The Heat Is On at the RBVL               By Rocky D.               6/10/11

On Wednesday, the temperature struck 95 degrees and the action on the beach matched the heat with some intense, hard-fought “hot” games.  And how about the match between Last Call and the Big EZ – 4 of the 5 games were decided by 21-19 scores.  You’ve got to love that.  Sometimes you’re the bug and sometimes you’re the windshield.   Due to the perfect Rockwellian (Norman not me) weather everyone who played volleyball Wednesday night was a windshield; everyone except Bugsy, which is self explanatory.  The Bungalow Baranhas took three of five from The Rogers Irish Setters. This major accomplishment occurred while Captain Vinny was in Chicago.  Several times during the night teammates could be heard muttering “Vinnie who?”  The wise man says maybe Vinnie should check the rosters next week to find out what team he has been traded to.   Great camaraderie led to great focus which produced three solid victories.  Casino Tow battled Sand Spikers in five closely contested matches.   The Casino girls, Lauren Ganun, Brianne Johnston and Sarah McCarthy played smart, hustling, high quality volleyball, consistent with girls who always play consistently smart, hustling, high quality volleyball.   Since Sarah is too young to go out, her sister Kathleen went to Healy’s and celebrated for her.  Ahh, the solidarity of sisterhood.   

Team Margarita took three out of five from Robin Shapiro and dedicated the victories to Jamie Agolia who was wounded sliding into home plate at a coach’s softball game.  Hopefully, Jamie is not the sliding coach.  Normally TBG approaches the weekly cub reporter to spew forth wisdom and word-ism’s (sic).  Tonight TBG was silenced.  He lost brand new Ball #16 on the beach.  He tried to blame it on global warming but equipment commandant Gifford doesn’t accept excuses.  At 1:30 in the morning TBG could be seen walking Riis with a circus flashlight and his postal socks on his endless search.  Cubby, Dickie and TBG have a new motto in their never ending search for Mrs. Goodbar at the host bar – “Go ugly early. Why wait until 4 AM?”   As of this day they shall be known as the Lost Lonely Boys.  "The Comeback Cats came in strong this week with a 4-1 victory.  This was due to the strong teamwork and camaraderie of their top players!  The team
would like players like CEO to take note of the strict start time of 6:30.
The team would love to have top player and top cheerleader Kris back.  Take
your GED classes any other time than volleyball Wednesdays.   (You can give
up futon Sundays).  Justin, save those high kicks for Radio City.  Atwood,
keep up that dirty talk - you make both teams shake in their boots."


Last Call should be ashamed of themselves as they lost their Jesus sandals on the beach Wednesday night.  The score card tally definitely goes to the captains better half, Joe who was a force to be reckoned with.  Big Brown was dumbfounded tonight when he realized that the co-captains were not including him in the Weiner chronicles.  Frankie D. has made the last call tweet.  Step it up in that big brown truck.  Beer boy is out; Captain America- you’re  in.  Those drinks are fabulosity (sic) even your wife thinks you have hair.  Air Steinberg was missed tonight but he was reported to have been studying for the Belmont races.  El Toro (aka XXXL) showed the opposition that they missed the ball.  When you mess with the bull you get the horns.  Jack Weber, never a fan of horns, has developed Hornaphobia.  Is it true that the RBVL is providing valet bicycle parking for certain members of Last Call?  Hey, that’s what I call a full service league. 

Sands Point Lost to LeGreann four to one.  Donna and Deidre did what they could to keep Sands Point in the games but it’s tough paddling upstream.   Sands Point’s pride was injured so it is off to Sands Point Physical (and mental therapy) for the whole team. Sands Point was missing 35 % of its team and has been advised to start checking milk cartons and Cyclone games.  Who was that unnamed man from the Rockaway Breakers who followed Joe Abbracciamento into the Men’s Room at Healy’s?  That was a little too close for comfort.  After two weeks of play, not one team remains undefeated and not one team is winless.  Many of the races are tightening up already.  The Boardwalk Division has a four way tie for first place between Bayview, ROC FAM, Sets on the Beach and U Got Served.  Tommy Kearns and his family are most grateful for your thoughts and prayers during his illness.  So far his recovery is right on track.  Captains who have handed in unsigned rosters must now get them signed.  SIGNED rosters must be in by week three (6/15) at the latest.  That’s next week, so get on it.   

Many of our new refs are a bit reluctant to call “carries” and “nets.”  I don’t know why; it’s just part of the game.  For those players who think that this results in too many whistles and say, “We just want to play,” remember, we all just want to play - - - volleyball!  Not jungle ball!  Plus, when the playoffs come around you will be shocked at how many more violations are called.  Our new refs, some of whom are learning on the job, are all trying their best to call the games fairly.  Believe me, they do not have an ax to grind with any of our teams and we need you to treat them with respect.  As always, if you have any questions please call Patty at 917-613-0908.  (Be sure to call between 10 AM and 9 PM.  Remember, Patty has a life outside of VB, too.)  Or just check our website at www.rbvl.com.  You'll find the answers to most of your questions there, not to mention pretty pictures and funny stories.   

See you on the beach!