On the evening just before the holiday break, a group of SaatchiNYers and two brave interns (author included) from the 18th floor gathered at Chelsea Field #1 in the name of the slightly-less-athletic cousin of America’s favorite pastime – recreational softball. The Saatchi Slayers, decked out in their red, black, and white best, played a double header against the “Red Dogs” and “BBH Tenderloin.”
The Slayers played their hearts out in the 90-plus degree weather but, despite their valiant efforts, fell to both teams. During the second game, however, SaatchiNY had hit its stride and kept BBH on its toes during the (relatively) close, high-scoring match-up.
Slayer spirits remain high despite the losses, and the self-proclaimed “Ad News Bears” are looking forward to a comeback as the season continues. In the meantime, we spoke to Associate Creative Manager Anthony Debery, Creative Projects Coordinator/team manager Tegan Mahford, and Associate Project Manager/head coach Sharon Shang to find out more…
What made you decide to get a Saatchi softball team together?
TM: Why did we join a softball league? The umps keep asking us that too. Next year we’ll join a league for something we’d be awesome at, like pole vaulting, water polo, or soccer.
Are the Slayers part of a league?
TM: We joined the NYC Metro Sports League.
How long have the Slayers been around? Is this something you do every summer?
AD: This is the first year of the Slayers. Our understanding is that Saatchi has fielded softball teams in the past but there’s only one Slayers.
TM: The Slayers are all new. The last known Saatchi softball team was flown to London ten years in
What’s your favorite thing about being a Saatchi Slayer?
TM: Favorite things about being a Slayer – Homerun Nate’s home runs, Coach Shang’s nosedives into first base, Mason’s cell phone conversations from the pitcher’s mound. Usual softball stuff.
SS: Everything? Our MVP Tegan forgot the classic moment where we left our huge equipment bag on the side of street in the middle of the night.
When are the upcoming games?
TM: Contact Slayers Manager Tegan Mahford for info about upcoming games. Serious inquiries only.
Any predictions/hopes/fears for the next game?
AD: The team seems to be really coming together and making progress. I predict a big win in our next game.
SS: I think we will definitely win our next game. Morale is up from the last game since we were pretty close.
TM: We hope to lose the next game by 12 runs rather than the usual 15.
Coach Shang, how do you plan on inspiring the Slayers and leading them to victory in the future?
SS: Hmm, everyone is always a winner in my eyes… haha. I think once we’re better prepared and show up more than 10 minutes before the game, I have faith that we will win. Also, I think my co-coach Jared is better with all the inspiration stuff so I’ll just stick to my yelling.