No, not “9-months” or “Oh my god,” late. I’m a busy guy. I apologize.

No, I’m talking about this post. As highlighted by Nate Saul’s CarpeDM and Emily Beck’s Dish on Des Moines postings, we had our first ever Des Moines Bocce Ball Social Club League last Tuesday at our home turf, Jasper Winery.

First and foremost, it was friggin’ hot. Inching over 100 degrees, all of us were baking like a toasted cheeser (see “Sandlot” for reference) and sweating harder than a BP exec at a town hall meeting (see “idiots” in the dictionary). However, that didn’t stop the dedicated 25 or so members from coming out and throwing the ol’ ball around. The flowing sweet sangria, tasty wine, and hand-crafted beer helped.

After a few competitive workshops put on by the Simpson Storm and Team Awesome, as well as the BocceBallas (aka me and the Brian Flynn), everyone began settling into the spirit of recreational ball tossing. For my part, I’d never played by “the rules,” or whatever people call them nowadays, but I got to say, it’s FUN. What I thought was an intimidating and complicated set of parameters turned out to be an easy-to-learn set of guidelines that provided for a highly addictive pastime.

Anyway, lovin’ life and living the dream, as we Club members often do, we continued the unique experiment of meeting and greeting, rolling and bowling until we couldn’t see where the ball was (because it was dark, not due to inebriation… Ok, maybe a little of both). Point being, we had a blast.

The first event was clearly a success. We learned a lot, like that we need more bocce courts, that bi-weekly gatherings would be perfect, and to not lose sight of the main goal: having fun and making friends. We’ll continue to listen as long as you continue to come. In the meantime, live life, live Des Moines, and “never forget your balls.”

P.S. Thanks to our resident photographer, Emilee Richardson for these amazing photos!

What started as a unique idea to bring people together under the Italian sport has now launched itself into Des Moines’ social scene, quickly solidifying itself as the next new thing (or so we’re told). Has anyone told them that we haven’t even had our first event?

But, as this thing continues to grow larger, with it my ego, I wanted to set some ground rules and clarify the original theme of this whole thing so you can keep me honest, and keep the Club on a long-term track to fulfill its intentions.

So, first and foremost, what we aren’t is an inaccessible, fun-hating, stuck up, serious group of people looking for a chance to judge one another – this isn’t high school.

What we are is an opportunity to explore and appreciate the ambiance that is Des Moines. The Club is a chance to make great friends and open new connections, while providing a venue for the competitive spirit (if you so choose). We and our partners are here to facilitate the cultural renaissance we see emerging in this city and support the people that have become the catalyst for change. We want to represent this revolution, while including as many people as possible, and perhaps throw a few balls along the way.

The most important thing here is for people to feel welcome, unintimidated, and accepted. DMBBSCL wasn’t created to take life seriously, but rather enjoy it more by making fun of it all.

With that said, it should also be noted that the Club isn’t just specifically centered around just Bocce Ball. Actually, if anything, it should be considered an umbrella for all leisurely activities that provide the opportunity for great company, great food, and of course great drink (music too?). Whether that be croquet, lawn darts, or… hmm, another leisurely gentlemen sport I can’t think of right now, the point is, come have fun and enjoy the company of a fellow Iowan.

Ok that was too serious…

So, in conclusion, this site is dedicated to you, the members, and your never ending quest to enjoy life here in the Midwest. So ask a question, get an answer. Have fun, and remember, “never forget your balls.”