I think this is a perfect introduction to my “voice” as coach of the Red-Legged Superbas, or simply “Superbas” for short.

There was very often too much going on during the games for me to react sufficiently, or appropriately, and it wasn’t until afterward — the following day sitting at my computer — that I was able to digest what had occurred, and figure out how to address the team.

We were not a good team, and that fact began to wear mightily on me. During one game in the first season, I took out my frustration unfortunately on the rest of the players, some of whom didn’t deserve it. The following day, June 15, 2006, I sent an email to the team.

I prefaced the email first with another email — the subject, “Upcoming: A message from the coach.” — giving players advanced warning of the important words to follow. “Approximate run time: 10 minutes.”

Team-

First of all, I would like to briefly apologize if I was abrasive or overly aggressive during last night’s game. There is no excuse; however, I see great things for this team (actually, I don’t), and my style may be too harsh. I had a great time last night — I went 3 for 4, hit 2 doubles and scored 3 runs — and I play more effective when I am “in-your-face.” However, that may not be the case for everyone on the team and I realize that. On a related matter, I would like to win these games, and have fun, and if you would rather have fun, that is fine by me, the more beer the better, but then please do not be frustrated when we lose. (In my personal history, that is how it is. I have always had hard-leaning coaches, we always had fun, and we always won.)

I do believe we can all play harder, with more heart, and with a greater determination to become better ballplayers (i.e., learn the game, not make a mockery of it), win games and have fun as a result. It is possible. Remember team rule number 7: “Winning is more important than remaining friends.” (Maybe I take that rule too seriously.)

Alas, we are on a five-game losing streak. So it goes… [K.V.]

TEAM CAPTAINS

Now, let’s get down to business. As a means to streamline pregame activities and possible midweek practices, we will now have two captains.

The Captain of the West Side will be Brooks; the following will report to Brooks: Ted, Eric, Kevin, Jesús, Jason and Joe. The Captain of the East Side will be Andy; the following will report to Andy: Carlo, Bill, Jeff, Craig, Wright and Raphael.

The captains will report to me. I report to Jesus of Nazareth.

The responsibilities of the captains will be to run pre-game activities (soft-toss, getting arms warmed, and stretching for the older folks), being liaisons with the umps before and during the games, ensuring that base coaches are present at all times, gathering emotional support on the field and in the dugout, scheduling any mid-week practices, and assisting the coach with the lineup before and during the game (but never after).

And God saw that it was good.

KEG FUND

Wright struck out yesterday, raising money for a great charity event: the Strikeout for Beer Keg Fundraiser. For every strikeout a player records, he will donate $20 to the fund. Because of Wright’s generosity, we now have $120 in the fund, well on our way to a keg of fine beer and meat to grill. Let us all be more philanthropic in the future.

JEFF

Lastly, Jeff is a moron (although he surely can hit the ball). He wasn’t born a moron, he isn’t always a moron, but last night, he was indeed a moron (and you can substitute “a$$hole” for “moron”). He owes the team a half-dozen softballs as a result of his home-run derby showcase with the short left-field fence; what was it, 120 feet? (Jeff: these softballs are available at several locations throughout the bay area, including your hometown of Concord. Please contact Vice President of Operations, Joe, if you have questions.)

Well, that being said, we only have four more games, and we are mathematically out of the playoff. Let’s try to finish the year on a high note.

And I promise to relax more if everyone plays better.

Later.