So several things have changed since the last time I logged in.  It is obvious that someone in Heaven has the internet and they are reading my blog.  Last time I told you that it was hot as an oven out here.  Not even twenty four hours later, we were suiting up for a night game at home, and we were sporting long sleeves and jackets.  It was not in any way cold enought to be complaining about, but it was a welcomed change for sure.  Even in the few spring training and instructional leagues can I remember such a drastic change in the weather. 

 

Also, the Scorpions had not been playing baseball very well.  We either would pitch well and not hit the ball, or hit and not pitch.  It seems that the past four or five days, we are a completely different team.  The thing that I have noticed is that it only took this team one win to get on a roll.  The game following our second win of the season, and the first of this streak, our guys seemed to have a certain swagger about them that was electric.  For the first time, as a part of this team, I could see a group of guys that knew one another, played with one another, and pulled for one another.  It just goes to show how important team chemistry is.  All I know is that when you are winning, it sure makes being away from home for a couple extra weeks, a lot easier. 

 

Being away from home is starting to get to some of us I believe.  We are no doubt blessed to be in the situation we are in, and we do not take it for granted.  I am sure, however, that if you were to take any one person away from thier home, family, friends, girlfriend, wife, pets, or whatever it may be, regardless for what reason, they will be ready to get back as soon as possible.  It is not easy to keep in contact with those you care about when you are across country and three hours behind them.  Sure, you have every one of them supporting you in what it is you are doing, and all of them understand the reason you are gone, but it still is tough.  Again, I am not complaining, because I am reminded daily of how blessed I am, I just thought I would let you all know what things we face daily.  We love this game, and love to entertain you folks.

 

One more thing, that I find very interesting, and you may too, is autograph seekers.  We absolutely love to sign for any fan regardless of age.  I can’t even remember how many times I have heard fans complain about guys not signing, or completely blowing them off.  I know from experience how dissapointing it is when you aren’t able to get your target player(s) to sign.  One thing I will explain though is why this may be at times.  First of all the main reason that some guys are unable to sign is due to time.  We are constantly moving around from task to task throughout the day, and some days it seems we just don’t have time to stop and sign more than two or three.  Also, two of the most popular times that autographs are requested are right before games, and after games when we are on our way to the bus or our cars.  Most of the time if a player is unable to sign before a game, it is because of him preparing to play that day or night.  Remember this is our JOB and if we do not perform, we are out of work, and our dream.  After games, you will more than likely have no problem getting a player to sign.  Really the only time a player may not be jumping at the opportunity is if he feels he didn’t play well.  I would hope that anyone who takes pride in thier occupation would understand a rough night and the mindset that a person is in after such. 

 

For the final reason I will use an entirely new section, because this is the most frustrating.  There are people out there who like to ask players to sign ten, twenty, even more of thier cards for them.  The reasons we players get upset at this are 1. it takes time away from other fans who also want us to sign and 2. because we know that this person(s) are going to take these cards and sell them.  We understand that everyone loves money, but there is not a single person in this world who enjoys having money made off of you, and you see none of it.  Maybe if we were making a few more dollars each paycheck, we wouldn’t mind it as much, but we don’t. 

 

Now, maybe some of you who don’t get your autograph will understand a little more the reasons why.  We are truly sorry for the dissapointment it causes you, or your child.  Like I said earlier, we love to entertain you fans, we just don’t like to be used.  God Bless!

 

Verse for the day:  “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6