Happy Groundhog's Day

 

Phil may have seen his shadow this morning, but if this is the winter we have ahead of us, I'm ok with that. There's nothing like the sound of baseball coming through my *open* windows, although it worries me that if we're having a mild winter, does that mean the spring and summer will suffer because of it?

More Redleg Fun

Kevin's all-out effort did not bring the Reds out on top of this...Titanic struggle. They ended up losing to the Padres, 7-3. We were wishing that Harang could have pitched that game, but he wasn't slated to go that whole series. However, the Reds recognized Aaron and his wife for all the work they did in the community while he was a member of the Reds organization. We miss him, but how awesome is it that he's had an incredible season in San Diego?!

We headed down to GABP the day after our Lake Barkley trip, trying to soak up as much baseball as possible before the school year started and the Reds' season ended.

It was a nice day, although we did get sprinkled on, and even though our beloved team had a disappointing season one good thing came out of it: Meredith can sit through a game!

I was a little worried when all three of the boys could watch a game with little difficulty since they were born, and more often than not we were leaving the girl-child with a sitter so we could enjoy the game. No more! Meredith is die-hard fan now and she proves it with her awesome rendition of "Take Me out to the Ball Game" that has "Redlegs" substituted for "Home Team."

Thatta girl!

A Fun Fall Weekend

The pictures are a little out of order (we went to the game on Sunday), but I didn't have the patience to rework the post. My apologies.

We have a collection of photos like this and I love them.

Our seats were in the bleachers, but this worked out just fine.

Once again this fall we went to Lake Lorelei and it was such a nice weekend for hanging out by the water. Too cool to sit outside the first night, we made up for it on Saturday by fishing, boating, and having a bonfire. Lou and Ben had a soccer game so Kevin and I left with them, but rushed back to get as much out of the lake as possible.

On Sunday was the boys first PSR class, so we had to leave right after breakfast. And later that day we went to Fan Appreciation Day down at the ballpark. After the game we celebrated Katie and Matt's engagement with dinner at my parents. An absolutely great (but busy) weekend!

We must have been having a great time at the lake--this is the only picture there that I took!

Final Game of 2011

This game was rescheduled three times before they were able to play, due to the amount of rain we had this season. Finally, the game was set for a Friday night, June 24th, and...the other team doesn't show up! Fortunately there was a concert going on in the park, the other team's coach was there, and after about an half hour delay they were able to round up enough kids to play against our Tampa Bay Rays.

The boys were gone for a week at the beginning of the month and we were worried that they wouldn't get to participate in this last game. The reason why it was such a significant event? They played on the big field, as in, the high school field. With dugouts. Under the lights. They had their names announced and the national anthem was played and in between innings there were "baseball songs" on the PA system. They had made the big time!

In the first inning, Louie played first and Benny was the catcher. They had some hits, made some good plays throughout the game. Luckily, I brought a camcorder to record most of it. Because of that, I don't remember all the details, but Kevin could probably tell you. I do know that Louie had two doubles. He was very excited about that.

Coach Kevin

Brothers: At Bat, On Deck

Benny and Louie always batted right after each other. It was a neat thing to see. They stood together, warmed up together, cheered each other on. For this age (7 and almost 6), they were pretty intense and took each at bat and play seriously--most of the time. Being so young, every once in a while their minds wandered.

I'm really looking forward to the years to come, seeing the boys play together. Next year, Charlie will join the team. He will play with Benny and Louie will move up--to a league where the kids pitch and you're allowed to steal, slide, and all the other good stuff that happens when kids play and parents get out of the way.

Our Annual May Cleveland Trip

We try to make it up to Cleveland in May to visit Aunt Cassie and Uncle Paul before summer's craziness starts. We've been fortunate that both last year and this year we went up when the Reds were in town to play the Indians.

We thought it was only the weekend we were up there, but it turns out that every weekend they have "Kids Fest" where the lawn outside the stadium has great activities for all the kids. They had to sign a "contract" (waiver) first, then they could do speed pitch, hit in the batting cage and run the bases.

Charlie is our little Southpaw. He threw the lowest speeds that day, but he has great form and you better keep your eye on him--he's going places that only left-handed pitchers can.


I was surprised at how well the boys hit in the cage--all three of them. I don't think they've ever hit a ball pitched from a machine like that and they made contact with almost every pitch.

They had to of changed up the speeds depending on what age the kid was because the two boys that went in before them weren't hitting anything. And it cracked me up that the one right before was "waiting for the right pitch" even though it was a machine getting the ball across the plate each time. Louie, Benny, and Charlie get in there and start whacking the ball. You can see Uncle Paul and Grandpa looking on while Louie hits.

They even had little sets where the kids could get their picture taken. I thought Benny looked pretty believable here.

It was a hot, hot day and what brought out smiles in these sweaty babies? Well, besides shade and a cool breeze, Grandma bought waffle cones filled with soft-serve! Because the Reds certainly weren't bringing any smiles to their faces that day.

The Good Guys went home losers that day, but we enjoyed the rest of the weekend. After the game we went back to their house for a seafood dinner and once again Benny cleaned house with the beloved mussels. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of that--Benny, Grandpa and Uncle Paul with a big bowl of empty shells.

We look forward to our next trip up North, and if I can get the pictures off my phone, I'll post some of the boys fishing at Lake Erie before we left to go home.

On a roll

We had tickets for last night's Reds game out in centerfield, just three rows from Drew Stubbs...and completely surrounded by Cubs fans. The boys definitely got an education about how not to be a fan, but we brought enough good-spirited Reds fanaticism to make up for them.

We dressed like it was November but with all the jumping up and down, clapping and hootin' and hollerin' we didn't get cold. It did help that Charlie would rather sit on my lap than in his seat!

Meredith hung out with Grandma and Grandpa because between the cold, the late night, and her love of running around, it probably wasn't going to be the best night for her. She was missed, but we're hoping that soon she'll be a regular participant in these mid-week trips to the ballpark. Charlie says she'll have to be three.

The sixth inning was the most exciting of the night, with the Reds scoring seven times and one of the boys' favorites--Jonny Gomes--dumped his hitting slump by hitting a two-run homer over the centerfield wall. So much excitement for one night! The boys did so well until the walk back to the parking garage. Lou and Ben did it without much complaining, but Charlie has yet to grow his big-boy legs and had to be carried most of the way.

The Reds take on the Cubs once more tonight, but our family won't be at GABP, just listening on the radio with hopes of another win over the Cubbies!

Good Start

After breakfast the boys rush to brush their teeth and then, it begins. In the ten minutes or so before Lou and Ben's ride comes the three of them play a high-intensity game of baseball in the small space between the front door of the house and the dining room table.

They've created rules for this version of baseball. Sometimes they all agree on these, sometimes they don't (but really, isn't this what they see on the big league fields when players, managers and umpires come together to bump chests?).

But right now they are getting along. I'm typing, listening to the play by play that they call out, imitating the broadcasters they hear. Little Charlie is still in his jammies--pirate-looking striped pants with a "Great American" T-shirt--and the boys have their clothes, shoes and jackets on (yes, it has dipped back below acceptable temperatures for May).

Their ride has driven past our house to drop off a little sister to grandma's, pick up another boy, and they know they only have a few minutes to play baseball before it's off to school.

I love mornings like this.

Oh, and the Reds just swept the Cardinals. It's a good start to the week :)

The Joys of Opening Day Morning

I feel bad for people who live in Cincinnati who aren't baseball fans and don't get into the festivities of the beginning of the season. Everything--from the television, radio, to the billboards--is throwing this One Day in your face, assuming that you're as excited as everyone else about the Redlegs' return to the Queen City.

Well, you can go ahead and assume all you want about Casa Llena because we are completely on board with all the hoopla. I wish I could video the boys right now. They woke up and put on the Reds Rewind 2007, the DVD giveaway from the RedsFest four years ago. It's a highlights reel of that season and how I wish we had one from last season. Poor Charlie. He was just a newborn that year and keeps asking, "Where's Jonny Gomes?"

The most common used phrase to describe today is that "it's like Christmas." The thing is with cliches is that often they hit the nail right on the head. The boys couldn't be any happier if there were piles of presents for them under the tree when they woke up this morning. What gift will the Reds give us this year? With so many players starting the season on the DL it's still up in the air. But that's the great thing about Spring: it's rebirth, filled with hope for what's to come. So often it isn't the actual gift that you're excited about, but the anticipation of what could be in store for you.

This may be the year for our young Reds, and we'll be there rooting them on every step of the way!

Opening Day Eve

Tonight we ate our dinner in the basement so that we could have our first viewing of 4192, the documentary made about Pete Rose's path to breaking the hit record.

My opinion of Pete Rose the man has changed over time, but nothing can take away from the ballplayer that he was. This is the man that I want the kids to see. The guy who sprinted full-steam to first when the pitcher walked him. The guy who supported his teammates, encouraging them to be better than they thought they were.

Times may have changed, the work ethic of a ballplayer may have changed with the rising paycheck and the fame that comes along, but Pete stood out forty years ago because he was different than all the rest. He played hard, gave every ounce of himself for every game, and when it came down to it, he just loves the game of baseball.

For the kids to have passion for something in life--whether or not it is baseball--it a good lesson to learn.

Preparation

Today while I was at work the big task at home was to find the boys' spikes from last year's baseball season (they weren't found); then try them on (couldn't); then, if needed, head to the store to find appropriate spikes (mission: accomplished!).

My co-worker had a coupon they could use, so Kevin stopped by before heading to the store. It was neat because the kids got to stop in and see for the first time what it is that I do when I leave the house. I don't think they wanted to leave!

But leave they did, and found what they were looking for at the store. Even Charlie, who is not old enough to play this year, got a pair of spikes. Meredith, who actually learned to say "spikes" for the trip, did not get any. Maybe next year, Mere. Maybe next year.

Practice: three days away

Opening Day: four days away

Life is good.

Spring Training Begins

Today teams were announced and Louie and Benny will be a part of the "Rays" team, and Kevin will be one of their coaches!

Their practices begin next week already and they'll have a full month of practices before starting games.

Let's just hope that the rain starts weaning itself off because every park around here is currently in a swamp-like state!

Good luck to the 2011 Rays team, and if you're interested in the boys' schedule let me know. Once games begin, they'll be playing 2-3 times a week!

A Happy Heart

When I woke up this morning I saw this on the fridge. It made me so happy for many reasons: I love spring; I can relate to all of these; I love being able to see a bit into my kids' minds.

I especially love the "I smell Baseball" because that was always a big part of my spring as a kid, and still is. He could have easily put that in any of the other senses but he chose "smell," the sense tied most closely to memory. And I'm hoping that very soon we will be making many baseball memories.

P.S. Eight days.


I recently updated some posts with pictures back in February, in case you want to look back on the month that I skipped.

How could I have skipped this?!

What a great idea the Reds had to do their fest in December. It's just what a baseball fan needs this time of year! Every time we've gone it's been a lot of fun, but this year was even better because of all the excitement surrounding the Reds' clinching their division!

When we first got down there we met up with our friends who are as big of fans as we are, Owen, Eli, Amanda and Brian. We made it just in time to see the former and current players introduced, which is always the highlight for me.

Later, we met up with the boys' friends from school, Jack, Ben, Luke, Jill and Joe. It's fun to have friends that share your passion!

Please check out Amanda's blog to see some professional-grade pictures of this night, but below are some that we took.

There were a bunch of things for the kids to do, including this station where the kids could run the bases. They had UC baseball players working each station, and this guy timed the boys.

Along with all the hoopla surrounding the Reds' awesome season came the droves of fans who hadn't come in years past. It was packed. I'm hoping that next year they'll move the autograph lines upstairs to different rooms in the convention center. It was difficult to navigate, and could be scary at times when every third kid looked like mine, with a Reds hat and a Reds T-shirt. We didn't stay as long as we had in years past.

But before we left, Louie and Benny got in line with Jack and Ben to take turns hitting at the miniature Crosley Field. They waited a long time, but these kids they didn't complain.

Benny taking some swings

Louie, swinging for the fences

Yes, Meredith was there, too. Although she didn't have full Reds gear like her brothers. In fact, the only red piece of clothing she had was from the size before she was in at that time. Of course, I still made her wear it!

If you get a chance, please check out Amanda's blog because she got some great shots of that night, and you'll be impressed with her photography.

Trip to the Hall of Fame

We wanted to make the most out of Daddy's time off of work and planned a full schedule. One of our favorite things on the list was visiting the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum has so much interactive exhibits, so it's just perfect for our family of little kids. Even though the boys know many of the Reds players, past and present, they'd rather do the fun stuff like the speed pitch, going in the "dugout" and watching bloopers in a mock "rec room," personally my favorite part.

Here the boys learned how to announce a Reds game like Marty and Joe. Fortunately, we were the first ones in that morning so they didn't hurt the ears of the fans outside "the booth." They got pretty excited!

I told Meredith to go run in excitedly with the players, but she's a hugger and grabbed this statue's leg.


The year of celebrating the 1990 World Series team is coming to a close. Kevin and I were excited to show the kids all the memorabilia from the wire to wire season; point out our favorite players; and we even got to watch the movie in the theater in a "private viewing!"

Thanks Aunt Joanie!!

The Spark Has Gone Out

Today George Lee Anderson passed away due to complications with dementia. Better known as "Sparky," he led the '70s Big Red Machine to many pennants and World Series victories and is a legend for those of us who grew up in Cincinnati.

By the time I was born Sparky was on his way out of Cincinnati, headed to Detroit where he would manage the Tigers for 17 years. I feel fortunate that I was able to see him at Tiger Stadium, see him go to the mound to yank a pitcher, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his jacket. I feel even more fortunate that I was able to see him inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, in the summer of 2000.

Why do I have such an undying love for a man that I've never met? It's not that I hold all the members of the Big Red Machine with the same affection. I just think that he's one of those people whose genuine goodness shines through, someone who can be famous without being pretentious. He smiled because he was happy to being paid to be in the game of baseball as much as he was happy to be walking down the street.

But when it comes down to it, Sparky was one of those people who regardless of the fact that he was a celebrity, he was a good person and he was down to earth. Today I read that a motto he followed was one his dad taught him: It doesn't cost anything to be nice to people. What a great lesson to learn. Chances are my kids aren't going to grow up to famous people, but they sure can learn how to be nice.

A House Divided

We here at Casa Llena were happy to see that both the Yankees and the Phillies lost out in their bid to go to the World Series (pronounced "Serious" to the boys). Two teams--the Rangers and the Giants--are going into it hoping to win their first ring*.

But that's when things got tricky. Both teams have enduring qualities that make you want to see them win, but obviously they both can't so who do you go with? Well, for Louie, Benny and Meredith, your heart's in San Francisco. For Charlie, Kevin and myself, you're rallying around the Rangers.

It's been nice having the division because it gives us all something to root for, although thus far in the series Giants fans have had a whole lot more to get excited about. When it comes down to it, we just don't want baseball to end. If it goes seven games, we'll be just fine with that, regardless of who wins.

*The Giants have not won since they moved to the west coast.

The Name Game

Somehow nicknames came up as the breakfast topic today. Lou asked if "Lou" and "Louie" were his nicknames. Ben was convinced that "Benjamin" was a nickname. And it went on from there, even talking about having sons and giving them their names. Finally, we started talking about "Louis Victor" and I said that he could call his son "L.V." or call himself "L.V." They all agreed that when they become ballplayers they'll be called L.V., B.W. and C.T.

Then, Lou said he wishes that he had a P in there, too. I told him that when he was confirmed that he could take the name Paul or Peter and then he'd be L.V.P. He decided (after asking what Confirmation was and his mom lacked a good response for a six-year-old) that he would take Paul and asked if I knew why he wanted that. "Because it sounds like M.V.P.!" he tells me.

This kid is determined!

Rally-Rally-Rally on the Square!

How exciting to be a part of something as great as making it to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years! I have no problem with taking the boys out of school early to be downtown to celebrate!

My mom was able to go with us and we were prepared for anything--plenty of snacks, drinks and warm clothing. Turns out that we didn't need any of the hats and gloves. Although there were gray skies it was plenty mild. Whether it was the actual temperature or the heat generated from 4,000 energized fans, I'm not sure.

There was a great band playing and people giving out all sorts of Reds gear, the kids were in heaven. Not long after we got there the P.A. announcer for Great American Ballpark got up to speak and the fans excitement was heightened. He told us that the team had a police escort and that's when we started to hear the feint sound of sirens. The team was coming!

Our happy bunch, waiting with great anticipation for the Redlegs!

Do you see the giant baseball being bounced around? Eventually it was popped.

So good to see!

A business off the Square kept track of the magic number.

One happy crew!

Meredith could wear red and still be girly--no pink Reds stuff for her!

The team arrives! It was neat to see the guys in their street clothes--each of the personalities displayed.

As we were leaving I was able to snap this shot of part of Fountain Square.
We had so much fun!

P.S. Thanks to my Mom for letting me use her camera. Before the team arrived my camera battery died!
P.P.S. If you want to see some really good pictures of this event, check out my friend Amanda's site. Great camera + Awesome photographer + Incredible spot in the crowd = Some fantastic shots!

3 Games in 1 Week

So, I let you know that we were in the stands for the best game of the season, but we went to two other games that week (yes, we are spoiled!) as well. Here are some pictures from the other nights, and a couple that didn't make it to the first post.





Meredith didn't make it to the games with us. I don't want to give the impression that baseball is a "boys" sport, so she won't be included. Not by a long shot. Whenever she see a Reds logo or anything connected to them she gets so excited and starts clapping! It's just that they've been late nights, chilly at that, and...her mom and dad are a bit selfish and don't want to miss any of the action when they have to walk her around the stadium. She had fun with those that watched her, all whom were impressed with her knowledge of the game and how she cheered while watching them on TV!

GO REDLEGS!

WE WERE THERE

Can you feel the excitement ready to explode from the fans?!

A few weeks back I had requested tickets for Tuesday because by then we'd be finished with our basement and we could do something on a weeknight that didn't consist of paint, stain or power tools. Little did I know how much this one game would mean!!

We left Meredith with a friend because she has not gotten to the point where she enjoys going to the games (not yet!) and this was too important to have to walk her around the stadium. If the Reds beat the Astros they were going to be the 2010 National League, Central Division Champs! We were all pumped up for the game, as well as layered up with Reds gear so that we wouldn't freeze. We weren't going to leave until it was all over!

Ninety percent of the pictures taken on the post are courtesy of Kevin. I can not be left responsible for taking pictures at such a momentous event. They'd all be blurry, or only of a players feet. This is a picture of Aroldis Chapman coming onto the field. He didn't disappoint. He came in and blew away Houston! Evidence of this:

I love it! They played the theme music of the Top Gun movie and whenever he threw a pitch 100-miles-an-hour or higher they put it up on the jumbotron. (If you can't read the bottom line it says, "I feel the need...the need for speed!")

Chapman got the side out with no damage done and now it was our turn--Rally Time! We were tied at 2 going into the bottom of the ninth.

Although a bit chilly, Louie--wearing his Jay Bruce #32 jersey--put on his rally cap!

Jay really needed a hit. He was 0-3 on the night and this was the biggest game for his team of his young career. One pitch. One swing of the bat. One ball landing on the lawn in centerfield, at least a 400-foot shot. Not too shabby.

The already standing crowd was electrified! Screams and shouts of exhilaration could be heard from every corner of the ballpark while the Redlegs emptied the dugout to tackled Jay at home. And then it came: BRUUUUUUCE! The pitchers and catchers ran out of the bullpen to meet their teammates. It was one huge mess of guys that reflected what everyone in the stands was feeling. We won! We finally did it!

Even though it was way past the boys bed time, we stayed in our seats to watch replays of the homerun and the aftermath on one side of a split screen, and then saw what was going on in the players' lockeroom on the other half. How often we see other teams celebrate in this manner, their lockers covered in large sheets of plastic to protect their stuff from the exploding bottles of bubbly, and now it was our turn!

I took a picture of Kevin and the boys outside the stadium with a picture of Scott Rolen in the back. (I apologize for the graininess of the picture but I wanted to lighten it up so you can see the stadium!)

We were lucky enough to park near Fountain Square, where thousands of fans came to extend the celebration into the night. It was such a neat thing to see, to be a part of.

Watch this. He knew it was gone the moment the ball left his bat.

It's a great day to be a Cincinnatian.