The Baseball Life

Offseason blues & a Tribute to McDonough

2012-01-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

Most of us are stuck in this limbo right now of baseball purgatory. It's a scattered mixture of anticipation for the coming season haunted by continual days that lack game play. For the most part though, we have all started our count downs and planned our spring training vacations, while continually checking our spots on season ticket waitlists. This past weekend and the next two are fan conventions league-wide that serve as a kick off party for fans to celebrate the anticipated season. Being from Chicago, I am proud to note that I have been a Cub Convention attendee for most of my life (and even a few Sox Fests!) Fan fests are the ultimate for die hards, especially autograph collectors. It allows you to sit in on seminars where management discusses their philosophies and future plans. It even lets you ask the players questions, stock up on merchandise, and learn more about your team all while enjoying fun filled days with your friends. Now let me ask you.... who invented fan fests?

John McDonough.

Mr. McDonough is an outstanding man. Growing up, I referred to him as the marketing guru. He was hired in 1983 by the Chicago Cubs and by 1985 he had launched the first ever Cubs Convention- it was the first fan fest of any kind in professional sports. When Harry Caray died in 1998 it was McDonough who started having guest conductors come to Wrigley. Today, its a huge fan favorite as celebrities sing the stretch while paying homage to the late Caray.

In 2007, I had the pleasure of meeting McDonough. I was at Skyharbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona and I was on standby waiting for a flight back to Chicago after games 1 and 2 of the NLDS (Cubs @ Dbacks). We had been at the airport for about 6 hours with little-to-no chance of getting a seat on any upcoming flights, and in the corner of my eye I spotted McDonough walking past us. I woke up my friend and pointed (not very subtly) and he confirmed my suspicion - it was him! With absolutely nothing else to do at the airport, we interrupted our waiting-game and we approached McDonough to introduce ourselves - mind you, we were still unshowered and wearing our cubs attire from the game the night before, while being majorly hungover (Cubs fault - we did shots to all their miscues).

Like many, John McDonough went on to bigger and better things. Shortly after their playoff catastrophe, McDonough joined the neighboring Chicago Blackhawks hockey front office and immediately introduced his concept of fan fest to the organization. He was a large factor in bring the Winter Classic to Wrigley Field in 2009 as the Hawks faced off against rival Detroit and drew over 40,000 in attendance while boasting the highest ratings for any hockey game in 34 years. Another McDonough PR move was bringing back Hall of Famers and re-introducing them to the public as ambassadors for the sports. Forbes later named the Hawks under his guidance “The Greatest Sports-Business Turnaround Ever.” Since then, he has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer.

Well folks, hope you've been hanging in there. We are almost there!
-S

CJ Wilson Thanks his Fans

2011-12-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

I thought this was pretty cool, especially since CJ Wilson is one of the few players who goes above and beyond to connect with his fans. This morning at about 5:30am CST time, he uploaded a message to his facebook account that read as follows:

I just want to say thank you to all the ranger fans who have supported me, and my efforts in the community the last six years in Texas. Surely it's both hard for some to understand that I left for a different team let alone a division rival- it was bittersweet for me as well. At the end of the day the rangers didn't make a push to keep me on the team. The angels an marlins wanted me on their... teams and proved it. everything written about an asking price etc was media speculation and never had an ounce of truth. The rangers are a great organization with talented front office and players and will be a difficult team to beat and it's very sad to leave such awesome teammates and fans. The last few years in ranger stadium were special- going from a losing team to bankrupt to american league champs was a complete transformation and obviously everyone should be proud of it. The charity will continue even stronger now and we will continue to support North Texas kids as well as SoCal kids. Please keep that spirit of philanthropy alive for your local causes like cooks children's hospital, Scottish rite, dallas children's and the boys and girls club. - C.J. Wilson

I thought that was an appropriate and grateful response given by the 31 year old southpaw. It wasn't needed nor required, but it goes to show you how much his fans mean to him. Not only will CJ be joining a new team on a 5 year/$77.5MM deal, but he will also be going home. Wilson grew up in Southern California in the city of Newport Beach. Like Pujols, Wilson was offered more to play with the Miami Marlins, but declined. I think the Angels are a perfect fit for CJ... if you follow him on Twitter (twitter.com/str8edgeracer) or are friends with him on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheLefty) then you know the Cali lifestyle was made for him. Comfortability can go a long way in someones career, just ask Carl Crawford.

Happy offseason,
TBL,
-S

Good for Albert Pujols

2011-12-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Albert Pujols. Today it was announced via internet blast, that the best player in baseball has agreed in terms to sign with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for 10 years/$250MM contract.

Good for him. Sincerely.

I am a fan of Albert Pujols. In fact, I am a fan of any hard working ballplayer who leads a respectable life on and off the playing field. I am a fan of players who take advantage of their time in the spotlight by leading the world with a good example. I am a fan of players who spend their extra time to promote charity movements or volunteer their time and effort to help those less fortunate.

Like him or hate him, Pujols has earned respect. And not just from us fans, but from teammates, opposing players, coaches, general managers, front office personnel, and children around the world. He has been everything expected from an allstar. He has produced results on the field that have pushed him into a category of his own while maintaining a respectable life off the field. He has no arrests or steriod issues surrounding his name. His pictures online are those of him playing, not of him galavanting around with numerous women or of alcohol infused escapades. He has been a strong role model for young kids around the world. He's made valuable contributions to countless charities and remained active in participating in his free time.

Pujols was offered many lavish contracts this offseason, but thats not what he was going for. Pujols gave each team the opportunity to present him with a contract based on what those teams felt he deserved. The Marlins offered an outlandish 10 year deal, some say amounting to $300MM, but they did not include a no-trade clause. Seriously? If Aramis Ramirez "earned" one with the Cubs, then surely Pujols should have that respect given to him, as well. In the end, the Angels seem to have offered Pujols the contract and life he wants for him and his family for the next ten years of his life.

My facebook newsfeed and twitter timeline are littered with complaints about Pujol's decision. GREEDY. SELFISH. SELLOUT. These are not words to describe a man who has committed his life towards bettering himself at baseball and as a human. Here is a man who has worked his behind off his entire life, perfecting every little detail about his mechanics in order to gain the level he has with us today as one of the elite, arguably best ballplayers of all time.

Here's my persepective. I understand that Cardinal fans can be irrate. But don't blame the man for taking an offer from a team that probably showed him a better deal, not just financially, but respectfully. Albert Pujols has worked his whole life for the chance to decide where his life can go from here. If he wants his family to live in California, without having to be uprooted for the next ten years, then respect his decision. Disagree all you want, but greedy? selfish? sellout? Yes contracts are outlandish. Yes millions upon millions is hard to rationalize for someone who "plays a game" for a living, but that is the market. There are other rediculous contracts out there but if anyone has earned it, it's Pujols.

TBL,
-S

Remembering Ron

2011-12-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Remembering Ron

By: Stephanie Paluch
12/03/2010

It’s been hours now since the news of our beloved Chicago icon has hit the airwaves, and we’ve all dealt with the passing in various ways. When I first got the news, my initial thought was “I have to be at Wrigley. I have to be home.” I've spent the majority of today in thought - remembering Ron in his best, recounting all the times I've met him, and rationalizing how Wrigley will ever be the same.

When I originally wrote this article, I was on a flight to Arizona. Now that I am here, I keep re-reading what I've written, trying to find the right words, but none of it does him justice. Our language has not given us enough words to thoroughly explain how much this individual who lived among us means to us and will always mean to us. No phrase or paragraph written here seems to fulfill the honor of the life of Ron Santo.

For that matter, no amount of grieving has been suffice. With some instances, you assure yourself that in a few hours life will come back to your body- maybe you’ll wake up tomorrow and feel a little better. You rationalize that maybe instead of missing the passed, you will be able to celebrate their former life. I’m not sure how long it will take, but the tears don’t stop. With every memory, I dive deeper into sorrow.

Ronnie mean't a lot to us in Chicago; he mean't a lot to us in the baseball world. Ronnie was as true a Cub and you can find. He was the ultimate fan, and those of us who watched the games with the volume muted and Pat & Ron live on the radio, we know how much he loved these Cubbies. He respected us as fans. He accepted us into his family, and he graciously acknowledged everyone who came to meet him.

When I woke up this morning at 6am and heard the news, the only thing I was certain of was that I needed to be at Wrigley with my family... with my cubs family. I couldn’t risk missing my flight, so I promised myself I'd go straight to Wrigley as soon as I got home on Tuesday. When I checked in at the airport it was 9:30am- 2 hours away from my scheduled departure. As soon as the lady behind the counter told me the flight was already delayed an additional hour, I wasted no time. I literally ran, like my life depended on it, down the corridor opposite the security check point. I bought myself a $5 fare for the L-train, hoped on and headed straight for Wrigley Field. I had tears in my eyes the whole way through as I struggled to find the right words. I had 20 minutes on the train before I'd be at Wrigley and I couldn't for the life of me decide what to say or do.
When I got to Wrigley Field, the sorrow intensified. It was very quiet, yet not isolate. People roamed the streets - Sheffield, Waveland, Addison and Clark. Cubs fans wandering, one to the other, hugging and crying... remembering their favorite stories to reporters.

I had found some words and wrote them the other half of my boarding pass while on the train. Holding the paper in my fingers, I walked up to the stadium and knew this was going to be hard, not only today but for every future game. I walked up to the stadium wall and leaned in close putting my bare hand against the concrete wall. I closed my eyes and remembered Ron. I smelled the air in Wrigley and I heard the cheers with Ronnie leading the way. For a few moments I just stood there replaying my favorite memory, over and over again.

I walked by the Billy Williams statue, where the Harry Carey statue once stood, and remembered my first time meeting Ron at that very spot. It was early in the morning and he was so full of joy, so optimistic. I saw him in passing and said with a smile, “Hi, Mr. Santo!” and he stopped in his path, greeted me just as excitedly and lead the conversation beginning with our beloved Cubbies. Ron was always like that, with every fan. He took his time to greet anyone who wanted to speak to him, signed for children if they asked, and always, always told those who would listen stories from his past.

I saw Ronnie a lot after that, and every time he always seemed to remembered me, or at least I think he did. But that was the thing that made him special - even if Ron had never met you, he acted like you were family.

Last year, in 2010, I didn’t see Ron as much around the ballpark. He was hospitalized a lot more, as expected with his diabetes, but still every time the fans would greet him, a huge smile would stretch across his face and you’d feel his glow of optimism. The last time I spoke to Ron one-on-one, I was working at Wrigley for MLB Network Thursday Night Baseball. It was early August 2009, and the Cubs were set to play the Brewers that day. To get ready for a 7pm game, we started setting up in the production truck around 10am. One of my jobs was running things from the trucks outside to the press box and then to the field if needed. There was one break in the chaos, where all I had to do was wait - and no better a place was this asked of me than when I was in the Cubs dugout. So I sat down on the bench in the Cubs dugout, admiring the field, and waited.

Within half a minute, Billy Williams came and took a seat right next me, sighs, and says, “What a beautiful day for a ball game.” “Absolutely, Mr. Williams,” I replied, “It’s breathtaking from this view.” I sat there and smiled and tried to take in what had just happened, and Billy kept talking. At the end of our short conversation about the weather and cubs, I shook his hand, told him it was a pleasure to meet him and told him I’d see him later in the booth.

Walking down the tunnel, back to the concourse I turned the corner and there was Ron Santo, who exclaims, “Look who’s behind the scenes!” and comes over to hug me. Never before had I hugged Ronnie, but he saw me back there probably looking frantic and in a rush and decided to stop me and say hi. I quickly kidded back by saying, “Ssshhhh! I snuck in!” and held my finger to my lips. We laughed for a second, told him I was on the go and said that I’d say bye before I left the stadium that night. I was never able to see Ronnie again and talk to him after that, and I never said goodbye. Had I moved from that dugout just a moment before or after I had, I would have missed him completely and never would have had that experience.

I will miss Ron, the joy he brought to the ballpark, his voice on the radio, and the optimism he entered each season with. I’ll laugh every time I re-listen to one of his broadcasters, where the cubs just can’t do anything right! And every time I enter Wrigley I'll remember him, and I'll honor him by loving the Cubbies and respecting the game.

I'll see my fellow cubs family at his visitation in Chicagon on thursday where we can all say our goodbyes.

Love you all and thank you to everyone who had reached out to me today. I appreciate all the support we have as a united family. Go Cubs Go!

The Baseball Life,
-S

12/06/2011
Wrigley was not the same this year. I found myself only attending the games I worked for FOX, instead. We still miss Ronnie, everyday and wish he could have been alive to hear the Hall of Fame announce his acceptance, one that was greatly overdue. But we can all rest assured, he is celebrating above us and within our hearts. Thank you to the veteran committee for finally making this right.
#10 you are always with us...
-S

Best Sports Stadiums, Wordwide!

2011-12-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

Recently, a lady named Katina from ZenCollegeLife.com forwarded a link to my email entitled “The 10 Most Spectacular Sports Stadiums in the World". After viewing the article, and learning that she's a long time reader on my site (bonus!) I thought I'd share it with everyone here, since it really does blend well with the content already in place. The article highlights the ten most interesting stadiums in the world... not just baseball, but we do have some reprensentation.

Sports are a huge part of our daily lives. The incredible popularity of sports has made them big business, with the most elite teams and the most successful franchises building incredible stadiums to hold the millions of adoring fans who loyally follow their favorite teams. These stadiums have become an essential part of major cities and whole continents throughout the world. They are a source of local and national pride and feature some of the most innovative technology and entertainment advances that the world has ever seen. Here are the top 10 most spectacular stadiums in the world: CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story...

Feel free to pass along your articles or other interesting ones you think the readers here will enjoy, our own little pay it forward in the baseball enthusiast world ;-) Also, keep in mind the site will be changing it look soon as I've been working with a graphic designer to spruce the place up! Always, thanks for your dedication & happy offseason.

-S

Just a Little Marlins Magic on the Day of their Countdown!

2011-11-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

On today, 11/11/11 most people are busy making wishes and celebrating with friends for the hope of a little bit of additional luck in their lives... me? Well, I'll just be waiting to see the Marlins unveil their new uniforms, stadium, and logos tonight.

I have a dog named Annabelle Sanchez (literally, its on her dog tag) because when she was abandoned at my door step in the Summer of 2010 she became oddly obsessed with my authentic Marlins hat I had accidentally left on my coffee table. Anytime in those first 2 weeks I had her in my home, she'd sneakly grab the apparal left out on the table and hoard it in her new dog cage. Once I decided I was going to keep her, I had to find a perfect name. From her constantly frightened demeanor and actual fear of all men, it was clear to me that this dog had been a victim of abuse, so much so that should would cringe any time anyone tried to pet her. Her luck was bound to change, especially once she found me. I figured I'd bypass a generic "Lucky" name for the dog left abandoned and decided to don her with the "super-lucky" Anibal Sanchez tag, cleverly changing the spelling in the first name to make her a little more feminine.

I justified her being named Annabelle Sanchez for a few reasons. For one, she was obsessed with cap. I assumed she like the colors, or maybe hated the Cubs (2003 reference, my bad). But mostly, due to the fact that Anibal Sanchez had a no hitter against the odds of a Marlins defense that had ranked as one of the worst defenses ever fielded by the organization. Six rookies started in that game on September 6, 2006 against the Arizona Diamondbacks including Sanchez who was making only his 13th Major League start of his career. That alone was a record for a no hitter in terms of the number of rookies used.

Was that enough luck for this little pup? No chance. I also took into account the fact that despite his 4 walks issued in the game, he only yieled 103 pitches in the 9 innings at home. This also came at a time where we, as fans of Major League Baseball, had gone the longest without enjoying a no hitter - 6,364 games since Randy Johnson's perfect-o May 18, 2004 for the Dbacks. Therefore, I rationalized that her unlucky streak would be broken, as well.

Needless to say, I like to keep my dogs current on their teams so I will be ordering a new hat for little Annabelle tonight at 11pm when the on-line store at http://www.marlins.com/ opens orders.

To new begininings, cheers!
-TBL, S

Obsessed with the World Series

2011-10-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

The title says its all.. I am literally, 100% obsessed with the World Series. I can even name every World Series winner since 1903 without cheating - and I can name them all in less than 15minutes thanks to http://www.sporcle.com/. In high school I studied narratives depicting the early 1900's fall classic with the Philly A's and New York Giants. One may ponder as to why I am so excited with the World Series, considering as a Cubs fan I have never been able to actually celebrate it with my own team. Bitter? Never. I genuinely feel like "its the year" every year, and when it's not (103 years and counting) it only takes a breif offseason depression before my hope are renewed in the next spring.

Nevertheless, I am consumed with the Fall Classic. I get teary at the opening ceremonies, excited to hear the National Anthem, exhuberant with every good play. I get so involved I pray like my life depends on it that "my team" wins. I'm enamored with the Fall - its' beautiful weather makes the night games feel like real baseball. For me, the World Series is the kick off to my holidays!

Now, I'm not going to make predictions (cough, Rangers in 5, cough) nor throw around stats and probabilities because everyone else is already doing that. I'd only overkill it. So instead, I'm going to share with you my some of the historic logos of theWorld Series in the current era. Have you seen this years yet (look to the left!)? It's wonderful! It makes me want to rake leaves into a giant pile and jump in the them and turn them into confetti! Okay, a little much... but in all seriousness looking at the logo makes it legitimatly feel like the Fall Classic... and boy has it come far from its proceeding images (thank you high-def). So below are some logos I've found and looking at them gives me the sensation of seeing the highlight reels and game day footage play before me. They stamp the annual occuance and mark our jerseys and programs as historic evidence of the great winners in this game. And it's cool to see how creative (or lack thereof) they have been over time.

World Series fun fact? In 1903, 1919, 1920 and 1921 the World Series was a 9 game exhibition. Every year between and after has been 7, like we are use to today.

Enjoy the World Series, don't let it pass you by, and don't take one play for granted. This is where it all counts!

The Baseball Life,

The New Marlins, 11-11-11

2011-10-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

On 11-11-11 the Miami Marlins

will be introduced to the baseball world....

Along with their new logo, uniforms, and stadium.

The above logo was leaked recently, and while it's been refuted as anything but likely I still want to visit the issue. Logan Morrison has publicly compared it to the monopoly logo, holding them side by side to reporters and said they'd be "the skill boys chasing the rainbow..." Fans have publicly shared their outrage at the lack of creation in the image and most hope the front office can come up with something better. Most used word to descrive the leaked image? "Horrendous." I didn't particularly think of it as atrocious, but I also did not care for it. It in no way compels the argument for the "future of baseball" to an organization that so badly needs to instill a consistant fan base. It may grab the attention of some baseball purists, but would not draw interest from the young, new, or most importanly casual fans.

As a part of the 1993 MLB expansion, the Marlins never had a real chance for success, in terms of building a fan base. Their chance to become a real, professional market in Florida never thrived because they never had their own marketable identity, as they were forced to share a playing surface with the local NFL team, the Miami Dolphins. In their commencing year in 1993, they drew over 3 million in attendance and averaged 37,838 per game. The fans were there, and they were excited for a ball club in their city. But, in their sophomore season attendance fell by over a million and kept a steady decline for the years following until their first Championship season in 1997 where their attendance spiked back up to a little over 2.3 million. But, by 2002 the team fell to its shortest attendance ever, reaching under 1 million for the whole season. In their second Championship season in 2003 they averaged only 16,290 fans per game, but in the following two years they hiked that number up a little to over 22,000 per game. In 2011, their 19th season, the Marlins drew short of 1.5 million by 22,538 in attendance. Looking at these past figures, you can see why the Marlins organization has pushed so hard for a new stadium. It is hard to create a brand while you are sharing your main profit with another organization. The exclusivity of having their own stadium will help structure a fan base for the rest of it's existence.

With that being said, the other part of the 11-11-11 unveiling is their unbelievable new stadium. One of my favorite websites, http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/ has a complete review including pictures of the uncompleted ballpark. In their review they write that one of the distinct features of the ballpark will be matching 600 gallon saltwater fish tanks on each side of the backstop behind homeplate that will be made out of bulletproof glass to prevent foul balls from shattering the glass. Construction on the $634 million dollar stadium began July of 2009 and is almost complete. The Miami Marlins will kick off their new franchise versus the New York Yankees on April 1st of 2012 in a pre-season match, while the regular season will commence on April 4th, 2012 versus the St. Louis Cardinals. And the best news for Florida fans... a three panel retractable roof that will only take 13 minutes to open/close. No more rain delays. No more sharing a field with a football team. The stadium will also be a futuristic design, somewhat similar to the Chicago Bears stadium, in my opinion. No brick exterior depicting old era ball, instead it will be white stucco with silver detailing. Large white columns will showcase the Miami skyline against 37,000 dark royal blue seats. Dead center field is designed at 420 feet from homeplate, with the lines measuring 340 to left and 335 to right. The pictures below are from http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/.

Outside view of the stadium, retractable roof built in with an oversized awning

Image of the Miami Marlins new, baseball only, stadium

View of the outfield concourse/bullpen - white columns open to the Miami skyline

Aerial view of the new stadium, where the Orangle Bowl was previously held.

Now, after seeing all the plans, projected images, and style of the new stadium it seems near impossible to imagine such a retro logo to be the new franchise marker of the Marlins. Many Marlins sources have denied any link to the image that has been circulating, and I hope they are telling the truth. My guess, and this is without any information from any sources, is white on royal blue with grey. Blue is futuristic to match the stadium, white is classic and timeless. If they added some orange (or other complimenting color) bordering, that would serperate them from the Royals or Blue Jays. But, I would not be surprised to see the Miami Marlins go the classic route and add some dark cerulean blue pinstripes to their home attire. Either way, I am interested to see how they end up and fit into the overall theme of the new franchise.

Below is a video tribute to the New Miami Marlins

Thanks for reading & Happy Playoffs!
TBL,
-S

Today's Baseball News

2011-09-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Linking to a few of my favorite sites/writers. Although I may not write about the big headlines, these guys do a great job with the best insight.... check them out!

Francona expected to leave Red Sox
by Ken Rosenthal/ FOX Sports, CLICK HERE.

Rangers appear to have edge, but Tampa Bay has resilience
by Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com, CLICK HERE.

First Division Finish
by Ted Leavengood/ Seamheads.com
No, the Nationals are not headed for the playoffs, and yes, the smug fans up the coast will shake their heads in bemusement at the joy we share at finishing in the top half of the 30 Major League baseball teams. CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE...

GM: Don't expect quick Jose Reyes deal
by Adam Rubin/ESPN.com, CLICK HERE.

10 Numbers for the ALDS: Tigers vs. Yankees
by Alex Remington/ BigLeagueStew.com
As the start of the postseason approaches, Big League Stew's Alex Remington will take a look at the statistics that might make a difference in each series. Up next are the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees, who will kick off their series tonight in the Bronx. CLICK HERE TO READ.

MLB 2011 Postseason Schedule - 1st Round

2011-09-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

AL Division Series (TBS)

Game 1: DET @ NYY (Friday, 9/30)

TB @ TEX (Friday, 9/30)

Game 2: DET @ NYY (Saturday, 10/1)
TB @ TEX (Saturday, 10/1)

Game 3: NYY @ DET (Monday, 10/3)
TEX @ TB (Monday, 10/3)

Game 4* NYY @ DET (Tuesday, 10/4)
TEX @ TB (Tuesday, 10/4)

Game 5*   DET @ NYY (Thursday, 10/6)
                 TB @ TEX (Thursday, 10/6)

                NL Division Series (TBS)
Game 1: STL @ PHI (Saturday, 10/1)
              ARI @ MIL (Saturday, 10/1)
Game 2: STL @ PHI (Sunday, 10/2)
              ARI @ MIL (Sunday, 10/2)
Game 3: PHI @ STL (Tuesday, 10/4)
              MIL @ ARI (Tuesday, 10/4)
Game 4* PHI @ STL (Wednesday, 10/5)
              MIL @ ARI (Wednesday, 10/5)
Game 5* STL @ PHI (Friday, 10/7)
               ARI @ MIL (Friday, 10/7)

Midwest League Playoffs/ Attendance

2011-09-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

I spent this past weekend in Davenport, Iowa to watch the Quad Cities River Bandits (Cardinals, single A) play in the second round the the Midwest League Playoffs against the Kane County Cougars (Royals, single A). This past Saturday, September 10th was the first of the three game series for the second round of playoffs. The Bandits had home field advantage after clinching a playoff spot in the frist half of the season, so they started the series in Geneva, Illinois at Elfstrom Stadium where the Cougars call home. It was a beautiful day with a late afternoon start of 4:00pm CST. And an entire 785 tickets were sold.

The Cougars draw particularily well of the Midwest League teams, sometimes selling out with over 7,500 fans in attendance. For the past 8 years they have been affiliated with the Oakland Athletics, but prior to this season they swapped farm teams with the Royals sending the A's out to Burlington, Iowa. The loyalty of fans did not drastically change throughout the regular season, still with big enthusiastic crowds but now sporting more blue than dark green. This past Saturday in Geneva was 74 degrees and partly cloudy. The starting pitcher, Trevor Rosenthal threw a 4 hit complete game shut out to put the bandits up 1-0 in the 3 game series. Of the 785 tickets old, 500 people may have stuck around to see the 7-0 victory for the Bandits.

On Sunday, the Bandits resumed play at their home field, Modern Woodman Park where they typically draw 4,000 -5,000 for a weekend game. Intensified by the current playoff race and going for their second sweep in the postseason this year, you'd figure again to see a decent crowd. Wrong again. 582 tickets were sold and from the looks of it maybe 200 actually showed up. Both were perfect days weather wise.

Sunday in Davenport, Iowa was 78 degrees and sunny with a few overcast clouds. Sitting in the stands on Sunday I kept thinking, "what perfect baseball weather." It was the enough-to-get-a-light-tan-without-sweating-perfusely kind of weather. To top all of this off, the bandits came back from a 5-0 deficit to win in walk off fashion in the bottom of the 9th on a 3 run homer by Nick Longmire to sweep the Cougars and advance to the Midwest League Championship series.

The team celebrating their walkoff in the bottom of the 9th (notice the mostly empty stands)

For a majority of the current River Bandits, this could be their second Championship ring in as many seasons. Last season in Johnson City, the low A affiliate of the Cardinals, they took home the Championship and many of those same players advanced to full A this season and are on the same track. That being said, I think Cardinal fans should be especially proud of the crop of talent they have in their minor leagues.

This leaves us with the question, Why are these games not high in attendance? They are on weekends with great weather at their respected home fields. Two weeks ago in the regular season they were sellouts. After asking around at the stadiums to various employees, the overall concensus was that the playoffs never sell out, nor do they ever come close. Why is there not more advertising? Is there a lack of care or could it be that the NFL week 1 was in progress? I am not quite sure, but one thing I know is that all these fans that came out for the season needs to get to their ballparks! This is the most exciting time for the players and fans. Just because the give aways are not bobbleheads does not warrant an empty stadium. This does bring me back to a reoccuring theme on my blog that baseball is advertising to the mass audiences when they should be focusing on the fanatics. Rightly so, it is short notice that the public recieves on when the games will be played but I would like to see other suggestions on how to expand the exposure of the Minor League playoffs. I feel as if this is a goldmine for fans just being completely over looked. We have high round talents playing for Championships for crying out loud! Please email me at s.betweenthelines@yahoo.com with any additional info or suggestions.

If you are interested, the Quad Cities River Bandits will be playing the Championship series starting Wednesday at the Lansing Lugnuts. They will play games 1 and 2 of the 5 game series at Lansing, and will then come home to Davenport for games 3, 4 (if necessary) and 5 (if necessary) on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday respectibly. I will be there for all three games in the Quad Cities, as well. This is for the Midwest League Championship so come out and support your baby birds! If you have to drive super far, I may just buy your ticket for you... email me!

The Baseball Life,
-S

September Call Ups

2011-09-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

Today marks the first day Major League rosters convert their 25 man rosters to 40 for the duration of the regular season. For many of these call ups, its their first taste at the Major League level - friends, family, and fans can revel in the enjoyment in seeing the beginning of the future for these hard working rookies.

The expanded rosters can provide to be a valuable tool for teams vying for post season play, but unless the player was on the 25 man active roster before midnight on August 31st, he is not eligible for the post season roster.

The September expansions are as equally important to non-condending teams as they are for the playoff hopeful. Bringing up young talent now, is a great way to alleviate some pressure in the transfer from minors to majors as it give them an early audition for the following season. It can also give front office personal a chance to assess the talent they have in the minors and see how they perform in the role of a Major Leaguer.

On the other hand, many players being called up will be expected to help their teams decrease that *magic number* and push them into the playoffs. For example, with the Yankees currently trailing the Red Sox 1.5 games in the standing, they will look to their prized catching prospect, Jesus Montero, to make his debut (today) and serve as an extra bat on the bench. He would be given a start and mostly some spot AB's and if he's hot, he could take over the role Eric Chavez has held as DH or even lock down a starting postition to carry into the following year.

That being said, the month of September is arguably the most crucial for our teams' farm systems. Friends and family will be filling the ballparks to cheer on the debuts of players everywhere and fans will be anxious to see the talent of their teams come alive in front of their own eyes! To all the fans who's teams are in contention (not mine) congrats and enjoy this last month before the playoffs!

Congrats to all the September call ups!
The Baseball Life,
-S

Enjoying the All Star Game

2011-07-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the All Star Game

By: Stephanie Paluch

Last night, I anxiously hurried home from work in anticipation for the 2011 MLB All Star Game. I even prepped before hand - picking up dinner and taking the dogs for a nice long walk so that I wouldn't have any interruptions during the game. I got myself situated, logged on to twitter and facebook and then it began - the massive amounts of complaints.

Let me start by saying, I understand if baseball is not your thing... but don't sit on the internet and voice how annoyed you are with the drawn out intros or long innings. If you aren't aware, baseball doesn't run by a clock and if you prefer your sport to do so, then there's always the option of football or basketball.

Also, please refrain from complaining about how its a "worthless" or "meaningless" game. I think most purists and die hard fanatics would prefer that the game actually have no real meaning other than being able to see a crop of the best players in baseball represent the two leagues while playing in the ultimate fantasy showdown. The only reason why meaning was awarded to the game was so that casual fans would be enticed to watch, thus raising television ratings to gain a larger profit for the business. If the purists and addicts had our way, we'd much rather watch for the pure enjoyment of seeing the elite baseball talent on the same field, battling for merely bragging rights.

I also understand that not everyone is happy with the choice in broadcast talent. Although we should know what to expect with Joe Buck and Tim McCarver at this point, we still have our opinions are rightfully awarded so. Along with that, Chris Berman has been the voice of the Homerun Derby, literally since the year I was born. So after 25 years, his "back, back, back, back, gone!" calls should pretty much be engrained as a tradition for the derby. Yet again, both twitter and facebook were consumed with Buck and McCarver hate fests as well as Berman's over-reaction to every ball hit over the wall. There is always room for improvement, so what will make us happy? Instead of complaining we can try to instill some new ideas. The power of the web even urges us to share ideas amongst each other. Write to FOX and let them know your candidates. Go on twitter, like @thebaseballcube and post an idea of your own:

This of course prompted me to ask my followers who they'd prefer hosted the games. Most said Vin Sculley, Bob Uecker, or even Pat Hughes. So what if the fans voted on broadcasters? Obviously other factors come into play, like who they are employed by or if FOX can get rights for that, I'm not sure of the specifics. But the point is, it's an idea. My favorite quote that I live by is "If you don't like something, then change it. If you can't change it, then change your attitude." I don't expect everyone to jump on board and just agree with me, but I also question why you complain about something if aren't willing to do something to change it?

My facebook status last night probably was a bit dramatic but at the same time I was annoyed with the consistent amount of complaints clogging my newsfeed. So, yes even I succumbed to complants for a little while but then took my keyboard skills to twitter and decided to opt for others opinions on improving the events.

It would be thrilling if this were a perfect baseball loving world and we could have an All Star Game based on pure love of the game, showcasing the best talent while still being competitive. Yet, as Americans we need it to mean something in order to have an interest in it. And baseball needs the mass audience to care so that the ratings are high and top dollar is generated. But, that's business. There is never going to be one solution to suit the masses but there are areas of improvement, I am sure. Whether there are improvements or not, it's an annual occurance we should learn to just appreciate for what it is... a spectacular game of baseball with the players we voted in. Sometimes it doesn't need to be perfect... it just needs to be enjoyed for what it is.

Take care all & happy baseball life,

-S

Work Pictures, Enjoy!

2011-06-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Throughout the baseball season, I get the opportunity to work for MLB Network and FOX Sports when they come to Chicago to do broadcasts for the White Sox and/or Cubs. I started this a couple years ago while I was working at Comcast SportsNet, on a morning sports show called Monsters in the Morning. This summer, I started freelance working for FOX as a runner/production assistant which basically means I am one of two people going from the production truck to broadcast booth to the dugouts/field area relaying information, stats sheets, or helping with random things to get the broadcast going. I absolutely love it, if for no other reason that I get to be at the ballpark surrounded by knowledgable baseball people. The crews are always so on top of their game, without a single little detail going unplanned or unnoticed.

The pictures below are some of my view point from the following games:
5/14/11: Cubs vs Reds
6/11/11: Cubs vs Yankees
6/25/11: White Sox vs Nationals
Hope you enjoy!

5/14/11: Work area in the broadcast booth

5/14/11: Cubs Win!

6/11/11: Wrigley Field from the 3rd base camera well

6/11/11: Work area for the game, camera well by the dugout

6/11/11: Squeezed into the camera well!

6/11/11: Carlos Pena on third base

6/11/11: Alex Rodriguez getting ready for the inning

6/11/11: Garza's seat for every game!

6/25/11: Getting prepped for Sox v Nationals, love that ballpark cam!

Lineup card for Sox v Nats

6/25/11: Another different work area... in the production truck doing Sounds of the Game today!

6/25/11: View from Sox dugout... pre-game.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed the pictures and hopefully you got to see a different angle of the stadiums! I firmly believe in sharing baseball experiences, which was my reason for starting this blog. There is nothing better than I emails I receive and pictures you guys send in from your trips around Major and Minor league ballparks. If I've learned nothing else from baseball, it's that others share in similar passions. No matter how different you may think you are, there is always someone else out there, in our world of 6+ billion, who shares in those feelings. Baseball has brought a lot of opportunity my way, mostly because others like myself who have shared stories and taught me to chase my dreams. You will never be younger that you are at this very moment. Do not wait to follow your dreams; don't let anything or anyone hinder the pursuit of your goals. Do it now while you have the opportunity.

Thanks for reading and keep sharing your trips!

TBL,

-S

s.betweenthelines@yahoo.com

Rosters Posted for the 2011 XM Futures Game

2011-06-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

The 2011 XM Futures Game will be played July 10, 2011 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona and will feature Minor League Baseballs 25 most notable U.S. Players vs 25 top MiLB World Players. See below for rosters- each of the 30 MLB teams are represented in the game.

(Image from MiLB.com)

U.S. Roster
PITCHERS
Jarred Cosart PHI Class A Adv./Clearwater
Kyle Gibson MIN Triple-A/Rochester
Matt Harvey NYM Double-A/Binghamton
Shelby Miller STL Double-A/Springfield
Matt Moore TB Double-A/Montgomery
Brad Peacock WAS Double-A/Harrisburg
Drew Pomeranz CLE Class A Adv./Kinston
Tyler Skaggs ARI Class A Adv./Visalia
Tyler Thornburg MIL Class A Adv./Brevard County
Jacob Turner DET Double-A/Erie

CATCHERS
Devin Mesoraco CIN Triple-A/Louisville
Austin Romine NYY Double-A/Trenton

INFIELDERS
Nolan Arenado COL Class A Adv./Modesto
Chase d'Arnaud PIT Triple-A/Indianapolis
James Darnell SD Double-A/San Antonio
Paul Goldschmidt ARI Double-A/Mobile
Grant Green OAK Double-A/Midland
Jason Kipnis CLE Triple-A/Columbus (Hometown -Evanstan, Illinois)
Manny Machado BAL Class A Adv./Frederick
Will Middlebrooks BOS Double-A/Portland

OUTFIELDERS
Gary Brown SF Class A Adv./San Jose
Bryce Harper WAS Class A/Hagerstown
Wil Myers KC Double-A/NW Arkansas
Matthew Szczur CHC Class A/Peoria
Mike Trout LAA Double-A/Arkansas

World Roster
PITCHERS
Henderson Alvarez TOR Double-A/New Hampshire - Venezuela
Kelvin Herrera KC Double-A/NW Arkansas - Dominican Republic
Liam Hendriks MIN Double-A/New Britain - Australia
Gregory Infante CWS Triple-A/Charlotte - Venezuela
Jhan Marinez FLA Double-A/Jacksonville - Domincan Republic
Carlos Martinez STL Class A/Quad Cities - Dominican Republic
James Paxton SEA Class A/Clinton - Canada
Martin Perez TEX Double-A/Frisco - Venezuela
Julio Teheran ATL Triple-A/Gwinnett - Colombia
Arodys Vizcaino ATL Double-A/Mississippi - Dominican Republic

CATCHERS
Wilin Rosario COL Double-A/Tulsa - Dominican Republic
Sebastian Valle PHI Class A Adv./Clearwater - Mexico

INFIELDERS
Yonder Alonso CIN Triple-A/Louisville - Cuba
Jose Altuve HOU Double-A/Corpus Christi - Venezuela
Hak-Ju Lee TB Class A Adv./Charlotte - South Korea
Francisco Martinez DET Double-A/Erie - Venezuela
Alex Liddi SEA Triple-A/Tacoma - Italy
Jefry Marte NYM Class A Adv./St. Lucie - Dominican Republic
Jurickson Profar TEX Class A/Hickory - Curacao
Jonathan Schoop BAL Class A Adv./Frederick - Curacao

OUTFIELDERS
Dayan Viciedo CWS Triple-A/Charlotte Villa Clara, Cuba
Starling Marte PIT Double-A/Altoona - Dominican Republic
Reymond Fuentes SD Class A Adv./Lake Elsinore - Puerto Rico
Alfredo Silverio LAD Double-A/Chattanooga - Dominican Republic
Chih-Hsien Chiang BOS Double-A/Portland - Taiwan

Congrats to all who made the Futures game and continue to represent your club well! If anyone gets to the game and can snag me one of the futures all star balls, I'll trade you some Cubs tix at Wrigley :-) Thanks!

TBL,
-S

Illinois Based Players from the 2011 MLB Draft

2011-06-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

Updated 06/08/2011: See Illinois Players below

The 2011 First-Year Player Draft is being held in Secaucus, N.J. beginning Monday, June 6, 2011 at 6pm CST with the first round/LIVE coverage on MLB Network. Rounds 2-30 will be held the following day, Tuesday June 7th beginning at 11am CST. The draft will finish on Wednesday, June 8th with rounds 31-50 beginning at 11am CST. The draft can be followed live on mlb.com for the entire three day span.

ILLINOIS SCHOOL/HOMETOWN DRAFTED PLAYERS
(links on players names will take you to an article about them)
STL #079 - Charlie Tilson [CF] New Trier HS, IL
CIN #114 - Anthony Cingrani [LHP] Rice, SR - from New Lennox, IL; went to Lincoln Way Central HS
CHC #129 - Tony Zych [RHP] Louisville, JR - from Monee, IL; went to St. Rita HS
SD #203 - Kyle Gaedele [RF] Valparaiso, JR - from Arlington Heights, IL; went to Rolling Meadows HS
COL #228 - Harold Riggins [1B] North Carolina State, JR - from Normal, IL; went to Normal West HS
STL #230 - Nick Martini [CF] Kansas State, JR - from Crystal Lake, IL; went to Prairie Ridge HS
BAL #245 - Johnny Ruettiger[CF] Arizona State, JR - from Joliet, IL; went to Joliet Catholic HS
CHW #261 - Ian Gardeck [RHP] Angelina College, J2 - from Lake in the Hills, IL; went to Crystal Lake South HS
NYY #269 - Philip Wetherell [RHP] Western Kentucky, JR - Stewardson, IL; went to Stewardson-Strasburg HS
PHI #271 - Austin Wright [LHP] Ole Miss, JR - Schaumburg, IL; went to Conant HS
CHC #279 - Garrett Schlecht [RF] Waterloo HS, IL
SD #293 - Justin Hancock [RHP] Lincoln Trail College, J2
BAL #335 - Adam Davis [C] University of Illinois, JR - from Bloomingdale, IL; went to Driscoll Catholic HS
TEX #354 - Connor Sadzeck [RHP] Howard College, J1 - from Crystal Lake, IL - went to Crystal Lake Central HS
ARI #364 - Joshua Parr [SS] University of IL, JR - from Chillicothe, IL; went to IL Valley Central HS
DET #377 - Jeff Holm [OF] Michigan State University, SR - from St. Charles, IL; went to St. Charles North HS
BOS #472 - Braden Kapteyn [RHP] Kentucky, JR - from Lansing, IL; went to Illiana Christian HS
TEX #474 - Jerad Eickhoff [RHP] Olney Central College (IL), J2 - from Evansville, IN
NYM #522 - Jonathan Clark [CF] Lee U, JR - from Chicago, IL
MIN #568 - Corey Kimes [LHP] U of IL Champaign, JR - from Ottawa, IL; went to Ottawa HS
LAA #585 - Ryan Crowley [LHP] Northwest Florida State, J2 - from Chicago, IL; went to Morton West HS
COL #618 - Daniel Winkler [RHP] Central Florida, JR - from Effingham, IL; went to St. Anthony HS
COL #678 - Logan Mahon [LHP] Southeast Missouri State, SR - from St. Elmo, IL; went to St. Elmo HS
ARI #694 - Ryan Court [3B] Illinois State University, 5S - from Sleepy Hollow, IL; went to Dundee-Crown HS
LAD #704 - Garrett Bolt [RHP] Western Illinois University, JR - from Wheeler, MI.
LAA #705 - Zachary Borenstein [RF] Eastern Illinois U, JR - from Buffalo Grove, IL; went to Buffalo Grove HS
NYY #719 - Corey Maines [RHP] Illinois State University, SR - from Houston, TX
KC #726 - Spencer Patton [RHP] Southern IL U Edwardsville, SR - from Kinmundy, IL; went to South Central HS
MIN #748 - Nick Burdi [RHP] Downers Grove South HS, IL
KC #876 - Jakob Junis [RHP] Rock Falls HS, IL
MIN #898 - Derek Thompson [LHP] Teutopolis HS (IL)
TB #930 - Chris Burgess [RHP] Black Hawk College, J2 - from West Chicago, IL; went to St. Charles East HS
SEA #933 - Kyle Hunter [LHP] Kansas State, JR - from Galesburg, IL; went to Galesburg HS
KC #936 - Christopher Serritella [1B] SIU Carbondale, JR - from Glenview, IL - went to Loyola Academy HS
DET #947 - Brian Stroud [RHP] Western Michigan U, JR

An Intro to Perry Hill

2011-04-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

Web gems - they are easily one of the most exciting parts of the game. The footwork, quick hands, and finesse it requires to be a middle infielder 'turning two' may be the most poetic and graceful movement in a game of baseball. And whenever you start to think about how easy they make it look, remember the great Teddy Williams when he said, "Ballplayers are not born great. They're not born great hitters or pitchers or managers, and luck isn't the big factor. No one has come up with a substitute for hard work. I've never met a great player who didn't have to work harder at learning to play ball than anything else he ever did." Now, remember to yourself that these players put in endless hours of repetitive drills in order to make it look "that easy." Each ballplayer, no matter his background or where he use to play, has done the same drills - the same footwork, glove-hand transfers, and charges to the ball for decades. For the elite, which every major leaguer is, did more work than his fellow peers in high school, summer ball, and college and that is why he is in the Majors today. That... and he survived the Minor Leagues.

The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, you can't even imagine. I still can't believe how much I learn on a daily basis about the wear and tear of the practice put in before a game. No matter how die hard you think you are... you haven't seen anything until you have seen the Florida Marlins defensive genius, Perry Hill in action who I learned about at Spring Training this year. I read an article in USA Today's Sports Weekly (March 23-29) written by Paul White entitled, "Years of glove and devotion pay off." What I learned about was someone worth the time of the most die hard baseball fans out there... and then I started my research. I spent an entire afternoon looking up every stat or article ever written about Perry. I watch video after video of defensive plays by his highest regarded pupils, too.

Perry Hill's current, official title with the Florida Marlins is first base coach, but what he teaches and instills throughout Spring Training and the grind of the regular season is something that players around the majors appreciate and respect. Luis Castillo, a 6 time gold glove winner, accredits all of his success to his former coach, Hill. In fact, Castillo even sent Hill the first ever gold glove that he earned in 2003. And, it doesn't stop there - ask Castillo about Hill today- he still pays him full credit - "I've spent a long time in the big leagues. It wouldn't have happened without him," he told White in the USA Today article. Derrek Lee, Orlando Cabrera, and Mike Lowell are other Hill disciples who have also sent their teacher their respects - in the form the mitts they used in their gold glove years, including Lee's which is personalized.

Hill never played a day in the major leagues, but did hold a brief minor league career. Nevertheless, his reputation as a defensive guru proceeds him. He's in his 17th season as a major league coach, of his 26 years spent in pro ball. In 1997 he was hired by the Detroit Tigers, the worst fielding team in the majors, and within the year he transformed them into the team with the best fielding percentage among the majors. Before a brief three year retirement in 2006 he also was employed by the Montreal Expo's where he was introduced to Castillo. But, baseball could never get away from Hill. He was coaxed back by the Pirates in 2009, where he continued his tradition of making his team lead in fielding percentage (.988) with the fewest errors (73) among all teams. He also set a club record for most errorless games played in one season (101). After an agreement on an extension could not be met, he rejoined the Marlins this year. When asked about his view of importance on defense, Hill said, "It's one of three vital parts of the game. Defense affects the whole game. If you don't make a play, your starting pitcher might have to throw 10, 15 more pitches to get out of an inning. Now, he's going to have to come out of the game in the seventh when he could have gone another inning. So you use your bullpen more. And then your bullpen is tired the next day, and maybe you don't win the game because of it." Although it seems like common sense, we seem to forget about those behind the scenes people who's job it is to enforce this.

"A lot of people know how to teach the game. Few know how to teach the game well. In two days, [Perry Hill] made me focus on small but very important things. He's the master at teaching the absolute fundamentals of baseball," Greg Dobbs, 7 year MLB veteran and current Florida Marlins infielder.

The accolades for Perry Hill go on and on. If I were to include every quote about him that I found online and in articles, you would stop reading because you'd probably yell "I get it already!!!" And while all those quotes would just solidify your respect for the man, I'd rather encourage you to do the work yourself. The next time the Marlins come to your city, go to the game and make sure you get there when the gates open for batting practice. You'll see Hill hitting grounders to infielders, side coaching players and always with a smile on his face while he don's his #7 jersey - because Hill loves baseball. He loves baseball as much as any fan or player and he treats the game with respect while passing on his knowledge to his players. Castillo calls Hill, "..a smart man; the most positive person and the best infield coach" he's ever worked with. He's consistent, whether be in the clubhouse or on the field. His players even wear t-shirts under their jerseys that say, "27 Outs, No More" showing their belief in Hill's sounding moto of defensive consciousness.

Always remember the people behind the scenes who help make the athletes into stars. The construction of a good Major League team starts with the coaches/front office and ends with the players on the field. Good coaching divides the elite from the rest. Hill has also has a DVD entitled "Ultimate Infield", an instructional video on the fundamentals of fielding for anyone interested in honing their coaching skills or who knows a player who could use it.

Also, if anyone knows how I can get one of those "27 Outs, No More" t-shirts, let me know and I'll trade you some cubs and sox tickets :)
"27 Outs, No More"
The Baseball Life,
- Stephanie

Other Marlins news: New ballpark naming rights should be announced soon.

2011 Baseball Book List

2011-04-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

At some point in our lives, we have all been touched by a phrase or quote, that somehow relates to our own lives. Where it be a verse from a song, a quote by a legend, or the words of our mothers and fathers - it's words that help define our lives. Spoken, written, or in our minds they can serve as motivators or leave a legacy to be passed along.

As fans, we are very fortunate that baseball has been documented over the years and continues in sharing differing view points of the game. Authors such as Fay Vincent, George Castle, Sam Walker, George F. Will, Jonah Keri, and Roger Kahn have left a legacy with us in their many informative and entertaining novels. These books, with all the knowledge they hold, will be around forever and with that, the authors have made their personal portrayal of baseball something we can always use as resource to broaden our own love of the game.

The best part? There are books for every type of baseball fan. Whether you've been to hundred of games or just a few, Zack Hample's Watching Baseball Smarter can intensify your personal connection to the game. Do you view baseball as a religion or even have some great obsticles in your way? Then Josh Hamilton's autobiography, Beyond Belief will suit you just right. Fantasy Baseball fanatic? Check out Sam Walker's Fantasyland dubbed "Brilliantly funny!" by the Washington Post. I've been reading baseball books for as long as I can remember, and in that 24 year time span I can honestly say that the words in those books have insprired me in life, work, and even love. Tommy Lasorda's, I Live for This, changed my life - I finally found the words to describe my own love for baseball after hearing his.

The list below is my summer reading list of books I have been recommended to read or stumbled upon on my own. Last summer I read the books mentioned above and about 12-15 others (some can be found on the right panel of this blog with links to purchase them on amazon.com.)

Book #1: The Extra 2%, by Jonah Keri (forward by Mark Cuban). Subtitle: How Wall Street Strategies Took a Major League Baseball Team from Worst to First --- Details the Tampa Bay Rays. My interest in this book comes from it's comparable financial aspect of Moneyball, one of my all time favorites. It delves deeper than the surface of assembling a team to the actual figures, strategies, and intense study used to take a low market team to compete against the best of the AL East (Yankees and Red Sox).
      Review: "Jonah Keri has given us a fascinating look at how the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays became winners. The Extra 2% is a captivating book if you love baseball, but it's an even more captivating book if you love success" -Joe Posnanski, senior writer, Sports Illustrated.

Book #2: Men at Work, by George F. Will. Subtitle: The Craft of Baseball --- A #1 New York Times Bestseller. This book was recommended to me by a friend who works for the Chicago White Sox noting it is one for the most passionate, die hard fans of baseball.
      Review: "George knows baseball. No kidding... Men at Work turns out to be a delightful look at all the little things that make major league baseball a subtle spectacle," -Seattle Times
        Review: "A classic... the best baseball book of the '90s" - Chicago Tribune

Book #3: Fantasyland, by Sam Waker. Subtitle: A Sportswriter's Obsessive Bid to Win the World's Most Ruthless Fantasy Baseball League. I originally read this book in 2008, during one of the greatest baseball seasons of my life. I connected with the book through it's hilarious, yet charismatic view of the world of fantasy sports - and how to be the best! Not going to lie though, the only reason I read it in the first place was because the author very first chapter is about Jacque Jones, one of my all time favorite players.
      Review: "Entertaining... One of the book's strengths is that Mr. Walker not only finds the humor in this world of the obsessed, he also finds the drama... Mr. Walker's prose is entertaining and informative... and often very sweet" - New York Times

Book #4: It's What's Inside the Lines That Counts, by Fay Vincent. Subtitle: Baseball Stars of the 1970s and 1980s Talk About the Game They Loved. First of, it's a book of first person narratives put together by a former MLB commisioner, so you know it's going to be packed with good stories. Second, my favorite books are the ones that chronicle early players of the game. Since I was not around when these legends played, the next best thing is to hear their personal viewpoints of the game, teammates, fans and traveling the country playing baseball. Fay also wrote a book called "We Would Have Played for Nothing" which is also a peronal favorite.

Book #5: When the Game Changed, by George Castle. Subtitle: An Oral History of Baseball's True Golden Age: 1969-1979. This is another book similar to #4, in that it chronicles an era of baseball I was not priveleged enough to have lived in. George Castle is such a talented writer and basebal historian who always brings the game alive through his words.

Book #6: Benchclearing, by Spike Vrusho. Subtitle: Baseball's Greatest Fights and Riots. A huge aspect of baseball, although also entertaining at times, is the violent clash between opposing teams when someone crosses the line or gets too cocky. The gray areas of baseball make the strategy of baseball more intense and adds a human element to it. I randomly opened he book and the first name I saw was Rob Dibble, so I bought it.

Book #7: Veeck as in Wreck, by Bill Veeck (with Ed Linn). Forward by Bob Verdi. What needs to be said about an autobiography of one of the most involved baseball men ever? I've heard his son motivationally speak a few times now and between his talks and his fathers writing, I've never laughed more in my life while still feeling inspired and enlightened. Must read for baseball fans.

Book #8: The Head Game, by Roger Kahn. Subtitle: Baseball Seen From the Pitcher's Mound. Roger Kahn is one of the greatest baseball writers out there and this book looks to be up to par. The psychological aspect of pitching along with the battle involved on a daily basis is the emphasis of the book. It seems comparable to #10 on this list, Ron Darling's, The Complete Game (another of my favorites).

Book #9: High Heat, by Tim Wendel. Subtitle: The Secret History of the Fastball and the Improbable Search for the Fastest Pitcher of All Time. Another pitch-themed book to add to the list. The author compares legends like Koufax and Nolan to current flame throwers by using physics, biology, mechanics, and psychology.

Book #10: The Complete Game, by Ron Darling. Subtitle: Reflections on Baseball and the Art of Pitching. The best way to describe this book is to quote a review by the New York Times that stated it is "A pitcher's answer to Ted Williams's classic, The Science of Hitting." I am currently half way through this book and I feel like I am pitching for the New York Mets. Darling takes you pitch by pitch into specific innings from his career. He tells you his mind set, his mistakes, his patterns and science of not just throwing- but pitching a baseball. If you love baseball, you need to read this book.

Book #11: The Game From Where I Stand, by Doug Glanville. Subtitle: From Batting Practice to the Clubhouse to the Best Breakfast on the Road, an Inside View of a Ballplayer's Life. I'm adding this book to the list because it's a first person narrative from a former, likeable, ballplayer. Once again, the human side of baseball is the focus. It takes you out of your shoes and into centerfield of the best ballparks in America. I can't wait to read this one and since Doug lives in Chicago he has book signings often where you can talk to him in depth about the book and his life in the majors.

Book #12: Sandy Koufax, by Jane Leavy. Subtitle: A Lefty's Legacy. I read Leavy's Mickey Mantle biography this past winter and it was phenomenal. She goes so indepth with her research that you feel you actually know the subject like he's family. And while she doesn't just paint a pretty picture, her interviews and first person experiences tie in so neatly you'd think she was best friends with her characters. Granted this book came before the Mantle one, I have yet to read it but will do so this summer.

Book #13: Shane Victorino, by Alan Maimon. Subtitle: The Flyin' Hawaiian. He's a hard worked, a passionate player, and one of the few Hawaiian players in the game. Maimon tells the story of of the most humble, fan friendly ballplayers in the game. I'm a big Victorino fan and I am very interested in his charitable endeavors, so this book was a definite yes for my list. It's always refreshing to read the journey of a ballplayer who did it the right way, struggle with obstacles, yet still came through it with a good attitude and hard working attitude.

Book #14: The Life You Imagine, by Derek Jeter (with Jack Curry). Subtitle: Life Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams. The classiest, most professional and idolized short stop in the game. This book can reach anyone, on any level. It's dramatic tie in's with real life and enough to make you inspired to acheive the highest of goals. Jeter's book passes on his life lessons to challenge yourself while doing so with class and respect those around you. Th perfect way to end a season of baseball.. try reading this one around September before the playoffs and it's impact will be even more significant.

Thanks for all the suggestions for the book list to all my readers. I appreciate all the emails and insight you guys share with me and couldn't write without you guys. Any other suggestions, don't hesitate to send them in. It's an easy way to "pay it forward" to other baseball fans :)

The Baseball Life,

-Stephanie

Opening Day 2011

2011-03-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! All of our offseason dreaming is now our reality. And whether our teams prosper or fall short, one thing is certain: We have 30 teams playing 2,430 games over the next 6 months in what will be an emotional, bumpy, but without a doubt exciting and enjoyable 2011 Major League Baseball season. And that doesn't even include watching our farm systems, summer ball, high school state tournaments, and all those in between!

So, to the only day better than both Christmas and our birthdays combined... HAPPY 2011 MLB OPENING DAY! And may the best team win ;)

Thursday's Openers

Tigers at Yankees (Verlander vs. Sabathia)

Braves at Nationals (Lowe vs. Hernandez)
Brewers at Reds (Gallardo vs. Volquez)
Angels at Royals (Weaver vs. Hochevar)
Padres at Cardinals (Stauffer vs. Carpenter)
Giants at Dodgers (Lincecum vs. Kershaw)

Friday's Openers

Astros at Phillies (Myers vs. Halladay)

Pirates at Cubs (Correia vs. Dempster)
White Sox at Indians (Buehrle vs. Carmona)
Red Sox at Rangers (Lester vs. Wilson)
D-backs at Rockies (Kennedy vs. Jimenez)
Twins at Blue Jays (Pavano vs. Romero)
Orioles at Rays (Guthrie vs. Price)
Mets at Marlins (Pelfrey vs. Johnson)
*Angels at Royals (Haren vs. Francis)
Mariners at Athletics (Hernandez vs. Cahill)
*Giants at Dodgers (Sanchez vs. Billingsley)
* denotes 2nd game of the series

See you at the ballpark!

TBL,

-S

Dave Clark: A Story of Inspiration

2011-02-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I met an extraordinary man. His story was even a surprise to me (the girl who thought she knew everything baseball!). This man, a former ballplayer, accomplished more in his life than most of us could ever fathom. He played baseball disabled... and he excelled.

I learned about Dave Clark shortly before I was able to meet him. Through the wonders of social networking, I was able to connect with his agent/manager and it was there that I learned about his remarkable story. As perfect timing would grant us, Dave was enroute to Chicago that very weekend to be honored at the Chicago Pitch and Hit Clubs 65th Annual Awards Banquet which I happened to be invited to, as well.

At the banquet, Dave was awarded the "Bo Jackson Courage Award" for his contributions to baseball through the inspiring story that got him to this point. I was able to meet Dave that night and speak with him and his agent for quite some time. What I learned was nothing short of a miracle. When Dave was just an infant he was diagnosed with polio, a disabling disease that not only stunted his growth but also left his legs mostly immobile. But that didn't stop him from achieving his dreams. Dave loved baseball and he eventually played professionally while on crutches. In that astonishing manner, he surprised a lot of people along the way. He competed with the best of the best and he proved himself a success among them.

What I wonder is if we are born with courage or if it is something we gain. Is it the wonderful work of our parents and elders who encourage our inspiration? Or is it something within ourselves that we are simply born with? Is it a gene or even better, a biological miracle, that some of us are just destined to be hopeful and optimistic? I like to think it's a little of both, but more so that we are able to learn it. I think that there is a good versus bad mentality out there, but I also believe that our upbringings - our parents and our idols - help mold our values. My mother raised me to do the right thing, even when no one is watching while my father taught me to always keep an open mind. I'd have to say, those values right there are a big reason why I am who I am. And while I don't know much about Dave's upbringing, I imagine the support was there.

At the awards banquet, Dave Clark told a story from his childhood. (Paraphrased:) His whole life, he'd go to school with the rest of his peers but once it came time for P.E. class, he was always told to go to the side and sit out while the rest of the kids took part in the fun activities. Well, when he was 8 years old and starting a new grade, one teacher finally went against the grain and challenged young Dave. As he was taking his usual spot on the side of the gym floor, the new teacher yelled to him asking what he was doing. Dave responded with his disability, and his teacher immediately told him to join the rest of the class. The teacher did not acknowledge the disability as an obstacle and he made Dave participate with the class that day -climbing the rope! That day only one kid in the entire class reached the very top... it was Dave. Of course he had a little trouble coming down on the landing, but he felt no pain as a big smile stretched across his face. It was that challenge that he realized he really could do anything.

Dave went on to accomplish a great deal more in his life. His many accomplishments go without needing explanation: In 1975 he was awarded the Fireman of the Year Award as the top relief pitcher for the Indianapolis Clowns. Two years later he was inducted to the Corning-Painted Post Hall of Fame. In 1981 Dave was selected to the Swedish Elite Baseball League All-Star Team. In 1996 and 1997 he received a national Giant Steps Award for his coaching and was named the manager of the Swedish Elite League All Star game, respectively. He has been honored with the National Heroes of Sports Award (1999), the Corning Community College Distinguished Alumni Award (2001), and as mentioned above the Bo Jackson Courage Award (2011). You can also find Dave in the Ithaca College Hall of Fame (2002 induction) and his book "Diamond in the Rough" was published in 2008. My favorite of all of his awards though, has got to be when he was named as one of the “150 Heroes: People in Sports Who Make This a Better World” by Richard Lapchick in 2010. I also personally believe he deserves the Ford Frick Award.

Baseball is a sport of inspiration. Dave Clark is an ambassador for baseball through his courage and persistance. It's very obvious the love he has for this game, the people involved, and he believes in its' never ending hopes that baseball provides for our souls. If we can learn something from Dave, it's that we all have success within us. If inspiration is a attribute that can be learned, then what is it that stops most from reaching it path? Granted, some of us may have a few more hurdles along the way, but that only makes the end result that much sweeter.

Keep living The Baseball Life,
-Stephanie

“Dave Clark’s story is an astonishing blend of fact and fact. It only reads like fiction, but one could never make up the battles he has waged, the obstacles he has overcome, the victories that were finally his."

—Mike Veeck, Baseball Executive and son of the legendary promoter Bill Veeck

"Dave is currently a motivational speaker, envoy coach for Major League Baseball International, a scout for the Baltimore Orioles and radio analyst for the Florida Everblades." - From his website, www.DaveClarkBaseball.com. To purchase Dave's book, please CLICK HERE.

Best Obscure Cubs Lineup - Twitter

2011-01-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

We aren't exactly sure why the Cubs are bringing back so many former players. The best we could come up with on twitter tonight was that either Jim Hendry is bored, has not recieved enough hate mail (@CubbieFan161), or all of our scouts have quit.

Therefore, we have taken it upon ourselves to put together our most obscure Cubs lineup possible. Who know, maybe we will sign some of the following to minor league deals, i.e. Augie Ojeda.

Votes are still being taken on Twitter only - mention me at @turntwo34 to submit a vote and it will be added to the list. Once the list has been structured, we will vote on the best lineup... keep them coming!

Catchers
Michael Barrett (@Baby_Slick)
Mike Blackwell (@mad2nuts)
Sandy Martinez (@ChrisEmma51)
Steve Swisher (@cubfanMike)
Tim Blackwell (@mad2nuts)
Hector Villanueva (@thedanielschell)
Scott Servais (@CPatt20 @ataccini)
Gary Gaetti (@turntwo34 @XII2VII)
Joe Girardi (@rickgoldjr9)
Barry Foote (@scottmerkin @cubfanMike)
Rick Wrona (@BobbyAguilera)
Rob Bowen (@TheRobBowen)

1B
Julio Zuleta (@thedanielschell @RonanOShea)
Hee-Seop Choi (@mdrunner400)
Fred McGriff (@ChrisEmma51)
Dee Fondy (@mad2nuts)
George Mitterwald (@scottmerkin)
Leon Durham (@mad2nuts)
Xavier Nady (@cubfanMike)

2B
Bobby Hill (@jrstraka30)
Frank Chance (@plinske)
Mark Bellhorn (@rickgoldjr9 @plinske)
Joe Strain (@scottmerkin)
Luis Quinones (@BobbyAguilera)

3B
Luis Salazar (@oguillenjr)
Kevin Orie (@ataccini @munjerr)
Chad Tracey (@mrchisports)
Todd Ziele (@CPatt20)
Steve Buechele (@CPatt20 @munjerr)
Gary Scott (@BobbyAguilera)
Bill Mueller (@TheWrigleyBlog)
Manny Trillo (@thePMURPHYgroup)

SS
Jeff Blauser (@CPatt20)
Argenis Salazar (@oguillenjr)
Luis Quinones (@BobbyAguilera)
Rey Ordonez (@thedanielschell)
Todd Haney (@munjerr)

OF
Moises Alou (@turntwo34)
Brian Dayett - RF (@ataccini)
Leon Durham (@mad2nuts)
Adam Greenberg (@ataccini)
Jacque Jones (@Nathan_Allen09)
Matt Murton (@Nathan_Allen09)
Craig Monroe (@Nathan_Allen09)
Chico Walker (@BobbyAguilera)
Glenallen Hill (@XII2VII)
Doug Glanville (@XII2VII)
Tuffy Rhodes (@XII2VII)
Jerome Williams (@mad2nuts)
Henry "O'Henry" Rodriguez (@TheWrigleyBlog)
Rondell White (@TheWrigleyBlog)
Michael Tucket (@TheWrigleyBlog)

Pitchers
Mike Hampton (@mad2nuts)
Goose Gossage (@cubfanMike)
Rod "Shooter" Beck (@cubfanMike)
Turk Wendell (@rickgoldjr9)
Dave Stevens (@lecroy24fan)
Rocky Cherry (@jrstraka30)
Ruben Quevedo (@ChrisEmma51)
Amaury Telemaco (@CPatt20)
Will Ohman (@Nathan_allen09)
Paul Assenmacher (@mad2nuts @RonKMiller)
Scott Eyre (@LuisSerrano_Chi @KSay4SF)
Felix Heredia (@mad2nuts)
Frank DiPino (@BobbyAguilera)
Drew Hall (@BobbyAguilera)
Andy Pratt (@BobbyAguilera)
Antonio Alfonseca (@CubsGM)
Billy Petrick (@ChrisEmma51)
Rich Hill (@rickgoldjr9)
Glendon Rusch (@rickgoldjr9)
Jim Bullinger (@BobbyAguilera)
Micah Bowie (@ChrisEmma51)
Frank Castillo (@munjerr)
Mel Rojas (@munjerr)
Kevin Tapani (@munjerr)
Joe Borowski (@TheWrigleyBlog)
Jeff Fassero (@TheWrigleyBlog)
Dave Gumpert (@thePMURPHYgroup)
George Bell (@thePMURPHYgroup)

Lineup Votes
@CPatt20 : Servais, Zuleta, Rey Sanchez, Blauser, Kevin Orie, Derrick May, Matt Miesk, and Roosevelt Brown
@RonanOShea : Julio Zuleta, Gaetti, Nieves, Eric Young, Joliet (C), Jeff Reed
@TheWrigleyBlog : How about an All-Todd Team: Wellemeyer, Walker, Hollandsworth, Hundley, Van Poppel, Dunwoody, Ricketts [LOL]

Awesome Tweets for the night
@RonanOShea : The fact that people on twitter are discussing Roosevelt Brown makes me proud to be a #cubs fan.
@05sox_10hawks: I would say the 2011 squad is pretty obscure

New Years, Hak-Ju Lee, & Resolutions

2011-01-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I like to kick off each season with a "Bucket List." This list gets posted in my home office for the entirety of the season - sometimes I'll even add to it as the season goes and as I find new adventures to fulfill. With the new year just beginning and watching everyone try to adhear to their thoughtful resolutions, I found myself wondering what it is that I really want to resolve in my life.

I couldn't think of anything besides baseball.

I know I already attend 40+ Cubs games a year, 25+ White Sox games, and a few scattered teams here and there, but what I'm talking about goes deeper than just the surface of the Baseball World.

Besides studying the history of the game, following the farm systems of the Majors is one of my greatest passions of baseball. It's an amazing feeling watching a young kid develop pure Major League talent. I remember watching Elvis Andrus as a rookie and I was absolutely captivated. Many can back this up.. some said I would even be wrong. But I knew he had it - you don't ever mistake those moments.

Up until today, the Cubs had a kid in their system that they had previously acquired in the Mark DeRosa trade. His name is Hak-Ju Lee and, like my forte, he is a short stop. The first time I saw Hak-Ju play in person was this past summer when the Peoria Cheifs came into town to play the Kane County Cougars. My friends and I sat in what as known as the "prime scout seats," which at Major League games is next to impossible to obtain, but at a minor league game is extremely feasible. So, there we sat - directly behind home plate, and was I ever glad that I did. Following the game my scorebook was marked up, noting multiple defensive plays by the Cheifs shortstop, Lee. He was fast on the base paths, patient and with pop at the plate (surprising for such a small stature), and had above excellent range. Watching him, I got that feeling - that Derek Jeter-esque rhythmic guise- like a melody in perfect tune. He went beyond making it look easy and effortless.

Now I may very well sound like I'm overhyping a kid who has yet to break single-A ball. But's it's very rare to get that pure feel for a player. So, this year, I've decided one of my "resolutions" will be to get back in touch with minor league baseball. The past 2 years, it's been more of a focus about just the Major Leagues. But it doesn't stop there. High school, collegiate, and especially summer baseball will be a something I delve back into. True baseball begins at these stages, and it is here that the players we watch in the Majors today get their instincts, control, patience, and passion for the game. The coachs, the hitting and pitching instructors - I've met some really great ones over the years, and this summer I'm going to study the levels to aquire an even deeper appreciation for the game of baseball. An appreciation that I hope to be on a different level than just what we see in the everyday surfaces of the Majors.

To me, there is no better investment than that of your passion.
It can take my money and it can take my soul. I will give it my heart, my mind, and the air I breathe. To be deep in passion is to invest in ones self. Through these passions we learn how to give our whole heart to something and we learn what we are truly capable of. Baseball has given me more than I can ever try to give back to it. I've been a part of baseball giving special needs children hope, I've seen it provide endless opportunities, and most importantly I've felt and seen it inspire lives. I implore you all, even if baseball is not your niche, to find something you feel strongly for and work towards it. Find something you believe in and support it with your whole heart. This year, make a resolution to do something worth the while of a life.

"Man, I did love this game. I'd have played for food money. It was the game... The sounds, the smells. Did you ever hold a ball or a glove to your face?... I used to love traveling on the trains from town to town. The hotels, brass spittoons in the lobbies, brass beds in the room. It was the crowd, rising to their feet when the ball was hit deep. Shoot, I'd play for nothing."

For those of us who live The Baseball Life, saying its our passion does not suffice.Happy New Year to all,

I'll see you at the ballpark!

-Stephanie

The Baseball Life

Yes, I have more than one favorite team. Try to stop me.

2010-11-29T17:42:00.000-08:00

The offseason kills us all, I know, so I've decided to use this evening to put together my Bucket List for 2011. I do this every year, including one or two new stadium visits. My favorite team, unfortunately for 2011, is the Chicago Cubs so most will involve them. I have my own issues with the Rickett's, management, and overall team members of the Cubs, but my love for the team comes from history and tradition and like any beligerent fan I stand by them through thick and thin.

While I'm constructing the list tonight, I'd like to note that I have MANY favorite teams, and despite how some feel (that I can only have one favorite), all I have to say to them is... TRY TO STOP ME! And I'm dead serious. You wouldn't believe how many people say I can't like more than one team, when in reality I like 25 of the 30, will watch all 30, and follow 4 like it's my religion. And why should I feel like I can only pick one? Who decided that? I love baseball like its my family, and like a real family you have more than one favorite and even a few distant cousins you can't quite stand.

So after the Cubs, my second favorite team is the Boston Red Sox whose bullpen in the late 80's almost put me in an early grave. Thankfully in 2004 I was rewarded with a long awaited Championship and thanks to my father, I was at the game they won it all. Hence furthering my belief that the Cubs will one day win, as well.

Next favorite is the Minnesota Twins, the team I was raised to root for - Rod Carew, Harmon Killebrew, and Kirby Puckett were my favorite players when I was still in diapers, I assume due to my father's love for the grinders. Growing up, Torii Hunter was my favorite player rooting from his spiderman-like home-run-robbing defensive plays against the White Sox.

In 2006 I started reading a lot of books and old interviews of players of the early 1900's. One book in particular, The Glory of Their Times was a big influence on my view baseball in the earliest days of professional existance. Learning about the early New York Giants before their move to SF really got me hooked on the organization, and to this day the fans of SF really reach me on a different level.

Remembering my bucket lists for prior seasons, I'm starting to dream bigger and better. One of the best trips I'd ever been on was my first time to PNC in Pittsburgh. That trip had a lot of emotional significance to me, as my grandfather had just passed away. But celebrating life through baseball has always been a way for me to cope, and PNC will always hold sentimental value for me after that trip. As I mentioned above, in 2004 I was at the game (Oct. 27, 2004) when the Red Sox won it all for the first time in 86 years. In 2009 I attended my very first Home Run Derby and vowed to never miss another.

So if you have some ideas, I'd love to hear them! Email me at s.betweenthelines@yahoo.com and I'll post the best bucket list items for 2011.

Thanks & happy offseason,
The Baseball Life,
-S

Free Agency 2011

2010-11-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Per the new rules filed by Major League Baseball, with approval from the players association, following yesterdays commencement of the World Series players no longer need to file for free agency, but are automatically entered. With that, the teams in which the players are coming from have exclusive negotiating rights for the first 5 days. Grinders like Cody Ross may even affect the contacts of the Cliff Lee's, who will most likely hold off on signing early if teams pursue the game-changers like Ross with over-valued his contracts.

Troy Glaus, 1B - Atlanta
Eric Hinske, OF - Atlanta
Derrek Lee, 1B - Atlanta
Kris Benson, SP - Arizona
Mike Hampton, SP - Arizona
Aaron Heilman, RP - Arizona
Adam LaRoche, 1B - Arizona
Rodrigo Lopez, SP - Arizona
Brandon Webb, SP - Arizona
Cesar Izturis, SS - Baltimore
Julio Lugo, 2B - Baltimore
Kevin Millwood, SP - Baltimore
Corey Patterson, OF - Baltimore
Koji Uehara, RP - Baltimore*
Ty Wigginton, 1B - Baltimore
Bill Hall, OF - Boston
Mike Lowell, 1B - Boston
Victor Martinez, C - Boston
Jason Varitek, C - Boston
Xavier Nady, OF - Chicago (NL)
Willie Bloomquist, OF - Cincinatti
Miguel Cairo, 3B - Cincinatti
Jim Edmonds, OF - Cincinatti
Ramon J. Hernandez, C - Cincinatti
Michael Lincoln, RP - Cincinatti
Arthur Rhodes, RP - Cincinatti
Russ Springer, RP - Cincinatti
Joe Beimel, RP - Colorado
Jorge De La Rosa, SP - Colorado
Octavio Dotel, RP - Colorado
Jasion Giambi, 1B - Colorado
Melvin Mora, 3B - Colorado
Jay Payton, OF - Colorado
Freddy Garcia, SP - Chicago (AL)
Andruw Jones, OF - Chicago (AL)
Paul Konerko, 1B - Chicago (AL)
Mark Kotsay, DH - Chicago (AL)
A.J. Pierzynski, C - Chicago (AL)
J.J. Putz, RP - Chicago (AL)
Manny Ramirez, OF - Chicago (AL)
Omar Vizquel, 3B - Chicago (AL) - SIGNED BY CWS $1.75MM, 1 YR
Jeremy Bonderman, SP - Detroit
Johnny Damon, DH - Detroit
Gerald Laird, C - Detroit
Magglio Ordonez, OF - Detroit
Jhonny Peralta, 3B - Detroit - option declined by DET
Bobby Seay, RP - Detroit
Will Ohman, RP - Florida
Jorge Sosa, RP - Florida
Chad Tracy, 3B - Florida
Geoff Blum, SS - Houston
Brian Moehler, RP - Houston
Bruce Chen, SP - Kansas City
Hideki Matsui, DH - Los Angeles (AL)
Scot Shields, RP - Los Angeles (AL)
Brad Ausmus, C - Los Angeles (NL)
Rod Barajas, C - Los Angeles (NL)
Jay Gibbons, OF - Los Angeles (NL)
Reed Johnson, OF - Los Angeles (NL)
Hiroki Kuroda, SP - Los Angeles (NL) *
Vincente Padilla, SP - Los Angeles (NL)
Jeff Weaver, RP - Los Angeles (NL)
Dave Bush, SP - Milwaukee
Chris Capuano, SP - Milwaukee
Craig Counsell, SS - Milwaukee
Doug Davis, SP - Milwaukee - option declined by MIL
Trevor Hoffman, RP - Milwaukee - option declined by MIL
Gregg Zaun, C - Milwaukee - option declined by MIL
Jess Crain, RP - Minnesota
Randy Flores, RP - Minnesota
Brian Fuentes, RP - Minnesota
Matt Guerrier, RP - Minnesota
Orlando Hudson, 2B - Minnesota
Ron Mahay, RP - Minnesota
Carl Pavano, SP - Minnesota
Nick Punto, 3B - Minnesota
Jon Rauch, RP - Minnesota
Jim Thome, DH - Minnesota
Henry Blanco, C - New York (NL)
Elmer Dessens, RP - New York (NL)
Kelvim Escobar, RP - New York (NL)
Pedro Feliciano, RP - New York (NL)
Fernando Tatis, 1B - New York (NL)
Lance Berkman, 1B - New York (AL)
Chad Gaudin, RP - New York (AL)
Derek Jeter, SS - New York (AL)
Nick Johnson, DH - New York (AL)
Austin Kearns, OF - New York (AL)
Chad Moeller, C - New York (AL)
Andy Pettitte, SP - New York (AL)
Mariano Rivera, RP - New York (AL)
Marcus Thames, OF - New York (AL)
Javier Vazquez, SP - New York (AL)
Kerry Wood, RP - New York (AL)
Boof Bonser, RP - Oakland
Justin Duchscherer, SP - Oakland
Ben Sheets, SP - Oakland
Jose Contreras,RP - Philadelphia
Chad Durbin, RP - Philadelphia
J.C. Romero, RP - Philadelphia
Mike Sweeney, DH - Philadelphia
Jayson Werth, OF - Philadelphia
Chan Ho Park, RP - Philadelphia
Kevin Correia, SP - San Diego
David Eckstein, 2B - San Diego
Jon Garland, SP - San Diego
Jerry Hairston Jr., SS - San Diego
Matt Stairs, OF - San Diego
Miguel Tejada, 3B - San Diego
Yorvit Torrealba, C - San Diego
Josh Bard, C - Seattle
Chris Woodward, SS - Seattle
Jamey Wright, RP - Seattle
Pat Burrell, OF - San Francisco
Jose Guillen, DH - San Francisco
Aubrey Huff, 1B - San Francisco
Guillermo Mota, RP - San Francisco
Juan Uribe, 3B - San Francisco
Pedro Feliz, 3B - St. Louis
Jason LaRue, C - St. Louis
Mike MacDougal, RP - St. Louis
Aaron Miles, 2B - St. Louis
Brad Penny, SP - St. Louis
Dennys Reyes, RP - St. Louis
Jeff Suppan, RP - St. Louis
Jake Westbrook, SP - St. Louis
Randy Winn, OF - St. Louis
Rocco Baldelli, OF - Tampa Bay
Grant Balfour, RP - Tampa Bay
Joaquin Benoit, RP - Tampa Bay
Randy Choate, RP - Tampa Bay
Carl Crawford, OF - Tampa Bay
Brad Hawpe, OF - Tampa Bay
Gabe Kapler, OF - Tampa Bay
Carlos Pena, 1B - Tampa Bay
Chad Qualls, RP - Tampa Bay
Rafael Soriano, RP - Tampa Bay
Jorge Cantu, 3B - Texas
Frank Francisco, RP - Texas
Cristian Guzman, 2B - Texas
Cliff Lee, SP - Texas
Bengie Molina, C - Texas
Matt Treanor, C - Texas
John Buck, C - Toronto
Scott Downs, RP - Toronto
Jason Frasor, RP - Toronto
Lyle Overbay, 1B - Toronto
Miguel Batista, RP - Washington
Adam Dunn, 1B - Washington
Willie Harris, OF - Washington
Kevin Mench, OF - Washington

* Free agent per contract provision.

The following players currently have club options. If they are not exercised by their given club, they will become a free agent, as well.

Rick Ankiel, OF - Atlanta
Kyle Farnsworth, RP - Atlanta
Alex Gonzalez, SS - Atlanta - SIGNED $2.5MM 11/2/10 by ATL
Omar Infante, 2B - Atlanta - SIGNED $2.5MM 11/2/10 by ATL
Mark Hendrickson, RP - Baltimore
Adrian Beltre, 3B - Boston
Felipe Lopez, 3B - Boston
David Ortiz, DH - Boston
Aramis Ramirez, 3B - Chicago (NL)
Bronson Arroyo, SP - Cinsinatti
Orlando Cabrera, SS - Cincinatti
Aaron Harang, SP - Cincinatti
Jeff Francis, SP - Colorado
Miguel Olivo, C - Colorado
Scotty Podsednik, OF - Los Angeles (NL)
Jose Reyes, SS - New York (NL) - Has an $11MM option by 11/15/10
Eric Chavez, DH - Oakland
Coco Crisp, OF - Oakland
Mark Ellis, 2B - Oakland
Chris Young, SP - San Diego
Erik Bedard, SP - Seattle
Russell Branyan, 1B - Seattle
Edgar Rentaria, SS - San Francisco
Dan Wheeler, RP - Tampa Bay
Valdimir Guerrero, DH - Texas
Kevin Gregg, RP - Toronto
Adam Kennedy, 2B - Washington

Welcome to the offseason, folks. I'll be glued to http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/ until March, so stay tuned. Feel free to share offseason events that others can participate in. For that matter, share anything baseball related, because for us... baseball never ends!

The Baseball Life,
-S

Inspiration in Baseball

2010-10-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

Recently I came across an incredible story on the internet. I was searching random baseball phrases on google to see if any interesting websites showed up. I was also name searching for possible ideas for a foundation I am working on starting.

My first search: Turn Two... Derek Jeter's foundation pops up.

My second search: Safe at Home... Joe Torre's foundation links in.

My third search: Double Play... I was in shock at what I saw.

The headline, "Double Play Foundation" was the tag line on the google search, and I clicked to open it up. What I saw next, gave me goosebumps. This website was created by a 14 year old freshman living in New York, in only it's 10th month of existence... yet had more inspiration and generosity behind it's words than I'd seen from anyone.

In the winter of 2008, Ben visited the Dominican Republic. His interest in the country was already deep within his heart because of players like Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, and Pedro Martinez - the players he grew up idolizing and who brought baseball into the core of his life. Most importantly though, it was Albert Pujols, who's strong connection with the Dominican Republic showed in his charity work. Ben did a report on Pujols when he was in 7th grade and it was then that he learned how active the slugger is in helping his native land and it inspired Ben to do what he could to help.

Ben Ulene started the Double Play Foundation in December of 2009 when he was going through his closet and noticed how many old baseball jerseys he had accrued over his adolescence and that he no longer had use for. "I thought that there had to be some way that these uniforms could be used again, as each one had been used for only one 3-month season and then put away, " Ben told me. It was at that moment that he decided to pass-on his once prized possessions to others who may not be as fortunate as himself. He named his cause, The Double Play Foundation (DPF) and told me it was because "just like in a double play where one batted ball is used to get two outs, one baseball uniform is being used twice, doing double duty."

Looking back at a recent blog post of mine about the importance of jerseys, you have to recognize how great something like this could be to someone who has never owned a jersey before. I'm sure you can think back to jersey distribution day on your former ball teams as a child. Do you remember the excitement you had as everyone clamored for the right number? Can you still feel the fabric, as you once traced the number with your fingers, forever engraining it in your memory? And what about the first time you put it on? Did you feel like the Major Leaguers you idolized on TV? Did the confidence sweep over your body, as you stood a little taller, felt a little more powerful? Did that uniform bind you a member of the team as it united each of you by bearing the same logo embroidered on each of your chests, yet let you stand apart by your own numerical value? Do you remember it? I can't ever forget it.

Unfortunately, there are many kids in the world who don't have that memory. But with Ben's help, a lot more can. Here is a 14 year old freshman in high school who is making a difference in the lives of others by doing something so simple. Yet so many of us forget the value in such simplicity. We may hold on to our old jerseys, or we may even lose them overtime, forgetting their own honored significance.

Here we have a chance to pay it forward, to add a spark to the imagination of kids in other worlds unfamiliar to our own. Here we can make a difference by reusing the fabric we have tossed aside. There are many things of inspiration in our world today that we forget about in passing, but people like Ben can remind us of those in their actions. Ben saw an opportunity to instill hope in others lives, and he took it.

(Pictures from 2 of Ben's Jersey Collection Drives)

The Baseball Life
-S

Ben is currently not set up to receive individual jerseys, but if you would like to donate a team of 10+ jerseys to the cause, you may email Ben Ulene at doubleplayfoundation@gmail.com. You can visit his website at DoublePlayFoundation.org.

ALDS Trip!

2010-10-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

10/8/10 5:35pm: Hey all! I am currently at the airport getting ready to fly to Dallas, TX for game 3 and (hopefully not) game 4! This will be my first trip to the Rangers ballpark and I praying they win the series! Stay tuned and I will continue to update throughout my trip! -S

10/8/10 5:55pm: Just boarded my flight from Chicago to Dallas and the first thing I see walking onto the plane is a rangers hat proudly displayed in the overhead compartment! So I ask the flight attendant if its a passengers, and she replies in a strong Texas accent, "no way! That hat is mine!" We got to talking and it turns out our seats for tomorrow Rangers game are right by each other! Just made friend #1 on this trip! Look for two blondes now instead of one! Time to depart, stay tuned! P.S. big thanks to @rynoag for sending me the claw and antler t-shirt in the mail this week for the series! -S

10/8/10 11:45pm: got my tour around the University of Dallas tonight, saw my friends baseball team get auctioned off lol, now we are watching SF throw away the lead... nooooo! -S

10/9/10 12:20pm: We just left campus at university of Dallas and are headed on our way to the Rangers game! Going extra early to beat the terrible Dallas traffic -can you believe they have NO public transportation?! - anyways, heading there early, gonna check out some pre-game fan festivities they have and get in early to watch batting practice. In debating of I should keep score or not at the game.... I may be too excited to keep track but Ive documented every game this year so far and having a post season game in the book. We will see. I'll make it a game time decision. I did decide on wearing my grey AL West Champs tee, but bringing the red Hamilton tee with in case there's a red-out. alright, time to head to the ballpark! Let's go Rangers! -S

10/10/10 12:34am: Well my magical droid decided to die during the national anthem so I could not update during the game but I will do that now! We got to the Rangers ballpark at 1:00pm and they let us in right away, even though it was still 3 hours until game time. Amazing! This park is by far the most fan friendly when it comes to the staff and privileges to the fans. We had standing room only tickets today, but honestly SRO at this park are awesome! We had tons of choices to find a spot during the game. But before the game we decided to sit behind the dish and watch batting practice and Hazel Mae do her interviews. We were about 4 rows back, which was the first row above the tunnel next to the rangers dugout. Well, national anthem strikes and guess who walks out of the tunnel. Former president George Bush with wife, as well as Nolan Ryan. Surreal moment... we were literally just feet away from the group. Well we had been in those seats for over an hour but we got to stay for all the good pre game stuff before the real owners claimed them. Pictures will be posted as soon as I get home to a computer! I met so many new people. Ranger fans are so much fun and so incredibly nice. I kept score during the game, and was happy I did. I feel way more in touch with the game when I'm tracking every batter and pitch thrown. I did get sad though at a few different moments during the game... I kept thinking, "When is it our turn? When will I be at Wrigley enjoying postseason baseball?" After we got our season ticket letter from Ricketts the other day, I can't help but think that I will be waiting while. I feel blessed though that I have been able to attend as many postseason games as I have over the past couple years. I saw my red sox win it all for the first time in 86 years, in person at Busch Stadium on October 27, 2004 and I am certain ill be able to someday celebrate that feat at Wrigley. Until then, I have 29 other teams to follow and maybe be a part of their postseason run... I'm still debating where to go next weekend. Now that the twins are out of it, I have a flight to transfer. Strong possibility if the rangers win tomorrow I think ill be back here in Dallas! Until the morning, good night and sweet dreams. Saying a special prayer for the rangers... quick hands, swift feet, good timing, efficient pitching will be in that prayer. -S

10/10/10 8:30am: We are currently in the car on the way to game 4. Today matchup is Wade Davis vs Big-Game Tommy Hunter. We have SRO again but since we scowered the ball park yesterday, we already know the prime spots. It's suppose to be up in the 90's again today (thank you baby Jesus!) so we will most likely grab our spot along the red wall in left field. I decided to do this game right today. I have on my red Josh Hamilton t-shirt, I'm 2 coffees deep with a red bull in my purse, and I am ready to get rowdy with the home crowd! Todays the day..... its time! P.S. full phone battery as of right now. -S

10/10/10 10:14am: Just met, spoke with, and got a picture with MLB Networks very own Hazel Mae!!! Oh and bought an Elvis Andrus t-shirt and ALDS commemorative pin. Shaping up to be a good day! Currently sitting behind the Rays Dugout! -S

10/10/10 11:24am: Spotted: David Price throwing baseball into the third deck for a group of Rays fans with flags! Now being extra fan friendly and signing for a huge group of people. -S

10/12/10: Pictures uploaded! Check them out below. Had the greatest time in Texas, despite the results of the game, but the people, stadium and team was an incredible experience. The Ballpark at Arlington gets my vote for most fan friendly ballpark in the Majors!

ALDS, Game 2, Rangers vs Rays

Street Sign at the Ballpark at Arlington, TX

ALDS Rangers vs Rays, 10-9-2010

Me with two of the biggest Rangers fans ever!

ALDS Logo on the 1st base foul territory

MLB Network's BallPark Cam pre-game

View from the right field bleachers, pre-game

My friend, Sean, and I before game 3, 10-9-10

Welcome to Rangers Ballpark!

Rays Lineup, pre-game ceremony 10-9-10

Andrus being announced on the Rangers side!

Vlad making his way down the line!

Michael Young and Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero

Rangers Starters, starting at the left...

The Texas Rangers <3

View from our Standing Room Only section, not bad!

Towards the end of game 3, 10-9-2010.

ALDS Game 4, Rangers vs Rays

Rangers Tailgates were all over, with huge... HUGE signs!

Inside the stadium, game 4 time!

We got there so early that the sun was still rising!

Georgeous stadium!

I even got to meet one of my idols, Hazel Mae from MLB Network!

David Price signed autographs and talked to fans for over 25minutes, he was so nice!

View from our seats at the second game!

Outside the ballpark, I love this place!

Can't wait to be back here for the World Series!

Thanks for reading and keeping up with my on here and twitter throughout my trip! I had a great time, met some new friends, and visited another beautiful ballpark. I love this game, I really don't think I can say it enough. The opportunities it presents - to players and fans - are unlike any others in life. Although I have only been a Ranger fan for the past two years, the entire stadium took me in as one of their own. To everyone I met that has been keeping up on my blog, thank you and get ready to see me soon!

Happy LCS!

The Baseball Life,

-S

Updated Postseason Schedule - 10/3/10 7:20pm CST

2010-10-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

American League Divisional Series
ALE: Rays (96-66) ALW: Rangers (90-72)
ALC: Twins (94-68) WC: Yankees (95-67)
ALDS Home Field Advantage: Twins and Rays

Wednesday, October 6th

ALDS Game 1: NYY @ MIN

ALDS Game 1: TEX @ RAYS

Thursday, October 7th
ALDS Game 2: NYY @ MIN

ALDS Game 2: TEX @ RAYS

Saturday, October 9th

ALDS Game 3: MIN @ NYY
ALDS Game 3: RAYS @ TEX

Sunday, October 10th - if needed

ALDS Game 4*: MIN @ NYY

ALDS Game 4*: RAYS @ TEX

Tuesday, October 12th- if needed
ALDS Game 5*: NYY @ MIN

ALDS Game 5*: TEX @ RAYS

National League Divisional Series

NLE: Phillies (97-65) NLW: Giants (92-70)

NLC: Reds (91-71) WC: Braves (91-71)
NLDS Home Field Advantage: Phillies and Giants

Wednesday, October 6th

NLDS Game 1: CIN @ PHI

Thursday, October 7th

NLDS Game 1: ATL @ SF

Friday, October 8th

NLDS Game 2: CIN @ PHI

NLDS Game 2: ATL @ SF

Sunday, October 10th

NLDS Game 3: PHI @ CIN

NLDS Game 3: SF @ ATL

Monday, October 11th - if needed

NLDS Game 4*: PHI @ CIN
NLDS Game 4*: SF @ ATL

Wednesday, October 13th - if needed

NLDS Game 5*: CIN @ PHI

NLDS Game 5*: ATL @ SF

End of the Year

2010-10-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a great season, but it's not over yet! Chicago was not blessed with postseason baseball in 2010, so I've decided to spend the last weekend of the regular season at US Cellular Field for all 3 White Sox vs Indians games. If you are at any of the games, stop by and say hi!

As always, there is much more to come! I went on a postseason binge this weekend and bought a few flights and playoff game tickets. My trips so far include Arlington, TX and for the ALDS and then Minnesota! Both will be first time at the stadiums for myself, so I will have postseason blogs as well as new stadium tours to share. Video, pictures, experiences... expect them all!

Last night was a perfect Chicago fall night at the Cell, for final game of the White Sox vs Red Sox series... but the electricty did not agree! In what was already a long game, we were postponed due to a power outage! Crazy, right?! Even crazier though, the same thing happened at Wrigley a few months prior!

The Blackout at the Cell... and not the 163rd game kind!

Reflecting back on this season, I can honestly say, I've had one of the greatest summers to date! I stepped outside my comfort level more than a few times - including attending many games solo! (Read about that expereince here) I've also been recruited to a few more charities, including the Mid-America Horse Rescue where Margo Sutter (the creator of the foundation) there took me on a VIP experience at Busch Stadium - we sat behind home plate with the scouts, ate in the famous Cardinal Club, and brainstormed possible baseball involvement! But most importantly, I've met new people who have changed my life... and to all of those people, I thank you for your hospitality, kindness, and love that we all share the common passion of Baseball!

Two of the parting gifts I received from the Mid-America Horse Rescue!

Every season is a surprise, heck... every game can be a surprise! Any night you decide to head out to the ballpark, you never know what could happen. Those stories we read about in books, on websites, and in the boxscores everyday could happen at the next game you attend. You could see a no hitter, a player hit for the cycle, or even catch a home run! Trust me... it can all happen!

Click here to see me and my friends catch Gordon Beckhams 3-run home run on August 24th, 2010 against the Orioles!

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=11333953

It's been a great season... and I can't wait for the postseason!

Share your favorite 2010 regular season games with me at s.betweenthelines@yahoo.com and I will feature them in an upcoming blog and link to your blog/pictures/twitter, etc!

To keep up with me everyday, follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/TurnTwo34!

Peace, love, and baseball!

The baseball life,

-S

2010-09-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

Congrats to one of the greatest in the game, Trevor Hoffman!

TBL
S

Jersey Numbers

2010-08-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

“You keep playing… you never stop. Not until they tear the jersey from your back do you give up,” - Anonymous

A friend once told me this when we were talking about his baseball career. His time was almost up. He’d been in the minor leagues for far too many years with no signs of advancing or improving. His mental game was diminishing and I could hear it in his voice everyday we talked. I tried my best to instill some type of hope in his mind. I made sure he knew that no matter what he’d have my support no matter what he does. We started talking about life after baseball and he said the only way he’d stop was literally when no one else would give him a jersey to wear. We’ve known each other for 6 years at that point. I knew his lucky number, he wore it on his back. We talked a lot over the years about bribing other players so that he could have that number. That number immortalized this ballplayer. Whether I saw it in the time, an address, a phone number, or on another ballplayer… no matter what the case, I always thought of him. Those 2 digits were as much a part of him as was his last name.

A common trend among athletes is specific jersey number. It says a lot about who they are- as a player and person- and they view it as a non-verbal representation of themselves to the public. Players all over have different reasons for chosing the numbers they wear, whether it be to honor an idol, add mental stability for themselves, or to represent the position they play. Ballplayers throughout the major, minor, and collegiate leagues have a reason for wearing the number on their back, even if that reason is just because they accept the number their coach gives to them.

(Sometimes, no name is needed. The number says it all)

.

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve asked a few of my friends in the Major Leagues, Minor Leagues, and even College and High School ballplayers, if their jersey number had any type of significance to them or if they had a lucky number they preferred to wear. What I found was that each person’s reasoning really defined who they are, and more so, it showed how their particular jersey number helped differentiate themselves from the players next to them everyday at the ballpark. Here are the responses I received:

#7 Chris Dickerson (Milwaukee Brewers, Outfielder)

“My favorite number is because of [Ken Griffey] Junior and it’s a retired number so I’m stuck with 21, haha.” He followed up by saying, “24 and 7 were my favorite numbers. I still have 24 in somewhere in all my screen names or whatever the case. Lucky number 7 and 24. I guess I use to think about sports 24 hours a day 7 days a week,”

(I asked Chris this when we was still with the Reds before the trade that sent him to Milwaukee and Jim Edmonds to the Reds. Chris now wears #7 with the Brewers.)

#31 Matt Jernstad (New York Yankees, Minor Leagues, Pitcher)

“I like the number 31 because since I started wearing that number I have been fortunate enough to pitch great and then get signed by the [white] sox, and then after the sox I went back to 31, did great again and now I’m a Yankee. After a while it starts to become a part of who you are, people know you by your name and if they don’t, they know your number.”

#36 Randy Wells (Chicago Cubs, Pitcher)

“I love the number 27 and have had it my whole career til my rookie year with the Cubs. They gave me 36- and ask a rookie- its forbidden to ask for a number change. So 36 it is, now it’s my new favorite.”

Kendall Paluch (Loras College, Pitcher)

“Every season I try to get the same jersey number because it reminds me of all the achievements/goals I have already accomplished with it. With that, I feel the need to ass onto that list with every new season I have with it. If I get a new number I see it as a sign of starting over with new goals.”

#24 Marlon Byrd (Chicao Cubs, Outfielder)
"There's two reasons I wear 24. Willie Mays and Gary Pettis."

#24 Daryle Ward (Former MLB Outfielder/DH)

“It has to have a good sound to it when the announcer says your name. I think about how it would sound then I make my choice. That’s what it means to me. It has to sound good and be double digit.”

#17 Matt Morse (UAB, Short Stop)

“It is always an honor to wear the jersey number that many great players have worn before you, but for me personally I have worn the #17 for the past 10 years, so I continue to wear it today. I originally chose it because I felt it was a Shortstop's # and it has grown on me more and more.”

#37 Chris Carpenter (Chicago Cubs, Minor Leagues, Pitcher)

“37 is my favorite number. 10 was my lucky number in high school and in college it was the coaches number, so 3 and 7 equal 10 and I figured it’s the next best thing.”

#5 Andy Lane (Former Cub/National)
“I wore number 5 because I wanted to be like the players that wore it and because of the way they played the game. Players like Joe DiMaggio and George Brett played the game the way it was suppose to be played.”

#2 Mike R (College Pitcher)
“Well, I usually wear 2 because it represents leadership because of Jeter… but now on my team I just let the coach to pick my number because a number is a number. It doesn’t mean I’m gonna have an important role on the team, that’s the only thing that i care about.. to play and contribute to a successful team.”

#58 Drew Storen (Washington Nationals, Pitcher)
“I actually didn’t pick my number so next year I’ll probably change it. But I usually like picking skinny numbers so I don’t look skinny in my jersey. But with #58, I’m not helping myself too much… I like mulitple numbers. I was 1 in high school and 26 in college and I feel like I need to turn the page and move on to different ones. Not to mention a pitcher can’t be #1.”

#51 Michael Garciaparra (Houston Astros, Minor Leagues, 2B)
“Well basically I haven’t had one number professionally but myself, brother, and both sisters wore the number 5 for most of our lives. I started changing it up since my brother had the #5 and didn’t want to use his number. The number 5 was pretty much a family number and my dad use to be #5 whenever he played sports so the number just kind of stuck around with all of us. I would change my number sometimes during the season if I felt the number had run out if hits sometimes too."

When I played softball growing up, I always wanted #34. In slumps, I questioned it’s luck, but I always insisted on getting that number. I was a short stop with the highest number on the field, but I didn’t care. The first cubs game I went to, Kerry Wood pitched and I saw him strike out 20 batters, shaking coming off the field. It was magic to me each time I put on the jersey. To this day, I’m drawn to the number. Most of my favorite ballplayers don the number and all of my emails, usernames, etc have the #34 somewhere in them (like Chris). When I look back at pictures from my playing days, I feel that the number itself was as important as my name above. Without one the other just wouldn’t look right. I still have all my old jerseys, all #34, except for one from when I was in 7th grade that has the #7 on the back. That year I hit my first homerun, not because it went over the fence, but because I was fast enough to beat the outfielder. I have so many memories from my 14 years of playing…. From the thousands of car rides with my dad to games, all the injuries I endured at short stop, tasting dirt sliding into home, early morning practices, and 4 games-a-day weekend tournaments….. In each one of those memories, I’m wearing #34.

While the number on the back is important to most the players mentioned in this article, not one would chose it over the name on the front of the jersey.

Keep living The Baseball Life,
-S

Disclaimer: All of the quotes mentioned above were given to me personally by the said player. None are out of context, and each player was asked the exact same question. Thank you to all the participated!

Stop the Ignorance, Please!

2010-08-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

If I hear one more person compare Stephen Strasburg to Mark Prior, I may implode. Please, if you want the real information on this look up actual comparable guys like Joel Zumaya. See this article published by Popular Science in June 2008 for accurate information on his type of injury, especially relating to players who throw 103mph: http://www.popsci.com/how-it-works/article/2008-07/how-it-works-fastball

*Pictures are from the article.

TBL,
-S

Bowling with the Brewers... by another blogger!

2010-07-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found out about a blog written about the event I am holding on August 8th, 2010 - The Brewers Bowl-A-Thon. This was written so well and I recommend that all of you please go read it. The MLB Blog, John & Cait... Plus Nine, written by John Steinmiler and Caitlin Moyer is a fantastic Brewers chronicle to follow.

"Children, you know, like the song says, they are our future. The Miracle League in particular is very special to me because without it, those kids don't get to play. They want to be just like the big leaguers they see on TV, with the field and the amenities. To know that you're sharing your love for the game with them and that you're helping them, it makes you feel really good inside. And when you see them play and realize the sense of achievement that they get out of it, it is very humbling," - Doug Davis, in the article

Please read their article and learn more out our foundation! Oh, and come out to an event this year!

Thanks!

Stephanie
The Baseball Life

Baseball Beliefs

2010-07-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

This past month I’ve taken a lot of time away from the computer and television and spent it outside, mostly at ball games trying to enjoy the real elements of baseball. Coming back to internet and technology was bound to happen and in fact got hard to avoid. But, while it was away I enjoyed the non-communication that factored in to the change. I went to a lot of ballgames by myself and reconnected with a game I felt I was starting to lose.

My decision to try this stemmed from a book I read a while ago, called The Glory of Their Times by Lawrence S. Ritter. Over a year ago when I first started this blog, it was the first book review I posted. The book encompasses purity of the game. It’s full of first person narratives from some of the legends that have passed through this game. My favorite chapters are at the beginning - Fred Snodgrass, Rube Marquard, Al Bridwell… the men who epitomize the very reason baseball is so important to me. To them, baseball was the only life they knew.

After watching a season so dismal from my hometown team, the Chicago Cubs, I felt like I couldn’t take it anymore. I never want baseball to be something that angers me and I never want it to be something I resent. The combination of bad play and frustrated fans was slowly starting to affect me. Game after game I sat through with my friends - the commentating, heckling, analyzing… the negativity… I couldn’t stand it. I’d sit there and listen to the man behind me ramble on and on about how so-and-so needs to be fired, how this-and-that guy don’t care about baseball and just want to be paid. It made me sick. Too much talking… too many opinions. Too much complaining. What happened to watching baseball? I started losing it… the one thing in this crazy world that saves me and now I can’t even think straight and enjoy it while I was there. I had more than enough - of the media, of casual fans, know it all fans, bloggers, everything - and I decided to channel my inner 1900’s soul and do baseball the only way I knew how…

My first game solo this year was a Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field versus the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was a challenge for me because my friend had free tickets and invited me along but I had this idea and I was sticking to it. I did things the way I envisioned a game day for a fan should be. I did everything I normally take for granted. I drove down to the ballpark early for batting practice, scalped an upper deck ticket for $5, walked in Gate K on Waveland, headed for the third base line terrace seats, walked about 4 rows back, and sat down in the 4th seat from the aisle. At this point the ballpark was only about a quarter full, with most the fans in the bleachers or down near the field trying to snag an autograph or foul ball. I sat back, kicked my feet up onto the back of the chair in front of me, closed my eyes and took in a big breath of fresh Wrigley air. I kept closing my eyes- listening to the clamor of conversation ensuing around the park and sound of the ball making contact with the bat… I remembered my very first time at Wrigley Field. I remembered the first time I sat down in one of those dark green seats and watched Kerry Wood mow down hitter after hitter. I remembered seeing that number “34” and felt it, even then, being ingrained into my memory. Oh, how often that number has crossed my mind since then. It has graced every jersey I have ever played in, its on just about every one of my college notebooks, and its framed on jerseys around my house. That number symbolizes everything I believe in to this day, and there is was when I re-opened my eyes and wathced a little kid in a large faded Wood t-shirt walking past me with his father.

That was part of my goal that day- remembering the past. I wanted to relive baseball the way I did when I was a kid. It was coming close to the start of the game and the players were rumbling about in the dugouts. I got out my scorebook and wrote off the names as they were being announced. Once the game started, and I was keeping score it all just started to roll.

I made friends with just about everyone in the surrounding seats. Of course, at most these games I attend by myself, people are shocked that I’m there my myself, but when I’m at a ballpark I don’t ever feel alone. I’ve come to a point where I feel like the ballpark is my home and everyone is over visiting. I’ve been asked if it feels awkward to be by myself at a game. A completely understandable question - being solo in a social setting can be uncomfortable. But, I’ve never felt that way at the ballpark.

When I go to a game by myself I have an opportunity to sit there and watch the game, feel the sun, hear the cheers while not having to entertain someone else who may only be there for the social aspect. But, over this season I have met some of the most baseball minded people I have ever come across in my life, and for that I am thankful.

About a week or two later I went to a game on a Monday night, scalped another $5 ticket in the upper deck, wound up 17 rows behind home plate by Todd Hollandsworth while the Cubs mobbed home plate on a walk off win.

In May, my friend Andrew and I decided that after 30 games so far in attendance this season we needed a whole day completely devoted to baseball. Him and I are on the same page when it comes to baseball. I met him at Wrigley a few years ago and kept seeing him around and eventually it turned into a great friendship. Well on May 16th, we did the greatest double header I have ever experienced. We started off sitting in the sun, 2 rows off the field at Wrigley for Cubs vs. Pirates then we drove 90 minutes north immediately following the game and sat in the 3rd row off the field at Miller Park for Brewers vs. Phillies Sunday night baseball on ESPN. It was the most incredible baseball day of my life. We both kept score at both games and those sheets I have should be frame someday.

On a Tuesday in June I sat 20 rows behind the visiting dugout at US Cellular field and watched my Rangers put up 5 runs in the 6th inning to break the game open against the White Sox. Elvis Andrus, Michael Young, Vlad Guererro, Josh Hamilton… I used this game to study each of their batting stances. I had no one there I had to entertain, I tuned out the rest of the chatter around me and I just zoned in on their feet, their shoulders, their hands. I watched each different stance turn into pretty much 3 strides of the same swing, besides Vlad of course. He’s the only one who’s flail at the outside corner turned into contact up the middle. It was incredible. It brought back baseball for me. Real baseball.. The baseball that consumes my life. I was officially back into my world.

For me, the alone time at the games was like a session at the spa or a class of yoga. It calmed me. Being able to watch the game with no distractions or conversations of gossip, led to me a place where I felt completely tuned in to the elements around me. It was like a really good massage; its just that out of body, calming sense of clarity. Instead of chatter filling my head with noise, I was able to focus on the movement of the game. I saw everything and I felt everything as the baseball gods smile down on the field.

I don’t like the negativity in baseball. Call me an optimist if you’d like but you’d be wrong. I am a realist, in a sense… I’m a realist of the early 1920’s. I believe in the power of baseball. I believe that any life lesson can be learned from a team in uniform working towards a common goal. I believe in the soul of baseball. I believe that each time I walk into a Major League ballpark I better damn well watch where I walk and what I say, because the baseball legends that came before me have once passed through those very gates. I believe in respecting the game and passing it down from generation to generation. I believe in studying the game of baseball and understanding the physics and the human element. And I whole heartedly believe that baseball is a game to be enjoyed… no matter the slump of a team or what you feel are shortcomings of a few players. I believe that baseball is a beautiful game and I maintain the persona that Baseball is Life.

The Baseball Life,
-S

The Cliff Lee Sweepstakes

2010-07-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Rangers have just aquired Cliff Lee from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for 2 position players and 2 pitchers, including Smoak. This is according to a tweet from Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.

That a way Rangers - you are now my pick for World Series Champs!

TBL

-S

Stay Tuned....

2010-07-05T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hey guys - sorry about the delay in posts. This is killing me. I moved into a new place a few weeks ago and comcast came to set up our cable and internet the day we moved in and after setting up the cable, the guy just took off. Fortunately, that means my MLB Network is working ... but the only computer access I have is at my friends place. So bear with me, I have much to undate you all on including my 4th of July double header spent at Wrigley in the 91 degree sunny bleachers and then capping off the night for some minor league ball - the Kan County Cougars (OAK) vs the Beloit Snappers (MIN). I even got to drive a car on the field during the 5th inning! The games were crazy good, and I couldn't image spending a Sunday, or any day for that matter, anywhere else!

Shout outs to all the new people I've met this weekend at games - you guys are, as I told you, "OUTSTANDING!" LoL... remember to email me if you are at any Chicago land games and I'll make sure to come say hi. Thanks to everyone who follows on here and continues to e-mail - it's been great meeting all you guys and finding more people like myself out there!

The Baseball Life
-S

We are Chicago

2010-06-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

No words are needed for this picture. One of the BEST experiences of my life.

*Picture from the Chicago Sun Times

*This is the picture I took from my angle at the game!

Chicago is the SPORTS life!

-S

2010 MLB Player Draft - LIVE COVERAGE

2010-06-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

The 2010 MLB Draft is here! Stay tuned to The Baseball Life for updates through out the draft. In the Round 1 picks, the previous years picks within the top 3 rounds are listed under the first occurance of the team name.

. The future of baseball happens now!

Round 1

Tigers, Mariners, and Braves do not have first round picks.

Teams with most picks in the top 50

Angels - 5

Rangers - 4

Blue Jays - 4

Red Sox - 3

Astros - 3

Cards - 3

Rays - 3

1. Washington Nationals - select Bryce Harper , OF, College of Southern Nevada

*2009- 1st overall - Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego State- MLB Debut 6/8/2010

*2009- 10th overall- Drew Storen, RHP, Stanford- MLB Debut 5/17/2010

*2009 - 2nd Round/ 50th overall - Jeff Kobernus, 2B, California

*2009- 3rd Round/ 81st overall - Trevor Holder, RHP, Georgia

2. Pittsburgh Pirates - select Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS (TX)

*2009-4th overall - Tony Sanchez, C, Boston College

*2009 - Comp Round A/ 49th overall - Victor Black, RHP, Dallas Baptist Univ.

*2009 - 2nd Round/ 53rd overall - Brooks Pounders, RHP, Temecula (Calif.) Valley HS

*2009- 3rd Round/ 84th overall - Evan Chambers, CF, Hillsborough CC

3. Baltimore Orioles- select Manny Machade, SS, Brito Private HS (FL)

*2009-5th overall - Matt Hobgod, RHP, Norco (Calif) HS

*2009 - 2nd Round/ 54th overall - Mychal Givens, RHP, Plant HS, Tampa, Fla.

*2009 - 3rd Round/ 85th overall - Tyler Townsend, 1B, Florida International

4. Kansas City Royals - select Christian Colon, SS, Cal State Fullerton

*2009- 12th overall - Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth Cats

*2009- 3rd Round/ 91st overall - William Myers, C, Wesleyan Christian Academy, (N.C.)

5. Cleveland Indians - select Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Univ. of Mississippi

*2009- 15th overall - Alex White, RHP, UNC

*2009- 2nd Round/ 63rd overall - Jason Kipnis, CF, Arizona State

*2009- 3rd Round/ 94th overall - Joseph Gardner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

6. Arizona Diamondbacks - select Barrett Loux, RHP, Texas A&M Univ.

*2009- 16th overall - Bobby Borchering, 3B, Bishop Verot, Fort Meyers

*2009- 17th overall - A.J. Pollock, CF, Notre Dame

*2009 - Comp Round A/35th overall - Matthew Davidson, 3B, Yucaipa HS (Calif.)

*2009 - Comp Round A/41st overall - Christopher Owings, SS, Gilbert (S.C.) HS

*2009 - Comp Round A/45th overall - Mike Belfiore, LHP, Indiana

*2009 - 2nd Round/ 60th overall - Eric Smith, RHP, Rhode Island

*2009 - 2nd Round/ 64th overall - Marc Krauss, OF, Ohio University

*2009 - 3rd Round 95th overall - Keon Broxton, 3B, Santa Fe CC

7. New York Mets - select Matt Harvey, RHP, UNC

*2009- 2nd Round/72nd overall - Steven Matz, LHP, Ward Melville HS (NY)

*2009- 3rd Round/ 103rd overall - Robert Shields, SS, Florida Southern College

8. Houston Astros - select Delino DeShields Jr, 2B, Woodward Academy (Ga.)

*2009- 21st overall - Jiovanni Mier, SS, Bonita HS, LA Verne, Calif.

*Comp Round B/ 111th overall - Jonathan Meyer, 3B, Simi Valley (Calif.) HS

9. San Diego Padres - select Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS (Fla.)
          *2009- 3rd overall - Donavan Tate, OF, Cartersville (Ga.) HS
         *2009 - 2nd Round/ 52nd overall - Everett Williams, CF, McCallum HS, Austin, TX
         *2009- 3rd Round/ 83rd overall - Gerald Sullivan, RHP, Oral Roberts

10. Oakland Athletics - select Michael Choice, OF, Univ. of Texas- Arlington

*2009- 13th overall - Grant Green, SS, USC

*2009- 3rd Round/ 92nd overall - Justin Marks, LHP, Scotts Valley (Calif.) HS

11. Toronto Blue Jays - select Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech
          *2009 - 20th overall - Chad Jenkins, RHP, Kennesaw State University
          *2009- Comp Round A/ 37th overall - James Paxton, LHP, Kentucky
          *2009- Round 2/ 68th overall - Jake Eliopoulos, LHP, Sacred Heart Catholic HS, Ontario
          *2009- Round 3/ 99th overall - Jake Barrett, RHP, Desert Ridge HS, Mesa, Ariz.
          *2009- Round 3/ 104th overall - Jacob Marisnick, CF, Riverside (Calif.) Poly HS

12. Cincinnati Reds - select Yasmani Grandal, C, University of Miami (Fla.)

*2009-8th overall- Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona State - Currently in MLB with Reds

*2009 - Comp Round A/ 43rd overall - Brad Boxberger, RHP, USC

*2009- 2nd Round/ 57th overall - Billy Hamilton, SS, Taylorsville (Miss.) HS

*2009- 3rd Round/ 88th overall - Don Joseph, LHP, Houston

13. Chicago White Sox - select Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast Univ.
          *2009- 23rd overall - Jared Mitchell, OF, LSU
          *2009 - Comp Round A/ 38th overall - Josh Phegley, C, Indiana
          *2009 - 2nd Round/ 61st overall - Trayce Thompson, OF, Santa Margarita HS, Calif.
          *2009- 2nd Round/ 71st overall - David Holmberg, LHP, Port Charlotte (Fla.) HS
          *2009- 3rd Round/ 102nd overall - Bryan Morgado, LHP, Tennessee

14. Milwaukee Brewers - select Dylan Covey, RHP, Maranatha HS

*2009- 26th overall - Eric Arnett, RHP, Indiana Univ.

*2009 - Comp Round A/ 39th overall - Kentrail Davis, CF, Tennessee

*2009 - Comp Round A/ 47th overall - Kyle Heckathorn, RHP, Kennesaw State Univ.

*2009 - 2nd Round/ 73rd overall - Maxwell Walla, RF, Albuquerque (N.M.) Academy

*2009 - 2nd Round/ 74th overall - Cameron Garfield, C, Murrieta Valley HS, Calif.

*2009 - 3rd Round/ 105th overall - Joshua Prince, SS, Tulane

15. Texas Rangers (Purke - unsigned) - select Jake Skole, OF, Blessed Trinity HS (Ga.)

*2009- 14th overall - Matt Purke, LHP, Klein HS, Spring, TX

*2009 - 2nd Round/ 62nd overall - Tom Mendonca, 3B, Fresno State

*2009- 3rd Round/ 93rd overall - Robert Erlin, LHP, Scotts Valley (Calif.) HS

16. Chicago Cubs - select Haden Simpson, RHP, Southern Arkansas Univ.
          *2009 - 31st overall - Brett Jackson, OF, Univ. of California
          *2009 - 2nd Round/ 79th overall - D.J. LeMahieu, INF, LSU
          *2009 - 3rd Round/ 109th overall - Austin Kirk, LHP, Owasso (Okla.) HS

17. Tampa Bay Rays - select Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet HS (Wa.)

*2009- 30th overall - Levon Washington, OF, Buchholz HS, Gainesville, Fla.

*2009- 78th overall - Kenny Diekroeger, SS, Menlo HS, Atherton, Calif.

*2009- 3rd Round/ 108th overall - Todd Glaesmann, CF, Midway HS, Hewitt, TX

18. Los Angeles Angels (Figgins - SEA) - select Kaleb Cowart, 3B, Cook HS (Ga.)
          *2009 - 24th overall - Randal Grichuk, LF, Lamar Cons. HS, Rosenburg, TX
          *2009- 25th overall - Mike Trout, CF, Millville (N.J.) HS
          *2009 - Comp Round A/ 40th overall - Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Santa Monica (Calif.) HS
          *2009 - Comp Round A/42nd overall - Garrett Richards, RHP, Oklahoma
          *2009 - Comp Round A/48th overall - Tyler Kehrer, LHP, Eastern Illinois Univ.
          *2009- 2nd Round/ 80th overall - Patrick Corbin, LHP, Chipola College
          *2009- 3rd Round/ 110th overall - Joshua Spence, LHP, Arizona State

19. Houston Astros (Valverde - DET) - select Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Minooka Community HS.

*2009- Round 2/ 69th overall - Tanner Bushue, RHP, Farina (Ill.) South Central HS

*2009- Round 3/ 100th overall - Telvin Nash, LF, Griffin (Ga.) HS

20. Boston Red Sox (Wagner - ATL) - select Kolbrin Vitek, 2B, Ball State Univ.
          *2009- 28th overall - Reymond Fuentes, CF, Fernanda Callejo HS (P.R.)
          *2009- 2nd Round/ 77th overall - Alex Wilson, RHP, Texas A&M
          *2009- 3rd Round/ 107th overall - David Renfroe, SS, South Panola HS, Batesville, Miss.

21. Minnesota Twins - select Alex Wimmers, RHP, Ohio State Univ.

*2009- 22nd overall - Kyle Gibson, RHP, Univ. of Missouri

*2009 - Comp Round A/ 46th overall - Matt Bashore, LHP, Indiana

*2009- Round 2/ 70th overall - Billy Bullock, RHP, Florida

*2009- Round 3/ 101st overall - Bejamin Tootle, RHP, Jacksonville State

22. Texas Rangers - select Kellin Deglan, C, R.E. Mountain HS, British Columbia
*2009 - Comp Round A/ 44th overall - Tanner Scheppers, RHP, St. Paul Saints

23. Florida Marlins - select Christian Yelich, OF, Westlake HS (Calif.)

*2009- 18th overall - Chad James, LHP, Yukon (Okla.) HS

*2009- 2nd Round/ 66th overall - Bryan Berglund, RHP, Royal HS, Simi Valley, Calif.

*2009- 3rd Round/ 97th overall - Da'Shon Cooper, CF, Edison HS, Fresno, Calif.

24. San Francisco Giants - select Gary Brown, CF, Cal State Fullerton
          *2009- 6th overall - Zack Wheeler, RHP, East Paulding HS, Dallas, Ga.
         * 2009- 2nd Round/ 55th overall - Tommy Joseph, C, Horizon HS, Scottsdale, Ariz.
         * 2009- 3rd Round/ 86th overall - Christopher Dominguez, 3B, Louisville

25. St. Louis Cardinals - select Zack Cox, 3B, Univ. of Arkansas

*2009- 19th overall - Shelby Miller, RHP, Brownwood (TX) HS

*2009- 2nd Round/ 67th overall - Robert Stock, C, USC

*2009- 3rd Round/ 98th overall - Joseph Kelly, RHP, UC Riverside

26. Colorado Rockies - select Kyle Parker, OF, Clemson University
          *2009- 11th overall - Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS, Mission Viejo, Calif.
          *2009- 32nd overall - Tim Wheeler, OF, Sacramento State
          *2009- Comp Round A/34th overall - Rex Brothers, LHP, Lipscomb Univ.
          *2009- 2nd Round/ 59th overall - Nolan Arenado, 3B, El Toro (Calif.) HS
          *2009- 3rd Round/ 90th overall - Benjamin Paulsen, 1B, Clemson

27. Philadelphia Phillies - select Jesse Biddle, LHP, Germantown Friends HS (Phil.)

*2009- 2nd Round/ 75th overall - Kelly Dugan, CF, Notre Dame HS, Sherman Oaks, Calif.

*2009- 3rd Round/ 106th overall - Kyrell Hudson, CF, Evergreen HS, Wash.

28. Los Angeles Dodgers - select Zach Lee, RHP, McKinney HS (TX)
          *2009- Comp Round A/36th overall - Aaron Miller, LHP, Baylor
          *2009- 2nd Round/ 56th overall - Blake Smith, RHP, California
          *2009- 2nd Round/ 65th overall - Garrett Gould, RHP, Maize (Kan.) HS
          *2009- 3rd Round/ 96th overall - Brett Wallach, RHP, Orange Coast College

29. Los Angeles Angels (Lackey - BOS) - select Cam Bedrosian, RHP, East Coweta HS (Ga.)

*see above, #18

30. Los Angeles Angels - select Chevy Clarke, OF, Marietta HS (Ga.)
**see above, #18

31. Tampa Bay Rays (Washington - unsigned) - select Justin O'Conner, C, Cowan HS (In.)

*see above, #17

32. New York Yankees - select Cito Culver, SS, Irondequoit HS (NY)
*2009 - 29th overall - Slade Heathcott, CF, Texas HS, Texarkana, TX

Comp Round A

33. Houston Astros (Valverde - DET) - select Michael Kvasnicka, 3B, Univ. of Minnesota

34. Toronto Blue Jays (Scutaro - BOS) - select Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Barstow HS (Calif.)
35. Atlanta Braves (Gonzalez - BAL) - select Matthew Lipka, SS< McKinney HS (TX)

*2009-1st Round/7th overall- Mike Minor, LHP, Vanderbilt
*2009-3rd Round/ 87th overall - David Hale, RHP, Princeton

36. Boston Red Sox (Bay - NYM) - select Bryce Brentz, OF, Middle Tennessee State Univ.
37. Los Angeles Angels (Lackey - BOS) - select Taylor Lindsey, SS, Desert Mountain HS, Ariz.
38. Toronto Blue Jays (Paxton - unsigned) - select Noah Syndergaard, RHP, Legacy, TX
39. Boston Red Sox (Wagner - ATL) - select Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, Louisiana State Univ.
40. Los Angeles Angels (Figgins - SEA) - select Ryan Bolden, OF, Madison Central HS (Miss.)
41. Toronto Blue Jays (Barajas - NYM) - select Asher Wojciechowski, RHP, The Citadel
42. Tampa Bay Rays (Zaun - MIL) - select Drew Vettleson, OF/RHP, Central Kitsap HS
43. Seattle Mariners (Beltre - BOS) - select Taijuan Walker, RHP, Yucaipa HS

          * 2009- 1st Round/2nd overall - Dustin Ackley, OF, UNC
          *2009- 1st Round/27th overall - Nick Franklin, SS, Lake Brantly HS (Fla.)
          *2009- Comp Round A/33rd overall - Steven Baron, C, John A. Ferguson HS, Miami
         *2009 - 2nd Round/ 51st overall - Rich Poythress, 1B, Georgia
         *2009 - 3rd Round/ 82nd overall - Kyle Seager, 2B, North Carolina

44. Detroit Tigers (Lyon - HOU) - select Nick Castellanos, 3B, Archbishop McCarthy HS
          * 2009-1st Round/9th overall - Jacob Turner, RHP, Westminster Christian Academy, St. Louis
          *2009- 2nd Round/ 58th overall - Andy Oliver, LHP, Oklahoma State
          *2009- 3rd Round/ 89th overall - Wade Gaynor, 3B, Western Kentucky
45. Texas Rangers (Byrd - CHC) - select Luke Jackson, RHP, Calvary Christian Academy
46. St Louis Cardinals (DeRosa - SF) - select Seth Blair, RHP, Arizona State Univ.
47. Colorado Rockies (Marquis - WAS) - select Peter Tago, RHP, Dana Hills HS (Calif.)
48. Detroit Tigers (Rodney - LAA) - select Chance Ruffin, RHP, Univ. of Texas
49. Texas Rangers (I. Rodriguez - WAS) - select Mike Olt, 3B, UConn
50. St Louis Cardinals (Pineiro - LAA) - select Tyrell Jenkins, RHP, Henderson HS

Team Representatives at the MLB Network Live Broadcast Tonight:
ARI: Luis Gonzalez
ATL: Ralph Garr
BAL: Al Bumbry
BOS: Jim Rice (HOF)
CHC: Billy Williams (HOF)
CWS: Jared Mitchell
CIN: Barry Larkin
CLE: Travis Fryman
COL: Dante Bichette
DET: Larry Herndon
FLA: Jack McKeon
HOU: Jeff Bagwell
KC: Joe Randa
LAA: Wally Joyner
LAD: Tommy Lasorda (HOF)
MIL: Gorman Thomas
MIN: Joe McIlvaine
NYM: Mookie Wilson
NYY: Roy White
OAK: Greg Cadaret
PHI: Tyler Green
PIT: John Candelaria
SD: Mark Loretta
SF: Shawon Dunston
SEA: Dave Valle
STL: Mike Matheny
TB: Rocco Baldelli/ Don Zimmer
TEX: Pete O'Brien
TOR: Roberto Alomar
WSH: Davey Johnson
MLB: Frank Robinson (HOF)

Thanks for following all throughout the draft! It was great to see the direction that baseball is going after the first round and compensation round - Expect some deep pitching in the Major Leagues. Maybe another dead ball era is upon us? I hope so. I can definitely stand a few more Perfect Games. This draft also showcased talent from all over America and Canada with great balance and incredible talent around the Nation.

The Baseball Life,
-S

Little Cubs Field

2010-06-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

I was just going through some of the brochures and information packets I received while I made my baseball roadtrip the other day and I found a bright yellow sheet of paper titled "Facts about the Little Cubs Field Project." These are so good, I won't dare spare you all!

Little Cubs Field
Freeport,IL
Facts About The Little Cubs Field Project
(As of May 2010)

1. There are 18,500 bricks in the stadium.
2. All the bricks were donated by Yankee Hill Bricks in Lincoln, Nebraska.
3. Bricklayers Local #6, Rockford, IL spent about 4 months laying all the bricks in 2007 - our cost was $120 in coffee and doughnuts. They have won 2 national awards for Little Cubs Field. They are our heroes.
4. The Adopt-a-Bricklayer program resulted in free hotel rooms and free lunch and dinner for the bricklayers while they worked here. Many came from over 100 miles away.
5. Over 175 companies have iether donated or sharply discounted labor, materials, time and equipment to build Little Cubs Field.
6. The Carpenters Local 790 built the gift shop with no labor costs.
7. Little Cubs Field has the full support of the Chicago Cubs.
8. The Freeport Park District allowed us to lease the land for Little Cubs Field for $1 (for 5 years).
9. About 95% of the skilled and unskilled labor to build the field was donated.
10. To our knowledge, this is the only Little League field in the world especially designed with the entry level (7 and 8 year old) Little Leaguer in mind.
11. 4 other cities in the United States have inquired about building something similiar to replicate their own team's stadium. None have actually done so.
12. There is one piece of ivy from Wrigley Field growing on the outfield wall of Little Cubs Field.
13. Only two people know where it is.
14. There is a penny imbedded halfway into the mortar at the top of the left field wall at Little Cubs Field, as a good luck charm, by the bricklayers.
15. Legend has it that a penny is in a similar place at Wrigley Field. To date, it has not been located.
16. All goats are welcome at Little Cubs Field. One small goat has already visited in October, 2007.
17. Since April, 2008, visitors have averaged about 700 per weekend at Little Cubs Field. These include visitors from 48 states and 27 countries. We estimate 30,000 have visited altogether.
18. The Freeport Little League has games at Litte Cubs Field Monday through Friday at 6pm all summer.
19. This is the coolest baseball field for Little Leaguers ever built. There is an annual Pee Wee Classic tourney for 8 year olds. (Memorial Day weekend in 2010)
20. A major wiffle ball tourney is scheduled here each year, the Freeport Chamber of Commerce Wiffleball Invasion. (August 7, 2010)
21. This is the coolest wiffleball stadium ever built.
22. Bill Murray has purchased a caricature in the centerfield crowd mural.
23. Friends of Little Cubs Field is the non-profit group that operates Little Cubs Field.
24. Donations to the field are a tax deduction as we are a 501c3 non-profit.
25. The field can be reserved for $45 per hour for birthday parties, corporate meetings, reunions, weddings (3 so far), church picnics, team baseball parties, etc.
26. The field is rarely rented for more than 2 straight hours, except for special events.
27. Little Cubs Field has ivy, bricks, grass, dirt, seats, and flags from Wrigley Field.
28. We intend for Little Cubs Field to be a venue where other non-profits can hold fundraisers for their causes.
29. Little Cubs Field was always intended to be the size it is. That is what makes it special.
30. When the bleachers are built, the scores on the bottom part of the scoreboard can be changed manually, via a catwalk that will go under it.
31. Naming rights to the bleachers are available. Talk to us.
32. Having the bleachers named after your corporation will make you the coolest corporation in the world.
33. Marya Veeck, the daughter of Baseball Hall of Famer Bill Veeck, planted the ivy at Little Cubs Field in 2007.
34. Bill Veeck planted the ivy at Wrigley Field in 1937.
35. Dutchie Caray threw out the first pitch for the first Little League game on April 28, 2008.
36. It was a strike.
37. Pete Vonachen, owner of the Peoria Chiefs, and Ryne Sandberg's boss, gave the eulogy at Harry Caray's funeral, and was the catcher of Dutchie's pitch. Pete and Dutchie returned on July 18, 2009 to dedicate the Harry Caray Statue near the first base bleachers.
38. In October, 2007 dirt and grass from Wrigley Field was delivered free to Little Cubs Field. It is spread on the ivy, infield, and near both dugouts.
39. We found window glass, tile, nails, and pieces of beer bottles from the early 1900's in the dirt from Wrigley,
40. The first unofficial home run at Little Cubs Field was hit by Denny Garkey about one hour after the last brick was laid.
41. The first official Little League homerun was hit by an 8 year old from Palatine, IL on June 1, 2008. It is on YouTube. We have his autograph. His name is Scotty.
42. Admission to Little Cubs Field is always free.
43. No one is allowed to leave Little Cubs Field without having fun.
44. 34 features of Wrigley Field have been replicated. (No, not the troughs)
45. You can be part of Little Cubs Field by buying a brick paver (for in front of the gift shop) or a seat plate (displayed by the third base bleachers).
46. Our website is http://www.littlecubsfield.com/ . You can rent the field via our website.
47. No one has ever hit a ball off the scoreboard in a regular game of Little League or wiffleball. (No one has done it at Wrigley either).
48. Visitors have included Lee Smith, Fergie Jenkins, Ron Santo (twice), Jay Johnstone, Dutchie Caray, and Pete Vonachen.
49. If you walk on the field, you become a kid again.
50. The first night game at Wrigley Field was re-enacted 8-8-08 (20th anniversary) and the Cubs won 15-3, after a short fake rain delay.
51. Ty Pennington of Extremem Makeover: Home Edition visited Little Cubs Field on September 17, 2009. He hit 3 homers and pitched to many lucky kids.

The Baseball Life,
-S

Chris Capuano is back!

2010-06-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to the Major Leagues, Cappy!

[Stat's will be added at the end of his outing]

The Baseball Life,

-S

Galarraga and Jim Joyce today

2010-06-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

I can't help but get choked up each time I watch this video. The look on Jim's face... I can't even begin to admire him enough. This man didn't sleep a minute last night and he had the option of skipping the game today, but like us, he loves this game. He is an inspiration and so is Galarraga who has been an absolute blessing to baseball these past 24 hours. I feel that all of us in the baseball world are lucky to be able to witness such passion for the game and for one another through the actions of all involved in this situation.

Oh ya, and here's Galarraga's new ride!

The Baseball Life,
-S

Ken Griffey Jr

2010-06-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

To one of the greatest players ever to take the field, Kenny Griffey Jr you saved baseball in Seattle and you inspired others to play the right way like you did. Thank you for always sharing your incredible career with the fans and being one of the classiest ballplayers in the game.

Video made by a friend on facebook, Jim.

The Baseball Life,
-S

Armando Galarraga

2010-06-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Armando for throwing an amazing game. We all know what happened and we are all entitled to our own thoughts and opinions. When it comes down to it, theres not much to say because actions were taken to try to make up for the missed call that cost Galarraga his 27 out Perfect Game. Jim Joyce admitted he made a mistake and that he should have had the Perfect Game.

So, I'm chalking this one up as E-3* (error on the first base ump) , or at least that's how I would score it if I were at the game!

When it comes down to it, Joyce made a mistake and he apologized. The only one who should be judging this situation is Galarraga and he hugged Joyce and forgave him right away. THAT is baseball. Human error is part of the game, and unfortunately it came at the wrong time. But, Galarraga handled this situation with class. He's in this game for more than just the awards and titles - he's here because he loves it and he was blessed with a God given talent that has provided him with more than he can ever ask for in this lifetime. Yes he is undoubtedly disappointed, but he kept his composure when most of us would have lost it.

I give everyone in this situation the uptmost of my respect, and with his apology I even extend that to Jim Joyce. The call was wrong, plain and simple. But wrong calls get made everyday - not at that magnitude, but they still happen daily. But then again.... who are we to judge the magnitude of a play? Are they all not defining moments that build the history of the game? We forget that this is a game of failure, when we break it all down. It's timing, bat speed, release points, quick feet- you name it. It's a game that uses every inch spared to try to execute on one pitch in a sequence of many without wasting a millesecond of focus.

Joyce deserves respect for admitting he made a mistake. We have to realize that it happens. But you also have to put it into perspective? Yes I was devasted when the wrong call was made and at first I was confused, then angry, even outraged. But, so was Joyce. Have we yet to hear Joe West even remotely sound apologetic, or in that case, has he even cared about tossing Buerhl's last week after he "balked" ? No. He is a villan, not Joyce. Joyce is a respected member in the baseball world, and that world is a very tight nit community. Everyone wishes Joyce could have that moment back, but there are no vile words that will fix the situation.

So let's rejoice in what MADE this game, not the outcome. Average people want to remember only the negative-climatic moment, but they slowly forgot the mere 88 pitches thrown by Galarraga. Instead of focusing what a great game this was by the pitcher and the large strides he made in the baseball world today, the average person will continue to trash talk about the situation, maybe even warranting Joyce's head.

But, I know, that those of you who are here are different. We define The Baseball Life. Like the men on the field, we have this game engrained into our souls. And since this is a game extremely familiar to us, we understand that there are defining moments in each game that highlight the players contributions to the game. We also realize that what Galarraga did today was nothing short of extraordinary, and it needs to be recognised for the effort and execution he possessed through the game as a whole and not just the finish name of it.

A Perfect Game is merely a name given to 9 innings of baseball to help the average fan understand what happened. We don't need to be told what happened. We watched that game and despite it's final title, we know that what Armanda Galarraga did tonight was step into baseball history and record a life changing outing for himself, his team, and Major League Baseball.

The Baseball Life

It's more than just a title of a game.

It's the ability to recognize true perfection on our own.

Do you live The Baseball Life?

-S

Andrus

2010-06-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight I finally got to see my favorite player in the Majors live in action! And in even better luck, I watched him and the Rangers rack up 19 hits against the White Sox at US Cellular Field. It was a great offensive game on both ends, and in the end I was thrilled to finally see Elvis Andrus play short stop in person! Welcome to the future of baseball: Elvis Andrus.

Elvis Andrus is THE BASEBALL LIFE!

TBL,

-S

Baseball Roadtrip!

2010-05-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

Baseball roadtrips are a key experience for any baseball fan, but let me recommend something a little different than what you may be thinking. No, it's not a game following your favorite team on the road - It's a roadtrip to a small town called Dyersville, Iowa to visit the original movie sight of the Field of Dreams.

For any passionate baseball fan, the Field of Dreams is a movie we were mesmorized by as children and even now as adults. It's a movie based on the theory that baseball is more than just a sport...

It's a love. It's a lifestyle.

My sister and I had to drive out to Williamsburg, Iowa for our little cousin's high school graduation party, so we decided to plan a trip to the Field of Dreams on the way there. It was a couple hours out of the way, but completely worth it. We made sure the trip had no subjected time frames rushing us along the way. That we could stop whenever we saw something cool or even just to stick our feet in the Mississippi River. It was a perfect roadtrip... and as I mentioned, we definitely made some pit stops!

Driving along the US-20 highway, we passed by a giant barn with a sign covering the entire eastern side that read, "Little Cubs Field 13 Miles Away." Without even hesitating we agreed that this was a "necessary pit stop," and started looking for the detour signs. It ended up being about 15 minutes down the highway and only a couple miles through the town of Freeport, Illinois. When we walked around the little league replica of Wrigley Field I felt completely overjoyed. It was a direct example of the effect of Major League baseball on America's youth. We couldn't have chosen a better time to stop by the field as it was packed with it's 3rd Annual Pee Wee Classic. This place was so cool to come across and if you have a chance to see it, I would definitely recommend it! I mean, how cool would it be to have played on an almost exact replica of Wrigley when we were kids?! My mom wouldn't have been able to take enough pictures, thats for sure! But, I defintely got some good ones at this visit, so here are some pictures we took of the Little Cubs Field!

Me in front of the welcoming sign for Little Cubs Field!

The front and side views of the stadium. Notice the scoreboard in the second picture!

The front intersection was even honorarily named after the Wrilgey cross streets!

I had to include these, even though it is the bathroom! It was covered in Cubs baseball cards, some of which were signed. Plus, the 8x10 on the white wall is signed from Ron Santo, Pat Hughes and Fergie Jenkins with an inscription that you can see in the second picture!

After the pit stop we got back on route and headed to Dyersville! It was another 2 hours of driving but went by fast. As we got into Dyersville, I actually got a nervous feeling in my stomach. At first I was afraid that it wouldn't live up the expectations I had set on seeing this magical field from the movie that enticed my love for the game. But as we came up to the entrance, all that fear disappeared and I got an extreme case of giddy anxiety! It couldn't have been a better experience and I can't even put into words how much it meant to be able to see this preserved sight. It literally felt like I had stepped into another world. Coming from a bustling city of constant noise, it was surreal to be surrounded by a natural baseball site. At first I didn't know what to do. The site is so simple but it's almost like you're not sure what to do first- sit on the bleachers? kick around the infield dirt? Or even roam the outfield grass?! You almost have to remind yourself to take a step back and just take it all in, which is exactly what I did. It couldn't have been a better day - the sun was shining, kids were playing on the field, parent were unloading coolers and picnic baskets from their cars and everyone was there to be a part of the magic they believed in as a kid watching the movie. It was truly an experience I will forever remember.

The welcoming sign for The Field of Dreams!

The first two views I had of the field and land! The pictures don't do it justice!

The Field of Dream house!

I was completely in my world here, mesmorized by all of it!

I am reviewing my contract to buy the field and land & signing my life away to become the owner... justttt kidddding! I wish, though! Just signing my name in the guest registry =)

In front of the house, commemorating my visit!

No, no... THANK YOU, Dyersville! It was a pleasure!

The only thing I would suggest to others who want to visit the site is to wait until September when the corn stalks are fully grown! I will definitely be going back this September with friends to play baseball on the field and then "disappear" into the corn stalks!

Hope you enjoyed reading & leave a comment if you plan on going or have been there already and want to share your experience! Thank you! For more information on the Field of Dreams movie sight, please visit their website at http://www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com/. (All the pictures are my own, but feel free to save them or pass them along to friends!)

The Baseball Life,

-S

Upcoming Events: Attention Brew Crew Fans!!!

2010-05-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

June 7th, 2010:

The Davey Nelson Celebrity Golf Tournament

Davey is one of the FSN broadcasters for the Milwaukee Brewers as well as a former Major Leaguer for the Indians, Senators, Rangers, and Royals. He is currently filling in for his good friend, Bob Uecker as Bob recovers from heart surgery.

Davey lives and breathes the Baseball Life.

Davey's annual golf outing is very important to him, and us at the Doug Davis Foundation are very proud to support him! His tournament consist's of 18 hole's at the Blackwolf Run Golf Course in Kohler, Wisconsin (right near Milwaukee). Pre-golf events start at 9:30am, shot gun tee off starts at noon, and a fun celebrity filled cocktail/cigar reception closes out a perfect day!

This year, the proceeds from the tournament will go towards Open Arms Home for Children in South Africa, and will also benefit the Brewers Community Foundation.

Who is my favorite of all the celeb's attending, you ask? None other than Kenny Lofton! Other guests will include Robin Yount, Jason Grimsley, Bruce Froemming, and many more! Now if there's a tournament you want to have a good time at (and you don't want to wait until December for the Doug Davis Tourney!) then I would definitely suggest hitting up this one. All the celeb's attending are down to earth, fun, enjoyable, and you will most likely make a friend for life with whomever you get paired up with! Dead serious... these retired players are the absolute best to golf with, and that's coming from first hand experience. I'm not sure if Jon Wardon will be at Davey's (he's at ours every year in December) but I guarantee HE is the celeb you want to be paired up with. I promise you, it will be the best time of your life!

Schedule of Events:

9:30am - Registration

9:45am - Golf Clinic

10:30am - Brunch Buffet

11:15am - Introductions

12:00pm - Shot gun Start

5:00pm - Cocktail/Dinner Reception

7:30pm: Live Auction/Awards

Sponsorships/foursomes are still available. Contact Johanna Perrini at (414) 213-8671 for more information.

I will only post charities that I can personally vouch for. This one is a no doubter, and its run by great people who want nothing more than to support a great cause and they hope to motivate others to give back to those who need it! This cause is very close to Davey's heart and because of that it's a cause close to my heart. If you can, come out and support the cause or just enjoy the day golfing with good people. I promise you, it will be an event to remember forever... =)

The Baseball Life

-S

Phillies new Promo Item

2010-05-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

I did not make this... but I love it. Enjoy and pass along!

TBL,

-S

Field of Dreams - FOR SALE!

2010-05-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

Field of Dreams -193 acres of land-

On the market for $5.4 million

For anyone's who has ever seen the movie, Field of Dreams, you know how important this field is as a symbol of the movie and of our baseball lives. It's a representation of pure, clean baseball and the owners of the field have kept it just that way.

"Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa..."

The Field of Dreams site is a relatively big tourist attraction, out of Dyerville, Iowa and is free to the public, with the opportunity to by souvenirs as a keepsake. They do not rent out the field, in order to keep it sacred to baseball lover's world wide. It's a place where the first words spoken are,

"Welcome to this home, this farm, this baseball field, this little piece of heaven on earth. Welcome to this place where reality mixes with fantasy and dreams can come true."

I'm hoping to get out to Dyersville at the end of this month, on a 3 day trip that will include a visit to Kauffman Stadium and Busch Stadium. My idea behind this trip is to be consumed in a baseball utopia and I couldn't imagine starting off a trip a better way than by visiting the very same field I saw in one of my favorite movies as a child. Field of Dreams, the movie, was one of the reasons baseball became such a huge fixture in my life. To this day, I still get goosebumps watching that movie... and that will never change.

http://www.sellfieldofdreamsmoviesite.com/

(Images are from the official website, www.FieldofDreamsMovieSite.com)

So.... Who wants to go in on this with me? Haha =)

The Baseball Life,

-S

Royals fire Trey Hillman, hire Ned Yost

2010-05-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

This morning I was listening to MLB on XM Radio (channel 175) and they had the Royals, now former manager, Trey Hillman on talking with the hosts of First Pitch. I happened to tune in right after the interview had started, so as I'm driving along the freeway listening to Hillman my mind is skipping around trying to understand what's going on. He's basically doing this interview and giving immense praise towards the Royals organization, front office, players, and especially the genreal manager, Dayton Moore. And the two things running through my head are, one, was this guy just fired? Or, two, did Dayton die??

(Trey Hillman, pictured)

Well, no need to read between the lines anymore. A few hours later, the Royals announced that they have fired Trey and hired former Breweres manager, Ned Yost to take his position.

In the interview Trey talked about the many privledges he's been granted in his life, like working for such great organizations, specifically the Royals. He also said that he never expected to be 12 games below .500 at this point in the season and acknowledged that it was his responsiblity to get these guys to play to their potential/talent. In hindsight, we all should have known what was going to happen. The rumors were flying around, and then this interview made everyone start talking. I think that Hillmen is a good manager, but the entire Royals organization has fallen far from it's glory days in the 80's when they won the World Series in 1985, etc.

(Trey Hillman, pictured)

As Jim Bowden said later today on MLB on XM after the annoucenment, "Unfortunately, you can't fire the 25 guys on the field." I loved that statement. When it comes down to it, it's the guys on the field not getting the job done. You can make trades, change batting orders, etc, but in the end the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the manager. He is in charge of the team that goes out on the field and the result that comes out from his guys. In the end, Trey was appreciative of his stint with the team and he took responsibility for the short comings of the organization.

Best of luck to Trey Hillman, this is definitely not the last we've seen of him.

Video of the official press conference annoucing the change in managers: (Dayton gets choked up, you can tell these two were very close and had a lot of respect for one another)

The Baseball Life,
-S

Chris Capuano

2010-05-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Chris Capuano almost back to the big leagues...

After having his second Tommy John surgery in his career, Brewers starting pitcher, Chris Capuano has significantly progressed in his minor league rehabilitation assignment. Today (5/11/2010), the southpaw was promoted to the Brewers Triple A affiliate, the Nashville Sounds in the Pacific Coast League. Cappy was promoted from the High A Brevard County Manatees in the Florida State League where he made three starts, posted a 2-0 record with a 1.23 earned run average while recording 17 strike outs and no walks. And although he has not pitched in the Majors since 2007, he has shown major steps in coming back and maitaining a healthy career.

Cappy is one of our guys at the Doug Davis Foundation so I like to keep up with any news surrounding those guys. He's a stand up guy who all us who know him will vouch for. He's one of the guys who is always very appreciate of being a part of charity events and contributes a lot to our foundation. Last year's group that golfed with Cappy had a blast and have already rsvp'ed for coming up year.

Best of luck, Chris! We're all hoping for a comeback to the Majors and can't wait to see you at this year's golf outing in December!

TBL,

-S

Information courtesy of http://www.mlb.com/ via this LINK (per Greg H, IL).

Mothers Day/ Pink Bat Day!

2010-05-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

Celebrating Mom's with PINK BAT DAY

To all the mom's out there who make baseball possible for children, this day is for you! Without you, the world would be void of talent, and it would lack of the beauty of this perfect game of infinite possiblies. Thank you to all the mom's who raise their boys and girls to play baseball and carry on this thrilling American pasttime!

To my mother.... I love you! You are the best role model I could ask for and you've taught me so much over the past 23 years. And although I may not thank you enough, just know that the things I do each and every day I do in hopes to make you proud and represent the type of person you raised me to be.

My mother would walk to the ends of the Earth for me, and I know that by the little things she does everyday to prove to me that she loves me and cares about my interests. Mom, I know I have put you through hell over the years with this baseball obsession of mine, but thank you for accepting it!

Driving me to practices & games for 14 years, organizing the choas of travel team softball, sending me cubs stuff in the mail to make my Arizona apartment feel more like home when I was in college-- Surprising me with a life size Kerry Wood cardboard cut out after my team won the Championship in 7th grade... Supporting me this past year as I started this site and for visiting it all the time, even though you have no interest in baseball ....Pulling me out of school to see the Red Sox win their first World Series Championship since 1918 in person at Busch Stadium... THANK YOU!

Mostly though, thank you Mom for teaching me to stand up for what I believe in, to never accept failure as a solution, and for teaching me to always follow my dreams no matter what anyone says. You taught me to be a strong and independent woman, and I would not be who I am today without your advice over the years. I can not thank you enough.

I love you, Mom!

The Baseball Life,

-S

Will Ferrell's MiLB Debut

2010-05-08T21:10:00.001-07:00

Not sure, but this debut may have beat out Starlin's.... just playin' =)
-S

2010 Season in Pictures

2010-04-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

Pictures from some of the MLB games I've attended this season so far (6). Enjoy =)

Monday, April 12th, 2010: Cubs Home Opener vs Brewers

Wrigley Tradition, Bars open at 6am around the stadium! 4-12-2010

The Game Day Crew at the Cubs Home Opener, 4-12-2010

Cubs Players lining up for Opening Ceremonies... Kicking off Wrigley 2010!

Friday, April 16th, 2010: Cubs vs Astros

Another beautiful day at Wrigley, 4-16-2010, Cubs vs Astros

Casey's new (and favorite) T-shirt... Cost $1

Derrek Lee 3 Run Homer!!! Btm 7th when the Cubs put up a 6 spot!

Sunday, April 11th: White Sox vs Twins

Watching Mauer warm up Blackburn in the bullpen!

Blackburn warming up in the pen, 4-11-2010

Michael Cuddyer, one of my all time favorite players!

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010: White Sox vs Rays

David Price getting his warm ups in before the start!

Dioner Navarro pre-game, throwing with Price

View of US Cellular Field from our seats in the bullpen patio

TBL,

-S

Players for the Planet- Earth Day is here!

2010-04-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

Baseball World- It's officially Earth Day and this is your chance to give back to this beautiful world while still keeping it baseball related!

http://www.playersfortheplanet.org/

Cincinatti Red's outfielder, and my friend, Chris Dickerson is the creator of a charity revolution called Players for the Planet. Chris has gone above and beyond to make a difference in this world, and with our support we can help make it an even bigger impact. Visit the site today and get tips on how to live more environmentally friendly and how you can get involved!

"Players for the Planet believes the greening of the world must take place in all types of venues. Thus, the organization has dedicated its resources and the talents of the professional athletes who support its mission to educate all involved in youth, amateur and professional sports on how best to adopt environmental practices that will preserve the playing fields and stadiums where we all enjoy playing and watching sports," -Players For The Planet, About

What will you do to make a difference today?

Clean up garbage you see on the sidewalk, walk/ride your bike to work instead of driving, recycle at work and at home! IT ALL MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE! 1 and a 1/2 years ago at my work I started a recycling project on our baseball turf. It's still there today and still has the signs coworkers and I made to help encourage others to recycle! When it first started, I took home pounds of paper every weekend to recycle on my own until finally we got a recycling system in place at work. The recycling I took home amounted to over 75 lbs, and it was all thanks to everyone who made a conscience effort to simply put used paper in the green container next to the garbage can! That easy.

But, I decided I could do more, as we all could. Normally it takes me an hour to get to work everyday, which is 2 hours of polluting the air daily. To stop that I just leased an apartment RIGHT NEXT to my work and I will be walking/riding my bike to work everyday! I also try to cut back how often I drive to Cubs games, and now have all the Metra train lines practically memorized! It's the little things that honestly make a difference and I urge you to do something, as well. It's not always easy and sometimes requires effort but think of the bigger picture.

Now imagine if we all made an effort! Can you imagine what our world we be like? Acting environmentally friendly not only creates our future generations with a cleaner, more ecofriendly world, but it promotes good will throughout our societies. Cleaning our Earth brings us together, just as ball games do. Together we can conserve the world and promote the good actions of others, and that is why I am so happy and proud to help spread the word about Chris's charity. This truly is a charity run by a man who is entirely dedicated the cause.

Here is a video about e-recycling events Chris will be holding today and Saturday.

Spread the word! Wear a green ribbon or lace today to show that
you support the efforts by Chris Dickerson and the many other Major League baseball players!

Happy Earth Day from The Baseball Life
-S

*Images from www.PlayersForThePlanet.org
*Green Lace image from the GreenLace facebook group

Hilarious Videos

2010-04-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

My friend sent me these videos this morning and I thought I HAD to share them with you! Probably the funniest things I have evey watched before in my life, no lie!

First up, FAU Rain Delay!

And lastly, a little Chan Ho Park action while he's answering to his critics!

Sniper in the bleachers! Sniper in the bleachers! LOL

TBL
-S

Blog Archive

2010-04-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

I've had this blog/site for over a year now and I love looking back at my older entries, not only to see how I've grown as a writer, but to relive the moments that have defined my Baseball Life. Every article I write is written because there is something of value within it that I want to share with the baseball world.

When I visit stadiums and I'm on the flight home writing about it, I'm hoping that my words will be enough to push someone else to do the same. My hope is that others will read my experience and go out and live it themselves. Like when I meet a player and tell the funny and enlightening stories from these guys- all I want is for you to approach that player the next time you come across them at a game and have an experience of your own to share with others. Baseball is a beautiful game, full of people who celebrate together over a common love. So why not share my experiences in hopes that one day I can come across someone else who can say, "Tommy Lasorda told me that story, too!" Or even, "Ian Snell was so funny when I met him, too!"

The reason I have branched out so much with baseball is because I have provide myself with opportunity and I have taken advantage of life, and I turn it into a Baseball Life. Basically, I try not to waste a single moment. I go to every game possible, even if it means rushing from Wrigley Field down I-290 to make it into work without a minute to spare. Never stop moving. Never stop living. Isn't this the reason RedBull was invented?

Memories are everything to me, and I live everyday with the mentality that what I do today should be something worth remembering forever. One day when I'm really, really old and I'm laying on my death bed, I'm certain that the memories racing through my mind behind my closed eyes will be of those from the many sunny afternoons at Wrigley, my frist time walking into PNC and heckling Ian Snell, witnessing Buehrle's no hitter live at The Cell, road trips to St Louis to see the Cubs take on the Cards, starting Cub chants in the bleachers of PetCo Park, watching highlight reels of legends on the Dodger Stadium jumbotron, spending countless rainy nights within the dome of Miller Park, waiting out rain delays for hours on end... the list won't ever end. I'm greatful for each and every moment baseball has given me over the years. And here are some of my favorites that I have written over the past 13 months:

My Very First Blog Entry - Why I started this blog!
Peter Gammons - One of my baseball idols
The World Baseball Classic - My experience interacting with the Korean baseball fans!
Doug Deeds - Prospect Watch for the Cubs (from March 2009)
2009 Marlins - Ever wonder how I could like the Marlins? (Especially since I'm a Cubs fan...)
The Glory of Their Times - A book review about the early days of baseball
Science of Pitching (Stephen Strausburg) - Great info for anyone who wants to know the forces behind a pitch.
My first trip to PNC! - One of the greatest trips of my life
Pat Venditte - I wrote about him before ESPN had a feature about him! Video included.
Jose Canseco- I have some hard words for him, but after his twitter rant today I don't take them back. I did back Manny in this piece, but try to skip past that part, haha.
Elvis Andrus - My fan fest for him started back in 2009
The Greatest Day of My Life, 2004 World Series - no explanation needed.
6 games to start the season - Want to see how I live? Read this, lol
Jackie Robinson Day 2009 - My experience from the game/thoughts
Rick Reilly - Sports Writing that changes lives... What inspires my writing!
Fan Etiquette- One of the funner articles I wrote, feel free to comment with your opinions!
Cubs vs Cards weekend 2009 - good times
Cubs vs Cards, fan rivarly - good article attached from a fellow blogger
Moneyball - The Movie... in the process?
Statistics!!! - My secret love... not really that secret, I suppose.
Walk Up Songs - So much fun writing this one and finding out player's songs!
Sox vs Mariners matchup - A game preview before an early 2009 game

All of the above are from March and April 2009
Click here for May 2009 which includes articles about Bobby Scales and the first time I got to meet Tommy Lasorda!

PS. Kruk just owned Soriano on Baseball Tonight..

TBL,
-S

High School Baseball Spotlight: Mike Foltynewicz

2010-04-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

It's officially baseball season and with that brings me to one of the best parts of spring, or as these kids would call it - second semester!

For high school baseball players around the country, the spring is time to play ball with their classmates while hoping to break out and catch the eye of a scout or get a scholarship for college. This year I have a few cousins playing high school baseball, so I make it a point to go out and support them while they play. One of my cousins is the #1 starting pitcher for Joliet Catholic and I try to go his games as often as possible.

His curve ball is amazing, and not just for a high school senior. And trust me, I am not being biased just because he is family. I think if anything, I've proven that I am very realistic when it comes to judging baseball performance. I give kudos when deserved and I acknowledge when improvement can be made. I try to stay away from negativity though. In my mind, if it's baseball then there is always something positive to say, with the exception of Milton Bradley. Sorry, he's my only complaint in baseball.

Anyways, tomorrow my cousin, Kendall, will be throwing for Joliet Catholic versus Minooka. You can expect 30 scouts to be at the game at JCA.. and it's not for my cousin, unfortunately, although he's had some looks this year, too. Tomorrow, Mike Foltynewicz will be in the spotlight.

Mike is a senior at Minooka who's fastball consistently sits at 94-96mph, while belting homers out of even the deep fences of Joliet Catholic's stadium. He is undoubtedly the #1 prospect out of Illinois, and we should be proud. He's got an incredible head on his shoulder, the confidence of major leaguer, and he is already media savvy.

Here is an interview from the Sun Times on Friday, April 9th, 2010 by Taylor Bell:

You are regarded as the No. 1 baseball prospect in Illinois. What does that say about you? It means a lot to me. There are a lot of great players in Illinois. It is a great honor to be rated as the top player. I think I deserve it. I've worked hard to get where I am now.

Last week, 30 major-league scouts showed up for one of your games. Everyone is interested in me. All I have done has worked out in my favor. In my mind, I was shocked, seeing 30 radar guns behind home plate. They were even watching me when I was warming up. Sure, there is some pressure. But when I go out and do my thing, bear down, pitch like I know I can pitch, it will work out in my favor.

In your first nine games, you are 3-0, your fastball is at 94-96mph and you are hitting .400 with six homers and 24 RBI. Does it get any better than that? Pitching is what I love to do. But I love to hit, too. I like to whatever I can do to help my team win. When I'm pitching, I feel I am in great control of the game. I know what I can do. It gets me excited and pumped up. I feel I have an edge over any batter.

You are committed to Texas, one of the premier college baseball programs in the country. Why Texas? It was my dream school. I grew up liking Texas, since I was 13 and went to see them at the College World Series in Omaha. Augie Garrido was a big influence. I heard stories about what a great coach he is. And Texas has great tradition in baseball.

The major-league draft is in June. How badly do you want to play in Wrigley Field or Yankee Stadium? It's been a dream of mine. I'm hoping I will get a chance to sign. It will have to be a life changing amount of money or a high draft pick. Otherwise, I still have a great school to fall back on.

Coach Jeff Petrovic said he would be "shocked" if you aren't selected in the first three rounds. What is your projection? I'm just excited to see all the scouts showing up at my games. I want to keep my fastball above 90mph for the whole season. The scouts don't like to see a decrease. I'm at 96 now. The don't want to see high 80s. And I want to keep my earned-run average and walks as low as possible.

What do you have that excites the scouts? I have a tremendous amount of competitiveness. I'm one of the most competitive people you'll meet. I have a good mind-set for the game. I'm a leader and I have a great attitude. I have size and a 90 plus fastball. The scouts are looking for that.

Your fastball has been timed at 94-96mph. How badly do you want to throw even faster? Adding a couple of miles per hour would impress the scouts. But I have to stay within myself. All my work in the off season has turned into something good. Last year, I threw only 91-92. In the summer, (pitching coach) Bill Coop [editors note: coach is Bill Copp, misspelled in Chicago Sun Time, -S] worked with me. I changed my motion, strengthened my legs and improved my arm strength.

Are you superstitious? I play drums before a game, ever since I was 8. I also wear Texas shorts under my baseball pants.

If you could pick the brains of one pitcher or one pitching coach, who would it be? Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers. He is one of those people who you want to watch when he is pitching. He has a 98-100mph fastball for nine innings. He also has a sick curveball and a good changeup. When he is on, he is as good as there is. I love to watch him pitch.

What does it take to be a great pitcher? Mental attitude. You've got to want to learn things, to take criticism well, to get better. You must have confidence that you can pitch seven or eight innings strong and know you did your best. You also have to be calm when bad things are happening and be cool under pressure.

Maybe Zambrano could take some notes from this kid!!! He's really seems to have it all together, especially mentally which is not something that is easily taught. Honestly, those were great responses to the interview and probably some of the most confident I've ever heard and its from an 18 year old. Besides pitching, the 6-5, 205 pound Senior can also play first base remember.

If you want to see him head out tomorrow, Monday, April 12th to Joliet Catholic High School at 4:30pm.
I'm not sure if he will be pitching, but my cousin will face him at the plate. If you are coming from the city or suburbs just take I-355 south to I-55 South, exit south on Weber Rd. After that you follow Weber all the way (it turns into another street, I can't remember the name) then you'll see JCA on the left (turn left at Ingrams Rd.) and the ballfield is right there. I won't be there because I'll be in the bleachers at the Cubs Home Opener at Wrigley but I will be at future games, and I'm making it a point to go watch this kid play.

(All images found via google image search)
TBL,
-S

Remembering Nick Adenhart

2010-04-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Remembering Nick Adenhart

LA. Angels - #34
August 24, 1986 - April 9, 2009

Today marks the one year anniversary of the loss of Nick Adenhart. He was taken from us at such a young age, with so much going for him. He had just pitched his breakout game in the Major Leagues and he had just began to attain the dream he's had since he was a child. He pitched the best start of his major league career and hours later his life was taken from him.

Take a minute today to do something today to remember Nick, or to remember anyone in who has left us too early. Remember that you are still here, and use that opportunity to do some good in this world. Your existence on Earth should be lived by doing good- by helping others. There are hundreds of mlb players who run chairties that you can become involved in today. Take today as an opportunity to leave your mark on this world but helping others.

If anything, the loss of life reminds us to appreciate our own. Do something with it.

A must read article about Adenhart: http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/columns/story?id=5065546

Gone, but never Forgotten. We miss you, Nick.
TBL, S

Buehrle's Amzing Flip Play

2010-04-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

No words are necessary. Buehrle is legit.

More pictures from White Sox Opening Day:

Starting the season off right! Opening ceremonies honoring our country!

Game shot: JJ Putz making his White Sox debut

The ladies of our group at opening day!

TBL,

-S

White Sox Home Opener 2010

2010-04-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 5th, 2010

Chicago White Sox Home Opener at US Cellular Field

If you happen to be at the game, come stop by and say hi! I'll be posting in section 164, trying to sneak up as close as possible!

Tailgating starts at 10am when the parking lots open, so look for us around the gate 2 entrance if you want to have a beer with us. I'm hoping to catch batting practice and will tweet as much as possible throughout the day. Remember to follow me on twitter at Twitter.com/TurnTwo34! It should be a nice day... always seems to be sunny and enjoyable for the Sox opener. Then a week later at Cubs home opener we'll probably be stuck in 2 rain delays with freezing winds, hahaa. Wouldn't have it any other way.

It's OFFICIALLY baseball season everyone! Make sure to bookmark The Baseball Life and live your life consumed with baseball, as I clearly plan to do (and have done!).

TBL,

-S