According to the infinitely wise kickball guru, Benjamin Franklin, there are only three things in this world that are certain: death, taxes, and La Familia being at the top of the poll. What is up everybody? This is Armando (i.e. Mando), of Ballseros and Ballbarian fame, writing up this week’s Commissioners Poll.  I was looking forward to writing about one of the top teams in Miami Lakes making it into the poll but apparently 4-2 with an above average run differential is not good enough anymore. Now that it’s obvious who is at the top, let’s see who falls under them.

Note: Giovanni Lorenzo wrote the notes for the Pines Teams.

1. La Familia (40 points; 4 first place votes): What can I say that has not been said yet? They are one of the best teams that I have ever seen.  There really is not any holes to speak of and it will be interesting to see if anyone can give them any trouble during the season, or in the playoffs.
2. Dye Pitch (36 points): Another week, another win for the top of the standings at Pembroke Pines. This week they took care of Blue Balls and are one step closer from the perfect season of 8-0. This week they have a tough matchup against Jäger Bombers as they may be the only team left in the way of Dye Pitch.
3. Free Balling (27 points; 1 first place vote): One of the top teams down at Tropical park is riding high.  After losing to the Evil Lord Commander Medina for their first loss last week, they picked up the W to regain momentum.  They have a solid group of kickball veterans who have been playing kickball for a while. They have a tough matchup coming up against the black team that could determine who gets home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
4. Yellow Team (27 points): Rene’s attempt at comedy: naming his team the yellow team even though they wear gray.  Everyone is wondering why they are at the top but I personally am not surprised.  They have a good mix of Miami Lakes and Tropical Park players.  They have a multitude of possible pitchers, so you never know what you will get.  Do not get down early against them because you may not have a chance to come back.  They will be down a couple of players the coming weeks, so stay tuned to see if they keep it together.  If Rene can manage to have his entire team there for playoffs, they have a chance to take it all.
5. Win or Lose We Still Booze (26 points): This team is difficult to rank, like that commissioner said last week.  Their game against La Familia was rained out so stay tuned to see if they get that season defining win.  They have some of the best girls in kickball but lost a few because they left town.  Let us see if they can keep the winning going. P.S.- If you are going to play up on Arelis, you are going to have a bad time.
6. Back to Black (22 points): 4-1 still with that one tiny blemish against Dye Pitch. We are starting to sense that the rematch in the playoff finals on June 17th is eminent. Last week they disposed of Vicious and Delicious and this week they get a run at Medina’s Angels who is captained by the very popular Rene Medina in the eyes of Armando…
7. Sit on My Base (20 points): If you haven’t heard of this team, then you must live under a rock.  They chant their name every chance they get, and it’s addicting.  You get the urge to chant it and you are not even on their team.  I personally have not seen them play this season but the record speaks for itself.  They are a solid group of kickballers.  Their tough matchup against the Ballbarians (SNUBBED) this past week was rained out but next week it will be finished.  That finish will be interesting to watch, since it may influence playoff seeding.
8. Black is Back (19 points): This team is the cream of the crop in Tropical Park. Their run differential is scary good and their defense is impressive.  If they can keep the arguing between each other down, they may be the favorite to win the whole damn thing.
9. Opa Locka Goonz (16 points): This team could be a sleeper in the playoffs.  They have a solid all around squad and currently are ranked third due to run differential.  It will be interesting watch the rest of the season because they could make a run for the Commissioners Trophy
10. Pata Sucias (7 points): Yes, Melissa and Pata Sucias, you have made the commissioners poll for the first time ever! Rudy was really impressed with your win over the Backdoor Bandits to place you up here!! Pata Sucias is starting to become a fun staple at Tropical Park and sit in the middle of the standings hoping to make some noise on June 11th. Congrats on your appearance here!

Others receiving votes: Homestead Homers (6), Jager Bombers (6), Yo Momma Can’t Pitch (5), Yellow Fever (4), Blue Balls (4), Saved by the Balls (3), Ballseros (3), Ballbarians (2), All My Pitches (2), Balls Deep (1), The Red Team (1).

Quick Reminder on How the Poll Works: Once both leagues have played at least 2 games each, the Commissioners each cast an anonymous ballot for the teams that they think are the top 10 in K.O.A.L.A. Kickball across our Pembroke Pines, Miami Lakes, Tropical Park, and Cutler Bay Leagues. The first ranked team in each ballot gets 10 points, the second ranked team in each ballot gets 9 points, and so forth all the way to the tenth ranked team in each ballot, which gets 1 point. The points that each team gets from each ballot are added up, and then the 10 teams with the highest total number of points are declared the Top 10 in the Commissioner’s Poll. If there’s a tie for points, then the team with the most number of Commissioners voting it higher than the team they tied will receive the higher position. Remember that this poll does not affect standings or playoff seeding in any way; it’s only for fun!