After another long but seemingly short summer of Rowan County American Legion Baseball, here we are about to enter the month of August, and Rowan's boys of summer and their fans, parents and others are planning a trip to the southeastern regionals in Sumter, South Carolina after winning the 2009 North Carolina American Legion State title with a 5-3 victory over Shelby.
"We did it!" Many Rowan fans exclaimed after Billy Veal struck out the last Shelby batter on a 1-2 count, sending the Rowan fans who made the trip to Greenville into a mad frenzy of cheers that echoed relief and joy.
Myself, being the huge fan that I am, took in the moment glancing around to see the expressions on many of the fan's faces, all so relieved and thrilled to death to see their boys win one (the program's seventh) for the county of Rowan and the program's past players.
I've been following Rowan fairly religously for the past four years or so, and it felt wonderful to be a part of that state title, even though I didn't throw a pitch or swing a bat. I have people tell me all the time about how much they appreciate my support and enthusiasm for the team.
I don't know any different than to pull like hell for my team and yell my lungs out for their success. It's great to get to know some of the parents, even becomming good friends and sharing these great moments.
I look forward to what the regionals have in store for my boys as they travel southward to the Palmetto State. I'm not sure what to expect as far as what my team will do in Sumter, it's been one heck of ride this year and whatever happens, I'm going to remain proud of my team.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
My definition of America
In a recent article I wrote for the Salisbury Post, I stated that "if you ever wanted to see a clear picture of what America is, then go to Faith in late June and early July and you will certainly see just that."
Well much to my shagrin, someone commented in the comments section at the bottom of my article on http://www.salisburypost.com/ website saying that "I wish people would stop referring to Faith as this All-American town when it's full of racists, and that I didn't see any pictures of African Americans."
That may be true, but you cannot find a town in this great country of ours that doesn't have racists. Faith definitely has it's history when it comes to it's past referring to the lack of minorities living there.
Faith is one of those towns that has been the same since it was established. Everyone that lives there is just about if not related. Everybody knows everybody's name and knows about everyone's business. You can tell that just by walking around and listening to people's conversations and they way they act around one another.
That is what America should be, people knowing everybody, and keeping that tight close-knit type of family atmosphere.
The Faith-type town is dying in America, and I'm glad that Faith has kept it's heritage alive with the annual Faith Fourth Festivities. The Faith Fourth of July Parade is annually the top fourth of July celebration in the state of North Carolina.
I'm so glad that towns like Faith still exist with all the big cities and sub-divisions of today where people don't even know who lives next to them.
Regardless of the fact that racism still exists today, and the old stereo-types that people have placed on towns like Faith, just because there aren't equal numbered races living there, having towns like Faith is so very important to keeping our country's proud tradition alive and well.
Well much to my shagrin, someone commented in the comments section at the bottom of my article on http://www.salisburypost.com/ website saying that "I wish people would stop referring to Faith as this All-American town when it's full of racists, and that I didn't see any pictures of African Americans."
That may be true, but you cannot find a town in this great country of ours that doesn't have racists. Faith definitely has it's history when it comes to it's past referring to the lack of minorities living there.
Faith is one of those towns that has been the same since it was established. Everyone that lives there is just about if not related. Everybody knows everybody's name and knows about everyone's business. You can tell that just by walking around and listening to people's conversations and they way they act around one another.
That is what America should be, people knowing everybody, and keeping that tight close-knit type of family atmosphere.
The Faith-type town is dying in America, and I'm glad that Faith has kept it's heritage alive with the annual Faith Fourth Festivities. The Faith Fourth of July Parade is annually the top fourth of July celebration in the state of North Carolina.
I'm so glad that towns like Faith still exist with all the big cities and sub-divisions of today where people don't even know who lives next to them.
Regardless of the fact that racism still exists today, and the old stereo-types that people have placed on towns like Faith, just because there aren't equal numbered races living there, having towns like Faith is so very important to keeping our country's proud tradition alive and well.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Rowan County American Legion Baseball: More than just a game
When you walk into Newman Park, whether it's for the first time or the thousandth, you get the sense that this is one special place. You can't exactly explain why, well maybe you can if this is your thousandth time, but even if it's your first time, you sense it.
Newman Park is an icon to many baseball players, coaches and fans. It has a certain mystique and atmosphere that cannot be matched. Some other ballparks may come close, but Newman owns the number one spot.
Rowan County is a baseball hotbed, always has been and always will be. There is a lot of talented baseball players in Rowan and even some that have made it to the major leagues.
When those players who are lucky enough to play for Rowan slip on that red uniform, something happens that is almost magical. They become almost like local celebrities. They may not feel that way, but where else can you see little kids asking for autographs from their favorite players?
I've heard many people, who have been coming to legion games their whole life say that when they were little, they thought they were at a professional game.
How is that? Don't we know that we are just watching a bunch of high school kids and maybe a few college players? Why does it feel that way?
I'll tell you why it doesn't feel that way, it's because what Rowan legion has built is the model or ideal legion program, not just in the state of North Carolina, but the United States as well. Rowan has it all: loyal fans, a beautiful home ballpark, enormous half 'n half drawings, great newspaper coverage, two radio stations (yes two), chartered buses for road trips and then of course Cheerwine slushies and fresh roasted peanuts!
Every little leaguer grows up dreaming of playing in that environment and putting on that Rowan uniform, and is there any wonder why?
Many great players have doned the Rowan uniform over the years such as Cal Hayes Jr., Buck Hamrick, Bobby Parnell, Justin Roland, Aaron Rimer, and I could go on and on. I know I am missing some of the program's players from the past, but you would be reading this all day.
Bottom line is, there is nothing like Rowan County American Legion baseball, and the only thing that will come close to it, is Rowan County American Legion baseball.
Let's play ball.
Newman Park is an icon to many baseball players, coaches and fans. It has a certain mystique and atmosphere that cannot be matched. Some other ballparks may come close, but Newman owns the number one spot.
Rowan County is a baseball hotbed, always has been and always will be. There is a lot of talented baseball players in Rowan and even some that have made it to the major leagues.
When those players who are lucky enough to play for Rowan slip on that red uniform, something happens that is almost magical. They become almost like local celebrities. They may not feel that way, but where else can you see little kids asking for autographs from their favorite players?
I've heard many people, who have been coming to legion games their whole life say that when they were little, they thought they were at a professional game.
How is that? Don't we know that we are just watching a bunch of high school kids and maybe a few college players? Why does it feel that way?
I'll tell you why it doesn't feel that way, it's because what Rowan legion has built is the model or ideal legion program, not just in the state of North Carolina, but the United States as well. Rowan has it all: loyal fans, a beautiful home ballpark, enormous half 'n half drawings, great newspaper coverage, two radio stations (yes two), chartered buses for road trips and then of course Cheerwine slushies and fresh roasted peanuts!
Every little leaguer grows up dreaming of playing in that environment and putting on that Rowan uniform, and is there any wonder why?
Many great players have doned the Rowan uniform over the years such as Cal Hayes Jr., Buck Hamrick, Bobby Parnell, Justin Roland, Aaron Rimer, and I could go on and on. I know I am missing some of the program's players from the past, but you would be reading this all day.
Bottom line is, there is nothing like Rowan County American Legion baseball, and the only thing that will come close to it, is Rowan County American Legion baseball.
Let's play ball.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Blogspot status update?
Well apparently I have not "blogged" since May 3, even though it doesn't seem that long ago, so I'm just going to let you know what is going on in my life at the current place in time.
The summer is starting off very well for me. I just recently started my internship at The Salisbury Post and my first article (I would call it a blurb) was in Saturday's edition of the Post (in the Area section).
My first assignment was covering the Apple Ugly eating contest over at East Rowan High School. This was supposedly the 50th anniversary of East's yearbook and so the yearbook staff threw a carnival to celebrate the occasion.
I was admittedly nervous because this was my first time going on a "real" coverage of an event. I definitely learned from my first experience and will hopefully not be as nervous the next time and just do my thing.
Other than that, the usual sign of summer is beginning to heat up. That would be Rowan County's favorite pastime, baseball. East Rowan's baseball team was not devouring Apple Uglies, but was nearly devouring their season right down the drain when they trailed the Piedmont Panthers by two runs heading into the 7th inning on Friday night.
I thought I had seen some crazy things last year, but apparently I had not seen anything yet with the amazing comeback put on by the Manic Mustangs. Zach Smith alertly stole home after David Ijames had hit the game tying single to win the game for East.
So East really did "steal" one literally and figuratively. The Mustangs move on to to face the Mustangs, Parkland that is, on Tuesday.
I say now that I really have seen it all, but judging by Friday's craziness, this may just be the beginning of the May maddness?!
Rowan County Legion is scheduled to start their season Tuesday at Randolph County. The majority of the legion team is comprised of East Rowan, so they will be missing some faces for a while.
Returning are veterans Trey Holmes and Billy Veal, fresh off their first years of college, should provide that veteran leadership to the team when needed. West Rowan's baseball season ended with a 6-2 setback at the hands of T.C. Roberson, so the players from West will be ready come Tuesday.
This summer looks to be an exciting one, so I guess you should stay tuned.
The summer is starting off very well for me. I just recently started my internship at The Salisbury Post and my first article (I would call it a blurb) was in Saturday's edition of the Post (in the Area section).
My first assignment was covering the Apple Ugly eating contest over at East Rowan High School. This was supposedly the 50th anniversary of East's yearbook and so the yearbook staff threw a carnival to celebrate the occasion.
I was admittedly nervous because this was my first time going on a "real" coverage of an event. I definitely learned from my first experience and will hopefully not be as nervous the next time and just do my thing.
Other than that, the usual sign of summer is beginning to heat up. That would be Rowan County's favorite pastime, baseball. East Rowan's baseball team was not devouring Apple Uglies, but was nearly devouring their season right down the drain when they trailed the Piedmont Panthers by two runs heading into the 7th inning on Friday night.
I thought I had seen some crazy things last year, but apparently I had not seen anything yet with the amazing comeback put on by the Manic Mustangs. Zach Smith alertly stole home after David Ijames had hit the game tying single to win the game for East.
So East really did "steal" one literally and figuratively. The Mustangs move on to to face the Mustangs, Parkland that is, on Tuesday.
I say now that I really have seen it all, but judging by Friday's craziness, this may just be the beginning of the May maddness?!
Rowan County Legion is scheduled to start their season Tuesday at Randolph County. The majority of the legion team is comprised of East Rowan, so they will be missing some faces for a while.
Returning are veterans Trey Holmes and Billy Veal, fresh off their first years of college, should provide that veteran leadership to the team when needed. West Rowan's baseball season ended with a 6-2 setback at the hands of T.C. Roberson, so the players from West will be ready come Tuesday.
This summer looks to be an exciting one, so I guess you should stay tuned.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Carrie Prejean: Majority Ambassador
Most years the Miss America Beauty Pageant comes and goes and little is made over who even wins, which happend again this year. The story this year of course if you haven't heard was the controversy sparked by runner-up Carrie Prejean from California.
Prejean was asked by judge Perez Hilton if every state should legalize same sex-marriage and Prejean responded with a surprising politically incorrect response that really ruffled Hilton's feathers in a later blogged video.
Prejean stated "I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and my family I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anyone out there but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be between a man and a woman."
As I was wittnessing what she said, I felt an overwhelming since of pride that finally someone stood up for what most believe in this country. She was simply answering what was asked and she answered truthfully instead of giving that minority opinion shared by few in this country, she remembered how her parents raised her and expressed herself much to the begrudge of Hilton.
It is my hope that God has instilled in Carrie, the guts to finally step up and let everyone know that the Christians in this country are tired of all the crap that we have taken from the minorites that have taken away prayer in schools, and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Christians must take initiative and be willing to show their colors to others and be a wittness to those who have doubted Christ or who just don't know Him. The Lord is trying to tell us something, I just hope that we are all listening.
Prejean was asked by judge Perez Hilton if every state should legalize same sex-marriage and Prejean responded with a surprising politically incorrect response that really ruffled Hilton's feathers in a later blogged video.
Prejean stated "I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and my family I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anyone out there but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be between a man and a woman."
As I was wittnessing what she said, I felt an overwhelming since of pride that finally someone stood up for what most believe in this country. She was simply answering what was asked and she answered truthfully instead of giving that minority opinion shared by few in this country, she remembered how her parents raised her and expressed herself much to the begrudge of Hilton.
It is my hope that God has instilled in Carrie, the guts to finally step up and let everyone know that the Christians in this country are tired of all the crap that we have taken from the minorites that have taken away prayer in schools, and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Christians must take initiative and be willing to show their colors to others and be a wittness to those who have doubted Christ or who just don't know Him. The Lord is trying to tell us something, I just hope that we are all listening.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The End Is Near
I guess when we hear that statement, we all think of that cartoon where the guy is holding or wearing a sign walking down the sidewalk telling everyone that the "end is near."
But if you're a college student, you know exactly what I'm talking about and hearing that the end is near is sweet music to your ears.
Another semester of college is over, and for some, graduation is on the horizon and the quote on quote "real world" (because we all live in a fake world now) is about to rear its' ugly head.
Others, like myself, have one more college semester to stress, pull all-nighters, write ten page papers at the last minute, go to games and yell till your lungs can't stand it, and simply have unrestricted and unlimitted amounts of fun.
Although we all are praying that we do great on our finals and get these last minute projects and papers turned in. We are really glad to see the semester come to an end. It might be cliche, but time certainly does fly, even when you're not having fun.
We will cherish our summers, as we should, because they will not last long. Another semester of college will be back to haunt, I mean enrich our lives before we know it. So enjoy your summer all you college students, cause as Darius Rucker says, "It won't be like this for long."
But if you're a college student, you know exactly what I'm talking about and hearing that the end is near is sweet music to your ears.
Another semester of college is over, and for some, graduation is on the horizon and the quote on quote "real world" (because we all live in a fake world now) is about to rear its' ugly head.
Others, like myself, have one more college semester to stress, pull all-nighters, write ten page papers at the last minute, go to games and yell till your lungs can't stand it, and simply have unrestricted and unlimitted amounts of fun.
Although we all are praying that we do great on our finals and get these last minute projects and papers turned in. We are really glad to see the semester come to an end. It might be cliche, but time certainly does fly, even when you're not having fun.
We will cherish our summers, as we should, because they will not last long. Another semester of college will be back to haunt, I mean enrich our lives before we know it. So enjoy your summer all you college students, cause as Darius Rucker says, "It won't be like this for long."
Friday, April 17, 2009
Round 2 goes to............
The West Rowan Falcons. Forgive me if this is all I have to say for the time being, but that is how the game went from the very beginning, all West, all the time.
A shell-shocked East Rowan team and crowd watched as West took advantage of 5 uncharacteristic Mustang errors. East starter Preston Troutman had to leave the game due to leg cramps and reliever Cody Laws was roughed up to say the least by the Falcon onslaught.
Hernan Bautista helped West draw first blood with a solo shot in the top of the 2nd inning and the Falcons never looked back building a 7-0 lead before East got on the board with a Casey Little homer.
Randy Shepherd, inserted into the game in the 4th inning, was nearly untouchable with his hard slider and fastball. Mustang fans pleaded and growned to their team to start a rally, but there was little that could be done to stop the Falcon momentum.
When all was said and done, the 9-1 drubbing had West's NPC record at 4-4 following a surpring loss at the hands of North Iredell, and East had dropped to 7-2, two games back of league leading Lake Norman.
The North Piedmont Conference is living up to its' billing as the year progresses, proving that no team is a pushover.
Garrett White held East to three singles in the first three innings but was relieved by Shepherd after two walks in the 4th inning.
Every Falcon recorded a hit except second baseman Tyler King.
A shell-shocked East Rowan team and crowd watched as West took advantage of 5 uncharacteristic Mustang errors. East starter Preston Troutman had to leave the game due to leg cramps and reliever Cody Laws was roughed up to say the least by the Falcon onslaught.
Hernan Bautista helped West draw first blood with a solo shot in the top of the 2nd inning and the Falcons never looked back building a 7-0 lead before East got on the board with a Casey Little homer.
Randy Shepherd, inserted into the game in the 4th inning, was nearly untouchable with his hard slider and fastball. Mustang fans pleaded and growned to their team to start a rally, but there was little that could be done to stop the Falcon momentum.
When all was said and done, the 9-1 drubbing had West's NPC record at 4-4 following a surpring loss at the hands of North Iredell, and East had dropped to 7-2, two games back of league leading Lake Norman.
The North Piedmont Conference is living up to its' billing as the year progresses, proving that no team is a pushover.
Garrett White held East to three singles in the first three innings but was relieved by Shepherd after two walks in the 4th inning.
Every Falcon recorded a hit except second baseman Tyler King.
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