It was busy last week in the National Capital Baseball League, with happenings taking place across multiple NCBL digital platforms; but only one person is going to go through it all and break it down for you, and that person is I, Shaun Keay (.251).
1. Facebook Free Agency
There was one new posting on NCBL Facebook last week, courtesy of Matthew Nanni (.294), who previously played 1 season for the 2009 Tier 3 expansion (and now defunct) Blue Jays. No relation to the current incarnation.
Mr. Nanny had tried twice before to attract the attention of NCBL teams via a Facebook post, but it turns out “Tier 4 outfielder looking for work” doesn’t go as far as it used to. His most recent post however did turn a few heads:
This post generated an unprecedented amount of reactions:
- Former Rocket Neal Phadnis (.417), who is also one of my most trusted sources deep inside the umpires union, called it: “a strong application post”; his teammate Andy Brickley (.261) concurred.
- Former Cricket Todd Kuiack (.309) claimed this post was: “the best I’ve seen”.
- Former Cougar John Carbonette (.284) suggested Nanni would be: “a solid addition to any team”.
This listing also caught the attention of the Tier 4 Rideau Valley Ferda Grim Reapers Baseball Club, who sources say were specifically attracted to his glorious facial hair. I’m going to assume they went ahead and signed him sight unseen.
Welcome back to the NCBL Matthew.
2. The Black Sox Scandal
There was a shakeup to the structure of Tiers 2 and 3 last week, when the Black Sox’ request to temporarily drop from 2 to 3 was unanimously approved.
Originally, the Black Sox were set on playing in Tier 2 and improving on their 12-12 record from 2019, but after learning that they were being stuck in a bubble with the Red Sox, they had no choice but to try and get the heck out of there. It didn’t help that the glue of their team, Ian “Poultry Man” Stewart (.256) had just opted-out of the season too, leaving an irreplaceable hole in the heart of their order.
Black Sox GM Phillipe Martin (.370) demanded his team be dropped back down to Tier 3, and placed in a bubble with the Misfits and SweatSox, a bubble he claimed would “revolutionize not just Tier 3, but the entire NCBL”.
The Managers from Tiers 2 and 3 voted to grant the Black Sox a release from the powerhouse Whittaker Division, but sadly the Great Bubble Revolution will have to wait for the next pandemic. The Black Sox were placed in Leal, and not a modified Parkins…
3. Final Opt-In Results
In a league-wide email last Thursday, Commissioner Bill Beelen (.272) announced that all 33 teams who previously confirmed they were in for the Craig-bubble (R.I.P.), were all still in for the currently resurrected Joe-bubble. The 5 teams that will not be fielding a team in 2021 are still:
- Kanata Athletics
- Kingston Ponies
- Ottawa-Nepean Cardinals
- Capitals
- Knights
Let the bidding war begin for the rights to Adrian Delorey, Pat Lyons, and Don Brennan…
4. The Hernia Test
Recently, the Ontario Baseball Association Return to Sport Task Force released its “Summary of Changes” for the 2021 season, and we were made aware of it last week. Good news for anyone whose been feeling a little lonely lately…
5. Pierre Dorion Loses His Grip, Again
Last Thursday, just as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in OT, former Knight Pierre Dorion (.179) was spotted on the TSN broadcast throwing his drink across the room. To be fair though, it was raining and/or his hand was sweaty and the drink flew a lot further than it was meant to.
6. A Pandemic Brewer Tournament
The Nepean Brewers announced on Saturday that they still plan on hosting the 21st annual Nepean Brewers Tournament this July. We think this can work, since tournaments don’t count as leagues and therefore bubble restrictions don’t apply. Let us know if you need any spares, we’ll be there.
7. Unofficial Disclaimer
Finally, last week it was brought to my attention that there may have been several inaccuracies in my most recent post. While I can’t see how that could possibly be true, I do offer my most sincere apologies if anyone was offended by what they may have read.
Moving forward I personally guarantee, or your money back, that everything I write is 100% truth (as it has always been); but for your own protection please consider everything “unofficial” until you hear about it from a Beelen, any one of them, even Matt (.314).
Yours,
Shaun R. Keay
