Happy Blue Valentine's Day

The weeks and months have flown by since the summer's "Night of a Thousand Beers" in rainy Astoria, Queens, but at long last I'm very happy to inform you that we're officially registered for another softball season, our fifth as a team. And although the Chinese Lunar Calendar may offer evidence to the contrary, we need only look within to find what we already know to be true: 2009 will be the year of the Blue.

As the adjacent photo demonstrates, we've all used the off-season to maintain a professional level of tolerance for moonshine and merriment, but let me hit you with some knowledge: those days of carefree camaraderie are numbered. That's right, Spring Training is almost upon us. Which means it's about time to stock up on glove oil, prepare the blender for some heavy mixing, and hit the weight room. Meanwhile, watch this space for an announcement about batting practice, and start visualizing victory. I can think of at least one, or two, hell, make that three people we owe it to.

Make no mistake: hard work and dedication, washed down with a pint or seven here and there will be the keys to our success. And remember, to borrow a phrase from the great Woodie Held, "Don't forget to swing hard, in case you hit the ball."