The "True" meaning of the word "fan"...

Hello again readers I started thinking of this "title" for some weeks and came up with this post I hope you enjoy it. SO without any delay...

The word fan such a strong word, an interesting word. NAY it is the most IMPORTANT word any baseball lover goes by best, and I should know I grew up a "fan" of Jeff Bagwell & Craig Biggio. So this is what I have been thinking of for the past couple of weeks. So let us really begin.

"Baseball fan? YOU?" To some people this term may seem offensive. To some this term may seem unbelievable at times. But to me this term is something I lived by for nearly 2o years.

"Me? A fan? NO I AM THE FAN!" ....

Fans don't watch 1 team for nearly 20 years and cry when a double play in 1995 destroys this teams chances. Fans don't cry when they hear that their fave player of all time dies in his sleep because of a heart attack. Fans don't cry when 1 of their fave players is let go because the team they play for wants a different player. Fans don't go through the SAME crap year after year season after season ONLY to see their team LOSE YET again & not get into the Playoffs. Fans don't go to a VERY nearly empty Astrodome to see their heroes play the game they LOVE the most. Fans don't cry when their team FINALLY makes it to the World Series. Fans don't throw in the towel when their heart is broken. Fans don't cry when their team gets SWEPT out of the 1st World Series they ever played in, and fans DON'T cry when their fave players say "I had a great run, and I am done." .

NO FANS DON'T DO ANY OF THESE THINGS! A FANATIC does, and that is what I am. I am a baseball fanatic. I cried to everything I posted. I WAS an Astros "fanatic" and yes I DID 1 thing I posted a "fan" doesn't do. I threw in the towel. I had to quit for many reasons, but the main ones are 5 & 7 left and I really had no loyalties to the 'Stros anymore. Yes there will ALWAYS be 'Stros I cheer for and yes they will ALWAYS be my Hometown team, but DON'T YOU DARE SAY I AM NOT A FAN BECAUSE I QUIT! I AM A FAN just in a whole new way and NO not in the "typical" Astros fan way of "Oh the 'Stros are doing good so we have to support them, but GOD forbid they get bad cause then we are THROUGH!" SO forgive me if I am sick of my heart breaking. Forgive me for not wanting to put up with the same crap year after year. Day after day. Night after night. Season after season. I am just sick of it! & now you know what the "TRUE" meaning of fan really is! Until next time. Peace. Love. Baseball!

"YOU PLAY BALL LIKE A GIRL! WHAT DID YOU SAY? YOU HEARD ME!..."

Hello again readers. I know you are looking at the title with a puzzled look on your face & you have good reason to have that look on your face, but I too have a good reason to have it titled the way I do so just bear with me. (and yes it is a line from an AWESOME baseball movie)

I am writing this blog as a fan of the game and a Yankees HATER, so if your a Yankee fan, you can either read this post, or just go away. Which ever you choose is ok with me. SO before I start I have a joke for ya, here I go...

There was a 2nd grade teacher in NY who was talking to her students about the up and coming season, and said "Students I want you all to know I AM A YANKEES FAN! If you are Yankees fans too raise your hand!" So all but one little girl did. The teacher seeing the little girl walked over to her and said "Little Sarah, why did you not raise your hand?" The little girl smiled and said "because I AM NOT A YANKEES FAN!" The teacher now annoyed and frustrated by the girl says "Well then WHOM are you a fan of?" The girl again smiles and says "I AM A RED SOX fan!" The teacher now very upset says "WELL LITTLE SARAH WHY ARE YOU A RED SUX FAN?" the little girl rolls her eyes and smiles "Well my mom was a SOX fan my dad was a SOX fan everyone in my family are SOX's fans so I am one as well!" The teacher now very annoyed and angry says "Well you dont have to do EVERYTHING your parents do! What if your mom was a moron or your dad was a moron, then what would you be?" The little girl paused and smiled before she answered "Then Ms Brooks I WOULD BE A YANKEES FAN!"

Now that you know the joke and know I am a Sox of Red fan, I start my post.

"YOU PLAY BALL LIKE A GIRL! WHAT DID YOU SAY? YOU HEARD ME!..."

This is the saying I feel EVERYTIME I see the SKANKEES play MY beloved Sox. Here are some very important reasons of why. But before I do I want to inform you readers that I am a Yankees hater because of the Red Sox selling Ruth, no my reason is deeper then a 1 player mistake. Here are my reasons.

The 1st reason is the Yankees have the highest payroll in baseball, with a player on the payroll who happens to be in my opinion a waste of baseball playing talent.

The 2nd reason is these "high-class" players have NO class.

The 3rd is the fans, the rude class-less fans.

Now the 4th and final reason is because well "THEY PLAY LIKE A BUNCH OF GIRLS!"

Now I know that may sound harsh but seriously think about it. The Yankees have the highest payroll in baseball, these guys are suppose to be the VERY BEST. Yet they act like they are better then everyone else. Now I know I said they were "suppose to be the VERY BEST." but that does not mean you go around acting better then everyone. That means you have to play with your heart, your soul and for the true love of the game.

The 2nd thing is they are suppose to be "high-class" players. Yet as I stated they have no class and I say this as a fan of the game, the ONLY Yankee that has class is Jeter, he is it and one player does not count as being a "classy" team.

The 3rd is that their fans are as classy as a bunch of sour grapes. That alone should be enough of a reason for number 3.

The final the girly comment. Seriously these guys are a bunch of "L-7 weeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii's!"
I mean to be completely honest these guys are so overpaid that if they get a paper cut on a finger they get to whine and cry to the Manager and say stuff like "OH I CANT PLAY, I HURT MY FINGER! IT IS SO BAD I THINK I AM GONNA NEED TO HAVE IT FIXED!" seriously grow up you wussies. Your job is to play baseball and you cant even do that? What the heck is wrong with you? You jerks need to get a serious and brazing reality check. Get off your VERY lazy over paid butts and go play baseball. Now that, that is settled and you know why I titled it what I did go watch "the Sandlot" and when you do remember all the Yankees REALLY do play like a bunch of girls! Until next time Peace. Love. Baseball!

"Long ball or Small ball"?....

The GREAT debate begins...


Hello again all, and welcome to yet another interesting 'blog title". Ok so now that the welcome is over with let us begin the GREATEST baseball debate, in baseball debates.

Now I know some people enjoy the Long ball and others enjoy the small ball, but let us talk baseball not just any baseball but the long and small ball of the game.

So which is better? Long or small? Why is it better? For who is it better? All questions will be answered but first think about all the questions.

Lets start with the 1st question. Which is better, long or small ball? Well to answer that question lets take a walk down memory lane.

In the 60's and 70's during the "Big Red Machine" era the Reds had a player that was the BEST at whatever position he played. Whether or not he was catching or playing in the Outfield. He was the GREATEST. Now he was a catcher by trade but could play any position given to him, and he played it with heart, soul and passion for the game. Who is the player I speak of well none other than Johnny Lee Bench. (Pictured in the right)

Now why did I bring up Johnny Bench or Hands to his teammates? Because in my opinion this is when the GREAT debate first became a debate. Now I know that might seem silly but think about it. Johnny was an AMAZING player with a GOD given talent. He played the game he loved with all he had.

Now that brings up the 1st question again. Which is better long or small ball?; and here is my answer. Neither really is better or worse, because they both have a MAJOR part of the game. Johnny was and is in my opinion the player that started not only this debate but so many others. Could he really gun out EVERY player that ran against him? Answer you bet your baseball loving bum he could! Why? Because of his GOD given talent.

Now for question number 2 Why is it (either long or small ball) better? Ok now this 1 question really got me. Why is it better? Here is my answer. Both are elements that make a good game a good game right? Yes, but why? Now picture this your team (whoever it may be) is down 5 runs in the bottom half of the 7th to the team you HATE the most, The best pitcher for your rival is on the mound and your teams best hitter comes to bat. There are 2 on and 1 out. Your batter has a 3-0 count, he is either given the chance to walk or swing away. 1st strike comes and it is a Fastball right down the middle of the plate. He swings he misses, oh no! What is your team going to do now? Well your teams manager calls for him to swing again, this time it is a foul ball, OH CRAP your teams best hitter has a count of 3-2 now, he either has the option of walking or he strikes out. Now hang on a min. His best pitch to hit is coming and HOLY COW he goes deep! Your team is now only 2 runs away from tying up the game. Next 2 batters pop out and strike out, but you have yourself a ballgame.

Now the bottom of the 8th is where you are starting to get nervous, you are shaking your head, biting your nails and TRYING to work a rally cap. But you know that the bottom half of your lineup is coming up and these guys are not that great, but hang on your 7th hitter just got a walk on 4 straight pitches, your 8th hitter got a single and now your pitcher is coming to bat? What the hey? Your pitcher who has struggled not only on the mound all day because he has had to stay out there (due to the fact that your bullpen was completely used in the extra inning game the night before) but he has struggled at the plate all day to going 0-4 with a sac. he is coming to bat, but wait he is squared away in his stance, does he really think that he is...OH WOW! HE JUST HIT A DOUBLE OFF THE 3RD BASE BAG? Now what is your score HOLY COW THE GAME IS TIED? The next guy brings your pitcher home with a double. Your team takes the lead, and ends up winning the game.

Now what is my point? Both the long ball and small ball are VERY important factors in the game. Neither one has a "more important" place in the game, thus neither should be a debate! Now for my final question.

For who is it better? Now this question also gave me a difficult time, but this is the BEST answer I could come up with. It is ONLY better for the fan. I know that may seem like a lame or stupid answer, but think about it.

We the fans are the one that make it better, we are the very people that "debate" whether one is better then the other. Players don't debate, they just play the game. That is their job to play the game. Whether it is a game that has "long ball" or a game that has "small ball" they play the game. Now that, that question or "debate" is over, lets try solving a bigger baseball question! So until next time. Peace. Love. Baseball!

"THERE IS NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!"...Or is there?

Hello again readers, and I know what you are thinking as you see the "title", "yes there is NO crying in baseball." but think about that saying for a while as you continue to read this post.

As you all know I grew up a die-hard Astros fan, when they lost I WAS MAD because I know they could have done better and man I would take those losses to heart, because I felt like I lost as well. When they won I was happy, I felt like I too had won the game! I felt like they won just for me! SO now back to the "title" "There is NO crying in baseball!" Now I know the line may seem true but think about this, and lets take a walk down memory lane.

The past 10 years of baseball (not including this 2010 season) have a winner in the World Series and a loser in the World Series? Right? Yes. Who were the winners and who were the losers how many games were played in the World Series for each team? Why do these questions matter? (I will answer that along with all the others I have asked so please bear with me.)

In the 1999 World Series (I am going back an extra year on purpose) the teams that played were the NY Yankees and the Atlanta Braves. The Yanks won in 4 straight games.

In the 2000 World Series the teams that played were the NY Yankees and the NY Mets. The Yanks won 4 games to 1.

In the 2001 World Series the teams that played were the NY Yankees and the Arizona D-backs. The D-backs won 4 games to 3.

In the 2002 World Series the teams that played were the Angels and the Giants. The Angels won 4 games to 3.

In the 2003 World Series the teams that played were the Florida Marlins and the NY Yankees. The Marlins won 4 games to 2.

In the 2004 World Series the teams that played were the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals. The Red Sox won in 4 straight games

In the 2005 World Series (yes I will write it out all though it is painful) the teams that played were the Chicago White Sox and my beloved Astros. The White Sox won in 4 sraight games.

In the 2006 World Series the teams that played were the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers. The Cardinals won 4 games to 1.

In the 2007 World Series the teams that played were Boston Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies. The Red Sox won in 4 straight games.

In the 2008 World Series the teams that played were the PA Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays. The Phillies won 4 games to 1.

In the 2009 World Series the NY Yankees played the PA Phillies. The NY Yanks won 4 games to 2.

This year, yet to be decided.

Now what is my point? Why did I bring up 10 years of World Series winners and losers? Think about it..."There is NO crying in baseball!" or is there? Yes there IS crying in baseball contrary to Tom Hanks saying there isn't in "A league of their own" I mean think about it EVERY 2 teams that has played in the World Series has a winner and a loser. Now with that EVERY team that has ever lost the World Series has had players that have "cried". Think about it. Have you ever watched the World Series and NOT seen a Big League player cry because he and his team have lost? The answer is NO because THERE IS CRYING IN BASEBALL!

Now why did I bring this up, these painful memories for me and you the fan? Because I wanted to make you think. No matter how many times that line from "A league of their own" is used, it is NOT nor EVER been true. Baseball is a game of emotion, even when players hide those emotions, it still is a game of emotion. Think about that. When you watch a game and a pitcher gives up a Homer, what is the first thing he does? He looks up shakes his head then either cusses the batter out in his glove or without his glove to his face. What is that he is doing? Showing the emotion of anger!

Now what is the emotion this same pitcher shows when that same batter comes to bat when he comes up to bat his next at bat, and the pitcher strikes him out on 3 straight pitches? The emotion of being happy or excited because he struck the batter out, and he pumps his fist in triumph! Yet another emotion! SO what is my point? Baseball has emotion even if that emotion is Sad and a player is seen crying! So keep that quote in mind when baseball season is near the end of the year and the World Series is played!

Now that that is cleared up. I hope you enjoyed reading this, and until next time. Peace. Love. Baseball!

Life, love and the meaning of baseball...

If you have not noticed, I as a "baseball blog writer" I like to write not only about the game but things I remember growing up watching the game. As you all know I grew up an Astros fan cheering on the "Killer B's" but these days I am more of a fan of just the game for many reasons. Reasons I will not nor can I write about on this blog at this time. SO I thought today I would write about "Life, love and the meaning of baseball" I know an odd title for a "baseball blog" but just hang on and keep reading and then take a trip down memory lane with me.

As I wrote about it my previous blog http://back2backe.blogspot.com/2010/04/there-are-more-important-things-in-life.html I met Craig Biggio his 1st Big League game but what I did not share was my story of meeting Jeff Bagwell, so this is where the title "Life, love and the meaning of baseball" come in.

This story has 2 parts, 1 me meeting Bagsy and the 2nd is saying "Goodbye" to Larry Andersen, which is really where the story begins.

As I stated in the my previous blog I was in Larry's arms quite often which really seemed like ALWAYS when I was at the Astrodome, and this really truly starts the story. Alright lets go down memory lane.

August 30, 1990 was a day in my mind that stands out for 2 reasons 1. I HATED it and 2 I LOVED it. Now on this day I did what I liked doing best going to the Dome! I mean I was pumped, I was ready to go at it with my "boy's" but this day was going to be different and it was.

August 30, 1990 started out like any day for my family. Dad was at work about to come home so he could get mom (who was getting a bag ready for me) and me, so that dad, mom and myself could go to the Dome. Dad comes home, mom has my bag packed dad picks me up and off we go, in the mean time a player by the name of Larry Andersen is being told he will no longer be playing in Houston. This player is told he was traded to the Red Sox for a 3rd baseman (now I know what you are thinking "But Bags played 1st." Just hang on and continue to read) who is playing AA ball for the Sox. This player is sad and upset, maybe even hurt with the 'Stros for making this trade because the Sox needed and I do mean NEEDED pitchers, so there was nothing that could be done, except make the trade.

In the mean time of this player being told he is traded my family is driving to the Astrodome, me starting up a "Take me out to the ballgame" daddy was singing along. Back to the player. As he is cleaning out his locker he told one of the security guards "Pass this along to all the people guarding the gates, I already told the people in the office this before they make the "official" announcement, but I am telling you as well. When the Santana family gets here I NEED to speak to them! Tell everyone before batting practice to let them in! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" the guard agreed for whatever reason. In the meantime of this player saying this my families drive to the Dome is completed, dad goes and gets tickets, with mom and I waiting at the gate.

The next thing I know we are being let into the Dome before everyone! Little did I know what was going on but I knew then something was wrong. I see Larry or as I used to call him when I was little "Lawwy" and call his name he looks right at me in regular clothes with a faint smile on his face and says "Hey babygirl" I said "Lawwy what wrong? You sad?" "Yes babygirl, I am I have to tell you something that will make you sad too." "Oh no I not be sad, I be ok, what is it?" "I was traded today to the Red Sox" my dad then says "Oh wow! Why?" Larry "They told me (pointing to the upstairs offices) the Sox need pitching" me (trying to figure it all out still) "You been traded you not be my Astro anymore?" Larry "Nope, I wanted to tell you before I had to leave and catch my plane." my dad "Thanks, she might not understand it all yet but she does love ya." Larry "I know and I love her too. me (now in tears) "Lawwy, ...who... you... traded...for?" Larry "Babygirl don't cry it will be ok. You like the Red Sox now right? Because I am one." (nodding my head as tears still fall he goes on) "I was traded for a guy in AA by the name of Jeff Bagwell" me "Jeff Bagwell. Jeff Bagwell! I DONT LIKE HIM!" that was that and all Larry did was laugh, gave me a hug and kiss and "Goodbye" was done.

I have to add a side note I DID NOT like Bagsy his Rookie year in fact every time he was at bat I "booed" him! I know bad Astros fan award there! LOL

Now we move up to a day (date in which I STILL can not remember) after going to a basketball tourney for my school, my dad and some of the kids who made honors (It was a small private school) went to see the Rockets play the Celtics (2 teams to this day when basketball season is around I STILL cheer for!) a few min in the 2nd go by and I say to my dad "Daddy, I'm hungry!" my dad nods and says "Yeah me too baby. Nathan you want to go get food with me and Steph?" (Nate is one of my "big brothers") Nate agrees and off we go to stand in a concession stand line that looks like will NEVER end. Me, daddy and Nate are talking about the game unfolding and as I am looking around I happen to look up and see the back of this guys head, to some just a regular guy with dark brown curly hair, in jeans and a Celtics jersey. But to me he was and is so much more then that!

As I am trying to figure out WHERE I knew that head from, dad and Nate kept on talking, and then it hit! OF COURSE I KNEW THAT GUYS HEAD! IT WAS JEFF BAGWELL! How could I have not realized that? What was wrong with me not knowing that right away? Still don't know! Moving on, the next thing I did was tell my daddy, and this is how it went. "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" "What baby?" "Come here daddy!" "Baby I AM right here." "No daddy come down here, I need to tell ya somethin' " "What is it baby" "That man right there, (dad's nodding his head now FINALLY eye-level to me) THATS JEFF BAGWELL!" "No baby. I promise you THAT man is NOT Jeff Bagwell" the argument went on for a few more min. until Bagsy turned around looked at my dad, me and Nate and said, "Did someone say my name? (looking right at me he then said) "Was it you?" I just smiled and nodded politely and saying "Yes sir it was!"

The next thing I know my daddy pulled a HUGE funny. (Daddy did you HONESTLY think I would tell this story without this part? If so you should know better! HAHAHA!) This is what he did, he looks right at Bagsy and says "Hi (extending his hand) YOUR JEFF BAGWELL!" Bagsy smiles nods and says "Yes I am and you are?" my dad realizing how silly and funny that was, introduces the clan to Bagsy and then they started talking about the game. (Another side note here my dad has big hands but when Bagsy shook my fathers hand Bagsy's swallowed my dads hand.) Finally I said "Mr. Bagwell." Bagsy looked at me in shock and said "Yes sweetie, what is it?" "I need to apologize to you." "For what? Why?" I then began to tell Bagsy the story of Larry and how I had booed him his Rookie year, with my eyes on my shoes my Bagsy looked at me after laughing for what seemed like hours, though it was just min. and during the laughter said "I'm hahahah so hahahaha sorry hahahaha go hahahaha on!" he then got serious and said "Well Stephanie, do you like me now?" I shook my head no and said "NO BAGGY I LOVE YA!" that was it, he then picked me up and gave me a big ole bear hug! After we FINALLY were able to get food, we said a "thanks" and "goodbye" to Bagsy and parted just before doing so my dad said to Bagsy "Whatever you do don't forget our last name!" Bagsy smiled and said "Don't worry I wont!"

Years later after I hit my teenage years I went to an Astros fan fest the year after my beloved Bagsy hung up his jersey for good, and I had the opportunity to meet him again. I then told him a story of being a 6 year old girl who met him and got a bear hug from him. He said "No I'm sorry I don't remember but it is a good story. I am glad to have made you happy, wait a second. What is your last name?" I told him and with that same Bagsy smile I had come to know for so many years heard "Yeah I remember it! I was in my Celtics jersey! Yeah I remember it now!" (I did not add what he was wearing, he just remembered) and that is that. SO now you know why I named this post "Life, love and the meaning of baseball" and if not it was because I shared a moment in "Life" with Jeff Bagwell, and in return he showed me "love and the meaning of baseball" the meaning of what ballplayers really are "Hero's" in disguise, even at a Rockets/Celtics game!

I hope you enjoyed those thoughts, and until next time. Peace. Love. Baseball!

"There are more important things in life than baseball"...Life and baseball

The other night I decided to watch a movie I enjoy watching often, and as I was watching it this quote came up "There are more important things in life than baseball" and I saw it I just kept thinking "Really? Seriously? There are more important things in life than baseball. Yeah sure try to tell Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Maris, Williams, Biggio or Bagwell that! HA! SURE there are "more important" things than baseball, but not during baseball season!" So then I began to laugh because yes I KNOW there REALLY are more important things in life than baseball, but honestly have you EVER and I do mean EVER thought twice about them? SO keeping that quote in mind I begin this blog post...

Life and baseball what is the difference? Are they the same? Are there REALLY more important things than either of the two? Why should there be? This is my answer.

Life and baseball go together like "ham and cheese" or "mac and cheese" you take cheese away from ham and you have a pretty crappy sandwich. You take the cheese away from the mac and your mac is REALLY going to SUCK! See the difference? Now hold onto those thoughts and take a little trip down memory lane with me.

June 26th 1988 I was 1week and 1/2 away from having my 1st birthday (this is significant for many many reasons so bear with me) and on that day I met a man who would leave a substantial impact on my life for more than one reason. Now keep that date in mind because I am going to move forward to another date and come back to the first date's story. This date was April 8, 1991 and I was months away from turning 4 years of age and on this date I saw a man who would leave a substantial impact on my life as well. Now let us go back to the first day and a story I love to tell even though to some it may be a dream or even a lie but it NEVER was!

On June 26th 1988 a Rookie ballplayer from Smithtown, New York broke into the Big Leagues as a catcher for the Houston Astros. This player wore the number 4 and looked like a teenager in this "Big League" jersey compared to all the other Astros players. Players such as Nolan Ryan, Mike Scott, Billy Doran, and a guy who I LOVED most Larry Andersen (he was a reliever for the 'Stros); and my family (which at the time consisted of my momma, daddy and me) went to the Astrodome like we usually did when I was that small, and as usual I was in Larry Andersen's arms.

Larry and my daddy were talking about the game as usual, and this "Rookie" catcher had already talked signs and pitches with every pitcher except Larry Andersen. So this guy (the teenage looking guy) started to walk over to Larry and me to talk pitches with Larry and saw me, he stopped dead in his tracks maybe 10 feet or less away from both Larry and myself. I was doing what any baby would do trying to get his attention, I was waving and trying to play peek-a-boo, and when this player FINALLY got enough nerve to talk to Larry this is what he said "Mr. Andersen..." somewhat in a hushed tone but loud enough for Larry to hear, and this was Larry "WHAT?" somewhat in a loud harsh non Rookie ballplayer tone, teenage looking player then took a GIANT step back and in the same kind of tone "Could I please hold her? She is just so cute!" Larry cradling me somewhat tight and kissing me said in a more calm tone "Yeah, sure Rook!" and that was it! (The pic in the right is me when I was around the age I spoke of)




The love for this "teenage" looking "Rookie" and a man that would not ONLY change mine and so many other lives with such substantial impact and in my opinion the game of baseball in the City of Houston and perhaps the state of Texas with his partner in crime (in my opinion) began!

Now keep that "teenage" looking "Rookie" player story in your mind as we fast-forward to April 8th, 1991.

As ALWAYS my family was watching baseball. A game that in my short 3 1/2 years had been a constant. Even a "religion" if you want to call it that. I mean it was just our NORMAL family thing to do. I mean when other families were eating dinner at home after saying the prayer, mine was either in front of the T.V. to watch the 'Stros or at the Astrodome to see them play in person. But this date, this game was different because on this day April 8th, 1991 another "Rookie" player came to be an Astro like so many of them do but this time you could tell that it would be different and oh my it was!

On April 8th 1991 a guy from the rural area of Boston, Massachusetts broke into the Big Leagues with the Astros as a 1st baseman. He was the hype of Houston Sports news and he also KNEW he would have to show himself worthy of this Houston baseball team. This man did just as the first man I spoke of did, this man too had a substantial impact on my life.

The Astros played the Reds that game (they lost the battle but they won the war with adding this guy to the lineup) this player went 0-3 his first big league game BUT his 1st Big League at bat he hit a bomb to Center. The roar of the crowd would make you think he hit a Grand-Slam! Something I laugh about now! I remember watching that game and after seeing that "Grand-Slam" out my father said with pride and joy "WE GOT OUR TEAM AN ACQUISITION! YES!" With that one liner by my father and an 0-3 day a "Rookie" became another one of my "Hero's" and he too changed the game of baseball in Houston and perhaps the game period along with having a substantial impact on not only my life but many lives. (Later on in life I met this player at a Rockets/Celtics game a month or so before the 1994 Spring Training season started and I told him a story that I will share at another time.)

Now WHO are these men that changed the game of baseball in Houston, and my life? WHO are these men that made the game of baseball more fun than I had ever known it to be? WHO are these men that dared to be GREAT nay they dared to be the VERY BEST players they could be in Astros history. WHO are these men that built the very team I LOVED the most growing up? Well these men are none other than Craig Alan Biggio and Jeffery Robert Bagwell.

"Bagsy" and "Bidge" or "Bidge" and "Bagsy" as I used to call my 5 and 7 or my 7 and 5, were guys that played the game with heart, soul and for fans that loved the game more than "LIFE" itself. They made the game fun to watch. Every at bat, every walk, every strikeout, EVERYTHING was fun. There was not one thing they did that just was NOT fun. Because they made it fun. They made baseball my life, life was baseball. Neither one was different because they both were the same. Once the season ended for my "boy's" I would start counting days down for the next "Opening Day" and to this day I STILL DO! So here comes that "quote" again "There are more important things in life than baseball."

SO here is a silly yet honest answer and question "What is more important than baseball (other than JESUS) when it is your life" "NOTHING! Not one single thing!" (except Jesus like I said) So now when you hear that silly quote from the movie (did you honestly think I was going to leave you hanging onto figuring it out yourself?) "the Rookie" ask yourself these 2 questions (one is in the movie) "Is it REALLY my life?" and "Do I STILL LOVE it?" I hope you enjoyed my thoughts and until next time. Peace. Love. Baseball!

Nice post MO! :D Got me thinking!

Today while on twitter I had a nice twitter conversation with former Astros 3rd basemen Morgan Ensberg. Mo likes to talk baseball & talks it really well, every day or time he is on twitter he tries to tweet something about the game, and he wants fans opinions today the "Ensberg question of the day" as I call it was "I need your opinions. Should teams steal bases or not? Annnnnnndddddd begin!" (Check my twitter info to see that he really did ask it) & this was my answer to him..."@MorganEnsberg YES! I like the base stealing game! Infact yesterday I went to see the RedSox/Royals game & both teams pulled a few steals! about 5 hours ago via web in reply to MorganEnsberg "@MorganEnsberg I would also like to add I think it really makes the game more exciting! :D about 5 hours ago via web in reply to MorganEnsberg then Mo brought up a VERY good question "@stephaniedeann7 when should a runner steal? about 4 hours ago via web in reply to stephaniedeann7" Now this got me thinking and I will copy and paste what I wrote to Mo but think about it, he is right "When should a runner steal?"

@MorganEnsberg Ooh that's a good question Mo, & to answer it, I would have to say a runner should steal when their team is down by 2 or 3 (2nd tweet) @MorganEnsberg runs & there is 1 out in the game. Like if it is the 6th or 7th inning, but that is just my opinion. about 4 hours ago via web in reply to MorganEnsberg" then Mo brought up a good point "@stephaniedeann7 I like that you are thinking. So you have added some variables to you decision making. Why 1 out and the inning? about 4 hours ago via web in reply to stephaniedeann7" Now here is what I REALLY had to think about what he said. "variables" to my decision making on this question and this was my answer...(it was in many tweets)

"@MorganEnsberg Thanks MO :D (This is going to be many tweets...)Because anybody can get a run in the 1st or 2nd inning with a stolen base @MorganEnsberg Like the game I went to yesterday, Ellsbury was the lead off guy got a single Pedroia was in the box, & when his count was @MorganEnsberg 1-2 Ellsbury took 2nd. Now that was nice but it got better because (& this is where my point comes in) the Royals after @MorganEnsberg giving 4 runs up in the 1st inning came to bat & Podsednik was at bat & singled as well then Maier came to bat & on 1-2 @MorganEnsberg count Podsednik stole 2nd & the Royals started to play the Sox game. Now for me I like when a team does that, but I also @MorganEnsberg think that a team should really focus on small ball like both teams did in the 1st, yet it is just better to take a steal @MorganEnsberg in the 6th or 7th because that is when the game really matters. The 1st 5 innings are the beginning of the game & kind of @MorganEnsberg dont matter. It is the last 2 or 3 you need to worry about.Sorry for all the tweets"

So now this is the very question I have for you, what is your take on this subject? Also if you are a Morgan Ensberg fan please follow him on twitter http://twitter.com/MorganEnsberg & also check out his blog http://morganensberg.wordpress.com/ . I would also like to add I enjoy reading comments so please feel free to write them. SO until next time Peace. Love. Baseball!

Thoughts on the up and coming season/Players to watch this year...

Welcome back to all you baseball fans that read these crazy thoughts of mine. Now that the welcome is out of the way here we go...

Baseball thoughts on the up and coming season? Well I have many in fact here are just some of the ones that I have, and here are just some questions I have been asking myself and others The team that is going to be the one to beat in the American League and the team that is going to be the one to beat in the National League? Who is going to be the best guy out of the bullpen? Who should be traded? Who should stay? Who REALLY needs to go? What prospects will get their chance at the show and so on. I know most of these questions will be answered in the season to come but here are just a few of the thoughts I have on some of these questions.

Q. 1) Who is going to be the team to beat in the American League?

A. That is a REALLY tough one and NO! I am not going to say the Yankees (EVEN if I want to and EVEN though I HATE them) I have thought this one through thoroughly and I have come up with 2 teams that I see have serious potential. These teams may shock people but none the less here they are.

The first team is the Indians, and I know what many of you might be thinking "The Tribe? Have you gone mad? They have not won since well FOREVER!" Now hold your horses before you get your panties in a bunch.

The Indians have serious potential for these reasons.

1) Like was stated they have not won in forever, yes I know.

2) Players like Grady Sizemore can KILL the ball when they really need to.

3) The Tribe really does have a solid team, not just a one solid guy I am talking serious solid team. Yes, they have pitching and hitting problems but what team doesn't? No, they might not have had a GREAT record in the past but seriously go look at there stats as a team over the past 5 years (without their playoff record) and if you see something you think I might be missing then tell me and try and convince me I am wrong!

Team 2 is the Rangers, and people might be thinking "OK now she is REALLY crazy not to mention SUPER biased because she is from Texas." but again hold your horses here are the reasons I think they will do pretty good this year.

1) The Rangers have solid defence. PERIOD! END OF STORY!

2) Their bullpen guys are probably in my opinion some of the best Gosh Darn guys in the business, even during an off day.

3) JOSH HAMILTON! Nuff said. I know he is coming off of an injury but still! Doesn't his name just send a shiver down your spine?

and finally 4) They have been a tough team the past couple of years and have had really nothing to show for it!

Alright now to the next question and answer

Q. 2) Who is going to be the team to beat in the National League?

A. I have thought about this since last season, before the playoffs and have only one answer. The Cubs! I know your probably thinking "again your crazy! Have you lost your marbles?" but seriously hold the phone and think about this for just a second.

1) The Cubs have Carlos Zambrano as their Ace of Aces.

2) Players that have not been producing the past couple of years are due. One of those players is in my opinion is Ryan Theriot. He is good and bound to be GREAT he just has not really come into his own all the way yet.

3) The Cubs fans alone are a reason for other National League teams to be afraid they are going to get their bums kicked.

and finally 4) DEREK LEE! I have to say he is one of the best players I have ever seen. I mean I know he has not had his best couple of years but still the guy really is a force to be reckoned with.

Alright now that those questions have been answered the next ones I can not answer until the season starts, but that is just my take on two of them, and the players I mentioned are the ones to keep an eye out for. SO until next time. Peace. Love. Baseball!