"The crumpled up notes of my life."
If you’ve ever watched ESPN, there is a good chance you’ve seen Baseball Tonight. And if you’ve ever seen Baseball Tonight, you’ve probably seen Karl Ravech, who has been the host for the past 17 years. I had a chance to interview him over at Frisco Fastball, the San Francisco Giants blog I write for, and I think it went pretty well. I’d definitely encourage you to check it out if you even have the slightest interest in baseball (and heck, even if you don’t).
Update 11-01-10: Obviously, I stand corrected. The Giants got it together and made me happy to admit that I was wrong. Amazing how quickly the outlook can change.
The San Francisco Giants started off the season pretty hot. They gave us fans hope that we had over come the hitting struggles of last year. They got our hopes up for a playoff berth in 2010.
Then they crushed us.
They reverted back to the San Francisco Giants of last season–perhaps worse. Don’t get me wrong. I still love the Giants. I still have hope. But I have this sinking feeling it will end much the same as least season–so close, but not quiet close enough. Upon looking at the 2010 All-Star Game roster for both the AL and NL, I think I’ve figured out our problem. We need All-Stars. Not former All-Stars like Freddy Sanchez. Not future All-Stars like Buster Posey. Current All-Star players.
But wait? Don’t the Giants have two All-Stars this year? Yes, and they are both pitchers. Everyone in baseball knows pitching isn’t the Giants problem, hitting is. Besides, Tim Lincecum, as much as I love him, wasn’t maybe quiet up to All-Star par this season, at least so far. And Brian Wilson? Well, he’s not called the “Cardiac Kid” for nothing. He’s a tough pitcher, but he’s sure tough on Giants fans too.
There was write-in campaigns for Juan Uribe and Aubrey Huff, both who have been hot this season. But that’s just the thing. They’re not obvious candidates. They’re after-thoughts to the All-Star selection. They may not be after-thoughts to Giants fans. I love them both. But when they are the best hitters on our team in “must have a hit” situations, that is a problem. I think Huff should have been on the roster. I hope he keeps playing like he has been and if he does, he will be an All-Star next year. But that’s next year and we have to hope San Francisco can keep him. [Read more...]
I’m currently planning my trip to some of the best places for baseball fans on the earth. Boston and Cooperstown. Fenway Park and the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Green Monster and the very best baseball players who have ever lived.
Ever since I had this dream way back in July of 2007 of visiting all the ball parks over the next few years I’ve knocked out 11 stadiums. 11 isn’t a bad number, except that I visited all 11 in 2008. Last year I decided to go to Spring Training in the Phoenix area for the first time. I also went this year, as it is likely to be a yearly event now. The point is that I’ve lagged off after that first year of excitement.
So this year I resolved to go to at least one new ball park. Since it’s higher on my priority list than say, Kansas City, I decided this was the year for Boston. I also decided since Cooperstown is relatively close, I should go there was well. If you don’t know what Cooperstown is, it is the home to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Of course, I’m doing some other touristy stuff while I’m there like sight-seeing Boston, spending a couple of nights in Hyannis Port, MA, and catching up with some friends.
However, let’s be honest: This trip is about baseball. And September is the most exciting month for baseball.
Google Maps
Someday I’ll get there. 18 more to go after this year!
Kentucky native living on the beach in California. Christian, youth worker, computer geek, baseball fan, college basketball lover. I heart WordPress, Chrome, Coca-Cola, Gmail and some guy named Alex.
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