The Opening Pitch

Round 1 of Campbell Bocce League was played like an All Star mid-season showcase for the league’s top players. It certainly wasn’t the slow tentative rolling we have witnessed in previous season openers. Accompanied by ballpark franks, popcorn, peanuts and plenty of beer it was a fine night to start our seventh season. A surprise appearance by 2014’s Captain Courageous John Costa and his talented offspring certainly added to the evenings fun and very competitive play.

Game 1 ran overtime as Lord of The Rolls and Sausage Rollers strategically blocked extra point opportunities and limited scoring in each frame to an absolute minimum. Sausage Rollers led by Captain Rupert DePhillips narrowly clinched the win,  11- 8.

The Incrediballs with newbie Captain June Weaver did not have as much luck through a protracted and carefully measured scoring battle against Jamie Milliners M$ney Balls. Game 2 was truly dominated by M$ney Ball player Lynne Missin who showed outstanding accuracy and perseverance despite or perhaps inspired by several glasses of Carl’s finest bubbly. Final Score M$ney Balls 11 – Incrediballs 6.

Captain Carla may have finally put together her dream team. As Game 3 progressed her Hot Rollers were down a disappointing 6 points to The Honor Rollers led by seasoned Captain Carol Lingo. However with Jack Campbell, Nate and substitute Johnny Costa, The Hot Rollers rallied to victory 12-8.

Tomorrow Round 2 begins at 6:30 with Cozzie and the Hot Rollers facing off against The Incrediballs. Our theme is Bocce Italiano, and the proposed menu is:

  • Salami & Cheese- Lynne & Jim
  • Olives, Pepperoncini, Artichoke Hearts, etc.- (antipasto platter)-Cris
  • Prosciutto & Melon- Cris
  • Figs with Gorgonzola- need volunteer
  • Grilled Italian Sausage- Chris & Jack
  • Onions & Peppers- Chris & Jack
  • Hot Pasta- Michelle & Mo
  • Green Salad- Leslie
  • White Bean Salad- Jill & Jamie
  • Tomato with Mozzarella and Basil- Carol & Clay
  • Garlic Bread- June & Rich
  • Italian Cookies- Jill & Jamie
  • Beer- Cris
  • Wine-need volunteer
  • Champagne- Carl
  • Pellegrino- Kelly & Travis
  • Aperol Spritz- Jack & Chris

 

 

 

2018 is off and soon to be rolling

The Captain’s dinner and team selection was a fun evening with a  chance to get together with good friends, enjoy some lively conversation,  a wonderful dinner and wine. A shout out to June and Rich Weaver’s talented #1 child Katie Weaver for some extraordinary ribs. Thanks Katie for stepping in, shopping and cooking our best ribs yet. Also Gail and Rupert thanks for some great appetizers. Gail send in that recipe for your artichoke  dip and it will be published under our recipe section.

The evening’s purpose was to anoint this season’s captains, Jim Leon, Rupert DePhillips, June Weaver, Carol Lingo, Carla Brouillette and Jamie Weaver and have them draw their teams.  With Clay Lingo acting as official recorder, the teams for 2018 are:

Team 1 –  Captain Jim Leon, Leslie deGiere, Barb Kutschinski, Chris Cattich, and Kay Missin

Team 2 – Captain Rupert DePhillips, Conor Pullman, Ted Lusher, Carl Alderete, Moshia Smith

Team 3 – Captain June Weaver, Clay Lingo, Rich Weaver, Michelle Smith, Chris Coates

Team 4 – Captain Jamie Milliner, Kelly Simmons, Bobby Corso, Lynne Missin

Team 5 – Captain Carla Brouillette, Jack Campbell, Nate Castillo, Gail Gilbert

Team 6 – Captain Carol Lingo, Jim Woodcock, Jill Milliner, Travis Simmons

Teams and Captains, please select your name by Friday June 8. Also per last year’s new rule, teams that have five players are required to play all team members attending that evening. Captains are responsible for selecting the starting line up and deciding when to make the substitution.

First match of the season is Friday June 15. Team 1 will  play Team 2 starting at 6:30 pm.

Our menu for Round 1 is Take Me Out To The Ball Game. Please let me know what you can contribute and I will post.

·        Popcorn, Buttered – need volunteer
·        Peanuts in Shell – Carla
·        Ruffle Chips and Onion dip – Lynne & Jim
·        Hot dogs- Chris & Jack
·        Buns- Chris & Jack
·        Chili – Chris & Jack
·        Toppings, Onions, sauerkraut, hot peppers, grated cheddar – Carol
·        Condiments, Ketchup, mustard, relish – Leslie
·        Old Fashioned Coleslaw – June & Rich Weaver
·        Potato salad – Kelly & Travis, Rupert
·        Ice Cream sandwiches – Nate
·        Beer – need volunteer
·        Wine – Michelle & Mo
·        Adult Lemonade – Chris & Jack

 

2017 Championship Just Two Days Away

The Playoffs were an outstanding success with competition fierce and banter high. There was no change in the standings. First place team The Rolling Stones defeated fourth place   Game of Throwns, and second place Holy Rollers defeated third place Cozzie and The Hot Rollers. Labor Force retained fifth place by defeating Deboccery and so have avoided the Wooden Spoon. which will be awarded to Captain Conor et. al.

 

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Friday nights festivities will begin at 6:30 with Cocktails and Appetizers while Cozzie and the Hot Rollers battle Game of Throwns for 3rd and 4th place. Once the BBQ is lit and the ribeyes are sizzling , the main event begins with The Rolling Stones playing Holy Rollers for the 2017 Championship.

The night will conclude with the Award ceremony and one team having their name emblazoned on our Campbell Bocce League Perpetual Trophy. But who will win the MVP, Rookie of the Year, or Ace Bowler?

Please everyone call or email to let me know if you will be attending. As always your contributions towards the night’s menu will be appreciated.

RSVP to Chris 415.722.7067 or cmcoates@aol.com

Menu “High Steaks”

  • Veggies and dip – June & Rich
  • Chips and dip – Kelly & Travis
  • Cheese Plate  – need volunteer
  • Salami & Olives –need volunteer
  • Ribeyes – Jack & Chris
  • Twice Baked Potatoes – Jack & Chris
  • Classic Green Salad- Leslie
  • Tomatoes with Basil – need volunteer
  • Chocolate Cupcakes– Cris MacKenzie
  • Champagne –Nate & need additional volunteers
  • Red Wine – Carol & Clay

IMG_7716 (1)

Memories

sung to the tune of “the way we were”
Memories light the players of our time
Misty chalk filled memories of the games that were
Scattered pictures of the points we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple when
Our every roll was affected by the wine
And if we had the chance to roll it all again, tell me, would we, could we
Memories may be beautiful and yet
What’s too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it’s the laughter we will remember
Whenever we remember the way we were
Yes, the good, the bad but the always memorable 6th ever Campbell Bocce League regular season concluded last Friday with Game 5. Post season now begins with the playoffs this Friday. There were few changes in the standings after Game 5, but there were some pretty intense games.
Captain Carla of Cozzie and the Hot Rollers took advantage of the absence of Captain Jill of Game of Throwns to conclusively defeat GOT regulars Barb, Travis and Clay with  substitute Jim Leon.  The Hot Rollers took to the court with their full complement of players, Bobbie, Gail, Rich and Kelly and chalked points near every frame to bump third place GOT down a peg. Final score Hot Rollers 12- GOT 5
The second match of the evening featured Captain Conor rejoicing as Deboccery finally won their first game of the season, narrowly defeating Labor Force in a fierce back and forth battle.  Deboccery ‘s regular players June and Conor held their end against Labor Force Campbell and Castillo. With Labor Force’s Captain Ted missing, it was up to Rupert & Jamie to roll against Deboccery substitutes Coates and Clay. DePhillips had his best game of the season, possibly of his career, as he rolled one amazing shot after another. Alas, though it was all to naught and the game ended Deboccery 13- Labor Force 10
First place Rolling Stones played against second place Holy Rollers in the nights final game. Truly another epic battle with the Stones’ Captain Cattich and Deborah holding the south end with aces Leslie and Leon securing the north. The Holy Rollers down by 2 points midway, battled onward with Captain Carol and Burke doing a great job to place the Rollers back on top. Sub Kelly joined Coates and assisted in securing several frames for the Rollers. Yet, when the dust settled the Stones emerged on top, 12 to 10.
Standings at conclusion of regular season play are:
STANDINGS2017-page-001-3
This Friday the first game will begin at 6:30 between fifth place Labor Force and sixth place Deboccery for the Wooden Spoon.
Then the Holy Rollers will play Cozzie and the Hot Rollers, with the night’s final game between first place The Rolling Stones and fourth place Game of Throwns
The winners of  both these games will go on to the Championship on September 1. So all teams in first thru fourth place will have an equal shot at seeing their names engraved in perpetuity on the CBL Trophy.
Our theme will be Bocce Italiano and the menu is:
  • Salami & Cheese- Kelly & Travis
  • Olives- Carol
  • Prosciutto & Melon- Lynne & Jim
  • Figs with Gorgonzola- need volunteer
  • Grilled Italian Sausage- Chris & Jack
  • Hot Pasta- Kris
  • Green Salad- Katie 
  • White Bean Salad- Chris & Deborah
  • Tomato with Mozzarella and Basil- Leslie
  • Garlic Bread- Lori
  • Italian Cookies- Jill & Jamie
  • Beer- Conor
  • Wine- need volunteer
  • Pellegrino- need volunteer
  • Aperol Spritz- Chris & Jack
 Please let me know what you can bring and I will post. Thank you.

Records are meant to be broken

Is a two game shut out a record? In the world of Campbell Bocce League it sure is. Last Friday, Game 1 and Game 3 went 12-0 for two very stunned teams, Cozzie and the Hot Rollers and Deboccery each decisively defeated by Labor Force and The Rolling Stones respectively.  So shocking and quickly played were both games, the evening’s play concluded by 8:00 pm, when Game 3  is normally just kicking off. So who were the players that earned the Big 0? The Hot Rollers with Captain Carla along with Bobby and substitutes JC and Matt. And Deboccery led by Conor with Kay, Cris and substitute Taylor assisting.

Have we ever before had a game end with a goose egg? Perusing the dusty tomes of Campbell Bocce League history, it appears that in over 100 games played on our dead flat oyster court, a shut out has occurred just twice previously.

Who were these former teams and players who hit rock bottom? How did they deal with the dreaded naught, the zilch, the scratch, the nullity,  the oblivion of zero? Read and learn all you who intend to avoid repeating this tragic history.

In the first season of CBL, our fourth game was a classic match between that year’s dominant team The Woodies led by Captain Jim Woodcock against our very first Captain, Courageous award recipient  John Costa and his La Famiglia. The Woodies after defeating La Famiglia in the most decisive manner possible went on to win the league championship that inaugural year. La Famiglia’s Carla, Mo and Barb rallied behind John after that devastating night but lost once again in the final season game to conclude the  season 2-3 in fifth place. The rally was revived when they won their critical playoff match against the Workers  and avoided the dreaded Wooden Spoon.

Two years later in 2014, our playoffs featured another Wooden Spoon match. This time the  teams were Ru’s Garden of Earthly Delights with Captain Rupert and his delights,  Kris Costa, Carla and Susie. They faced off against Captain Lynne of the Bollabridgidas along with her teammates Chris Coates, Jim Leon (subbing for Barb) and Leslie. In a quick and decisive victory, the Bollabridgidas smashed Ru’s GEDs 12-0 resulting in a second consecutive Wooden Spoon for Susie.

A record to be sure but certainly one no-one wants to repeat; And certainly not twice in one night. Lets hope this coming Friday is a showcase of our usual competitive back and forth, the one or two points per frame battles to which  we’ve grown accustomed. Remember our fifth and final regular season game is this Friday. The teams in the top four places all will have an equal chance at winning the Championship while places 5th and 6th will have their final battle at the Playoffs for the Wooden Spoon.  This year with three teams having the same 2-2 win loss record, Friday’s will results will be absolutely critical.

NOTE: The Playoffs are scheduled for August 11, just one week after our fifth and final  game.

Results from Game 4

Labor Force 12 – Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 0

Holy Rollers 12- Game of Throwns 4

The Rolling Stones 12- Deboccery 0

Standings

STANDINGS2017-page-001

 

This Friday’s theme is Asian Luau, please let me know what you can bring and I will post. At 6:30 the first match kicks off between Game of Throwns and Cozzie and the Hot Rollers.

  • Eggrolls- Kelly & Travis
  • Potstickers- Clay & Carol
  • Maui Onion Chips & dip- June & Rich
  • Asian Ribs- Chris & Jack
  • Teriyaki Chicken- Chris & Jack
  • Fried Rice- Gail & Lori
  • Tropical Fruit Salad- Deborah
  • Asian Salad- Leslie
  • Coconut cupcakes- need volunteer
  • Asian Beer- need volunteer
  • Wine- Gail & Lori
  • Pina Coladas- Chris & Jack

Holy Guacamole!

Yes folks it was a holy guacamole night and for the very first time in Campbell Bocce League’s history we didn’t run out of the essential guacamole before the tacos were ready. It was a terrific night for everyone who attended, fabulous tacos , Garcia’s homemade beans and rice, killer Margaritas, Marc Antony & The Gypsy Kings blaring and great bocce.

So with very little fanfare and being short on time and energy this week. The results from Round 3 were:

The Rolling Stones 12- Game of Throwns 10

Labor Force 12 – Holy Rollers 9

Cozzie and The Hot Rollers 13 – Deboccery 8

But before I get to the current Standings, I have to admit to a serious mistake. Due to a transcription error, I incorrectly reported the results from Round 2 between the Rolling Stones and Cozzie and The Hot Rollers. The game was actually won by Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 12-8, not the reverse as I reported and this of course effects the standings. So after Round Three we now have Game Of Throwns in first place and amazingly three teams exactly tied for second, The Rolling Stones, Holy Rollers and Cozzie and the Hot Rollers. Labor Force has moved up from the basement after defeating the Holy Rollers in Round 3. Deboccery is improving with each Round, so be on the lookout this Friday for their first win when they play the Rolling Stones in the night’s opening match.

STANDINGS2017

 

Our Round 4 dinner theme will be Mediterranean Nights. First game is at 6:30 between last place Deboccery and second place The Rolling Stones.

  • Veggies with Tzatziki- Barb & Matt
  • Hummus & Pita chips – Cris & Michelle
  • Olives, Pepperoncini, Artichoke hearts, stuffed Grape leaves- Deborah
  • Shish kebobs- Chris
  • Arugula & fig salad- Chris
  • Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion and Feta salad– Cris
  • Couscous  salad- Leslie
  • Baklava- Jill
  • Cookies-Lori
  • Negronis-Chris
  • Wine– need volunteer

 

Love Was All Around

Our Summer of Love theme night turned into a spectacle when Kay “Light My Fire” Missin nearly burned down the backboards. Kay was hot, hot, hot rolling a nearly perfect game with every frame. Coached by Captain Conor, Kay, with teammates,  June and Cris, holding the south end for Deboccery together took an early lead against The Holy Rollers. Second year player June Weaver rolled like an MVP destroying any scoring opportunity while  the Rollers’ Lori and Jim Woodcock turned “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. When Roller’s Captain Carol called out to the heavens for mercy, there was “Dancing in the Street” as Coates and Carl managed to bring the score even and finally win by one point. Holy Rollers 12, Deboccery 11

When the Rolling Stones took the stage facing off Cozzie and the Hot Rollers, Captain Chris was down two players, so he strategically pulled in “I’m a Man” Daniel Boone to join bandmates, Degiere and Leon. Captain Carla, along with rookie Gail and Kelly played like they were “Happy Together” but it was Rich Weaver who was “Somebody To Love” as he fielded point after point for the Cozzie’s. It was “Up, Up and Away” as Boone, Leslie, Jim and Cattich scored the Stones’ second victory this season. Rolling Stones 12, Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 8

The nights final match, was an exhibition by Barb Kutschinski of “Groovin”. With only Clay and Barb, Game of Throwns was down three players and “For What it’s Worth” wisely tapped league favorite Jim Leon as substitute. Barb, Clay and Jim couldn’t go wrong against Labor Force with Captain Ted, Jack, Rupert and “White Rabbit” killer Daniel Boone playing sub for the second time. Labor Force lost their second game of the season and really need to “Get Together” if they are aiming for the playoffs. Game of Throwns 12, Labor Force 5

Thanks to everyone and the Electric Kool-aid for a night that might be described as a “Purple Haze”. Per several requests, the evening’s 1967 Playlist follows:

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Results Round 2

Holy Rollers 12, Deboccery 11

Rolling Stones 12, Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 8

Game of Throwns 12, Labor Force 5

Standings                                                                       TPS

Game of Throwns                              2-0                 26

The Rolling Stones                           2-0                 25

Holy Rollers                                         2-0                 24

Cozzie and the Hot Rollers         0-2                 16

Deboccery                                           0-2                 14

Labor Force                                         0-2                 9

Tomorrow’s theme is Mexican Fiesta. Please take a look and let me know what you can bring, so I can post.

  • Chips- June & Rich
  • Salsa, green, red, fire roasted- Lynne
  • Guacamole- lots of guacamole! – Cris, Nate, Bobby
  • Grilled Adobo Chicken- Chris
  • Chipotle Flank Steak- Chris
  • Tortillas , corn 6″- Clay & Carol
  • Cheese, shredded or crumbled- Jill & Jamie
  • Beans- Deborah
  • Rice- Deborah
  • Black bean corn, and tomato salad – Leslie
  • Mexican fruit popsicles- Lori & Gail
  • Margaritas- Chris & Jack
  • Mexican Beer- Clay, Conor, Cattich, Leon

Round One, And They’re Off

Campbell Bocce League’s first round of the season got off to a spectacular start on a windy Friday night. Popcorn, Peanuts, Red Hots and our new CBL baseball caps were all featured at Campbell Field while a rousing crowd cheered their favorites.

Just as our Champion Warriors took a dive in Cleveland, so did Captain Ted and his Labor Force to the impressive Rolling Stones. With Captain Cattich absent, ace bowler Jim Leon and Deborah Garcia were hot as dogs on the grill, with Michelle and Leslie also contributing to the Stones first win. The Labor Force with their full complement of players, Jaime, Jack, Nate and Rupert just couldn’t put a frame together and lost 13-4.

The evening’s second game was a surprisingly quick debacle for Deboccery. Yes that’s right, absent Captain Conor’s championship style, teammates Lynne, Kay and June quickly fell to the onslaught of Game of Throwns. Although Deboccery tapped all time high scorer Jim Leon as their substitute, GOT led by Captain Jill, with Rookie Travis accompanied by Clay, Moshia and Barb slaughtered Deboccery 14-3.

Holy Rollers and our newest Captain Carol Lingo with Burke, Coates & Woodcock  fought a drag out battle with Cozzie and The Hot Rollers, gaining no more than one point per frame for what seemed an eternity.  Holy Roller Jim Woodcock was back in epic form controlling angles and spin in a style that was reminiscent of his early years and multiple Championships. Carla and Rich were extremely effective for the Hot Rollers knocking Jim & Coates’ balls out of multiple scoring opportunities. At the opposite end of the court Rookie Kelly had an impressive showing for her first outing, and along with stalwart Bobby chalked up several points. Though The Holy Rollers were missing ace roller Carl and the Hot Rollers didn’t have their Rookie Gilbert,  when the dust settled the final score was Holy Rollers 12- Cozzie and the Hot Rollers 8.

Round 2 begins prompts at 6:30 with the Holy Rollers facing off against Deboccery and in recognition of that epic battle our theme will be “The Summer of Love”.

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And in true 1967 fashion, we will have an authentic potluck. Please let me know what you can contribute and I will post here. Brownies anyone??

  • Flower Power Hors d’oeuvres – Barb
  • Digger Chicken- Chis & Jack
  • Organic Mediterranean Farro Salad- Rich & Junehe shell- June & Rich
  • Magic Mushroom Salad- Leslie
  • “Baked” Beans -Jill & Jaime
  • Wasted Watermelon- Clay
  • Hot dogs & buns- Chris & Jack
  • Ketchup, mustard, relish- Chris & Jack
  •  sandwiches – Nate
  • “Pot Lucky” Brownies – Lori
  • Electric Kool-aid- Chris & Jack
  • Beer or Wine- Volunteers needed

Let The Good Times Roll

The Captains have been appointed, the teams selected and this Friday Round 1 begins promptly at 6:30. Captain Cattich and Captain Ted and their new respective teams are up first. Let’s see how these two captains who battled it out in last year’s Championship fare in the first round of the 2017 season.

First order of business- all teams must select a name. Captains please contact your team members and let me know your team name by noon on Friday. I have emailed a contact list to everyone.

The Teams are:

Captain Ted Lusher, Jamie Milliner, Jack Campbell, Nate Castillo, Rupert DePhillips

Captain Chris Cattich, Leslie deGiere, Deborah Garcia, Jim Leon, Michelle Smith

Captain Conor Pullman, June Weaver, Lynne Missin, Cris MacKenzie, Kay Missin

Captain Carla Brouillette, Bobby Corso, Gail Gilbert, Rich Weaver, Kelly Simmons

Captain Jill Milliner, Travis Simmons, Clay Lingo, Moshia Smith, Barb Kutschinski

Captain Carol Lingo, Chris Coates, Lori Burke, Carl Alderete, Jim Woodcock

Campbell Bocce League has a new rule this year, “Substitutes and the Designated Roller Rule”. The Captain may call on a single substitute to join the team only when he has less than 4 players present. A Designated Roller is a team member who at the Captain’s discretion may step in for any one of his teammates mid frame, or at the beginning of a frame. Once the DR has entered the game he remains in the game until its conclusion. The Team member he has replaced cannot rejoin the game. Additionally the Captain is responsible to make certain that every team member who is present plays no less than one full frame. The role of DR may be filled by a different team member in each round.

Friday’s theme is Take Me Out to the BallGame, the Menu is:

  • Popcorn -Deborah
  • Peanuts in the shell- June & Rich
  • Ruffle Chips and Onion dip- Lynne & Jim
  • Pretzels & Mustard – Carol
  • Celery sticks and Blue Cheese dip – Leslie
  • Hot dogs & buns- Chris & Jack
  • Ketchup, mustard, relish- Chris & Jack
  • Toppings, Onions, sauerkraut, hot peppers, grated cheddar –  Rupert, Jill
  • Chili – Travis & Kelly
  • Old Fashioned Coleslaw – Clay
  • Potato salad – Michelle & Mo
  • Ice Cream sandwiches – Nate
  • Cracker Jacks – Cris
  • Adult Lemonade-Chris & Jack
  • Beer – Leslie, Lynne & Jim, Nate

Please let me know what you can contribute and I will post. See you Friday!

2016 Championship

CHAMPIONSHIP & AWARDS

Once again another Bocce season has come to a close. This has been a milestone year, as we celebrated our five -year anniversary. Players have come and gone, captains and teams change from year to year but still the spirit remains. Good Food, Good Fun and Great Bocce.

This year Clay Lingo a CBL regular for the past 4 seasons returned just in time from “combat duty” to serve as a much needed substitute. We were also joined by two new players June & Rich Weaver who both learned the game quickly with Rich even making the Championships.

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 certain players with some very special awards.

TOP SCORING SUB

Formerly part of the regular roster, this substitute attended every game and was at the ready whenever called. He admirably filed the role of missing players for several teams this year and was instrumental in helping our two “Ball” teams, Ball Breakers and Balls Deep reach the Championship. In appreciation and acknowledgement of his contribution, Clay Lingo is awarded CBL Top Scoring Substitute.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Our Rookies don’t have the advantage of a few seasons in a minor league before stepping onto the Campbell Court. It can be a brutal experience leaving them bewildered by the rules, strategy and skills displayed by veteran players. In a few short games this rookie displayed ball skills and an innate understanding of strategy that helped bring his team by season’s end to a Championship berth. Truly a remarkable year, and the Campbell Bocce League is pleased to award Rookie of the Year to Rich Weaver.

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 as substitute for several teams in multiple rounds, with all the Captains clamoring for his help. Strong, steady and deadly accurate, I don’t think anyone will be surprised to learn Jim Leon is Campbell Bocce League’s 2016 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 exemplifies the sport of Bocce and the spirit of Campbell Bocce League. As a player her first three seasons produced two unremarkable fifth place finishes and one dead last Wooden Spoon. Since becoming a Captain she led her team to both a championship berth last year, and a respectable fourth place finish this year. Carla for all your accomplishments you are recognized and awarded the League’s O Captain My Captain trophy.

25 GAME PIN

After 5 years we have hosted 25 regular season games, plus playoffs and Championships. Our five year anniversary is the time to say thank you to everyone who through their participation contributes to making this league a success. For consistent participation as both a regular and a substitute we are awarding the 25 game pin to:

Chris Coates                                    Rupert DePhillips                        Bobby Corso

Jack Campbell                                 Chris Cattich                                 Carla Brouillette

Leslie Degiere                                  Jim Leon                                         Conor Pullman

Clay Lingo                                         Ted Lusher

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, harassing all players with pointed comments, confusing the scorekeeper with his yell of “4 points, 4 points”. He has been with us for every game insuring that the Campbell Grounds are if not perfectly level, are at least artfully decorated. And this year he put both his wallet and his back into creating an exceptional venue comparable to none. Please raise a glass in recognition and in honor of Man of The League- Jack Campbell

THE WOODEN SPOON

It hardly seems fair that this year’s last place team is receiving the Wooden Spoon. They played some outstanding games and with only a single exception early in the season, lost each subsequent game by a only a small margin. And more surprisingly they were led by our two-time League Champion Captain Conor Pullman. Captain Conor, Lori Burke, Deborah Garcia and Carl Alderete please come forward to accept your Wooden Spoons.

THIRD PLACE GAME

Captain Carla with her Cozzie and the Hot Rollers down two regular players, relied on substitutes Conor Pullman and a welcome Kay Missin. The Hot Rollers got off to a very slow start against Game of Throwns with Clay Lingo filling in for GOT’s missing Captain Jill Milliner. With Carol Lingo rolling with what can only be called magic fingers, very quickly GOT was poised to shutout Cozzie. Yet as determined as always Carla and her north end partner Moshia Smith battled back scratching a few chalk lines on the scoreboard. Not to be outdone by his Mom, Clay and partner Rupert answered that challenge bring GOT within one point of closing. Finally once again Magic Fingers Carol rolled the winning ball, leaving partner Chris only to drop a couple balls at her feet. Game of Throwns winds up the season in third place winning 12-3 over fourth place Cozzie and the Hot Rollers.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Wow, what a game!

Balls Deep has the led the league the entire season, losing only once in the fourth round. They looked to be the easy favorites for taking home the Teddy this year.

Very impressive however has been the performance of Ball Breakers led by Captain Chris Cattich. The BB’s Rich Weaver, Lynne Missin and Michelle Smith were in dead last place after losing their first two games of the year. Relying heavily on substitutes, Captain Chris strategically led the Ball Breakers to win after win, earning first a playoff opportunity and then a Championship berth.

So, the game began quickly with Jim Leon and Captain Ted of Balls Deep and Captain Chris with Lynne of Ball Breakers dug in at the south end trading rolls and challenges. The north side was anchored by the Michelle and Rich of BB, and Balls Deep’s indomitable Jack and Leslie.

Balls Deep was in trouble early when Ball Breakers took an early and commanding lead 9-3. The much anticipated Championship match looked primed to be a washout, potentially ending much too soon (the steaks weren’t ready!) but then the Bocce gods descended, as did the famous Campbell Court topography and Balls Deep started their march to victory. Unstoppable they claimed point after point, with captain Teddy beginning to grin in anticipation of taking home his eponymous trophy. Finally Ball Breakers succumbed, allowing Ball Deep to win a place in Campbell Bocce league history with a final score 12-10.

Congratulations to Campbell Bocce League’s 2016 Champions!

Balls Deep Captain Ted Lusher, Jim Leon, Leslie Degiere and Jack Campbell

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