich & Leon
• Margaritas (just need Blanco or Reposado 100% Agave Tequila)- Susie
• Mexican Beer- Jim Woodcock, Bobby

At the conclusion of Round 1, it was apparent that with two seasons of experience, our players have become even more competitive. Captains, Lynne, Rupert, Jim, John and Clay were very vocal in their coaching and their teams listened! As a result, each game was a closely fought battle, point by point, stretching well past dusk. I think we got the new court lights installed just in time.

First game of the evening pitted Rupert’s Garden of Earthly Delights against Lynne’s Bollabridgidas with the Bollas winning by just 2 points, 12 -10. Thanks to Barb who her got her mojo on, and both Carla and Rupert, it was rarely more than 1 or 2 points per frame. The next game saw the Minions, supported by substitute Brad Coates in lieu of captain Conor defeating the No Talent ass Clowns, 13-11. Until the Minions managed to roll three points in the last frame to win,  the lead had belonged to No TAC with both hugely talented teams strategically placing every ball for maximum scoring ability. The night’s final game was played between John Costa’s Mangiamos, with Deborah, Kay and Teddy losing 10-12  to our league’s most successful captain Jim “The Godfather” Woodcock  and his Swims with the Fishes teammates. Jim called on daughter Taylor as substitute and along with regular teammates Chris Cattich & Bob the foursome was unbeatable.

This Friday, June 27th is our second round of games beginning promptly at 6:30. Playing first are The Minions and Mangiamos.

Asian Luau is the theme for this Friday, June 27. Our menu is:

• potstickers – Rupert
• lumpia – Matt
• veggies & sweet chili – Susie
• Teriyaki Chicken – Chris & Jack
• Asian Ribs – Jim Woodcock
• fried rice – Bobbie
• Asian Caesar salad – Leslie
• Pineapple – Deborah
• Coconut cupcakes – Luke
• Mai Tais – Clay

and there was Light

Genesis 1:3

Our Kickoff dinner was another successful evening of food and wine, highlighted by the famous Costa Eggs and BBQ Ribs contributed by Barb. Our captains, Conor, Clay, Lynne, Rupert, Jim and John (With Kris Costa standing in ) selected their teams from the green pitcher. Six new teams have now been formed and we are just waiting on the names. All teams are posted under the “Teams” tab on the navigation bar.

Captains, you have until this Thursday night to get your team’s name into the head office by phone or email. I will be updating the schedule, so we all know who plays first second and third each evening. First game begins at 6:30 pm.

Bocce Italiano is the theme for this Friday, June 13. Our menu is:

• salami & cheese – need volunteer
• peperoncini & olives – Deborah
• famous eggs – Kris Costa
• grilled sausage & rolls – Chris & Jack
• onions & peppers – Chris & Jack
• pasta – Susie
• tomato, mozzarella & basil – Leslie
• green salad – Kris Costa
• garlic bread – Carla
• italian cookies – Brad
• wine, beer – need volunteers
• limoncello – Carl