Ducks Going to the Championship

We did it, we are going to the championship. We went up there on Friday night, so we wouldn't have to ride the three and half hours then try to play. When we woke up Friday it was raining and continue to on our way to the field. When we started our warm up it actually cleared up and got sunny for a while. The rain came back though as we started to the game. We got three and half innings in before they called a rain delay. The score was tied at 4-4. On Saturday we had to start all over since we didn't play enough innings the day before. Clemens started again for us since we had a low pitch count the day before. It was a great game for the fans to see. We were down three runs in the top of the ninth and Jason hit a bases loaded double to tie the game. So we went into extra innings and their import hit a walk of home run to win the game. Which sucked that we lost but almost worked out for us that he was the one that hit it. He was on a huge high after that game but then he had to start the next game pitching. It's hard to build your self back up after something like that. In the first inning we scored 6 runs off him, it was a great way to show that we put the last game behind. I pitched a complete game and gave up two runs. When the final out was made I got tackled by my third basemen Julio. It was the first dog pile of my life and it won't be the last. With that win we are going to the finals against the Wanderers. They were down 0-2 in their series and won three straight to make to finals. It will be a good series for sure. It kinda funny to me that My buddy Joe and I will be playing each other again. We have played against each other for 10 years now and now we are meeting in the championship in Austria. I think that would make for a pretty cool story. Also we are now going to the EuroCup next year, the first and second place teams from Austria get to go play in it. That will be a lot of fun to play in next year. The first game will be on Saturday and I will pitch on Sunday. I don't now if there will be a live stream but there should be a live ticker for all the people back home.
    This Saturday my Dad and his friends are leaving for their annual fishing trip to Michigan. I have gone the last two years and it is one of my favorite weeks of the year. It's nice to just get away for a week. All we do for a week is fish, eat, sleep, and laugh. You do a lot of laughing there, like laugh so much your stomach hurts the next morning. I love the fact that Christian men can get together and have a great time together. As much as I will miss going my passion for winning this championship outweighs it. Michigan will always be there but this championship won't. I will be able to tell stories in Michigan about my time here. I know this is where God wants me to be and has taught me so much. Only six days till I get to do what I love and bring glory to him one pitch at a time. Have a great week and God bless.

Ducks Win Two

    This past Saturday we had the first two games in the the best of five series. We were playing the A's who finished 2nd last year. It's been five weeks since we played a game that had meaning to it. It felt so good to be back out there. In game one it was all Clemens, he was 4-4 at the plate and pitched a complete game shut out. We faced the best Austrian this year statistically and we scored 9 runs off of him. We played great all around from hitting to defence. Which is funny to me because if you saw our pre game we looked awful by far the worst of the year. But it only matters how you play in the game.
     In the second game I knew it wouldn't be a easy win but we had the momentum on our side. Clemens started off the game 2-2 and scored our first run. I pitched the complete game and only gave up two hits and no runs. I didn't have many strike outs but I did have 15 ground ball outs. That's how I normally pitch. In college and high school I was a ground ball pitcher.  We won the game 3-0 and now will head up there on saturday for the rest of the games.  We just need to win one game to make the finals and the Euro Cup. It's never easy to go to someone else field and win. But I think if we just play our game and take care of business we got a shot.

    Clemens and I decided that we would grow playoff beard and they seemed to work. Victor grew one also and he had a home run on Saturday the first on hit at our field this season, so maybe there is something behind it. I decided I am going to let it grow till I get back home. They might not let me back in the country since I will look nothing like my passport picture. My buddy Joe told me the other day he doesn't know with at I look like with short hair or clean shaven anymore. You can tell fall is coming here the nights are getting cooler which is fine for me because the colder it is the better I sleep. There is just something about playoffs and cooler weather, it's like they are suppose to go together. I can't wait till Saturday and take care of business. Hope everyone is doing good and trust in his plan for your life.

Birthday in Austria

I would have never guessed that I would spend my 25 birthday in a forgiven country. But it's something that I can tell my kids one day. Everyone always asks what did you do? Well I got to do what I love, I got to play baseball. The one thing that would have made it better was going to Japanese steakhouse with my family. We can do that when I return home. My Austrian family definitely made me feel special. Jan and Armin got me a Austrian army knife, which is awesome. I love knifes and will never be able to buy myself one of theses again. I sent a picture to my buddy officer Adam Bradley and he was pretty jealous of it.  After practice they had a cake waiting for me, which was really good. It was a surprise for sure.  I got to talk to my grandparents on my birthday too, my Dad talked them through using a calling card and calling me on my Austrian phone. It was good to hear their voices.  I also got a few birthday cards in the mail which was nice to hear from people back home. I  got a package from my friend Steph, which was perfect timing because that day I was kinda bored and starting to miss home. It was the perfect pick me up. It's cool to see how God uses little things to bring us joy. One week from today we start playoffs, it feels like its been weeks since we have played a game. I can't wait to get back out there and do what I love. Thanks again for all the birthday wishes. I can't wait to get back and celebrate with everyone. .

Ducks Finish 3rd

We finally know that we got third place this season and will be heading to the playoffs to play against the A's.  They don't start till the 15th of September to we still got some time off . We have split with them both times we played them so it's going to be a good series to start off the playoffs. They are a best of 5 and the higher seeded team get to choose where they want to play the first two games at home or away.
   This past week I got to work a baseball camp. I love working with little kids, they have so much fun playing. I love seeing the smile on a kids face when he throws a strike after making an adjustment. This reminds me of a quote that one of my good friends Jeremy Webb shared with me "Behind the player that you have become the stats, the fans, the glory and the upsets- was a little boy that fell in love with baseball. So play the game like that little boy would and thank God for all he has done". That is one of my favorite quotes of all time. Baseball is suppose to be fun and those little kids at camp just had a blast playing wiffle ball.  On the last day of camp is was pretty hot and the kids had a good week so far. So after lunch we had a huge water fight including water ballons, water guns and a slip and slide. It was Armin and me taking on about 25 kids needless to say I think we lost.
   So the seasons final stats are in and I had a pretty good year, I was 11-2 which was the most wins for a pitcher. I threw 123.3 innings which was the second most in the league. I had 152 strikeouts(3rd best) with only 15 walks. My ERA (earn run average) was 1.82. I had a great time this season playing with these guys. It fun to watch players grow over the year and become better players. I can't wait to get started with playoffs, we have won our last 4 regular season games and the 2 yesterday against a Dutch team. Yesterday we got to play a Dutch team to help us play in game shape for the playoffs. We played well in both games and really swung the bats. I only threw 4 innings since it was only a 7 inning game and other guys needed work. I was perfect in my outing no hits or walks and had 6 strike outs. It was a good day on the mound. I continue to thank God everyday I get to put on a uniform and go do what I love to do.

Playoff Bound

This past weekend we needed to win one game to make the playoffs. We decided why not just win both. The first game went into extra innings and Clemens threw all 11 innings. He only needed 125 pitches, which is a very good day on the mound. In the second game we won 5-3. I threw all 9 innings and had 10 strike outs. It was great to win both. That 4 straight for us which is a great way to enter the playoffs. We got 4 weeks till the playoffs so we have plenty of time to rest up. We still don't know who we are going to face in round one.
One of my friends asked me yesterday what was your dream job as a little kid? It was a pro baseball player of course. Then I realized I am living my childhood dream. Yeah I know I'm not playing for the Braves or having baseball cards made of me. But I'm getting paid to do what I love. What I have dreamt about so many nights laying in bed. I can remember playing in the back yard wanting to be John Smoltz. Looking back all the sweat and hours of work I have put in have been worth it. God has blessed me in many ways. I have always been patient and gone where God led me. My mom has always been there to remind me that God has a plan for my life and it's not a ordinary one. My Dad has been there to encourage me through this whole this even when I felt like just giving up. I also want to say thanks to all my coaches along the way, even the bad ones. I wouldn't be where I am today with y'all. I feel blessed everyday I get to put on a uniform and am very grateful for this opportunity.

Ducks Sweep Again

With only 4 games left we needed to win three out of the next four to make playoffs. We took care of business Saturday. It started in game one when Clemens threw all 13 innings and had the game winning hit. It was a big win for us not only to keep us in the playoff hunt but just for the team. The momentum carried over into game two where we scored 7 runs. I threw all nine innings with 16 strike outs 1 walk and one run. It was a great sweep for us.  This up coming weekend is a big one for us.
       My sister and her husband decided to come over and see me as well visit some cities. After my game we headed back to Vienna since we were heading to Prague the next morning. It was a really fun trip. When I see some old buildings it just amazes me that they could build something like that so long ago. I had fun picking on my sister again. I am very blessed to have the relationship that I do with her. She has always been there to support me along this journey. After seeing my Dad and sister I realized how much I miss my mom. I can't wait to be home and go eat Mexican with her again. I'm pretty sure we could both have it for dinner at least three times a week. I am excited to see what happens this next weekend. I love playing in games that can decide the rest of your season. Have a great week.

Second Loss

Sorry this blog is about a week late, I had a busy week last week. We will start off with the games against the Indians. In game one Clemens threw really well, he didn't give up a run till the 9th inning. He also had a two run home run in that game. It was one of his best all around games of the year. In the second game  they scored two runs off some hits and a error but the third run the winning run was scored on a past ball.  After they scored that run in the third I only allowed one more hit in the game. We ended up losing 3-2. I pitched 8 innings had 12 strike outs and only one walk. On our trip across Austria we had to go through Germany but we got lost. So I had a idea of making a video in the car. It actually turned out pretty good, I'll post the link on here. This past weekend I was in the Czech Republic to watch the U21 European tournament. It was really cool to see guys playing for their country. They had some really nice stadiums there. The one day we were there we got to go see some caves. It was really pretty inside them minus how cold it was in there. It was about 40 degrees and I only brought shorts with me.  For half of it we were walking and the other half we were on boats going through the waterways. Its still crazy to me that you can just drive from one country into another.
    This weekend my sister and her husband are coming to my game. They are in Venice right now then coming to Vienna on Friday night. On sunday we are heading to Prauge with team america(Amber, Joe, and Mandy).  I have heard it really nice there and the food is cheap.  Which my brother in law will really like since eating is one of his favorites things to do.
    It's weird to think there are only four games left in the season it has really flown by. I remember when we were planning my sisters trip here how far away it seemed and now it's here.  I guess I can tell how long I have been here from my hair. I haven't cut it since I left home and its the longest it's been in my life. I'm excited for these next two weeks to see what we can do and hopefully make a run at this thing. Remember God is always there for you to talk to and he is your number one fan. Have a great week.

Esp 1The Franchise Austria Esp 1

Papa Kroko Comes to Austria and Brings the Rain with Him.

My Dad came to visit this past week. He got here last friday and flew back home this morning. It felt like forever ago that we were talking about him coming. I was so excited for him to get here that the morning He got here I woke up at 6 and just decided to leve then. I got to the airport a hour before he landed. He brought me lots of stuff I have been missing from back home. He had a few surprises for me also. I am so blessed to have the father that I do. He is my bestfriend, it scary sometimes how well that he knows me. He can tell from the tone of my voice that something is wrong. We have a special relationship that is for sure. Since I can remember we have gone hunting and fishing together. We have had some great times together. I have learned so much from him over the years. Everything from how to be a good Christian man to life descions to things in the business world. One thing he has always done for my family is provided for us. I know I am the man I am today's because of him. I think that my Dad brought the rain with him. For our game Saturday it was sunny for all of pregame. But you could see the rain was coming. About mid way through the first game it started to drizzle and didn't really stop till we were done playing. In game one we just played bad. There really isn't any other way to say it. I was not going to lose with my Dad coming all the way to Austria to see me play. Needless to say it wasn't the best conditions for playing baseball. The mound was a mud pit. When my foot would land it would slide about 6 inches. We actually had a rain delay at one point. If it would have picked up any they would have called it and we would have won since we had completed 5 innings. But it slowed just enough to resume play. In the 9th inning with a two run lead they loaded the bases with two outs. As I stood there on the mound I thought "just don't think about the mud or rain just make three quality pitches and we will win. I struke out the guy to end it. It was a great win for us and helped us stay in the play off race. The president of my team was nice enough to let my Dad and I borrow one of his work cars to go fishing. With my iPhone in hand as our gps we headed west for about 3 hours to go fishing. It rained the entire drive which isn't good when your going fly fishing. So when we got there we met our guide at our hotel and got our fishing liences. We got to the river and it looked like chocolate milk which isn't good. We tried it there for a while and had no luck. So he made a phone call and there was another stream about 100 km away that was in great shape. So we headed that way and it was well worth it. The drive was beautiful. We got to see a lot little towns with lakes in front of them. It seemed like something out of the movies. The stream was perfect, so we got to fish for a few hours before going to our hotel. When we went out to eat we just started walking to see what was open. When we sat down we told the waitress we didn't know German and asked if she spoke English. So the cook came out and asked what we wanted, he asked if we wanted a plate of meat. That sounded perfect to us being half carnivor. So he brought us a plate with a chicken breat, a steak, pork chop, and fries. The next day was a good day. The weather was perfect and we got to catch some fish. We pretty much caught every kind of fish that was in there. I just love being on the water and standing there hearing nothing but the water running. No cars or planes making noise. We drove back to Vienna and hung out there most of the week. My Dad really enjoys looking at different architecture. I tried to be the best tour guide I could with what I had learned. We had a blast together just hanging out and eating. I started to get a little home sick this past week. My Dad came at a perfect time to help that go away. Now it's only two weeks till my sister and brother in law come. I am excited to see them since it's been 3 months since I left. To everyone back home thanks for all the prayers and support.

FIrst Loss and Bouncing Back

Last weekend we played the Metrostars and it was hot. It was one of the hottest days they have ever had here in June. I got to play firstbase in game one. Which means I got to hit also, I was 2-4 with 3 RBI. We didn't play our best baseball that day. We made a few errors, both mental and physical. After game one I was drained, they came in with a great game plan and it paid off for them. I got my first loss of the season. I have never been one to make excuses for not playing well, somedays you just have off days. It is how you handle the lose that matters. I really hate losing, I'm not one to throw or hit things but you can tell I'm not the same. Yesterday we played the Tigers who are in last place. In game one we came out swinging and kept it up the whole game. We put up 20 runs against them. I think we used all of our hits in game 1 though. In game two we couldn't score a run till the 12 inning. I pitched the whole game again. I only threw 126 pitches in the 12 innings and gave up 3 hits with no walks. It was a much needed sweep for us. It was a great team win, a lot of guys made some big plays in key situations. Right now we are in 4th place in the standings. Its going to be a fun rest of the season for sure. My Dad comes in this friday, I cant wait to see him. This is the longest time period in my life where I haven't seen him. We have stayed in connact but it's weird not seeing him. We are going fly fishing when he is here, which is one of our favorite things to do together. I can't believe I have alreay been here for 3 months. It doesn't seem like it have been that long since I sold my truck and headed over here. I know this has changed my life in many ways. I have a new apprication of A/C and ice. I'm kidding but I do miss those things. I have been able to do some things that I never really thought I would have a chance to. On Friday I was on the Autobahn and saw a Ashton Martin fly by us. God has taught me many things and I know this is where he wants me. This blog is something that I never thought that I would have. I started it to keep everyone back home updated on what I was doing here. As of today over 4000 people have read it. From all over the world, from Kenya to Japan. It is interesting to see what friends do keep up with you when you leave for 3 months. But I have some friends that I couldn't see or talk to and when I get back it will be like I never left. I hope everyone has a blessed week.

Tossing 11 Innings for the Win

Yesterday we played the A's, who are in first place. The first time that we played them they run ruled us in game 1. Their game 1 starter is one of the two starters that is still undeated this season. He pitched a good game while we had some struggles on the mound and field. We were missing a few players that would normally be starting for us. We ended up losing 7-2. This past week I extended my running and worked out a little harder. It paid off during my game. I had a no hitter till the 7 inning where I gave up two hits and my only run of the day. After 9 innings the score was tied at 1-1. Their import was throwing really well. I continue to pitch the 10th and 11th innings. Since I had a few quick innings early in the game my pitch count was still low and I felt good. My velo wasn't dropping and I was still keeping the ball down. I knew how much this win meant to us and I was going to do whatever I could to make sure that we won. We ended up scoring in the bottom on the 11th to win the game. I love that in baseball that no matter how old you are when you score a winning run everyone acts like they are 10 years old again. It really is a kids game and that's the way you should play it. That was the most innings I have pitched in my life and I was feeling it in my back today(which is where you want to be sore). I'm going to have a nice long run tomorrow and start preparing for our game this Saturday. I'm excited to get back out there and pick up right where we left off. I continue to thank God for blessing me with the talents that he did and I try to bring glory to him through my playing. God gave us all different passions and skills. Some people are great at singing or drawing. Whatever your passion is go after it with all you got. You will have to make some sacafrices along the way but in the end it will be worth it. Trust in his plan and he will take care of you.

Baseball Superstitions

Baseball players are probably the most superstitious out of any athletes out there. It's just part of the game and it adds some extra fun to it. Some are more routines then superstitions. For example you will never see a player step on the foul line coming in and out of the dugout. For some reason it's just bad luck. Some guys wear the same thing for every game. I wear the same socks, sliders and undershirt every time I pitch. I even have a routine to how I put on my uniform. Right sock left sock right sock left sock then undershirt then pants and finally jersey. Yes I wear two socks for every game. I always put my belt on my pants before putting my pants on. I shave on every game day too. It started in college because we had to and now I just continue to do it. Cleaning my cleats before the game is a part of the routine. I got to chew gum while I pitch. My Dad has left games to go to gas stations to find watermelon gum for me. When I was in college I would leave the locker room at the same time an listen to "I'm a go getta" by lil Wayne as I walked to the field. During my junior year I had a mo hawk for the season. Until I pitched awful against a really bad team. When we got back that night I shaved it off. I think my mom wishes it would have been before Easter, she wasn't real happy when I came home with that hair cut. The reason I wear my pants up is because I pitched bad one game and had to change something up.
I have seen some crazy things over the years. I have seen guys shave all their hair off after a bad series or bleach their hair. I had a second basemen one summer that when the catcher would throw down at the start of the inning he would kiss the ball. I asked him about it one time and he acted like he didn't know what I was talking about. I remember one guy that would wear his girlfriends perfume on his game jersey. He said it helped him play better. I know a person that would eat one red and green sour patch kids and one red and green gummy bear before each game.
Then there are some of the unwritten ones. Have you ever noticed that when a starting pitcher isn't pitching that day that he is relaxed laughing and making jokes with other guys. But when it's his day to pitch he is completely different. This is because he is focused on the game. No one really talks to him before the game. Then if he has a no hitter going. You won't see any player close to him on the bench. You don't want to be the player to jinx it. These are all just for fun. Sometimes when you think something is different that's all you need to get out of the slump your in.
I can't wait to play again tomorrow. I hope everyone has a blessed day, God has given you another day so make the most of it.

Watching the Sweep Slip Away

This past weekend we had a chance to sweep and solidify our second place position. In game one we hit really well, putting up 12 runs in just seven innings. They managed to score two off an error which should have ended the game. Clemens threw really well and once we had the lead we never looked back.
In game 2 we put up 9 runs off their import pitcher who had pitched in AAA at one point in his career. I managed to keep them scoreless till the 8. Due to my pitch count getting near my limit I came out of the game with the 8-1. Every one thought that it would be enough of a lead. They ended up scoring 5 more that inning to make it 8-6. In the top of the 9th they tied the game. With the go ahead run on third. Someone thought the hidden ball play would be a good idea. They umpire called a balk on our pitcher and the winning run got a free pass home. Regardless if the umpire made the right call or not, we still gave up 9 runs in two innings to a pretty weak offensive team. Then second why would you even try to run that play in that situation. It was just a bad call in my opinion. That was the first time this season we hadn't won the second game. I really hate losing but losing like that makes it even worse. If we lose one to nothing and played good that's a lot easier to handle.
We are half way through the season right now. We play the A's this Sunday who are in first place. It's going to be a good day of baseball, since their game one starter is undefeated. It's nice that we are playing at home again. It really doesn't feel like I have been here for two month today. I decided to not cut my hair the whole time that I'm here, which i normally keep pretty short. It's probably the longest it's been in about 7 years and I still got a few months to go here.
I'm excited a the second half of the season. Now I know what each team has to offer. I feel like we are going to have a great second half. There isn't a team in the league that we can't beat. If we stay focused and keep working we can easily make the playoffs.

Ducks Move Into Second Place

This past weekend we spilt against the Wanderers. I was fun playing against my buddy Joe. We have been playing against each other now for 9 years. Friday was fun because we got to play under the lights. There is just something special about it. They strung together some good hits and came out on top on Friday. It was weird on Saturday only having one game to play. Our game was broadcast other the web so my Dad and one of my good friends Mason went over to my sisters to watch it on tv. I pitched pretty good and we won 5-3. I pitched another complete game, my forth one of the year. I gave up three runs had 7 strike outs and two walks. With that win we moved into a tie for second place with the Cubs, but since we swept them we win the tie breaker.
Next Tuesday I will have been here for two months. The time here has flown by. I am really enjoying it here and love learning about different cultures. It funny to see how things are different here. For example they don't put in in cups here when you get a drink and the waiters don't refill your drink. So we have had to learn to ration our drinks while we eat. I have been craving some sweet tea lately. Normally all I drink is water, gatorade, and sweet tea. Maybe my grandmother can send me some. When I was in Vienna this past weekend I found a Mexican store. I was so happy to finally buy hot sauce for the tacos I have been making. I miss going to eat mexican with my Mom on friday nights. That is probably one of the first places I'll eat when I get back.
We are off this weekend so Joe and I might adventure to somewhere with Amber and Mandy. I can't wait for my Sister and her husband to come so we can go to Prague together. It will be here before we know it.

Action Packed Off Weekend

This weekend we didn't have any games. So I headed up on Friday to see my friend Joe in Vienna. We were planning on going somewhere but he had to work a softball tournament on saturday. So we decided to just stay around Vienna. On Sunday there was a Japanese slow pitch softball tournament at the fields. Hiro ,Joes Roommate, was playing for a team but he had leave around 1. They were short on players and asked Joe and I if we wanted to play. It was so much fun playing in it. He played short and I got to play third. They do some cool things before the game starts both teams line up facing each other and you bow each other. You do it before and after the game. I borrowed a Ichiro shirt from Hiro for the day, so thats what they called me all day. I hit a home run my first at bat but it was my only one of the day. Our team won the championship and we got some good prizes. We got sticky rice, noodles, and Japanese beer. After the game they invited us over for a cook out. I am a huge fan of Japanese food, so I was really excited. Joe and I ate till we hurt, they just kept putting more food in front of us. They were really nice and welcoming. The hospitality has been great every where we have been.

The softball team where Joe plays got two american players this week. Amber and Mandy are both from Alabama and played at UAB. So on Monday after we finished our running and throwing, we took them to the amusement park which is walking distance away. Its different then the ones back home because here you pay per ride. You can just walk into the park. I think Joe rode almost every ride there. I think he'll be spending a lot of time there this summer. Its pretty cool to see how God works. Mandy and Amber are from the state next to Joe and I, then we meet in Vienna Austria. Its nice to have some other people here that like country music and also say "Y'all". I am excited to see what this summer has in store for us.

This weekend we play Joe's team at his field. Its kinda funny to think about two kids that went to high school only 3 miles apart are going to be pitching against each other in Austria this saturday. We have been playing against each other for almost 10 years now. Its going to be a fun series since we are playing one game Friday and one Saturday. Friday will be played under the lights which is so much fun. There is just something special about it. For as good as friends that Joe and I are, come saturday at 4:00 that all goes out the window. The competitive fiber in you comes out and you don't want to lose, no matter who you are facing.

First Sweep

Saturday was a good day for the Diving Ducks. We swept the Cubs who are in first place and only had one loss prior to Saturday. Clemens started the first game and went the distance. It was the first time this year that we won game 1. I didn't get to play the outfield because of the rule where only one import can play at a time. So I got to pay more attention to their hitter and remember how to pitch to them. In game 2 I started off the game throwing 24 straight strikes. I only needed 95 pitches for 9 innings of work. I gave up 1 run and had 11 k's with no walks. It was a big win for us since their import pitcher was undefeated coming into the day. It felt really good to win both games on the day. I think we surprised a lot of people around the league by winning both. We have a off week this weekend, so I think my buddy Joe and I are going to go some where and do some sight seeing. I just think its cool how God worked everything out with us both being here and being able to play. It's nice to have a good friend only 25 minutes away by train. Today we are going to go to a amusement park here. I'll make sure to take some pictures to put on here. I want to give a shout out to one of my best friends Officer Adam Bradley, hope your doing good scrub.

Playing for Mom

It was a little cold and windy at yesterdays game. We ended up splitting with the Indians. I got to start in right in the first game. For some reason the wind decided to change direction on us and was blowing straight out to right. The first pop up that I caught, when it was hit I thought it was right at the second basemen but the wind took it a lot farther. One of their best hitters hit a ball that one hopped the wall. He tried turning his double into a triple. So as soon as I picked up the ball I just threw it as hard as I could toward third and our shortstop did a great job of relaying it on to third. The throw beat him there by about 4 steps. I didn't have the best day at the plate yesterday. I was 0-4. Which happens in baseball but the thing that I was most upset about was my third at bat. I had a 3-0 count and swung at the next pitch, in which I hit a weak grounder to third. What was I swinging at, I know better then that. That won't happen again this season. For some reason we had trouble hitting their pitcher who wasn't that good. Game 2 was a different story. They tried to trick us by using some slower pitching to start the game. Which didn't really work out for them since it quickly became 6-0. They brought in their import pitcher, who we ended up scoring 6 runs off of. We ended up scoring 14 run in the game. I had one of my better days on the mound. I went 8 innings had 14 k's (strikeouts) 1 walk 3 hits. I got to talk to my mom on the phone this morning to wish her a happy mothers day. I am so blessed to have the Christian mom that I have. She has always been there for me to talk to and vent to about stuff. She is always there to lift me up and tell me how proud of me she is. She has always wanted the best for me. I wish she could have been there at the game yesterday to see me play. One thing that I know I got from her is her competitiveness. We both hate to lose, no matter what it is. Some people are just born with this, it really can't be taught to someone. This gene skipped my sister, sorry nicki. God blessed her in many other ways. I thank God every day for giving me a mom that has showed me what a Christian wife is supposed to be like. I love you very much mom and can't wait to see you.

Still Can't Believe

As I was eating dinner tonight I just thought to myself where I was and what I was doing. I'm in Austria playing baseball. I never thought I would be living my child hood dream in another country. I am very blessed to be here and still be able to put on a uniform. I won't take one game for granted. A kid a year old then me from my high school passed away last week due to tumers that came back. His family wrote this "will passed away at 620 and at 621 he started playing baseball". He loved baseball it was his passion. After I read that it brought me to tears. Not because I was sad but because I knew he was doing what he loved to do again. Maybe one day well pitch against each other. So never miss a opportunity that presents its self to you. God might not open the door all the way but if he cracks it and you feel like its where God is leading you go after it 100%.
Today I got to help with the younger teams. I love coaching little kids baseball. They are so into it and try so hard. They never complain about anything. You can tell which little kids love to play when they are little. There's a kid back home that I gave pitching lessons to named Charlie Jordan, he reminds me a lot of myself. I hope that one day after I'm done playing I get to coach him. If he works hard and stays focused he'll be pretty good player someday. You can just tell he loves being out there.
I had a blast with my buddy in Vienna. One of the players from his team offered to be our tour guide. He knew so much information about the city and buildings. It was really pretty to see all the old buildings and church's It just amazes me how they built such huge buildings so long ago. We went to see the avengers which was really good by the way. It was nice to just talk to a friend from back home. We talked about how cool it is the way God works. We both agreed that this is where God wants us to be. I look forward to what God has in store for us this summer. I hope everyone has a blessed day.

Sitting at 500

Yesterday we split again against the Tigers. We have had a few injuries and guys have some personal things come up. So our team doesn't have much depth right now. But when we get to full strength we will be really hard to beat. I started in leftfield in the first game. I missed two sliding catches out there, which made me pretty upset. I know first hand what it's like to be pitching your butt off and have to get more then three outs in a inning. On a positive note I got my first hit on the season. I stuck out my first at bat. He threw me a really good curve ball and I just watched it go by. All you can do is tip your hat and think that's not going to happen again. In my second at bat there was runners on second and third with two outs. I knew walking up there that I owed it to our pitcher to get those runs in. So with a 1-1 count he threw me a change up away and I just slapped it past the second basemen. I was pretty fired up when I got to first getting my first hit and also 2 RBI(runs batted in). In my third at bat I hit a ground ball the the left side I don't know who fielded it or if they bobbled it but I beat the throw. It felt good to get back on the bases and getting to slide again. When I was a little kid I would dive just to get dirty. I'm sure my mom wasn't happy about that but I always wanted people to know I played. We ended up losing 7-6 late in the game. As I was getting ready for game two I looked at my uniform and it was probably the dirtiest I have ever been pitching. The first run started a little rough for me. Do to a few hits and misplayed balls they scored three runs. Me team picked me up scoring 5 runs in the bottom of the first. After that I decided that they were not going to score again. They score one more off a misplayed fly ball to right. I threw the complete game and picked up the win. I felt stronger as the game went on. I had my first two walks of the season yesterday. I think my walk to strike out ratio is pretty good right now. Tomorrow I'm going into Vienna to see my friend. I think we are going to see The avengers. He found a English movie theater there, which works out for us. I'm really enjoying my time here and feel this is where God wants me to be. I hope everyone has a blessed day.

For Love of the Game.

I just finished watching the movie For Love of the Game. This is one of my all time favorite movies. It got me thinking about what I love to do. Pitching is truly my passion in life. I love being on that bump, nothing else in the world matters when you are out there. Everything just goes away and it's just you against the batter. It comes down to who worked harder, who wants it more. I have been told before that I have good mound presents. Which means you don't show emotion on the mound, whether your pitching a perfect game or have given up 10 runs. It also means you exude confidence while your out there. My confidence not only comes from my hard work but more importantly from God. As it is written in my hat "For whom shall I fear". This comes from psalm 27:1. For when he is with you nothing should scare or intimidate you. He'll never give you more then you can handle, you just have to trust in him. He didn't say the road was going to be easy or always fun. But when you get to the mountaintop the view is that much better knowing the hardships you had along the way. And if you trip and fall along the way know that he will be there to help you up and say we can do this together my child. If you cant walk anymore on your own he will carry you the rest of the way. Always trust in his plan.

Home Opener

Yesterday was our home opener, we spilt again. We were winning 3-1 in the 9 and they tied it up. So we went into extra innings and they came out on top. The crowd was really into the game especially at the end there. I threw pretty good in game 2. I went 8 innings, gave up 2 runs and had 9 k's and 0 walks. The umpire was squeezing me through the game. Which means he had a small strike zone. I didn't get to play in the first one because one of our players is from hungry and you can only have one import play at a time. After my game I got introduced to a guy that was also a Christian. It was great to talk about God and my church back home. He asked what kind of church I attended, I told him its a nondenominational one. As I was explaining it to him he put it pretty simple "As long as you love Jesus your good". Just a simple sating but true. I think it's pretty amazing that no matter where you go Jesus is same person that died for us. I continue to thank God for giving me this opportunity. On a side note one my friends from back home is coming to play on a team in Vienna. I'm excited to have a friend close and be able to go exploring with.

Field Work

I have always liked working on the field. I liked hearing guys say " this is a nice field, I wish our field look like this. I especially like working on the mound, since that where I spend all my time. Going back to a field I played at and seeing something I build still in use I think is cool. When I was a senior in high school I rebuilt the mound using clay bricks. I knew I was going to be pitching the most on it so why not make it the way I like it. Then when I was at USCB we had a lot of field work, since we were a start up program. We had to build the hitting cage that we roll on the field for batting practice just off the picture of it. After 4 days we got it done. Last week Clemens and I put clay brick in the visitors bullpen. He said it might be one of the nicest visitors bullpen in all of Austria. A couple weeks before he had redone the game mound and he did a great job on it. On Monday we used a Sod cutter to go around the whole infield and put in sod where we had cut. It made the whole appearance of the field better. It's amazing how just little things can improve the appearance of something. This weekend in our home opener. I'm excited to get back out there and pitch again. Also bring glory to God through my pitching. The weather is suppose to be beautiful for it. I hope everyone has a great day and remember God will never give you more then you can handle. Trust in him and his plan for your life.

Opening Weekend

Yesterday we played our first two games of the season. It felt so good to get back out there and compete. The first game I played left and batted 4th. The pitcher we were facing is one of the top Austrian pitchers. What a great way to start my hitting career off after taking 7 years off. There were a few butterflies in my stomach for sure. I just said a quick prayer on my way to the plate. He ended up walking me and I was out first base runner of the game. My next at bat I struck out and my third I ground out to second. We ended up losing 10-0, they had some lucky hits and we had a few errors. I was excited to get on the mound and make game two a different out come. I threw 7 1/3 innings had 7 strike outs 0 walks and gave up one run. It was one of my better pitching days. I had a shut out going till the 7th abd were winning 6-1 when I came out. The final was 10-4. Every time before I toe the rubber I draw a cross on the back of the mound and say the same prayer. "Dear God help me pitch to the best of my ability, be a warrior out here and have fun". I say best of my ability instead of pitch well because some times you have off days. The great players will take a negative performance and learn from it. They take what they need to an leave it in the past. My mom sent me a email the day of the game letting me know how much she wished she could be there to see me play. But she wouldn't  actually see me pitch because she gets nervous and paces behind the bleachers. She also said she talked to her dad in heaven and he would be there watching. So before the game started I picked a spot where I imagined him sitting. He wasn't  sitting alone though. My number one fan was next to him, he's never missed one game since I started playing. He's always there to tell me I played well and he's proud of me no matter how I played. It's God. Its pretty cool to think about that the guy that made the world is also your number one fan in life. D

Here's the web site to watch our games tomorrow. I'm starting the second one one the mound. It should start around 830 am est. http://www.athleticsbaseball.at/

Opening day

Cell Phone and Weather

The president of my team was nice enough to give me his wife's old iPhone to use while I'm over here. So we went to t-mobile today to get me set up. Its so much cheaper here then back home. I got 1000 min 1000 texts and unlimited internet for around $19 a month and i just have to cancel it 3 month before i leave. Clemens was nice enough to let me just add onto his account. It was funny when we were in t mobile the girl was talking to both of us and I had no idea what she was saying to me. The weather is a little different then home. Today it was about 43 and windy with off and on rain. Not the perfect baseball weather. It says that saturday should be 61, lets hope it stays that way for our first game. I found out I'm starting game two and playing left in the first. They have funny rules about when and how many foreigners can play. I heard the game will be broadcast over the internet once i found out more, ill put the link on here.

Motivation

I just finished watching the movie Warrior. Which is a great movie, I highly recommend watching it. It got me thinking about motivation. Everyone of us has something that motivates us towards our goals. For me one of the main ones is proving people wrong. I can clearly remember two coaches in my past that doubted me. My Dad knows who they are too. There are plenty of other coaches that never gave me a shot. They are what gave me that extra push to run a extra mile or do the extra set. My family also contributes to pushing me on. I know with out a doubt when my parents say they are proud of me they mean it with all their heart. They have lived this journey with me. I clearly remember coming home from my last high school baseball game and crying on my moms shoulder. They weren't sad tears, I had put the team on my shoulders that season and we came up short of our goal. And if you think a man is weak for crying. Take a look at two of my role models Tim Teebow and Bubba Watson(both are men of God and pretty good athletes). When you pour your heart and time into something you will do whatever it takes to be successful. No one thing or one person can stand in your way. If they do get in your way just take them head on because you have worked to hard to let them stop you. God wired us all differently. So I challenge you not to be ordinary that's the lazy way out. So find what motivates you and let it fuel your fire. Here's two videos to help you get motivated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNL_DAI19_I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X38PCf7kao&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Practice

I have been to two practices since i got here. The first day we got to practice early and get in some early work. The guys on the team are really nice and welcoming. They know english which helps me out since I don't know any german. All we pretty did at practice on day one was got our arms loose then hit. It had been a while since I have hit in a game, so i was a little nervous at first. But I have been hitting with my buddy Mason back home before I left. I got to meet the president on the first day. He gave me a hat and hoodie with the team logo on it. We took some pictures together, many of you probably saw them on facebook. Then the second day they asked me to help coach the 10u team before out pracice. That in its self was very entertaining. None of the kids knew english, so there was a lot of hand motions being used . For our practice it was a bullpen day for the pitchers. I was excited to get back up on the bump and face some batters. I threw pretty good, had command of all my pitches and kept the ball low. I also got bat against a pitcher in a game simulation for the first time in about 7 years. It went better then I thought it would. Our first game is next saturday. I am excited to get back into playing games. Now that I am here I know this is where God wants me to be. Yesterday I checked my stats about this Blog and 580 people have read it. I am not saying this to brag or anything like that. I am just pointing out that God can use the skills he gave you to reach out to other people and you can just say one little thing that will change theirs lives forever. You may never know of the impact you made on them. So seek after Gods plan for your life and trust in him, he knows what he is doing.

I didn't really sleep a lot the night before I left. I was excited and I was worried I was going to over sleep. As my dad and I got 5 min down the road I remember I forgot my jacket at home. Which I ended up leaving in his truck too. The first plane I was in was tiny. When I tried to stand up in it the base of my neck hit the ceiling. Once in Miami I had a four hour lay over. I enjoyed my last American beer for 5 months(Sam Adams). I lucked out on my seat to Germany I was next to two smaller ladies, so I could stretch out a little bit. The breakfast they served us was interesting. It was two rolls a sliced turkey, salami, yogurt and a tomato. When I asked the flight attendant for watershed asked with or without gas. Good thing I knew what she was talking about unlike the guy behind me. We landed in germany at 630 am their time so it was 1230 back home. So it's been a really long travel day. Both of my bags made it here which I was happy about. I got to stop by the field and take a look around. I'm excited about the season and to get back to playing. We got practice at 6 tonight. It will be fun to see the difference between baseball here and back home.

Germany

Just writing a short one while I wait for my flight to Vienna. I made it to Germany safely. Didn't really get to sleep much on the flight, So I have been up for 19 hours. I'll write more later

Blessed

As I get ready to leave tomorrow, I look back at my life and realize how blessed I am to have this opportunity. Ever since I have been 5 i have wanted to be a professional baseball player. I have always trusted in God that he would lead me open the door to where I needed to go. I have grown closer to him because my baseball career. I have learn to be patient and trust in him. One of the biggest struggles I had, was when i would see kids that weren't living right and still being blessed with opportunities that I wasn't getting. Thats when I would turn to my families verse( Jeremiah 29;11) Now he has given me this great opportunity. I want to thank all my family for supporting me and encouraging me to follow my dream. My parents have always been there for me, driving to my games, being there when i needed someone to vent to and praying for me daily. They have been there for all the ups and downs, the times Im on top of the world and the days i cant get anyone out. I cant imagine the anount of hours my dad has spent riding in his truck to see me play. I thank God everyday for giving me a christian days that was there to lift me up when i needed it and to chew my butt when that was needed. Mom was always there to remind me of our family verse, she would tell me just trust in him, he knows what he is doing. My sister is my biggest fan for sure. She has always wanted me to follow me dream and has helped me in every way she can. She can't catch a bullpen, but if i need a little more money to make it to a try out she didn't think twice about it. She has never once asked for me to pay her back because she knows how much I love this sport. Then there are my grandparents, who I know prayed for me daily and always wished me good luck and keep working hard. When i told my grandfather the news i think he was more excited then I was. I could tell in his voice how proud of me he was. Even though my moms dad never got to see me pitch I think about him every time I'm out there. I have his name written on the inside of my hat. I have worked my butt off to get to this point in my life. I have made sacrifices through the years to get here. I don't regret them. For example I never had a week long spring break in high school or college. But to me the baseball memories mean so much more. It might sound weird but when I watch old videos of me closing a close game, I get chills. To quote Cy Young "pitchers, like poets, are born not made". Everyone is blessed with different talents and skills, it's how we use those talents to bring glory to God. I am extremely blessed that I get to get paid for my passion and true love in my life. Thank you to everyone that has ever supported me and thanks to all the people that doubted me, you were the fuel to the fire that motivated me to keep working hard and prove you dead wrong.

Packing

Yesterday I got a few things that I ordered. I got some new grey pants and some new sliders. Since Ill be hitting this season, hopefully Ill be on base some. My new cleats will be in on friday. Clemens the player personal for my team said cleats are really expensive over there and hard to find. So I am taking three pairs with me. I made a Dicks run the other day and got about 12 packs of big league chew.(which is bubble gum). I also bought some eye black, i might as well wear it when I'm playing the field. My new backpack came in yesterday. I needed a new one for when I travel around to the different cities.

One week left

This morning I had to go to the Atlanta passport office to get my passport since I leave next tuesday. Its weird to think about leaving in a week for 5 months. I had to make a list of stuff i needed to bring with me. Its still kinda cold over there so I'm packing warmer clothes to wear and play in. I bought a keyboard for my iPad today to help with typing on here. I made a Walmart run today, since i don't know how expensive stuff will be over there or what they will have.

Getting ready

Today was a busy day. I had to go to the dept of vital records to get a new birth certificate. Since mine was lost somewhere in college. It actually didn't take as long as I thought it was going to in there. Then from there I paid off my credit card so I can use it over there. Last place I went was to CVS to get my passport picture. I was taller then the white pull down screen so I had to sit on a stool. The guy taking my picture informed me that your not allowed to show any teeth for that picture. I got my appt tomorrow at 830 for my passport. Last night I ordered new cleats and pants for over there. So hopefully they get here before next Tuesday.

Getting ready

Since I'm going to Austria I figured it would be easier to make a blog then everyone wondering what was going on. So today I sold my truck I stead of it sitting here for 5 months. It was sad to see it go since I have had it for 6 years but I sold it to a dad who was buying it for his 16 year sons birthday present. I felt a lot better about it going to a kid that I know will appreciate it. Today with the money I bought myself a iPad to take over there with me. I also got some new bats today, since I'll be hitting over there. It's only been about 7 years since I hit in a game. I. Ight even play short this season. I'm really excited and a little nervous about going over there since I don't know anyone over there. But I prayed about it and just feel like this is where God wants me to go.