2009 Warning Track Power Team Awards

Shane Sanderfeld Memorial MVP: Jeff Keiser (runners-up: Matt Slieter, Jim Strick)
- Comments on Keiser: He broke a franchise record for most home runs hit over the fence in a season and showed up to all but one game. The one game he missed was the worst shellacking of the year, a 13-2 pasting by the Green Giants with five girls and four guys. Was the only regular member of the team to hit even one home run over the fence, which speaks volumes to why WTP might never be able to get over the hump in a fence-league. If you took away Keiser’s bat this team might have been 7-11." "Taking a ball in the face actually improves his game." "Plays anywhere and the only power threat in the lineup."
- Comments on Slieter: "All Slieter did was hit .776 and lead the team in hits, doubles and RBI. He was as steady in the outfield, even with his plodding speed. All around, an MVP season for the journeyman."
- Comments on Strick: "Guy is a warrior." "Was going to vote for Keiser, but without Strick holding things down inside the circle, this team would be even more of a mess."
- Also receiving votes: Steve Geller (Not only is he the mayor of Dinkytown, he is also the heart of our team."), Kevin Kurtt

Duffy’s Pizza Unsung Hero Award: Michelle Train (runners-up: Alyssa Downing, Lisa Hardy)
- Comments on Train: "She played in heels!!!" "Whenever we needed another girl, Train was there to step in. Did she get the accolades for it? No. Not until now."
- Comments on Downing: "Her contributions might not always stand out in the box score, but this team would be greatly diminished without her." "Downing had more triples this year then Steve Geller (2), Ryan Maus (1), Matt Slieter (1), Kevin Noth (1) and Jim Strick (0) combined, batted .587, and tied with Steve Geller and Taylor VanderAarde for second on the home run list with one for Warning Track Power. Aggressive baserunner who either takes the extra base or gets thrown out by a mile trying (something I can appreciate) and probably the most underrated fielder on the team. Played in 15 of 17 games before basketball started and her interest waned at the end of the year."
- Comments on Lisa Hardy: "I'll have what she's having."
- Also receiving votes: Cathy Behr ("Seemingly always the spark for a big inning."), Steve Geller, Jeff Keiser ("This fella has to deal with trying to field a team every week."), Kevin Kurtt ("Quietly went about his business this season. Steady performer even if skills have slightly fallen."), Matt Slieter ("Slieter won the RBI title, almost won the batting title and despite his self-deprecation is clearly the most polished hitter on this team. If you took out the doubleheader and the first Green Giants game, he probably would have had a .900 batting for the season. Unfortunately, we will always remember the line “This is Slow Pitch Softball.”)

Victory Sports Silver Stick Award: Matt Slieter (runner-up: Steve Geller)
- Comments on Slieter: "Most consistent hitter (plus I can’t award a batting title to a guy who misses six games)."
- Comments on Geller: "This award is based on statistics and since I had the highest batting average I win it. Still, can’t shake the feeling that Slieter deserved this more then I did. He was more consistent and had less BS hits then I did and played in 16 of 17 games, compared to my paltry 12. Like I said, if not for the doubleheader and the first Green Giants game he would have batted .900." "He put up video game type numbers." "Discovered open spaces to the right of shortstop."
- Also receiving votes: Cathy Behr ("The only thing keeping Behr from being MVP was her absence from six games."), Lisa Hardy ("Sweet-swinging first baseman avoided a Justin Morneau-like late season meltdown, enjoying a career year."), Kevin Kurtt

Lady Byng Sportsmanship Award: Ryan Maus (runners-up: Kate Anderson, Amanda Hoehn, Casey Kurtt, Michelle Train, N/A)
- Comments on Maus: "Admirable job in new role as kind-hearted team representative. Fostered goodwill with umpires." "Always a great representative of WTP both on and off the field. Did anyone do more from drumming up business for flu shots, to running part of a relay marathon leg and hosting the team barbecue? This is a slam dunk." "He is the face and smile of this franchise." "I expect nothing less from the pride of Northfield." "Award should be re-named in his honor."
- Comments on Kurtt: "I’m not sure she has ever shown an instance of bad sportsmanship in her illustrious softballl career. Perhaps it’s because she doesn’t care if we win or lose."
- Comments on Train: "Tireless managerial efforts and a voice of reason in the midst of a tumultuous season."
- Comments on N/A: "I don’t think this team has any sportsman on it."

Garry Bowman Leadership Award: Jeff Keiser (runners-up: Ryan Maus, Michelle Train, Kevin Kurtt/Jeff Keiser/Ryan Maus)
- Comments on Keiser: "A steady presence on the field; good clubhouse guy." "For his weekly task of having to round up replacements for the team. From Geller’s lame excuses, to everyone losing motivation at the end of the year, Keiser has made it possible for this team to have 10 players and never forfeit, no matter how disinterested his teammates have been."
- Comments on Maus: "Handled the lineup exchange with class every night."
- Comments on Kurtt/Keiser/Maus: "For highest attendance."

Emily Wood Team Spirit Award: Jim Strick (runners-up: Kate Anderson, Kevin Noth)
- Comments on Strick: "Consistently week in and week out brought his lunch pail and pitched his way through one prima donna opponent who wanted to walk first and hit later after another. Pitched all but one game and played inspired defense on the mound, and stepped in to input stat crew for the first game ever at TCF Bank Stadium, an accomplishment he can take with him for the rest of his life." "He takes the mound every week despite having tennis elbow."
- Comments on Anderson: "A great positive addition to a sometimes-fractured clubhouse."
- Comments on Noth: "His one-liners are hilarious." "He may not know the score. He may not know how many outs there are. But Noth is always there to provide a word of encouragement to his teammates."
- Also receiving votes: Kevin Kurtt ("Shows up early and brings his lunch pail and hard hat."), Kieran Kurtt, Ryan Maus, Michelle Train)

Fox 9 News Courage and Love of the Game Award: Steve Geller, Casey Kurtt and Kevin Noth
- Comments on Geller: "Nobody puts forward a greater effort on a daily basis. A team full of Gellers would be undefeated."
- Comments on Kurtt: "Skillfully combining motherhood while continuing a playing career."
- Comment on Noth: "Played much of season with broken finger." "For the chatter he provides no matter what the situation and this year playing with a broken figure. Almost rivaled the toughness Cathy Behr showed in 2008 when her finger was severed from its joint and she still played through it."
- Also receiving votes: Jeff Keiser ("First to arrive (along with KK) at nearly every game. If that doesn’t show “love of the game,” I don’t know what does."), Kevin Kurtt ("Nobody loves the game more than the Kurtt family and Kevin is the patriarch."), Ryan Maus ("Because he is always smiling."), Kim & Mandy Myslajek ("Anyone willing to play with this group needs courage and they’re among the few females we had willing to play twice in one night."), Meghan Potter

Lisa Hardy Most Improved Player Award: Lisa Hardy (by unanimous vote)
- Comments on Hardy: "There’s a reason this award was renamed." "Is there any question?" "Enjoyed one of the finest seasons in recent memory." "A dramatic improvement from the previous two years. A renewed passion for the sport of slow-pitch softball and marathon workout regimen made Hardy clearly the most improved player this year. She even cut down on her arguments with the umpires. At least in the games I was in attendance for." "Not even close."

Emily Wickstrom Grit/Determination Award: Casey Kurtt
- Comments on Kurtt: "Casey should get this award just for blocking home plate on the tag of one of the opposing guys earlier in the year. However, she gets it for putting up with all of the egos on the team, keeping tabs on Kieran, hitting ball hard every time she is up even if it goes foul (ala Geller) half the time and playing with all out hustle. We continue to hope we can keep this gritty veteran who goes all out all the time on our squad before she tires of our over-competitive tendencies and geeky stat conversations." "She plays with no regard for her body. She will dive on a ground ball in any situation and is also willing to block home plate." "Toughest catcher in the SLP league."
- Also receiving votes: Cathy Behr ("Always giving 110%."), Alyssa Downing, Steve Geller ("When I think grit, I think Geller."), Lisa Hardy, Jeff Keiser ("Took a ball to the face and hit two home runs."), Ryan Maus, Meghan Potter ("Not sure why.")

Tory Kukowski Memorial Rookie of the Year: Kate Anderson (runner-up: Taylor VanderAarde)
- Comments on Anderson: "By default. The failed Amanda Hoehn Experiment handed this award to Forbes." "Proved herself a worthwhile (and hopefully long-term!) addition to the team with consistent play." "Solid potential as an everyday player in 2010."
- Comments on VanderAarde: "He hit a home run." "He has not qualified for this year, but he gets it for being the only player other then Jeff Keiser to go yard this year in a game."
- Also receiving votes: Amanda Hoehn, Brian Keiser, N/A ("Not willing to give this award to a 10-day contract player. I feel as if we have a veteran team.")

PPI Sports Most Aggressive Baserunner/Hustler Award: Alyssa Downing (runner-up: Steve Geller)
- Comments on Downing: "Although some of her baserunning decisions may have been misguided, no one can question her aggressiveness and hustle." "This should be named after her." "Her reckless abandon on the basepaths are a perfect match for Steve Geller’s hitch in his shoulder that allows him to only wave in baserunners from third. Probably the only baserunner on the team to run through my stop sign at third base. "
- Comments on Geller: "The definition of the word “hustle.” "He has taken it down a notch but will still take the extra base in ANY situation."
- Also receiving votes: Kevin Kurtt, Ryan Maus ("Sliding into third with a smile, of course."

Kurtt Family Memorial Team Loyalty Award: Laura Kurtt and The Kurtt Family
- Comments on Laura Kurtt: "Keeps showin’ up with a smile on her face. Was going to don someone else’s shoes and socks to play in an emergency. She also attended more games than Silver Stick winner Steve Geller." "Because she attended more games then I did."
- Comments on The Kurtt Family: "Their dedication to this joke of a team is unparalleled. Sure, they’re probably there just to see Kieran, but still, they’re there."
- Also receiving votes: Jeff Keiser ("Has he ever missed a game?"), Casey Kurtt, Kieran Kurtt ("Led the league in overall cuteness in '09."), One of the Kurtts, Alex Van Lepp ("Because he wants to be a part of the team sooooo bad!"), Kim & Mandy Myslajek, N/A ("Nobody loyal enough to make it to every game.")

Jeannie/Cowboy Bob Superfan Award: Leah Foreman-Keiser and Laura Kurtt
- Comments on Foreman-Keiser: "I'm biased." "Because she came to a number of games despite the fact that she hates the sport."
- Comments on Kurtt: "Was willing to play in a pinch; that’s the definition of a true fan!"
- Also receiving votes: Pam Hardy, Beth Kurtt ("Kieran may be the trendy pick here, but no one cares more about this team than Beth."), Kieran Kurtt, Jim Kurtt ("I think I voted for Beth last season."), One of the Kurtts, Kieran Kurtt/Cameron Noth/Emily Slieter ("I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. You know the rest."), Jeannie/Cowboy Bob

Goldy’s Gang Mascot of the Year: Maggie
- Comments on Maggie: "I was told Maggie was at a game so I will continue my yearly vote for her as Mascot of the Year." "How much time does she have left?"
- Also receiving votes: AVP, Ben Flattum, Kieran Kurtt ("Maggie’s reign as the team’s mascot should come to an end. It’s time for the next generation. Cooper was the heir apparent, but lost her chance after almost getting Train arrested/attacking fellow team mascots. Kieran, it’s your time to shine."), Steve Geller's t-shirts

Burrito Loco Best 10-Day Acquisition Award: Taylor VanderAarde (runner-up: Brian Keiser) - Comments on VanderAarde: "No-brainer."
- Comments on Keiser: "Hadn’t played softball in a long time and performed beautifully for WTP. We expected great things out of VanderAarde and got them, but no one expected the younger Keiser to go 4-for-5 with 4 RBI." "Not only for his performance, but for packing in a month full of activities in one week in Minnesota. I fully believe he will be in the front row at Slieter’s cabin to endorse the state when “Jeff Keiser is a Minnesotan Day” comes along." "Even though two Keisers in the lineup is way too many."
- Also receiving votes: Caramelina Carabajal ("Far outshone boyfriend Ben Flattum on the diamond.")

Nick Joos/M. Lochrem Biggest Disappointment “Award”: Amanda Hoehn (runners-up Steve Geller, Meghan Potter)
- Comments on Hoehn: "A no-brainer here. Honorable mention should go to Keiser for this signing."
- Comments on Geller: "This is my early campaign to get our league moved to Mondays (scratch this if I can find a new job). The fact that I missed five games is pathetic."
- Comments on Potter: "Rumor has it she played in college, but I don’t believe it."
- Also receiving votes: Cooper ("Not one appearance."), Ryan Maus ("- I would vote for myself in this one (deservedly so, I had a terrible year); I don’t know who else would even be 'deserving.'"), WTP ("For not showing up against the Green Giants during the Summer season.")
Kyle Coughlin Memorial Best Excuse for Noth Showing Up Award:
- Cathy Behr for her nationwide traveling
- Amanda Hoehn for thinking the game was at 7
- Michelle Train for attending a meaningless Twins game
- Amanda Hoehn showing up at 7:15 for a 6:15 game.
- Amanda Hoehn, for showing the dedication to actually show up at 7:15 for a 6:15 game, and then going to the bar and enjoying the postgame Major’s spread.
- Jim Strick various celebrity public address appearances.
- Steve Geller attending Volleyball 101.
- Steve Geller’s career.
- Michelle Train: “I have to see the Twins one more time at the Dome.”
- Cathy Behr’s job.
- Meghan Potter: “I’m tired.”
- Meghan Potter: educating the youth of America and teaching them how to play the sport of volleyball.
- Kate Anderson: Botched automobile repair.
- Alyssa Downing: Basketball? In July/August/September? What is this, the WNBA?
- So many but Kate gets my vote. Take your car to Tires Plus on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
- I refuse to name a candidate as we try to eliminate all references to Kyle Coughlin’s prior attachment with this franchise.
- Meghan Potter

Meltdown of the Year Award, Presented by Garry Bowman:
- Garry Bowman ("I don’t care that he didn’t play!")
- Jeff Keiser ("Anytime you get a warning from an umpire, you win Meltdown of the Year in my book."
-Meghan Potter (“Lay off me! I’m starving!”)
- Jim Strick’s mound antics throughout the season, highlighted by performance against Bad News Bears.
- Meghan Potter standing up to shortstop after a “rough tag”
- Matt Slieter’s tirade after several groundouts….”It’s slow pitch softball!!”
- Matt Slieter trying to remind himself it’s slowpitch softball and not that hard
- Jim Strick, throwing the ball at the third base up two times in a row hard
- Keiser calling time and throwing the ball
- I did not see it, but I am going to for the eloquently described meltdown of Jim Strick who riffled a ball at the Bad News Bears player after a walking a batter. Classic meltdown.
- WTP against Texa Tonka and Jim Strick firing the ball multiple times at the fence.
- Jeff Keiser mouthing off to the ump after she asks “How are you doing?”

Cy Young, brought to you by Icy Hot: Jim Strick
- Comments on Strick: "By default." "A no-brainer." "Delivered week in and week out on the mound and fielded his position better then any hurler in the league."
- Also receiving votes: Jeff Keiser, Kevin Kurtt, Ryan Maus

Gold Glove, presented by Isotoner: Ryan Maus, Jim Strick, Kevin Kurtt, Matt Slieter, Cathy Behr
- Also receiving votes: Steve Geller, Lisa Hardy, Jeff Keiser, Kevin Noth, Meghan Potter

Gregg Shimanski Executive of the Year: Jeff Keiser
- Comments on Keiser: "He worked tirelessly to put a team together week after week.
- Nobody has a more extensive go-to phone list of people to play slow-pitch softball after regular team members back out then Jeff Keiser. He also made a great move to stave off forfeit by collecting players from another team to play against the Green Giants. All these factors are why we let him by the GM, even though he has never produced a winning season and been unable to match the 25-0 season of 2006." "For his positive online interview in the face of team adversity." "Spent every Tuesday afternoon trying to track down another 10-day acquisition."
- Also receiving votes: Kevin Kurtt, Michelle Train, N/A ("This award is for executives that put together a championship team.")

Marvin Geller Lifetime Achivement Award: Steve Geller and Lisa Hardy
- Comments on Geller: "A cornerstone of the franchise."
- Comments on Hardy: "Veteran’s renewed intensity led to career year." "Not sure if she has received this (if she has scratch this), but she is the one female who has put up with Keiser, Geller and Kurtt the whole time, and also done so with the likes of Sandersfeld, the Fridge, Lundberg and many other throughout the years. She also probably had her best career season in 2009."
- Also receiving votes: Kevin Kurtt, Kevin Noth, Andrea Smith

Bobby Z’S Kodak Moments of the Year:
- Jeff Keiser’s signing of The Myslajek Twins in order for WTP to field a full team vs. the Green Giants.
- Jeff Keiser’s two home runs after getting hit in the jaw.
- Only three females showing up for the Green Giants game leading the GM to sign the Myslajek twins. Then, the makeshift team gave the Giants a tough game.
- Steve Geller winning first career batting title in final game.
- AVP preparing detailed scouting reports of the Green Giants.
- The swift-footed athleticism of Kevin Noth in all areas of the game.
- Casey Kurtt blocking home plate on numerous occasions.
- The Return of Dre.
- Jim Strick, throwing the ball at the third base up two times in a row hard (Who would think Jim would do such a thing?)
- Geller’s inside-the-park home run (which I think happened)
- Casey Kurtt blocking the plate to tag opposing guy out
- Keiser’s home run that bounced off the top of the fence
- Geller’s consistent misjudgment of fly balls to make his catches highlight reel worthy.
- Downing’s home run although I don’t remember the circumstances.
- Several stellar Kurtt grabs at shortstop as usual.
- Ryan Maus’ nice snag at third that was turned into a double play.
- Matt Slieter’s steady outfield play.
- Megan Potter getting mad against a team I forget, smoking a hit to the fence and making a great throw from right field that surprised opposing guy and made him not tag up.
- KK’s online interview between JK and Train
- The Downing-Behr-Casey double play at the plate
- Steve Geller
- Matt Slieter

The Steak Knife Bloopers of the Year:
- Andrea Smith forgetting glove in consecutive games.
- WTP blowing 8-0 lead to Texa Tonka in 9-8 loss.
- Ryan Maus hitting 2 consecutive balls into the dugout.
- Only three females showing up for the Green Giants game leading the GM to sign two random players from Myslajek.
- Jim Kurtt purchasing a convertible without the consent of his wife.
- Alyssa Downing asking me what a “BB” was in the scorebook.
- Controversy on whether Geller had enough at bats to qualify for the batting title.
- Noth going 3-for-15 over the last four games of the year.
- Any of Geller’s catches.
- Flattum striking out.
- Kevin Noth’s many stellar outfield “plays.”
- Geller’s slide into 3rd
- Keiser getting hit in the head by the ball at home
- The entire Myslajek/Bail Bonds doubleheader.
- The several inside the park home runs we allowed which should never happen in a fence league, unless Ichiro is batting.
- Our seven straight ground outs to end the first Green Giants game.
- The yearlong controversy of when AVP would be called in to fill for our team, and it finally coming to fruition so he could show he is just as mediocre as the rest of us (at least on the stat sheet).
- The loss to Texa Tonka.
- KK signaling safe while standing in the base path.
- Noth overrunning second base with a runner on third, being thrown out and paying the price with an arthritic finer for the rest of his days.
- Strick waving Slieter home with the ball already in the infield
- Maus knocking down the water bottle in the dugout on consecutive swings
- Jeff Keiser
- Steve Geller ("I’m sure Geller did something that made me laugh."_

Most Awards Won
Jeff Keiser 3
Jim Strick 3
Steve Geller 2
Lisa Hardy 2
Casey Kurtt 2
Laura Kurtt 2
Ryan Maus 2
Matt Slieter 2
Kate Anderson 1
Cathy Behr 1
Alyssa Downing 1
Leah Foreman-Keiser 1
Amanda Hoehn 1
Kevin Kurtt 1
The Kurtt Family 1
Maggie 1
Kevin Noth 1
Michelle Train 1
Taylor VanderAarde 1

Most Times Runner-Up
Steve Geller 4
Jeff Keiser 4
Kevin Kurtt 4
Ryan Maus 4
Kieran Kurtt 3
Meghan Potter 3
Michelle Train 3
N/A 3
Kate Anderson 2
Alyssa Downing 2
Lisa Hardy 2
Casey Kurtt 2
Kim & Mandy Myslajek 2
Kevin Noth 2
Alex Van Lepp 2
One of the Kurtts 2
Cathy Behr 1
Ben Flattum 1
Pam Hardy 1
Brian Keiser 1
Beth Kurtt 1
Jim Kurtt 1
Matt Slieter 1
Andrea Smith 1
Jim Strick 1
Taylor VanderAarde 1
Amanda Hoehn 1
Jeannie/Cowboy Bob 1
Kevin Kurtt/Jeff Keiser/Ryan Maus 1
Kieran Kurtt/Cameron Noth/Emily Slieter 1
Steve Geller's t-shirts 1

No Votes Received
Katie Fornasiere
Tory Kukowski
Hayley Lang
Mike Miller
Lori Noth
Kelly Slieter

Warning Track Power Goes Streaking With 15-9 Win Over Wells Fargo

Warning Track Power is on its first winning streak of the season after a too-tense 15-9 victory over Wells Fargo last night in St. Louis Park Mixed C League play. WTP (3-1) jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the bottom of the first, but for the second time in the last three weeks, failed to find the killer instinct that was present with the Boom Goes the Dynamite teams of 2005 and 2006.

Wells Fargo, a team made up of bank tellers, high school dropouts and former child actors, closed the gap to 12-9 in the fifth inning, but a small WTP rally and some stalwart defense sealed the win and the two-game win streak.

Playing in midsummerlike conditions with temperatures in the 90s and winds in the 20-30 mph range, both teams' pitchers struggled to find the strike zone. WTP hurler Jeff Keiser (Avon, Conn.) filled in admirably for staff ace Jim Strick (Combined Locks, Wis.) who was off providing his melodic voice talents to a low-level softball tournament in Wisconsin. Keiser walked three, but kept Wells Fargo's rallies to a minimum by deftly mixing up his pitches.

At the plate, Keiser had a forgettable performance, but was picked up by three WTPers with batting averages of .750 or better. Aging veteran Kevin Noth (Norwalk, Wis.) had his best game since 2007, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run. Savvy slugger Matt Slieter (Owatonna, Minn.) continued his torrid start to the 2009 campaign with a 3-for-4 outing. Slieter is now hitting a team-best .909 on the season. Tall infielder Cathy Behr (Willmar, Minn.) had another stellar performance at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBI and three runs scored.

Warning Track Power now heads into the bye week with a 3-1 record in the St. Louis Park Mixed C League standings.

Box score above. For Warning Track Power season stats, go to slowpitchstats.com.

Game Notes
* Warning Track Power veteran Kevin Noth filled in as umpire for 1.1 innings until USSSA umpire Alexander P. Tardeman arrived.
* Warning Track Power went 19-for-36 (.528) on the night.
* Kevin Noth has hits in four straight at bats, his best streak since the 2006 campaign.
* Top hit streaks of the season: Matt Slieter: 7, Kevin Kurtt 5, Kevin Noth 4
* Cathy Behr has had four straight multi-hit games to start the season. Slieter has three consecutive multi-hit contests.
* For the second straght week, a WTPer struck out swinging. This week, Casey Kurtt got the K after last week's whiff by Amanda Hoehn.
* WTP is 3-0 when Kevin Kurtt wears his "Kyle's Birthday November 17" t-shirt.
* WTP is 3-0 at Dakota Park East and 0-1 at Dakota Park West.
* WTP was without the services of its top two pitchers in Jim Strick and Steve "Moonlight" Geller.
* WTP failed to hit a triple for the first time this season.
* Alyssa Downing arrived at the field a career-record 28 minutes early. Meghan Potter was also early for an unprecedented second week in a row.
* Ten-day acquisitions/lovebirds Ben Flattum and Carmelina Carabajal struggled at the plate, going a combined 1-for-5, but made significant social contributions during a postgame meal at Major's Sports Café.
* Flattum and Casey Kurtt were the lone WTPers without a hit.
* WTP drew a season-high six walks.
* WTP only had three extra base hits - doubles by Cathy Behr, Lisa Hardy (!) and Meghan Potter.
* Matt Slieter failed to reach base in the first inning for the first time this season.
* Cathy Behr was named the misterheavyfoot.blogspot.com Player of the Game. Second star: Kevin Noth. Third star: Matt Slieter.
* Umpire Alexander P. Tardeman was named the Nick Joos/CoSIDA Goat of the Game.
* Kevin Noth subbing for late umpire Alexander P. Tardeman for 1.1 innings was nominated for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year and the Kodak Moment of the Year.
* Lisa Hardy digging out a poorly thrown ball to first from third baseman Ryan Maus for a crucial out has been nominated for Kodak Moment of the Year.
* Umpire Alexander P. Tardeman made an inexplicable "out" call on a play at second base involving Matt Slieter. After a WTP flyout, Slieter tagged up and bluffed a run to third before retutning to second. Wells Fargo threw to second before Slieter reached the bag with Lately calling him out, despite the fact that a tag needed to be made. The moment will now be recognized as a contender for the Steak Knife Blooper of the Year.
* Also recognized for Blooper of the Year will be Casey Kurtt's drop of a perfectly thrown ball by shortstop Kevin Kurtt that would have provided a highlight-reel inning-ending double play.
* Fans in attendance: Leah Foreman-Keiser (one inning), Pam Hardy, Hardy Family Member A, Hardy Family Member B, Kieran Kurtt, Laura Kurtt.
* 2009 Three Star Standings:
Cathy Behr 6
Jim Strick 6
Matt Slieter 5
Kevin Noth 3
Michelle Train 3
Kevin Kurtt 1

Warning Track Power Back in the Win Column with 12-2 Thumping of Myslajek Ltd.

Warning Track Power got back in the win column Tuesday with a convincing 12-2 victory over Myslajek Ltd., in a game played in horrendous conditions of heavy rains and driving winds. WTP (2-1) cruised to the win on the strength of a pitching gem by veteran hurler Jim Strick (Combined Locks, Wis.) and perfect nights at the plate by Strick, Matt Slieter, Kevin Kurtt and Steve Geller (10-for-10, 7 runs, 5 RBI).

With the win, WTP maintained its undefeated all-time record (3-0) against Myslajek, a team comprised of certified public accountants, recovering alcoholics and at least one prostitute. Warning Track Power now stands in a three-way tie for second place behind defending champion Green Giants (2-0) in the St. Louis Park Mixed C League standings.

Box score above. For Warning Track Power season stats, go to slowpitchstats.com.

Game Notes
* The game was played in awful weather conditions with periods of heavy rain and sustained winds upwards of 30 mph.
* Warning Track Power played through the franchise's first ever rain delay.
* Warning Track Power went 21-for-34 (.618) on the night.
* Four WTPers had perfect nights from the plate - Matt Slieter (3-3), Kevin Kurtt (3-3), Jim Strick (2-2) and Steve Geller (2-2).
* Amanda Hoehn, an offseason free agent signee, made her WTP debut, going 0-for-3 with one strikeout (swinging).
* Hoehn's strikeout was the first swinging K in recorded franchise history.
* Aging veteran Steve "Moonlight" Geller made his 2009 WTP debut, going 2-for-2 with
* WTP recorded its third consecutive game with multiple triples.
* Pitcher Jim Strick did not have an earned run, despite the game being played in horrendous conditions.
* Jeff Keiser had a career-high two infield hits, including one ball that went approximately 17 inches in distance from home plate.
* Meghan Potter arrived at the field a career-record 23 minutes early.
* Alyssa Downing arrived at the field after the scheduled start for the fifth time in the last six games.
* Kevin Noth wore his always-popular wife-beater, but went with a long-sleeve t-shirt when the weather made a turn for the worse.
* Potter and Keiser both ordered mushroom pizzas at the postgame meal at Majors.
* Keiser and shortstop Kevin Kurtt each made a pair of throwing errors. Kurtt made up for it at the plate...Keiser did not.
* Kurtt had a team-leading 3 RBI despite hitting from the leadoff spot.
* Lisa Hardy hit the first sacrifice fly of the season.
* Jim Strick drew his second career walk.
* Amanda Hoehn was the lone WTPer without a hit.
* Kevin Kurtt and Jeff Keiser were not first two roster members present at Dakota Park for the first time this season. Keiser and Matt Slieter arrived before Kurtt.
* Jim Strick was named the misterheavyfoot.blogspot.com Player of the Game. Second star: Matt Slieter. Third star: Kevin Kurtt.
* The weather was named the Nick Joos/CoSIDA Goat of the Game.
* WTP gritting out four runs in the first inning under terrible weather conditions was nominated for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year.
* Steve "Moonlight" Geller's rare opposite field hit in the fourth inning has been nominated for the Kodak Moment of the Year.
* Umpire Ron Dinkenger made an inexplicable "safe" call on a play at first base even though Lisa Hardy had control of a poorly-thrown Jeff Keiser ball a full step ahead of the runner. The moment will now be recognized as a contender for the Steak Knife Blooper of the Year.
* Also recognized for Moment/Blooper of the Year will be Steve "Moonlight" Geller's slipping, sliding catch of a short fly ball, followed by a poor throw to third to complete a double play. The play would not have been recognized had Geller been wearing cleats.
* Fans in attendance: None, although Steve "Moonlight" Geller's agent Enrico Gellabrini was spotted in the stands. Rumor has it that Gellabrini is assisting Geller while he re-negotiates his endorsement contract with Myoplex.
* 2009 Three Star Standings:
Jim Strick 6
Matt Slieter 4
Cathy Behr 3
Michelle Train 3
Kevin Kurtt 1
Kevin Noth 1

Embarrassing. Warning Track Power Loses 9-8

8-0 lead after two innings, followed by allowing nine unanswered runs. Texa Tonka 9, Warning Track Power 8. There's your recap.

Box score above. For Warning Track Power stats, go to slowpitchstats.com.

Game Notes
* Game started out well with shortstop Kevin Kurtt opening his second straight game with a triple.
* Warning Track Power's downturn seemed to begin with utility player Alyssa Downing's strikeout...looking.
* Texa Tonka did not reach base until the third inning.
* Warning Track Power went 15-for-32 (.469) on the night.
* No WTPer had a batting average over .667 for the game.
* WTP set a team and league record with six triples, but had just one double and eight singles.
* WTP missed the savvy of veteran outfielder Matt Slieter.
* Aging slugger Steve "Moonlight" Geller was also absent.
* Only two players had multi-RBI games - Jeff Keiser (3) and Ryan Maus (2).
* Alyssa Downing, Meghan Potter and Casey Kurtt combined for a highlight-reel 9-4-2 double play with Kurtt blocking the plate to tag out a Texa Tonka runner at home. The moment will now be recognized as a contender for the Kodak Moment of the Year.
* Kevin Kurtt and Jeff Keiser were the first two roster members present at Dakota Park for the 15th time in the last 17 contests.
* Cathy Behr was named the misterheavyfoot.blogspot.com Player of the Game. Second star: Jim Strick. Third star: Kevin Noth.
* Umpire Susan H. Keller was named the Nick Joos/CoSIDA Goat of the Game.
* Alyssa Downing's strikeout was nominated for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year.
* Fans in attendance: Beth Kurtt, Jim Kurtt, Kieran Kurtt, Laura Kurtt, Cameron Noth, Lori Noth.

Warning Track Power Era Begins with 25-6 Rout of Colgate

Behind the strength of an impressive .738 team batting average and a solid season-opening outing by savvy hurler Jim Strick (Combined Locks, Wis.), Warning Track Power cruised to a resounding 25-6 rout of Colgate in its inaugural game last night. Colgate, a team made up of a combination of furniture assemblymen, spa receptionists and toothpaste salespeople, was playing in its first game in the St. Louis Park Mixed C League.

Box score above. For Warning Track Power stats, go to slowpitchstats.com.

Game Notes
* Warning Track Power went 31-for-42 (.738) on the night.
* Four WTPers had perfect nights from the plate - Matt Slieter (4-4), Jim Strick (4-4), Kevin Noth (3-3) and Michelle Train (2-2).
* All but one batter (Casey Kurtt) recorded multi-hit games.
* Matt Slieter notched a career-best and franchise record-tying 5 RBI.
* With the fill-in performance of catcher/manager Michelle Traen, WTP management is considering cutting the absent Lisa Hardy or Amanda Hoehn in favor of locking up Traen for the season.
* Aging slugger Steve Geller was also absent.
* Train filled the shoes of Hardy quite nicely, drawing two walks.
* Shortstop/owner/president Kevin Kurtt opened the season with a triple, sliding head-first to narrowly beat the tag. Kurtt's slide was the team's only of the game.
* Eight players had multi-RBI games - Slieter (5), Strick (4), Alyssa Downing and Noth (3), Cathy Behr, Jeff Keiser, Katie Fornasiere and Train (2).
* Katie Fornasiere and Kevin Kurtt combined for the rare 4-6 fly ball putout in the first inning. Fornasiere camped under a shallow fly ball and did her best volleyball setter imitation as the ball bounced out of her glove and into the waiting hands of Kurtt. The moment will now be recognized as a contended for the Kodak Moment of the Year and/or the Steak Knife Blooper of the Year.
* Also up for Blooper of the Year was Noth's drastic misjudging of a long fly ball in the third inning.
* Slieter now is either tied or in the team lead in seven offensive categories - batting average (1.000), hits (4), doubles (2), RBI (5), slugging percentage (1.500), on-base percentage (1.000) and on-base plus slugging (2.500).
* 24 of WTP's 31 hits were singles.
* Kurtt and Keiser led the team with four runs scored.
* Kurtt and Keiser were the first two roster members present at Dakota Park for the 14th time in the last 16 contests.

* Train was named the misterheavyfoot.blogspot.com Player of the Game. Second star: Matt Slieter. Third star: Strick.
* Casey Kurtt was named the Nick Joos/CoSIDA Goat of the Game.
* Kevin Kurtt opening the game by turning a stand-up double into a head-first slide triple, thereby setting the tone for the game, was nominated for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year.
* Fans in attendance: Beth Kurtt, Jim Kurtt, Kieran Kurtt, Laura Kurtt, Cameron Noth, Lori Noth, Noth's Mom, Emily Slieter, Kelly Slieter.

Your 2009 Warning Track Power Preseason Roster

It's softball season and what better place than the new and improved Mister Heavyfoot for satirical game stories and fake press releases from everybody's favorite slowpitch softball team, Warning Track Power (nee Boom Goes the Dynamite). Things have mightily changed since we last heard from the storied franchise, namely the team's controversial decision to change its name from the iconic Boom Goes the Dynamite to the more aptly-titled Warning Track Power. WTP opens its 2009 campaign tomorrow in its second season in the St. Louis Park Mixed C Softball League. WTP's first opponent is Colgate. First pitch is at 6 p.m., at Dakota Park East.

So, without further ado, may we present to you the 2009 edition of Warning Track Power (subject to change):

Cathy Behr (UT) - A last minute signing to start the 2008 season who performed excellently all season; displays a courage and love of the game unrivaled in franchise history; able to play several positions, though she'd prefer to avoid shortstop so she can keep her manicured fingernails; one of the team's true powerhitters; winner of the following 2008 awards: Fox 9 Courage and Love of the Game (co-winner), Emily Wickstrom Grit/Determination Award, Tony's Diner Comeback Player of the Year, Gold Glove
Alyssa Downing (UT) - WTP's tannest player and a co-winner of the 2008 Duffy's Pizza Unsung Hero Award; quietly one of the team's most consistent on-base threats; sneaky fast baserunner who is always looking for extra bases
Steve Geller (P/OF/SS/3B) - will undoubtedly be swinging for the fences at every at-bat, especially with the addition of new Combat bats; looking to boucne back from a subpar 2008 season at the plate; winner of the following 2008 awards: Unsung Hero (co-winner), Fox 9 Courage and Love of the Game (co-winner), PPI Sports Most Aggressive Baserunner/Hustler Award, Gold Glove, Marvin Geller Lifetime Achievement Award (co-winner)
Lisa Hardy (1B) - opened the Lisa Hardy Speed Camp over the offseason; still one of WTP's slowest players, though she looks like she can run; will be splitting time between WTP and the Wayzata HS fastpitch team as an assistant coach; loss of Andrea Smith may be hardest on Hardy; is anticipating a poor hitting season as "the new bats are too heavy"
Amanda Hoehn (UT) - Lone offseason acquisition; a longtime slowpitch veteran who will bring some needed moxie to the WTP roster; has a great relationship with St. Louis Park Softball League umpires; is looking to exact a measure of revenge on her 2008 squad; appears on the preseason watch list for the Tory Kukowski Memorial Rookie of the Year Award
Jeff Keiser (P/OF/3B) - team general manager responsible for some of the best (Tyler Thomson) and worst (Chris Cords) signings in franchise history; winner of the following 2008 awards: Shane Sandersfeld Memorial MVP (co-winner), Gold Glove, Gregg Shimanski Executive of the Year (co-winner), Marvin Geller Lifetime Achievement Award (co-winner); contemplated sitting out the year with continued elbow soreness; enters season as one of WTP's few power threats; manager Michelle Train still can't figure out where he fits best in the field
Casey Kurtt (C/2B/OF) - co-owner of WTP with husband Kevin Kurtt; team's shortest player who looks to rebound from a subpar 2008 campaign at the plate; will run out any and all batted balls; tends to stop ground balls with her shins; also plays kickball during the season with the Kit Shickers; 2008 co-winner of the Duffy's Pizza Unsung Hero Award
Kevin Kurtt (SS/UT) - team president; co-owner of WTP with wife Casey Kurtt; packed on some ample winter weight in the offseason to bolster his inconsistent power hitting; will battle to keep his starting position at SS; enters season with continued pain in his throwing shoulder due to a torn labrum; had a solid 2008 season at the plate, but saw a significant dip in power hitting; winner of the following 2008 awards: Shane Sandersfeld Memorial MVP (co-winner), Victory Sports Silver Stick Award; Garry Bowman Leadership Award (co-winner), Gold Glove
Ryan Maus (OF) - deceptively slow outfielder who improved as the 2008 season wore on; now gainfully employed, he has no excuse for not producing this season; one of two lefthanded bats in the WTP lineup; smiles a lot; is way too into Twitter; veteran bullpen catcher; boasts an impressive fan club in Northfield, Minn; winner of the 2008 Potbelly Sandwich Works Most Improved Player Award and co-winner of the Duffy's Pizza Unsung Hero Award
Kevin Noth (OF/1B) - aging veteran who suffered through a dreadful 2008 season; didn't get the opportunity to show off his patented playoff surge as every tournament that Boom entered was cancelled; has vowed never to strikeout looking again; is primed for a strong 2009 season with renewed vigor after a rigorous offseason workout regimen; runaway "winner" of the Nick Joss/Mike Lochrem Biggest Disappointment "Award
Meghan Potter (OF) - bounced back after a lackadaisacal 2007 season to finish second in the Tony's Diner Comeback Player of the Year voting; hosted the season's only pre-game party in 2008; was outstanding with runners in scoring position; may be the team's lest aggressive baserunner; can be distracted by arrogant hockey/baseball players
Matt Slieter (UT) - a wily journeyman who is looking to build on a breakout 2008 season; didn't show the proneness to injury that is expected out of men's basketball SIDs; one of the team's least aggressive baserunners; despite average speed, won a Gold Glove from the outfield in 2008; one of few players who can hit to all fields
Jim Strick (UT) - tall; entered the season as an infielder/outfielder, but moved into the pitching spot after ineffectiveness from Steve Geller and Jeff Keiser; pitched a two-hitter in slowpitch softball, leading Boom to a pathetic 3-2 win; has total command of the strike zone to go along with an array of different pitches; changes speeds with ease; one of two lefthanded bats in the WTP lineup; led the team in on-base percenteage in 2008; winner of the 2008 Tory Kukowski Memorial Rookie of the Year Award and the Cy Young Award
Emily Wood (UT) - enters season on disabled list; perennial team sparkplug will supprt WTP from the stands if she is unable to play

Key Additions: Amanda Hoehn
Key Losses: Andrea Smith
Possible Subs: AVP, Garry Bowman, Carmelina Carabajal, Chris Cords, Phil Esten, Ben Flattum, Katie Fornasiere, Amy Hamilton, Emily Hennen, Kristin Hill, Nate Selvig, Anne Strong, Tyler Thomson, Michelle Train, Kristine Yorde
Season Opener: April 28

Area Softball Franchise Ditches Iconic Team Name in Favor of a More Apt Description

One of the Twin Cities' iconic recreational sports franchises is changing its name. Boom Goes the Dynamite, a slowpitch softball organization with ties to the now-defunct teams of Low Expectations, Gas on the Fire and I'm With Stupid will heretofore be known as Warning Track Power. The name change was completed several months ago in consultations between team president Kevin Kurtt (Edina, Minn.), general manager Jeff Keiser (Avon, Conn.) and third base coach Steve Geller (Port Jefferson, N.Y.).

"Jeff, Steve and I just felt it was time to move this franchise in a new direction," Kurtt said from a press conference at Tony's Diner. "It's time to put the Boom Goes the Dynamite era to bed. The last two seasons have been dreadful and we really didn't want to sully the Boom name that garnered such acclaim after back-to-back CSC Championship seasons in 2005 and 2006.

"And really, anybody that watched the team's performance last season knows that we just weren't living up to our name. I mean, Boom? Dynamite? That squad resembled neither of those things. We decided to give this team a name that more aptly describes its play on the field. We are now Warning Track Power."

Looking at Boom's 2008 campaign, it seems the new moniker really does match the team's play on the field. According to the 2008 statistics provided by pitching coach Jim Strick (Combined Locks, Wis.), Boom hit a measly four home runs (three officially) and 18 triples in 18 games last season. Those four round-trippers came from three players - Keiser (2), Kevin Noth (1) and Geller (1, unofficially). Meanwhile, according to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), Boom players hit balls to the warning track an astounding 4.35 times per game last season.

"We're a team chock full of aging veterans with diminished ability to hit for power," Keiser said. "Nearly all of us are guilty of it, but there is no better example of this team's sudden lack of power than Kurtt. That guy used to hit balls for miles when we played in CSC. Now, he's like Ichiro out there. Single here. Double there. And once in a while he'll hit to the warning track. He blames the loss of 'pop' in our bats, but he, like many on this team, is getting old, slow and weak."

While Keiser is quick to point out Kurtt's sagging power numbers, it should be noted that Boom's female contingent of players displayed outstanding power last season and shouldn't be grouped in with such aging veterans like Kurtt, Noth, Geller and Strick. Standouts Cathy Behr (Willmar, Minn.), Meghan Potter (Hibbing, Minn.) and Alyssa Downing (Taunton, Minn.) all displayed outstanding power in 2008, belting several balls to the fence and proving that Warning Track Power really is an apt name for this team.

Warning Track Power will likely begin its season on Tuesday, April 28. Stay tuned for details.

Franchise History
2002: Low Expectations

(President: Aron "Rusty" Potter, General Manager Heather Potter)

2003: Gas on the Fire

(President: Chris Bergren, General Manager: Kevin Kurtt)

2004: I'm With Stupid

(President: Chris Bergren, General Manager: Kevin Kurtt)

2005: Boom Goes the Dynamite

(President: Steve Geller, General Manager: Steve Geller)

CSC CHAMPIONS

2006: Boom Goes the Dynamite

(President: Steve Geller, General Manager: Steve Geller)

CSC CHAMPIONS

2007: Boom Goes the Dynamite

(President: Jeff Keiser, General Manager: Jeff Keiser)

2008: Boom Goes the Dynamite

(President: Kevin Kurtt, General Manager: Jeff Keiser, Manager: Michelle Train)

2009: Warning Track Power

(President: Kevin Kurtt, General Manager: Jeff Keiser, Manager: Michelle Train)