Pickleball Report - February, 21, 2012

Above: Joanie on the left. Anne (Pit Bull or Duchess) top right and Gene (call him Pop) below.

We had stragglers at the beginning of the session and some folks slipped away after an hour or so. But, we had 11 players for a period and a court-full stuck it out for about 2-1/2 hours. It was windy so each game was somewhat of a challenge - but, very sporting. Players in action: Mike, Steve (feeling punky with a cold, but tough, nevertheless), Gary (hit 'em into the top of the net) A, Gene ("call me Pop - that's what my kids call me."), Ron, Ray, Karen (ordering a paddle), Joanie, Anne, Ralph and Peter.

Below: Top L-R: Gary A, Peter; Bottom L-R: Pop/Spidy, Stevie Wonder.

That's it for now folks. That's all there is. There isn't any more.* See you on the courts - preferably when and if you are vertical.

Golden Spike

*Who said that after every curtain call? First correct answer gets an autographed Pickleball (your color choice - signed by the famous person's personal, unofficial, unauthorized representative.



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



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

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

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



NewBlood - Friday Ball - January 20, 2012

Luckily NewBlood is only used here figuratively. Two new players joined us today. Their first time playing Pickleball on a court, but having played on a driveway with a temporary net. Both youngsters, by our standards, and playing with wooden paddles. But, they are also tennis players and took to the courts with much enthusiasm and vigor. For sure! Welcome to Daniel and Trevor shown below L-R.

Also present: Mike, Lynne, Pete, Steve, Gary A and Ron. After about a half hour of playing we had a rain squall - just enough to wet the courts sufficiently to add a little more excitement to the several matches that followed.

In spite of the conditions we played for about 2-1/2 hours and everyone took their chances against the  dynamic duo. 'Middle-agers' that we are - we were able to win some games from the fleet-footers.

See you Tuesday. Come on out and have some fun. Like the good old days!!!

Spike

Then there were Four. P'ball. Tue., 1/17.12

Too busy playing to snap photos for this session. Four showed, including Peter who has been soaking up the sun in Florida for the past month. Present and playing tirelessly (almost): Mike, Steve, Peter and Ron. Overcast and cool. Perfect P'ball weather. No Sun-In-The-Face or Wind-At-The-Back to contend with, or if you prefer - with which to contend. We played doubles - switching partners every game and had some excellent, long-volley matches. After about an hour Peter had the good sense to leave while he was still standing. The remainders played 3 Canadian Doubles matches and called it a day. Short on players, but long of fun.
See you ASAP, or sooner. How about on Friday, 1/20/12 for example?
Spike

Friday the 13th - 1/13/2012 - Pickleball

Granted, it was cold at the start of this session (36 degrees) and gusty. But it did warm to 41 degrees when we 3 finished our session 1-1/2 hours later. Present for this - the first Friday 13th event of 2012*: Steve, Lynne and Ron. We played Canadian Doubles switching the lone paddler every game. Except the last CD match where Steve wanted another shot at L and R. He put up a good fight.

There  were a few lingering ice patches when we arrived. Those little specks in the above photo are rock salt crystals that someone cleverly spread on the ice patches. A first for UPGers.

*There will be 2 more Friday-the-13ths this year. Hope you can make at least one of them. See you then or before.

Spike

Pickleball player paucity - Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Lots of folks are out-of-town, or busy elsewhere, so the turnout for p'ball was on the low side. But, five showed: Steve, Mike, Ray, Gary A and Joanie. So, you folks get official credit for your participation. And, that's big!

We are playing on Friday, Jan 13 (Friday the 13th), but don't fret about whether it is an unlucky or a lucky day. We UPGers make our own luck.

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

Wednesday, not Tuesday Pickleball. 12/28/2011

A beautiful day greeted we UPGers, and lots of others were enjoying Gower park as well. 5o degrees, sunny w/ a light breeze. Present and accounted for: Bob H, Ralph, Joanie and her granddaughters Prema and Sophia (ball shaggers extraordinaire), Mike, Steve, Ron, Sharon, Gary A and Claude. That should tally up to 9.

Stevo made a good call by cancelling our usual Tuesday session (rain in the AM, and big, big wind in the afternoon). Wed was the perfect day - or perfecter than Tue.

We played for 3 hours. Players peeled off as the session progressed, but not before lots of good games were recorded. The group slimmed down to five. Several more matches were conducted and hard fought - highlighted by some exceptional rallies and volleys. Sorry to say that there was an minor injury. But, it doesn't qualify as a 'during play' injury so gets no official ranking on our scale 10. The unlucky soul walked into one of the shin-high, brick pedestals while milling around and watching a match. Name withheld by request.

The photograph above may be copied, reproduced, retouched, sold, rented, given away, enlarged, graphically altered any which way, digitally enhanced or un-enhanced all at no cost and also without written permission. By the way: if this was a match-related injury, it would only rank as a 3.5.

Looks like Friday, December 30th is going to be a fine day for P'ball and our last session of 2011. Hope you all can find your way clear to join the fun. If you do, and even if you don't - hope you have a Happy New Year.

Spike

Friday Pickleball - December 23, 2011 Quintet

Five showed for p'ball on this beautiful day. 60 degrees, sunny, slight breeze. Present: Mike, Steve, Anne, Sharon and Ron. We played for two hours, switching players around after each match. Finished the session with a great Canadian Doubles match. Then, battled the traffic on the way home. Photos below were taken by Sharon. Ron and Steve (picture 1), took on Mike picture 2. Loads of fun.

Happy and safe Christmas and Holidays to all UPGers, wannabees and our millions of followers.
Spike

Damp Tuesday Pickleball - 12/20/2011

When you leave your comfy home to play Pickleball and you have to immediately turn on your windshield wipers - you rank as one or both of the following: 1) an eternal optimist, 2) not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Your choice. Six arrived at Gower park: Mike, Steve, Claude, Gary A, Sharon and Ron. But, to our credit, even our friend 'Hercules' - the tennis instructor - was teaching one of his students the finer points of the game with somewhat soggy tennis balls. P'balls don't get soggy though, so we carried on. The courts were wet but no puddles formed. Not right away. R and S practiced on one court while Claude, Gary A, Steve and Mike battled on the other. Then, the sprinkles turned into a light rain at which point Sharon had the good sense to retire to the car. We took a few minutes to perform The Passing of the Pickle to Gary A (originally presented to him in absentia during the Christmas Party (See the BLOG entry for December 14, 2011 - now slightly revised)).

The foursome above played more matches ignoring the inclementness (look it up!) after S and R departed.

Above: Sharon (aka Cupcake) in an un-posed action shot.

Here's hoping that we get to play the Friday before Christmas. 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

3rd Annual Christmas bash - December 14, 2011 & Passing of the Pickle history.

Thanks to Gary and Muriel we UPGers and friends had a very nice gathering at their lovely home in Simpsonville. Fifteen folks attended - all shown above minus Jan's friend George who took the photo. Pictured above more or less from left to right: Ann, Sharon, Ron, Muriel, Jan, Lynne, Josee, Claude, Mike, Hugh, Anne, Steve, Nicky and Gary. Yummies galore, spirits and Holiday Spirit prevailed. A good time was had by all. The highlight of the evening was the Passing of the Pickle - a tradition started in December 2009.

HISTORY

The tradition started when Mike and Ann acquired the pickle ornament shown above. During our 1st Christmas Party (December 15, 2009) at Corona's Mike awarded the Pickle to Lynn and Ken in recognition of their introduction of Pickleball to The Upstate (imported, by them from Florida). Below is an actual unretouched of Ken's hand holding the Pickle taken during the party on .

Soon after, Lynn and Ken left for a 3 month stint in Florida in preparation for their eventual relocation to the Sunshine State. They returned to Greenville for a few days in March 2010 and participated in a Pickleball session on March 16 at Timmons Park. On that occasion they presented the Pickle to Ron and Sharon for taking on the responsibilities of tending to the equipment, scheduling sessions and caring for the BLOG. Ron accepts the award below.

During our 2nd Annual Christmas/Holiday gathering at Jan's home on December 3, 2010 the award was presented to Steve (3rd recipient) for taking over the scheduling and equipment transportation duties while Ron and Sharon were traveling. Official, uncut photo below shows Steve graciously accepting the award while friends look on.

The 4th Passing of the Pickle (During the 3rd Annual Christmas Party) was somewhat unique in that the recipient was not present because he was out of state tending to his father. In true UPG form - the show must go on and all that - the presentation was made by Steve to Gary H who kindly received the Pickle on behalf of Gary A. Gary A received the award for the work he did organizing the UPGs participation in the Lake Lure Games this year, for volunteering for the 'Orderer of the Balls' position and for taking on other UPG missions.

But, that's not the end of the story.

Finally, on 12/20/2011 - a rainy day at Gower, with six UPGers present (others having to good sense to stay home) the Pickle was formally presented to Gary A by Steve (presentation pictured below). Sharon was also on hand for the playing session but had adjourned to the car when the rain picked up, just before this photo was snapped.

That's it folks.
Spike

Tuesday Pickleball - December 13, 2011

A sparkling day at Gower Park. Disc golfers were as busy as ever and two courts were occupied by tennis players. We UPGers - 10 strong - occupied Courts 2 & 3. Players: Josee, Claude, Anne, Sharon, Steve, Mike, Ron, Johnny, Carol and Joanie. Josee hasn't been around for a while. It took her a few matches to warm up, but when she did she dropped many a dink shot just over the net to the consternation of her unsuspecting opponents. Otherwise, we played for about 2-1/2 hours and had barrels of fun. The group eventually dwindled to 4 where Ron and Mike played Steve and Claude. Each team won one match - both hard fought 'guts' matches. A rubber game will be arranged. Best out of 5?; out of 7?

Above - clockwise starting at top L: Joanie and Johnny, Josee and Claude, Steve and Sharon, Claude.

There will be a Christmas party tonight (Wed. Dec 14th). Check your email. There will be a BLOG post about the much Heralded event. Stay tuned.

Spike

Pickleball Report - Friday December 09/2011

That's Peter above. This is a return not a serve, so it's OK to be toeing the line. Si?

We had 11 players and none of the men noticed the eye candy on Court 1. The same ladies were playing tennis on Court 1 during our 12/02 outing but were not included in the list of  distractions in the BLOG for that date entitled Distractions Included. This omission was kindly and correctly pointed out by our very own Spidy-the-Lengthy. So, since the occurrence repeated itself - the reference is included here for your reading pleasure.

Players: Steve, Gary A, Peter, Ray, Jan, Johnny, Carol, Ron, Sharon, Claude and Lynne.

We occupied Courts 3 and 4 and kept them busy. Several matches were played on Court 4, before Stevo realized that the net had not been lowered. There was some good natured grumbling but the games went on with only one formal protest submitted.

Oh. Normally we don't include match scores - but, these two are worth mentioning: Yon editor made the foolish mistake of playing Claude in a singles match. Claude squeezed out a win 11-0. Then, yon editor and Stevie Wonder (Team Green) challenged Claude and Gary A (Team Blue) to a doubles match. It went well for Green eventually garnering an impressive lead of 10 - 3 and a sure win. The stands emptied at that point. But (please don't read any more if you are feint of heart) the Blues took the next 9 points for the win - even though Green-with-envy got the serve back 3 or 4 times. Yikes.

Above: Steve and Ray

See you on the courts ASAP.

Spike





Three came through - Tuesday, December 6, 2011.

Above: Group photo. From bottom, then clockwise: Spike, Stevie Wonder and Rambo.

Ok, granted the weather looked to be somewhat marginal in the Greenville area with a 70% chance of showers - but, it was supposed to start later in the day. Yon Editor and Steve showed up and didn' t even have to use our windshield wipers en route. We started brooming off one court; then Gary A arrived and we began playing Canadian Doubles. And, it started to drizzle. We carried on. The drizzle turned into a light rain. But, at least it was warm. Four matches later, with no injuries to report we called it quits.  The nice thing about playing in the rain is - that we had the courts to ourselves, there were no disc golf players about and there was almost almost no air traffic.

Friday looks to be more promising for p'ball. See you then.
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