Reflections during the middle of summer...
*Didn't write about it last week but briefly wanted to address the Robinson Cano/Home Run Derby event. (Full disclosure, I'm a Royals fan). A lot was made of the booing (especially by the national media) for Cano and personally I think it was okay. Ultimately, Cano should understand that words matter. When he said a month before that he would pick a hometown guy for the Home Run derby, that people held him to that. If he had never said that, I don't believe that he would've been booed as loud or even at all. Words are important and what you say matters.
*Speaking of words and actions, Dwight Howard. I don't think I've seen an athlete go from being so well liked to being so disliked over the course of a year like him. I'm kind of dumbfounded how a seemingly bright and talented young man has made that transition to being a guy that people want on their team to a guy that they don't. The way he has conducted himself the past year in Orlando is a great example of how not to act. I definitely think he needs a good, mature mentor to speak into his life. I believe that he's a talented player and can be a part of a championship team. But his attitude definitely needs working on for sure.
*The Linsanity is gone in New York. Jeremy Lin is going back to Houston. Couple of things on this development. One, it is interesting that Tebow comes to NY and then Lin leaves (just a funny coincidence). Second, I think this was a bad play for the Knicks. They could've had Lin back if they wanted him. And to be honest, they should've. He's a young, up and coming player who energized a city like no Knicks player in a decade or more. I think they will be hard pressed to capture that magic again with this squad. As for the Rockets, it'll be interesting how they will go. But if he can energize that team and fan base, it will make for an interesting situation in the Lone Star State.
Showing posts with label royals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label royals. Show all posts
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Random Sports Reflections
Some Random Sports Reflections as the month of May winds down...
*The playoffs in both the NBA & NHL are kinda eh to me. The NHL because the Predators got knocked out in the 2nd round by Phoenix (who subsequently lost to the L.A. Kings). The NBA...well because I still haven't really got into it much since Clay Bennett moved the Sonics to OKC. I was happy to hear that there is movement to build a new arena in Seattle down near Safeco & CenturyLink Fields. If Stern wants to get on my good side again, he'll get a team back there & make sure the history is returned there as well. It is really annoying when like ESPN and such state history that doesn't really belong to OKC. That would've been like the Ravens claiming the Browns history still. Anyway, I'm sure I'll watch some of the Stanley Cup Finals and the NBA Finals. Then again, if it ends up Miami & OKC, I'll more than likely not watch.
*It's been about a quarter of the season into the MLB regular season and both the Royals & Mariners are under .500. The Royals had high expectations (for them) going into the season and did well on the road to start (and still have a winning record on the road) but their record at the K is abysmal. They might want to recruit me to come back to K.C. so they can win some more home games. The Mariners got off to a fairly hot start but cooled down as well. They have leveled off some. If both teams can pick up the pace in June & July, it might make for an interesting stretch run. Otherwise, it'll be looking forward to the start of football season.
*Speaking of football, one of the big stories this offseason for the NFL has been the bounty scandal with the New Orleans Saints. This problem, which cost Saints coach Sean Payton the season along with several other coaches and players various suspensions. It was sad to hear when it came out and disappointing. I know that football is a tough sport and injuries happen because of it. But there is a difference between players getting hurt unintentionally and trying to go out and injure players on purpose. Where's the respect in that? I'm sure there are players out there at other players don't like but at the very least they should respect the person not to intentionally try and take them out. I hope that this type of program finds its way out of the sport.
*The playoffs in both the NBA & NHL are kinda eh to me. The NHL because the Predators got knocked out in the 2nd round by Phoenix (who subsequently lost to the L.A. Kings). The NBA...well because I still haven't really got into it much since Clay Bennett moved the Sonics to OKC. I was happy to hear that there is movement to build a new arena in Seattle down near Safeco & CenturyLink Fields. If Stern wants to get on my good side again, he'll get a team back there & make sure the history is returned there as well. It is really annoying when like ESPN and such state history that doesn't really belong to OKC. That would've been like the Ravens claiming the Browns history still. Anyway, I'm sure I'll watch some of the Stanley Cup Finals and the NBA Finals. Then again, if it ends up Miami & OKC, I'll more than likely not watch.
*It's been about a quarter of the season into the MLB regular season and both the Royals & Mariners are under .500. The Royals had high expectations (for them) going into the season and did well on the road to start (and still have a winning record on the road) but their record at the K is abysmal. They might want to recruit me to come back to K.C. so they can win some more home games. The Mariners got off to a fairly hot start but cooled down as well. They have leveled off some. If both teams can pick up the pace in June & July, it might make for an interesting stretch run. Otherwise, it'll be looking forward to the start of football season.
*Speaking of football, one of the big stories this offseason for the NFL has been the bounty scandal with the New Orleans Saints. This problem, which cost Saints coach Sean Payton the season along with several other coaches and players various suspensions. It was sad to hear when it came out and disappointing. I know that football is a tough sport and injuries happen because of it. But there is a difference between players getting hurt unintentionally and trying to go out and injure players on purpose. Where's the respect in that? I'm sure there are players out there at other players don't like but at the very least they should respect the person not to intentionally try and take them out. I hope that this type of program finds its way out of the sport.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Random Sports Reflections on Leap Day
Today is Leap Day, otherwise known as my birthday. Hope all of you celebrate Leap Day accordingly and responsibly.
*I'm getting excited for March Madness. Even though the first part of the college baskeball season I really didn't keep up with things, I have in the last month or so. Living in a city with pretty decent mid-major schools (USC Upstate, Wofford), I've got to watch some pretty good basketball. I'm hoping both teams win their conference tourneys and make the Big Dance. They have the ability to if things fall the right way. Emphasis on the "fall the right way".
*Baseball season is about to get going as well. It's weird not living in an MLB city for the first time since 2004 (Although Atlanta is only a few hours away). I'm excited to see how the Royals will do. They might actually do something this year hopefully.
*It's cool that in pro sports there are guys at the highest level that are living out their faith for Jesus and it's protrayed (mostly) in a positive manner in the media. From Tim Tebow, to Jeremy Lin, to Clayton Kershaw, there are lots of examples. I hope that trend will continue. It's good to hear positive stories about athletes than negative ones.
*I'm getting excited for March Madness. Even though the first part of the college baskeball season I really didn't keep up with things, I have in the last month or so. Living in a city with pretty decent mid-major schools (USC Upstate, Wofford), I've got to watch some pretty good basketball. I'm hoping both teams win their conference tourneys and make the Big Dance. They have the ability to if things fall the right way. Emphasis on the "fall the right way".
*Baseball season is about to get going as well. It's weird not living in an MLB city for the first time since 2004 (Although Atlanta is only a few hours away). I'm excited to see how the Royals will do. They might actually do something this year hopefully.
*It's cool that in pro sports there are guys at the highest level that are living out their faith for Jesus and it's protrayed (mostly) in a positive manner in the media. From Tim Tebow, to Jeremy Lin, to Clayton Kershaw, there are lots of examples. I hope that trend will continue. It's good to hear positive stories about athletes than negative ones.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Diamond Club and a Walk Off Win: Sixth Royals Game of 2011....In Review
It was about time for another Royals game. As my time in Kansas City is coming to the end (because I'm graduating from seminary), I wanted to make sure that I got in at least one more Royals game. So to celebrate that (and because my friend Kyle came in to visit), we, along with Lane and Tyler, headed out to the K to see the Royals take on the Texas Rangers.
We got some really sweet seats off of Stubhub. They were Diamond Club tickets (so some of the really sweet seats behind home plate) for almost half off. The tickets also included premium parking (which was pretty sweet). When we got to the ballpark, we got to park literally right across from the ballpark (inbetween the K and Arrowhead). We went through the Home Plate Gate and headed into the Diamond Club section. It was really cool. The club section has a suite area that has its own restaurants and seating area. We sat at a table and someone came up and took our orders. We could even have started a tab (we didn't). I had a slice of oven bricked pizza (a BBQ brisket pizza) that was really good and some Dr. Pepper and watched the Rangers do BP.
When the game started, we headed over to our seats. We were 12 rows back from the field (not counting the BATS section which is directly behind home plate) on the first base side (think where the left handers bat from and that's the section we sat in). The seats had a cushion built in to them and there was in seat ordering of food as well. I ended up ordering a foot long hot dog (that was really good too). The game itself was interesting. There was a HR by the Rangers in the 2nd inning and for most of the game that was the score. Luke Hochevar, starting pitcher for the Royals, pitched well aside from the HR he gave up. He ended up pitching 8 2/3 innings before they went to the bullpen. The Royals finally got the clutch hit in the bottom of the 9th to tie it up and they went to extra innings. Then in the bottom of the 10th, Jeff Francoeur came through with the walk off base hit to win the game 2-1 in 10 innings. The winning pitcher, Greg Holland, was called up that day from Triple A and pitched 1 1/3 innings.
After that win, the Royals were now 5-1 in games that I've attended. After my time in Kansas City, I've grown to enjoy watching baseball even more. I will miss watching games at the K. We'll see where God leads me next.
We got some really sweet seats off of Stubhub. They were Diamond Club tickets (so some of the really sweet seats behind home plate) for almost half off. The tickets also included premium parking (which was pretty sweet). When we got to the ballpark, we got to park literally right across from the ballpark (inbetween the K and Arrowhead). We went through the Home Plate Gate and headed into the Diamond Club section. It was really cool. The club section has a suite area that has its own restaurants and seating area. We sat at a table and someone came up and took our orders. We could even have started a tab (we didn't). I had a slice of oven bricked pizza (a BBQ brisket pizza) that was really good and some Dr. Pepper and watched the Rangers do BP.
When the game started, we headed over to our seats. We were 12 rows back from the field (not counting the BATS section which is directly behind home plate) on the first base side (think where the left handers bat from and that's the section we sat in). The seats had a cushion built in to them and there was in seat ordering of food as well. I ended up ordering a foot long hot dog (that was really good too). The game itself was interesting. There was a HR by the Rangers in the 2nd inning and for most of the game that was the score. Luke Hochevar, starting pitcher for the Royals, pitched well aside from the HR he gave up. He ended up pitching 8 2/3 innings before they went to the bullpen. The Royals finally got the clutch hit in the bottom of the 9th to tie it up and they went to extra innings. Then in the bottom of the 10th, Jeff Francoeur came through with the walk off base hit to win the game 2-1 in 10 innings. The winning pitcher, Greg Holland, was called up that day from Triple A and pitched 1 1/3 innings.
After that win, the Royals were now 5-1 in games that I've attended. After my time in Kansas City, I've grown to enjoy watching baseball even more. I will miss watching games at the K. We'll see where God leads me next.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Buck Night & Fireworks Friday: Fifth Royals Game of 2011...In Review
Yesterday was my second Royals game in a row to attend and fifth of the season. I went with a couple of guys from church and got to take in another Buck Night/Fireworks Friday. Buck night is $1 hot dogs, peanuts and small cokes and then Fireworks Friday is a fireworks show after the game.
Yesterday was also a Baseball Equipment drive that the team was doing to collect money and used baseball gear for those who need it. And for a $20 donation, you could get a brown bag with an autographed baseball inside. I tried it and ended up with a Jason Kendall autographed ball. Eh, not who I wanted but it's something.
It was also the debut of superstar prospect 1B Eric Hosmer. He was called up after Thursday's game and the sports world was buzzing afterwards. His name became a trending topic on twitter. People were making up "Hosmer Facts" in the same was as they're "Chuck Norris Facts". For his first game, he didn't do too bad. He helped turn a double play in the 1st inning. He had two walks & a stolen base. He did strike out looking two times to finish the night 0-2 (I will say at least one of his called third strikes looked like ball four).
The game itself was a good one for the most part. Alex Gordon hit a home run. Sean O'Sullivan pitched a pretty good game (a quality start). Unfortunately one bad inning proved to be the downfall as the Royals lost 3-2. They now have a record of 4-1 in games I attend.
It was a fun night for the most part and I'll miss going out to the K once I graduate in a few weeks.
Yesterday was also a Baseball Equipment drive that the team was doing to collect money and used baseball gear for those who need it. And for a $20 donation, you could get a brown bag with an autographed baseball inside. I tried it and ended up with a Jason Kendall autographed ball. Eh, not who I wanted but it's something.
It was also the debut of superstar prospect 1B Eric Hosmer. He was called up after Thursday's game and the sports world was buzzing afterwards. His name became a trending topic on twitter. People were making up "Hosmer Facts" in the same was as they're "Chuck Norris Facts". For his first game, he didn't do too bad. He helped turn a double play in the 1st inning. He had two walks & a stolen base. He did strike out looking two times to finish the night 0-2 (I will say at least one of his called third strikes looked like ball four).
The game itself was a good one for the most part. Alex Gordon hit a home run. Sean O'Sullivan pitched a pretty good game (a quality start). Unfortunately one bad inning proved to be the downfall as the Royals lost 3-2. They now have a record of 4-1 in games I attend.
It was a fun night for the most part and I'll miss going out to the K once I graduate in a few weeks.
Friday, May 6, 2011
School Day at the K: Fourth Royals Game of 2011....In Review
It had been awhile since the last time I had been to the ball park and I was itching to get back out there again. So me and Lane made the trek out yesterday to the K to see the Royals take on the Baltimore Orioles. It was School Day at the K which meant lots and lots of little kids. We learned our lesson and got tickets in a section not in that area. In fact we got Dugout Box seats for really cheap, they were 4 rows from the field. They are probably the closest I've ever been to home plate & the field.
We were fortunate as we were late getting to the ballpark because of class (it was a day game, 1:10 scheduled start). However there was rain that morning and on the way to the ballpark so there was a delay. When we got inside the ballpark, the rain pretty much ended. There ended up being about a 45 minute delay to start the game. Once the game got started, there was no rain until we got back into the car at the end of the game.
The game itself was a good one...for the Royals. Aside from giving up a run in the 1st inning, starter Bruce Chen pitched a really great game. And the offense really came through early and often, including a 4 run 1st inning which even included a play when the sun peaked out and it caught the Orioles off guard and it dropped right down.
The scoring got capped off with a home run in the 8th by Melky Cabrera. The Royals went on to win 9-1. The cool thing also about the game was that Lane and I got on TV several times, mainly like blink and you miss but if you pause it at certain points you can make us out pretty clearly. That was cool.
So right now the Royals are 4-0 in games I attend. I joked with Lane that the Royals should bring me on the payroll in some capacity since they win every time I go to their games....just a thought. :)
We were fortunate as we were late getting to the ballpark because of class (it was a day game, 1:10 scheduled start). However there was rain that morning and on the way to the ballpark so there was a delay. When we got inside the ballpark, the rain pretty much ended. There ended up being about a 45 minute delay to start the game. Once the game got started, there was no rain until we got back into the car at the end of the game.
The game itself was a good one...for the Royals. Aside from giving up a run in the 1st inning, starter Bruce Chen pitched a really great game. And the offense really came through early and often, including a 4 run 1st inning which even included a play when the sun peaked out and it caught the Orioles off guard and it dropped right down.
The scoring got capped off with a home run in the 8th by Melky Cabrera. The Royals went on to win 9-1. The cool thing also about the game was that Lane and I got on TV several times, mainly like blink and you miss but if you pause it at certain points you can make us out pretty clearly. That was cool.
So right now the Royals are 4-0 in games I attend. I joked with Lane that the Royals should bring me on the payroll in some capacity since they win every time I go to their games....just a thought. :)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
A Flair for the Dramatics: Third Royals Game of 2011...In Review
On Thursday night, I went to my third Royals game of the year. This time I went with my girlfriend, who is in town for a few days visiting. It wasn't the best weather for baseball. It was cold, windy, and rainy (the not raining hard but light rain/mist). There were only about 9,000+ at the ballpark that night.
It was the first time I had been to a game during the week at night where they really weren't any promotions (except for the all you can eat seats). The seats that we got were super cheap and were essentially front row in the lower level, third base side near the foul pole.
The Royals were playing division rival Cleveland (alas no Trevor Crowe as he's on the DL). It was the last game of the series. It was the second time in as many games I saw Sean O'Sullivan start (he started the game last Saturday too). It was a pretty uneventful game for the most part. I think weather played a part in that.
It came down to the 9th inning, Royals down 2-1. They hadn't led for the entire game. But they came through on some clutch hitting and ended up with a walk off hit by Melky Cabrera. They ended up winning 3-2. It was an exciting ending to say the least. Aaron Crow picked up his 2nd major league win.
The Royals are now 3-0 in games I've been to this year. I don't know how many more games I'll be able to make but hopefully it'll be as exciting as the end of this one was.
It was the first time I had been to a game during the week at night where they really weren't any promotions (except for the all you can eat seats). The seats that we got were super cheap and were essentially front row in the lower level, third base side near the foul pole.
The Royals were playing division rival Cleveland (alas no Trevor Crowe as he's on the DL). It was the last game of the series. It was the second time in as many games I saw Sean O'Sullivan start (he started the game last Saturday too). It was a pretty uneventful game for the most part. I think weather played a part in that.
It came down to the 9th inning, Royals down 2-1. They hadn't led for the entire game. But they came through on some clutch hitting and ended up with a walk off hit by Melky Cabrera. They ended up winning 3-2. It was an exciting ending to say the least. Aaron Crow picked up his 2nd major league win.
The Royals are now 3-0 in games I've been to this year. I don't know how many more games I'll be able to make but hopefully it'll be as exciting as the end of this one was.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Divided Loyalties: Mariners vs. Royals: Second Royals Game of 2011...In Review
It was another great day to head to the ballpark and so yesterday (Saturday) I did. It was a convergence of several things to make it a reason to get out to the ballpark. First, it is major league baseball, so that's a good reason. Two, it was free jersey day and as been tradition I've went to the previous three years in a row. Finally, it was a game against my other "home" team, the Seattle Mariners. Add all that up, and it was enough reasons to make it out to the ballpark.
It was another early start to a Saturday game (12:10pm first pitch) so that meant getting out to the ball park early to make sure to get a jersey. It was cold out for sure. It had rained the previous day and dropped the temps and the wind was blowing. It felt like football weather more than baseball weather. However, once we got to our seats (lower level, third base side) it felt okay as we weren't getting the wind blown much on us. Plus right before the game started, the sun came out and that helped warm things up.
The free jersey was a road (grey) jersey. It was cool looking. I still say my favorite free one was the powder blue Billy Butler jersey I got. There's just something cool about having a jersey with a name and number on the back of it.
This was the first year that I did not wear Mariners gear to the game. I went with Royals gear. The Royals have been off to a hot start and I wanted to support that. As always when it comes to these games, my loyalties are divided. I've grown to love the Royals and I love the Mariners so it's always bittersweet when they play each other. I'm happy on the one side and sad on the other.
The game itself was a pretty good one. It was a pretty close game until the 5th inning. Seattle had their ace, Felix Hernandez pitching while the Royals had Sean O'Sullivan their 5th starter who was starting his first game of the season after starting out the year in the bullpen. The Royals offense got the job done while the Mariners offense did not. Some key moments/stats in the game:
*Alcides Escobar has some really huge defensive plays including robbing Ichiro of a hit (which is really hard to do)
*Speaking of Ichiro, he went 0-5 snapping his multi-hit streak he had at the "K" which was the longest of anyone at that stadium, breaking the record a few days ago that George Brett held.
*Got to see Tim Collins pitch, the dude is short but he can throw. He looks like a mix between Hideo Nomo and Tim Lincecum in his windup, it is crazy looking. The Royals have a bullpen with three rookies (Collins, Jeffress, Crow) who can seriously throw the ball and throw it hard.
*The Mariners left 11 guys on base and scored 0 runs. The Royals scored 7 runs and left only 4 on base.
The Royals ended up winning the game 7-0. With that win, they went to 10-4, which is the 3rd best start in team history. Last time they did this well was back in 2003. The Royals went to 2-0 in games I've attended this year and record in series of games between the M's and Royals since 2008 (moving to KC) it is a split with each team winning 3 game apiece. It should make for an excited next few weeks as my time in K.C. winds down.
It was another early start to a Saturday game (12:10pm first pitch) so that meant getting out to the ball park early to make sure to get a jersey. It was cold out for sure. It had rained the previous day and dropped the temps and the wind was blowing. It felt like football weather more than baseball weather. However, once we got to our seats (lower level, third base side) it felt okay as we weren't getting the wind blown much on us. Plus right before the game started, the sun came out and that helped warm things up.
The free jersey was a road (grey) jersey. It was cool looking. I still say my favorite free one was the powder blue Billy Butler jersey I got. There's just something cool about having a jersey with a name and number on the back of it.
This was the first year that I did not wear Mariners gear to the game. I went with Royals gear. The Royals have been off to a hot start and I wanted to support that. As always when it comes to these games, my loyalties are divided. I've grown to love the Royals and I love the Mariners so it's always bittersweet when they play each other. I'm happy on the one side and sad on the other.
The game itself was a pretty good one. It was a pretty close game until the 5th inning. Seattle had their ace, Felix Hernandez pitching while the Royals had Sean O'Sullivan their 5th starter who was starting his first game of the season after starting out the year in the bullpen. The Royals offense got the job done while the Mariners offense did not. Some key moments/stats in the game:
*Alcides Escobar has some really huge defensive plays including robbing Ichiro of a hit (which is really hard to do)
*Speaking of Ichiro, he went 0-5 snapping his multi-hit streak he had at the "K" which was the longest of anyone at that stadium, breaking the record a few days ago that George Brett held.
*Got to see Tim Collins pitch, the dude is short but he can throw. He looks like a mix between Hideo Nomo and Tim Lincecum in his windup, it is crazy looking. The Royals have a bullpen with three rookies (Collins, Jeffress, Crow) who can seriously throw the ball and throw it hard.
*The Mariners left 11 guys on base and scored 0 runs. The Royals scored 7 runs and left only 4 on base.
The Royals ended up winning the game 7-0. With that win, they went to 10-4, which is the 3rd best start in team history. Last time they did this well was back in 2003. The Royals went to 2-0 in games I've attended this year and record in series of games between the M's and Royals since 2008 (moving to KC) it is a split with each team winning 3 game apiece. It should make for an excited next few weeks as my time in K.C. winds down.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Spring is Here and So is Baseball: First Royals Game of 2011....In Review
It's spring and it's time for baseball again. I had really gotten tired of winter so it was nice for spring to come around and with it the start of baseball season. With this being my last few months in KC, I want to try and make as many games as I can as I don't know where I'll be in a few months so I made sure to be at the ballpark for the first homestand. It also happened to be a doubleheader as they also were going to have the "Futures Game" between the Royals AA (Northwest Arkansas) and the AAA team (Omaha Storm Chasers).
Because of this, it was a day game on a Saturday. Lane and I made the trip to the ball park and it was a pretty easy ride out. There wasn't any real traffic out and got into the ballpark rather easily. There were some changes between last year and this one. First off, they have free programs they give out instead of buying a program (which means I was one of the last ones in history to win the autograph in the program contest). Second, there are some different sponsors out in the signage (including the Fountain seats not called the Dri Duck seats anymore). And third, the Royals switched bullpens (now out in left field instead of right field).
It was free magnet schedule day so that was cool too. The game itself was a decent one against the Anaheim Angels (I refuse to call them Los Angeles Angels). It was a back and forth game with the teams trading leads. I got to see one of the young phenom pitchers in Aaron Crow pitch. I will say he was really good. He seems as good as advertised. Royals scored in the bottom of the 8th with new Royal Matt Treanor coming through along with Chris Getz. Treanor is awesome in my book because his walk up music is The A-Team theme. That is awesome. Soria came in the 9th to shut it down and pick up the win, which was Crow's first career win. Ironically, it's the first time since May of '09 that the Royals have been above .500 (they were never above .500 all of last year).
After about 30-45 minutes, the second game started. It was cool seeing all the young stars playing. I was really impressed by Mike Montgomery, pitcher for Omaha. He had 4 no-hit innings. Lane and I lasted to the end of the 5th before calling it a day, partly because we both got sunburnt.
It was a good start to the year and looking forward to seeing some more games before the end of my time in Kansas City
Because of this, it was a day game on a Saturday. Lane and I made the trip to the ball park and it was a pretty easy ride out. There wasn't any real traffic out and got into the ballpark rather easily. There were some changes between last year and this one. First off, they have free programs they give out instead of buying a program (which means I was one of the last ones in history to win the autograph in the program contest). Second, there are some different sponsors out in the signage (including the Fountain seats not called the Dri Duck seats anymore). And third, the Royals switched bullpens (now out in left field instead of right field).
It was free magnet schedule day so that was cool too. The game itself was a decent one against the Anaheim Angels (I refuse to call them Los Angeles Angels). It was a back and forth game with the teams trading leads. I got to see one of the young phenom pitchers in Aaron Crow pitch. I will say he was really good. He seems as good as advertised. Royals scored in the bottom of the 8th with new Royal Matt Treanor coming through along with Chris Getz. Treanor is awesome in my book because his walk up music is The A-Team theme. That is awesome. Soria came in the 9th to shut it down and pick up the win, which was Crow's first career win. Ironically, it's the first time since May of '09 that the Royals have been above .500 (they were never above .500 all of last year).
After about 30-45 minutes, the second game started. It was cool seeing all the young stars playing. I was really impressed by Mike Montgomery, pitcher for Omaha. He had 4 no-hit innings. Lane and I lasted to the end of the 5th before calling it a day, partly because we both got sunburnt.
It was a good start to the year and looking forward to seeing some more games before the end of my time in Kansas City
Monday, October 4, 2010
Fan Appreciation Night 2010....Ninth Royals Game of 2010
Saturday night was the ninth Royals game and the last one of the year that I attended. I went along with my friends Kyle, Lane and Tyler. It has been a tradition to go to Fan Appreciation Night so this year was no exception. It involves giveaways, raffles and other stuff like that. Plus the opponent was the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays who were fighting for first place in the AL East. So it made for a good night.
The giveaway at the gate was a Royals Snuggie or a "Sluggie". Got to enjoy a free Snuggie. Throughout the night they were giving away prizes with those who have the ticket drawn. They also had raffle tickets they were selling to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, those who won got the jerseys off the players' back. Neither of those did I win. I did win something and there was a interesting story behind it. So normally when I go to the game I buy a program. This time was no exception. After I got past the gate and picked up my snuggie I went by a stand to pick up a program. The lady standing there looked at me and said "You know what? I'm going to give you the winning program". In every program there is a page called the "Lucky Page Giveaway". If there is an autograph on the page, you win a prize. So when I heard that I was kinda like I didn't know what she meant so she told me what she meant. She did this while reaching underneath the stand and pulling a program out from underneath. When I figured it out I was thinking "There's no way she's doing that." So after I found my seat and got food and ate, I pulled out the program and looked at the page. Sure enough, there was an autograph of Josh Fields (3rd Baseman) on the page. So I went to Guest Services to pick up what I won. I ended up with $20 worth of gift certificates at a local sub shop. So that was cool.
The game itself wasn't too good. The Royals put up 8 hits and had a couple more runners on top of that. Yet....they did not score a run. The Royals just couldn't put up runs. The Rays got 4 runs and that was more than enough. The Rays did set a Major League record for the most pitchers used in a 9 inning game for a shutout with 8 pitchers. One of those was ace starting pitcher David Price, Tennessee native, who threw an inning in relief. So in the end the Royals lost 4-0.
At the end of the 2010 season the Royals finished 4-5 in games I attended (3-1 in games that i wore the powder blue jersey, 1-0 in the royal blue jersey) and for teams i rooted for 6-3. Hopefully next season will be better for both the Royals and the Mariners.
The giveaway at the gate was a Royals Snuggie or a "Sluggie". Got to enjoy a free Snuggie. Throughout the night they were giving away prizes with those who have the ticket drawn. They also had raffle tickets they were selling to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, those who won got the jerseys off the players' back. Neither of those did I win. I did win something and there was a interesting story behind it. So normally when I go to the game I buy a program. This time was no exception. After I got past the gate and picked up my snuggie I went by a stand to pick up a program. The lady standing there looked at me and said "You know what? I'm going to give you the winning program". In every program there is a page called the "Lucky Page Giveaway". If there is an autograph on the page, you win a prize. So when I heard that I was kinda like I didn't know what she meant so she told me what she meant. She did this while reaching underneath the stand and pulling a program out from underneath. When I figured it out I was thinking "There's no way she's doing that." So after I found my seat and got food and ate, I pulled out the program and looked at the page. Sure enough, there was an autograph of Josh Fields (3rd Baseman) on the page. So I went to Guest Services to pick up what I won. I ended up with $20 worth of gift certificates at a local sub shop. So that was cool.
The game itself wasn't too good. The Royals put up 8 hits and had a couple more runners on top of that. Yet....they did not score a run. The Royals just couldn't put up runs. The Rays got 4 runs and that was more than enough. The Rays did set a Major League record for the most pitchers used in a 9 inning game for a shutout with 8 pitchers. One of those was ace starting pitcher David Price, Tennessee native, who threw an inning in relief. So in the end the Royals lost 4-0.
At the end of the 2010 season the Royals finished 4-5 in games I attended (3-1 in games that i wore the powder blue jersey, 1-0 in the royal blue jersey) and for teams i rooted for 6-3. Hopefully next season will be better for both the Royals and the Mariners.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
T-Shirt Tuesday & The Race to the End of the Race: Eighth Royals Game of 2010 in Review
Yesterday I went to my eighth Royals game of the year. My friend Lane and I took advantage of another deal on tickets and got some good seats cheap (Field Box, third base side). It was another T-Shirt Tuesday which meant another free T-Shirt. Aside from a fitted hat, all my Royals gear has been free (I got at games or during Royals chapel). Can't go wrong with that at all.
The funny part about this game was this: So Lane and I got to the stadium just as the gates opened. We got our T-Shirts and went to our seats. We sat down and were looking around. We see this guy with a headset on and a Royals polo shirt walk over and ask us if we'd be interested in doing one of the games between innings. We were like sure. He said it was the Inflatable Slugggurrr race. Basically it's these blow up suits that look like the mascot Slugggurrr and people are to run two laps out at the Little K (small ballpark for kids) in the suits. He asked us to stand up to check our heights and he told Lane "Yeah you're great." and he looked at me "You'll be okay" because the preferred height for this was 5'5" to 5'10" (and I'm 6'). So he had us sign a waiver and said meet over by the Little K in the middle of the 2nd inning.
Middle of the 2nd inning we walk over and meet up with the guy. He has us go onto the field of the Little K and look into a camera there and wave to the camera so they could tape us and the fans could see our faces since we'd be in the suits during the event. At about the end of the 3rd, they strapped out feet into the suits put a thing on our backs like a backpack and started getting us into the suits and inflated them. I was in the "Royal blue" Slugggurrr while Lane was in the "Powder blue" Slugggurrr (there usually is a 3rd suit but it's out of commission right now). The middle of the 4th was when the race took place. The real Slugggurrr was there along with Tim, the "host" and also several members of the K Crew (who help with giveaways and entertainment stuff). He tells us beforehand to "run as hard as we can and have a great race". When the time comes it's a countdown and then we're off. I start slow the first lap mainly because I'm having to look down a little because the line of sight is lower than I am and I was still trying to get a feel for the suit. I round the cone that I started from to complete the first lap and I started to pick up speed. When I rounded the cone to start the home stretch I just ran as hard as I could in that suit. When I got to the end I was a little tired but I found out I won the race. I could look out and see Slugggurrr standing in front of me waiving the flag and then he bopped me in the head gently with it. They then got us out of the suits and I was handed an envelope for winning and Lane for runner-up. I got back to my seat and opened up the envelope. It had a couple of coupons for KC Masterpiece products and a $25 dollar gift card from Hy-Vee. Not bad at all. (The race to the end of the race in the title is a reference to Homestar Runner in case you didn't catch it)
The game itself was pretty good. Zack Grienke pitching is always a good night and he got a quality start. It was another low scoring game but two solo home runs made the difference. Soria came in for the save and it was good times. Royals end up winning the game 2-1. The other highlight was they were playing Cleveland which meant Trevor Crowe was playing, our favorite Cleveland Indian player. He did get a double in the game so that was cool.
Overall the Royals are now 4-4 in games I've been to (3-0 when I wear the powder blue jersey, last night wore the royal blue jersey so it's 1-0) and for teams I've rooted for the record is 6-2. Good times abound!
The funny part about this game was this: So Lane and I got to the stadium just as the gates opened. We got our T-Shirts and went to our seats. We sat down and were looking around. We see this guy with a headset on and a Royals polo shirt walk over and ask us if we'd be interested in doing one of the games between innings. We were like sure. He said it was the Inflatable Slugggurrr race. Basically it's these blow up suits that look like the mascot Slugggurrr and people are to run two laps out at the Little K (small ballpark for kids) in the suits. He asked us to stand up to check our heights and he told Lane "Yeah you're great." and he looked at me "You'll be okay" because the preferred height for this was 5'5" to 5'10" (and I'm 6'). So he had us sign a waiver and said meet over by the Little K in the middle of the 2nd inning.
Middle of the 2nd inning we walk over and meet up with the guy. He has us go onto the field of the Little K and look into a camera there and wave to the camera so they could tape us and the fans could see our faces since we'd be in the suits during the event. At about the end of the 3rd, they strapped out feet into the suits put a thing on our backs like a backpack and started getting us into the suits and inflated them. I was in the "Royal blue" Slugggurrr while Lane was in the "Powder blue" Slugggurrr (there usually is a 3rd suit but it's out of commission right now). The middle of the 4th was when the race took place. The real Slugggurrr was there along with Tim, the "host" and also several members of the K Crew (who help with giveaways and entertainment stuff). He tells us beforehand to "run as hard as we can and have a great race". When the time comes it's a countdown and then we're off. I start slow the first lap mainly because I'm having to look down a little because the line of sight is lower than I am and I was still trying to get a feel for the suit. I round the cone that I started from to complete the first lap and I started to pick up speed. When I rounded the cone to start the home stretch I just ran as hard as I could in that suit. When I got to the end I was a little tired but I found out I won the race. I could look out and see Slugggurrr standing in front of me waiving the flag and then he bopped me in the head gently with it. They then got us out of the suits and I was handed an envelope for winning and Lane for runner-up. I got back to my seat and opened up the envelope. It had a couple of coupons for KC Masterpiece products and a $25 dollar gift card from Hy-Vee. Not bad at all. (The race to the end of the race in the title is a reference to Homestar Runner in case you didn't catch it)
The game itself was pretty good. Zack Grienke pitching is always a good night and he got a quality start. It was another low scoring game but two solo home runs made the difference. Soria came in for the save and it was good times. Royals end up winning the game 2-1. The other highlight was they were playing Cleveland which meant Trevor Crowe was playing, our favorite Cleveland Indian player. He did get a double in the game so that was cool.
Overall the Royals are now 4-4 in games I've been to (3-0 when I wear the powder blue jersey, last night wore the royal blue jersey so it's 1-0) and for teams I've rooted for the record is 6-2. Good times abound!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Retro Feeling: Seventh Royals Game in 2010 in Review
Yesterday I went to my seventh Royals game of the year. It was the first one in nearly two months (last one I went to was early June). Worked out to get cheap tickets and was in the city so away I went. It was free hat giveaway, they gave away a Kansas City Monarchs hat, in honor of Negro Leagues Celebration they do every year. The Royals were facing the Baltimore Orioles and both teams wore Negro League jerseys.
The game was a quick one (a little over two hours) and Zack Grienke got the win. The highlight was the 2 run homer by Billy Butler in the bottom of the 8th to allow the Royals to take the lead.
One other thing that stood out was the amount of people that walked up and down the aisles during the innings. In Seattle, the ushers in the lower levels wouldn't allow people to go while an at-bat was going on. In KC, they allow it. It gets kind of annoying when people are walking up and down and blocking the view of the game. My friend Kyle and I started joking about it after awhile and added that to the list of things he's going to teach on when he does his Baseball 101 class someday.
Overall the Royals are 3-4 in games I've been to, (all three games they've won I wore my Billy Butler jersey) and for teams I've rooted for the record is 5-2. I'm hoping to make it to a few more games before the season is done but we'll see.
The game was a quick one (a little over two hours) and Zack Grienke got the win. The highlight was the 2 run homer by Billy Butler in the bottom of the 8th to allow the Royals to take the lead.
One other thing that stood out was the amount of people that walked up and down the aisles during the innings. In Seattle, the ushers in the lower levels wouldn't allow people to go while an at-bat was going on. In KC, they allow it. It gets kind of annoying when people are walking up and down and blocking the view of the game. My friend Kyle and I started joking about it after awhile and added that to the list of things he's going to teach on when he does his Baseball 101 class someday.
Overall the Royals are 3-4 in games I've been to, (all three games they've won I wore my Billy Butler jersey) and for teams I've rooted for the record is 5-2. I'm hoping to make it to a few more games before the season is done but we'll see.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Free Tickets and Bobbleheads: Sixth Royals Game in 2010 in Review
Yesterday, I went to my sixth Royals game of the year and the second one this week. This time, I got a free ticket to the game. My friend Kyle got the tickets from someone at the church where he serves as a youth pastor. So of course, I couldn't turn down free tickets to a Royals game. It also was a free bobblehead night as they were giving away a bobblehead of their former SP and 2 time Cy Young award winner Bret Saberhagen.
The tickets were in the Dugout Plaza which means they were really good seats. They were the closest to home plate I've ever sat at a ball game. So I got a really good view of the action. The other cool thing was it just so happened the section that we were sitting in had several of the players' wives and family. That was pretty cool.
The game itself was a pitcher's duel. The matchup was between Luke Hocheaver and Justin Verlander. Through 6 innings the score was 1-0. The game ended with a 4-2 Tigers win.
The Royals record in games I've been to this year now stands at 2-4 and for the teams I've rooted for 4-2.
The tickets were in the Dugout Plaza which means they were really good seats. They were the closest to home plate I've ever sat at a ball game. So I got a really good view of the action. The other cool thing was it just so happened the section that we were sitting in had several of the players' wives and family. That was pretty cool.
The game itself was a pitcher's duel. The matchup was between Luke Hocheaver and Justin Verlander. Through 6 innings the score was 1-0. The game ended with a 4-2 Tigers win.
The Royals record in games I've been to this year now stands at 2-4 and for the teams I've rooted for 4-2.
Friday, June 4, 2010
T-Shirt Tuesday: Fifth Royals Game of 2010 in Review
Finally, here's the review of the fifth Royals game of the year. I and the usual crew (Kyle and Lane) hit the ballpark for T-Shirt Tuesday. They were giving away 25th anniversary shirts of the 1985 championship. We got the usual E-Savers ticket deal so it was cheap tickets FTW (for the win). They were Field Plaza (aka lower level) in the same section a few rows away from where we sat when the Royals played the Mariners.
This time the Royals took on the Anaheim (I refuse to call them LA) Angels. It was a really quick game (just a shade over 2 hours). It saw the first time a replay was used in a game I was at (Matsui hit a ball that was ruled a ground rule double but they had to check to make sure it wasn't a home run, replay upheld the ruling). The Royals came back from being down 2-1 and ended up winning the game 6-3. We even got a free Sonic slush because Jose Guillen hit a home run in the Sonic Slam section in the 8th inning.
In keeping with the wearing the Billy Butler jersey, the Royals are 2-0 in those games. Overall, they are 2-3 in games I've been to. The record for teams I've rooted for is 4-1. Hopefully, they'll continue on an uptick and get closer to .500 by the All-Star break
This time the Royals took on the Anaheim (I refuse to call them LA) Angels. It was a really quick game (just a shade over 2 hours). It saw the first time a replay was used in a game I was at (Matsui hit a ball that was ruled a ground rule double but they had to check to make sure it wasn't a home run, replay upheld the ruling). The Royals came back from being down 2-1 and ended up winning the game 6-3. We even got a free Sonic slush because Jose Guillen hit a home run in the Sonic Slam section in the 8th inning.
In keeping with the wearing the Billy Butler jersey, the Royals are 2-0 in those games. Overall, they are 2-3 in games I've been to. The record for teams I've rooted for is 4-1. Hopefully, they'll continue on an uptick and get closer to .500 by the All-Star break
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Start of a New Era: Fourth Royals Game in 2010 in Review
Yesterday I took in my fourth Royals game of 2010. It was an interesting game to say the least as the Royals took on division rivals the Chicago White Sox. It was the first game for new manager Ned Yost after Trey Hillman was fired on Thursday. Before I go further, I want to say this. I think Trey Hillman is a great guy, I've met him in person and heard him speak. He's a faithful follower of Jesus and I still think he's a good manager. He just didn't get the best situation with having enough talent to compete with his style. I really hope he finds another chance to manage in the big leagues and with a team with the talent to compete.
With a new manager there some new hope. I will say this for about 4 1/3 innings I was pulling for Mark Buehrle because he was pitching a perfect game, then after that was given up I was back to pulling for the Royals. I was there with a group from seminary up in the "cheap seats". One thing you can be sure, if it's a group outing, chances are you're sitting in the "cheap seats". There's really not any bad seats at Kauffman so that's fine. You just have absolutely no chance at a foul ball. I did come close to having a home run ball during batting practice. Kyle, Lane, Andrew and I walked out to the Party Porch while the Sox were taking BP. Just as we get to a spot, the batter hits the ball. Kyle and I are looking at the outfielder who turns his head to look in our direction. It was like "Oh no" as we can't track the ball and all of a sudden there's a "thump" right over our heads, then it bounces down and to the right of where we are. A teenager ended up with the ball. If we had been there probably a minute before, we could've tracked the ball and ended up with it.
The game itself ended up with a win. They scored 5 runs in the 7th inning and batted around the order to get the victory 6-1. It was the first win of the year for the Royals in games I've been to (which means they're 1-3). Though for teams I'm rooting for, I'm 3-1 (I did root for the Mariners in 2 games). I was wearing my Billy Butler powder blue jersey which in the past two years has a winning record for the Royals.
After the game, it was Fireworks Friday so there was a fireworks display that lasted about 10 minutes or so. Overall, great time and a good victory and hopefully the start of something good for the team.
With a new manager there some new hope. I will say this for about 4 1/3 innings I was pulling for Mark Buehrle because he was pitching a perfect game, then after that was given up I was back to pulling for the Royals. I was there with a group from seminary up in the "cheap seats". One thing you can be sure, if it's a group outing, chances are you're sitting in the "cheap seats". There's really not any bad seats at Kauffman so that's fine. You just have absolutely no chance at a foul ball. I did come close to having a home run ball during batting practice. Kyle, Lane, Andrew and I walked out to the Party Porch while the Sox were taking BP. Just as we get to a spot, the batter hits the ball. Kyle and I are looking at the outfielder who turns his head to look in our direction. It was like "Oh no" as we can't track the ball and all of a sudden there's a "thump" right over our heads, then it bounces down and to the right of where we are. A teenager ended up with the ball. If we had been there probably a minute before, we could've tracked the ball and ended up with it.
The game itself ended up with a win. They scored 5 runs in the 7th inning and batted around the order to get the victory 6-1. It was the first win of the year for the Royals in games I've been to (which means they're 1-3). Though for teams I'm rooting for, I'm 3-1 (I did root for the Mariners in 2 games). I was wearing my Billy Butler powder blue jersey which in the past two years has a winning record for the Royals.
After the game, it was Fireworks Friday so there was a fireworks display that lasted about 10 minutes or so. Overall, great time and a good victory and hopefully the start of something good for the team.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Running Journal for Royals Chapel 3.0
Last Tuesday, Midwestern Seminary hosted it's third (I guess you can say at this point annual) Royals Chapel. This year it was just Trey Hillman, manager of the Royals who was involved as GM Dayton Moore was unable to come due to a scheduling conflict. It was a similar format as in previous years where Dr. Roberts, the president of the seminary, asked Trey questions and did it in a dialogue format.
It started out with a funny quip as Dr. Roberts told Trey that it he was back in the hot seat of Midwestern Seminary to which Trey replied that the seat at the "K" is hot too.
Dr. Roberts asked Trey to give a quick testimony of his background for those who hadn't been to previous chapels. Trey briefly shared his testimony and also shared some new stories. One was that he grew up in a Church of Christ church down in Texas and one time when he was a youth on a Wednesday night he was over at the Baptist church leading worship with his guitar and that his parents, when asked where Trey was by those in the congregation of the Church of Christ church, told them that he was leading worship at the Baptist church. That got a pretty good laugh out of everyone there.
He mentioned that he and his family attend a Baptist church in Liberty Hills, TX where his home is (and where he lives during the offseason). He mentioned how as time went on, he felt more at home in a Baptist church and so that's why he worships at the church he's at now.
Trey then talked about one thing that has been on his heart the last ten years is that he has asked God that he be less judgmental. He mentioned how it's our job as Christians to love people and that he's trying to do a better job of that.
When talking about his job as a manager, he mentioned how he's heard words put together with his name that he couldn't even fathom.
He then talked about his time in Japan as a manager and how he was able to do a lot of mission work with the missionaries there and the great opportunities that came about from that. He said that wherever God puts him, he plans to honor God and be bold in his witness.
He acknowledged he felt the prayers of everyone from the seminary and that he couldn't wait to come back to campus to thank everyone for them.
Dr. Roberts then asked him what his typical day was like. Trey mentioned that he's there at the ballpark 12-15 hours a day. Before he discussed his routine, he said that it's important to surround yourself with people not only who encourage and support you but who you can encourage and support as well. He said that there are 2 types of people, energy givers and energy suckers and he wants to be around energy givers and more importantly around people encouraging with the Holy Spirit.
He then got into the day in the life of a MLB manager. He said he gets to the ballpark and does about 3 to 5 miles on the treadmill. He works out early in order to work out stress. He then spends about 45 minutes to an hour for video review. The early work for the players on a typical day starts at 3:00 and official stretch time starts at 4:15. He said that a lot of it is essentially "hurry up and wait". He will do two press conferences a day. The first one is prior to batting practice while the second one is 8-10 minutes after the game. He said they as managers are required by MLB to be available for those two press conferences. He then talked about meetings with players and he said usually he doesn't meat with the team as a whole prior to a game. It will usually be either with the pitchers or with the position players. He said it could be anywhere from 3 to 7 meetings a day and that "you don't really know what your day is going to be like".
When asked about using Twitter, Trey said that he's not a "twister" or "tweeter" but that he does text. He then mentioned one piece of advice he gives to this 16 and 13 year old kids "Don't text anything that you can't say to someone's face".
He then talked about this new technology he found out about recently. One of his coaches or scouts (don't remember off hand) came into his office and gave him this notebook. In it it had tracked a pitcher's arm slot release. It was color coated and had it from 2008, 2009 and this year. He said he was shocked about all that was involved in it.
Trey then talked about how he likes to have conversations over confrontations and that given how everyone is watching him, in order to speak to a player he has to go 20 feet into a tunnel. Case in point, two years ago during a game he made a joke with the pitching coach Bob McClure and then later took some time to encourage SP Gil Meche as he was coming out of the game. Trey was later accused of picking a fight with the pitching coach and punking out his pitcher. He said that his wife told him that he needs to smile more and that would help some with that.
He mentioned how part of his job is to help with players' "ego management system". He also said that he wants to be confident but not perceived as arrogant and understands there's a fine line there.
He shared a story about while he was working in the Yankees organization he ran the fantasy camp that they held. One time he was with Bobby Richardson and he told the story about Mickey Mantle came to knew the Lord while he was in the hospital just before he died.
Dr. Roberts then asked him some baseball questions (and he couldn't respond with the answer Royals or any Royals players) and here was his responses:
Best pitcher: Tim Lincecum (Giants)
Best hitter: Joe Mauer (Twins)
Best athlete: Adam Jones (Orioles)
Best reliever: Mariano Rivera (Yankees) (he also shared briefly that while Trey was with the Yankees organization he got to know Rivera personally and talked about how Rivera loves the Lord and is a strong Christian)
World Series: Yankees vs. Giants
Dr. Roberts then asked Trey how to better pray for him. Trey mentioned how he was humbled and truly appreciated the prayers. He said that he would ask them to pray for wisdom, how to be best used in the platform God has given him, patience, and prayer for the families of players and coaches. He then said that he prays for the campus and very much appreciates the seminary having him come and speak.
I've found these chapels to be a blessing and I'm glad that the seminary has done them and I hope that it something that will truly be an annual event.
It started out with a funny quip as Dr. Roberts told Trey that it he was back in the hot seat of Midwestern Seminary to which Trey replied that the seat at the "K" is hot too.
Dr. Roberts asked Trey to give a quick testimony of his background for those who hadn't been to previous chapels. Trey briefly shared his testimony and also shared some new stories. One was that he grew up in a Church of Christ church down in Texas and one time when he was a youth on a Wednesday night he was over at the Baptist church leading worship with his guitar and that his parents, when asked where Trey was by those in the congregation of the Church of Christ church, told them that he was leading worship at the Baptist church. That got a pretty good laugh out of everyone there.
He mentioned that he and his family attend a Baptist church in Liberty Hills, TX where his home is (and where he lives during the offseason). He mentioned how as time went on, he felt more at home in a Baptist church and so that's why he worships at the church he's at now.
Trey then talked about one thing that has been on his heart the last ten years is that he has asked God that he be less judgmental. He mentioned how it's our job as Christians to love people and that he's trying to do a better job of that.
When talking about his job as a manager, he mentioned how he's heard words put together with his name that he couldn't even fathom.
He then talked about his time in Japan as a manager and how he was able to do a lot of mission work with the missionaries there and the great opportunities that came about from that. He said that wherever God puts him, he plans to honor God and be bold in his witness.
He acknowledged he felt the prayers of everyone from the seminary and that he couldn't wait to come back to campus to thank everyone for them.
Dr. Roberts then asked him what his typical day was like. Trey mentioned that he's there at the ballpark 12-15 hours a day. Before he discussed his routine, he said that it's important to surround yourself with people not only who encourage and support you but who you can encourage and support as well. He said that there are 2 types of people, energy givers and energy suckers and he wants to be around energy givers and more importantly around people encouraging with the Holy Spirit.
He then got into the day in the life of a MLB manager. He said he gets to the ballpark and does about 3 to 5 miles on the treadmill. He works out early in order to work out stress. He then spends about 45 minutes to an hour for video review. The early work for the players on a typical day starts at 3:00 and official stretch time starts at 4:15. He said that a lot of it is essentially "hurry up and wait". He will do two press conferences a day. The first one is prior to batting practice while the second one is 8-10 minutes after the game. He said they as managers are required by MLB to be available for those two press conferences. He then talked about meetings with players and he said usually he doesn't meat with the team as a whole prior to a game. It will usually be either with the pitchers or with the position players. He said it could be anywhere from 3 to 7 meetings a day and that "you don't really know what your day is going to be like".
When asked about using Twitter, Trey said that he's not a "twister" or "tweeter" but that he does text. He then mentioned one piece of advice he gives to this 16 and 13 year old kids "Don't text anything that you can't say to someone's face".
He then talked about this new technology he found out about recently. One of his coaches or scouts (don't remember off hand) came into his office and gave him this notebook. In it it had tracked a pitcher's arm slot release. It was color coated and had it from 2008, 2009 and this year. He said he was shocked about all that was involved in it.
Trey then talked about how he likes to have conversations over confrontations and that given how everyone is watching him, in order to speak to a player he has to go 20 feet into a tunnel. Case in point, two years ago during a game he made a joke with the pitching coach Bob McClure and then later took some time to encourage SP Gil Meche as he was coming out of the game. Trey was later accused of picking a fight with the pitching coach and punking out his pitcher. He said that his wife told him that he needs to smile more and that would help some with that.
He mentioned how part of his job is to help with players' "ego management system". He also said that he wants to be confident but not perceived as arrogant and understands there's a fine line there.
He shared a story about while he was working in the Yankees organization he ran the fantasy camp that they held. One time he was with Bobby Richardson and he told the story about Mickey Mantle came to knew the Lord while he was in the hospital just before he died.
Dr. Roberts then asked him some baseball questions (and he couldn't respond with the answer Royals or any Royals players) and here was his responses:
Best pitcher: Tim Lincecum (Giants)
Best hitter: Joe Mauer (Twins)
Best athlete: Adam Jones (Orioles)
Best reliever: Mariano Rivera (Yankees) (he also shared briefly that while Trey was with the Yankees organization he got to know Rivera personally and talked about how Rivera loves the Lord and is a strong Christian)
World Series: Yankees vs. Giants
Dr. Roberts then asked Trey how to better pray for him. Trey mentioned how he was humbled and truly appreciated the prayers. He said that he would ask them to pray for wisdom, how to be best used in the platform God has given him, patience, and prayer for the families of players and coaches. He then said that he prays for the campus and very much appreciates the seminary having him come and speak.
I've found these chapels to be a blessing and I'm glad that the seminary has done them and I hope that it something that will truly be an annual event.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Mariners vs. Royals---Day 2: Third Royals Game in 2010
Yesterday (Wednesday) I went to my third Royals game of the year, second game verses the Mariners. This game was a day game and as I don't have classes on Wednesdays, I didn't skip anything. For this game, my friend Lane and I took advantage of a deal where it was "All You Can Eat Seats". They are in the Loge section (kinda inbetween the lower level and the upper deck) and on certain Wednesdays this section you can get all you can eat hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, and drinks from the time gates open until the 7th inning and really the cost is the same for the tickets if you didn't have that so it's a pretty good deal.
Of course along with the excitement of that, there was the game. I was of course wearing my Griffey jersey again and cheering on the Mariners. This game was interesting as it was more scoring. It was 5-1 Seattle into the 6th inning before the Royals came roaring back to tie it up. Then the M's took the lead again getting to the Royals bullpen and ended up winning the game 6-5. Along with that, I got to see the #1 Web Gem on Baseball Tonight (the Jack Wilson snag and jump throw to get Kendall out).
After 3 games I've attended, the Royals are 0-3. However, in 2 games I've attended the Mariners are 2-0. I'm hoping that the next game I go to the Royals win. I'm also hoping to go to St. Louis in June and catch the M's play the Cards in interleague play.
Of course along with the excitement of that, there was the game. I was of course wearing my Griffey jersey again and cheering on the Mariners. This game was interesting as it was more scoring. It was 5-1 Seattle into the 6th inning before the Royals came roaring back to tie it up. Then the M's took the lead again getting to the Royals bullpen and ended up winning the game 6-5. Along with that, I got to see the #1 Web Gem on Baseball Tonight (the Jack Wilson snag and jump throw to get Kendall out).
After 3 games I've attended, the Royals are 0-3. However, in 2 games I've attended the Mariners are 2-0. I'm hoping that the next game I go to the Royals win. I'm also hoping to go to St. Louis in June and catch the M's play the Cards in interleague play.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Dueling Pitchers: First Royals Game of 2010....in Review
It's the time of the year where spring is in the air and baseball teams are on the field. Yup, it's baseball season and with that comes going out to the ballpark and yesterday was the first opportunity of the year for that. I almost went the entire first homestand of the Royals without going but I ended up going because A) it was the Red Sox they were playing, B) it was a pitching matchup between Josh Beckett and Zack Grienke and C) it was free jersey night.
The weather was absolutely beautiful. The temp at first pitch was around 70 degrees which is probably 30 degrees more than it has been the last two first games I've been too in the previous two years. It felt like a late May day and definitely no complaining. Normally I'm wearing layers and trying to stay warm whereas this time around it was this time around wearing short sleeves and shorts.
At the game was me, my friend Kyle and a friend of his from class. The seats were in the outfield, out in left field, to the left of the Red Sox bullpen. It was a good game....unfortunately for the Royals...the Red Sox won 8-3. Some highlights:
*It was a pitcher's duel for probably about 5 innings. Beckett was pretty much on for most of the game. Grienke wasn't as much but held on a lead until giving up some runs. Beckett ended up winning the game and is still undefeated against the Royals.
*It was the first Red Sox game I had been to since 2008. That game I also saw Josh Beckett start and win the game.
*Sitting out by the fountains, you can't hear as well as normally can around the stadium...which is kind of to be expected.
*The fans in the outfield are a lot more rowdy than they are in other parts of the stadium. I learned this some last year at the first game of the year and it was confirmed again. There was some drunk guys who were yelling out at Rick Ankiel (the new CF) when he would make plays like "You're awesome Rick!" and stuff like that. It was almost like reverse heckling. Of course there was some regular heckling of Red Sox players and Red Sox fans. I was glad I went with the Royals gear and not with the Red Sox gear.
*There was also an "incident" that happened during the game. There was one drunk guy who sat below us who kept getting up and leaving every so often (mainly because the vendors didn't walk through the outfield as much as other areas so to get beer one had to get up and get it). I can't remember it it was in the fifth or sixth inning but I was looking out towards right field and all of a sudden I feel somebody just come crashing down on me. It startled me more than anything. When I turn around, I see it's this drunk guy from below us. He was trying to step down on the seat to try and get to his seat but he stumbled over the rail and fell onto me. He was all like "I'm sorry dude. Are you alright dude?" I answered I was fine, I was shocked more than anything. I felt bad for the guy as he was wasted. He ended up finally making it to his seat but then about an inning later he was gone again and never came back.
The Royals are now 0-1 in games I've been to this year. Hopefully, they'll win the next time I go and see them.
The weather was absolutely beautiful. The temp at first pitch was around 70 degrees which is probably 30 degrees more than it has been the last two first games I've been too in the previous two years. It felt like a late May day and definitely no complaining. Normally I'm wearing layers and trying to stay warm whereas this time around it was this time around wearing short sleeves and shorts.
At the game was me, my friend Kyle and a friend of his from class. The seats were in the outfield, out in left field, to the left of the Red Sox bullpen. It was a good game....unfortunately for the Royals...the Red Sox won 8-3. Some highlights:
*It was a pitcher's duel for probably about 5 innings. Beckett was pretty much on for most of the game. Grienke wasn't as much but held on a lead until giving up some runs. Beckett ended up winning the game and is still undefeated against the Royals.
*It was the first Red Sox game I had been to since 2008. That game I also saw Josh Beckett start and win the game.
*Sitting out by the fountains, you can't hear as well as normally can around the stadium...which is kind of to be expected.
*The fans in the outfield are a lot more rowdy than they are in other parts of the stadium. I learned this some last year at the first game of the year and it was confirmed again. There was some drunk guys who were yelling out at Rick Ankiel (the new CF) when he would make plays like "You're awesome Rick!" and stuff like that. It was almost like reverse heckling. Of course there was some regular heckling of Red Sox players and Red Sox fans. I was glad I went with the Royals gear and not with the Red Sox gear.
*There was also an "incident" that happened during the game. There was one drunk guy who sat below us who kept getting up and leaving every so often (mainly because the vendors didn't walk through the outfield as much as other areas so to get beer one had to get up and get it). I can't remember it it was in the fifth or sixth inning but I was looking out towards right field and all of a sudden I feel somebody just come crashing down on me. It startled me more than anything. When I turn around, I see it's this drunk guy from below us. He was trying to step down on the seat to try and get to his seat but he stumbled over the rail and fell onto me. He was all like "I'm sorry dude. Are you alright dude?" I answered I was fine, I was shocked more than anything. I felt bad for the guy as he was wasted. He ended up finally making it to his seat but then about an inning later he was gone again and never came back.
The Royals are now 0-1 in games I've been to this year. Hopefully, they'll win the next time I go and see them.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fan Appreciation Night...Ninth Royals Game of 2009 in Review
Last Saturday, I went to my ninth Royals game of the 2009 season. It was also Fan Appreciation Night along with a giveaway involving a George Brett figurine. Aside from getting the figurine and a tentative calender for next season, that was it. I didn't win any of the giveaways nor the scratchoff for the jerseys off the players backs. That was a bummer.
As far as the game itself, there were two highlights. First was the back to back homers by Alberto Callaspo and Branyan Pena. The second was seeing Billy Butler getting his 50th double. With that, he became one of five players to post a 20 homer, 50 double season before the age of 24 (joining Hank Greenberg, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera).
Aside from that, the game wasn't so good. The Twins (whom the Royals were facing) ended up scoring 11 runs and won the game 11-6.
The Royals ended the year 5-4 in games that I attended. Overall, not bad, it is a winning record. Hopefully, they will have a better year next year.
As far as the game itself, there were two highlights. First was the back to back homers by Alberto Callaspo and Branyan Pena. The second was seeing Billy Butler getting his 50th double. With that, he became one of five players to post a 20 homer, 50 double season before the age of 24 (joining Hank Greenberg, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera).
Aside from that, the game wasn't so good. The Twins (whom the Royals were facing) ended up scoring 11 runs and won the game 11-6.
The Royals ended the year 5-4 in games that I attended. Overall, not bad, it is a winning record. Hopefully, they will have a better year next year.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Record Breaking Night...Eighth Royals Game in Review
Yesterday, I took in my eighth Royals game in review. It was also the fourth time seeing the Royals vs. the Cleveland Indians and the third time seeing Zack Grienke match up against the Indians (the fourth time seeing him pitch was against the A's). It was also T-Shirt Tuesday which meant a free t-shirt as well :)
Anytime Zack takes the mound, it is the chance to see something special and last night was no exception. He ended up breaking the team record for strikeouts in a game with 15 through 8 innings.
The team helped out by scoring 6 runs and ended up winning the game 6-2. The Royals are now 5-3 in games I've attended this season. Given how that looks compared to the record when I don't attend, they might think about giving me free season tickets or something :)
Anytime Zack takes the mound, it is the chance to see something special and last night was no exception. He ended up breaking the team record for strikeouts in a game with 15 through 8 innings.
The team helped out by scoring 6 runs and ended up winning the game 6-2. The Royals are now 5-3 in games I've attended this season. Given how that looks compared to the record when I don't attend, they might think about giving me free season tickets or something :)
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