Fall 2011 Season Schedule

Sept. 20
Woodcrest 6:45 Heroes vs. Monkeys
Sept. 27
Lemon 9:15 Rudedogs vs. Monkeys
Oct. 4
Lemon 8:00 Monkeys vs. The Dirty Dozen
Oct. 11
Lemon 6:45 Monkeys vs. Rudedogs
Oct. 18
Lemon 8:00 Monkeys vs. Heroes
Oct. 25
Lemon 9:15 The Dirty Dozen vs. Monkeys
Nov. 1
Lemon 9:15 Rudedogs vs. Monkeys
Nov. 8
Lemon 6:45 Heroes vs. Monkeys
Nov. 15
Lemon 9:15 Monkeys vs. The Dirty Dozen
Nov. 22
Lemon 6:45 Monkeys vs. Rudedogs
Nov. 29
MAKEUP/PLAYOFF WEEK #1 (IF NECESSARY)

Monkeys Lose Home Opener 10-6

Fall 2011 Softball Season Begins Tonight!

The Monkeys will open the Fall, 2011 quest to defend their Major League Softball title tonight at 6:45 at Woodcrest Park, located at 440 W. Orangethorpe Ave. Fullerton, CA. Though their opponent is yet to be announced, expect the Monkeys to bring out the big bats as they challenge Woodcrest's short porch in left field. Plan to arrive early for the best seating!

Monkeys Reach Playoff Round in PSTS Statewide Tournament

Exceeding all expectations, the Monkeys reached the playoff round for the first time in a PSTS Event over the September 11, 2011 weekend, defeating the Melo Productions and Wazzup! in the first two games on Saturday before dropping a close game to the Goodfellas in game three. With a 2-1 record, the Monkeys advanced to the playoff rounds on Sunday, where they lost to the Goodfellas for a second time. Photos from the event to follow.

Monkeys Win League Championship, Defeat Brown Bombers 12-5

Champions!

Summer 2011 League Leaders

At the end of the Summer, 2011 regular season, the following Monkeys earned spots on the league leader boards:

Pitching (ERA)
Frank Flores- 1st

Fielding Percentage
Daniel Quinones- 4th
Ruben Quinones- 5th
Eric Alvarez- 8th

Batting Average
Eric Alvarez- 3rd
Ruben Quinones- 7th
Matthew Beighley- 10th

Slugging Percentage
Frank Flores- 1st
Michael Barnett- 6th
Matthew Beighley- 8th
Eric Alvarez- 9th

Runs Batted In
Frank Flores- 1st
John Upton- 2nd
Eric Alvarez- 6th
Brian Castaneda- 8th

Home Runs
Frank Flores- 1st (tie)
Matthew Beighley- 2nd (tie)
Michael Barnett- 2nd (tie)

Playoff Schedule Announced

Sept. 6 PLAYOFFS
Lemon 7:00 #2 Shaggers vs. #3 Brown Bombers
Lemon 8:15 #1 Monkeys vs. WINNER Game 1

Regular Season Final Standings

Monkeys Clinch Top Playoff Spot in 21-6 Win

Monkeys, Sons of Pitches Tie 20-20

Recap, box score, and scoring line coming soon.

Monkeys (6-2)-Sons of Pitches(3-5) Preview

Date: August 23, 2011
Game time: 9:15 pm
Location: Lemon Park, Fullerton, California
Weather: Mostly clear; game time temperature projected at 71̊
Home Team: Monkeys

Game Preview
The Monkeys will be eager to avenge their loss to Sons of Pitches three weeks ago in a listless performance that saw the league’s offensive leaders plate just eight runs. Since that loss, the Monkeys have won two straight by a combined score of 41-15, and the team appears to be firing on all cylinders once again.

The Sons of Pitches are 3-1 over their past 4 games and have an outside chance of squeaking into the third and final playoff spot. Scoring runs continues to be a problem for them, but they do have some pop in their lineup with Martin Medina (who is tied for the Monkeys’ Frank Flores in the league home run chase) and a quality starting pitcher in Daniel Lopez.

Expect to see some changes in the Monkeys lineup as the face the Sons of Pitches for the second time. Frank Flores is expected to take the mound, Eric Alvarez will move back to shortstop and Matt Beighely will likely play third. Also expect to see more of mid-season call-up Keith Miller, who went five for five and slugged a whopping 2.000 against the Big Stix last week.

Pitching Probables
Monkeys- Frank Flores (5-1)
Sons of Pitches- Daniel Lopez (3-4)

Monkeys In Action

The Monkeys prepare to take the field


Mike in mid-swing


Matt is ready at shortstop


Daniel scoops up a grounder and throws to first base

Monkeys in Action

Curtis contemplates his next move from first base


Catcher Darren Valen


Eric lobs a strike

Current Standings

Results From Around The League: August 16, 2011

6:45
Sons of Pitches 13
Night Stockers 4

8:00
Brown Bombers 25
Shaggers 10

9:15
Monkeys 25
Big Stix 13

Monkeys Smash Big Stix 25-13

Recap

Fullerton, California. Frank Flores hit for the cycle, Keith Miller and Michael Barnett went 5 for 5, and the Monkey team pounded out a collective 34 hits in a dominating offensive performance against the Big Stix Tuesday night at Lemon Park.

The Big Stix and the Monkeys have a rivalry dating back several seasons, and while the personnel may be slightly different from year-to-year, the intensify is always there. “The Big Stix games are always exciting for us,” said Monkeys manager John Upton. “The go after it like we do- both teams swing the bats hard and force the defenses to make plays.”

Neither team took a walk during the entire contest, and with a combined 53 hits, the defenses were busy all night. While neither team played flawless defensively, the Monkeys were better in the field, committing just two errors to the Big Stix’s five, and they benefited from stellar glovework from middle infielders Eric Alvarez and Ruben Quinones and first baseman Daniel Quinones. “We made it interesting out there at times with near collisions in the bottom of the third between Eric Alvarez and left fielder Keith Miller in shallow left and Matt Beighley and Mike Barnett in right center field. We were fortunate that no one was hurt.”

Pitcher Frank Flores was sharp, consistently hitting the corners and edges of the plate all night and inducing the aggressive Big Stix into swinging at some very tough pitches.

With the win Tuesday evening, the Monkeys move back into first place and clinched one of just three post-season playoff spots. The Shaggers, despite losing to the Brown Bombers in the 8:00 game, also clinched a post-season berth.

Play-by-Play

Top of First Inning: Monkeys
- M. Beighley singled to left center field
- E. Alvarez singled to right field, M. Beighley advanced to third
- F. Flores doubled to left center field, M. Beighley and E. Alvares scored
- M. Barnett singled to center field, F. Flores scored
- M. Gonzales grounded to third, M. Barnett forced out at second
- K. Miller doubled to left center field, M. Gonzales scored
- B. Castaneda singled to right field, K. Miller scored
- D. Quinones singled, B. Castaneda advanced to second
- R. Quinones grounded into a double play- short to second to first.
5 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 5, Big Stix 0

Top of Second Inning: Monkeys
- J. Upton lined out to short
- M. Beighley singled to left center field
- E. Alvarez singled to left field, M. Beighley advanced to third
- F. Flores singled to left center field, M. Beighley scored, and E. Alvares advanced to third
- M. Barnett flied out to center field, E. Alvares scored
- M. Gonzales flied out to center
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 7, Big Stix 0

Top of Third Inning: Monkeys
- K. Miller tripled to right center field
- B. Castaneda grounded out to short, K. Miller scored
- D. Quinones doubled to right, E. Alvarez substituted as pinch runner
- R. Quinones reached safely on an error, E Alvarez advancing to second
- J. Upton singled to left, E Alvarez scoring.
- M. Beighley singled to right field, J. Upton advanced to second.
- E. Alvarez popped out to second
- F. Flores flew out to right
3 runs, 4 hits, 1 errors
Monkeys 10, Big Stix 6

Top of Fourth Inning: Monkeys
- M. Barnett singled to center field
- M. Gonzales doubled to left, M. Barnett scored
- K. Miller singled to center, M. Gonzales scored
- B. Castaneda reached on a fielding error, K. Miller to third
- D. Quinones singled, K. Miller scored,
- R. Quinones grounded to third base, D Quinones forced to second, K. Miller scored
- J. Upton singled to left center, R. Quinones advanced to third
- M. Beighley flew out to center
- E. Alvarez singled, J. Upton advanced to third
- F. Flores homered to deep center, E. Alvarez and J. Upton scored
- M. Barnett doubled to right center, but was thrown out attempting to advance to third.
8 runs, 8 hits, 1 errors
Monkeys 18, Big Stix 6

Top of Fifth Inning: Monkeys
- M. Gonzales flied out to left field
- K. Miller singled to center,
- B. Castaneda singled to right field, K. Miller advanced to third
- D. Quinones flied out to right, K. Miller scored
- R. Quinones singled
- J. Upton singled, R. Quinones advanced to second
- M. Beighely singled, J. Upton advanced to second, R. Quinones advanced to third
- E. Alvarez grounded out to second
2 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 20, Big Stix 12

Top of Sixth Inning: Monkeys
- F. Flores grounded out to second
- M. Barnett singled to center field
- M. Gonzales flied out to left center
- K. Miller tripled to right field, M. Barnett scored
- B. Castaneda grounded out to second
5 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 21, Big Stix 3

Top of Seventh Inning: Monkeys
- D. Quinones flied out to left
- R. Quinones tripled to right
- J. Upton singled to left, R. Quinones scored
- M.Beighley grounded to shortstop, J. Upton forced out at second
- E. Alvarez singled, M Beighely advanced to third
- F. Flores singled, M. Beighley scored, E. Alvarez advanced to third
- M Barnett singled to center, E. Alvarez scored
- M. Gonzales flied out to left field
4 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 25, Big Stix 12

Final Score
Monkeys 25, Big Stix 13

Box Score

Results From Around The League: August 9, 2011

6:45
Monkeys 16
Brown Bombers 2

8:00
Shaggers 23
Sons of Pitches 18

9:15
Big Stix 16
Night Stockers 7

Monkeys Down Bombers 16-2

Recap
Coming Soon

Box Score

Monkeys (4-2)-Brown Bombers(3-3) Preview

Date: August 9, 2011
Game time: 6:45 pm
Location: Lemon Park, Fullerton, California
Weather: Mostly clear; game time temperature projected at 72°
Home Team: Brown Bombers

Current Standings

Results From Around The League: August 2, 2011

6:45
Sons of Pitches 15
Monkeys 8

8:00
Sons of Pitches 26
Big Stix 21

9:15
Brown Bombers 22
Night Stockers 16

Listless Monkeys Lose to Sons of Pitches 15-8

Recap
Coming Soon

Play by Play
Coming Soon


Box Score







Special Thanks to Official Scorekeeper Nancy Castaneda

Monkeys (4-1)-Sons of Pitches(0-4) Preview

Date: August 2, 2011
Game time: 6:45 pm
Location: Lemon Park, Fullerton, California
Weather: Mostly clear; game time temperature projected at 83°
Home Team: Sons of Pitches

Game Preview
The Monkeys bounced back from a disappointing loss to the Shaggers with a dominating victory over the Night Stockers last week. The team defense was much improved, and Monkey bats were as potent as ever as they mercied the Stockers in six innings. They are led on offense by Frank Flores, who is among the league leaders in virtually all offensive categories, and no team has figured out a way to contain speedsters Matt Beighley and Eric Alvarez at the top of the lineup. The Monkeys plan to give workhouse pitcher Frank Flores the night off (he will sub in the infield and outfield) and rookie Eric Alvarez will take the mound.

The Sons of Pitches are struggling to score runs this season, and have yet to win a game. They are lead offensively by sluggers Martin Medina (who leads the league in home runs) and Eddie Navarro, but need more contribution from the rest of the lineup to have any hope of competing with the Monkeys.

The Monkeys and the Sons of Pitches met one time last season. The Monkeys prevailed.

Pitching Probables
Monkeys- Eric Alvarez (0-0)
Sons of Pitches- Daniel Lopez (0-4)

Mid- Season League Leaders

At the half-way point of the Summer season, the Monkeys have a number of players on the league leader boards.

Pitching (ERA)
Frank Flores- 1st

Fielding Percentage
Eric Alvarez- 1st
Daniel Quinones- 4th

Batting Average
Matthew Beighley- 2nd
Eric Alvarez- 4th
Frank Flores- 6th

Slugging Percentage
Frank Flores- 1st
Matthew Beighley- 3rd
Eric Alvarez- 7th

Runs Batted In
Frank Flores- 1st
John Upton- 2nd
Eric Alvarez- 3rd
Mike Barnett- 4th
Matthew Beighley- 9th

Home Runs
Frank Flores- 1st
Michael Barnett and Matthew Beighley- tied 2nd
John Upton and Eric Alvarez- Tied for 3rd

Current Standings

Monkeys in Action: July 16, 2011 Tournament

Frank makes solid contact

Monkeys dugout at Fenway (yes, it was very hot)

Matt makes a catch at Crosley

Results From Around The League: July 26, 2011

6:45
Shaggers 12
Big Stix 9

8:00
Monkeys 21
Night Stockers 5

9:15
Brown Bombers 12
Sons of Pitches 10

Monekys Defeat Night Stockers 21-5

Recap
Coming Soon

Play by Play

Top of First Inning: Monkeys
- M. Beighley singled to left center field
- E. Alvarez tripled to right field, M. Beighley scored
- F. Flores singled to left center field, E. Alvares scored
- M. Barnett homered to left center field, F. Flores scored
- M. Gonzales hit a ground rule double to left center field
- C. Brown doubled to left center field, M. Gonzales scored
- B. Castaneda singled to center field, C. Brown scored
- R. Quinones singled to center field, B. Castaneda advanced to second
- D. Valen walked, B. Castaneda to third, R. Quinones to second
- J. Upton singled to left field, B. Castaneda and R. Quinones scored
- M. Beighley doubled to center field, J. Upton advanced to third.
- E. Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly to center, J. Upton scoring, M. Beighley advanced to third
- F. Flores walked
- M. Barnett grounded into a fielder’s choice, M. Beighely scored
- M. Gonzales grounded out to second.
11 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 11, Shaggers 0

Bottom of First Inning: Night Stockers
- A Boutros flied out to left center
- B. Bates popped out to shortstop
- M. Thiele singled to left center field,
- J. Thiele grounded to shortstop, M. Thiele forced out at second
0 runs, 1 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 11, Night Stockers 0

Top of Second Inning: Monkeys
- C. Brown lined out to the pitcher
- B. Castaneda signed to center field
- R. Quinones grounded out to the pitcher
- D. Valen walked
- J. Upton flied out to left field
0 runs, 1 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 11, Night Stockers 0

Bottom of Second Inning: Night Stockers
- A Brungardt flied out to left center field
- M. Narvaez singled to center field
- G. Barahas flied out to center field
- A. Smith reached second on 3B M. Beighley throwing error, M. Navaez scored
- B. Smith walked
-C. Jones flied out to right center field
1 runs, 1 hits, 1 error
Monkeys 11, Night Stockers 1

Top of Third Inning: Monkeys
- M. Beighley singled to left center field
- E. Alvarez singled to shortstop, M. Beighley advanced to second
- F. Flores flew out to left field, M. Beighely advanced to third
- M. Barnett singled to center field, M. Beighely scored, E. Alvarez advanced to second.
- M. Gonzales lined out to third, M. Barnett doubled up at first.
1 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 12, Night Stockers 1

Bottom of Third Inning: Night Stockers
- A. Tsuneta singled to center field
- A. Boutros flied out to right field
- B. Bates flied out to left field
- M. Thiele grounded out to third base
0 runs, 1 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 12, Night Stockers 1

Top of Fourth Inning: Monkeys
- C. Brown singled to center field
- B. Castaneda signed to center field
- R. Quinones signed to center field
- D. Valen struck out looking
- J. Upton lined out to third base
- M. Beighley doubled to center field, C. Brown and B. Castaneda scored, R. Quinones to third
- E. Alvarez singled to center field, R. Quinones and M. Beighley scored
- F. Flores grounded out to third base
4 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 16, Night Stockers 1

Bottom of Fourth Inning: Night Stockers
- J Thiele reached first base on error (bobble) by 3B Matt Beighley
- A Brungardt grounded out third base, J. Thiele advanced to second
- M. Narvaez singled to center field, J.Thiele scored
- G. Barahas grounded out to third base, M. Narvaez to second
- A. Smith singled to center field, M. Narvaez scored
- B. Smith flew out to left center
2 runs, 2 hits, 1 error
Monkeys 16, Night Stockers 3

Top of Fifth Inning: Monkeys
- M. Barnett flied out to center field
- M. Gonzales flied out to left field
- C. Brown walked
- B. Castaneda singled to right field, C. Brown advanced to third
- R. Quinones flied out to right field
0 runs, 1 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 16, Night Stockers 3

Bottom of Fifth Inning: Night Stockers
- A. Tsuneta grounded out to shortstop
- A. Boutros flied out to right field
- B. Bates flied out to right field
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 16, Night Stockers 3

Top of Sixth Inning: Monkeys
- D. Valen singled to shortstop
- J. Upton flied out to left field
- M. Beighley singled to center field, D. Valen advanced to second
- E. Alvarez singled to right field, D. Valen to third, M. Beighley to second
- F. Flores flied out to center field, D. Valen tagged and scored, M. Beighley advanced to third
- M. Barnett doubled to deep center field, M. Beighely scored, E. Alvarez advanced to third
- M. Gonzales walked
- C. Brown singled to center field, E. Alvarez scored
- B. Castaneda doubled to right center field, M. Barnett and M. Gonzales scored
- B. Castaneda was picked off between second and third base
5 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 21, Night Stockers 3

Bottom of Sixth Inning: Night Stockers
- M. Thiele singled to center filed,
- J. Thiele singled to left filed
- M. Narvaez singled to center field, M. Thiele scored, J. Thiele to third
- G. Barahas flied out to center field, J. Thiele tagged and scored
- A. Smith singled to center field and was thrown out trying to advance to second
- B. Smith popped out to shortstop
2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 21, Night Stockers 5

Game end via invocation of mercy rule

Box Score






Special Thanks to Official Scorekeeper Nancy Castaneda

Monkeys-Night Stockers Preview

Date: July 26, 2011
Game time: 8:00 pm
Location: Lemon Park, Fullerton, California
Weather: Mostly clear; game time temperature projected at 74̊
Home Team: Night Stockers

Game Preview

The Monkeys are coming off their worst defensive game of the season in last week’s loss to the Shaggers. Look for them to bounce back from that performance with a renewed commitment to team defense. The Monkeys’ batting has been consistent all season with numerous Monkeys perched at or near the top of most of the league’s offensive leader boards. Expect at least 15 runs, and if they really get the bats going, they could plate twice that amount.

The Night Stockers are an improving team. After struggling all of last season, the Stockers are off two a 2-2 start with wins over Big Stix and Sons of Pitches. Joe Thiele leads the league in batting average, and he and his brother, Mike, are among the league leaders in slugging percentage.

The Monkeys and the Night Stockers have met four times over the past two seasons. The Monkeys prevailed in each of those contests.

Pitching Probables
Monkeys- Frank Flores (3-1)
Night Stockers- Austin Brungardt (2-2)

Monkeys in Action: July 16, 2011 Tournament

Ruben Turns a Double Play


Eric at Bat


OF Curtis and Matt

Current Standings

Results From Around The League: July 19, 2011

6:45
Shaggers 18
Night Stockers 13

8:00
Shaggers 20
Monkeys 15

Big Stix 12
Brown Bombers 11

9:15
Big Stix 12
Sons of Pitches 6

Monkeys Lose to Shaggers 20-15, Winning Streak Ends At 3

Recap

Fullerton. The Monkeys saw their three game winning streak snapped following a sloppily played game at Lemon Park on Tuesday evening. Officially charged with 4 errors, the Monkeys defense could easily have been charged with twice that many as ball after ball was dropped, misplayed, and thrown away. It didn’t help that the defensive lapse came against the Shaggers, who were riding a three game win streak of their own and who were eager to avenge their week one loss to the Monkeys.

“Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who were are playing- if we gave the opposition five or six out per inning, we’re going to have a hard time winning ballgames,” remarked Moneys manager John Upton. “I don’t know if the team was fatigued from the tournament on Saturday or what, but we sure didn’t look like a team that wanted to win tonight.”

The game was close early before the Shaggers begin pulling away in the middle frames courtesy of some timely hitting and multiple Monkeys miscues. The Monkeys batted back gamely and retook the lead with a six run outburst in the top of the fifth inning, but promptly yielded those six runs back to the Shaggers in the bottom of that inning. Despite rallying for 3 runs in the top of the sixth, the Monkeys never seemed to regain any sustained momentum and wound up taking their first loss.

Though never in synch defensively, the Monkeys offense still managed to plate 15 runs. Home run hitters for the Monkeys included Eric Alvarez, Frank Flores, and John Upton, and everyone in the lineup reached base safely at least once.

Pitcher Frank Flores took his first loss of the season.

Play by Play

First Inning
- M. Beighley doubled to right center
- E. Alvarez singled to right, M. Beighley scored
- F. Flores flied out to right, E. Alvares advanced to second
- M. Barnett singled to left center, E. Alvarez scored
- M. Gonzales signed to right, M. Barnett advanced to second
- B. Castaneda grounded into double play second to shortstop to first, M. Gonzales out at second
2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 2, Shaggers 0

Second Inning
- D. Quinones singled to center, E Alvarez pinch runs for D. Quinones
- R. Quinones walked, E. Alvarez advanced to second
- D. Valen struck out (foul balls)
- J. Upton homered to left, E. Alvarez and R. Quinones scored
- M. Beighley flied out to center
- E. Alvarez homered to right
- F. Flores grounded out to second
4 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 6, Shaggers 4

Third Inning
- M. Barnett grounded out to short
- M. Gonzales flied out to center
- B. Castaneda grounded out to second
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 6, Shaggers 8

Fourth Inning
- D. Quinones flied out to center
- R. Quinones singled to center
- D. Valen grounded out to third
- J. Upton flied out to left
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 6, Shaggers 10

Fifth Inning
- M. Beighley singled to center
- E. Alvarez doubled to center, M. Beighley scored
- F. Flores tripled to left, E. Alvares scored
- M. Barnett singled to center, F. Flores scored
- M. Gonzales popped out to short
- B. Castaneda singled to right, M. Barnett advanced to third
- D. Quinones singled to center, M. Barnett scored, E Alvarez pinch runs for D. Quinones
- R. Quinones flied out to left
- D. Valen walked
- J. Upton doubled to left, B. Castaneda scored, E Alvarez advanced to third
- M. Beighley grounded out to third
6 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 12, Shaggers 11

Sixth Inning
- E. Alvarez singled to right
- F. Flores homered to center, E. Alvares scored
- M. Barnett tripled to center
- M. Gonzales flied out to center, M. Barnett scored
- B. Castaneda grounded out to second
- D. Quinones grounded out to second
3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors
Monkeys 15, Shaggers 17

Seventh Inning
- R. Quinones struck out looking
- D. Valen struck out looking
- J. Upton flied out to deep left center
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
Final Score: Monkeys 15, Shaggers 20

Monkeys-Shaggers Preview

Date: July 19, 2011
Game time: 8:00 pm
Location: Lemon Park, Fullerton, California
Weather: Mostly clear; game time temperature projected at 78̊
Home Team: Shaggers

Game Preview

The Monkeys are on a three game win streak and have shown no signs of slowing down. Their offense has score no fewer than 18 runs per game this season, and their defense has been uncharacteristically stingy. The Monkeys will be without utility infielder John Maresca and right-center outfielder Curtis Brown in the lineup tonight, though team manager John Upton may be able to activate a reserve by game time. If not, they will field a lineup of 10 players.

The Shaggers are riding a two game winning streak themselves after being mercied by the Monkeys in the opening game of the season four weeks ago. Led by Eric Cohen and Rob Dumlao, the Shagger offense plated 23 runs in last week’s defeat of the Brown Bombers.

Pitching Probables
Monkeys- Frank Flores (3-0)
Shaggers- Bill Durbin (2-1)

Current Standings

Results From PSTS Tournament: July 16, 2011

Game 1
SMAK 19
Monkeys 7

Game 2
Trashin' Up 17
Monkeys 15

Game 3
Melo Productions 27
Monkeys 22
(extra innings)

We'll give it another try in the PSTS Statewide Tournament on September 10, 2011 at the Big League Dreams facility in West Covina, California.

Photos from the Tournament will be posted within the next few days.

Results From Around The League: July 12, 2011

6:45
Night Stockers 9
Sons of Pitches 5

8:00
Monkeys 19
Big Stix 13

9:15
Shaggers 23
Brown Bombers 3

July 16, 2011 Tournament Schedule Announced

The Monkeys will be competing in the Players Softball Tournament Series (PSTS) tournament this Saturday at the Chino Hills Big League Dreams sports complex, located at 16333 Fairfield Ranch Rd., Chino Hills, CA 91709. Opening round game times are 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm with playoffs to follow (hopefully). Come cheer on your favorite team as they compete for their first tournament title!

Monkeys In Action: June 11, 2011 Tournament

Matt breaks up a double play


John thinking about running to second base


Brian take a big swing

(Photos Courtesy of Official Team Photographer Angela Barnett)

Monkeys Defeat Big Stix 19-13, Remain Undefeated

Recap

FULLERTON-- The Monkeys continued their winning ways Tuesday evening at Lemon Park in a hard fought victory over a tough Big Stix squad.

After holding the Stix scoreless in the top of the first, the Monkeys plated three runs in their initial at bat and added seven more runs in the bottom of the second. The Stix attempted to fight back, but the Monkeys defense, at times inspired, at times a bit shaky, bent at times but did not break, and when Bix Stix pitcher Mike Crumley popped out to the catcher to end the game, the Monkeys had snapped a losing streak against the Big Stix dating back several seasons.

“That was an exciting game,” remarked manager John Upton. “We saw a few new faces over in the other dugout, and some of those guys could really hit. Fortunately, we were able to make some adjustments in the field after seeing their lineup the first time through, and the boys played some pretty good defense despite rather poor visibility in the twilight skies.” Mike Barnett made a particularly impressive catch in the top of the first while negotiating around the infamous right field light pole.

Once again, the potent Monkeys offense was lead by Matt Beighley, who went 4 for 4 with a walk, and Frank Flores, who drove in five runs. Other contributors included Mike Gonzales (triple), John Upton (double, 4 RBI), Ruben Quinones (3 for 4) and Darren Valen (1 for 1, 3 walks).

Monkeys-Big Stix Preview

Date: July 12, 2011
Game time: 8:00 pm
Location: Lemon Park, Fullerton, California
Weather: Mostly clear; game time temperature projected at 67̊
Home Team: Big Stix

Game Preview

The Monkeys have been scorching hot of late, having won the first two games of the summer season by a combined score of 39-6. Their defense has been outstanding, and Monkey offense has been plating runs in bunches up and down the line-up. Tonight, they face a Big Stix team that finished just out of the playoffs last season and stand in fourth place with a 0-1 record in Summer League ball after suffering a heartbreaking 18-17 loss to an improving Night Stockers squad. The Big Stix have given the Monkeys match-up problems in the past and swept them in the two-game season series in the Spring. Will the Monkeys continue their winning ways and snap their string of consecutive losses to the Big Stix? Can the Big Stix rebound from a disappointing loss and tame the division-leading Monkeys? Come out to the ballpark and see the all the action live and in person!

Pitching Probables
Monkeys- Frank Flores (2-0)
Brown Bombers- Mike Crumley (0-1)

Tournament Team Photo

Here are most of the players from the June, 2011 PSTS
Tournament at the Chino Hills Big League Dreams. We plan
to do even better at the July 16, 2011 Tournament.

Monkeys in Action: June 11, 2011 Tournament

Close Play At Third Base


John Upton Waits For His Pitch


Daniel Hits a Line Drive

(Photos Courtesy of Official Team Photographer Angela Barnett)

Monkeys in Action: June 11, 2011 Tournament

Brian and Mike share a moment


Frank covers first base


Matt and Ruben prepare to turn a double play



(Photos Courtesy of Official Team Photographer Angela Barnett)

Current Standings

Results From Around The League: July 5, 2011

6:45
Monkeys 21
Brown Bombers 3

8:00
Shaggers 18
Sons of Pitches 11

9:15
Night Stockers 18
Big Stix 17

Summer 2011 Schedule

June 28
Lemon 9:15 Monkeys vs. Shaggers (W 18-3)
July 5
Lemon 6:45 Monkeys vs. Brown Bombers (W 21-3)
July 12
Lemon 8:00 Monkeys vs. Big Stix
July 19
Lemon 8:00 Shaggers vs. Monkeys
July 26
Lemon 8:00 Night Stockers vs. Monkeys
Aug. 2
Lemon 6:45 Sons of Pitches vs. Monkeys
Aug. 9
Lemon 6:45 Brown Bombers vs. Monkeys
Aug. 16
Lemon 9:15 Big Stix vs. Monkeys
Aug. 23
Lemon 9:15 Monkeys vs. Sons of Pitches
Aug. 30
Lemon 8:00 Monkeys vs. Night Stockers
Sept. 6
Playoffs

Monkeys Mercy Brown Bombers 21-3 in 5 Innings

Recap

July 5, 2011. The Fullerton Monkeys continued their winning ways on Tuesday evening with their second consecutive mercy rule victory. Picking up right where they left off over last week’s triumph over the Shaggers, the Monkeys were confident bunch as they took the field against a playoff-caliber opponent in the Brown Bombers. After giving up 3 runs in the top of the first inning, the Monkeys roared back with 11 runs of their own in the bottom of the first. At one point, twelve consecutive Monkeys reached base safely.

“It was an amazing thing to see,” remarked Monkeys manager John Upton. “Not only did we score all those runs- we did it with two out.” Determined not to let their lead slip away, the Monkeys played a tenacious, near-error-free game in the field, giving the Bombers no chance to get into any type of groove or rally. The Monkeys continued to add to their lead before putting the game away in the top of the fifth by holding the Bombers scoreless for the fourth inning in a row. For a team noted for its occasional lapses into porous defense, this represents a giant step in the right direction.

Frank Flores hurled another gem for the Monkeys, allowing just three runs in five innings and lowering his league-leading era to a minuscule 2.40.

As the box scores were not available after the game, game-specific offensive stats will not be available, but every Monkey reached base safely at least once. Matt Beighley launched his second home run of the season, and Frank Flores, Mike Barnett, Mike Gonzales, Brian Castaneda, Daniel Quinones, Ruben Quinones, Curtis Brown, and John Upton all contributed extra-base hits.

Monkey Notes

The Monkeys welcomed backed Mike Gonzales and John Maresca to the lineup Tuesday, though Maresca will be out on assignment for the next four games.

Next Week: Big Stix, 8pm, Lemon Park.

League Leaders- Spring 2011

The Statistics from the Spring 2011 regular season are now official, and the Monkeys have a number of Players on the final leader boards.

Pitching (ERA)
Frank Flores- 5th

Fielding Percentage
Ruben Quinones- 5th
Daniel Quinones- 10th

Batting Average
Mike Barnett- 5th
Daniel Quinones- 7th
Matthew Beighley- 8th

Slugging Percentage
Mike Barnett- 4th
Frank Flores- 9th

Runs Batted In
John Upton- 2nd
Mike Barnett- 4th
Frank Flores- 6th
Brian Castaneda- 8th

Home Runs
Michael Barnett- 2nd
Frank Flores and John Upton- Tied for 3rd

Brown Bombers-Monkeys Preview

Date: July 5, 2011

Game time: 6:45 pm

Location: Lemon Park, Fullerton, California

Weather: Clear and dry; game time temperature 76 degrees

Home Team: Monkeys

The Monkeys and the Brown Bombers appear on paper to be two closely matched teams. The Brown Bombers are relative newcomers to the Tuesday league, having played just one season there after moving from Wednesday night play seeking an appropriate level of competition. The Bombers had won the Wednesday lower league championship in Fall, 2010 before moving up to Wednesday middle division play in Winter, 2011. Having struggled there, the Bombers moved to the Tuesday lower league in the Spring, where they finished fourth. The Bombers won their first game of the Summer season over the Night Stockers 14-8.

The Monkeys finished in third place in Spring, 2011 and are looking to improve from there in the Summer league. They scored a resounding victory over the Shaggers in their season opener after a disappointing playoff run in the Spring. The Monkeys have qualified for post-season play in most of the recent seasons and finished one game shy of the middle-division championship as recently as Fall, 2010. The Monkeys expect to have Michael Gonzales and John Maresca back in the lineup, and have returned Keith Miller to reserve status.

The Monkeys and the Brown Bombers split their division series 1-1 last season.

Pitching Probables:

Monkeys- Frank Flores (1-0)

Brown Bombers- Luis Avila (1-0)

Monkeys Roll Over Shaggers 18-3 in Summer Season Opener

Recap

June 28, 2011. Matt Beighley, Frank Flores, and Michael Barnett all homered as the Fullerton Monkeys cruised to a convincing victory over the Shaggers at Lemon Park on Tuesday night. The game ended via the mercy rule in the bottom of the fifth inning as Barnett crossed the plate with the team’s 18^th run, capping a near flawless game by the hometown Monkeys.

“I knew when the team was warming up that we were ready to play tonight,” remarked team manager John Upton. “Coming off that disappointing performance against WIT in the playoffs last week, the guys were fired up and ready to make a statement right away.” Their opponents Tuesday night, the Shaggers, had won the lower division in Fall, 2010 and were moving back to Lemon Park after a season of middle-division play. The fans could not have asked for a better season opener than a clash between two of the league’s pre-season favorites.

The Monkeys squad taking the field had a slightly different look than last season’s squad. Gone were 2B John Naslund (on leave for the summer), 1B Michael Gonzales (personal day), and utility infielder John Maresca (scouting trip), and in the lineup were 3B Keith Miller, activated from the reserve squad, and free-agent signing, SS Eric Alvarez. The Quinones brothers, Ruben and Daniel, moved over to 2B and 1B, and Matt Beighley patrolled left-center for the Monkeys.

The defensive alignment seemed to work as the Monkey played flawlessly in the field, holding the Shaggers to just three runs and seven hits over five innings. “I though everyone looked great in the field tonight,” remarked Upton. “Eric and Keith were as solid as can be on the left side of the infield, Danny and (pitcher) Frank Flores combined for some nice put-outs at first, and Mike Barnett made some great catches in right field.”

Offensively, the Monkeys were on their game as well. After each team scored two runs in the top of the first, the Monkeys added to their lead in the second and third innings before blowing the game wide open with a nine-run outburst in the bottom of the fourth. The Shaggers never scored a run past the third inning, and the game ended with Barnett’s blast with two outs in the bottom of the fifth.

Leading the way offensively for the Monkeys were leadoff hitter Matt Beighley (2-3, HR), Frank Flores (3-4, 3B, HR, 3 runs scored), Mike Barnett (2-4, 3B, HR), Brian Castaneda (2-3, 2B), and John Upton (2-3, 3B).

Pitcher Frank Flores picked up his first victory of the season, going five innings and giving up just three earned runs on seven hits.

Monkey Notes

Next game is at 6:45pm at Lemon Park, where the Monkeys will host the Brown Bombers, who defeated the Night Stockers in their opener 14-8. The Monkeys split the series with the Brown Bombers last season.

The Monkeys expect to have Michael Gonzales and John Maresca back in the line-up for the game July 5.

It's Back!

The official blog of the Fullerton Monkeys returns for the Summer 2011 season. We will be updating the site regularly with game recaps, box scores, special features, and a whole lot more. Set up your bookmarks and check back frequently as we all follow our favorite Tuesday night softball team in their quest to recapture the Major League Softball championship!