With 3 seasons under their collective belts the Giant Robot Softball team returns to action Thursday night after a brief layoff following the recently concluded LA City Softball Tournament. With the team's unprecedented tourney run there's just cause for an optimistic outlook at the start of this new season. With plenty of familiar faces on the other side of the diamond this team has nobody in the league to fear, facing old foes like the Mojos, Rainmakers, and Moss Adams.
A quick run through of the current roster.
Martin Wong ~ The Team Captain and the pitcher. Stepped up big at the plate last season having his best season offensively then followed that with 2 HUGE performances on the mound in the tourney, leaving opponents shaking their heads after being victimized by the mighty Skyball. Trademark expression, "Pick me up".
Sky Tetsuka ~ Leadoff hitter and almost a guranteed run once he gets on base. Almost collected $20 when his opposite field dong fell just a few feet short of the fence. Had an amazing game in the tourney where he was involved in at least 5 double plays. Missed hitting for the cycle by a homerun in the game where he went 4-4 and broke out of his early season slump.
Eric Nakamura ~ Part time player for the past few seasons making his debut for the team as a regular this season. Steady infeilder with a strong arm who contributes clutch hitting with his patented opposite field stroke. His veteran presence will be a welcome addition to the team. Future baserunning gaffes by teammates will forever be known as "Nakamuras".
Bill Poon ~ One of the heart's of the team. Steady player with a fantastic knack for getting on base and drawing walks. Swings a big bat and is known for his one of a kind 2 legged ass slide. One of the anchors of the infield. One of the more intense players on the team. Do not approach until the game is over. Master of the secret batting practice. Writes a killer blog with scantily clad babes featured every Monday.
Chi Wan ~ One of only 2 players, along with Martin, who has played every season for GR since the team's inception. Offensive MVP of the past season with his 2 strike tomahawk swing. Returning to the outfield after a season in exile at 3rd base. Speed and a great throwing arm are 2 assets that the team will be counting on this season. Nickname is, "Chi Magic".
Rich Borja ~ The "Prince of Saipan" is looking to rebound with a strong season after going thru a position switch and learning the outfield on the fly. One of the team's big guns and the biggest power threat in the lineup. Also has the strongest throwing arm. Lost 15 lbs before last season in an effort to turn his triples into homers. Strong tourney performance in the 2nd game after missing the first round, removing the dreaded "Curse of Cal".
Carlos De La Garza ~ Another veteran big bat in the lineup. Fully recovered from the pre-season knee injury that ailed him prior to the team's 1st season. Consistently among the team's batting leaders. Expect much of the same this coming season. His wife, Angelyn, is one of the team's most loyal, longsuffering supporters. Fulltime softball player, partime drummer.
Orlando Penetrate ~ Ranks with Bill as one of the heart's of the team. Versatile player who's filled in at numerous positions, including outfield, 2nd base, shortstop, catcher, and pitcher. Came thru with many clutch hits and the play of the tourney when he scored the winning run of the 1st game on a bobbled ground ball. Nickname is, "Hap", for reasons unknown. Add his GF, Susan, to the list of loyal fans. Versatile athlete who also enjoys paddle tennis, bowling, golf, Katamari Damacy, and whatever I didn't see equipment for in his trunk.
Bret Banta ~ The team's extreme sports hero and the most improved player on the team. Offseason weight training regimen has greatly improved his arm and pop at the plate. The only natural southpaw on the team. Team leader in blood loss. Known for his distinct "ROBOT" cheer. Wife, Happy, is the 3rd Robotette, joining Angelyn and Susan. Counted on to be one of the backbones of the outfield this season.
Bryant Kim ~ BK, the 2 time team MVP is going to miss the first month of the season while he pursues higher learning. Hits well, fields well, runs well, good arm,and bad hair. Missed the entire tourney with school commitments which makes the tourney run even more remarkable. Gained 15 lbs in the offseason making him a solid 140. Look for solid contributions from Bryant once he returns.
Nate Rubin ~ The team's defensive MVP last season turned the black hole that was 1st base into a team strength. Despite treating teammates to several rounds of fries came thru with some big hits in the clutch. Well liked for his ability to do his teammates tax returns. Trademark quote, directed to Martin at least once an inning, " Follow through now".
Sean Caster ~ Big Poppa makes his GR return after the folding of the GR B team. Fantastic hitter who went 12-14 for VCA during their recent tourney run. He's kind of shy so he probably wouldn't tell you himself. Look for the big bat in the heart of the lineup giving GR some much needed pop, not to mention a thorough understanding of every softball rule imaginable and veteran leadership.
Jason Kato ~ Yet another returnee from the B team looking to make his mark with the team.Solid power hitter in his trademark tights and hachimaki. Number 99 will be missing the 1st game but should be on hand for the rest of the season, hopefully remaining injury free as the team can really use the extra deep threat in the lineup.
Michael Idemoto ~ "Coach" of the current squad and player in waiting. Claims to not want to play this season which will probably last for at least an inning. Mr Softball played for 6 different teams during the course of the last City league season. Best known for the opposite field dong and being the only player in team history to be ejected from a game under the alias of "John Lee". Likes to get dirty. In a good way.
