Well, it's time to go home for a spell and check out the house, family, and friends. Has anything changed since I left? Have the flowers and weeds grown? Is the dog clipped and fed? Are the neighbors and friends around? Is anyone available for happy hour? I am leaving tomorrow for special reasons. It is time to celebrate some major milestones with family and friends.
As Buddy hangs out in the Midwest, I am heading for a big party. When I say "big", I mean huge, enormous, gigantic, mind blowing, and celebratory. It is a party that has been in the works for 10 months, 9 years and 56+ years. What do I mean by this? Well here goes....
Ten months ago, our dear brother in law and friend Big M was diagnosed with lung cancer. As a non smoker, this was a huge surprise and blow to Big M and all of us. He has been in our lives since we can remember. He is a former football player who is accustomed to competition as he owns his business, but this was the biggest foe in his life as he faced an enemy that would hit him harder than any lineman. As expected, Big M put on his gear and faced the challenge. After chemo (twice) and radiation, he had surgery to remove part of his lung. As fate would have it, he needed chemo post op to kill the remaining cells. He has faced this challenge with courage and perseverance. I am in awe of his bravery and ability to fight when the rest of us would have packed it in, sat on the porch with a bottle of Jack Daniels and a one pound bag of peanut M&Ms. Not Big M....he is throwing the party tomorrow as an "I beat cancer" celebration. I won't miss this one for anything.....'cause he is 'da MAN!
The nine years celebration is for my niece, Lil A. She is the youngest member of the family and has been such a joy to us all. Lil A is an athlete, food connoisseur, artist, and actress. She can sing, dance, and ride a skateboard. She runs with her dad and is pretty good at Wii. She is funny and intelligent and we are blessed to have her in our lives...By the way, they never miss Sushi Friday....what kid do you know enjoys eating raw fish on a weekly basis? Not mine, Buddy still does not add milk to his cereal....not adventurous at all.
Lastly, the 56+ years of celebration marks Grandmom and The Saint's anniversary. They have been together for years and years and years. I have never seen a couple more devoted to one another as I have witnessed over the years (and years and years). They are together 24/7 and attend mass together daily, food shop, attend parties and events, and finish each others sentences. When seated next to each other, they hold hands....yep...PDA....they know where each other are at all times as they have built-in radar. I measure all marriages against this couple and none compare.
And so, there is so much to celebrate in our lives as we face the unknown on a daily basis. Giving thanks and celebrating the little and big things help us to get through a life that is filled with the unexpected. I don't know what happens next, since I am not clairvoyant nor intelligent, but I do know that when the there is an opportunity to be with the people that you love and share happiness, joy, and sorrow with them, we have been given an chance to offer part of ourselves in an intimate fashion and show unity and support. Tomorrow's celebration marks a number of important milestones that I have witnessed and absorbed. I am honored to be part of this as I raise my glass and honor the people who mean so much to me. Cheers!
Showing posts with label baseball; high school and college baseball ;college pitchers ;bullpen mom;bullpen ;baseball;bullpen pitchers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball; high school and college baseball ;college pitchers ;bullpen mom;bullpen ;baseball;bullpen pitchers. Show all posts
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Preparing for departure
My time in the Midwest is coming to an end soon. I will be leaving on Saturday for an unknown period of time and make an appearance at home. According to dad and Tink, everything is great..nothing is wrong...flowers and plants are alive and thriving...no worries. OK, so I will walk into a home that was the same way as when I left a few weeks ago. This should be very interesting.
Since I have been living away from home, I have gotten to know the big kid from a different perspective. He is still the moody, funny, and intelligent teenager that I have always known, but he has been evolving a bit too. He still takes the punches as they come in from the coaches. He had a very very bad outing on Sunday night at midnight when he could not get anyone out. His coach told him last night that he was not going to play until he works out his technique. The question is...how do you work out the technique if you do not pitch? He sits on the bench for hours and hours and then is thrown into a game and is expected without warm up to strike the next three batters out. Further, the pitching coach never played above the high school level, so how does he guide someone who is more advanced than he is? Who knows, but I am now becoming annoyed with this summer and process.
Why? Well, I'll tell you...we moved 8 hours away from home and found an apartment. We wanted a 2 month lease, but they did not offer it, so we have to pay for three months rent. We bought a bed, furniture, television, pots and pans, etc. We left the comfort of home with the promise of a job and plenty of playing action. Since the season started three weeks ago, the job has not come through AND he has pitched 5 innings (maybe).
The goal was plenty of innings if not a start or two. Nothing...this town and team are one big money pit. Before I know it, my wallet is empty. Based on the promises, we would have made the same decision to move here, however, the promises were empty and now we are stuck (we never quit).
So, I am leaving at a time where he could use some support. With the frustrations offered by the team, he is despondent. He has followed through as a team player. The players are mandated to run baseball camps all summer one morning a week (they are not being paid). They have had to show up at autograph signing sessions as team representatives. Further, they take care of the field and mound. They were promised meals after the game and once had a steak sandwich and pizza.
The promise of the summer has melted like an ice cream cone in the hot sun. What do you do? The answer is that you adapt. To that end, Buddy has applied for a job at a local supermarket. It would be great if he could work in the mornings. The benefits would be twofold. First, it would get him out of bed before 1 pm. Second, he could earn some spending money for college. Perhaps there would be fewer "Hi Mom, how are you? I need money in my account....see ya..."
Is everything here bad? Nope...as I sit at the table typing this note, I had a Maltese sighting (Diva dog is a Maltese and I really miss her). One of my slightly obese neighbors was walking his little Maltese in his too-tight, stained undershirt, slippers, and Superman boxers....You definitely do not see this at home. I would have run out to pet the dog, but the guy in the boxers was a bit odd and unaware of his appearance. Did he not think that someone like me would see him? If he doesn't care, then "NASA, we have a problem..."
Some other positives include the awesome library, YMCA, amazing food store across the highway, and simple nature of our lives. We are enjoying each others company and fallen into a rhythm. There are a few things that I would like to change such as the wet towels on the floor and inability to find the trash can. Aside from that, it is a summer that I will never forget....probably the last one with my son living full time under my roof. It is a nice way to say 'see you later'...'good by'...'remember to walk in the light and be true to who you are' and lastly...'lighten up...things always work out for good...'
Since I have been living away from home, I have gotten to know the big kid from a different perspective. He is still the moody, funny, and intelligent teenager that I have always known, but he has been evolving a bit too. He still takes the punches as they come in from the coaches. He had a very very bad outing on Sunday night at midnight when he could not get anyone out. His coach told him last night that he was not going to play until he works out his technique. The question is...how do you work out the technique if you do not pitch? He sits on the bench for hours and hours and then is thrown into a game and is expected without warm up to strike the next three batters out. Further, the pitching coach never played above the high school level, so how does he guide someone who is more advanced than he is? Who knows, but I am now becoming annoyed with this summer and process.
Why? Well, I'll tell you...we moved 8 hours away from home and found an apartment. We wanted a 2 month lease, but they did not offer it, so we have to pay for three months rent. We bought a bed, furniture, television, pots and pans, etc. We left the comfort of home with the promise of a job and plenty of playing action. Since the season started three weeks ago, the job has not come through AND he has pitched 5 innings (maybe).
The goal was plenty of innings if not a start or two. Nothing...this town and team are one big money pit. Before I know it, my wallet is empty. Based on the promises, we would have made the same decision to move here, however, the promises were empty and now we are stuck (we never quit).
So, I am leaving at a time where he could use some support. With the frustrations offered by the team, he is despondent. He has followed through as a team player. The players are mandated to run baseball camps all summer one morning a week (they are not being paid). They have had to show up at autograph signing sessions as team representatives. Further, they take care of the field and mound. They were promised meals after the game and once had a steak sandwich and pizza.
The promise of the summer has melted like an ice cream cone in the hot sun. What do you do? The answer is that you adapt. To that end, Buddy has applied for a job at a local supermarket. It would be great if he could work in the mornings. The benefits would be twofold. First, it would get him out of bed before 1 pm. Second, he could earn some spending money for college. Perhaps there would be fewer "Hi Mom, how are you? I need money in my account....see ya..."
Is everything here bad? Nope...as I sit at the table typing this note, I had a Maltese sighting (Diva dog is a Maltese and I really miss her). One of my slightly obese neighbors was walking his little Maltese in his too-tight, stained undershirt, slippers, and Superman boxers....You definitely do not see this at home. I would have run out to pet the dog, but the guy in the boxers was a bit odd and unaware of his appearance. Did he not think that someone like me would see him? If he doesn't care, then "NASA, we have a problem..."
Some other positives include the awesome library, YMCA, amazing food store across the highway, and simple nature of our lives. We are enjoying each others company and fallen into a rhythm. There are a few things that I would like to change such as the wet towels on the floor and inability to find the trash can. Aside from that, it is a summer that I will never forget....probably the last one with my son living full time under my roof. It is a nice way to say 'see you later'...'good by'...'remember to walk in the light and be true to who you are' and lastly...'lighten up...things always work out for good...'
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Rain, rain, go away....
Today the team travels by bus to another far destination in the north. I have no desire to drive 8 hours round trip to watch the big kid sit in the bullpen. Naturally, I have plenty to do, so he's on his own. Good luck guys!
Yesterday the game was postponed because of rain. Buddy was elated. Not just elated, but joyful, thrilled, busting with energy, happy, and smiling. it was like the old days when each Christmas, he would smile and say sweetly: "this has been the best Christmas ever..."
This happiness is in direct contrast to the 'good ole days' when he would basically throw a tantrum if it rained...what...rain? why, God, why?! This is true, when there was a rain out, he would be inconsolable. I used to think that it was time to call the pediatric psychiatrist and get this one under control. I would look at him and think...dude...there is plenty of baseball ahead...mark my words. And I was right... 26 games in 26 days...that's a heck of a lot of baseball. However, now that he is in the bullpen, he is not in every inning like grade school and high school when he played first base, so he has had to adjust.
And adjust, he has....it seems that the bullpen guys are a bunch of characters that are not to be believed. They sit there either chewing seeds and gum or tobacco. There is a great deal of spitting action as they either use an empty bottle or cup. Sometimes they don't use anything at all. I used to think that Buddy had more saliva than any other kid that I knew. He could spit on command...hit dimes on the street with his sputum (he was that accurate). I had to admonish him on a number of occasions when there were sputum wads on the garage floor as he would let one ride before he walked into the door. It is gross and unsanitary. But is seems to be a baseball thing. I rarely see a football player spitting...or a coach...have you ever witnessed Joe Paterno spitting into a cup? Nope!
Spitting isn't the only thing that the Bullpen guys do. They adopted a frog during college. The frog would come out to the bp during practices and games. He was their pet....kind of a good luck charm.
They tell stories of one-up-man-ship...who has the grossest story...who has the best baseball story...who is the sickest athlete....who struck the best player out in the league...I have yet to hear about girls being mentioned in the bp. I think that this one is closely guarded and not for a mother's ears.
They do anything to entertain themselves during the long games as they try to stay awake and pay attention to the game. Something tells me that they often have no clue about what is happening during any given game because they are chatting, humming, spitting, chewing and dreaming about the day when their number would be called in the World Series to close the deciding game....hopefully it won't be raining...
Yesterday the game was postponed because of rain. Buddy was elated. Not just elated, but joyful, thrilled, busting with energy, happy, and smiling. it was like the old days when each Christmas, he would smile and say sweetly: "this has been the best Christmas ever..."
This happiness is in direct contrast to the 'good ole days' when he would basically throw a tantrum if it rained...what...rain? why, God, why?! This is true, when there was a rain out, he would be inconsolable. I used to think that it was time to call the pediatric psychiatrist and get this one under control. I would look at him and think...dude...there is plenty of baseball ahead...mark my words. And I was right... 26 games in 26 days...that's a heck of a lot of baseball. However, now that he is in the bullpen, he is not in every inning like grade school and high school when he played first base, so he has had to adjust.
And adjust, he has....it seems that the bullpen guys are a bunch of characters that are not to be believed. They sit there either chewing seeds and gum or tobacco. There is a great deal of spitting action as they either use an empty bottle or cup. Sometimes they don't use anything at all. I used to think that Buddy had more saliva than any other kid that I knew. He could spit on command...hit dimes on the street with his sputum (he was that accurate). I had to admonish him on a number of occasions when there were sputum wads on the garage floor as he would let one ride before he walked into the door. It is gross and unsanitary. But is seems to be a baseball thing. I rarely see a football player spitting...or a coach...have you ever witnessed Joe Paterno spitting into a cup? Nope!
Spitting isn't the only thing that the Bullpen guys do. They adopted a frog during college. The frog would come out to the bp during practices and games. He was their pet....kind of a good luck charm.
They tell stories of one-up-man-ship...who has the grossest story...who has the best baseball story...who is the sickest athlete....who struck the best player out in the league...I have yet to hear about girls being mentioned in the bp. I think that this one is closely guarded and not for a mother's ears.
They do anything to entertain themselves during the long games as they try to stay awake and pay attention to the game. Something tells me that they often have no clue about what is happening during any given game because they are chatting, humming, spitting, chewing and dreaming about the day when their number would be called in the World Series to close the deciding game....hopefully it won't be raining...
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Night To Remember
I never know what I am going to write about until I sit at the key board...then a concept or event comes to mind...and...bingo....it's done....so, right now I have nothing in my head except the events of last night....
If you follow the blog, Buddy had a two day, four game road trip to the other side of the state. I dropped him off early Saturday morning and did not expect to see him until late Sunday night. Therefore, I had the 'pad' to myself. All mine! No one else was there....what to do...what to do...what to do....
I made a quick list of what needed to be done and went to work. After spending the morning grading papers, I was ready to go. The question was....go where? First, I went to a mall to purchase some pots and pans for meals. I am tired of take-out and gaining weight at a faster rate than normal. Further, I don't have my 'fat clothes' here. They remain in my home closet.
Once I bought the cheapest pots and pans available, I found the world's greatest library. It had so many books, my eyes were spinning and the rest of the weekend fell into place as I read normal books. What do I mean by normal? Normal books are books that are read by everyone else like autobiographies, self-help books, and smutty novels. And there you have it...I read all weekend and answered texts from Buddy. Father's Day was not the same since I spent it alone away from my own dad and husband, yet I will catch up with them when I go home this week.
Is that the end of my weekend...just books? Nope...it really was only beginning. Here are the events from my perspective. Buddy has not been happy with the team, coaches or his role (or lack thereof). He was very 'salty' on Saturday morning as he got out of the car and walked to the bus. I was hoping that the road trip would be successful and that he would be in a better frame of mind when he returned. After finding out that there were 3 guys and two double beds in each room, I knew that the weekend would not get any better. His college team usually had two in a room and they stayed at very nice hotels. I can only guess which hotel they stayed in. Before he left, I handed him $20.00. "What's that for?" he asked. "Extra money in case you get hungry." I replied. "Mom, they are NOT paying for meals. We have to buy them." Oh...this is not college...it's a bit 'rinky-dink'...OK, I handed him (once again) the contents of my purse excluding my emergency change by my lip gloss.
I had a bad feeling about the trip. The forecast was rain and thundershowers. Like the forecast, the kid was in a very foul mood. As Sunday took shape and I began and finished Maeve Binchey's latest book and received a few texts....5:50 pm: Just finished first game.....7:00 rain delay 8:00 rain delay 9:50: game starting 9 innings to play. My heart sank. Anyone who plays in this game will indeed be challenged by the long delay and late time. Also, a 9-inning game can take up to 3 hours to complete then they have a 3-hour trip home. And I have to pick him up around 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 am.....I can't go to sleep. I have to wait for his phone call and I can't sleep through it...not that I would, but I did not want to leave it to fate.
So, I tried to close my eyes, but couldn't sleep since I was so wired. Around 1 am, I started to watch some mindless television and was wide awake. The tenant who lives above us had a very active night and I could hear a great deal that was going on. It was not interesting enough to turn off the television. Around 2 am, I began to get some texts...bad day...I am leaving...no more...I hate it....I am going home....worst game of my life....coach hates me....and so on....What a night...or morning...however you want to call it.....I finally fell asleep and got THE call...we'll be there in 30 minutes. Since Buddy really does not have a great sense of timing, I put the sneakers on after sleeping in my clothes and left the apartment. First, however, I looked up at the apartment above us. I could not tell much but all the lights were on at 5:15 am telling me that they never went to sleep.
It was a creepy foggy ride to the pick up spot. Since I am tentative driving in the region, I was a little intimidated by the conditions. As I drove, I looked around at the other night owls to see who else was up on this nasty morning besides my neighbor. Not too many people were awake, just a truck driver or two.
Finally, the bus arrives and Buddy enters the car. To say that he was in a crazed mood would be an understatement. I did not have access to electroshock therapy or Dr Phil, so it was up to me to help him through his emotional turmoil and personal crisis. After he once again reiterated how much he hated the baseball, coach, players, state, county, weather, fields, and so on, I channeled my best Dr Phil but it sounded more like Oprah...."Don't say anything else. Once you have had a hot shower and rest, you will feel better. We'll talk about it later." I wanted to add...we never, never, never give up....but I kept that one to myself. Quitting is not an option. It may appear that the kid is spoiled, and in some ways he is. But he has very high expectations of himself and he feels that he cannot relax..ever...and therefore he works harder than most to make it. When it does not happen, he has to reformulate a new plan of action. As a young man, he is trying to get his emotions under control. This will happen with practice and age.
To end this oh-so-lengthy post, I will share what Buddy and I witnessed when we parked the car at the apartment. Keep in mind that it is 5:30 ish am...so, who is out? As I got out of the car, we could see a woman hugging another tightly in front of my building. Something was odd here....as the woman drove away, the one left on the pavement looked at us with an empty expression and weaved her way back to the building. She climbed the stairs slowly and deliberately and entered the apartment directly above us....ahhh.....that's what was going on....I said to Buddy: "I guess her daughter is going back to school and they were packing her bags..." His reply was "Mom, that was not her daughter...." hmmmm, OK.....As we watched the woman climb the stairs, we hustled into our apartment and locked the door. She looked out of it....perhaps drunk. "Mom....she was as high as a kite..." OK.....hmmm...that explains all of the nighttime movements around her apartment. This was something I really did not want to know.
Interesting...as life always is...the weekend that was to be one of the most relaxing in the summer turned out to be the most stressful and challenging. But as I previously mentioned, Buddy did not get to this level by throwing in the towel when things got rough. He bears down and works it out. I have the great fortune of being here to help him through it. These events are not typical and he has his family and friends to help him to sort it out. To achieve his goal, he has to go through rough patches...it's the only way to make it. No one said that it would be easy, 'cause if it was, anyone could do what he does. Time for some therapy...first rest, nutritional, then diversionary...would Dr Phil approve of this plan?
If you follow the blog, Buddy had a two day, four game road trip to the other side of the state. I dropped him off early Saturday morning and did not expect to see him until late Sunday night. Therefore, I had the 'pad' to myself. All mine! No one else was there....what to do...what to do...what to do....
I made a quick list of what needed to be done and went to work. After spending the morning grading papers, I was ready to go. The question was....go where? First, I went to a mall to purchase some pots and pans for meals. I am tired of take-out and gaining weight at a faster rate than normal. Further, I don't have my 'fat clothes' here. They remain in my home closet.
Once I bought the cheapest pots and pans available, I found the world's greatest library. It had so many books, my eyes were spinning and the rest of the weekend fell into place as I read normal books. What do I mean by normal? Normal books are books that are read by everyone else like autobiographies, self-help books, and smutty novels. And there you have it...I read all weekend and answered texts from Buddy. Father's Day was not the same since I spent it alone away from my own dad and husband, yet I will catch up with them when I go home this week.
Is that the end of my weekend...just books? Nope...it really was only beginning. Here are the events from my perspective. Buddy has not been happy with the team, coaches or his role (or lack thereof). He was very 'salty' on Saturday morning as he got out of the car and walked to the bus. I was hoping that the road trip would be successful and that he would be in a better frame of mind when he returned. After finding out that there were 3 guys and two double beds in each room, I knew that the weekend would not get any better. His college team usually had two in a room and they stayed at very nice hotels. I can only guess which hotel they stayed in. Before he left, I handed him $20.00. "What's that for?" he asked. "Extra money in case you get hungry." I replied. "Mom, they are NOT paying for meals. We have to buy them." Oh...this is not college...it's a bit 'rinky-dink'...OK, I handed him (once again) the contents of my purse excluding my emergency change by my lip gloss.
I had a bad feeling about the trip. The forecast was rain and thundershowers. Like the forecast, the kid was in a very foul mood. As Sunday took shape and I began and finished Maeve Binchey's latest book and received a few texts....5:50 pm: Just finished first game.....7:00 rain delay 8:00 rain delay 9:50: game starting 9 innings to play. My heart sank. Anyone who plays in this game will indeed be challenged by the long delay and late time. Also, a 9-inning game can take up to 3 hours to complete then they have a 3-hour trip home. And I have to pick him up around 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 am.....I can't go to sleep. I have to wait for his phone call and I can't sleep through it...not that I would, but I did not want to leave it to fate.
So, I tried to close my eyes, but couldn't sleep since I was so wired. Around 1 am, I started to watch some mindless television and was wide awake. The tenant who lives above us had a very active night and I could hear a great deal that was going on. It was not interesting enough to turn off the television. Around 2 am, I began to get some texts...bad day...I am leaving...no more...I hate it....I am going home....worst game of my life....coach hates me....and so on....What a night...or morning...however you want to call it.....I finally fell asleep and got THE call...we'll be there in 30 minutes. Since Buddy really does not have a great sense of timing, I put the sneakers on after sleeping in my clothes and left the apartment. First, however, I looked up at the apartment above us. I could not tell much but all the lights were on at 5:15 am telling me that they never went to sleep.
It was a creepy foggy ride to the pick up spot. Since I am tentative driving in the region, I was a little intimidated by the conditions. As I drove, I looked around at the other night owls to see who else was up on this nasty morning besides my neighbor. Not too many people were awake, just a truck driver or two.
Finally, the bus arrives and Buddy enters the car. To say that he was in a crazed mood would be an understatement. I did not have access to electroshock therapy or Dr Phil, so it was up to me to help him through his emotional turmoil and personal crisis. After he once again reiterated how much he hated the baseball, coach, players, state, county, weather, fields, and so on, I channeled my best Dr Phil but it sounded more like Oprah...."Don't say anything else. Once you have had a hot shower and rest, you will feel better. We'll talk about it later." I wanted to add...we never, never, never give up....but I kept that one to myself. Quitting is not an option. It may appear that the kid is spoiled, and in some ways he is. But he has very high expectations of himself and he feels that he cannot relax..ever...and therefore he works harder than most to make it. When it does not happen, he has to reformulate a new plan of action. As a young man, he is trying to get his emotions under control. This will happen with practice and age.
To end this oh-so-lengthy post, I will share what Buddy and I witnessed when we parked the car at the apartment. Keep in mind that it is 5:30 ish am...so, who is out? As I got out of the car, we could see a woman hugging another tightly in front of my building. Something was odd here....as the woman drove away, the one left on the pavement looked at us with an empty expression and weaved her way back to the building. She climbed the stairs slowly and deliberately and entered the apartment directly above us....ahhh.....that's what was going on....I said to Buddy: "I guess her daughter is going back to school and they were packing her bags..." His reply was "Mom, that was not her daughter...." hmmmm, OK.....As we watched the woman climb the stairs, we hustled into our apartment and locked the door. She looked out of it....perhaps drunk. "Mom....she was as high as a kite..." OK.....hmmm...that explains all of the nighttime movements around her apartment. This was something I really did not want to know.
Interesting...as life always is...the weekend that was to be one of the most relaxing in the summer turned out to be the most stressful and challenging. But as I previously mentioned, Buddy did not get to this level by throwing in the towel when things got rough. He bears down and works it out. I have the great fortune of being here to help him through it. These events are not typical and he has his family and friends to help him to sort it out. To achieve his goal, he has to go through rough patches...it's the only way to make it. No one said that it would be easy, 'cause if it was, anyone could do what he does. Time for some therapy...first rest, nutritional, then diversionary...would Dr Phil approve of this plan?
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Weekend Travel
The team is playing four games this weekend (with 26 games in 26 days to follow) on the other side of the state and had to leave this morning at 8 am on the bus. Last night after the second loss in a row (2-1), the coach announced the starting pitchers for the next week. Buddy was not one of them. Picture in your mind a huge mushroom cloud after an explosion....did you envision it? Yes? Well, I lived it. To say that he was 'salty' would be minimizing his anger. So, as I dropped off Mr. Salty this morning at the local college, I had some private time to reflect on his anger.
This is a mother's perspective. I am trying to be objective and look at the big picture but I really cannot figure this one out. Buddy played more than any other pitcher during the college season except for one player on the team. He had the lowest ERA and played in a competitive conference. He pitched on television in some of the team's biggest games. He struck out players that were just drafted by Major league teams. Whereas the other pitchers are from lower Division I or even lower II/III schools. Their statistics do not even begin to compare to Buddy's. Further, the pitching coach works at a satellite campus of a small division I school.
With that said, I can understand his anger. He cannot believe that even Rat Boy has a start over him. As he puts it: "Every time I talk to him, I feel my IQ dropping...." It's a nasty statement, but he makes his point.
As he got out of the car this morning, the grumbles and growls were heard in London. He is not happy and wants to go home and leave this town. However, the big guy is a natural competitor. He is not going down without a fight even if he complains all the way. He will make the most out of it as he confers with his friend Hoosier and texts me while he is on the bus.
So, what's a kid to do? First, he has to get over his anger and buckle down. With so many games, kids injure their arms and they need someone to step in a take over. Second, he was always under rated by coaches, what's the big difference here? Once again, he has to prove himself and show them that he can be their ace pitcher. I think that this is what competition is all about, working harder than the other guy. Sadly, I would say that you let your statistics do the talking, but in this case, the coaches can't read. I did a check and comparison of the pitchers' stats and Buddy's were the best by far.
Last night after the game, he told me that his fast ball was clocked at 89 the night before when he was on the mound. He was 'bummed' that he did not hit 90. With that statement, I told him to focus on his goals. Goal 1: hit 90 mph on the fast ball. Goal 2: develop another pitch. If he achieves those goals, this summer will be considered a success.
Would I like to pack it all in this weekend and head east? Sure...you bet...when can we go? But that is not going to happen. A commitment was made and he will honor it no matter how tough it gets. This is what trying to make it to the big leagues is all about...competing just to get noticed...competing for mound time...competing to be the strongest...fastest...smartest...As much as this hurts him, once he is able to think rationally, he will see that it is the best thing that could of happened....short of being home, asleep in bed, and dreaming about achieving his dream. It won't happen by just wanting it...it will only happen with physical grit and determination....in that case, I have no doubts....This is just another speed bump on the road to the big leagues.
This is a mother's perspective. I am trying to be objective and look at the big picture but I really cannot figure this one out. Buddy played more than any other pitcher during the college season except for one player on the team. He had the lowest ERA and played in a competitive conference. He pitched on television in some of the team's biggest games. He struck out players that were just drafted by Major league teams. Whereas the other pitchers are from lower Division I or even lower II/III schools. Their statistics do not even begin to compare to Buddy's. Further, the pitching coach works at a satellite campus of a small division I school.
With that said, I can understand his anger. He cannot believe that even Rat Boy has a start over him. As he puts it: "Every time I talk to him, I feel my IQ dropping...." It's a nasty statement, but he makes his point.
As he got out of the car this morning, the grumbles and growls were heard in London. He is not happy and wants to go home and leave this town. However, the big guy is a natural competitor. He is not going down without a fight even if he complains all the way. He will make the most out of it as he confers with his friend Hoosier and texts me while he is on the bus.
So, what's a kid to do? First, he has to get over his anger and buckle down. With so many games, kids injure their arms and they need someone to step in a take over. Second, he was always under rated by coaches, what's the big difference here? Once again, he has to prove himself and show them that he can be their ace pitcher. I think that this is what competition is all about, working harder than the other guy. Sadly, I would say that you let your statistics do the talking, but in this case, the coaches can't read. I did a check and comparison of the pitchers' stats and Buddy's were the best by far.
Last night after the game, he told me that his fast ball was clocked at 89 the night before when he was on the mound. He was 'bummed' that he did not hit 90. With that statement, I told him to focus on his goals. Goal 1: hit 90 mph on the fast ball. Goal 2: develop another pitch. If he achieves those goals, this summer will be considered a success.
Would I like to pack it all in this weekend and head east? Sure...you bet...when can we go? But that is not going to happen. A commitment was made and he will honor it no matter how tough it gets. This is what trying to make it to the big leagues is all about...competing just to get noticed...competing for mound time...competing to be the strongest...fastest...smartest...As much as this hurts him, once he is able to think rationally, he will see that it is the best thing that could of happened....short of being home, asleep in bed, and dreaming about achieving his dream. It won't happen by just wanting it...it will only happen with physical grit and determination....in that case, I have no doubts....This is just another speed bump on the road to the big leagues.
Friday, June 17, 2011
You're Out!
Good Morning! Once again, I am living the life of a college student as I was clicking the remote between Jimmy Kimmel, Jay and Conan last night. I stopped for a while on Jay and found his show a bit funnier, although JK has his moments too. As I morph into a night owl, I am missing Johnny Carson (yep, I am that old). Johnny was smooth and funny. His humor was self-deprecating and fun to watch. Even Ed McMahon was a good sidekick.
Why am I up again at midnight? To answer this question, I will begin with the usual.....a cup of Pike coffee from Starbucks and a story to tell....sit back, here we go....
Yesterday's game was at a field an hour north of the home base. The coaches decided the players should drive themselves and they would not have to spend the money to rent a van. Sadly, since these kids still do not have jobs, one of Buddy's friends, Hoosier, needed a ride since he could not afford the gas money. So, once Hoosier arrived at the apartment, we took off on the highway to the "Bicycle Capital of the Midwest." Yep, are you jealous? I did not see one bicycle last night...not one....
The field was in a large complex and was really nice...not flashy...showy...just well maintained and in a remote location. The starting pitcher for Buddy's team is a high school legend in this part of the state. He was 'all-city'...'all-state'...'all-county'...'all world'....and is now pitching for a well known school in the south east of the US. He pitched a great game as did his opponent. It was 1-1 after 6 2/3 innings. He was on a 'pitch count' and had men on first and third with two outs when there was a call to the bullpen,,,Yes...Buddy was called into the game to get Ace out of a jam. He pitched to a count of 3-2 then the batter lined a shot to first base and the inning was over. Neither team was hitting because the pitching was so good, so Buddy's team mates were retired 1-2-3 during the next inning. The coach kept him in the game. The first batter's count went to 3-2 then Buddy left a curve ball high in the zone and he cracked a double. After an error in the field, the batter scored. Buddy retired the next three batters that he faced. After the inning was over, he walked into the dug out. The pitching coach approached him and asked him why he threw the ball in the 'hot spot'. When Buddy replied that it was a mistake (note: no pitcher ever throws a ball that he thinks the batter is going to hit for a single, double, triple, or home run...never! So, the question itself was pretty stupid...). Then the coach loudly shouted at him: "You're Out!"
And that was that....he was out...another pitcher was in and retired the side. The game ended at 1-2 with Buddy's team losing and Buddy labeled as the losing pitcher. And, so it goes...he lost. Yet there was an unearned run on an error and no run support. This is the nature of the game: you win some and you lose some.
What is BP Mom's perspective on this scenario? Simple, the pitchers need to play more and have more of a routine to be effective in a tight situation. I could tell when he warmed up that he needed to face more batters to be at his normal level of competence. However, the coaches do not have a process and think that all they have to do is to insert the pitcher in a game and he will perform. This is not always the case with pitchers who are accustomed to starting games. Even 'all world' struggled in the first inning until he found his groove.
And so it goes...since Buddy pitched last night, he will not pitch tonight. I don't have to run to see the start of the game, I can wait until the 6th inning. Buddy made me promise to be in the stands by the 6th inning so that he did not have to give the flower to any one else during Bullpen Boogie (which he not just hates..he loathes).
Tomorrow the team leaves for overnight to play four games hours away from home base. So, it will be my first night alone in our "pad." We have figured out a system to burglar-proof the apartment. I have two large chairs by the door. How is that for an effective system?
Buddy and Hoosier mentioned late last night, while we were eating pancakes at the 24 hour IHOP, that they had to go to a sausage shop today to sign autographs for the kids in their uniforms. They were not happy. So Buddy just emerged from his bedroom and is in a very 'salty' mood. "Don't they understand that we are not a big deal? Why do we have to do this? They can make me run baseball camps where kids threaten me and hit me in the face and sign autographs but they can't get me a job?" He's right. They are benefiting from having these Division I players in the region yet have reneged on their promises to find jobs. These kids need to earn money for college in the fall and they are in a holding pattern as the summer progresses. Their promise to take care of the them has yet to materialize. If they cannot find the jobs, then so be it...tell them so that they can find their own jobs. With that said, Buddy just left to sign autographs....he's not happy...and he is not employed...he is just Out!
Why am I up again at midnight? To answer this question, I will begin with the usual.....a cup of Pike coffee from Starbucks and a story to tell....sit back, here we go....
Yesterday's game was at a field an hour north of the home base. The coaches decided the players should drive themselves and they would not have to spend the money to rent a van. Sadly, since these kids still do not have jobs, one of Buddy's friends, Hoosier, needed a ride since he could not afford the gas money. So, once Hoosier arrived at the apartment, we took off on the highway to the "Bicycle Capital of the Midwest." Yep, are you jealous? I did not see one bicycle last night...not one....
The field was in a large complex and was really nice...not flashy...showy...just well maintained and in a remote location. The starting pitcher for Buddy's team is a high school legend in this part of the state. He was 'all-city'...'all-state'...'all-county'...'all world'....and is now pitching for a well known school in the south east of the US. He pitched a great game as did his opponent. It was 1-1 after 6 2/3 innings. He was on a 'pitch count' and had men on first and third with two outs when there was a call to the bullpen,,,Yes...Buddy was called into the game to get Ace out of a jam. He pitched to a count of 3-2 then the batter lined a shot to first base and the inning was over. Neither team was hitting because the pitching was so good, so Buddy's team mates were retired 1-2-3 during the next inning. The coach kept him in the game. The first batter's count went to 3-2 then Buddy left a curve ball high in the zone and he cracked a double. After an error in the field, the batter scored. Buddy retired the next three batters that he faced. After the inning was over, he walked into the dug out. The pitching coach approached him and asked him why he threw the ball in the 'hot spot'. When Buddy replied that it was a mistake (note: no pitcher ever throws a ball that he thinks the batter is going to hit for a single, double, triple, or home run...never! So, the question itself was pretty stupid...). Then the coach loudly shouted at him: "You're Out!"
And that was that....he was out...another pitcher was in and retired the side. The game ended at 1-2 with Buddy's team losing and Buddy labeled as the losing pitcher. And, so it goes...he lost. Yet there was an unearned run on an error and no run support. This is the nature of the game: you win some and you lose some.
What is BP Mom's perspective on this scenario? Simple, the pitchers need to play more and have more of a routine to be effective in a tight situation. I could tell when he warmed up that he needed to face more batters to be at his normal level of competence. However, the coaches do not have a process and think that all they have to do is to insert the pitcher in a game and he will perform. This is not always the case with pitchers who are accustomed to starting games. Even 'all world' struggled in the first inning until he found his groove.
And so it goes...since Buddy pitched last night, he will not pitch tonight. I don't have to run to see the start of the game, I can wait until the 6th inning. Buddy made me promise to be in the stands by the 6th inning so that he did not have to give the flower to any one else during Bullpen Boogie (which he not just hates..he loathes).
Tomorrow the team leaves for overnight to play four games hours away from home base. So, it will be my first night alone in our "pad." We have figured out a system to burglar-proof the apartment. I have two large chairs by the door. How is that for an effective system?
Buddy and Hoosier mentioned late last night, while we were eating pancakes at the 24 hour IHOP, that they had to go to a sausage shop today to sign autographs for the kids in their uniforms. They were not happy. So Buddy just emerged from his bedroom and is in a very 'salty' mood. "Don't they understand that we are not a big deal? Why do we have to do this? They can make me run baseball camps where kids threaten me and hit me in the face and sign autographs but they can't get me a job?" He's right. They are benefiting from having these Division I players in the region yet have reneged on their promises to find jobs. These kids need to earn money for college in the fall and they are in a holding pattern as the summer progresses. Their promise to take care of the them has yet to materialize. If they cannot find the jobs, then so be it...tell them so that they can find their own jobs. With that said, Buddy just left to sign autographs....he's not happy...and he is not employed...he is just Out!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Zin Your Face
My life is upside down again. I was sort of chased out of my lobby office by several little league teams. It's not that they aren't the cutest bunch of kids, but my work space has been violated by food crumbs, sticky tables, and noise. There is nothing wrong with any of those things but I am worried about the computer since I don't back anything up (yeah...I know...major faux pas). So, now I am relegated to the meeting room adjacent to the laundry room. I guess tomorrow I will be on the steps by the pool and by Friday, I will be typing on the highway. And so it goes...life on the road.
Last night, the team played their last exhibition game against another marginal team. The goal of these preseason games is to see how the players are going to gel as a team. I dropped Buddy off early and returned to the hotel for a personal happy hour. While I was relaxing with a cup of wine (only plastic in the room) and cheddar goldfish, he texted me and told me to follow the draft online for him to see if any of his friends or foes were drafted. Gotcha...follow the draft...really? During my 'happy hour'? (Side note...I found a bottle of pinot noir called "Zin Your Face" in the supermarket and had to try it....not bad....).
Back to the draft, Buddy has a number of friends who are very good and ready to be drafted. Therefore, he was very interested in finding out the results. The MLB draft takes place over three days, so we were in day 2. Before he left for the game, I would hear him say...."That guy? I struck him out!" "Him? He popped up on me..." and so on. There were 2 shows in the room yesterday...the draft and his commentary which were equally compelling. Buddy has a new team mate who was expected to be drafted, so much so, that he skipped last night's game to sit by the phone and wait for a call, which never came (ouch). Perhaps his issue was that he had been on three college teams in three years with a final grade point average of 0.6. That's right...just a shade over "F".
So it goes....you could have the best fast ball in the country, but I guess they are also looking for commitment and some functional gray matter in the brain.
As I watched the draft, he texted me again and said that he was not going to play (again). I still had to go to the field to pick him up so I took my time getting there thinking that I would arrive in the 6th inning....wrong....I got there with 8 innings to go. They started late and there was a very long first inning. Therefore, I knew that we were in for a long night. It was hot and muggy and the game was so-so. However, during the 6th inning change over, the team had "Bullpen Boogie." BB is when the pitchers emerge from their bullpen with a rose or carnation, hand it to a woman or girl in the stands and they dance with them for a minute or two. Shades of humiliation for the guys. And so.....6th inning.....who comes out of the bullpen with a beautiful rose, big grin on his face and gritted teeth. "thank you, young man...." I said as a rose was presented to me. He turned and ran back to his post. Two of the pitchers did dance for a bit gaining big cheers from the crowd....not my guy....he ran as fast as he could to get out of sight....Actually, BB woke me up from my thoughts and daydreams and I began to watch the game again. During the 8th inning, the opposing team began a rally and was closing in. With two outs and two runners on base, there was a call from the bullpen...a tall kids runs out. I look up and barely recognize that it is Buddy! Super...here we go...in the game....he is introduced as Buddy from his college and there is a warm applause by the 8 people left in the stands. He warms up and is ready to go. The batter that he is facing is perhaps 5'8" and maybe 150 pounds wet. The opposing player looked just a tad bit concerned....pitch...ball one....pitch....Buddy hits the batter on the hand and bat....therefore it was a strike (note...the kid walks away from the plate and has agony on his face after being struck by the ball)...next pitch...inside corner of the plate...strike....pitch...ball...the count is 2-2....next pitch, the kid pops up to shortstop. Inning over...Buddy is out of game. That's right...5 pitches.... I am glad that I did not blink during his performance. After the game, Buddy mentioned that once he saw the kid was upset by the hit, he was going to continue to throw inside to continue his intimidation...it worked...in a way, he was saying..."In your face..." or perhaps it was "Zin your face...."
The first game is on Saturday evening in Kentucky. That's right....Kentucky. I have never been there before, so I am interested in attending this one. The ballpark is two hours away from the apartment. It is time to gather my supplies...lucky sneakers, camera, bug spray, iPod, comfortable lawn chair, gum, granola bars, and Skittles (naturally).
Last night, the team played their last exhibition game against another marginal team. The goal of these preseason games is to see how the players are going to gel as a team. I dropped Buddy off early and returned to the hotel for a personal happy hour. While I was relaxing with a cup of wine (only plastic in the room) and cheddar goldfish, he texted me and told me to follow the draft online for him to see if any of his friends or foes were drafted. Gotcha...follow the draft...really? During my 'happy hour'? (Side note...I found a bottle of pinot noir called "Zin Your Face" in the supermarket and had to try it....not bad....).
Back to the draft, Buddy has a number of friends who are very good and ready to be drafted. Therefore, he was very interested in finding out the results. The MLB draft takes place over three days, so we were in day 2. Before he left for the game, I would hear him say...."That guy? I struck him out!" "Him? He popped up on me..." and so on. There were 2 shows in the room yesterday...the draft and his commentary which were equally compelling. Buddy has a new team mate who was expected to be drafted, so much so, that he skipped last night's game to sit by the phone and wait for a call, which never came (ouch). Perhaps his issue was that he had been on three college teams in three years with a final grade point average of 0.6. That's right...just a shade over "F".
So it goes....you could have the best fast ball in the country, but I guess they are also looking for commitment and some functional gray matter in the brain.
As I watched the draft, he texted me again and said that he was not going to play (again). I still had to go to the field to pick him up so I took my time getting there thinking that I would arrive in the 6th inning....wrong....I got there with 8 innings to go. They started late and there was a very long first inning. Therefore, I knew that we were in for a long night. It was hot and muggy and the game was so-so. However, during the 6th inning change over, the team had "Bullpen Boogie." BB is when the pitchers emerge from their bullpen with a rose or carnation, hand it to a woman or girl in the stands and they dance with them for a minute or two. Shades of humiliation for the guys. And so.....6th inning.....who comes out of the bullpen with a beautiful rose, big grin on his face and gritted teeth. "thank you, young man...." I said as a rose was presented to me. He turned and ran back to his post. Two of the pitchers did dance for a bit gaining big cheers from the crowd....not my guy....he ran as fast as he could to get out of sight....Actually, BB woke me up from my thoughts and daydreams and I began to watch the game again. During the 8th inning, the opposing team began a rally and was closing in. With two outs and two runners on base, there was a call from the bullpen...a tall kids runs out. I look up and barely recognize that it is Buddy! Super...here we go...in the game....he is introduced as Buddy from his college and there is a warm applause by the 8 people left in the stands. He warms up and is ready to go. The batter that he is facing is perhaps 5'8" and maybe 150 pounds wet. The opposing player looked just a tad bit concerned....pitch...ball one....pitch....Buddy hits the batter on the hand and bat....therefore it was a strike (note...the kid walks away from the plate and has agony on his face after being struck by the ball)...next pitch...inside corner of the plate...strike....pitch...ball...the count is 2-2....next pitch, the kid pops up to shortstop. Inning over...Buddy is out of game. That's right...5 pitches.... I am glad that I did not blink during his performance. After the game, Buddy mentioned that once he saw the kid was upset by the hit, he was going to continue to throw inside to continue his intimidation...it worked...in a way, he was saying..."In your face..." or perhaps it was "Zin your face...."
The first game is on Saturday evening in Kentucky. That's right....Kentucky. I have never been there before, so I am interested in attending this one. The ballpark is two hours away from the apartment. It is time to gather my supplies...lucky sneakers, camera, bug spray, iPod, comfortable lawn chair, gum, granola bars, and Skittles (naturally).
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
A new lifestyle
Good Morning! I am back in my Ohio office in the lobby of the hotel equipped with my laptop, cell phone and big coffee pot near the breakfast area. The hotel keeps a pot brewing all day for addicted guests like me. Today's cup of coffee was particularly good, so I mentioned it to the woman who puts the breakfast out. Her comment to me (and I am not lying....): "Good, I just cleaned the pot...." Hmmmmm. I have been drinking this stuff for three days and the coffee has been brewed in a dirty coffee pot? OY! No wonder my stomach has been feeling funky....dirty coffee...ew. It's almost enough to make me quit....OK, let's not go that far....
I am sure that you have lots of questions for BP Mom that I am going to try to anticipate....
Question 1: Hey, BPM, what do you do in the morning when Buddy is asleep on the sofa coach?
Answer: Glad that you asked that question. BPM has lots to do especially when it pertains to work. I am teaching an online class for the next five weeks from the lobby of the hotel and then the apartment. I am captivating students with my knowledge of leadership and management. That's right....leadership...me...BPM....I know the theories and concepts and can apply them in a professional manner. Although I often have trouble applying them to my own life....
Question 2: Oh, BPM, what is it like living with your 19 year old son again in a region where neither of you know anyone?
Answer: Wow., another great question....Well, all I can say is that both of us have made tremendous adjustments to our schedules and lives. We are both accustomed to our freedom and making decisions on our own. Now that we have one car, one bathroom and small accommodations, I anticipate that I will soon grate on his last nerve. On the other hand, he has tested my patience already. With that said, there is a basic level of trust and love, so we will get through this with a more improved understanding of each other.
Question 3: BPM, tell us about your apartment.
Answer: That's a tough one since we are not moving in until Saturday morning. From what I remember from the model, it has a small bedroom, kitchenette, living room with the pull out sofa bed, and tiny dining room (BPM's office). It is on the first floor of the apartment complex located near the region's food pantry.
OK, I only have time for one last question....
Question 4: Yo, BPM....what do you do all day?
Answer: Whew...tough one to answer since I am sooo busy (not!). I usually let the big kid sleep since he has a different clock then me. I write in the lobby and am working on finishing my research on vulnerable populations and health care access. Around 11 am, I have to get him out of bed, with at least one stick of dynamite, so that the maid can try to clean the room. Today, we have to do laundry and I have been collecting quarters for the machines.
In the afternoon, we run errands and find a place for him to eat. Yesterday I decided to go to the movies in the afternoon for a change of pace. There is a theater near us that charges $3 per ticket to see older movies such as Hop and Lincoln Lawyer. We saw LL yesterday. He refuses to see Hop with me.
In the evening, I work out in the hotel gym while he goes to practice. We meet for dinner and hang out reading, watching tv, or on the computer. On game days, I drop him off by 4 pm, return to the hotel and work until it is time to leave to watch the game.
Tonight's game is the last of the exhibition pre season games. The season officially begins on Saturday in Kentucky. So, there you have it in its simplest form....a unique summer pairing two very different people in a new setting. The experiences will all be documented here as I sit back and observe my new environment, friends, and develop a new appreciation for my son.
I am sure that you have lots of questions for BP Mom that I am going to try to anticipate....
Question 1: Hey, BPM, what do you do in the morning when Buddy is asleep on the sofa coach?
Answer: Glad that you asked that question. BPM has lots to do especially when it pertains to work. I am teaching an online class for the next five weeks from the lobby of the hotel and then the apartment. I am captivating students with my knowledge of leadership and management. That's right....leadership...me...BPM....I know the theories and concepts and can apply them in a professional manner. Although I often have trouble applying them to my own life....
Question 2: Oh, BPM, what is it like living with your 19 year old son again in a region where neither of you know anyone?
Answer: Wow., another great question....Well, all I can say is that both of us have made tremendous adjustments to our schedules and lives. We are both accustomed to our freedom and making decisions on our own. Now that we have one car, one bathroom and small accommodations, I anticipate that I will soon grate on his last nerve. On the other hand, he has tested my patience already. With that said, there is a basic level of trust and love, so we will get through this with a more improved understanding of each other.
Question 3: BPM, tell us about your apartment.
Answer: That's a tough one since we are not moving in until Saturday morning. From what I remember from the model, it has a small bedroom, kitchenette, living room with the pull out sofa bed, and tiny dining room (BPM's office). It is on the first floor of the apartment complex located near the region's food pantry.
OK, I only have time for one last question....
Question 4: Yo, BPM....what do you do all day?
Answer: Whew...tough one to answer since I am sooo busy (not!). I usually let the big kid sleep since he has a different clock then me. I write in the lobby and am working on finishing my research on vulnerable populations and health care access. Around 11 am, I have to get him out of bed, with at least one stick of dynamite, so that the maid can try to clean the room. Today, we have to do laundry and I have been collecting quarters for the machines.
In the afternoon, we run errands and find a place for him to eat. Yesterday I decided to go to the movies in the afternoon for a change of pace. There is a theater near us that charges $3 per ticket to see older movies such as Hop and Lincoln Lawyer. We saw LL yesterday. He refuses to see Hop with me.
In the evening, I work out in the hotel gym while he goes to practice. We meet for dinner and hang out reading, watching tv, or on the computer. On game days, I drop him off by 4 pm, return to the hotel and work until it is time to leave to watch the game.
Tonight's game is the last of the exhibition pre season games. The season officially begins on Saturday in Kentucky. So, there you have it in its simplest form....a unique summer pairing two very different people in a new setting. The experiences will all be documented here as I sit back and observe my new environment, friends, and develop a new appreciation for my son.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Mom in the house....
I made it! Nine hours driving west on my own, and I did it. The traffic was not bad until I was 10 minutes away from my destination, then everything completely stopped. No one moved on a 4 lane highway. I looked around and began to count my blessings. I had XM radio and air conditioning and gas in my car. There were multiple cars sitting with their windows open to let the balmy 94 degree temperature in to cool them. It was a nasty accident and if I had pressed the car any faster, I could have been in it. Again, very lucky indeed!
I arrived 3 hours before the evening game, Buddy left for the field and I was given the grand tour of the hotel room and community. The room is actually a room and half designed for the extended business traveler. We have internet and sofa and desk. This would be perfect if I could use it. Buddy is currently sleeping on the sofa bed and I am in the lobby with a little league team and their families typing this note. I have to wake him up soon. His circadian rhythms are way off with the night games and college life. The way I look at it is....he is going to adjust his sleeping routine or I am going to be really friendly with the hotel staff as my new office becomes the lobby. On a positive note, the lobby has a plasma tv, printer and all the coffee I can drink.....a perfect blend of accoutrements designed for me!
Back to work...this blog has been designed by me to tell our story from my perspective. Therefore, all impressions are mine based on observations and conversations. Writing is a way to share the story of a kid and his family as he works toward his goals....the hard work, sacrifices, travel, and real life craziness that accompanies his quest to play baseball at the highest level. In life, baseball and the real world...things are not perfect, but they can be funny and teaching tools. Therefore, my view of all of this is to see it in a humorous light. There are no complaints, just a mom watching from the sidelines....ready to support her child when he needs it.
Right now, the little league team is leaving for their tournament. I do not want to go back in time, but those days were wonderful. When Buddy traveled at that age, he was like an old man. His view of baseball was business-like...preparing for battle...sleep...good diet...mental preparation....visual imagery...he was old back then...when these kids finish their game, they are going to the water park or pool. Buddy would not have liked that unless the tournament was over...no relaxing until business has been completed and his performance on the diamond has been critiqued and analyzed. Let's see...what did you do well? What are your challenges? How can you prevent the errors from re-occurring? It's all part of the process of self-reflection and creating goals to improve. It's part of his mentality.
My greatest desire for the big kid is that if (and I do mean "if") his dream to play in the Bigs does not pan out, he finds something to do that he is equally passionate about and content in the outcome. He has to find an alternate to baseball to quiet his mind...right? I suggested that he writes his story and he likes that idea. Maybe he can take up ceramics or paint....perplexing.....
Got to go...my battery is about to die.....
I arrived 3 hours before the evening game, Buddy left for the field and I was given the grand tour of the hotel room and community. The room is actually a room and half designed for the extended business traveler. We have internet and sofa and desk. This would be perfect if I could use it. Buddy is currently sleeping on the sofa bed and I am in the lobby with a little league team and their families typing this note. I have to wake him up soon. His circadian rhythms are way off with the night games and college life. The way I look at it is....he is going to adjust his sleeping routine or I am going to be really friendly with the hotel staff as my new office becomes the lobby. On a positive note, the lobby has a plasma tv, printer and all the coffee I can drink.....a perfect blend of accoutrements designed for me!
Back to work...this blog has been designed by me to tell our story from my perspective. Therefore, all impressions are mine based on observations and conversations. Writing is a way to share the story of a kid and his family as he works toward his goals....the hard work, sacrifices, travel, and real life craziness that accompanies his quest to play baseball at the highest level. In life, baseball and the real world...things are not perfect, but they can be funny and teaching tools. Therefore, my view of all of this is to see it in a humorous light. There are no complaints, just a mom watching from the sidelines....ready to support her child when he needs it.
Right now, the little league team is leaving for their tournament. I do not want to go back in time, but those days were wonderful. When Buddy traveled at that age, he was like an old man. His view of baseball was business-like...preparing for battle...sleep...good diet...mental preparation....visual imagery...he was old back then...when these kids finish their game, they are going to the water park or pool. Buddy would not have liked that unless the tournament was over...no relaxing until business has been completed and his performance on the diamond has been critiqued and analyzed. Let's see...what did you do well? What are your challenges? How can you prevent the errors from re-occurring? It's all part of the process of self-reflection and creating goals to improve. It's part of his mentality.
My greatest desire for the big kid is that if (and I do mean "if") his dream to play in the Bigs does not pan out, he finds something to do that he is equally passionate about and content in the outcome. He has to find an alternate to baseball to quiet his mind...right? I suggested that he writes his story and he likes that idea. Maybe he can take up ceramics or paint....perplexing.....
Got to go...my battery is about to die.....
Friday, June 3, 2011
Leaving home
It's time to finish preparations to leave home for an extended period of time. I can't remember being gone from home for longer than 1 week. This is very new for me as I try to decide what to bring from home to live in a hotel for 9 days and then a small apartment. I have made list after list....thought about what I needed....and will probably forget most of the essentials like Skittles. I am not even sure how I am going to find this place on my own...at least I have navigation in the car.
I have a vision of my time with Buddy being like Felix and Oscar of the Odd Couple. At this juncture, am I Felix or Oscar? Given the nature of his bedroom and dorm room, I can clearly say that I will be Felix but I do have Oscar-like tendencies that may emerge as I live in a tiny apartment with a baseball player. Where is he going to keep his smelly clothes and dirty cleats? In the apartment? In the car? I can't open the windows because we are on the first floor and I am worried about someone coming in and stealing my coffee pot (can't have that).
Also, whom will I talk to? He is going to be at the ball park late afternoons and evenings...sleeping late...going to his job....AND we only have one car! About his job...the team has sponsors, so the kids are able to work part time around their baseball schedules at one of the businesses. It looks like Buddy will be selling milk and eggs in his spare time. Here is where my Starbucks job would have come in handy...sadly I have not heard from them yet. I applied...no call....perhaps they don't want me...maybe they checked my references and feel that I won't be able to figure out how to make a double espresso-triple shot frap grande deluxe (they would not be wrong).....so no job for Bullpen Mom....just her keyboard, internet and imagination....
On the bright side, this is an opportunity for Buddy to play in a region that is new....see different baseball...meet new people....have new experiences...an adventure....so, here we go....
My only wish is that everything is the same when I return home...my plants are watered and have survived.....weeds are not obvious in the garden....and the dog and Tink are happy....see you in Ohiooooooo......
I have a vision of my time with Buddy being like Felix and Oscar of the Odd Couple. At this juncture, am I Felix or Oscar? Given the nature of his bedroom and dorm room, I can clearly say that I will be Felix but I do have Oscar-like tendencies that may emerge as I live in a tiny apartment with a baseball player. Where is he going to keep his smelly clothes and dirty cleats? In the apartment? In the car? I can't open the windows because we are on the first floor and I am worried about someone coming in and stealing my coffee pot (can't have that).
Also, whom will I talk to? He is going to be at the ball park late afternoons and evenings...sleeping late...going to his job....AND we only have one car! About his job...the team has sponsors, so the kids are able to work part time around their baseball schedules at one of the businesses. It looks like Buddy will be selling milk and eggs in his spare time. Here is where my Starbucks job would have come in handy...sadly I have not heard from them yet. I applied...no call....perhaps they don't want me...maybe they checked my references and feel that I won't be able to figure out how to make a double espresso-triple shot frap grande deluxe (they would not be wrong).....so no job for Bullpen Mom....just her keyboard, internet and imagination....
On the bright side, this is an opportunity for Buddy to play in a region that is new....see different baseball...meet new people....have new experiences...an adventure....so, here we go....
My only wish is that everything is the same when I return home...my plants are watered and have survived.....weeds are not obvious in the garden....and the dog and Tink are happy....see you in Ohiooooooo......
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Taste of defeat
My last post focused on the playoffs. Sadly, Buddy's team did not win and we left town early. However, before we left, the team that was the favorite stayed on our floor in the hotel. The first night was very quiet. They could have been church ladies, they were so subdued. Then it happened.....they won their first game and proceeded to "party" late in to the night and early morning. From my room, I could hear the activity in the hall. There was laughter, joy, banging, screaming, and falling down dead drunk. Yes, they were loaded.....relieving stress after winning their first game. Party on.....I am so glad that they had fun 'cause the rest of the tournament did not go as well for them. They lost their next game and suddenly found themselves in the loser bracket. They made the finals and were 'smoked' by the winning team. Game, set, match.....what did we learn? Here is my take...beer and wine do not taste as good as winning the conference championship....so it goes.....
more later.....
more later.....
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