I Am a PLC

Dan (aka Danny815) made me a Parking Lot Clown today. The price I pay for a free lunch.

Damn.

Parking Lot Clowns

The holiday season brings out the most in humanity, including the emergence of the "Parking Lot Clown", hence known as PLC...

In a busy parking lot, the prudent thing to do is make a beeline (aka a straight line) towards your destination. Could be the store you want to return your big floppy shoes to, or the Chrysler K car you drive. In any case...a straight line is best.

The PLC instead prefers to wander across the lot in a diagional, impeding all traffic while they meander and cavort(while staring at the smart-phone) to their row. Or they walk in the middle of the rows of cars (often side by side when with other PLCs). Or they are a senior PLC and drive the clown car...

It was like Ringling Bros. at the mall today...my own bad, I needed to go to the Apple store (yikes!) to get BWSS (beautiful wife of SoulSlam) a new MacBook battery. Anyway, the PLC troopage included somebody who parked in a row (across two cars) with the hazards on...and left the car. It's OK though, they left a 15 year old playing with his Galaxy in the car in case Five-O showed up. Car was there when I entered the mall, and there 15 minutes later when I exited. But he had clown privilege no doubt.

Like Bozo. He's the man. Or should I say clown.

Storm Brewin'

Storm brewin' according to weather-heads all over the tube and the www. Day after Christmas, sitting at work. The only day I am here this week. Then it's another two days off and a weekend. Sweet.

Merry Christmas

Today the day. Not Happy Holiday for you politically correct sorts.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The way it oughta be.

Merry Swish-mas

"Who You Callin' Popeye?"

All good things come to an end...and the NYY fan now says goodbye to Nick Swisher. It's not like you guys needed an outfielder under 35 anyway.

Swish leaves, taking his show with him. He'll be saluting the drunks on Euclid now.

In honor of leaving the team I love to hate, I just started following Swish on twitter. I am follower # 1,638,014. Part of a metropolis I'd say.

Crazy Weather Forecast

Wow. This sure puts the end of days in perspective!!!

Hoops 2013

Whoa! Forgot to update on hoops for 2013. It actually starts in 2012 but that's just a little while. As long as we get past that Mayan calendar thing we are golden.

Coaching YSSS on his 6th grade travel team this season should be fun. These boys won their league championship last season; we added two players to a roster of 12 and we are competing in two leagues this season. Not including the occasional scrimmage or playoffs, we play 30 games. Lots 'O' Hoops!

They played 1st game of season this weekend against a team that had it's issues. We beat them easily; playing D inside the 3-pt arc the whole 2nd half as well as making a minimum of 5 passes before a shot for half the game. Won by 28. Could've been 58 if I was that sort. YSSS finished with 5 pts, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and a blocked shot. No fouls either. Never seen that before. The game was a good opportunity to play boys at the end of the bench if you get my drift.

OSSS is playing for his HS frosh team. Interesting. I have seen a scrimmage and their opener. My opinion is my own; I don't think their coach knows much about basketball. They don't make adjustments (ever) and play a pretty straightforward rec type offense and defense. I hope they get better. OSSS was absent the day before game 1, so he didn't get in until the 2nd half (at least I hope that's the reason...he's better than most of the kids on the team)...finished with 2 pts (1 for 2), 3 assists, 3 rebounds in about 9 minutes on the court. He was one of the more solid players. That's a guy watching basketball talking, not dad.

Adios Dickey

The fence has two sides on this one...those that wanted to keep RA Dickey since he was our best pitcher and a symbol of good on a bad team...and the other side which says trade him and get a million n prospects back.

SoulSlam is somewhere in the middle of the fence. I like RA Dickey. He's gutty, a stand-up guy, the type of guy you root for 100%. But he's 38. Everything tells me that if you can trade a 38YO for a 20-something guy, you do it.

So we say goodbye, pending a finalization by Tuesday. But know this: Travis d'Arnaud is a fine prospect, catcher by trade. We still have no MLB-type outfielders for 2013. Pretty sure we need some.

Early Tree

Here in the House of SoulSlam, which is always geared up this time 'o' year for the Christmas (not "the holidays")...we usually get a tree around 12/15, put up around 12/18 and keep it up. Getting a tree usually involves 3-4 stops at local places that sell these bastions of cheer. And here we go: We usually buy a 10 ft. tree. We only have 8 ft. (or so) ceilings, so I have to get carving.

For whatever reason, BWSS (beautiful wife of SoulSlam) decided we should get tree early. Asked me yesterday afternoon if I wanted to go. "Sure, I'm up for an adventure!"
Anyway we go to one place (where we never buy a tree) and found a 10 ft. specimen within 3 minutes. Bought and paid for, I drove the 1.5 miles home. Put it up this morning. It is a nice tree.

I Was Away But Now I Am Back

That just about says it all doesn't it?

I was in the vicinity of the Windy City...the O'Hare suburbs. For work.
Things I like about Chicago:

Portillo's

10PM shows are on at 9PM

Things I don't like about Chicago:

The Cubs. Actually all their sports teams, with maybe a pass for the Sox

What they do to hot dogs

The fascination with non-dairy creamer

---

Anyways, we are in basketball season around here. OSSS is playing on HS frosh team...I went to a scrimmage today and I'm not sure the coach ever actually played the game. He seems lost. YSSS is playing 6th grade travel. He's a defender first. Gotta shake his nervousness with the ball. He'll come around.

And so you don't think I'm totally off the rez...I ordered a hitting net that will go in my garage attic. Boys can swing all winter. I'll update when it comes in.

"Uhhhh...the salad bar is open!"

Banner Night

So tonight is the official unveiling of last year's championship banner for my travel basketball ninjas. Hoopla, pizza and smiles all around I bet.

This year we've added two players and will play in two leagues. Right now I still look about 8 deep with 4 getting little minutes. That's the reason for two leagues...so everybody can play some this season.

Hoops.

Just Because This Is Funny

I'll bet A-Rod is laughing his A-SS off.

Got Something (W)right

After all the blather about sign-him/trade-him, the NY Mets have inked David Wright to a long-term contract...reportedly around 8 years, $138MM. That includes this upcoming option year.

So all you naysayers and Yankee fans can stop with the whole "too much" argument. The Mets will make back that cabbage in #5 Jerseys and Mrs. Wright t-shirts. For the Mets fan, it's finally a commitment to doing something that the fans want. And while you can't build a team around fans' wishes, you have to draw them to your ballpark and get them jacked about your team. That wasn't happening putting a AA infielder or utility guy in the lineup. That's already the OF situation.

On to Dickey. Then maybe somebody who can play OF. Or catcher.

Goodbye Van

After getting some calls and meeting the most interesting people in my quest to sell the Baseball van, I met a really nice guy tonight who looked at it, drove it, and bought it. For the asking price.

Why can't everybody be like this guy.

So the van has left. I am a little sad. But it's done. Time to move on.

And Now For Something Completely Different

So the Baseball Van is up on craigslist awaiting some new owner. Got a bunch of calls and texts pretty quick. One guy would appear to be in the Russian Mob, while I exchanged texts this AM with "Mike".

First "Mike" (who OSSS said looked like Dracula) asked if I would come down to his neck of the woods, about 50 minutes away. Uhhh, no.

Then he asked some stuff. If you know me (and you all know you want to), you know I am honest and fair, almost to a fault. Told him it had a little dentage in the back and the wear and tear of a 10 year old minivan that was used to haul kids to every sporting event known to man. What was best price for cash? Gave him a fair number.

Asked that I not show to anyone else so he could take a ride up. OK. 'Meet you at noon' I say.

Now, my BAD-A team of 6th graders had a practice so I asked "Mike" to meet me there. He calls me at 11:40 or so to ask me again if I was wasting his time. Told him that I guess that depends on whose perspective we are using.

"Mike" shows and takes a look and look. Says that these vans start to go at 120K miles, which I retort "since it has 82K on the ODO I guess we ok. Checks the engine with an important look at the dipstick. Gives me a couple of head gasket tips. Thanks.

So here we go. He puts down the prop bar for the hood in wrong spot. Then closes hood. Now the hood is stuck in a really bad position. He asks if this has ever happened before. I tell him that only when he did it. I get unstuck. Show him that he laid prop bar right in closing mechanism. He says it must have "jumped up".

So here's my question "Mike": If you can't close a hood properly, do you think I have any confidence that you knwo anything about engines.

Anyway, I guess "Mike" thought I would drop my drawers on the van and offered me about 25% less that what I said. Have a nice ride home "Mike"!

The Politics of Turkey

Not the geo-political issues that plaque that Mideast country but the all important "how ya cooking it?".

First let me say this; I am not the biggest fan of turkey. If I could find a 20lb. chicken I think I'd cook that instead. It would undoubtedly require a tremendous beer can. But turkey it is.

The traditional route is to drop it in a pan and put it in the oven. Old-school purist turkey cooking.
Next up is the old deep-fryer, Larry the Cable Guy way of cooking a bird. Every year you hear happy stories of yahoos getting 3rd degree burns from fryin' and drinkin'. Nice.
My way, the SoulSlam way, is too use my Weber grill (I have the Cadillac of grills). A little indirect method of cooking and the victim comes out moist and juicy.

It also is the perfect place to grill my loin of pork as well...because turkey is just OK.

Last way...drive to the local sit-down restaurant and eat. Easy yes, but no leftovers to enjoy.

Van for Sale

So after a multi-year partnership, my 2003 Chevy Venture will be cleaned and posted for sale this weekend. The "baseball van" as I like to call it drove me and my family (mostly my boys) to games far and near. It was a trusty mode of transport.

Tomorrow I will gather all the sports equipment, CDs, and assorted stuff and make it zippy. Remove the last of the window decals. And put the sign in. $3000 and it's yours.

So you know, I now drive a 2005 Chevy Tahoe. I think I'll limit the sports equipment at this point. Boys getting older and everything.

Like a Ghost

That's me. With regards to this portal of integrity and truth. I apologize.

After the long power outage, where I tweeted a million angry words (140 characters at a shot) I have barely typed. I must be in a low phase.

But now on to the interesting stuff...I got a haircut (after 16 weeks, I've changed my go-to brand of suds to Landshark, basketball practices have finally started, we got a new (pre-owned) Lincoln MKX. That's all right now.

Too Good To be True

SoulSlam family just called me at work to tell me power is on...not sure if they are messing with me or not.

Fingers-crossed. Again.

Now on Day 8

You read that correctly...day 8 with no power.

I don't live in the backwoods. Or an island. I live in one of the most populated counties in NJ. And we have...no power.

Not really sleeping much, even though I'm in bed by 9PM. Got a bit of a cough starting and the stress of not knowing when this will end is giving me eye tics. On the plus side I think I lost a couple of lbs. since I have very little appetite. I have curbed the casual drinking because I think that once I start I won't want to stop.

For the record - JCP&L and FirstEnergy suck.

Day 4.5

So power went out at 8PM or so on Monday October 29. Today is Friday November 2. Still nada.

Hope Medieval times don't become panic times.

Medieval Times

Fitting...even though we live in an age of electronica and technology, we've just passed day 3 of no power - no kidding.

The information from the power co. In my parts, aka JCP&L, a First Energy Company is pathetic. Their website is just a pander, they may be out and about...but must be using the invisible trucks since I haven't seen one yet. Latest is 'within 7 days' we hope to get everyone back up and running. Utter BS.

So right now I sit in the dark figuring out where to go tomorrow for gas for the generator. Things are pretty effed up if you ask me. These utilities and their decisions have to be questioned and scrutinized. Why do we still have cables on poles? Wouldn't it make more sense to bury these lines. It would, except the cost would cut into profits. Can't have that.

I Thought We Had Until December 21?

This is one massive storm. My PC says so.

Sitting here at work (we don't believe in silly things like states of emergency). Got the Weather Channel streaming. It's one big HOLY CRAP!

Weather Doom

Last year, we were slammed, and I mean slammed, by Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. Water
water everywhere. No place to go. Luckily we never really lost power, but the shit-pocalypse in my basement bathroom was certainly no fun. And many friends and neighbors had it worse than the House of SoulSlam.

So now we wait and wait for Sandy. All the weather-heads are showing computer models and trying to predict where it lands. Looks like it will be somewhat south of us, but that doesn't mean we won't feel the effects. A really dry summer may save us.

So all the stuff is put away in the garage, and we wait...and wait. YSSS is supposed to have a football game tomorrow afternoon...surprised if that actually happens.

Agonizing.

Happy Happy #5

YSSS turns 12 today. Wow. He's my pal, makes me laugh, and is 1/2 of my pride and joy.

Happy Birthday Bro

#SFGiants

Hashtag alert!!!!

SF Giants win #NLCS and go to play #Tigers in #WorldSeries. #Postseason.

#RallyZITO gets 'em going and they take it all over #Cardinals.

#Wow.

'Do you think anybody will mistake us for Faith No More?'

True

In the movie Moneyball, Billy Beane (as played by the immortal Brad Pitt) says to Art Howe (an even more immortal Philip Seymour Hoffman)"it only matters if you win the last game of the season".

Or something like that.

Yankees didn't win last game of season. Now it looks like Bronx Zoo 2012 will be the off-season.

Welcome to the misery that the Mets faithful endure every year.

Walking Dead And Running Around

Walking Dead marathon leading up to season premiere...fantasy football (and real football), game 1 of NLCS. And tryouts for my 6th grade travel basketball team tonight. Busy. PS - DJ#2 down. Actually sorry to see that. Get better.

Long

Sitting in a seven hour meeting today at work...ponderous.

Looks like a funeral directors convention.

I Tweet Therefore I Am

My posts at this nightclub have gone waaaaaayyyyyy down...but my illicit joy is now on twitter. @soulslam55 is me. I'll be around for awhile though, so check back regular-like.

Memo to Sandy

2012 NY Mets Season over. In case you were in a deep slumber, they sucked. 74-88 record. Only saving grace was that the Miami Marlins sucked even worse.

1. Resign David Wright. Nothing to discuss.
2. Get some real outfielders. The team looked like a 4th (or 5th) outfielder convention this season.
3. Get a closer that can close. Frank F. is not it. Does anyone remember Armando Benitez.
4. Make some trades: Murphy, Valdespin, Bay (if humanly possible). Gotta go.
5. Stop the whole we are waiting to spend in the future crap. Oakland A's. $49MM. In the playoffs.
6. Take a good look at Wheeler this spring. At least our pitching staff looks OK.
7. RA Dickey. Brightspot. Lock him up for another 3-4. He throws a knuckleball. That will last for another few.
8. Get a catcher. One that can hit. Josh Thole is a nice kid. Perfect back-up. Need a real catcher. Mike Napoli will look good in a Mets uniform.
9. Can we stop accepting mediocrity.
10. Short leash on Terry Collins. Team's failure after the All-Star Break is his failure. Don't care what anyone says. He has to motivate and get best out of team.

Out.

SoulSlam

Definition

What do you call the act of doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result that never comes?

I call that the coaching on YSSS's football team.

Sometimes You Gotta Leave

OSSS has decided he does not want to play with daddy-ball club team any longer. Can't say I blame him.

BWSS (Beautiful Wife of SoulSlam) says it has a lot to do with it not being as structured as our local program (which was no daddy-ball, at least at the levels I was involved in).

Can't help but feel I kind of pushed him into something he was not really wanting to do. Oh, well. On the plus, he's attending pre-season workouts with HS squad. Lots of running. Good stuff.

My weekends have certainly freed up.

Far and Away

So this club team (jury's still out on daddy-ball part) cancelled last night's practice, saying it's rained out. Trouble is it hasn't rained since Tuesday. So instead we have a practice at 3PM in Jersey City!

Now I know you don't know where SoulSlam is in relation to JC. Mapquest tells me about 22 miles. And these aren't straight miles. Oh well.

Game tomorrow - let's see.

YSSS has a bye week in football. No B Squad in Little Falls. Team gets a 2-0 W. That makes them 1-2 on season. They play a pretty good squad with the oddest offense in history next week.

Comfort in the DS

Evenings: I drive the Sons of SoulSlam to there sporting endeavors and hang. Getting used to sitting on the drivers seat and listening to the AM dial. As we speak I'm at OSSS' HS for a fall baseball Captains practice. First night. It's 8:32. I guess this is the next 7 years of my life.

Wouldn't trade.

Sports Update

YSSS' football team played 2nd game of season, another loss. He's getting some playing time, not starting...I tell him that when he gets in to make the most of it and play hard. The coaches are nice guys. Let's keep it at that.

OSSS' fall (club) baseball team played game 1 yesterday, a 6-5 loss. He started on bench (new guy?) then came in and played RF for about 5 innings. Batted 7th. Went 1-2 with an RBI single, two BB, scored a run. Solid day. I'm thinking this is a daddy-ball operation based on the lineup. We'll see...

Juggernaut

My Fantasy Football Team is a missile!!!! Here's what you need to know:

Arien Foster

Adrian Peterson

Tony Romo

Rob Gronkowski

Reggie Wayne

Matt Bryant

Demaryious Thomas

I absolutely shellacked my week 1 opponent. Peterson was just sitting there, undrafted in rd 5. Mine. He even sat my bench last week and I crushed.

I am. Winning!

Sunday

Well yesterday's storms have put a crimp on baseball...opening game ppd. Football later w/ YSSS.

Rain Delays

Coming down pretty hard round these parts...opening day of football postponed until tomorrow. Fall baseball tomorrow as well. Gonna be a busy.

I'm watching The Baberight now. Never saw it, even though it's 20 years out. I think the Director of Continuity and Historical Accuracy was AWOL throughout.

Day 1 Again

Now it's day 1 of 6TH GRADE for YSSS. He's a comedian.

Tell your jokes in school Sonny!

Day 1

of HS for OSSS. (Short) Bus just picked him up...away he goes. Forgot his lunch. Good thing I gave him a finbar ($5). Good luck Bro. SoulSlam is mighty proud.

Happy Labor Day

!

Hello September

Wow. Year 2012 is flying by. Hopefully 12/21/2012 is not a reality. I would hate for the end to go by so quick.

My blogging has slowed somewhat. My twitter is busting at the seams. Oh, well.

Sons of SoulSlam updates:

YSSS is going into grade 6; playing football. He's still fairly new to the sport. Fingers crossed he gets some good playing time this season. Scrimmaged the other night and he recovered a fumble (on D) and played really well.

OSSS is entering HS. Not the local school, he made the grade to enter the Academy of Law and Public Safety, which brings him to another HS. He's playing fall ball for the first time, made a club-level 16U team (as a 13U eligible player).

Otherwise it's end of summer feeling. Hitting a party hosted by the king of parties later. Adios. For now.

Returned

Back in NJ, back in the office.

Film at 11.

Off the Air

For all you Loyal listeners of the DJ of this B-L-O-G, I is on the vacation. South Carolina. Drove like a long hail trucker to get here.

Hit ya on the upside.

Survived

The 12 hour day at MetLife...I even downloaded a song afterwards.

Gotta get me one of these...

Goin' Country

Heading to a big country music extravaganza with some guy named Tim and a short guy named Kenny later...I'll bring the dip. Chew I mean.

Snooze Alarm

Must have hot the old button on this incredible work of literature blog after last weekend. Back. I. Am.

The trip: Nice weekend for e and my boys. Went to the National (for us insiders) and the boys picked up some nice cards...then drove to DC for some sightseeing Saturday night before the game on Sunday. Walked (in 90+ heat) to the monuments, I have been there 2x before (once as a kid) so I knew what they looked like. The Washington Monument is closed due to the earthquake a while back.

Sunday...after a vastly expensive trip the lobby Starbucks (the coffee sucks), we got a move on. See the Nats had Mike Morse bobblehead day and we saw that they have Signature Sunday. My troops are nutting about the autos so we leave the hotel around 10:15 to drive 2 miles or so. Take a spin past the Capitol Building and then head towards the park.

Now, not knowing my way around and checking up on-line I discovered that parking is at a premium there (like all of DC). So I pre-paid $40 or so for a prime spot in parking lot B which happened to be attached to the park. Nice. Except...
we get there at 10:40 or so and the lot is CLOSED! Park opens at 11AM so I am a little confused here. In NYC this never happens. Lots are open for beez-ness at the crack of dawn!!!

Anyway we sit in a medium line and they open at 11AM. But the line to get in the CF entrance (the only one open) is about 4 blocks long. Crap. We park, go down a flight and find ourselves in our own little alcove with a private entrance (and bobbleheads) into the park. Sweet.

Anyway, after an interminable wait the boys get a trusty Tom Gorzelanny auto (i brought balls and blue sharpie), we eat a dog, and get our seats on field level. Just outside the shade, so the beaming sun and 95 degree heat was awesome. Nats won, Strasburg was a machine, Harper shattered a bat ON homeplate and all was good. Bad storms all the way on the ride home which took over 5 hours. Roadtrip 2012 concluded. Next year is Pittsburgh and Cleveland if we can swing it.

PS - Teddy lost the President's race again.Has never won. That's some losing streak.

Roadtrip!

SoulSlam and the boys are taking a roadtrip this weekend. Leaving in the early AM.

First stop - Baltimore. Going to the National Sports Collectors Convention, gonna check that out for a few hours. Then we get back in the Tahoe and drive to DC. Stay at a local Holiday Inn and the go to the Nationals game (vs. the decimated Miami Marlins) on Sunday afternoon. Mike Morse Bobblehead day. After the game we load up and drive home. Fun with #NATITUDE

The Standstill

Once again, the NY Mets do...nothing.

We're saving all our pieces for the big run to come apparently. Problem is the fans is getting restless.

Mr. Met after latest suicide attempt.

PoolMaster BillyC

That's the 'nom de plume' I have been given by OSSS's pals since my pool is so FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!

Some bullet points about my pool:

It is crystal-clear

I have used a grand total of five (5) bags of shock since May!

It is 27' around

I have a radio tuned to WFAN

I have rafts that are muy comfortable

My doggies love swimming in my pool

I clean it religiously

It is FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!

Champs and More

14U Team won summer travel league with a 5-2 win. OSSS played 3B, made some nice defensive plays. Had an RBI Sac Fly and a BB. Season over. As the guy who runs things said "eight of these boys were on the first two 9U teams (OSSS was 8 at the time) and this was their last game in the navy blue". Only fitting they got to hold a trophy.

Taking YSSS to get some additional football gear today. Practice starts Wednesday...he seems pretty pumped.

Mets are absolutely horrific. TG we get a little excitement and a W with the new kid, Matt Harvey. But this is a team falling off the face of the Earth.

I'm playing Words with Friends on my iPhone. Addictive.

Summer Sunday

Just sitting around, getting hot here in North J. Gotta bring OSSS to baseball practice in a few.

Just bought some tix to Miami Marlins - Washington Nationals at Nationals Park for August 5. Mike Morse bobblehead day! There's a Sportscard Convention in Baltimore that week so we will make a couple of days out of it I guess.

YSSS attended a football camp this week. He really liked it which is awesome. I think he's got the perfect demeanor for football so I'm hoping he gets an opportunity this season. Last year (his first) he was basically left on the sidleimes during the games, and the coaching was pretty much non-existent. Since I coach I can assess that situation pretty well.

NY Mets are killing me. We go into All-Star break six games above .500. A week later we are at 47-47. Can't win a thing. Very little in the way of clutch. An outfield full of 4th outfielders. A starting rotation that is decimated. And no hope on the horizon. Not good.

Listening to WFAN this week. Yankee fan calls Mike F. and details how the Yankees need to get King Felixto ensure their absolute dominance of the AL. Rightfully so, Mike tells him "this is why everyone hates Yankee fans". I agree.

The pool looks spectacular. It's like something you would see in a commercial.

Vacation spot this year: Myrtle Beach. Going to look for Kenny Powers spots.

Spent a couple sessions at (not really) local batting cages so OSSS can get his swing down. He looks good. Ready for playoffs. YSSS was absolutely ripping yesterday, even though season was over. Told me "football camp was good for me". Music to my ears.

Adios.

Rises

Saw The Dark Knight Rises this morning, 9:45AM show with YSSS....in the immortal words of OSSS, "Best.Movie.Ever." (he went to the noon show at an IMAX joint). The recommendation is in!

Winding Down

2012 Summer baseball season for the travel players, namely mine.

YSSS's team lost in round 1 of playoffs last night...score was 8-7. He went 1-3 with a walk and a SB, got stranded on 2B twice. He really picked his game up this summer despite the way he was used; he usually batted behind two boys who couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. He finished with a BA around .400 but cut his strikeouts down dramatically, just 3 in 39 plate appearances. Nice. We will work in the off-season so he can come back a better player.

OSSS is playing up on a 14U team that is 11-1 in regular season and gets a bye to round 2 of playoffs on Sunday. He has played well in the field and pitching; he wents 6 innings last night for the win - he ended up 3-0 on mound. His hitting (greatest strength) has dipped. He is struggling right now at the plate after a torrid start...we will hit the cages at least twice before he plays again Sunday.

Football season (August 1) almost upon us. YSSS is looking to make the 1st team of the squad he's on. Attending a football camp this week; hopefully they show him something because his coaches never did last year.

When It Is What It Is But You Thought It Was Something Else

Let's just say that this last 6 weeks or so have shown me who my friends are and who aren't. Sayonara losers.

When it comes to my kids being excluded though...that is it. I have no problem telling you all I would KILL anyone for my kids. No problemo. Not even a second thought.

And remember all...I don't threaten. I act.

Independent MiLB

At TD Bank Ballpark for Somerset Patriots game. 1st time here - nice place for a game.

Top Gear UK

Watching this great show on BBCA... No idea who anybody is, but this may be my new favorite show. They have about 14 seasons so plenty to catch up on.

Chipper

Larry Wayne Jones was born in April 1972, and debuted in MLB for the Atlanta Braves (only team he has ever played for) in 1993. Throughout his career he has been a MET-KILLER of the first order...and I have despised him.

Now, Chipper retires in half a season. I no longer despise him since Atlanta is no longer are biggest nemesis like they were in the late 90's and early 2000's. I look at a guy who was immensely talented, played his whole career for a single team and gave it 100% always. Great player. Braves come to town in August (can't go that weekend) and September, which I will do my best to attend.

First ballot HOF. Get your seat ready.

Hey Tony!

Word from ASG central is that Tony LaRussa (who doesn't manage anymore) has picked Matt Cain to be the NL starter Tuesday night. Something about RA Dickey throwing a knuckleball is part of Mr. LaRussa's decision.

Here's a quick comp:

Cain: 9-3 record, 2.62 ERA, .96 WHIP, 118 Ks, 24 BBs in 120.1 IP

Dickey: 12-1 record, 2.40 ERA, .93 WHIP, 123 Ks, 26 BBs in 120.0 IP

Makes sense to me. I guess that extra 1/3 inning was the deciding factor.
Hey Tony! You effed that one up! Guess that's why you never figured out McGwire was on the juice.

The Break

Finally here (well almost) is the All-Star Break. NY Mets disappoint losing 7-0 vs. the Cubbies. Can't beat the Cubs apparently.

Both boys playing summer travel. YSSS has been ripping last couple of games after some minor adjustments at plate. Looks good. playing corner outfield position, not his first choice but you gotta play somewhere. I'll work with him for next season so he can play where he wants. OSSS has played terrific; had a tough game the other night, looked tired and a little slow. At the ripe age of 14 he's been burning the candle at both ends with social life and work (beach help at local lake). We hit the cages on Saturday to beat the heat a bit so he could work on swing.

An update to my cryptic messages last month...I no longer coach travel. I keep score for the 14U games and keep my mouth shut. Once in a while I will tell the coaches when they have boys out of position, etc. IMO, they coach like it's a LL team sometimes. They don't run cut-offs correctly, nobody knows who has 1st right on fly balls, etc. Kids won't know if they are not told. But team is 7-0 so what do I know, right?

On the 11U front, I sit beyond OF fence for the most part and keep my comments to myself. Lots of stuff to correct, and an early summer season winning-record beating up on bad teams has kind of lulled this team into a cocky direction. They play some good teams over the next week and a half, so they could find themselves mid-pack if they don't adjust. I wish the team and coaches luck. The parents who thought bashing me was OK? They can shove their heads up their asses. A few of the people on the shit-talk patrol have come up to me to apologize...same old thing "I had no idea it would turn into what it did". Tell your story walking.

Which leads me to the way all was handled. I spoke to the guy who runs program, who I considered a good friend. He never reached out to me, I had to do that. But I needed to get it off my mind. Basically told him he did a shit-job handling the situation and a piss-poor job as my friend. Don't think that can ever be repaired to be honest.

The 5th of July

If that wonderful summer holiday, aka Independence Day, falls on any day except a Wednesday, my POW (place of work) gives us 2 days off. But when it falls on the hump, like it did this year...then it's one day, slaves.

So you get that blessed day off and then right back to a (mostly empty) building, since many take this week off it seems. Oh, well.

In North J., we got heat. Oppressive heat. "Africa Hot" as a young Matthew Broderick saidin Biloxi Blues. Both boys have ball games tonight, so hopefully we see a little break later. I won't be coaching those games, as your regulars know. Almost ready to tell that story. Stay tuned.

Happy Birthday

To the OSSS (Oldest Son of SoulSlam), #46 Jack Logan. 14 Years Old today. Wow.

I am his biggest fan. And the proudest dad that could be. Seems like just yesterday...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!

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.

End of May Update

Because I've been tardy in keeping the townsfolk in the loop...here's some updates:

Pool: Awesome

WSS: Works harder than anybody, my anchor

OSSS: Graduating 8th garde soon, playing 14U baseball this summer

YSSS: Keeping it real...working hard on game

Doggies: Cute and cuddly

J-O-B: Let's just say my kids wont do what I do

Teams: 13U is a-folding; 11U is playing, needs to step it up; PAL is PAL

TV: Watching a lot of whatever interesting stuff I can find

Shoes: Rocking some Nike

Haircut: Short. Time for a crew I think

Who Doesn't Like a Ben Affleck Movie

I was watching The Town this morning. Great movie. Then it hit me: Ben Affleck is awesome.

He's made some really good movies, and some really bad movies. He's survived the whole "is he wearing a hairpiece" controversy and he hangs out with Matt Damon. Big Red Sox fan as well!

So here is SoulSlam's top X list of Affleck:

The Town

Hollywoodland

Boiler Room

Armageddon

Good Will Hunting

All those Kevin Smith cameos

Granted, he's no Brad Pitt, but pretty good for a kid from Boston.

Doctor?

Back on 5/11 I wrote a post called MOAC - about my bruise.

Two weeks or so later, I am still wearing a hematoma and I know have swelling in my ankle. All the amateur docs tell me it's just my blood bruise falling and collecting.

Hope that is right.

Misery

Sitting in the day 2 of a 2 day meeting...torture.

Hello cyanide.

Deal of the Day!

Got this swwwwweeeeeetttttt DVD at the local Wal-Mart for $5.00!!!!!!

Awesome (Again)

Talking about my poolside oasis in the back of my yard.

Took the cover off a week or so ago...the water level was purposely lowered so I could repair the skimmer weir (look it up) that had a slight crack. Done.

Last year's flood submerged my pump and motor in about 2-3 ft of water, so that needed replacement. We got it running, but it sounded like an urban construction site. Bought a new 1.5hp thang and we are golden. Filled the pool to swimming depth (although the kids were going in anyway) on Friday and Saturday and started the filtration process.

Crystal clear, y'all. It's all in the closing. Bet that.

Sunk the ladder with the boys help yesterday. Inflatable baseball glove is at the ready. Let the summer commence.

Care Bears MC

Faker than fake...it's gotta be the Laffing Devils MC! Now on Discovery is a show that follows one of the "largest growing MC's in California" - which appears to have 10 members.

The Devil's Ride is a TV show that follows these nomads...but let's ask some questions:

How are guys who look in their late 40's or early 50's prospecting for an MC?

How is a 5'5" guy, 41 years old called "new blood". And by the way 'snubz', the only guy your height that was a tough guy is Benny 'the Jet' Urquidez. Also, his bio says he's in 'retail management'. Probably a kiosk in a mall.

Is the 'P' the biggest P-ussy you have ever seen?

Why does 'Gipsy' look like a cross between Jesse James and Sammy Hagar?

How in the owrld do these guys have a different logo'd cap for any occasion? Unless it's a sell!

Faker than fake.

MOAC

That stands for "MOTHER OF ALL CONTUSIONS"!

Contusion: Another name for a bruise. What is a bruise ? A bruise, or contusion, is caused when blood vessels are damaged or broken as the result of a blow to the skin (be it bumping against something or hitting yourself with a hammer). The raised area of a bump or bruise results from blood leaking from these injured blood vessels into the tissues as well as from the body's response to the injury. A purplish, flat bruise that occurs when blood leaks out into the top layers of skin is referred to as an ecchymosis.

How did it happen?
On my way down the basement steps for the final preparations for the day (brush the teeth, comb/fix/scalp the 'do) I was lucky enough to step on a backpack that OSSS left on the stairs. My hands were full. Right foot hit the pack and that was all she wrote. WHOOOSHHH! Down 3-4 steps hard. BWSS (Beautiful Wife of SoulSlam) found me face down on tile floor, writhing in agony.

How does it look?
Not good. It's about a foot long and 8 inches across. And black, though the purple is now coming through. Solid piece of bruising. I've never seen anything quite like it.

How does it feel?
Tender. And it's very hard. Tough to sit. And sleep. Not last night, townsfolk.

How is OSSS?
He felt terrible. He was extremely upset. Hopefully he has learned something.

Thanks.

How About A Cheesesteak?

To sop up your tears Phillie Phanatics. The SWEEP was SWEET.

Three come from behind victories to beat the hated Phillies. Mets are 5 games over .500 and go to FLA to play the red-hot Florida Miami Marlins. Nice.

---

Life without Mo: Mr. Robertson gives up 4 runs in the 9th to blow the save (BS) and get the loss (L) in his second appearance. Suicide hotline will be up and running after one more outing like that.

Goodnight Mariano

Flipped through the channels last night and I stopped at Al-Yankzera channel, I mean YES, and saw the playback: the great Mariano Rivera stumbling and falling on the warning track while shagging flies in the OF during BP. The greatest closer of all time being carted off like a few bags of seed. Woke up this AM to the news...Rivera tears ACL, out for the year. The year that was projected to be his last. Adios, muchacho.

The Lottery Savant

Stopped at my local haunt for a cup of joe and the daily papers and I was in the midst of the Lottery Savant.

The type: semi- employed. Garb courtesy of the Marlboro points, sneakers from Wal-Mart.

The skill: knowing the exact date that 6984 came out in the pick4. And any other combo. Apparently this guy hit 'his number' the night before and was waiting for a payout. Not happy that other people (state-wide) played 'his number'.

The reality: the amount you win pales in comparison to what you spend. Hence the wardrobe.

Updated

The post from Saturday was all about frustration.

Played better and as a team on Sunday for 1st W. Some of the boys even stepped it up. Now we have to keep momentum and attitude going.

Clock is ticking for some...

AAARRRGGGGHHHHH

PLAYING BASEBALL LIKE A BUNCH OF PETULANT BRATS AND BABIES CANNOT BE TOLERATED!

The Day Off Post

Took a day off today from the J-O-B...needed the long weekend. Spent the AM trimming the bushes along the driveway. Not a pro, but it's better than shelling out the dough.

Going to OSSS' MS Baseball game (away) in an hour or so. The team is made up of a few kids who can play and most who cannot. Everybody struggling at plate. Fielding is C- at best. And they are playing teams of men. No kidding. I wish I was the size of some of these 8th graders.

Anyway, got a lot of travel baseball on tap this weekend. Looking to turn around our 13U team's season. Game Saturday and DH Sunday. Hope my pitching holds up.

Stay tuned...

The Speculator

Attended an end-of-season basketball meeting last night, about 10 of us or so. Lot's of "what do you want to do next season" conversations. During the rec league discussion, the guy who runs things (let's call him Wizard) asked the guy (hereafter known as Fester)who ran the Kindergarten/1st Grade Clinic how things went.

"Good. Ran smooth. Lot of talent there!" says Fester.

"Huh? There 5 years old!, are you kidding me?" says SoulSlam.

"no, I think that will be some age group moving forward" replies Fester.

Now, I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but I do know this: judging talent at the age of 5 is one heck of a skill.

Futile Until It's Not

So the rains have come, can't remember the last Sunday I could just hang and sit around. Cooking some Irish meatballs though. And I was "batboy" for our 14U team this morning; went down to watch game, and I can't stand on side apparently.

Played a scrimmage with my 13U team yesterday...whole point was mainly to get a couple of newbies on mound to see what they got. "Big John" started (cause the other guy didn't show until one hour into game) - threw 3 innings, not bad either. Gave up 4 runs, but overall he was pretty good. "BF" threw one inning. He throws a moving, heavy ball. But I had a feeling that once he's got baserunners it's a different game. I was right (no pat on the back there).

In between these two I put one of my vets who isn't pitching well right now. Doesn't help that we give away outs when he's on the mound. Did it again.

Gotta right the ship...but I'm running out of ideas.

Rain?

Forecast calling for rain here this weekend, which will put a damper on Sunday baseball, but is much needed. Dry as a Bone right now.

Which leads me to the butt-heads. Do you insidious smoking fools know that, particularly when we are in a drought-like condition, that throwing your smoked-down-to-the-filter butts is dangerous? But you don't care. That's why we hate you. All of you.

DEATH TO SMOKERS!

The Conundrum

Baseball. Love it. For the life of me, I don't know why anyone would say different.

13U Baseball. For some a new experience. Get on the bigger field and compete. For others, a hard lesson. One that may say "you don't belong here!"

So my 13U team plays yesterday afternoon. We actually had a a 3-1 lead at one point. Then the wheels fell off. One of my better pitchers gave up back-to-back home runs (!). Four errors were pretty costly as well. Final score 8-3.

Losing is part of the game, I accept that. The indifference and inability to grow with the game is what troubles SoulSlam. And except for OSSS and maybe one more kid, I am troubled.

The Hard Part

Let me start this with a quote:

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great." -
Jimmy Dugan (A League of Their Own)

So to my reason to post - Last night we played an 11U game in another town. I was dog-dead tired but looking forward to the game. We played the best we had (we lost 20-6 the week before while YSSS and I were away); but we lost. Final was 12-7. We were actually leading 7-5 when we had a bit of a meltdown in the field. An out that should have been wasn't. And then the kid playing 3B basically hung his head, made another bad play and decided crying was his defense mechanism. Which got him a benching. Which leads me to another quote (actually an exchange):
Jimmy Dugan: Evelyn, could you come here for a second? Which team do you play for?
Evelyn Gardner: Well, I'm a Peach.
Jimmy Dugan: Well I was just wonderin' why you would throw home when we got a two-run lead. You let the tying run get on second base and we lost the lead because of you. Start using your head. That's the lump that's three feet above your ass.
[Evelyn starts to cry]
Jimmy Dugan: Are you crying? Are you crying? ARE YOU CRYING? There's no crying! THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!
Doris Murphy: Why don't you give her a break, Jimmy...
Jimmy Dugan: Oh, you zip it, Doris! Rogers Hornsby was my manager, and he called me a talking pile of pigshit.
And that was when my parents drove all the way down from Michigan to see me play the game. And did I cry?
Evelyn Gardner: No, no, no.
Jimmy Dugan: Yeah! NO. And do you know why?
Evelyn Gardner: No...
Jimmy Dugan: Because there's no crying in baseball. THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL! No crying!

Words to live by Jimmy.

The United Sucks Post

In case you did not know, United merged/bought/swallowed Continental, the go-to airline out of NJ. My experience with United was this: about 7 years ago I flew United to Minneapolis for a business trip. They lost my luggage. Actually, somebody took my luggage. When the person found out, they called United they picked up wrong bag. United "couldn't go get the bag that late", it was about 10PM. So I had to deal with idiots and finaly got my bag about 16 hours later.

Monday I fly out of EWR. I was of Elite status (thought I was not). Sweet. Four days later, I am not elite. As a mater of fact I was basically made to feel like I was barely a customer.

Instead of boarding back of plane first after the upper crust gets on, they use "zones" I was about 1/3 of the way back, but in the last zone. Needless to say it took forever to get on. I would say boarding took an additional 20 minutes this way.

Since everybody carries on their bags (except me), they all use the overhead compartment. I had my laptop bag. The flight attendant/waiter told me to "put it under my seat". I would, but I can't fly five hours with my knees to my chest, Sparky.

I got the priveledge of being in a row in front of an exit row. Which means my seat can't recline. But the dolt in front of me could, with their headrest basically in my lap.

OK - since most people no longer check their luggage; then why does it take 40 minutes to get my bags at baggage claim?

Enough for now.

Airport Waiting

Here I sit at McCarron, awaiting my redeye. It's 7:25PM Vegas time...got another 3 hrs until takeoff.

Can't wait to get home and see my family. Hopefully I land early so I can drive the 25 miles or so and get home before the Sons of SoulSlam go to school.

How about those Mets?

Sin City

That's what they call it...to me it's little more than being an indoor prisoner. Breathing the air of a million nicotine-addled creatures. I need to get outside!


Did find a sweet 'Alan from the Hangover' bobble head in a gift shop. Saw it as two women were screaming FU at each other. They looked happy.

Three Hours Behind

I'm in Vegas...for the job.

Been up for hours. Can't sleep.

Thanks a lot, Bin Laden.

Happy Easter

Have a Happy Easter townsfolk.

Heading to Vegas for work this week. I'll try to update.

Gonna use every line from The Hangover I can remember.

April

Is here. Whoa.

The Champions

Went to a HS gym today and won a championship.

Coach of the other team wore a three -piece suit and thought he'd roll over my lowly town.

He was wrong, we win, we champs!!!!

In 24 Hours

We will know if my 5th grade basketball team are league champs. I have a good feeling.

Gonna have a little 1/2 hour shoot on the outdoor courts tonight; try to keep them from being too nervous. Then a pizza/pasta party for an hour.

Win or lose, these boys are terrific. So check back for the news.

Who Ordered Winter's Return?

After days in the high 70's/ low 80's last week, we now have a 40 degree day. Super cold last night, due to wind chill. Had to cut 11U baseball practice short.

Forecast for the next week or so is seasonal mid 50's and low 60's. We are also in the midst of a fire-warning since the rain has pretty much stayed away. Fields are like dustbowls right now.

Better than snow.

The Old Switcheroo

Lemme tell you a story.

So in baseball, all bats and helmets are inspected by the umpires prior to the first pitch. They check for cracks and safety issues with helmets and that all bats meet the spec of that particular league. Bats are kind of funny since not too many people really pay attention.

So this occurred before my game yesterday. I have 5 team bats that all conform to league rules. We good. The other team is inspected and they good, or maybe not...

Second inning a kid gets up with a Combat B-2. Watch this video. These bats are known for being juiced. I notice after two pitches and the offending bat is pulled from game. Claim by opposing team is it was in the pile inspected. Which it may have well been.

But there have always been stories of juiced bats coming in games after an inspection is done. Google LLWS and illegal bats if you don't believe me.

Update to the Update

Forgot YSSS and how he did Saturday:

Went 1-3 at plate with a single, a stolen base and the lone RBI we could muster. Not much in the field, maybe two ground balls hit to LF.

Should've Won

I guess losing by 5 runs makes it hard to say that, but say it I will.

Played a team from the neighboring town and lost 9-4. Here's the stats that matter:

Walked 11 batters! - 3 scored

Made 6 errors in field - 4 scored

Batted 11 players - that'll never happen again

Struck out 5 times at bat - 4 looking (THE BACKWARDS K!)

Since I don't yell anymore - what can be said. It's 13U baseball...gonna be sloppy at times. But when my best pitcher takes himself out in inning #2 'cause he can't get anybody out, the hole is nearly dug. Big props to #24 and #14 for coming in and pitching some solid ball.

And how did OSSS do? He had two DEEEEEP doubles and two RBIs. he hit the second two-bagger a far way. The opposing coach told me he wouldn't pitch to my kid anymore and would just walk him.

Season is upon us.

The Update Is Not Good

Got blown out 11-1. The errors (including fielding, throwing and mental) will kill you.

13U up tomorrow. C-Ya.

Opening Day

For my 11U travel team...

Playing a team I've never seen before, and struggling with the 50/70 game. In addition, one of our better players is on the shelf, fielding-wise, due to an elbow injury.

So lace 'em up, get your gloves on and let's play ball.

Stay tuned later for update.

PS - 13U starts tomorrow, weather permitting. Couple of new players that I picked up last week.

Shirts Available!

Here comes the man!

Going To The Finals

Monday night. 8:15PM. Semi-finals for my 5th Grade Travel Team.

When all was said and done, two OT's later, we were the victors in a 43-41 game.

Easily the best game I have ever seen or coached at the youth level.

On to the finals on 3/31!!!

Scrimmage Saturday

Getting ready for the season, so set up some scrimmages for my teams to tune up. There are pretty much three ways you can approach:
1. Find a team that you play during season and play them. 2. Find some powder-puff you can beat up on. 3. Play anybody that you can, even if it's some club team that might crush you.

I don't like #1 or #2, so I pretty much stick with finding anybody and use it as a learning experience.

13U played at noon. I have a roster of 11. Right now I have a RF in a sling with a fractured arm. And during the week I also got a CF 9and leadoff hitter) in a brace for tendon tears in his wrist. Then at 6PM on Friday I got a text that I have a Catcher with a 101 fever. So I arrive at the field knowing I will play 8. And one of those is a brand new fresh rook...so in reality I have 7.

We take the field and my #1 Pitcher is having trouble. Two errors in my infield don't help. Neither do the three BB e gives up. Plan was to let him go 2-3 innings. He finished 1 with a pitch count of 51. And 5 runs on board.

We get three back in bottom of inning. Then I put in another pitcher. He gives up a walk, we get another E-5 and a BB and 3 runs are across. At 22 pitches, he tells us he has an issue with arm...pitching change (I start thinking we might only be able to play 4 innings at this rate). OSSS comes in, throws 7 pitches and we are out of inning on an F8 and tagout DP on a pickle on the kid who tagged to go home.

After that, we played baseball. Didn't score too much but we only gave up a couple more runs. OSSS went on to pitch another couple of innings...which we desperately needed. Final error count - 7. E-4 twice, E-6 twice and E-5 three times. That doesn't include my SS watching a ball drop right in front of him that he thought the pitcher should field.

In 11U action - we got trampled. Nuff said.

Playoff Win!

My 5th grade travel team won their Rd 1 playoff game last night. Final was 53-47. Kept trying to give it back. Other team wouldn't take it.

Z.A.

Zombie Apocolypse. Yowza.

Watch the Walking Dead? You should. It is the best show on TV. And now a new twist.

No, not the one that happened when Rick knifed Shane (in self-defense)...the fact that the dead is now coming back as zombies without a bite. Is this what the CDC guy told Rick at the end of last season? So it's just like the movies...we all turn when we die.

That's a bummer.

Madness of Spring

We got 60+ degrees in Northern J...and a forecast that says "spring is here early, soldier".

Just got the first of preliminary spring league schedules this afternoon. My A-type persona is already shooting the e-mails to the lesser beings to confirm games. Lot's of "don't have field schedule yet" replies. Not what SoulSlam wants to hear, playa!

Program is now 4 deep on teams. Veteran 14U and 13U teams on 60/90 field, 11U playing on 50/70 this season (and struggling right now), and a 9U team that has barely practiced and will undoubtedly get hit hard in the proverbial face when games begin. Hope they don't have a glass jaw.

So I stare at me inbox for signs of life from surrounding towns...

WHAT?

There was a band in the 70's and early 80's called Angel. They had a song called "Bad Luck". Had a line that went:
"if it wasn't for real bad luck, I'd have no luck at all".

Sounds like the New York Mets.

Now we hear that Ike Davis, might have Valley fever.

I am waiting for the pitching staff to come down with typhoid next.

Mr. Met leaving the hospital ward, errr, CitiField clubhouse.