Jim helps collect the gear as the team migrates to practice on a neighboring field. (Wolan)

With the team averaging 12 players over their last two starts, everyone, including this sports writer, thought the team had finally overcome its roster issues. In fact, 14 players were scheduled to show-up to play at game 8. But at game time, only 6 players had made it to the game.

With time running out, Joelle, the team skipper, made a last ditch effort to round-up players from the previous game, but to no avail. With only 6 players, the team had no choice but to forfeit the game. This game marks the first time the team had to forfeit a game this season.

Why the remaining 8 players were no shows was unknown at press time. However, what is known is that the team’s starting pitcher, Rick Palma, was kidnapped and was being deported back to Brazil until the US Coast guard came to his rescuer off the coast on Connecticut. Because of that, A-WOL was due to start the game.

As a result of the forfeiture, Berkshire Village Liquors kept the field and performed some fielding and batting drills while the Vets migrates to a neighboring field and held a 3-hour practice session of their own.

Andy Wolan is a reporter for MLSB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Softball or its clubs.