What Do You Mean "We Won"?

Unfamiliar Territory o_O Winning a ball game!

For the first time in two years last Tuesday, our baseball team won a game! O_O Yea, I almost made that face, too. It was out of nature for us because we accustomed to falling behind, and press the "Self-Destruct" button at the beginning of every inning, but we finally did something right ^_^

Sorry, my post game report is so late, but I did lots of celebrating (lies lies lies lies lies). To celebrate, I went to Starbucks and bought a different drink: One venti Black Tazo Tea Lemonade ^_^ Much to my surprise, it was delicious; I'm surprised because, if it doesn't taste like a fruit such as passion fruit, which is what I always order, then it doesn't taste good. This drink tastes REALLY good! I digress...

1. I took a baseball to the face! It was an accident, but during pre-game warmups I ran to field a short fly, reached for the ball with my glove, and it bounced off the fabric and above the bridge of my nose >_< I wore my sunglasses at the time, so the ball bounced off the frame. To show I was fine, I took a couple of steps in another direction, and did the vintage Ric Flair Flop. I thought that would be the high point of our game, until one of our players left the game after breaking his hand on the first play. He took a sharp grounder to his ring finger, and it bleed. I gave him one of my water bottles for "taking one for the team", only to wish I had it later when my left leg seized up with cramp o_O No pain, no gain...I guess...
2. Okay...? You know when you are trying to field a force out at second base, and the runner charges through the plate aiming for your chin, rib cage, or the only other set of knee ligaments that aren't bent out of shape from the last before? Yea, that almost happened again. I stepped on second base to force out the runner from first base; he was well out, but he picked up speed AFTER I stepped on second base. It's a good thing I picked my knee up and out of the way, otherwise I would be out of baseball for good O_O I'm pretty sure he meant nothing by it, since he asked if I was alright right after. I gave him the benefit of the doubt; his girlfriend was there, and she wasn't reading a book (I think that was his girlfriend? Meh.)
3. What Does That Mean? After the last out, we stood around thinking about what to do next. In my time with this team we never "won" before, notwithstanding our lone default victory in the playoffs. Obviously, you want to cherish it, but you don't want to be a Scumbag Steve about it (Things I learned in Internet Meme class). Good Guy Greg would approve, I think.



Y U No Like My Fashion Sense? LOL

1. Hand, don't flip, baseball during long pauses to teammates and opposing players. If necessary, throw the ball but only if time is of the essence, it is during a play, or they ask for it.
2. Win or Lose: Look every player in the eye, give a firm handshake, and say a short something like "good game", "nice catch", "can I have your number?", "good hustle". Never congratulate somebody with "wet noodles" or "limp biscuits"; that's worth a lap around the outfield in my book.
3. Their team is losing, and their coach is talking trash about your "overdressing" in RED SOX gear. Don't fuel the fire; just do your job. 4-for-5, two doubles, two infield singles, three RBI, all-day shortstop...one error...on-field presence, leadership, diving catches...two catches and I was standing upright...boogity boogity boogity AMEN!

Thanks to everyone who follows my blog, and knows about the streak that was, and is no longer ^_^ Maybe we can start a new streak of wins next week? I hope so...! o_O

Mortality

This is a tough subject to cover, and seems out of place for a baseball blog. I played another game yesterday, but unlike others I participated in this year I played without my knee pads. Regular readers to this blog will remember my freak accident from last year, which led to my decision to wear knee pads for the rest of the season, and into this year. Well, I forgot my knee pads o_O Imagine playing a team sport with your bad knee bouncing and jingling around as you run/sprint/hustle. To show there isn't a problem, I decided at the start of each inning to sprint from the dugout to left field before the coach knows what's what.

BOSOX catcher Jason Varitek announced his retirement earlier this year.

Well, as the old Bible proverb says, "The devil fools with the best laid plans". I knew I had to make the first catch, although I never thought I had to make it in the first inning! I was playing deep all game, so when the first line drive hit in my direction fell short, I had quite a distance to make up. Nevertheless, the ground was firm in that spot, so the run up was easy, and the diving catch was artistic at best ^_^ (I don't understand why the Canadian judge gave me a 5.7 on the dive o_O LOL) There was a problem, though: My knee was the first thing to touch the ground, so if it didn't bounce then it stung like magic for the rest of the game.

Baseball was very good to me. It helped me get back in shape, and gave me something to write about. I wrote for eight years, and baseball was an important part of my life during that time. I never imagined a time when baseball, like writing, would not be a part of my life, but during the fourth inning when I sprinted home from third base on a sacrifice fly thoughts about "hanging them up" entered my mind.

I don't want to quit playing, but at some point in my life, I will...and that sucks.

Lawrie and Order

Good Times: LAWRIE celebrates walk-off homerun with teammates ^_^

The 2012 Blue Jays here in my hometown have a different air about them, but as the eyes of the city, province, and nation look to the sole professional baseball team outside of the United States to represent, the more it matters when things go awry.

Such was the case, when earlier this week against the Tampa Bay Rays, Canadian and fan favourite Brett Lawrie set his competitive fire in the direction of home plate umpire Bill Miller after a pair of questionable strike calls behind the plate. Lawrie launched into an angry tirade, which led to his immediate ejection from the game; he threw his helmet to the ground, and it bounced off and hit the umpire. The argument between the two continued and Blue Jays manager John Farrell had to restrain Lawrie from causing further damage o_O Major League Baseball reviewed the incident and moved to suspend Brett Lawrie for four games, which he appealed right away. As of Thursday, however, Brett Lawrie dropped his appeal and agreed to sit out the four games (Eric Koreen, National Post).

Bad Times: Lawrie ejected arguing strikes with umpire Bill Miller o_O

There is no question Torontonians identify with Brett Lawrie: The energy, enthusiasm, and competitive spirit that he brings to every baseball game is a hit with casual and fanatical fans of the game, at least for the holdovers of the Strike of '94. For the younger generation, his energy, tattoos, and host of Internet memes are some of the things that bring them to the Rogers Center (they also go for good baseball, I can't forget that ^_^). The four-game suspension is an indication that the old guard of Major League Baseball is still in charge. With every game televised and watched by thousands at the park, and hundreds of thousands at home and aboard, and twenty-first century technology pushing other sports into the future, it is easy to find baseball so relaxing one minute and frustrating the next.

Years ago, my Politics 101 professor in university asked the class what is a strike in baseball. After a minute or two, one of the students raised his hand, and said "the ball must be over home plate, above the knees and below the shoulder blades of the batter." We all agreed, but the professor said we were incorrect, and that a strike is "Whatever the umpire calls a strike". MIND BLOWN o_O Going back to Brett Lawrie, another reason so many here in Toronto like him is because he plays baseball like a hockey player. When you play at full speed, like Pete Rose in his youth (without gambling on baseball), and you play to the whistle (there are no whistles in baseball o_O), then there should be a prize or a return for all the hard work and dedication you put in. Two pitches blurred that sentiment for Brett Lawrie and Blue Jays fans watching at the  park and at home.

The 2012 Jays are BIG, and demand to play BIG. However, the 4-game suspension handed down to Lawrie is another message that MLB is in charge of the "reality" of baseball, and the energetic Jays must play by their rules, whatever the umpire happens to call them. Speaking of reality, this kind of thing reminds me of something that happened last season (Phil strokes chin, dream music sequence, what is Phil talking about?)...


Click here to go to Brian Chisholm's piece for more on the Lawrie fallout.

We Lost Again...RED SOX gear?!

PEDROIA breaking the sound barrier Sunday...almost o_O

I should hurry because most of you are checking out MLB Shop and its 20% Off Everything sale (Available only to Facebook users like ME), and I need to pick up some more discount RED SOX gear.

I picked up the start at shortstop in today's game, and the reps came thick and fast. Aside from getting my jersey dirty, I didn't do much else at the start of the game -_- Things were easier once I got comfortable in my surroundings; that was about the third or fourth inning o_O

PEDROIA doesn't take breaks!

The scoreline in the game, at that point, was pretty tight. So in the fifth inning, I start my routine of running out into the field of play toward shortstop, when suddenly Coach says "Phil, take a break this inning." I never heard of such a concept: Me taking a break. If there was a bone sticking out of my body, but aside from a groin pull in the second legging out for two bases on an infield hit I felt fine. For what seemed like ten minutes I stood in mid-stride waiting for Coach to say "Just kidding, go ahead", but those words never came. Reluctantly, I returned to the dugout while the others took the field. Part of being a good player is respecting the word of the coach. You may not agree with it sometimes, but part of being submissive to authority and being in authority is putting the team ahead of personal gain and glory. After all, I just picked up my dignity with a couple of good defensive plays versus eating a ton of dust diving for quick grounders o_O

PEDROIA is AIRBORNE spelt backwards ^_^

Now, this is the part where I say "three up, three down, and no harm done ^_^" However, this is real life o_O Eight runs, two homeruns, and a teammate down due to a pulled hamstring later, we lose our lead, and then the game 17-13. It didn't matter I was 2-3 with a fielder's choice, bloop single to right, and a three-run homerun to left in the seventh; inside, I feel rotten >_< Imagine what I would be typing now had I prepared for those early rocket grounders to start the game, and played the angles better like I did in the middle of the game when the score was tied. My week was already off to a rough start, and now this -_- Good thing I can look forward to a special RED SOX package in the mail.

Yeah, that's right, you noticed the Dustin Pedroia pictures? Last year was about winning the city championship in PIRATES gear, but for right now I'm buying up RED SOX gear for 2012. I should have the essentials like jackets and T-shirts by Thursday, as well as one ready made authentic jersey. I ordered Dustin Pedroia's alternate home jersey (red), and best of all it is made ready to order, so you don't need to wait two weeks like I usually do for my vanity jerseys. I'm pretty sure my sister reads these (Hi Grace-Anne); she is a Yankees supporter, so she must be really proud (shoe flies at Phil's head, missing by an inch). What was that? o_O Anyway, she used to play rep basketball for the hometown team here in Mississauga, and she was #15, which is her favourite number. She also lived in Boston for a time, but now she is overseas. Not only will I wear the #15 RED SOX jersey in honour of her, but I'm also going to wear the special edition pink Phiten bracelet and necklace. Cancer touched our family not too long ago, Grace-Anne specifically; praise God, the doctors caught it early, and she is out and about cancer free having a grand time ^_^ There are other families and friends I know that are not so fortunate, and the least I can do is remember them in prayer and thought as I wear pink.

I suppose things could be worse. I'm slowly getting better at this...baseball thing o_O By the way, my homerun stance looks like this...

It works! YOUKILIS, it works! ^_^

I think my buddy Eric would be proud; he told me last year to start doing the "Youkilis" (Hi Eric).

Four Year Old Rant: Today Is Stupid!

Lou Piniella reenacts one of Phil Wood's great plays

I know I didn't pick up a baseball bat since August, but you would think that a dude, who dressed up in PIRATES gear to mark the occasion, would do something more than hit into a fielder's choice and strike out twice! o_O

May I have the attention of every reader in the world, who loves baseball and follows this blog dutifully: Drop baseball, and do something constructive with your time. Imagine how many sweaters and socks you could knit in an hour, let alone two, should you quit that terrible game. What's that? NO, I'M NOT FRUSTRATED!

Sweet Lou + Dubstep = "LOU STEP"

Defensively, I convinced the other team not to hit to me, which is a rare feat considering I played in left field all game. I doubt our opponent next week will be so kind o_O Perhaps I should go back to shortstop until I get my sea legs and drop back to left field? Last year, I received more reps playing shortstop, so when summer rolled along I dropped back to left field and had my best year fielding. Also, I can get more out of the game if I'm under the gun in the infield ^_^

Alright, that's what I'll do. I will compete for the starting shortstop position; hopefully, my swing will come back as well. If not, then I better be the best shortstop of all-time, otherwise I am going to see more of the bench o_O

When Lou is happy, everybody's happy

I calmed down now; thanks for reading.

Yankee Pride Subdued?

I'm not a Yankee booster of any kind, however I went to the Lidz store in my hometown and found this New York Yankees "Turn Back the Clock" special edition baseball cap on the shelf. I collect Major League Baseball caps, so I had to buy one.

Speaking of the New York Yankees, the baseball club found their way on to sports headlines for rather unfortunate reasons on Thursday, as star relief pitcher Mariano Rivera suffered a torn ACL during a team batting practice session before the start of the Yankees' weekend series against the Royals in Kansas City.

As is custom for the Yankees closer and all-time saves leader (608 as of May 5th), Rivera would field fly balls in the outfield during BP, but on one occasion Rivera tripped and fell awkwardly into the outfield fence, and damaged his knee in the process. Cameras for the YES Network, the sports network dedicated to broadcasting Yankees games on weekdays, were rolling when the incident occurred. It could be said the loss had a profound effect on the team as they lost 4-3 that evening; even third baseman and teammate Alex Rodriguez, who watched the entire incident from the sidelines, reacted in horror at the mishap.

There are only a few New York Yankee players I admire: Derek Jeter for one, but among the others is Mariano Rivera. His workman-like and humble attitude is refreshing amidst the big ego and big contracts of professional sports, much less in the bright lights of New York City; whenever he takes the mound at Yankee Stadium, "Enter Sandman" by Metallica would play on the loud speakers LOL As a Blue Jays fan, the sight of Rivera entering the game from the bullpen in the ninth inning is scary o_O


For such a storied career, the future Hall-of-Famer should not end his playing days under such bizarre circumstances. You need both legs to pitch, and the knee affecting the right-hand pitcher is the one that generates the most power, and bears much of the weight. I suffered a similar injury to my knee last year, and praise God the damage was not severe to that extent. However, I must play with knee pads now to keep the knee in place. I do pray and hope "Mo" Rivera will return to baseball soon. Hopefully, he can go back to pitching and wearing those 1912 Yankees hats ^_^

Chicago Cubs: Frustration

Dear Cubs fan,

"Hey, weren't the Cubs winning?" o_O

You are right; this is frustrating >_< No lead is safe with the Cubs on the diamond. Thanks to a blown three run lead in the ninth inning under bizarre circumstances, the Chicago Cubs lost 4-3 in ten innings to the Cincinnati Reds, and gave us a history lesson in the process.

Soto (18) rounds the bases as the Cubs take an "insurmountable" 3-0 lead LOL

Today's game was a microcosm of what you guys witness year in and year out since 1908. Somehow and some way, the Cubs take the lead: Starling Castro, Bryan LaHair, and Geovanny Soto each hit homeruns to put the Cubbies into the lead at 3-0. Cubs fans, who visit the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati to watch their Cubs take on the Reds, go bananas and the hooting and hollering commences. Then in the ninth inning, as victory looks secure, a critical error on a routine play opens the door to another lost lead: Third baseman and newcomer Ian Stewart misplays a grounder with two Reds on base, which allows one run to score. Not one to point fingers, but in beer league thinking ahead to the rally killing double play happens A LOT!

Birthday boy Ryan Dempster pitched 8 innings, had the win booked, alas...

I remember my buddy Craig in his Cubs T-shirt, and imagine him watching the game, thinking "Oh no, here we go again!" Like a foul ball knocked away from an outfielder's glove by a headphone wearing fan, or a disgruntled fan shouting curses outside the park because he can't enter the grounds with his goat, when something peculiar happens in a Chicago Cubs game disaster is right around the corner (Hi Craig).

Here comes the rain again!

Somehow, in some wacky way, the Cubs lose their lead on a bases-loaded walk by much maligned closer Carlos Marmol, and then an "I Surrender" double play that allows the tying run to score for the Reds. The extra inning, which came as a result of the ridiculous ninth, would seem academic. Would it matter if the Cubs came back and won the game in extra innings? Perhaps on the surface, yes, but since 1908 the Chicago Cubs blew leads both in games, regular season pennant races, and in championship series. Given the Cubs had great ball players like Hall-of-Famers Ferguson Jenkins, Ernie Banks, and the late Ron Santo, there is no history of championship success Cubs players and fan can draw from like the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, or the Dodgers; we only know of the well-documented, and somewhat accursed wheel of karma fixed like the red "C" on a Cubs baseball cap. Yes, the Cubs have a long and wonderful history in Chicago and a great following throughout the world, however the defeat today gave me a frustrating look at what success looks like to the fan of a snake-bitten yet lovable team: Snatched away.

As a fan of hockey's Toronto Maple Leafs, I identify with the Cubs. I think I could like them...or not...Go Blue Jays (fist pump). For more on this game, click here!