Hashtagging Softball

We had two softball games tonight. We played the first one very well, coming back from a crappy first inning where they were ahead 8-0, to finishing the game with us winning 20-11. So we had an hour break and then another game, this one against a team in the division above us.

I had high hopes as we came off the first game playing very well, even though the other team called The Dirtbags was in the division above. I was the designated hitter, so I didn't field the game. I was keeping the scorebook during the inning. We held our own the first two innings, but then fell apart the third inning. They were hitting really well and our fielding moxie just tanked. By the end of the third inning, we were behind by ten or so runs.

I can handle losing, but I get very irritated by the Dirtbags' fans, particularly two goofy drunk women. We've had other teams that have had the f-ed up fans who blast airhorns and goofy party favors, but they've mostly died down. These bitches' "ladies'" (loose term) big thing was to say everything with the word "hashtag" in front of it.

"Hashtag good pitch! Hashtag strike! Hashtag swing!" and on and on and on. They were friends with one particular lesbian on the opposing team.

So after three innings of this, I was getting sick of it. Again, it's annoying, but it's hardly affecting the game.

Then suddenly, they turned their attention toward us when we were batting. Teammate Bruce was up and they started heckling him.

"He's got nothin'! Hey batter, batter, batter, swing...." Again... over and over.

I will say this, I've never EVER heard anyone do this during the softball games in the nearly ten years I've played in this league.

Now, if we were in a dead heat, neck and neck in scoring, I might have been understanding, but their team had a 10+ run lead. They had no reason to do this as we were losing and it felt much like them rubbing salt in the wound. It was full-blown douchebaggery. And this is where I felt they crossed the line.

So eventually we were run-ruled as the other team had more than a ten-run lead at the end of the 5th inning. As we were taking the field to do the "good game" high-fives with the other team, I decided to do my own hashtagging while with my team.

I've talked about my ability to crank up my intimidation levels at work. Instead, I decided to use a rarer setting, "the mocking @$$hole." It's an add-on function.

"Hashtag OMG! Hashtag That Was So Much FUN! Hashtag Awesome! Everyone, let's do our annoying Hashtag chant!" said in my loudest, valley-girl swishy voice.

My team was laughing as we'd all suffered through this crap throughout the game.

"Hashtag Have a Safe Drive Home Everyone!"
"Hashtag You Guys Are AWESOME!"
"Hashtag Go TEAM!"
"Hashtag Bitches!"
"Hashtag OMG This is ANNOYING!"
"Hashtag Mocking!"
"Hashtag F*&@, it's late!"
"Hashtag Hashtag!"

All the while staring over at the two bitches who refused to make eye contact.

If I were going to be in town for the games next week, I would make it my mission to go watch the Dirtbags next game, cheer for the opposing team, and playing the mocking "Hashtag" game every spare moment I had. Get a few drinks in my teammates and I bet they'd join in.

Okay, I'm tired now and need to get to bed.