BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: 8th? BBTF Central Park Softball Game: October 3

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Monday, March 09, 2020

8th? BBTF Central Park Softball Game: October 3

Let’s start planning for this year’s game. First questions:

1. Who is submitting the permit request? (Answer: Hysterical & Useless)

2. What dates should we aim for? (Answer: ~~July 25~~ October 3)

3. Where is the post-game destination?

I’ll try to keep the header up to date as actions are taken and decisions are made.

villageidiom Posted: March 09, 2020 at 01:22 PM | 108 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: bad players, cavorting in the shortfield, central park, covid-19, errors, i mean seriously what is this, injuries, just an awful baseball player in general, mental illness, new york, nothing better to do, primate meetups, really old people, regrets, i've had a few, ridiculous, site news, softball, stupid ideas, there's fifty feet of crap, and then there's us, this won't end well, too many tags, tootblan, you can pull fat, you won't get paid

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1. Pasta-diving Jeter (jmac66) Posted: March 09, 2020 at 02:57 PM (#5929039)

can't believe Covid-19 wasn't one of the beats

2. villageidiom Posted: March 09, 2020 at 03:00 PM (#5929040)

That's all the other threads, jmac.

EDIT: As it turns out I added it on 7/6.

3. PreservedFish Posted: March 09, 2020 at 03:49 PM (#5929063)

Handwashing stations at every base.

4. What did Billy Ripken have against ElRoy Face? Posted: March 09, 2020 at 03:58 PM (#5929068)

I’ll try to keep the header up to date as actions are taken and decisions are made.

Or, for our Canadian and British friends, decisions are also taken.

5. catomi01 Posted: March 10, 2020 at 10:31 AM (#5929183)

2. What dates should we aim for?

Not August 1-2 is my only input there.

6. Never Give an Inge (Dave) Posted: March 10, 2020 at 11:26 AM (#5929208)

I can't do August 15, 16 or 23. Generally around for the other weekend dates at this point.

7. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: March 10, 2020 at 07:09 PM (#5929333)

I'm also out for the August 15-16 weekend. Everything else looks OK at the moment.

8. Chicago Joe

Posted: March 11, 2020 at 12:49 PM (#5929493)

August and June look impossible, but July is clear for me.

9. Hysterical & Useless Posted: March 11, 2020 at 12:55 PM (#5929496)

I haven't been around much lately, but I can do the permit once we have a date. My only no-go dates at this moment are July 11 and August 15.

10. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: March 11, 2020 at 12:59 PM (#5929498)

Last couple of weeks in July look like the early leaders.

11. Karl from NY Posted: March 11, 2020 at 02:52 PM (#5929563)

I'm out July 18-19, likely also August 8-9, and unsure about any others at the moment.

12. villageidiom Posted: March 11, 2020 at 04:03 PM (#5929598)

Let's lock in July 25 as the date, then. I'll update the header before anyone says that date is bad for them.

13. Hysterical & Useless Posted: March 12, 2020 at 04:16 PM (#5930085)

Oh good, now I have a great birthday gift for Useless Son #2: a free trip to Central Park for softball with the gang. Although since he's done it before he might not think that's such a cool gift. Kids nowadays.

14. Hysterical & Useless Posted: March 12, 2020 at 04:40 PM (#5930098)

Permit request has been submitted. Hoping to get a field in the North Meadow (convenient to the rec center which has PUBLIC RESTROOMS!!). I've asked for 3 hours, 11 - 2, which is usually enough for us to get in 2 games and still get to the bar before we're all totally incapacitated. Incapacity should come after the game, amirite?

Chicago Joe, since flying may become problematical, you should probably start walking soon.

15. AndrewJ Posted: March 14, 2020 at 09:52 AM (#5930545)

I loved last year's softball game, but I'll have to take a rain check this time -- that's Hall of Fame induction weekend, and I'll be there with my parents.

16. Hysterical & Useless Posted: March 15, 2020 at 10:28 AM (#5930666)

Did anybody else realize that July 25 was HoF weekend? Would hate to lose any more potential participants due to the conflict.

17. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: March 15, 2020 at 11:15 AM (#5930673)

Could we switch to August 1?

18. Hysterical & Useless Posted: March 15, 2020 at 12:08 PM (#5930680)

August 1 means losing catomiO1 and the 10 or 12 players he drags along with him. Might be tough to field 2 teams without them.

Though that would mean starting the post-game sooner, which many might count as a win.

19. Never Give an Inge (Dave) Posted: March 15, 2020 at 05:21 PM (#5930758)

July 12?

20. catomi01 Posted: March 15, 2020 at 10:33 PM (#5930797)

August 1 means losing catomiO1 and the 10 or 12 players he drags along with him. Might be tough to field 2 teams without them.

Though that would mean starting the post-game sooner, which many might count as a win.

As of now, one of the people I've brought the last few years is planning an annual slip and slide party (and inviting most of our softball world)...so the 25th might cause the loss of at least a few of them anyway.

The rest are caught up in virus panic mode right now waiting to see if our spring season gets cancelled and not willing to commit to anything...so in general the farther away the date, the better.

August 1, I'm going to be down in Nashville, so definitely out that weekend. July 12 would work for me though.

21. Hysterical & Useless Posted: March 16, 2020 at 08:56 AM (#5930860)

Well, our permit request can still be edited if we want to change the date. But no date is going to be perfect.

22. catomi01 Posted: March 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM (#5930885)

Well, our permit request can still be edited if we want to change the date. But no date is going to be perfect.

Of course - just wanted to point out that the catomi-contribution might be lower this year on either of those dates.

23. Hysterical & Useless Posted: March 20, 2020 at 02:54 PM (#5932292)

I haven't finalized our permit yet because:

1) so few people have said "okay" to the date; and
2) the permit status remains at "submitted" on the permit site. Has to move to "in process" for me to complete it.

My guess is that July park permits are not a real high priority right now.

24. Dr.-Elect JE

Posted: March 24, 2020 at 11:17 PM (#5933269)

I'll probably be around regardless of the date selected but, at this rate, the game may have to be played via Zoom.

By the way, thanks for everyone's warm wishes regarding my dad. It got relayed to me during Shiva and was very much appreciated.

25. Hysterical & Useless Posted: March 27, 2020 at 04:11 PM (#5934188)

Jason, so sorry, hadn't heard. Sincere best wishes to you and your family.

Just checked the Parks permit website; they are "not accepting, or reviewing, event applications for use of field and courts at this time. Fields and courts are currently closed to group play." With a further advisory to check back periodically for updates.

Maybe we could schedule a skating party for January or something.

26. catomi01 Posted: March 27, 2020 at 05:21 PM (#5934233)

Maybe we could schedule a skating party for January or something.

Softball on Ice.

27. Howie Menckel Posted: March 27, 2020 at 05:29 PM (#5934236)

funny, I'm realizing that with no real catcher, no holding on runners, no steal attempts, and no plays at the plate - BBTF softball has been practicing 6-foot social distancing on the field for YEARS!

hell, we don't even have first- or third-base coaches to pat runners on the ass.

and we even play with fewer than 10 fans gathered.

28. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama

Posted: March 28, 2020 at 08:01 PM (#5934601)

Jason, condolences on your father.

29. Hysterical & Useless Posted: May 17, 2020 at 04:40 PM (#5951492)

Since Howie mentioned BBTF softball in the covid-19 thread today, I guess I'm not the only one who's been pondering if this is still a possibility this year.

As it happens, I had checked the Central Park website yesterday. Ballfields are still off-limits, no permits being processed at this time. My wife mentioned a couple of days ago that NYC restrictions *could* begin being loosened mid-June (if all continues to go well, presumably), though I don't know if such loosening would include rowdy gatherings such as our own. Can't imagine any of our usual suspects will be traveling from foreign parts (eg Utica, Chicago, Toronto, Atlanta, Llandudno, Intercourse...).

Should we shoot for an October Surprise? Or just go ahead with a post-(no)game meetup at a BBTF approved watering hole? We could do a sim game, no equipment needed, no injuries, much less sweat. Might not scare away all the ladies!

30. Ron J Posted: May 17, 2020 at 06:02 PM (#5951498)

29 I've played football in the snow. It was a blast but I was a tad younger. Baseball in any kind of real cold feels like a bad idea.

31. The Yankee Clapper Posted: May 17, 2020 at 07:30 PM (#5951513)

You guys may want to consider alternative locations. I’m told Iceland is nice.

32. Howie Menckel Posted: May 17, 2020 at 07:41 PM (#5951516)

at this point in my aging life, I'm all about the post-game anyway.

33. Never Give an Inge (Dave) Posted: May 18, 2020 at 08:52 AM (#5951575)

Does Zoom softball work?

34. catomi01 Posted: May 18, 2020 at 09:42 AM (#5951589)

Our start date for our leagues here on LI gets getting pushed back, usually 1 day later than the latest expiration date for the SIP orders...this most recent time it was moved back to June 21...which seems at least possible....we've been thinking internally sometime in July (especially considering a very un-verified rumor that softball is being classified as a "contact sport").

If the game is a week or so after the lockdown is lifted, I doubt most of the people I brought last year would want to come in for the game....so I would suggest we postpone the game til the fall, and see if we can't get some other event scheduled between now an then not involving the park or "contact" softball.

35. Rally Posted: May 18, 2020 at 11:23 AM (#5951639)

I have strong doubts that a game will happen, but am trying to keep my arm in shape. I threw a bullpen session in my back yard yesterday, have a big net set up to collect the baseballs. I throw right handed, and my right arm feels fine today. But my left arm is sore, and I have no idea why. Aging is weird.

36. villageidiom Posted: May 18, 2020 at 11:43 AM (#5951650)

I throw right handed, and my right arm feels fine today. But my left arm is sore, and I have no idea why. Aging is weird.

It sure is. My left arm is sore, too, and all I did was read your post.

37. Hysterical & Useless Posted: May 18, 2020 at 12:29 PM (#5951678)

We could wait until winter and play snowftball, except that snow is not a given for winter in NYC anymore.

38. Hysterical & Useless Posted: June 11, 2020 at 10:46 AM (#5956796)

NEWS FLASH: I just received an email from "Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management" [<sae@cityhall.nyc.gov>] telling me that there's been a change to my permit application status. I'm supposed to click the provided link and then log in to my account to see what's changed. Trouble is, I don't see anywhere on the page to log in. Nor does there seem to be a log in available on the regular Field & Court Permits website. Their "service changes" page (last updated May 29) lists all the things that are closed (playgrounds, rec centers, basketball courts, tennis courts, dog runs, and many more) but doesn't say anything about the baseball/softball fields. But the park restrooms are open!

So, maybe they stopped letting people log in so they wouldn't get lots of permit requests that they weren't going to act on, and at some point they'll restore site access. Maybe somebody jumped the gun on sending out these "check your account!" notices.

Or maybe I'm just more blind than usual today and can't see the log in spot. I'll update as & when I have more (any?) info, because I know you're all waiting with bated breath.

39. Never Give an Inge (Dave) Posted: June 12, 2020 at 07:24 AM (#5956951)

When I go to the Park Permits website, I still see this message:

Important Message
Given the recent developments regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19), in the interest of the health and safety of all of our patrons, NYC Parks is not accepting, or reviewing, event applications for use of field and courts at this time. Fields and courts are currently closed to group play. Please check back periodically for more information.

40. Hysterical & Useless Posted: June 15, 2020 at 09:14 PM (#5957484)

Hey hey, new email today from NYC Parks. Here's a quote:

"While the restrictions on group and athletic play have not yet been lifted, we have some good news to share: NYC Parks is now able to accept permit applications in anticipation of restrictions being lifted and a future determination that it is safe to conduct sports in the Fall. The permit request system is now active and accepting applications."

So, my takeaway here is that our July 25 application is dead in the water...but if there's interest in a later date, I can try again. The Fall season runs from Sept 1 to Nov 30. Anybody itching to become the new Mr November?

41. villageidiom Posted: June 16, 2020 at 07:58 AM (#5957510)

I'm up for a game in the fall season. The last weekend in September is bad for me, but I'm sure every possible schedule is bad for someone.

42. catomi01 Posted: June 16, 2020 at 01:26 PM (#5957585)

I'm in for Fall if the schedule works out...Saturday's better than Sundays...by the the Fall I should be able to get a few of the Catomi's too - they weren't too keen on heading into the city for July.

43. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama

Posted: June 23, 2020 at 05:29 PM (#5959059)

We're going "down da shore" Sep 12-19, but after that it should be open season for me. The low angle of the sunlight gives us another excuse for miscues!

44. Hysterical & Useless Posted: June 24, 2020 at 10:25 AM (#5959213)

So, the 12th & 19th are out for Edmundo, the 26th is out for vi...that leaves the 5th if we're doing September.

October 10 is out for me.

Which is better, September 5th or October 3rd?

45. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: June 24, 2020 at 10:31 AM (#5959214)

Which is better, September 5th or October 3rd?

The 5th is Labor Day weekend no? I'll be around, but I'd imagine more people can make 10/3.

46. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 10:36 AM (#5959217)

10/3 would be my vote. Should be warm, not hot, without oppressive humidity.

47. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: June 24, 2020 at 11:04 AM (#5959221)

10/3 would be my vote. Should be warm, not hot, without oppressive humidity.

Concur. Oct is usually lovely in NYC.

48. Hysterical & Useless Posted: June 24, 2020 at 03:19 PM (#5959292)

Okay, so that's at least 4 of us. I'll get the application done!

49. Karl from NY Posted: June 24, 2020 at 03:23 PM (#5959296)

I could most likely do 10/3 and less likely Labor Day. Although I still doubt the fields will ever open at all this year, they'll just keep two-more-weeksing forever. And I'm not playing sports with a mask on.

50. Dr.-Elect JE

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 03:35 PM (#5959301)

I'm available on the 3rd of October.

51. Hysterical & Useless Posted: June 24, 2020 at 03:40 PM (#5959303)

Request has been submitted for Saturday, October 3, from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Maybe fields won't open, but there's no cost to y'all for waiting & seeing. I'm going to continue being hopeful, because this is always fun and I really do enjoy seeing you guys and being reminded that none of you are half bad IRL.

JE, hope you can make it this year. It'll be good to have SOMEBODY who can still run.

52. villageidiom Posted: July 06, 2020 at 11:38 AM (#5961279)

Header has been updated with the new target date.

53. Howie Menckel Posted: July 06, 2020 at 03:41 PM (#5961318)

It'll be good to have SOMEBODY who can still run.

hey, I resemble that remark!

54. Hysterical & Useless Posted: July 06, 2020 at 04:00 PM (#5961323)

Status of permit is still "Submitted;" the Parks Dept "Field & Court Usage Report" page doesn't let you look beyond August 31, which I guess means no permits for Sept & Oct have been granted yet. I suppose they're waiting to see if they'll actually be open.

Howie, you and me, we "run." Jason can actually run.

55. catomi01 Posted: July 19, 2020 at 01:10 PM (#5964030)

So first time back on the field for me since last November today...felt good, but if the weather is anything like it was today, thank god we aren't playing next weekend...I'm cooked right now and have to go back out for another set of games at 5.

56. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: July 19, 2020 at 10:12 PM (#5964156)

57. catomi01 Posted: July 20, 2020 at 11:17 AM (#5964218)

Long Island, so I don't think he has jurisdiction. The ruling Junta of the Town of Brookhaven did in their infinite wisdom decree that we couldn't have more than 3 people in the dugout at at time, and scorekeepers weren't allowed...but other than that and some players wearing masks (70 % in my morning games), almost none during the night game, it was business as usual - besides the heat and humidity turning the ball into a sponge. On a side note, I found that the neck gaiter type mask, soaked in ice cold water is a godsend on days like yesterday.

Our games for tonight (played at a private facility - I think Bobby Valentine is/was a part owner) have been cancelled, and no light at the end of the tunnel for permission to play there yet.

58. Hysterical & Useless Posted: August 02, 2020 at 06:30 PM (#5967575)

Parks Dept website still doesn't permit looking at availability past August 31. They're not processing requests (or collecting fees) until they're given the go-ahead for athleticizing in the fall. So, no news is...no news.

59. Howie Menckel Posted: August 02, 2020 at 09:06 PM (#5967594)

some of us are far more focused on "the 10th inning," anyway

#justsayin

60. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: August 03, 2020 at 12:41 PM (#5967663)

some of us are far more focused on "the 10th inning," anyway

#justsayin

We may have to eat dinner to get a bar to seat us :-(

61. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama

Posted: August 03, 2020 at 01:36 PM (#5967678)

some of us are far more focused on "the 10th inning," anyway

Hmm, does that mean we can start at second base with any lady we might meet at the bar.

#askingforafriend

62. catomi01 Posted: August 03, 2020 at 01:48 PM (#5967680)

In BBTF Softball, being on second with no outs is no guarantee of scoring a run.

63. Rally Posted: August 03, 2020 at 02:35 PM (#5967689)

I remember someone saying (I think regarding the 2nd president Bush) "He was born on third base and thinks he hit a triple." I'm sure the saying goes back before that. In 2020 baseball, we're one base away from making that statement a reality.

64. The Yankee Clapper Posted: August 03, 2020 at 02:57 PM (#5967696)

I remember someone saying (I think regarding the 2nd president Bush) "He was born on third base and thinks he hit a triple."

Actually, that was then Texas State Treasurer Ann Richards remark about George H. W. Bush in her Keynote Speech to the 1988 Democratic Convention. Richards went on to become Governor of Texas, for one term, only to be defeated by George W. Bush in her 1994 re-election bid. Richards may have cribbed the ‘3rd base’ line from former Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer, who used it earlier about others, but it’s apparently not original with him, either, and seems to go back to at least the 1930s.

65. villageidiom Posted: August 03, 2020 at 07:39 PM (#5967768)

Phrases like that were coined at a time when people knew the language of baseball. So, yeah, probably 1930s.

66. Zonk Opposes Trial by Combat Posted: August 03, 2020 at 07:44 PM (#5967771)

We're in a transition phase... soon, the cliche will be "He thinks he's a 3-4 WAR player, but he fails to do the position normalization".

67. Lassus Posted: August 16, 2020 at 06:52 PM (#5969986)

I'd show up on October 3rd. Depending. But I've got it marked.

68. Hysterical & Useless Posted: August 17, 2020 at 06:55 PM (#5970159)

Still no update re: dates after August 31, though dates through then are all showing as "available" which I take to mean that they've not been issuing permits for the summer season.

69. Howie Menckel Posted: August 17, 2020 at 07:20 PM (#5970172)

I was picturing having "fielders" sitting on lawn chairs at each defensive position, and rotating "batters" as we do a group Zoom chat.

then I realized they won't even allow THAT.

but as I said, at this point in life I'm more about the 10th inning anyway.

70. Jose Canusee Posted: August 23, 2020 at 08:58 PM (#5971753)

Wasn't there a pre-ASG skills thing before HR Derby where batters tried to hit targets on the field? It was probably humbling when a batting champ couldn't show the accuracy of a 50 year old coach hitting infield practice. Now the guy that hit the bear in Oakland (think it was Ketel Marte) would have won the gold medal.

71. Never Give an Inge (Dave) Posted: August 24, 2020 at 11:03 AM (#5971828)

I should be around Oct. 3.

72. catomi01 Posted: August 25, 2020 at 04:06 PM (#5972116)

Softball fun of the week. Gave up a leadoff triple yesterday because of a bagel. Found out last minute I had to run our coed team, so I made a lineup and discovered that my team had reinterpreted my starting positions as "guidelines" and chosen their own spots. One of those was the girl who decided to play left center with half a bagel in one hand and her glove on the other. Without fail first pitch is a line drive that she would have gotten if her first step was back....instead the first step was in...the second "step" was to throw her bagel on the ground...then she corrected and started back on the ball that was now by her...after the dust settled, she picked the bagel back up, dusted off the grass and went back to eating.

73. villageidiom Posted: August 25, 2020 at 04:57 PM (#5972127)

In a softball game a few years ago I played the better part of an inning at shortstop while eating an ice cream sundae. I made two plays in two opportunities. While the ball was being pitched I tucked the spoon under my cap just above my ear, and held the dish in my throwing hand. If the ball wasn't put in play I'd put the dish in my glove, got the spoon, took a bite. On the next pitch, repeat.

On the grounder I ranged to my right to field the ball, put the dish on the ground, and threw the runner out. The other play was a popup.

To sum up, don't blame the bagel.

74. catomi01 Posted: August 27, 2020 at 11:42 AM (#5972627)

Last night's softball story was the near ideal BBTF Softball game...pitched 1 inning, gave up a hit but no runs, took one at bat, went 1-1 and left for a pinch runner when the guy I was filling in for showed up...sat and drank beers the rest of the night.

75. villageidiom Posted: September 01, 2020 at 10:09 AM (#5973611)

From the field permit request page:

Fall Applications Update

The fall 2020 seasonal request period will begin Tuesday, September 15, 2020. We are only reviewing and issuing permits for youth baseball, softball, non-contact lacrosse, cricket, soccer and flag football organizations and leagues. We will not be reviewing or issuing permits for adult organizations and leagues at this time.

(Emphasis added.)

Unless I'm misinterpreting plain language, we will not be able to get a permit this year.

Now let's look for what our options are...

1. Pickup game. According to the site "Organized leagues or special events need a permit to use an athletic field or court." Reading that, I assume that we do not need a permit to use a field if nobody is using it and we just show up. Basically, same as any other year except without a permit.

2. Meetup at park, no game. I'm confident this will be the lamest of options, but it's an option, and I have no humility so I'm down with lame options. We could watch a little league game and do our best not to heckle them.

3. Meetup at whatever would be the post game destination. Not sure how social distancing works in a bar, so this seems the riskiest of options while also being the most popular?

4. Strat-o-matic game. Really leaning into the nerdery here. I've got my son's tabletop game from like 2009. If someone can figure a way to achieve group participation in a game designed for 2 people, have at it.

5. Zoom it. Let's meet up online, and raise a glass or pitcher from a safe distance. I assume there will be a playoff game going on, and we can pick a time that coincides with it so we have something going on in the background.

I don't really care what everyone's preferences are as much as I care what they're open to. In all honesty I'm up for everything except going to a bar.

76. Lassus Posted: September 01, 2020 at 11:01 AM (#5973624)

Unless I'm misinterpreting plain language, we will not be able to get a permit this year.

Well, I wouldn't call that particularly plain, so I think it's forgivable to wonder. They couldn't write "the following youth sports" instead of "youth baseball, softball, lawn bowling, log-throwing, etc." I mean, do any "youths" actually playing fucking cricket in the city? I feel like it was always 20-somethings. I guess "youth softball" is girls?

We will not be reviewing or issuing permits for adult organizations and leagues at this time.

I mean, we are neither an organization nor a league. Maybe you should apply for a permit for a pickup game and see what happens.

Even in a normal year, it hasn't seemed that crowded.

77. Howie Menckel Posted: September 01, 2020 at 11:25 AM (#5973635)

2. Meetup at park, no game. I'm confident this will be the lamest of options, but it's an option, and I have no humility so I'm down with lame options. We could watch a little league game and do our best not to heckle them.

I have a semi-famous story about my nearly-annual pilgrimage to Wrigley Field and the magical solution during the 1994 strike. to be told at the meetup, in whatever form.

as for bars, outdoor dining is allowed in NYC - and I expect 25 pct capacity for indoor, too, by this date.

that said, lawn chairs and a cold case of beer in Central Park would seemingly make for a safer environment.

pretty much ignored these days in NY and my NJ is that the daily numbers are really, really low. we have lost so many people already that for the most part we're still hunkering down just in case, it seems.

the upper East and West sides of Manhattan seem to attract the most masking scofflaws, however.

78. Hysterical & Useless Posted: September 01, 2020 at 05:47 PM (#5973717)

Thanks for checking the website, Ed. As you note, the permit isn't strictly necessary, just means we can't get kicked off a field (except by Park personnel if theirs an electrical storm, right guys?). Will there be masses of scheduled games in October? Guess we can check the calendar later in the month to see how it's shaping up. Might be difficult for anybody planning on traveling long distance.

Howie, I don't believe alcohol is permitted in the Park. At least not if it's obvious. You can pull a McCoy and fill your water bottle with vodka, but toting a case of beer in would likely be too conspicuous.

79. catomi01 Posted: September 01, 2020 at 06:48 PM (#5973726)

The catomi's would likely be out if there is no softball. They were hesitant earlier in the year, and still seem reluctant to use the train or go to the city in general...so might be best to regroup that part for next season. Mrs. Catomi (who is not one of the softball-playing catomi's) also gives me dirty looks every time i mention it...though she seems fully in favor of taking advantage of low prices in Disney later in the year (priorities?).

80. villageidiom Posted: September 02, 2020 at 02:47 PM (#5973887)

Will there be masses of scheduled games in October? Guess we can check the calendar later in the month to see how it's shaping up.

Last I checked they had removed the calendar. Maybe they moved it to a different location on the site, and I just didn't manage to find it. It wasn't easy to find in the first place, IIRC.

81. villageidiom Posted: September 02, 2020 at 03:01 PM (#5973893)

Wait, never mind, I found the link. Right now, here's what's booked for 10/3:

Heckscher 1 (8-1)
Heckscher 2 (8-5:30)
Heckscher 4 (8-2)
Heckscher 5 (8-5:30)

...all for little league baseball.

That leaves, if I'm counting this right, 10 fields without reservations all day. Great Lawn fields are closed for maintenance in the weekdays leading up to 10/3, but nothing on 10/3 itself.

82. Lassus Posted: September 02, 2020 at 03:33 PM (#5973904)

Jesus H. Alou, October 3rd is only a month away.

83. Hysterical & Useless Posted: September 11, 2020 at 08:24 PM (#5975858)

And we have news! Today I've been informed that my permit request for Saturday, October 3rd, 11 AM - 2 PM in the North Meadow has been DENIED!!!

No, I'm not taking this personally. Not taking it as a reflection on you lot of reprobates either. Since they'd already told us 2 weeks ago that they weren't granting any permits for adult organizations (guess they're using fairly liberal interpretations of both "adult" and "organization" there). But most of the fields aren't booked, so if people just show up there shouldn't be any trouble occupying a field.

I will only be able to be with the group in spirit, as we will be self-quarantining for 2 weeks in preparation to go to visit our grandson (and his parents) down in Maryland. Kids nowadays, the way they boss their elders around is just criminal.

84. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: September 12, 2020 at 12:39 PM (#5976009)

I will only be able to be with the group in spirit, as we will be self-quarantining for 2 weeks in preparation to go to visit our grandson (and his parents) down in Maryland. Kids nowadays, the way they boss their elders around is just criminal.

Maryland has a 2 week quarantine for all visitors?

85. Hysterical & Useless Posted: September 14, 2020 at 03:53 PM (#5976373)

Maryland & NY are not on each other's respective #### lists, but our kids require the 2 week quarantine.

It's really not much of a sacrifice, we don't go out anyway. We did go to breakfast for the missus' birthday yesterday (outdoor-ish seating, nobody other than the waitress coming near us, everybody in masks [tough to eat that way!]). I'll do a major shopping expotition the day we start our 2 weeks. When that's up, we'll leave early AM to drive down. Will have to stop once to take a leak, but I've got a large empty juice bottle that holds more than I can produce. Somehow, my wife can go 5 hours without peeing. Don't know how she does it.

86. Howie Menckel Posted: September 14, 2020 at 04:20 PM (#5976376)

H & U will be on Zoom for the BBTF meetup, no doubt

87. Hysterical & Useless Posted: September 14, 2020 at 04:59 PM (#5976385)

H & U will be on Zoom for the BBTF meetup, no doubt

#1 son better have some beer in the house this time.

88. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: September 14, 2020 at 05:49 PM (#5976394)

Maryland & NY are not on each other's respective #### lists, but our kids require the 2 week quarantine.

That's ironic since you're at much greater risk from them than they are from you.

89. Hysterical & Useless Posted: September 14, 2020 at 06:56 PM (#5976403)

Oh, we realize that, but they're quarantining too, maybe even more strictly than we do. From what I understand, they've been doing mostly curbside pickup for food shopping (I go into stores, but during the geezer hours when there are more employees than customers). Daughter-in-law is pretty paranoid about the whole thing, but then she comes from a...difficult family background, so I'm willing to cut her a lot of slack.

Besides, they've got a hostage. We don't get to see the grandson if we don't play nice!

90. catomi01 Posted: September 15, 2020 at 09:09 AM (#5976461)

So on a softballish update...the catomi's are shot...Sunday was 8 games worth of playoffs and championships for us. Me and one other of the catmomi's took home our first men's championship in 6 years in the morning...then lost in the 1st round of coed after with a 3rd catomi..a quick pizza break later and swapping the 3rd catomi for the 4th and we played the 3 most grueling games of our lives to win the 1st round of our night division. The 5th catomi meanwhile is laid up in the hospital at the moment (non-covid, non-softball) not feeling well and not feeling kindly toward the hospitals lack of urgency in figuring out what's wrong with her and getting her home.

91. villageidiom Posted: September 22, 2020 at 10:04 AM (#5978021)

Right now, here's what's booked for 10/3:

Heckscher 1 (8-1)
Heckscher 2 (8-5:30)
Heckscher 4 (8-2)
Heckscher 5 (8-5:30)

...all for little league baseball.

Add Great Lawn 4 & 6 to the occupied list (9-3 for both), again for little league. Eight fields remain unoccupied.

92. villageidiom Posted: September 22, 2020 at 10:10 AM (#5978023)

For a game on 10/3:

YES? (7)

villageidiom
catomi01
snapper
Edmundo
Karl from NY
JE
Howie Menckel

MAYBE (4)

Lassus
catomi02
catomi03
catomi04

So... Is this happening?

93. Howie Menckel Posted: September 22, 2020 at 11:02 AM (#5978031)

I'm all about the 10th inning.

I could probably do a Rusty Staub-like PH appearance, possibly singling up the middle and then yielding to a pinch-runner....

94. Never Give an Inge (Dave) Posted: September 23, 2020 at 01:02 AM (#5978201)

I'm probably not going to be able to make it on Oct 3 -- some out-of-town family stuff came up.

95. Lassus Posted: September 23, 2020 at 11:16 AM (#5978253)

In another timeline this might have been fun. But not this year.

96. Karl from NY Posted: September 23, 2020 at 02:28 PM (#5978300)

I'm still up for it, with a likely +1. Even if it's not a full game we can still hit around and such.

Would North Meadow fields (I think we were there last year?) be more likely to be available, or more likely to be closed entirely?

97. villageidiom Posted: September 23, 2020 at 03:23 PM (#5978317)

The parks site doesn't even include the North Meadow baseball/softball fields as being available, so I'm guessing they're closed entirely. The soccer fields are open there.

Great Lawn and Heckscher are operable, and there are like 4-6 Great Lawn fields that remain unbooked.

98. Karl from NY Posted: September 24, 2020 at 02:27 PM (#5978514)

Looking here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/permits/field-and-court/map

I moved the map to North Meadow, picked Softball - Adult, 10/3 date, 12 pm, and it shows two fields as available and the rest occupied.

Although there are more open fields on Great Lawn for the same time.

I'm up for whatever we can arrange, even if it's just 6-8 people hitting around. Let's do something at least.

99. villageidiom Posted: September 30, 2020 at 07:54 AM (#5979729)

I endorse Karl's idea.

Also, I'm out. I won't be making the trip to NYC.

100. Never Give an Inge (Dave) Posted: September 30, 2020 at 09:51 AM (#5979737)

I’m definitely out. Have to go visit family in MA this weekend.

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