Despite the Rain, Pattaya Softball Shines

John CF was the first to arrive, and he spent a few hours manicuring the centerfield grass. Quick to his aid were Rick and Shawn mowing the outfield, while Rocky and McHugh trailed behind raking, and tossing the grass aside. It was a thing of beauty to see so many elderly, and often times, fragile creatures actually putting in a hard day’s work!

With the outfield sufficiently manicured, the call to “Play Ball” was initiated and the 20 softballers got ready to really go to work. Perry’s team batted first, and scored 2 runs off of consecutive singles from Joel, Phil, Scotty and Rick. Alan’s team countered with 3 runs in the bottom of the inning off of doubles from Kevin, Ben, Peter and Diego. The game stayed tight (6-5 team Perry) until the third inning, when the dark clouds rolled into town. The ensuing downpour sent John Stockton to the paragliding shelter, while everyone else nestled close to the beer cooler. Special thanks to CF for stocking the eskie, and for all the boys who joined the scribe in some “shotgun specials”. Within the hour, the skies cleared as the ale supply depleted. We went back on that muddy, field of dreams and completed a double header.

Game 1 went from competitive to comedic as Perry’s team mercilessly hammered the ball through holes in the infield. They scored 11 runs over the last four innings to waltz away winners by a score of 17 to 7. Mark Reynolds was named man of the match by “going yard” twice, along with a triple, double and some solid glove work in right center field.

In Game 2, Alan’s team took revenge. Playing one pitch softball rules, his team drew first blood, scoring 6 runs in the first inning. Perry’s boys tried to keep pace by scoring 2 in the first, second and third to level the score. Crucial hits from Brian, Dave, Jeff, Kevin, Andy and Odvar in the fourth inning reestablished the six run lead for Alan’s team. They went on to win the match 13-9, and split the double header. Man of the match was new prospect Jeff, who surprised the opposition with his power to leftfield, and happily, never struck out. Starting lineups and photos are shown below.

Pattaya softball continues every Sunday rain or shine, at 1pm in Jomtien. For more details see Perry at the Pattaya Sports Club on Second Road or email me (Diego) at igolfwells@gmail.com See you out on the diamond soon.