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