It was a hot and muggy afternoon, when the Bruiser army came to the field, outnumbering their intended opponent 3 to 1... literally! We bundled the two teams together, split into two more-or-less even-numbered teams consisting of both Bruiser and TBD players, and played us a game. [Apologies in advance, but I could only really keep track of the visiting team's (led by me) scoring, so those who played on the home team (led by TBD Mark Shipley) may not be credited with all their proper hits and RBI because I couldn't remember them all down (it's hard to pitch and write at the same time, but I tried!) Also, I'm only counting stuff done by Bruisers, no matter which team they played on.]

For the first time in Bruiser history, we mercied ourselves. Offensive highlights included home runs by Andrew and Bob, and triples by Randy, Brad and Brendan. Almost everyone who batted got at least one hit. Bruiser RBIs were knocked in (at least) by Andrew (2), Brad (2), KarenT (2), Bob (4), Jes, and Brendan. Defensive play of the game goes to Gretchen who caught KarenC's fly ball to right AND got it to first to get Dave for a double play. Honorable mentions go to Randy's line drive snag in the third, and Andrew's foul ball catch in the fourth.

We had a record crowd for dinner at Souplantation -- what turned out to be a combo end-of-season dinner AND welcome back for Renaud, who is now an official JPLer! Thank you everyone who contributed to my "official" manager's shirt (Jenny, you sneaky gal!!) and the great Bruiser card. You have no idea how touched I am by all the thoughtfulness that went into the gift. Just so everyone knows, Scott NEVER said single word about it.

Next game is some time next April (in case you want to start planning now!). I hope to have at least one off-season batting cage outing during the winter and one during the spring. Let me know if you're interested.

[and now, a slightly mushy note]

Thank you everybody for making this a really fun season! And thanks especially for coming out even when the weather was really crummy. The Bruisers did not forfeit any games this season, and that's something many of the other teams in the league can't say. Thanks to all who continued recruiting during the season, even to coercing unsuspecting out-of-town business folk to come out ("Yes, it's written in the contract, you have to come play!"). I can't believe how many players we got to some of our games. Oh, and we always had the best cheerleaders! Most of all, thanks for being patient with me when I couldn't think and talk at the same time, and thanks to those of you who helped me keep track of things on the score sheet when I couldn't, and to our beloved assistant manager Andy who was always there when I needed him.

I had fun, and I hope everyone else did too, and I hope you _all_ come back next season!

Your beloved manager,

Karen :)