I am sitting in a Barnes and Noble in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and I have been rushing around all day. My WiFi card is not working here. I went to a Starbucks that didn’t have their WiFi working. So, I drove across town to another Starbucks, but it was being remodeled and only the drive through was open. I did an interview at 2:30 at “The Birdcage”, where the Canaries play in the American Association baseball league, then found a Planet Fitness so I could take a shower. I will be on the radio broadcast tonight at the game. My schedule has been quite busy with a lot of media requests. I appreciate all of the TV Stations and Newspapers that have taken an interest.
I was in Willmar, Minnesota last night at a Northwoods League game between the Willmar Stingers and the Duluth Huskies. It was one of those games where I just wanted to keep to myself. I got a lot of looks from people since Willmar is a smaller town, about 20,000 population, about two hours from Minneapolis and three hours from Sioux Falls with not very much in between. I was asked a few times if I was a scout, a couple times if I was a reporter. I smiled when asked if I was a scout. I secretly wanted to say that I was but with my non-verbal smile, I gave the impression that I was. Why I do that I will never know. Why do I think being a scout is so cool? I know, it is a lot of time on the road. I said that I was a writer when asked if I was a journalist, I didn’t feel I was stretching the truth since I do post on my blog everyday. But, I gave the impression that I worked for someone bigger than BaseballBuddha.com. Again, I can’t explain it. I was enjoying the looks and the whispers I would get from people. When I would ask a question, people answered very politely. I know they wanted more information about me; however, I was in one of those moods where I didn’t feel like talking too much (hard to believe I know).
The game was a good one and I took a lot of notes for future reference. Some games I take tons of notes and do nothing with them. I always think that if I were to write a book about this experience, I will at least have a very full journal of notes I have taken for a piece that I want to create; or, this vision I have for a chapter. We will see if it ever comes to fruition. Anyway, I have to get moving, the game starts in a little bit but I wanted to get something out today even if it was a quick recap. Chad, my brother, keeps encouraging me to dig deep and to make sure to put something out everyday. I am still enjoying everyday. My buddy, Paul, has told me that I am the second luckiest guy in the world (if you are a baseball fan you know who the first is), I believe that I am.
I went to the All Star Game with my brother, Chad. He drove up on the “spur of the moment” to attend the game with me when a friend from high school scored two tickets. I was very appreciative of the fact that she remembered I was in need of them. A friend of hers told her that he had two. She and her husband had to have been inconvenienced to track them down and get them to me. I stopped by her place of business to pick them up, she also gave me two pairs of pants! I love the brand that she represents and I just so happen to be the sample size, so I got lucky again! Thank you Autumn and Robin!
Another friend of mine, that lives in Minneapolis, has taken an interest in my journey and has checked in with me from time to time, while also donating to the trip. He has sent me information and has cautioned me on a few things that I needed to look out for regarding some legal issues I might run into with my website. While in Minneapolis, he let my brother and me park our vehicles in his guest area. He dropped us off and picked us up after the game; also, let me stay in his guest room for the night. It felt more like a five star hotel. Thank you Jason!
We got to the game a couple of hours before it started and we walked the entire stadium. There were people representing every team. I tired to keep a mental note of the team jerseys I didn’t see. The only team I don’t recall seeing was the Tampa Bay Rays, but I am sure they had at least one fan in the 41,000 plus crowd. ESPN, FOX and the MLB networks were there, with the MLB Network having the prime location on the field. I enjoyed wandering around the stadium and was amazed at the amount of money people were paying for souvenirs. I paid $35 for a game ball and $42 for a shirt. Chad paid $35 for some MLB Legos for his son, $15 for an “Official” All Star Game Program, $25 for a hat, and $30 for two All Star game lanyards so we could keep our tickets in. He purchased the lanyards outside the stadium. Once we entered, we were given one. Chad laughed and looked at the bright side when he notice that we had All Star Game pins on the ones he purchased. I attached my pin to my “man bag” so people will now know I attended! Concessions were a bit pricey but I did talk Chad into buying the $14 All Star Game bucket of popcorn (you can get one “free” refill on the popcorn. Don’t know how they think that is free). I am sure he will get years of use out of that bucket.
We got to our seats and met the people sitting next to us. We were at the end of the row and thought we were going to get interrupted most of the game by people running to the bathroom or getting beer. But, happy to say we weren’t since our seats faced the stairs and had a railing in the front of us. People just inconvenienced the guy in the row in front by squeezing around the railing, so they wouldn’t have to walk to the end of the row. Well, there was one lady that insisted on walking the entire way but she was the exception. She also didn’t have the sense to exit the row at the other end where she would only have to make four people get up instead of nine. We sat next to some folks from Iowa who were having a grand ole time and were a lot of fun. Their friends won their tickets in a contest. I talked about my trip with them and they were going to check out my website. I was a little embarrassed when I didn’t know all the ball players. I explained that my blog is more about the fan experience and what I see out on the road.
Standing ovation for Derek Jeter! Class Act!
That is the funny thing, I can give you starting line-ups from the late 70’s and early 80’s; but, if you were to ask me who Troy Tulowitzki was, I would have had no idea that he was the All Star shortstop for the Colorado Rockies. I honestly don’t pay much attention to other players unless they are on the Brewers or Dodgers teams. Or, if they have played for the Brewers or Dodgers. I know some of the big names but that is it (my favorite players are Derek Jeter and Yadier Molina. The two teams I hate the most happen to be the Yankees and the Cardinals, go figure). I love the game of baseball, I love teams, but I don’t know what Mike Trout’s on base percentage is. I know how I would use him in different situations if I were to look at his stats, etc. I do have some favorites that I pay attention to, usually older guys, I loved seeing Derek Jeter. I was very happy to see him play and do well in the game, but I was extremely disappointed that Tony Gwynn wasn’t honored. He might have been but I didn’t see it. Besides, I don’t watch much TV and I haven’t had cable in seven years.
I think the sign read “Love Water, Not Oil”
The game moved along quickly and I enjoyed spending time with my brother. I was excited to see some civil disobedience, also, when some protesters some how displayed a homemade sign over part of the scoreboard in right field that said “Love Water, Not Oil”. Their sign was there for an inning before the authorities could figure out how to get it down. I guess that is what makes America so great in that you can express your beliefs and see a baseball game all at the same time! The American League won and their team will have the home field advantage in the World Series. I am glad the game means something and I hope it continues. The media is trying to shape the baseball conscience to get that to change, I hope they aren’t successful.
Chad said that he was disappointed that there were no fireworks of any kind when the game ended. He thought that the overall experience was good, but the amount of money that is charged for everything, more could be done for the people that were just attending the game. I would have to agree with him. However, I got to see a couple of people in my Oredocker family. I am constantly amazed at how giving everyone has been, I have been very lucky. Jason and Autumn thank you again!
When I arrived in Lexington, Illinois my mind wasn’t on baseball, it was on getting home to Milwaukee which was three hours north to see my daughter. I picked Lexington because the Midwest Collegiate League game fit perfectly with my schedule. I drove back roads reminiscent of Gene Hackman in the movie “Hoosiers” to get into town. I was craving a Starbucks coffee but had to settle for the breakfast buffet at the Shake Shack since the nearest Starbucks was at least 15 miles away in Bloomington. I noticed taped to the door of the Shake Shack a flyer that said “Snipes” game today.
I took a left at the Community Center and drove to the end of the road. There was a swimming pool and some ball fields. I pulled onto a grass field that served as a parking lot. Two men were getting the field ready and I instantly thought of my experience on Cape Cod the week before. Zach Mason came up to me and inquired if I was there for the game. I asked who was in charge and if the game was going to be played since there was a lot of rain the night before. He pointed to Billy Dubois, who was marking the foul line in left field. I thought to myself, Billy must be a city worker in charge. Billy walked over, I explained what I was doing and asked if he would mind if I just hung-out and observed.
Billy and Tyler preparing the field!
I assumed correctly that Billy did work for the city as the Superintendent of the Water Department, the owner of the Lexington Snipes, and also a part time EMT for the volunteer fire department. As I was standing there talking with Billy, another person showed up and started raking out the pitchers mound. Billy said, “That’s Tyler Cook. He is the manager”.
Billy told me he basically revamped the entire baseball field. He stood shirtless pointing towards the outfield where he had taken out the outfield 4 foot high fence and re-purposed it using it down the first and third base line. A neighbor had 800 feet of six foot high fencing that he could have if he tore it out. He, and that same neighbor, installed all the fence poles down the lines and outfield in a weekend. The old dugouts were in bad shape, so Billy knocked them down and got a mason buddy to build two new dugouts from brick that was donated. Billy was able to get the city to foot the bill for the roofs. A concession stand was needed. Billy persuaded the high school AG program to construct the stand for their class project. Also, a scoreboard was needed. A friend of Billy’s gave him an old one. Once again Billy recruited the AG program to paint it. A local electrician donated his time to rewire the board and install it with posts that were donated by another person. As Billy was telling me this he shrugged and said, “This is what is good about living in a small town”.
The new dugouts!
The ball field was in rough shape and he consulted with Andy Ommen, who takes care of the Babe Ruth fields in Bloomington, on what the best approach would be. Billy aerates, mows, and fertilizes it all with donated time and materials from people around the community. He pointed out that the town is only 2200 people and proudly states that the Snipes are the Cape Cod addition to the Midwest Collegiate Summer Baseball League. The other five teams have much better stadium facilities, according to Billy, further stating, “It is about the baseball with Lexington.” He understands that the other teams are in better position to make more money than he would ever be able to. It costs Billy about $18,000 a year to run the team and they make just enough to cover all the bills annually. Each player pays $400 to play and sponsors add about $3000. His wife and kids run the concession stand. Games cost $2 to attend, if people remember to pay.
Tyler Cook is in his first year as manager of the team. He is only 25 and needed to build his coaching resume. He asked Billy if he could assist him this year. Billy said, “Why don’t you manage just manage the team.” Tyler who played for Billy a couple of years ago was floored. He told me, “That is Billy though, he is very giving.” Tyler consults with Billy on strategy and how to deal with personalities. Billy explained that Tyler has the leadership skills necessary and was recently offered a coaching job at Eastern Kentucky University, which Tyler starts this fall.
Billy coaching! Photo courtesy of Corn Belt Sports.
I love Billy’s enthusiasm for the game. He just wants to field a team, small town baseball, at its finest. Billy said that the team was formed in 2000 because he wanted to play baseball and another team passed on him after he tried out. That set ‘the wheels in motion’ to form the Snipes. Billy and some of his buddies from his 1990 High School State Championship team created the team that played in a merchants league. Billy said that the merchant league, and ones like it, have died off. Their team evolved to what it is today.
College summer baseball is exploding around the country and the best known leagues are the Cape Cod League in Massachusetts and the Northwoods League in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Lots of the top talent goes to these two leagues. However, Billy’s approach is to take kids from Central Illinois or kids that have ties to the area in other ways. He taps the talent from Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Heartland Community College. This way the kids can sleep in their own beds during the summer instead of a host family. The best talent at least considers playing close to home. This approach has worked for Lexington. Billy’s teams have been league champions numerous times in the different platforms they have played in.
Billy had to get the field ready with the help of other coaches and players. He asked Jack Warren of Top Coach come by to talk to me. Jack had recently done an interview with Billy, which you can listen to here. Jack told me that Billy is the type of guy that just gets things done and can get people to see the value for the community. Jack admires Billy as he makes sure to defer all the credit to others within the Lexington community. Billy points out that he may own the team, but it truly is the towns’ team.
Billy is the guy that has to chase down the foul balls, the bus driver, make sure the umpires get their checks, head ticket taker, concession stand supervisor, grounds crew laborer, the “General Keeper” to assure all aspects are taken care of. For some reason, I think he loves all of it; that, or the smile, that he had plastered on his face the whole time I observed him, was surgically attached.
I want to quickly say something about Jack Warren. On his website are interviews with some of the best coaches in America. Jack’s approach to the interviews and website is not baseball strategy but how the coaches got to where they are. The website is great and one I recommend if anyone wants to find out what it takes to get to the top collegiate and professional levels of baseball and succeed. Jack did a great interview with NCAA World Series Champion Coach Tim Corbin of Vanderbilt back in February.
Jack Warren and Billy Dubois are a couple of guys that want to be around baseball and both have carved out their own unique niche within the game. Lexington is a baseball community, a community where baseball is front and center. I loved the fact that I got to experience this “hokey” home town team, a true community team. I will be back to Lexington to enjoy more baseball. I rank it up towards the top of all the games I have gone to.
Again, this is another story I could spend a great deal of time on but I am running over my word limit. Writing a book is still in the recesses of my mind. Should I accomplish the feat, I will be able to share more of the baseball community in Central Illinois!
If you enjoy this story and you would like to help me complete the “Baseball in America Tour 2014″, which is roughly 265 days, please click on the following link to see how you can help at www.baseballbuddha.com. Follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page! Please share this on your Facebook page and Twitter. I appreciate all the help I can get!
I am running so far behind in my posts, I haven’t had time to write much of anything. I have started some stories but I am running out of time. I will try and get something out tomorrow. I will be attending the All Star game in Minneapolis, yesterday I went to a game in Lexington, Illinois and met some great people. I was in Dayton, Ohio prior to yesterdays game. I went to Milwaukee right after the game in Lexington, ate dinner with a friend and then met my daughter and her mother as they ate, afterwards my daughter and I watched a movie, this morning I went to breakfast with Sami and then drove to Eau Claire, cleaned out my car at my parents, went to an American Legion game with my dad, did my laundry and now it is 10:30pm.
I am just trying to take a deep breathe before I head out west, my brother Chad is driving up to go to the game with me tomorrow. I am learning that I am not superman. I have found so many great stories I haven’t been able to write about, I plan on getting to them but time has been at a premium. I know I am making excuses and it hasn’t been fair to all the wonderful people I have met, I feel like I have been really streaky lately with my writing. Some days I have been really on and then others way off. But then again I am learning so much of what I am capable of, my goal tomorrow is to get at least a short story written before I go to the All Star game. Enough of this rambling! Thanks for your patience!
Members of the Vintage Base Ball Team the Cleveland Blues! I am going to check them out next month!
I am testing/seeing how many people will check out this link when I use a headline like that and I will let you know in a few days. Today is a Saturday. I have learned that people don’t normally tune into my posts during the weekend. I am currently at a Dayton Dragon game in Dayton, Ohio. I am sitting in the Press Box and I am getting used to doing this. I feel very lucky, that I admit. The perspective is much different and you get a great view of the game. I walked around the entire place, making ‘notes to self’ on an interesting idea for a story that I will construct in the coming days. I am not going to write to much today, I already wrote a post regarding Chat, my brother, and the day I missed. I am working my way towards Minneapolis for the All Star Game on Tuesday. I am excited to get back into Milwaukee sometime tomorrow night after I attend a College Summer League game in Lexington, IL. My daughter and I will be grabbing breakfast Monday morning and then I will head up to Eau Claire to see my parents and find a game along the way. If you haven’t read my posts for Day 143 and Day 144 please do! (Click on the Day link and it will take you to the story).
If you enjoy this story and you would like to help me complete the “Baseball in America Tour 2014″, which is roughly 265 days, please click on the following link to see how you can help at www.baseballbuddha.com. Follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page! Please share this on your Facebook page and Twitter. I appreciate all the help I can get!
I was informed by my brother, Chad, that I missed a day. I actually knew I did and didn’t have time to do it. I wanted to see if anyone would notice. I have been at this a long time. Of course my brother noticed. He is the guy that makes sure that I am doing well and that I am not living under a bridge curled up in the fetal position crying, asking, “what have I done”. He is the guy that reminds me that if I don’t finish this journey that I basically won’t accomplish anything besides a few good stories. Also, Chad assures me that if I run out of money before the end, that we will come up with some. He critiques my posts and sometimes he is tactfully critical. Other times, hugely supportive. And, I know when he loves a post. Chad means a lot to me, as does all of my family, of course; but, he is the guy that immediately fell in love with the idea, got behind me and he put his money where his mouth is. That is the type of person he is. Some people view him as temperamental, arrogant, and ass-like at times. But these same people will also be the ones that know when they need someone, or something done, Chad is the one who will be there for them.
Chad owns his own business. He has worked hard to develop a reputation of someone that will get the job done. He has guys that work for him that have been very loyal to him and he to them. It is not a glamorous business to be in, the profession itself is demeaning at times; but, that doesn’t affect Chad. His work and reputation is second to no one. When I needed a job during a low point in my life, he was there. He overpaid me for my experience. When I say Chad loves his family, it runs very deep. I know that if I need something when this journey is over, I can count on my brother. It is a comfort and a joy to have a brother like him. If you only met him once and walked away not liking him, he is the wrong person to associate the old adage with – believing your first impression. Chad is a great example of a guy that has always done the right thing. I know he is living vicariously through me which motivates me and keeps me going on those lonely nights during my long drives.
I am sure that he will want to comment on this post. He will be critical, or disagree, of my portrayal of him. He will want to point out that he has changed a lot. He is not at all as temperamental as he used to be. The great thing about Chad is that he can and will laugh at himself. So, I missed a day. I have struggled and my brother was there to point it out, to encourage me to dig a little deeper, to not swear in my posts. He believes that this whole thing might become bigger than it currently is. He likes the attention I am getting, but he will be there if I fall down. I love you, Chad, and thank you for believing in me – it means more than you will ever know.
I am sitting in a Starbucks in downtown Cleveland right now. I am frustrated because I didn’t get the discount on the Evolution Sweet Greens juice I drink almost everyday. I asked for the discount and I know the code to get a dollar off. However, the guy said that he couldn’t give it to me. I said, “come on, yeah you can.” He said he needed the coupon to take to his sales meeting. I was fine with the “no”, but a little miffed with the reason. I have been all over the United States drinking these and getting the discount without the coupon. It might be a flaw in the system; but, I got a little self-righteous and, in turn, the guy got a little testy with me. I laugh because it is one of those instances where I want to be right for whatever reason, but it just makes me look ridiculous. I put him on the defensive and I owe him an apology. It doesn’t matter if I was right, or if he accepts my apology, I have to humble myself (He accepted and appreciated it).
Yesterday marked five months that I have been on the road. I left Milwaukee on February 10, as I recall it was quite cold! I have been lucky that I have been able to chase warm weather. It feels like the longest summer of my life and I am loving it! Like I said, I am in Cleveland and the town is getting a little crazy with the LeBron James signing. The news is everywhere and people are excited. I just want to watch a baseball game. In view of the recent news break, I don’t think Cleveland cares about baseball at the moment. ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX are all here getting the fans reaction. What I find funny is how staged the news is. They tell them when to cheer. The majority are happy to oblige for their moment in the sun even if it is for a couple seconds.
T-Shirt Vendor!
I moved from the Starbucks, to a sports bar near Progressive Field, which is across the street from the Quicken Loans Arena where the Cavaliers play. A t-shirt vendor just rolled up outside the sports bar and is selling t-shirts that say “Forgiven” for $30. There are long lines to get them. What is it about the attachment of a player and/or a team that people get so fanatical about? The energy and expectations is very high for next season. Anything less than a NBA championship is going to be a let down. I am sure that we will hear the team tell the fans to temper those expectations once the season starts; but at the moment, they are gladly taking the bounty of cash that the fans, with their mob mentality, are willing to pay without hesitation. I am excited for the City of Cleveland. People need things to rally around. People are high- fiving, with LeBron on all the TV’s, shouts of “We’re Back” and “Forgiven” can be heard and everyone is smiling. I understand this is a baseball blog but it is hard to ignore the electricity that is in the air. I love the feeling. Fans feel like they are the stars with all the coverage, they want their 15 minutes of fame and are willing to say what the news wants to hear. The feeling of being important. I observe one guy slap his girlfriend on the butt after he finishes his moment and gives her a look of satisfaction. She smiles and they get in line to buy a t-shirt.
The Chandelier in the theatre district!
I talk with my waitress about what this means to Cleveland. She is beaming. She tells me that Cleveland is turning around and this helps. She rattles off everything that the city is doing to improve its image. She tells me about the chandelier in the theatre district which I saw it earlier when I was at Starbucks. She says it is going to be a good night for tips, “When people are happy they are generous.” I listen to some fans who are discussing how much the t-shirt vendor is making, “yeah those shirts only cost him $3 and he is selling them for $30”, one guy points out. “Who cares” another says, “this is awesome.” A cameraman points his camera in the window, people start chanting “Lets go Cavs, Lets go Cavs”, horns are honking, people are celebrating. This is the commercialization of sport. LeBron is God- like right now. He gets paid to preform and people are doing shots of tequila in honor of “King James”. I want to go to the baseball game. I want this energy to show up in Alexandria, Minnesota for a Blue Anchors game.
Since I need to touch on the baseball aspect of the post, I just want to say that I had a long drive last night and today. I had time to think about the most memorable experiences thus far on the trip. I compiled a list of some of my favorite experiences. There have been many and this is only a few that I want to point out. Please, feel free to click on a link and read.
If you enjoy this story and you would like to help me complete the “Baseball in America Tour 2014″, which is roughly 265 days, please click on the following link to see how you can help at www.baseballbuddha.com. Follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page! Please share this on your Facebook page and Twitter. I appreciate all the help I can get!
I went to Cooperstown yesterday morning to tour the Baseball Hall of Fame, I enjoyed wandering around the place. I am huge on nostalgia and dreaming about the past. Thinking about the players, the announcers, the games, the atmosphere; and, how everything evolved to what it is today. For me there is magic and romance in the stories. I laugh at how much I contemplate what these games meant to the people who participated – be it a fan, player, concession stand merchant or umpire. I equate it all to simple living, something I believe we all strive for, the feeling of joy and happiness.
People have called me emotional. I tend to get defensive about that label, I don’t like it. I don’t know why, I want to be pragmatic and deliberate in my decisions. I personally think, people view people like me in a negative light, that I can’t preform under pressure since I tend to “wear my emotions on my sleeve.” At times, I have been told, I will crumble in the clutch. Thus, I have become kinda guarded with my thoughts and expressions. I know I probably haven’t totally relaxed in years. I accept is about me as being part of my personality.
Lou Presutti taking time to take a picture…
However, I love the people who get a little emotional. The people who understand the gravity of a pressure situation. Or, are passionate about a topic, thing or a belief. Some just have that “swagger”, a confidence within that they understand about what is right, what is wrong and they don’t “give a shit” what others think of them. Respect is earned with people like this. You can disagree with them, but you better have your facts straight or they will have no use for you. They can point out a blow hard or fake a mile away. But, they figure out who is genuine in an instant. If you give your word you better mean it. I came across a man yesterday who fits all of the above, his name is Lou Presutti.
“I hear everybody always say, ‘Hey, it’s OK, it’s all right.’ Well, it’s not OK, and it’s not all right when you don’t achieve your goal. And right now, all that pain you have in your heart, all those tears that are coming down your faces — you’re supposed to feel that way. Because winners hurt and champions feel pain when they don’t attain their goal.”
“Anything in your life you do, if you have a goal and you don’t get to that finish line, you better feel exactly the way you feel right now. If you don’t, then change and do something else.”
I took the above quotes from an article written about Lou, by ESPN writer Jim Caple. Lou was addressing the team that lost in a championship game of one of his many tournaments. I thought when I spoke and met Lou I had a great story no one has written about, how naïve of me. When I was looking things up about him and his Cooperstown Dreams Park after we spoke, I came across a plethora of information. I arrived at his complex looking for a game to watch yesterday. I didn’t schedule one since, everyone I talked with that had been to Cooperstown, said they play everyday all summer. I heard of Lou’s organization from parents and kids who have attended in the past. However, I never heard of Lou.
When I arrived I was blown away at the shear size of the complex and the beauty of the area in which it was situated. The entrance was Disneyesque and I wondered how much it was going to cost me just to park. My fears diminished when I found it was no charge. There seemed to be order to everything. I was surprised there was no trash anywhere with the amount of kids running around. All the players wore the same red or blue uniforms. I chuckled at how much all of this was costing these parents. When I inquired with Lou about the cost, he gave me a look of contempt and just said, “Listen, I have had the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich come through here!”
I watched an elimination game on Field Seven between the Orion Chargers of Michigan and the Kernersville Bulldogs of North Carolina. The Bulldogs beat the Chargers, 16-5. I spoke with some of the Chargers parents about what I was doing and they were the ones who said I really needed to speak to Lou. I didn’t think Lou would have the time to speak with me. When I asked some college interns to see if he would, they inquired and said he would be over in a few minutes. When he pulled into the operations tent where I was waiting for him on a golf cart. I was caught a little off guard. Here was a man that had to be in his middle 70’s, looked to be in great physical shape. My initial thought was he was probably a drill instructor in his former life (Army Ranger), I smiled when I realized it was him. I walked over introduced myself, shook his hand and immediately got the impression Lou did not like me. The man might be in his middle 70’s, but if I offended him in any way, I got the distinct feeling he would have no problem punching me in the face and tossing me off his property.
We sat at a table, I told him I had a few questions. It started down pouring outside the tent, he got on his walkie-talkie making the statement to the person on the other end, “You said 40% chance of precipitation”, with a wry smile. Kids, coaches and parents started coming into the tent. I started asking questions, kids came over with their parents asking Lou for autographs and pins, he obliged all of them. He asked for their name, most all answered politely and respectfully, “yes sir, no sir, thank you coach”. Kids wanted his attention, he was respected, he oozed “swagger”. He engaged with his interns that are there for the summer earning money for college. Lou pays these kids a lot, he demands a lot. Even though, every intern that came to the table, he took an interest in. They seemed at ease with Lou. That is what happens when people know where they stand, do what is expected and respect is given. You don’t do what you agreed to, Lou has no use for you and has no problem sending you home.
We talk about the state of the game of baseball, how it has evolved, what the power brokers believe, what Lou believes. Lou asked me for my opinion about the game, I answer honestly and forthrightly. I see that wry smile again. I worry he might get up at any minute as he is busy, for some reason I want his respect. On the flipside, I worry he might punch me in the face, also. I tell him what I like about him. To me he represents the type of person that does what is right and he doesn’t want attention for the good deeds he does. As I say this, a kid with a cast on his arm comes to the table for an autograph. Lou asks what happened and finds out he broke it in a game. Lou asks if he wants to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the championship game, the kid was totally in agreement. When the kid leaves, I ask stupidly – you know, when it’s out there before really thinking – “Why are you letting him throw out the first pitch?” Lou looks at me in disbelief, “He broke his fucking arm!”. I realize my error, this is Dreams Park for a reason. I love the fact Lou swears, it isn’t politically correct and I don’t think Lou cares about politically correctness.
Lou and I talk about a lot of things “off the record”, I give him my word I won’t mention any of it. I admire this man I just met. He gives me a pin (every team brings pins to swap), the pin is a good one, “Johnny Baseball”. I put it on my “man bag”, Lou isn’t the type of guy to have a “man bag”. The rain lets up a little bit, we finish up our conversation. I need to get on the road, Lou gives me a ride up the hill to the parking lot in his golf cart. He tells me they will get all the games in, even if it is after midnight when they start. I shake his hand, he drives off in his golf cart, and then I start to worry I wouldn’t do this story justice as I walk to my car.
Lou is the one who told me about Jim Caple, a writer for ESPN, and his article. Lou stated, “He got it mostly right.” I could tell that Lou respects the writer. Click on this link: http://espn.go.com/mlb/hof13/story/_/id/9508031/life-village-cooperstown, I think the story is a great one and you should take the time to read it. I also want to post a story Lou mentioned, he might punch me in the face the next time he sees me for sharing it, but it will really give a full picture of who Lou is, click on the following link: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2000/04/03/focus14.html?page=all
If you enjoy this story and you would like to help me complete the “Baseball in America Tour 2014″, which is roughly 265 days, please click on the following link to see how you can help at www.baseballbuddha.com. Follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page! Please share this on your Facebook page and Twitter. I appreciate all the help I can get!
I went to my first baseball game at Fenway Park yesterday, this was the one stadium I was most excited to see. I have been intrigued ever since I met Dotty and Ralph on Day 7 “Red Sox Love”. My buddy Bob (pronounce Bahb) and his crew in Spring Training, also, gave me the low down on what to expect. I was texting with Bob when I got to the game. He was excited like an expectant father and wanted to know what my first impressions were. I had arrived in Boston yesterday morning and spent the entire day down by Fenway. I wanted to get the overall feel for the place and surrounding area. If you are a baseball enthusiast on any level you have to go to this iconic stadium. What hits you square between the eye is the historical significance.
I tried to get a Media Pass for the game but since I was unaffiliated with more established baseball publications, or entities, and just a simple stand alone blogger, I was declined. Abby, of the Red Sox, was very nice about it. She didn’t make me feel bad for asking and I appreciated that. I purchased a $30 standing room only ticket. I wanted to walk around the place to see how they have maintained it and what kind of site lines there were. The first thing I noticed was how clean the place was. You could tell instantly that this organization and fans really took pride in the place.
They shut down Yawkey Way and set up the entrance turnstiles in the street. A very unique experience as vendors were set up everywhere selling their concessions and Red Sox apparel. I was surprised at the size of the crowd for a Monday game, it had to be close to a sell out. I heard “wicked” or “wickid pissah” or a variation in the Boston accent that makes me laugh. Yeah Boston you have an accent not me. Watch TV and we will compare the way I talk with the way you talk.
I initially stood up on the Budweiser right field deck, it gave a spectacular view of the field and the “Green Monster”. The “Green Monster” is 37 feet tall, by the way, which I read that on ladies shirt. What I didn’t like was the advertising they had on it, it took away from it. I understand it is a revenue stream, but not very appealing in my opinion. I walked the entire lower bowl level and got to see all the different views. There are many obstructed views but that gave it personality; besides, now they have televisions everywhere so fans don’t miss any of the action. I stood directly behind home base, on the first and third base line. I poked my head in places it wasn’t suppose to, was quickly questioned and then shooed away. I went to the second deck for a walk-around. I couldn’t walk out on the “Green Monster”, but I got a good feel for it. I am so impressed with how they added it without compromising the historical aspects of the park. There are so many unique sight lines that it was overwhelming. I actually watched an inning of baseball where I could only see the “Green Monster” and the outfielders.
I watched Moms and Dads bring their kids to the game for the first time. I thought of Bob and his son, what it was like for them. The pride they must have felt as they walked into the park for the first time and how the “fandom” of a sports team is passed down from one generation to the next. I thought of three other Boston fans I know (Janene, Paul and Jill). It isn’t just the team, but the entire historical experience of the team and of the place that people romantize, the feeling of that history when you sit in the seats. All of it the good, bad and ugly. I recalled the story Bob’s Spring Training friend, Dan, told me about his sons’ reaction to Aaron Boone’s walk-off home run in the 11th inning during Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, which gave the New York Yankees a 6–5 victory over the Red Sox. The Yankees won the game and the series on the home run, thus prolonging the Sox’ “Curse of the Bambino” for one more year. After the loss Dan went downstairs to blow off some steam and get over the disappointment. He heard his son crying in his room., Dan was proud because he knew his son now realized what it is like to be part of Red Sox Nation and told him he “was an official fan.”
Fenway Park is not just Boston’s treasure it is an American treasure. The Park represents the National Pastime boldly and proudly.
If you enjoy this story and you would like to help me complete the “Baseball in America Tour 2014″, which is roughly 265 days, please click on the following link to see how you can help at www.baseballbuddha.com. Follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page! Please share this on your Facebook page and Twitter. I appreciate all the help I can get!
The Bleacher Bar view of Fenway where I am writing!
I am sitting in “The Bleacher Bar” at Fenway Park. I walked around the outside of the entire stadium to get a feel for the place. I tried to get a Media Pass but was shot down (they “don’t credential stand alone bloggers”, I was told). I am very excited to go to a game here tonight, more on that later. Yesterday, and last Thursday, I attended my first Cape Cod League games. I had great experiences. The people were wonderful, the atmosphere pure Americana and I just “flat out” felt “wickedly” comfortable. I have been really tired and my concentration has not been as it should be to write anything that would be interesting. Lately, it has been a huge chore, so I apologize in advance.
I talked with Nicole Norkevicius, President of the Bourne Braves, at the game last night. She had a wealth of knowledge of the league, the players, the fans and everyone associated with the Cape Cod League. Nicole introduced me to the Braves General Manager Chuck Sturtevant, who has been around the league in different capacities for over 28 years. I took a lot of notes and hopefully I can cobble together an interesting story in a few weeks. My brother Chad said that I have been stockpiling a lot of stories lately. I admit that I have a lot of great material to write about; however, as the trip is progressing my concentration level has dipped a little bit. This has created huge frustration within me that I can’t keep up with rigorous pace I have set for myself. I admit that I would love a break from writing for a week, some days it is a lot easier than others. But, I need to at least put out something daily. And, I will continue, even if it is just telling you how frustrated I am.
Me and Peter Gammons, Go Figure…
On a more interesting note, I met Peter Gammons from ESPN. I saw him standing talking to the Falmouth coach before the game. I confirmed with a few of the fans if that was him. I have been reading this great book on Dominican baseball. For some reason, I felt I needed to ask Peter if he had read the book. If so, I wanted to know what his opinion was. On the inside I was really excited, my brain kept saying, “that is fricken Peter Gammons.” I wanted his autograph, I wanted to talk to him with all the sophistication I can muster about the Dominicans. My thoughts were on overload, “He will think I am an intelligent baseball person. Wow, Peter Gammons – simmer down, act cool, be a professional Asking for an autograph isn’t cool. I wonder if he will take a selfie with me. Peter Gammons doesn’t take selfies. Why am I so excited? I need to take a picture, Bob and Todd will think this cool. Should I walk over to him when he is done? Screw it, do it, that’s a Richard Branson book. Great he is done talking. Damn, now some players are talking to him, hurry up before I lose my nerve…” That was one of many streams of thought I was having. Why I was so excited I will never know. Peter did read the book, he said he “agreed with the premise.” He also told me he was down in the Dominican Republic many times. I gave him my card, had him autograph another and he did take a selfie with me. I told him I was a writer but wasn’t on his level, he was nice and said, “I won’t say that”. He put my card in his pocket, then went and sat on the wall. I was distracted by Peter for half the game. I wanted to go over and talk to him more about baseball but others had him cornered. I find it funny how I can get so excited about something like that. Maybe some day people will be snapping off pictures of me on their smart phones and posting them to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook…
Sitting on the wall at a Bourne Braves game!
I have only gotten three autographs on this trip, Ron Gant signed the back of the ticket he purchased for me. Ariel Pena, a top prospect for the Brewers, signed his page in Baseball Americas Top Prospects book. Now, Peter Gammons signed the back of one my business cards. I really don’t get that excited meeting players, I met a bunch so far but haven’t had the desire to ask for an autograph. Could be because most of them are at an age where I could be their father, which is a disturbing thought for me. But Peter Gammons is a baseball writer. He knows the game inside and out and I have a lot of respect for what he does. It is funny what baseball will do to highly functioning adults, it’s a kids game played by adults. It brings us back to that time in our minds, we act out childhood fantasies. That is what happen to me I think, probably the same thing that happens to teenage girls when Justin Bieber shows up some place unexpectedly.
I will keep writing daily, no guarantees on how good it will be, I am slumping, part of the baseball grind….
If you enjoy this story and you would like to help me complete the “Baseball in America Tour 2014″, which is roughly 265 days, please click on the following link to see how you can help at www.baseballbuddha.com. Follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page! Please share this on your Facebook page and Twitter. I appreciate all the help I can get!
Baseball Is Happiness!
"Love the game of baseball and baseball will love you."
I am sitting in a Barnes and Noble in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and I have been rushing around all day. My WiFi card is not working here. I went to a Starbucks that didn’t have their WiFi working. So, I drove across town to another Starbucks, but it was being remodeled and only the drive through was open. I did an interview at 2:30 at “The Birdcage”, where the Canaries play in the American Association baseball league, then found a Planet Fitness so I could take a shower. I will be on the radio broadcast tonight at the game. My schedule has been quite busy with a lot of media requests. I appreciate all of the TV Stations and Newspapers that have taken an interest.
