FH Surges Into The Championship Game

Softball is meant to be a game of sportsman–(and woman) ship. However, after weeks of smack talk, hype, anticipation, and tiresome excuses, Fleishman-Hillard was ready to slaughter Edelman in last week’s semifinal matchup. “Slaughter” may seem a bit strong of a description, but slaughter is nothing without laughter, the last of which went to FH in their 10-8 victory over Edelman last Thursday.

Coach Silvio Marcacci had a score to settle with the Edelman faithful, who engaged he and a number of his FH colleagues in a battle of verbal abuse across multiple social mediums in the days leading up to the game. He put all of their childish banter to rest though, when he hit his first out-of-the-park homerun ever during his first at-bat of the game. Starting the game in leftfield and closing out the final inning on the mound, Marcacci’s performance was flawless, going 3-for-3 with three runs, three RBIs, and two doubles on top of the homerun in the first.

Not to be outdone, Dave Whiting (1-for-3, one run, two RBIs) ripped a shot into centerfield, utilizing his speed to earn a two-run, inside-the-park homerun. If Marcacci’s homer was what set the tone for FH, and Whiting’s was the steady recital of things to come, then Jon Berke’s (3-for-3, two runs, five RBIs) demolition of the ball in the fourth was the salt in the wound. Fleishman was hoping to provide the distance of the three-run homerun for the record books, but unfortunately the ball has yet to land. On the bright side, some lucky astronaut will be receiving quite the souvenir.

For those looking to trade up in their fantasy league, don’t “pass over” Jason “The Flyin’-L’chaim” Hellmann (1-for-2, one run), whose stock continues to rise on the stat sheet and in the depth chart. Mahesh Subramanian turned in another solid game, going 1-for-2 and contributing solid outfield play, and Dave Forman chipped in his standard two-hit, airtight middle-infield defense effort.

Jason Werden and Laura DeSantis accounted for three runs between them, and Callie Baum, Lowen Baumgarten, Matt Navitsky, Andy Logan, and Rachelle Lacroix were all essential assets to Fleishman’s defensive stand. Realizing the importance of the game at hand, legendary FH Softball alumni Bill Garber prowled the sidelines, dispensing sagely advice and pep talks to his FH progeny. The FH fan club was well-represented by Cheryl Haas and Juliet Johnson, who tweeted the night away.

Edelman’s frustration was transparent. They chose the road less traveled in a league meant for clean play and camaraderie, as an Edelman player leveled Craig Paridy (P, six innings, 1-for-2) while he attempted to tag the runner out on a play at home plate. As both benches watched on, the runner lowered his shoulder and speared out his elbow, catching Paridy off guard right in the jaw. Fleishman was up in arms over the collision, but cooler heads prevailed, and FH let the scoreboard speak for itself.

With three outs to go in the top of the seventh and the bottom of their order due up, Edelman stepped up to the plate for one last-ditch effort to salvage their season. Two pop flies to centerfield and a bunt single brought up Edelman’s powerful leadoff hitter. Swinging on the second pitch, a screaming liner was hit into shallow left field, but lucky for FH, none other than David Wickenden was patrolling the gap. The Wizard lived up to his name by stabbing the liner and flipping the ball to DeSantis for the game-winning force out at second base. Marcacci exploded with excitement, and hoisted DeSantis in the air, as the Edelman batter fell to his knees en route to first base, and the FH squad charged into the infield to celebrate.

For one FHer, Thursday’s game was her last, as Ellen Black completed her internship. Black, best known for her incredible speed and tenacious spunk, returns to Vanderbilt University this week to begin training for the upcoming cross country season. FH bids her adieu and wishes her the best of luck.

Next up, we’re going to the ‘Ship; it is what we have played for all season long. The Championship Game is this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Meadowbrook Park in Rock Creek. Our opponent: an undefeated Ketchum squad looking to complete their perfect season, but FH is out to make certain this does not happen. Through a three-year championship drought, through two tough losses early in the season, through Mother Nature’s infinite rainouts, up to the six-game winning streak that has brought us to this point - we have not come this far to leave empty handed now.

It does not matter if you are an avid fan or a first time follower, now is the time to come see FH Softball in action. So turn back to the clock to silver spandex, gratuitous amounts of hairspray, and your favorite pair of zubaz pants, because it’s THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Now It Matters

Following two consecutive seasons of tough playoff losses, Fleishman-Hillard started their trek toward a league championship with a first-round win over an animated and energetic GMMB squad in a 17-7 victory on Thursday. The win propelled FH to the semi-finals of the playoffs where they will face sworn enemy, Edelman.

Lead-off hitter Jason “The Flyin’-L’chaim” Hellmann saved his best offensive game of the season for the playoffs with a 4-for-5 effort that included two doubles, two runs and an RBI single in the sixth. For his effort, Hellmann received the coveted award for Offensive Player of the Game. Needless to say, he was ecstatic.

Mahesh Subramanian played multiple positions in Thursday’s game – or at least it seemed so – as the right-centerfielder/leftfielder/shortstop/second baseman racked up a number of web gems that put Sportscenter’s Top Ten Plays to shame. Subramanian (3-for-4, 3 runs, 2 triples, 1 RBI) was named the Defensive Player of the Game, and it was all the commentators could talk about Thursday evening.

Jon Berke (3-for-5), Dave Forman (2-for-4), and Silvio Marcacci (3-for-5) continued to pad their stats, between them with seven extra base hits, eight runs, and nine RBIs. Amanda Schildt and Callie Baum both had great field presence with solid defense that anchored the right side of the diamond throughout the game. Jason Werden (4-for-5) scored a run and added two RBIs to his season total of 14, still three behind Marcacci’s team-leading total of 17.

Matt Navitsky and Lowen Baumgarten split time at DH, producing two runs and two RBIs, while Ellen Black and Laura DeSantis shared the vacancy behind home plate. DeSantis may have found her true calling not with a bat in-hand, but a BlackBerry, sending an astonishing 37 tweets to keep FH’s anxious fans in the know with an aggressive play-by-play.

The game’s MVP was not any FH player, however; it was the entire GMMB team. Not only did they display excellent defense throughout the game, swing the bats well all day, and enjoy the camaraderie of the atmosphere, but they joined their company kin out afterward for a drink (or twelve) and a few laughs. Cheers to GMMB, for being an absolute class act.

But now things get serious again. The second round of the playoffs hold a game some think is sheer destiny in the making, as FH will face arch-rivals Edelman, yet again. The saga that is FH v. Edelman is one as old as time, as bitter as unsweetened lemonade, and as tense as a blind date. The 5-and-4 firm defeated Porter Novelli in the quarterfinals to make it to this semifinal matchup versus the red hot Fleishman squad. This should be the fifth meeting of the year for these bitter rivals. I wonder why that is not so…

What you need to know to survive: The game is this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Rock Creek Park. Here’s a map. Now even those who claim they are not familiar with D.C. are out of excuses. Come support your colleagues for what proves to be an epic battle. Winner goes to the league championship; loser takes the long, bumpy road home. And I don’t know about you, but we’re enjoying this road trip and don’t feel like turning it around just yet. We’ll see you there this Thursday! GO FH!

Winnin' in The Rain

As the old adage says, “If you mess with fire, you’re going to get burned.” Thursday afternoon, FH found that the same goes for water.

Following an afternoon of tweeting the weather and hashtagging “reverse psychology” to psych out Mother Nature, the temptress of the temperature made us gargle our words. To say it rained would be an understatement; however, FH and their opponent GMMB remained steadfast (or is that stubborn?) to play through the monsoon. When the skies cleared, what lay over the rainbow was FH’s fourth consecutive win, 12-5 over GMMB – closing out the regular season with a 5-2 record, good enough to clinch first place in the West Division heading into the playoffs.

Summer intern Andy Logan made his softball debut as designated hitter, sharing the responsibility with Matt Navitsky, grabbing a RBI followed by a run in his first at-bat. In standard fashion, Jon Berke, Jason Hellmann, and Dave Whiting each contributed several RBIs themselves, and tacked on a couple of runs to the lead.

The conditions proved to have no affect on Silvio Marcacci, who had a triple in the first inning and home run in the fourth. In contrast, Jason Werden convincingly proved that he was no Mark Buehrle, pitching three innings before being sent the showers. Reliever Craig Paridy took over the pitcher’s mound in the fourth inning to complete the game, and helped his own cause with four hits, two runs, and two RBIs.

Mahesh Subramanian and Dave Forman split time in right field, and each contributed a hit and scored a run. Lowen Baumgarten, Ellen Black, and Amanda Schildt all made great defensive plays and contributed clutch hits. Callie Baum yet again demonstrated her ability to be a utility player with slick defense in right-center field and at first base, where she teamed up with second basewoman Jen Anderson for the ultimate one-two punch against GMMB.

So, FH finishes the regular season with yet another victory, peace of mind that no one was struck by lightning, and satisfaction that we finally triumphed over Mother Nature. Playoffs begin this week, when FH faces GMMB in an inter-Omnicom battle royal on Thursday, July 30. Nothing compares to playoff suspense, so if you’ve wanted to make a game all season, this week is your perfect chance to cheer on our loveable band of intramural athletes.

A Rivalry Renewed

May 7, May 28, July 2, and July 16.

What do these four dates have in common? Fleishman-Hillard’s bitter rival, Edelman. Following two rainouts and a scheduling conflict that led to cancelling a makeup game in early July, FH was out for blood. Both squads knew the result of the game would lead to major bragging rights in the District, as FHDC’s own Mary Lojacono, Bill Black, and Juliet Johnson stood in the gallery alongside Edelman’s Frank Kauffman.

However, there was nothing that Edelman could magically hide up their sleeves – not even arguments involving the league rulebook, which was broken out on more than one occasion – to avoid defeat as FH emerged victorious, 15-9.

FH established our defensive presence immediately, opening the game with three quick outs. Throughout the game play after play resulted in holding the Edelman bats at bay. At times, it didn’t even seem close, especially when FH lead 15-3 going into the seventh inning before Edelman staged a 6-run final rally before FH sealed their fourth win to jump into first place in the division.

FH’s defense proved airtight. Craig Paridy even played through injury after wounding his left hand during a play at first. The Award for Defensive Player of the Game, however, went to Callie Baum, who “refused to be pigeon-holed as an outfielder.” Baum certainly backed up the bold claim when she moved to first base for three innings, providing the game-ending play snagging a one-hopper for the third out in top of the seventh.

For as well as the defense played, the offense produced some of the best statistics of the season. Jason Werden (2-for-3) was possessed at the plate Thursday evening, patiently waiting for two pitches that resulted in a three-run triple and an inside-the-park grand slam. The first would have been a grand slam as well, but apparently you have to touch all the bases to score a run. Thankfully, Edelman had the rulebook in hand to make the controversial, yet correct call.

Dave Whiting provided the infield play of the night, lunging for line drive at short to get a critical out, and continued to produce offensively by going 2-for-3 with two runs, an RBI, and a triple. Jason Hellmann made a number of key plays in left field while also going 2-for-4 and scoring a run.

Rachelle Lacroix (2-for-2), Silvio Marcacci (3-for-3), Jon Berke (3-for-3), and Mahesh Subramanian (3-for-3) were all flawless at the plate, racking up seven of FH’s 15 runs. Lacroix was especially crafty with her ball-placement, allowing her to reach base in all three attempts. Berke smashed the ball for consecutive doubles and a single that could have easily been home runs if it were not for great fielding by Edelman. Stephanie Slobodian, Ellen Black, Stefanie Litman, Jen Anderson, and Laura DeSantis each had great defensive games and contributed clutch hits to contribute to the big win.

We know you must be thinking: “Man, I missed the last regular season game! How will I ever live with myself?” But, not to worry! The season has been extended by one week to make up for one this year’s six rainout games. And following this week’s game, playoffs are right around the corner.

So come out this Thursday for what is sure to be an enjoyable evening with our friends at GMMB for an evening of cross-company softball or follow all the action on Twitter @FHSoftball. Now is the perfect time to become the ultimate bandwagon fan!

Whiting for MVP?

It is a difficult task for any team to start a winning streak, let alone one with such little depth, a shortened season, playing a game on one day’s notice, and a missing mascot. But, our motley crew never took into account the factors stacked against them, and Fleishman-Hillard convincingly brought home their second win in a row, defeating Ogilvy on Monday night, 22-13, a particularly sweet victory for Jon Berke who was facing his former firm.

Co-Coach Dave Whiting was the star of the afternoon, going 5-for-5, scoring in all five at-bats, with three home runs. Even with the eight RBIs he brought home for FH in his MVP-caliber performance, the always-competitive Whiting still yearned for one more at-bat to grab a single and thus complete the cycle for the evening.

He certainly was the only player who noticed this “lack of achievement” as both squads sang his praises. Ogilvy did so in a less sincere manner, as the sore-losing opponent attempted to sour the cheerful atmosphere with their negative remarks toward the FH players. Nothing would bring down the FHers spirits, however, as each of Fleishman’s 22 hits later became a run. As co-coaches Whiting and Craig Paridy discussed following the game, “The best part about a win like that is that everyone contributed. You have to be happy with a game like that, it is so much more fun to win that way.”

Berke (4-for-5), Dave Forman (3-for-4), and Jason Werden (3-4) accounted for three runs apiece (for those who are counting, Whiting, Berke, Forman, and Werden collectively scored more than the entire Ogilvy team, and we’re not done yet!).

Paridy began the game on the mound, but strategically moved to first base after the first inning. Mattitude Navitsky got the call from the bullpen in the second inning, throwing a slew of “aggressive” yet effective pitches that the Ogilvy players could not wait to complain about. Along with a number of gold-glove caliber catches at first, Paridy went 4-for-4 with two runs and four RBIs. Navitsky went 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI, a respectable outing for any pitcher.

Two outfield performances stood out late in the game, holding the Ogilvy hitters at bay. Mahesh Subramanian and VOX’s Callie Baum made it look all too easy as they efficiently covered leftfield and right-centerfield, respectively. Even though both went 1-for-4, their sole hits each accounted for a run.

Stephanie Slobodian and Ellen Black held down the fort behind home plate while simultaneously padding their stats, as Slobodian earned an RBI and Black scored a run in the sixth. Amanda Schildt scored two runs off of two hits and an RBI.

Fleishman-Hillard’s next game is slotted for Thursday, July 2 versus Edelman as we head into the July 4 holiday. Come support your fellow FHers before heading out for your weekend plans as they go for their third consecutive win. The office is closed Friday – what better way to spend a summer afternoon? See you there and have a Happy Fourth of July!

Who & Knowlton?

April showers usually bring May flowers, but unfortunately those showers extended to plague June with miserable waterlogged weather and three consecutive rainouts. The sun gods finally shone down brightly on Fleishman-Hillard yesterday, however, and FH trounced H&K in a 16-3 romp that featured a number of fresh faces. The freshest face of all was the new team mascot, Mr. and Mrs. Coach’s most recent addition to the family, Frank the pug.

Summer interns Dave Forman, Ellen Black, Stefanie Litman, and Laura DeSantis provided spirit, tenacity and heavy bats all throughout the game. Black and Litman talked a big game all week leading up to Thursday’s game, while Forman and DeSantis took the more humble approach; all four proved to be true diamonds in the rough.

Forman kept his eyes open in left field for the first half of the game and was the ideal designated hitter in the final innings, going two for three at bat with three RBIs, two runs, and an inside the park homerun that sent the place into a frenzy. Black scored a run during her only at bat, splitting the catching duties with Amanda Schildt, while Litman and DeSantis dominated second base during their respective shifts. DeSantis also earned a run and brought one home between her two times at the plate.

FH also had two guest appearances from our extended family and friends. Callie Baum and Jen Anderson of VOX fame were great additions to the squad, between Baum’s 3-for-4 performance and Anderson’s RBI single in the fifth inning. Former intern Amanda Schildt was her usual rock-solid self, chipping in with two hits, sterling defense at catcher, and rides to the field.

Silvio Marcacci (2-for-4, 1 run, 2 RBIs) and Craig Paridy (4-for-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI) both produced big offensive numbers while also splitting time pitching a gem on the mound. Will Sullivan’s glove was a magnet for the ball at third base, as he made two acrobatic diving catches in a row in the third inning.

Jason Werden had a banner day, going 4-for-4 with three RBIs and one standout defensive tag-team play from right field with David Wickenden to throw out an advancing runner at second base in the fourth inning. Jon Berke, Mahesh Subramanian, Lowen Baumgarten, and Matt Navitsky (who kept up the newly formed tweeting tradition) had six hits and four runs between them.

After Thursday’s 32-hit showing, FH has adrenaline pumping and ice water flowing through their veins. The good weather and good fortune are here to stay, so come enjoy a night out with your fellow FHers as they take on arch-rival Edelman next Thursday, July 2.

Mother Nature to FH: Bring Galoshes

FH Softball was once again denied the opportunity to face off against arch-rival Edelman last night, as Mother Nature rained our team out for the third time this season. The disappointing and last-second turn of events came at of day that saw co-coach Craig Paridy accosted on the street by Edelman thuggery and a once-quiet inter agency rivalry spill into the Twittersphere.

Pre-game action was fast and furious, as our heroes valiantly made the trek up to Rock Creek Park, dodging raindrops, lightening, and park rangers all the way. Jason Hellmann pledged to play in the mud, if necessary. Coach Marcacci and Craig even engaged in a game of brinksmanship with the devious Edelman coaching staff, threatening a forfeit when their team balked at the prospect of playing in the rain. Alas, the titanic matchup was not to be, and threats of fines and league sanctions by the park rangers shut down the evening’s showdown.

While FH retired to the relative sanctity of a local restaurant/watering hole to talk strategy (aka drink cold beverages and enjoy the finest culinary offerings), reports floated in that Edelman stared danger in the face and didn’t blink once when they refused to leave the fields to continue batting practice. Clearly they take the FH rivalry very seriously.

So the showdown remains on the horizon for our squad, forced to remain unresolved until the July 16 game. Who know what hijinks will unfold before that day of destiny?

One thing is certain, however, FH will once again attempt to take the field this coming Thursday, June 4 against cross-town rivals Ketchum. Plan on more exciting action, adventures, and excitement from your beloved team, as always dutifully reported right here.