School of Hard Knocks

Wildcards run over TNT, one win away from clinching President's Trophy.

It's no question that The New Team, better known by the acronym TNT, are learning the ropes of the WSL. On Sunday, the Wildcards showed exactly why TNT has a long way to go as they march towards a third-straight WSL President's Trophy with a dominant 23-3 drubbing.

The Wildcards were airtight in nearly every aspect of the game. Offence was constant, well-spread throughout the abbreviated five inning contest. Defence was, as always, stellar, with the exception of a lazy miscue by self-proclaimed franchise player Travis "The Franchise" Fernando.





Travis Fernando attempts to show style points in missing the "should've-been-game-ending" play. P Reyes bailed him out by retiring the next batter.

He did manage to find humour in the situation afterwards. "You know, people love to hate on me when I screw up. I think they love it because they barely get a chance to do it; I'm near perfect."

And with Sunday evening's crucial contest against The Warriors cancelled with no make-up date, the Wildcards suddenly find themselves in the driver's seat towards the end of the season. A win on Sunday against the Bears will clinch first place, and a third-straight President's Trophy for the Wildcards.

"It'd be an honour, but really I want 16-0." said Bryan "Blue" San Luis. "I know we can do it."

Bryan San Luis awaits a pitch from TNT pitcher Ray Shugar. San Luis finished 1 for 3 on the day.

Unfortunately, the Wildcards will not have the opportunity to go 16-0, given that league commissioner Bill Airt has refused to declare a make-up date for the cancelled game with the Warriors. Whether he is actively attempting to prevent the elusive 16-0 record San Luis mentioned is unknown.

"Well, undefeated is fine by me."

Despite skipping a date with their biggest threat this season, the Wildcards were surprisingly disappointed to be missing the 8:30pm game.

"Man, I'm kind of disappointed." said Brynn "Sinbad" Sinclair. "I was ready to go for this one, and I'm sure the rest of the team were as well."

Brynn Sinclair refused to move from his position even after league commissioner Bill Airt cancelled the game. Sinclair had to be removed from the premises by security.

Wildcards rookie Stella "Yikes" Lee, who finished the day 1 for 3 - including a bases loaded single in the 4th - also noted disappointment. , stating she was anxious to put a face to "this team that everyone talks about."

"I don't know, I'm new to this league so they remain a mystery to me. But I guess we'll see them in two weeks time."

The New Divide

Wildcards look ahead to Sunday's crucial double-header, divided by long layoff.


This coming Sunday is a date that the Wildcards have had circled on their calenders since the season schedule was released.

Well into the second-half of the season, the Wildcards will return home to host their most dangerous threat this season, the TD Waterhouse Warriors.

The Wildcards have done well against the Warriors over the past two seasons, posting a 3-1 regular season record. Long-time Wildcard Ada "B.Kiddo" Wong, speaking after a rehabilitation assignment following season-ending surgery, believes the team has a tendency to psyche themselves up for the Warriors.

"Certainly they're a team to be reckoned with. Overall they have outstanding power hitters, and a reasonably good defence. We may not have their physical presence but we definitely hang tough against them, and this always gives us a chance to win."

And win they have, three in a row following a season-opening loss two years ago. That they've strung together three wins in a row against the oft-feared team shows where the two stand with respect to one another, according to Steve "Chokolate" Saks.

"They haven't been able to beat us in a year and a half or so. They're a good team, but we're better, no question."

With a slim one-game lead, the 'Cards are hoping to further widen the divide between the two teams. Accomplishing this may prove to be a challenge, as they will first do battle with upstart TNT at 5:00pm. While the first-place team is accustomed to double-headers, what is different is a New Divide; their date with the second-place Warriors will take place following a two-hour layoff after they play TNT.







The Wildcards will have to take a page out of Brian "Sixty" Chan's "First Pitch" book, and do some waiting around this Sunday.







The pilot project is a new initiative designed by the league office to increase the number of early start times. League officials claim that early day games typically have higher attendance, and the Wildcards were a natural choice for the project given that the team is far ahead of any other in terms of popularity, ticket sales, and merchandising. The selection of the Wildcards for the project has only served to increase the popularity of the notion of Foddergate, that the commissioner has it in for the team. Accusors believe that the long, two-hour layoff will only increase fatigue, and lull the team into complacency before they take the field against a team of well-rested Warriors.

"Any sort of favouritism that serves as a benefit or a detriment to a team is simply non-existent in the Willowdale Softball League." said commissioner Airt when contacted regarding the accusations. "A lottery selection process was employed in which the Wildcards were randomly selected. I respect the Wildcards, they're a great team, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours, softball or otherwise"

While most believe the New Divide will have a detrimental effect on the Wildcards, OF Brian "Sixty" Chan believes the team will benefit from the break.

"The break is a good sign, better than playing back to back. The team should be refreshed and loose, provided we get out of the heat and refresh ourselves."

If all goes well, the New Divide may help the 'Cards widen the divide between first and second.