Setting the scenario, my Thunderchickens played Dennis Jennings’ Global Glaciers remotely last night for the Illowa APBA League.
In the first three games, Dennis’ Glaciers scored just three runs. Thunderchicken pitching held them scoreless for 22 innings straight.
Yet, Dennis won two of those three games.
Overall, the Glaciers took the series four games to two. Here’s the press release from the Glaciers:
Crazy series vs TChix. I pitched Darvish in first game cuz he always does well (including a no-hitter in past). He wins Game 1: 1-0 despite TChix have runners on all but one inning. Kwan first inning homer is only run against Falter who advances.
King returns shutout thing will inning 5-0. Glaciers endure 22 innings without a run before Rizzo homers in game 3 (although Tom’s third consecutive starter advances as homer followed an error) and Skenes joins the shutout string. In first three games Glaciers are 2-1 scoring 3 runs. Next two games non-shutouts split 4-5 and 6-1.
I decide Darvish can come back for Game 6 and bingo a second 1-0 shutout. Glaciers getting only run when Reynolds sneaks a 8 thru with 1st and third vs Greene.
Tallying the runs for the six-game series, the Glaciers scored 14 and my Thunderchickens could only muster 11. We did hit six home runs however five of them were solo shots. Four of them were in one game.
Congrats, Dennis! I guess if you wanted to look on the bright side, your good pitching was that much better than my good pitching.
That or I just couldn’t score.
Goodbye, Skype
As of a few days ago, Microsoft has turned off the Skype video conference service. As a result, our league has been looking for a new way to play remotely.
Dennis and I played over FaceTime which worked well. We were both familiar with the Apple ecosystem so it was an easy transition. That said, it won’t be for everyone especially for those using Windows operating system.
We are also evaluating Microsoft Teams and Facebook Messenger. What are others using now?
Nick and I have played via Facebook messenger, and it worked pretty well.
First, I apparently get no help from spell check or it does damage (sorry about poor readability report above). I pitched Darvish in opener vs Thunderchickens because he has historically done well vs Chix including a no-hitter in a previous season (yes it was the infamous one where Tom nobly reminded me that Darvish had a no-hotter when I considered taking him out due to score). King winning 5-0 (not will inning). Amazingly, Darvish has made 5 starts in ILLOWA this year. He has 4 shutouts!! The other game he gave up 1 run (homer by Willi Castro) in 8 1/3 innings in a game Glaciers won in extra innings. So after 5 starts he has a 0.20 ERA, Frustratingly he only has 80 IP this season. Guessing that one of the starts will be against Tom’s TChix as Darvish has 3 shutouts against TChix this year.
I recommend Discord. Runs on any platform, free, no time limit. We set up a site and gave each team a home field voice channel. Meet at the home team ballpark and play (video and audio).
Tom, I play baseball and hockey using Google Meet. I rarely have had an issue. Hope you find something you like.