Baseball is back! These words are great comfort to junkies like me. My childhood in the middle of nowhere consisted of a lot of time listening to ball games, usually the Cubs in the day and the Reds at night. After that, it was whoever I could get to come in on a transistor radio. It was better than having the corn talk to me. It worked for Ray Kinsella, but I doubt it worked for anyone else.
Today, the availability of information allows me to know the identity of the Angels TV broadcast team: Victor (son of Cookie) Rojas, and Mark Gubicza (strat-o-matic hero.) The highlights can be sent to your cell phone as the game goes on, a far cry from waiting until Tuesday morning's Journal-Gazette to get the Sunday night score. Nolan Ryan threw a no-hitter, and I didn't hear about for two days.
The Tigers were active in the offseason and should be the favorite in the American League. I just wonder if Miguel Cabrera can do it again. The uncertainty of the future of Max Scherzer could threaten the Tiger Dynasty, almost as much as the lack of plate control by Cabrera. He needs to control the one he eats from as well as the one he swings around.
The Yankees could be dangerous if Jeter can spark a revitalization. Masahiro Tanaka could be the new #1 starter. I understand Sabbathia was barely breaking 90 with his fast ball: at least it is MPH. I have a feeling Tanaka is the second coming of Hideki Irabu, which the Yankees pronounced "Twelve million dollar Boo-boo".
I find the Dodgers interesting, but wonder what Yasiel Puig will do next to tick off Don Mattingly. Provided Los Angeles doesn't fall into the ocean after the next swarm of earthquakes. Angelinos' expectation is that everything east of California will fall into the Atlantic.
Hope the Angels make a solid run. The roster is there, Pujols, Hamilton, David Freese, and the bullpen will make or break the season. I still feel good about their chances in a division where the Texas Rangers added Prince Fielder, last seen killing a rally as a slapstick comedian in the last game of the ALDS, and the Rangers will be a tough team to knock out, especially in a seven game series.
I'm going on a limb in preseason: an all Los Angeles World Series. Dodgers vs. Angels. If both teams play up to their potential, it's a possibility.
-IndyCar's opener was a bit of a letdown. The lack of strong side-by-side racing, and strategy that didn't work, lead to a lot of single file racing. The lack of cautions stole all the pit strategy that could have made the race intriguing. Will Power made the only truly gutsy move of the race and it netted him a victory, third of the last five. Of note was the strong performance by Helio Castroneves, who will be answering questions about possibly becoming a four time Indy 500 Champion until he does it, and a pretty weak outing by a rusty Juan Pablo Montoya.
Points to Dario Franchitti: he didn't cry or attempt to choke a reporter when asked about how hard it was to not be in the car today. I know I would have been strongly tempted to react that way in his place.
So...am I off base?
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Random Thoughts- March 28
Random thoughts while waiting for the Formula One Free Practice 3 to start...Welcome to Malaysia.
-Kentucky and Louisville have played another classic. Kentucky looks like a very dangerous team at this point. A talented squad of young players playing with tons of confidence right now. They shook off a slow start tonight to survive and advance. These guys might be young enough not to recognize the pressure of the NCAA Tournament. Either that or they want to make their mark quickly so the NBA can pay them. Or give them a pay cut. My mistake: it's not SEC Football.
-Two contract signing today of note: Mike Trout signs with the Angels ($144 million) and Miguel Cabrera signs for an incredible $292 million with the Tigers. The Angels can sustain Trout's contract, and it is a good move to get the young star in the fold for a long period of time. Hopefully, Jerry DiPoto can build around that kind of number and put a Championship team back in Los Angeles. Plenty of star power in place, pitching must step up.
Cabrera's contract doesn't excite me. Cabrera has gained some weight over the past couple of years while sharpening his hitting skills. It's almost like he has been possessed by the Tiger ghost of Prince Fielder. Finishing the contract could be difficult in that kind of physical condition.
I know and respect a few Tiger fans, but one has to wonder how the franchise will support that contract. Only one franchise has supported a contract near that size: the Yankees. A-Rod had to go to New York instead of Texas to get his money, so did Miggy just sign to be A-Rod's replacement in pinstripes?
-IndyCar opens it's season in St. Petersburg this weekend. Last season, ten different winners topped the podium during the season, and all of those drivers are back minus a retired Dario Franchitti. It will be wide open, with any of the major team drivers having a shot at the championship.
It promises to be a great season of open wheel racing, including TWO races in Indianapolis in May. The traditional 500 graces Memorial Day weekend, while the second weekend of the month will see the road course in use with the same IndyCars. The road course was suitable for Formula One, but I hope they've done they homework on tires. The final F1 race at Indianapolis found all the major teams and stars sitting out because of tire issues. NASCAR has a history of tire issues at Indy, too.
I love the thought of a new tradition. I fell in love with racing as a very small child because of Indianapolis. I welcome a new race to the Brickyard. I hope there will be some new traditions with the new race. I suggest John Mellencamp sing "Small Town" instead of "Back Home Again". Maybe the Hoosier Marching 100 could fill the place usually held down the the Purdue All-American Marching Band. Since IU doesn't have a School of Engineering, maybe Notre Dame's Band of the Fighting Irish could fill in.
Eddie Rickenbacker is probably turning 10,000 RPM in his grave over those suggestions. I'm sure something suitable will be found.
So...am I off base?
-Kentucky and Louisville have played another classic. Kentucky looks like a very dangerous team at this point. A talented squad of young players playing with tons of confidence right now. They shook off a slow start tonight to survive and advance. These guys might be young enough not to recognize the pressure of the NCAA Tournament. Either that or they want to make their mark quickly so the NBA can pay them. Or give them a pay cut. My mistake: it's not SEC Football.
-Two contract signing today of note: Mike Trout signs with the Angels ($144 million) and Miguel Cabrera signs for an incredible $292 million with the Tigers. The Angels can sustain Trout's contract, and it is a good move to get the young star in the fold for a long period of time. Hopefully, Jerry DiPoto can build around that kind of number and put a Championship team back in Los Angeles. Plenty of star power in place, pitching must step up.
Cabrera's contract doesn't excite me. Cabrera has gained some weight over the past couple of years while sharpening his hitting skills. It's almost like he has been possessed by the Tiger ghost of Prince Fielder. Finishing the contract could be difficult in that kind of physical condition.
I know and respect a few Tiger fans, but one has to wonder how the franchise will support that contract. Only one franchise has supported a contract near that size: the Yankees. A-Rod had to go to New York instead of Texas to get his money, so did Miggy just sign to be A-Rod's replacement in pinstripes?
-IndyCar opens it's season in St. Petersburg this weekend. Last season, ten different winners topped the podium during the season, and all of those drivers are back minus a retired Dario Franchitti. It will be wide open, with any of the major team drivers having a shot at the championship.
It promises to be a great season of open wheel racing, including TWO races in Indianapolis in May. The traditional 500 graces Memorial Day weekend, while the second weekend of the month will see the road course in use with the same IndyCars. The road course was suitable for Formula One, but I hope they've done they homework on tires. The final F1 race at Indianapolis found all the major teams and stars sitting out because of tire issues. NASCAR has a history of tire issues at Indy, too.
I love the thought of a new tradition. I fell in love with racing as a very small child because of Indianapolis. I welcome a new race to the Brickyard. I hope there will be some new traditions with the new race. I suggest John Mellencamp sing "Small Town" instead of "Back Home Again". Maybe the Hoosier Marching 100 could fill the place usually held down the the Purdue All-American Marching Band. Since IU doesn't have a School of Engineering, maybe Notre Dame's Band of the Fighting Irish could fill in.
Eddie Rickenbacker is probably turning 10,000 RPM in his grave over those suggestions. I'm sure something suitable will be found.
So...am I off base?
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
One Year Later
I got my notice from twitter that I signed up one year ago today. Happy Birthday to me, I guess.
I browsed back through the columns I have written over the last year. I found stuff written on the Boston Marathon and the Tsarnaev brothers. I found stuff supporting people who had been blown away by nature's fury in Oklahoma and Illinois. I found a couple of poignant articles aimed at coaching and being a parent of a player, and occasionally, just a parent. I found some humor, some sarcasm, and some serious, heartfelt stuff, including a recent tribute to a couple of seniors from my children's school, Elkhart Christian Academy.
I'd like to think I'm a good writer, and I know I am a simple writer. I tend to keep the prose short, and wax poetic on occasion. My most read article was about a Little League coach who was leaving Little League and the legacy he leaves behind. Part of that legacy is me...maybe that should automatically disqualify the word "Legacy." The second most hits landed on an article about a brand new travel softball team playing it's first game against one of the best programs in the state, and the level of respect each one showed the other. It is still one of my most treasured days as a coach.
A year ago, my son was preparing for some spring travel baseball, he now prepares for his first high school season. My daughter prepares for another go through Little League with dad as her coach. Heaven help us. My wife prepares for another year in the stands, alone. I actually sat with her for some basketball games while my daughter was cheerleading this winter. Maybe she'd like it better alone.
I will still be working when my son plays, but my focus changes to the microphone and providing public address. I have done this for years, and have done it professionally for our minor league baseball team during the first Clinton Administration. I've become the "Voice of the Eagles" for everything except Boy's Basketball. I hope I add to what the kids do, and, just maybe, make it more fun.
I will be managing my daughter's Little League team. Assessments are this weekend, and I will be interested to see what kind of team I'll have. I know this: I will have a lot of teaching for this group. I know we'll have some fun.
My wife is really only interested in baseball and softball because her children play. She'll find some kindred souls in the stands. She always does, even though she rarely says much. It's God's way of taking care of her while I grouse in the dugout.
We'll try this again. At some point, it will be over. I's not very far away.
So...am I off base?
I browsed back through the columns I have written over the last year. I found stuff written on the Boston Marathon and the Tsarnaev brothers. I found stuff supporting people who had been blown away by nature's fury in Oklahoma and Illinois. I found a couple of poignant articles aimed at coaching and being a parent of a player, and occasionally, just a parent. I found some humor, some sarcasm, and some serious, heartfelt stuff, including a recent tribute to a couple of seniors from my children's school, Elkhart Christian Academy.
I'd like to think I'm a good writer, and I know I am a simple writer. I tend to keep the prose short, and wax poetic on occasion. My most read article was about a Little League coach who was leaving Little League and the legacy he leaves behind. Part of that legacy is me...maybe that should automatically disqualify the word "Legacy." The second most hits landed on an article about a brand new travel softball team playing it's first game against one of the best programs in the state, and the level of respect each one showed the other. It is still one of my most treasured days as a coach.
A year ago, my son was preparing for some spring travel baseball, he now prepares for his first high school season. My daughter prepares for another go through Little League with dad as her coach. Heaven help us. My wife prepares for another year in the stands, alone. I actually sat with her for some basketball games while my daughter was cheerleading this winter. Maybe she'd like it better alone.
I will still be working when my son plays, but my focus changes to the microphone and providing public address. I have done this for years, and have done it professionally for our minor league baseball team during the first Clinton Administration. I've become the "Voice of the Eagles" for everything except Boy's Basketball. I hope I add to what the kids do, and, just maybe, make it more fun.
I will be managing my daughter's Little League team. Assessments are this weekend, and I will be interested to see what kind of team I'll have. I know this: I will have a lot of teaching for this group. I know we'll have some fun.
My wife is really only interested in baseball and softball because her children play. She'll find some kindred souls in the stands. She always does, even though she rarely says much. It's God's way of taking care of her while I grouse in the dugout.
We'll try this again. At some point, it will be over. I's not very far away.
So...am I off base?
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Random Thoughts- March 22
Some random thoughts while waiting for the first...errr...second round games to end in the NCAA Tournament.
-We gave up DirecTV back in December, forfeiting access to ESPN. It has been good, relying on things like Netflix and PlayOn to pick up the slack. The cash savings have been very good. However, the dearth of live sports in the Internet TV world may keep cable and satellite alive for a little while. For example, the NCAA Tournament has channels in an app called Coolsport.tv on the Roku, but the service is iconsistent. While you can find where the game is supposed to be, you may not get the internet stream to let you actually watch the game. Sometimes the stream lags terribly, making for jumpy viewing.
I watched the spider cam view of the NCAA BCS Championship game on WatchESPN app, which gave an overhead view of the field. It was great to watch it like a player, seeing the holes open. The best part was no Brent Musberger drooling over the quarterback's girlfriend.
-The first two days of the NCAA Basketball Tournament have been memorable. Some great upsets, some near misses, buzzer beaters, and a high entertainment value have made it one to remember. As an old coach, I miss some good solid fundamental play. Harvard has been the closest to old style basketball, relying on great teamwork and back cuts. The depth of talent across the board has been the most impressive, seeing an experienced team like Mercer school Duke today. When your starters have played over 100 games together, it shows. Just don't see that much today in the world where you jump for the money after one great year.
-I want to call attention to a Twitter account doing some good. Three students from Elkhart Memorial are tired of the bullying happening in the cyberworld and started an account called Elkhart Tweets. The goal is provide encouragement and show random acts of kindness. It is an idea worthy of replication throughout the country. I am pleased to provide support, as long as the heart remains the same: pure encouragement and kindness. I pray they will maintain that delicate balance.
-Cancer is an ugly thing, and it has reared it's head in my world again.
Mike Simmons was an assistant baseball coach at Bethel College when I spent a season in the program as a manager. After winning an NCCAA National Championship and reaching the championship game of the NAIA District Tournament, I moved to my real life. Coach Simmons taught the game to many young men, and even helped one land a professional contract. He still enjoys baseball and spends a lot time around high school diamonds the the South Bend, Mishawaka, and Elkhart area.
Colon cancer has invaded his world, facing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He spent some more hospital time when infection threatened. He has helped a lot of people, and he needs our prayers and support. An Irishman seldom turns down a good punch up, and cancer may not know what hit it when he gets done.
So...am I off base?
-We gave up DirecTV back in December, forfeiting access to ESPN. It has been good, relying on things like Netflix and PlayOn to pick up the slack. The cash savings have been very good. However, the dearth of live sports in the Internet TV world may keep cable and satellite alive for a little while. For example, the NCAA Tournament has channels in an app called Coolsport.tv on the Roku, but the service is iconsistent. While you can find where the game is supposed to be, you may not get the internet stream to let you actually watch the game. Sometimes the stream lags terribly, making for jumpy viewing.
I watched the spider cam view of the NCAA BCS Championship game on WatchESPN app, which gave an overhead view of the field. It was great to watch it like a player, seeing the holes open. The best part was no Brent Musberger drooling over the quarterback's girlfriend.
-The first two days of the NCAA Basketball Tournament have been memorable. Some great upsets, some near misses, buzzer beaters, and a high entertainment value have made it one to remember. As an old coach, I miss some good solid fundamental play. Harvard has been the closest to old style basketball, relying on great teamwork and back cuts. The depth of talent across the board has been the most impressive, seeing an experienced team like Mercer school Duke today. When your starters have played over 100 games together, it shows. Just don't see that much today in the world where you jump for the money after one great year.
-I want to call attention to a Twitter account doing some good. Three students from Elkhart Memorial are tired of the bullying happening in the cyberworld and started an account called Elkhart Tweets. The goal is provide encouragement and show random acts of kindness. It is an idea worthy of replication throughout the country. I am pleased to provide support, as long as the heart remains the same: pure encouragement and kindness. I pray they will maintain that delicate balance.
-Cancer is an ugly thing, and it has reared it's head in my world again.
Mike Simmons was an assistant baseball coach at Bethel College when I spent a season in the program as a manager. After winning an NCCAA National Championship and reaching the championship game of the NAIA District Tournament, I moved to my real life. Coach Simmons taught the game to many young men, and even helped one land a professional contract. He still enjoys baseball and spends a lot time around high school diamonds the the South Bend, Mishawaka, and Elkhart area.
Colon cancer has invaded his world, facing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He spent some more hospital time when infection threatened. He has helped a lot of people, and he needs our prayers and support. An Irishman seldom turns down a good punch up, and cancer may not know what hit it when he gets done.
So...am I off base?
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
End of an Era
I've known this was coming for a while. I'm just disappointed in what was chosen in it's place.
My son has decided that high school baseball will be his only sporting commitment. He has played baseball since kindergarten, and we moved into travel commitments three years ago. Hockey was in the mix for a little while. As a young boy, he played soccer and a little bit of basketball.
IPad and Xbox have trumped being out with real people and playing real baseball.
I've known for a couple of years this direction was where he was going. He would like to make a career in computers, and that is fine. My wife holds a cum laude degree in Computer Science. My real life job in the medical field requires computer training, and is where I spend the bulk of my time. While I sometimes handle real patients and provide their care, my days are spent with computers and telephones. I have built real relationships with some offices, and my wicked sense of humor breaks up the day.
I'm not sure about the people. In the gaming world, most people have every incentive to lie about who they are, what they do, and what they believe. No one can check up on what you say, so it is easy to be deceptive. It can lead to a lack of trust, the most essential part of personal relationships. The behavior that assures greater success in the virtual world is detrimental when it comes to dealing with real people.
Hopefully, we can teach discernment, pray for guidance, and keep toeing the line for discipline.
So...am I off base?
My son has decided that high school baseball will be his only sporting commitment. He has played baseball since kindergarten, and we moved into travel commitments three years ago. Hockey was in the mix for a little while. As a young boy, he played soccer and a little bit of basketball.
IPad and Xbox have trumped being out with real people and playing real baseball.
I've known for a couple of years this direction was where he was going. He would like to make a career in computers, and that is fine. My wife holds a cum laude degree in Computer Science. My real life job in the medical field requires computer training, and is where I spend the bulk of my time. While I sometimes handle real patients and provide their care, my days are spent with computers and telephones. I have built real relationships with some offices, and my wicked sense of humor breaks up the day.
I'm not sure about the people. In the gaming world, most people have every incentive to lie about who they are, what they do, and what they believe. No one can check up on what you say, so it is easy to be deceptive. It can lead to a lack of trust, the most essential part of personal relationships. The behavior that assures greater success in the virtual world is detrimental when it comes to dealing with real people.
Hopefully, we can teach discernment, pray for guidance, and keep toeing the line for discipline.
So...am I off base?
Saturday, March 8, 2014
A Rose in the Disappointment
Elkhart Christian Academy's boys basketball team lost their sectional semi final game last night.
To a strong program just outside the Class A's top ten.
In double overtime.
It's a disappointment for the Class A, third ranked Eagles, who were hoping for more. I have a hunch the disappointment will be short lived.
Not that ECA has a reload mentality about their sports programs. This year's class of seniors went 17-5, a school best in the IHSAA era. The program produced two 1,000 point scorers in Ryan Kupferschmid and Cory Waycaster. It's a new high for the program, which made it's mark with relentless defense and unselfish passing. It's a tough group to replace.
That unselfish style manifests itself off the court.
Cory Waycaster has grown into what could be a versatile small college player, should he desire: handles like a point guard with the capability of dunking. The body he has built demands the question: "When injured, do you call a doctor or a vet?"
He will be pursuing college, a victory considering his parents have at least seven children in the home, several with special needs. His parents have sacrificed for all the children in their care, and Cory has benefited from their work. They are a tribute to how God provides.
I have a unique perspective on Ryan Kupferschmid: we carpooled with him his first year at ECA. While that has been four years ago, he is still appreciative when we see him, and makes time to talk with us. He was in an interesting situation: the new kid freshman who shows up with a middle schooler and three elementary students every day. If he heard any teasing, we sure didn't detect it. While he didn't socialize highly, he tolerated the younger kids with a quiet grace you don't see often.
He still talks to my son, Robby, on a consistent basis, who is now a freshman. He is popular enough to be elected Homecoming King, something hard to imagine of the quiet freshman that inhabited our mini vans. During the season, he would fall asleep in transport, a concession to the schedule of a varsity basketball player at a demanding school.
It comes from home. Mrs. K., as my kids called her, became a highly enjoyed part of the commuting team. It's clear the values started at home and are with him to this day.
Ryan's basketball skill level and knowledge of the game are worthy of college's highest level. If he was 6'4" with the same package, he would be a D-I shooting guard. He has written of a desire for Pastoral Studies. Wherever God leads him, he will follow.
And some coach is getting a great basketball player...and better person.
No...I'm not off base on this one.
To a strong program just outside the Class A's top ten.
In double overtime.
It's a disappointment for the Class A, third ranked Eagles, who were hoping for more. I have a hunch the disappointment will be short lived.
Not that ECA has a reload mentality about their sports programs. This year's class of seniors went 17-5, a school best in the IHSAA era. The program produced two 1,000 point scorers in Ryan Kupferschmid and Cory Waycaster. It's a new high for the program, which made it's mark with relentless defense and unselfish passing. It's a tough group to replace.
That unselfish style manifests itself off the court.
Cory Waycaster has grown into what could be a versatile small college player, should he desire: handles like a point guard with the capability of dunking. The body he has built demands the question: "When injured, do you call a doctor or a vet?"
He will be pursuing college, a victory considering his parents have at least seven children in the home, several with special needs. His parents have sacrificed for all the children in their care, and Cory has benefited from their work. They are a tribute to how God provides.
I have a unique perspective on Ryan Kupferschmid: we carpooled with him his first year at ECA. While that has been four years ago, he is still appreciative when we see him, and makes time to talk with us. He was in an interesting situation: the new kid freshman who shows up with a middle schooler and three elementary students every day. If he heard any teasing, we sure didn't detect it. While he didn't socialize highly, he tolerated the younger kids with a quiet grace you don't see often.
He still talks to my son, Robby, on a consistent basis, who is now a freshman. He is popular enough to be elected Homecoming King, something hard to imagine of the quiet freshman that inhabited our mini vans. During the season, he would fall asleep in transport, a concession to the schedule of a varsity basketball player at a demanding school.
It comes from home. Mrs. K., as my kids called her, became a highly enjoyed part of the commuting team. It's clear the values started at home and are with him to this day.
Ryan's basketball skill level and knowledge of the game are worthy of college's highest level. If he was 6'4" with the same package, he would be a D-I shooting guard. He has written of a desire for Pastoral Studies. Wherever God leads him, he will follow.
And some coach is getting a great basketball player...and better person.
No...I'm not off base on this one.
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