96 Tears (5-3) vs Cuban-American Connection (7-1)
12:15 PM - Hammond Stadium - Forecast - Sunny and 70
This is my 2nd year playing for the big prize - my expectations of how the camp is supposed to go is just a tad high. I do want to give a shout out to Stan Dickman (he runs this dog and pony show....ok it's much better than that) - this camp is just an absolutely amazing experience. I'm a guy - I think for the most part I am pretty darn mature, take my responsibilities very seriously, and try not to be an idiot more than once a day. With that said...every guy (yes every guy) is a like a 12 year old boy inside who just wants to goof around, have a fun time, and quite frankly...do stupid (fun) things. This camp offers that opportunity. First of all (quoting Bert Blyleven) this is a kids' game - the game of baseball - it's for kids! All the campers are grown men - but when we are on the field, we are kids at heart playing a game that we love. It is hard to explain in a blog. Just a lot of fun - I think the Pro Staffers (Blyleven, Frank Viola, Kent Hrbek, Tom Brunansky, Milt Cuyler, Rick Aguilera, Phil Roof, Lee Stange, Tim Laudner, Dick Stigman, Frank Quicili, Dave Boswell, Tony Oliva, Ron Coomer, Erik Rasmussen, Bill Campbell, Julio Becquer, and Juan Berenguer) they all have that quality inside them. You can tell that they simply love the game and appreciate the opportunities baseball has created for them. From drinking beer after games, to cleaning a guys locker out, giving $#!* (grief) to other campers who are not on your team, getting the smack talk from the other campers, talking baseball, playing baseball (good and bad), and even a golf outing on Weds (I did not golf this year). This is like a glorified little league tournament with former baseball players making sure we have our shoes tied before we head out on the field (wait a second...they don't even make sure of that - they would fine us in Kangaroo court for that).
Well I get the start this morning -- last night I was really nervous and thinking too much about the "BIG GAME" - I guess after getting some rest all that has subsided. No matter what happens today - I could pitch well or get shelled - either way it's been a great week. Playing is great - winning is better - I think we can beat this team (again) this afternoon. I think the big advantage we have is our defense is very good and our lineup does not have any "give away" outs. Those two have given us an edge all week (thus the 7-1 record). They will have big Will McMacken (a big potential equalizer, from said strengths of our team, in today's matchup) on the mound so it will be a lefty/lefty pitching showdown. I think I should get a picture with him before the game and show you all the similar physical characteristics we both have....
I didn't blog about it but yesterday afternoon the Rookies vs. Pro's game was held at Hammond Stadium and I was able to play for the Pro's since they needed some outfielders to play in the field. I was able to get a photo in the dugout with T-Rex. These former players still have plenty of baseball in the tank - it was fun to watch them hit and pitch again (many of them don't do the running thing....). The Pro's won today (which is usually the case) but the rookies did a good job.
Now to figure out which song I am going to jam on my MP3 player (yes I'm a loser...I don't have an i-pod) before the game.
Where is that trainer.....
PB
No comments:
Post a Comment