what the frick. clutch won't release.

Well you disconnected the clutch cable FROM the mechanism(to put the new cable on,right)and a lot of times,that mechanism will move to a different position.
If you didn't remove the clutch push-rod,then you should be ok,as far as that ball bearing goes.

We'll have to wait until you can get that battery charged up again,and take it from there.

Oh, I didn't put a new cable on. Actually, after I disconnected the cable, I hadn't even played with the adjusters on the cable...I just disconnected it, and then hooked it back up when I put the cover back on, but it wouldn't work.