Technologically Challenged

Having a web meeting with colleagues in Japan - they can't ever figure out how to get this working. Spend the 1st 20 minutes trying to get their audio to work.

In the Zone

After another really great game last night, OSSS asked me a question on ride back home.

"Do you think I was playing better at 13U or now at 14U this season?"
"I think you are playing awesome all season."
I think I'm playing better now. On 13U, I always felt pressure to do everything or we wouldn't win. On this team, I can just play baseball, no pressure, just rip".

I think he's right. Proud. I. Am.

Mental Toughness

Some got it, some don't. Hard to learn. It is one of life's biggest accomplishments, as it helps you in everything you do.

I have more to say but not right now; you know who you are. Audi.

Mets-Yankees

Always a big rivalry here in the greater metro area. Unbridled passion for baseball makes Mets-Yankees must see. SoulSlam and family and some of OSSS's pals went last night.

Game ended not so good for the Mets. That's what happens when lefty swinging Raul Ibanez gets an 85mph FB from a RHP. Bad pitch. Tie game.

Citifield was packed...with drunks. Lots of finger-pointing and Jersey Shore style taunting for fights. And in the truth is known dept. - SoulSlam hisself had some words with a madras-shorts wearing D-Bag. Harsh words at that. Have another big can of suds big mouth.

Late home, up next day for OSSS 14U Baseball Game. Now I am watching the Evil Empire beat the home team again.

Champeens

Congrats to the megalithic Miami Heat in winning the NBA title. Unlike you haters, I like LeBron. SoulSlam was rooting for OKC, but the Heat played better basketball, and certainly got the calls in G2 and G3.

Champs. South Beach is rocking for sure. At least tonight.

The Grad

OSSS graduated Middle School tonite, along with the kids I remember forever...SoulSlam is bursting with pride. Gold tassle is correct!

It Certainly Does Look One-Sided

When you consider the calls the Heat are getting in the NBA Finals.

JMO

Update

We lost, one of my better players couldn't play due to strep...happens. Boys played their hearts out. Proud of the effort!

So with that I no longer coach any baseball. Strange feeling.

Championship Saturday

My in-town rec team plays for the championship today. I hope we have a great game.

A Couple More In

Truth is truth...I feel pretty defeated right now. I wake up in the middle of the night and start thinking about things and it just doesn't stop.

I haven't really gotten into what happened. A couple of parents complained that I was mean when I spoke to the team. And the guy who runs the program (who I consider a friend) thought the best way to handle the deal was to have a parent meeting. Where I basically got shit-talked for an hour or so.

For 6 years I have given this program all. Now it's over. People can't believe I left. Think that they can run me down and I'll just smile and take it. Adios, muchachos.

On the bright side, I've had a lot of people e-mail or text me in support. Asking me not to leave. I wish the team luck.

A Ton of Bricks

Hitting me today...wow. Didn't know I would be so sad over this.

Thanks to the nice people who made this possible.

Bittersweet

So as I think I said my 13U team has folded; and in deference to a new HC, I will not coach our 11U team this summer. So after six years of being on the field and doing something I really looked forward to, it's over for now. I'll watch my two sons play ball (away from the other parental units) and do my best not to second guess management.

Can't Get There From Here

I'm not even sure you could get from Citi Field (in Queens) to Yankee Stadium (in The Bronx) without some serious mojo. And a bus. And possible the LIRR. So calling this the 'Subway Series' is a bit of a misnomer.

Anyway, you have the mighty Yankees are surging at 31-25 and a half game behind the Rays and Orioles in the AL East. The Mets (who everyone wrote off before season) are at 32-26 and a game and a half out of 1st in the best division in baseball in the early going.

Predictions:
FRIDAY - Santana leads the Mets to the W SATURDAY - Yankees might get this one SUNDAY - Niese takes easy W

Play ball.

El Foldo

The title of this post is not meant to be flip, just meant to be.

So my 13U travel baseball team played their last game today. Team has folded after the spring season; couple of oys leaving to concentrate on HS football, couple just leaving. So we no longer play. That is that.

OSSS will move up to the 14U team...to be honest, I wanted this to happen a few months ago. He is ready to move up. Big time.

2080

Wow. Finally. A NY Met No-Hitter. Against the leagues best offense as well.

SoulSlam was watching from around the 4th inning on...I was with OSSS as he umpired a boys rec game. Came home, grabbed a sammie and a beer and settled in. And watched. 5th inning, 6th inning...pitch count is up there. What do we do.

Around inning 7 I ran upstairs for my Mets sleep-pants. Gotta represent. OSSS came up from man-cave and was all excited. I had to stay cool. Been here before.

8th inning - getting real. What is Terry Collins doing coming out? Just a check it was.

Top 9 - pitch 1, fly ball to Torres in CF. 1 out. Second batter flairs one to LF, #9 grabs it. David Freese up, strike one, strike two and finally strike three!!!!!

I was up and cheering in my living room. Hard to believe.

Johan Santana. No-Hitter. Awesome.