NICK v. MIKE Celebrity Baseball

Last night concluded the festivities in St. Louis for the All-Star Game. It was a lot of fun to see all of the different events that took place including the Celebrity Softball game. And as many of you know Michael and I are big softball players in our older age and were flattered when ESPN and Major League Baseball picked us over Mike and Mike to be the captains for the 2010 softball game in Anaheim.

Michael being an A’s fan is going to be the captain of the American League, while I being a die hard Phillies fan will captain the National League. This game isn’t for money or home field advantage it is for the love of the game and for bragging rights. Without further delay I present to you the teams…

“Please welcome the visiting National League” PA Announcer.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

1. Meg Fox-What are you talking about, I didn’t pick her because she is drop dead gorgeous. Well a little but mostly for her speed and her potential as a leadoff man. In transformers 2 she was able to sprint away from Megatron and heavy fire, so I think she’ll be fine beating out a close play at second. Plus the other team will be dumbfounded as they watch her do the running.

2. John Krasinski- aka Jim from the Office is a proven competitor. He played his heart out in a basketball game versus the warehouse guys, placed second in the Office Olympics and didn’t stop until he got Pam. He’s got the heart of a lion.

3. Cal Ripken Jr.- Before Robert Downey Jr. Cal Ripken was known as Iron Man. As we all know the celebrity game can get kind of aggressive and therefore we will rely heavily on Mr. 2,632-consectutive-games for some insurance.

4. Kevin James- He big and he’s mean. This porky, funny man from Queens will provide a great power bat to the National League lineup. Unfortunately his agility is limited. Therefore we will probably stick him at first or behind the plate. Batting clean up James we go from King of Queens to King of the Diamond.

5. Serena Williams- She has dominated women’s tennis and will do the same on the diamond. One forehand could push the National League over the top.

6. Shaq- It is true he has a huge strike zone. But if he gets a hold of one its going to be gone. Plus I don’t think any AL pitcher is going to want to strike him out because he will be under command to charge the mound. And that would scare me.

7. Josh Charles- known for being in the Dead Poet’s Society is the Nick-based character on the show Sports Night (the show that we based our show off of). He had to be on the team.

8. Lee Corso- The ESPN College Gameday host, Scooter is a fast, fun-loving player that will provide team leadership and strategy. If Michael thinks he is going to win, Corso will give him a “not-so-fast-my-friends”. Now that deserves a big ole “Yo”.

9. Steve Carlton-This pitching legend will take the bump for the NL. He will take his four Cy Young’s and half a billon strikeouts and try and belittle the American League Offense.

10. Steven Colbert-He is quick witted, funny and smart. He has hosted his show, ran for president and tried out for the army in Iraq which proves to me that he is a versatile player that can be utilized as a great presence off of the bench.

11. Evangeline Lilly- She holds her own on a male dominated island. Kate kicks butt on the island from Lost and will do so on the diamond.

12. Emma Watson- the witch with the pitch. Bringing her in late as a relief for Carlton, Watson not only brings magic to the mound but an international flare for an expansion for the game.

13. Nick Esposito-this super star south paw aims to win one for the National League.


AMERICAN LEAGUE
“Now, the moment you have all been waiting for your American League celebrity all-stars!”.
1. Ricky Henderson - My favorite player as a kid, and who better to start of the game for you than the best leadoff hitter of all-time?

2. Mia Hamm - Great athlete with some speed from having played as a world class striker. Just needs to put the ball in play to get Ricky around the bases.

3. Kevin Costner - Whether it be Crash Davis or Ray Consella, the guy knows baseball. Putting him in the three whole should allow him to use his vast movie baseball knowledge to be patient and help the team.

4. Justin Timberlake - The guy has a good golf game, and I'm hoping that some good fairway drives can turn into at least warning track power. Plus he's got good moves on stage, so he should be able to make his way around the bases pretty well.

5. Jennie Finch - One of the best softball pitchers on the U.S. team, she should be one of the leaders on the field.

6. Matt Damon - As a huge Red Sox fan, I expect him to bring passion for the game. Not to mention the fact that he played Jason Bourne, so hopefully he's still got some of that strength left in him.

7. Misty May Treanor - The small but powerful volleyball player is married to a Marlins catcher, giving her some baseball knowledge. Also her small frame makes her hard to pitch too.

8. Dennis Eckersley - Will be a bigger presence on the mound than at the plate. Just hoping he doesn't throw a back-door slider like he did in Game 1 of the 1988 Series.

9. Matthew Perry - As a kid, he was a ranked amateur tennis player in Canada, his home country. His athleticism and comedic nature are good contributions to this team. Plus wanted some international flare.

10. Amy Adams - Her sweet nature is intended to keep the team up even when the scoreboard states otherwise. I'm sure she can play a mean second as well!

11. Robin Williams - Every team needs a club house guy, who gets the team motivated, but knows how to have fun. Who's better than this guy?!? He's great in serious roles and comedic ones, and he's become a big baseball fan as of late.

12. Tina Fey - One of the most popular women on television, she'll bring out a crowd. Not to mention that she's a Yankee's fan, and while I hate them, it at least shows dedication to the game.
13. Michael Bobich- Michael is going to rely on some of his leadership skills as well as his storied baseball background, he will try to not get intimidated by playing in his AL West rival Angels’ ballpark.


***Let us know what you think and who would be on your celebrity softball team.