Weather - 57 degrees, rain - high supposed to reach 70 degrees.
The morning announcements were cancelled. At 9:00 am, we were told that the championship game was to be played in McKechnie Field and that anyone interested in playing pick-up baseball was welcome. As we were cleaning out our lockers, Steve Blass just stopped by and told us stories about Earl Weaver and how he stopped game #7 of the 1971 World Series to complain about how Steve was positioned on the pitchers mound, in relation to the rubber. It was all junk, but it gave Steve time to get focused and it was game on from there. He took us through the Orioles lineup and how they decided to pitch to each. How he made a mistake to Frank Robinson, who usually doesn't miss depositing a mistake into the stands, thank god this time he popped out to shortstop. Steve also reminded us that Earl Weaver told the media, the Pirates could not win the World Series with Jackie Hernandez playing shortstop. Well they did. His description of the sleepless night before a game 7 will always be a fond memory. Steve captivated a locker room full of grown men, who were mesmerized by his every word. Took me back to 5th grade at Washington Elementary School, how proud I was that the Pirates had just won the World Series! I am sure others were thinking fondly of where they were when the Pirates won!
By the time Steve was finished telling stories, the plan had changed yet again. Weather has been a little bit of a problem this week, doesn't matter it was this a fantastic experience! The championship game will be played at Pirate City on field 3 at 1:00 pm. Pick-up baseball will follow the championship. Many of us, (Matt & I included), will suit up one more time, as we came here to play baseball, and that is what will do. Rain or not!
The disappointment of missing the playoffs has passed. When I came here I expected to "Play Nice" as printed on my shoes! Here is what playing nice is:
1) Getting managed by Rennie Stennett and Omar Moreno (my favorite pirate).
2) Spending time with Omar Moreno, finding out little things that you only get while eating a meal.
3) Meeting Omar's son Jessie.
4) Meeting other campers, who become your team mates and you spend a week with them playing a game they equally enjoy.
5) Meeting veteran campers, who have been here 5 years or 10 years, or more. They are quick to take you in, show you the ropes. Why? Because they love baseball, the Pirates, and you immediately get welcomed into that group.
6) Skill level is never questioned, everyone helps everyone else - on your team, during warmups, in the batting cages, just support everywhere.
7) Hanging out with former Pittsburgh Pirates, who tell some of the most humorous stories we will remember long after camp breaks.
8) Having other campers compliment you about being a gentlemen and caring for other campers.
9) Having other campers go out of their way to say you are a good guy, who they would love to have on their team.
These things meant the most. Being able to play baseball at 52, smelling the grass and dirt, hitting a ball and running out of the batters box to stretch a single into a double, sliding - sliding - sliding, just getting your uniform a mess. The overall experience was all this and more.
To clear up yesterdays entry. The person doubled off third was no other than Matt Laughland, my room mate! He wants it to be clear, that he was running because the pain in his body was so severe, he lost a sense of reason. Safe travels back to you wife and daughter, who shall never be referred to as Madi!! I always remember the discussions we had throughout the week. The one to forget is the day we didn't make the playoffs.
Big thanks to Heather Laughland, who sent Matt to camp, you made a dream come true! I can't wait to see you tomorrow...
Lastly it is only fitting for me to give a big thank you to D'arcy Jonik, who encouraged me to attend, and funded the trip. I will always remember the love and generosity you have extended to me. Thank you. Love you and will see you tomorrow - I can't wait!
Final stats - through 7 games:
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