The Shag

The Shag is the official dance of the state of South Carolina.

It’s also the official carpet.

Two Hits in One Inning

By winning their two Saturday games, the Prowlers go into Sunday tourney play as the number one seed. They outscored their opponents 25 – 1. Will went 4-5 with two doubles, four runs, and five RBIs…including two hits in one inning.

In the 1 pm game against the Mudcats, the first pitch of the third inning barely grazed the brim of Will’s helmet, and he was awarded first base. After Audi singled, the catcher tried to pick him off first, and Will was able to swipe third. Then with runners on first and third, Audi took off for second on the pitch. The catcher’s throw to second was cut off by the shortstop in front of the bag, but the throw home to get Will was late. Already hurting from a sprained pinkie, Will came up shaking his hand again, as the catcher stepped on Will’s thumb.

With a runner on third in the fourth inning, Will stuck out his bat and poked a 0-2 pitch just past the pitcher, then beat out the throw to first for an RBI single. He then scored from first on Audi’s double. Will’s hit in the next inning landed just in between two outfielders, and he hustled into second with an RBI double.

Every run allowed was crucial in this tourney, as this determined seeding. After the Mudcats leadoff hitter singled, the number two hitter doubled into the corner in left. As the leadoff hitter tried to score from first, Will took the throw in from Ryan G in shallow leftfield. Will’s throw to plate beat the runner by twenty feet, and AJ easily tagged out the runner…saving a run allowed.

Although that second batter later scored on a sac fly, Prowler pitchers Tyler and Ryan T faced the minimum number of batters the rest of the game.


The 5 pm game was more of the same. Will led of the first with a grounder past the third baseman. He stole second and scored on Mitch’s single to right. Later in the same inning Will came up with the bases loaded, and smashed the 0-1 pitch on a line over the left-fielder’s head, all the way to the distant outfield wall…driving in all three baserunners.

Will scored from first again in the third, after reaching base on a walk. Ryan G went the distance for the Prowlers, tossing the shutout…striking out six in four innings.

Will…4-5, 4 runs, 5 RBI, BB, HBP, 2 SB, 2 doubles
Audie…5-6, 3 runs, SB, 3 RBI, 2 doubles
Jared…2-5, run, 2 RBI, double, BB
Tyler…1-4, 2 BBs, RBI, 3 runs, triple
Mitch…1-3, run, sac fly, 3 RBI, 2 SB, BB
AJ…2-4, HBP, run, 2 RBI
Ryan T…2-3, double, BB, HBP, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 2 SB
Ryan G…1-2, 3 runs, 2 HBP, BB, double
Parker…1-3, double, 3 runs, 2 BB, BB
Michael…1-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI
Durham…2 runs

Before the games Will and took a quick tour of the Tennessee campus, where he was unimpressed by Neyland Stadium, the second-largest stadium in the country.

Will's Defense Sparks Prowler Win

Friday night the Prowlers beat a strong Knoxville Stars team 5 – 1 in their tourney opener. Tyler slugged two home runs, Michael & Ryan T only allowed six hits over 7 innings, and Will & Mitch’s defense led the way in the vistory.

Will hit two solid line drives to left field, one over the third-baseman’s head for a single, and another that the left-fielder tracked down.

On defense, Will made several fine plays at shortstop…
1. Ventured into the hole at short and made a nice backhanded catch, then set himself & threw out the runner at first, in the third inning.
2. Threw out two runners at first in the fourth inning. With two out the runner from first took off on a steal of second. As Will moved to his left to cover the bag, the batter slapped a grounder into the hole just vacated by Will. Will dove back to his right and caught the ball, then threw out the batter at first…from his knees!
3. In the sixth the Prowlers clung to a 4-1 lead, when the Stars leadoff hitter lined a 2-1 pitch up the middle. It looked like a leadoff single, but Will went horizontal, diving to catch the liner in midair. He came down on his glove but held on, but sprained his glove pinkie finger in the process.
4. In the bottom of the seventh the leadoff batter walked, and the next hitter hit a grounder past the pitcher up the middle. Again Will ventured to his left, scooped up the ball, stepped on the base, and threw to first to complete the double-play…securing the victory.

Mitch also made five fine defensive plays at the hot corner, and Jared tracked down a line drive in each of the first three innings out in centerfield.

The Stars were comprised of players who live up to two hours away from Knoxville. The coach used to be the pitching coach for the University of Tennessee. Colorado Rockies All-Star Todd Helton once played for the Stars.

Will…single, 2 putouts, 4 assists
Audi…double, putout
Jared…single, run, 3 putouts
Tyler…2 HR, 3 RBI, 10 putouts
Mitch…putout, 3 assists
AJ…walk
Ryan T…HBP twice, 2 runs, assist
Ryan G…single, RBI
Parker…single, RBI, assist
Michael…single, 4 IP, 3 K, 1 ER
Durham…stolen base

After the game the boys hung out at the hotel, playing basketball, swimming, and eating pizza and wings. Saturday the Prowlers play at one and five.

Braves = :)

Wild week for the Braves…couldn’t have worked out much better, except for how Glavine was handled. But he still thinks he has it, though DOB painted an un-pretty picture for his prospects. If he didn’t want to retire the Braves could’ve traded him (which could’ve taken some time) or released him…what Glavine wanted. That’s what they did, despite the bad PR. Could’ve let him try. Heard Wren on 790 say Medlin was called up as a temporary move, as they were hoping Glavine would be ready in a few weeks. At that time Medlin had better stats, so the move was justified…he almost made the team out of spring training.

Interesting that Cox had McLouth batting third last night…think it had to do with Chipper being hobbled? Watched that old Frenchy SportSouth show last night again…Will wanted to. Interesting SI cover story this week…I haven’t finished the article.

Nice extra-inning win the other night when Frenchy homered with 2 out and 2 strikes in the ninth. Later he had the sac bunt. Soriano pitched 2 innings.

Working until 11 or so. Just got off the phone with Ceil, she is now going to TYS, so I can spend time with Matthew…hopefully we can work on the playhouse. No, wait, I went. Things are better at work, except for unotivated co-workers.

Second Straight Tourney Championship

Will’s team won a thriller semifinal on Sunday. Down 3-3, catcher AJ knocked a double over the CF’s head to take a 4-3 lead. Then in the 6th inning the opponents placed runners at 2nd & 3rd with NO out. Mitch had gone the distance, and struck out the next three batters for the win. Don’t know why we didn’t intentionally walk the bases loaded, now that I think about it. After two homers, a triple, and BB on Friday/Saturday, Will took an 0-fer…but played decent defense.

In the final, the other team didn’t have any pitchers left, and we won 19-2. Will scored 4 runs with a single, 2 walks, and a HBP…he just about let the pitch graze the side of his helmet.

This weekend is the Knoxville tourney…on the western side of town, it seems.

Guess the Braves will give Glavine a month or so before turning to Hanson. Soon we’ll need the best 5 starters, especially with so many of the hitters not on track or hurt…Chipper, Frenchy, Schafer, etc. Lowe, JJ, Vasquez, Hudson, Hanson…with Medlin and in the bullpen.

Still crazy at work, people don’t listen or answer questions. Had my review today with the Ogre, which went well…I just had too much going on to prolong it.

Ceil will want to see Star Trek, as do I.

Saw a new Camero the other day. Finally found out who owned the new black Plymouth Roadrunner / Dodge Challenger Hemi in the parking lot. A guy who is always into toys and things…used to referee HS football and play adult ice hockey. Also has a motorcycle.

Who Said...

You know what's weird? Donald Duck never wore pants. But whenever he's getting out of the shower, he always put a towel around his waist. I mean, what is that about?

Two Pitches, Two Home Runs

Will hit home runs on two straight pitches, and the Prowlers took 2 of 3 games, placing them in Sunday’s noon Forsyth County semifinal game. The Hurt family came to watch the Friday night win. In the bottom of the 5th, down 4-3, Mary predicted a comeback. Six of the Prowlers first seven batters scored, the rally capped when Will slugged an 1-0 pitch deep over the left-centerfield fence.

Saturday morning Will led off the first inning in the Prowlers’ rematch with the Renegates, facing former teammate Benji Griffenhagen on the mound. Will slammed the first pitch far over the centerfield fence, for his second home run in two pitches. In the third inning he again slugged the first pitch he saw, this time to the base of the right-centerfield fence, for an easy triple.

In the 5th Benji walked Will on a full count. Later Will stole third, when the catcher tried to pick Audi off first. Will wasn’t able to make the many remarkable plays Saturday that he did in front of the Hurts Friday night, though he did throw one runner out at first and tag another at second.

Thursday night the Prowlers scored ten runs in the first three innings to beat the Sandy Plains Sidewinders. In the first Will led off with a walk, stole second, and took third and home on wild pitches. In the second Will’s line drive over the third-baseman’s head drove home Ryan G. Will took second on the throw home, third on a single, and then home on an error. In the third Will singled through the hole into left field.

The Hurts were also able to see Will have a good game on defense Friday night. In the first he caught a popup and forced a runner at second in the second. He threw out batters at first in the first, third, fifth, and twice in the sixth. In the fifth the batter grounded a slow grounder up the middle. Will raced across and scooped it up just in front of the base, firing to first just in time for the out. With two out in the sixth, an even slower roller was hit just to the third base side of the mound. Will charged, scooped, and threw. The throw and batter seemingly arrived at first at the same time. The umpire called him out to end the game.

Stats for the three games, in batting order:
Will…5-9, 5 runs, 3 RBI, triple, 2 HR, 2 BB, 2 SB.
Audi…RBI, 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 SB, 2 BB.
Jared…2B, 2 runs, 2 RBI
Tyler…triple, RBI, SB, 2 runs, 2 BB.
Mitch…3-7, double, RBI, SB, 2 runs, 2 BB.
AJ…2-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 5 walks.
Ryan T…3-8, SB, BB, 2 doubles, 2 runs, 4 RBI
Ryan G…4-6, 3 RBI, sac fly, 2 runs, 2 BB, 2 SB.
Michael…double, RBI, BB, 2 runs.

Monday

Had been planning to tell the story of how Ceil wound up driving the red Jetta most of the time. Before we went to the van, she drove the better car most of the time, which I never minded. The old 626 she had when we got married was fun to drive. I had an 85 Golf…also fun. Then the Jetta, then a Taurus, the van, and the Civic.

Saw most of crunch time and OT. Seems like most calls go LeBron’s way, and against Orlando/Howard. You could tell LeBron was frustrated at the end.

The whole Braves game hinged on Medlin walking the pitcher with 2 out and 2 on.

Took Matthew to the pool Tuesday night. Ceil and Will were off with friends. Anna was tired from back to back sleepovers.

Memorial Day Weekend

So far the moves Will’s coaches are making all make sense. He only pitched one inning this weekend and did well. It would make sense to play him on defense when other pitchers are available, thereby making the team stronger. Bring him along slowly. The two catchers alternate by game and do well…one has a strong, accurate arm, and the other hustles to catch foul pops.

Will’s aggressive baserunning makes him the natural leadoff hitter…he says he’s enjoying it. In the last game he stroked the first pitch of the game into the gap for an easy double. The 2-3-4-5 hitters are all hitting as good as or better than Will, so there’s no need for him to take chances on the basepaths.

So far so good at shortstop. They have one game each Wed-Thur-Fri-Sat…part of a tourney up at West Forsyth High School. Sunday in the break between games we all ate at Applebee’s.

Friday Ceil and I went to Nuevo Laredo Cantina, which took most of the evening.

Sunday after I got home from baseball I was outside and heard a tree fall in the back, though I couldn’t see it. Figured it was falling the other way, across the creek. Sent Matthew out to explore on Monday (I on looked from the bank) and it was big. As usual, I ate too much over the weekend. I was thinking about work and only got a little done yesterday before we went to a cookout. Napped in the afternoon…I hadn’t gotten much sleep all weekend (or last night).

Didn’t see much of the Braves this weekend, but caught some of the games on radio. I like Jim Powell.

Two More Wins

The Prowlers won twice more Sunday, earning the South Gwinnett tournament championship. Will seems to be regaining his hitting stroke, hitting three more hard line drives. He scored three of the Prowlers’ eleven runs in the nightcap, and drove in runs in both games.

Game One was played at Parkview. In the third Will’s single up the middle drove home Ryan G from second with the first run of the game, giving the Prowlers the lead to stay. In the next inning he hit a line shot right at the leftfielder. Instead of trying to kill the ball, he’s swinging more relaxed and extending his arms, with favorable results.

At shortstop he tagged out a base-stealer, and caught a popup while going back into the outfield…his only two chances.

Tyler pitched 4-1/3 innings, striking out six, leaving with a 9 – 3 lead. The tall lefty also stroked a home run onto the batting cage roof, behind the right-field fence.

After a between-games lunch at Applebees, the Prowlers completed the sweep with a 11 – 2 win over the George Walton Bulldogs. Will stroked the first pitch of the game into the left-centerfield gap for a double, and later scored on Jared’s sac fly.

After a 30 minute rain delay, the Prowlers scored six in the third and four in the fourth. Pitchers Mitch and Ryan G spread out a mere four hits over the six inning game. Outfielders Ryan G and Audie made spectacular catches, and Will again was the middleman on a 4-6-3 double play. He also threw out two other runners at first, and caught a pop running into shallow centerfield.

After Michael’s double plated Ryan T, Will stroked a line drive to center that kept rising, over the centerfielder’s head, rolling to the fence 370 feet away for an easy RBI triple. He scored on Audie’s single.

In the fourth Will was hit in the foot, loading the bases. After a RBI walk to Jared, all three runners were able to score on Tyler’s single to right.

AJ…RBI
Audie…3-7, double, RBI, SB, 2 runs
Jared…2-5, BB, sac fly, 2 RBI, 3 runs
Michael…double, single, run
Mitch…3-7, double, SB, 2 runs & RBI.
Parker…single, 2 BBs, SB, sac fly, run
Ryan G…double, SB, 2 runs & RBI
Ryan T…2-5, BB, 3 runs.
Tyler…5-7, HR, 2B, 3B, SB, 7 RBI
Will…3-7, 2B, 3B, SB, HBP, 3 runs, 2 RBI

May Recital

March Recital

Matthew's new "cool" outfit

No Hitter...& Almost Another!

After allowing hits to two of the first three batters, Prowler pitchers threw no-hit ball for the rest of the afternoon’s TWO games. Ryan T, AJ, and Will blanked Loganville in the remainder of Game One, then Michael and Ryan G combined for an official no-hitter in Game Two. Over the same stretch the Prowlers outscored their opponents 26 – 0, and out-hit them 32 – 0, getting 16 safeties in each contest.

Late in Game Two the only question was whether the Prowlers could keep the South Gwinnett JV out of the hit column. Catcher AJ and leftfielder Ryan G made nice running catches of foul balls in the next-to-last inning, then AJ caught another foul pop for the first out in the last inning. Up 14 – 0, the Prowler assistant coaches had flipped the defense for the last frame, switching three infielders with the outfielders. Only Will remained at his usual shortstop position.

The next batter tossed aside no-hitter etiquette and bunted hard, past the pitcher. Will charged hard onto the wet grass. His only play was a bare-hand pickup and toss to first. He executed the move perfectly, firing a strike to the stretched out first-baseman Tyler.

One out to go. The South Gwinnett cleanup hitter turned on Ryan G’s first pitch, launching a line drive deep down the right field line. He took off and rounded first, headed to second for a double…when the plate umpire signaled foul ball. The no-no was intact! After a swing and a miss, Ryan painted the outside corner, and the umpire rang him up. No hitter!

Will’s defense at short played large in the no-hit string. After the two Loganville hits, he was the middle man on a 4-6-3 double play. The next batter gounded out to Will at short. In Game Two he also gobbled up a grounder for an out.

Batting leadoff, Will contributed his share on offense, scoring every time he reached base…including tagging at third and scoring on sac flies three times. He went first to third on Audie’s singles…twice. Will hit well even when he made outs. Twice he rapped line drives…but right at the third-baseman and centerfielder.

In Game One Will came in to pitch the last inning. Facing the 2-3-4 meat of the lineup, he retired the side in order…striking out the number three hitter.

The Prowlers play tomorrow at Parkview High, at 12:15. Then they travel back to South Gwinnett High in Snellville for a 4:30 game.

dreams

Had a dream I was hanging out with Dwayne Wade, so I in my dream I asked him if he knew Lang.

Been following the Ewing trial on AJC.com.

Work has been exhausting, making it hard to interact with the kids.

School is winding down, and baseball cranking up…it will consume almost all day every Saturday and Sunday for the next 2 months. At least this next Sunday we’ll be able to make church, before heading to Loganville.

Taking Ceil out to eat tonight somewhere. Maybe California Pizza Kitchen.

Been working long hours and haven’t run much…then I find out the friend running the Peachtree with me just completed a half marathon. Guess I’ll only be waving as I pass SPdL, instead of stopping…if I get in shape.

Will's Wacky Rainy Weekend

Prowlers 9 E Cobb Titans 0
Saturday 10:30 am

The Prowlers cruised to an easy win in the opener by making all the plays in the field. Batting fifth, Will was the only Prowler to score three runs. He walked, and streaked to third when a pickoff throw went astray. His headfirst slide bloodied his elbows, which got all over the front of his jersey. He scored on Mitch’s double.

Next time he had a great swing, lining the ball to the warning track on one bounce for an easy double. Later he told me he hadn’t connected solidly - had he, it would’ve been an easy homer on field 5's short fences. Will advanced to third on Mitch’s line drive single to left, and scored on an error.

In the 5th Will walked, went first to third on Mitch’s single to right, then scored on a double steal. Twice Will had to follow Jared and Tyler’s twin back-to-back home runs. Both times Will walked and scored.

Will saw lots of action at shortstop. He and second-sacker Parker turned two double-plays, and almost a third. Will finished with five putouts and assists.

After the game we drove in the rain down to Eastside Baptist for Anna’s recital. She had featured parts in two dances, one with “the big girls.” I let Ceil stay with Anna...meaning I had to cut out early to get Will back for game two.

E Cobb Tigers 6 Prowlers 2
Saturday 4:30 pm

The Prowlers had to be back at 2:30 for their 3:30 game, that was delayed until 4:30. Wasn’t worth the wait. They stayed close with the Tigers, one of the better East Cobb 15 year-old teams, for most of the game. Durham threw lots of strikes (47, against 17 balls), but got little defensive support. In the 5th inning errors were committed on three straight plays, twice nixing potential double-plays.

After taking forever for the game to start, the umpire seemed in a hurry...loving the low & away strike call (didn't see an umpire who looked like Steve Hawkin's son). Batting third, Will was a first inning victim. In the third he chopped a grounder the first baseman tried to snag with a running scoop. The ball rolled past, and the second-baseman picked it up and tossed to the pitcher. Will had the throw beat, but had no where to go around the crowded base...so he executed a nice slide into the bag. Given the steal signal, Will was tagged out when the catcher put his throw right on the bag.

In the 5th Will finally stroked grounder in the hole between short and third. The shortstop gloved it on the outfield grass, wheeled, and threw, but Will beat it out by a step.

With my head deep in my trusty scorebook, Audie’s dad Tim had to tell me Will was coming on to pitch the 6th. He allowed no hits or runs in his inning on the hill...spreading out two walks. The defense came alive, keeping the Tigers from increasing the lead.

After the game we met Ceil, Anna, Matthew, & the Millers at California Pizza Kitchen, then went home...not realizing we needed to be at the field in case the Prowlers drew a 9 pm game (they didn’t...though some games lasted past 1 am). Will was exhausted, feeling the effects of staying out late the night before, at Lisa's graduation party.

E Cobb Astros 4 Prowlers 0
Sunday 8:00 am

Since the Prowlers met at 7 am, it gave me time to hit Kroger, where I ran into an old friend. Then us parents checked the weather, quickly discovering the high temperature had already been reached. I was thankful for my jeans, but not so much my decision to go without socks.

Will was inserted into the leadoff spot, meaning he was the first to face a buzz-saw of a pitcher. The tall right-hander allowed a one hit and two walks over six innings. Prowler pitchers Michael and Mitch tried to keep up, and good defense kept Astro baserunners from big innings.

Frustration at the plate continued for Will, though he was able to get his swing ahead of the speedy fastballs. He laced a line drive foul into the leftfield bullpen, before grounding out to short. Later he again was on the pitch, but rotated his body, skying a high foul pop the third-baseman caught.

Playing short, Will only handled the ball twice...the first and last plays of the game. In the first he forced a runner at second. In the sixth he was the relay man, taking the throw from leftfielder Audie and tossing to second to double off the runner. Thankfully, the game ended before the rain set in.

Too late to make the 11 am service, we later napped. Ceil hit Costco, while I put in three needed hours at the office. Matthew and I joined Will at Jordan’s graduation party while Ceil took Anna to shopping. Afterwards Matthew & I walked home, kicking the same gumball a half mile.

And some wonder why we don't have time to plant rose bushes!

the more you know...

…the more you know you don't know.

Got the Worm

Last night I told Ceil to set the alarm for 5:30 today. It went off, I got up, showered, dressed, and drove off. Then I checked the clock. I left the house at 5 am. Ceil had set the time an hour ahead, so I lost an hour of sleep. Beat everyone to work, though.

Don’t you hate it when you say something, and someone comes has to tell their related story?

The story of me and Ceil buying our first car together (Jetta). Given the choice of dark blue or red, Ceil said we should get the red, with red teardrop wheels.

Watched most of the extra inning replay while cleaning up for the in-laws.

FW: wednesday

Still crazy here at work, due to errors on our customer’s part. Plus a order plan A didn’t work, so we’re trying to figure out plan B on the fly. They’re working Saturday, which doesn’t bode well for Anna’s recital. Couldn’t get away yesterday to watch M’s speech.

W’s games Sat are at the same time as A’s recitals. Wish I had time Mon Tues Wed to practice with him…he’s still rusty at the plate and on the mound.

In laws coming Thursday, and the house will be a mess. W has practice that night, so the whole weekend will be on the go.

On the way home last night I was listening to the Braves falling apart. Starter JJ gave up 3 hits in the inning and had to come out…he was out of gas. Didn’t see the end, thank goodness.

Prowlers Drop Opening Day Doubleheader

In his first game in over ten months, Will played some great baseball, though his Sandy Plains Prowlers dropped both games to the East Cobb Dodgers Saturday night.

The first four Prowlers scored to open the bottom of the first. Audie doubled in Durham, then Will lined a 3-2 single up the middle. With runners on the corners Will stole second, sliding in headfirst. The catcher’s throw bounded into centerfield, allowing Audie to score and Will a second headfirst slide on one play…this time into third. Mitch’s double down the leftfield line plated Will, and Ryan later singled home Mitch.

After former teammate TK reached first, the Prowlers pulled a sweet double play in the third. First-baseman Mitch fielder a chopper down the line, stepped on the bag, and wheeled and threw to shortstop Will covering the bag. With the runner in the baseline, the throw was high. Will reached up and caught the ball, and quickly swiped a tag down on the sliding TK for the double play. After a walk the runner was picked off. Pitcher Michael threw to Will, who chased the runner back to first. Mitch was able to apply the tag.

Will almost made another nifty play in the fourth. The batter chopped a pitch just over the pitcher’s head. Will charged and scooped it up. Had he been able to quickly get off the throw he could’ve nailed the runner, but he had a slight problem getting the ball out of his glove. After reloading, he just missed throwing the batter out at first. Had he made the play, the out would’ve saved three runs…and the game.

Audie, Will, and Mitch all walked to lead off the bottom of the fourth. AJ chopped a ball in front of the plate, and pitcher Jarrod couldn’t pick it up, so Audie scored. Ryan Tamucci lofted a short fly the centerfielder charged and caught. I cringed as Will tagged and took off from third. The centerfielder had all his momentum to put into his throw. But the throw didn’t have much on it, and Will scored relatively easy. Later Michael’s single to center drove home Mitch and Parker.

The Prowlers staked leads of 5-0 and 9-3 in game one, fueled by starting pitcher Michael’s six strikeouts in the first four innings. Michael also had a 2-RBI single, as well as a double and run scored in the nightcap.

East Cobb quietly increased their lead in every inning, and coasted to the win in game two. The Prowlers almost turned a triple play in the first. With the bases loaded second-baseman Parker caught a line drive, but his throw to double off the runner at first was off the mark. Still, Mitch had plenty of time to chase the ball down and throw out East Cobb’s Jarrod trying to score from third.

Will almost turned a double play in the third. The infield was playing in, and Will snared a line drive hit right at him. He flipped to third to double off the runner, who barely avoided the tag. In the 5th Durham caught a deep fly in center. The runner on first had been stealing on the pitch and kept running, thinking the ball would’ve never been caught. Durham threw in to Will, who had all the time in the world to double the runner off first.

Durham and Will let the hit parade, both going 2-3 in game two. In the first Will smashed a sure ground ball single up the middle, but second-sacker TK was playing almost behind the bag. Later Ryan Greenwell was similarly robbed. In Will’s next at bat hit the ball through the hole where TK should’ve been playing. Will had hit the ball hard, and the path the rightfielder was taking made it look like the ball would get through to the fence. Will was thinking triple, but at the last second the rightfielder slid and cut it off, holding Will to a single. Will stole second, but was stranded at third.

In the 5th three straight hits by Michael, Durham, and Audie loaded the bases for Will. Audie’s bat actually broke in two on his single. The barrel of the bat followed the ball out toward short. Next Will worked the count full before lining an RBI single to left center. Mitch’s sacrifice fly to right plated Durham.

Despite having just one previous practice, the Prowler defense was able to successfully execute all the rundowns they found themselves in. One runner was retired 9-1-5-4, and another 1-6 -5-4-1 (I think!). Ryan T pitched well as the game two starter, but tired in the fourth. Having not pitched in over a year, Audie came on in relief, and preformed admirably.

The Prowlers play a single Mother’s Day game at 4 pm, at Harrison Park.

Durham: 3 hits & runs, SB, 13 total bases.
Audie: 2 hits & runs, RBI, SB, BB, 10 TB
Will: 3 hits, 2 runs & SB, RBI, BB, 12 TB
Mitch: 2 hits, runs, & RBI…3 BB, HBP (6-6 OB), sacrifice, 13 TB
AJ: run, RBI, 4 TB
Ryan T: RBI, HBP, sacrifice
Ryan G: 2 hits, BB, 6 TB
Parker: 2 hits, BB, 6 TB
Michael: single, double, run, 2 RBI, 5 TB

Long Days

Got friends on vacation on one of my more busier weeks. Monday and Tuesday I worked til 6:35…not bad for last year, but this year I’ve been leaving at 5 pm.

Monday night I drove to Woodstock to pick up Will, after a Kroger and McDonalds stop…nothing better was convenient. Will’s friends were going for ice cream, so we missed 24 on that. Saw Hurt picking up his daughter and chatted for a while…he was like me, not believing Will shot a 92. Got home at 10 pm.

After work Tuesday I picked up Anna at Eastside BC. Wednesday night was cards with the guys…Will’s practice was rained out so we got in quick catch. Thursday and Friday could be late nights as well.

Too Much Stuff

The Summer vs. Winter Clothes Problem…it’s a combo of closet space and hand-me-down issues. We have a few of Ceil’s clothes (and mine) deep in Anna’s closet…like my high school letter jacket. We also have a bunch of baby stuff. I have some of the clothes I wore on our honeymoon.

Packed away I have a few old jerseys of mine, plus several of Will’s. My torch relay uniforms are what I’d like to put in a shadowbox. There are also some other T-shirts and stuff I’ve saved…remember the tie-dyed Lithuania Olympic basketball t-shirts that were sold to raise money (in ’92?). I have two of those. Ceil thinks the stuff I save is ridiculous.

Anna doesn’t have enough extra clothes to warrant putting much away. For some reason Will accumulates clothes…Ceil’s mom outfits them pretty well at Christmas and birthdays. He and Matthew share one small closet and dresser. It’s just about enough room if all the winter clothes are put up in summer. The nice clothes Will outgrows gets saved for Matthew, so in the attic are lots of shorts and shirts he won’t be able to wear for a couple of years.

My sweaters take up a lot of space. I have several pair of pants I hope to get back in to. Some are faded jeans…perhaps I should give them away and start over. I have decided to wear Large shirts as often as possible, as the XLs are too big these days. The jeans I wore last fall are too big…by the fall I’ll have to find some that fit. A good problem to have.

Then Ceil made the downstairs coat closet a nice pantry. We have much unused stuff in there, in kitchen cabinets, and the downstairs bedroom closets. In there I’ve hung all the MLB jerseys I never wear, like that Dodgers # 1 “Mitchell” jersey I got a year or so ago.

All our closets need to be cleaned out. We’ll be doing good to go through the winter clothes and give them away and put the rest up. That’s too much info on this topic, I know.

Complications

Saw bits of all three Braves games this weekend. Also some of the Sat & Sun Rangers / ChiSox games…more interesting to me with all the ex-Braves…Matt Harrison, Elvis Andrus, Millwood, Andruw, and Salty for Texas, and Lillibridge, Betemit, and Dye for Chicago. M. Young won the Gold Glove at short last year, then moved to 3B to make room for Andrus.

Hampton said he signed with Houston to be closer to his kids in Arizona. Many guys throw out reasons before realizing how thin they are. Any reason given will be analyzed. Sometimes the real reasons are complicated and hard to explain…had Hampton’s reasons been that he wanted a fresh start, he wanted to return to a team he liked (that was stated this weekend), etc – many would have grilled him for that.

Seemed like many Braves fans never wanted to see him again, others thought he owed the Braves and SHOULD re-sign…some thought for free. Can’t please everyone…sometimes it’s a no-win situation. With all that money, and having been in the spotlight for so long, he hopefully knows to let it slide off his back.

The Hawks will play harder / smarter against the Cavs, perhaps even winning a game or two.

Kristian's Journeys

They played a Journey song at NP Sunday. Let me know if you’re getting tired of Facebook stories. I’m kinda cooling on the thing myself…but I stumbled across NP songleader Kristian Stanfill’s Facebook. He was a friend of a friend of mine. Stanfill has over 4,200 friends, so on a whim I became friends with him. Yesterday I was telling Ceil how he had gone to Home Depot Saturday and bought a 6 foot ladder and lawnmower air filter. Didn’t tell Ceil how he took his wife out for an expensive dinner Saturday. Turned out he updated his status between services.

Got in a run Friday afternoon before taking Ceil to Willies and Borders. Anna and Will went to a scary movie at the Picture Show with friends…a little too scary for Anna.

Saturday Ceil and Anna were gone all day, first at ballet, then to the homeschool conference. This ballet is over off Jimmy Carter on the other side of 85, but several other girls are trying out and would carpool. She won’t hear if she made it until June, which “kills” her. Anna got the new refurbished iPod Touch she had ordered, so the rest of the weekend she played with that. Based on my recommendation she downloaded the Kindle application. I got out my summer clothes Saturday, which did not lessen the mess in our house.

Will had his first practice Sunday afternoon. They had nine on the field. Two catchers, one with a strong arm. Will would just as soon not catch. Most of the nine worked from the mound on pickoff drills, including Will. He also took balls at shortstop with the coach’s son. No outfield work while I was there. Will said he hit too many popups, but that he was one of the harder hitters / swingers on the team.

Took Matthew to the pool Sunday afternoon. Rented ‘Bolt” and we all watched it last night.

3 OT's

Bulls/Celtics…I watched most of the 4^th qtr and OT…pretty good. A tough game to lose when they invested so many OT’s. Will be tough for the Hawks without Horford tonight, but at least they’re a game up. They could still win without him, or perhaps get him back for game seven.

Ceil is at a Home School Convention near the airport Friday afternoon and tomorrow. Since home-schoolers are bigger drivers than flyers, to have it near an airport seems unnecessary. They do have other similar gatherings at the Cobb Galleria and FBC Woodstock.

Matthew has a birthday party Friday afternoon. Saturday Anna has a big ballet tryout…hopefully she’ll make it. I don’t know how disappointed she’d be if she didn’t. To me she does a great job, but most times she misses out on the more featured roles. Could be favoritism, or perhaps others are just better.

Will has practice both Saturday and Sunday. Thursday night we found an open field, so he was able to pitch and take grounders & throw to first. With 9 players for next weekend’s 2 doubleheaders against East Cobb, I told Will he would surely be pitching at least once. Hope he’s ready. This could be his toughest season ever, after taking the last 10 months off.

Gotta get out the summer clothes…I need more shorts and golf shirts.

Summer Movies

I really haven’t seen what all the summer movies are. Angels & Demons should be good. I’d like to read more about Star Trek. Do Shatner and Nimoy have cameos? It’s about the young Enterprise crew, right?

A friend says a former Notre Dame tennis coach looked at his son (age 13) and said if he committed himself, he could be a top 20 tennis player in the southeast.

Pitched BP to Will both Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday I had a hard time throwing strikes. May go again tonight. The fields have been full, so he hasn’t gotten to pitch off a mound or take grounders. Yesterday he golfed with basketball teammates David Norman & Josiah, and Josiah’s cousin David, the hard-charging, David Pollack-type former baseball teammate. Will said he shot a 92, which would be his best ever.

Hail

Went to Willies Thursday night with C, A, & M, and got caught in the hail. Saw Lemke at Perimeter Mall Wednesday night. We also hit Lenox. Ceil was looking for some fashionable reading glasses at her favorite store.

Feeling better about work these days, though the EZGo VMI is being implemented May 11, so after month end May should be a busy month.

Not much on tap for the weekend. Pick up Will’s uniforms tomorrow, and perhaps get the van’s emissions done. Will returns Sunday night. Last night I saw all the pictures C and A took…they do a good job. Need to put some on the blog. Baseball starts Saturday week, and includes a Mother’s Day DH.

Checked out the old Pink Panther from the library for the kids to watch, but they’re not interested. We could go to a movie, if anything is playing.

Weekend

Slow weekend. Friday night Ceil and Anna went to a mother/daughter thing at Johnson Ferry with friends. M had a friend over, so I got to goof off…watched the Braves, etc.

Saturday morning my hip was hurting, and it hurt all yesterday too. Feels a little better today. This is in addition to my hamstring, that’s been tightening up whenever I run. How do I get over a hamstring pull? I’ve never had that problem before.

We hit the East Cobb Home Depot for pine straw and plants, so we did a little yardwork Saturday afternoon. Then we took Anna to a sleepover in Ptree Corners, and shopped there at the Forum…Trader Joes, etc.

Sunday just after the sermon on “God & Country” the congregation stood and applauded, throwing Andy for a loop. His text was Deuteronomy, on how a nation and their people should stick to Biblical principles…without getting political.

Last night we all went to pick up Will at 10 pm, upon his return from his Expedition. Seemed to had a great time…the rap he, Joel Norman, and slugging catcher Andrew did was a hit. He befriended a dad who directs Camp Highland, and may work there this summer. Sounds like he and some friends may play golf this week…tonight we’ll go practice baseball.

Finished two small work projects today, which was energizing. Need to concentrate on month end, then get everything in place for VMI.

laying on hands

Lisa shows Anna, Molly, Faith, and Amy a horseshoe crab.

Expdition Skit

With friends Nic, DJ, Charissa, and Matthew. Must've involved water.

Isaac Newton?

Anna was more proud of her storyboard than her costume, I'm sure. That's my grey adidas golf vest she's wearing.

Piggly Wiggly

Much to her delight, Ceil is recruited to make a fool of herself during the annual Piggly Wiggly song sing-a-long. Becky Norman rocks son David's yellow cap.

Guess if I were to take skit-wizard Mrs. Switzer's place, I'd have to wear goofy outfits as well. Wait, I'm already good at that.

A Quiet Fight

Will with the band "A Quiet Fight".

L-R: Will, Joel Norman, the oh so cool Kyle, & slugging catcher Andrew.

The amount of Living Science logo-ed merchandise grows every year.

5th Grade Volcano Day

Mark Lemke: Mall Walker

Took Ceil to Perimeter Mall tonight. Good times. Anyway, we parked in the deck and entered by the Nordstrom shoe department. As we headed into the mall we were passed by the Lemmer, in a heavy red Braves jacket. Most all the other shoppers were in short sleeves, many in shorts.

Dropped Ceil off at Anthropology and began my prowl. EB Games, Sports Fan Attic, and on to the far end of the mall, and down to a shoe store. As I exited, there again was Lemke. He had first been 2/3 of the way across the mall, headed in the OTHER direction. Now he was coming out of Dillards, heading back in the same direction again. Mall walker? Mall stalker? At least he didn't have on those weird glasses.

Second big moment. Next I headed back past the Clarke store and on to the massive Nordstrom shoe department (Ceil spends a LONG time in Anthropologie, dontchaknow). I was presentable, wearing an untucked black golf shirt, driving loafers, jeans, unkempt hair, and new glasses. Coming down the escalator, I spied a cool old-school Braves tee, off-white, black tomahawk. Checking it out, a saleslady ASKED IF SHE COULD HELP ME! Usually I'm too un-cool to be bothered with. NOT TONIGHT, BABY! I'm someone...someone cool!

Or maybe it's the terrible economy.

The night got bigger. We also hit Lenox, where Ceil found the reading glasses she wanted (five bucks...Yes!). Most times these days I never see any shoes I like. Tonight there were plenty. besides loafers, I got a good look at some Nike Lunar Trainers and about six different cool Pumas. AND we got home in time for Idol! I am so blessed.

Tomorrow? Bed, Bath, & Beyond? Good times.

At the Macon Heart Center

My dad’s heart cath couldn’t have gone better. He went into it very discouraged. Eleven years ago the same procedure was very painful, then he had to stay in the hospital and have four bypasses. He has been in pain and been dropping things lately, and is frustrated he can’t do yardwork. It’s been a chore to walk down to the mailbox.

The doctor discovered an irregular heartbeat he hopes to correct in a few months. Two arteries were partially blocked, but it was determined he didn’t even need a stint. One of dad’s meds will be reduced in half. The worst part for him was having to lay still for six hours in recovery, without even holding his head up.

Worked til 12:20 yesterday before driving to Macon. As I was approaching the hospital around two my sister called, irate. I had regrettably mentioned on Facebook Monday night that I was “going to Macon tomorrow.” Nita is famous for reading my blog and repeating details back to family members…quite inaccurately. She said I only said I was coming to Macon “to get out of work.” What does Facebook have to do with going to work? And I had “said” I’d be there “in the morning” (no, I said “tomorrow”…look it up!).

After visiting dad for a while I drove home to cut the grass. Took the scenic route past my high school, taking several streets from the old days…a rare treat. Got done with most of the needed work by six, when my sister picked me up. Dad was supposed to be discharged at eight, along with four other patients…so it took longer. Dad was itching to go, but when the nurse was finally checking him out, he started telling stories. Guess he was happy to be dressed and off the bed.

Afterward he seemed encouraged. When we got home at 9:45 he walked down the driveway to the mailbox.

Since he was doing so well I drove back last night, arriving around midnight. Tired today.

Reading the book “Winning” by the former GE CEO. He reads the book on CD and tells numerous anecdotes, making all the business stuff more tolerable. Worked it into a conversation this AM with the Ogre and Randy, regarding a $1.5 million problem I hadn’t thought the Ogre knew enough about. He understands how the problem grew to what it is, and what needs to happen going forward. Last year that wasn’t the case. The book mentions the “GE Workout”, a term my old boss was in love with.

Monday evening before meeting Ceil I flipped on the TV, and saw Lang’s wife interviewed on Entertainment Tonight. Jennifer Garner was the subject.

Been so busy it was Tuesday afternoon before I found out Boyer had been traded. Hopefully the change will help him out. Completely missed these last two Nats games.

Whether Tommy Hanson?

680 was talking about what to do about the fifth starter. Perry L wants to call up Hanson now. Mazzone was saying he always wanted the guys that gave you the best shot to win, but also said the fifth starter spot was never a priority with him. I say no need to panic over JoJo yet. How many times would he pitch between now and June first, when Hanson can be called up arbitration-eligible a year later…three or four? Even if JoJo had pitched well Saturday, he had no offensive support behind him. Wait and call up Hanson in June.

Hopefully yesterday’s offensive explosion will carry over to the Nats series, and beyond. Noticed that Parr pitched well Friday night, but not when called upon Saturday afternoon to pitch a second straight day.

Got a bunch done this weekend, but only scratched the surface. Spend a bunch of time organizing the kid’s rooms & closets, as well as ours…but it was at best 95% complete, if that. Removed all the unneeded winter clothes, but didn’t have time to get out the summer clothes (Ceil said not to). Kitchen is clean, and other areas neater. Did a little yardwork, not much. As I continued to clean I kept finding hidden laundry, so I ran several loads throughout the weekend. Civic passed the emission test, but I didn’t do any other running around.

Enjoyed Con Air, which I had never seen before. Didn’t spend too much time on the computer. Last night I slept some on the couch, monitoring the storms. Should’ve gone to Macon. Just found out my dad’s having a heart cath Tuesday AM…so I may be going down there at some point.

Sounded like everyone was having a good time at Jekyll, especially M and W. Anna was too, but was under the weather a bit. They’ll be home tonight.

After Claire sent out her baby announcement, Matthew took it to his room, took an old Little League team photo out of a frame, put the twin’s picture in it’s place, and put in on his wall. Funny.

74 Braves Cap

Like pants, if you get a fitted cap in the next size up, it feels great. Guess I'll be sporting this model most of the summer, instead of the golf caps that make my head look even bigger.

100% wool. Made by American Needle for MLB's Cooperstown Collection, fitted...by I won't mention the size.

As for the team, I'm certainly not throwing in the towel.

Anna's New Shoes

Anna loves her new shoes...she wore them out of the store. Size 8...much larger then her mother. We'll see if they survive the Expedition.

A fun evening with Anna and Matthew last week...to Kohl's, then north to the Rack Room near the Roswell Super Target, backtracking to Merchants Walk, then to Moe's for dinner.