The Emerald City

For the second time in 2012, welcome to Seattle! Unlike the first time I came up here, I am confident heading into the second day of travel, not completely exhausted, and had a very pleasant experience at Safeco Field.

In a unique twist, I got to sleep in this morning and take the later train north. Leaving at 9am, the train out of Eugene was packed. While I really did appreciate the extra four hours of sleep, part of me has grown attached to that early morning Amtrak. I don't know, getting on that train always means I'm on my way to someplace super cool and unique. The later train just didn't have that allure. Whatever might be the case, the train ride up here was flawless and seamless.

The entire ride up, and even for the first part of my time here in Seattle, I was battling problems with my phone. As you know, I have ditched my laptop in favor of using my Blackberry to update this blog, Twitter, FourSquare, Facebook, etc. It saves a lot of room in the packing, and gives me all the tools of social media at my fingertips. But, like today, I was at the whims of technology and couldn't get the internet to work on my phone. While walking to Safeco, I was really worried that I wouldn't be able to update anything.

Today was a weird day for sports in Seattle. This city had multiple professional sporting events going on, so the match-up of the Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners didn't draw the common large Saturday night crowd. This was a blessing in disguise, I think, because it kept all the riff-raff and drunks away from the game, saving it for the real fans. I didn't have to deal with a lot of the bad apples that I have spouted off on here in this blog. Everyone was civil, into the game, and respectful.

As I was walking up Occidental to Safeco Field, the vibe of the pre-game festivities just wasn't there. Maybe it had to do with the aforementioned topic, but I think that the toll of losing has taken its toll on the fans here. Couple that with the Mariners shipping off their most prestigious player, Ichiro, to the Yankees, there just isn't a lot of reasons to be excited about Mariners baseball nowadays.

I got to Safeco about 90 minutes before the first pitch. I decided to head out to the outfield and try and catch some bp balls. It was at this time that I became really annoyed with the little kids screaming and yelling at the Twins players for balls. Every time a ball would roll into left field, shrill screaming and yelling ensued. I wonder how these guys in the MLB deal with this at every single park they go to. It has to get to them psychologically over a 163-game season.

Look, I know catching a baseball at an MLB game is pretty much the lifetime dream of any kid below the age of 13. I know it was a dream of mine. I'm not saying the kids need to shut up and stay quiet. This isn't a church or library. The honus needs to be on me to recognize that the kids are part of the game.

After bp, I sat down at my seat and turned to on my phone. I got it working, so I tried to get my small pocket radio to work. I got that to work too, so I rewarded myself with a beer and a hot dog. I was wired and connected for the first time all road trip. All of the success in technology made me pretty proud.

Having the radio really helped keep me focused on the game. It adds a level of companionship that I'm lacking at the game. In addition, I went out and bought a real scorebook for all the games I go to. This also keeps me focused on the game and prevents my mind from wandering.

For the first time all season, I got to watch a stellar game end in a walk-off. Tied 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth, the Mariners had the bases loaded with nobody out. John Jaso, who caught Felix Hernandez's perfect game on Wednesday, hit a sacrifice fly to left to score the winning run giving the Mariners a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

After the game, I walked down to Red Robin to grab a bite to eat. I caught up my scorebook and log entry, but it was at this point that I became incredibly lonely. I just wish that I had someone to talk about the game with, go grab a drink, maybe do a little bar hopping. I know I talked about this after the NWL East, but doing these road trips solo is becoming kind of a drag. Once this season is over, I'm going to have a serious sit-down and evaluate this aspect of the hobby that I really do love.

After dinner, I walked back to the hostel. Now the fun part starts. I'm expecting a horrible night sleep, but it was either this or spend hundreds of dollars on a hotel that I'm staying one night at. The dread I have right now is pretty high. I do think I'm prepared with a nighttime eye shield, ear plugs, and a lock for all my belongings, so I am taking some comfort in that. But we'll see what the morning brings.

In the morning, I will wake up and take the bus down to Tacoma. I have quite the adventure planned in Tacoma using public transportation, but I have it all mapped out to get to Cheney Stadium in plenty of time to see the Tacoma Rainiers play host to the Reno Aces.

Until we talk tomorrow...

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)

Puget Sound Part Deux

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Let's try this again...

Tomorrow morning, I head north the state of Washington and the Puget Sound region for two games in Seattle and Tacoma. This is the second time this season that I have made the trip up for this road trip, but I had to call off the trip halfway through. I see this as a vindication of my new outlook for baseball road trips and an important step in the right direction.

Unlike my three previous trips, I actually will get to sleep in before I board the 9am train out of Eugene. I will get into Seattle at around 3:45 in the afternoon. After checking-in to my hostel, I'll make my way down Occidental to see the Mariners play host to the Minnesota Twins. The pitching match-up really isn't spectacular with Jason Vargas for the Mariners against Scott Diamond for the Twins. It should be fun, no matter what and I'm looking forward to seeing Safeco Field again.

You did read that last paragraph right. I am staying at the hostel again. I was in a little bind leading up to this trip because I didn't want to pay $100+ for a hotel in downtown Seattle. It was my only option, really, so I'm just going to have to suck it up. This will probably be the lowest point of the trip, but I just have to get through one night.

On Sunday, I'll wake up and take the city bus down into Tacoma to catch the afternoon game between the Reno Aces and Tacoma Rainiers. I have quite an adventure planned in public transportation around Tacoma, so getting to to and from the ballpark should be fun. I haven't been to Cheney Stadium in a few years, so I am really looking forward to seeing the new renovations they have done to the park. It is supposed to be one of the better parks in the Pacific Coast League since being rebuilt.

I have said that this trip is my chance to "exorcise" demons or what not. That's partly true as the last time I did this planned trip, it ended in flames.The most important thing, however, is not to try and prove anything, but to have as much fun as possible and try to enjoy my weekend.

As always, I'll be updating Twitter and the blog from the road.

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)

Citius. Altius. Fortius.

The Latin Olympic Motto for Stronger, Higher, Faster is very prevalent right now. Even the executives in baseball will have to admit that the thirtieth Olympic Games in London is out-shining the game right now. I, myself, have been watching the summer games unfold across the pond pretty much every night since they began two weeks ago. With the closing ceremonies happening tomorrow, the question has to be asked about the Olympic games with regards to baseball: when or if baseball will become an Olympic sport?

This was the first Olympics at which baseball was not an Olympic sport. In the 2008 Beijing games, the South Koreans won the gold with the United States garnering Silver. The International Olympic Committee decided not to give baseball Olympic status shortly after those games. I am going to lay out arguments for and against with a rebuttal for each one.

Arguments in support of reinstating baseball as an Olympic Sport:

1.) Baseball is a universally-recognized sport.

Perhaps, but really only in the Americas and Asia. How many MLB players are from Europe or Africa? Very few.

2.) Baseball is a summer game, so, thus, it should be in the Summer Olympic Games.

The Olympics conflict with the heart of the MLB season. I have a hard time believing that the owners and managers of the professional clubs would be thrilled by a two-week absence by their best players.

3.) Baseball is more popular worldwide than other Olympic Sports. Rhythmic gymnastics, archery, and synchronized swimming are less popular, but are embraced Olympic Sport.

Very good point. Yet, those sports don't require as much organization or equipment as baseball does making them east to administer from the standpoint of the IOC.

Arguments in opposition of reinstating baseball as an Olympic Sport:

1.) The World Series is the pinnacle championship for a baseball player, not a Gold Medal.

The thrill of wearing a Gold Medal while your country's flag is being waved and your country's national anthem is being played may be worth more to more people.

2.) Since it conflicts with the MLB season, the Olympics would never get the best players to play.

Would that be such a bad thing? The Miracle on Ice team in 1980 was all comprised of amateur athletes. Maybe, here in America, we just want to win too much.

3.) The Americans would dominate anyway. How is that in the "Olympic Spirit?"

What about the "Dream Team"? The Americans pretty much dominate in Track and Field and Swimming. Besides, the Americans have only won Gold once.

Ok. I laid out the arguments. Feel free to elaborate or deliberate away. I can't wait to hear what all of you have to say.

In other words, Puget Sound Part Deux is interesting. None of my friends are gonna be able to set me up with a couch to sit on leaving me in a little bind for lodging. I could always go back to the hostel I stayed at earlier, but that would only be my last option.

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)

The Fat Lady has Sung

I guess if you read the title of this post, you know about the result of our championship game. In what was a real team effort, Pace Gym took the Rec-League championship over the Maude Squad by a score of 14-6.

The game was a barn-burner for the first few innings until we broke it open with two five run innings. Our defense clamped down and held them to no runs in the final two innings. I went 2 for 3 with two singles, a walk, and four runs scored. On defense, I made two sliding catches that prevented extra base hits.

I'm not really sure of what my season stats were, but I would assume that I batted over .500. I didn't hit any home runs and I didn't drive in a lot of runs, but I would figure my on-base percentage is through the roof. All those viewings of Moneyball must have paid off because I scored a whole bunch of runs.

I am really going to miss playing softball. I think that playing on a city league team is an integral part of Baseball Extravaganza, and it adds to the overall experience.

A week from Saturday is the start of Puget Sound Part Deux, so I'll blog then.

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)

The Whole Enchilada

This season, I have really focused on my city league softball team. I have stuck around, saved some money, and shifted some road trips in order to be a part of my city league team. It has paid off for me as I have had a great season hitting the ball and playing in the field. Even more important is the fact that our team plays for the league title tomorrow night. We are tied for first with the team we're playing, setting up a "winner-take-all" championship.

My brand of playing is really old school. Batting lead off, I take a real scrappy approach to the plate doing everything I can to get on base. I've hit two extra base hits this year, but my on-base percentage is bolstered by me hitting the ball on the ground, finding holes in the infield, and using my speed to get on base. I've been trying to emulate the style of Cobb, Rose, and Jeter to playing my game using the traditional style of offense. Since the middle of the order is stacked with home run hitters, I usually am able to come around and score lots of runs. 

In the field, I own left. I think I've made maybe one error all season and my flashing of the leather has been the biggest part of my game.

Our game is tomorrow night at 7:15pm.

In other news, I was planning on going to Yakima this upcoming week to see the Ems play. Yet, in a first for Baseball Road Trips, the airline went up and cancelled my flight. They called and tried to convince me to either left surper early the day of the game or take a later flight and get to Yakima a day early, but I didn't really want to take the day off from work, so I just had them refund the entire reservation. 

I'm a little disappointed, but stuff like that happens. I'm just glad that I didn't get all the way to Portland or Yakima and have them cancel. But, I have decided to use the savings from that trip to head back up to Seattle and Tacoma in two weeks. I want to exorcise the demons from the first Puget Sound trip and be as successful as I was on the NWL East.

I will update tomorrow after our game. I want to also post some pictures of our team. Wish us luck!

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)

Final Thoughts on the NWL East

In the midst of an incredible week, I have now found the time to sit down and pen out a Final Thoughts section for my most recent baseball road trip. Aside from how busy I have been, I needed some time to digest the whirlwind tour of both Boise and Spokane. This trip was unique in so many ways and I felt that this was a turning-point in Baseball Extravaganza 2012. After the disaster of the Puget Sound trip, coming back and doing a trip that was as successful and rewarding as this really reinstated my faith in my hobby. I did a lot of new things on this trip that I will definitely use for future trips.

The Puget Sound was a train wreck. I was embarrassed and ashamed of cutting short a road trip. I went back to the drawing board and asked myself, "What went wrong and what can I do better?" Taking the month of June off was the best decision I have ever made. I got a lot of loose ends taken care of, worked a whole lot and saved up some serious money, and used the time to really plan out the logistics of this trip. When I boarded that train up to Portland, I was supremely confident that nothing could go wrong with this trip.

I've really come to like Southwest Airlines. They are the only airline I have taken that doesn't seem to want to take advantage of me and my business. Their flights were on-time, the crews were friendly, and the schedules were perfect. It was a little disappointing to be on a flight with only 28 other people from Boise to Spokane, but it did allow me the opportunity to stretch out and really retrench my efforts for the marathon day that was Spokane.

I took so much public transportation those two days that I consider myself a seasoned bus rider in both Boise and Spokane. Not only was this option the cheapest way to move around, it really allowed me to see these two cities from a different perspective that I may miss when I confine myself to downtown ballparks. In addition to the community study, all the buses were clean and efficient and got me to where I needed to go with zero hassles. If there is only one wish I could have was for a later bus back from Avista Stadium. I had to cut short the Spokane game at the end of the ninth inning to catch the bus. That was the only downside to public transportation.

Boise is a city that intrigues me. I really liked the downtown setting and the neat activities going on there, but outside of the main downtown core, Boise seemed like a really depressing city. It was clearly obvious when I was traveling around the city that poverty is widespread and affects so many people in this area. And, considering the feeble attempt at public transportation, it seems like there aren't a lot of provisions available for low-income families and individuals.

That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Boise. The State Penitentiary was an absolute blast that ranks up there with one of the best pre-game activities I have ever done. Visiting the Smurf Turf was a gimmicky experience that afforded a novelty photo opportunity. It was worth it to see all of these sights in Boise and retain those memories.

Boise Memoriall Stadium, on the other hand, is a sight that I will not miss. This glorified high school stadium just failed to live up to the standard of NWL parks such as Nat Bailey in Vancouver or Avista in Spokane. I'm going to say that Boise Memorial Stadium is the worst NWL ballpark, even behind Salem-Keizer and Eugene. With all of the talk of Triple-A possibly moving to Boise, the need is clearly evident for a new ballpark. The facilities that they have right now are woefully inadequate, even for Single-A. Yet, in a way, I hope that Boise can land a Triple-A team, build a new downtown ballpark, and give this city a rejuvenation that it needs.

The only good thing I can say about Boise Memorial was that I got to see the game with a very old friend that I hadn't seen in years. I really enjoyed catching up with her and hearing about her life since we last saw each other in high school. It is pretty amazing, however, that I'm getting close to my ten-year high school reunion. It's been a long time, but keeping up those old connections is a great way to stay informed on some of the neat things my friends and colleagues from my youth are doing with their lives.

I'm through staying in hostels. I gave it another try after the Puget Sound, and I am down with them. Sure, the price is right, but is it worth it to be paranoid about strangers going through my stuff? Is it worth it to be jostled at 3am by a staggering drunk roommate who I have never met before? Is it worth it to not have a fresh towel for your morning shower, only to use your dirty t-shirt from the day before to dry off? Look, I think the social concept of a hostel is a novel idea. If I were staying in a location for more than just one night and I did not have activities, like baseball games and trips, planned in advance, maybe the hostel would be fun. But with the busy nature of baseball road trips and my constant activity from the word "GO" just doesn't make hostels feasible. I think it will be worth it to spend the extra twenty or thirty bucks to get an actual hotel with my own room, a clean towel, comfortable bed, and, maybe, a free breakfast.

I went into this trip a little distraught about Spokane. I thought that I was going to be heading into a city that was just plain awful. I had heard horrible things about Spokane, so I readied myself for an experience like San Bernardino or Fresno. I have to say, however, that I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked Spokane. The vibe in Downtown was pretty cool, and traveling around the city allowed me to see that it was a pretty modest. There was surprisingly a lot to do in the pre-game that was cheap and unique for baseball road trips. Out of all the cities I have been to, I would rank Spokane towards the top. It isn't on par with San Diego, San Francisco, or Vancouver, but I think it's better than Sacaramento, St. Louis, and Durham.

Since the baseball game only takes up about four hours of the day, I have to plan for some "pre-game side-trips" to occupy myself. Visiting the Smurf Turf and Penitentiary in Boise were examples of this. In Spokane, going to the YMCA, the theatre, and seeing a movie worked out perfectly. Going to the YMCA allowed me to take a fresh shower with a clean towel, for free, and gave me the opportunity to see a great facility. Going to the theatre was a great idea. Greater Tuna was hilarious and I kick myself for passing over theatre opportunities in other cities I have been to. Again, stuff to remember.

After my trip to Boise Municipal Stadium, seeing Avista Stadium was a treat. I had heard mixed reviews of the ballpark going in, but I was pleasantly surprised. If any city should be getting Triple-A, in my opinion, it should be Spokane. Avista Stadium is certainly large enough to support a Triple-A team, and the fans seem to be knowledgeable enough about the game that it wouldn't be too gimmicky. The Indians organization is doing a great job with their ballpark and I can only wish that some of the other NWL teams would take note.

What I really liked about Avista Stadium was the homage to their traditions. They had displays set up of Indians players who had made it to the big leagues. They had a really attractive boulder display of their hall of fame when you walked in. But what really stood out to me was the great display they had on the Spokane Indian tribes that the team is named after. Chronicling their history in the area and their traditions was very enlightening and interesting.

And then there is Amtrak. Amtrak, Amtrak, Amtrak...well, I got home, which is the most important thing. When planning this trip, I thought Amtrak was going to be the least of my problems. But, I think I showed amazing flexibility in that whole situation coming home from Spokane. I realized that there are things I can control and things I can't, and a mudslide by Pasco is something I can't. Taking a charter bus back from Spokane would not be considered the ideal bookend to a successful trip, but I made it home in one piece.

The NWL East is over, and I consider it a monumental success. I had a lot of fun and I am very glad I got to go.

Now it is time to move on to the next trip. At the beginning of August, I'll be taking a very short trip, just two days total, up to the Palm Springs of Washington and the city of Yakima. I'm flying up for the day, see the game, spend the night, and come home. It is very short and sweet, but I got a great fare on this SeaPort Airlines out of Portland, so we'll see how it goes.

Outside of baseball, the summer has gotten that much more interesting in the past week. On Monday, I declared my candidacy for Mayor. My time will be mostly devoted to that, but I will still be taking a few weekends from here until the end of summer to do some baseball road trips. The NWL East was a great way to reinvigorate Baseball Extravaganza 2012 for the future.

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)

The Inland Northwest

When being compared to other days, today ranks as one of the longest. I'm exhausted, stinky, unshaven, and hungry. So much has happened in the last 24 hours that waking up seemed forever ago.

My one night at the hostel in Boise was difficult. I just haven't quite gotten the hang of this whole hostel experience. I brought a sleeping mask and ear plugs to cope with the Saturday night traffic, but it really didn't work. Numerous times through the night I was jostled awake by people staying in the same room as me. The earplugs I were wearing kept putting pressure on my inner-ear that they became uncomfortable.

Hostels are really cheap options that are close to where I'm needing to go. But after these past two experiences, I'm debating with myself whether or not it's worth it. Maybe if I were to be in one city for an extended duration, and if I didn't have as detailed a plan as I do, then maybe. It'll be something I have to think about very hard for the future.

After trying to get cleaned up, I grabbed a quick bite to eat and took the bus out to the Boise Airport. My flight to Spokane had a whopping 29 people on it, so it was basically a charter flight. The less-than-an-hour flight was almost a mirror image of the one to Boise as we would takeoff, level off for about ten minutes, then descend for landing.

Southwest has to be the best airline. They serve drinks, give out peanuts, have friendly crew members, and really have their act together. I'm making a bold statement: whenever I fly, my first option will be on Southwest. There is no other way I would do it.

I got into Spokane and got on the bus to Downtown. I was surprised that it wasn't super hot as the weather reports leading up to the trip had said. Temperatures in Spokane were a comfortable mid-80's during the height of the afternoon.

Bus riding in Spokane is a lot better than in Boise. More options for travel and more people riding made community study a lot easier. Especially when I got into Downtown, I was really surprised how nice Spokane is. While it didn't have the 'hip' vibe as Boise, Spokane had a bigger city feel to it with the amenities and attractions in Downtown.

My first stop was to the Central Spokane YMCA. Being an employee of the Eugene YMCA, I was naturally curious as to how a different Y operates and functions. It is hard to describe, however, just the awe I experienced in seeing the Spokane Y. It made our little facility seem like a paltry little cousin. Teen Center, three pools, family activity center, three cardio rooms...the place was incredible.

What really made the experience fun was being able to talk with the person who holds my same job in Spokane. The gentleman was a littler older than me, but he had been on the job about the same length of time. We talked about the challenges we face, techniques for how to Improve, and just general camaraderie of similarity.

After taking advantage of the facility and soaking in the hot tub for a half-hour, I grabbed some lunch. I had about 90 minutes before my next scheduled activity, so I went over to Riverfront Park, found a shady spot under a tree, and took a nap.

When I woke up, I made my way down Howard Street to the Spokane Interplayters Theatre for their matinee production of Greater Tuna. Set in the fictional town of Tuna, TX, Greater Tuna is a portrayal of life in Texas. It is a comedy that is unique in that it only involves two actors who act out all of the characters.

The play was hilarious and well worth my time. The acting was great and the plot made for some great anecdotes. I normally don't involve myself in the theatre scene, but I might look to it from now on if I need things to do. This production was all done using local Spokane elements, so I was directly supporting a local arts and culture directive. That is always a good thing and a great way to further envelope myself within the community.

Once the play ended, I made my way back down to the Bus Plaza to catch the bus out to Avista Stadium. The roughly twenty minute ride dropped me off about three blocks from the park in what was, obviously, a red-light district. I had planned on calling a cab after the game, but I made the executive decision to try and catch the last bus of the day while it was still daylight. I didn't want to be hanging around in a bad neighborhood waiting for a cab.

Three blocks can, however, make a huge difference. Avista Stadium is a beautiful ballpark that feels too big for Single-A. Set at the Western Washington Fairgrounds, you enter Avista Stadium from a main home plate gate that is adorned with commemorative plaques signifying former Spokane players that had been successful in the Majors. This plaza also had a string quartet and outdoor food stands. It was a neat thing to see and it made you appreciate the park before you even walked in.

Avista Stadium is huge. First, there is a TON of foul territory that shorten the fences. It is only 296 feet down the line in Right. But, to be honest, Avista Stadium is too big for Single-A ball. It is comparable to Colorado Springs or Tacoma in size and draw.

It makes me wonder why there isn't the same buzz for Triple-A ball in Spokane as there is for Boise. Spokane is certainly a big enough market to support Triple-A, and the ballpark is up to the standard, so I ponder why.

The Eugene Emeralds and Spokane Indians fought to a 1-1 tie and send the game to extras. The Ems pushed across two runs in the 11th to beat the home team 3-1.

The game went extras, but I didn't stick around. I caught the last bus into Downtown right after the end of the the ninth. This brings me to a fact that I am super proud of myself for: I made every single one of my transit connections. I didn't miss any buses, trains, or planes. I never got lost, either. It pretty much rocked and it was the result of lots of meticulous planning.

My train didn't leave until almost 3am, so I grabbed a bite to eat and saw a movie. When I got out, things got interesting. I got an email from Amtrak about a "service disruption." I called the hotline and didn't get any answers, so I looked on Twitter and saw that a mudslide had knocked out the track by Pasco. Amtrak put us all on charter buses for the ride down into Portland.

I wasn't thrilled with the prospect of taking a crowded bus. I was looking forward to stretching out on the train, being able to charge my phone, and have access to running water to brush my teeth. Well, that wasn't going to happen, so I decided to prepare for the ordeal by getting a few drinks and taking in some of the Spokane nightlife.

I went to two bars and got two drinks. The first place I went to started out fine, but after hearing a grown man try and karaoke to Katy Perry and the bartender get into a fight with a patron, I left for a different establishment.

I didn't get drunk because I hate drinking alone. It was times like those that I do start to get lonely and long for someone to talk to. I found that while at the bars and waiting for the bus, I tweeted a whole lot. That was my only companionship.

The bus ride, actually, was not that bad. As you can imagine, I was plum exhausted and sleep deprived. I probably would have slept on a bed of nails if I could. I woke up just outside of The Dalles, so I got about four good hours of shut eye. I'm on my last leg of travel south to Eugene.

I'm going to sleep on these experiences for a few days before authoring up a Final Thoughts. Today was incredibly busy and action-packed, but I am really glad to be coming home.

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)