Headed into the off-season, Thirteen Thirty-Six fans had reason to celebrate and expect great things in the future of this organization. After a slow start (not playing very well), and an 0-2 record in 2 shows, the band had to attempt to regroup. At that time, the lineup consisted of Rich Bennett on vocals and guitar, Nate Rutkofske on guitar and backing vocals, Thomas “The Skank Engine" Lane on bass, Tim Allen on drums, JR Brown on Trumpet, and Jill Martindale on Alto Sax. The group went in for a recording session with a veteran coaching staff (Chuck Jewell and BJ Perry, Fallen Heroes), and emerged as a better unit.
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With the trade deadline approaching on September the 24th, 1336's front office aids had some things in terms of moves on their minds. One week prior to the deadline, Tom Lane's contract was outrighted to the free agent market, and they called up Dennis Cornwell from their Triple-A affiliate squad. As a starter, his role was a difficult one to adjust to in one week prior to a show. He was a great leader in clubhouse presence, however, and he warmed the hearts of those around him with his warm basslines.
1336 weren't looking to be sellers at the deadline, but on the day of the 24th, Alto Sax Jill Martindale informed the front office of her disappointment with playing time and the lack of clubhouse chemistry. She requested to be traded after the show on the 24th.
This move was not one they hoped to make, but knew was coming.
The day of the 24th was a glorious one. 1336 had its first home win, improving its record to 1-2. Nate broke a string again, and a stunning sax solo by Jill on sax won the crowd over.
That night, Jill was traded to Grand Valley State University's Marching Band, for a 1st round draft pick and cash considerations.
1336 was down on players, but on the upswing of clubhouse momentum. The five members of the band molded extremely well together over the next month or so. In late October, good friends 40 Lashes and Quits for Keeps put on a show, and 1336 played one of their best shows yet. They improved their record to 2-2, finally crawling up to the elusive .500 mark. Again, Nate broke a string, and JR's horn playing was off the proverbial chain.
"The Halloween show was a tough night, the PA broke, and the time we lost just dragged us down," Says Brown, 18, "So in the long run, it didn't seem like we brought our A game, but somehow managed to pull a bigger dancing draw than most of the home town kids. That Quits For Keeps put up a reasonable fight, but in the end we pulled the draw with them and I can live with that."
Pleased with their performances, the band began thinking about their roster moves for the off-season. They mostly had their core set, Rich Bennett, a solid vocalist and guitar player, Nate Rutkofske, a right handed pitching specialist and string breaker, Dennis Cornwell, an excellent bassist with a good ear, and JR Brown, second best trumpet in St. Clair County. Tim Allen was signed to a long term deal elsewhere, but was not offered arbitration from his former team, so he was prepared to settle in for a haul with 1336. There was talk of hiring a new drummer and moving Tim to Tenor Sax, to bolster the Horn Line that had been diminished by the trade of Jill, but that talk was quickly put to an end. Tim signed a deal worth $5.5 dollars for the coming season.
It was around that time that the White Sox won the World Series. The team rallied around each other and unified against this team. "Fuck the White Sox!" was generally heard wherever the team went. Big P also made his appearance around this time, and Alan Trammell's firing gave the group something to laugh at, boosting its chemistry to an all time high.
With a set core in place, it was time for the front office to scope out potential free agents. With none in play who would fit the mold of the organization, the team again looked to its farm system. Nobody in the team’s affiliates was suitable to the job at hand. 1336 waited for the draft to take place, and used the pick they received in the Jill Martindale trade to draft Trombone Jon Vancamp. Jon struggled at first, but the chemistry was there, and the team decided to keep him on the squad.
Jon's first show was a great one. The hometown crowd swelled inside the Grotto, and they ended up digging out a victory, thus improving their record to 3-2.
"If we had to compare Jon to any actual baseball player, I'd have to pick Justin Verlander," said Rich Bennett, 18, "He has tons of potential, and just needs to become a little more seasoned."
Even before the show, the organization began talks with a free agent Alto Player who played with Jill in the minors. Erin Stemmer was a name who popped up in the front office, and the group sent ace Rich Bennett to talk with her about perhaps signing with the club. Erin was delighted, and very excited to play with the group. She recently began the Alto Sax role so wildly coveted by ska bands around the globe. Erin was a natural fit in the clubhouse, and rounded out 1336's sound very nicely.
With the lineup set, and a strong horn section in place, 1336 looks to continue its winning streak. Look to see this band rise to the occasion in the coming season!
When asked for one last comment, Brown had this to say:
"What the fuck is a ballpit?"
Update: December 16th, 2005, 2:17 AM
Fallen Heroes has failed to give contract arbitration to Rich Bennett. The free agent was picked up immediately by 1336, who has found its front of the rotation ace.. Permanantly.
In failing to give arbitration, Fallen Heroes loses out on a 2nd round draft pick.
Update: January 2, 2006, 6:33 PM
Another big victory for 1336 took place at the Myspace Cafe on New Years Eve. With Nate Rutkofske out of the starting lineup with Shin Splints, everyone else needed to step up and deliver a strong performance. The game was hard, but an outstanding closing effort (Twice through the group's best song, El Closero) really sealed the deal. This improves 1336's record to 4-2, giving them a win percentage of .666. Their Road record improves to 3-1, where there Home record stays the same at 1-1.
Update: Jan 7, 11:43 PM
Thirteen Thirty-six won in a split-squad game today against some new metal shitty band called osirus or some shit. Record: 5-2. They currently lead the SouthEastern Division. Check out their winning show and interview at www.detroitpodshow.com