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

Friday P'ball - May 11, 2012

A bright day, gusty winds and 21 P'ballers added up to an exceptional day at Gower. We occupied all five courts and kept at least one of them smoking for almost 3 hours. Players: Bob T, Claude, Steve, Mike, Karen, Johnny, Carol, John, Gene, Lynne, Anne, Sandy F, Don, Sharon, Hank, Bill S, Ray, Joanie, Barbara L, Dan L and Ron. The wind caused some wayward serves, but most players figured it out and compensated accordingly.

Below: Reflecting. Self portrait in Lynne's shades.

                                                                Below: Kibitzing.

                               Below: Returns. From Top Left Clockwise: John, Johnny, Don, Bill S.

Below: From Top Left CW: Bob T, Sharon, Karen, Barbara L

Below: Anne. aka - Pit Bull or Duchess - your choice!

Not too much to report. The pictures say it all (each picture is worth a thousand words. Remember?). We had loads of players, lots of matches, good weather. Any questions?

Hand Extruded 

May Day - not mayday. Tuesday, May 1, 2012

It seemed like a 'mayday' might have been called for by the way folks were invading the courts. Twenty five players to be exact. But, for the most part pandemonium was averted and order prevailed. Some folks were on the courts for 3-1/2 hours still slamming away. These new players joined us today: Eddy S (Carol's brother), Walt J,  John and Sandy F and Don D. They have all played p'ball or other paddle sports and did well during their first session with the UPG brawlers at Gower Pickleball Stadium. Welcome to Uptate Pickleball. Notice about all photos posted in this Blog. They can be enlarged somewhat by left double-clicking on them. Also: If anyone wants any of the images yon Editor will glady email copies. And: If you are mis-identified, or are not included in the text please let the Publishing Division know via email c/o Spike.

Above: From Top L Clockwise: Sue, Mike (Spidy), Sandy, Bill S.

Below: From Top L Clockwise: Karen, Sandy/Pop, Walter, Pop/Gary A, Lynne (Ace).

Below: From Top L Clockwise: Bob T, Pop, Sharon (Cupcake), Steve E Wonder, Carol (Lash)

Today was a banner day, not just because we had one of our largest crowds of this century, but we also had 60 spankin' new, yellow balls delivered by Purchasing Agent Gary A. So, our satchels are full of balls and we are good to go for a while.
Note: With four courts in action folks may end up sitting around when they would prefer to be playing. You are encouraged to rustle up some players and start a match. Best to chose folks who are in your general skill range to assure a competitive and enjoyable match. Experienced UPGers are encouraged to work with new players and new players are encouraged to gradually work their way into the stronger matches.

http://usapa.org/officialrules/

See you at Gower.
Spike

Tuesday P,ball - April 24, 2012 - Official Report

Corrections (now repaired) on the April 20th BLOG brought to the attention of the UPG Publishing Division by Cupcake herself. Spelled Craig incorrectly once and correctly once (It's CRAIG). Fixed the misspelled one. Spelled whaling wrong. Feel better now. How about you?

We had a cool, bright day with some moderate wind. Thirteen players dropped by as follows: Regulars - John, Gary A, Steve, Mike, Gene, Joe, Ray, Bob T and yon editor. Newer players - Bill S and Mike M (formerly Mikey2 - now on the injured list) . Two new players joined us for the first time. They are Barbara L and Dan L shown below being briefed by John the SpinDoctor.

For the most part the newer players occupied Court 1. They played among themselves or played with more experienced players to hone their skills, to learn the fine art of serving and other elements of the game. We have gained quite a collection of new players at various skill levels. UPGers are working with the players. It won't take long for some of the players to perk up their game. Players should know that they are not committed only to our regular scheduled sessions. There are three courts in Greenville with P'ball lines. If any folks want to form their own practice groups, or if they want to play on different days and times - you are encouraged to do so. All you need is a bag of balls and a tie down.

In the mean time Courts 2 & 3 were occupied by the more skilled players and a bunch of exceptional matches went into the record books.

We are used to aircraft flying over on their final approach to the Downtown Airport, but today was special. A military aircraft (believed to be an A-6 by the Editorial Squad) flew over. We could hear it long before we saw it. We even took time out from the match to watch as it flew directly overhead. It lined up on the runway, settled down, then lifted and sped away with another blast of noise. A touch-and-go without the touch. Exciting, yes?

See you on Friday.
Cold rolled, heat tempered, coated.

FriBall - April 20, 2012

We had a good turnout today including five folks who were present at the P'Ball Expo (see BLOG dated April 16, 2012). They were Amy J, Carol F, Pat C, Andrea H and Julie. They came to watch - but two, Andrea and Julie got into some instructional action on Court 1. Some of these guests will be taking a Furman University OLLI course this June - presented by Johnny and Carol. That's Carol below: she looks a little spastic - but, fear not students - she is actually trying to get a ball out of her pocket and hammed it up a little for the UPG chief photographer who happened by.

Thirteen UPGers were present: Gary A, Gary, Mike, Hank, Steve, Johnny, Carol, Craig, Sue, John, Joe, Sharon and Ron. The troops kept at it for about 2-1/2 hours and many excellent matches were racked up. The newer players (no longer newbies [lucky devils]) have all improved, some in leaps and bounds. All are pretty much armed with new paddles and UPG verve.

Below. From L-R: Top - Johnny, Sharon; Bottom - Joe, Mike/Carol,

Below. From L-R: Top - Hank/John, Steve; Bottom - Craig/Gary, Gary A

So, another UPG session is in the books. Everyone left the courts under their own power and in fairly good spirits. That's what we strive for, although it is not essential that players do both. Yuk, yuk. Having fun in the sun, whaling away at the ball, letting go with some well aimed barbs and engaging in a few games of 'guts p'ball' is what it's all about. Any questions?

Tempered

  

Tuesday P'ball. April 10, 2012

Warm with squirrely winds. That fine weather brought out 13 players - all men. A rare event for UPG sessions. Players: Gene, Mike, Steve, Gary A, Gary, Ralph, John, Johnny, Joe, Ray, Hank, Peter and Ron. We kept 3 courts busy for about 2-1/2 hours. Logged more than a few exceptional matches and several very long rallies. Everyone managed to stay upright - which is one of our goals. The other is - if you manage to execute some sort of an unintentional dive while trying for a return - that you finish the shot, preferably winning the point. Then, have your wounds dressed.

Below L-R: Joe sporting his brand new paddle and Johnny.

Below: Ralph letting one fly.

Above: Pop on serve.





Experienced players: Check with Gary A. He is looking for volunteers for a Pickleball Exhibition on Monday, April 16th. Greenville Rec. Dept. Pavilion @ 6:00PM.

Short and sweet BLOG report. See you on the courts.

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

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).

Guts P-Ball; Friday March 2, 2012

Eight players, 2 courts, excellent weather, great matches. Enough said.

Players: Mike, John, Johnny, Carol, Lynne, Steve, Gary A and yon scribe.

See you at Gower
High Carbon

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

ValDay P'ball - Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012

That's Steve's magic glove (Union made). He almost never loses while wearing it. But, he did today.

It being Valentine's Day we had a small gathering. The raw weather and light drizzle probably didn't help matters. Seven players: Steve, Gary A, Ray, John, Johnny, Peter and yon Editor - the only one to dress for the occasion (see certified, un-retouched photo below - a candid shot taken by Stevie Wonder). With 7 players we managed to keep 1-3/4s courts busy some of the time over a period of 2-1/2 hours.

Below: Clockwise from bottom left: John/Steve, Johnny, Peter and Gary A.

See you on the courts. The sooner the better. Bring your best game and if you can't do that - bring yummies.

Galvanized



Pickleball Action - February 7, 2012

From bottom left clockwise: SpinDoctor John, Michigan Ken/Stevie Wonder and Rambo Gary A.

Fiurteen players arrived today: Ken and Susan visiting from Michigan, Joanie, Karen, Johnny and Carol (welcome back), Ray, Ralph, Mike, Steve, Gary A, Peter, John and yon editor Ron. Give me a jingle if that doesn't add up to 14. We also had one spectator and expert ball shagger - Susan's and Ken's granddaughter Vivian (?).

We promptly occupied 3 courts, moved players all over the place and had a barrel of fun with no notable injuries to report. It was slightly windy - no problems for we UPGers - but, a slight issue for S and K who only play indoors in one-or-the other of Michigan's peninsulas. But, they soldiered on.

So, nothing else to chronicle, because no one has made a fool of themselves lately.

Be thinking about this: Having an invitational p'ball event and inviting our pals from Fletcher, Lake Lure, Lake Keowee and Conestee for instance. Will take some serious planning and more than a few volunteers. Not an original idea. We've discussed it before. Now, we are coming into the season when a lot of Snowbirds  will be returning to their homes in the 'north'. Whadoya think?

Spike

 

Baker's Dozen - P'ball - February 3, 2012

Like silverfish, players came out of the woodwork today and we ended up with a baker's dozen. Present: Steve, Joanie, Anne, Lynne, Ron, Bob H., Mike, Peter, John*, Karen, Ray, and visitors Ken  and Susan.

Anne and John

*John returned to action after an almost 6 month hiatus after taking a fall the last time he played on August 12, 2011. The August 12 session marked John's 1st session w/ us in several months while recovering from a hip replacement. It was good to see John back in action.

Susan and Lynne 

Ken and Susan dropped in on us today shortly after arriving from Michigan to visit family in Greenville for a few weeks. They hadn't even taken up housekeeping yet and still had their dog in tow. But, they joined us in several matches and we enjoyed their visit. They've got their priorities in order! Susan was kind enough to leave a really nice windbreaker at the courts. Now, in safe hands.

So, with fine weather and a mob of players we occupied three courts and played on for almost 3 hours. As always the day ended with 4 players battling it out. Everyone was still standing at the end of the day. Thanks for that.

Spike

Tuesday P'ball @ Gower - August 2, 2011

Eleven players were on hand for p'ball on another _______  _______* day. They were: Mike, Claude, Jan, Anne, Johnny, Carol, Bob H, Peter, John, Bob T and Steve. Welcome back to John who has been on the mend after a hip replacement. He came back in fine fashion, by taking a digger and scuffing his knee. But, not much harm done; he carried on for the rest of the session. Otherwise, the ________* wore some players down and led to a few early departures. But, I'm advised by Steve that there were plenty of good matches.

* Fill in at will.

Spike. Roving reporter
Manchester, CT

Funday Friday - 2/18/11 - P'ball & bull session

Fifteen players were in action today including explosive Catherine the Great and Cupcake shown above. The group in no special order: Spidy (visiting from NC), Bob H , Johnny, John, Gary, Gary A, Muriel, Jan, Anne, Joanie, Catherine, Lynne, Steve, Sharon and Ron. This was a beauty of a day; made it to 70 degrees; a breath of a breeze; sunny. Fifteen players makes for a crowd on two courts, so there was a little too much down time. But, we carried on.

Some of the troops were still standing after 3 hours. We played doubles and worked in a few singles matches as well once the crowd thinned out. Three highlights of note: One: When Spidy left the courts on Friday, he was not as fully equipped as he was when he arrived. He motored home without his paddle and as in all other cases - and there have been several - the paddle will be held hostage. It will be returned (redeemed) - unharmed - if Spidy pays a minimal bribe - in the form of yummies to share. He has been officially advised about the "arrangements". Two:  Jan is a new Grandmother. Her 2nd Granddaughter Ava Taylor was born about a week ago. Jan is as proud as a peach. Congratulations. Three: Lynne (Ace) was on fire today and wore her nickname on here sleeve, where in one match, she served 3 aces in a row. Could very well be a record. The archives are being searched as you read this.

Ok. That's the report for Friday, 2/18/11. We'll be playing again (probably on Tuesday and Friday). Misc: The bathrooms at Timmons will be opened by March 1st, so you'll have to hold on until then! Good luck. No new info about the status of the court re-surfacing at Gowers, but we are hopeful that they will be ready by Spring (2011). Spike

Tuesday P'ball - February 15, 2011

Eleven showed up to play - here in the Upstate, that is. At Timmons: Bob H, Peter, Steve, Anne, Joanie, Ralph, John, Gary A, Gary, Sharon and Ron. The weather was kind to us - maybe too kind - as indicated in the photo below. Who's playing P'ball? We had 11 players. Seven are parked and one took the picture. This is not trick photography.

Eventually we filled both courts and kept at it for 2-1/2 hours. Good matches and scads of fun, but a little too quiet. Why? Because Spidy was no where to be seen (or heard). More to come*.

Above: Pitt Bull serves while Stevie Wonder looks on.

Below: Ralph in pursuit; Gary ready to pounce on a return shot.

Below: Buckeye laces a backhand deep, while Cupcake heads to the net.

*BOLO for Spidy (aka Mike, Mighty Spidy, Mike-the-Long and Loquacious). There is an APB in effect. He was last seen heading north in a late model Japanese sedan (but, Made In The USA). He is armed. His MO is usually a 'kill shot' typically in or near the kitchen. The UPG Security Bureau believes that the suspect may have defected to a safe house (or, court) in NC or perhaps he is being held against his will. Description: Too tall, 181 pounds, prematurely slight of hair, cruddy ruddy chin. Do not try to apprehend this fugitive. Victim? To be determined.

Otherwise, we will be playing P'ball, in all its glory and mayhem, on Friday, February 18, 2011. Spike

Friday P'ball - 2/11/2011

No pictures today. Lucky you. We had a splendid day and a good turnout to boot. Fourteen players: Bob H., Steve, Mike, Peter, Joanie, Lynne, Johnny, Carol, John, Anne, Ralph, Gary A, Sharon and Ron. Bob (Buckeye) H. brought a nice batch of brownies lovingly prepared by his darling wife Geri. Bob (thinks-of-everything) even brought a little serving table and ziplocks in case anyone wanted to take home some of the goodies. Which, they did. We also played Pickleball. Lots of exciting action including one game that went to 14-12. Due to the crowd - players lined their paddles up on the fence and picked them off one-at-a-time when they took their turn on the courts. A partly sunny day, about 50 degrees with a breeze and a bunch of pals playing Pickleball and gabbing between matches. It doesn't get much better than that. Looks like we'll have favorable weather next week, so polish up your paddles, dress those wounds and get yourself ready for more action!
Spike

Puddle-pushers + P'ball Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011

The courts were covered with puddles, so our maintenance crew went to work with squeegees and made short work of the task. The sun and breeze did the rest. In the mean time 14 players showed up to enjoy the day. Johnny and Carol were on the scene, having been vacationing in FL for a while, but keeping up with their P'ball skills by playing 4 times a week. Our group: Steve, Mike, Bob H, Johnny, Carol, Peter, Joanie, Anne, Jan, Catherine, Ralph, John, Sharon and Ron. It was such a beautiful day (50 degrees), that some of us stuck it out for 3-1/2 hours. Others lounged around, during breaks, like they were at the beach. A beautiful sight! We played hard and long and had some exceptional matches and perhaps a few lesser ones, too. But, it's all about fun, socializing and exercise. We accomplished all three. Enjoy the pictures below. See you on Friday. And, don't forget we are collecting $6 per head for the 5 dozen P'balls that have been ordered. Spike