The Pedestrian
Times
*** The Fifth Annual Katherine Scott Memorial
Edition***
Volume IV
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THANK YOU
A little reflection and tribute to our 2009 summer league champion Pedestrians
He said/she said….Peds with
Banter
Random Quotes from Peds
about Peds
“Even though [Deana] couldn’t get over
pain from her ankle injury (notice the
sarcasm) to play the rest of the season, she
had some great catches and plays at 3rd
base. On top of her playing ability, she
showed her love for the Peds by cheering us
on - injury or no injury.”
Sarah Caswell
“Carie really stepped up when we were
plagued by female injuries and absences.”
Deana Donohue
“Ron always, always, ALWAYS has a kind
word to say to everyone! He's not
necessarily loud, but he has great team
spirit and really encourages me to work
harder so I can earn another compliment!”
Darlene Mudron
“[Craig] may whine a little, but he will be
there to pick up the spare. You are aces in
my book, lips! Way to cheer on the team
chicken f%$#@er!”
Jan Groesz
Saturday, November 14, 2009
marked the Pedestrians first
“Sarah has encouraged me when I am in
appearance in the invitation only
doubt of what I can do when I am up to bat,
League Championship Tournament—
she has a spirit about her that glows in the
dugout. I will always remember her again, made possible by the
encouraging words.” previously mentioned, championship
performance of 21-13. Last but not
Angela Coronado least, on September 28th, 2009, Janna
and I became the proud parents of our
most adorable, and precious
A Letter from the editor/coaches Pedestrian, Kenzie Lorraine Yoshida.
While Janna says it’s far too early for
me to go shopping for Kenzie’s first
Looking back upon the
2009 season of Pedestrians softball, glove, I’m not so sure—Ped
there have certainly been a number of generation 2.0 awaits!! Admittedly,
notable moments/events that stand out while Janna and I are sorry to
above all the rest. Perhaps first and acknowledge that the Pedestrians will
have to grow accustomed to being
foremost—yes, believe it or not, Jan
second fiddle to Kenzie, we are so
Groesz miraculously survived without
extremely lucky and thankful that you
falling into the proverbial “drrr-drr-
were all able to share this incredible
drr” pit trap this year. While Janna
nine month journey with us. Thank
and I cannot possibly begin to deduce
You.
how such a freakish abnormality
While it’s been said before,
could have occurred, we can state
last year, take one good glance at the
unequivocally that that the
Pedestrians with Bats and it’s easy to
Pedestrians simply and utterly
see that we are a diverse and eclectic
dominated our longtime nemesis, the
collection of drunkards (the Groesz
Flohicans, in the final summer league
brothers), deviants (the Groesz
game to earn the title of 2009 summer
brothers) in addition to a thankfully
league champions—final score—Peds
offsetting share of “normal”
21-13. Did I mention dominant?
individuals (everyone else). While
What’s more, this year also
~1~
each Ped has a different story to tell
with regards to how they came to be a
Pedestrian, we all can say that we
share an immense passion and respect
for the game. While we have all
grown up (everyone else) and matured
(not the Groesz brothers) our love for
this game is youthful, resounding and
The Pedestrian
Times
*** The Fifth Annual Katherine Scott Memorial
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Volume V
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ALWAYS GOLDEN
Pedestrian’s all-star Casey Gerking adds another Gold Glove award to collection
He said/she
said….Peds with
Banter
Reflections on the Gold Glove
“Casey is money every time, he's
quick, agile, and makes it look
effortless.”
Darlene Mudron
“Casey is a like a baseball
bloodhound- he chases balls down
no matter where they are and he can
throw someone out from the fence.”
Deana Donohue
“Why do [opponents] keep trying to
hit it to left field?”
untouched. Most importantly,
however, our great admiration and
respect for each other ultimately sets
us apart from being just ball-players.
The fact of the matter is, as
Pedestrians, we have shared moments
beyond the fields of Maidu and
Mahany—we have watched each
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Scott Webb
“Very quick, with good hustle.
Catches everything hit his way. Not
too many hits are made when Casey
is in Left. Fun to have on the team.”
Karen Jose
“%$#$% robs me every &%$#’in
time.”
Anonymous Opponent
Associated Press
Roseville, Ca.
Gold gloves were a
plenty for the Pedestrians with
Bats this year; surely, a
testament to the tremendous
talent at all positions. Karen
demonstrated time and time
~2~
other mature, we have stood by one
another as our families have
expanded, and our children have
grown with us. Thank you all. And
now…
Can we get a boo-yah!?!
again, her gold glove brilliance
at two very different infield
positions. Ryan made countless
clutch catches all the while
stumbling forward, backwards
and sideways it seemed. Jan,
despite being his own harshest
critic and worst enemy (DDD),
anchored the shortstop position
with his usual boisterous,
cavalier flair. Carie stood in
fearlessly at home recording
countless putouts at home, and
streaking back to snatch slicing
foul tips. It’s a nice problem to
have if you are the Peds.
And while the gloves
were stellar all around, nobody
was perhaps more golden than
now three-time gold glove
award winner, and perennial all-
star, Casey Gerking. With a
deadly arsenal of speed,
anticipation and baseball/softball
intelligence, Gerking makes the
routine look unbelievably easy,
and the not-so routine look,
well, easily routine. While his
glove has been the source of
misfortune for scores of
opposing hitters, Gerking also
proved to be an invaluable vocal
leader for the Pedestrians—
whether it be strategically
directing teammates in both the
The Pedestrian
Times
*** The Fifth Annual Katherine Scott Memorial
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HAIL TO THE CHIEF
Masato Yoshida named 2009 “Taking It for the Peds” award recipient
He said/she said….Peds
with Banter
Reflections on the Chief
“Great team spirit ensures fair
playing time to everyone, always
willing to dive for the ball, and
always pushing the envelope
whether it be running the bases or
making the play.”
Darlene Mudron
outfield and infield, or simply
yelling words of encouragement
to his vertically challenged
pitcher Todd Miller (6-4 feet
looks sooo not illegal from left
field)—Gerking was a clear
leader for the Peds.
Casey’s manager,
Masato Yoshida was to no
surprise, full of praise, “Casey’s
one of the most intelligent
players I have ever seen—he’s
always studying the game, even
Saturday, November 14, 2009
“Masato is a smart player who is
aggressive, hard working, gives
100% and always produces when
needed. Placing the ball with
strategy and flying around the bases
Masato is a pleasure to play with. I
love his quiet competitiveness.”
Karen Jose
“Masato will slide whenever and
wherever possible, whether he is
infield or out he’s got the stains to
prove what he does when he is on
the field. He is all about the action…
and dedication.”
~3~
while he’s on the field—he’s
observing hitter tendencies,
breaking them down, and is
always one step ahead of
everything and everyone. Very
rarely can you catch Casey off
his game—if ever.”
Perhaps teammate, Craig Biedler
summed Casey’s value the best,
“every time he’s up to bat or a
ball is hit his direction, you
know something good is about
to happen.” Golden—always.
Angela Coronado
“This award should be renamed
‘Hail to the Chief.’”
Scott Webb
Associated Press
Roseville, Ca.
Maybe some of the
Pedestrians noticed a difference
this season in the 2009 “Taking
it for the Ped” award recipient,
Masato Yoshida – the lack of
skinned knees. Maybe it was
the impending fatherhood
hanging over his head or maybe
he just finally learned how to
slide more efficiently without
taking off part of his knees? Or
maybe he just found other ways
to make his presence known on
the bases—the head-first dive.
Come to think of it,
there is not a game where you
do not see Masato Yoshida
sacrificing some part of his body
whether it is his knees from
sliding into second base, foot
from being stepped on,
hamstrings from digging out a
grounder, wrists and elbows
from those diving catches, or
grey hair from trying to find last
The Pedestrian
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*** The Fifth Annual Katherine Scott Memorial
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Volume V
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COMEBACKS, CLUTCH, CASEY
Casey Gerking dramatic flair wins 2009 Pedestrians Clutch Performer award
He said/she
said….Peds with
Banter
Reflections on the Clutch Ped
minute subs. “I mean come on!”
acknowledged teammate Sarah
Caswell, “I think we should have
kept a record of all of the times
Masato slid to catch a ball. Even if
the attempt ended without the ball
in his glove you could never give
him enough credit for trying to
make an outstanding play.”
There is certainly something to
be said about Masato and his
willingness to give it all—
physically and mentally. While
he may not have broken his own
personal record on skinned
knees, his unwavering love for
the game made up for the lack of
band-aid purchases. “He throws
himself in front of everything
when he plays short stop, covers
three-quarters of the outfield when
he’s out there and even home base
Saturday, November 14, 2009
“That dude hardly ever misses…he
is always good for a homerun or
four.”
Helen Kashow
“Time after time he has hit a bomb
to bring in the much needed
~4~
on a throw to home. He gives
110% at every game and it’s
noticed by everyone on the team,”
added Sue Kukrall.
Stat wise, he’ll tell you
he had some definite peaks and
valleys through the 2009 season,
but batting .804 with 69 runs
scored and 84 RBI, are
definitely worth a few aches and
bruises. “NO ONE gives more
their body and soul to the team”
declared infielder Deana
Donohue. There are two things
that are constant in Pedestrian
softball, Masato throwing his
body around the diamond to get
that extra base or fly ball and his
undying passion for the game.
Hey, at least this year he didn’t
have to give an eye.
run/runs. It’s also a great feeling to
know that on a pop fly anywhere,
fair or foul, close to him, he’s going
to get it.”
Craig Biedler
“We won some key games because
of his offense!”
 one effortless swing of the bat
Deana Donohue he scorches a searing deep drive
to right center field—Deana
“Never one to get too high or too scores, Craig scores, Karen
low, it takes a special individual to scores, and literally inches
come through time after time in key, behind the first three hustling
high pressure situations. Always
reliable--I admire that. It’s almost Pedestrians, Gerking glides in at
takes you aback f he actually makes home—grand slam. Peds take
an out.” the lead. It never gets
old if you are the Pedestrians
Masato Yoshida
with Bats. His teammates are all
in great admiration of his
unmistakable clutch swing. Not
Associated Press surprisingly, along with his
Roseville, Ca.
already heralded gold glove
The Pedestrians have award, Casey Gerking has also
been named the 2009
seen it all before, but each time
Pedestrians Clutch Performer.
he comes to the plate Casey
In fact, Casey has been
Gerking holds a captivated
so smooth under pressure this
audience. The bases are loaded
season it almost became an
—Craig Biedler at third, Deana
afterthought that he’d come
Donohue at second, Karen Jose
through for the Pedestrians.
at first—The Peds are fighting a
Casey will do it.
three run deficit with Gerking up
What would ordinarily
to bat. He slowly approaches the
be deemed as “clutch” by most
batters box calm, cool,
mortal players became
confident, and determined with
“expected” for Casey. No
problem for Casey—his
teammates would remark. The
numbers posted by Gerking in
this year were nothing short of
freakishly unreal. Pressure was
clearly not an issue for the all-
together quiet, but fiercely
confident Gerking.
He averaged a homerun
in every three at bats, 1.4 RBIs
per every at bat, and nearly 65%
of his hits were for extra bases—
28 of which were homeruns. In
the summer season of 2009,
Gerking was perhaps at his
finest. He routinely scalded
unsuspecting opponents batting
a near unconscious .824
combined with 12 homeruns and
38 RBIs—all of which were
accomplished with only a mere
34 at bats. Perhaps the most
remarkable statistic remains this
—dating back from March
through the conclusion of the
season in mid-October—Casey
made only 16 outs all year.
Clutch—enough said.

The Pedestrian
Times
*** The Fifth Annual Katherine Scott Memorial
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Volume V Saturday, November 14, 2009

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KEEPIN’ IT SIMPLE
Jan Groesz--eccentric shortstop extraordinaire-- honored as 2009 Boo-yah-licious Pedestrian

He said/she said….Peds with

~5~
 Banter
Reflections on the Boo-yah-licious
Ped
“Jan makes even the bad games fun. He
keeps it light and fun. It’s always fun to
see that tall, lanky guy diving for
grounders and sliding into base, even if
he doesn’t know what base he’s supposed
to be running to.”
Craig Biedler
“He has a special way of getting us all to
shout and scream when we are under
pressure; he breaks it up with his words
and quotes.”
A-2
“No more John Wayne!”
Nicki Gentry
“Probably the loudest most spirited
player I have ever played with. His
presence is definitely missed when he is
not around. He keeps a positive outlook
even in tough situations. Our opponents
can't forget Jan. I appreciate his
positive/humorous spirit on the field.”
Karen Jose
“He always comes up with creative, yet
disgusting ways to raise team spirit.
‘Rubber glove?’”
Scott Webb
Associated Press
Roseville, Ca.
The Pedestrian
Times
*** The Fifth Annual Katherine Scott Memorial
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Volume V
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He is the teammate that
every team needs—but lacks.
He is the player that every team
wants—and every opponent
despises, but deep within, they
are in quiet admiration of him—
whether they realize it or not.
Jan Groesz, the often
eccentric, always animated
shortstop of the Pedestrians with
Bats, has been selected by his
peers as the 2009 Boo-yah-
licious Pedestrian. Through the
course of his career as a Ped, he
has firmly put his stamp on the
team through his continued
stellar play at short, his
disciplined and strategic plate
approach where he always looks
to exploit the weak point of
opponents, and most of all, his
character and spirited dedication
to his teammates. He is a
complete player on the field and
in the dugout.
Players of his nature are
a rarity. Sure, no one can
possibly be as “unique” as Jan—
late night strolls in the buff, a
curious John Wayne fixation,
he’ll even spoon his drunken
comrades and let them step
through dog poop, and offer to
Saturday, November 14, 2009
~6~
throw them in the river to get
them cleaned up. Very few
individuals enjoy themselves as
much as Groesz does. Every
game is much like a grandiose
party in his mind, and his
teammates have certainly
crashed the party at will.
Fiercely loyal, upbeat, and
always a team player; it’s no
surprise that his Pedestrian
friends have followed his lead.
While he may have
those infamous pauses of the
brain (DDD) that lead him to
lose all sight of everything that
is seemingly routine, he is the
emotional backbone of the
Pedestrians with Bats. Never
one to back away from a
challenge—he takes everything
in stride with his easily
recognizable smile and his off-
kilter, dive-bar humor (we’ve all
heard them before) . Whether
the result is good or bad, he
keeps the team moving forward
and holds the Pedestrians
together. Never one to sweat
things out, he does not allow his
team to either. Always one to
simplify even the toughest
situations, his philosophy is
simple—enjoy.
 TRIPLE DRR THREE PEAT
Tradition beats sympathy--Jan Groesz awarded third consecutive Triple D award
He said/she
said….Peds with
Banter
Reflections on the Triple D
“I’m going to have to say Jan
[deserves the Triple D award],
being that I know Erik so well, Erik
should get it though.”
Erik Groesz
“Keeping the outs straight or the
play right may be tough at times but
Jan manages to cover the tough
position at SS.”
Karen Jose
“I can’t think of anyone that
deserves this award really, but let’s
give it to Jan as a tradition.”
Deana Donohue
“I’m subtracting one vote for Jan,
assuming there is one…ha ha. He
came through big in a couple
games.”
Casey Gerking
The Pedestrian
Times
Associated Press it a celebratory award—(can I
Roseville, Ca.
get a “Boo-yah?”). Team
manager Masato Yoshida cited a
Some things are strict off-season regimen of
destined to be constants in the Yoga, Tai-chi, Black-belt level
Pedestrians universe—Casey Sudoku puzzles, and “Who
Gerking will accumulate a rather Wants to be a Millionaire”
gaudy array of homeruns and reruns for Jan’s heightened
RBIs with his usual graceful mental awareness this season.
ease, umpires will continue to Interestingly enough,
mistake Todd Miller for being
this year marked some first time
much, much shorter than he nominees for the typically
actually is, and perhaps most undesirable distinction; most
notably, premier shortstop Jan notably, manager, Janna
Groesz will almost always be Yoshida was pushed into
good for at least one immensely consideration as A-1 “Saucy”
memorable “drrr-drr-drr” alluded, “for getting herself
moment per season. That is— knocked up before the season
until this year. started.” Rob Kashow was also
Nevertheless, Jan a first time nominee from
Groesz has narrowly beaten out someone (who shall remain
his sometimes absent minded anonymous) within the Kashow
sibling, Erik, for this year’s camp, “he definitely had a lot of
Triple D award distinction. Jan “drrr drr drr” moments on and
Groesz has been a unanimous off the field.”
Katherine Scott Triple D award On a related note, it has
winner for the last two been speculated by team
consecutive campaigns. While officials that the award may be
the “DDD” award has been a retired after this season citing
rather dubious and undesirable that “the standard has been set
distinction in the past, this year, extremely high and simply
team officials have indicated cannot be matched by any other
that the award will be awarded Pedestrian past, present, or
to him for a third time, but future”—thereby—Jan Groesz’s
instead, will honor him for NOT legacy will be firmly engrained
having a “triple d” moment. Call in Pedestrian lore.
~7~
 *** The Fifth Annual Katherine Scott Memorial
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ABSOLUTELY DOMINANT
Pedestrian Casey Gerking adds MVP award to cap off a near perfect 2009 season
He said/she
said….Peds with
Banter
Reflections on the MVP
“The dude is awesome more homeruns,
RBI and catches than anyone else on the
team.”
Rob Kashow
“Every time he’s up to bat or a ball is hit
his direction, you know something good
is about to happen.”
Craig Biedler
“I know when Casey is up after me I need
to prepare to run as fast as my legs will
go. A good all around player, quiet
leader, smart, covers his position well.”
Karen Jose
“He’s always there when you need him.
99% of the time he does exactly what he
needs to do to help the team.”
Janna Yoshida
“I know he’s my man, but he always has
an incredibly strong bat, arm, running
speed, you name it, he’s got it with a
sense of humor to back it up. Is it any
wonder why I love him?”
Sarah Caswell
Saturday, November 14, 2009
team upon his shoulders, and is
always giving his team a
mathematically
Associated Press
Roseville, Ca.
impossible 110%. Casey’s value
to the Pedestrians cannot be
Okay, so he may have merely measured by his statistics
inadvertently snubbed his team for
alone; he brings forth the best in
the League Championship
everyone and his impact is
Invitational Tournament this
stunning. Case in point—Craig
summer (he was unavailable as he
Biedler, Deana Donohue, Masato
was playing for a small, micro-
Yoshida, Nicki Gentry, and Sarah
faction of the perennial
Caswell—those benefiting from
Pedestrians rival team—the
batting prior to their MVP through
Flohicans) but all has been
the course of the 2009 season,
forgiven for outfielder Casey
scored an amazing total of 191
Gerking. A .807 batting average,
runs. 3-4-5 hitters, Masato
28 homeruns, 95 RBIs and 49
Yoshida, Karen Jose, along with
runs scored can make anyone
Gerking drove in an earth-
forget. No one, however, will
shattering 212 RBIs. Following
soon forget the dominant and
Gerking, Scott Webb, Todd
awe-inspiring year that Casey
Miller, and Rob Kashow drove in
Gerking had for the Pedestrians
their share of 80 RBI’s as a trio.
with Bats.
Damn good. “Everyone escalates
2009 has been the year of
their performance with Casey in
Casey Gerking, as clearly
the lineup”, remarked Manager
recognized by his Pedestrian
Masato Yoshida.
teammates. 2009 Gold Glove
His “shunned”
award—better believe it. 2009
teammates have vowed though,
Clutch Performer award —
for future reference, a little love is
absolutely. MVP—hell, yeah.
owed from Gerking—honest
It’s really no surprise that
mistake or not, he had better be
Gerking is the 2009 Most
ready and present for the LCS
Valuable Male Pedestrian.
next year, as another MVP season,
Gerking is a living, breathing
and Pedestrians championship are
sports cliché--he’s an unselfish,
surely on the horizon for the
impact player able to carry his
Pedestrians in 2010. Boo-yah.
~8~
The Pedestrian
Times
*** The Fifth Annual Katherine Scott Memorial
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Volume V
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CLASS ABOVE THE REST
Pedestrian Karen Jose unanimously selected by peers as the 2009 Female MVP
He said/she said….Peds
with Banter
Reflections on the MVP
“Her head is always in the game. Karen
strives to increase her performance of
play and is very helpful with her
constructive criticism.”
Jan Groesz
“Karen Rocks! She is always thinking
and is never afraid to approach players
with suggestions on how to improve their
game. Her attitude, come game time,
exemplifies a true Pedestrian.”
Janna Yoshida
“She has so many clutch hits and
defensive plays whether she’s playing 1st
or 3rd. It’s a great feeling to know that
when she is on 1st and you are throwing
the ball that no matter how ugly the
throw is, she is most likely to pick it up.
She makes the worst player look good.”
Craig Biedler
Saturday, November 14, 2009
“Karen has a great mind for the game.
She’s a smart player that can not only hit
but make a winning play that shuts up the
other team.”
Sarah Caswell
“Best female players I have seen in a
long while.”
Nicki Gentry
Associated Press
Roseville, Ca.
Gold glove caliber
defense from virtually every
infield position. Check.
Sweet, run producing batting
stroke and near flawless batting
average. Check. Base running
savvy and smarts to hold off a
quickly approaching Casey
Gerking batting in the five hole.
Check. Team respect—most
definitely check.
Karen Jose, the all-star
infielder and clean-up hitter for
the Pedestrians with Bats has
been unanimously selected by
her peers as the 2009 Female
MVP. Teammate Darlene
~9~
Mudron, when asked of the
MVP, acknowledged Jose’s
unmistakable worth to the
Pedestrians, “Karen has
outstanding fielding skills, can
hit the ball anywhere she
pleases, and is consistently one
of the best female players we
have. Her contributions
definitely helped us get as far as
we did this year.”
In just her first full year
as a Pedestrian, Jose has quickly
earned the admiration of all of
her teammates and has become
an integral and invaluable
centerpiece to the team—
defensively, offensively, and as
a quiet, but most respected team-
leader. Jose has been become an
invaluable teaching resource for
the Pedestrians—whether it be
coaching Jan on his glove and
footwork at shortstop, alerting
her outfielders of opposing
batter tendencies, providing
impromptu batting clinics in the
dugout, or discussing possible
strategic moves with managers
Masato Yoshida and Janna
Yoshida—her softball IQ has
made all of teammates better.
While the Pedestrians
are clearly a team full of
seasoned veterans, Karen’s
teammates realize that she has a
lot to offer to the team, and the
team has a lot to learn from her.
“She’s the type of teammate that
ultimately pushes you to be a
better, more complete player,”
Masato Yoshida acknowledged,
“She is definitely a great
motivator, in that regard. We all
owe a lot to her.”
~ 10 ~
Karen Jose is the third
Pedestrian to earn MVP honors
in merely her first full season of
play—the previous recipients
being Deana Donohue (2008)
and Sarah Caswell (2007).