Weekend Musings

NCAA. . .
The Division II Baseball Championships are wrapping up as I write this. I haven't been here for most of the tournament because we have been on the road. Just walking around talking with some of the fans has been fun today. From all accounts the Grizzlies staff has done a great job. I know Jeff O'Neill has worked his [tail] off, as he does for all of the "extra events" at the ballpark. The other staffers have been busy as well, namely Brent Pownall, Will Myers, Jason Murphy and CJ Hendrickson. That's not saying anything for our GM Steve Gomric who has had to take this on after being named GM in April. Congrats to all of our staff as well as the staffs at SIUE and UMSL for making this happen.

SIDS. . .
I had the pleasure of emceeing an event this morning for SIDS Resources. Thanks to Lori Behrens for inviting me out. They held their first annual Strides for SIDS walk/run in Forest Park. A commemorative ceremony was held prior to the run getting started. It was a moving tribute for/with the families that have lost little ones. It was tough to get through. I thought it was a beautiful ceremony and I was proud to be a small part of it. I am thankful for the opportunity and glad they had a good weather day.

The Grizz. . .
Finally on to the Grizzlies. A tough first week for the hometown team. I really don't think it is one particular thing that has gone wrong, but a combination. Last night they looked good and all parts seemed to click and because of it they took down previously unbeaten Evansville. It showed me and the fans would good can come when they all play together. Hopefully they can keep it up. Some moves today and the next few days should help. I guess we shall all see.

I'll try to check in from the road next week. Should be fun-I like going to Chillicothe.

Spring Training thoughts and more

Finally it is here, Grizzlies baseball back at GCS Ballpark. Spring Training officially opens today around the Frontier League. I, couldn't be more excited. Too bad the weather isn't great, but that's ok the guys are still going to work out this afternoon. Several players have been for a week or so, but now the real fun starts. Should be a good season. We shall all see.

Other thoughts. . .
As you probably know, GM Tony Funderburg has left the Grizzlies. I know this is a great opportunity for Tony and his family, it is also a great loss for the Grizzlies. Tony had been here since before the team played a game. There was a time when he (and I) were one of just three employees. Personally it is sad for me, simply because Tony taught me this business, and I mean that. Not the broadcasting but the baseball business-the pro sports business. It was Tony who taught me how to sell by going on some of my first appointments with me. He taught me how to talk to clients, how to relate with them, and ultimately how to get them involved in what we were doing. For that I am eternally grateful and will miss him. The Grizzlies will be fine, don't get me wrong. Steve Gomric will do a great job, and already has. Steve has taught each of us a thing or two about the business too. I don't expect any sweeping changes since we are so close to the stadium, but Steve knows what he is doing and knows what it takes for this organization to keep operating at the high level fans have come to expect. It will be a great season!

Something else you may have heard-the Grizzlies will be gracing the (powerful) airwaves of WSIE FM this summer. 88.7 FM is the campus station at SIUE and I am so excited that they will be carrying our games. This is a legitimate signal and Grizzlies fans should be able to hear our games no matter where they are. Honestly it is that strong. We're also partnering with KMOX.com, which also affords us some promotion on the "mighty 'mox." KJFF, 1400 AM, will return to carry their usual load of Grizzlies games. All in all it should be a nice set up for our games this year.

Getting away from the Grizzlies. . .but not baseball: Rick Ankiel, wow!
What a night the Cards centerfielder had last night, huh? If you didn't see it, do yourself a favor and find some highlights of him throwing out not one, but two, base runners at third. It was sensational. I must admit I was very very skeptical of the plan to bring Ankiel back as a hitter/outfielder. I thought it was a waste of money. I did not think it would work. I was wrong. I am big enough to admit it. He is a phenomenal athlete and his contributions have been many to this Cards team that has been fun to watch. By the way I did not think the birds would be as bad as many national writers and media types thought, however I also didn't think they'd have the best record in baseball at the beginning of May. For the record I picked them third in the Central behind Chicago and Milwaukee with a record of around 74-88, I think. I wrote it down, as I do every year with a couple of friends, before the season starts. We seal it up in an envelope. We open our picks during the World Series to see how we did. My pick for the Series this year was Cleveland and the Mets. I picked Cleveland to win it all.

That's it for now. Once again I will try to be more diligent in my updating of the blog during the season. Feel free to comment, and get on me if I'm not on top of it!