John Avalos Aims to Snap 20-Year Softball Losing Streak

​When it comes to the mayor's monthly "question time" session with the board, Supervisor John Avalos has been outspoken about the boring, pre-screened, softball questions lobbed Mayor Ed Lee's way.

But while he's an avowed foe of softball questions, Avalos has engaged in some questionable softball. The strong-armed and athletic former high school catcher hasn't tasted victory on the diamond in 20 years. "We got close," notes the supe.

Avalos is planning to venture once more into the breach several years after playing the Kyle Williams role in his star-crossed squad's attempt to win a game.

"We were ready to win. I was the shortstop, but I threw out my oblique and tossed the ball over the first baseman's head," recalls Avalos. "That was an error that allowed people to get on base. And the next ball got to me and I couldn't field it. And we lost."

You blockhead!

That squad, the inaptly named "Dream Team," was captained by "Bubba," the longtime janitor at City Hall. Bubba died in 2008 -- and, sadly, has participated in just as many winning softball games as Avalos since.

The supe is hoping to break that streak in the coming season when he joins "The McLaren Mashers" of the city's rec league. When asked what level the team plays at, he replies "Probably the lowest level. Probably the lowest level possible."

Avalos will try to regain his 1992 form. In that fateful year, his team won enough games to make the playoffs -- and notched a postseason win, too.

"I can't hit for power, but I can hit line drives," says Avalos, a right-handed dead pull hitter. "If I try to think too much, I just pop it up. These days, when I really smash it, I smash it right at people."

Or, as another unfortunate baller would put it: Good grief!

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