Overall, our team batted 0.377 which is not bad from a statistical point of view. However, if we take out the 2 RI games, our team average drops to 0.296, with only 11 runs scored in those 4 games that we lost. That's an average of less than 3 runs per game, while conceding a total 45runs, an average of 11 runs per game). To make things worse, most of the batting average is contributed by William, Changyu and Shengwei (0.708, .500 and .333 respecitvely in those 4 games). The rest of the line up batted 0.167 in those 4 games. I think this proves that softball is a team game afterall.
In term of batting, the story is all about William's amazing run, hitting 11 out of 14 with an average of 0.786 AVG. Other than that, he also clinched the RBI title in NUS open for the 2nd consecutive time with 7 RBI. Having said that, last NUS Open's best batter Changyu, also had another consistent performance, finishing with 0.600 AVG for the 2nd consecutive year. In the HR category, we have 5 people in the HR club (William, Lionel, Liwei, Changyu and Alex) with Lionel clinching the HR title.
For fielding, I think it is a well known fact that we are not a strong fielding team. We committed a total of 17 errors in 6 games, an average of close to 3 errors per game. In the 4 games that we lost, we committed an average of 4 errors per game, and let in a total of 13 unearned runs that could have been avoided. That is an average of more than 4 unearned runs per game. Clearly, this proves that generally an error committed is as good as conceding a run. I think we really need to put in effort to improve our fielding. Strong batting wins you games but strong fielding wins you championship.
Pitching department also ran into problems this time round. Even though our pitchers were hoping to repeat the strong performance by Kenneth last year, luck is definitely not on our side, with 2 of our 3 pitchers nursing injuries. Alex was troubled with a back injury while Zhiguan had a swollen ankle. A combined ERA of 10.348 and opponent average of 0.358 are definitely a subbar performance from the pitchers. Let's hope that both Alex and Zhiguan can recover soon and resume training.
Even though we only managed a 4th position in this tournament, it is still a very enjoyable experience. For the first time, almost all players have their fair share of playing time. All but 2 players (Alex and Ronghan) have at least an average of one plate appearance per game and all players except Ronghan have either started or appeared in 4 games. I believe this tournament is a great exposure for everyone, especially for our new players.
Looking forward to the next tournament already...
By Alan Lo
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Fun Bunch of OMen at NUS-JAS Open
A year has passed, the defending champions failed to get to the finals this time round.
The hole in the pitching department is telling. The team had to lean heavily on the fragile back of Mr Jan, to give them their best chance in winning against Catalyst(aka Hunters). He tried and battled hard. However, without his usual overpowering fastball, he could not hold the opposition and they eventually opened up a three run lead in the third inning.
If the Oboyz were to win this tournament, I'm pretty sure Alex's vertebrae will be right up there beside Curt Schilling's World Series winning bloodied sock.
Mr Alex, I salute you for all the pain that you endured with every pitch thrown.
Speed is also lacking in the team. This is inevitable as the players age and is apparent as players run into outs while going for the extra bases. Spider seemed to have lost a gear with a reccurring quad injury. One can only hope that he does not lose it for good. Other players like Sheng Wei Yeo used up half a tube of Salon Pas to relieve the body aches (maybe it gives a high which he cannot resist).
However, we can take away a lot of positives from this tournament.
The offence was on a high compared to the team's performance in the league. 5 Homeruns and hard hits was on display this time round. Consistent Captain Goh maintained his high OBP as leadoff, while others like Liwei, Changyu and Shengwei stepped up this tournament and played a big role. William Tanoto was melting the ballpark by going 11 for 14( that's an insane .800 hitting!). Of course some of his teammates had other views on some at bats, but we know that such stats will always draw jealousy and controversy.
The bonding stepped up too. Being in the clubhouse over those 2 days revealed to me that this bunch of OMen will stick around. The new additions like Just In and Michael fit right in and the fun family just got bigger instantly without any ice-breaking-heavy-drinking.
Michael was baptised by Storm as he got Hammered... Hard. One can only appreciate Alan Lo's sublime pitching when he held Storm with his breaking pitches. Hats off to you Alan. Back to Michael, the mates gave him tremendous support. However, no pitcher wanted to bail him out against Storm, saying that it is a learning process for him. Some kinda teammates huh! But I'm pretty sure there is some truth to it. He is still developing and this experience will serve him well in the long run.
Ayer Rajah seems like a get-away sanctuary for these city slickers. The SeranGooners mentioned that it felt like an overseas trip without actually being overseas. This tournament does give you a great getaway feel, well except for maybe Jessen who lives a couple of blocks away. To which I must add, Ayer Rajah Market has great food, ladies.
By the way, a revelation for everyone: high pop ups are for 1B, 3B and SS ONLY.
Oh Oh Oh, Lionel's Chinese has depth as he equates Chung Hao to the Gas in the Ass.
That's all there is. Till the next game Slickers
By Manny Ramirez Jr.
Manny Jr is a great fan of Manny and Oboyz softball club.
The hole in the pitching department is telling. The team had to lean heavily on the fragile back of Mr Jan, to give them their best chance in winning against Catalyst(aka Hunters). He tried and battled hard. However, without his usual overpowering fastball, he could not hold the opposition and they eventually opened up a three run lead in the third inning.
If the Oboyz were to win this tournament, I'm pretty sure Alex's vertebrae will be right up there beside Curt Schilling's World Series winning bloodied sock.
Mr Alex, I salute you for all the pain that you endured with every pitch thrown.
Speed is also lacking in the team. This is inevitable as the players age and is apparent as players run into outs while going for the extra bases. Spider seemed to have lost a gear with a reccurring quad injury. One can only hope that he does not lose it for good. Other players like Sheng Wei Yeo used up half a tube of Salon Pas to relieve the body aches (maybe it gives a high which he cannot resist).
However, we can take away a lot of positives from this tournament.
The offence was on a high compared to the team's performance in the league. 5 Homeruns and hard hits was on display this time round. Consistent Captain Goh maintained his high OBP as leadoff, while others like Liwei, Changyu and Shengwei stepped up this tournament and played a big role. William Tanoto was melting the ballpark by going 11 for 14( that's an insane .800 hitting!). Of course some of his teammates had other views on some at bats, but we know that such stats will always draw jealousy and controversy.
The bonding stepped up too. Being in the clubhouse over those 2 days revealed to me that this bunch of OMen will stick around. The new additions like Just In and Michael fit right in and the fun family just got bigger instantly without any ice-breaking-heavy-drinking.
Michael was baptised by Storm as he got Hammered... Hard. One can only appreciate Alan Lo's sublime pitching when he held Storm with his breaking pitches. Hats off to you Alan. Back to Michael, the mates gave him tremendous support. However, no pitcher wanted to bail him out against Storm, saying that it is a learning process for him. Some kinda teammates huh! But I'm pretty sure there is some truth to it. He is still developing and this experience will serve him well in the long run.
Ayer Rajah seems like a get-away sanctuary for these city slickers. The SeranGooners mentioned that it felt like an overseas trip without actually being overseas. This tournament does give you a great getaway feel, well except for maybe Jessen who lives a couple of blocks away. To which I must add, Ayer Rajah Market has great food, ladies.
By the way, a revelation for everyone: high pop ups are for 1B, 3B and SS ONLY.
Oh Oh Oh, Lionel's Chinese has depth as he equates Chung Hao to the Gas in the Ass.
That's all there is. Till the next game Slickers
By Manny Ramirez Jr.
Manny Jr is a great fan of Manny and Oboyz softball club.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Radjawali Cup Softball Tournament @ Jakarta, Indonesia
Radjawali Baseball & Softball Club Jakarta have sent us an invitation to participate in the Men's Fastpitch Tournament in Jakarta.
The games will be held on 12 (Monday) to 18 (Sunday) October 2009 at Jakarta Senayan Softball Field.
The tournament fee is USD$200/team and up to 20 players can be registered for this tournament.
We have not received any updates on the number of participating teams or tournament format.
Please leave a comment to indicate interest.
The games will be held on 12 (Monday) to 18 (Sunday) October 2009 at Jakarta Senayan Softball Field.
The tournament fee is USD$200/team and up to 20 players can be registered for this tournament.
We have not received any updates on the number of participating teams or tournament format.
Please leave a comment to indicate interest.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Through to the semis
By defeating RI(A) twice today, the OBoyz have clinched a berth in the semi finals against Storm. 5 different players have cleared the fence.
William and Lionel also created club history by being the first 2 players to hit back-to-back homeruns.
There's more to come tomorrow...
William and Lionel also created club history by being the first 2 players to hit back-to-back homeruns.
There's more to come tomorrow...
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Road to NUS Open Part One: Prelude
The double knockout format of the NUS Open Tournament was announced on 28 July. OBoyz can advance to the 2nd round games on 22/23 August by winning their first 2 games on the first weekend.
With new recruits such as pitcher Zhiguan, third baseman Yongbin, power hitting second baseman Justin and the return of their star slugger, Lionel, the defending champion OBoyz has retooled and looks ready for the upcoming tournament.
With new recruits such as pitcher Zhiguan, third baseman Yongbin, power hitting second baseman Justin and the return of their star slugger, Lionel, the defending champion OBoyz has retooled and looks ready for the upcoming tournament.
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