ZogSports Halloween Madness - Send Us Your Photos!

Hey ZogSportsters!

We had a BLAST at the Halloween Party and we hope you did too! Did you win a title in the Costume Contest? Send us your photo! Think you were robbed of the title? Send us your photo and tell us why! We'll post images here as we get them and hopefully amass enough for a big ol' Shutterfly album like the big kids have.

Send your pics to alyssa@zogsports.org and share the fun with the whole Zog community!

Join Us for a SPOOKTASTIC Halloween!

Boo! Did we scare you? It's almost time for the big ZogSports Halloween Party, so put on those cat ears, perfect your cowboy costume, and get psyched!

This has been one of our most fun events of the year and this year we are teaming up with Street Project to make it even better. Street Project is a non-profit community service organization that provides volunteer opportunities for young professionals in New York City. Visit http://www.streetproject.org/ for more information. The door donation will go to Street Project as well as the costume contest winners' charities of choice.

When: Friday, October 26 8:30-?????
Where: Libation 137 Ludlow St. (Stanton & Rivington Sts.)
What: $10 donation at the door gets you a drink ticket and entry into the costume contest. Awards will be given for:
Best 80's Celebrity
Best Brand Mascot (i.e. Tony the Tiger, Keebler Elf, Jolly Green Giant)
Best Group Costume
Best Overall Costume
How: Buy your tickets at the door

Don't Miss Out on one of the BEST parties of the year!

Check out these pics from past Zog Halloween Parties!

Photo Contest Winner(s) Announced!

It's time to announce a winner of the big ZogSports Photo Contest!


The winner receives a $250 check for the charity of their choice! But since we're so giving, we've also decided to write a $100 check to the charity of choice of our runner up!


Without further ado... the winning photos:


Upper East Side Boozers - WINNER!




Iron Chefs United - RUNNER UP!

Congrats to both teams!

Keep sending us your photos!

Roosevelt Island Field Conditions

A Note to Our Outdoor Soccer Players:

We have received some feedback from a few of you stating concerns about the field conditions at Roosevelt Island. So we wanted to take a moment to address those concerns and let you know what we have been doing to rectify the situation.

ZogSports has been speaking with our main contact on Roosevelt Island for the past two months to try to improve the field conditions. Unfortunately, our contact is relatively junior and did not have the clout to get the engineering staff to help us improve the situation. So we made some polite noise and secured a meeting with the VP of Operations and Chief Engineer for all of Roosevelt Island. We will be meeting with them, as well as the field maintenance staff, on Friday morning, September 21, to determine what we can do in the short term to improve field conditions.

During a phone call with the VP of Operations last week, ZogSports also offered to find an outside, certified field maintenance specialist to assess the field and determine what might be the cause of the condition of the fields. We were able to find a local expert and arranged a meeting and field assessment next Wednesday, September 26. Based on our conversations with the field specialist, he believes that removing the puddles is a possibility. Also, we have been working with Roosevelt Island regarding proposals for returfing the field with synthetic field turf in 2008. We hope to have more news for you shortly.

We appreciate our members taking the time to provide feedback to help us improve our leagues and activities. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Robert Herzog
CEO & Founder

Cast Your Vote in the Photo Contest!

We've rounded up the best photos from the Photo Contest and now we want to know which team you think deserves to have $250 donated to their charity of choice!

Look through the pics and post a comment to let us know who should win.

Think you can do better? Prove it! Send your fave photos to alyssa@zogsports.org and if we think your pic can stand up against these, we'll add it to the contest.

Upper East Side Boozers


The Ladies of Upper East Side Boozers


U Mich Alumni



Team Big Blue


Naughty By Nature


The Men of Naughty By Nature


Iron Chefs United & Friends

Iron Chefs United

Done In One

Bovis

Bovis on the Kickball Field

To cast your vote, post a comment!

WellCare Bears Softball Team Gives an Impressive Play-by-Play

The WellCare Bears Strike a Pose

Thanks to the WellCare Bears for this detailed run-down of their recent win!

WellCare Bears show heart of a champion, win in Extra Innings

New York – Out-manned, out-played, and seemingly out of luck for much of their game yesterday, the WellCare Bears seemed destined to fall to their third defeat of the season. Some of their best power hitters were unavailable for this game. For the first two innings, they played with 2 outfielders. One of the players on the team played with an injured heel. The cards did not appear to be in their favor on this night. Down by 3 runs going into the bottom of the 7th inning (the last inning), there were not many in the near-record crowd of 3 who believed their Bears could mount a comeback effort. They had not scored in 3 innings. They were making mistakes all over the field and on the base paths. It seemed over!

However, after two leadoff walks to start the inning and RBI singles by Jose Rivera & Hector Roman, the Bears had pulled to within 1 run. 2 outs later, Manager Greg Horta would call his number and step to the plate. With all the pressure mounting and obvious comparisons to Kirk Gibson as he limped to the plate in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, Greg lined a single to left and the score was in fact tied! Jose Taveras would come up and hit a deep shot to left, but it was run down by the left fielder in what amounted to be the luckiest catch of his life. The other team was left stunned at what had just happened.

Still, undeterred in their comeback efforts, the Bears went to work again in the bottom of the 8th. Jesus Rivera reached base with another walk in the bottom of the 8th and was pushed to second on a grounder to third base. Representing the winning run with 2 outs, he grabbed his lead as the pitch to Jose Rivera was delivered. Jose hit a line drive to second base. The 2nd Baseman could not handle the catch and momentarily bobbled the ball. He threw to 1st where a hustling Jose beat the throw. As the 1st baseman stood in shock, Jesus Rivera had rounded 3rd and raced home to score the winning run. The Bears erupted in celebration at a game they had just won that appeared to be lost.

The playoff push begins as the season comes to a close. The Bears are in 2nd place and vying for a first round bye in the playoffs. Don’t be afraid to support your Bears!!!!

Early Registration Ends July 27!

Well hello, readers of the ZogBlog!

Did you know that Friday, July 27 is the LAST DAY to sign up for Fall Leagues at the Early Registration price?

Don't miss out on cheaper registration fees for:

• Dodgeball
• Touch Football
• Volleyball
• Indoor Soccer
• Outdoor Soccer
• 3-on-3 Basketball (Men's & Co-ed)

AND... Don't forget about our brand new Queens leagues:

• Touch Football in Queensbridge Park
• Outdoor Soccer at Elmhurst's Newtown High School

Register at www.ZogSports.org and email info@zogsports.org with questions.

See you on the field or in the gym this fall!

July 14 Wine Tasting - Wish You Were Here!

Check out pics from our

July 14 Wine Tasting Trip

to the wineries in Hudson Valley, NY!

Want to get in on the fun? We're leading ANOTHER trip to the North Fork of Long Island on August 11 and while we're SOLD OUT FOR WOMEN there are still spots for men. (Ladies, if you want to go, sign up for the waitlist).

Check out the website to sign up for the next trip! http://www.zogsports.org/

Attend the trip and have a story to tell or pics to share? Post a comment!


Hope to see you on the bus!

ZogSports is Coming to Queens!

Hey Queens- and Long Island-based ZogSportsers (or anyone who loves playing football and soccer on gorgeous fields):

Newtown High School's awesome field!!

ZogSports is blazing a trail for Queens this fall and we've got fields in Long Island City and Elmhurst, where we'll be hosting new Touch Football and Outdoor Soccer leagues!

Touch Football: We'll play in Queensbridge Park in Long Island City!

Outdoor Soccer: We're playing on Newtown High School's gorgeous field in Elmhurst! (Click here to check out this amazing field for yourself: http://takethefield.org/fields/newtown.html)


As with all the other leagues, registration is opening July 16 for these brand new leagues.... Don't miss out! Start registering Monday, July 16 at www.ZogSports.org!

Manhattan United in a Victory Pose

Check out the Manhattan United team from ZogSports' Spring Outdoor Soccer league, looking stoked after winning the championships!

Got a great story or picture from the season? Send it to alyssa@zogsports.org.

Are you playing soccer with us this summer? Tell us about it by posting a comment!

Take a Trip With Us!

ZogSports has a great way to beat the city heat this summer! Let us take you on day trips like White Water Rafting (on Dam Release Weekends!) and Wine Tasting in upstate NY and on the North Fork of Long Island… Register Now or read on for more details.

White Water Rafting Day Trips (on Dam Release Weekends!)
Can you handle Class III rapids? Join us and find out when we travel to the Lehigh River Gorge to navigate the rapids on a dam release weekend! Then celebrate with a Zog-provided Happy Hour on the bus home!

• June 23 - Spots Selling Fast! Register Now!!
• August 4 - We're rafting in the Lehigh River Gorge!

Wine Tasting Day Trips
Why travel all the way to Napa when there are some fantastic vineyards nearby! This summer, we'll lead trips to Hudson Valley and the North Fork of Long Island, where you’ll sample wines at four different vineyards. We’ll handle the driving so you can enjoy a full day of imbibing.

• July 14 - We'll hit 3-4 Vineyards in NY's Hudson Valley
• August 11 - Visit 3-4 Vineyards on Long Island's North Fork

For more information on our trips, including a Club Getaway weekend, Click Here.

And stay tuned for details on ZogSports’ Fall league registration for sports including Touch Football, Dodgeball, Softball, Soccer (Indoor & Outdoor), Basketball, and Volleyball! Details will be announced at www.ZogSports.org in July.

Take a Trip With ZogSports this Summer!

What are you doing this summer?

We'll be white water rafting, wine tasting, and taking off for a muli-sport adventure weekend! Want to come along?

White Water Rafting!
Zog will run day-trips to two white water rafting spots on the Lehigh River Gorge on June 23 and August 4 - both dam release weekends, which means great Class III rapids!

Wine Tasting!
On July 14 and August 11, we'll charter a bus to drive us through the vineyards of Hudson Valley and the North Fork of Long Island, to sip some of the finest wines New York has to offer!

Multi-Sport Weekend!
For those who want to get out of the city for a full weekend, we'll be sending you to Club Getaway from July 20-22.

More details on all the trips are, as always, on www.ZogSports.org.

Here's hoping you'll take a trip with us this summer!

Have you already signed up? Post a comment and tell us which trip you're going on and why you're stoked about it!

You Oughta Be in Print!

Gosh, ZogSportsters... Enough about us.... Tell us about you!

We're gearing up for our first ever NEWSLETTER and we can't do it without you!

Did you make a great play in football that you want the world (ok ok, the ZS community) to know about? Take a hilarious shot to the head in dodgeball and feel like sharing your embarrassment?

We want to know! So drag out the ol' typewriter and get writing. Tell us your best story from the season, send us your favorite pics (from games, happy hours, parties, etc) and if we dig what you have to say, we'll print it and you'll be FAMOUS!*

Send entries to alyssa@zogsports.org or just post em here in the comments section!



*ZogSports cannot guarantee world fame, but we can say with absolute authority that you'll at least be cool in our eyes, and isn't that what really counts?

Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who came out looking their best on Saturday night to the ZogSports Prom-Themed Fundraiser!

Not only did we raise money for a great cause, but we also did a great job of raising more than a few glasses to our achievement! Plus we had a great time posing in the photo booth, chowing down on food by Dinosaur Bar-B-Q (including the highly praised brownies), and taking over the dance floor.

Congrats to Prom King Charlie Panoff and Prom Queen Christie "Zog" MacKinnon!

Extra congrats go out to the winners of the amazing raffle and silent auction prizes, including $500 off team registration with ZS, VIP tickets to the Today Show Summer Concert Series, and sick Yankee tixx.

Pics from the event will be up soon, but for now, post a comment and share what you thought of the event! Have a great story or photo? Send it to info@zogsports.org and we just might include it in our upcoming newsletter!

It's Not a Party Until You're All Wearing Lampshades on Your Heads

Hey, ZogSportsters -

We have spoken with many of our members and in our efforts to try and fundraise we are worried that we left out some of our best people. Since at ZogSports we try and be inclusive (not exclusive) we have changed the price of tickets to the May 12 Fundraiser Party in hopes that everyone can attend, and we have made the donations to the Fund voluntary! (Please note that all those who have already purchased the tickets can either donate the difference or receive a refund)

Since we're throwing this big ol' Fundraiser Party in your honor, as a sign of appreciation for raising over a quarter of a million dollars for charity, we want to make sure the ticket price is manageable for the whole Zog community. For a limited time, we are lowering the price to $95.

Anyone who wishes to make an additional donation to the Play For Your Cause "Build-A-Field" Fund will be able to do so upon registration.

Donations are:
Bronze - $10
Silver - $20 (Includes mention in the Event Auction Guide)
Gold - $40 (Includes mention in the Event Auction Guide and Recognition at Event)

We hope each and every one of you will come celebrate your achievement with us at the May 12 party!

Visit www.ZogSports.org to purchase your ticket.

COMMENT!
Are you ready to party?? Share your excitement!

ZogSports Supports Your Partying Habit.

You could spend $100+ on weak drinks and weaker company at any bar in your neighborhood, or you could put that money to better use: a quality open bar, fabulous company, and a donation to a worthy charity.

On May 12, ditch the over-crowded meat markets and do something different. Help support a great cause while you're at it.

ZogSports is throwing its biggest ever fundraiser to benefit our new cause, the The Play For Your Cause "Build-A-Field" Fund.

For the same amount you'd spend on an average night on the town, you and your friends can party with an all-night OPEN BAR, hang with fellow fun Zogsters, and add to that warm and fuzzy feeling the alcohol gives you with the knowledge that a portion of your ticket price is going to help us build facilities for youth sports in the New York-metro area – brand new fields/gyms that ZogSports members will also benefit from!

Support the cause. We'll support your partying habit.

Tickets available at www.ZogSports.org

Are you already prepping for the big night? Tell us about it!

Train with Team in Training!

Hey ZogSportsters -

From time to time, we like to draw your attention to like-minded organizations that we think our members would enjoy becoming involved with. Today, we want to let you know about Team in Training, through which you can train for a marathon, triathlon, or century bike ride, all while raising money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Here are some details and contact information for a fellow ZogSportster who also works for TNT:

You can join Team in Training (TNT) if you are in the best shape of your life, or have never even run a mile! Through TNT, you will meet hundreds of other young professionals who are out to train and of course, have a good time - all while raising money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Registration is currently available for the following events:

· ING New York City Marathon
· New York City Half Marathon presented by Nike
*You will receive a GUARANTEED spot for this event by signing up with us!
· Westchester Triathlon
· The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon®
· Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco (Walk or Run)
· El Tour de Tucson XXV-Century Bike Ride


Be prepared to get inspired.. get motivated.. and begin one of the most rewarding experiences of your life! In return for your fundraising, you will receive:

· Free professional coaching
· Free airfare, hotel stay and ground transportation to and from events
· Complimentary tickets to pre-race dinner and victory party
· Complimentary nutrition, injury prevention and gear clinics
· Free race apparel

To learn more about Team in Training or to attend one of our free information meetings, please go to www.teamintraining.org/nyc or contact fellow Zog Sports captain and Team In Training manager, Helena Silber at helena.silber@lls.org.


Have you trained with TNT? Know someone who has? Post your comments on your experience and look for fellow Zog members who might want to join TNT with you!

Welcome to the ZogBlog!

Believe the hype: ZogSports has entered the blogosphere. Now, not only can you get up-to-date information about what’s going on at your favorite sports organization when YOU want it, but you can also comment on it! Tell us your thoughts, your feelings, your heartfelt emotions about our leagues and events. Better yet, tell the rest of the ZogSports community and start interacting with each other!

In fact, start right now! There's lots going on with ZogSports that you can chat about like what you're wearing to Prom, who you're nominating for Prom King & Queen, spring leagues, the upcoming summer season, who had the best time at happy hour this week, and well... basically whatever you feel like talking about! We made this blog for YOU, so have fun with it!

Check in with us regularly for Zog news and announcements! Isn’t the internet a wonderful place?

Will You Go to Prom With Us?

Dust off your tux and poof out your dress sleeves: You are cordially invited to attend the ZogSports Prom to benefit the Play For Your Cause "Build-A-Field" fund! We're pinning a corsage on our collective lapel in celebration of donating over $250,000 to charity. Yep, that's over a quarter of a million dollars donated to the charities YOU chose! And we're going to keep the giving going by donating all proceeds of the event to our new Play For Your Cause "Build-A- Field" fund!

Just like your prom... If your prom had an all-night open bar!

Nominate your friends and teammates for Prom King & Queen! Now, when you purchase your ticket to the first-ever ZogSports Prom to benefit the Play For Your Cause “Build-A-Field” Fund, you can tell us who you think deserves to win the regal title.

Want to help your nominee snag the crown? Snap him or her wearing a ZogSports t-shirt and send it along with a short profile and his/her zog history to info@zogsports.org. We’ll post the snapshots on this page to help your potential King & Queen the Prom get the recognition they deserve!

So print buttons, bake cupcakes, and campaign your heart out for your nominees until the votes are cast in-person at the Prom on May 12!

When: Saturday, May 12 from 9:00pm-1:00am
Where: The Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St (between 5th and 6th Aves)
Cost: $115 from March 12-April 13; $135 from April 14-May 9; $150 at the doorTickets will not be available on the two days prior to the event (May 10-11)
What: Open bar, food stations, silent auction, dancing, Prom King & Queen, photo opportunities