I like the way it Herds, I like the way it Herds..

Game Notes:

The Mighty Purple Herd opened the 2010 Fall Season in a huge, monumental way with an epic win over The Manchester United Aon Outsource This’s by a final score of 14-1. Things got off to a rocky start earlier in the week when Herd Management realized that he would be without 5 (five) of the Herd’s most prestigious and decorated players for this early season tussle with the feisty This’. It was at that point that the realization came to fruition that one of the most amazingly epic recruiting tasks would be at hand. The 1st recruit came at the hands of Heather ICE CREAM SURE WOULD HAVE BEEN FRIKIN NICE YESTERDAY Miller. Miller, known more for her crafty skills at 2nd, is one of the league’s most overlooked recruiters. Ice Cream has brought amazing talent to the Purp in the past, but the recruitment of Laura “lastnameescapsme” Ballplayer was one of her finest works ever. Laura came in fresh off of her last stint as a softball player just 8 years ago and made a difference not only behind the plate and at bat, but made a difference in all of our lives in such a positive way it is simply far too emotionally distracting to mention in this blurb.

Perhaps the most amazing and unexpected recruits in the history of not only co-rec softball but in the history of sports all around the globe is one Mr. Nakoma Smith. This recruitment shows why Herd Management is by far the most amazing recruiter. Ever. For Serious. A simple blurb many many months ago on facebook was made about Nakoma “you belong with us” Smith’s antics in a softball game far far away. Herd Management records these trite facts like a one terabyte hard drive for easy access when needed. With the absence of 3 of our most fierce hitters, it was time to call up Mr. Smith to the show and he delivered in a way that could only be dreamed about.

The acquisition of Nakoma would have not been possible if it weren’t for our very own Chris “Freak” Nix. I almost refuse to pen another word about Freak for it can only diminish his legacy among the greatest athletes of our or any generation. Freak made the all important call to Nakoma to secure that commitment, then went out and simply dominated the left side of the infield all day long. You don’t know how it feels. You don’t know how it feels. You don’t know how it feels, to be Nix.

Our third and perhaps most eye opening recruit of the evening was one Mr. Chris “1/2 amazing, 1/3 pitcher, 1/3 defensive genius, 1/3 show stopper” Pfohl. The Purple Herd Blood runs deep within Pfhols veins, so this recruitment was perhaps the easiest of the 3. CPfohl, initially recruited to play 3rd base, was able to move back to the mound thanks to the absolute generosity and kindness of Sergeant Goose, who was not only willing to play short stop, he was almost giddy. Giddy like a school girl. The move to the mound for CPfohl was another brilliant move in a long line of brilliant moves by Herd Management. It became obvious throughout the day that most of the OST athletes feared Pfohl similar to the way Katy Perry fears talent…they do not want any part of it. This came to light as Pfohl recorded a 1st batter of the season strikeout for the first time in co-rec history.

Pfohl would not have had the opportunity to dominate the OST batters had it not been for the Herds most beloved superstar’s willingness to move over to Shortstop. Not only did our very own Sergeant Goose make the move to the middle of the defense, he did it with elegance and grace often associated with a beautiful Marcy Playground ballad. While the move to SS would have been a career ending decision for most, that was not the case for Goose, as he was able to flash beautiful displays of brilliance with his leather before he moved back to his rightful place atop the mound to record the final 3 outs of the game.

Yet another wonderful display of versatility was shown by our very own dancing Gazelle, Biggie trip z White. Trip Z was able to hold down the hot corner with absolute precision all evening long before he made his 1st career appearance in the outfield. The OST batters were so frightened of the big fella that they absolutely REFUSED to hit a ball anywhere near him all night long. One can only imagine what the outcome would have been had they tested his skills in the outfield. I dream of a day where we can all witness Trip Z get on his horse and track down a ball in the outfield like a heat seeking Gazelle.

In the fall, one of the Herds biggest downfalls was our lack of blistering speed. This need was addressed in the offseason by our acquisitions of Ty Lauren and Jeni “From Mullen” Hodges. Not only do these finely tuned athletes bring much desired and fantasized about speed to the mighty Purps, they also show the world that regardless of your roots, you are born to enhance the Herd experience. It is well documented that the Herd and Mullen grew up together over the past 4 years. Over those 4 years it also became obvious that Jeni “From Mullen” had more than earned a chance to compete with the most prestigious group of athletes in the history of the universe. While the Herd and Mullen were often seen as “sister teams” Compensated and Herd were not. This is what makes the acquisition of Lauren “Ty” Hunt so special. Herd Management looks forward to seeing these two ladies grow in their Purple over the course of the next 11 weeks.

The easy choice for game MVP is the beloved J-Mill. Herd management has become such a fan of J-Mill that he is currently in the process of developing a strategy to put J in a box and take her with him wherever he goes and also to put her on display next to the fantastic heirlooms of Herd years past. J-Mill turned in by far her most dominating offensive performance of her short but dominating Herd Career, going 4-4 with 3 rbi’s and 3 runs scored.

No Herd Report would be complete with the absolute obvious stroking of Herd Favorite, the Fantasy, Erin Haneline. Fantasy was able to take a few innings off from playing a mindwreckingly dominate left field for the first time in almost 5 years to sit back and enjoy her creation for once. It is pure pleasure watching the Fantasy’s spirit and electricity literally rub off on the entire Herd, motivating them and pushing them to levels thought impossible to reach. Thank you Fantasy, for being our Zen.

League Info:
Herd management has discovered some very useful information about the teams in the league. The Groomingdales are comprised of several Lab Rats as well as the core from a team that went 11-0 in the spring and had a run differential of + 144 according to their coach. Sum N Special is an unfortunate combination of two of the most dominating teams in the history of the league…Sherry’s Pub and Carlyle’s pub. YMCA is the exact same team that went undefeated in our league in the spring. Needless to say, we do indeed have our work cut out for us this fall.

***Evening Awards***
The "Redding/Haneline" award for most gut wrenching slide goes to Sergeant Goose for taking out the OST catcher early and often.

The “Most uneventful game ever” award goes to this game. Seriously. Throw me a bone here people.

The “Shannon Craft” award goes to Bryan Timmons, Wes Miller, C-Dub, Ashley and Shannon Craft for all being like Shannon Craft….ABSENT!


Random Herd Facts

Sharks have dedicated an entire week of watching a television show dedicated to The Herd.

When the Herd was born, the only person to cry was the doctor. NEVER SLAP THE HERD!

Rudolph has a red nose because he got lippy and The Herd roundhouse kicked him across the face a couple of times.

The Herd frequently donates blood to the red cross…just never its own.

Thank you for your continued support of Herd Athletics,

Michael Swaim Herd Administrationhttp://www.purpleherd.blogspot.com/

Although we've come...to the end of the Herd...

Game Notes:

Over the years, Herd management has experienced various types of unbearable pain. Pain such as kidney stones, arm strains, back pain, unc national championships and broken ankles. None of these pains however can compare to the pain of losing to a team who’s best player is a short stop that looks like Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell and Phyllis Diller mated and produced an detestable offspring.

Despite the scorching hot bats of the Herds most prolific power hitting duo in team History, We$ “by gosh firkin “ Miller and Chris “robbed” Nixon, the Herd was unable to overcome the rat demons on this humid evening. Nixon filled in admirably at LC for Doubles Timmons, despite being robbed of robbing a home run from the steroid enhanced psycho pitcher. We$ turned in one of the most completely dominating performances at Short Stop that Herd Management has ever witnessed, ruining the lives and dreams of many rat base runners on the evening.

Shane O’Mite McLane, fresh off of his self imposed 3 game suspension, returned to the roster with a fresh mindset and a whole new love for the game, and it showed in a huge way. McLane made some of the most unbelievably acrobatic catches in right field that had most spectators confused and bedazzled all evening. Not only was he hot, both literally and metaphorically in the outfield, he came through with numerous clutch hits down the stretch against Wings that sent the Might Herd into the Semi Finals.

Drill Sergeant Scott “Goose” Walkush rebounded in a HUGE way on the mound last night with a flawless pitching effort in both games. The story of the night though was Sergeant Goose taking over the leadoff spot in the batting order. Goose lived up to the management imposed hype, delivering base hit after base hit, setting the table for the Herd offense all night long. The play of the year came when Sergeant Goose took it upon himself to physically remove the head rat from the game with a scorching missile up the middle with the very first pitch that shook the nerves of the rats pitcher, bringing the Herd sideline to its feet in admiration and approval.

The Herd most improved player Award this year will have to go to The Dancing Gazelle, Triple Zero Chadwick White. All year long, the Gazelle has been able to deliver in the most crucial of situations on both offense and defense. It is one thing to simply produce when your team needs you the most however the Gazelle took it to a whole new level this year and produced with elegance and grace that would be enough to make a grown man cry.

One of the staples of the Herd lineup all year long was our Fantasy, EH #8. Fantasy was locked in at the plate all night long, producing at the highest of levels. Fantasy had the look in her eye from the get go that she was not going to allow the Herd suffer another loss at the hands of the dastardly rats. Herd management considers this the finest effort of the season put forth by the Fantasy and relishes the opportunity to watch her expand on this in the fall season.

The Shannon Craft Award was also highly keyed in at the plate all night long on the bittersweet evening. Award is hitting the ball better than she ever has in her entire career, which needless to say is quite an accomplishment for such a decorated veteran of the Mighty Purple Herd. Award, who comes dressed in the old school Blundering Herd Jersey to inspire of the way things used to be, in a better time, was able to summon the ghosts of Herd past and deliver beautifully orchestrated base hits that scattered throughout the outfield all night long.

The Hammer, J-Mill, was our vocal and defensive leader last night, rivaling the Sergeant in motivational words and phrases. It was 11 Thursdays ago last evening that J-Mill lost her Herdginity, and since that glorious, emotional moment she has blossomed into one of the league’s best overall player. J-Mill swings the bat with such resounding fury, that the entire left side of the field quivers in their cleats each and every time Hammer walks into the batter’s box. It is the defense that J provided to the Herd that has earned her the Managers Female MVP award this season.

Herd Management becomes overcome with emotion as he recollects the last two season he was able to spend with the most amazingly gifted athlete and genuinely nice person in the history of co-rec athletics. It is with deep sadness and immeasurable sorrow that we bid goodbye to what will forever be our MVP, Jessica Hendrix. Jessica brought a much desired flare and spark to the Herd last year that led us to our first back to back championship season in Herd History. She also brought us Blake that one time. That was awesome.

In what is considered an all around dark and depressing night, there were two sensational women that shone brighter than the brightest stars in the sky. Herd management would like to thank Rose “KET” Ketner and Hien “Usain Bolt” Lewis for their sensationally amazing contributions to the overall success of the Herd Nation last night. Words can’t even begin to describe the amount of gratitude and admiration Herd Management has for these two amazing women. While it may have seemed to be a bit of a stretch to bring in one of the players for the despised yet now defunct Compensated squad, Ket was able to provide late inning heroics when things looked their darkest to the Mighty Purp. One of the superstars from the 2009 Spring Championship team also provided the same late inning heroics with her unmatched speed and desire to make everyone around her better. These two ladies will forever hold a special place in the Herd’s Purple Hearts.

Random Herd Facts:
The Herd once threw itself a surprise party but couldn’t attend because they didn’t give themselves enough notice.
When the Herd orders a salad, they get the dressing right there on top of the salad, where it belongs…and there is no turning back.
Bulls flat out refuse to fight The Herd
If the Herd argues with you, it is because you are wrong.
The Herd can navigate a ship by stars…during the day.

Michael SwaimHerd Administration

Every now and then I get a little bit nervous that the best of all the Herd years have gone by

Game Notes:

On one of the most deeply depressing evenings in the prestigious history of the Glorious Purple Herd, the uber friendly WS Energy athletes were able to put a BP’esq cap on what most sports pundits consider the most horrific seasons in Herd History. This season wasn’t without its high points however. The Prolific Purps set a new standard for Pre Game festivities this season and introduced Post Game Festivities to the world.

Despite the outcome, superstar Bryan “in tha face” Timmons remains one of the Herd most prolific leadoff hitters in the history of the sport. Herd management can only dream of having the amount of skill, talent, and ability that superstar Timmons is in possession of.

In the 2 hole, The Fantasy, Erin Haneline has spent many years as a lynchpin to the Herds success. This season was no different. While many conspiracy theorists agree that there is a nationwide conspiracy to withhold valuable toilet paper from restrooms that Fantasy patrons from time to time, she is literally able to shake it off and perform at an amazingly absurd high level.

Batting 3^rd is usually our leader, Goose Walkush. I can not write about Goose without literally breaking down into an uncontrollable hysterical sobbing fit. Goose is single handedly took the Herd to a new level last year with his cool demeanor and militant leadership style that has the Herd both excited and frightened on and off the field.

You don’t talk about The Herd without mentioning the unbelievable contributions of my favorite and yours, Ashely, A-Dub Perdue. When A-Dub rejoined the Herd back in 2006, our record was 0-4 and we had been outscored by 48 runs. After A-Dub rejoined the Herd, we still only won one game, but she instantly made us competitive again. That is what A-Dub does. Makes everyone around her better. For that, Herd management salutes you, dear dear friend.

The Herds 5^th batter is simply a freak. We$ by gosh firkin Miller is the prototypical softball super stud. The ladies love him and the girls adore him and Herd management practically worships the ground he walks on. With his monster blast last night, Miller became the single season Herd home run leader and is only 4 home runs away from all time great Herd super slugger Mike Swaim.

Staying in the Family we will now address Herd Rookie Jennifer JMILL Millers amazing season with the Pyro Purps. When J-Mill first joined the Mighty Herd, she was just a shy girl, standing with the wallflowers wishing she had stayed at home. By her first official at bat however, she burst out like a beautiful, rabid, violent butterfly emerging from its cocoon. Miller turned in one of the most prolific rookie seasons in the history of the Purples, playing 19 different positions and swinging an amazingly efficient bat.

Yet another freak athlete that has graced his appearance in the lineup this season is Herd RBI leader Chris “rock yo face off” Nixon. There simply isn’t a more clutch player not only in this league, but in all of sports than our very own C-Nix. C brings it every single game and is simply not afraid to step up and take over a game at any given moment with either his brick wall like defense or his artistically beautiful, picture perfect swing of the bat.

The third and arguably most important (or at worst in the top 3) member of the Haneline/Miller cult is the sensational Heather “I know more MLB all stars than you know people” Miller. When most women are allowed by Herd management to reproduce, they rarely if ever actually return to their Purple roots. Not only did Ice Cream return, but she returned with a higher skill set than what she left with. Herd management considers it an honor AND a privilege to share the same field as this beloved all star.

While there were few bright spots in last nights game, one star that shone like the sun was our dancing queen, Biggie Chad The Gazelle Fred Astaire Triple Zero White. Biggie put his name in the official Herd book of amazing plays last night with one of the most graceful, elegant snag accompanied by a picture perfect pirouette at third base to throw out the speedy Energy runner.

Another miraculous bright spot from yester evening was 2009 Herd Female MVP Jessica Hendrix. Jessica is the type of athlete that brings a calm, warm feeling to the team, similar to the feeling you get when you relieve yourself in a swimming pool. The biggest difference between those two scenarios is that a blue cloud doesn’t follow MVP around, just awesomeness. Herd management doesn’t want to live in a world that doesn’t include MVP as a permanent fixture in the Herd lineup. For Serious.

The one player that might very well receive the Woman MVP award vote from HM this year might very well be Shannon Craft Award. When Herd Management first met SCA, she was just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. Now, she is one of the most fierce hitters on the team, leading all women in batting average and on base percentage.

Herd News!

Todd called earlier to explain the playoff situation. I have no idea what he was talking about for I was drawing a “Thug Life” tattoo on my chest with a dark purple crayon. HERD UP!!

***Evening Awards***

The "Shannon Craft" award for being Shannon Craft goes to Ginger Nixon and Jana Swaim for being there!

The "Redding/Haneline" award for most gut wrenching slide goes to Jessica Hendrix for her inspirational and motivating slide into 3^rd base!!!!

Random Herd Facts:

The Herd gave Red Bull wings

The Herd taught me how to make love to my wife and how to scold my children.

The Herd’s cereal never gets soggy. It just sits there, staying crispy. Just for them.

The Herd once taught a dog to bark. In Spanish.

The Herd once buried a time capsule full of things that haven’t happened yet.

Thank you for your continued support of Herd Athletics,

Michael Swaim|Herd Administration

http://www.purpleherd.blogspot.com

Lodi Dodi, Herd likes to party, we dont cause trouble we dont bother nobody

Game Notes:
Iconic songwriter and true American legend Miley Cyrus penned the following lyric yesteryear: “There’s always gonna be another mountain, I’m always gonna wanna make it move. Always gonna be an uphill battle, sometimes I’m gonna have to lose.” These historic words of wisdom ring especially true for Americas Co-Rec softball team, the Mighty Purple Herd. It took an embarrassing effort last week in a humiliating loss to the scum of the league, the Rats, to refocus the Herd on its ultimate goal, and that is to sell Herd Managements car. While the car is still for sale, the Herd did restore order and return to its customary winning ways in a hard fought, emotionally and physically draining victory over the up and coming Wings from East Coast.
The game in itself did not begin on the field on this gloriously humid evening. Instead, it began in the most historic of all Pregame Festivity destinations at Foothills. It became clear from the beginning that The Fantasy, Erin Haneline would mentally and violently lift the once struggling Herd from its dark and destitute personal island of self pity and bring it back to its rightful place atop the co-rec softball nation. Fantasy toasted to the Herd and then took her game to the field where she womanhandled the upstart Wings with her mighty stick and cannon of an arm in Left Field.
The sensational magic from pregame festivities at foothills initiated by the fantasy carried over to the field. With the very first swing of the game, Bryan “Umpa Loompa Doopedy Doo, the best Chocolate Factory was version number 2” Timmons, ripped a stunning double to left center field. While Mr. Timmons is of course noted for his affinity for the 2 bagger, his taste in cult classics could use an upgrade.
Despite being conspicuously absent from Pregame Festivities, Goose Walkush turned in quite possibly the most astonishingly dominate pitching performance of his illustrious career. At one point in the 3rd inning, Walkush retired 19 consecutive Wings batters with his high arching curveball and his defensive squad firmly behind him. It is also of Herd Managements opinion that if the softball league every disbands, Goose would make a spectacular drill sergeant given his affinity for relentlessly pushing the Mighty Purps to new levels both on the basepaths and in the field.
Shannon Craft award was also at the very top of her game, giving the Herd a much needed lift from behind the plate with a League Of Their Own type performance from the catchers position. Award has also 100% guaranteed that she will be able to land the Herd first corporate sponsor since Hero House in 2003, a guarantee that she personally backs up with her heart and soul.
Heather “Why in the world do I call you ice cream?” Miller was as solid as the most recent episode of Glee at 2nd base last night. Miller inflicted so much fright and fear into the batters of Wings that the completely avoided hitting the ball to her all night long, for they know that an ball hit in her direction would be gobbled up like a delicious toasted grilled cheese/bacon sandwich from Foothills.
Sometimes, on dark and lonely nights, Herd management will look up into the night sky and pretend that the airplanes are shooting stars and make one wish right now, wish right now. That one wish is that Herd super star, Herd Legend, Herd Founder and Herd all time leading great Ashley Perdue would not only play a fantastic game, but would also rap in-between innings. That wish was granted last night as Ashley “Snoop Doggy” Perdue turned in one of the most epic offensive games slash rap efforts in Herd History. Herd Management was unable to contain his emotions as Snoop Doggy Perdue broke forth the rhythm and the rhyme that literally willed the Mighty Purp to victory.
One of the most eye pleasing events of the evening came during each and every one of Jennifer not Jessica “The Destroyer” Miller’s at bats. Miller put one of the most violent beatings on a 12” softball ever recorded in human history. Miller, sporting her nifty new #15 Herd Jersey, turned in one of her best performances in her young Herd career, going a nasty 4-4 at the plate and performing with honor in courage in right field, saving Herd Management from more utter embarrassment on numerous occasions.
There are simply no words at this point that could accurately describe what MVP Chris “Lex Lugar” Nix brings to the field. Nix is what the sports world likes to call “the total package” not only due to his Major League level of defensive ability at shortstop and his almost frightingly high level of offensive prowess, but his desire to personally sacrifice his time, effort and money to attend pregame festivities this season.
Herd Management is still in shock and awe that Chad “THE GAZELLE”TRIP ZERO”BIGGIE White was physically able to take the field last night after one of the most physically grueling pregame festivity performance ever seen in the history of pregame festivity. Not only was the big fella able to shake off that situation, he did it in style with several beautiful line drives to left center and a spectacular play at third base that brought back memories of last years Herd defensive performances. Also, Herd Management is going to recommend that Trip Zero bring a change of draw’s to each and every upcoming Herd event.

***Evening Awards***
The "Shannon Craft" award for being Shannon Craft goes to Johnny Depp for being the greatest Willie Wonka ever.

The "Redding/Haneline" award for most gut wrenching slide goes to Jenni from Mullen for being the victim of another dirtbag play by the dastardly rats.

The “Humanitarian” award goes to every team in the league not called the Rats

Random Herd Facts
Every time the Herd goes for a swim, dolphins appear.
The Herd lives vicariously through the Herd.
The Herd does not break wind. They destroy it.
The Herd coined the phrase “I see dead people” after the wait staff at Denny’s forgot its birthday.

Thank you for your continued support of Herd Athletics,
Michael Swaim Herd Administration
http://www.purpleherd.blogspot.com/
much happier bear

Ima Swing it this'a way. Ima Swing it that'a way. I'm Herdy Herd and Ima be here to stay

Game Notes:
Bla Bla Bla. Sweat Tea Flavored Custard. Ticks. Spiders. Racism. These are a few things that, if given the opportunity, Herd Management would physically and mentally destroy and banish from existence from this earth. You can now add The RA Lab rats to that List. On one of the hottest days of the season thus far, the dastardly Lab Rats literally reached into the inner softball soul of the Herd, spit on it, and then walked away with one of the most undeserving victories in the history of sports.
Despite the beautifully rendition of Kei$ha’s Your Love is My Drug sang by our very own Chad “Michael Bolton” Biggie Gazelle, the Herd was unable to overcome the arrogance, belligerence and overall lack of respect for Humanity by the Rats from RA. In a moment that summed up the evening, Pre Game King Bryan “Runs through fire, eats turkey legs afterwards” Timmons was so livid that he, for the first time in his career, skipped Post Game Festivities.
The Mighty Purple Herd did not go down without a fight however. Chris “Lost” Nixon and We$ “Please let the SS get in my way” Miller delivered all night long at an extremely high level both on offense and defense. A-Dub Perdue and Shannon Craft were also able to take advantage of their high level of softball fortitude to deliver late game hits that once again put the Herd in a position to win the game. Despite the triumphant return of Herd favorite, MVP Jessica Hendrix to the lineup, the Herd seemed to be lacking the fire that delivered two straight world championship trophies just one year ago.
Scott Walkush continues to swing a hot bat as well this year, driving in a game high 4 runs despite being tripped at first base by one of the Rats defensive players. Walkush was also the unfortunate victim of a conservative yet ever changing strike zone all afternoon long. Despite the pathetic showing by one of the leagues worse umps, Walkush did not walk a single batter and played spectacular defense.
Jessica Miller, recipient of a brand new used Herd Jersey for the first time in her career turned in yet another fabulous performance at first base and continues to literally rip the cover off of the softball. Labrats noticed that the cover had apparently been ripped from its core and made numerous requests to change out the ball in yet another show of supreme class by this group from RA.
Super Sister in law/Sister/Spouse Heather Miller is also not only stepping up her game each week, she is also stepping up her Pre/Post game Festivity attendance. It was an honor to learn that Miller is best friends with Chicago White Sox super sluggers Joe Crede, Ozzie Guillen, Carlos Lee, Bobby Thigpen and Frank Thomas from her tenure with the Old Winston Salem Dash squads from yesteryear.
Millers uber flamboyant sister, Erin “Fantasy” Haneline was also one of the brighter spots in an otherwise disgustingly dark, depressing, painful evening. The glove work in the outfield was a thing of beauty, as was her unadulterated hustle around the base paths. The Fantasy is what is good and right about not only the Mighty Purple Herd, but sports and even life in general.
Herd Management Mike Swaim was a paltry 5-5 at the plate with 6 triples, 3 home runs and 14 rbi’s. What you think you may have saw in that first at bad never happened. IT. NEVER. HAPPENED.

***Evening Awards***

The "Shannon Craft" award for being Shannon Craft goes to Bryan Timmons for being so visibly livid about the nights circumstances that he skipped Post Game Festivities.
The "Redding/Haneline" award for most gut wrenching slide goes to We$ Miller!! “That was beautiful. It looked like something off ESPN.”-Heather Miller

Random Herd Facts
I’ve got a fever, and the only cure…is more The Herd.
The Herd knows all there is to know about the crying game.
The Herd can tell how something tastes simply by touching it.
You can see the Herd’s charisma from outer space.

Thank you for your continued support of Herd AthleticsMichael Swaim Herd Administration P’d off bear

California Herd

Game Notes:
The BP Oil Spill. Gas Prices. Myspace. Megan fox fired from Transformers. Katy Perry’s mere existance. These are all of the most horribly horrific current events in the world today. You can add The Herd’s heart crushing loss to the undefeated YMC A’s to the top of that list. In a game that saw two of the greatest forces in the current co-rec softball universe collide like a mellow mushroom pizza into a tender large intestine, it was the YMC A’s that once again toppled the Mighty Purple Herd in extra innings by a score of 8-7.

At this point in the season, it would simply make more sense to allow the doubles master, Bryan “In tha face, IN THA FACE!” Timmons to start the game out on second base, because his leadoff doubles are as much of a sure thing as a tear jerking Miley Cyrus summer ballad.

Erin “The Fantasy” Haneline was an unlucky victim of superhuman like defense from the A’s, however that did not keep her from being the physical and emotional leader in the Herd Clubhouse as well at pre game festivities. The only questionable decision on the evening form Haneline came when she insisted on going 3 way on the last slice of pizza which doomed the intestines of Herd Management for the remainder of the evening.

Scott “The GOOOOOOOOSE” Walkush has emerged as the true leader of the club on both offense and defense. There simply is not a player in the entire league who can control a game like the Goose. 9 is playing at such a high level at this point in his Herd career that Herd Management considers himself fortunate to be allowed to play on the same field as this amazing physical specimen.

One of the most absolute defining moments in Herd History came just this season as the Might Purps were able to land free agent Jennifer “Don’t mess” Miller. Miller continues to provide brutally physical motivation to the Herd athletes on a game by game basis especially when it is needed the most. Not only are her motivational tactics a pure thing of beauty, her defense reminds Herd Management of a young Carlos Delgado at 1st base. Regardless of the outcome, J-Mill makes sure that the Herd will remain competitive in the most adverse conditions each and every game, despite playing sans jersey.

Herd Management is not sure there is a player swinging a more sizzling hot bat at this point in the season than Shane “Pepperoni is the new bacon” McLane. Mclane continues to deliver clutch offensive performances in each game, and his defense is improving faster than the 2nd season of Glee. Whle McLanes reckless baserunning continues to give Herd Management mini heart attacks, one can only look on with amazement as Shane O continues to successfully defy the laws of logic, angles and basic mathematical principles when it comes to baserunning.

One player that deserves super special accolades is Herd Super Star Heather “Old Crow Medicine Show” Miller. Miller took a shot in the upper thigh from an A’s left handed hitter that would have left lesser athletes disabled and would have even likely ended their career. Mrs. Miller is an exception to the rule. Not only did she return to the game to deliver a clutch 6th inning blast, she was able to score from 2nd base to tie the game in the bottom of the 7th. Herd Management will award the inaugural “Purple Heart” award to Miller at the end of the season for her heroic play despite numerous debilitating injuries.

Part of the culture of co-rec softball are uber star players like our very own C-Nix Christopher “FreakNix” Nixon. Nixon has emerged as perhaps the most dominating player of our time this season. Nixon turned in an emotionally uplifting 5 rbi night to go along with some of the most mind numbingly plays at short stop that you will ever see. Herd management also gives kudos to the fantastic Herd women who shared duties at 1st base, having to take a rocket launched from the mighty arm of CNix at least 2 -3 times per inning.

Herd Management is not sure what training regimen Shannon Craft award took part in over the off season, however it would be in the teams best interest for her to share that with them. It is simply awe inspiring the way Award continues to hit the ball pretty much wherever she wants to whenever she wants to. Shannon Craft Award has had more hits this season than Katy stupid Perry has had in her lifetime.

Another part of the softball culture is seeing athletes make plays that should be physically and mentally impossible. Our very own TZ, Chad “THE GAZELLE” White fits that mold. Biggies earth trembling scampers around the base paths have become something of a natural phenomenon. Herd management could literally take a lawn chair out to 1st base and watch Biggie run the base paths all day long. In some cultures, Biggies trods to 1st would be considered a natural aphrodisiac, or could potentially cure scabies or perhaps a mild case of exema.

One of the truly great spectacles in all of sports is the ever clutch play week in and week out from Herd superstar Ashley “A-DUB” Perdue. A-Dub’s remarkably clutch performance at the plate last night was a huge factor in the Herd being in a position to win the game in the 7th, along with her golden glove at 1st base. Herd Management is still convinced that the skinny ump missed the double play at first in the 3rd inning.

Herd management would like to welcome back to the Herd, after a 7 year hiatus, Mrs. Courtney “nickname forthcoming” Spence!! Courtney was another unfortunate victim of some of the most ridiculously lucky plays by the A’s defense last night, however it is blatantly obvious that Spence will be a valuable addition to our team in the coming weeks as we wind down toward the end of the season.

***Evening Awards***
The "Shannon Craft" award for being Shannon Craft goes to J-Mill for frightening Herd Management in the bottom of the 7th inning to the point of wetting his pants.

The "Redding/Haneline" award for most gut wrenching slide goes the mellow mushroom thin slice for literally wrenching our guts.

Random Herd Facts:

The Herd was the hunter who shot Bambi's Mother. They then wore her carcass like it was a coat while they made their rounds at the local children's hospital.

The Herd is not lactose intolerant, they just refuse to put up with lactose's crap.

The Herd can mathematically make two wrongs equal a right.

One time in an airport a guy accidently called The Herd "The Third". He explained it was an honest mistake and apologized profusely. The Herd accepted his apology and politely signed an autograph. Nine months later, the guy's wife gave birth to a Purple baby. The guy knew exactly what had happened, and blames nobody but himself.

Thank you for your continued support of Herd Athletics
Michael SwaimHerd Administration
http://www.purpleherd.blogspot.com

Herd Spirit

Last night, a thrown softball struck me in the face. Notice the coloration of this encounter - the Herd even gets injured in purple. I can't wait for next week...