Peace Corps Mauritania - West African Invitational Softball Tournament

Game 1: RIM Invaders vs. The French. The French took an early run at the top of the first inning as volunteers spent their time at defense deciding where to field their beer. Neverless, RIM I. responded with a run to tie up the game in the bottom of the first. Defense tightened up on both teams and only The French managed to score a run until the end of the final inning when Tom F. came flying home on an RBI. Both teams performed weakly and this was highlighted by a dash to first base by Liz after a soft bunt. Liz stumbled and fell halfway to base and some thought she was attempting to slide a little too early. Seconds passed yet she managed to pick herself up with Meagan's help and made it safely after the pitcher fumbled around with the ball thinking Liz was already at first. The first match-up ended tied at two. Despite hopes in our team that we might do well in the tournament, this was to be the Invaders most solid performance. Unfortunately the first game was practice and didn't count.

Game 2: RIM Invaders vs. Dakar Academy. "Ah we gotta beat these guys, it's a bunch of high school girls," said one team member as indeed high-school aged girls took the field against the volunteers. The final score was 9 to 1. The high school girls were victorious. "What happened?" asked Barton who caused the outfield to back way up with his intimidating size. This was team RIM Invaders' second consecutive game and by now the alcohol had begun to affect the volunteers. Barton struck out and Matt C. kept losing his mitt. Paul got into a heated debate with an umpire over a contested out at first and threw down the batting line-up. Only Racey B. managed to score on an RBI with Anton J. The defeated team on the ride back from the French field was demoralized, but not thwarted from celebrating with a drink or two, and a row of shots. Paul summed it up by saying, "this game was so not fair, they weren't even drunk!"

Game 3: RIM Invaders vs. The Gambia G-Spots. This game came against another team of volunteers at eight the next morning after a night of partying. Regulations demanded that at least eight players show up from each team or else be forced to forfeit, unless the other team also does not have enough players in which case the winner is the team with the most players. With two groggy and hung-over team members arriving with only a few minutes to spare, RIM Invaders won their only game at 6 team members present to 5 team members present. Jean-Christophe said he did his part by keeping two of the opposing team members from showing up to the game. Both were female.

Game 4: RIM Invaders vs. Dakar Academy. To the shock of the Mauritanian team, the high school girls lost their game in the morning and were pushed down to the losers bracket to face Mauritania again. "That's so not right," said Racey, "we already lost to this team, we shouldn't have to play them again." This time they would be facing the Dakar Academy at an even greater disadvantage as the main strength of the Invaders were still asleep. The score was 7 nothing when Mauritania started to Rally back in a great inning. The bases were loaded with Tom F. on third, Liz K. on second and Anton J. on first. It was Racey at the bat. She let the first pitch go by without even a twitch. Then she let the seocnd go by while the crowd started jeering. Then that calculating eye of hers fixed on the pitcher, wating. To make a long story short, two more pitches went by and she was walked to first as Tom went home. Jason K. brought Anton home on a grounder while Racey was forced out at third. The score was 7-3 and hope returned. Unfortunately the final score would be 14-3 as the RIM Invaders scored their final run of the tournament, and played in their final game. Defensive MVP went to pitcher Liz K. for her many strikeouts. With a cigarette in hand and a beer next to the pitcher's mound, Liz was remarkable!

This year Peace Corps Mauritania had 16 fine-tuned athletes competing in the annual West African Invitational Softball Tournament (WAIST). We played the top teams of West Africa, including international super teams such as Japan and the defending world champions, The Baobob Babes. The tournament was held in Dakar, Senegal February 16-19, 2002.

We had five games, winning two and losing three. But our record was not a fair representation of our outstanding performance. We had Shoe-Less Joe Jackson on 1st, scooping up balls and never letting a drop of beer ruin the nice green grass. We had an amazing outfield that caught all the pop flies while simultaneously hosting pizza parties on occasion. And that was just our defense. We had speedy Arney rounding the bases and even the old lady scored. Despite our heavy hitters being a little light headed our offense still made a good showing, racking up points and beers.

Liz did a fabulous job on the mound. Even though she was injured early on by her own teammate, her flawless right-arm struck out batter after batter. During the course of the tournament we had several other injuries that occurred from sliding into base, diving for the ball, and falling out of the bar. However, Coach Julie kept our heads up by keeping everything together and motivating us to round those bases.

The great American game was well played, as Japan took home the trophy. C’est grave. They held their flag up high as our hearts fell to the ground. But all was not lost as we won some honorable mentions. Peace Corps Mauritania was hands down the best dressed, sporting our green and yellow “RIM Invaders” designer jerseys.

We are also proud to say we won the “buy the most beverage coupon” award, with Grant as our MVP. For our list of Social/post-game awards see the upcoming Tea Times. And yes, the RIM Invaders did make it to the Hall of Fame. Our jersey is being placed at a bar in Rome, by our Danish guest player, who finally learned to run to first after hitting the ball.

We have already been invited back for next year’s tournament. So get practicing out in your regions, and let’s play some ball.

Take us out of Mauritania
Take us down to Dakar
Buy us some Gazelles and ice cream cones
We don’t care if we ever come home.
So let’s root, root, root for the Invaders
For if we don’t win it’s a shame.
For it’s one, two, three beers we’re out!
At the old ball game.

West African Invitational Softball Tournament

30th Annual WAIST -- 2003

WAIST 2002