Superbowl Sunday!
Everyone is scrambling to get out of dodge because of the snowstorm that's hitting the east coast. Philly, DC, Baltimore is all shut down. Luckily we stay tonight in Tampa with our friends, Pam and Eric. We don't leave until Monday. We decide to eat breakfast at the hotel and Lane and Mary joined us and then Dana and Kathy do, too. Al stops by and can't find his phone so I give him mine so he can call it and hopefully find it. He does - it was in his room. Slowly people are leaving and we head up at 10:30 to start packing up and check out by 11:15. We get on the road at noon, stop once, and get to Pam's at 2:00. We hang out and head over to their friend's, Jeff, house. He's a big Saints fan, in fact there are 4 really big Saint's fans and only 1 Colts fan. The rest of us were rooting for the Saints because no one likes Manning and we just are pulling for the Saints. What a game! The onside kick, the 2 point conversion and then the interception of Manning. Hooray! It took the sting out of my world series loss.
Now that camp is all over and I look back on the wonderful week I have to say that we really had a great team. I had a personal best batting 7-20, 6 BBs, 1HBP, 4 runs scored, 3 rbis, and only 2 Ks. I was nominated for gold glove and I ran for a lot of my teammates and my legs felt pretty good, even today! Everyone contributed and we almost did it.
I really enjoyed all the pros. They are so willing to give their time to critique you to become a better player. Campbell, Miller, Cuyler, Sullivan, Boswell, Petrocelli. They all gave me some bits of info during the week that totally helped me out, hitting, fielding and running the bases. I did miss Sam Horn, Jose Santiago, Bob Stanley, Eric Rasmussen, Mike Caldwell, and Mike Torrez.
Thanks so much for reading my journal. If anyone wants to use any part of it as a reference for your own journal, please use it as a reference (ie rewrite in your own words, I hate to say it so bluntly, but it happened in the past that someone copied it and it wasn't cool). If you happen to notice anything that isn't correct, please let me know so that I can get it fixed. I used Jeff''s pictures to help me piece things together and Jeff got pictures of the scorecards, except for game 1, which Dan sent me a scanned copy, and the championship game, which I have no idea where that one went.
Til next year -Boot camp again! I never felt so great after the camp - it totally worked! I hope that I can have a repeat performance. Expectations are sky high!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Red Sox Fantasy Camp Sat Feb 6
Jeff and I get up and head down to the clubhouse around 11:30. We are told to clean up our lockers so I brought my suitcase to pack it all up. How sad! Kim was in the locker room with me. And we commiserate together. We head on down to the stadium where the pro- rookie game and the world series games will take place. We stop at the picnic area and grab lunch., I luckily ate my PB&J sandwich at the room before we left. I grabbed a banana for later.
The pro-rookie game really wasn't that. The orioles played the red sox rookies and Jen, Bridget and Charlie Ahles filled in with the red sox rookies. The 'vs the pro' was really just hitting against the Pro pitcher. Jim Corsi and Bill Campbell. They played a few innings and made sure everyone got 3 at bats each. They would clear the bases after 3 outs. I actually think the Orioles won. But I'm not sure of the score. Rico was in the 1B stands and slowly kept creeping higher up, until he was gone. I liked it better when the pros hit against the rookies, too. Usually something fun comes from that.
Then we go onto the field. Kim Asked Larry if the visitors can have the 3rd base dugout. I guess the visitors normally take the 1st base side. But Kim pleaded with Larry (' I changed hotels, I changed managers, can you please give me something?' she cried) and Larry gave in. Boz was not aware of these goings-on and was disappointed with the change. He thought it would be better for us to be on the 1st base side. Both teams are announced and we stand for the National Anthem. Afterward, Jerry Moses gave me a hard time for not putting my hand over my heart ('don't be like our president O'bama, this is your country'). So I told him I never put my hand over my heart - it has nothing to do with Obama, but I can still be patriotic - in fact I always sing the national anthem. It more has to do with my not believing in the whole 'God' thing and separation of church and state. I think he understood where I was coming from.
So Lane is pitching for us and Gary Perkins is pitching for them. We start at the top of the order with Basile. We did nothing the first few innings. In the field, Scott Willis started on the bench. I was moved to RC and Marty played LC.Mike Owens started at 2nd and wasn't able not make a play at 1st. That's the first time he played IF all week. Odd. They scored a couple of runs. Then the 2nd inning, Owens went to RF and Willis played 2B and Kim sat. Lyons team played very well in the field. I don't think they made any errors. We had some tough plays, throws to 1B weren't on the money and that hurt. Dan made a great throw to the plate and got a runner out at home. We had runners on 1st and 2nd in the 2nd inning but couldn't score. Marty made a good catch in LC. I had no balls hit to me at all. On the plus side Lyon's team got stuck in a rundown and we got the out at 3rd, so that helped. Top of the 5th Kim got a nice hit in between 1st and 2b and Steve Lyons gave her a big hug and kiss at first base. Owens ran for her. Tony and Al got Owens to 3rd. So with only 1 out, a dribbler was hit to 3b and Boz told the runner to stay, but he didn't and he was out by a good 2 feet at home. That hurt. Charlie Wu hung onto the ball, but if the runner waited until the 3Bman threw the ball to 1B he would've probably scored. It killed a rally. In the middle of the fifth, the women campers get up on the dugout and lead the crowd to 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'. Usually Kim does this, but since she's playing it was handed off to the women. They also announce a former camper, Vinnie Buonno, who played on my 2000 Championship team. He has some motor skills deficency - almost like a cerebral plasy. But he could sure hit the ball. It was amazing to watch him play. He used to be so skinny and now you can tell that something is not quite right with him. He's so bloated. Jeff Ladue knows his family real well and they are concerned for him. Be well, Vinnie!
Meanwhile, Lyons is drinking shots ever time his team scores. He's getting really wasted. It is now 5-2 top of the 7th and we have to score at least 3 to stay in it. We are trying to make a comeback. We scored once with 2 outs and then Owens was up and hit a dribbler and everyone was safe. Bases loaded score 5-3, 2 out and I'm up. Couple of balls, one almost hit me, a called strike, I fouled one off. Another ball and the last pitch - Ball 4! I walked in Cooksey. Score 5-4 bases loaded 2 outs and now Kim is up. Can she do it again? Ball 1, strike 1, an inside pitch almost hit her for ball 2, then she fouled off a pitch. Next pitch she swung and missed. The whole crowd went 'OOOHHHHH!'. We were all pulling for her. In fact the whole game it seemed we were getting the most cheers. Kim was so disappointed. We all were sad that we lost, but we gave them a run for their money. We rallied around Kim, knowing full well that we had ample opportunities throughout the game and it just didn't happen. It was truly a team loss. Actually it was the other team's win. They played great all game, defensively. Wish we could have pulled it out. I ended up going 0-2 with the BB, 1 RBI. It would've been so amazing to win the whole thing. Guess it wasn't meant to be. Somebody pied Lyons in the face. He got a few people during the week. He gave Kim a kiss and she got some whipped cream on her face. Then the winners got their team picture taken.
So we pack up and I get individual pictures with all my teammates. Normally, I do this at the beginning of the week and print them so I can get their autographs, but missing last year's camp I think I got out of sync. Usually I print off pictures at the Wal-greens each night and put them in an album right away. But we are not next to Wal-greens anymore. Jeff sent some pictures to Wal-Mart which we picked up and we stopped at the Orange juice place. Then back at the hotel, I showered and got ready for the banquet - the last night. I can't believe it's almost over.
We arrange to sit by teams and we got 2 tables.Jeff and I sat with Campbell and his wife Linda, Lane and Mary, Kim, Cooksey, Dana and Kathy. The rest of the team along with Boz and his wife Lou sat at the other table. All except Owens, who arrived late, but we saved him a seat at the table in front of my table closer to the podium. Guess he was trying to arrange his flight, because of the impending storm. Jerry Moses and Gary Bell do another Kangaroo court. Eddie Munoz got the green fly award. Steve Lyons got rescued from the bathroom after getting sick from all the drinking he did earlier. Jim Palmer got fined. Somebody's wife got fined for having a yankees hat on during the week. Joel Weinstein found another 'twin tower' person in one of the rookies, Dennis Damschroeder . They are almost the same height, but Joel is just an inch shorter. Jerry Moses got fined for wearing shower shoes (slides) to the banquet.
Then the camp awards are announced.
Charlie Hustle went to Don Amirilian.
Rookie of the year went to Rocco Cammarata.
Gold Glove under 50 went to Paul Lipari ( I was nominated for this)
Gold Glove over 50 went to Dale Clarke.
CY Young under 50 went to Mark Heffner.
Cy Young over 50 went to Gary Perkins.
MVP under 50 went to Tim Ryan.
MVP Over 50 went to Kevin Marden.
Then the runners up were announced - us!
Then the championship team was announced.
Then Allenson, Azcue, Moses and Sullivan announced how much trainer's stuff we went through during the course of the week. Amazing! And I didn't see them once! The trainers award went to the whole Orioles team! They brought out this trophy that was a mix of all the trainers stuff, including a blown up rubber glove.
The good guy award went to Dale Clarke. (Tribute to Mike Gonsalves ac amper who died in the RI club fire)
And that wrapped it up. Usually we hear that nice song about the red sox but not this year. Then the goodbyes begin. I stay up pretty late talking with everyone and making the rounds. I'm sure I'll see some people in the AM.
The pro-rookie game really wasn't that. The orioles played the red sox rookies and Jen, Bridget and Charlie Ahles filled in with the red sox rookies. The 'vs the pro' was really just hitting against the Pro pitcher. Jim Corsi and Bill Campbell. They played a few innings and made sure everyone got 3 at bats each. They would clear the bases after 3 outs. I actually think the Orioles won. But I'm not sure of the score. Rico was in the 1B stands and slowly kept creeping higher up, until he was gone. I liked it better when the pros hit against the rookies, too. Usually something fun comes from that.
Then we go onto the field. Kim Asked Larry if the visitors can have the 3rd base dugout. I guess the visitors normally take the 1st base side. But Kim pleaded with Larry (' I changed hotels, I changed managers, can you please give me something?' she cried) and Larry gave in. Boz was not aware of these goings-on and was disappointed with the change. He thought it would be better for us to be on the 1st base side. Both teams are announced and we stand for the National Anthem. Afterward, Jerry Moses gave me a hard time for not putting my hand over my heart ('don't be like our president O'bama, this is your country'). So I told him I never put my hand over my heart - it has nothing to do with Obama, but I can still be patriotic - in fact I always sing the national anthem. It more has to do with my not believing in the whole 'God' thing and separation of church and state. I think he understood where I was coming from.
So Lane is pitching for us and Gary Perkins is pitching for them. We start at the top of the order with Basile. We did nothing the first few innings. In the field, Scott Willis started on the bench. I was moved to RC and Marty played LC.Mike Owens started at 2nd and wasn't able not make a play at 1st. That's the first time he played IF all week. Odd. They scored a couple of runs. Then the 2nd inning, Owens went to RF and Willis played 2B and Kim sat. Lyons team played very well in the field. I don't think they made any errors. We had some tough plays, throws to 1B weren't on the money and that hurt. Dan made a great throw to the plate and got a runner out at home. We had runners on 1st and 2nd in the 2nd inning but couldn't score. Marty made a good catch in LC. I had no balls hit to me at all. On the plus side Lyon's team got stuck in a rundown and we got the out at 3rd, so that helped. Top of the 5th Kim got a nice hit in between 1st and 2b and Steve Lyons gave her a big hug and kiss at first base. Owens ran for her. Tony and Al got Owens to 3rd. So with only 1 out, a dribbler was hit to 3b and Boz told the runner to stay, but he didn't and he was out by a good 2 feet at home. That hurt. Charlie Wu hung onto the ball, but if the runner waited until the 3Bman threw the ball to 1B he would've probably scored. It killed a rally. In the middle of the fifth, the women campers get up on the dugout and lead the crowd to 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'. Usually Kim does this, but since she's playing it was handed off to the women. They also announce a former camper, Vinnie Buonno, who played on my 2000 Championship team. He has some motor skills deficency - almost like a cerebral plasy. But he could sure hit the ball. It was amazing to watch him play. He used to be so skinny and now you can tell that something is not quite right with him. He's so bloated. Jeff Ladue knows his family real well and they are concerned for him. Be well, Vinnie!
Meanwhile, Lyons is drinking shots ever time his team scores. He's getting really wasted. It is now 5-2 top of the 7th and we have to score at least 3 to stay in it. We are trying to make a comeback. We scored once with 2 outs and then Owens was up and hit a dribbler and everyone was safe. Bases loaded score 5-3, 2 out and I'm up. Couple of balls, one almost hit me, a called strike, I fouled one off. Another ball and the last pitch - Ball 4! I walked in Cooksey. Score 5-4 bases loaded 2 outs and now Kim is up. Can she do it again? Ball 1, strike 1, an inside pitch almost hit her for ball 2, then she fouled off a pitch. Next pitch she swung and missed. The whole crowd went 'OOOHHHHH!'. We were all pulling for her. In fact the whole game it seemed we were getting the most cheers. Kim was so disappointed. We all were sad that we lost, but we gave them a run for their money. We rallied around Kim, knowing full well that we had ample opportunities throughout the game and it just didn't happen. It was truly a team loss. Actually it was the other team's win. They played great all game, defensively. Wish we could have pulled it out. I ended up going 0-2 with the BB, 1 RBI. It would've been so amazing to win the whole thing. Guess it wasn't meant to be. Somebody pied Lyons in the face. He got a few people during the week. He gave Kim a kiss and she got some whipped cream on her face. Then the winners got their team picture taken.
So we pack up and I get individual pictures with all my teammates. Normally, I do this at the beginning of the week and print them so I can get their autographs, but missing last year's camp I think I got out of sync. Usually I print off pictures at the Wal-greens each night and put them in an album right away. But we are not next to Wal-greens anymore. Jeff sent some pictures to Wal-Mart which we picked up and we stopped at the Orange juice place. Then back at the hotel, I showered and got ready for the banquet - the last night. I can't believe it's almost over.
We arrange to sit by teams and we got 2 tables.Jeff and I sat with Campbell and his wife Linda, Lane and Mary, Kim, Cooksey, Dana and Kathy. The rest of the team along with Boz and his wife Lou sat at the other table. All except Owens, who arrived late, but we saved him a seat at the table in front of my table closer to the podium. Guess he was trying to arrange his flight, because of the impending storm. Jerry Moses and Gary Bell do another Kangaroo court. Eddie Munoz got the green fly award. Steve Lyons got rescued from the bathroom after getting sick from all the drinking he did earlier. Jim Palmer got fined. Somebody's wife got fined for having a yankees hat on during the week. Joel Weinstein found another 'twin tower' person in one of the rookies, Dennis Damschroeder . They are almost the same height, but Joel is just an inch shorter. Jerry Moses got fined for wearing shower shoes (slides) to the banquet.
Then the camp awards are announced.
Charlie Hustle went to Don Amirilian.
Rookie of the year went to Rocco Cammarata.
Gold Glove under 50 went to Paul Lipari ( I was nominated for this)
Gold Glove over 50 went to Dale Clarke.
CY Young under 50 went to Mark Heffner.
Cy Young over 50 went to Gary Perkins.
MVP under 50 went to Tim Ryan.
MVP Over 50 went to Kevin Marden.
Then the runners up were announced - us!
Then the championship team was announced.
Then Allenson, Azcue, Moses and Sullivan announced how much trainer's stuff we went through during the course of the week. Amazing! And I didn't see them once! The trainers award went to the whole Orioles team! They brought out this trophy that was a mix of all the trainers stuff, including a blown up rubber glove.
The good guy award went to Dale Clarke. (Tribute to Mike Gonsalves ac amper who died in the RI club fire)
And that wrapped it up. Usually we hear that nice song about the red sox but not this year. Then the goodbyes begin. I stay up pretty late talking with everyone and making the rounds. I'm sure I'll see some people in the AM.
Red Sox Fantasy Camp Fri Feb 5
Let the playoffs begin! It's single elimination so we have to win both games to make it to the world series. We are 4-2 and we are tied for second, but we are the fourth seed, so we play the 5th seed, which is team 1 and we are home on field 5 - again! janet was anticipating both her and my team winning, then we'd play each other for the semi-finals. Milt Cuyler and Lee Stange 'Milt's Maulers': Rocco Cammarata, Dirk Coffman, Lisa Courcy, Fred Maloy, CJ Patti, Greg Picucci, Bill and Jordan Sullivan (father /son), Kyle Sullivan, John Torniero, and Joel Weinstein. We already beat them 8-3 and if they were smart they should've started Fred Maloy cause we only managed 1 run off of him. But they pitched John 'Super Mario' Torniero. Lane started for us and pitched 5 strong innings.The lineup can only be changed at the start of the playoffs so Campbell made some changes. Now it's Basile, Venditti, Rickard, Perrins, Dan WIllis, Scott Willis, Cooksey, Kawadler, Owens, Whitney, Dunn, and Fletcher. Jack decided he didn't want to play anymore. His side was hurting. It's too bad because he really was doing well. I made 2 catches in LC. We were up by a lot so to save Lane for another game, Scott Willis went in, then I pitched the final inning. I walked one and struck out 1. I went 1-2 with a sac and a BB, rbi 1 run scored. We also got the team picture taken. Jeff took a lot of video for this game. He's trying out getting little clips of people batting. Could be something that he can do for future events. I think people would be interested in seeing themselves bat. Scott Willis got game MVP going 2-4, 1 run scored.
At lunch Jim palmer showed up. He'll be here the rest of the week. So this is how the games went the first seed which was team 6, steve lyons team, beat the 8th seed, team 8 the orioles. The 2nd seed team 5 Miller and Petrocelli's team beat seed 7 team 4 Gale and Daubach's team. The 3rd seed, team 2 crawford and Burgmeier lost to seed 6, team 7 Corsi and Azcue's team (whom we never played). That was Janet's team. So much for us playing them again (which is good because we lost to them already). And my team seed 4, team 3 beat seed 5 team 1 stange and cuyler. So now the pairings for the winners are team 6 vs team 7 (visitors) and team 5 vs team 3 (visitors).
We are the visitors on field 3 team 5 Rick Miller, Rico Petrocelli and Bob Bernstein 'Miller's millrats': Mike Andrade, Stephen Hardy, Sam Laquale, Kevin marden, Ed Munoz, Bob Murch, Chuck Ott, Bridget Perry, Bob Pinault, Curt Pollitt, Dean Riley, and Rob Watkins. Mike Andrade is pitching, he won Cy Young one year - he pitched every game in the playoffs and now there's an Andrade rule. Tony started for us. We score 2 runs in the first and shut them down, They scored 1 run. then we scored 4 runs in the 4th and 1 in the 5th to go ahead 7-1. I made a diving catch on Curt Pollitt's shot up the middle. Then they score 6 runs in the bottom of the 6th to tie it up. We went scoreless in the top of the 7th. We have to hold them. There are 2 outs runners on 1st and 2nd and Kevin Marden is up, a lefty. I shift over to straightaway center and he proceeds to hit a fly ball to where I'd normally be if a righty was up. I run over and make the grab. End of inning. Everyone was high-fiving me. A lot of campers were watching the game as we were the only ones playing now. Top of the 8th we go ahead by 4 runs. Bottom of the 8th we get the 1st out right away thanks to a nice catch by Marty. Then there was a hit. Then someone hit it to me and it handcuffed me. I tried to flip my glove over and it was too late, it went off my glove. I was so bummed. It's amazing how you can have such a high, then go to such a low. So men on 1st and 2nd, 1 out. Next batter hits a line shot to SS and Dan catches it and doubles off the man at 2nd (Bobby Pinault- who earlier tried to trick us at 1b, catching a liner, then dropping it on purpose, with a big smirk on his face- then tried to get a double play out of it - it didn't work). End of game. What a game! Mike Cooksey got game MVP going 4-4 with 1 run scored! I went 2-4 with a BB, rbi, 2runs scored. So we are going to the world series and we will be facing Steve Lyons team. They beat us 4-2 on Wed. Dale Clarke pitched. I wonder if they will pitch him again??
Tonight at dinner there is the announcing of Game MVPs and more Kangaroo Court. They announce Jim Palmer and he gives a nice talk. They also announce the Hall of Famers and Introduce the newly inducted HOF'ers - Jeff Ladue, Gary Perkins and Al Venditti. They were going to do it the first night, but Jeff LaDue was stranded because of a snowstorm and wasn't able to make it. It worked out good for me because now Jeff was there to get pictures.After the game MVP's there was talk about where Boz got his shirt and he said Lou got it for him. Well Corsi gets up there later and he says he got his underwear from Jim Palmer, and dropped his shorts! I don't think Jim was too amused! Then they announce Joe Castiglione and he gives a nice speech and recites the poem about baseball, a yearly tradition. Unfortunately, Joe won't be there to announce the game tomorrow, but Larry will do it and he does a nice job. There is Kareoke tonight but I opt to go to bed early to get a good nights rest. Tomorrow we don't play until 1:30, but I want to get there for the pro-rookie game and watch that at noon. There is also consolation game(s) at 9:30 for those who want to play some more.
At lunch Jim palmer showed up. He'll be here the rest of the week. So this is how the games went the first seed which was team 6, steve lyons team, beat the 8th seed, team 8 the orioles. The 2nd seed team 5 Miller and Petrocelli's team beat seed 7 team 4 Gale and Daubach's team. The 3rd seed, team 2 crawford and Burgmeier lost to seed 6, team 7 Corsi and Azcue's team (whom we never played). That was Janet's team. So much for us playing them again (which is good because we lost to them already). And my team seed 4, team 3 beat seed 5 team 1 stange and cuyler. So now the pairings for the winners are team 6 vs team 7 (visitors) and team 5 vs team 3 (visitors).
We are the visitors on field 3 team 5 Rick Miller, Rico Petrocelli and Bob Bernstein 'Miller's millrats': Mike Andrade, Stephen Hardy, Sam Laquale, Kevin marden, Ed Munoz, Bob Murch, Chuck Ott, Bridget Perry, Bob Pinault, Curt Pollitt, Dean Riley, and Rob Watkins. Mike Andrade is pitching, he won Cy Young one year - he pitched every game in the playoffs and now there's an Andrade rule. Tony started for us. We score 2 runs in the first and shut them down, They scored 1 run. then we scored 4 runs in the 4th and 1 in the 5th to go ahead 7-1. I made a diving catch on Curt Pollitt's shot up the middle. Then they score 6 runs in the bottom of the 6th to tie it up. We went scoreless in the top of the 7th. We have to hold them. There are 2 outs runners on 1st and 2nd and Kevin Marden is up, a lefty. I shift over to straightaway center and he proceeds to hit a fly ball to where I'd normally be if a righty was up. I run over and make the grab. End of inning. Everyone was high-fiving me. A lot of campers were watching the game as we were the only ones playing now. Top of the 8th we go ahead by 4 runs. Bottom of the 8th we get the 1st out right away thanks to a nice catch by Marty. Then there was a hit. Then someone hit it to me and it handcuffed me. I tried to flip my glove over and it was too late, it went off my glove. I was so bummed. It's amazing how you can have such a high, then go to such a low. So men on 1st and 2nd, 1 out. Next batter hits a line shot to SS and Dan catches it and doubles off the man at 2nd (Bobby Pinault- who earlier tried to trick us at 1b, catching a liner, then dropping it on purpose, with a big smirk on his face- then tried to get a double play out of it - it didn't work). End of game. What a game! Mike Cooksey got game MVP going 4-4 with 1 run scored! I went 2-4 with a BB, rbi, 2runs scored. So we are going to the world series and we will be facing Steve Lyons team. They beat us 4-2 on Wed. Dale Clarke pitched. I wonder if they will pitch him again??
Tonight at dinner there is the announcing of Game MVPs and more Kangaroo Court. They announce Jim Palmer and he gives a nice talk. They also announce the Hall of Famers and Introduce the newly inducted HOF'ers - Jeff Ladue, Gary Perkins and Al Venditti. They were going to do it the first night, but Jeff LaDue was stranded because of a snowstorm and wasn't able to make it. It worked out good for me because now Jeff was there to get pictures.After the game MVP's there was talk about where Boz got his shirt and he said Lou got it for him. Well Corsi gets up there later and he says he got his underwear from Jim Palmer, and dropped his shorts! I don't think Jim was too amused! Then they announce Joe Castiglione and he gives a nice speech and recites the poem about baseball, a yearly tradition. Unfortunately, Joe won't be there to announce the game tomorrow, but Larry will do it and he does a nice job. There is Kareoke tonight but I opt to go to bed early to get a good nights rest. Tomorrow we don't play until 1:30, but I want to get there for the pro-rookie game and watch that at noon. There is also consolation game(s) at 9:30 for those who want to play some more.
Red Sox Fantasy Camp Thu Feb 4
Back at the clubhouse and I see that we are 3-1, tied for 2nd. Game 5 we were home vs team 2 Steve 'Shag' Crawford and Ton Burgmeier 'Brickhouse Gang': Art Benotti, Jen Courcy (who has caught every inning of every game), Ed Dalton, Steve Earp, Lee Gregory, Bill Hofmann, Mark Metanes, Janet Miller, John Recesso, Tim Ryan, and Eddie Schafer (who is 80!) and has come back after having cancer!). Janet was pitching and she hit me on the thigh. Going to be a pretty bruise. I also got a hit and I grounded out ( 1-2, HBP). Tim Ryan hit a grand slam over my head - if it didn't hit the warning track, it was awfully close. Janet pitched real well. We lost 10-3. I hope we get our bats going again. Dana Rickard got game MVP going 2-2, 2 runs scored.
At lunch it was announced that the 2007 world series trophy was there so I got Jeff to take a picture of me with it. I already have the 2004 trophy picture so now I got both. Cool! The only downside was that I was getting a huge headache. I started taking Naproxen to try to ward it off. I will take it for 3 days straight to hopefully avoid any problems. They also had a cake for Mugsy, his 55th birthday. Another great cake!
Game 6 we were the visitors against the Orioles, team 8 Gary Allenson, Scott McGregor 'Brook's Bombers' (a nice tribute for Brooksie!). Rick Casselbury, Jay Demarest, Bob Garvin, Wayne Harne, Doug Meekins, Kenny Myers, Brian O'Shea, Jim Seeberger, Brian Shea, Bill Sims, Roy Smith, Bruce Stiely, Bob Zuckerman. We had Dan's kids, Sam and Amos as our bat boys. What a pleasure these two kids are. We ended up winning 10-4. Mike Owens started pitching. Then Lane pitched and then I pitched the last inning to save the pitchers' arms. We got the first two outs right away, then a couple of hits and a walk, but then the 3rd out was made. PHEW! I went 0-3 with a BB, K. Dana got MVP again going 2-3 run scored and 3 RBI! Kim got a fantastic hit into the OF. Boy was she happy! Marty started hitting and making some good plays in the field, which is great because we need all the hits that we can get. Jack got a hit, too! The Orioles didn't win a game and tied twice. They really didn't have much pitching, but as the week went on, they played good baseball. They still seemed to have a good time. Allenson would lead them in a team cheer, chanting 'O-r-i-o-l-e-s, Orioles!'
Back at the hotel I went into the hot tub. Now let's see how many rules we broke... (1) max people was 5, we had at least 8. (2) no cups/ bottles in pool area. We had water bottles, beer bottles. (3) No alcohol - yeah, right. (4) no kids under 15, the willis boys, Sam and Amos, were in the tub - do they count as 1? They started the timer for us. (5) Time limit 15 minutes - we lost track after the kids turned it on for us twice. Well, at least no one was pregnant- that could've been another rule broken. Lane, Kim, Jen, Lisa, Lee, Al, Sam and Amos and I were all in the tub.
We decided to do an informal team dinner at PF Changs. Unfortunately, they couldn't seat us until 9:15, so we ended up going to Fireside, a great place with great service. There was 15 of us. The coaches did not join us and neither did Owens, Basile, and Kawadler. Scott and his wife, Janet, joined us as well as Dan and his 2 kids, Lane, Mary, Dana, Kathy, Jeff and I, Al, Jack and Kim . It was really a great time. Afterward Jeff, Al and I went to Kilwin's ice cream for the real stuff. Even I got a kid's size cup. Other than the birthday cake I really have been good.
Back at the hotel there is a Texas hold'em tourney going on, but I stay away from that. I socialize a bit and head to bed.
At lunch it was announced that the 2007 world series trophy was there so I got Jeff to take a picture of me with it. I already have the 2004 trophy picture so now I got both. Cool! The only downside was that I was getting a huge headache. I started taking Naproxen to try to ward it off. I will take it for 3 days straight to hopefully avoid any problems. They also had a cake for Mugsy, his 55th birthday. Another great cake!
Game 6 we were the visitors against the Orioles, team 8 Gary Allenson, Scott McGregor 'Brook's Bombers' (a nice tribute for Brooksie!). Rick Casselbury, Jay Demarest, Bob Garvin, Wayne Harne, Doug Meekins, Kenny Myers, Brian O'Shea, Jim Seeberger, Brian Shea, Bill Sims, Roy Smith, Bruce Stiely, Bob Zuckerman. We had Dan's kids, Sam and Amos as our bat boys. What a pleasure these two kids are. We ended up winning 10-4. Mike Owens started pitching. Then Lane pitched and then I pitched the last inning to save the pitchers' arms. We got the first two outs right away, then a couple of hits and a walk, but then the 3rd out was made. PHEW! I went 0-3 with a BB, K. Dana got MVP again going 2-3 run scored and 3 RBI! Kim got a fantastic hit into the OF. Boy was she happy! Marty started hitting and making some good plays in the field, which is great because we need all the hits that we can get. Jack got a hit, too! The Orioles didn't win a game and tied twice. They really didn't have much pitching, but as the week went on, they played good baseball. They still seemed to have a good time. Allenson would lead them in a team cheer, chanting 'O-r-i-o-l-e-s, Orioles!'
Back at the hotel I went into the hot tub. Now let's see how many rules we broke... (1) max people was 5, we had at least 8. (2) no cups/ bottles in pool area. We had water bottles, beer bottles. (3) No alcohol - yeah, right. (4) no kids under 15, the willis boys, Sam and Amos, were in the tub - do they count as 1? They started the timer for us. (5) Time limit 15 minutes - we lost track after the kids turned it on for us twice. Well, at least no one was pregnant- that could've been another rule broken. Lane, Kim, Jen, Lisa, Lee, Al, Sam and Amos and I were all in the tub.
We decided to do an informal team dinner at PF Changs. Unfortunately, they couldn't seat us until 9:15, so we ended up going to Fireside, a great place with great service. There was 15 of us. The coaches did not join us and neither did Owens, Basile, and Kawadler. Scott and his wife, Janet, joined us as well as Dan and his 2 kids, Lane, Mary, Dana, Kathy, Jeff and I, Al, Jack and Kim . It was really a great time. Afterward Jeff, Al and I went to Kilwin's ice cream for the real stuff. Even I got a kid's size cup. Other than the birthday cake I really have been good.
Back at the hotel there is a Texas hold'em tourney going on, but I stay away from that. I socialize a bit and head to bed.
Red Sox Fantasy Camp Wed Feb 3
Since the golf game is canceled we will try to fit in the rest of game 2, then games 3 and 4. Then we will only be behind 1 game. So back to field 5 for the continuation against team 1. Fred Maloy continued to pitch and he truly shut us down and we ended up winning 8-3. I made a couple of good catches and when Dan went into to pitch I played LF and I almost made a great diving catch - just a little short. I ended up going 1-2 with 2 BBs, a ground out to short and scored 1 run. Mike Owens got Game MVP going 1-3, 3 rbi. Jack Dunn got a hit, too!
We immediately started game 3 on field 1 against team 7 Jim Corsi and Jose Azcue 'NADS' (as in 'GOooo NADS!): Andrew Calkins, Barton Carter, Dennis Damschroder, Mike Egan, Jim Fitzgerald, Matt Galewski, Bill Gebig, Bob Kidder, Paul Lipari, Shawn Mason, Dave Mulvey, and Vinny Savino. We are playing only 6 innings and we are the home team. We won that game too 3-2 . So we are 3-0. I went 1-2. I'm feeling real good at the plate. Tony Basile was Game MVP 1-2, run, pitched complete game. And Jack got another hit! He is doing awesome!
Then we had lunch and Jeff returned from Marco Island for the rest of the week. They did the pro pictures so Jeff was able to get one of me with the pros. We started playing cribbage, kim, lane, al and I but we had to cut it short. Funny how we all ended up on the same team. Kim said we had a great cribbage team. Dana's wife Kathy and their daughter Nicole came to watch. Brian O'shea's wife bought a cake for his 50th birthday. Yum!
Game 4 we played on field 5 again! We were home and played against team six Jerry Moses, Gary Bell and Steve Lyons ' The Meercats'. Dale Clarke, Ted Foth, Bill Grogan, Mark Heffner, Wayne Masefield, Ed McGuire, Bill McLaughlin, Gary Perkins, Adam Schank, Kevin Walsh, and Charlie Wu. We are playing only 6 innings again. Joe Brill hung out with us too. Marty started pitching, Then Scott Willis went in. Kim had a nice effort at a ball hit to her in right. I had a great hit in this game right up the middle into the OF. So I called timeout to give Dale (the pitcher) a hug. Then the ump who gave me timeout wanted a hug, so I gave him one. The home plate ump wanted some love but I told him he'd have to wait til i got home. Then Jack, who's in his 70's, lines a shot to SS and I proceeded to get thrown out at 1B! So that stunk! Marty was having a rough time in the OF and hitting, we were all pulling for him. We ended up losing 4-2. Tough game, but that's 2 games in a row that we didn't hit well. I ended up getting Game MVP going 1-2. As a team we only got 6 hits..
After showering and back at the hotel we were meeting up with a group that Lane invited to go over to his friends house - 6 miles away. Barb and Fran live in a huge home on the water. The street level is their rec room with a full scale bar. Outside they have a pool, hot tub and a fireplace, the lanai is three stories tall. Al, Jeff LaDue, Bob Murch, Dana and Kathy Rickard, Steve Lyons, Cooksey, Mike Egan, Jim Fitzgerald, Andrew Calkins, Lane and Mary and Jeff and I. They had it catered - all kinds of italian, stuffed Ziti, Spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, lobster ravioli, a scollop and shrimp dish and cannolis for dessert. We stayed until 10:30 and said goodbye. It was so nice of them to open their house for us. What a great evening. Back at the hotel we hung out for a bit. Boz was telling stories to Cooksey, then Lane joined them then I joined them. Boz was worried about Marty and thought we should do a bed check on him. Boz had us in stitches. We were also watching the basketball game, Kansas vs Colorado. Steve Crawford's son, Casey, was playing although he was in foul trouble and was on the bench when we came to watch. The game went into overtime and Colorado lost 72-66. Good game considering Kansas was ranked #1 and Colorado was unranked. Off to bed.
We immediately started game 3 on field 1 against team 7 Jim Corsi and Jose Azcue 'NADS' (as in 'GOooo NADS!): Andrew Calkins, Barton Carter, Dennis Damschroder, Mike Egan, Jim Fitzgerald, Matt Galewski, Bill Gebig, Bob Kidder, Paul Lipari, Shawn Mason, Dave Mulvey, and Vinny Savino. We are playing only 6 innings and we are the home team. We won that game too 3-2 . So we are 3-0. I went 1-2. I'm feeling real good at the plate. Tony Basile was Game MVP 1-2, run, pitched complete game. And Jack got another hit! He is doing awesome!
Then we had lunch and Jeff returned from Marco Island for the rest of the week. They did the pro pictures so Jeff was able to get one of me with the pros. We started playing cribbage, kim, lane, al and I but we had to cut it short. Funny how we all ended up on the same team. Kim said we had a great cribbage team. Dana's wife Kathy and their daughter Nicole came to watch. Brian O'shea's wife bought a cake for his 50th birthday. Yum!
Game 4 we played on field 5 again! We were home and played against team six Jerry Moses, Gary Bell and Steve Lyons ' The Meercats'. Dale Clarke, Ted Foth, Bill Grogan, Mark Heffner, Wayne Masefield, Ed McGuire, Bill McLaughlin, Gary Perkins, Adam Schank, Kevin Walsh, and Charlie Wu. We are playing only 6 innings again. Joe Brill hung out with us too. Marty started pitching, Then Scott Willis went in. Kim had a nice effort at a ball hit to her in right. I had a great hit in this game right up the middle into the OF. So I called timeout to give Dale (the pitcher) a hug. Then the ump who gave me timeout wanted a hug, so I gave him one. The home plate ump wanted some love but I told him he'd have to wait til i got home. Then Jack, who's in his 70's, lines a shot to SS and I proceeded to get thrown out at 1B! So that stunk! Marty was having a rough time in the OF and hitting, we were all pulling for him. We ended up losing 4-2. Tough game, but that's 2 games in a row that we didn't hit well. I ended up getting Game MVP going 1-2. As a team we only got 6 hits..
After showering and back at the hotel we were meeting up with a group that Lane invited to go over to his friends house - 6 miles away. Barb and Fran live in a huge home on the water. The street level is their rec room with a full scale bar. Outside they have a pool, hot tub and a fireplace, the lanai is three stories tall. Al, Jeff LaDue, Bob Murch, Dana and Kathy Rickard, Steve Lyons, Cooksey, Mike Egan, Jim Fitzgerald, Andrew Calkins, Lane and Mary and Jeff and I. They had it catered - all kinds of italian, stuffed Ziti, Spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, lobster ravioli, a scollop and shrimp dish and cannolis for dessert. We stayed until 10:30 and said goodbye. It was so nice of them to open their house for us. What a great evening. Back at the hotel we hung out for a bit. Boz was telling stories to Cooksey, then Lane joined them then I joined them. Boz was worried about Marty and thought we should do a bed check on him. Boz had us in stitches. We were also watching the basketball game, Kansas vs Colorado. Steve Crawford's son, Casey, was playing although he was in foul trouble and was on the bench when we came to watch. The game went into overtime and Colorado lost 72-66. Good game considering Kansas was ranked #1 and Colorado was unranked. Off to bed.
Red Sox Fantasy Camp Tues Feb 2
Well not a great day weather wise, but we should get some playing in. Al drives me to the clubhouse and the schedule is posted. We are the visitors on field 2 against team 4 Brian Daubach and Rich Gales team ' D&R Mashers': Charlie Ahles, Don Amiralian, Mike Bennett, Jon Davis, Truck Gisclair, Rick Grant Jr and Sr, John Hall, Scott Isaacs, Ollie Jacobs, Jeff LaDue, and Laura LaPalme (what happened to the end of the alphabet???) . Our batting order was Tony Basile, Al Venditti, Dana Rickard, Lane Perrins, Mike Cooksey, Dan WIllis, Marty Kawadler, Spike Owens, Scott Willis, Me, Jack Dunn and Kim Fletcher. I start on the bench and replace Kim after the first inning. Everyone hits regardless if they play the field or not. I had no balls hit to me. I walked in a run, hit a SAC fly RBI to LC and I struck out. 0-1. Kim went in the last inning since we were so far ahead. We won 11-3. I should have asked someone else to sit so I could play another inning, but thought of it too late. Al's wife, Beverly, and his two aunts, Emma and Mary, came to watch. Dan Willis got game MVP going 2-4, 3 runs scored, and 1 rbi.
We had lunch and Jay brought a container of tuna for me and Janet to share. it should last a couple of lunches and he bought 2 of them.
The afternoon game we were visitors again and played team 1 Milt Cuyler and Lee Stange 'Milt's Maulers': Rocco Cammarata, Dirk Coffman, Lisa Courcy, Fred Maloy, CJ Patti, Greg Picucci, Bill and Jordan Sullivan (father /son), Kyle Sullivan (Marc's brother and Jerry was there - their uncle!), John Torniero, and Joel Weinstein. Jordan started pitching and we went ahead 7-0. Fred came in in the 2nd inning and shut us down. I was moved to LC. Much better. Maybe I will get some action. It started raining again and play was suspended after the 5th inning. I already had 1 hit and 2 BBs and 1 run scored. We really got soaked and Mary gave us a ride to the clubhouse.
We showered and went to the 'swamp' some of the veterans created their own section of the locker room and set up a bar and serve drinks. OOH! the mudslides were great! The women have to wait until the guys are dressed, which seems like a long time. They had some stuffed animals doing some crazy things and then a poker game got going.
Back at the hotel I played cribbage with Rick Miller and his brother Irv and Joel Weinstein. Joel brought down a huge back of pistachios. Another cribbage game was started with Kim, Lane,Lisa, and Cooksey, but it was evident that Cooksey didn't quite get the game after leading of the play with a '5' ( a big no-no). Rob Watson then took over.
Then it was dinner time and Kangaroo court. I sat with the Sullivan's (Marc, Kyle and Jerry), Bill Campbell, the Willis' (scott and Dan). Afterward I hung outside with Lane, Mary, Lee gregory, Al. The cigar party was in full tilt. As was the fire pit. Boy was that nice! I got some pictures outside looking inside the bar. Mugsy was hamming it up for the camera. Went to bed soon after.
We had lunch and Jay brought a container of tuna for me and Janet to share. it should last a couple of lunches and he bought 2 of them.
The afternoon game we were visitors again and played team 1 Milt Cuyler and Lee Stange 'Milt's Maulers': Rocco Cammarata, Dirk Coffman, Lisa Courcy, Fred Maloy, CJ Patti, Greg Picucci, Bill and Jordan Sullivan (father /son), Kyle Sullivan (Marc's brother and Jerry was there - their uncle!), John Torniero, and Joel Weinstein. Jordan started pitching and we went ahead 7-0. Fred came in in the 2nd inning and shut us down. I was moved to LC. Much better. Maybe I will get some action. It started raining again and play was suspended after the 5th inning. I already had 1 hit and 2 BBs and 1 run scored. We really got soaked and Mary gave us a ride to the clubhouse.
We showered and went to the 'swamp' some of the veterans created their own section of the locker room and set up a bar and serve drinks. OOH! the mudslides were great! The women have to wait until the guys are dressed, which seems like a long time. They had some stuffed animals doing some crazy things and then a poker game got going.
Back at the hotel I played cribbage with Rick Miller and his brother Irv and Joel Weinstein. Joel brought down a huge back of pistachios. Another cribbage game was started with Kim, Lane,Lisa, and Cooksey, but it was evident that Cooksey didn't quite get the game after leading of the play with a '5' ( a big no-no). Rob Watson then took over.
Then it was dinner time and Kangaroo court. I sat with the Sullivan's (Marc, Kyle and Jerry), Bill Campbell, the Willis' (scott and Dan). Afterward I hung outside with Lane, Mary, Lee gregory, Al. The cigar party was in full tilt. As was the fire pit. Boy was that nice! I got some pictures outside looking inside the bar. Mugsy was hamming it up for the camera. Went to bed soon after.
Red Sox Fantasy Camp Mon Feb 1
Jeff and I get up and I make some oatmeal in the room and then we head to the clubhouse. It's raining! What a bummer! I don't know what we will do. It's announced that we will do batting in the cages til 11:00 then eat lunch and then have a Q&A session with the pros. I hit with Campbell and I work on my new swing and it seems to be working. Jeff photos me and even he says I look better. After lunch we do the Q&A and we talk about the old times and the steroid issue comes up. Then we set up Joe Azcue - someone asked him a question and while he started to answer we all got up and left. He was surprised, but then we showed him the sign that told everyone to get up and leave and he laughed. A lot of sophomoric pranks go on all week. Especially the kangaroo court - where people get fined for doing/saying dumb things. It all goes to charity - the Red Sox foundation. We did the 3 man lift and yes Eddie Munoz was the chosen one. Dana Rickard and Kevin Marden were the anchors. People place 'bets' on wether the woman (this year was Bridget's turn) can lift 3 guys tied together with locker room towels. Sounds absurd? Well it's a hoax! As we yell 'One, Two, Three!' the woman pretends to lift, she's pulled away by Allenson and the anchors try to get out of the way while several campers absolutely pummel the chosen one with all kinds of food and drink related items. Bisquik, beer, water, whipped cream, I heard even kitty litter was thrown this year. I saw tomato soup, too. Eddie was a great sport. Totally laughed it off. Some guys in the past, usually the ones with the big ego, get mad. I wish they would stick with whipped cream and more clear liquids - tomato soup? One year someone used Pepto Bismol. And Maple syrup - What a mess! It did stop raining, but another storm was coming so it was a good call not to play.
We get back to the hotel around 1:30. I met Kim, Lane and Al for more cribbage. No nap today at the hotel because at 2:00-3:00 was a fire alarm test! How annoying, but we made the best of it. I popped some popcorn, brought down my beer, Jeff brought some wine and we had fun! Jeff had to leave at 4:30 to pick up his mom and aunt at the airport. They are staying at Marco island - renting a condo for the month (his dad will be joining them later in the week). Jeff's sister's in-laws have been snow birds there forever so they will all be staying in the same area. As for the cribbage game, it was kim and me vs al and lane and we won 5-4. It was back and forth all day.
I did a quick change of clothes before dinner. They decided to do the team dinner tonight because of the cigar party tomorrow, people wouldn't have to rush back for it. We went to the Outback. Al drove me. I forgot the camera! Everyone came including Marty's wife EB, and Boz's wife Lou and Tony's GF Diane. Joe Brill came too. He's a former camper who couldn't make it all week so he came for a few days to watch and hang out. Kim wanted us to stand up in the restaurant and sing God Bless America. I didn't feel comfortable doing that. Just didn't seem appropriate. But a few people started singing it softly while seated so I joined in. It wasn't as attention getting as I thought it would be. After dinner Al and I went to Rita's and he tried the custard for the first time. Conclusion - he likes ice cream better. next time we'll go to Kilwins. Back at the hotel, I went to bed. We will try to get in 2 games tomorrow- it's supposed to rain again. Golf is canceled for Wed so we can make up one game then, The other will be made up on Fri and the pro-rookie game will be moved to Sat in between the consolation game and the world series.
We get back to the hotel around 1:30. I met Kim, Lane and Al for more cribbage. No nap today at the hotel because at 2:00-3:00 was a fire alarm test! How annoying, but we made the best of it. I popped some popcorn, brought down my beer, Jeff brought some wine and we had fun! Jeff had to leave at 4:30 to pick up his mom and aunt at the airport. They are staying at Marco island - renting a condo for the month (his dad will be joining them later in the week). Jeff's sister's in-laws have been snow birds there forever so they will all be staying in the same area. As for the cribbage game, it was kim and me vs al and lane and we won 5-4. It was back and forth all day.
I did a quick change of clothes before dinner. They decided to do the team dinner tonight because of the cigar party tomorrow, people wouldn't have to rush back for it. We went to the Outback. Al drove me. I forgot the camera! Everyone came including Marty's wife EB, and Boz's wife Lou and Tony's GF Diane. Joe Brill came too. He's a former camper who couldn't make it all week so he came for a few days to watch and hang out. Kim wanted us to stand up in the restaurant and sing God Bless America. I didn't feel comfortable doing that. Just didn't seem appropriate. But a few people started singing it softly while seated so I joined in. It wasn't as attention getting as I thought it would be. After dinner Al and I went to Rita's and he tried the custard for the first time. Conclusion - he likes ice cream better. next time we'll go to Kilwins. Back at the hotel, I went to bed. We will try to get in 2 games tomorrow- it's supposed to rain again. Golf is canceled for Wed so we can make up one game then, The other will be made up on Fri and the pro-rookie game will be moved to Sat in between the consolation game and the world series.
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