It was not without a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, and a little bit of luck, Summer turned up on Thursday night. "I needed to get away and prepare for the season" piped Summer. Rumour has it, the leader of the ball squad was working on the 2009 Elkhorns success strategy while spending a few weeks in disguise in Tahiti. "I thought for sure no one would find me there...boy was I wrong.Pictured are the Summer GM in disguise on a Tahitian beach just outside his bungalow. Also pictured is the Polynesian lovely that found him! Tiari (above right) was quoted as saying "Once Spring hits, I immediately start thinking of Summer. Summer seems to come later and later every year, but this year, I could not wait.
With Summer back , there was definitely a different swagger on Thursday night. With the team down 3 runs early, all eyes were on the Summer GM to make something happen. " I realized that Ball Gobbler (Dave) missed spring training and 3rd base is a little tough for a sophmore under pressure. I moved Casual (Ron) in and things settled down nicely". Not only did things settle down, they erupted with Ball Gobbler gobbling his way to a golden glove performance in centre field!
"Most guys would have pulled a struggling player, but not Summer, he has a knack of getting the best out of his players, that is why I respect him so much!" boasted Hugh (Mark).
The potential TSN turning point was when Les attempted to go for home on an over throw. " I looked right at Casual, he just shrugged his shoulders casually, so I ran for it." Les noted his disbelief at what transspired. " I have played ball for alot of years, never have I seen such "casualness". I guess the laid back approach is causing some "casualties".
Summer and Casual spent some quality time in the bar afterwards. "Every time I sit down with that man, he sheds so much light on things" indicated Casual. "I am lucky to be in this situation with him, not many get this type of opportunity.
Casuals' opportunities will not end with mere bar banter. He has been enrolled in "Summer" School. The curriculum is based on "Built to Win". Pictured is last years graduate Denise DaFleur who is now the General Manager for the Brainard Pussy Cats. " At first I was having trouble, then Summer suggested we need to go with all nighters to speed up the process! I am no longer satisfied with just getting to 3rd base! Thank you Summer for everything!"
"Once he is done Summer School, that guy is gonna be big, real big!" (Summer was talking about Casual, the Associate Summer GM, AKA Summer ASS)
Let's all wish Casual similar experiences that Denise has enjoyed!
The Players of the Game as indicated by "The Commish" were Sharon for pitching prowess and Summer for ripping one so loud in the on deck circle that the back catcher actually heard it! "Hey, I had chili for lunch, give me a break!" protested Summer.
The Herd's next game is Thursday night at Buhler when they take on Double Ryes and RBI's at 6:20 pm.
Rush seating available at the gate only!! No pre-purchase for this event!
3 comments:
I know that Summer made some significant line up changes...they had an impact. However, was it all Summer? Or did Hugh's appearance on the bench spark the players. It is a debate for the ages.
Roy continues to like what he sees with the Horns. Elkhorn GM was noticeably absent. Apparently under the weather. Let's wish him a speedy recovery.
It looks like the Summer Ass has a lot of late nights to look forward to but I'm sure it will be well worth the time.
Maybe the Summer GM can give the Summer Ass his instructional "Built to Win" Video that he can casually watch at home in between watching movies.
Thanks Roy, It's nice when his Hughness gets recognized for what he really brings to the team besides his HUGE GLOVE & BAT!
I remember a time when the Summer GM "noticed" these things, but ever since he his book "built to win" when best seller in the Globe & Mail, he's been a different man.
I'll be the first to admit, he didn't embellish a single work in "Built", and he paid enough homage to his Hughness, but since then, he's just been a different guy.
No worries for the herd with any of this though, just like last week, Hugh's presence is felt by all. As soon as Hugh hit the dug out he had guys scurrying to impress. Heck, he even had a couple guys buckle under pressure and beg him to pull out his Huge Glove and hit the field.
Ol' Hugh knew what to do when this happened, he told those ol' fellas to keep working hard and not give up! And, that's just what they did! Some of the best fielding and batting Hugh has seen in a long time.
Go herd!
Your friend and mentor, HUGH!
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