Greetings from South Bend,
To End out the month of May, the Silverhawks have finally gone over .500 for the season (26-25). After just completing a 4 game set with the Dayton Dragons where we took 3 of 4 from them, I am happy to say that we are playing really well at this point. This last series was not without its South Bend kick to it however. We had one game rained out (no zooperstars), a scheduled double header called after one game (due to tornadoes), then finally the last day double header where it was 90 degrees outside without a cloud in the sky (120 degrees on the field). Next on tap for the Silverhawks is the Cedar Rapids Kernels.
I always find it quite interesting when spring gives way to its first day of what could be summer. Facebook seems to fill up with statuses of beach adventures, barbecue plans, and plenty of porch sitting and drinking. Now I'm not going to say that I am not getting excited about summer being here already, but after living in Michigan for so long I know that as soon as it came, it can be gone. So should we all be getting excited for this summer now? Or should we hold off just a little bit and just enjoy it for the day?
Regardless to your personal beliefs, I'm going to hold off on the commitment to summer quite yet, and look for it in about 2 weeks. Nonetheless, I still miss all of the events that come with the days of summer. It always seems to take me back to my last 2 years at CMU, and all of the awesome grilling out we used to do at our house. I mean what else could 4 college guys ask for; a big deck, a hammock, a rocking chair, a grill, food, spirits, and Joe's bass pumping? Then of course that always brings back the inevitable thought, of can I relive college again? The answer is always the same, but the memories are always there to create the elusive thought of it all.
As well as college days that are missed, when summer holidays come around it seems to spark more great memories. I'm sure that everyone has some stories of growing up and going camping, or other family plans around the summer holidays that they remember. I always looked forward to the beach visits, and the camping, and the lake fun, and of course all the great grilling that you can do in the summer. There are just so many great parts of the summer that are enjoyable and enjoy them is what we all do best. No matter what state the economy is in, or how bad situations can be at work, when you can come home and surround yourself with family and friends and good summer times; everything can appear just dandy.
With that in mind, enjoy this transition into summer and all the greatness it will bring.
Continue to create new adventures for yourself!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Roller Coaster of Life
Greetings from South Bend,
The Silverhawks are embarking upon a 13 game homestand that will prove to dictate where we end up in the first half of the season. As of late we have been playing very well and guys continue to come into their own. The hitters are starting to get comfortable and realizing that the season is very long so a couple of at bats here and there isn't going to make or break them. We were able to take 3 of 4 from the Great Lakes Loons and 2 of 3 from the Lansing Lugnuts (the top 2 teams in our division) in our last 7 games, and look to continue the same trend.
It has been a pretty crazy last couple of days for me and trying to process it all is even more crazy. I find that at times when you are living in the moment events don't seem as big as they actually are when you look back at them and really analyze it all. In the past week one of my teammates was promoted, my girlfriend's office closed it's doors, I was asked to write for a baseball website, I connected with some great mentors of mine, and continued my house search.
Now at the time, all of these events seemed very manageable but looking back it is mildly overwhelming what has gone on. Also, it seems like a lot of people have been asking me why I am still here, or why I am not mad that I haven't moved up yet. Too, it seems like there has been more focus on the way guys are performing and a lot of questions to me about what I think about them (are they going to move or stay, etc). Through some good guidance, and self reflection, I've come to the realization that there is really no explanation for the way that a lot of things happen. The best thing anyone can do is just accept what has already happened, and if you don't like it, work to change it for the next time. Sure, do I wish I was playing at a higher level, but who doesn't. There is a reason that I am here playing and helping this team. All I can really do, is show up every day and continue to do what I think is best for the guys around me and help them become the best player they can be. If I'm able to do that then I am able to win a battle that is much bigger than me alone, its the game of life.
My last thought of the day, without overwhelming you, is to really analyze the things that you complain about in life. I know we all get caught up and need to have some vent sessions; but really look at some things. Do they seem as bad as you might make them, or does it just feel good sometimes to vent on occasions? I'll be the first to agree, I complain about things I shouldn't, but really think about it. Are there ways we can slow down life and not make it seem so bad. I'm trying to focus more on waking up everyday and finding something new I can appreciate. This morning was, fresh flowing water, and the ability to challenge myself with hills and obstacles (had a great run early morning if you wondering).
I hope everyone has been able to enjoy the nice weather (i.e. not winter) across the world.
Continue to challenge yourself!
The Silverhawks are embarking upon a 13 game homestand that will prove to dictate where we end up in the first half of the season. As of late we have been playing very well and guys continue to come into their own. The hitters are starting to get comfortable and realizing that the season is very long so a couple of at bats here and there isn't going to make or break them. We were able to take 3 of 4 from the Great Lakes Loons and 2 of 3 from the Lansing Lugnuts (the top 2 teams in our division) in our last 7 games, and look to continue the same trend.
It has been a pretty crazy last couple of days for me and trying to process it all is even more crazy. I find that at times when you are living in the moment events don't seem as big as they actually are when you look back at them and really analyze it all. In the past week one of my teammates was promoted, my girlfriend's office closed it's doors, I was asked to write for a baseball website, I connected with some great mentors of mine, and continued my house search.
Now at the time, all of these events seemed very manageable but looking back it is mildly overwhelming what has gone on. Also, it seems like a lot of people have been asking me why I am still here, or why I am not mad that I haven't moved up yet. Too, it seems like there has been more focus on the way guys are performing and a lot of questions to me about what I think about them (are they going to move or stay, etc). Through some good guidance, and self reflection, I've come to the realization that there is really no explanation for the way that a lot of things happen. The best thing anyone can do is just accept what has already happened, and if you don't like it, work to change it for the next time. Sure, do I wish I was playing at a higher level, but who doesn't. There is a reason that I am here playing and helping this team. All I can really do, is show up every day and continue to do what I think is best for the guys around me and help them become the best player they can be. If I'm able to do that then I am able to win a battle that is much bigger than me alone, its the game of life.
My last thought of the day, without overwhelming you, is to really analyze the things that you complain about in life. I know we all get caught up and need to have some vent sessions; but really look at some things. Do they seem as bad as you might make them, or does it just feel good sometimes to vent on occasions? I'll be the first to agree, I complain about things I shouldn't, but really think about it. Are there ways we can slow down life and not make it seem so bad. I'm trying to focus more on waking up everyday and finding something new I can appreciate. This morning was, fresh flowing water, and the ability to challenge myself with hills and obstacles (had a great run early morning if you wondering).
I hope everyone has been able to enjoy the nice weather (i.e. not winter) across the world.
Continue to challenge yourself!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Power of Good Deeds
Greetings from South Bend, IN.
We played a morning school day game today so I have a little bit of time to update everyone on some happenings in the last few days.
The Silverhawks have split the last 2 games. We won yesterday (Tuesday) and lost this morning. However, I feel like we are still playing better every day. Our hitters are working on making adjustments and not letting early at bats creep into later at bats. It is one of the hardest things to realize is that no matter what your first at bat outcome is, you are going to get more at bats during the game that are completely independent of the fist outcome. Pitching wise we are still throwing the ball pretty well. We have run into a minor bump the last few days, due to trying to be perfect I believe, but our memories are pretty short and we'll be right back to working order tomorrow.
As for current adventures, it has been an action packed home-stand so far, and we're only here for 3 days. Our off day on Monday was very much needed and well used. I enjoyed the day relaxing and restocking the forest with the finest fruits and veggies to pick on a daily basis to feast on. Tuesday brought about an amazing day with a plethora of awesome experiences though; and this is where I'm drawing my latest inspiration for words.
Community service is one of those things that most professional athletes do, either by choice or not. Here in South Bend we pride ourselves on the good things we do in the community and how much we try and help out. Tuesday I was able to fly a solo mission to an elementary school in the area and visit with some kids. The school was having a party/outdoor day for kids who made their reading goals for the year and asked us to come along. Even though when I got there the event seemed to be in total chaos I was having a blast; simply because kids were outside enjoying a multitude of activities and interacting with each other. In today's society it is sad that we should get excited about seeing that, but that is just where we have come to these days. Nonetheless, I scanned the crowd outside for a little bit and chatted with some of the critters as to how they were enjoying everything, then I headed inside where groups of kids were feasting. Of course kids are always enamored with mascots, so everyone was getting a picture with Swoop, so I had to move around a little bit more and find some conversation and stimulate some brain cells. After visiting for about an hour or so, it was time to pack up and let them get on with their day, and let the teachers continue to shape and mold the minds of the youth.
The timing couldn't have been any more perfect though because it was just the thing I needed to bring be back to square one. A lot of times in life you start to drift off, and lose feel for where you are at in the big picture, and interacting with kids always brings me back. Somehow the kids always make me feel like I am important to them and a lot of times they let me know how I am an inspiration, in one way or another, to them. Wow! you can't beat someone telling you that. So leaving the school I was just sitting there, letting the spring air run through my body, and realizing how such a simple gesture by myself went such a long way. It's not every day that kids have the opportunity to visit with a mascot and a player from a team, and I was able to fulfill that for them. Moreover, I was able to visit with them and talk about their goals and dreams, and how with hard work and dedication those can become reality, just like mine did.
So I really want to challenge everyone to stop overlooking the little things in life that you choose not to do, or don't want to do, and just do them (without being too cliche). Just think at the end of every day will you have the opportunity to look back and say I did all that I could today? Get out of your routines and monotony and spice it up a little bit. The times become a lot more enjoyable and you will find it easier to crawl out of your tree house every morning, knowing you have a whole new adventure awaiting you!
Life really isn't all that long so what are you waiting for? Stop putting it off & LIVE IT!
Keep your adventures random,
We played a morning school day game today so I have a little bit of time to update everyone on some happenings in the last few days.
The Silverhawks have split the last 2 games. We won yesterday (Tuesday) and lost this morning. However, I feel like we are still playing better every day. Our hitters are working on making adjustments and not letting early at bats creep into later at bats. It is one of the hardest things to realize is that no matter what your first at bat outcome is, you are going to get more at bats during the game that are completely independent of the fist outcome. Pitching wise we are still throwing the ball pretty well. We have run into a minor bump the last few days, due to trying to be perfect I believe, but our memories are pretty short and we'll be right back to working order tomorrow.
As for current adventures, it has been an action packed home-stand so far, and we're only here for 3 days. Our off day on Monday was very much needed and well used. I enjoyed the day relaxing and restocking the forest with the finest fruits and veggies to pick on a daily basis to feast on. Tuesday brought about an amazing day with a plethora of awesome experiences though; and this is where I'm drawing my latest inspiration for words.
Community service is one of those things that most professional athletes do, either by choice or not. Here in South Bend we pride ourselves on the good things we do in the community and how much we try and help out. Tuesday I was able to fly a solo mission to an elementary school in the area and visit with some kids. The school was having a party/outdoor day for kids who made their reading goals for the year and asked us to come along. Even though when I got there the event seemed to be in total chaos I was having a blast; simply because kids were outside enjoying a multitude of activities and interacting with each other. In today's society it is sad that we should get excited about seeing that, but that is just where we have come to these days. Nonetheless, I scanned the crowd outside for a little bit and chatted with some of the critters as to how they were enjoying everything, then I headed inside where groups of kids were feasting. Of course kids are always enamored with mascots, so everyone was getting a picture with Swoop, so I had to move around a little bit more and find some conversation and stimulate some brain cells. After visiting for about an hour or so, it was time to pack up and let them get on with their day, and let the teachers continue to shape and mold the minds of the youth.
The timing couldn't have been any more perfect though because it was just the thing I needed to bring be back to square one. A lot of times in life you start to drift off, and lose feel for where you are at in the big picture, and interacting with kids always brings me back. Somehow the kids always make me feel like I am important to them and a lot of times they let me know how I am an inspiration, in one way or another, to them. Wow! you can't beat someone telling you that. So leaving the school I was just sitting there, letting the spring air run through my body, and realizing how such a simple gesture by myself went such a long way. It's not every day that kids have the opportunity to visit with a mascot and a player from a team, and I was able to fulfill that for them. Moreover, I was able to visit with them and talk about their goals and dreams, and how with hard work and dedication those can become reality, just like mine did.
So I really want to challenge everyone to stop overlooking the little things in life that you choose not to do, or don't want to do, and just do them (without being too cliche). Just think at the end of every day will you have the opportunity to look back and say I did all that I could today? Get out of your routines and monotony and spice it up a little bit. The times become a lot more enjoyable and you will find it easier to crawl out of your tree house every morning, knowing you have a whole new adventure awaiting you!
Life really isn't all that long so what are you waiting for? Stop putting it off & LIVE IT!
Keep your adventures random,
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The People You Know & Meet
Greetings from Bowling Green, KY
So I've decided to start each blog with a little team update first, then give some fun stuff to digest after.
The Silverhawks have been playing better of late. We had a come from behind victory last night here against the Hot Rods. This makes us 9-5 in our last 14 games. We are steadily working our way back to .500. Overall, the hitters have been doing a better job of relaxing and putting the ball in play when they need too. The pitching continues to be our strong suit as well. Today we have a double header, to make up for a rain out here on our last road trip.
It's quite amazing when you take a step back from everything and look at all of the people you know in your life. Granted there are a lot of people who will come and go, but even at that, they are still people you have had some sort of impact on. The reason that this is on my mind as of late comes from our recent trip to Grand Rapids, where we played the West Michigan Whitecaps (my hometown team). I'm not going to go into how it was a place where I always aspired to be growing up and going to so many games as a kid. However, the trip really made me realize how many people have been in my life and played a pivotal part of my development, as a person, growing up.
Fortunately, I was able to make a spot start on Tuesday night as part of a double header and that is when most of my support base came out to show their colors. Tuesday night, I put right about 100 people on the pass list for the game. I'm lucky it was early in the season still because as the spring turns to summer I won't be so lucky because games become a hotter commodity. Really think about that though, 100 people! I had multiple people tell me that they didn't even know 100 people. For a second I wondered if I really did, or if I was just handing out tickets to hand them out. However, I do think I really could say I know 100 people I would give tickets too. Sure, I left tickets for friends who wanted to being some other friends, but over the years I have had the opportunity to play with, work with, or even instruct a numerous amount of people. Talk about a humbling experience.
To make it even better, all 3 categories I just listed showed up on Tuesday night. It is human nature that friends you are with growing up will grow apart and start lives separately. No matter though, the friends you are close with, you at least stay in touch with, via facebook, occasional email, or some other technologically driven avenue. To have friends and teammates from high school, people I worked with growing up and currently, and kids that I've instructed over the years to all show up on one night to support me makes me feel honored beyond belief! Just the opportunity alone to play in front of a home crowd is enough, but to have more support for you than the home town team is even more amazing. I was in awe of how stunning it was. I don't know if it would compare to a big league feeling, but at that moment, when I was on the mound in West Michigan I felt like I was a big leaguer and I got to have all of those who mean the most to me there. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE!
I wanted to close this with another 1 other story that adds on. No matter how many people you know, you continue to meet new people. As the trip to West Michigan came to a close, I now have the opportunity to get to know someone new. We added another player to a roster, due to an injury, so I now have a roommate on the road. A lot of the time people stick with what they know and are comfortable with. I have to say though, this experience has opened my eyes and makes me think about things like that. My roommate is from Panama, speaks good English, but still not someone I would have probably chosen as a roommate prior to this trip. The conversation that we have had the last 1.5 days has been awesome. Come to find out he also plays guitar left handed (few do), he gave me a little education on Panama City last night (where he lives), and we've joked about the different dialects in America and how they are not so different from Spanish speaking dialects. Last night, talking about Panama City I was shocked because I felt so poorly educated. It is quite a distinct city and has some amazing skylines and places to go. Then to find out he lives right in the city in a sky rise place was wow! It would be like growing up in downtown New York or Chicago. Such an amazing experience.
I guess I just wanted to share some of the blessings I've had in the last 96 hours with everyone, and hopefully bring some awareness to the amazing things that happen in our lives everyday that can be easily over looked. We all get caught up in the day to day, but when you slow it all down is when things become divine!
Find a way to challenged yourself today, push your limits beyond your comfort zone, and further our amazing species!
So I've decided to start each blog with a little team update first, then give some fun stuff to digest after.
The Silverhawks have been playing better of late. We had a come from behind victory last night here against the Hot Rods. This makes us 9-5 in our last 14 games. We are steadily working our way back to .500. Overall, the hitters have been doing a better job of relaxing and putting the ball in play when they need too. The pitching continues to be our strong suit as well. Today we have a double header, to make up for a rain out here on our last road trip.
It's quite amazing when you take a step back from everything and look at all of the people you know in your life. Granted there are a lot of people who will come and go, but even at that, they are still people you have had some sort of impact on. The reason that this is on my mind as of late comes from our recent trip to Grand Rapids, where we played the West Michigan Whitecaps (my hometown team). I'm not going to go into how it was a place where I always aspired to be growing up and going to so many games as a kid. However, the trip really made me realize how many people have been in my life and played a pivotal part of my development, as a person, growing up.
Fortunately, I was able to make a spot start on Tuesday night as part of a double header and that is when most of my support base came out to show their colors. Tuesday night, I put right about 100 people on the pass list for the game. I'm lucky it was early in the season still because as the spring turns to summer I won't be so lucky because games become a hotter commodity. Really think about that though, 100 people! I had multiple people tell me that they didn't even know 100 people. For a second I wondered if I really did, or if I was just handing out tickets to hand them out. However, I do think I really could say I know 100 people I would give tickets too. Sure, I left tickets for friends who wanted to being some other friends, but over the years I have had the opportunity to play with, work with, or even instruct a numerous amount of people. Talk about a humbling experience.
To make it even better, all 3 categories I just listed showed up on Tuesday night. It is human nature that friends you are with growing up will grow apart and start lives separately. No matter though, the friends you are close with, you at least stay in touch with, via facebook, occasional email, or some other technologically driven avenue. To have friends and teammates from high school, people I worked with growing up and currently, and kids that I've instructed over the years to all show up on one night to support me makes me feel honored beyond belief! Just the opportunity alone to play in front of a home crowd is enough, but to have more support for you than the home town team is even more amazing. I was in awe of how stunning it was. I don't know if it would compare to a big league feeling, but at that moment, when I was on the mound in West Michigan I felt like I was a big leaguer and I got to have all of those who mean the most to me there. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE!
I wanted to close this with another 1 other story that adds on. No matter how many people you know, you continue to meet new people. As the trip to West Michigan came to a close, I now have the opportunity to get to know someone new. We added another player to a roster, due to an injury, so I now have a roommate on the road. A lot of the time people stick with what they know and are comfortable with. I have to say though, this experience has opened my eyes and makes me think about things like that. My roommate is from Panama, speaks good English, but still not someone I would have probably chosen as a roommate prior to this trip. The conversation that we have had the last 1.5 days has been awesome. Come to find out he also plays guitar left handed (few do), he gave me a little education on Panama City last night (where he lives), and we've joked about the different dialects in America and how they are not so different from Spanish speaking dialects. Last night, talking about Panama City I was shocked because I felt so poorly educated. It is quite a distinct city and has some amazing skylines and places to go. Then to find out he lives right in the city in a sky rise place was wow! It would be like growing up in downtown New York or Chicago. Such an amazing experience.
I guess I just wanted to share some of the blessings I've had in the last 96 hours with everyone, and hopefully bring some awareness to the amazing things that happen in our lives everyday that can be easily over looked. We all get caught up in the day to day, but when you slow it all down is when things become divine!
Find a way to challenged yourself today, push your limits beyond your comfort zone, and further our amazing species!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
All In A Sunday
Just when you think that you start to get into a good rhythm of a season and things are starting to roll along, here comes the actual season. This home-stand had been like any other, this season, so why would today be any different. Sure it was Mothers day and all, but nothing notable this morning. The silverhawks played another good game, and collected another W, then baseball strikes.
It never ceases to amaze me, no matter how much you know its coming (or not) when a player move happens it seems to cause a ripple in the time line. In a matter of only 4 weeks a team can build some strong dynamics and start molding its family feel, and when someone is plucked out it always leaves an interesting feel of how that gap will fill back in. With every new year, there is a new dynamic. With every new game, there are new possibilities. Ultimately, with every new player, there is a shift in it all.
I couldn't be happier when someone gets the opportunity to proceed in their career development process. It just always amazes me how much it causes commotion to those around it. From people who start to wonder why it wasn't them, to the people who wonder what the effects are going to be because of it. Everyone is going to handle a situation differently, and nobody is to say one way is right or wrong.
This is just another reason that I enjoy this game so much. If you take 25 people and put them in the same setting for 6 months, and just watch them change, develop, and grow; you will have a pretty good understanding of what I get to take in on a daily basis.
The work will go on, the game will endure, and legends will always be created. Congrats to anyone and everyone when the time comes to take the next step.
Happy Mothers Day to All.
It never ceases to amaze me, no matter how much you know its coming (or not) when a player move happens it seems to cause a ripple in the time line. In a matter of only 4 weeks a team can build some strong dynamics and start molding its family feel, and when someone is plucked out it always leaves an interesting feel of how that gap will fill back in. With every new year, there is a new dynamic. With every new game, there are new possibilities. Ultimately, with every new player, there is a shift in it all.
I couldn't be happier when someone gets the opportunity to proceed in their career development process. It just always amazes me how much it causes commotion to those around it. From people who start to wonder why it wasn't them, to the people who wonder what the effects are going to be because of it. Everyone is going to handle a situation differently, and nobody is to say one way is right or wrong.
This is just another reason that I enjoy this game so much. If you take 25 people and put them in the same setting for 6 months, and just watch them change, develop, and grow; you will have a pretty good understanding of what I get to take in on a daily basis.
The work will go on, the game will endure, and legends will always be created. Congrats to anyone and everyone when the time comes to take the next step.
Happy Mothers Day to All.
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