Adam Rosales

The opportunity given to Adam Rosales in the past few games boosts the confidence of those who have been benchwarmers for most of their careers. Rosales made his Reds debut at the tail end of last season as a pinch hitter when Jerry Hairston Jr. was injured. He started off 2009 with the Louisville Bats after not making the club for Spring Training. Yesterday, he was called up to the majors when Edwin Encarnacion was put on the 15 day DL with a chip in his wrist. I feel like tonight, he brought a new atmosphere to the clubhouse. Everytime he was shown, he had a smile on his face and just looked like he was enjoying what he was doing. Adam knows that he may not get this opportunity if he doesn't make an impact on the team and the outcome, and he is making the best of what was given to him. Where has the spark of the players gone? I feel as though the MLB is full of ungrateful, overpaid showoffs. There are those rare guys who give it all they have and leave it all on the field. I wish there were more of those out there, and I feel like the viewers would have more of an emotional connection with the players.

Reds Update

Tonight's game was an ideal situation for the pitcher Volquez, rookie Adam Rosales, and new comer Nix. Edinson Volquez pitched a gem tonight, only giving up one hit (in the first inning) and no runs in eight innings pitched. After retiring 17 in a row, a walk was given up in the 8th, but Bruce saved some extra runs with a great defensive play in right field. Rosales and Nix helped Edinson out with their outstanding offense. Both of these individuals are bench players and trying to make a spot in the everyday lineup. With Phillips in a slump, Baker thought he would give the youngster a shot at third base. His teammates are calling him "Pete ROSEales" in the clubhouse, where his hustle is his signature action, along with his positive attitude and smile on his face. Tonight's game was a great pickup for the club who have been in a slump, and gives them the motivation to take on the road with them as they take on the Pirates. This is the first win in the previous 12 attempts the Reds have taken from the Astros at Great American Ball Park.

MSJ Golf

Weekly I am asked if I will be returning the women's MSJ golf team in the fall. There are so many things that go into my decision about playing golf, and at this point, I'm not sure what my decision will be. The month before going into my freshman year three years ago, Coach Newman called me about playing for the College. He had gotten my name from my brother, who he coaches baseball with at the Mount, who had told him that I had some athletic experience, and was a quick learner. Mind you, I had never picked up a golf club in my life, and had no clue what I was in for, but I agreed for some odd reason. At the time, he didn't have anyone committed to playing, and his only player from the previous year had graduated. Needless to say, he was desperate, and it was a learning year in this regard for the whole team. I like to say that I recruited the rest of the team, which was dysfunctional in the least. Three of the five girls on the team this year graduated from Seton and had little if any golf experience previously.
There are high points and low points to returning for my final season. I haven't improved much over the previous three years, as I barely even got a month in last season with my appendectomy at the first tournament in Hanover. Golf seems to only have a little bit of fun involved when you are doing well, and that doesn't happen very often with me. I have previously looked at the experience as something to benefit me in the long run, as it looks good on my resume, and everyone tells me that "in the business world, all the great deals take place on the golf course." It gives me more time to myself and when I golf, I have a different perception of the world and nature. Also, golf keeps me on task and focused with my schoolwork. The question is will playing golf get me more experience and connections in the future or will a co-op/job? Help me figure out what to do with my life, because half the time I don't have a clue.

Lacrosse

Over the past two years, I have grown to like the sport of lacrosse. The Mount just began their inaugural season of women's lacrosse a few months ago. Before recently, the game always looked beyond confusing and whistles were always being blown to penalize the teams. I didn't have a clue what a crease was or how to catch a ball with a tiny little stick. I have some hand/eye coordination, but it was going to take some practice to find success. Lacrosse didn't form a team until my junior year of high school, and by that time I figured it was too late to learn how to play. Of course, I'm regretting that decision these days. I have been the site manager for Seton's lacrosse team for the previous two years, where I set up the gate, pay the referees, control the crowds, and protect peoples lives, as their home field is at West High. This year, Mary Ritter, the AD, was searching around for coaches to help out. This would have been a great opportunity for me to coach at the high school level like I want to and get me the experience I need in the long run.
Thursday night, the season is coming to an end as we celebrate all the time and committment the seniors have dedicated to the program. If you'd want to experience a fast paced, well played, high intensity game of lacrosse, join us at West High on Thursday night at 5:00 for Senior Night.

Grunt Work

As you heard if you listened to my first podcast, I am doing my Service Learning again this spring with the Flying Pig Marathon. Sister Mary approached those of us that participated last year to see if we would be willing to be Peer Leaders for those who were interested in doing it this year. At this point last year, I had some 20 hours built up after going to United Methodist Church and the weekend of the Pig to finish the last 10. This year, I have just been doing various work for the Pig to accumulate my hours so far, and will have to finish the majority of them up this weekend at the marathon. A peer leader seems like it would be a pretty easy, as you are mainly just the middleman between the other students and the organization. It is far from simple, as you have to coordinate everyone's schedules and wait for responses and commitments, and pretty much run in circles around everyone until you catch up with them. The leadership will look good on my resume and it helps me to develop communication and responsibility skills. Last year, it poured down all weekend of the race and we were miserable as we all tried to shove in our little tent. This year, it too, is forecasted to storm again. Hopefully, with the new set up and start line, the registration tent where I will be stationed will be more condusive to the weather. Come out and support your community this weekend at the Big Pig Gig!

Fair Weather Fans

Cincinnati is known for their fair weather fans, whether its the Bengals, Reds, Cyclones, UC, or XU. It seems to me that we find better things to do when our favorite teams are in a slump and we want nothing to do with them. I know not many of the local teams in recent years have had that great of a record, but now that the Cyclones are in the playoffs for the second year in a row, there are dramatically higher numbers in attendance at US Bank Arena. This weekend, the Reds are coming home with above a .500 record, and with the weather in the 80s, the fairweatherers are sure to come out to support the team. Just wait until September, when the only thing that's scorching is the weather and they have to pay people to come out to the Reds games, when the team is in second last place. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, I really am an optomist when it comes to the Reds, and would be proud to call myself a Reds fan at all times during the season. I just know that history has a record of repeating itself, and this is what has happened the past 5+ years.

Sweet Summertime

There is nothing like the crack of the bat, the warm summer sun on your face (in my case, frying my face off), and the explosive atmosphere at a Reds game. Baseball season is finally back in gear, and there is no greater season in the world. I look forward to Opening Day every year and know that summer is near. It also helps that my dad works down at the stadium and he is always coming home with goodies or stories to tell about his experience in the bullpen with the boys. So far, the Reds are off to a good start in the season, and I just hope they can continue to contend in their division. I feel like Dusty Baker has a good grip on the team and knows where his priorities should be. I can't wait to go down to a game, enjoy a few beers on a warm summer night, and go home craving a Skyline coney, which never fails to happen.

Mumbling Mess

This has really nothing to do with sports, but...
So this week I was awarded the St. Catherine Medal at the Honors Convocation during the Celebration of Teaching and Learning. This award is given to a junior at school who shows a commitment and selflessness to their school, church, and community. I was shocked I was even chosen by Judi Heile and the board, and I still don't know how they figured I was best for the honor. I don't feel as though I am deserving enough for this prestigious award, that there are so many other people at the Mount that do much more than I do, and how there is always room for me to fit more service into my life. When I gave my speech to accept the award, I was nervous that I wasn't supposed to be speaking, for no other award winners had said anything yet. I stumbled over every word and was caught up with emotion when I came to all of my thank you's. Apparently, I was successful, as I got a lot of feedback about what I said, and everyone liked my shout out to Coach Newman. Coach Murray told my brother that I brought a tear to his eye (which I find funny). At the baseball game at Midland Wednesday night, AD Steve Radcliffe tracked my brother down to find out if we were related and to talk about me. Hopefully this is a good sign and he is able to teach me a thing or two about Athletic Directing and the sports industry. Thanks to all those that came out to show their support and especially Dr. Schoenstedt for the recommendation!

Opening Day

Reds season is officially underway with the traditional Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, followed by a close loss by the home team. Unfortunately, I was not able to get tickets to the game, but I enjoyed the game from the warmth of my dry house. Although I would have enjoyed seeing the game in person, the rain and cold were not something I wanted to have any part of. I figured there are 80 more games I can go to that everyone else seemingly forget about. Although the atmosphere is not the same, a Reds game is a Reds game to me. There is so much talk about moving the openers back in date or switching cities due to the weather conditions. I think the weather in Cincinnati is so unpredictable that a week really wouldn't do much. Places like Chicago, Milwaukee, and New York would be miserable to attend games. How ridiculous would it be if the Reds opened their season up in another city other than Cincinnati? Would the fans really travel to be there and would those that want to go and how will those that have made it such a tradition here with their families and friends react? With all of the new stadiums being built, how haven't they caught on to adapt to the weather trends over the years? Even as far north as Minnesota, they just built a stadium without a roof! But, the Reds were the first team in professional baseball and should always have the home opener. I can't imagine it being anywhere else.

So Long Sarasota

My parents just got back from their two week voyage to St. Pete Beach and Venice. In a way, I'm relieved to have them back, but I would have liked a few more days to myself. I never realized how much goes into taking care of the daily responsibilities like caring for the pets and keeping up with the housework. One of many unexpected situations that came up while they were gone was the kitchen ceiling having water damage from the leaking roof that has yet to be fixed from the wind storms in the fall. I had the duties of contacting the insurance adjusters, dealing with repair men, and trying to relay the information back to my parents as to what was taking place. This went on for all but the first few days they were gone, so I didn't have much time free of stress.
One thing my parents did get to experience was the second last game the Reds would play at Ed Smith Stadium. My mom said it was so scorching hot they only made it through the 6th inning. For purchasing them on game day, they had great seats down the first base line, only two rows behind the dug out. She said how sociable the players were and how former Reds such as Eric Davis stood along the stands and signed autographs until everyone that wanted one had been taken care of. Although I never got to make it down to Sarasota for Spring Training like my life goal had been, I feel as though I was there through the stories brought back by my parents. If you have any stories or thoughts about Spring Training or the Reds' final year at Ed Smith Stadium, check out my Facebook group at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=51327557062&ref=ts

Wet Wednesday

For Dr. Lee's Sport Marketing Class, we were assigned a project called a Sport Experience Audit. We were to divide into groups and chose a sporting event to prepare a questionnaire and to distribute it at the venue. My group members and myself chose to survey Cyclones fans at US Bank, and worked weeks on perfecting the questions. After some minor mishaps, we finally got the approval required from Dr. Lee and the Cyclones staff. Last night was the big night, where we were to find all of our data and get the results from the fans. Going into it, I had a feeling it was going to turn out badly. I was not entirely correct with this theory, but things did not definitely go smoothly. Being a Wednesday night, we weren't sure how the crowds would be, even though it was Wet Wednesday, meaning $1 beer night. With only 3 of us to find people willing enough, it was nearly impossible to obtain the 100 required for the project. After getting denied time after time, I gave up asking people and put the others in charge of recruiting. We came close to meeting our goal of 100 questionnaires completed, which is much more than we could have asked for.
Robby's dad got us one of his friend's suites, which was right behind the goal, and a decent view of the arena. He brought some friends, we reviewed the surveys, made friends with our suite neighbors, and enjoyed the game. The Cyclones dominated the Reading Royals with a 5-0 shutout. All in all, it was a good experience, but definitely a challenging one.

Spring Training

Saturday, February 14th, pitchers and catchers reported for the final time to Sarasota, Florida for the Cincinnati Reds Spring Training. Tomorrow, February 17th, position players must report to start their preseason physicals and warm-ups. Things are going to be run differently this season, as Dusty Baker has a season with the Reds under his belt, and has a better idea of his priorities for the team. On the 40 man roster, there are 4 catchers fighting for the starting position, with some veterans and one youngster. Craig Tatum is a rookie out of Mississippi up against Hanigan, Castillo, and Hernandez for the spot. In the past, we have had decent defensive catchers, but are horrible when behind the plate of an opposing pitcher. LaRue, Ross, Valentin, and Bako are a few names that may ring a bell that didn't last in the organization over the past few years. The Reds continually say they are a young team and always look to the next year. Then, next year comes around, and the same thing is said. The pattern continues with under .500 seasons, and nothing is done to improve the organization. Hopefully, this year, the tides will turn, and the Reds can finish higher than last place in their division.

Health and Food

After writing my paper for my Health Issues class about my personal health and health history, I have come to the realization that I am no where close to as healthy as I want to be. My family has a long history of medical problems, and soon enough, I am going to be another one of them if I don't change my ways. I have always had problems controlling my eating habits, and obesity is the cause of countless issues out there. After eight people in my family being diagnosed with diabetes, I can see that I am a prime target for this disease. If I don't change my ways and become more physically fit, time will only tell when I will be #9. In addition to this, stress plays a key role in determining my health. Although there are not many things I don't worry about, I have realized that where I am now is nothing compared to what it could and will be in the future. I need to soak up all that I can now and not worry about the little things in life, for they will work themselves out.
This weekend, I was determined to take advantage of the warm weather and get healthier one step at a time, so I began by experiencing tennis for the first time in addition to my walk around the neighbor hood. Although I didn't eat as healthily as I would have liked, it tasted good going down, but I know how much harder I have to work to get the fat off. I work out in at my gym twice a week already, but I still have to stay active all the other days of the week to fight off my food obsession.

Happy Birthday

February 10, 1939, my aunt Liz was born the middle child of 5. Things weren't always easy for them, and I can't even imagine how different things were from today. Life without cell phones, computers, and tv's are unfathomable and I don't know if I could have survived, as pathetic as that sounds. I think Liz is the one to blame for my slight obsession and where my love for the Reds all began. Far before I was born, Liz was devoted to the Redlegs. She was played an active role in Rosie Reds and was a season ticket holder for decades. We spent countless nights at Riverfront together and I will never forget the man who sat next in the seats next to her with his 90s earphones and nightly scorecard. If we weren't at the game, we were listening to Marty and Joe or watching it on tv. Liz taught me so much more than just about the Reds, but overcoming obstacles and defeating the impossible. She stuck with something no matter how hard the times were- after the death of her mom, being diagnosed with diabetes, or taking care of my grandpa when he needed her most. After suffering a severe diagnosis of dimentia and later Alzheimer's, she did her best in living the life she had known, and stuck around much longer than anyone thought she would. Last July, she lost this battle but not the game. She is no longer with us, but her view of the ballpark will just be a little higher up in the stands from now on.

Volleyball Withdrawl

It has officially been a week without any volleyball activity (unless you consider Friday night league at Western Sports Mall, which is a poor excuse for any physical activity, and volleyball is a word used lightly). We had our last GWAC game a week ago from Sunday, and I have been in withdrawl to say the least. Even though there were times I swore I was going to walk out of that gym and quit the whole coaching thing even though it has barely just begun, I really do miss the girls and the atmosphere.
St. Al's is not your typical school, for it is barely holding on, with 10-20 people per grade, some grades and classes combined, sacraments recieved such as Reconciliation and Confirmation only take place every other year, and much less room for success because of the small size. The outstanding students have to stoop down to the level of their classmates because the resources are not available for advancement, in both academics and athletics. Although there may be some disadvantages of small school life, there are many things I wish I would have been able to grow up with that I didn't at St. Dominic. The community atmosphere is unlike anything I have ever experienced before. In Sayler Park, everyone knows everyone else, and you can always come to them when you need a favor or help, they have your back. The people I met during this experience are some of the most selfless, compassionate individuals that would do anything for another person. Their priorities are about other people, whereas most other places, people only concern themselves about their own personal interests.
I had enough trouble dealing with withdrawl during Christmas and New Year's, I don't know how well the next 8 months will turn out. I will definitely keep in touch with Anne and her family through e-mail or an occasional lunch, or I may go insane.

White Death

I've had enough of this snow. It only messes up plans, causes stress, and more chaos than it's worth. Even though I enjoy the snow day off of school, I would much rather have a normal, routine, mundane day compared to that of multiple near death experiences. People are horrible drivers to begin with, and the snow can only multiply this. That is one of my biggest pet peeves..when someone drives on your tail, especially when the road conditions are not ideal. I know I'm a terrible driver, and anyone that has driven with me can verify this point. I had never been too worried about the roads until last November when I slid off a wet bridge and into a person's yard, just feet away from a tree and killing myself and my best friend.
Last Wednesday, my sister's car had to be taken to get fixed on Glenway. The roads in Delhi were so horrible I had to pull over three times on the same road to get out of people's way, and the fourth time I pulled over my mom came and picked me up. I was shaking so bad and knew I wouldn't even be able to make it to pick up my sister, much less get home.
Bottom line: The snow needs to go!


At least someone enjoyed the snow (after a little getting used to) with her aunts!

Steelers vs. Cardinals

So the Superbowl this year was one of the few that I have actually sat down and watched more than 3/4 of in all of my years. Previously, I have always been more interested in the food and the people I'm with rather than what is actually going on in the game. This year, the commercials were pretty much a bust, minus the Doritos one created by the brothers from Batesville, and there were way too many about upcoming movies and television shows on NBC. With my deep dislike for the Steelers, I actually cared about the outcome more than in the past. Surprisingly, I was on my feet, giving high fives and booing the refs for their poor calls when the game finally got exciting in the second half. Although the team I was rooting for didn't bring home the victory, and I will continue to listen to Professor Bell ramble on about how well the Steelers played and how Arizona was horrible for about the next three months, all in all, it was a good Superbowl to enjoy with people I love.

Spring

With all of the snow we have had this past week, it's time to think Spring. Only two weeks until Spring Training, which can't come soon enough. Once spring is here, it flies by, and summer is not far behind, and I can't wait. I have been checking out some Spring Break destinations, which I am desperately in need of getting out of this city like you wouldn't believe. One place I would like to spend a few days in would be somewhere on the West Coast, or Vegas. If I don't go there, I am most definitely going down to Sarasota, Florida to catch some Reds games before the season starts. I have always wanted to go, and I figure if I don't go now, I probably won't go to Arizona when they move to their new Spring Training home in Goodyear. We'll see what happens, but anywhere warm and sunny would work for me!

Final feat

This weekend marked the last time I would coach for about ten more months when it starts all over again, but with after losing 6 very important girls to high school. It's crazy how close I got to the older girls- I feel like I am a friend and sister to them in so many ways. At first, I was completely unsure about how it would all work out, but we came together and grew dramatically in just two and a half months.
We went into our final match Saturday night knowing we had to pull out all three games in order to keep our first place status, not knowing what the second place team had done earlier that day. We were only in the lead by one game, and could easily fall into second place if the right moves weren't made. The game was late in the evening, the exact opposite of when they had been previously the entire season, not to mention no practice during the week because of the endless amount of snow, so I was extremely nervous about what the night was going to bring. My sister and assistant coach, Heather, was breaking out in rashes down her neck throughout the first game because her nerves had gotten the best of her! We brought our game faces in front of a large crowd at Victory to cheer the 8th graders on in their last pursuit, and took the win and the trophy.

Redlegs

Growing up in a baseball family in Ohio, I automatically became a Reds fan. As far back as I can remember, I would go to the games with my family and aunt at Riverfront and Cinergy Field. I was what you might call obsessed with the Reds throughout the 1990s. Everyone knew this, and would ask me the most random questions about the team and players. I made up a game about the numbers and stats on the roster and forced my sister to play it with me on a routine basis. We would spend endless nights watching the team on tv or sitting on the back deck listening to Marty and Joe. My summers revolved around the Reds, and seemingly still do. Annually, I start a countdown until pitchers and catchers report (which is Febuary 14th this season, in case you care).
Although a lot of things have changed, my favorite players have been traded, the stadium is new and improved, the coaches have been fired, and their standings have plummeted, some things have stayed the same. The traditions and atmosphere will continue to be an incredible stress relievers and one of my most favorite things to do. Let the countdown begin to Spring Training!

Weekend Wars

This weekend was consumed by coaching volleyball, and I will probably have to go on blood pressure medication after this season is finished. St. Lawrence was there an hour in advance to attempt to beat the first place team, our St. Al's Lightning Storm. They looked tough, but I guess looks aren't everything, because we dominated in the end. The beginning was very rocky and were down by 10 after the second server went to the endline. I called a time out, and we caught back up, only to be brought back down again. They still haven't figured out how to come out strong and win the first game, because that only happens next to never, and came back to win a tight match with the next two games. The season is ending near and I will miss these girls more than I thought was possible.

Comeback Kids

So the younger girls' season is officially over, and it ended with a big win against Victory. Finally, it clicked in their tiny minds how much easier it is to win when they make their serves, something they have struggled with all season long. We always seemed to have to play comeback kids, digging ourselves a hole in the first game, which we surprisingly came back to win. The second game wasn't any better, even with our best six on the court, the team managed to lose. I think one of these times I may have a heart attack at the age of 21 if one of their parents doesn't first because they enjoy making the score as close as possible. The third and final game was a nail biter, as they came back to win 30-28 in a game to 25. It was never an easy time with them, whether it was practice or a match. There were about six 5th graders and and four 6th graders, and most of them have not had a very good coach to teach them the basics of the sport. We did what we could with them, but they just had no desire to win. At first, I thought this age would be the easiest to coach, but I was definitely wrong about that. They were more rebellious than any of the older girls, constantly talking back and unwilling to cooperate. I think this had much to do with their success, because the less they cared, the more we had given up on them. Overall, they grew together as a team and learned their lessons the hard way, but nonetheless, learned their lesson, and it showed in their fight last night.

Coaching Chaos

Tonight was our last 5th/6th volleyball practice, which is most definitely a relief. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into when I said I would help out, and this is much more than I imagined my role as. I've had a decent amount of volleyball experience in the past, so I after an email was sent out by the volleyball coordinator desperately trying to find coaches, I said I would do what I could with what I know... what better do I have to do? It can't be that hard, right? I eventually made the call to the coordinator back in October to find out they had one coach for the three teams they were forming, and that one coach was me. The coordinator, Anne, has coached various teams in the past, but never volleyball. So then we decided between the two of us, she can play the part of the motivator and contact person and I would be the skill and disciplinarian. From that point on, together, we have had our highs and lows among the three different teams, but has definitely changed me. Coaching these girls has made me take on more responsibility, as I have become a leader in different aspects of life and proven to myself and others that I am capable of taking on such a big role.

Olivia, Rich, and Martin

This weekend went by way too fast and was more chaotic than ever. Friday afternoon my niece, Olivia was born at 4:27, weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces. I went to the hospital after I got out of class at 3 to find out she was on the way, almost two weeks early. In the middle of all the excitement, I had to leave to coach my 7th and 8th grade girls at the St. Catherine tournament, which was too brutal to even talk about, not to mention my head being somewhere else.

Saturday morning the 5th and 6th grade had a league game, which, once again, is not even worth discussing. That night, my sister and brother in law were ordering the fight on pay-per-view, so I went over to watch. I have never been too much into UFC, or really sat down to watch it, but it turned out to be something that was different from what I am used to and kept my attention. The opening fights were nothing compared to the main event, which was Rich Franklin vs. Dan Henderson. The blood was everywhere after an accidental headbutt, and with 30 seconds left in the 3rd round, Rich was poked in the eye. Since it wasn't a championship fight, they only had three 5 minute rounds instead of five 5 minute rounds. With a split decision loss, it was an overall rough night for Cincinnati's own Franklin.

No matter where we're from or what we consume our lives with, we are all connected in some way. Through this blog, you can see we may or may not have some things in common, but I am who I am, take it or leave it, either way it makes no difference to me. As we celebrate the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the beginning of Obama's reign as President, I leave you with the words of Dr. King:
"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."

Me and the River Rats

To those of you that may not know me, I am a junior at the Mount where I attempt to play golf. I am a Sport Management major and am publishing this blog as part of our New Media class. I was born and raised here in Delhi and hope to pursue a career at the high school level in town, if not with a major sports team. I have been playing sports throughout my life, and I will go into more detail about those as the semester progresses.

Currently, I coach two volleyball teams (5th/6th, and 7th/8th) with my sister and my best friend at a small grade school. I did attempt to take on the 3rd and 4th graders in November, but their season only lasts about a month and is very, very basic. These girls have not had much volleyball experience and because of the size of the school, there are few outstanding players. We have fun and love the game..for the most part.... and its pretty cool to have such an impact on a group of girls and watch them grow personally and athletically. The older girls are first in the league with only a few weeks left in the season, so hopefully we can bring the very first volleyball trophy to them in their last season of gradeschool.