Oxford Blues: 0, EBG Bees: 12

The Blues began the 2009 season on a deceptively cool Friday evening in Thomas Jefferson Park, where they faced off against one of the best batting orders in the league. A number of fans turned up to show their support, and although a victory wasn't in the offing this time, strong defense and a determination to go seven innings kept spirits high until the game's conclusion. Said resolve can be seen on the face of one Mr. Sears above, as well as the mugs of several other veterans in Jared's photo set. Afterwards, most of the team trekked down to Brady's on 82nd and Second Avenue for pizza and cheap beer.

Andy in left field, Brian in left center, and Iain in right center, valiantly held most of the Bees to singles and doubles, and in a particularly impressive team effort, the Blues handed their formidable opponents two scoreless innings. Unfortunately the field was unforgiving and their lineup was too deep to stymie completely. Joe C managed a couple of miraculous scoops nonetheless, and Robert on the mound (wearing eye black, or "mancara" I might add) wasn't about to let anyone take a base without collecting a strike or two along the way. Having tested themselves against an infield that apparently included Usain Bolt at shortstop, the Blues will look to score their first runs this week in Central Park.

Our first choice bar, Ship of Fools, was lousy with Yankee fans, but Brady's across the street had affordable pitchers and Big Buck Hunter. Needless to say, happiness prevailed on what could have otherwise been a somewhat disappointing opener. The dedicated few who lingered past midnight should be sufficiently prepared for whatever Thursday night has in store. Those who turned in early had better hope Ozzi brings the Big League Chew next time.

2009 Schedule

After months of off-season training, weeks of speculation, a few false alarms, and an entire year to prepare ourselves mentally, we finally have a schedule. But here's the real news: the wait was worth it. Our patience has been rewarded with 11 (that's right, 11) games in Central Park. Plus, while we will almost certainly have several tough contests in late April and early May, a number of teams later in our season appear to be newcomers. Which translates into opportunity. An opportunity to improve our record. Now remember, by following some simple steps, winning a softball game can actually be accomplished quite easily. Step 1. Win a softball game. There is no Step 2.

Oxford Blues @ EBG Bees	24 Apr 2009 (Fri) / 06:30 PM	Thomas Jefferson Park - #3
Oxford Blues @ CSTV Slammers	30 Apr 2009 (Thu) / 07:00 PM	North Meadow - #7
Oxford Blues @ IBI DESTROYERS	04 May 2009 (Mon) / 07:00 PM	North Meadow - #7
Oxford Blues @ Fuel	14 May 2009 (Thu) / 05:30 PM	North Meadow - #7
Oxford Blues @ Columbia Kings	21 May 2009 (Thu) / 05:30 PM	North Meadow - #11
Avenue All Stars @ Oxford Blues	04 Jun 2009 (Thu) / 05:30 PM	North Meadow - #11
IAC/Diller's Killers @ Oxford Blues	11 Jun 2009 (Thu) / 05:30 PM	North Meadow - #11
Pirates 1 @ Oxford Blues	16 Jun 2009 (Tue) / 07:00 PM	North Meadow - #7
Telerep @ Oxford Blues	22 Jun 2009 (Mon) / 07:00 PM	North Meadow - #7
CP Lions @ Oxford Blues	01 Jul 2009 (Wed) / 05:30 PM	North Meadow - #7
The Bombers @ Oxford Blues	08 Jul 2009 (Wed) / 05:30 PM	North Meadow - #7
Oxford Blues @ Doft Punk	13 Jul 2009 (Mon) / 05:30 PM	North Meadow - #11

March Madness

In anticipation of Opening Day, the Blues made the most of early spring by visiting our preferred batting cages not once, but twice in March. We also managed to assemble a successful practice in Central Park--remembering of course, to leave ourselves enough time to sample the wings at The Kinsale Tavern (they're of the small, mild, and more than $0.25 each variety).

Besides rumors of an official scrimmage next week, there's a good chance we'll be able to test our mettle again before meeting our first opponent of the 2009 season. No word yet as to whether the official "fight song," or hip hop-style heroic poem will be completed beforehand.

Finally, for those fans and teammates who haven't been able to join us thus far, photographic evidence of our collective commitment to winning can be found here. Dear Bull Moose Saloon: you've been warned.