Thawing Out

Rain nor sleet or snow can keep the United States Postal Service from delivering our mail, and an intense heat wave cannot keep the die-hard players of the Rockaway Beach Volleyball League from  jumping, diving, bumping and spiking in the hot sands of Riis Park.  A strong afternoon breeze provided some relief and a few cold adult beverages cooled the bodies and spirits of the players.

There was no relief though for the struggling Blackwater Boarders who won four games.  Not this week, the whole season as they got swept again.  The team played there worst volleyball of the year which is hard to believe.  Can it get any worse.  John’s month long hiatus ends next week but the Boarders can’t expect a miracle from the aging player
         The after party at Connolly’s was rocking early into Thursday morning as the full house enjoyed some special barbeque as a guest chef was flown in for the event.  Once again Connolly’s lived up to its reputation as one of the most fun bars on the circuit.
            The question of the night was where is the fearless reporter Rocky?  After taking care of his damaged knee last week it was expected that he would be filling these pages of the Wave with his unique insight into all things Rockaway.  However he was not to be found on beach or bar.  Next week things should be back to normal so be ready to greet the reporter with your stories as we celebrate  on the back deck of the Bungtalow Bar.  When the RBVL editor in chief Joe McGivney gets back from his Italian vacation John and Rocky will be receiving quite a reprimand.

Casa Bella’s first year in the top division is a humbling experience. They have been in this position before playing in the Aviator league, and came out the following year greatly improved. The team serving Casa Bella their humble pie this week was Flip Cup All Stars. Flip Cup has the smallest roster and an even smaller attendance each week. This week’s absentee was Kenneth Kerns, who was rehabbing a knee injury the Rocky Balboa way; jumping rope in his driveway. Flip Cup also had to play 3 games without their Attorney Liz (Murphy) while she prepared a federal regulatory compliance presentation for some banks, leaving Flip Cup to ask “Who is paying you?”  Either way, Trish and Candice played great even though they aren't lawyers.

The Federation might have lost 3-2 this week but they finally managed to get their grill working and stayed late (not uncommon) to celebrate Tommy’s Birthday (less common).  Ryan Ford had to play against his fellow Aviator championship teammates, and after they beat him were uninvited to eat his cooked meat.
                The reminder that the away team is responsible for the return of the net by 9 PM seemed to work as all 37 nets came back on time although the Mormons just made it with two minutes to spare.  Was it the reminder or the $25 late return fee four teams had to cough up?  Money talks, baby.  To further clear up any possible confusion, when the schedule says 1-2 or 1 vs. 2 that means 1 is the visiting team and 2 is the home team.  Also, you are not likely to hear an air horn at 6:15 PM or 8:45 PM.  There is too much other stuff going on for Committee members to stop what they are doing and sound a horn.  Set the alarm on your watch if you have personal issues with time.  Otherwise, you know the deal.  Set up early and bring in quickly.  Captains who have handed in unsigned rosters must now get them signed.  SIGNED rosters were due in week three (6/26).  Most of the teams have complied but a few have not.  Please get that taken care of.  Because of Hurricane Sandy and our late start this season this item has been put on the back burner by the league but it needs to be completed ASAP.

           

All six people on your RBVL Committee are willing to help you with any problems that come up; just take care of matters in a respectful manner.  For new players, the RBVL Committee is made up of President Patty Moule (The Stanii), Steve Gifford (Connolly’s), Denise Brunner (Sun Cycle Island), John Sica (Blackwater Water Boarders) and Rocky and Joe Abbracciamento (Casino Auto Body).  You can find them every week, playing ball on the beach.  They are always available to help out on any matters and answer your questions but especially:  Steve and Rocky for equipment issues, Denise and Joe for referee items, John, Rocky and Joe for articles for the Wave, Denise and Patty for uniforms and schedules.  As always, if you have any questions before then 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!