Questions or comments: derek@dereksnyder.net

Standings

Stats

9/21:

Here's seven short videos from the golf challenge at the End of Year Party.

9/17:

Here is a photo gallery from the end of year party. Click on the picture below to check it out.

9/16:

The 2008 End of Year Party closes the book on the 2008 season.

Six competitors enrolled in the Home Run Derby.  Aside from the reigning champ Fred Duffus, Mike Hunter, Tony Troccia, Scott Liese, Derek Snyder and Mike Goodrich all were looking for their shot at history.  Each participant would have to brave the elements on this day, with a very messy field to contend with.   The two players with the most home runs after the first round would move on to the finals. 

Preliminary Round results:

1. Fred 3
2. Tony 2
3. Hunter 1
4. Scott 0
5. Derek 0
6. Big Mike 0

Fred and Tony moved on to the Finals, but neither player hit a home run within the regulation number of outs.  We moved to a Sudden Death round which saw Tony snatching the title away from Fred after several near misses from both players.  Congratulations to Tony Troccia, the 2008 Home Run Derby champion!

The golf challenge this year was “longest drive”.  The contestant with the longest drive in each of the five rounds would be awarded a point.  After four rounds Big Mike was in the lead with 1.5 points (due to a tie in the 4th round).  Tony recovered to win the final round, thereby winning the golf challenge as well! 

1. Big Mike
2. Tony
3. Fred
4. Big Mike/Hunter
5. Tony

Afterwards everyone made their way to Ron and Margaret’s for the secondary phase of the party. 

Thanks to everyone who made 2008 a fun year despite the disappointing on-field results.  Also, a big thanks go out to Ron and Margaret for allowing us the use of their locale for the party.

In the upcoming days and weeks look for pictures and videos from the party as well as other team oriented events.

Here is the first video - the Home Run Derby itself!

9/14:

Today's the day! The Casa Villa Yar End Celebration! The fun kicks off at the Town of Ulster Softball field at noon. Come see Fred Duffus defend his home run title against a multitude of competitors.

9/3:

The votes are in and the annual post-season team party will be held on Sunday 9/14.

The first leg of the party will begin at 12:00 at the Town of Ulster softball field. The Town of Ulster softball field is located on Orlando Street in Kingston. The Home Run Derby will begin at 12:15 sharp so please be prompt if you want your chance at history. After the Home Run Derby there will be a golf driving challenge as well – bring your driver if you think you have what it takes.

From there, we’ll be migrating to Ron (Jeremy) Johnson’s for the cookout itself. Ron’s place is located at 483 Old Stage Rd. in Saugerties. Estimated time of arrival will be between 2:00-2:30. Please bring a food item with you.

For directions or more info please contact the usual suspects.

8/30:

A 19-9 loss to the BJ Cannonballs concluded Casa Villa's season with a disappointing 6-12 record.

One of the major stories of the final month was Fred Duffus' bid for his 5th triple crown.  Fred was challenged by Kevin Jones, who went into the final game a mere .005 points behind Fred in batting average.  Tony Troccia entered the final game in a dead tie with Fred in home runs, and with a one RBI lead.

Kevin struggled against Cannonballs pitcher Ross Pagliaro and his hopes of a first career batting title went by the wayside when Fred managed 2 hits in 3.  The batting title was Fred's 5th in his career.

Tony's 6 HR were already his career high.  Fred's 4th inning home run clinched his 7th HR title.

Meanwhile, Kevin's brother Derek Snyder entered the game 2 RBI off of the pace.  Derek crushed his first home run in more than two years, bringing the RBI race to a three way tie with only innings remaining.  When Derek's sac fly in the top of the 6th brought home Lou Denise, it sealed his first RBI title and dashed Fred's hopes of a 5th triple crown.

With .638 and .618 batting averages, Fred and Kevin became the 9th and 10th players to bat over .600 in a season.  They also became just the second teammates to bat .600 in the same season, after Fred and Kevin’s brother Travis batted .658 and .632 only a year ago.

Fred also became the first player to post back to back .600 seasons.

Kevin, on the other hand, turned in a breakout season.  Kevin played his way into the leadoff slot, pacing the team in hits, runs and triples.  Kevin batted .634 in the second half scoring 22 runs.  In the process, he set the single game record of 6 runs scored, and tied the single game record of 6 hits.  His 34 singles set a new season record.  His 42 hits were third best all time, and most from the leadoff spot.  He teamed with previous leadoff hitter Tony Troccia to form the best one-two punch in team history.

After a tough luck first half, Mike Hunter was red hot for the second half of the season.  Hunter batted .667 with a team high 17 RBI.

In his final season as a regular, Scott Liese turned in one of his best batting performances of his career.  Scott finished with his highest average in 10 years, .409.  Scott was easily the most prolific pitcher in franchise history, winning 118 games – over 100 more than the next best player.

Without further ado...ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Casa Villa Mexican Assassins:

8/14:

Two newcomers made impressive debuts in the 26-10 victory over Brian Builds. Josh Sandler was 3-5 with a 2B. Zach Ciurczak was impressive for another reason - 4 strikeouts in one game (a team record).

For the second time in two weeks the single game hit record of 6 was tied, this time by Mike Hunter.

In addition, Kevin Jones set the single game runs record with 6 in the game.

Tony Troccia hit for the cycle, going 5-6 with 6 RBI.

The 2008 team tied another dubious record - 23 players used for the season.

Fred Duffus has set the pace with 5 career triple crowns, by far the most in franchise history. However, with three games remaining, all three triple crown categories are still up in the air. Kevin Jones has 13 hits in his last 14 at bats to raise his average to .621, just .006 behind Duffus. Duffus is also in danger of losing his grip on the HR and RBI titles. Troccia's big night pulled him into a tie with Duffus with 6 HR and 21 RBI. Can Duffus win his 5th triple crown?

8/2:

Congratulations to Kevin Jones, who tied the team record of 6 hits in a game. The record was originally set 8 years ago by Rich Hayner. Kevin was 6-6 with a 3B and 2 RBI.

7/30:

The makeup game vs. the Cannonballs has been scheduled for Friday, 8/15 at 9:00 at the Point.

7/20:

Two recent additions to the squad have made big impacts so far. SS Frank Neglia has taken hold of the position with four fantastic games. Frank doubled against Glenn Podgurski on 7/11 to log his first career hit for the franchize.

Del Simmons manned 3B on Friday 7/18 and made several sick plays in the field as well as going 2-3. A lefty batter, Del laced a single to right field, as well as beat out a ball hit to White Eagle first baseman Donnie Wells.

7/19:

Here are five videos from the 1995 Mr. Broadway/Babe XXX championship game.

Bill Raphael triples:

Jimmy Dixon singles to right:

John Finch switch hits:

Derek Snyder drives in two:

Final inning of the title game, including championship celebration:

7/17:

Please welcome Del Simmons to the team!

7/9:

Please welcome Nick Denise to the team!

7/7:

The White Eagle rainout makeup has been scheduled for Friday 7/18, 7:00 at Kingston Point.

7/3:

Please welcome Frank Neglia to the team!

7/2:

Here are five videos from the 1992 Ulster Lightning team:

6/28:

Here are some blasts from the past - three videos from the 1993 Michael's Diner team, including the classic Fuck 'em Over call!

6/22:

Kingston residents beware - the next knock on your door may be Ram Peters.

Click the picture to read the article.

6/15:

Congratulations to Fred Duffus for his 2008 Tony Award. After years of man-dates and pining, Fred finally reeled in his first Tony award. His big win was in the category of Best Supporting Role- Bromance.

5/25:

Vagrant Intentions has a Memorial Day present for everyone - two more parts to the epic Tony Troccia interview!

Softball Xclusive - Tony Troccia, pt 5

Tony tells the real story of the team split after the 1997 season, how the 1998 Superior Tree was formed and how that team overachieved like no other.

Softball Xclusive - Tony Troccia, pt 6

Tony answers some fan questions, talks about Mount Olympus, Bernie Wento, pitching and catching, Partha, The Lord, the Vladich family and more.

5/16:

The City now has schedules and standings posted here. The www.scorebook.com site is no longer updated.

Next week is Wood Bat Week! All games played in the City next week will be played with wood bats.

5/2:

Opening day is here! Casa Villa opens versus White Eagle tonight at Block Park. For results, check the Games section.

5/1:

Here are the 2008 stat projections:

4/27:

Vagrant Intentions the fourth part of the Tony Troccia interview. 

In Part IV, Tony discusses the 1995, 1996 and 1997 seasons, Creative Designs, Chad Plonski, Al Alberts and more.

4/18:

The 2008 schedule has been posted in the games section. Or you can click here for a printable version.

4/12:

Here's the complete listing of teams for the 2008 season:

The first practices have been scheduled for 4/19, 12-2 at Kingston Point and 4/26 12-2 at Kingston Point.

Opening day will be Friday May 2nd. We play White Eagle at 5:30 PM. More scheduling info to come this week.

Casa Villa is having a huge Cinco de Mayo blowout on Saturday 5/3 at 1PM. They'd be happy to meet any team members willing to make an appearance.

4/5:

Please welcome our new sponsor, Casa Villa!

If you're looking for great Mexican American food or drink stop out at:

• Casa Villa
• 395 Albany Avenue
• Kingston, NY 12401
• 845-331-7646

4/4:

Congrats are in order for Vince Eckert, as he and Casey brought Vince Jr. into the world!

3/29:

Vagrant Intentions presents three parts of the Tony Troccia interview. 

In Part I, Tony talks about the creation of the 1992 team, the Jets, dollar store hierarchies, outfield technique, "the catch" and more.




In Part II, Tony talks about Jimmy Dixon, the Jimmy Triangle, the greatest game ever, and more.





In Part III, Tony talks about unlocking the hip, the Human Tornado, Active Release Treatment, Botox, the Masked Mallard and more.

3/2:

Fred Duffus, hard at work.

2/25: Meeting Recap

The 2008 organizational softball meeting has come and gone.  The 2008 roster has been handed in.  As was reported over the weekend, Keith Nickerson and Bob Gregory have been added to the roster.  There are several other news items to report.

• Opening day for C league will be 5/1 or 5/2
• Ump/Scorekeeper fee is the same this year
• Rainouts will again be on Mondays and/or Fridays
• The Home Run rule was a success and will remain 3 for our league this year
• A new fence has been erected at Block Park
• The ball is the same this year (.44 cork core)
• It was suggested that pitchers wear shin guards and face masks

The league is also trying out wooden bats this year in case they decide to go to an all wooden bat league down the road.  Each team will have 2 wooden bat games this year - likely during May and July - the league will supply the bats.  The league requested we provide feedback as it will help to determine the direction they go with this matter.

No potential bat changes would happen until the 2010 season.

One last bit of news that may impact our franchise - starting in 2009, the C league (Upper and Lower) will be moving to Mondays.  No more Thursday/Friday for C league after 2008.

More info to come as it's released.

2/23: Roster Update!

Fred Duffus will now wear #1. Ron Johnson will wear #77 this year.

Longtime player Keith Nickerson has returned to the roster! Joining him is fellow Mets fan Bob Gregory.

At the moment, six non-roster players are invited to Spring Training:

• Vince Eckert
• Leroy Martin
• Chizzle Ellsworth
• Stivic Burt
• Ryan Rios
• Del Simmons

2/17:

After a lengthy holiday vacation, Vagrant Intentions returns a three part Ron Johnson interview.

In Part I, Ron speaks about his baseball history, the Navy, Scotland, The Dutchmen and more.

In Part II, Ron talks about his expectations, Greg Nettles, the 1970's Yankees, the Junkyard Dogs and more.

In the hysterical Part III, Ron answers some fan questions, talks about Ron Jeremy, Fred Duffus, Knight Rider, mullets, the chicken heart and more.

2/12:

The first installment of Forgotten Games is posted. It covers the team's no hit bid on 7/19/96 and can be read here.

2/12:

The box score project has been completed. You may notice some subtle alterations to the lifetime stats. In one case, a batting title changed hands - Chad Plonski is now credited with the 1996 batting title. In addition, Barry Gorsline is now credited with the 1997 triple crown.

2/9:

Head on over to the newly opened Hall of Records. The Hall features a comprehensive listing of player, season, playoff and situational accomplishments.

2/3:

Coming soon - Forgotten Games, a column featuring recaps of past games.

1/31:

A major boxscore encoding project is underway. Once completed there will be several stat updates to past years. The encoding project will also allow limitless analysis of historical stats. Keep your eyes open for this in the next few weeks!

1/1:

2008 is here! Happy New Year everyone!

Vagrant Intentions brings in the new year with the two part George Resso interview.

In Part I, George talks about his ejections, Goldust, Babe XXX, all things Vladich and more.

Part II features George performing clips from Slayer's South of Heaven and Roadkill's Freedom and discussing Jack Scalia, Roadkill and more.

12/23:

Vagrant Intentions presents the final two parts of the Derek Snyder interview.

In Part II Derek talks about Superior Tree, Mike Jones, John Finch, Keith Nickerson and more.

In Part III Derek talks about Charlie Glass, the Killer Bees, playing with a blind third baseman and more.

12/22:

Vagrant Intentions presents an interview with Derek Snyder of the Millens Recycling softball team from Kingston, New York. Derek talks about the origin of the team, the Babe, the Jets and more.

12/15:

Lifetime playoff leaders and single game playoff records are now listed on the history page.

12/12:

Great news! Despite rumors, no Millens Recycling players were listed in the George Mitchell report on steroids published today.

12/9:

Vagrant Intentions presents Part II of the Softball Xclusive Fred Duffus show. Fred talks about promicin, steroids, choke slams, the fans and more.

12/8:

Vagrant Intentions presents Part I of the Softball Xclusive Fred Duffus show. Fred talks about his debut, home runs, Sweet Tooth and more.

12/2:

Vagrant Intentions presents Part II of the Softball Xclusive Scott Liese show. Scott discusses kneepads, Studt Field and more.

12/1:

The 2007 season recap and info has been moved to the history archives here.

The player by player stats, historical totals and leaders have been updated.

11/30:

Vagrant Intentions presents Part I of the Softball Xclusive Scott Liese interview. Scott talks about historical greats like Damian Helmbold, his brother and more.

11/26:

Vagrant Intentions presents Part II of the Softball Xclusive Kevin Jones interview. Kevin discusses the Charlton Jets, teen wolf and more.

11/24:

The wait is over! The first edition of Vagrant Intentions' Softball Xclusive is complete and available for viewing! Kevin discusses his debut, commuting to games and more.

If the above link doesn't work - click here.

11/22:

The first edition of Softball Xclusive has been taped and is now in post-production. On MSX you will see interviews with all of your favorite players discussing their softball career. If you have any questions for past or present team members please forward them to millens317@yahoo.com.

Look for it in the coming days!

11/17:

Here's some posterized pictures of team members from the Millens era:

See my Tabblo>

10/28:

Congratulations are in order to Vince Eckert, who is expecting a little Vince in the spring.

10/15:

The year end cookout has come and gone officially putting an end to another softball season. Thanks to everyone for helping out and pitching in. Special thanks to Phil Denise for use of the fantastic sound system and also to Fred Duffus for the hard work he put into planning the event.

A detailed recap of the events with pictures and video can be found here:

www.dereksnyder.net/07cookout.html