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.

Round 2 was the  Game of Substitutes. The evening’s first game was nearly lost by Dragon Ballz when they were  unable to man the field against Captain Bobby and his East Coast Cosmos. Clay Lingo stepped in for delayed Captain Conor and craftily selected Moshia and Deborah as outstanding substitutes. So outstanding in fact then when Captain Conor arrived he wisely let Carl, Jim and Mo complete the game winning by a resounding 15-4 score.

Funky Cold Pollina’s also used two outstanding subs, Taylor and Kay Missin to barely carve out a win over Captain Carla and her Easy Rollers. The Easy Rollers had the addition of Chris Cattich for the night’s game, but even with regular’s Ted  and Moshia they succumbed 12 -11.

Finally, A Bocce Problem down three regular players,  a vacationing Captain Barb K, Jill Milliner and our own soon to be famous Artist Nate Castillo, enjoyed their first season win over Girls with Balls. A Bocce Problem benefited from substitutes Mary Alderete, and a hardworking Kay Missin and Moshia (playing in all three of the nights games) to defeat Lynne and her team, Chris C, Leslie and Carol Lingo. Final score 12-9

Results Round 2

Dragon Ballz 15, East Coast Cosmos 4

Funky Cold Pollinas 12, Easy Rollers 11

A Bocce Problem 12, Girls With Balls 9

Standings

Dragon Ballz                     2-0

Funky Cold Pollinas       1-1

A Bocce Problem            1-1

Girls With Balls               1-1

East Coast Cosmos        1-1

Easy Roller                         0-2

The theme for this Friday’s dinner is Fiesta Mexicana! First game will be 6:30 between Funky Cold Pollinas and A Bocce Problem.

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

The drama begins with each new CBL season, and Round 1, Game 1 kicked off like the opener to Game of Thrones.  Five minutes before the first ball was even rolled tension was unbelievable high as the House of Missin faced off against the The King of the Iron Throne Jim Woodcock. We all knew just as Winter (Winner) is Coming, this epic battle was inevitable. Running past regulation time, The Lovely Lynne with stalwarts Chris Cattich, Leslie deGiere and the recently arrived Carol Lingo, truly a Priestess of the Roll, bravely, but barely defeated Jim with his new King Slayers Jamie Milliner and Joe Hunter and the female knight Brienne of Tarth disguised as Deborah Garcia. Final score Girls with Ball 12, Funky Cold Pollinas 11.

New Captain Carla and her Easy Rollers, Ted Lusher, Susan Chaney and Moisha Smith may have spent a little too much time laying in the pleasure palaces of LittleFinger. Surprised by the relentless attack of Dragon Ballz Leader Conor (Danerys) Pullman and Clay Lingo, Jim Leon and Sand Snake Taylor Missin, the Dragons burned the Easy Rollers to crispy 12-3.

Our night’s final battle was waged between two new Captains who each hope to sit on the Iron Throne this season. New Captain Barb Kutschinski has risen through hard effort to lead Michelle Smith, Nate Castillo and Jill Milliner to glory, but alas, despite impressive skills displayed by newcomers Jill & Nate and the uncanny accuracy of seasoned pro Michelle, Captain Bobby Corso with his band of wily pirates Rupert, Jack and Chris used the darkening evening to their advantage and barely escaped across the Narrows with the treasure. East Coast Cosmos 13, A Bocce Problem 11.

Round 2 is this coming Friday Night June 26, kicking off at 6:30pm. First Game Dragon Ballz versus East Coast Cosmos.

Theme for Round 2 is Asian Luau. Volunteers appreciated

The Menu

• potstickers- Michelle & Mo
• lumpia/eggrolls- Bobby
• veggies & sweet chili- Clay
• Teriyaki Chicken – Chris & Jack
• Asian Ribs- Chris & Jack
• fried rice- Lynne & Jim
• Asian Caesar salad – Leslie
• Pineapple – Deborah
• Coconut Macaroons- Carol
• Pina Coladas

Our 4th season kicked off  Friday May 29th with a great BBQ dinner, more than a few drinks, the Appointing of the Captains and team selection. The only thing missing was the famous Costa Eggs, but we have been promised an appearance at dinner this Saturday for Game 1.  Our returning captains, Jim Woodcock, Lynne Missin and Conor Pullman will be joined by three new captains, Bobby Corso, Carla Brouillette and Barb Kutschinski. Teams are posted under the tab, Teams 2015 on the website navigation bar. Captains, you have until this Friday 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 Saturday, June 13. Our menu is:

• salami & cheese – Lynne
• peperoncini & olives – Lynne
• famous eggs – Kris Costa
• grilled sausage & rolls – Chris & Jack
• onions & peppers – Chris & Jack
• warm pasta – Carol
• tomato, mozzarella & basil – Susie
• green salad – Leslie
• garlic bread – Michelle
• italian cookies – Deborah
• wine, beer – Conor, Barb & ????
• limoncello – Bobby

Calling all Ballers.

There has been a slight change to the 2015 Campbell Bocce League Schedule. Our first league game will be scheduled for Saturday June 13 due to the graduation ceremonies of Brendon Missin and Nelly Almeida. Once again the updated schedule has been posted on our website under the tab Schedule.

The Kick off Dinner, Appointing of the Captains, and Team Selection will still be on the traditional Friday night, May 29th at 6:30 pm.

See you there.

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