The Morning Ball Tribune Review

Kyle Plays the Piano Better than He Plays Basketball

2009-05-11T08:14:00.004-04:00

I caught Kyle playing the piano right before he fouled "middle c". I also heard from his dad that he wimped out this morning and elected NOT to get out of bed. That's too bad for him, because not only is he going to have to sweep the floor twice on Wednesday, but he's also going to have to practice the piano for an extra 10 minutes PER Vice-Commissioner Lister.

Kyle Dribbled behind the back (with no turnover!!!)

2009-04-27T12:52:00.002-04:00

Beef lost his first two games this morning....interesting coincidence that Jay wasn't on his team.
Beef was 5/5 from three point land those two games, but seemed "fluky".
Kyle dribbled behind his back effectively and there was no turnover. Much discussion was had about it.
Robert was caught grinning at many a Beef comment, as well as some light taunting.
Shaun was back to a normal sweaty T-Shirt, and actually was sweatier than me today.
Attendance was back to a respectable 12 or 13 .
Timmy was 100% unguardable.
Byers pulled a "That's off" on a 3 and it went in anyway.
Joe ended up on the floor again, and I was not even near him.
Joe also told me that he was introduced to the term "porcelain pony" at Morning Ball.
Beef also seemed to be screaming a lot when Kyle got the ball, and Kyle would miss the shot, but seemed to enjoy it.
There was some Kyle/Beef horseplay with Kyle hiding Beef's dark shirt, so Beef would have to be on his team. Not sure if that's because Kyle has grown fond of Beef or if he was just scared of being fouled so hard.
The Giggle Shot was referenced, but never duplicated.
Cheese flowed

Dave Day

2009-04-24T08:40:00.003-04:00

Let's get the formalities out the way first.

Kyle made his 2nd career three pointer according to Beef.
Joe fell to the floor in an awkward fashion a few times.
The "kids" are coming out of the woodwork again.
Beef has been bragging lately about winning, but I don't think he's ever been on a winning streak when Jay hasn't been on his team. Draw your own conclusions from that. WOOF WOOF.
Kentucky Jeff guarded Shaun with the heart of a champion.
Shaun had a new reversible Jersey on in order to save laundry/show off his muscles, but it made for a sweatier morning.
There were 17 today....I don't understand why they are coming out of the woordwork now, but I guess it runs in cycles.
The High School rule will have to be strictly enforced this summer. Half Court is for wimps and we must not resort to that.

Here is an action shot of Dave with the Cougar in the background. Dave was sad that I had not updated the blog in a while, so today is officially "Dave Day". Please pay a moment of silence for "Dave Day".

Easter Report (Visitors + Special Shoes)

2009-04-10T10:18:00.004-04:00

Wow, today was a pretty good morning. First let's discuss the highlights. Then we'll get to the pictures.

In no particular order of importance:

1. Beef was friskier than normal today. No Rigor Mortise was detected. Joe drained a 3 in his face with ease.
2. Kentucky Jeff brought his son who ate Starburst and Root Beer for Breakfast. Kentucky Jeff claims that Michael Jordan also ate that for breakfast. Kentucky Jeff then allowed me to photograph his customized shoes.
3. Tony was there, but pretty quiet and a non-factor. He wasn't draining 35 foot three's today.
4. No Garbo.
5. I'm sick of Ben's scoop shot. I wish he would just stick to the threes.
6. Shaun's shoulder (titanium) was jarred loose, and he had to miss a few minutes.
7. Dave jumps high.
8. Chris has got to have the most steals of anyone in the 20+ years of morning ball history in 3 months. He's 8.5 times quicker than Beef.
9. We started a game after 7:00am today and there were no career ending injuries.
10. We had a guest this morning, Jimmy Van Dyck, brother of Andy. He played pretty decently, but I'm not sure that says anything for him or for how bad everyone else is.
11. Joe yelled glass and then the ball rolled out. I was secretly pleased.

Below is a picture of our distinguished guest and then a picture of Kentucky Jeff's shoe. Enjoy. WOOF WOOF.

Return to Glory?

Lust of the flesh?

Nose Burn

2009-03-25T15:21:00.001-04:00

The glasses came off, but the lenses stayed in.

Joe - 2nd ballot hall of famer for one game

2009-03-16T09:08:00.003-04:00

Somehow Joe scored the first 12 points for his team during a game. Then, he briefly got cold, but rallied to score the winning shot, scoring 14 points for his team. Beef was ready to induct him into the Morning Ball Hall of Fame based on one game, but after he briefly went cold it was decided he was an automatic 2nd ballot Hall of Famer. No offense to Joe, but 14 points is amazing....

My shirt was extra sweaty this morning before I changed it out of respect to Garbo. Anyone that had the honor of brushing up against it should bottle the moisture and sell it on Ebay one day.

Thanks for all you no shows for coming today. We barely scraped by with 10 again.

I did see a brief glimpse of Beef loving Kyle today...as he defended him when Doc wanted to kick him out. It almost brought a tear to my eye.

Kyle

2009-03-11T07:39:00.000-04:00

Ode to Kyle by Author Unknown

Kyle Fouls
Kyle Runs
Kyle Fouls
Kyle Smiles
Kyle makes a noise after a rebound
Kyle Fouls.

Got Some Good Video

2009-02-20T09:28:00.003-05:00

First let's post the highlights of the day:

1. Tony showed up with his hat on backwards and golden chain.
2. Dave showed up at 6:40 and only got to play one game.
3. Beef was on my team, so travelling calls were a minimum.
4. I made Ben's hand bleed 2 times this week.'
5. Mark made it out. It was good to have another "big guy" out there, but now I might have to JUMP.
6. Tim is going to get tasered today and pepper sprayed next week. I think he will enjoy it though.

And now for the good stuff. Check out these videos of this morning's ACTION:

Morning Ball Videos

My favorites are:

1. Beef Lounging while on the phone
2. Close up of Sweet Tea
3. Shaun making a layup.

I won't be there until next Friday, so I need you guys to carry the torch next week. 10-4.

False Travelling Calls Leadeth To Destruction

2009-02-06T09:41:00.002-05:00

Announcement:

Kyle has a basketball game at Community on Tuesday Evening, February 24^th, and he would like to invite all his Morning Ball friends except for Beef to come and cheer him on.

Commentary:

Before we get into the discussion on “Travelling”, I’m curious what happened to the “regulars” and the random weirdo-s that had been showing up lately? All of a sudden we can’t get 10 people to show up. Last week we had 18 every day not including “the kids”.

Beef arrived this morning with no dark shirt and no contacts in. That’s an F in Preparation. He had to be sent home to put his contacts in and retrieve a dark shirt.

The weight lifting has reached new heights that I never thought I would see. Before and between games there is intense sweating and hissing as iron is being pumped. I need to get some audio/video because mere words cannot do it justice. I even think I saw someone inject ______ with some ‘Roids, but that could have just been sweet tea in an IV.

OK, the travelling calls have gotten way out of hand. Today I caught the ball took ONE step and Beef (with Garbo’s backing) claimed it was a travel. For the record Jay agreed that it was NOT a travel and we know that he always trumps Beef. What I did was no different than establishing a pivot and moving one foot forward and keeping the pivot stationary. I never moved BOTH feet after I received the ball. Beef is FLAT OUT wrong on this and I demand a full apology before the church on Wednesday Night.

I have posted the full rules for travelling below for a handy reference.

The Concept: Traveling is progressing in any direction with the ball while moving one or both feet in one direction while holding the ball, that's means when the player who receives the ball while he is progressing or upon completion of a dribble, exceeds in the use of a two-count rhythm in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball: which is in excess of prescribed limits as noted in Rule 4 - Section VIII and Rule 10 - Section XIV.

The Rule: The traveling rule - and the related statistics formulas - has not changed. What has changed is the common use of the jump stop as an offensive move. Officials and coaches are having difficulty determining the difference between a legal and illegal move. The key to making this determination properly is first finding the pivot foot. Then, if the player moves a foot or the feet in any direction in excess of prescribed limits while holding the ball, a traveling violation has occurred. The limits follow:

1. A player who catches the ball with both feet on the floor may pivot, using either foot. When one foot is lifted, the other is the pivot foot.

2. A player who catches the ball while moving or dribbling may stop and establish a pivot foot as follows:

a. If both feet are off the floor and the player lands;

(1) Simultaneously on both feet, either foot may be the pivot.

(2) On one foot followed by the other, the first foot to touch is the pivot.

(3) On one foot, the player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both. Neither foot can be a pivot in this case.

b. If one foot is on the floor;

(1) It is the pivot when the other foot touches in a step.

(2) The player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both. Neither foot can be a pivot in this case.

3. After coming to a stop and establishing a pivot foot:

a. The pivot foot may be lifted, but not returned to the floor, before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal;

b. If the player jumps, neither foot may be returned to the floor before the ball is released on a pass or attempt for goal;

c. The pivot foot may not be lifted, before the ball is released, to start a dribble.

4. After coming to a stop when neither foot can be a pivot:

a. One or both feet may be lifted, but may not be returned to the floor, before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal;

b. Neither foot may be lifted, before the ball is released, to start a dribble.

The traveling rule is one of the most misunderstood in basketball. One of the basic tenets is that a player cannot travel unless that player is holding a live ball. A bobble or fumble is not "control" of the ball, therefore, it cannot be a traveling violation. If you immediately identify the pivot foot when a player receives the ball, you're well on your way to judging traveling correctly.

The FIBA (International) and NCAA rules are now for all intents and purposes identical. FYI, the NBA rule is somewhat less restrictive, and is identical to the pre-1994 FIBA rule. But for convenience's sake, here's a brief explanation:

The rules do not speak about the "number of steps" allowed; traveling is illegal movement of the pivot foot. Once you have established your pivot foot, there are limits on what you may do if you wish to move that pivot foot. They differ depending on if you dribble, shoot, or pass.

Briefly, when starting a dribble, you must release the ball before lifting your pivot foot. If you are passing or shooting, you need only pass or shoot before the pivot foot returns to the floor. In the classic lay-up, you actually receive the ball with both feet in the air (however briefly), take two steps and release the ball. This is how the traveling rule judges that motion:

- player gathers the ball with both feet in the air; no pivot

- left foot touches down; left foot is pivot foot

- right foot touches down

- left foot is lifted; player may no longer start a dribble

- player releases ball on a shot or pass; legal play

The traveling rule, and it's statistics interpretation, says you have to be holding the ball to travel= you must have control. You not only give up personal control but team control as well when you make a legitimate attempt for goal (no matter how poorly executed). So it can't be a travel nor a turnover, consequently. And in fact, since you gave up control of the ball, if you recover it, it is just like any other rebound= you can shoot, pass, or dribble.

Kids or No Kids that is the question.

2009-01-14T09:53:00.005-05:00

Monday we had lots of kids and 17. Today we only had 11 with Mark leaving early only 10 for most of the morning. We did beat Jay's team about 5 games in a row so that was refreshing. Beef hit the game winner on the first game and then lost after that. Kyle might have been the key to victory. Beef gave Kyle a mini tongue lashing for chuckling when Beef swatted his own rebound out of bounds. Shaun is out due to injuries the rest of the week. So, for Friday the big question is: Are the kids coming? Will we have 10 or 19?

For the record Beef did intentionally kick that ball out of bounds but then denied it. To his credit though there was sweat on his shirt today.

Unrelated, but check out this beautiful picture of Timmy pumping Iron. I wish I had this on video because the picture doesn't capture the powerful "HISSING" noise between reps.

Also, I expect some comments today on the blog. We need some ACTION.

Peace Out Woof Cookies.

New Year's Resolutions or Not?

2009-01-05T11:16:00.001-05:00

Attendance was at 16. We had 2 kids including Kyle. No New Year’s Resolutions that I could see. Last year we had a couple of “coffee drinkers” that I didn’t think would make it more than 3 weeks, but to their credit they lasted a couple of months at least. Glad to see Robert back, but I didn’t foul him very much today so he was relatively quiet. I think he was focusing on his New Year’s Resolution of beating Jay for one game.

Timmy was unconscious even with Kentucky Jeff bodying him “tough”. We’ve got to put a 6 footer on him so he can’t fade away. Also, Timmy accused Kyle of weighing only 120 lbs, and Kyle corrected that he weighs 150 lbs. Still a lightweight compared to our “Beefy” standards. No Offense Beef. Jay asked Timmy why he faded from a 120 pounder and there was some minor snickering at that comment.

Beef had a couple of shots in a row that only touched the twine, but they weren’t swishes if you know what I mean. He left the gym mumbling something about “Old Gray Mare ain’t what she used to…” or something like that.

I think we can officially call 2008 as the year that Tony aka T-Bone has dropped out and become just another hick from Kentucky that digs ponds in his spare time and doesn’t play ball. I guess it was inevitable that his “tanning” lifestyle would now take precedence. Oh well. He’ll sorely miss the Doc Pop.

The IR – Andy landed on Kyle’s ankle this morning and I blame Kyle for this. He always seems to attract injuries somehow. I think Mark is the same way. They need to trim their fingernails on a family outing.

Shaun had several opportunities to use the slam hook this morning but chose not to. I’m suspicious that he’s waiting to unveil a new more powerful version for 2009, but we’ll have to see about that.

Peace out. VC Lister

P.S. If your name has pink font next to it you're a "wimp".

If you make a commitment....

2008-12-26T11:56:00.001-05:00

SHOW UP. Yes, I'm calling out you, TIMMY AND BYERS.

Morning Ball Breakfast @ Chick-Fil-A

2008-12-22T09:44:00.004-05:00

There were accusations the floor was not swept. I and Garbo swept the floor and we are not responsible for the poor quality of the floor. You guys should tithe more.
Lots of chicken talk today. The last game around 6:40 I really just wanted to end so I could go get my chicken. I was playing no defense and rooting for the other team to put us out of our misery. Jay finally finished us off with a 3.
Darryl was dazed and confused as to whether he should take a shower or not, so he was just shooting free throws at the end while everyone else was leaving.
Jay came in to Chick-Fil-A wearing a tie.
Phil was there, but claims he can't make it on Wednesday.
Tony, Kentucky Jeff, Robert, Slash, and Coast were NO SHOWS. Typical.
Garbo inspired me to get a $20 gift card because you get a free calendar with it.
Shaun made a three this morning and had a slam hook that didn't go in because he was fouled.
Kyle ate 3 sandwiches and some cinnamon rolls.
We are playing the rest of this week, but will not be playing the week after Christmas.
I think there was only one broken bone this year.
Timmy wanted us to play Play Station all day and intimidated the Chick-Fil-A workers with his hat on backwards.
The Chick-Fil-A Sauce is nothing to be messed with. This is not Honey Mustard PHIL. This is beautiful sauce that cannot be purchased or obtained anywhere else. It is very lush. If you don't believe me check out the history of the sauce: Special Sauce Newspaper writeup

Some Nice Pictures of the breakfast below.....(Shaun's head is prominent in one of them, sorry)

Kentucky Jeff has a cold

2008-12-17T08:59:00.002-05:00

Kentucky Jeff has a cold. He has not sneezed on Roast Beef.
Timmy changed shirts half way through. The first one was too restricting.
Tony was MIA again!
Young Phil hasn't been in about 2 weeks and I fear he can't run the court anymore.
Garbo is golfing today.
I did not foul anyone hard today.
I made a three point shot today.
I missed three three point shots today.
We only had 10 (11 for part of the morning).
Beef was not present.
The floor needed swept, but no one "stepped up".
Byers was running like a Cheetah.

Controversy, Injuries, Robert Shots, Oh my

2008-12-08T07:47:00.003-05:00

There were many things going on this morning...so many that I suppose all the words in this blog could not ever contain.

I'll try to recap. If I miss anything critical feel free to email me and I'll update.

1. KIDS: Tons of "kids" this morning had us at 19 people. Also, had a few "old regulars" like Coast and T-Bone show up.

2. FULL COURT vs. HALF COURT: I had to "fight" for the 2nd game to be full court. For some reason Jay and now Beef want to cater to the "kids" and play half court. This seems to go against everything Beef has preached about in the past. I think he's entering Grandpa mode or something and wants to be nice to "kids". I think that if we cater to them and play half court it will just encourage them to keep coming back. If we bench them if there are more than 15 then they will self-regulate. So we ended up playing 2 half court games and then went back to full court. Beef did say I was in charge though, so I'm writing that in my secret journal.

3. INJURY: After 7:00am injury - We had a bad ankle sprain after 7am. We all know what happens when we play after 7.

4. LAST GAME: The last game we played was so bad that we set a time limit for 7:15 and the "next point wins" and the other team actually started stalling at 7:13 for 2 minutes because they were behind.

5. TONY: He looked like a "HIP HOP" artist with a Purdue hat on backwards. I'm surprised he came though because normally he only comes when it's above 30 degrees.

6. ROBERT SHOT: Beef and Robert want to rename the Robert shot after me. I think it was just a fluke morning of bad shots bouncing around and falling. It did feel good to have the Robert Power for one morning though.

Indiana Morning Ball vs. Iowa Evening Ball

2008-11-14T14:51:00.003-05:00

The Challenge is ON. From Beef (Commissioner of Indiana Morning Ball) to High Glass (Wannabe Commissioner of Iowa Evening Ball):

Hey Dan. Maybe we can organize a game with your new group. Indiana vs Iowa. I have little doubt, even with you shooting the "left fading high glass banker" for them, that, with the help of Kentucky Jeff keeping score and Tony shooting the yellow liner and Drew shooting the left handed hip spinner, we would come out on the victorious end. That is if Jay plays.

Hot Boy!

2008-10-31T08:56:00.002-04:00

Here is a picture of young Phil, complete with boy band hair and head band. It was hard to get this candid picture because they are pretty shy in the wild (unless it's a player control foul) and usually run from the camera with boxers partially showing.

What cut of BEEF are you?

2008-10-15T10:06:00.004-04:00

Personally, I think I'm the Tenderloin, because my thumb is so sensitive to contact. Beef would definitely be either the Round or the Shank, probably the Round based on the number of Porcelain Pony incidents we've heard of. I think young Phil would be the Chuck because he likes to close his eyes and "ram" people with this head and neck. Shaun would be the Plate because that sounds tough. Tony would be Short Loin because it looks the tannest.

The Old Guard Reassembled

2008-10-08T07:43:00.002-04:00

Wow, what a banner day it was today. We had Coast, Shaun, and T-Bone there today. There were no 90 mph passes or glasses knocked off, but for a short amount of time everything just seemed right with the world with the old cast of players assembled. Until I realized that "High Glass" wasn't around. Oh how sad, I'm sure he's ministering to his "Flock".

Anyway, I kept hearing Coast's ankle snap in my head, but fortunately he made it through the morning with no injuries.

Tony had some sweet tea nectar in his sippy cup.

I think young Phil needs a haircut soon, he's starting to resemble a member of a boy band or something.

Beef was absent, but I'm hoping for some email banter from him.

I did release a few "Woofs" for Shaun's amusement.

Until we blog again.

Garbo Day + Surprise Visit

2008-06-27T08:20:00.000-04:00

In Tony Dale's own ALL CAPS EMAIL:

PROPS FOR PAUL BREAKING HIS OWN 3 POINT SHOOTING PRECENTAGE. 3 IN ONE A GAME.AWESOME!!!

DREW AS USUAL GETS TIRED TOWARD THE END AND SHOOTS MORE SO HE DOESN’T HAVE TO RUN DOWN BECAUSE HE KNOW JAY WILL BE DOWN THERE HE WILL.

KRACKER IS OUR BIG TIME HUSTLER OF THE DAY!!!

GUESS WHO THE WORST DEFENSIVE PLAYER WAS TODAY AND SURPRISINGLY IT WASN’T DREW?

CONTROVERSY CALL ON PAUL WHEN THE SCORE IS 18-17 OUR LEAD AND WE LOSE BECAUSE OF NO HANDS ON THE BALL TRAVELING CALLED. PAUL DID I SAY THAT RIGHT?

OTHERWISE A AWESOME A VERY COMPETITIVE DAY!!!

MY SONIC COUNTDOWN IS 6 DAYS AWAY!!! ROBERT KNOWS WHERE I WILL BE TO

Shaun's Rehab/Workout Regiment

2008-05-23T08:58:00.000-04:00

While the details of my grueling yet dramatic return to Morningball glory will be forever cloaked in secrecy, I will tell you that I am now bench pressing 4 pounds at 30 reps! I will ask today if the Kentuckiana SWEAT tea/ ohio river sea salt mixture is toxic or not. If so, I will begin a regimen of meditation on Ky. Jeff's Ball, SWEAT tea soaks, and yellow is white chants, all while quietly humming Dan C's new song.

Young Bucks @ Morning Ball Ballad

2008-05-16T12:20:00.001-04:00

Attributed to "Coast", Declared Blog Worth by "High Glass", RIP.

Young man, there's no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.

I said, young man, 'cause you're in the CBC gym

There's no need to be unhappy with the Cougar on the wall.

Young man, there's a place you can go.
I said, young man, when you're short on your shot.
You can hit a runner, and I'm sure you will find
Many high fives from your Morning ball buds.

It's fun to play at the Y-M-C-A. I mean

It's fun to play at the C-B-C-G.

They have everything that you need to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the Morning Ball guys ...

It's fun to play at the C-B-C-G.

Starting Early Is Rewarding (and stuff)

2008-04-23T10:07:00.001-04:00

This morning we had 9 people (10 if you count Jay twice) agree to come at 5:10am so we could start early and get a jump on the crowd that had been arriving at 5:45am. Surprisingly, everyone who committed was actually there. Even Slash & Ben. It's amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it.

Shaun, we expected you to be there at 4:45am for a show of moral support. Maybe Friday. I'm sure you have nothing better to do.

Tony claims he was the first one in the parking lot. He didn't have time for sweet tea this morning.

We have an emerging talent as the youngest Frushour scored 8 points in one game and single-handedly willed his team to victory.

At the end of the morning Tony Dale's hallowed Purdue Jersey was left behind so I decided to put it on and soil it a little bit. Here are the before pictures of the jersey before I decided to wear it as a Fred Flintstone type loin cloth all day. I hope that just by wearing it I'll get tanner and have golden chains upon my neck and be called Blessed.

SEE EVERY ONE AT 5:10AM ON FRIDAY.

Good Bye High Glass!

2008-03-17T13:39:00.005-04:00

Dan -- Pretend that "Friends Are Friends Forever" is playing in the background as you read this poem:

A Morningball Farewell
~Author Unknown

Saying goodbye
Was the hardest thing to do
I never thought I would
Especially not to you.

You always fouled my thumb
And knew what to say
Knew when to use the glass
When I was having a bad day.

No one will ever take your place
I can always promise you this
It’s hard to find someone like you
So know you’ll always be missed

_______________________________________________________

As I wipe the tears away from my eyes...here are a few pictures from High Glass Dan's last morning.

RIP HighGlass Dan

"Yellow is White"

Morning Ball (1998 - 2008 )

P.S. -- I can seriously see a trip to Iowa...Summer of '09....so get your flock ready. We'll alternate between Bible Quizzing and Basketball for 3 days straight.

The Two Best Floor Sweepers North of the Mason Dixon Line

Arms Crossed shows disrespect

Sorry - Slightly Blurry, Whose Finger?

Notice the Gray Haired Old Man in the back row

Dan Jordan Memorial Poster

2008-02-21T11:28:00.003-05:00

I found this on Ebay...and thought everyone should see it. it's a rare High Glass Poster, in Mint Condition.