Tuesday P'ball and Annual Picnic - May 22, 2012

Beautiful Pickleball day. Another good crowd of players were on hand to romp around the courts and socialize at will. There were 20 players - more or less. This the list that the UPG Publications Conglomerate, Inc. came up with: Bob T, Bob H, Lynne, Anne, Sharon, Jan, Mike, Steve, Gary A, Gary, Walt, Bill S, Sandy F, Ray, Ralph, Johnny, Claude, John, Gene and Ron. The matches were fast and furious and we kept at it for almost 3 hours with the crowd dwindling as the time went flying by. Our new players are coming along just fine and most now mingle in matches with more experienced players. They all have their own paddles. Gary A has been hounding them, with considerable success, for a contribution toward our ball fund. - Ray had to quit early today with a bum foot. Unlike some of us, he has the good sense to stop playing when his body tells him to. - Where is Joe M you ask? He kind of disappeared a few weeks ago. The UPG Player Representative liaison consulted w/ Joe. During his last p'ball session he somehow stubbed his toes and managed to fracture two of them in the process. So, he'll be out of commission for a while. - Gene is heading to the Granite State for the next few months so we'll have to find someone else to pick on in his absence. Any ideas?

Below: Jan on the move.

Below: Bob T and Johnny both going for the ball. Who got it?

Below: From Top Left clockwise: Ralph, Bill S/Sandy F, part of the City of Greenville fleet, Lynne and Gene.

Before we broke up at about Noon, the entire parking lot was occupied by virtually every heavy truck owned by the City and mostly men in orange safety vests were milling around - some watching our matches, others had a beefy, pick-up basketball game in full swing and two men started a tennis match on court 5. Apparently the workers and family members (or, office staff) were having some sort of outing.

They seemed to be having a good time and probably well deserved. Good for them. We had a good time too. So, we are even.

Spike

May 18, 2012 - Friday P'ball report

Yon editor was roaming in the NC mountains, so Gary A was kind enough to provide the names of Friday's 16 players: Diana L (a new player; welcome to the UPG), Ray, Hank, Ralph, Johnny, Carol, Claude, Peter, Gene, Sandy F, Walt, Bob T, Mike, Jan, Steve and Gary A.

High-carbon

TuesdayBall - May 15, 2012

This photo is the first attempt at a grope group picture since the last one taken on October 12, 2010. The players very kindly stopped their matches and lined up as requested. It would appear, after a close examination that - tempting as it may have been - no one put up 'rabbit ears' behind anyone's head. The photo will liven up a bit if you click to enlarge it. We had 21 players on four courts and things went smoothly. Don and Hank, our most exuberant new players, both made running/lunging attempts at out-of-reach balls, but thankfully they did not take any divots out of themselves or the courts.

Players: (All included in the group photo above): Gary A, Bob H, Mike, Jan, Karen, Lynne, Sharon,  Bill S, Don, Sandy F, Dan L, Barbara L, Bob T, Johnny, Carol, Gene, Hank, Peter, Ray, Steve and Ron.

Goodies: Bob H brought a nice batch of brownies lovingly prepared by his darling wife Geri. As always, Hoppy brought a little table for the brownies, napkins and baggies so players could bring some of the treats home. The goodies were NOT extorted from Bob for leaving a folding chair on the court last week. The chair was absolutely NOT held for ransom as some people hurtfully implied. In the past, items left behind have been held for a FINDERS FEE, but in no way would that be considered a bribe.

Pickleball: Nothing unusual here. Many fine doubles matches and a good mix of players. Near the end of the session about 6 singles matches were also held. As everyone knows, there is a lot more running around in singles matches than in doubles. Here, you have to work on ball placement and strategy. Everyone should try playing singles - you may take a beating if you are out played, but you'll improve your skills if you don't wear yourself out first.

Also: We were paid a visit by two Greenville Rec staffers. As already mentioned, we had a full house so they got to see our group in full force.

See you on the courts.

Hammered Head (Not hammerhead!)

Arbor Day P'ball - Friday, April 27, 2012

There were some big plans for this Arbor Day p'balls session POST, but the staff got sluggish, then lazy and finally ran out of time - so this blog entry will be a much shortened version of what was originally intended to to be several pages of mindless drivel.

Friday was bright and warm; perfect weather for p'ball and the large turnout of 18 players. Here goes: Jan, Bob T, Mike, Gary, Gary A, Lynne, Hank, Craig, Sue, Gene, Carol, Johnny, Steve, Ray, 2-session-veteran Julie, newbie Judy and Sharon and Ron. That should be approximately 18?

Several salty UPGers worked with the newer players on one or two courts while the other hard-hitters beat up each other (and, themselves) on two of the the other 3 courts. As usual there were many exceptional matches including the one shown below where Gary A and Steve (foreground L-R) face off against Bob T and Mike (L-R). 



Below CW from Top L: Sharon (Cupcake to her friends), Lynne (Ace) and Gene (Pop).

Hot of the press: Gary A (Collector of Revenue, Ball Buyer and general all-around handy-man) reports that we UPGers are now the proud owners of 60 brand-new, yellow P'balls which will complement our currently-in-use, scuffed and somewhat abused 40 or so balls of many colors. So, we are back in business. See you on the courts.

Spike

Friday - March 30, 2012

Above: Carol (Lash) and Sharon (Cupcake) soaking up the only shade within strolling distance.

Well, we had a beautiful SC day and a large turnout of 17 as follows: Carol, Johnny, Peter, Gene, Gary, Gary A, Mike, Steve, Anne, Anne R, Jan, Sam, Hank, Joe, Ralph, Sharon and yon editor-in-chief. Two courts were designated for the 'saltier' players and 2 for the newer recruits. Veteran players worked with the newer players on the designated courts and some are coming around nicely and have moved into more challenging matches.

Hank, who has a new paddle, played 3 matches with the Green Monster (the backboard) and ended up winning 2 of 3. Joe and Sam have also ordered new paddles - perhaps others have as well. So, things are looking up.

The challenge is - to try to keep folks playing in competitive matches.  Some newer players catch on very quickly and can readily move into matches with stiffer competition. Other folks will take longer and some my not be able to advance beyond the beginner stage. No one should play - or, try to play beyond their capabilities. We want everyone to enjoy the sessions, but want no one to get hurt in the process.

Below: From top left clockwise: Steve (Stevie Wonder); Lash and Gary; Anne (Pit Bull or Duchess); Ralph.

Below: From top left clockwise: Johnny (Hoot) and Hank (with new Champion paddle); Gary (No Nick Name) and Carol; Steve and Jan; Ralph and Mike (Spidy).

Beginning Tuesday, April 3, 2012 we will start our sessions at 9:30AM (or, 0900 hours for you military types. Players can come whenever they please; no need to be there necessarily at 9 sharp, but it's a good idea to arrive before our normal quitting time - usually 2-1/2 to 3 hours after we begin. That's if players are still alive and kicking by then.

See you on the courts.

Ron (Spike)

Almost Spring - Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Warmish weather for this time of year, but that didn't stop a good crowd of  'regulars'  from showing up and at least six newbies who appeared from over the horizon. This Bloggist and Gary A arrived at noon to give a little clinic to two new players. Other prospects arrived during our regular 1:00PM session and were helped mightily by Gene and Johnny with plenty of assistance from the rest of the troops.

This time around we had all three bags of balls, plenty of tie downs and extra paddles including two woodies bought and brought by Gary A.

The system worked out well with the new players limited to 2 courts - while learning the ropes; otherwise, we kept 4 courts busy with plenty of exciting action. In some cases, new players were moved right into regular games while those just getting the hang of it were content to take instruction and play with their novice cohorts and at least one seasoned UPGer.

UPGers in action: Mike, Steve, Bob H, Johnny, Peter, Jan, Sharon, Gary A, Gene (prefers to be called Pop), John, Ray, Joanie and yon editor/bloggist/bullthrower.

Newbies: Anne R, Judy K, Sam G, Henry B, Jerry and Cyd C.  It's always nice to have new blood (a figurative term, of course - right Gary?) on the courts. We welcome you new players and hope you enjoy learning the game, improving your skills and mingling with your fellow p'ballers. After this blurb, you won't be saddled with the moniker 'Newbies' so you can rest easy.

Lost but not found by owner: A purple ELITE paddle. Check your equipment. If you have not put your name on your paddle yet - it's a good time to do it.

See you @ Gower.
16d

Hectic Friday P-Ball March 16, 2012

Beautiful, busy day. Fourteen UPGers were on hand. Ten prospective players also joined us as a result of the March 15 Greenville News article about our group. Some of the prospects tried out the game and a few played several matches. At one point all five courts were occupied, but there were notable shortages. Paddles, balls and tie-downs. We have divided the ball into three bags - each of which contains at least two tie-downs and about 30 balls. The bags are delivered to each session by Steve, Gary A and yon editor. G and S were not present - a rarity for both to be absent. Virtually everyone was playing - each player with their pockets stuffed with balls (nine by Bob H, alone - just kidding). Balls that did stray, weren't shagged, because we were also short on shaggers. Whew. So, things were very hectic, but we made it through the session.

UPGers in action: Mike, Peter, Jan,  Joanie, Sharon, Carol, Johnny, Sue, Sharon, Lynne, Gary, Ray,  Gene and Ron. Thanks for loaning your paddles and for assisting our visitors.

I guess there were some exciting games, but it was hard to tell with all of the activity! No time for pictures except the one above.

SPECIAL NOTE: We retrieve a purple Elite paddle with a wrapped handle w/ no name attached. Will bring it to the next session. REMINDER: If you haven't done so already - put your name on your paddle.

See you next week, or on Tuesday whichever comes first.
Spike

Click and Scoop.- P-Ball - Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Today UPGers were photographed and interviewed by Greenville's version of the Paparazzi or Pavarotti or something like that. Only, on a much smaller scale. Gary A arranged for the interview by Amy Clarke, with photographs by Owen Riley Jr both of the Greenville News. Click and Scoop joined us on the courts for about an hour. Several players were interviewed and a batch of action photos were taken. We enjoyed their company and they enjoyed the games and the bright day.
                                            

 Below: Gary A being interviewed by Amy.

We had 15 players on hand and everyone was on their best behavior! Players: Ron, Sharon, Gary A, Gary H, Mike, Bob H, John, Johnny, Carol, Jan, Joanie, Gene (Pop), Ralph, Steve and Peter. Gary H was kind enough to take a rather impressive dive - not too far from the photographer. Shots were taken of the event, but we don't know if they will be made public.

Below: Peter and Steve vs Mike and John.

Below: Pop and Sharon

Below: Yummy brownies lovingly prepared by Mrs. Buckeye (Geri) and delivered fresh by Bob H (aka Buckeye).

Even with the novelty of having Amy and Owen present, we managed to keep 3 courts awfully busy and had our usual assortment of matches and mis-matches. Many hard-fought games were duly recorded. A swell time by all on a bright, breezy day.

UPGers have already been notified about the availability of the photographs. You will be notified when the story appears in the Greenville News.

Spike (Extruded stainless).

The Eyes have it. Tuesday P'ball - February 28, 2012

This candid photo of Carol was taken by Sharon. Carol was trying out her new glasses that she claims to have purchased at a 'real bargain' price. Lucky for the other players, she didn't wear them during the matches and therefore no one had to have mercy on her - including Johnny who hit her on the 'shoulder' with a mean overhand kill shot and who will be having super on his own tonight.

We had a near record crowd of 16 warm bodies. Here goes: Gene, Gary A, Mike, Jan, Anne,  Karen, Sharon, Joanie, Carol, Johnny, John,  Ralph, Steve, Bob H, Ray and Ron. 

We UPGers occupied 4 courts for a while and played many fine matches. Had very nice weather including some wind - but, we are used to that.

Enjoy the pictures. The camera that was partially submerged on Friday, February 24th (See Brain Delayed) almost still works as demonstrated by the attached photos. So, the UPG Photo Division is still in operation.

The Pickleball courts are ready and waiting for your best game. Bring it on.

Case Hardened

17 on the 17th. February 17, 2012 - P'ball

That's Anne and Ralph (Check Ralph's determined expression!)

We had a real crowd today - in fact, probably a record of some sort. The UPG statisticians are currently checking the official archives. A report may or may not follow. Anyway, the day was a beauty and it brought out a mob of players. Here they are: Johnny, Carol, Lynne, Ralph, Steve, Gary, Gary A., Anne, Gene*, Peter, Mike, John, Karen, Ray, Jan, Sharon and Ron. *Welcome to Gene. Today was his first time playing P'ball. He got the basics down pretty quickly, probably because of his tennis background. We played him hard, but he was able to get to his car unassisted after playing for two hours. That's a good thing.

With 17 players, we occupied 4 courts for the first time since moving our entire operation to Gower Park. It was quit a sight to see that much action. Many fine matches ensued. Action continued for almost 3 hours. By then the crowd was whittled down to 5, then 4 for two more rounds of it's "my last game."

Above: Clockwise from bottom left: Gene, Sharon/Steve, Gene/Gary A (foreground), Anne pouching/Ralph and ball on court.

Above: Gary A returning a serve.

Stay tuned to this BLOG and check your email early and often. You will be receiving important info about upcoming P'ball events.

Extruded RR Spike

Friday P'ball - February 10, 2012

The day was a little chilly and raw, but 9 players were on hand and kept the courts smokin' for a good two hours. A little longer for the four who played on for a few more hotly contested matches. Players: Mike, Gary A, Bob H, Peter, Jan, Lynne, Sharon, Steve and Ron. That's Jan below - the star of this week's collage effort by the UPG Photography Division.

Watch for the P,ball schedule next week. Remember - the notice is only going to be posted once a week for our usual Tuesday and Friday events. Watch the weather and show yourself if you are inclined to play and the weather looks workable. Remember: We play in almost any weather, except during actual rain (as opposed to 'chances of rain'), hurricanes, blizzards and tornadoes.

See you on the quartz courts.

Rusty

Last day of balmy Jan. 1/31.2012

We had a very nice day. About 60 degrees, breezy and sunny. Plus: 10 players were on hand to battle it out, including Ralph who has been vacationing. The tally: Steve, Peter, Jan, Sharon, Joanie, Ron, Gary A, Ray, Ralph and Bob H.

Not much to report except that we played for about two and 1/2 hours and had a good time in the process. We even took time out to socialize, leaving 2 courts empty for more than a few minutes. To finish off the day the remaining 3 players played 3 Canadian Doubles matches. And, as most of you already know - and, we proved the point again - if you have 3 players of more or less of the same skill level and they are all on their game - the solo player has little chance of winning. That's the way it went, although Stevie Wonder held on but finally lost to Ron and Gary A - 11-7 - or, something like that.

There are some 2012 Pickleball events coming up as follows:

1. The Greater Greenville Senior Sports Classic - Greenville. April (date TBT)
2. Pickleball Expo. Pavilion Recreation Center - Monday, April 16 @ 6:00PM.
3. The State Games (SC Senior  Sports Classic) Florence, SC. - May (date TBT)

UPGers may want to participate in one or all of these events. If so, it should help promote the sport and may very well get more folks interested in the UPG.

Watch your email. Info will be forwarded as soon as it is received.

See you on the courts.
Spike

Friday P'ball - windy @ first - Jan. 28, 2012

'Windy' @ first. Then, settled. Now, about the weather: 60 degrees, breezy, sunny. Ten players in action: Steve, Mike, Gary A, Ron, Sharon, Anne, Jan, Ray and Lynne. Carl, too (see below)

Got into p'ball after a short weather delay. We kept two courts very busy for over two hours. Switched players to and fro and ran up some fine matches.

A passer-by watched for a few minutes and he (Carl) was offered some court time. He played two full Canadian Doubles matches. We were kind enough to provide him with a partner, though. He has a lot of potential. A lefty, but we UPGers will be able to adapt.

See you next week.
Spike

GoodOldDays - Pickleball - Tue, Jan 24, 2012 - Gower Park

The weather finally cleared after a few glum days and we were presented with  a sunny day with the temperature reaching 60 degrees F. Just a little breeze. Lots of folks enjoying the park: John (Hercules) was giving tennis lessons; basketballers were in action, disc golfers all over the place; families enjoying the playground; walkers and gawkers; 3 teenagers occupied the Patton Tank. UPGers out in full force - eleven in all: Steve, Mike, Bob H., Peter, Anne, Jan, Sharon, Gary, Gary A, Joanie and Ron.

We, as always, played UPG-styled Pickleball and had a lot of fun doing it. Kept two courts busy and even allowed some time for gabbing and socializing. A few players were shelled, being the recipients of overhand kill shots from some of the longer players. No one needed medical attention, though. And, that's a good thing. We played for almost 3 hours. By the end of the session we were reduced to 4 players. No problem there. Two more doubles matched followed. Both beauties. The last one - a nail-biter -  was won by Mike and Gary A, over Steve and Ron - 13-11. End of a fine day.

See you at the next session. Bring your best game and wear a smile.

Spike



P'ball report - Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 - Gower Pk

No pictures today.

A very bright day and a pretty good turnout considering some of our 'regulars' are resting up in Florida or traveling here and there.

We had a new player join us today for her first pickleball attempt. Karen, a GNHA hiker, tennis player and former racquetball player did well and we hope to see her again soon.

Otherwise, these folks showed up and they came to play: Mike, Steve, Gary H, Bob H, Jan, Lynne, Sharon, Ralph and Ron. That would amount to 10 players for those of you who keep track of such things.

As always there were many games played, including a few Canadian Doubles matches.

Fun in the sun and some excellent matches. Looking forward to the next session.

Spike

Last of Twenty-Eleven: Friday, 12/30/2011

That's Hoppy above (aka: Buckeye). Recognized by the UPG editorial staff - and honored as the 12/30/11 posterboy - because he made it to Pickleball twice in a row - in the same week! How you go. Below: Gary A and Jan face off against Steve and Sharon (background).

Present for the last official session of the UPG for 2011: Sharon, Bob H, Gary A, Mike, Steve, Joanie, Jan, Lynne and Ron. It was a marginal day, weatherwise, with a chill in the air and some light drizzle. But, we stayed at it long enough for Mike to take an impressive digger (no damage to the court recorded - so, not to worry). Had fun for about 3 hours with some exciting games including what might have been two of the longest rallies ever recorded at Gower Park. Can't swear to it though.

So, we'll get started again in 2012. Hope you and your's have an excellent 2012 and that you come out for many p'ball sessions.

Spike

Friday Pickleball, tennis, basketball and a digger. Dec. 16, 2011.

When we arrived at the courts today they were crawling with tennis players (TPs). Three courts were occupied, but lucky for the TPs two courts we not taken so we quickly commandeered them. Ralph showed up after about a 6-week absence due to surgery. Good to see him back and in the game. That's Ralph above. Below: Jan 'leaps' over the net - demonstrating her agility and gazelle-like athleticism.

Present: Sharon, Mike, Johnny, Ron, Ralph, Lynne, Anne and Jan. We played lots of games but some players wandered off early so there was a shortage of players. Mike - who spied a lone basketball player headed that way and shot hoops for a while until there was a space for him in the next match.

Lynne, while lunging for a sideline shot took a digger and did a masterful job at it. Scuffed up her knee a bit. But, she brushed herself off and got right back in the game. All in all we had a nice day with temperature near 70 degrees, overcast and a little wind.

Happy shopping.
Spike

Friday P'ball - 12/02/2011 - Distractions included.

Ok. Here's the scoop. We had a beautiful, bright, no-wind, long-shadow day, only a few distractions and 9 players: Mike, Steve, Gary A, Ron, Johnny, Joanie, Anne, Jan and Ray. We occupied 2 of the 3 center courts while the two end courts were busied with tennis players. And, we got along famously. We played for about 2-1/2 hours, shifted players around at will and enjoyed a sparkling day of p'ball and camaraderie. The thing about Gower Park is that you can always count on some distractions.
We have the final approach to Runway 1 of the Downtown Airport which is 3/4s of a mile away - (as the crow flies) and is directly over the courts. So, there's plenty of action overhead with planes coming and going - especially on Friday afternoons. Then, in the basketball courts adjacent to the p'ball courts - there was a lone basketball player practicing hoops - except he was playing with a football (or, a badly misshapen basketball). A disc golf players had one of his Frisbees land in the p'ball courts. This happens on occasion and one of our players usually retrieves the disc and after two or more tries flings it over the court fence. On this day, a disc golfer - whose disc landed un-noticed in the courts - deftly climbed over the 12 ft chain link fence, retrieved his projectile, then climbed back over the fence to meet up with his companions, apparently without injury. There is never a dull moment at Gower, but the courts are great, they dry quickly after a rain and the lines are easy to see. So, who's complaining?

 We had a good day with lots of action. Looking forward to the next session.
See you then.
Spike

Pickleball - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Yon Editor and former complaint processor was on the road - so, match scheduler/ball handler Steve-E-Wonder passed this sketchy info along to the UPG publishers for your reading pleasure (or, displeasure). Either way there is no charge for this information, and IT IS NOT COPYWRITE PROTECTED.

Players: Gary A, Gary, Anne, Mike, Bob T, Peter, Ray, Jan and Steve.



Coming out of the woodwork - Tue, 11/1/11

We had a sparkling day and it brought out a good crowd who promptly occupied 3 courts. Here goes: Joanie after a 2 week absence, Johnny and Carol (out of commission for about two weeks but on the way toward a full recovery from colds), Ron and Sharon (travels, a little surgery (Ron), cold symptoms) both at about 75% after a 5 week hiatus, Jan, Steve, Anne, Peter, Mike, Gary and Bob T. That would amount to about 12 players - give or take a few. Ralph (recovering from surgery) came by to say hello. He'll be out of action for about another month.

It was good to have so many players on hand. As a result there was a lot of good action and many fine games. Some of the recovering players shortened their session but stayed on to gab and watch the final matches.                               

See you on the courts.
Sterling Stainless Masonry III