As the Hawks Turn

If you told me last year the Dwight Howard signing was a mistake, I would have immediately agreed with you. To have an expensive luxury vehicle with no insurance (even if he forgot to pay the bill), and then drive it 95 MPH at 2 am the night before a playoff game is just plain dumb. A bad decision. How can you be expected to make good decisions on the basketball court when you are making bad decisions everywhere else? I’m sure Howard has an agent he pays handsomely. Why didn’t the agent take care of the insurance? Even Jeff Schultz agrees with me.

 

Michael Jordan used to drive 95 MPH around Chicago, but Howard is not MJ. Jordan used to keep a basketball in his car. If he got pulled over he’s just autograph the basketball and give it to the cop.

 

Now I hear a Falcons draftee didn’t personally autograph items he had purportedly signed. If the guy was so busy that he couldn’t sign them himself, then (a) he shouldn’t have made the deal and (b) he shouldn’t have let someone else sign them for him. Coming from a place where he had nothing was no excuse. Sorry, but story after story like these make me less of a fan.

 

Missy update: the travelers made it from Monroe LA to Eastland Texas (410 miles) by 7 pm yesterday – before having a flat tire. They still have 535 miles to go – 8 hours, according to Google Maps.

 

This afternoon Will flies to Dallas. He and brother-in-law Thomas will pack tomorrow and drive to Houston on Thursday for the Rockets/Spurs game 6 (265 miles / 4 hours). Friday they’ll drive to Cartersville – 835 miles / 12 hours. Will would like to return to Augusta Friday night – another 190 miles / 3 hours. Add in his 165 mile / 2-1/2 hour drive yesterday and W will be driving even further than Missy. Good thing they’re not driving a RV with cats and dogs, and a vehicle in tow.

 

Whenever I drive past the Merchants Walk Whole Foods I’m super jealous of the super cool people eating out front, and wish I could be so cool. Last night I had the chance: we met Matthew at work to eat dinner with him. I got home from work and changed into some super cool clothes (or at least as cool as possible). Will drove us over. M had ordered a pizza, and we had a good time. My back was to the parking lot, so I couldn’t see all the jealous people driving past.

 

Came home and watched The Voice. Also a rerun of Jimmy Fallon with guest Martin Short. That dude is funny. Even Ceil laughed. Bucket list for me would be to see he and Steve Martin perform together.  

 

W is just missing MLB games in Houston and Arlington. Too bad - he’s building an impressive resume: Fenway, Atlanta Stadium, RFK, Camden Yards, Turner Field, San Francisco, and SunTrust Park (7). I’ve been to 14: AFC, old Busch Memorial Stadium, Wrigley Field, old Comminsky Park, Turner Field, RFK, Camden Yards, Shea Stadium, Fenway, Tropicana Field, Houston, Arlington, San Francisco, and SunTrust.

 

Tonight was Anna's first trip to SunTrust, for the GT/UGA game:

Star Wars Night Part 3

Friday I left work at 545. C wanted to go out to eat, so we hit Moxie Burger to split a chicken sandwich and fries. Then to Trader Joes and the Bank. Anna came home from Athens and beat us to the house. I’d been tracking W&MC going to the chilly Braves game with Joel and his girlfriend. Later they ate Mexican, and didn’t get to our place until we’d gone to bed. Matthew also came in late. We had all six of us together!

That didn’t last long. M had to be at work at seven. W&MC had to get back to Augusta for the dance classes MC teaches. Anna slept in. C went to the YMCA. I cleaned upstairs and did laundry.

After 3:30 I headed out. Stopped by the library and Taco Bell, then checked out places to park for the Braves game. It was three hours before the game and the area around the ballpark was packed. Found a spot and walked up and through the crowd just about the time the Chop House Gate was opening. A long line of people were waiting to get in, so I didn’t pose for pictures with the Star Wars characters. Wore my new 1969 home jersey and a new cap. An usher greeted me, exclaiming “Don’t you look nice!” With rain in the forecast I left Uecker in the closet.

The area outside the stadium was where the Star Wars people were, posing for photos. Gates opened at five and that wasn’t long after I walked up. The line was super long to get in. An employee told me the “Braves Walk” was outside the park. I bet the Star Wars characters stayed outside the park for that. But inside the park was the lineup for the parade around the warning track. I made a beeline for that, and was near the front. But the parade was for fans dressed as Star Wars – and also Cub Scouts. There were a ton of Cub Scouts, more than Star Wars fans. So I really didn’t have time to pose with the Star Wars characters.

Talked to a security guard while waiting for the stands to open at 5:30. Forgot to greet my lady usher friend. At 5:30 we were let into the rest of the park. There’d been a crowd of people waiting and I hoped they weren’t all headed to the Star Wars parade line. I noticed a dad and his Cub Scout son ahead of me walking fast, and I followed them to the Third Base Ramp. Passed H&K Burger, which had a bunch of burgers already cooked up ready to go (after the parade I noticed fans lined up waiting for their burgers to cook).

Stood in line on the ramp for almost 30 minutes, talking to the dad and people-watching. Told the dad it was best to get there early like we did to be near the front of the line, which had stretched out of sight up the ramp – over a thousand scouts and Star Wars folk. After 6 pm we were led down to an area of the stadium I hadn’t been to yet, coming out onto the field at the left field foul pole. Walked counterclockwise around the warning track. Afterward when I went back up the ramp there were still fans at the end of the line coming down the ramp.

Traversed the crowded mezzanine up to my seat in the upper deck. A nice fun group was sitting next to me. Eventually felt sprinkles coming in from behind me. Later I walked around to my first visit to the Braves Monument Grove. The Clubhouse Store was too crowded with fans escaping the rain. During the game I was walking around and saw the helmetless blondes in Storm Trooper outfits. That would’ve been a great picture, but I missed it. Chocolate Papa posed with the blondes, but he poses with everyone. After a while I left early, walking through The Battery back to my car. A fun evening.

That Tuesday I had section 36 behind the third base dugout, row 8 – the company seats. Real nice. Johnny Pierce’s tickets are row one in 138, real close. Saturday was 418 row 12 – the top row above first base. Not bad for the top row. The stiff wind was blowing from behind me – I thought my cap would fly off. Later it died down, but during a thunderstorm I would’ve gotten soaked. When it rained the already crowded lower mezzanine was gridlocked, and the concession lines seem continuously long. Not sure but it might have to do with fans using the money loaded on the tickets – a slow process. On the 19th my tickets are front row upper deck down right field from first base.

The company parking is lot 11, the white building beyond left field. A short walk to the Left Field Gate, which is close to the seats near third base. Lot wasn’t crowded on the Tuesday. Saturday I scouted out free spaces and parked at the Goodwill on Cobb Parkway. So did two other fans I walked back with. Not too far. Photos below:

 

http://sacrificefly.blogspot.com/2017/05/star-wars-night-part-1.html

http://sacrificefly.blogspot.com/2017/05/star-wars-night-part-2.html

Got home before C and A, who’d gone to the Avalon to see roommate Emily (and eat Jeni’s Ice Cream). M was at a concert down on Ponce, and spent the night with friends.

Went to JFBC Sunday morning. Anna went to Grace Midtown. I did a little laundry and the dishes Sunday afternoon. Watched the Braves. Not much else.

Today C is at school. An has to go back to Athens. Will comes in tonight and flies to Dallas tomorrow morning. They drive to Houston Thursday to see the Rockets, then back to Cartersville Friday.
     

This Saturday is Star Wars in Gwinnett. I hear tickets are going fast. I’m supposed to get 5 bobbleheads but not sure how I’m going to swing it. A coworker and another friend might help.

Missy is moving to New Mexico, driving a RV cross country. Left two days late. Pulled out from Cumming yesterday morning but stopped at the Alabama line for a nap. Made it 530 miles yesterday to Monroe, LA. According to Google maps that trip should take eight hours, but I’m sure RV’s go slower than cars. Plus they have dogs and cats that need to stop. Today they hope to make it to Big Spring Texas, another 575 miles / 8 hours west. Missy is posting periodic updates.

Cumming to Santa Fe is 1417 miles / 21 hours, so Missy is making it a three day trip. Tyler Texas is about halfway.

My longest one-day drives:

1. Jefferson SC to Cooperstown NY: 780 miles (12.5 hours per Google maps). Left out early and arrived around 7 pm.

2. East Cobb to Auburn, Indiana: 650 miles (10 hours).

3. East Cobb to Little Rock: 535 miles, making several stops along the way.

Speaking of Monroe Louisiana, Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson attended Passion City Church yesterday.

Star Wars Night Part 2

My second game at SunTrust Park. Still plenty of exploring to do.

My seat was on the top row of section 418. Nothing behind me except the fence, Dobbins AFB, and Kennesaw Mountain. A stiff breeze was blowing. Great view of Matt Carpenter's home run into the Chop House in right field.

The Braves heavy hitters drum line marches through the mezzanine,

a place that stays crowded throughout the game,

and gridlocked when it started raining.

Not sure if these were Norman's friends or not. AJC photo.

When I got to my seat the crowns of the king and queen
were gleaming in the distance.
Note the positioning of the floodlights above the canopy.

Hard to see in my photo, but Stone Mountain was easy to spot on the eastern horizon. In fact SunTrust Park is almost directly in the line

between Kennesaw Mountain and the big rock.

The Braves retired numbers.
Photographic proof that Jackie Robinson's 42 is displayed.  

Should've angled my phone to get Kennesaw Mountain behind me.

The Xfinity Rooftop. I need to pay a visit there soon. The bright blue spot at the lower left is the jumbotron outside the stadium, near the grassy area.

Braves beat writer Dave O'Brien snapped this photo
of the threatening clouds.

Attendance was over 40,000,

but with so much to do in the ballpark many seats are often empty. 

Found an empty bobblehead box sitting all alone in the upper deck.

View from the First Base Gate.

My first visit to Braves Monument Grove.

Lots of people snapping pictures of the new Hank Aaron statue.

Bobby Cox stands guard outside the First Base Gate.

Down the street to his left is The Battery.

View from near Cobb Parkway looking back through The Battery

toward the Chop House Gate.

Street is vacant because the road is blocked.

Star Wars Night Part 1

Always enjoy Star Wars Night at the Braves game.

Fans were early, the Saturday afternoon weather flawless.

The alley between the ballpark and The Battery was jammed with fans.

Plenty of Star Wars characters milling about, posing for pictures.
Some of the higher profile characters gathered on the grass,
listening to a quartet from the Atlanta Symphony playing Star Wars tunes.
A Braves employee told me there was a parade around the field, for those who'd purchased the Star Wars ticket - as well as Boy Scouts. I opted for that instead of the "Braves Walk" outside the stadium, though the Star Wars characters were mostly attending the walk. The Chop House Gate opened just as I was walking up, and the line was super long. Unlike others I didn't want to cut, so I found the end of the line.

Chewbacca was headed over to the grassy area,

so I missed my chance to get my picture with him.

Norman opted to hang outside. later I saw poor Darrell inside the park, pacing around, bemoaning the fact that Norman had yet to enter.

Now we know why (photo stolen from Norman).

Star Wars characters were scattered around the park.

Earlier I'd seen this lady marking with the Braves drum corps.

Not the most flattering pic, though it tells a story.

Guess I should've asked her to turn around, but the escalator was short. 

Inside the park I made a beeline for the third base ramp, where the line was forming for the parade. When I arrived there were maybe eight in line, all Cub Scouts and their dads. People were confused about going up the ramp past the front of the line to get to the end of the line. Most figured it out, including this service dog below, but a couple of dudes with a bunch of Cub Scouts were blatant enough to edge their way in front. Then one of the line-breakers had the audacity to let others break as well. The nerve.

Going down into the bowels of the stadium

I noticed an interesting looking wall. Looks a little like a climbing wall.

We came out of the gate by the left field foul pole,

looking right into the afternoon sun,

then proceeded counterclockwise around the warning track.

Never saw anyone in the Ryerson seats.

The view from behind the plate.

Waited in line with a Cub Scout and his dad

(pictured below, in front of the Below the Chop).

Ender Inciarte's view from centerfield. Note the dark spots on the field formed when the Millennium Falcon took off.

Passing the left field stands.

The far left field fence is indeed six feet tall, in front of the Cardinals bullpen. I missed the chance to take a picture of the door to the bullpen, underneath the stadium. In my haste earlier I forget to say hello to the elderly outfield usher, whose section is behind the four red Cardinal fans below.

Back inside the tunnel the line behind us had stretched all the way around the field, then inside from left field to third base, then hallway up the third base ramp. Always good to be early.

Underneath the stadium two windows were open to service employees.

One sold jackets to employees for $35.00.

Tomorrow: the rest of my evening.

Deshaun Who?

Lots of people don't know who Deshaun Watson is. Drives Clemson fans crazy. I'm sure all the Clemson fans were all riled up that Watson wasn't the first QB chosen in the NFL draft, just like they were peeved when he didn't win the Heisman - in either of the past two seasons. Before the SC/Clemson game Booger McFarland said on the SEC Network that the SC QB (whoever he is) was going to outplay Watson (he didn't).

Some UGA fans were mad for four years when the Dawgs lost out on Watson. Clemson had concentrated on him early. Watson wasn't really the prototypical dropback QB that Mark Richt preferred. UGA's big QB recruit during that time was Bryce Ramsey, who didn't work out. Happens all the time, both in college and the pros. At the same time Clemson also had a big QB recruit not pan out: Chad Kelly. Kelly later surfaced at Ole Miss and broke some of Eli Manning's records.

Watson was the third QB chosen last week, with the 12th pick overall. he wasn't even the first Clemson player selected. Good thing the Bears didn't choose Watson third. Poor UNC QB Mitch Trubinsky. Watson did well to be picked by the Houston Texans. They're in the South, and they need a QB. Watson may have been the best college QB (or maybe not) - but college is way different from the NFL. Watson may have been a decent passer in college, though he threw way too many dumb interceptions even as a senior. Also missed too many wide open receivers. That's what separates college QB's from NFL QB's. Watson's running ability will mean little in the pros. If he runs too much he will get hurt. The NFL loves huge QB's: 6'5" 240 pounders like Ben Roethlisberger. Deshaun is a little guy compared to Big Ben. Even Roethsberger has had his share of injuries.

Watson will have every opportunity to win the starting job in Houston. Better there than Chicago - less hostile fans and weather. I am not convinced Watson will become an NFL star, based on his tools. But he is determined, and he is a hard worker both on the field and in the film room. He puts in the hours, which is necessary for greatness. He is mentally tough. He doesn't think too highly of himself and he's not a thug. The Texans coach, Bill O'Brien, coached Tom Brady. The school's out on Watson - he could be above average, average, flop, or get hurt.

Chad Kelly was also drafted by the NFL this year. Denver picked him with the last pick of the entire draft, making him Mr. Irrelevant. If it wasn't for young Mr. Kelly's propensity to get into bar fights, I'd say he'd be as likely to make it in the NFL as Watson.

Drive Thru the Country

Had an on-the-go 24 hours. Worked to 7:15 Tuesday evening, knocking out projects I knew didn’t need to wait until I could get to it later. Drove through Wendy’s for a chicken sandwich and loaded fries. Then gassed up at RaceTrac for $2.089, the cheapest gas I would see on my trip.

 

285 south was slow, but then two lanes were blocked between 20 and 675. I took 20 west downtown, then 75 south. Made it to Macon by 9:30.

 

Had to be at the hospital at 6:15 but we wanted to be at the front of the line. Two were already seated at check-in but they waved us back first. My dad’s plan worked: his was the first procedure of the day. Everything went as planned and he was back in his room by 8:15. Then he had to lay flat for two hours. During that time my mom and I shuttled back and forth from his room and the waiting room. I kept up on work emails and cleaned out my other email folders. Had time to unsubscribe from a couple dozen junk emails.

 

At 11:10 they started the discharge procedure, and we were headed home by 11:30 or so. Stopped by the pharmacy, then home. Later we drove over to the dealership to get a warning light checked out.

 

Since we were done so quick it meant I’d be hitting the full brunt of the Atlanta rush hour. I needed to drop some things off in Athens for Anna that couldn’t be mailed, so I headed that way instead. A beautiful day for a drive in the country, taking a route I’m not sure I’d taken before: up 23 past the power plant, then 83 through Monticello and Shady Dale to Madison.

 

In the Monticello town square I got behind a trailer loaded with cows (above). It was all two lane to Madison, so I didn’t have a chance to pass. All sorts of bad stuff was running out of the trailer. I tried to stay back but the front of my car got filthy. Interesting watching the cows shift and lean the whole way. They were quite uncomfortable. Pulled off in Madison at Taco Bell and Goodwill, then drove through scenic downtown. As a kid I remember passing the Dairy Queen on the north end of town. Now it’s a used car dealership.

 

On the way I made several calls for work, arranging a hot shipment and taking care of a few other items. Also listened to my book on CD, written by the “Blind Side” family. As I approached Athens I worked out when to meet Anna, then saw on my phone that Will has in Athens as well. Not knowing his schedule, I snuck in the back way to the coffee shop parking lot. The place was full of quiet students, all studying. Surprised Will and Anna. Spent about 15 minutes with Will before he went to see Harry. Anna and I drove her fridge over to her friend’s apartment. Then we loaded my car with stuff she was taking home.

Wherever we went Anna pointed out people she knew, telling me who lived where. We went by the house she’s living in next year, a nice house on Milledge a block from the bustling Five Points intersection. Little did I know when I arrived in Athens for the state science fair in the spring of 1974 that I’d be passing the house my daughter would be living in. Now 43 years later the house looks to good shape, though my picture didn’t give it justice:

We ate at Taqueria since she didn’t like downtown. She knew the girls ahead of us in line, as well as the group behind of: a gaggle of her sorority sisters, including roommate Emily. The waiter knew her, asking why she wasn’t over with her friends. After dinner I headed home, skipping two thrift stores. Made it by 8:30. Ceil was watching Hope Floats, so I went to bed.

 

In a week or two the Braves will wear "Los Bravos" jerseys. Some say this doesn't translate to what you'd think it does.

 

Just What I Need

As a member of a couple of “online communities” I am rewarded with about $20.00 per month in Amazon gift cards for the past few years. Bought things we’ve needed, as well as things I wanted like a Fitbit. The past couple of years I’ve been saving up, with nothing really leaping out at me to buy. Could’ve bought some sneakers or a baseball glove – things I don’t need. Or some Columbia pants, though it’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting. So the gift cards piled up.

I didn’t get anything last Christmas. My Fitbit broke and I wanted a sports watch. Why not get an Apple Watch?

There are several reasons for and against. Considering the gift cards, the focus group rewards, MyCokeRewards cashed in for Amazon gift cards, and my eBay sales, it wasn’t like this was coming out of the regular pot. And I never get nice things for myself. Most of my wardrobe comes from thrift stores. Hopefully you can’t tell.

What would I do with an Apple Watch? Hopefully it will motivate me to work out more. The Fitbit sure didn’t. As an old geezer I’m going to have to take time to learn the functions of an Apple Watch that I will use. Some things are easy and intuitive, like changing watch faces and starting and stopping workouts. Sending texts and emails are easy, but I’ve got to figure out how to get more notifications to pop up on automatically on the screen. Not sure how to change some of the settings and notifications. No idea what the watch is doing to my wireless use. The phone and maps could come in handy, though I wonder how much I really need most of these features when they’re also on my phone. But it looks cool and everyone who sees me knows I have the latest gadget, so I win, right? No.

The heart rate feature is cool. A little higher than I expected. I’ve quickly learned I’m good at standing. Probably need to use the “breathe” reminder more often.

The Series One watch is “water resistant.” Don’t get sucked into those commercials where people are surfing and playing in the ocean. Don’t do it. I opted for the newer Series Two, which is even more “water resistant.” I wanted to be able to run and sweat, and wear it in the Peachtree Road Race if I want. If it’s raining I probably won’t, and I try to avoid watersprays anyway. Series Two has a feature that shuts down the watch openings during workouts (if you so choose) and after exposure to water can blast vibrations out the speakers to remove water. But I’ll still be careful. No swimming or showering. Not even sure I’ll wear it out on the beach, with the sand blowing and such.

I hemmed and hawed for months before ordering. Reid said to get it. Chris said to get it. So did Steve and Ben. Young Ben has lots of toys, but wisely warned that few people actually NEED an Apple Watch, though only you get them they’re fun to have, he went on to say. Even Ceil said I should get one, and stayed after me until I did. So I can blame her, right?

Now that I have it I’m still beating myself up. Should I really have something so expensive if I don’t use it enough? Should I sell it and use the money to pay off other things, or to buy gifts for others, or pay other bills? Does this mean I should never by myself nice things? Even if its “free”?

Then it gets into: how many “things” do I really need? Will this make me happy? More fulfilled? Really? I’m selling shoes and bobbleheads because they’re stacked up in my bedroom. How much stuff does one person need? Sorry to get all existential right there. That’s a subject for another day.

Then there’s Murphy’s Law. I just had to pay the IRS this month. Anna backed into a car in Athens. Now she needs to pay a deposit on her new place. Sure, it would’ve been hard to pay for these things with Amazon gift cards, but stuff just never ends.  

Security Breach

Monday afternoon I was looking at my computer screen focused on work. I could tell someone was talking down the aisle next to my desk but I didn’t look up. Since they’ve been renovating our lobby more people have to walk past me because their regular route through the front door is blocked. 

 

The person walking past laid something down on my desk and kept walking. Usually Renee delivers mail once or twice a week, so I figured it was her. I looked over to see what it was – a menu from a Chinese restaurant! Was this some sort of joke?

 

Then I looked back and saw a guy from the Chinese restaurant walking around our office handing out menus. Just last week we’d had a security scare when someone was trying to get into the office to see an estranged family member. After that we had meetings and emails reminding everyone to not let anyone inside. Anyone visiting needs to have an appointment. There are dozens of temporary signs posted everywhere. The guys remodeling the lobby have their own special passes, but this guy somehow snuck in.

 

Renee was in our GM Eric’s office but Jan stopped the guy in Purchasing. Everyone had no idea what had happened. I went into Eric’s office holding the menu and asked if the guy from the Chinese restaurant had missed them.

 

At least if someone breaks into our office with guns a-blazing I am in the back, around the corner from the front. I wouldn’t be in the first wave mowed down, anyway. Don’t have anywhere close to hide quickly, except squeezed under my desk. As it was today’s attack by Chinese menu was quite successful. This guy didn’t need a gun.

 

 
Left work Thursday at 5:10 and drove over to JFBC for their men’s event. I estimated 150-200 in attendance. Lots of food – I think they advertise these things as a meat-fest. “Low country boil” was red crawfish. Brats with sour kraut. Bubba burgers cooked well done. Salad. Crème pie tarts. Chips. Burger fixings included cheese, lettuce, tomato, and crispy bacon. Whoever did the cooking did a good job – so often when cooking for the masses the bacon is chewy and the frozen burger patties are rare, but not at JF. I had a delicious bacon cheeseburger and stayed away from everything else. Very good.

Crawford Loritts spoke on leadership. A good talk, broken up twice with discussion questions. He loves to read books on leadership, but advised sticking to the Bible and staying away from worldly leadership tools. Said Myers Briggs was a good tool, but that God can change people from one MB style to another. Men in their 20’s are still discovering who they are and are still pliable, but by the time they reach their 50’s and 60’s they’re more set in their ways, and are harder to change. Was asked who his favorite leaders were, but in the Bible and in the world. Said David was his current favorite leader in the OT, and Paul in the NT. Loritts did not answer the worldly leader question. Crawford mentioned his days at Campus Crusade with Bill Bright, Josh McDowell, and Dennis Rainey. Also mentioned how he started a church in Dallas with Tony Evans, but his mentions were never in a bragging way. This weekend he and Rainey are leading a Campus Crusade “Weekend to Remember” marriage conference. There were about 7 or 8 rows of round tables 4 or 5 tables deep, each with 5 or 6 guys at each table. Men of all ages, from their 20’s to their 80’s.
 
Got home in time for Chicago Med.  
 
Last day of the month and three team members are out AND the outside guy is in. Not good for getting work done. Worked til 5:50 Friday afternoon. Ceil made a trip to Whole Foods. Drove home and helped Ceil out in the yard until dark. Late supper. M was down in Southwest Atlanta at a Sea Ghost concert.

 

Saturday I cleaned upstairs. Pulled out summer clothes from the attic. Switched out the winter clothes. Worked on that all day. Also cleaned the kitchen and did some laundry. Ceil made three trips (1) to the YMCA, (2) Publix, and (3) Office Max to get something printed. She cooked pot roast for dinner. Watched a Hallmark Channel movie and the recent Superman movie entitled Man of Steel. More action than we’re used to but it was ok.

 

Sunday went to SS and church at JFBC. SS was taught by Hawk Hagebak, a guy my age who recently retired from the Cobb County Police. He also used to protect Bryant Wright and whoever else was speaking at JFBC. In fact they have several people at every service on the lookout for security concerns. Hawk wove his testimony into his lesson on parenting. Did a good job. Spoke to him afterwards. Bryant spoke on Stephen, in his Heroes of the Bible series.

 

After church we talked with friends, then got Moes to take to M at Whole Foods. Then to Office Max before home. C cooked homemade pizza for lunch. We took naps, then she worked on school stuff and worked on my laptop. C had never seen the ESPN 30 for 30: “I Hate Christian Laettner”. Later watched golf and the Hallmark Channel.

 

Saw where Drew Kelly went to the choir festival Sunday afternoon at JFBC. The announcement was on the JFBC marque.

 

Typical Monday. Worked past six. Took a slower route home then had to stop by Kroger. C cooked a new Mexican dish. The Voice. C went to bed at 9:30, so I flipped it over to Dancing With the Stars to see David Ross. He lost a dance off.

Then watched the Braves fall just short. They’re sure scoring runs. The announcers were talking about Mets ace Noah Syndergaard getting hurt. Glavine was in the booth. Syndergaard had recently added 40 pounds of muscle through weight training. Glavine said Terry Pendleton always said you can’t pull fat. The talk was how pitchers think they have to throw as hard as possible to get drafted, and how “showcases” inadvertently pressure kids to throw hard, and throw often.

 

I knew Glavine’s son is finishing his high school playoffs before matriculating to Auburn. I’d never heard Glavine talk about his son and wondered if he’d use him as an example. He did, saying his son wasn’t a hard-thrower, but instead located pitches to get batters out. Glavine said there are fewer and fewer pitchers like him, just hard-throwers who couldn’t work off their fastball because they couldn’t control it. Glavine had been drafted in the second round back in the 80’s. Today he wouldn’t be drafted so high. You’d think with the millions spent on scouting and sabermetrics these baseball geniuses wouldn’t be so quick to forget how Maddux and Glavine won 300+ games. 

 

BTW Syndergaard has an interesting story. Grew from an ugly unathletic duckling into an athletic Thor of a fastball pitcher. Great article a few months ago in Sports Illustrated. Might've gone overboard on the weight training.  

May 2017 Bobbleheads

Here’s the May list of MLB and minor league bobblehead/gnome/figurine giveaways, along with a few of interesting giveaways as well. I’ll be going to at least two games at SunTrust Park, as well as one game out in Gwinnett. Rome has two giveaways the same night as bobblehead nights in Atlanta and Gwinnett.

5.01 MON Reds HOF Tommy Helms

5.02 TUE STL Tom Pagnozzi mini BH
5.02 TUE Lehigh Valley IronPigs Nick Williams BH

5.04 THU Boston Star Wars Jedi Mookie Betts BH

5.04 THU Charlotte Homer the Dragon Jedi Knight BH

5.04 THU Bham Joey Logano BH

5.05 FRI Reds Star Wars stormtrooper BH

5.05 FRI Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Orlando Arcia mini figure

5.05 FRI Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Julio Urias BH
5.05 FRI Reds stormtrooper BH

5.05 FRI Braves tomahawk cap giveaway

5.06 SAT Braves RA Dickey stormtrooper BH

5.06 SAT Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Grim Reaper BH

5.06 SAT Seattle Felix Hernandez BH

5.06 SAT Round Rock Express Nolan Ryan BH

5.06 SAT Rays bubble blowing Evan Longoria

5.06 SAT Twins Rocket Raccoon BH

5.06 SAT Timber Rattlers Nate Griep BH

5.06 SAT Corpus Christi Alex Bregman Walkoff BH
5.06 SAT Oakland A's Bob Melvin Win Counter BH
5.06 SAT Harrisburg Senators Matt Stairs BH

5.10 WED Dodgers Kenley Jansen BH

5.12 FRI Nats Trea Turner sliding BH

5.12 FRI Altoona Dragons HS mascot BH

5.13 SAT Gwinnett Sean Kazmar Star Wars BH

5.13 SAT Rome replica jersey

5.13 SAT Syracuse Deion Sanders BH

5.13 SAT Peoria Chiefs Maddux/Molina double BH

5.13 SAT Potomac Bryce Harper Gobblehead

5.13 SAT Royals Danny Duffy BH

5.13 SAT NW Ark Salvador Perez BH

5.13 SAT TEX Elvis Andrus/Roughned Odor High 5 BH 1 of 2

5.14 SUN Jays Marco Estrada BH

5.14 SUN Boston kids Wally toothbrush holder

5.15 MON El Paso Carlos Asuaje BH

5.16 TUE STL Bobby Tolan mini BH

5.16 TUE Angels Mike Trout MVP Season BH 1 of 3

5.19 FRI ATL “Game Ender” Inciarte Wall Catch BH

5.19 FRI Rome Bobble Trophy

5.19 FRI Peoria Chiefs DJ LeMahieu BH

5.19 FRI Altoona Al Tuna revenge of the fish BH
5.19 FRI Stockton Ports Addison Russell

5.19 FRI Reds Grateful Dead dual terrapin figurine

5.20 SAT Reds Adam Duvall BH
5.20 SAT Cubs Final Out BH

5.20 SAT Pitt Bob Walk Chair Tip bobblechair

5.20 SAT Seattle Jay Buhner BH

5.20 SAT Astros Lance McCullers glow in the dark gnome

5.20 SAT Mets David Wright Starting Lineup action figure

5.20 SAT A’s Big 3 BH: Hudson, Mulder, & Zito (group ticket)

5.20 SAT Bridgeport BH TBA

5.21 SUN Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Tyler Thornburg BH

5.23 TUE Dodgers Joc Pederson BH

5.23 TUE Columbus Clippers Carlos Santana BH

5.24 WED Boston Craig Kimbrel BH

5.26 FRI SF Star Wars baseball

5.26 FRI Albequerque Isotopes Trevor Story BH

5.26 FRI Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Corey Seager BH

5.27 SAT CLE Jose Ramirez BH

5.27 SAT Chat Jackie Mitchell BH

5.27 SAT Akron Rubber Ducks Rubberta mascot BH

5.27 SAT St Paul Ila Borders BH

5.27 SAT Lexington Coach Cal BH #1

5.27 SAT Quad Cities River Bandits bobble ferris wheel

5.28 SUN Brewers Robin Yount motorcycle BH

5.28 SUN Smokies Javier Baez BH

5.28 SUN Miami Marlins Felo Ramirez BH

5.29 MON TEX hat giveaway

5.30 TUE STL Whitey Herzog mini BH

5.30 TUE SF Chinese year of the rooster figurine

Let me know which ones I left out!