Doubleheader Split With Crown

Will’s NCA Lions split a doubleheader with their arch rival Crown yesterday afternoon. Crown won the first game by a run in their final at bat, but the Lions returned the favor in the nightcap, scoring two runs in the top of the 7th to break up a tie game.

Will played every inning of both games. In the opener he played left field, but had no balls hit to him. He reached second base one time. A grounder was hit to the shortstop, who tried to turn a double-play. The batter beat the throw to first. Will had taken off running with the crack of the bat, rounded third, and continued on toward home. The first baseman threw to Will’s former Mt. Paran teammate Tanner, now catching for Crown. Will slid headfirst around Tanner, sticking out his hand to tag the base, to score the run.

In game two Will was the starting pitcher. Crown was a much better team than last-week’s opponent in Winder, but Will pitched very good, despite inconsistent calls from the umpire. A Crown batter had homered in the first game, and he also hit one off Will: the first-ever home run Will ever allowed. After that Will settled down, allowing only one unearned run over the next four innings. He made a nice play on a grounder to the first-base side, hustling over just in time to cover the bag.

The Lions sent eight batters to the plate in the top of the sixth, scoring three runs. The temperature got colder as the sun set, and the game was further delayed by coaches visits to the mound and a pitching change, and another long wait for the lights to be turned on. Will led off the inning with a walk, advanced to second on James’ single and third on David’s walk. Will then scored on a wild pitch (ealier in the game he also walked and scored)..

In the bottom of the inning Will came out to pitch, despite a high pitch count and the long delay. The umpire didn’t help, calling borderline pitches strikes. Behind in the count, Crown batters were jumping on the strikes Will had to throw, and the hits were falling just out of the reach of Lion fielders. Second-baseman Isaac bobbled a double-play grounder, and all runners were safe. Mercifully, Coach Roy pulled Will from the game. Still, Will had struck out 5 and only walked 3 of the 29 batters he’d faced, spreading out 8 hits over 6 innings.

David struggled on the mound, and Crown came back and tied the score. In right field, Will made a long running catch near the foul line for out number three.

With one out in the top of the 7tth Will drew a full count walk, after being down 0 – 2 in the count. James lined out, then David blooped a 3 – 2 pitch down the left field line. Will was running on the pitch, and hustled around to third. David had time to make it to second. Will took a big secondary lead off third, eventually drawing a throw from the catcher. The low throw skipped past third into left field, and Will scored. Later David also scored on a wild pitch.

Up by two, David was able to hold Crown scoreless in the bottom of the inning, earning NCA a split. of the doubleheader. A small Living Science crowd attended, including all us Murphys, all the Normans boys save Willis, thier Flight neighbor Katherine, and DJ. Tanner's dad Jay and Christian's mom sat behind the plate with the Crown crowd.

Warmups

Seems like I remember some pigeon-toed photos of Michael Jordan. Photo taken by Anna.

Ready in Left

You can't tell, but that glove is tiny...he needs to wear a bigger one so he can catch better.

Two Pitchers in the Family?

More on Matthew and pitching…Yesterday at practice Coach Tracy worked with Matthew on pitching, perhaps encouraging him to concentrate on catching the ball better, since a pitcher has to be able to catch the return throws. After I arrived they worked on stealing, with a pitcher, catcher, shortstop, and baserunner. Matthew got a turn throwing pitches from the mound. Tracy said he might put him in one day, which would be an adventure.

Abby has been Will’s classmate for three years now, is in the same Servant Leader Training program, and also played Flight basketball for the first time. Like Will, she played more for social / friendship reasons than basketball reasons. She’d hustle, get in position, pass, and rebound, and occasionally score…much like Will. Her good friend Kara got lots of PT for both JV and varsity, and also plays AAU ball. Abby is a lot of fun, the type girl to play in the pool with the boys instead of laying in the sun with the girls…just like Will. Her mom was the somersaulting Tammy from the retreat last fall. Abby, Will, and sharp-shooting Conner all carpool to Living Science together.

Supposed to have a temp today…one didn’t show yesterday, so I saved her a bunch of work.

My father-in-law emailed me a Rick Monday video, supposedly voted one of the greatest plays in baseball history. A guy ran out on the field between innings and attempted to set fire to an American flag. While everyone watched, Monday ran by and grabbed the flag away…and received a standing ovation. Lasorda ran out and jawed with the delinquent as he was being escorted off the field.

Just a Bit Outside

Nice shot of Matthew following the ball all the way into the catcher's mitt. Outside pitches like this one are often called strikes by umpire "Senior" - perhaps ok for 14-year olds, but quite tough on the 9 year olds just starting out.

Swing & a Miss

Can you see his purple belt?

That's me in the second row, in my white Pumas, next to young Lucas. Coach Tim is in front of me, next to his wife Melissa. Coach Tracy mans the third base box.

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Practicing With Matthew

Saturday morning I got Matthew outside to hit a quick bucket of balls…he doesn’t want to work with Will, Ceil, or Anna…just me. He was bunting ok, so I encouraged him to bunt if he had the chance. I went over not swinging until a strike was called, though he then asked if he could swing if he thought he could hit it…of course yes. In the game he worked the count full both times, but struck out twice…first called, then swinging. I asked why he didn’t swing at the first strike three, and he didn’t know.

Out of the five innings, he played left, third, and right. The first hitter singled to left, and Matthew knocked the ball down, then quickly picked it up and threw to second, holding the batter to a single. Not too bad for a first game.

Sunday afternoon he hit two bucketfulls, and was hitting them halfway decent. I had gone outside because Matthew was out there throwing a ball against the house. He wanted to put up a strike zone he could pitch…certainly a first! I caught some of his pitches…not bad, but he’s probably a year away from pitching a whole inning.

Will’s travel coach appeared to be monitoring Will’s pitch count Saturday. I’d told the coach he’d thrown 77 Thursday night and had a little soreness, but they were scrimmaging the rival (and better) Prowlers…who Will had all the strikeouts against last year. He only pitched an inning and threw too many high pitches, but an error and misplay prolonged the inning. He threw 25 pitches, and made a nice play on a bunt. Late Sunday he said his arm felt great.

We have been on the go for over a week and I was afraid Ceil was ready to crash, but she was up for one more party Saturday night. She had left Matthew’s game early to go to Will’s scrimmage, and left late from there to go to the grocery, and back home to get ready. Will got through so late that we just came straight there.

Sunday afternoon Will went to see Vantage Point with basketball teammate Holt, his older sister Marykathryn, and Will’s classmate/Marykathryn’s friend Abby. Afterwards they ate at Chili’s.

Did you know Catherine Norman is spending the summer in South Africa? Littlest brother Charles had his first game Saturday playing with Will’s old Mt. Paran teammates, and supposedly did ok. Had a big cheering section…two brothers and three other Flight basketball players, including Josiah and Isaac.

Actually got a little yardwork done yesterday as well.

Last Tuesday

Drove the kids to school today in downtown Alpharetta, then crossed over 400 on that little bridge north of Old Milton, around 9 am. Saw all the cars lined up to exit on Windward…

My temp wasn’t the best in the world, had a lot of issues, but seemed to need the job. Yesterday she said she had some sort of class on Thursday afternoons, and I said she could make up the time at lunch and stuff. I went ahead and told her I was only going to be able to keep her for a month. Later I returned from a meeting to find she had left early, and didn’t show up today. Monday I’ll get a new temp, since I don’t have time to train one this week, with month end.

I am moving over to the corporate building, which could be an answer to prayer. I’ll be visible to more people, and I should be able to slip out easier to afternoon games. My boss is throwing more stuff my way, which is great, but he doesn’t understand that things like that will be harder for him and the rest of the office when I’m off-site. My co-workers seem disappointed, and the office where I’m going is happy to have me, which is all nice. Think I’ll finish packing tonight, and start over there tomorrow. My boss also seems set on moving me into his cost-center, as opposed to leaving me as a corporate employee…which wouldn’t be good for him. I’m preparing my justification for a raise. Yesterday he commented that I was “well-compensated”…an opinion I didn’t necessarily agree with.

Need to let Will read where DOB blogged about Tex, where Tex laughed about the young guys like Frenchy who pull everything. Good comments by Chipper about ‘lose an Andruw, gain an Andruw.’ Hopefully JF will continue to listen to Chipper, Pendleton, etc. Diaz will spray the ball, as will Kelly and McCann…Yunel as well, right?

Supposedly Will’s travel team got blown out Monday in the scrimmage that Will missed. They gave up 12 walks to a better team. If the team is so good, why don’t they swing the bat? It was the team Will struck out the 11 batters…so maybe they’re not that good.

Last Thursday

I’ve settled in at this new desk. This morning I worked for an hour, then went back to my old office for the rest of the morning…not really productive. I’ve just caught up and moved in a bit more this afternoon, so tomorrow will be even busier. We went to lunch at the new Taco Mac down the street, that has suddenly become the new hot spot. My favorite spot is still the old Norcross Rail Station.

Watch Tech against Duke? Am I the only one that thinks Causey is a little overdramatic? I was thinking that before he bumped his head. He did make a nice pass…funny that the Duke guy later made a similar pass. But all his teammates couldn’t track down loose balls like the Dookies could.

I saw some of the second half of the Vandy win…you could tell it was a good game. Did I tell you that Will saw the Clemson coach wearing an orange blazer, so now he wants one?!

Matthew's Rockies March 1st Game Recap

The Mustang Rockies won their season opener in exciting fashion, edging out the Pirates 13 – 11. The teams swapped leads throughout the game, with the Rockies going ahead in the final inning, then holding the Pirates scoreless to win the game.

TOP 1ST: The first four Rockies reached base and scored in the first inning. Stephen Ellis knocked in Phillip Hrisak with the first run, then he, Grace White, and Jason Fuertes cored on wild pitches. Cameron Jones singled and stole second and third, but was tagged out at home by the Pirates’ pitcher Christopher Techman.

BOTTOM 1ST: In the bottom half of the inning the Rockies made two straight defensive plays. Centerfielder Cameron threw in to second-baseman Stephen to force Colin, then catcher Grace threw to third-baseman Drew Laiz, who tagged out Christopher Bilson. But then the Pirates scored five straight two-out runs to take the lead. Techman singled, Harrison Kossover and Tanner Pittard walked. Daniel Fulcher’s grounder to third drove in Harrison, then Chris Dollinger, Micah Sapp, and Carson Hopkins walked. Tanner, Daniel, and Chris all scored on passed balls.

TOP 2ND: Drew led off the second for the Rockies with a single to right, and he later scored on a passed ball. Then Micah, pitching for the Pirates, struck out the next three Rockies batters.

BOTTOM 2ND: The Pirates then retook the lead in the bottom of the inning. Chase Winans led off with a big hit that leftfielder Matthew Murphy got in quickly, holding Chase to a single. Cooper Hines struck out the next batter, before Christopher Bilson knocked in Chase with a grounder to first. Christopher Techman then hit a long triple to right-center. With two out Techman then scored on a crafty delayed steal of home, just before Harrison grounded out…Rockies shortstop Jason made a nice play, throwing to first-baseman Cameron for the third out.

TOP 3RD: In the third the Rockies rattled off four straight singles to score five runs. Again Phillip came home on Stephen’s hit, and Stephen scored on a wild pitch. Grace singled to center. Jason then beat out a grounder to short. When the throw sailed past the first-baseman Grace continued on to third, and Jason took off for second. The throw to second rolled past everyone to deep in the outfield, allowing both Grace and Jason to come all the way around and score. Next Cooper beat out a grounder to the second-baseman, stole second, and took third on a passed ball. When Daniel Luckett popped a fly the first-baseman caught, Cooper tagged up and scored the fifth run.

BOTTOM 3RD: Grace came on to pitch for the Rockies, and held the Pirates to two runs in both the third and fourth. Daniel Fulcher and Chris Dollinger led off the third with walks, and both scored on wild pitches. Then Grace settled down and struck out two of the next three. Chase then hit a grounder to Grace’s left. First-baseman Cameron moved over to field the ball, and expertly flipped to Grace covering the bag, to end the inning.

TOP 4TH: Cameron then led off the fourth, hitting a hard grounder past the first-baseman and right-fielder. The ball kept roller toward the fence, allowing Cameron to circle the bases for an inside-the-park home run. Drew then doubled and Tyler Hall singled, before Pirates pitcher Tanner Pittard struck out the next two batters to strand the runners and end the inning.

BOTTOM 4TH: Colin led off with a walk, stole second, and scored on Techman’s infield single. Harrison’s grounder to second advanced Techman to third, but Grace struck out her second batter of the inning. With two out Techman again stole home, just before Daniel popped out to Cooper at short.

TOP 5TH: Going into the final inning with the score tied, for a third time Phillip walked and Stephen singled, and again they scored. But Pirates’ pitcher Daniel struck out two of the next three batters.

BOTTOM 5TH: Phillip came on to pitch for the Rockies, and quickly struck out the first two batters. Then Carson rapped a line drive down the left-field line. In left Stephen quickly got the ball in, holding Carson to a double. Then Chase hit a slow roller in front of Grace at short. The only play was to hold Carson at second. Now the tying run was on first, and Colin stepped in representing the winning run. He hit a hard grounder to short, that looked like it may bounce through into the left-centerfield gap. But the grounder hit the baserunner…ending the exciting game in a curious fashion.

Friday Stuff

New office location is ok…people are good, kinda cramped, but that’s ok. Someone noted that should a shooter bolt through the door and open fire, I’d be the first to go.

Wanted to leave at four Thursday for Will’s game, but was tied up til 4:35. The games started late, and I made it in the bottom of the 2^nd of game one, and copied what I missed from the team scorebook.

Will did well hitting the mitt and painting corners, and throwing curves for strikes. Despite the cold, the ump was calling close ones balls. The competition could’ve been better…perhaps that’s why the coach tested Will, he knew he had the chance. Head coach pitched, and assistant caught, both in the minors.

Ceil is stressed because we’ve been on the go most every night, and the house is a mess. Matthew will be at the field from 11:30 to 5 pm, and Will has a 4:30 scrimmage that will go on for hours.

High School Varsity Debut

Will was quite humble describing his play in his High-School Varsity baseball debut, hardly mentioning the large role he played in his Northside Christian Athletics Lions doubleheader sweep over the Georgia Force, in Winder Thursday night. He was the youngest of four players to go 3 – 6 or better at the plate.

After winning Game One 15 – 3, Will was named the starting pitcher in Game Two. He retired the side in the first inning on 9 pitches, striking out the number 3 hitter on a full-count called third strike. The first two Force batters reached to lead off the second, on an error and a full-count ball four just low. Will then struck out the next three hitters to strand the runners.

In the third inning Will struck out three more batters. On one strikeout the catcher couldn’t pick up the dropped third strike in time to put out the batter. Will got the other out on a hard grounder hit right back at him. He speared the ball just behind him, and threw out the runner at first.

He finished with 7 strikeouts in 3 innings, and allowed no earned runs. Will played the rest of the game in left field, but did not have a ball hit to him in 7 innings of outfield play.

At the plate Will went 1 – 2 in Game One. He hit a hard grounder past the first-baseman for a single, then raced to second on the throw to third. Two batters later his former teammate David, the hard-playing catcher, doubled to the fence in left-center with the bases-loaded, driving in 3 runs.

In Game Two Will went 2 – 4 with a run scored and RBI. In the second he hit a grounder off the third-baseman’s glove. The shortstop had moved to his right to field the grounder, which deflected to the area the shortstop had vacated. The second-baseman chased the ball down. With second-base uncovered, Will made it there safely. He advanced to third on James’ single, and scored on a wild pitch.

With 2 out and runners on second and third in the top of the 3rd, Will laced a line drive into left-field that the outfielder fielded on one hop. The ball was hit too hard for the runner on second to score, so Will only got one RBI on the play. He was robbed of a hit in the 5th, when the shortstop dove to catch his hard grounder right at second base. The shortstop instantly tagged the bag with his glove to retire Isaac coming in from first, then rose to his feet and just barely threw out Will at first…an amazing double-play.

Besides the hard-playing David, the Lions are made up of several other older, hustling players. David’s cousins Josiah and Isaac G played Flight basketball with Will, and both are even better on the diamond. Flight Varsity captain Ben, DJ’s older brother, also played well. Coach Roy’s twin 18-year old sons James and Josiah scored 9 runs between them.

Leading the way offensively:
James (Sr): 3 – 6 with 6 runs, an RBI, BB, SB, 2B, & HBP
David (Jr): 3 – 5 with 4 runs, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 2B, 3B, & HBP.
Josiah G (Jr): 3 – 7 with 6 runs, 3 RBI, 2 BB, SB, 2B, HR.
Josiah R (Sr): 3 runs, 2 RBI, 2 BB
Steve (Jr): 3 – 6 with 3 runs, 5 RBI, two 3Bs, Sac, BB, & HBP
Will (Fr): 3 – 6, with 2 runs & an RBI.

Georgia History: Eli Whitney

Saturday we went over to play board games with a family from our small group. In the game you had to make up the answers and try to fool the other players. Ceil said this man invented the cotton gin. I knew that was Eli Whitney, from Georgia history, but I wasn’t going to say anything. But the 12-year old girl also knew, as did the grandmother, and they blurted it out. Today Matthew’s history lesson was on Eli Whitney.

They gave us two HUGE bags of boy’s clothes, from a neighbor of theirs. Matthew loves jeans, and there were 7 pair of Levis, plus some cords and Gap, old navy, and Nike shirts, cowboy boots, Pirates of the Caribbean PJs, and Spiderman boots for the creek. The neighbor boy took a bunch of clothes, and we still have a bunch left over to give away. The temp working with me might can use them. Matthew is the one family member who doesn’t need clothes, since we have tons on hand-me-downs from Will.

Got Will’s high school team’s schedule this weekend…he’ll be playing a lot of baseball this spring. Thursday he plays in Winder. Today he has class from 11 to 2:25, practice from 3:30 – 5:30, leadership training from 5 – 7, a basketball banquet from 6 – 9, and a practice game from 8 – 9:30. He’s missing the Leadership and practice game.

Yesterday Will was involved in a home run derby. He only got four swings, and failed to homer. His teammate Audie hit one. They were on a small field, but Audie’s almost cleared a second fence as well. Will popped up three, but at least he was patient and waited for good pitches…probably from watching the MLB HR derby.

Saturday Matthew enjoyed the baserunning drills. We need to work on his catching. He likes his tiny old glove, and needs to use the bigger one we have for him. He‘s not bad on grounders, but not good on throws or fly balls. The whole team needs to hit more. First game is late Saturday afternoon.

Our temp who’s taking the place of the girl going back to the credit department is supposedly doing well. My temp has done well, but she’s also had to help with the stainless bus people. There’s plenty she can help me with. Today Brad, a longtime quality guy, told us he’s now officially on our team, as a pricing specialist, same as Sue and Matt. We had that position open for a while, and since everyone’s been so busy, our new boss is filling slots. Damon is in Alabama at the customer for a few days. This means we have two more people than we have desks…perhaps I’ll volunteer to move somewhere else.

Wii Golf: A Primer

What is the world coming to? I wrote a video game review!

Wii Golf is fun, though efforts to score real low are hampered by tough finishing holes and few club selection choices. Each hole offers a different challenge…

Wii Golf only provides four rudimentary club choices: driver, iron, wedge, and putter. The iron provides no spin; both driver and iron shots bounce long and low, and are hard to stop. Wedge shots from the rough, and putts from the fringe, come out slow, as if the club digs up a huge divot. But by compensating with a harder swing, the ball often flies well past it’s target.

1. Par 4…guarded by a front left bunker that’s rarely trouble. Easiest hole to birdie…with a good wind, you’re hitting a wedge into the green. I once eagled this hole from 100 yards with an iron.

2. Par 3…like many holes, guarded by a front middle bunker. Often times even landing the ball just over the bunker before the green, the ball bounces well past the hole.

3. Par 5 dogleg left. To get in eagle position, a slightly risky tee shot is required…hitting through the trees at the corner of the dogleg. Often times the ball will hit the trees and drop in the rough, or bounce through the fairway to the rough on the other side. A second shot from the rough makes for a layup, and a much longer third shot.

There is a secret landing spot in the woods to the left, though it’s very tough to stop the ball in the fairway here. Don’t and you’re out of bounds. Certainly not worth the risk, since birdies and eagles can be had cutting the dogleg.

4. Par 3 Usually a windy hole, also with a bunker in the front.

5. Par 5 Dogleg left. The bunker at the dogleg tempts players to cut the corner, which can be done most times. The second shot is uphill, over another front right bunker to a large level green. Often times it’s tough to stop a long second shot on the green.

6. Par 4 Dogleg left. Tee shot over water is easy, even with a fairway bunker to the left. Second shot is trickier, over water and a front right bunker…can be hard to stop the ball on the green, which is quite hilly.

7. Par 4 Dogleg left. A long drive is needed to avoid trees down the right side of the fairway. Only when a strong wind is blowing from tee to green can a direct shot be taken over the trees…often without success. With bunkers front and right, and most hole loacations on the upper back side, many attempts to hit it close bounce off the green. Tough birdie hole.

8. Par 3 Toughest hole. Uphill over cliffs to a level green, it’s hardly possible to stop the ball on the green…you’re either short or over. Pars are to be celebrated.

9. Par 5. Tee shot over water must stop on the fairway to be in position for another long second shot, also over water, to a small, elevated green. Then it’s almost impossible to stop the second shot on the green…most shots wind up in the rough. The hole is always at the top of a small hill, so all putts are straight and uphill.

My best score is six under for nine holes, though I’ve often been four under after four or five holes. One round I eagled the first two par fives.

Another Blue Jersey Rumor

Chipper mentioned the blue jerseys when he was posting on DOB’s blog a couple of weeks ago. I relayed the info to Paul Lukas at UniWatch/ESPN, but since it’s so unconfirmed, he didn’t report it. The only thing about navy is that it looks like BP or spring. The braves have become like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Red Sox and Tigers…I don’t think they’re going to mess with the white uni and red tomahawk.

I have thought about those websites where someone has devoted lots of time to specific subjects. UniWatch has lots of links to uniform sites like that, as well as some to baseball card sites. That ABA movie does look good. I was especially not a Will Ferrell fan when he was on SNL, so I never watched his movies. My old boss is a movie bug, and made me watch Old School. Later I saw Elf and Ricky Bobby.

Ceil wants an iPod…I don’t know the different types enough to know. The shuffle is usually $80, right? I think she wants the $150 one.

Ever read Joe Garagiola’s book “Baseball is a Funny Game”? Lots of good stories from the 50’s and 60’s, especially about his friend Yogi. I still have my old paperback copy, that’s falling apart.

Walking Off

Will walking off the court, breaking a team rule by un-tucking his jersey. That's Holt looking at the camera, with game MVP Josh with his head down. Conner is hidden behind Will.

2008 Flight JV

L-R: Max, Joel, Coach, Kevin, Josh, Holt, Conner, Will, Coach H, Isaac, DJ.

Cards and Cars

Ceil’s dad ran a small grocery in the middle of her hometown. It was always busy, especially since he had a meat department. As a child she’d go there after school and get a package of refrigerated cookie dough, and walk the mile home, eating it. As a single person, at the end of every visit home her dad made her take home a bunch of groceries. This continued after we were married, until he finally retired and sold the store. He didn’t mind me taking 5 – 6 packs of baseball cards, as well as candy to keep me awake during the drives back. I accumulated a bunch of 1990’s cards just from that.

Will and Matthew (and Anna) were never as interested as me. Will would sometimes dabble in the cards, but nothing serious. George Ewing gave Will his small collection of 1980’s cards. For the last few years Lang’s dad has sent three baseball and three basketball cards to us, every week. He buys boxes of packs, then opens a pack a day. Perhaps one day I’ll organize Will’s collection. He was never as careful with the cards as I would’ve liked.

As a kid we’d get a pack here or there. I have some of those old 60’s and 70’s cards, but supposedly my sister has more. My dad says she and her husband have a house full of old stuff like that, including my old Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars.

DOB must be moving up in the world. I get the AJC sports email every morning, that usually includes a direct link to the columnists latest column. This week was the first time DOB was listed down with Bradley, etc. I see today Bradley is calling for Woodson’s head. Ever enter his final four fiasco? Funny that one year REM’s Mike Mills won…Just looked Mills up on Wikapedia (which I never use) and noticed that winning the Fiasco was listed as one of his accomplishments. He was a year older than me in Macon, but I don’t remember running across him. Wikapedia didn’t mention that he’s a big Braves fan. How’s that for a rambling paragraph?

Hadn’t heard about the Rays park, unless it was a long while ago. I never thought that dome was that bad on the inside…with such small crowds you were pretty close to the action. Looks ugly on the outside.

Last night I went to pick up Will at practice. I just parked and watched the end from my car, listening to my book on CD. I thought Will was in CF, then he moved to 2B. Noticed the kid at the plate was OK. Turned out it was Will hitting, not out in the field. Practice games start next week. Matthew had a practice game rained out today, with another one on Saturday. They’ve had hardly any BP, so all the players need lots more. I’m sure Tim, his old coach, is hitting a bunch more. His regular season starts a week from Saturday.

LOST

Since Anna and Matthew now go to class on Wednesdays, they got to participate in a class valentine swap for the first time. About a week before I had taken Matthew to Kroger to buy a pack. As with most things like this, he treasured the box and carried it around everywhere. One day I saw it on his bed, the top bunk...which often serves as his space/headquarters/desk. A few days later they were nowhere to be found. Anna let him use some of hers. Last weekend Will and I cleaned out under his lower bunk…and found the valentines.

Will had a better attitude yesterday about his baseball team, and attended BP. With Anna and Matthew both having Monday afternoon activities, he didn’t want to burden Ceil with another place to go (his usual ride, the older Norman boys, are out of town. Whether he’s the youngest on a team or the leader, he still needs to put a much greater emphasis on practicing hard. When he was playing rec ball I’d always tell him practice would become more important when he got older. The high school team has 16 players…it’s not like he’s the only one who can play key positions. He needs to show the coach he wants to play. They have him at 2B and CF, and even have him pitching some. His travel team is the same as last year…he’ll be a main pitcher, catcher, and shortstop. Will does say he could play some centerfield, as they have more good infielders.

I've been reading the Braves reports, but nothing big has jumped out yet.

Supposedly at Browns Bridge a fire alarm went off one crowded Sunday morning, and the result was more panic than one might have expected.

Most days I have to track down the mail and put it in a safe, undisturbed place…after immediately throwing away junk mail.

Wii Bowling Pays Off

Matthew’s Rockies baseball team had their bowling fundraiser yesterday. Matthew made an extra effort to go, and finished with the second-highest average on the team…guess all that Wii bowling paid off.

112…Jason

97…Matthew

96…Philip

95…Kells

94…Gracie

90…Stephen

88…Tyler

86…Joshua

71…Daniel

Instead of selling Cookie Dough, players get pledges for how many pins they’ll knock down. For Matthew, a pledge of five cents per pin would calculate as follows…97 avg/game X 3 games X $0.05 = $14.55. You can send pledges to me or Mt. Paran, with checks made out to Mt. Paran North Sports. Last year this fund-raiser was supposedly raised more than past cookie dough sales. Unlike county parks, who receive tax dollars for baseball programs and field maintenance, Mt. Paran Sports are completely self-sufficient…not even receiving funds from the church.

Flight Jayvee Regular Season Finale

Facing a tough opponent in their final regular-season game while knowing they already had secured a place in the tourney, the Flight JV boys emptied the bench in their Wednesday night 62 – 47 loss to GAAA.

Flight started the game on a hot streak, with DJ draining all three of his long first-quarter three-point attempts. Kevin added a basket, and DJ added two other baskets as the first-quarter ended with Flight up 36 – 12.

DJ scored ten more second-quarter points, including going 2 – 2 from three-point land. Substitutes Joel, Max, Jordan, and Will came into the game at various times in the quarter, but even regulars Conner, Josh, Isaac, and Kevin were repeatedly getting inside shots blocked. Offensively GAAA found their game, using fast breaks and quick, sharp passing to score 24 points in the quarter, with the help of only one three-point shot. At halftime GAAA led 36 – 30.

In the third quarter Flight went into a shooting slump. DJ not only missed both of his three-point attempts, but his one-handed shots on drives to the basket weren’t falling either. Scoring only one foul shot, he wisely started passing off, but crisp passes to both Will and Josh bounced off their hands, and Kevin cut to the basket just as DJ threw a pass to him in the corner. GAAA outscored Flight 16 – 5 in the quarter.

DJ sat out the fourth quarter, saving himself for the upcoming Varsity game. In three quarters he scored 24 points, with 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and an assist. GAAA emptied their bench, rotating three or four reserves with one or two starters. Conner led Flight as they fought to stay in the game, at one point narrowing the lead to single digits. Conner battled mightily inside, finishing with 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. He had a three-pointer taken away on a three-second violation.

…Holt was the one Flight player able to hold his own inside. He had no shots blocked, and scored 9 points with one rebound.

…Josh continued to play well, with 5 points and rebounds, a steal, and 2 blocked shots.

…Kevin had 5 boards to go with his one basket.

…Jonathan and Isaac played a good portion of the game, and both logged one steal.

…Jordan and Max each had a rebound. Max played quite aggressively inside, and was called for a foul.

…Joel played well and got off two shots.

…Will had 3 rebounds and made a nice pass inside. On one missed shot the rebound came off the rim, and several players deflected it over toward Will. He jumped up and caught the ball, laying it into the basket in the same motion.

Arrangements on the 13th

Wednesday afternoon I ran out to Harry’s to get some roses for Ceil. They had 4 flower arrangers, plus one novice Harry’s employee just starting out…a guy. Guess which one came available when I was next in line. He wasn’t doing too good, but luckily one of the real arrangers stepped in at the last minute and made it looked nice. Then I put them in my trunk, and noticed Will’s batbag. He was supposed to have two practices today…luckily both were cancelled.

Conference Champions

This goes with the photo...stats from the championship game.

12 Max

34 Jordan…DNP (in back)

5 Joel…steal

23 Kevin…7 pts, 5 RB, 3 A, 2 steals

11 Josh…14 pts (season high), 8 RB

24 Holt…2 pts, 3 RB (in back)

3 Connor…9 pts, RB, assist, 2 steals

2 Will

21 Isaac…8 pts, 3 RB, steal…in 3 qtrs

14 DJ…12 pts, 7 RB, 3 A, 8 steals, BLK

20 Jonathan…DNP (not pictured)

I May Have a Life After All!

Wild development…they have suspended the South Region’s conversion to SAP for the time being. This means I will have a life this year. Hopefully this week I’ve been able to communicate to my boss what’s going on with my position, and how the lack of leadership in the Textron group has created several layers of problems, not just the ones related to the customer and suppliers. The Stainless Bus group has also been trying to get through to the boss with their frustrations and needs.

I stumbled into a long conversation with my boss late Thursday, and I was able to detail many issues. He had said he wanted to talk last Friday, but hadn’t had the time to get back with me. In the meantime I was able to sort out my thoughts on paper. I wasn’t carrying the printout, but it was all clear in my head. No SAP could change things, however. Next week we could have another round of talks (had one after I typed this).

This situation has to do not only with the exponential increase in business, but also several lingering problems that hadn’t been dealt with…several of which deal with personnel matters. We lost three people last year and only added one point five.

What will happen with Clemens? Sounds like he wasn’t very convincing. Think history will now regard Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz higher?

Weekend plans? Tonight Matthew has practice, then there’s small group.

Saturday is busy…Will has baseball from 11 – 1, Matthew from 3 – 4:40. Will’s basketball championship game is at 5:30.

How did valentines day come off for you? I got a 12-pack of Diet Coke. I almost took Anna out, since Ceil’s friend was here…but Matthew was acting up, so we stayed home. Yesterday Anna got dumped at ballet hours early so Ceil could go to the airport. Will bummed a ride to the Varsity tourney games last night.

Vacations

Quick word on vacations…without this SAP conversion, I can work on a family trip to Florida when Will has his June tourney.

Ceil’s friend that was here last night lives in VA, but we didn’t discuss whether we’d visit them in early August, or if they’re coming for the Peachtree Road Race. He travels a lot and racks up airline and hotel points…just got back from two SF trips. Their oldest daughter is about to go to college, so they decided to take one last big family vacation this year. In year’s past they went to Europe and Greece, and want to go to SF, but this year only had points to fly to Tampa for a mid-July cruise, which may rule out an Atlanta trip. Their 2 oldest kids wanted to go on a church trip to Germany, but it was too expensive. The dad used to be an accountant.

Seemed like Petite wanted to stay out of trouble…I agree, he didn’t want to lie like the 2 others. Funny about Clemens wife taking HGH before the swimsuit shoot.

My boss was trying to appease frustrated employees. Perhaps he’ll be making time for more one on one talks with me. I didn’t quite make all my new points, but I made a few. When the Ogre got the SAP news, he started a conga line in his office.

Poetry Recital

Matthew breezed through his first Veritas poetry recital, and was walking on air the rest of the day. This despite not practicing much, like his big brother. Note the omnipresent Crocs on his feet.

Dad completely forgot about it...I was going to make an effort to go.

Bright Yellow Tennis Balls

Last fall my tennis playing sister gave the kids a case of brand-new, unopened tennis balls…they play with them in the yard. Soon thereafter Matthew opened up the entire case. Now they’re in a bucket and have been mostly unused…so they’re still bright yellow. That’s what he hit on Saturday. Last night I got home around 6:30, and we immediately went out so he could hit. Due to darkness I bounced them once on the driveway, though at first I still threw them relatively fast. By the end the only way we could see the balls was because of the bright yellow color.

Will got to play with the varsity Monday night…he scored a basket and grabbed some rebounds.

Tuesday Will has basketball at 5:50 and baseball at 6:30. Matthew has a baseball meeting at 6:00 and Anna has ballet from 6:30 – 7:45. Ceil has a friend flying in Thursday, so we’ll see what that does to Valentines.

Weekend Recap

Friday we all took Will to basketball, then battled traffic to Lenox and back to the Sandy Springs Harrys. We got back to practice early. The team was divided into 3 teams…

…the starting five (Ben, Willis, DJ, Ryan, Josiah).

…the next best (Walker, Conner, Kevin, Josh, David)

…the last five (Will, Holt, Isaac, Joel, Max).

The two best teams played hard, and team 2 won the first 5 minute scrimmage. Then they blew out Will’s team, who didn’t play as seriously. After practice I had to point out to Will how the difference in effort was obvious to those watching. Tonight the Varsity plays up 575 on Sixes Road, and the JV is dressing out since the opponent’s pretty easy, but I doubt I’ll make the drive.

Saturday I worked around the house. Matthew’s new Coach Tracy called…the father of Will’s speedy teammate Jake, whose house burned down last year. Matthew was happy, particularly because John Fulton’s sister is on the team. Saturday afternoon I pitched Matthew a bucketful of tennis balls, throwing them pretty hard. He hit all but the very worst pitches, though he was using a tennis racket. Practice will be a challenge, as usual.

Saturday night Ceil and I visited Cumberland Mall for the first time in years…Ceil had heard about a cheap clothing store. I didn’t realize they had put in a bunch of nice restaurants and valet parking…PF Chang, Ted’s, Cheesecake, etc….or that there was a Costco there. Besides that, seemed like the mall had gone downhill. Then we drove down Northside and ate at the OK Café, then continued on Northside all the way down to IKEA. Ceil wanted some small rugs, and I remembered your IKEA rug comment. Saw our just-divorced neighbor buying new household items with a new girlfriend.

Sunday Ceil and Will went to the Avenue early in the afternoon. Didn’t do much yesterday…watched You’ve Got Mail, America’s Home Makeover, and Pride & Prejudice. Only then I remembered I needed to organize tax stuff and do some other things.

LOST seems good, but I didn’t get in on the beginning. I read where the Regular Guys were back, along with Southside Steve, but I forgot to note what station they were on…what is it? 100.5, I think.

Tech Uniform Changes

Great...looks like Tech is joining the Miamis and Clemsons of the world, uniform-wise. More editorial comments to follow. Could be worse, but it could be so much better.

Letterman Joke

"One good thing came out of the Super Bowl.

The E-Trade talking baby was adopted by Angelina Jolie."

Will's New Spikes

Reebok Vero FL M5 Black/White Mid Metal Baseball Cleats

Reebok's Vero FL M5 is made of a soft synthetic and mesh upper that's breathable, lightweight and extremely comfortable. The TPU toe guard reduces abrasion in the toe and the soft textile collar lining with foam padding provides excellent comfort around heel and ankle. A molded EVA sockliner with ETC top cover reduces friction and heat build up. Thicker innersole board drastically reduces cleat pressure. A TPU speed plate comes with 5 stainless steel cleats.

Worn by Beckett of the BoSox, and Will's Sandy Plains team.