The Tiefel Tigers took the win from last week's opening game and used the momentum to propel them forward in game two. The Tigers were the visiting team in this first ever meeting against the Bronx Bombers.
Using his secret (and sometimes controversial) formula*, manager Joel Carstensen shook up the batting lineup from the previous week. Shortstop Jer Gurgel was the lead off batter, followed by first baseman Elizabeth Plath and left fielder Paul Tiefel III. Right fielder Bek Carstensen batted cleanup, followed by third baseman Tim Burns and left-center fielder Jill Tiefel. Pitcher Paul Tiefel Jr. took the number seven spot, Joelle Noeldner, eight, and right-center fielder Mark Tiefel, nine. Second baseman Hannah Tiefel, Jarrod Lentz and catcher Emily Tiefel rounded out the order.
Game two highlighted a few cracks in the team's veneer: Some hiccups in the team's base-running, a little controversy in the infield, and a little resentment about the lineup shakeup. But a strong showing in the top of the sixth inning capped the game. Lead by Mark Tiefel's grand slam, the Tigers scored nine runs. The final score was 17-5.
BOX SCORE: Jer Gurgel (2 1B, 2B), Elizabeth Plath (1B), Paul Tiefel III (2 1B, 2 2B), Bek Carstensen (1B, BB), Tim Burns (1B), Paul Tiefel, Jr. (2 1B, 2B), Joelle Noeldner (1B), Mark Tiefel (2 1B, HR), Hannah Tiefel (1B), Jarrod Lentz (2 1B), Emily Tiefel (1B) - P. Tiefel Jr. pitched entire game
* Here's my best guess at this formula: who shows up to the game earliest + balancing gender requirement that every other batter must be female + whatever else is going on in Joel's head = game lineup
5.29.2010
5.26.2010
Scouting report: 2010 Tiefel Tigers
Hey, sports fans! I used to send out a weekly write-up about the Tiefel Tigers via email. Last summer, I made a half-hearted attempt to write about the games here. This season, I am recommitting myself to the task. Without further ado, here is the scouting report for 2010.
Paul Tiefel, Jr. (P, OF) - Dad. Is. Back. And looking as if he has hardly lost a step. One of the three original Tigers in uniform (the others are Jill and Jer), he's transformed from shortstop into starting pitcher. The sight of Dad on the mound strikes fear into the hearts of opposing teams (and sometimes even into his fellow teammates).
Prediction: Dad will get thrown out at second twice during the season. (I feel like I'm phoning this one in, because it already happened once during the first game.)
Eileen Tiefel (C) - No one rocks out a uniform like Mom. Last season, she was the best dressed player on the Tigers, sporting a glam rhinestone belt with her khaki capris. In true superstar form, she wears her oversized sunglasses and maintains her perfectly coiffed blond hairstyle, even under intense game time pressure.
Prediction: Mom will find a way to avoid playing in eight out of the 11 games and develop a love for post-game chatter.
Jill Tiefel (OF, P) - Seen turning cartwheels in right field. Clearly washed up.
Prediction: Batting number two at the beginning of the season, she will be batting number ten by the end.
Jeremy Gurgel (SS) - Dartman lives up to his nickname. He cruises around the base paths he's being chased by his kids. He also is an industrial strength vacuum cleaner, hoovering up every hit that comes his way. Short stops don't get any better than this. (Sometimes taller, but not better.)
Prediction: By week three, Jer's knees will be a bloody, scabbed-over mess.
Elizabeth (Tiefel) Plath (1B) - Louie doesn't know the meaning of the word "quit," and after her determined showing at the Eau Claire Marathon, we're not about to doubt her. Wait a minute. She missed the first game of the season? No longer a contender for the Ironman award.
Prediction: Could hit the ball over the fence if Jer offers a $100 incentive.
Joel Carstensen (OF, IF) - Manager, scorekeeper and substitute player...Wednesday was the first game of the season and Joel's already sporting the weary, frenzied look of a man put through the ringer. People, please show up early so he doesn't die of a heart-attack.
Prediction: Joel will try his hand at pitching before the season's over.
Rebekah (Tiefel) Carstensen (1B, OF) - Fresh off maternity leave, Bek's rejoined the Tigers in a regular capacity. The team's counting on her to produce an offensive spark at the plate.
Prediction: Bek will get run over on the basepaths by either Jer, Paul or Mark due to the batting lineup. The larger question: Is this is a conspiracy by the manager? Hope not, because we're looking forward to Famous Dave's lunch on Rebekah.
Mark S. Tiefel (3B, OF) - On defense, Mark longs to tame the hot corner at third base. On offense, he could possibly be a powerhouse hitter. But swinging for the fences has its perils. On opening night, he popped out to the shortstop. He is his father's son when it comes to running and coaching the bases.
Prediction: By season's end, Mark will be in a groove, cracking the bat like a lion-tamer cracks a whip.
Jarrod Lentz (OF) - Jarrod is the only member of the Tigers who cheers for the Minnesota Twins (at least openly). He's either gutsy or foolish, we're not sure which. This year, our affable friend is not sporting the scruffy facial hair. We'll see what effect--if any--this has on his performance.
Prediction: If he eats his Wheaties, we may see a home run.
Joelle Noeldner (OF, 2B) - Joelle returns to the Tigers for the second year in a row. The first game showed that she needs to readjust her batting timing, but her outfielding was in mid-season form. Diminutive Joelle is proof that good things come in small packages.
Prediction: You're still stuck on diminutive.
Tim Burns (OF, IF) - Timmy. Burnsy. Whatever name you use, you know who we're talking about. Mild-mannered Burnsy has been a staple on the Tigers. He's frequently late to games, but still is number one in our hearts. His favorite move is the shallow single to right field.
Prediction: All purpose player that he is, Tim will see action in no fewer than five positions on the field.
Paul Tiefel III (OF, SS) - PT3 took last season off after being unable to come to terms with the Tigers' front office. Now back and rededicated, Paul's prowess in left field causes opponents to flinch. While running to first, batters go from thinking "Yeah. Sure double," to "How'd he get to THAT? Who is this guy? Inspector Gadget?" All that in 50 feet.
Prediction: Besides conducting a fielding clinic in several games, Paul's also working on world peace.
Emily (Roehl) Tiefel (C, OF) - Emily is a fresh face on the Tigers' roster this year. Her speed on the bases is a favorable match to the team's trademark recklessness and daring. She could be a worthy candidate to carry the "crazy-legs" tradition first made famous by Nathanael.
Prediction: A little more practice and Em could be a master at the full-swing bunt AND have the highest batting average on the team.
Gretchen (Noeldner) Tiefel (OF) - Gretchen stepped down to a supporting role this season and is the official substitute. If she gets into the game, she'll hold her own. It's also helpful to know that we will have medical personnel on site at each game.
Prediction: Gretchen will see action on the field in two or three games. She'll see action as a nurse in five or six.
Hannah Tiefel (2B, OF) - The most recent product of the farm system, Hannah made her long-anticipated (by her) debut on the family team. The rookie held her own at second base in the season opener.
Prediction: H will have no trouble making the adjustment to slow pitch. After all, she has 12 coaches to inform her of what she's doing wrong.
The Tigers kicked off the 2010 season in the Caribbean league last week. They defeated rival Wisconsin Metal Fab 11-3. You can view league standings on the city's website.
Paul Tiefel, Jr. (P, OF) - Dad. Is. Back. And looking as if he has hardly lost a step. One of the three original Tigers in uniform (the others are Jill and Jer), he's transformed from shortstop into starting pitcher. The sight of Dad on the mound strikes fear into the hearts of opposing teams (and sometimes even into his fellow teammates).
Prediction: Dad will get thrown out at second twice during the season. (I feel like I'm phoning this one in, because it already happened once during the first game.)
Eileen Tiefel (C) - No one rocks out a uniform like Mom. Last season, she was the best dressed player on the Tigers, sporting a glam rhinestone belt with her khaki capris. In true superstar form, she wears her oversized sunglasses and maintains her perfectly coiffed blond hairstyle, even under intense game time pressure.
Prediction: Mom will find a way to avoid playing in eight out of the 11 games and develop a love for post-game chatter.
Jill Tiefel (OF, P) - Seen turning cartwheels in right field. Clearly washed up.
Prediction: Batting number two at the beginning of the season, she will be batting number ten by the end.
Jeremy Gurgel (SS) - Dartman lives up to his nickname. He cruises around the base paths he's being chased by his kids. He also is an industrial strength vacuum cleaner, hoovering up every hit that comes his way. Short stops don't get any better than this. (Sometimes taller, but not better.)
Prediction: By week three, Jer's knees will be a bloody, scabbed-over mess.
Elizabeth (Tiefel) Plath (1B) - Louie doesn't know the meaning of the word "quit," and after her determined showing at the Eau Claire Marathon, we're not about to doubt her. Wait a minute. She missed the first game of the season? No longer a contender for the Ironman award.
Prediction: Could hit the ball over the fence if Jer offers a $100 incentive.
Joel Carstensen (OF, IF) - Manager, scorekeeper and substitute player...Wednesday was the first game of the season and Joel's already sporting the weary, frenzied look of a man put through the ringer. People, please show up early so he doesn't die of a heart-attack.
Prediction: Joel will try his hand at pitching before the season's over.
Rebekah (Tiefel) Carstensen (1B, OF) - Fresh off maternity leave, Bek's rejoined the Tigers in a regular capacity. The team's counting on her to produce an offensive spark at the plate.
Prediction: Bek will get run over on the basepaths by either Jer, Paul or Mark due to the batting lineup. The larger question: Is this is a conspiracy by the manager? Hope not, because we're looking forward to Famous Dave's lunch on Rebekah.
Mark S. Tiefel (3B, OF) - On defense, Mark longs to tame the hot corner at third base. On offense, he could possibly be a powerhouse hitter. But swinging for the fences has its perils. On opening night, he popped out to the shortstop. He is his father's son when it comes to running and coaching the bases.
Prediction: By season's end, Mark will be in a groove, cracking the bat like a lion-tamer cracks a whip.
Jarrod Lentz (OF) - Jarrod is the only member of the Tigers who cheers for the Minnesota Twins (at least openly). He's either gutsy or foolish, we're not sure which. This year, our affable friend is not sporting the scruffy facial hair. We'll see what effect--if any--this has on his performance.
Prediction: If he eats his Wheaties, we may see a home run.
Joelle Noeldner (OF, 2B) - Joelle returns to the Tigers for the second year in a row. The first game showed that she needs to readjust her batting timing, but her outfielding was in mid-season form. Diminutive Joelle is proof that good things come in small packages.
Prediction: You're still stuck on diminutive.
Tim Burns (OF, IF) - Timmy. Burnsy. Whatever name you use, you know who we're talking about. Mild-mannered Burnsy has been a staple on the Tigers. He's frequently late to games, but still is number one in our hearts. His favorite move is the shallow single to right field.
Prediction: All purpose player that he is, Tim will see action in no fewer than five positions on the field.
Paul Tiefel III (OF, SS) - PT3 took last season off after being unable to come to terms with the Tigers' front office. Now back and rededicated, Paul's prowess in left field causes opponents to flinch. While running to first, batters go from thinking "Yeah. Sure double," to "How'd he get to THAT? Who is this guy? Inspector Gadget?" All that in 50 feet.
Prediction: Besides conducting a fielding clinic in several games, Paul's also working on world peace.
Emily (Roehl) Tiefel (C, OF) - Emily is a fresh face on the Tigers' roster this year. Her speed on the bases is a favorable match to the team's trademark recklessness and daring. She could be a worthy candidate to carry the "crazy-legs" tradition first made famous by Nathanael.
Prediction: A little more practice and Em could be a master at the full-swing bunt AND have the highest batting average on the team.
Gretchen (Noeldner) Tiefel (OF) - Gretchen stepped down to a supporting role this season and is the official substitute. If she gets into the game, she'll hold her own. It's also helpful to know that we will have medical personnel on site at each game.
Prediction: Gretchen will see action on the field in two or three games. She'll see action as a nurse in five or six.
Hannah Tiefel (2B, OF) - The most recent product of the farm system, Hannah made her long-anticipated (by her) debut on the family team. The rookie held her own at second base in the season opener.
Prediction: H will have no trouble making the adjustment to slow pitch. After all, she has 12 coaches to inform her of what she's doing wrong.
The Tigers kicked off the 2010 season in the Caribbean league last week. They defeated rival Wisconsin Metal Fab 11-3. You can view league standings on the city's website.
4.22.2010
What's cooking?
My best friend is a gourmet cook. She's fearless in the kitchen. I am amazed at the concoctions she puts together. Not to say that everything she makes turns out terrific--but her courage and creativity are unmatched.
So when Leah invited me to join her at the Taste of Home Cooking School recently, I was intrigued and decided to give it a shot. Attendees troll the expo, then find their seats in the auditorium, where recipes are cooked on the stage kitchen. Two large screens on either side of the stage broadcast feed from the camera suspended above the cooking area. Each attendee received a goody bag full of coupons and recipes. On each chair was a five pound bag of potatoes.
The room was absolutely packed and after finding our seats, we quickly realized we weren't going anywhere until the show was over. There was no room to move. We were literally crammed into this hotel conference room elbow to elbow and thigh to thigh. However, once the show began, I was able to put my claustrophobic feelings on hold and despite my reservations, I found myself enjoying the evening.
I will take this time to issue an official apology to the serious cooks who were in my immediate vicinity. I was completely irreverent. (My excuse is that Leah makes me laugh and I can't help it. I know. Very mature.)
So we're sitting there as we watch someone cook and Leah's getting hungrier and hungrier. The room is filled with a savory aroma, which doesn't help. We can't leave our seats, so Leah finally breaks down and eats a raw potato from her bag. I tried not to giggle, but I couldn't get over the irony of being at a cooking show and starving.
I'll leave you with this recipe for Orange Chocolate Tart, which we saw demonstrated at cooking school.
P.S. I'll let you know if I pass the class. :)
So when Leah invited me to join her at the Taste of Home Cooking School recently, I was intrigued and decided to give it a shot. Attendees troll the expo, then find their seats in the auditorium, where recipes are cooked on the stage kitchen. Two large screens on either side of the stage broadcast feed from the camera suspended above the cooking area. Each attendee received a goody bag full of coupons and recipes. On each chair was a five pound bag of potatoes.
The room was absolutely packed and after finding our seats, we quickly realized we weren't going anywhere until the show was over. There was no room to move. We were literally crammed into this hotel conference room elbow to elbow and thigh to thigh. However, once the show began, I was able to put my claustrophobic feelings on hold and despite my reservations, I found myself enjoying the evening.
I will take this time to issue an official apology to the serious cooks who were in my immediate vicinity. I was completely irreverent. (My excuse is that Leah makes me laugh and I can't help it. I know. Very mature.)
So we're sitting there as we watch someone cook and Leah's getting hungrier and hungrier. The room is filled with a savory aroma, which doesn't help. We can't leave our seats, so Leah finally breaks down and eats a raw potato from her bag. I tried not to giggle, but I couldn't get over the irony of being at a cooking show and starving.
I'll leave you with this recipe for Orange Chocolate Tart, which we saw demonstrated at cooking school.
P.S. I'll let you know if I pass the class. :)
4.07.2010
Road trip to Nelson
Isn't this a classically lovely vignette? You never know where you might find bits of beauty. Here's how I captured this one.
I've been running in the rat race lately and finishing in last place despite my best efforts. A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I decided to jump in the car and hit the road. We didn't know where we were headed, but I was tired of planning and tired of details and Ryan didn't mind not having an official destination.
We ended up at the Wisconsin/Minnesota border at the Nelson Creamery. If you're not from Wisconsin, you might scoff at the idea of cheese factory in the middle of "nowhere," but it's not passe. Far from it. Ryan and I enjoyed a glass of wine in the fireplace room before browsing the delectable selection of gourmet food and drink. I'll definitely be making a return trip soon.
4.01.2010
Tying the knot
My father is a pastor and one of his favorite lines can only be used after a wedding. "Everything went well, it went off with just one hitch." (Bah-dum-dum). There's a good chance I inherited my love of corny jokes from him. Weddings bring out the crazy in me. (Incidentally, family get-togethers have the same effect. Two for the price of one! Good times all around.)
Anyway, my younger brother got married a couple weeks ago. Mark and Gretchen's nuptials were uniquely theirs, from the altar flower arrangements to the ceremony itself. My father preached the wedding sermon and my sisters and I sang a hymn. Paul returned the favor of speaking at the reception, as Mark had done for him only five months earlier. My mom made the cake and cupcakes. Gretchen's sisters and brothers all participated in the wedding as well. It was a true family affair.
3.30.2010
Erin Designs
One of my favorite things about having my own business is the opportunity to meet and work with people. One such person is Erin O'Brien, a talented interior designer and owner of Erin Designs, LLC. Erin has an incredible eye for color and a creative gift for expression. One of her recent ventures is hand-painting silk scarves. Each one is an original, gorgeous piece of artwork. I am fortunate enough to own one of her scarves and I've gotten compliments every time I've worn it. Erin recommends Texeresilk.com's scarf tying guide for ideas on how to accessorize with scarves.
(Not that this picture can do it justice, but I just had to try.)
3.25.2010
Just released
I'm excited. One of my favorite authors, Harlan Coben, just released a new book: Caught. Between that, and the library book sale this weekend, I may be incommunicado!
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