Wait, What's Going On This Weekend?

Is Monday here yet? No rest for the wicked, as we head into the homestretch of both the wedding and the P-Nats' schedule. It has been a brutal homestand, with tarp pulls, VERY early mornings, and even longer days. But we're almost there. One tonight, one tomorrow, and then goodnight Irene.

Then there's the wedding of the century, as Staci and I tie the knot on Sunday. I'm very excited about the actual event(and reception), it's just getting to that point and dealing with all the anticpation and attention. Thank God for Staci, who has done 99 44/100ths of this crap herself, because I probably would have jumped into the Potomac River by now.

So now, I am going to try, exhausted as I am, to enjoy the rush of two emotional moments and look forward to a nice after-wedding day Labor Day at RFK. And watch the "Pickle Girl" clip over and over again. Hee hee:

Abigail at 10

Tomorrow is the actual 10th birthday of the beautiful Abigail Elizabeth, but since I won't be near a computer all day, and today celebrates the events leading up to the wonderful result of Abby's birth, I figured, no time like the present to wax poetic. :)

It was right around 6PM that Jen called me at Friendly's in Eynon to tell me that it looked like Abby was about to join the world. I was prepared for this call, but that didn't make me any calmer. She told me there was plenty of time and to not rush. Of course, I did anyway. I was working my normal 10-8 shift, so I asked my manager if I could take off early. I jumped in my new Ford Escort and drove to my Dad's(where I was staying for summer break). As I packed my duffel bag, the range of emotions was incredible. It's a rare moment in life when you are aware that everything is about to change forever. I told my Dad the news, stopped at a gas station and headed on the 64 mile drive to Easton.

I arrived in Easton around 10PM, ready for what the night was about to bring. We sat at Jen's parents' house for awhile, until it was time to head to St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem. Things slowed down, as Abby took her time, but I've never had the hours go by so quickly. After a night of pushing and breathing, Abby joined us all early on Saturday morning, August 23rd, 1997. It truly is an emotion you cannot describe, watching someone you helped to create start their life.

Now, ten years later, Abigail is a beautiful, healthy and intelligent young lady with the world at her feet. And while I take no credit with her being those things, it is truly a pleasure to see her turning out in such a magnificent way.

Great Pitching Rules Weekend At The Pfitz

A pitching trifecta of the past, present and future aligned here at the Pfitz this weekend. First up was Friday night's Carolina League debut of Ross Detwiler. This has been eagerly anticipated since he was chosen 6th overall in the draft just 2 months ago. He is incredibly talented and looks like he could be the real deal.

Saturday was a complete surprise, as Justin Jones carried a perfect game into the 9th inning for the P-Nats(see scoreboard above). Buzz started to build as the game went into the 5th inning and still nothing on the board for the Warthogs. With one out in the ninth, he gave up a single and the chance for a perfecto was gone. Great effort by a guy who has shown flashes of brilliance.


I was excited as Sunday approached, as former All-Star Detroit Tiger and Washington Senator Denny McClain was here to sign autographs and promote his new book. McClain was the last pitcher to win 30 games in a season, which will most likely never happen again. I was able to speak with him for a few minutes, and for all his past post-baseball troubles(tax evasion, federal prison time, etc), he was a very friendly and charismatic person.

It's rare to see former greatness and potential all in the same place, especially in Woodbridge, VA. It definitely makes an extremely long day/week seems a little less so.

Last of "The Triplets" Enters The Hall

Amid the continued and painful chase of the HR record by Big Head, there was a much better, and dare I say, beautiful moment in sports this weekend. Michael Irvin, 3-time Super Bowl champ with the Cowboys, was finally inducted in the Football Hall Of Fame. This is a well-deserved honor, but took longer than it should have because of a checkered and drug-riddled past. He is the last of the "Triplets" (Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, and Irvin) to make it in, and Irvin did something on Saturday no one expected- he was humble. The cocky and brash receiver was truly honored to stand on that stage, and even admitted that he knew he was not the same kind of person (off the field) as some of the other greats. Irving broke down and cried for many parts of the speech, and that was truly touching as well. In a sports world seemingly devoid of good guys, and filled with guys like Bonds and Vick, here is a man who has finally faced his demons and could not have been more appreciative of this honor bestowed upon him. Irvin was never my favorite Cowboy, but for one day at least, he stood among the greats- and for the first time, he did so off the field.