Little League Bullies

I realize I've been quiet, and haven't posted since May 25, despite the Angels having some fantastic wins.  My mind has been occupied lately with Little League, and the unfortunate drama involving parent politics that sometimes always goes with it.  Our League is no exception, and it seems our League is the winner of "King of all Pre-All Star Drama" in our District.  I been quiet because I'm just not sure what to say if anything about it.

This year's All Star vote reeked of collusion, kids being threatened with violence if they voted for any one player from one particular team and good ole' boy parent politics.  I hate it.  It sickens me that 10, 11 and 12 year old kids lose out on the chance to play All Stars because of something so immature.  It's corrupt.  It's wrong.  It's bullying.  Someday, I'm going to write a book about all the drama that goes on in Little League.  Not now though, and not while I'm a League and District volunteer. 

At this point, I've deleted most of what I wanted to say and have been trying to say.  In a way, not speaking up means the bullies have won.  However, in the long run, Kharma will win out.  As a reminder as we enter this Little League post season, let's read the Little League Pledge:

"I trust in God
I love my Country
and I will respect its laws
I will play fair, and
strive to win
but win or lose
I will always do my best."

Simple, yet the words have such meaning.  And as I referred to in a recent post, "strive to win" is something embraced by Little League, and hopefully only in the upper age divisions, and not in the developmental divisions.  Few people know that there is also a "Little League Parent/Volunteer Pledge".  Our league chooses to have a parent from each team read it before the beginning of the All Star game.  It reads;

"I will teach all children to play fair and do their best.
I will positively support all managers, coaches and players.
I will respect the decisions of the umpires.
I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game."

In case you were wondering, our son did not make All Stars this year.  He was disappointed, but we were not all that surprised.  Our league has a lot of talented 11 year olds.  Was does upset me is that I think some of the reason he wasn't selected by the coaches is in direct relation to who his Father, a manager, and his Grandfather, our League's District Administrator for Little League.  Knowing that a coach would ignore a talented player simply to avoid the parents is sad.  That didn't just happen to my son, but to two other extreamly talented players who were on the team that won the State Championship last year; and who's parents voiced opinions to the Manager (the same manager this year) about their playing time. 

In my opinion, a coach has lost all credibility when he tries to manipulate a vote, a team roster or parents to meet his needs and expectations.  As opposed to working with the best talent as voted by the players.  Again, Kharma will eventually win out.

So our Little League season as come to an end, and next year will be my son's last at age 12.  It goes so quickly.  I am enjoying the Angels winning and home run hitting of late.  At least there is some good baseball to watch for a change.

Got mine!

It's always a beautiful day when the Angels win and you come home with a Peter "Gorgeous" Bourjos Bobblehead.  Life is great today!

Don't Blame Pujols for Hatcher's Exit

I've talked to Mickey Hatcher a couple of times at Fan Fest and other autograph opportunities.  He's a really great guy!  Always positive, always happy and always encouraging.  His wife seats near our season tickets, and she is always friendly and sweet.  Mickey is like a Rex Hudler.  A fan favorite and a strong hold in the community.  He is a presence with the Angels that will be missed, but sometimes even nice guys don't get the job done.

That said, I'm tired of reading posts and tweets from angry fans claiming this is just the first change made by management that is directly related to Albert Pujols.  You know what?  That's not really true.  Let's be honest, our offense hasn't been getting it done for a couple of years now.  If anything, Mickey's close friendship with Manager Mike Scioscia is the reason Mickey didn't lose his job back in 2009.  Your offense has to to support the pitching with runs.  We have an incredible pitching staff.  Santana should not be 2 and 5. 

It's not Albert Pujol's fault that Mickey got fired, but I'm sure he was the straw the broke the camels back.  The signing of the greatest player in the MLB today and then his sudden, dismal hitting slump simply made the decision more clear.  Mickey had to go.  It happens, he will be fine, and Angels fans will always have a special place in their heart for Mickey Hatcher.

On a different note - so glad to see Santana get the win last night.  I just love his smile.



Ervin Santana and my son JD - Little League Day 4/22/12



Pujols Needs a Vacation!

I was just talking to a co-worker (who happens to be a fan of the Evil Empire and loves to rub it in when my Angels lose) and he casually asked me when Albert Pujols was going to hit that first home run.  "He already has!"  I snipped.  "Last night?" Yankee fan replied.  "No, it was a while ago, but it feels like forever ago."  I said.  The Yankee fan just chuckled in agreement.

It's almost painful to watch Pujols at bat these days.  I'm no expert at batting, but I know enough from watching Little League games to know when a batter is trying his hardest to pull the ball.  And Pujols looks almost desperate at the plate.  That same advice you give your son in Little League applies even now; "Relax", "Have Fun", "Stop trying to make every pitch a home run!"

I saw this on Facebook today on the MLB Memes page.  Sadly, there is truth in this!

While I know the season is young and there is still a lot of baseball ahead, the Angels lack of urgency worries me.  Compared to the 2002 World Series Champions, the demeanor the 2012 Angels is almost the same; casual, no worries, no sense of urgency.  The difference?  The 2002 Angels were relaxed and honestly had no idea they'd win it all that year.  The 2012 Angels are defending not only their pay roll, and Albert's signing, but the image now that they are a winning team.  Every successful person will tell you that winning is partly luck, but staying on top takes determination, focus, and drive.  Something the 2012 Angels desperately need to find in themselves... soon.

Short Homestand will Hopefully Light a Spark for the Halos!

Tonight, the Angels start a quick 4 game home stand with two games against the Oakland A's and two games against the Chicago White Sox.  They come home limping after a crucial series loss to Texas, Albert Pujols not gaining any head way out of his slump and with the announcement just a few minutes ago that Torii Hunter has been placed on the restricted list for personal reasons.  It's desperate times folks.  They need to be inspired.  They need a fire lit under their butts.  They need to find passion.  I'm hopeful this quick 4 home stand in Anaheim gives them the boost they need to break out of this slump.  What else can an Angels fan hope for?

It's very clear why the Angels aren't winning - they have simply lost all concentration and they are not mentally in the game.  I'm hoping the local fans give them a boost of confidence tonight.  I hope there are few boos.  Our boys need to know the fans are behind them for better or worse.  We know what they are capable of doing this season, and we fully expect things to turn around.

My son asked me last night if Pujol's career was over.  I laughed and told him that with his career numbers so far, it was crazy to entertain such a thought.  Impossible!  But still, we worry.  Because we are baseball fans, and baseball fans worry.  Things can only go up and improve from here for Albert.  You have to believe it will.

Let's go Halos!  I'll be watching - will you?

Welcome & Welcome Back!

I started this blog in 2006.  At that time it had little to do with baseball, and a lot to do with personal things and my own attempt to become a real life "blogger."  If was my first real attempt at writing about something other than my daughter Jenelle.  It was fun, therapeutic, and sometimes this blog was very popular.  I met many new friends, some I still keep in touch with today and still have never met in person.  Then, in November 2008, I got cancer.  And during my fight to survive, this blog became inactive.

Well, that ends today.

I spent some time this weekend re-vamping the template, changing photos, links and colors.  Archiving all the personal fluff posts, venting posts, game playing posts and meme posts.  Mostly preparing this blog for a return to the Internets, and perhaps to a new audience.  I have resigned myself to start writing again about stuff that really matters in life; about baseball. 

Never met me?  Well, let me introduce myself!  My name is Kelly.  I'm married with two kids; a boy age 11 named Jack, and a girl age 9 named Jenelle.  Jenelle has special needs, and you can read all about her at her blog; Jenelle's Journey.  My husband Brett is a financial planner and a Little League Baseball Coach.  I am Team Mom for a Challenger League in our hometown, and an Assistant District Administrator for the Challenger Division of our Little League District.  My day job is working as a litigation paralegal, and my life long dream is to be a writer.

In addition to writing, my hobbies include baseball (Angels Baseball, Little League Baseball, Travel Team Baseball, Challenger Baseball), knitting, score keeping, and spending time with friends and family.  I hope you enjoy my writing.

SO True

YES WE CAN!

PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

A New Record!

Congratulations to the Angels Francisco Rodriguez for breaking the all time MLB Save Record previously held by Bobby Thigpen with his 58th Save on Saturday night. For those of you not into baseball, a "save" occurs when the team wins by 3 or less, or the closing pitcher pitches 3 or more innings to win the game.

We took the kids to the game on Friday night and Jack was disappointed he didn't break the record that night. On Saturday, we sat as a family (with our Rally Monkeys) in front of the TV and cheered on K-Rod!

Congratulations K-Rod!

Rally Monkey Girl

DH thinks I act like this woman when I'm at an Angels game! I must admit, her dedication is hysterical!


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

All Star... yawn!

So yes, last night was the All Star Game. At Yankee Stadium. Which is closing down at the end of this season. And yes, the Yankees have a great history of winning. Yes they have many legends. Blah, blah, blah!

Fans on the East Coast really think its all about them don't they? While I'm probably a mild baseball fanatic, even this game bored me to tears last night. The only satisfaction I got was seeing that it was well past 1:00 a.m. and people were still there hoping for some exciting end to a tie game. Well, wish granted... sacrifice fly to win it. How exciting is that? (please note my sarcasm.)

Jack, being properly brainwashed into the religion that is baseball, wanted desperately to stay up and watch the whole thing. We didn't let him. In fact, I was a little miffed because our Little League Majors were playing for the Division Championship last night, and Jack wanted to watch the All Star Game on TV. DH went to the game, and Jack and I stayed home. I turned on the game, and went to play Wii as he started watching it. Within 10 minutes, Jack came in to watch me play Wii because he was bored! BORED! Well, we could have been eating Chilly Billy's at the Little League Game, but oh well!

Our League won last night and they advance to the next level. Should be fun!

How can you pitch a "No Hitter" and still lose the game?

(AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Well, unfortunately Angels pitcher Jered Weaver found out the answer on Saturday night. There are 8 ways a batter can reach first base, and only one of them is by getting a "hit." And, for those of you that are challenged in the rules of baseball, here are the 8 ways to get to first base:

1. Hit

2. Walk

3. Hit by Pitch

4. Fielder's Choice

5. Reached on Error (includes MLB Official Rule 7.05 i)

6. Dropped Third Strike

7. Catcher's Interference (hindering the batter while in the batter's box)

8. Fielder's Obstruction (hindering the batter while he is running to first base)

Some other suggestions
(many argue between 9 and 11 different ways to get to first!)

Runner's Interference (batted ball hits a runner in fair territory. The runner is out, and the batter is awarded a hit). This is not a separate item in the list since it's included as a Hit.

Entering game as a pinch runner (not included because the question seems focused on the batter reaching first base).

Certain illegal pitching actions are penalized by adding a ball to the count. This may result in a walk, which is already on the list.

Officially, the "no hitter" didn't count because the Angels were the visiting team, and the home team (the Dodgers) didn't take their last bat in the 9th. But still, it has to be frustrating to throw 6 innings of no hit baseball, and have your reliever finish the game with no hits (so it would have been a "combined" no hitter) and then lose the game.

Weird. Freaky. And only the 5th time in the majors since 1900 when the winning team didn’t get a hit. It's statistics like this that make you love and hate America's greatest game.

Batting Stance Guy does the Halos!

I realize many of you won't get this, but some of these had me laughing hysterically! Enjoy!

Challenger Championship!

"Look at me... I can be ... Centerfield!"

Three Generations of Currans on Curran Field!

Play Ball!

Grandpa's proud moment honoring Jenelle on Curran Field!

2010!

Angels Stadium in Anaheim is going to host the 2010 All Star Game! WOO HOO!

Don't think I haven't already looked into an application for Jack to be one of the kids that gets to shag balls at the Home Run Derby!

The Most Famous #3

Jack: "Who is #3 on the Angels?"

DH: "Not sure we have a #3."

Me: "I don't think #3 is assigned to anyone this year. Hey Jack, do you know the name of the most famous player to ever wear #3?"

DH: "Yeah, #3 is a pretty special number because of the player who wore it once!"

Jack: "What team?"

Me: "Yankees."

Jack: "Was it from olden days? Did he hit lots of home runs?"

DH: "Yep. Lots of Home Runs!"

Jack: "That's easy... Babe Ruth! Give me another one!"

Me: "OK, who wore #42 for the Dodgers?"

Jack: "Too easy... Jackie Robinson. Got another?"

Me to DH: "Are you wiping away tears of joy from your eyes?"

DH: "No, tears of pride!"

Finish Strong!

Jack's 15 seconds of fame!

Yes Laura, you saw Jack on the "Jumbo-Tron" at Friday's Home Opener! Jack was sitting behind home plate with Grandma and Grandpa and they gave me a heads up to get my camera ready! I snapped a great photo from our seats in Terrace Level!

We went to Friday's game, and the game today... so far we haven't seen a win yet, but there's always the next one!

Fantasy Baseball Time!

As Merrit so pleasantly reminded me this morning... Fantasy Baseball Season is among us! My firm has had a Fantasy League for almost 20 years. Long before there were websites to help you with the calculations, and when you did a "live" draft at some one's home (or at a bar) instead of on the Internet. In fact, only two members of the league still work at my firm - myself, and a Shareholder. All the rest are Alumni.


I have to be honest - my husband and I manage the team together. He helps me a lot during the season, particularly in setting my line up each week (this league goes head to head each week, as opposed to daily scoring.) My favorite part is the draft. After that is done, I lose interest long before the All Star Break, and then get back into it closer to the playoffs. DH and I are the only "non attorney" in this league, and let me tell you... playing fantasy sports against attorneys is hell. They cheat, they find loop holes, they have an agenda, and they argue.


Last year, we came in 4th. The difference between 2nd place and 4th place was that damn extra game between San Diego and Colorado. The points added from that game only benefited the man who won second. We argued to no avail. And thus, a new rule was added this year!

"Beginning in the 2008 Draft, all games, including playoff games, taking place after Sunday of Week 26 will be excluded from counting toward either Week 26, second half, or season totals."

Damn Attorneys! Always a loop hole, and always a cover up at the beginning of the year.

DH did not want to return to this league this year because of what happened last year. It was hard to talk him into it, but I really would have missed the drafting. For me, I rarely use the trade magazines for help, nor do I research it all much. The day of the draft, it comes down to who's hot, who's cute, and who will help me the most. If I'm choosing between a cute Angels player, and a not so cute Yankee, and their stats are similar - I go with the Angels. In the later rounds, I just pick on cuteness. It works for me us.

Here are last year's results:
2007 Payoff Amounts

R - $156.50
B - $114
M - $107.50
Kelly - $45
D - $38
J - $23
J - $23
D - $13
J - $12
A - $8

And most impressive, here are the Second Half Standings (with the total season points in parenthesis:)

B – 10-3 (T1); 4001 (2)
Kelly – 10-3 (T1); 3990 (3)
J – 8-5 (3); 3734 (6)
M – 7-5-1 (4); 3986 (4)
J – 6-5-2 (5); 3794 (5)
R – 6-6-1 (6); 4146 (1)
A – 6-7(7); 3382 (10)
D – 5-8 (8); 3732 (7)
D – 3-10 (9); 3717 (8)
J – 2-11 (10); 3418 (9)


Not bad for the only women in a league full of male attorneys! ;) Our 2008 draft begins Monday (St. Patrick's Day!)

As a footnote (in typical lawyer speak), here's another fun rule that was added last year.

"Beginning in the 2007 draft, teams may designate up to 2 keepers. Keepers must have been drafted in the previous year in round 3 or later, and must have remained on the player's team throughout the previous year. Keepers are drafted in the same round as they were drafted in the previous year. Keepers must go back into the draft pool the following year."

Opening Day for Little League!

Yesterday was awesome... and emotional! Opening Ceremonies started with all the other division Angels Team on a knee making a tunnel for the Challenger Team. Tears were flowing as we entered the stadium! After the key note speaker Rex Hudler inspired us all, the first Challenger Game began! This smile says it all...

Here is Jenelle and her buddy taking the ball to 1st base!
After the game was over, Rex Hudler (the red haired guy on one knee) interviewed some of the Challenger Players. Rex's 13 year old daughter sang the national anthem, then his 10 year old son (a Challenger team player) decided to sign like his sister!
Then each kid wanted their opportunity to use the microphone!
After Jenelle's game, we went to Jack's first game where he played catcher. He did well until he took one on the toe -ouch!
And here is Jack in full swing. He thinks his swing looks like Vlad Guerrero.
DH and Jack, who was not very smiley at the time.