2026 Camp Collage Poster

 If anyone knows me, I like to put together photo collages for display. I've been doing this for years. I have some ones from family vacations of years past. I have one representing each time I've been to Reds Fantasy Camp. This year is no different. My latest for the Man Cave....

Last's Year Family Trip to Orlando

2026 Camp Reflections Part 2 with Videos

 

I've been now to 4 camps. Are they all the same? Yes and No. Obviously my first camp back in 2014, I was a wide eye rookie, and everything was amazing. My second camp was fantastic to get back two years later and see all my friends again. My 3rd camp was the seven year gap. That was cool because I felt like a rookie again with the anticipation. This year's camp was special. Special in that fact that after taking the last couple of years off playing any baseball, I was still able to contribute to my team and not embarrass myself too much. As I write this, my soreness is fading pretty much, but this camp has fired me up to play again (hopefully) this summer with the guys. Looking forward to play at GABP in the reunion game. Also to see my friends. 

I have a You Tube channel. My camp videos can be found here

(2) Mike McFarland - YouTube

2026 RFC Team Indy's Final Post Game Wrap up

2026 RFC Team Indy Batting

2026 RFC In The Cage

2026 RFC Play at the plate!

2026 RFC Team Indy wins game and Handshake Team Meeting

2026 Camp Reflections Part 1

 

Me and The Commish

    Yes, the week goes by way too quick. That's typical. Yes, I'm still sore. That goes along with the territory. I come to expected that. Todd Benzinger told me as we waited for our flight back to Cincy, "If you're not sore, you didn't play hard". Well, I guess I played hard. As I'm writing this, I've started to sift through all my videos. I will post them here on this blog and elsewhere (YouTube, our Facebook group page). It nice to go back and review them. I came up with some good stuff, which I enjoy sharing with the group. My wife Karen has joined me 3 out of the 4 camps I've attended. The First two times she's been with me my team has won the Championship. This time we didn't win the Championship, but I was honored being selected Team Indianapolis' MVP. I still can't believe that. So, she's still my good luck charm. 

                                                    

Blessed

Now here are some videos. The first one was a first for me. I was mentioned as gold rope candidate. The second one was from the tryout day as we were shagging fly balls. My buddy Tony Riese chided me on my catching style. Didn't know it at the time, we would be teammates by the afternoon.

Honored to be Mentioned

It went all too quick! (As it always does)

 

Team Indianapolis

No, we didn't win the Camp Championship this time around? Does it matter? Not really. Did I make new friends? Absolutely! That's what it's all about, the fraternity this camp truly is. Team Indy for what it's worth finished 3-5-1. Record wise, the worst I've had at camp. Not that it matters. Team Dinners, hanging out at the fire pit, just the general sense of the brother/sisterhood is all that matters. Baseball wise I do feel I need to be able to make contributions to the team. To be the best team player I can possibly be.  At the awards Banquet, I was honored to be selected as Team MVP. That really hasn't sunk in yet. For my teammates to think that much of me is very humbling. As the weeks go by and I sift through more photos and videos. I will have more to say about all of this. I love being part of The Cincinnati Reds Fantasy Camp. These experiences are a treasure. I love this family.

A true honor to be named MVP

Busted Again at Kangaroo Court!

 

The Honorable Corky Miller

The Tough Judge Doug.

Every year! Once again, I got busted at Kangaroo Court. I really don't mind at all. We raised with the match over 50K on Wednesday night for the Hope for the Warriors foundation. My infraction was pitching 6 inches in front of the pitching rubber. I gladly paid that fine. It's another camp highlight filled with highlights.

Guilty as Charged!

Bull Session

I could listen to Jim's stories for hours on end

 

Another cool thing at Camp is the Bull Session with all the Coaches and Marty. Always interesting to hear the stories and opinions on a lot of Base Ball stuff. I always have a question or two about whatever. I asked about Salary Cap and for Doug, what was it like breaking in with the Big Red Machine. He said  he had the best seat in the house watching that great team!

Marty doesn't hold back

Team Indy played it's Heart Out.

 

    Playoffs! Now it gets serious. As the 7th seed we played the 10th seed which was Team Cincinnati. I was asked to take the hill. I told our crony Dan. I'll give us what I have out there. My pitching philosophy is super simple. Throw strikes, try not to walk too many and pitch to contact, let the guys behind me do the rest. I tend to induce ground balls. I did just that. We won 2 Zip as I threw for the complete game shutout. Definitely something I didn't see coming. 

    Things got a lot tougher in the second-round quarter finals against the 2 seed Team Plant City lead by the strong as always Pedro's pitching. We started off with a run in the first. We had the tying run at the plate in the top of the 7th with a mini rally going but ultimately lost 8 to 4. So out of the tournament. It was a great effort on our part, but it sucks coming up short. On Thursday we play for fun. Hey, we are still playing baseball!!