Fans around the world are buzzing with anticipation. Stadiums are rocking. The excitement is electrifying. That's right, it's the Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation Sports softball league, and ZOOligans are taking centre-stage ready for their turn at glory.
As the FIFA World Cup 2018 is in full swing, the likes of Argentina, Germany, Spain and Belgium have dropped like flies, so we wanted to share what a winning team* looks like...
*Teams don't necessarily need to win by points to be considered 'winners'.
Bringing together the very best softball talent from the furthest reaches of ZOO's LA office, here are the always-striving, often-underappreciated, wildly-middling, 'ZOOligans'!
Since the unruly early days of January, ZOOligans has pieced together an exciting team of raw athletes, ready to take on the fierce competition of Manhattan Beach. But with so much to play for, how does the pressure get to these young pretenders?
ZOOligans' talismanic, though unofficial, captain, Rey Ramirez describes the underdog team as 'new kids to the field', but that doesn't get in the way of awesome teamwork and solidarity.
Literally bursting with pride, Rey said:
“As the new kids to the field – most on the team never playing this type of softball before – we have had our growing pains for sure...
“But the team spirit and comradery are second to none and everyone continues to grow and become better players with each passing game. I am honored to be called the Team Captain for the ZOOligans.”
With unwavering loyalty and ambitious goals for the future, ZOOligans experienced head coach, Dave Sin, has big plans for seasons to come.
Delirious with emotion, Dave said:
“This was a rag tag team of people who had little-to-no experience with softball, but with lots of practice and games and hard work, the team has improved drastically.
"I hope everyone continues to play so we can continue to get better as a team and see all the hard work pay off. ZOOligans for life! …maybe? Hahaha.”
ZOOligans Profiles
Rey Curtis Ramirez
Name: Rey Curtis Ramirez
Nickname: Rey “The Great”
ZOOligans position: Outfield / Pitcher
ZOO position: Project Coordinator
Bats / Throws: Right
Height: 5’10”
Motto: “Why be moody when you can shake your booty. Now go hit!”
Ryan McAndrew Contreras
Name: Ryan McAndrew Contreras
Nickname: Spicy Luck (...get it?)
ZOOligans position: 3rd base
ZOO position: Assistant Project Coordinator
Bats / Throws: Right
Height: 5’7”
Motto: “No one walks on a baseball field.”
Dave Sin
Nickname: DSin
ZOOligans position: Short Stop/Left Field
ZOO position: IT Helpdesk
Bats / Throws: Right
Height: 5’10
Motto: “In it to win it.”
Anthony Malcom-Jamal Esquibel
Name: Anthony Malcom-Jamal Esquibel
Nickname: T-Bone
ZOOligans position: Pitcher/Shortstop
ZOO position: Production Artist
Bats / Throws: Right
Height: 5’5
Motto: “If you can’t convince them, confuse them…”
Lyn Gutierrez
Name: Lyn Gutierrez
Nickname: Amy
ZOOligans position: Bench Warmer #1
ZOO position: Translation Assistant
Bats / Throws: Whichever arm isn’t sore, that’s the one I use
Height: 5’5
Motto: “Why am I here? / "Wait a minute… This isn’t tennis!”
Pam Wilson
Name: Pam Wilson
Nickname: Clipboard Queen
ZOOligans position: 2nd Base
ZOO position: Project Coordinator
Bats / Throws: Right
Height: 5’5”
Motto: “Pam’s in!”
Saima Fleece
Name: Saima Fleece
Nickname: Sai mama
ZOOligans position: Outfield, center
ZOO position: Project Coordinator
Bats / Throws: Right
Height: 5’0”
Motto: “Please see Ryan’s motto.”
Sandra Rivera
Name: Sandra Rivera
Nickname: Lucky Sandy
ZOOligans position: Catcher/Left Field
ZOO position: Translation Coordinator
Bats / Throws: Right
Height: 5’0”
Motto: “I’m not short, I’m FUN-SIZE!”
Farrah Esmail
Name: Farrah Esmail
Nickname: Farrahball
ZOOligans position: Second Base / Outfield
ZOO position: Project Manager
Bats / Throws: Right
Height: N/A
Motto: "'There’s no crying in baseball'? – Shut up, Tom Hanks"
Want to try out?
Competition is fierce, but informal try-outs take place regularly at the ZOOligans top-secret training facility. Prerequisites include natural talent in throwing, fielding, hitting or pitching – as well as a position at ZOO's LA office.
On rare occasion, fans have even witnessed controversial foreign imports from London or Sheffield – so don't rule yourself out if you're further afield!
