Thank you.

We finished in a tie for first. And by the current system of tiebreakers, and one horribly bad call by an umpire, we don't get jackets by two runs. Two...flipping...runs.

Our party is scheduled for October 23rd. Anyone who reads this, we hope you can come.

Glenn and I came up with this stupid name for a video game football team while we were in college. It was just a stupid reaction to a stupid monkey on a cereal box. It has evolved to so much more.

I'm incredibly proud of what the Crackmonkeys have become. We have friends and alumni throughout the country, and we all still stay in touch. When Glenn and I first put together a softball team, we just wanted to be competitive, but make sure enjoying each other's company was priority number one. I think we've continued to do that.

Like any other family, there have been squabbles. There have also been, and will continue to be, lifetime friendships.

I have a tattoo on my left hip of the Crackmonkeys "CM" logo. It's not because of the fact that I play softball with a bunch of people who I like. It's because the people who I like, care about, and have helped me become the person I am, also play softball. Many are no longer in Champaign-Urbana, but I think the Satkuses, Walls, Campbells, and many others know that they were a part of a really unique thing, and one that created a loving and nurturing atmosphere.

Our current team was a unique one. By the end of the year, every player on the field enjoyed the company of women. Who would have thought that would happen. Well...probably Glenn.

As the defacto captain over the last 8-9 years of both our volleyball and softball teams, I want to say thank you to all of the people who have played. It has meant the world to me. More than I can ever really articulate. It has been my constant. I could always count on this group of people to be there, week in, and week out. Not just for the game, but for friendship, for a shoulder to cry on, for support.

So I say thank you. You all have touched me in an important and lasting way. You have helped me survive. You have helped me thrive. And you have made me laugh, and live.

We have won multiple volleyball titles over the years. We won one official softball championship, tied for another, and have countless 2nd and 3rd place finishes. We have countless friends and lasting relationships. That will always be the most important.

I don't know what comes next for the Monkeys in any official capacity. If someone else wants to take the reigns, so be it. Just let me know. We will continue to function as a hellaciously fun social group.

Again, I thank all of you for your years of participation.

Mike