WRITE UP FOR WEEK #6: SCARY GOOD COMEBACK

CAPTAIN'S LOG: DART DATE: 10 - 29 - 07

Halloween in New York. You gotta love it. People in this town are so Type A, so driven, that when an opportunity comes along when you can "play against type" and just be a goofball... you gotta embrace it. Enter The 2nd Annual Halloween Dart Night (NOTE: PICTORIAL TO FOLLOW). Sure, we were missing 28% of the 'Bags (Tim had to work late and Gins was at the Ranger game). But we enjoyed the company of Colin "The Microwave" O'Donell. We had Lou Henry and his Starving Dartists drop by on their way to their C-3 match. Always good to see those guys. And we even managed to get 2 of 3 Klopchin sisters, Hopi and Holly. In addition Nellie and (Friend of Dartbags, F.O.D) Greg were on hand. Good crew. We knew regardless of the outcome, it would be a good night.

The 'Bags would take on Hands of Doom on "The Stage" at Barfly. It had been a while since we'd faced off against this bunch. The last time we saw HOD was B league playofss back on Tuesday when Farticus, Pew Lou, and the Surgeon were on active duty.

Usually, the 'Bags send Glenn up first. But not always. Glenn's logic was the final word on the matter.

Glenn: Ladies first.

So Mother Superior would lead off.

SINGLES: 5 - 7 Dartbags

Sister Frank vs. Ross Cohen

Ross came firing out of the gate leading off with a Ton. But he was just getting started. He caught a 66 next round. Then followed that up with a Ton-20. Two rounds later, he found himself on 95. But, Frank was hanging in, just 63 points off the pace. Ross stepped up and went first dart, T-19... 2nd dart D-19. Ho. Lee. Crap. Ross racked up 315 ASPs, hit a Treble every turn, took out a 95 and was gone in 17 darts. Wow. But the Captain kept his cool and took the second game, by hitting (what else) a D-1. And in the final game put away a 32 out with Ross poised to pounce on a 40 out. 2-1 Dartbags, but tip your cap to Ross. Best damn darts we've seen since Tony Roman pulled a 14 Darter on us.

Superglenn vs. Rob Evans

Another match up of people who's been playing each other for years. You knew this would be a good battle. Both shooters were streaky. SuperPike piled up 464 ASPs. But it was Rob who was hitting his outs first, taking the first two. Personally, I think part of the problem was the music. In addition to the usual hard-rocking, upbeat music, Frank had selected a Johnny Cash song, the old spiritual "The Legend of John Henry". Frank's father used to sing this song back in the 70s and Frank recalled it as a a soulful, yet lively, recounting of a man's indominable will (as well as a neocryptic metaphor for creeping Industrialism.) Unfortunately, this version was neither. In fact, I don't know what the hell it was. Usually, Johnny Cash is a safe bet. Not this time. In fact, half the song wasn't even singing, it was Johnny doing a mock dialogue between a quarry foreman and the eponymous John Henry replete with such cringe inducing lines as "Boy! Pick up that hammer!", "Yes sir!". And it went on... For. Ever. It made Freebird look like Louie Louie. The natives at Barfly were clearly getting restless. And by restless, I mean seriously annoyed.

Frank to Jen: The Legend of John Henry isn't quite the crowd pleaser I thought it would be.

Jen: Mmmmm, nope.

Frank: Geez... How long IS this song???

Colin: I think this is the Allman Brothers version.

But Piker didn't let the tragic demise of the "steel-drivin' man" ruin the entire set. He redoubled his focus in leg 3. He popped a D-10 to turn in a 9 turner in the final frame to salvage the point. All tied at 3-3. Whew. Done and Done.

Enter Cuppa Joe featuring a number of newly drawn tattoos vs. Jared DeMarino.

Cup looked pretty tough, I must say. Evidently Barfly patrons agreed. So much so that he was mistaken for the bouncer when he stood by the front door. Always the "Method Actor", Cup submerged himeslf in his role by ID'ing several patrons as they entered the bar.

Cup: ID?

Confused Girl: Oh. Sorry. Umm... I got it in here somew-

Cup: That's all right. C'mon in.

It took Cup a little time to reach cruising altitude in this set. He got out of the gate slowly and Jared D took the first one. By the end he was hot as a freshly made Stouffer's French Bread Pizza (which, if you'll recall your childhood, is roughly the same temperature as bubbling magma). In set two he nearly took out a 152, going T-20, T-20 before missing the D-16. He hit it next dart. And in the second set he went T-19, T-20, S-16 (135) to put himself on 92. Then went S-1, T-17, D-20 to close it out. Gone in 20 darts. The Flaming Cuppa Joe tattoo on his forearm said it all. Hombre es mas en fuego. Great stuff. 5-4 'Bags

Shaggy Vince vs. Matt Heit.

Vince piled up 4 tons along the way. Usually quality rounds earn you a victory. But not this time. Matt simply shot great. He piled up 505 ASPs of his own and was gone in what seemed like 7 to 9 rounds everytime. Sometimes you just run into a buzzsaw. It happens. Another tip of the cap and - hey, wait a minute... we're freaking LOSING! First time all year we've been trailing after singles. Dang. 5-7 HOD

CRICKET: 4 -2 Dartbags

FrankenPike facedd off against Ross and Jen Lilya. Frank got it rolling with 5 20s and the 'Bags never looked back. Ross and Captain Jen stepped up their game in the 2nd leg, but the 'Bags held on. In the final leg, Frank popped a T-20, T-19 and Pike wasn't missing. They took the last one to complete the sweep. Needed that one. 8-7 'Bags

Cup'nVince faced Rob and matt in what would prove to be a tough match. Rob's rep among the D'Bags is well known and Matt seemed intent on making one. The HOD took the first one with stellar darts. But the 'Bags counterpunched in set two with Cup throwing big rounds and Vince chipping in for the win. But Cuppa Joe's broad shoulders were not enough to overcome good darts by Rob and Matt in the final set. Dang. And once again we were tied, this time 9-all.

DOUBLE '01: 6 - 0 Dartbags

It was FrankenVince in the final set taking on Matt and Jen. The Hornet's Nest did the heavy lifing here going In 2 times and Out 3 times. (Two of those outs were in the same exact spot on the board, the D-4 just over the wire of the D-13. Weird). After winning the first two in close matches, Frank offered an observation.

Frank: We gotta pick it up, guy, if we're going to take the last one.

Vince: What do you mean 'we'? I've gotten us in and out twice and I hit 2 Tons.

Frank: (pause) I see your point.

So the Cap heated up long enough to toss a couple of all stars and Vince again drove the nail to take the W - and the sweept. 12-9 'Bags

Cup and Glenn took on Matt and Rob in the finale. There were 3 points out there for the taking. The night could end up anywhere from a tie to a nice win. Cup and Glenn were terrific. Both men got on quickly and out on the first few darts. In addition, they were lighting up the ASPs with over 500 between them. Details are sketchy and viewed through Jamesons colored glasses, but sufficie it to say the Good Guys took all three points and Cup once again had a High O with a searing DS-116 in game 3. Great work from the Astorians and a great way to finish the evening.

FINAL SCORE: DARTBAGS - 15 : HANDS OF DOOM - 9

This was a good night all around. HOD were good shots and a great hosts. Rather than look down on the silliness of Halloween Darts they were on board, and we shared some hearty laughs along the way. This bunch likes to have a good time. If not for a late run by the 'Bags, this one could have gone either way. As it was, we'll consider ourselves fortunate to get 15 points and run the unbeaten streak to 17 weeks. We'll look forward to seeing them at our place in December.

All Star Recap:

Bouncer Cup: 719 (Is there anyone in A-3 playing better?)
Super Glenn: 698 (Pike-like as the night progressed)
Shaggy Vince: 600 (Carried us in D '01)
Sister Frank: 558 (Looked suprisingly good in Habit)

WRITE UP FOR WEEK #5: HEAVYWEIGHT SLUGFEST

CAPTAIN'S LOG: DART DATE: 10 - 22 - 07

We circled the wagons.

We battened down the hatches (which was difficult because we had limited battening experience).

And Katie barred the door. (Thanks, Katie!).

We had to. We were preparing for an onslaught we knew was coming. Bullistics, the first place team in A-3 was coming to the Geek to face the Dartbags (Most Drinkin'est and Friendliest Dart Team in NYC TM) and come 7:30... we knew we were in for 3 (to 3 1/2) hours of Dart War. Five points back in the standing, we knew every point was crucial. There are limited opportunities to make up ground on teams like this.

But tonight was one.

The 'Bags rallied the troops and got a solid turnout. Every bag was on hand save Colin "The Microwave" O'Donnell who was in Saginaw, Michigan for the National Semifinals of the American Armwrestling Association. (Make us proud, big guy!). But Gins was there. Big Friendly Tim was there. The Dartbaguettes, Hope, Nell and Jess, were there. And there was even a rare Lillian appearance. (Which the Captain always appreciates because he hates looking bad in front of his girlfriend.)

As if that wasn't enough, Lou Henry and his Starving Dartists (The Terror of C-3) showed up to lend their support after their opponent inexplicably failed to show up at their match downtown.

Yep. All the pieces were in place for a big night.

Here's what happened.

SINGLE '01: 8 -4 Dartbags.

IYH vs. Liam Keane

Piker shot just fine. But Liam shot even better. LK took the first with an 8 rounder. But Piker struck back on the back of multiple T-33s and took the second game in 9 rounds himself. The final game was a sprint to the finish. But Liam went out first dart to break the tape a split second before Glenn. Damn. Good darts all around. Acknowledge. And move on. 1-2 'Bags.

Captain Furious vs. Joe Taras

These two have been going at it since the C finals 4 years ago. And it's always a good battle. Joe threw bombs but Frank hit his out first (D-4) and stole the first point. It was Joe stealing back in game 2. The rubber match was another nail biter in which they answered each other's big rounds, but both men put themselves on crappy outs and ended up on X. Fortunately, Frank loves X. (He must. Or he wouldn't end up there so often.) The Captain struck it first. Big darts by Joe (640 ASPs), and petty larceny from Frank. 3-3.

The Hornet's Nest vs. James Eugenia

Vince's game has been picking up speed all season and would reach 5th gear on Monday night. Facing off against a tough foe meant he would need it. He took the first on the back of two tons to put us in the lead. James reponded by taking the 2nd leg. 'Cenzo had a Ton-40 in his pocket and broke it out in leg 3 to take the rubber match in a 9 round nailbiter. Nice! 5-4 'Bags

Cuppa Joe vs. Paul "The Quiz" Quisenberry

You know Cup is on when he's "funneling" (i.e., grouping his darts in a V-shaped pattern around the T-19.) Cup was funneling like Frank the Tank on Hell Night. He smacked a Ton-14 and a whole mess of 70/80+ combinations en route to victory 1. In game two he continued the strong play. A T-21, and a bunch of 80s. Paul hung right with him, but Cup never let up. He was methodical. And when he nailed his D-20... he was gone in 20 darts. Wow! Are you kidding me? Huge sweep from Cuppa. He. Yuge.

Paul was a gentleman afterwards.

Paul: He shot great. Sometimes you don't lose. You just get beat.

Cuppa's heroics (there would be more) gave the 'Bags a huge 8-4 lead going into cricket. That's really saying something, considering this is the first place team. In fact, I can guarantee you two things: 1) Bullistics is not used to losing singles matches (they were like 75% on the season, and 2) They didn't like it very much. They would get there revenge in cricket.

CRICKET 5-1 Bullistics

Cup and Glenn vs. Joe T. and Nikola Simic

That singles beating must not have been sitting well, because Bullistics just bum-rushed us on this one. Glenn and Cup were fine. Not great. But not noticably off. The difference was that Joe was just sick. He hit two R-6s and a bushel of R-5s and R-4s. Nick was pretty damn sharp too. It seemed like they never threw more than one dart at a 16 or 15 all game. Bullistics took the first, the second and the third. Ouch. That hasn't happened in a while. 8-7 'Bags

Vince and Frank vs. Paul and James

The 'Bags were looking to right the ship. It didn't happen. Vince was his usual solid self. Frank was okay. But again, mediocre darts just weren't going to get it done against these guys. Paul, in particular was filthy. The 'Bags built up a lead in game one thanks in part to a big R-6 from Vince. Bu 6 16s from Paul began to turn the tide. The 'Bags were pointing on 20s and Bullistics on 16s. But we were losing ground. After going up in points Paul saved his last darts for the still wide open 20s. He nailed a triple. He and James seemed to hit every big dart. They took the first two in impressive fashion. The third game was also close until a an R-7 from Frank opened the lead. It was Vince closing out bull to salvage the last point.

Wow. Nearly double swept TWICE in cricket. On our home board no less. We didn't even play badly. But Bullistics were unbelievable. Some of the best cricket we've seen in years. And like that, we were all tied 9-9.

Double '01 3 -3

Frank and Glenn vs. Liam and Joe

Important darts factoid. You can't win a "Double-In, Double-Out" game of 501 if you don't &#*$#@! DOUBLE IN!!! This seeminglty obvious principle seemed to be lost on Frank and Glenn hacked away at the board like who spotted Liam and Joe 200+ points every stinkin' game. It wouldn't cost them in the first game, when the 'Bags rallied to steal it. But it was too much to overcome in the final 2 legs. Some late heroics by Frank fell short when tried his hands at a 94 out and went T-4... T-14 and juuuust missed a D-40 for the win. (Glenn had a case of premature jocularity when he mistakenly cheered the last dart). But Liam slammed the door next round. A DS-96 by Frank in the final game and 96 more from Pike made for some good catch up darts. But Bullistics had built a lead to big to overcome and they took the final frame. Gotta tip your cap. Those guys shot well. 399 ASPs between them (Joe cleared 1079 for the evening).

Cuppa Joe and Vince vs. Dean McCarthy and Paul.

Bullistics are a deep team. They're introducing new players in the last D '01 who shoot like all stars. Such was it with Dean. Dean and Paul jumped out to a lead in game 1 and all of a sudden we were down 12-10. Damn. Now we needed both points to avoid a loss. But with our backs to the wall, the 'Bags stepped up big time. It was Vince supplying the fire power (2 tons and 95) and Cup providing the clutch outs. In the second game he nailed a D-4 to win a squeaker and it he pulled our fat out of the fire once again in leg 3. With both team missing chances at outs, the pressure seemed to rise with each turn. It was one of those intense, playoff type games that had both teams cheering and groaning with every throw. But Cuppa Joe (bless his heart) saved the final dagger for the last dart of the evening. He calmly stepped up and stuck a fat D-1 to take the final point. Leading to a collective cheer from the Dartbag faithful.

Dartbag Faithful: Hooray!

FINAL SCORE: DARTBAGS 12 - BULLISTICS 12T

This wasn't just darts. It was drama. And it unfolded like a Three Act play. Act I was us jumping out to an improbable 8-4 lead. Act II was us losing it all in cricket. And Act III was about redemption when we fought back to make it a standstill for the evening. So we walk away with a tie and run our unbeaten streak to 16 consecutive weeks. (Thanks, guy.)

Sure, we would have liked to have gotten more points here. Especially with such a great start. Fact is, there are limited opportunity to make up points on a team like this. But considering the way they played, we have no complaints. They were great shots and class acts as well. Both teams left with a lot of respect for the other. It was a great night. We'll look forward to seeing them down the road.

And now, The Furious One is going to sign off (with apologies for being more abrupt than usual). He is nursing his Halloween party hangover. Speaking of which; Monday @ Barfly is Halloween Darts. That means costumes, people. Feel free to come join in the fun.

All Star Recap:

Vince: 755 (Way to light it up, guy.)

Frank: 566 (And high on.)

Pike: 477 (Shot well. Deserved a better fate.)

Cuppa: 333 (Clutch. Effing. Darts.)

Dartbags VS Tom, Larry & Charlie:

'Bag-Boys Take 18
From 'The Brotherhood' + 1
By Cuppa Joe Gasparino

Tommy Healy said it best right before the match started:

Tommy: "We won the B division last season with basically 3 guys. That doesn't work in this (A) league."

No, it doesn't. But they gave it a good go. More on that later.

The Dartbags headed over to face 'The Brotherhood' at Molly Pitchers on 85th and 2nd avenue. The upper east-side. They should rename it 'Healytown'. With generations upon generations of Healys making their mark on what used to be called 'Yorkville'...they basically own the place. Charlie Healy, of 'The Brotherhood', was makin' his bones when Cpt. Furious was bangin' cheerleaders, Moe Greene.

(complete fabrication...at least the cheerleaders bit)

I, Cuppa, lived on 89th between 3rd and Lex for about 6 years. I did some damage up there myself...including at an old, cult favorite, JL Sullivans...aka, 'Sullys', on 89th and 1st ave. When I first met Charlie through the NYDO, something in my subconscious was telling me I had met this guy before. It all came together on Monday night.

He, and brother Tommy, were bouncers at Sullys, back in the salad days. At the same time, one of my best mates, and childhood friend, Southside Johnny, was a bartender there. In turn, I was a regular patron, along with his brother, and my roommate at the time, Chris The Cop.

Bingo! That was it.

Well...long story short, the joint went belly-up shortly after. Too many rounds on the house....and too much Healy made for a crash-course headed towards utter destruction. Nothing could have withstood that maelstrom of mischief. Sullys was no more.

So after a few laughs about glory days gone by, I realized that I had indeed met The Brotherhood before. It was time to meet again.

Glenn, Frank, Vince and Cuppa got set to face off against the brothers Healy plus 1...Larry Liberstein. Glenn showed up first around 6:30. I showed up shortly after, about 7. Frank was dart-geekin' over at The Gaf, and Vince's eta was about 7:45. Of course, he walked in at exactly seven...forty...five.

Nantucket Boat Basin t-shirt and all.

And thats also why Vince goes Nantucket-geekin' on a regular basis. He is, in short, The Man, The Myth...The Punctual Professional: The Hornets Nest.

Allright....enough geekin' on Vince. At least for now.

Molly Pitchers is a GREAT spot to throw, by the way. The whole back room (the 'snug' room) is a virtual darts stadium. Doesn't get much better than that. Great lighting (no shadows on the board)....great jukebox. One thing though: FIX THE SCOREBOARD!

We learned that The Brotherhood would be shorthanded for the night, and would have to play canadian in doubles, which stinks.

And it stinks especially for the guy who wouldn't have a chance to play singles. It would be I, Cuppa, who would get the short end of that stick. 3 freebie victories to pad the winning percentage, but no chance to let the big guns fly after a long week off. What are ya gonna do.

Take it out on cricket.....more on that later.

Well, right about game time, the' hood was still a solo gig. Charlie was the lone brother, working the phones...sending out smoke signals...but nothing was working. He finally got in touch with brother Tommy.....the captain of the 'hood.

He was sleeping.

Then Larry finally showed up about 8pm with a tendinitis wrap around his forearm. Not lookin' good for the 'hood, at this point. Tommy, apparently sleep-walking, stumbled his way up from 60-somethin' street, and finally they had their three-some.

Game on.

The hilites...

Singles 501

Glenn went first against Larry, who's a solid shot, and a good guy as well. That crazy tendinitis wrap framus didn't make it past a few rounds of game one....as IYH was as hot as a 'flaming caesar' haircut (TM). He smoked through game 1 in about 23 darts. Glenn let game 2 slip away after cutting down at a good clip. Couldn't get the X, and Larry nailed his. Game 3 was another worm-burner for IYH.

2/3 aint bad, Glenn. He racked up about 500 asp's in singles. IYH's best singles round of the caes - I mean, season so far. Just Glenn bein' Glenn at this point.

Frank played Charlie Healy next. The furious one has been hot as a pistol lately, and Charlie is a great shot, as most of you know. Both were not on their A-games, though. More like their C-games. Neither guy seemed to want it. Frank won game 1 but lost the last 2. The 3rd game was a frustrating loss. It dragged on.

Neither could double out. The jukebox went silent. Frank was furious. He got even moreso when Charlie stole it. Frank furiously bolted into the main barroom and stewed for the duration of round 3.

(Did I mention that Frank was furious?)

He missed one of the guttiest rounds of the season.

Vince VS Tommy Healy in round 3 offered some great lessons:

1) Don't shake The Hornet's Nest. Tommy did that by doing what he does pretty well: he hit big rounds. It's a double edged sword. Vince answers haymakers with haymakers.

2) The name of this game is OUTS. And its never too early to think about your leaves. Some bad leaves in the 'red zone' made it tough for Tommy to close, while at the same time, he was tight on his mark, hitting alot of asp's, cutting down a step ahead of Vincenzo.

3) (click here)

Side note: watch that whole video when you have a chance, if not now. Its been a while since I've seen it. A while too long.

Well, Vince never did give up. He was chasing in all 3 games, especially the last one. Tommy opened up a huge lead, of about 250 points. Cenzo, sputtering after a few early rounds of 7, 11, and I think a 17 or something, started closing in on Tommy, who was again, having some double-trouble entering the red-zone. With some solid darts, Vince slowly and steadily caught up, and took out a sweet 74 for the V.

Put it in the books! A sweep for The Hornet's Nest against a great shot like Tom had the 'bags jacked up.

I, Cuppa, was chomping at the bit....but no dice. No fourth guy for The Brotherhood meant an easy forfeit sweep for us. At the end of singles, the Dartbags were up 9-3.

Cricket

Cuppaglenn went first. They took on Larry and Charlie. For the second week in a row, IYH and Joey Pep swept a formidable opponent. Glenn opened game 1 with 4, Cuppa followed with 5, and down the ladder they went. Another R5 by Cup, set up IYH, who closed it out with a fat D-bull first dart, S-bull second dart C3, taking game 1.

Game 2 started much the same, however things tightened up near the end with a big 'bull-run' by the 'hood. A point war broke out, with bulls by the brothers, and 18s by the 'bags. Glenn hit a huge trip 18, and had a chance to end it with a bull-close, but just missed. The 'hood came back with an R5 and was back up in points by 14.

Cup needed a single 18 to go up, a single 15 to close, and a bull to end the game. Pep stepped up, and bing-bing-bing.....game over.

Glenn: "I called that, guy."

Charlie and Larry opened up a big lead in game 3, but just like last week, Cuppaglenn hung in, and feasted on the 17's and 18's. Things leveled out by the time bulls came around. Glenn hit a point to take the lead, and a double bull. Cuppa stepped up and closed it next turn on his first dart.

A YOOOGE sweep for the second week in a row.

Frankenvince took on Tommy in cricket. Canadian style. Kudos to Tommy for hangin' in there, including an R6 and an R7. He opened every game with at least a trip-20. He did his best Irish Mickey Ward, but the 'bags landed a knockout sweep. Not much to take away from that round, unfortunately. It was 2 on 1 for cryin' out....

Dartbags up, 15-4.

Doubles 501

We decided to keep the same pairings, and flip-flop the order. Unfortunately, Frankenvince would again play the shorthanded brother, this time Larry. No...not that Larry. The Captain and The Hornet's Nest took on Larry in...

Allright, I'll stop.

The Brotherhood's Larry Liberstein put up the hilite of the evening. He managed to beat The Furious One and The Hornet's Nest, canadian'ing them in game 2, as Frankenvince took turns missing X, maybe a dozen times. Give 'Double-L' credit for getting 'on' with his first turn every game, and for gutting out the shorthanded goal.

I think you get a patch for that, Larry.

(Not that Larry!)

Frankenvince should get this, for getting canadian'd.

There was, however, one hilite for the 'bags that round. It was told to me by Frank:

Frank: "At one point, we were on 183 and I said to Vince, 'I'm going to leave you on 100. But not on purpose.' Sure enough, I hit 20, T-1, T-20. Sometimes I think I have EDP."

That would be Extra Darts Perception.

Wow.

Okeeeeeee...

The night ended with a competitive round between the brothers-Healy and Cuppaglenn. The ODC seemed to creep up on Glenn who had a long day...mostly due to his sunday birthday blowout at the beer-garden in Astoria, as well as the after party at 'chez-pike'. We were off our game a bit, and the brothers were on theirs. More good stuff from Tommy, and Charlie finally seemed to get hot. They took 2/3 from us, and bolted shortly after.

Charlie had a boiler to fix.

Final score:

Dartbags 18
The Brotherhood 6

This was a good night. Some big darts. Some big fun. Molly Pitchers rocks.

It was Frank's turn to be off his game, but the rest of us were on ours. Glenn is lookin' like Glenn again, Vince had an inspiring round, and I, Cuppa, had my second straight week of gorilla cricket.

(I don't know...Glenn said, "Great shooting, you gorilla!" at the end of the match.)

We've yet to have a week when all of us have been 'on'. Hopefully we all catch fire at the same time soon, and ride that wave. We know what the goal is. Eyes on the prize.

Credit Colin, The Captain's friend Megan, Nell, Jessie, and Pew Lou for making appearances.

Notable stat: week 1, we scored 12. since then, we've gone 14, 16, 18. I call that progress.

Allstar recap (estimations...Furious has the sheets, and he's in Boston):

Glenn - 500 (26 dart avg in singles)
Vince - 100 (gutty singles sweep, and 8/9)
Frank - 100 (well deserved week 'off')
Cuppa - 0 (no chance to throw in singles...forfeit wins, and 7/9)

Next monday, people.

Cuppa...out.

PS: Vince reminded me that the 'snug room' darts stadium used to be a pizza joint...and the main bar was 'Fitzpatricks', which was his, and Gins' brother Dave's second home, back in The Day.

Lookalikes: Volume 3

We've been sitting on this one for a long time.

Here it is.

Enough said.

WRITE UP FOR WEEK #3: GETTING BACK TO OUR 'ROOTS

'Bags Roll 16-8
CAPTAIN'S LOG: DART DATE: 08 - 01 - 07

St. Mark's Place, Greenwich Village. More tattoos, piercings and Valtrex customers per square foot than any patch of land on the Eastern seaboard. Grassroots Tavern stands out like an oasis. A lone representative of a time when St. Mark's Place was not a carnival of exhibitionism and bad taste, but a gritty working class block in New York City. Two dollar beers. Saw dust on the floor. Dart boards. Old School.

The Dartbags were on hand to play Flight Risk. It was a good turn out for the George Keeley crew. Tim, Gins, Pike, Cup, Vince as well as a surprise appearance by our own Farticus and our friend, Gemma. We took our places at the rustic tables in the back room to enjoy the darts, $13 pitchers of Brooklyn (Phillies?) Pennant Ale, and one another's company.

On to darts.

But first, a comic prelude with a misunderstanding worthy of Three's Company (if Three's Company were rated R). Frank used the restroom and went to wash up afterward. But the soap wouldn't come out. It was one of those dispensers that looks like almost like a cow utter. The liquid is contained in a plastic bulb. There is a nozzle that hangs down at the bottom of it. You press upward on that nozzle with your palm and the soap is supposed to release onto your hand.

So I'm pressing up, but the pressure of my hand that moves the nozzle is also blocking the outflow. (An inherent design flaw. I've always thought the guy who designed this product was either an idiot or practical joker.) Still no soap. So the Captain gets the bright idea to squeeze the plastic container in hopes of creating some pressure. He squeezes the dispenser with his right hand and presses up on the nozzle with his left and ---

SPLAT!!!!

Too much pressure! The next thing Frank knows he's hit with a gush of milky white soap. It's on his hands. It's all over his arm. Some is on his chest. And he even caught some splatter on his trademark glasses. Now Frank is no Senator. And he's no pop star either. But this doesn't look good. He's standing in a rather run down bathroom... in the Village... on St. Mark's Place... with a handful of liquid white soap that's spattered all over him.

One second later, the door opens and this Marilyn Manson lookalike walks in. Frank turns around and they just look at each other. Marilyn looks at his face. Then down at his hands. Then back to the face. Frank opens his mouth to say something.

Frank: Uh...

And with that, Marilyn looks straight down and continues past him to the urinals. Frank wipes the soap off himself the best he can -- which smelled deliciously like marzipan by the way! -- laughs in spite of himself, and goes out to take on Damien Bishop in singles...

SINGLES: 7 - 5

Frank vs. Damien. Pike wasn't there, so the Captain led off. He took the first when Bish couldn't get it going. In the second game the Captain cruised out to a nice lead with a Ton, T-25 back to back. But then busted on 76. And then he missed his 40 out next round. And then he missed his 20 out. And Damien, who had quietly been closing in, took it out in the 10th round. Larceny. But the Captain rallied in the final frame to hit the 9 rounds. So be it. 2-1 'Bags.

It was Vince vs. John Yale in the second set. Both men started out slowly. Breakfast, 41, Blackjack. Six rounds in and still in the 300s.

Frank (to Glenn): "Let's see who wants to win this one."

And as if on cue, Vince popped a Ton-32. He followed that with 85 more. And two rounds later he was gone. Nice darts. But John kicked it into gear in the 2nd leg. He hit a Ton, and soon followed that with a fat Ton-80 (to which he got a round of applause from both teams). Top notch. And the pair were tied. Both players shot well in the 3rd game, but it was John taking it in 8 rounds.

Gotta tip your cap. 3 -3

Cuppa Joe vs. Scott DePalma. Cuppa had been chomping at the bit every since last week. And he tore into it like a dog let off a leash. Joey Pep lived up to his (74th) nickname by peppering the 19s. He popped a 97 and 95 en route to a crisp W in game one taking out a D-7, first dart. In game 2, he peppered two more 95s, including his first turn. He turned a D-10 into a D-5. D-5s are the bane of many dart players, because it's such a short trip from D-5 to XX. But Cup is different than most players.

Glenn: "First dart, guy. Cup loves D-5."

True to form. First dart, spot on.

It was Scott, pulling out the final point in a comeback squeaker. Sharp darts from Cuppa. 382 ASPs and he hit his doubles first dart each time. 5-4 'Bags

Glenn vs. Jim Stratton. Piker isn't used to batting clean up. We usually like to lead him off. He responded with an unremarkable win in game 1. (10 rounds, I think). In game 2, Jim channeled his best darts. He popped a Ton and followed that with a Ton-34 to put himself on 20. Two darts later, he was gone. Just goes to show, no lead is safe in 501. But Glenn collected himself and came out gunning in round 3. He popped a number of 70/80-Somethings and T-33 en route to a 9 rounder. Two more for the 'Bags 7-5 headed to Cricket

CRICKET: 4-2

FrankenVince took on John and Tom Ryan in cricket. Both stumbled out of the gate. Frank remaned dreadful for most of the match. But Vince picked up the slack. It was the Hornet's nest closing out, popping 4 and 5 at a time and carrying the squad to a first game win. The Bags had a lead in game two. In game two, John started with 4 and Grassroots kept up the pressure, with John popping two R-6s. Frank was inconsistent and Vince's good darts were'nt enough this time. The 'Bags took it on the chin. The 'Bags went down early in the final frame but made a stand on 18s when Frank hit 5. Grassroots popped 20s to go back up in points. Vince also hit 2 18s to put the 'Bags up, and the Point War was on. We needed one 20 to close and we needed 3 19s. They were up in points but had only 1 mark on the 18s. Tom hit a 20. Then missed. He ask John what to do next. Point on 20s, would be the expected answers... but no.

John: "Just give me one 18."

Huh? "Gimme one." Why just one? Why not get the points while you can? It was of course a completely innocuous comment. (Or was it?) Regardless, it woke up Captain Furious who interpreted it as an unintended slight of his 18-hitting abilities. He channeled his bottomless well of rage and popped 4 18s and closed 20s. Vince promptly tripped the 19s. Frank followed with an R-7. And a couple rounds later they were gone. Frank. And Vince. At their best when they're p*ssed off. 9-6.

Glenn and Cup vs. Scott and Bish in Cricket. The 'Bags roared out of the gate. With Glenn and Cup each hitting 4 marks at a time on 20s and 19s. It was the 'Bags coasting to victory 4 marks a time with IYH Pike hitting a pair of single corks to seal it. Game two was more of the same. The 'Bags had everything closed and were up 60+ points with no bulls hit yet.

Glenn: "Guy...you can hit another 17 puts us up another bull....."

Cup: "Guy, I'm just gonna go right after it -"

Glenn: "- yeah guy."

First dart, double-bull. Second dart, double-bull. Overkill...but the message was clear. Game over, in inspired fashion. Game 3 would be remarkable.

The 'roots came out smoking in game 3, on the back of an R-5 from Scott and an R-7 from Damien; 7 x 18s. The Grassroots gang had closed out 20, 19, 18 and had a mark on 17, and were also up 40 points. Cuppaglenn on the other hand had nothing closed at all. Nada. They were in a hole as big as The Grand Canyon, having hit only a 19 and a 20.

But they didn't quit. In fact, they dug in deeper, and fought harder. Cup was fired up, looked at IYH and said "you can't count us out, guy...long game" (remember the 'bull-run'). Cool-hand-Pike simply stepped up and responded with 5 17s to put the 'Bags up in points. The trench was dug.

Cup followed with 5 16s of his own. Flight Risk responded by battering the 20s. The tide was beginning to turn, however. Cup closed 19s. The other team tried to point, but didn't hit as hard as they wanted to, and were only up a few. Cup got us up again, just enough to set up 'cool-hand'. The Guy nails a trip-20 first dart. Then he pumped two in the 18s for the close. It came down to bulls or pointing. Learning from game 2, Pike told Cup to ignore the 16s and just go for the win. (Just call him "Glenn Close"). Cup went single bull, single bull.. double bull (though he only needed one) to slam the door and take what had to be one of the best cricket comebacks in Dartbags history.

A-1 quality stuff. They needed it in that last game. BIG sweep.

12-6 'bags.

DOUBLE '01: 4-2

Team Anger, Vince and Frank, took on Jim and Tom in doubles. It was Vince with a quick on and solid darts all the way down. 8 Rounds later we had a W. Frank got them in in game 2, and the 'Bags again raced out to a big lead. They cruised to a second 2nd win. Game 3 was more of the same. This time both teams got in quickly and Flight Risk pulled out to a lead. But Frank popped back to back Tons, and the 'Bags regained the upper hand. Sitting on 40. Frank missed high, missed high and then - Bang! He turned and politely shook hand with the other team. It was only after he got to the board that John said to him...

John: It was high.

Sh*t. Caught the damn wire. Coulda sworn it was in, but yet it was a case of Premature Articulation. Embarrassing. The game would turn out to be nailbiter with both teams sitting on 20. Then Frank turned his 20 out, into a 14 out. (Ugh.) But when G'Roots missed their shot, Vince came up with the clutch D-7 on his 3rd dart to pull the fat out of the fire. Whew! A sweep fo the 'Bags. 15-6

Cup and Glenn played John and Scott for the final set of the evening. Cup announced his presence with authority in game one , by sticking a 107-On. Piker took it out and were up 16-6. But John (who shot great all night long) and Scott who played his best darts of the night were tough. Both sides got in quickly in game 2. It was Flight Risk pulling out a close one. In game 3, the play wasn't quite as crisp. The old ODC again, I think. John and Scott got out in 9 turns to take the final point and end a very good day on a (slightly) sour note.

FINAL SCORE: DARTBAGS - 16: FLIGHT RISK - 8

This was a nice win for the 'Bags. The last time we faced this crew it was in A-2 at our place. They crushed us. (John was kind enough to remind us of this fact as we said goodbye for the evening, "Oh, I remember your bar... in fact we beat you there last time.") Yes. Yes, you did. We remember too. It was quite embarrassing. Of course, they had Omer at the time. Which helps. But we will look forward to seeing them on the Upper West later on and returning the hospitality that Jim (owner of Grassroots) was gracious enough to provide for us.

In the meantime, we'll see if this win is enough to boost the 'Bags to first place.

The streak is at 13 matches now. All the guys went at least 6/9. Kudos.

All Star Recap:

Frank - 785 (remains en fuego)
Cup - 587 (add a double-fisted-wall-punch...ouch)
Pike -377 (cool-hand-pike, surgical in cricket)
Vince -132 (inspired darts from the hornet's nest)