Enter the playoffs and finally some real competition. The Mannheim Tornado's were the third place team in the south however the south is considered the much stronger division in Germany. And I can see why! Mannheim finished quite a few games back from the first place team but they are still a very, very good team.
To start they threw a lefty...nothing over powering, but very good at hitting his spot. Then they brought in a righty power pitcher who I actually didn't think was all to impressive. The lefty went three innings giving up two runs (both scored by Cy) then the righty came in and we scored two more off of him (once by Cy).
As far as pitching goes, every talked about how good their pitching is and how we are finally going to face some real pitching! However I was not one to jump on that bandwagon. I did not hit very well at all, but there is another reason for that. I think the catcher did a very good job at calling pitches. Example...against the lefty, I faced him twice and saw just one curve ball, and surprisingly a couple of change ups. I never see change ups from lefties. However against the righty....I saw just a couple of fastballs and almost all curves. oddly enough, I never saw a change up! I normally don't swing at curve balls until I get to two strike which made it difficult for me because then I would be hitting in the hole almost every at bat. And example of one of my at bats went like this....curve ball for a strike, curve ball for strike two, fast ball up and away for a ball, then another curve ball for a strike which i would then have to swing at. All in all, I put together some very good at bats in both games. I had a couple at bats where I made the pitcher throw around 11 pitches however I never saw a fast ball. I was almost amazed at the other team for not giving in to throwing me fastballs and throwing nothing but curveballs with very, very good control.
We ended up winning the first game 4-3 and Cy had an awesome game. He was 3-4 with three runs scored. he single handedly beat the other team. I on the other hand was 0-4 with a sac bunt and a lot of foul balls.
The second game we just kind of lost the intensity. We lost 10-5 however it was very close until about the 6th inning. I was actually 1-0 until the 6th. Once again we had good at bats however late in the game we had a couple crucial errors defensively then they just ran with the momentum. I don't think we can say much about this game except that we just ran out of steam.
We will meet up with them again next saturday in this best of 5 series. We now have homefield advantage which I normally don't believe in, but they play in such an odd shaped field that I can now say that we have homefield advantage.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
last Game
This was our final game of the season against the Hamburg Steelers. they are on the bottom of the pack so this should've been a simple game. Wait it was a simple game. We won the first game 13-0 and the second game 10-1. It's good to have a game just before we head into the playoffs, that way we keep our skills sharp, however playing a team like this doesn't prepare us that well.
The first game while just 7 innings ( Mercy rule) still lasted 2 and a half hours. Their batters did a really good job of making contact with the ball, but did a horrible job of putting the ball in play. They would foul off pitch after pitch then strike out. Batter after batter would foul off pitch after pitch then strike out. Made for one very, very boring game in the oufield.
I finished the day hitting 4-8 total. I also had a walk and a phantom hit by pitch. Phantom because the ball never hit me, but the umpire told me to take my base. Nice! Cy had a pretty good day as well. he had a lot of action at second and was smooth as always and finished hitting I think 3-8 or something like that. Now its off to the playoffs against Manheim. Well see how we fare since the North division (our division) is considered the weaker division.
The first game while just 7 innings ( Mercy rule) still lasted 2 and a half hours. Their batters did a really good job of making contact with the ball, but did a horrible job of putting the ball in play. They would foul off pitch after pitch then strike out. Batter after batter would foul off pitch after pitch then strike out. Made for one very, very boring game in the oufield.
I finished the day hitting 4-8 total. I also had a walk and a phantom hit by pitch. Phantom because the ball never hit me, but the umpire told me to take my base. Nice! Cy had a pretty good day as well. he had a lot of action at second and was smooth as always and finished hitting I think 3-8 or something like that. Now its off to the playoffs against Manheim. Well see how we fare since the North division (our division) is considered the weaker division.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Cologne
We came out flat in this game which I personally think was a good thing. it woke us up to see that we actually do have to take practice more seriously and that baseball isn't just a game that you can just show up and do well. also, because we came out flat, the game went faster as we didn't score that many runs like normal. Our pitcher for the first game showed up late and was severely drunk, yet threw surprisingly well (considering his circumstances) And we had some bad at bats during in the early part of the game that really set us back. the game was 1-1 until the 5 or 6th inning when we exploded for a bunch of run. We finished the game winning 9-3.
the second game we were on top of our stuff. We were ready with this one and it showed. We had a good pitching performance by our pitcher from the Dominican Republic and some really good, timely hits. We ended up smoking them this game by a score of 10-0 in 7 innings.
I had some bad at bats in the first game going 1-3 with a walk and a hit by pitch. My one hit however was right on target...when i say that I mean I hit a hard ground ball up the middle and it nailed the pitcher on his ankle. I guess i didn't hit it as hard as I thought because he was able to finish the inning, however we did score a bunch of runs that inning as a result. The second game was much better for me. i had really good at bats and took one deep. I hit a ball and actually though I just hit a fly ball. It ended up landing just in front of the fence for a double. We have the biggest field in our division so if i had hit that ball at any other ball park that we've played at, I would've had a homerun! that's luck for me. I finished this game going 2-3 with a walk and a hit by pitch as well. My one out this game was a hard hit line drive to right field.
Cy had a pretty good day as well. I am not sure what he finished off with on the second game but i know he was 2-4 in the first game with a couple of key RBI's. We have one game left in the regular season and then we head to the playoffs in august. Hopefully we can get something good going with practice and everything that'll rolls into the playoffs playing at our best.
the second game we were on top of our stuff. We were ready with this one and it showed. We had a good pitching performance by our pitcher from the Dominican Republic and some really good, timely hits. We ended up smoking them this game by a score of 10-0 in 7 innings.
I had some bad at bats in the first game going 1-3 with a walk and a hit by pitch. My one hit however was right on target...when i say that I mean I hit a hard ground ball up the middle and it nailed the pitcher on his ankle. I guess i didn't hit it as hard as I thought because he was able to finish the inning, however we did score a bunch of runs that inning as a result. The second game was much better for me. i had really good at bats and took one deep. I hit a ball and actually though I just hit a fly ball. It ended up landing just in front of the fence for a double. We have the biggest field in our division so if i had hit that ball at any other ball park that we've played at, I would've had a homerun! that's luck for me. I finished this game going 2-3 with a walk and a hit by pitch as well. My one out this game was a hard hit line drive to right field.
Cy had a pretty good day as well. I am not sure what he finished off with on the second game but i know he was 2-4 in the first game with a couple of key RBI's. We have one game left in the regular season and then we head to the playoffs in august. Hopefully we can get something good going with practice and everything that'll rolls into the playoffs playing at our best.
Horrible Week off
We had a week off the first week of July and it just wasn't a good one. Lets recap some of the things that went on. Our coach gave us the week off and told us to go and travel. Unfortunately we had no money to travel, and on top of that it rained all week. Both me and Cy had some personal issues off the field that really brought us down as well. and to top it all off...Cy had this sweet moutain bike from our coach and one night we went into the city I locked up his bike to my bike and to a pole. We were only in the city for about half an hour and when we came back, His bike was gone! Those bastards even stole my lock....6 bucks down the drain!
Sure enough the next day we went to the weight room and about 20 minutes after we got there, it started to rain, and it didn't let until late in the afternoon. So there we were walking home in the rain, while some guy is at home laughing looking at his new bike and thinking "somebody is walking in the rain because of me!"
Sure enough the next day we went to the weight room and about 20 minutes after we got there, it started to rain, and it didn't let until late in the afternoon. So there we were walking home in the rain, while some guy is at home laughing looking at his new bike and thinking "somebody is walking in the rain because of me!"
Monday, June 30, 2008
Nightmares round 2
Once again we played the Nightmares, and once again it was a nightmare. They are about a two and a half hour drive and given the fact the the European Football championships was on that night, we really wanted to hurry...or just not play! We made up our minds that once we would get 10 runs, everyone would bunt the ball back to the pitcher then just walk back to the dugout just so the game could speed along.
Well of course with batting averages at stake here, nobody did that. We took advantage of the situation and racked up an impressive amount of runs! the first game was 17-4 and we had scored 10 alone in the first inning. come to think of it however, we only had 2 hits in that inning...they just walked everybody. It was really tough to keep your focus in a game like this and luckily for us, we didn't really have to as they somewhat beat themselves.
The second game was worse. It was just embarrassing to be a part of. Outfielders missing balls, infielders just catching a ground ball and not throwing it anywhere. The opposing teams catcher missed two easy flyballs, then proceeded to yell at his team when they made errors. It was just not how baseball should have been. the final score was 36-4 and I believe we set the record for most runs scored in a game. I'm sure everybody on the team had multiple hits it's just a matter of who had the most, or the best average. and I think Cy might have had the most hits, though i haven't seen the entire stats.
One the day, I was a perfect 3-3 with three walks int he first game, and the second games I had some horrible at bats and ended up 2-4 with a walk, a hit by pitch, and two sac fly's. 5-7 on the day is a pretty good number though I wish I could've been 7-7! Cy on the other hand, finished off the day 7-9 with a deep, deep bruise on his right thigh from getting hit by a pitch.
it really wasn't a fair game and was more of a waste of time. however, on the positive side, we did make it home in time for the game....and the team i was routing for, Espana, won!! Viva Espana!
Well of course with batting averages at stake here, nobody did that. We took advantage of the situation and racked up an impressive amount of runs! the first game was 17-4 and we had scored 10 alone in the first inning. come to think of it however, we only had 2 hits in that inning...they just walked everybody. It was really tough to keep your focus in a game like this and luckily for us, we didn't really have to as they somewhat beat themselves.
The second game was worse. It was just embarrassing to be a part of. Outfielders missing balls, infielders just catching a ground ball and not throwing it anywhere. The opposing teams catcher missed two easy flyballs, then proceeded to yell at his team when they made errors. It was just not how baseball should have been. the final score was 36-4 and I believe we set the record for most runs scored in a game. I'm sure everybody on the team had multiple hits it's just a matter of who had the most, or the best average. and I think Cy might have had the most hits, though i haven't seen the entire stats.
One the day, I was a perfect 3-3 with three walks int he first game, and the second games I had some horrible at bats and ended up 2-4 with a walk, a hit by pitch, and two sac fly's. 5-7 on the day is a pretty good number though I wish I could've been 7-7! Cy on the other hand, finished off the day 7-9 with a deep, deep bruise on his right thigh from getting hit by a pitch.
it really wasn't a fair game and was more of a waste of time. however, on the positive side, we did make it home in time for the game....and the team i was routing for, Espana, won!! Viva Espana!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Solingen Alligators
Finally a game worth playing for. #1 vs. #2. The alligators have probably the two best pitchers in the north league and a offensive lineup to match. In the first game they actually threw the weaker of the two pitchers. not sure why but it was definitely to our advantage. We touched this started and the couple of relievers for 8 runs...granted we had some help as what was a pretty good defense made an unthinkable 4 errors. We aren't going to complain though. The final score was 8-4
Second game the Alligators threw the best pitcher in the North league....in fact, last year we won the pitcher of the year award for all of Germany. He's a guy from the Dominican Republic who has been here for so long and now has his German Passport. he is actually a very good pitcher who could be pitching in the states in the minors as he has good control of all his pitches and really knows how to get batters out. Surprisingly for our team we hit him very well, unfortunately we didn't get the hits when it mattered. We out hit them 12 hits to 6 but somehow lost 4-2. It was a tough game with two errors on our part being the deciding factor.
As for me...I had a crappy day...really crappy day. for some reason, my bat could not find the baseball. I guess since I control the bat, then I couldn't seem to hit the baseball. it was tough for me and I don't know why. I went from one week of taking great swings on the ball and hitting every single one hard to a very bad week filled with strikeouts and weak hits. I guess its back to the batting cages for me.
Cy on the other hand had a very good day. He would actually say it wasn't that good of a day however he got on base almost every time he went up. I think he might have gotten out just once or twice. the sad thing is, as many times as he was on base, he only scored once. It was just one of those days for certain players like me that didn't really execute and help out the team. Sorry guys!
Second game the Alligators threw the best pitcher in the North league....in fact, last year we won the pitcher of the year award for all of Germany. He's a guy from the Dominican Republic who has been here for so long and now has his German Passport. he is actually a very good pitcher who could be pitching in the states in the minors as he has good control of all his pitches and really knows how to get batters out. Surprisingly for our team we hit him very well, unfortunately we didn't get the hits when it mattered. We out hit them 12 hits to 6 but somehow lost 4-2. It was a tough game with two errors on our part being the deciding factor.
As for me...I had a crappy day...really crappy day. for some reason, my bat could not find the baseball. I guess since I control the bat, then I couldn't seem to hit the baseball. it was tough for me and I don't know why. I went from one week of taking great swings on the ball and hitting every single one hard to a very bad week filled with strikeouts and weak hits. I guess its back to the batting cages for me.
Cy on the other hand had a very good day. He would actually say it wasn't that good of a day however he got on base almost every time he went up. I think he might have gotten out just once or twice. the sad thing is, as many times as he was on base, he only scored once. It was just one of those days for certain players like me that didn't really execute and help out the team. Sorry guys!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Bonn Capitals
Saturday the 14th of June we played the Bonn Capitals. Surprisingly they are in third place behind us but they are a distant third. We beat them pretty easily winning 9-2 in the first game and 14-1 in the second.
This day was just a really weird day for me however...things just didn't seem to go right. To start off the game my first At Bat, I hit a hard liner back at the pitcher who stuck his glove up and was able to knock the ball down then pick it up and throw me out at first. Normally I would be ok with that but I also broke my bat on the play. I hit it off the end of the bat and unfortunately, the barrel of the bat the flew off ended up flying farther than the ball that I hit!
Later on in the first game, a ball was hit over my head in left field and I had a decent jump on it. It really wasn't a problem to catch this ball however this was a sniper in the trees behind the face and he shot me in my foot! No for real, while running back, I stumbled on something and while I didn't fall, I didn't catch the ball either. You bet I was mad! After coming in, our third baseman, Jendrick, told me he was glad he got to see me make an error because he knows he'll never see it again.
Well, the very next inning i got a low liner in the left center gap. I had a great jump on it and was positive I was going to catch it. It was low so I tried to do a sliding catch, I've done it before so there should be no problem...unfortunately I some how misplayed it and missed it! 2 errors in one game! can you believe that!!!!!!!!!!!
The second game was even worse for me! I got beaned twice, hit the ball hard three times....and got on all three times. But only one was good for a hit. Two were errors. One in particular was upsetting because I drilled a ball deep down the right field line and for some reason, the right fielder was playing me right on the line! However I hit it over his head so he was not able to catch it...it went off his glove for an error! Then to top everything off, a ball was hit down the left field line in foul territory and I was on it. I was going to catch this one too! Unfortunately the stupid grounds keeper at Bonn didn't cut the branches handing over the field.
I'm on the ball and get to spot where it's going to land and I look up and it disappears in the trees. I know its going to come down however I didn't expect it to come down so hard, and to come down right at me! That freakin ball came down and just missed my chin and stung me in the chest!
This game can be so cruel sometimes!
This day was just a really weird day for me however...things just didn't seem to go right. To start off the game my first At Bat, I hit a hard liner back at the pitcher who stuck his glove up and was able to knock the ball down then pick it up and throw me out at first. Normally I would be ok with that but I also broke my bat on the play. I hit it off the end of the bat and unfortunately, the barrel of the bat the flew off ended up flying farther than the ball that I hit!
Later on in the first game, a ball was hit over my head in left field and I had a decent jump on it. It really wasn't a problem to catch this ball however this was a sniper in the trees behind the face and he shot me in my foot! No for real, while running back, I stumbled on something and while I didn't fall, I didn't catch the ball either. You bet I was mad! After coming in, our third baseman, Jendrick, told me he was glad he got to see me make an error because he knows he'll never see it again.
Well, the very next inning i got a low liner in the left center gap. I had a great jump on it and was positive I was going to catch it. It was low so I tried to do a sliding catch, I've done it before so there should be no problem...unfortunately I some how misplayed it and missed it! 2 errors in one game! can you believe that!!!!!!!!!!!
The second game was even worse for me! I got beaned twice, hit the ball hard three times....and got on all three times. But only one was good for a hit. Two were errors. One in particular was upsetting because I drilled a ball deep down the right field line and for some reason, the right fielder was playing me right on the line! However I hit it over his head so he was not able to catch it...it went off his glove for an error! Then to top everything off, a ball was hit down the left field line in foul territory and I was on it. I was going to catch this one too! Unfortunately the stupid grounds keeper at Bonn didn't cut the branches handing over the field.
I'm on the ball and get to spot where it's going to land and I look up and it disappears in the trees. I know its going to come down however I didn't expect it to come down so hard, and to come down right at me! That freakin ball came down and just missed my chin and stung me in the chest!
This game can be so cruel sometimes!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Coming out
So a lot has been going on here in my life recently and some of them are which i cannot explain. I've come here to Germany and had a strange attraction to German men. Something about their big broad physiques made me curious. I will admit that the first time I saw our shortstop, Octavio Medina, I thought he was the most sexiest thing ever! He has this bad boy shaved head, big bulging arms and a wonderful smile. The more I got to know him however, the more he became just a friend to me.
Schumi on the other hand...now he's a different story. He's a big boned guy who at first didn't really attract me but the more I look at him...I just want to hug him. He reminds me of a big sexy teddy bear. With Schumi however, things are different. He's talkative and speaks his mind. His thirst for knowledge is such a turn on and his ability to remember anything at the drop of a dime is hot too! I'm really enjoying my time here as i get to spend more and more time with him in the outfield talking about random things. I wonder if I give him the impression that I like him...I would be really embarrassed if he found out how I really feel. And I'm not going to lie...his big boned body frame, coupled with his amazing quickness and strength is such a turn on! I find myself sitting at my desk during the day day dreaming about him and the way he moves!
However not all Germans are sexy. there is this guy named Red...he's got long girly hair and a big asss schnooze. I cannot stand this guy. He is for some reason always hitting on me and stopping by my room at random times and just not leaving me alone at all. On top of that he speak like he's got game upon game. He's confident which is good, but it seems like he doesn't have a firm grasp on reality. He's loud, he needs to cut his hair, and I think he should chop off part of his nose as well. I feel really bad as i don't want to tell him how I really feel. Really, I think he smells bad, he needs to cut his hair, he needs to get back into the weight room to fix his sloppy physique, and he needs to learn that how he talks isn't going to help him get any play from anybody!
Speaking of play...I was looking through the "archives" at Octavio's house of some of the former players and man ohh man...there is this guy...I think his name was Chris Gannon who is just a freaking real hot cowboy. when I see him...I always hear that song in the background. The song that goes "Save a horse ride a cowboy!" Wew...this boy could saddle me up any day!
Hahahahaha...ok guys...hope you enjoyed reading this and the shout outs. Chris i don't know you, but no I am not gay and yes i have an extreme soft spot for my girl.
Schumi on the other hand...now he's a different story. He's a big boned guy who at first didn't really attract me but the more I look at him...I just want to hug him. He reminds me of a big sexy teddy bear. With Schumi however, things are different. He's talkative and speaks his mind. His thirst for knowledge is such a turn on and his ability to remember anything at the drop of a dime is hot too! I'm really enjoying my time here as i get to spend more and more time with him in the outfield talking about random things. I wonder if I give him the impression that I like him...I would be really embarrassed if he found out how I really feel. And I'm not going to lie...his big boned body frame, coupled with his amazing quickness and strength is such a turn on! I find myself sitting at my desk during the day day dreaming about him and the way he moves!
However not all Germans are sexy. there is this guy named Red...he's got long girly hair and a big asss schnooze. I cannot stand this guy. He is for some reason always hitting on me and stopping by my room at random times and just not leaving me alone at all. On top of that he speak like he's got game upon game. He's confident which is good, but it seems like he doesn't have a firm grasp on reality. He's loud, he needs to cut his hair, and I think he should chop off part of his nose as well. I feel really bad as i don't want to tell him how I really feel. Really, I think he smells bad, he needs to cut his hair, he needs to get back into the weight room to fix his sloppy physique, and he needs to learn that how he talks isn't going to help him get any play from anybody!
Speaking of play...I was looking through the "archives" at Octavio's house of some of the former players and man ohh man...there is this guy...I think his name was Chris Gannon who is just a freaking real hot cowboy. when I see him...I always hear that song in the background. The song that goes "Save a horse ride a cowboy!" Wew...this boy could saddle me up any day!
Hahahahaha...ok guys...hope you enjoyed reading this and the shout outs. Chris i don't know you, but no I am not gay and yes i have an extreme soft spot for my girl.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Hannover #2
Hannover was the first team that me and Cy were allowed to play against - this was the game where i almost took one out. well...I almost had another home run in this game. This time it would have been an in the park home run. I hit a missile to the left center game and was hauling ass around the bases...and go held up at third. After I slowed down to look at the ball I noticed that the shortstop was pretty much in left field just getting the ball. I look right at my coach and he said he didn't want to risk it. I told him that there was no risk...I would've been safe! Ohh well. all in all i had a good day. the first game I was 2-3...the one time I got out I hit a shot to the second baseman and it hit his glove so I got on via an error. Had he missed it, it probably would have rolled in the gap and I might have had an in the park homerun. Our pitcher ended up throwing a no hitter and we ended up winning 13-0. I was 2-3 with a HBP
the second game was much closer for some reason. Actually, it wasn't really close, but just closer. We scored 3 in the first inning but that was it for a while. In the end, we had won the game by a score of 7-0. I was 2-4 in this game.
These games today were particular tough on us...more mentally than anything else. It was sunny, but there was a weird glare over all of padreborn, but it was still hot like an Oven. It was very draining on our bodies to be in sun like that, and on top of that, we are expect to perform....perform at our best when we don't have to and will still win!
the second game was much closer for some reason. Actually, it wasn't really close, but just closer. We scored 3 in the first inning but that was it for a while. In the end, we had won the game by a score of 7-0. I was 2-4 in this game.
These games today were particular tough on us...more mentally than anything else. It was sunny, but there was a weird glare over all of padreborn, but it was still hot like an Oven. It was very draining on our bodies to be in sun like that, and on top of that, we are expect to perform....perform at our best when we don't have to and will still win!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Cup Games
Saturday, June 7th we played a team from Jurich in a cup game. I'm not exactly sure as to how cup games work but they try to model it after soccer matches. The problem is, a 3rd division soccer team is still good and could possibly beat a first team. But for baseball here, a 3rd division team is like a junior high team. So can you now imagine a us playing against a 5th division team!! That's what we were up against. They had a horrible field with an extremely short fence. Unfortunately this games doesn't count at all towards our stats (hence I don't understand them) but we are required to play them anyways.
I think the final score was like 29-0 them...wait...I mean us! And guess what you know who did.....I hit a bomb! I was lucky, I will admit. As mentioned they have a short fence and on a full count I was out in front of a fast ball so I wasn't able to put a full swing on. Luckily for me, I hit it solidly and hit a hard line drive towards center field. As i was jogging to first, the centerfielder stopped with his back against the trees that lined the outfield. I thought for sure he was going to catch it...when all of a sudden he dropped his glove and watched the ball go over his head and hit the trees above him.
Not to be out done...Cy had 2 homeruns! Showoff! All in all...this game was a waste of time seeing as it took us almost 3 hours to get there and we played just one game. But none the less...it allowed me to hit a home run and now I can get back to playing baseball how I normally play it.
I think the final score was like 29-0 them...wait...I mean us! And guess what you know who did.....I hit a bomb! I was lucky, I will admit. As mentioned they have a short fence and on a full count I was out in front of a fast ball so I wasn't able to put a full swing on. Luckily for me, I hit it solidly and hit a hard line drive towards center field. As i was jogging to first, the centerfielder stopped with his back against the trees that lined the outfield. I thought for sure he was going to catch it...when all of a sudden he dropped his glove and watched the ball go over his head and hit the trees above him.
Not to be out done...Cy had 2 homeruns! Showoff! All in all...this game was a waste of time seeing as it took us almost 3 hours to get there and we played just one game. But none the less...it allowed me to hit a home run and now I can get back to playing baseball how I normally play it.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Vs. Dortmund...Rd.2
I guess we've reached the half way point as we are now playing Dortmund the second time. They are an ok team that puts the ball in play, and has decent pitching. However we are a better team with better pitching.
As far as I know, Dortmund is the last place where I could legitimately hit a homerun at so you better believe I wasn't going to bunt the ball today. They have a fairly short porch in right, but they have a high fence which is a problem for me because I don't hit high fly balls often. We ended up winning this game 12-3 or something like that. It was a really long game...it seemed to go by so fast, then we just scored a bunch of runs late in the game and that really drug that game out. I finished off 1-4 scoring a run and having an RBI. I had perfect pitch to hit one out but of course I pulled off of it ever so slightly and hit a fly ball behind home plate which the catcher caught...it had the height though!
The second game as a little bit closer. I had to swallow my pride on this one meaning that instead of going for the home run every single swing, I just limited it to my first two swings until I got to two strike, then if I got that far, I would do what I normally do which is put the ball in play and use my speed. I ended the game 2-4 and almost a third hit if not for the second baseman diving for a ball and robbing me. The crappy part is that the basses were loaded and I hit a ball up the middle, he dove and caught the ball on one bounce and tried to get the runner out at second. Our runner was safe, as was I and so instead of a hit, I got on via fielders choice. Damn! This game ended up being 9-2..i believe.
Another side note...I really do not like a lot of the Americans playing here. I've met a couple cool guys...one who lived in hawaii for some time (military) another who was really young and a nice guy, but most of them believe that they are the sh** and really act like it. It makes me mad because I really think they make the U.S. look bad. The starting pitcher for the second game and the catcher were those typical americans where everything they do is right, and they are never wrong. The catcher kept complaining that every pitch should have been a strike, the pitcher was yelling at his players and the crowd during the game. The catcher ended up being thrown from the game and put on a pretty good show. As a result of his antics, he got a 4 game suspension as opposed to a 1 game suspension. The pitcher was just yelling at his teammates after the game. I don't understand why because it's not like he was perfect...we did score 9 runs off of him! I really hope my kids don't grow up that way because I really don't want to beat my kids.....publicly! haha.
As far as I know, Dortmund is the last place where I could legitimately hit a homerun at so you better believe I wasn't going to bunt the ball today. They have a fairly short porch in right, but they have a high fence which is a problem for me because I don't hit high fly balls often. We ended up winning this game 12-3 or something like that. It was a really long game...it seemed to go by so fast, then we just scored a bunch of runs late in the game and that really drug that game out. I finished off 1-4 scoring a run and having an RBI. I had perfect pitch to hit one out but of course I pulled off of it ever so slightly and hit a fly ball behind home plate which the catcher caught...it had the height though!
The second game as a little bit closer. I had to swallow my pride on this one meaning that instead of going for the home run every single swing, I just limited it to my first two swings until I got to two strike, then if I got that far, I would do what I normally do which is put the ball in play and use my speed. I ended the game 2-4 and almost a third hit if not for the second baseman diving for a ball and robbing me. The crappy part is that the basses were loaded and I hit a ball up the middle, he dove and caught the ball on one bounce and tried to get the runner out at second. Our runner was safe, as was I and so instead of a hit, I got on via fielders choice. Damn! This game ended up being 9-2..i believe.
Another side note...I really do not like a lot of the Americans playing here. I've met a couple cool guys...one who lived in hawaii for some time (military) another who was really young and a nice guy, but most of them believe that they are the sh** and really act like it. It makes me mad because I really think they make the U.S. look bad. The starting pitcher for the second game and the catcher were those typical americans where everything they do is right, and they are never wrong. The catcher kept complaining that every pitch should have been a strike, the pitcher was yelling at his players and the crowd during the game. The catcher ended up being thrown from the game and put on a pretty good show. As a result of his antics, he got a 4 game suspension as opposed to a 1 game suspension. The pitcher was just yelling at his teammates after the game. I don't understand why because it's not like he was perfect...we did score 9 runs off of him! I really hope my kids don't grow up that way because I really don't want to beat my kids.....publicly! haha.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Getting Old
If I had one great fear, it is that of getting old. Being restricted to what I can and cannot do. I grew up running around, spending my time outdoor and being active, however I think it would be extremely hard for me if I were not able to do some of those things. Unfortunately I know that time will come but I didn't realize it would come so soon!
My first sign of old age was when I started putting weight on around my waist. That could be attributed to either old age or just my lack of daily activity that I had been accustomed to. However now, I have a hip pain though I think its more of a hip flexor problem (the muslce). I have had this before, but never for this long!
I also have knee problems now. While they are not sore yet, they are bothersome...mainly when I ride my bike but occasionally when I am running as well.
My throwing shoulder is also a bit sore. I don't recall ever having a sore shoulder in my life so I need to take care of this as I definitely need my shoulder. I need to be able to pick up Rachel and squeeze her when I see her!
Normally pain comes and goes and I'm pretty good with it, however these pains are just hanging out chillin. That's how I now I'm aging. When pain becomes expected, and I begin to notice it in my daily life...like waking up because a sore shoulder really tells me I'm getting up there and now I need to actually watch and take care of myself.
Ohh he cruel life can be!
My first sign of old age was when I started putting weight on around my waist. That could be attributed to either old age or just my lack of daily activity that I had been accustomed to. However now, I have a hip pain though I think its more of a hip flexor problem (the muslce). I have had this before, but never for this long!
I also have knee problems now. While they are not sore yet, they are bothersome...mainly when I ride my bike but occasionally when I am running as well.
My throwing shoulder is also a bit sore. I don't recall ever having a sore shoulder in my life so I need to take care of this as I definitely need my shoulder. I need to be able to pick up Rachel and squeeze her when I see her!
Normally pain comes and goes and I'm pretty good with it, however these pains are just hanging out chillin. That's how I now I'm aging. When pain becomes expected, and I begin to notice it in my daily life...like waking up because a sore shoulder really tells me I'm getting up there and now I need to actually watch and take care of myself.
Ohh he cruel life can be!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Vs. Hambrug
May 25th, we played a team from Hamburg at their field...a 3-4 hour drive depending on traffic. Since we travel in these ridiculously uncomfortable vans, I had the brilliant idea to bring my pillow, hope in the back (trunk) and move all the equipment to one side and fall asleep. Man what a great idea. The floor was dirty, hard, and loud, perfect to sleep on and in all honesty, the trip seemed like it was about 30 minutes long!
Hamburg field was right next to an airport which meant that every 5 minutes a plane would fly above us...so close in fact that I really thought i could throw a ball at a plane and hit it. The Hamburg team was a lot better than their record indicates. They are on the bottom of the division but they got a few guys that can hit, and they play defense pretty well. Unfortunately their pitching is horrible and we won both games.
The first game we won 15-3 and I had a very pleasing 3-5 day at the plate. I took very good swings on the ball and made solid contact. The two times I got out...a deep ball to center, probably my best hit since the first game. The other time, a hard groundball to second. I spent the past week working on my swing trying to find what worked for me at the start of my season last year and I really think I'm getting closer and closer there. I'm seeing the ball well and like my swing, not its just a matter of being consistent.
The second game was much worse though. We still won...5-1 and had a lot of scoring opportunities, we just didn't capitalize. Myself was 0-4 with a walk. I had a total of 5 at bats this game and saw just 4 fast balls. Keep in mind that i went to two strike with every count so i was trying to work my hardest to make him make the mistake. I guess I'm the one that messed up. They threw a left handed pitcher and I guess after my first game, they weren't going to throw me any fast balls. He really wasn't that good of a pitcher...I just always hit ground balls when a curve ball is throw at me. I'm not sure why but that is something that I will be working on. funny thing...I've known this for a long time, since high school however because of the situations I've been in, I've seen mostly fast balls all my life which probably meant that I never developed that swing to hit curve balls. I guess now's the time to learn.
After these games though, I'm still confident with my swing and the curve ball is just a minor tweak which will help me a lot in this league. Lets hope it works
Hamburg field was right next to an airport which meant that every 5 minutes a plane would fly above us...so close in fact that I really thought i could throw a ball at a plane and hit it. The Hamburg team was a lot better than their record indicates. They are on the bottom of the division but they got a few guys that can hit, and they play defense pretty well. Unfortunately their pitching is horrible and we won both games.
The first game we won 15-3 and I had a very pleasing 3-5 day at the plate. I took very good swings on the ball and made solid contact. The two times I got out...a deep ball to center, probably my best hit since the first game. The other time, a hard groundball to second. I spent the past week working on my swing trying to find what worked for me at the start of my season last year and I really think I'm getting closer and closer there. I'm seeing the ball well and like my swing, not its just a matter of being consistent.
The second game was much worse though. We still won...5-1 and had a lot of scoring opportunities, we just didn't capitalize. Myself was 0-4 with a walk. I had a total of 5 at bats this game and saw just 4 fast balls. Keep in mind that i went to two strike with every count so i was trying to work my hardest to make him make the mistake. I guess I'm the one that messed up. They threw a left handed pitcher and I guess after my first game, they weren't going to throw me any fast balls. He really wasn't that good of a pitcher...I just always hit ground balls when a curve ball is throw at me. I'm not sure why but that is something that I will be working on. funny thing...I've known this for a long time, since high school however because of the situations I've been in, I've seen mostly fast balls all my life which probably meant that I never developed that swing to hit curve balls. I guess now's the time to learn.
After these games though, I'm still confident with my swing and the curve ball is just a minor tweak which will help me a lot in this league. Lets hope it works
Race vs. Danicka Patrick
On Saturday, May 24, I went on a trip to Solingen with the youth team that I help coach. Normally I don't go but they were short on coaches so they asked me to join them. I really was not looking forward to the 2 hour drive in the van/bus. Luckily for me, they parents chaperon their kids their personally meaning that we would be going in cars instead of the horrible vans! Also lucky, our team owner, Martin Nixdorf (he may have more money than God) let us use his car. Mitch, the head coach for this youth team does a lot of work with the youth team and drives kids everywhere so Martin was comfortable letting Mitch take his car. Man o man!
Martin drives a BMW 740 which is ridiculously pimped out. He had it specially made for him complete with suede roof linings, Leather panels and seats, wood trip console, DVD, CD, GPS, doors that close themselves, everything man! The back seats don't look like there's not a whole lot of room but what you don't realize is that the seats recline back almost to a 45 degree angle. Man, i could just pass out in there...instead, I passed out in the front seat.
Like all fancy cars, you just have to have the key in your pocket to unlock the door and start it. when you are in a certain range, it opens automatically and locks automatically. Once you start the car, the chairs adjust to Martin's liking, and the steering wheel comes out towards you. What's really cool however is that supposedly there's a refrigerator in there which I haven't seen, but the back seats, not only have TV's but have Tables as well! Amazing!
To go along with this pimped out BMW was an amazing engine. So smooth and quiet, yet very...I mean very powerful. I was asking Mitch all kinds of questions about it and he gave me a test on the way there. Just a small one....coming around a turn going from about 30 kmh to about 100 kmh in a split second. Keep in mind 100 kmh is nothing. While driving on the Autobahn the average speed is anywhere between 120-150. And since we were driving with parents following us, we nicely stayed at about 130 the majority of the way. On the way back however was a different story.
After a quick stop at McDonalds with the team, each family left on their own to drive back. Mitch and I were one of the last ones to leave. We quickly left and proceeded to drive home as quick as possible. I'm talking 250 kmh!!!!!!!!!!!!! English translation - 155 MPH!!!!!!! I'm watching all the other cars in the other lanes as we just blow past them. We were flying past cars that were going above 150 kmh as well. More importantly however is the fact that when some slow poke got in our lane to pass another car, Mitch would have to hit the brake pretty hard and the best thing is...you hardly even knew it. Everything that car did was smooth, from driving to making me comfortable to sleep! Man is it nice to have money and a road where there are no speed limits!
Martin drives a BMW 740 which is ridiculously pimped out. He had it specially made for him complete with suede roof linings, Leather panels and seats, wood trip console, DVD, CD, GPS, doors that close themselves, everything man! The back seats don't look like there's not a whole lot of room but what you don't realize is that the seats recline back almost to a 45 degree angle. Man, i could just pass out in there...instead, I passed out in the front seat.
Like all fancy cars, you just have to have the key in your pocket to unlock the door and start it. when you are in a certain range, it opens automatically and locks automatically. Once you start the car, the chairs adjust to Martin's liking, and the steering wheel comes out towards you. What's really cool however is that supposedly there's a refrigerator in there which I haven't seen, but the back seats, not only have TV's but have Tables as well! Amazing!
To go along with this pimped out BMW was an amazing engine. So smooth and quiet, yet very...I mean very powerful. I was asking Mitch all kinds of questions about it and he gave me a test on the way there. Just a small one....coming around a turn going from about 30 kmh to about 100 kmh in a split second. Keep in mind 100 kmh is nothing. While driving on the Autobahn the average speed is anywhere between 120-150. And since we were driving with parents following us, we nicely stayed at about 130 the majority of the way. On the way back however was a different story.
After a quick stop at McDonalds with the team, each family left on their own to drive back. Mitch and I were one of the last ones to leave. We quickly left and proceeded to drive home as quick as possible. I'm talking 250 kmh!!!!!!!!!!!!! English translation - 155 MPH!!!!!!! I'm watching all the other cars in the other lanes as we just blow past them. We were flying past cars that were going above 150 kmh as well. More importantly however is the fact that when some slow poke got in our lane to pass another car, Mitch would have to hit the brake pretty hard and the best thing is...you hardly even knew it. Everything that car did was smooth, from driving to making me comfortable to sleep! Man is it nice to have money and a road where there are no speed limits!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Vs. Cologne Cardinals
Baseball is a weird sport. At times it can be so good to you, other times it can be so bad, and sometimes just very fickle. Our first game against Cologne, I was 2-4. I hit one ball hard, and it went right at someone. My two hits....one was a blooper...which I was able to turn into a double, the other was a half ass swing right down the left field line for an RBI single. I consider neither one of them a good hit, but it helped the batting average none the less. We ended up winning the first game 12-1. It's sad because you could actually see the other team giving up. One of our guys hit a ball into the right center gap that should have been caught, however the opposing team's outfielders just jogged to the ball, and instead, got a double out of it. Baseball was good to our team, but bad to them.
Second game was a much closer game....in their eyes. In our eyes, nobody really cared. We pretty much went through the entire game have fun, just swinging the bat not really accomplishing anything. Myself in particular as I went 0-4. I hit a couple balls hard, just didn't get rewarded, but I know it just wasn't me playing today. It was almost like I was going through the motions. It was a good reminder for me that I can't take things for granted. Last year in the states, i was into every bat always thinking and focusing. Here, I haven't been the same. Maybe I've been too occupied with the fact that I'm in Germany. I don't know. either way, I need to get it back and the good thing is, I know I can. We won this game 5-1.
I think I can say that Cy is back. We was 1-3 in the first game, and 2 for 4 i believe in the second. He just getting good wood on the ball now and he's getting rewarded for it as well. With him in the lineup doing what I know he can do, we will be stacked.
Second game was a much closer game....in their eyes. In our eyes, nobody really cared. We pretty much went through the entire game have fun, just swinging the bat not really accomplishing anything. Myself in particular as I went 0-4. I hit a couple balls hard, just didn't get rewarded, but I know it just wasn't me playing today. It was almost like I was going through the motions. It was a good reminder for me that I can't take things for granted. Last year in the states, i was into every bat always thinking and focusing. Here, I haven't been the same. Maybe I've been too occupied with the fact that I'm in Germany. I don't know. either way, I need to get it back and the good thing is, I know I can. We won this game 5-1.
I think I can say that Cy is back. We was 1-3 in the first game, and 2 for 4 i believe in the second. He just getting good wood on the ball now and he's getting rewarded for it as well. With him in the lineup doing what I know he can do, we will be stacked.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
New things
We had a bye week last weekend (may 10th) and we return to action tomorrow (18th) for a game against Cologne. Cy and i have face Cologne in Holland with the team from Rouen so we know what to expect. They are a pretty decent team with some decent pitching so it should be a good game. Last week, we spent the basically the entire week just doing conditioning workouts. Mainly playing soccer. I hate soccer....while I do believe it is a hard sport, I do not like sports where you can only use some of your body.
I do not like not being able to use my arms and hands and therefore struggled with the adjustment (the injured guys were playing goalie so i couldn't). By the final day I found my spot. Stay back on defense and do less running, and when someone comes in my area, attack them. If the ball is in my area, just kick the crap out of it. Luckily for me, i know how to kick the ball (not good, but good enough to get it out of my area). So finally we get back to regular training this past tuesday and had some pretty good workouts. Lots of hitting, lots of throwing, lots of fielding...everything. Friday practice was an easy practice. Just hitting. When I was done, Cy and I threw a little bit to loosen up the arm. Our coach comes over and challenges me and Cy to lil soccer match. He and our 2b/3b Jendrick. Keep in mind that everyone in europe plays soccer, and our coach was actually offered a contract to play professionally. He turned it down cause his father was one to push him a lot, and he rebelled and now plays baseball. He's now about 20 times poorer than he could have been!
Anyways, we are getting our butts handed to us as expected when finally i get a ball and clear land to the goal. I could have shot it, but probably would have missed as the ball was on my right side (i'm a lefty) and the goals were about 3 ft wide. I dribble to try to get a little closer when all of a sudden my coach comes from the side and takes the ball away from me. At the same time, he slips and slides right into my ankle. Down for the count. This isn't a good thing, but I felt something kind of pop or click. I think now that it was probably just my ankle joint rubbing against the bone, but at the time, it was pretty scary. I have very lose ankles because I used to injure them all the time when I was younger, so I can usually take ankle injuries pretty well. This one however hurt pretty bad. I was able to walk it off, but needless to say, I think I'll be retiring from soccer. I am still mobile which is good, but it does hurt when I walk. My coached asked if I was ok to play on Sunday, I just told him, I guess i have to hit homeruns now since i can't run!
Speaking of home runs, I changed my hitting style just slightly. I want to get a little more power on my swing so what I'm doing is opening up my front foot when i swing. What I mean by that is when I finish my swing, my toes should be facing the pitcher. I never open up when I swing and my toes always point towards the third base dugout. That's the reason why I'm so good at hitting the ball to the other field, but now, I want to pull the ball, hit it hard, and hit some bombs. So we'll see how that helps. After watching Cy, he does the same thing, and all the good hitters do it as well. so we'll see how that helps. Me and Cy have a bet - the next person to hit a home run gets a 5L mini keg. That's a lot of beer (cheap though), so lets hope I win.
I do not like not being able to use my arms and hands and therefore struggled with the adjustment (the injured guys were playing goalie so i couldn't). By the final day I found my spot. Stay back on defense and do less running, and when someone comes in my area, attack them. If the ball is in my area, just kick the crap out of it. Luckily for me, i know how to kick the ball (not good, but good enough to get it out of my area). So finally we get back to regular training this past tuesday and had some pretty good workouts. Lots of hitting, lots of throwing, lots of fielding...everything. Friday practice was an easy practice. Just hitting. When I was done, Cy and I threw a little bit to loosen up the arm. Our coach comes over and challenges me and Cy to lil soccer match. He and our 2b/3b Jendrick. Keep in mind that everyone in europe plays soccer, and our coach was actually offered a contract to play professionally. He turned it down cause his father was one to push him a lot, and he rebelled and now plays baseball. He's now about 20 times poorer than he could have been!
Anyways, we are getting our butts handed to us as expected when finally i get a ball and clear land to the goal. I could have shot it, but probably would have missed as the ball was on my right side (i'm a lefty) and the goals were about 3 ft wide. I dribble to try to get a little closer when all of a sudden my coach comes from the side and takes the ball away from me. At the same time, he slips and slides right into my ankle. Down for the count. This isn't a good thing, but I felt something kind of pop or click. I think now that it was probably just my ankle joint rubbing against the bone, but at the time, it was pretty scary. I have very lose ankles because I used to injure them all the time when I was younger, so I can usually take ankle injuries pretty well. This one however hurt pretty bad. I was able to walk it off, but needless to say, I think I'll be retiring from soccer. I am still mobile which is good, but it does hurt when I walk. My coached asked if I was ok to play on Sunday, I just told him, I guess i have to hit homeruns now since i can't run!
Speaking of home runs, I changed my hitting style just slightly. I want to get a little more power on my swing so what I'm doing is opening up my front foot when i swing. What I mean by that is when I finish my swing, my toes should be facing the pitcher. I never open up when I swing and my toes always point towards the third base dugout. That's the reason why I'm so good at hitting the ball to the other field, but now, I want to pull the ball, hit it hard, and hit some bombs. So we'll see how that helps. After watching Cy, he does the same thing, and all the good hitters do it as well. so we'll see how that helps. Me and Cy have a bet - the next person to hit a home run gets a 5L mini keg. That's a lot of beer (cheap though), so lets hope I win.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
some pics
I couldn't figure out how to put a link on the side of my blog but I was able to put it in a post so hopefully this will work. I have more pictures to load so check back in a few!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
worst game ever!
We have officially played the worst team in our division! I am not joking, a 15 yr old team in the states would beat these guys! Guess what their mascot is? the 'Nightmares' how appropriate! To make a long story short, nobody played well, we just over matched the opposing team. their starting pitcher was probably 15 yrs old and threw about 55 mph. I was 1-2 with two walks and a sac fly. We ended up winning 20-0.
The second game was just horrible. Nobody was into it, we knew that we had to do just about nothing to win. And that is what we did for the first 4 innings. Not a whole lot of hits, not a whole lot of anything. We finally kicked it in in the 5th and 6th innings to score a bunch of runs. Actually I should say the other team kicked it in as every ground ball that was hit they pretty much kicked around by the other team. No joke, they had more errors than we had hits! Both me and Cy played crappy. It was just too hard all day trying to hit these slow pitchers. I would try to make an adjustment but I just couldn't. Seriously, no joke, from my first at bat in the first game I was trying to adjust to their speed. By my last at bat of the last game I didn't hit a single pitch off the barrel. Every swing I took was off the end of my bat. I finished this game 0-3 and felt like I actually got worse from this game.
Unfortunately for Cy, he did even worse. On the day I was 1-5, Cy was 0-5. You could tell how frustrated he was at the pitching. Even he, who I think is just an amazing hitter, could not adjust to the pitch speed. You could actually see his bat slow down because he was too early! I'm sure he'll say the same thing that he probably got worse from this game. This one is definitely one that we need to forget, but probably will not be able to! Ohh we won 11-0
The second game was just horrible. Nobody was into it, we knew that we had to do just about nothing to win. And that is what we did for the first 4 innings. Not a whole lot of hits, not a whole lot of anything. We finally kicked it in in the 5th and 6th innings to score a bunch of runs. Actually I should say the other team kicked it in as every ground ball that was hit they pretty much kicked around by the other team. No joke, they had more errors than we had hits! Both me and Cy played crappy. It was just too hard all day trying to hit these slow pitchers. I would try to make an adjustment but I just couldn't. Seriously, no joke, from my first at bat in the first game I was trying to adjust to their speed. By my last at bat of the last game I didn't hit a single pitch off the barrel. Every swing I took was off the end of my bat. I finished this game 0-3 and felt like I actually got worse from this game.
Unfortunately for Cy, he did even worse. On the day I was 1-5, Cy was 0-5. You could tell how frustrated he was at the pitching. Even he, who I think is just an amazing hitter, could not adjust to the pitch speed. You could actually see his bat slow down because he was too early! I'm sure he'll say the same thing that he probably got worse from this game. This one is definitely one that we need to forget, but probably will not be able to! Ohh we won 11-0
Best team in the league
Contrary to what you are thinking....I am not referring to the 'Untouchables' We played the Solingen Alligators on May 1st and they are the defending division champs. They also have the best pitcher in the league. He's a guy from the Dominican republic who just recently got his German Passport meaning he is now a German citizen. This game was just hard for us. We lost 5-4 in 10 innings.
Actually i shouldn't say hard, this game was just sad. We had at least four errors which probably cost us the game. It's hard for me to say why its so hard for people over here to do certain things, mainly make adjustments in the game, but I guess all I can say is maybe they are not taught that over here? Our coach tells us to have a plan at the plate, but sometimes, you have to throw the plan out and take what you can get....or sometimes, actually a lot of times, guys just have the wrong plans.
One guys plan is to hit a home run, the next guys plan is to pull the ball, another guys plan is to just hit it out of the infield. Those are not plans, those are goals. A good plan would be I want to get on base via a bunt, or maybe I want to move the runner on second over to third. Or a good plan would be to see how they are pitching you...fastball first pitch away, second pitch will be a fastball high to try and get you to chase then follow that up with a slider. Knowing he will do that, you can say, first pitch, I want go for a homerun. Second pitch I will take, and the third pitch I want to hit it to the opposite field. That is a plan. That is what the team doesn't do.
I finished off the game 2-4...the only guy with multiple hits in that game. As proud as I am of that, I feel worse at the way we lost. It was as if we just didn't want to win, like we were scared to win.
The second game was worse! It wasn't as sick as the first one, but the score was just bad. we lost 11-1. How did we lose this game? Well we just didn't do what we should have done. We didn't hit, we didn't field balls and our pitching was shaky. I was 1-4 with the only RBI. The sad thing is that I would have had the only two RBI's but the runner on third base didn't tag on my shot to left field in my second at bat. He could have scored had he done a handstand to home!
Cy had about 12 million ground balls during the day and he was perfect on each one of them. He looks so smooth playing at short. It almost looks as if he's doing it in slow motion because everything just seems to happen. He is with out a doubt the best defensive shortstop I've seen here in Germany. I'm not just saying that cause he's my boy too. He makes all the plays and makes it look so easy. His hitting right now is in a slump...by that I mean he's not getting the base hits that show in the stats, but he is hitting the ball. He puts it in play and hits it hard most of the time, just maybe right at someone, or a deep fly ball to center. His hits will come soon!
Actually i shouldn't say hard, this game was just sad. We had at least four errors which probably cost us the game. It's hard for me to say why its so hard for people over here to do certain things, mainly make adjustments in the game, but I guess all I can say is maybe they are not taught that over here? Our coach tells us to have a plan at the plate, but sometimes, you have to throw the plan out and take what you can get....or sometimes, actually a lot of times, guys just have the wrong plans.
One guys plan is to hit a home run, the next guys plan is to pull the ball, another guys plan is to just hit it out of the infield. Those are not plans, those are goals. A good plan would be I want to get on base via a bunt, or maybe I want to move the runner on second over to third. Or a good plan would be to see how they are pitching you...fastball first pitch away, second pitch will be a fastball high to try and get you to chase then follow that up with a slider. Knowing he will do that, you can say, first pitch, I want go for a homerun. Second pitch I will take, and the third pitch I want to hit it to the opposite field. That is a plan. That is what the team doesn't do.
I finished off the game 2-4...the only guy with multiple hits in that game. As proud as I am of that, I feel worse at the way we lost. It was as if we just didn't want to win, like we were scared to win.
The second game was worse! It wasn't as sick as the first one, but the score was just bad. we lost 11-1. How did we lose this game? Well we just didn't do what we should have done. We didn't hit, we didn't field balls and our pitching was shaky. I was 1-4 with the only RBI. The sad thing is that I would have had the only two RBI's but the runner on third base didn't tag on my shot to left field in my second at bat. He could have scored had he done a handstand to home!
Cy had about 12 million ground balls during the day and he was perfect on each one of them. He looks so smooth playing at short. It almost looks as if he's doing it in slow motion because everything just seems to happen. He is with out a doubt the best defensive shortstop I've seen here in Germany. I'm not just saying that cause he's my boy too. He makes all the plays and makes it look so easy. His hitting right now is in a slump...by that I mean he's not getting the base hits that show in the stats, but he is hitting the ball. He puts it in play and hits it hard most of the time, just maybe right at someone, or a deep fly ball to center. His hits will come soon!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Vs. Bonn
Sunday April 27, we played against a team from Bonn. Supposedly they were a young team but very promising. They supposedly had a pitcher who threw in the low 90's and plays for the German National team. I guess luckily for us, he broke his hand a couple weeks ago so they had almost no pitching. The first game the threw a slow right handed pitcher and we pretty much struggled because he was so slow for the first two innings - but then we exploded! My first AB, I made sure to hit the ball deep so that I wouldn't be out in front. Unfortunately I took a horrible swing at the ball and grounded out to short. Next AB, making sure I was ready with a good swing, swung to early this time and now I was out in front! I lined out to short. Ok....make the adjustment Gavin. Next AB I was ready. I worked the count to 3-2 and he came at me with a fast ball. WellI hit me a double to Left center. Then I stole my first base of the year, and later scored on a sac fly. I finished off the game hitting 1-4 and we ended up winning 14-2..
The second game Bonn thew a guy from the Dominican Republic. He had good speed with his fastball and had a hard slider but it really didn't break that much. I had much better AB's this game but didn't really get rewarded. I worked the count deep in my first AB and hit a hard groundball to second. They tried to turn a double play on me but what they didn't know is that I only hit into 3 double plays....in my life. sure enough I beat it out. The Dominican didn't make it past the 3 inning and they brought in a relieve who threw in the first game. At the time the score was still 5-1 so i decided to drop a bunt down with a runner on first and no outs. I dropped a perfect bunt down the third baseline and got a hit out of it. Sure enough the rest of the team followed suit and we exploded in this game as well. I finished off hitting 1-3 with a walk, and we won 9-2.
Cy ended up pretty well to if I'm not mistaken. He was pounding ball after ball to deep center field unfortunately we have a big field and some of his balls were caught. But I believe he had three hits for sure. Our next game will be thursday against the defending division champs. Wish us luck!
The second game Bonn thew a guy from the Dominican Republic. He had good speed with his fastball and had a hard slider but it really didn't break that much. I had much better AB's this game but didn't really get rewarded. I worked the count deep in my first AB and hit a hard groundball to second. They tried to turn a double play on me but what they didn't know is that I only hit into 3 double plays....in my life. sure enough I beat it out. The Dominican didn't make it past the 3 inning and they brought in a relieve who threw in the first game. At the time the score was still 5-1 so i decided to drop a bunt down with a runner on first and no outs. I dropped a perfect bunt down the third baseline and got a hit out of it. Sure enough the rest of the team followed suit and we exploded in this game as well. I finished off hitting 1-3 with a walk, and we won 9-2.
Cy ended up pretty well to if I'm not mistaken. He was pounding ball after ball to deep center field unfortunately we have a big field and some of his balls were caught. But I believe he had three hits for sure. Our next game will be thursday against the defending division champs. Wish us luck!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Game 2 - pitching
although i thought I was going to start the second game pitching, I ended up throwing just one inning. At first I was supposed to throw the last three innings. Then it went to the 8th and 9th. Then he said he though I wasn't warm so it ended up being just the ninth. I told him before the 8th that I've been throwing all game so I am warm but he left in the other guy anyways. Bad move....they scored their only run in the 8th! Anyways, I came in in the 9th throwing. My fastball was good with pretty decent movement on it. My curve ball was good with a lot of break and good control but my split finger was not working. My release point was off. Ohh that was just the warm up with not batter and no pressure. Ok...first batter...first pitch fastball right down the middle....he hits a weak ground ball to third base for out number one. Hopefully I can throw two more pitches and get two more outs then be done with it. Batter number two....one wild split finger and 4 fastballs. One just missing, and three of them for strikes for my first strike out in Germany. Next guy, a lefty.....I cant' wait to throw my curve ball! I star him off with a fastball away for a ball, then a fastball on the outside corner for a strike. Then I threw a side arm fastball inside and he foulded it off. one ball and two strike and the catcher calls for a curve ball! I wanted to make this guy look silly. Try to start it right at his head, then as he gets out of the way, have it drop in for a strike. I started it at his face, but it didn't come out of my hand like I thought. I knew it as soon as I released it - that it would hit him in the back. Some curve ball! Runner on first base, next batter I regrouped and made quick work of this next batter. three strikes the last one being a nasty split finger that even had guys on my own team talking. No joke, as soon as it came out of my hand, I knew it would be strike three, and as soon as I finished my motion though the ball was still on its way, I was already starting my walk back to the dugout. One inning pitch, 2 strike outs...not bad!
Game 2
Game two got underway with me in left again and hitting in the 7 spot. The other team was throwing a left handed pitcher from the US. Generally US pitchers dominate in the league because they control their pitches better and the batters here have a hard time "using the whole field" when they hit - meaning hitters here only know how to pull the ball so if you pitch away to them, they don't hit it as well. This lefty pitcher however was not to good. Most of the American's that I've come across here in Europe are all kind of cocky cause they know they are the best on the team. However, they forget to realize that they are only here because they were not good enough to play in the states. Europe is a way for them to get paid to play baseball and for them to do pretty well not because of how good they are, but because of how weak the competition is. This left handed pitcher threw me a curve ball first pitch in my first AB. I turned and showed bunt and pulled back and turned away so the ball wouldn't hit me in the face. I turned back to look at the field and notice that the pitcher was just looking at me and had this smirk on his face. He had won the battle. My purpose in the AB now was to crush his next pitch therefore taking me out of my own batting plan. he threw me a fastball low and away and I foolishly swung at it hitting a hard ground ball to short making an out. I was now more mad at myself than anything. It's ok, I got my payback my next AB. With the count full, he threw me a fast ball and I riffled it right back at him! He got his glove on it preventing damage to his own body however he wasn't able to catch it so i got a hit out of it. My next AB, with a runner on second and two outs and the same pitcher on the mound, i tagged another ball, this time to left field for a single and an RBI. We ended the game winning 9-1 and I was 2-4. Cy beat me in the homerun race with a ball that just cleared the fence in right field. I was a little upset/jealous that I didn't get one of my own, though it should be no surprise. Every time me and Cy play homerun derby in Hawaii, he always beats me. Ohh well, I'm just going to have to go for an in the park homerun if I don't have the power.
Game 1
Our (Cy and Gavin) first game with the team was to be against this team from Hannover. Last year they did not win a single game so it was safe to assume that they were not that good. However this year, they had won one game already! OHHH NOOOO! We show up to the field, and it is a awkward shaped field. It is built on an old soccer field and the right field fence was fairly shallow, but left field extends almost 200 yards. They put up a make shift fence in left field that was about the normal depth of out field fences - 330 feet. Because of the design of the field - a square - centerfield was pretty deep, about 420 feet. the game started, and we surprisingly didn't score any runs the first two innings. Cy hit a deep fly ball to right field, i walked in my first AB as the number 9 batter. Then we started pouring in runs. 2-0, then 6-0. In my third AB I came up with a runner on Second base and was thinking one thing...on the first pitch, hit a homerun! Not my normal thinking, and not the situation to be thinking that, but we had a good lead and I thought this my be my only chance to hit a homerun. I thought to myself...the first two AB's, both of which were walks, he threw me curve balls the first two pitches. I figure because of that, he would throw me a fastball to change it up and maybe change the results. I was looking for one pitch...a fastball middle in. What does he throw...a curve ball. Ok, i step in for the second pitch and was expecting another curve ball figuring he would follow the previous pattern, then he throws me a fastball...middle away for a strike. That was my double pitch meaning if I had swung, I'm about 90% sure I would have hit it in the left center gap and gotten a double. But no, I didn't swing. the count is now 1-1 and I'm certain he's going to throw a curve ball. I step in, expecting that, and he throw me a fastball! Middle in! The pitch that I've been waiting for. But I'm set up for a curve ball so I'm not flying open using all my might. So what happens, i just react to it taking my normal inside out swing and I crushed it! One of the hardest balls I've hit in a while. Had the ball gone down the right field line, it probably would have gone over the big fence they had to protect the cars parked back there. Had the ball just gone 15 feet to the right of where I hit it, it would have been in the trees. Unfortunately I hit it to centerfield. Unfortunately I hit into out number two. Final tally for the game...we won 9-1, I was 1-3 with a double and two walks. One catch in left field and luckily for me, that was the only ball hit to me all game.
License
Here's the scoops...We ditched Belgium for another team, and a better offer. Because of the way we left, the belgium team would not release our players license because we left them in a whole...without two foreign players. After trying to hold our license ransom for the insane amount of 7500Euro's (about $11500) they released it for 3200Euro. It was kind of nice knowing that one team though we were worth $11500...and thats just for playing baseball. However, after several weeks of negotiating, and us telling them that if they don't come down on the price, they won't get any money at all, they had to settle for 3200Euro. Had they not come down, we would have just said oh well and they would have lost out on whatever money they had spent on us. So now they released our license and we are able to play for the Paderborn Untouchables. Check out my other post for updates on the game and everything else.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Update, sort of
As of now, i can't really say whats going on...I'm not too sure what's going on, but in about a week or two, I'll update every one with everything!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
I'm Here!
Ohh man what a trip. A horrible 9 hour flight to O'Hare, then a horrible 7 hour layover, then another 2 hour flight, followed by a 7 hour flight to Brussels, Belgium. Luckily for me, I took a Tylenol PM before the flight to Brussels so I slept practically the whole flight.
I was greeted at the air port by our team president Loui, he's a nice guy with a pro porn mustache. He spoke English much better than I expected and was very talkative. Our host father is a 62 year old widower who's been on his own for about 20 years. He lives in a small apartment, and with the exception of a very, very impressive jazz collection, he have very little things in his house. but he is extremely nice and easy to talk with. He loves to drink and smoke.
We met with a couple of players who were very nice and talkative. We also saw our field which was underwater because of a few days of rain. We Americans get special treatment in the club house, we get free food and drinks. All the other players have to pay! We have a preseason game on Saturday so check back for more then! Aloha
I was greeted at the air port by our team president Loui, he's a nice guy with a pro porn mustache. He spoke English much better than I expected and was very talkative. Our host father is a 62 year old widower who's been on his own for about 20 years. He lives in a small apartment, and with the exception of a very, very impressive jazz collection, he have very little things in his house. but he is extremely nice and easy to talk with. He loves to drink and smoke.
We met with a couple of players who were very nice and talkative. We also saw our field which was underwater because of a few days of rain. We Americans get special treatment in the club house, we get free food and drinks. All the other players have to pay! We have a preseason game on Saturday so check back for more then! Aloha
Thursday, March 6, 2008
pre trip thoughts
I am to leave this island in a little more than 4 days (March 10th) and I will be taking part in the experience of a life. I am excited but a bit nervous as well. I am mainly nervous because I'm going to Belgium as a pitcher, however I am not a pitcher. Couple that with the fact that I haven't been working out because I've been working two jobs. One thing for sure though is that I will get better up there as opposed to last year where I went up and was already at my peak and fell off towards the end of the season.
Let think...I'm going to miss the beach, warm weather, familiar people, local food, mexican food, my family, friends, my dog, my roommate, and of course my girlfriend. She means the world to me. Sometimes I regret going on this trip because of her, but I couldn't turn it down. And more importantly, Rachel never stopped me. She encouraged me and pushed me towards it. She inspires me to change the world.
So am I ready? I don't know. Who cares, its too late now. Nonetheless I am excited to go and look forward to this opportunity of a life time. I will miss a lot of things, but I am looking forward to so many more! a new country, a new culture, different food, more baseball, new climate, and hopefully the opportunity to see a my baby in another country and experience it with her! YAY. Check back for more later!
Monday, February 18, 2008
I will miss you
I originally made this blog spot to tell people about my baseball progress and adventures, but at this point, I'd like to talk a lil about someone very special to me. My baby, Rachel! I just spent the weekend with her and had an absolute blast with her. I miss her so much already! I flew in on valentine's day, she had dinner for me, then the next day she made breakfast for me, and we basically spent the whole weekend together. i never left her side! Unfortunately, time had come for me to depart San Diego and go back to Hawaii to work and try to provide for myself. When will I see my love again? Hopefully for my birthday - in BELGIUM!!!!!!!!!! Rachel, when you read this, I know you are going to try your best to visit me, and i just want you to know that I will be waiting for you and i can't wait to see you again! I can't wait till I hold you in my arms again, look into your eyes, see you smile, and hear that laugh of yours. I love you Rachel and I miss you.
this pitching position is called the stretch. There are a few more mechanical things wrong in this one. I use my body to start the movement which is evident by the rock in my body before I lift my leg. It won't affect my pitching a whole lot but base runners can use that as a timing device when trying to steal. More evident than the other clip, when I lift my right leg, i lean forward a lot. I won't be able to pick a runner off at first, also, I am taking away power from my legs and hips. need to come straight up and start off straight down before moving forward. Need to get a little rock in my back leg (left leg). Bend it slightly and use the built up energy to extend the leg and push off, which will give me more velocity. same thing here with right arm and keeping it in front of me though I think I did a little better job on this one than the last one.
On a good note though: SUNS OUT GUNS OUT!!!
On a good note though: SUNS OUT GUNS OUT!!!
This is a clip of me shot on Wednesday Feb. 13. The good things about this, my tempo (speed) is good as I'm gaining momentum up until I'm releasing the ball.
Lets look at some things to fix, when I raise my right leg, i am leaning into my throw already. Ideally I'd like to stay back a little more as I am taking about from my legs by leaning towards the plate this early. My right arm (glove arm) is flying open. This is ok from the outfield as it helps you pull with you body, but from a pitching stand point, this isn't good. When you open up early, you are not able to release the ball in front of you as is desired. This way, you release it behind your head thus enabling the hitter to pick up the ball earlier. Also, it often makes you release the ball higher, throwing more high pitches. if you keep the arm out in front of you, you will be able to get on top of throw thus throwing the ball down hill/at a downward angle. A downward angle ball has more deception and is harder to hit.
In other news, SUNS OUT, GUNS OUT!!!!!
Lets look at some things to fix, when I raise my right leg, i am leaning into my throw already. Ideally I'd like to stay back a little more as I am taking about from my legs by leaning towards the plate this early. My right arm (glove arm) is flying open. This is ok from the outfield as it helps you pull with you body, but from a pitching stand point, this isn't good. When you open up early, you are not able to release the ball in front of you as is desired. This way, you release it behind your head thus enabling the hitter to pick up the ball earlier. Also, it often makes you release the ball higher, throwing more high pitches. if you keep the arm out in front of you, you will be able to get on top of throw thus throwing the ball down hill/at a downward angle. A downward angle ball has more deception and is harder to hit.
In other news, SUNS OUT, GUNS OUT!!!!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
frustration
Lately I've been getting frustrated with my training. After a pitching session with one of my coaches, we basically revamped my mechanics and changed the way I throw all of my pitches. Problem is, one day isn't good enough to build Muscle Memory. I was banking on pitching for my AJA team however, the past two games....one got canceled, and this past game they didn't use me at all. Its hard also because my throwing partner has his own life that he has to tend to so finding time to work out has been a struggle lately. This means that i have to go back and re-evaluate my schedule. From work to finding time to throw and lift and run. We'll see what happens.
In other news, Barry Bonds was quoted as taking a substance that he thought was flax seed oil, which in reality, ended up being steroids. Well, news to everyone, I am going the same route as Barry. I am taking Flax Seed Oil! However, like Barry, as far as I know it is Flax Seed Oil. It says so on the bottle and on the ingredients. It really is an amazing supplement which can be recommended for many different uses. Hopefully hitting home runs like Barry is one of those uses.
In other news, Barry Bonds was quoted as taking a substance that he thought was flax seed oil, which in reality, ended up being steroids. Well, news to everyone, I am going the same route as Barry. I am taking Flax Seed Oil! However, like Barry, as far as I know it is Flax Seed Oil. It says so on the bottle and on the ingredients. It really is an amazing supplement which can be recommended for many different uses. Hopefully hitting home runs like Barry is one of those uses.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Training
Sad to say that I've been training so hard with baseball since I moved back to hawaii in mid november. However now, because of financial situations, i have to back off on training and try to make some bills! I will attempt to pay my loans while I am off to belgium, however because of lack of stead work with teaching, I had to pick up a second job at DHL...a job which is worked in the afternoon when i usually train. I am now no longer able to throw everyday which is what I just love to do, and can no longer work on my pitching which I really should be focusing on. I will still play AJA which will give me two days a week to throw and pitch and hit, but without that everyday workout, I cannot see myself progressing. That causes me to really worry about my performance in Belgium. As of now, I work, and work, then late at night I go to 24hr and lift and run. I will no doubt be in shape, I just hope I don't lose to much arm strength that I've gained since November, also my release points for my curveball and splitty. As always though, I am confident in my abilities to adjust and rectify situations so i know when i get over there that I will once again take up throwing everyday thus strengthening my arm and regaining my control. We'll see what happens.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Intro
Thank you to the best girlfriend in the world I have this blog to communicate with friends and family like you! I had mentioned to her that i wanted to create a website where I could post pictures and write about how I've been doing, and she mentioned that her friend (Anna Hamilton) had a website with blogspot and was using that to communicate with friends and family about whats going on in her life....or actually, whats going on with her dogs! hahaha! So today, February 2, 2008, instead of going on a hike with my cousins, I stayed in for the majority of the day and created this thing. No I didn't ditch my cousins, God has just been having bladder problems for the past week and has been making it hard for everyone! Well, check back every once in a while and see if I actually post things up on here!
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