Camp Reflections Part 5

   
     It became apparent real quick during that week, how much I missed playing ball, being part of a team. I love to play golf, but golf doesn't quite have that same essence. (Except if you play in a 4 player scramble.) I played softball 15 years or more, but gave it up soon after my daughters were born. Looking back, I guess I should have played some more.
     By the time we made the camp playoffs, The Billoneys were very much a team. I'm especially proud of my two productive outs during that first playoff game. An RBI fielder's choice I hit into, and a sacrifice fly. I never did get a hit off Steve Ritchie during camp. Ironic because I probably faced him more times than anyone else at the Miami Lakes batting practice sessions. That's the difference between practice and the games.
     Kangaroo court was fun. Like I wrote earlier in this blog, I knew this blog would catch up to me. All in good fun and for a great cause. I liked the fact during the court "Doung" recognized us veterans (During the week as well.) Another example of what a class act Doug and everyone else associated with the camp is.
     The team dinner was a definite highlight of the week. The friendships that are formed and maintained during the week is really what defines Fantasy Camp. Sure the baseball is great, especially when you are winning, but the camaraderie is truly special. It's easy to see why guys come back year after year after year. Getting to know Jack and Jim on a personal level was a treat. They are great people. My wife Karen got to meet and chatted with Mrs. Maloney during one of the games. That was pretty cool as well. Sure these guys are Reds Hall of Famers, but getting past the baseball player these guys are regular guys. As Jack said, "We are just real regular folks that had some God given talent."

r

Camp Reflections Part 4

    

     The Grand Slam that wasn't. One of the great/notorious plays/stories of this camp. A lot has been said about the Will Adkins shot. The hit itself was a thing of beauty. He said himself when he hit it, he didn't feel a thing. Perfect sweet spot contact. Once in a while when playing golf I know this feeling. As for the aftermath afterwards, it is what it is. I guess it will go down  in the Reds Fantasy Camp annals. My hit off Tom Browning by comparison is small potatoes. But it was still a great moment for me personally. Not just the hit itself,  but all the fouled off pitches leading up to it. I hope I can get that video. Speaking of videos my daughter Megan is really good at putting together and editing videos. I've asked her to work on the ones my wife Karen took at camp. So far no such luck. I showed her an example of what could be done with the proper motivation.......

Camp Reflections Part 3

    

     I was nervous making the pitching start in game 2. Looking back I wished I had a chance to warm up on a mound. I got those first two outs then the bottom fell out. I guess I can be happy that I didn't hit anyone. Nick came in and pitched 6 1/3 solid innings. Thanks for the pickup Nick!
     I want to thank Jack Billingham for my stand up triple! I was content with the double, but he waved me over to third. My quads thank him as well!
      Now for the cold tub! Holy Crap! Yep my first dip into that was a fun experience. But it did help my legs. Speaking of the tubs. I really got into the routine of the camp. Especially the hot tub soak in the morning after breakfast. If only I could do that everyday before coming into Cincinnati Bell......
      My wife Karen has some special memories as well from last week. She had the pleasure of sharing the shuttle once from the hotel with "Mr Perfect". Pleasant conversation ensued. Can you say as Spock referred to in "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" "Colorful Metaphors". Actually Tom had her cracking up the whole time. Another thing she told me about was the day Will Scott's wife Jeffery (not sure on that spelling) was ill and didn't make it out to the complex. Word got to the food staff, and they made her a lunch plate. One of the other wives took it back to the hotel for her. Another example what a class organization from top to bottom the Reds are.

Camp Reflections Part 2

    

Jeff  Amy and myself

     The camp drills on Sunday morning were great, due to the fact I knew a few guys in my group already. Steve Ritchie, Jack Prather, Jeff Reiss, were guys I worked out with for months before leading up to the camp.  The "High Sky" outfield drill was especially challenging. The infield drill (at first base) was what Todd Benzinger said, a great cardio workout.
     I want to take the time now to thank again Steve Ritchie, and Satch Coletta (and others)  for those workouts leading up to the camp. It was good from a baseball perspective yes, but getting to know the guys beforehand was even better. Getting to meet so many folks leading up to the camp was great. As a rookie, I certainly didn't feel like a stranger heading into camp.
     After the draft was completed and the teams were posted, I was glad to know two guys on my team. Jeff Reiss and Larry Kutzleb. Again two guys I met at the workouts. I was elated. Not to say I was going to be disappointed if I didn't  personally know anybody, but knowing  some guys made it better.
      Yes that first game I was nervous. But It was kind of cool in a way. This was the first organized baseball game I played in since I was 13 years old! We won the game so my 0-2 with a K wasn't so bad.
     Jack Billingham said after the game we had a solid team. Looking back I now know what Amy Wilson meant when she said "We have the Adkin boys on my team!".............

    

Camp Reflections Part 1

   

 
     I knew it  was going to be a fun week when Tom Browning said after the Welcome Dinner that we all would be so sore by the end of the week we wouldn't be able to wipe our own ass! He was so cool to hang with. (as with all the pros).
     I want to thank everyone for the positive feedback from doing this blog. It's been really fun doing it.
It's a way to have a online scrapbook of the whole experience. My folks back home were the primary reason for doing it by the way.
     I had a nice breakfast on that first Saturday morning with Tim Farmer. Another veteran who reached out to this rookie. Tim you are a class act. Thanks my man.
     I did have a small scare on Day 1 (Sunday morning) when for about 10 minutes when getting into the clubhouse I couldn't find my locker. It was tucked back into one of the corners. I must have of passed it by about 5 times before finding it. But once I did find it and seeing my name across the back of my jersey......that is an awesome feeling!  A ton more to follow......

For what its worth my stats.

Batting: 12 for 24 1 double 1 triple 11 RBIs .500 ave.
Fielding:  2 E (RF) 5 PO 1B/RF/C
Pitching:  2/3 innings 4 BB 17.82 ERA!!!

Pro Game and Awards Dinner

What an amazing week! As a rookie I had pretty high expectations going in. But what I experienced this past week just blew the roof off them! Coming into the the Reds complex on Friday morning after winning the Championship the day before, I had such a sense of elation. A truly amazing feeling. The Pro game was just sheer fun with no pressure at all. Mr Perfect got his "revenge" on me. Blowing three straight high fast balls I barely waved at. Catching Big Mike Aitkens for an inning was great as well. As for the Awards Dinner....

The 2014 Reds Fantasy Camp Champs! The Billoneys

The Brain Trust of Jack Coop and Jim

Mike Hensberry Catcher

Amy Wilson RF/2B

Jeff Reiss 1B/RF

Larry Kutzleb LF

Mark Adkins CF/P

Mark Rowland 2B/P

Mike Aitken RF/P

Mike McFarland RF/1B/3B/LF/C/P

Nick Palmisano SS/P

Ron Beck 3B/1B

Tony Maas 1B/2B/P

Will Adkins P/SS

We Are The Champions!

What a week! Words cannot describe what an experience this has been. It has exceeded all my expectations 10 fold. I can honestly say this has been the best week/vacation in my life! Anyway Team Billoneys won the Camp Championship with a back and forth exciting 11-10 victory. Mr RON BECK  made  a spectacular catch to seal the victory! more to come.......

Playoff Time for Team Billoneys! Plus Kangaroo Court

     Another excellent day of baseball action. Team Billoneys entered the day with a stellar 4-1 record and the number 2 seed. Our first game of the day was considered a "practice" game since we already clinched our playoff spot. This gave us opportunity to have players play other positions. Earlier in the week Coop asked for any volunteers for catching. I stepped up. So today I made my catching debut. That was a blast. I really enjoyed the banter with the hitters and the Ump. I also didn't embarrassed myself either. I actually made a few plays. A couple of pop ups and a swinging "bunt" that I pounced on with my "cat" like reflexes!!!! Big Mike Aitken made the start and if we made some plays behind him, it would of been excellent. We made some costly errors. Mike pitched well, as did Mark Rowland. At the plate, I went 3-4 with a 2 out bases loaded double to clear the bases. But we lost the game nonetheless.
     The second game was what mattered. Playoff time. We jumped to an early lead in the first and never looked back. Winning 7-1. Will Adkins pitched another gem. I went 1-2 with a sac fly and 2 RBIs. A shout out to Larry Kutzleb for a couple fine catches in left today as well.
     On to the Kangaroo Court. I knew going in I would be "called to the carpet" for this blog. And I wasn't disappointed. The post on the announcement of the coaches was what got me in trouble. Of all the coaches to misspell their names I "picked" The Honorable Doug "Doung" Flynn! I took my medicine and paid a 20 dollar fine. All the proceeds for the court will go to wounded warriors. Another example of what  a classy organization (Reds) this is.
     During the week, on one night each team goes out to dinner as a group. After kangaroo court we all went to Bella Luna. A fine Italian eatery. A great time was had by all. Really enjoyed talking to Jack Billingham. His stories were great. This week has been the best in my life. Thanks again Karen!

A VERY LONG Day of Baseball and Fun! Plus my hit off Mr. Perfect!

      Wow, where to begin? First off Team Billoneys are 4 and 1 so far. Tied for first! That was accomplished by defeating the first place team in the morning game by a score of 3 to 1. Excitement until the final out. With one out in the bottom of the 7th and a man on 3rd, a fly ball to center for an easy catch by Mark Adkins who gunned down the runner trying to tag up and score. Our catcher Mike Hensberry applying the tag on the one hop to him, for a bang bang final out securing the victory! Nick Palmisano earned his second victory.  
     The second game we started out real strong. Equally in part from poor pitching and some real slugging. I led off for the first time in camp. (At this point I want a shout out for our crony "Coop". During morning BP he came around to all of us showing us Pics of Joey Votto, and Jay Bruce. Showing us how they keep their weight back on the back foot. It was a slight adjustment for my part, but what a difference it made. My second round of BP was very solid. Thanks Coop for those visuals!!) Anyway back to the afternoon game. We jumped to a 9 zip lead in the top of the first. Lots off walks and great hits. Will Adkins lead the way with what  should of been a Grand Slam but was called off due to him passing the runner on first? It was ruled he was out, but 3 runs scored. I called it a 3 run Sac Fly! I was able to bat twice in the first inning. At this point, after chasing the starter,and the reliever  "Mr Perfect" Tom Browning came in to put out the fire. After fighting/fouling off a few pitches, I was able to smack a hard grounder up the middle for a base hit to continue the inning. When the inning finally came to a close, everyone told me to have Tom sign the ball for me. Later in the game I asked Tom if he could, and to take a photo with me. Real nice guy. Back to the game again. It was what Marty would describe as a "Titanic Struggle" Final Score 19 to 15! Mark Adkins earned the victory. Tony Maas....well on second thought never mind. Tony believe me, I know how you feel. A 3 hour marathon!
     The Q and A with Walt and Bryan was very good to finish up another day of Baseball Heaven!
P.S. Photos of Tom Browning and myself should posted soon on the Flickr site. Once they are I will update this post.

Q and A with Walt and Bryan

Tom Browning

 

Karen and the Blogger

Pitching Debut UHG! and Bats came alive for Team Billoney but a tough loss plus Bull Session.

Yep that's right I made my pitching debut. Sorry no photos of it since our first game started early and my ace photographer wasn't there at that point. Just as well, it  wasn't pretty. I just went 2/3rd of an inning, walking in a couple of runs. My relief  Nick "Showboat" came it and pitched the rest of the game. We actually won the game 10 to 8. I went 2 for 3 at the plate with a single and a stand up triple. That was great cardio!!!!
The second game we started strong jumping out to  a 6 run lead. I contributed with a two run single. But we couldn't hold on to our lead. We ended up losing 9-6. Hats off to Dave Gehring for coming in for his team for relief and shutting us down. Afterwards the Bull Session was very entertaining. I had a few questions. One each for Ronnie O, Hatch and Herm.That was a wonderful and fun experience.

Lineup Card

Catching my breath after that triple

Bull Session Q and A

Random Thoughts Part 8

Day 2 may or may not bring my pitching debut. I told my team crony  I would try to pitch and I could throw strikes. I pitched plenty of batting practice in the sessions, so I know I can as they say "pitch to contact". Anyway we shall see. I also told him I would catch as well. That will be interesting. Anything to help Team Billoney!

Obligatory Selfie