Wait 'Til Next Year

With just 36 hours since the double collapse of the Red Sox and Braves, the ax appears ready to fall in Boston. It is most likely that Terry Francona will NOT surpass Joe Cronin's franchise record for managerial wins. He could end up in Chicago with the White Sox. Chicago could be the new home of Theo Epstein as well. He may decide to end his second curse of the century and try to coax a title for the Wrigley Faithful. Here's a brief list of thoughts on the seasons of some of the non-playoff teams:
Red Sox Worst case scenario for us? Not at all, we've got massive re-writes in store which could only become worse if Yankees win it all. My guess is Papelbon will be gone and Sox might try to trade Crawford. Does he even want to show his face in Boston this winter?
Braves Last in all the buzz of Bosox collapse is how epically bad the Braves were down the stretch. Good thing they won in 1995 otherwise everyone's take on this team would be tremendously different. Whatever happened to Jason Heyward?
Giants San Fran truly shows what it means to "catch lightning in a bottle." Their win last year gives Brewers fans like myself hope that they could pull it off. I bet they wish they could re-do Beltran trade. Posey sparked debate about catcher protection, while Miguel Tejada may have played his last game.
Angels They hung around until the last week, but it was an uphill battle all season. Cy Young effort from Jered Weaver who has signed long term. A likely landing spot for Prince Fielder? They've lost out many times on free agent sweepstakes maybe it's finally their time.
Dodgers 82 wins for snake-bitten Don Mattingly. This guy can't catch a break.Two great seasons from Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp. Kershaw favorite to win Cy, Kemp almost wins Triple Crown and 40-40 season. If Braun and Prince split votes he could win an undeserving MVP.
Blue Jays Life in the AL East can't be fun for this 81-win team. Bautista seemed to fade after first half onslaught. A force to be reckoned with in years to come?!
Nationals All signs point up for the former Expos! Strasburg, Harper, Pujols or Prince?!? Davey Johnson at the helm in the nation's capital...a second place finish in 2012...hmmmm.
Indians In it for most of the season until injuries (read lack of depth) and acquisition of Ubaldo Jimenez sabotaged season. Franchise feels it will only get better in always winnable ALC.

Quiet Before the Playoff Storm

Inside Miller Park before Game Three of 2008 NLDS

Talk about a great advertisement before the playoffs...if the country isn't ready for some playoff baseball after Wednesday night they never will be. Just hours away from the start of the 2011 baseball season. There are many reasons that fall is my favorite season and this is one of them! This picture is from my 2008 playoff visit to Milwaukee. The Brewers have clinched home field for the NLDS. They 57-24 at Miller Park including Zach Greinke's 11-0. However, he won't pitch until Game 3 in Arizona when hopefully the Brew Crew has at least one win. In '08 Milwaukee was just happy to be there. This time around there are high expectations. Of course, Johnathan Axford hasn't blown a save since April, so I'm prepared for the law of averages and the worst. GM Doug Melvin was on the radio yesterday, I never realized the 1982 Brewers were the fourth highest paid team in the league. I won't let my Yankee friends in on that piece of info. USA Today ranks Milwaukee #2 out of the eight playoff teams. Yikes. Another kiss of death. Here are my thoughts on the teams involved using the newspapers ratings:
1. Phillies- From perennial doormats to five-time NLE champs. I've long stated this team goes as Rollins goes. However, late season acquisition Hunter Pence could be the breakout player of the playoffs now that he is the main cog in the Phils lineup. Mayberry kind of reminds me of Jayson Werth's first few Phillie seasons. If the rotation performs the way they have all season, it's hard to disagree with the experts that it's their World Series to lose.
2. Brewers- Ryan Braun ranks #10 all-time on the list of most homeruns in first five seasons. Prince Fielder is #11. It would be great to see the Crew take it in Prince's walk year. Braun is signed through 2020 and the rotation is solid so hopefully there are a few more chances for me to fly out to Milwaukee for some playoff baseball. Weeks, Hart, Betancourt will need to provide some fireworks on a steady basis. K-Rod to Axford...fingers crossed!?!
3. Rangers- No Cliff Lee, no MVP-type season from Josh Hamilton, No Vlad Guerrero. But Rangers are back in the playoffs. They won't sneak up on anybody this season. They have a remade pen, Mike Napoli, Kinsler, Cruz, and Nolan Ryan's pitching philosophy. Don't mess with Texas!
4. Rays- The Legend of Longo. I traded Verlander in fantasy for Longoria and Prince. My team was in last place and remained out of it. Longoria's home run was straight out of fantasy, now if only Rays fans would show up for some playoff games. Maddon is a genius! A-rod payroll = $32 mil. Rays payroll = $42 mil. While Manny and Sox watch, Damon adds to his Cooperstown plaque.
5. Yankees- When the Bombers won in '09 we all knew they were the best team, but most agree they are not the best this year. However, they are the Yanks and have won it all with less than 90 win teams.  If they should outslug everyone and win another, I like many Yankee haters will be disappointed. Another Yankee title will lead to massive rewrites of this book. A Diamondbacks-Yankees ten year reunion will be unwatchable for me. Unless Kirk Gibson can pinch hit and homer off of Mariano.
6. Cardinals- Damn you Tony Larussa, Damn you Albert Pujols, Damn you Willie Mcgee! If the Brewers and Cards meet in NLCS it won't be there first playoff battle. The two teams met in the 1982 when I watched Gorman Thomas foul off about hundred balls before succumbing to Whitey Herzog's Cards. A team that should get swept in first round but will most likely be a hard out.
7. Tigers- I'm glad Verlander goes into playoffs with a recent loss. I'm convinced he will lose twice to Yankees. Would love to see him dominate while 2003 Marlin Miguel Cabrera goes wild on Yankees sorry staff. Valverde is another reliever without a blown save, I'm sure the Yankees will him at least once.
8. Diamondbacks- A wonderful worst to first story. But they are playing my favorite team so they won't get any fan interest from me. Built on pitching and D they will most likely beat Brewers or take them to five.

A "Nation" Mourns

Well it appears the Red Sox fortunes have gone full circle. As a matter of fact one could probably say they have a head start on last century. After early century dominance in the 1900's we all know the Sox went into a tailspin after trading the Bambino. A wretched 9-20 September has overshadowed the Atlanta Braves equally bad collapse. With each ending like this Gene Mauch and/or the 2007 Mets move further from memory. This certainly doesn't make writing our book any easier. Just submitted some fun sidebars and glad we did so before Epic fail because I'm not sure I would've had the energy to do. In a strange coincidence our book has been posted on Amazon! We are in the editing stage but it's awesome to see the release date of March 1, 2012. Cyrus knows I wrote a book and can't wait for him to see it. As for the Sox, maybe they'll make a run for CC Sabathia?! He will option out of his contract. As we were watching it unfold I mentioned that this was the best regular season day and Tim Kurkjan went a step further by saying it on TV afterwards. This is undoubtedly the greatest day in MLB regular season history. Would love to pitch the book for this day and the events leading up to it...

Epic Fail.

When the Brewers visited Boston back in June I considered the thought that this could be a World Series preview. After all, in 2009 we saw Phils-Yanks in regular season only to view them in the Fall Classic in October. Well who would've thought the Brew Crew would make the playoffs and not the Sox. It looks like Yovani will be starting Game 1 of LDS vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks. I'm hoping for Rays-Tigers and Brews-Phils in LCS...it'll probably be a ten year anniversary of D'backs and Yanks. In 2009, Shira was pregnant with Cyrus and we drove down to Philly to catch Game 1 of LDS on Yom Kippur. This time around lots of the excitement took place on Rosh Hasanah. Shira has been learning how to use her iPad while Cyrus is now in his big boy bed. We are so proud of him! At the deli last night he was saying, "Go Phillies"!

Wild Card Wednesday

Here come the LDS! But not after the most thrilling day of regular season baseball ever. With 8 games of significance and two dramatic endings on the final day I'm almost ready to forgive Selig for the steroid era. As the Red Sox entered a rain delay they did so knowing the Rays trailed the Yanks 7-0. However, the Rays chipped away as the Triple-A Yanks played. Dan Johnson entered the game to Safety Dance but proceeded to hit a home run to send it to extra innings. As has been the case for much of this summer of book writing, Jon, Rich and I followed the game on our FB page. So we were not stunned when play resumed in Baltimore and the Red Sox choked the season away. In what will most likely be his final game with Boston, Papelbon struck out the first two before pitching Orioles batting practice. Carl Crawford, there's irony for you, failed to make the catch or throw to keep the game tied. Less than ten minutes later, Evan Longoria capped off the comeback with an Epic homer for the ages. Too bad the stadium wasn't packed. With zero playoff match ups set for the ALDS at the start of the night  we now know the Rays will play Texas and Yanks will host Verlander and Tigers. Meanwhile, in the N.L. to much less fanfare from us, the Phillies finished an unnecessary comeback to eliminate the Braves. Atlanta and Boston are now brothers in 2011 misery. Of course, the Brewers made life easier for themselves by winning against the Pirates. They didn't waste the game 162 start by Zack Greinke and prevailed to earn home field advantage over the Diamondbacks and avoid Phils,who get the Cards, in first round. Ryan Braun  played on Rosh Hasanah and Jose Reyes didn't, but anyone who wastes a moment on that story tomorrow is missing the point of this unheard night of baseball. Somebody needs to write a book about this night. of night in baseball. Hmmmmmm....

Clinched!

The Brewers became the first team in MLB history to win a division in both leagues (AL East in '82 & NL Central '11). It's a real thrill to have followed them through both. 29 years...wow that's some wait. From Yount to Braun I've seen it all. Braun came up huge again tonight with leaping catch for double play then clutch homerun. Matt Kemp might have near triple crown and 40-40 but Braun is going to playoffs with Prince, Plush, Weeks, Yovani, Grienke, Axford, and K-Rod! It was very cool how the team watched the Cards-Cubs game with the fans then celebrated afterwards. I felt a wave of nostalgia listening to them in '82 at the bowling alley comeback vs. Angels. I went to Milwaukee in '08, but this time around I'm more hopeful because of the pitching. All right Brewers fans get out your goggles! When I was ten they made it to the World Series can't wait to see how this turns out.

Magic Number?!?

Who would've thought the Brew Crew would have the lowest magic number (11) at this point. only this weekend did I come to the realization that it's looking pretty good for the Brewers. Ryan Braun has taken the batting average lead. He's closing in on 30-30 (27 hrs) and 100 runs and RBI. Here's hoping the pitching, health, and hitting can keep up for some more...

Irene Interruption

Our annual trip to Citizens Bank wasn't meant to be. With Shira being pregnant we were looking to unload the tickets. However, mother nature (who shook things up with an east coast earthquake this week) has Hurricane Irene heading our way. Yesterday the Phillies called us to tell us the game is moved to Saturday night. In the meantime, Rit, Jon, and I are finishing the book up. Jon just informed me that we got Bill "Spaceman" Lee to do the afterwards! Meanwhile, my Brew Crew has a 9.5/10 game lead and they landed on the cover of SI! Hopefully, the weather isn't as bad as it sounds. Looking forward to this fall classic and even more important Cyrus' new sibling!

Bierbraurers!

What an exciting summer! Season 24 has just concluded and  it has been busy, busy, busy. For starters, Shira is in her third trimester and Cyrus awaits his sibling. However, I think Cyrus believes the child will be his size at birth. Rit, Jon, and I have about 15,000 more words to wrap up the Red Sox book due out next spring. We visited Fenway in the spring for some research and are thrilled at the way the book is turning out. Meanwhile, my Brew Crew is in the midst of a 20-3 run. I'm sure by pointing that out they'll cool down, but that's bound to happen regardless of what I think or hope. They are currently up 7.5 but I've seen plenty of epic collapses in baseball to know no lead is safe. Ryan Braun (.327) is second in batting and Prince is second in RBI (92). They are combined for 50 homeruns, let's hope they stay healthy. Gallardo (13), Greinke (12), Marcum (11), and Wolf (10) have led the way on the hill.

All In!

The night of the all-star game was a big one for the Brew Crew. While Ryan Braun was injured and didn't start Rickie Weeks and Prince Fielder did so. Prince hauled in the MVP when he became the 1st Brewer to homer in the all-star game with his towering three-run shot. Fielder may be playing in his final season with the Brewers, but they are clearly making a run for it. Moments after the all-star game the Brewers (tied for first at 49-43 with those damn Cards) sent two players-to-be-named later to the Mets for K-rod. With just a one game lead over the surprising Pirates, the Brewers have plenty of opposition for the NLC. At the half way point, Jose Reyes and Adrian Gonzalez  lead each league at .354. Prince has 22 homers and 72 RBI, while Jose Bautista has 31 homers while batting .334. A second straight "Year of the Pitcher" seems to be happening again. Jered Weaver (1.86) and 12-win Jair Juurgens (1.87) both have sub-2.00 ERAs. Verlander (12) and Sabathia(13) are also having excellent seasons.  Reyes has 124 hits and 15 triples, but the biggest mystery is whether or not he will remain with the Mets. Play resumes tonight with 19 teams either in first or less than ten games out, it should be an excellent end of the season.

Prince or Bust!?

Prince Fielder leads the league in RBI and XBH this has propelled the Brew Crew to a Major League best 27-9 record since May 9th. The Brewers moved into first place last night, and we get ready to go see them take on the Bosox at Fenway this weekend.

Home Brew

The Brewers are currently in 2nd place in the NLC. They have the best home record in baseball at 21-7. Yovani Gallardo leads the majors with 8 wins and Ryan Braun leads MLB in all-star votes. While it seems likely Prince will leave in the off-season, Braun is signed thru 2020!

Phanatic Edges Chicken

The Brewers have won two straight from the Phiilies, but the Phils scored a major win off the field as the Phillie Phanatic was named Top Mascot in sports. The Phillies have been one of the only teams to fill their park this season. As you can tell by this picture Cyrus can't wait to see them in person this August. Meanwhile, the Celtics have waited until the end of Games 1 & 2 to defeat the Knicks. On Sunday, Ray Allen drained a three to win and last night the heroics went to KG. Detroit Red Wings are up 3-0 in Round One vs. the Phoenix Coyotes. The past few years my teams have all played in April-June. Will it happen again this year?!?

Eight Years

Almost two years after Shira and I met we visited San Francisco in 2003. On the trip I proposed to her on the Golden Gate Bridge. Afterwards we went to see the Giants play. Here are a couple of pictures from our trip. That's me out at McCovey Cove and Shira in Golden Gate Bridge Park. In 2011, The Giants are defending champs and Cyrus is enjoying the start of his baseball obsession. We enjoyed listening to him sing Happy Birthday to me! Looking forward to THIS vacation and more memories!

Jimmy Rollins, Nice to Meet You!

As I write this the Phils are winning behind Roy Halladay looking to get to 8-3 & Prince Fielder homered moments ago to give Brew Crew a 4-0 lead as they try to get above .500 for the first time this season. So far Cyrus has seen two Ryan Howard at-bats and both resulted in a homerun. On Saturday he was at Mike and Matt's game shouting "Go Phillies" as he sat with Grandma Diane. Shira has been teaching him the Star Spangled Banner & Take Me out to the Ballgame. I gave him a Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard action figure to calm him down and to play with. He read his baseball book to Jimmy Rollins & I get a laugh everytime he refers to the figure as Jimmy Rollins. Rollins and Howard have had a soothing effect on him (so far).

Opening Day Soon!

Throughout this past week I've been telling Cyrus that baseball is starting soon. I taught him how to catch and he's been mesmerized by his little baseball figurines and felt-field. He has been convinced that he's going to the game after his nap. Opening Day '11 was yesterday for the Brewers and I arrived home to see Cyrus in the outfit pictured. The Brew Crew had the lead all game until the walk-off by the Reds. Today the Phils trailed 4-0 and pulled out the win in the ninth. I wonder if this is a sign of things to come for each team. Either way, Cyrus appears hooked by baseball.

Zuckerberg Rookie Card!

This photo was taken by me in 1993. It shows off some of Mark Zuckerberg's baseball skills at the time. Jon wrote about his signed baseball card I've kept over all the years! Go figure. The article appears on Huffington Post.

Circle Me Bert!

Today the 2001 HOF class was announced and Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven were welcomed to the Hall. Blyleven slowly reached the required 75%, while Alomar rec'd 90% on his 2nd year ont he ballot. Next year it'll be nice to see Lee Smith, Larkin, and Jack Morris join them on a ballot that is light with any surefire first balloters. Frank Thomas joins the ballot in 2014 (with Maddux, Glavine & Jeff Kent). The pictures with the post were taken from a Jays game in 2007 in which Big Hurt homered twice to reach 507 and 508.

1/1/11 Duck!! Incoming New Year!?!

In 2001 Shira and I met! It was spring (just after start of the baseball season :) and by the end of the summer we took a road trip to Cleveland. These are a few photo relics from the trip from our pre-digital days. I will try harder than the past few years to upload pics and comments. Granted, family, friends, and Cyrus are probably the only people who will ever read this. The poor Tribe is back to their losing ways and should be especially dreadful as Shira and I celebrate ten years of having met! Interestingly enough this is the 2nd straight New Years I've been trying to organize the basement. This time into a playroom for Cyrus. Time is going too quickly?!?

Another Magical Year in the Books!

2010 was another incredible year for us! Cyrus has grown each moment and he constantly keeps us entertained. This season my parents and nephews accompanied us to our annual Phillies game. Cyrus had a blast with Grandma. They were singing and cheering. You can see his affection towards stuffed animals in this picture. Shira can't wait until he's old enough to appreciate getting a stuffed Phanatic at their Build-A-Bear Center in the concourse. I can't wait until Cyrus is old enough to make trips to Milwaukee!

Back to Milwaukee?!

Xmas is early for Brewers fans like myself! Shortly after trading for Shawn Marcum from the Jays, the Brew Crew traded for 2009 Cy Young winner Zack Grienke from the Royals. In a rare blockbuster trade the Brewers have upgraded their rotation AND somehow managed to have a better offseason than the Yankees. This prompted me to promise my nephew we would go to Milwaukee if they return to the playoffs in 2011. It'll be my 30th anniversary as a Brewer fan and what better way to celebrate. Bark already returned my text and he is down for going back as always.

Cyrus' 2nd MLB Game!

It's hard to imagine a whole year has already passed since we brought Cyrus to his first game. Last year we stayed five innings (Phils didn't score) and this year we stayed 7 1/2 (Phils scored in the sixth). The Astros completed a rare four game sweep. The Phils currently have won 11 of their last 12 day games, needless to say this was that sole loss. I promised my nephew a few years ago that when he was in 3rd grade we'd take him to Philly, now that he's entering 3rd we brought him, nephew #2, and my parents to Citizen's Bank. We took the tour of statues on the outside (Robin Roberts, Schmidt, & Lefty) then entered Ashburn Alley. My nephew ate his 1st Philly Cheesesteak as Shira ate her last Luzinski BBQ Turkey sandwich. After getting autographs from "The Bull" we walked to our seats. I caught a glimpse of the Halladay Perfect game ceremony as we sat. It was a nice view from the first base side as we were hidden from the sun. The 'Stros jumped right on Kyle Kendrick and the Phils. Carlos Lee even made time for a slow homerun trot around the bases. The only Phillies run came as J-Roll dashed from first to home on a Chase Utley double to right. Cyrus enjoyed sitting with my parents, he sang with grandma and pee'd on grandpa! Final score: Astros 5, Phillies 1. The Phils have yet to win with Cyrus in the house, but we have plenty of memories regardless.

Stadiums #22 & 23: New York '09

In updating this site I realise I never posted a pic from my visits to the two New York stadiums last season. My trip to Citifield was with dad and two of my nephews. The Nats were in town and the stadium had a festive vibe. This season we took Oren for his bachelor day. We sat in the Pepsi Porch which was a nice view and its own community unto itself. We checked out the New Mets HOF which debuted this season. My '09 Yankee trip was the aforementioned game vs the Phils. Garlic fries were not as good as SF, but i've probably said that already. Hope to get to Citi soon, but no rush on Yankee museum...i mean stadium.

Moustache + Shea

The 2010 trade deadline has come and gone! The Brewers have kept Prince and Hart, while the Mets made no moves. Big winners seem to be Phils, Yanks, and Dodgers (no real surprise). However, the Padres (who have the best record in NL since a year ago) continue to pitch well and play the all important solid D. Cyrus loves to read his baseball book with Mommy at night and he can throw and pretend to throw when you say Pitch. Oren and Cori recently got married and Jon and Alison just returned from the Tokyodome and Japan. Jax has been keeping Rich and Erica busy as he awaits his wiffle ball debut with Cyrus.

Backman to the Future

Someday I'll get to tell Cyrus about how I picked up former Met & Phillie Wally Backman for a Mustchae Event. This was the first major leaguer Cyrus ever met. He seems pretty interested doesn't he? The Stache Off was to honor Jon and Uncle Rit's book Sweet Stache. It was a stellar night of musical performances and comedy. Plenty of memories and a really cool poster from it!

MMX!

2010 is here! Cyrus enters his 2nd calendar year! A year ago we anxiously awaited his arrival and now we are in a new home with him cruising around. There is something fun and new each day. I finally started to organize the basement and turn into something of a baseball den. My books and some memorabilia are there. I hung up some pennants and pictures as well. Our Vet Stadium seats are facing the TV! Can't wait to take Cyrus to another game...

Thank you '09

I won't forget the past year anytime soon! Cyrus entered our lives in January and we moved in the summer. Maintaining a few blogs became difficult, but as the end of the year comes my urge to document things has me writing. We've been blessed with a good little guy, a fun soul. As expected his birth has put many things in perspective. I'm looking forward to taking him to games to watch his excitement. We will have annual trips to Philadelphia and maybe I'll take him to Yankee Stadium when he's a teen. I'm fortunate to have Shira as a wife, she's put up with traveling the U.S. to see games with me. Typically if there are birds or an art museum we both can have a day on vacation. Looking forward to the coming years, I know there will be ups and downs but I have my family to keep me happy!

Phillies vs. Yankees 2009

When I look at the 2009 World Series matchup of the Phillies and Yankees I can only feel sorry for Mets and Indians fans. Back in 2007, the Tribe and Metropolitans were on the verge of huge success only to run into hard times. If 2007 seems like too long ago let me remind you. The Mets suffered through their first of two epic September collapses and the Indians led the ALCS 3-1 to Boston. This past season was equally unkind to them and the 2009 World Series is just one more kick in the pants to both beleaguered franchises. Congrats to the Phils and Yanks you each get to trot out a Former Indian Cy Young Winner for Game 1 of the World Series. If a Phillies- Yankees World Series wasn’t enough to make a Mets fan blood boil there is the added factor of Pedro. Since Cole Hamels has pulled a disappearing act it looks likely that Pedro will pitch Game 2 at Yankee Stadium.
The Phils, winners of a Yankee-like 16 of their last 20 playoff games, defeated C.C. Sabathia in last years NLDS when he willed my Brew Crew to the playoffs. This year C.C. is not as gassed as he has been in prior seasons, so while the Yanks have loused up the Joba situation they've handled their Sabathia investment wisely. The winner of this matchup will join the Red Sox as two-time Champions in the 2000s. The Yanks try to join the Cards as a team who won the title in the first season of a new stadium.
Below I rank the Yanks and Phils in categories that I feel will be crucial to victory.
- Class Act, Quiet Leader (Ryan Howard vs Derek Jeter) I've been saying for days that whoever gets colder first (A-rod or Howard ) will cost his team a title. But it's Jeter who Howard is like in that he has been postseason clutch in more than one series and he doesn't give the press much ammo. Slight edge to Jeter in that he has four titles to one.
-Mascot (Phillie Phanatic vs Freddy Sez) Is this even a matchup? The Phanatic takes this one hands down over the Yanks one-eyed pot wielder. Edge Phillies.
-Top of the Order Spokesman (J-Roll vs Damon) Both always speak up with the quotes, but it's their bat talking that will take their teams further. Edge to Phils, I still say Rollins has a smoking hot series in him.
-Closer (Mariano vs Lidge) The all-time greatest closer vs The all-time roller coaster closer. Amazingly this is Lidge's third WS, his first was with the Astros. While he seems to have been effective of late the back of his baseball card pales in comparison to Mo. Edge Yanks.
-Infield hitting. Think about 7 of the 8 infielders in this series are allstars. A-rod has 3 MVP's, while Rollins and Howard each have one for the Phils. This season I take the Yanks left side of the infield over Philly, but I take the Phils right side over Cano & Tex. I'm talking offense & not taking into account Utley's poor throws vs LA. Even.
-Cleveland Aces. Cliff Lee vs CC Sabathia. It looks like CC will be going thrice. Lee will probably go 1 & 5. Which leaves a possible Hamels vs CC in potential game 7. CC will get two wins but not be as dominant as prior rounds. Edge Yankees.
I don't know who to pick but I will say this is the first time I ever saw the two World Series teams play each other during the season (thanks Cid, Gerry & Interleague!) I do know this it will go six games and not seven. Enjoy!

Phil In the Blank...

2009 World Series! Philadelphia Phillies vs. __________________. It's incredible to believe that the first team in pro history to 10,000 losses has won 16 of their last 20 playoff games and is returning to the World Series. The Phils will try to become the 4th NL team to repeat as World Series winner. They will play the Yanks or the Angels. I'm sure you know who I'm rooting for, but when Shira and I saw the Phils & Yanks play months ago I had a feeling they might meet in September. The Phils team is one of the toughest in my lifetime and I'm sure it'll be a fantastic matchup in the WS. Enjoy the games!

Sign of Things to Come?

Sorry Yankee fans I don't have access to a time machine. This is not a picture from the 2009 World Series. I took this a few months ago from our five inning excursion to new Yankee Stadium. A friend from work has season seats and she thought of Shira and I because of the Phils. We jumped at the offer and at that point it was the longest Shira had gone without Cyrus. We've since been to a wedding and a U2 concert. The Phils took their first step in the '09 playoffs with a win today vs. the Rox. The Yanks are playing the miracle Twins at this moment. I'll post more pics from the Phils-Yanks game we went to. Rollins homered on the first pitch of the game by the way.

Cyrus Stadium #1

This is one of my favorite pictures of Cyrus. What was neat about the scoreboard was that when the Giants batted there was a pic of the Golden Gate Bridge behind the players. As you may know I proposed to Shira on the Golden Gate. Someday we'll take Cyrus out there to see the Bridge (and a game!)We stayed five innings for this game during our annual trip to Citizens Bank. In total I went to three games this season. But we made sure Cyrus' first was in Philly!

Cyrus and the Playoffs

It's amazing that the past 12 memorable months have blazed by so quickly. It seems like two days ago Shira and I ventured to see the Phils begin their playoff run in 08. Then I hopped on a plane to meet up with Dave in Milwaukee for Game 3 of the LDS. All this taking place while Shira was pregnant with our baby to be! Now it's the 09 Playoffs!?! Cyrus is here to root on the Phils, but my Brewers will be sitting this one out. After last years events I really can't complain. Just hoping that the playoffs are little more exciting than the past six weeks of anti-climatic baseball we've seen. Cyrus will have little memories of the 08 and 09 playoffs but that'll be a story for him someday.

2009 Young Cy Award Winner

I guess the reason I've seldmomly blogged on this page in 2009 is because Cyrus was born in January and we moved in July! What a whirlwind of excitement the past twelve months have been from summer 08 to summer 09. In the process, the Phillies won the title, Cyrus was born on the day of Obama's inauguration, Jaxon was born in May, and the aformentioned move by our family. As of now the Phils look like a serious contenders but the Brewers have had not enjoyed the same success as '08. Oh well maybe by the time Cyrus is 25 they'll be ready for the playoffs again.

Uncle Vinnie

if you are reading this now there is a good chance you did not know I had an Uncle Vinnie. one reason is since he moved away from the area about 10 years ago i havent seen uncle vinnie much. the other reason is that uncle vinnie was not really my uncle, he worked with my dad for years, was a family friend and honorary uncle

uncle vinnie was the only person who could walk into my dad's garden and help himself to tomatoes. no one else could get away with that. but most importantly uncle vinnie accompanied us on many trips to Yankee Stadium. we would pick him up in Yonkers and drive down the concourse through the beaches of "cape cod, NY" and arrive at the home of Uncle Vinnie's beloved Yanks. he was a perfect companion for my dad and bro as he would tell us stories and jokes and accompany rit on his many trips to the restroom. I can't remember too many particulars of the games but i remember my love for baseball (but not the Yanks) being born out of these trips to the stadium with my dad, rich and uncle vinnie. there would be other trips with my sister, mom and friends but going with Uncle Vinnie always bore a special signifigance. the last game we went to was a game between the Yanks & Mariners in which both teams had young up and coming shortstops(jeter & arod).

uncle vinnie and his wife aunt mercy would always think of us on their trips to the actual cape cod by bringing us back t-shirts. my mom and dad would occasionally visit him when he moved there and we'd hear from him on holidays. this morning i learned uncle vinnie passed away and a shard of my childhood flashed before my eyes. would i have loved baseball as much or visited all those stadiums without my initial trips to the bronx with dad, rich and uncle vinnie...probably not.

Winter Classic

And so 2009 "The Year of the Babies" begins! Rich is returning from Florida and we celebrated a low key New Years. Shira and I just watched some TV last night. The quiet before the storm. Today I watched the Red Wings win at Wrigley Field 6-4. It reminded me of my view from section 226, row 7, seat 101 on August 25, 2000 vs the Dodgers.

2008...2009!

While so much went wrong in the world Shira and I had a super year! We can only hope that 2009 treats us as well as we begin Baby Year One. So much of my blogging energy has been put into babymagic that I've neglected my baseball blog. But I guess thats what impending faterhood does to my baseball needs. It's offical all FOUR of my sports teams made it into the playoffs this calendar year... Celtics, Red Wings, Brewers, and Dolphins! But more important, I have a loving and creative wife who is about to become an amazing mom! Happy New Year!

Toast to the New World Champs...Phillies

Congrats to Shira, Cherry Hill, & our baby who is now officially a Phillies fan. The Philadelphia Phillies are the 2008 World Series Champions! The won all seven games at Citizens Bank Ballpark behind Cole Hamels. What an exciting run especially since we saw the run up close and personal! Now let's elect Obama!

Five Years!

Amazingly it's been five years since Shira and I were married. I remember watching the post season as Shira would spend nights at Gillions finishing her dress. I remember picking up 100+ pimpkins from my school and driving them home and then to the city. That year anothe Florida team made an unthinkable run to the World Series. This time we are rooting hard for the Phillies, but we still own matching 2003 Marlins World Champion shirts. Looking forward to many more October Anniversarys!

#19

The Pilgrimage to the Yount statue reached its conclusion two weeks ago. Got the chance to see Yount shag some flyballs during my tour with Dave. Two weeks since the memorable game and Sveum is gone. Actually he only had a .500 record in his 16 games. As for Yount it was cool to see his statue and see him be a part of the second most successful team in Brew Crew history. I wore #19 & #91 in honor of Robin Yount. I have several more pics which I'll post at some point.

If you Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em! Go Phils!

Shira and the baby are going to the World Series! Actually the Phillies will, we will be watching at home. Especially since our 5th anniversary is Game 3 in Philadelphia. We were there for the first step and look forward to the Phils taking it all this fall!

Stadium #21 Miller Park

As the season drew to a close I seemed resigned to two facts: the Brewers would choke their way out of a playoff spot & I would be stuck at 20 ballparks until next seasons two new NY stadiums. Well the Brewers one six of the last seven with Dale Sveum at the helm & the Brewers made their first postseason since I was nine. Dave and I were fortunate to see the Brew Crews first playoff win since I was ten. All those years of being loyal paid off with this Brewers dream scenario. This photo was taken during my "tour" with Barkin. Thanks Dave for an amazing Brew Crew experience!

Octoberfest 2008

Philadelphia (Gm. 1 NLDS)- WOW! We were interviewed twice by the Courier Post and a Milwaukee radio station. And that was before the game even began! What a thrilling day! It was our first playoff game and it did not disappoint. The Phils won the game 3-1 and we got our moneys worth. We had fantastic seats about five rows behind right field wall and the fans booed me as we walked to them. Fortunately I had Shira, my pregnant wife, as a buffer. Most of the fans were cool because what threat do the Brewers really pose to the baseball landscape? I will have more to post but I want to say thanks to Dave Barkin before I continue.