Volume 1 * Issue 2 * April 1999

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Softball Season is Almost Here

Area tournaments are starting, the grass is turning green and the Tradewind’s softball team is ready to take the field for 1999. Tag Team Sports is sponsoring a tournament in Ames, Ia the weekend of May 1st. Steve Soesbe is planning on using this tournament to debut his 1999 squad. The Tradewind’s tournament team only has a few practices under its belt which may make for an interesting first weekend. On the upside, TW returns 13 players from a year ago. Players know each other and have played together for a couple of seasons. This, coupled with a team that finally shows up in shape, could fuel a very successful 1999 season.

1998 Squirrels Jerked

Josh Finley

18

Barry Thomas

14

Herb Smith

10

Joe Tjaden

6

S.Slezak/ R.Thomas

5

Last Practice Shows Some Promise

On April 25, 1999, Soesbe arranged a multi-team practice that included members from the Tradewinds Tournament team, the Tradewind’s Underdogs and the Cyclone Classics. Sixteen players showed up to partake in the practice. Each player was given the opportunity to hit a bucket of balls and take some infield before an intrasquad game was played. Tim Simodynes and Lee Bendickson were chosen as captains. They divided the remaining players up and took to the field. Josh Finley and Will Tomms shined in the exhibition. Both players continued their hot hitting from a year ago. Tomms went 3 for 3 with two triples and a towering opposite field homer. Finley also hit well and looked very handsome on the basepaths. During the infield portion of practice, Joe Tjaden set out to prove that no matter how good of shape you’re in, you can still stink in the infield. Joe struggled at third base and was heard muttering "I wonder if Mark Feller is still around." While Joe’s confidence may be lacking a bit due to some off the field problems, his teammates don’t think he sucks that much.

Where Are They Now?

The following tournament players were missing in action from the last practice:

  1. Shawn Slezak: Supposedly at Cabelas. Some eyewitness accounts put him in Waterloo playing firstbase for Deery Bros.
  2. Randy Thomas: Told by his wife that he better stick around for the "block sale" or she would knock his "block" off.
  3. Marty Sprague: Nobody has seen or heard anything from this guy. Not sure if this old man will answer the bell or not.
  4. Chris Sprague: Told some people he would be at the state-bowling tournament. Really dedicated to the team I guess.
  5. Herb Smith: The "incredible hulk" of Tradewind’s softball reportedly was sighted at Gold’s Gym lifting with some celebrities.

If anyone has anymore information on these guys, please keep it to yourselves.

Tjaden Is Leaving

Joe Tjaden has been telling people that he will be leaving Iowa on August 1st of this year. Not that he cares that this will put his softball team in a bind. Joe evidently feels getting on with his life is more important than the only people that still care for him. One could understand Joe’s ambition to leave since he has no idea where he is gong, has no idea what he will do and really has no reason to go. Seems like Joe has really got his life on track. We all wish him luck.

Matt Pete Gets a Real Job

Nobody knows what his new job is but the rumor is that he got one. Talk through the grapevine is that he is now working in Des Moines and still living in Ames. This really creates quite a dilemma for Matt, as now he doesn’t know if he’s one of the Des Moines’ guys or not.

Tim Simodynes is Still really Quite

During the last three-hour practice Tim said approximately three words although only two were confirmed.

Soesbe Looking ‘agile and mobile’

Fifty three year old Steve Soesbe looked as youthful as ever at the April 25th practice. When asked how he was feeling, Steve just farted and walked away. This has to be taken as a positive sign for Tradewind’s softball.

Soesbe House Building is Put on Hold

Steve has learned that Connie’s house will not be available until June or July of this year. This is a change from the April/May date that had been originally slated. Watch future newsletters for details.

Watch for Details on Team Roster

Tim has volunteered to compile the information necessary to do a team roster. This would include some biographical information on each player. If you have no life, like Joe and Josh, you probably better starting thinking for stuff to write. Tim will set up a form to give to everyone.

Name the Player

Known to shave his hair in a bowl cut, this longtime Tradewinds player has yet to hit the practice field in 1999. Known to some as "the big bohemian", he hit .433 last season with 5 HRs and 33 RBIs. Can you name the player?

Want to Submit an Article?

Please do, on any subject so I don’t have to write so damn much.

 

 

 

 

Written By Barry M. Thomas

Edited By Barry M. Thomas

Printed By Barry M. Thomas

Modified By Barry M. Thomas

 

 

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