Tuesday, March 31, 2015

House of Ruth


House of Ruth

Spring is here (reportedly), and thus it is the official time to purge one's house of clutter.
There are many worthy organizations to which we can give our cast-offs, but I'd love to organize donations to the House of Ruth from our team this season. They're women and children, we're women and children--seems a natural fit. The House of Ruth helps abused women and their children. Find more information here

Bring donations to either practice or games (double bagged in trash bags), and I'll make sure the donations make it to the House of Ruth. 

Their current wish list includes the following:  Note that only clothes, linens, and electronics may be used. 
  •   New or clean, gently worn women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories
  •   New undergarments for women (all sizes) and girls and boys (ages 0-17)
  •   New or clean, gently worn clothing and shoes for girls and boys (ages 0-1
      New or clean, gently worn twin size sheets, new twin size blankets, new twin size comforters, bath towels, and washcloths.
      New bed pillows
  •   New toiletries and personal care products (not travel size)
      Laundry baskets
      New disposable diapers, pull-ups and baby wipes
  •   Craft supplies
  •   Non-perishable food within expiration date (i.e., peanut butter, jelly, tuna, cereal,
    pasta, granola bars, juice boxes, etc.)
  •   Used/broken cell phones, iPods, iPads, and used ink cartridges for recycling. 
      New school supplies (notebooks, organizers, pencils, pens, etc)
      New books 


  • Their full wish list is here: http://www.hruth.org/wish-list.asp


  • House of Ruth does NOT accept the following items: furniture; used toys; used stuffed animals; bicycles; roller blades; used car seats; sample/travel size or partially used toiletries; adult diapers; men’s clothing; large quantities of used books; and vehicles. 


  • If you want donate money to House of Ruth, go to https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1412155

    In case you don't see anything that you can donate to the House of Ruth, Purple Heart is an organization that accepts a wider variety of donations. They will even come to your house and pick up your donations. It's a great option for donating larger items while helping wounded veterans get the help they need. You'll be given a tax-deduction receipt at the time of your donation.


Sunday, March 29, 2015

NEW / SEPARATE Thursday night LGBT League

Some people from our current team are getting in on a new league. Here are the details on that:

1. Kayla is in charge of the new new team. She found it, she gets to keep it. (Same rules as puppies.) 

2. It appears to be WAY more organized, easy to pay for and chill than the silly BSSC. Omg. Next year maybe we just go with these people. Only drawback is the drinking + weeknight thing (sometimes the two don't mix). Serious positive is the fact that it doesn't start until when the weather gets decent.

3. We don't have to have a whole team to play, but if we sign up as a "team," we are guaranteed to be put on the same team. People pay individually online ($60). Yay! No one has to harass anyone for money!

4. We have to register by April 7.*******

5. The first game isn't until April 16, by which time our team will be effin solid. However, Mimi and I are already prepared to move the Charm City Chicks' practice to Monday evenings. There are at least 6 of us who want to play in this Thursday night thing.

6. It's all LGBT (well, this part of this league is).

7. Games are at Roosevelt Park in Hampden (where our first practice was). Easier to get to for many of us than downtown Baltimore.

8. League is 6 weeks long + playoffs (which EVERY team makes).

9. More info and REGISTRATION here.   REGISTER UNDER THE HAMPDEN LGBT LEAGUE!
***The mobile app isn't working. You have to register using a computer.
_____________________________

When registering, register as a TEAM PLAYER, then choose to be on PITCHES BE CRAY:




Practice/Games: Weeks of March 30 & April 6

April 3 Email: 

Team,

Next week's practice will be on MONDAY, April 6, from 6 pm till 7:45 pm. It is the best day for the weather. I will be there at 5:40 pm and have the spot staked out so we can actually begin at 6We will be using the area marked "4" (see below regarded annotated map), so park on the corner of Eastern and Linwood. I'll be North of the backstop, which means you'll have to get up on the field to see me. I'll have a rainbow colored beach towel with me to help you find me. 

I created an annotated map of Patterson Park (see attached and in multiple places on the blog). Should I be unable to get a spot on the spot marked "4," I will text you the appended map and a different location BEFORE 6 pm. So please keep your phones on.

Please bring your official kickballs. We had problems today with some of the kickballs and ended up with only two that worked well. Bring gloves and cleats, as well.

If not enough people show up Monday, we'll have INDOOR practice on Thursday, as well.

Please let me know whether you will be attending Monday's practice, and whether you could attend a practice on Thursday, should we have one.


Thanks! 

See you soon.



***************
It looks like it's going to be gorgeous on Thursday according to the weather forecast.

Practice this week = Thursday, April 2, from 6 to 8 pm OUTSIDE. We may have to switch to Roosevelt Park in Hampden (where we had our first practice) because of that league that plays in Patterson Park on Thursdays. I'll definitely make sure you know the location when we get closer to Thursday.

NO GAME EASTER WEEKEND. The BSSC tried to trick us out of time we had already planned to spend with relatives who complain too much, but we fooled them! Besides, it makes more sense to play when it's warm outside.

Practice the week of April 6: Depends in large part on the weather. I really want to be outside. Monday and Tuesday are not feasible for a couple of reasons, so expect practice Wednesday, Thursday or Friday--whenever we can get the best field and the best weather and the most people.

First game is Saturday, April 11, on Field 1 at Patterson Park HIGH SCHOOL (i.e., NOT where we've been practicing).

Questions?

:) e


***********************

EMAIL FROM APRIL 1

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2015 (as in, tomorrow)

Time: 6 - 7:45 pm. Sunset is at 7:31 pm so we have to start a bit early. 

LocationPatterson Park near the Virginia Baker Rec Center. 
Mimi will have an orange flag to mark our location. Look for it. 
There will be another league playing where we like to play. Do not join them. Look for the orange flag. It will be either really close to Baltimore St. by the Virginia Baker Rec Center or down by the ice rink. Hopefully Mimi will text us and let us know so we're not wandering like lost penguins. 

Format of practice: Work ya asses off. Mimi is going to get the outfield in shape. None of this two-people-run-for-the-ball / both-stop / ball-drops / people-start-yelling-accusatorily BULL SHIT. What separates us from the apes? Yeessssss. Language. Good, girls. Now USE IT. 
In the mean time, I'll be keeping all the rest of y'all busy. How? Don't worry your pretty little heads about that. Drill after drill after drill that conveniently keep the outfielders on their toes. 

What to bring: Cleats if you have them. Kickballs (of any type). Gloves (that you might wear during a game). 
Also please bring Donations to the House of Ruth (see blog for details). If it's just a bag, bring it to the field. If it's more than a bag, leave it in your car, and I'll get it after practice. Please, please, please put donations double bagged in trash bags. 

TELL ME IF YOU WILL NOT MAKE IT TO PRACTICE--please and thank you. 

Love you 

Check the blog if you need directions to the field, etc.

-e


*********************

I dislike preventable confusion. My sincerest apologies to those who drove to practice and never found us, and also to those who wandered around for unacceptable amounts of time looking for their teammates. That will NEVER, EVER happen again.

On multiple places on this blog, I posted an annotated map of Patterson Park. Click on the image of the map to make it larger.

From now on, we will refer to the numbered location when giving you directions to our general location. 

As a reminder, the best spot to park for Virginia Baker Rec Center is where Luzerne crosses Baltimore.

Sound good?

PLEASE let me know if you have any trouble at all opening the map.

-Elizabeth


Friday, March 27, 2015

3/26/15 Email from Mike Cray to Players

2015 BSSC SPRING KICKBALL PLAYERS,
Hello, I'm Mike Cray, President of the BSSC, and I would like to welcome you to the 2015 BSSC Spring Kickball Season. We have 34 teams in the combined leagues this season, which provides you with the opportunity to meet nearly 600 members on Saturday.  I will be on the fields if you have any questions or feel free to e-mail me. 

Prior to the start of the season, I would ask that everyone to go to www.baltssc.com to review the rules/club basic Information.
http://www.baltssc.com/s_rules.asp?divisionID=106 .
Please don't take it for granted that all of the rules you have played under prior to joining the BSSC, are the same. By familiarizing yourself with our rules, it will ensure that we are all on the same page when play starts.

The number ONE rule in the BSSC is for everyone to have a great time, drink a few cold Miller Lite's and meet new friends!
"BSSC is an organization that encourages members not to take winning or losing too seriously, and stresses that the social aspects of the league are really more important than a win or a loss. We expect all participants to behave in a sportsmanlike manner, on and off of the field. We strive to ensure that each member "shows that he or she has qualities of fairness, courtesy, and grace in winning and in losing." 

Take a second of your day to pray for our servicemen/women overseas who are protecting our freedoms.
God Bless America !
See you soon,
Mike Cray
President BSSC / ANNSSC
"For People Who Enjoy Sports, But Love To Socialize"

Visit us on FACEBOOK
http://www.facebook.com/baltssc


GAME TIME IS FORFEIT TIME and FOLLOW DATE, NOT WEEK # ON SCHEDULE ! :
PLEASE arrive early to the game to sign the roster & get your team tee shirt.  Here is a link to the field maps that we will be using this week. 


*  HOLIDAYS DURING THE SEASON:
We are going to take a poll to see which teams would like to play on Saturday, April 4th ( Easter weekend ).   If we don't get enough teams, we will just add double headers during the rest of the season to make games up.  

 BAR SPONSORS:
Looney's Pub and Kisling's Tavern, are the official sponsor bars of BSSC kickball . You will receive $ 1.50 MILLER LITE DRAFTS and $ 6.00 MILLER LITE PITCHERS for the season and they WILL be open if our games are rained out.
These are the ONLY bar your team should go to after the game is over to support the businesses that helps to keep your league fee affordable. 

TEXT SERVICE-PHONE # FOR CANCELLATION 
If you have not done so, go to www.rainedout.com ( search BSSC then kickball )  to receive our text messages if the games are canceled. There is a direct link for the service on the site. This will be the first way we communicate to the league, if the games are called off. You can also call 410-461- RAIN (7246)

GAME UNIFORM
Don't forget your shirt each week; it is your team's uniform. You may not play in the game if you forget your shirt. Please make sure your game shirt is outside of your outerwear. 

PHOTO ID
Everyone must bring their PHOTO ID each week. If we do a roster check and you don't have yours, you will not be able to play. 

• PLAY THE NEXT BSSC SEASON FOR FREE !
Save your current official BSSC sponsor bar(s) receipts from weeks 1-8 for the chance to win a FREE BSSC league voucher. The team with the most combined receipts can choose any upcoming BSSC league for FREE. Teams will have a year to redeem the FREE sport voucher.
* Receipts $ totals must be equally balanced between each of the current sponsor bar(s).
* Only receipts from the day(s) that the current sport is being played will be accepted.
* The combined receipt totals from the sponsor bars, meeting the above criteria, must be at least equal to or greater than the teams league fee paid to the BSSC for that season to be eligible for the program.
* Any team/player who attempts to fraudulently acquire receipts will be ineligible for this program.
Ex. Obtaining other bar receipts that were not paid by their team/players. Asking bar staff for/turning in duplicate receipts to increase reward total balance. 

PLAYER PARTICIPATION
Players may only play on one team per sport and a team may not use a "fill in" player during the season. Using a player not on your roster will cause your team to lose all of your games and your coach to be suspended for the year. Everyone must be 21 as of Sunday. 

BEVERAGES AT FIELDS
BSSC members found with opened or unopened packaging that is not in a cooler or opaque container will cause their entire team to lose their drinking privileges for the day. Do NOT walk through the park with a 30 pack on your shoulder; it must be in a cooler. Staff will also revoke drinking privileges if any glass containers are found on the field OR beverages are not in a cooler.
Beverages must stay in a cooler until ready to be consumed and need to be in opaque cups or coozies only.

AFTER GAME TIME LIMITS
• After teams complete their games, players may stay at an outside park for 45 minutes after their game has been completed. It's now time to visit our offical sponsor bars !  Don't try to circumvent this rule by leaving your field and moving to another area of the park. 

KEEPING OUR PARKS "GREEN"
• PLEASE look around the park before you leave and clean up trash, even if it may not be yours. Please use the recycling frame with the BLUE top for cans (to recycle) and the frame without a top is for general trash. • Teams are responsible for removal of trash before leaving the fields. • Aluminum cans from our fields are recycled to benefit a local homeless shelter:BEANS & BREAD

NO SMOKING POLICY
Because we recognize the hazards caused by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, it shall be the policy of the BSSC to provide a smoke-free environment for all members, staff and supporters. 

PENALTY FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Please conduct yourself in a sportsmanlike manner at all times (on and off of the field). If not, you will be either EJECTED (can play next week ) OR SUSPENDED ( can't play next week ). Either way your team will play short and may not replace you for the remainder of the game. 
I visit Walter Reed Medical Center on monthly bases and the soldiers always comment on how much fun his league must be. That is the bottom line, PLEASE just have fun in the BSSC and if you think about those soldiers, you'll never get upset during the game. 

ILLEGAL PLAYER
The BSSC considers using an illegal player in a regular or postseason game, to be unsportsmanlike conduct.
Illegal Players are defined as:
•A player(s) who is on the roster for one BSSC team, but plays in a game for another team.
•A player(s) who is on the roster for two BSSC teams for the current sport.
(e.g., Social Team A and Less Filling Team C).
•A player who is not a member of any current BSSC team.
(e.g., using a "fill-in" player).
•A player who has broken the age or division one (DI) requirements.

Illegal Players penalties:

•After the discovery of an illegal player(s), all wins to date will be removed from the penalized team standings and the opposing team's loss result will reflect a win.
•Penalized teams may participate in their remaining regular season games though wins will not be recorded.
•The coach and illegal player(s) will be suspended for the remainder of the season.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Want to play a sport, yourself?


Baltimore Sports and Social Club
Sign-ups for softball, INDOOR volleyball, and summer football are coming up. Check out BSSC's website. You don't have to have a team to sign up. Teams are always looking for strong female athletes because BSSC has a rule about having a certain number of women on every team.



Beach Volleyball in Federal Hill Park: http://www.baltimorebeach.com with additional info in their newsletter.

There is summer league sign-up now (deadline April 12), but there's also going to be just free "drop in" play every weekend in April (weather permitting), plus $5 per drop-in May-October (free for league members). Lots of info on the leagues and drop-in play is here.

On Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 12, noon till 2 pm, there will be skills clinics. Register here.


There is a new LGBT Kickball team starting up. First game is April 16. Read more about it here.

Bars

Kislings
2100 Fleet Street (Canton--by the Can Company)
Baltimore, MD

We went here on 3/21/15.


Looney's of Canton
2900 O'Donnell Street
Baltimore, MD

We went to Looney's on 3/28/15.

We will be going back to Looney's on Saturday, April 11, 1:30/1:45 till 3:30.
(Our game is noon till 1 a few miles away at Patterson Park High School.)


De Kleine Duivel
"Practice" on Thursday (4/9/15) shall be at De Kleine Duivel in Hampden starting at 7 pm. (3602 Hickory Ave, Baltimore, MD). The bar has great beer, and the owner will let us bring in any food we want or even get it delivered there! I'll bring a bunch of menus from area places, but PLEASE bring your own. Most likely, we'll just order off our tiny, omnipotent smartphones.

Look for this sign on Hickory Ave:




Future bar schedule has yet to be decided. Suggestions welcome.

Probably going to SkyZone on April 18 instead of going to a bar--or before going to a bar.

SkyZone

So... I threw out the suggestion of going to SkyZone (Timonium) at Thursday's practice, and it was met with more enthusiasm than I sort of knew what to do with.

Mimi and I talked, and the only date that really works is April 18 (at 2 pm after our noon game).  May 2 is a runner up, but that would be at 4 pm after our 2 pm game... Plus it's so nice out in May...  (What is it with me and ellipses today?)

If we have 15 people, we can get a group rate of $13/person for an hour, $17/person for 90 min. Otherwise, it will be $17/person for an hour, $21/person for 90 min. As I've sort of had it with collecting money from folks, I'm leaning toward just having people sign up individually. It's not like it's a HUGE savings. However, people would have to get their tickets way in advance to ensure we all got them for the same time. This place is ridiculously popular--especially on Saturdays.

So. First order of business--can we agree on April 18 at 2 pm? Please note that, while you can bring your family, they will separate us based on weight. So unless you are the same weight as your three year old, you better have someone to be with your three year old while you hang out and jump with the team.

Speaking of weight, there is a 300 pound weight limit. So watch your beer consumption between now and April 18. hehe. I crack me up.

Second, do you want to open it up to the whole meet-up or just have it for the team? (I vote whole meet-up.)

We will talk about this at Monday and Thursday's practices, as well as at Saturday's game. Just laying things out here.

If we decide to get tickets online, individually, you do it here. Click where it says "Buy Tickets Now." You MUST buy SkySocks ($1). There's also a $1/ticket convenience fee.

Yeah, we're adults ;)

Practice the week of March 23--BOTH TUESDAY & THURSDAY

Tuesday 6:15 to 7 OUTSIDE (lower field)
Thursday 6:45 to 8 INSIDE (Virginia Baker rec center)
Tell me if you will or will not be at practice. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's going to be COLD on Saturday plus Mimi can't make Thursday's practice. We're going to have an additional practice on Tuesday, March 24, starting at 6:15 pm. Meet on the lower field by the Virginia Baker Rec Center in Patterson Park. If your back is to Baltimore St, and you're facing the Virginia Baker Rec Center, we'll be down the hill where the baseball field is. 

We need to practice WARMING UP. Sounds silly but is really important. Then we're going to just run through a game like it would actually be played. No extra running. 

We will still have practice on Thursday. 6:45 to 8:45 (or more likely till just 8) INSIDE the rec center. 

Please let me know if you can or cannot make Tuesday and/or Thursday's practice.

Thanks:)



Practices--in general (location, times)

Assume Thursday practice for the foreseeable future. It has been 6:45 to 8:45 pm, at the Virginia Baker Rec Center in Patterson Park. However, because the weather is getting nicer, it's lighter out later, and we need to be outside for practice, we're trying to move that to 6 to 7:30 outside.

Google Map for Virginia Baker Rec Center in Patterson Park. It is NOT the white half-orb. It is the low-slung dark brick building. 2601 E Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21224Park on Baltimore Street near where it crosses Luzerne. Enter the building on the left (left if your back is to Baltimore St.). The door on the far right has a buzzer high up on the door frame.

Here is a map of Patterson Park that I annotated myself. Please tell me if there are any errors. Other than the Virginia Baker Rec Center, I noted the various places we practice with numbers.

Click on the image for a larger photo.












Game Schedule & Location

Upcoming Games--all are on SATURDAYS @ Patterson Park High School:
(Note the two double-headers!)

3/28/15          11 am              Field 1

4/11/15          12 noon            Field 1

4/18/15          11 am               Field 6

4/18/15         12 noon             Field 3

4/25/15          12 noon           Field 8

4/25/15         1 pm                Field 1

5/2/15            2 pm               Field 1

5/9/15           2 pm               Field 3





Location:
Joseph Lee Playfields/Joseph E. Lee Park @ Patterson Park High School
6200 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
Note that Pratt is a one-way street. If we have a game on Field 3, definitely try to park on Pratt. 

Field map can be found here.

Sign up to receive instant text notifications if a game is cancelled. 
Go to www.rainedout.com. Search "BSSC" then enter your cell number. Make sure you have your cell phone handy so you'll be able to enter the validation code into the computer. 
Choose "kickball." You can unsubscribe at the end of the season.