Happy Anniversary To Us!

One year ago today, Staci and I took our vows on a baseball field in front of everyone we love. It was a great day, not only because of us, but because the experience we believe that everyone in attendance had. It was a celebration, not only only of our love, but the love and support of all those surrounding us. In the year since, between jobs, financial dispair, car problems galore, moving, etc, Staci and I have found our strength in each other. And I know that we will continue to do so. Happy anniversary, baby- to the most wonderful wife a guy could ask for.

Playoff Bound

It became official last night- despite losing to the P-Nats, because of a Frederick loss, the Blue Rocks are in the playoffs. It was a rare double celebration, as Potomac clinched the 2nd half division title, and Wilmington got the wild-card berth. I am happy to see my team make it, but not thrilled about a few more long nights working. Hopefully it leads to a ring.

So today, in honor of this accomplishment, I leave you with the Jim Mora "Playoff???" rant. The whole thing is funny, but around 40 seconds is the famous part.

An Historic and Proud Day For America

"It is that American spirit - that American promise - that pushes us forward even when the path is uncertain; that binds us together in spite of our differences; that makes us fix our eye not on what is seen, but what is unseen, that better place around the bend.

America, we cannot turn back. Not with so much work to be done. Not with so many children to educate, and so many veterans to care for. Not with an economy to fix and cities to rebuild and farms to save. Not with so many families to protect and so many lives to mend. America, we cannot turn back. We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise - that American promise - and in the words of Scripture hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that we confess.

Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless the United States of America."- Barack Obama


Watching Barack Obama last night, a night after Bill Clinton's wonderful speech, was like seeing Mickey Mantle play with Joe DiMaggio. One man, a veteran of 20 years who is one of the great orators of our time, with the younger future who just may surpass the veteran as a speaker. And on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's historic "I Have a Dream" speech, Barack Obama officially became the first African-American candidate of a major party. And Obama did Dr. King proud. He covered every topic, including gun control, war, the economy, and healthcare. He shied away from nothing and showed this country that he will be ready to lead. There are problems to overcome, as we are sure to still see racism in this election from voters- you need look no further than Obama speeches on YouTube under comments and see disgusting drivel from cowards who can hide behind their computer screens. But there is hope- and while I am still cynical that this country's voters will let me down- again, we can only dream that 8 years of Katrina, senseless war, never-ending recession, and $5 gas, will lead the way to make this country great again.

For my wife's eloquent take, go here.



See the entire speech below:

Bill Brings The Heat

“They actually want us to reward them for the last eight years by giving them four more. Let’s send them a message that will echo from the Rockies all across America: Thanks, but no thanks. In this case, the third time is not the charm.”- Bill Clinton

After watching the speeches of Michelle Obama, Ted Kennedy, and Hillary Clinton during this week's Dem National Convention, Bill Clinton had alot to live up to. And as always, he hit it out of the park last night. Clinton backed off the primary season comments that he made as he supported his wife, saying that Hillary supported Obama, and "make that two of us."

Clinton gave the kind of speech that made him a great orator during his 8 years in office. He even came out to the stage to "Don't Stop," his theme song in '92. This wasn't his best work, but it was great and sealed the unity for the Dems that was sorely needed.

To watch the whole speech, see below.

I'm Back!

I know you all missed me, but I'm back from a much-deserved vacation and ready to bring you all things baseball, football, and poitical. For today, as I ease back into work with little sleep and even less patience, enjoy some classic funny clips.

Afternoon Delight-



Jeopardy- "An over-sized hat- it's funny."

Eleven

Abigail turns 11 tomorrow- in other words, 2 years from teen, 7 years from college. Amazing how the years just fly by, and you're left looking pictures like the one above or below, and wondering how it has just passed you by. Abby is very skilled musically, reads everything she can get her hands on, does excellent in school, and is the sweetest person you will ever meet. I'm very proud of her, and I can't wait to see what her future brings. Not too quickly, though. :) Happy birthday Abby-girl!

Our first picture together- August 23, 1997


Christmas 2004

Now Batting...

After 2 postponements because of rain, we finally got our softball game in at Frawley Stadium yesterday. It was the Interns (us) vs. Full Time (them), and I was the Frank Thomas on the A's, old man with all the kids. We won 22-18, and I am happy to say that my line reads: 2-5, 2 RBIs, 1 Run scored; also played a solid left field. We even got our own walk-up music: I had "Rock Rock Til You Drop!" by Def Leppard; "My Hero" by Foo Fighters; and "Overkill" by Men at Work. The fact that I didn't embarrass myself after not playing an organized game in 16 years (and 70 pounds lighter) is the best part to me. And to play on an actual professional baseball field for the first time in my life ranks up near the top of my 2 years in baseball.

Fun Filled Frawley Stadium

The 14 in 17 finally came to an end last night, and even though I am still sleep-deprived, vacation is now less than 2 days away. A few highlights of the homestand:



- 80's wrestling superstar King Kong Bundy(above) made an appearance on Friday, and he was a big draw. He looks exactly the same as he did in the days of taking on Hulk Hogan. Still wearing the same uni-tard as well.



- Judy Johnson/ Negro League Tribute Night was Saturday, and it was amazing to see some of the remaining living legends grace the field here. It won't be long till we only have memories of these fine gentleman, so it's nice to see them in the flesh.



- Current Phillie and former Blue Rock Chad Durbin (above) was here to promote his charity work, and signed autographs. I got to speak with him and he is a very down-to-earth guy. How nice it would be to see more major leaguers recognize their roots and be a positive influence.

- And on a personal note, I was the winner of the Blue Rocks Intern Spelling Bee, which took place on the field during the game on Sunday. Ranks up there with the Sauerkraut Award. It's nice to know I can still do something that I was able to do in 4th grade. You can see the link to my profile here.

Welcome Back Maddux

Greg Maddux, the greatest pitcher in the last 30 years, is set to be traded back to the Dodgers, where he helped us win the 2006 NL West. Maddux is not what he used to be, but still has had a respectable 2008 on a horrible Padres team that gave him no run support. Maddux can slide into the 4th slot of the rotation behind Billingsley, Kuroda & Lowe, a pitching staff that already has the league-leading ERA. This may be the last piece for LA in the quest for the West. And best I can figure, this is the first time a 350+ win pitcher (Maddux) and a 500-home run hitter (Manny) have been on the same team. The closest I could find was eventual home run king Hank Aaron and 363-game winner Warren Spahn, but Hank had only 366 homers at the end of Spahn's career. And, that, my friends, has to count for something.

Sweep!

I am so terrified of jinxing the Dodgers that I debated writing this for a couple of hours. But the recent 4 game sweep of the Phillies is just too good to pass up. For starters, it was the 1st four game sweep the Dodgers have had against the Phils since 1962, and the first they've had against anybody in 4 years. Two huge 9th inning rallies, courtesy of Andre Ethier and Nomar. And last night, Hiroki Kuroda (above) pitched his brains out in a 3-1 win. Kuroda and Chad Billingsley have become the co-aces of the Dodgers' league leading pitching staff.

We are still only tied with the Diamondbacks, as they have played better lately as well. But the schedule favors us down the stretch, so unless we fade down the stretch as in the past (see: 2007, 2005, 2002, etc..), the Dodgers may be well on their way.