Fantasy Camp 2014 reunion

Well the reunion has also come and gone. I played in the 8:00 am game at PNC Park, and managed to make a nice running catch in the outfield. At the plate, I only got to bat once, but made the most of it by driving in our team's first run of the game, and later that inning coming around to score.

And then in the nightcap, the Pirates came back from behind and beat the Nationals in a tight game. Raise that Jolly Roger!

While I have had a great time these past 4 years at the Pirates Fantasy Camp, for some personal reasons I am afraid that I must step back from it for a while. Thanks to Joe B. and all the Bradenton staff, pro staff, and other campers, it has been fun. Maybe I will see you all again somewhere down the road.

Take care everyone.

Pictures on the Pirates web site

I just noticed that there are some pictures of me on the Pirates web site in the Photo Galleries section. If you go to the Pirates web site, hover over News, and select Photo Galleries under the Related Links section, you will see the Fantasy Camp galleries for January and February of 2014.

There is a picture of me with Jim Rooker in the Day 4 gallery:

Me & Rook

And in the Day 6 gallery, there were 3 pictures that I managed to get into:

Victory dance (???)

Number 1

Team photo

Fantasy Camp 2014 recap

What an amazing week. Team Traynor played super solid baseball all week (excepting for the McKechnie game of course), let by great pitching and infield defense. In terms of my personal contributions defensively, there was not much to do in the outfield, as I only got a chance to catch one fly ball the whole week. However, top to bottom, everyone chipped in and helped out in one way or another, whether it was George making some nice catches in the outfield for us before he got hurt, or Bill swinging a hot bat. And I was happy that I got a couple of timely hits to help our teams out of a couple of tight spots.

Unfortunately due to the rain, we played the requisite number of games, but in terms of innings, we were shorted by about the length of a whole game, but there is nothing you can do about that. Joe B. and the whole Pirate City staff did an outstanding job in that regard, so they have my admiration and thanks.

Here were my final batting statistics for the week:
8 games played
.500 batting average
10 hits in 20 at-bats
6 runs scored
2 triples
4 runs batted in
0 walks
3 strikeouts (still higher than I would like...)
1 hit by pitch

And some additional statistics:
21 plate appearances
.700 slugging percentage (14 total bases in 20 at-bats)
.524 on base percentage (11 times on base in 21 plate appearances)
1.224 OPS

While the week was fun, it is nice to be back home. I hope to see all the campers at PNC Park for the reunion in May. Let's Go Bucs!!!!

Championship Game Day

The 2014 Pirates Fantasy Camp has finally come to a close, and I am happy to report that my team, Team Traynor, came out victorious in a rain shortened 5 inning game here on field 3 at Pirate City. The final margin of victory was 5 to 2. At the dish, I struck out swinging in my first at bat, and in my second at bat, I hit an opposite field triple with 1 RBI, and then I later scored the final run of the game. In the field, I had no chances.

Team Traynor played fantastically all week, with all facets of the game clicking on all cylinders. Special thanks to our pro staff coaches Bruce Kison and Lee Lacy, our assistant coach Robbie Kison, our Bradenton Booster Dick Davis, and a special shout out to my fellow teammates Dan, Jamie, Eddie, Rick, Paul S., George, Keith, Bill, Roger, Paul T., and Jimmer, I had an awesomely fun week of baseball. And of course the whole thing wouldn't be the same without Joe Billetdeaux in charge. Thanks Joe!

I will post a recap of the camp after I get back to Ohio. See all you campers at the reunion in May.

Day 5

The big news of the day is that Team Traynor squeaked into the playoffs. There were 3 teams in our division that finished with a record of 5 wins and 1 loss, at which point the tiebreaker is runs scored, of which we had the most.

On an unrelated matter, apparently Mother Nature did not receive the brochure from the Bradenton Area Chamber of Commerce, as the crappy weather this week continued today. It was blustery and rainy today, but we did manage to get in part of the baseball that was to be played.

Our weather shortened 5 inning semifinal game was against Grant Jackson's team, which we won by a score of 6 to 0. At the plate, I went 2 for 2 with 2 singles, one run scored, and one RBI. In the field, I played all five innings in the outfield and had one fly ball hit to me that kind of died in the wind, and as a result I was unable to make a clean play on it, but it turned out not to hurt us. 

By the way, prayers and thoughts out to Buck Jackson, he ended up in the hospital, and hopefully he is going to be OK.

The championship game has therefore been moved to Day 6, which was supposed to be the day that the Pirates fantasy campers faced off against the Baltimore Orioles fantasy campers. The 6 other teams for us will have that responsibility, while we play in the championship game.

Day 4

We knew that we would need to pick up 2 victories in today's games to make a playoff push, so Team Traynor was ready.

The skies were threatening in the morning, so they decided to shorten the game lengths to 5 innings and play them back to back, so that we could get both games in before the inclement weather. Our first game of the day was on field 3 against Team Waner, who was the other undefeated team left in the league. We came out swinging on offense and superb on defense and pitching and won the game by a score of 13 to 2. At the plate, I was 2 for 3 with a single and run scored, a triple with 1 RBI and a run scored, and a line out to the shortstop. In the field, I played 4 innings in the outfield with no chances.

Our final regular season game of camp was lengthened back to 7 innings as the weather must have cleared up a bit. This game was on field 1 against Team Wagner. Again, we had it all working as we won the game by a score of 8 to 0 and ended our regular season with a record of 5 wins and 1 loss. At bat, I had a fly ball out, a strikeout swinging, and a single, and in the field, I played 4 innings and made a nice running catch of a fly ball. Luckily this was one of our TV games, so hopefully it will be on the DVD.

Whether we make the playoffs or not is yet to be determined. We could end up with 3 teams in our division with identical records of 5 wins and 1 loss, in which case the tiebreakers would be runs scored and runs allowed. Stay tuned...

Day 3

Well the weather certainly cooperated on Tuesday, as warm temperatures and a sun splashed sky greeted us at McKechnie Field for our very important matchup with Team Vaughan. Both teams were 3 and 0 and looking to solidify their standings for a playoff position.

Unfortunately for Team Traynor, they had all the answers while we couldn't figure out what the questions were, and we lost by a score of 11 to 3. My troubles at the plate continued with an 0 for 3 day with 3 ground ball outs, including the final out of the game. In the field, I played 4+ innings in the outfield with no chances.

We need to win both games on Wednesday to lock up a playoff position. It is a daunting task, but one which we hopefully will be up to the challenge for.

Day 2

The morning looked a bit ominous with heavy rain showers in Bradenton, but luckily there is one turf field here at Pirate City that is ready to play almost immediately after the rain stops.

As a result, the morning game on field 3 was shortened to 4 innings in length. In our game, we played Team Carey and won by a score of 6 to 1. I only had one at bat and popped up for an out, and played 2 innings in the outfield with no chances.

Then, in our second game of the day on field 2, we defeated Team Clemente by a score of 7 to 3. In that game, I went 1 for 3 at the plate with a single and run scored, a strikeout swinging, and a ground out (again, bad call by the umpire, I think I beat the throw). In the field, I played 4 innings in the outfield and again had no chances.

Tuesday is the game at McKechnie Field, it should be interesting to see the renovations they have made there.

Day 1

Hello friends and family back up in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Yes, it is that time again, when winter doldrums turn to sunshine and baseball at the Pittsburgh Pirates Fantasy Camp.

There was not much sunshine today, as it was quite cloudy in Bradenton, with just a few misty sprinkles. And of course, much baseball.

For the evaluation game, I was assigned to team 8 and played on field 4 versus team 6. Since it was an evaluation game, the score didn't matter (especially since our team lost), but I went 1 for 2 with a single and a strikeout on a bad call by the ump. In the field, I played 3 innings in the outfield and made a catch on a long fly ball.

My team this year is Team Traynor, coached by Bruce Kison and Lee Lacy. Our first game was against Team Cuyler on Field 4, and we were victorious by a score of 16 to 1. At the plate, I had 3 singles in 3 at bats and was hit by a pitch, scored a run and had 1 RBI. In the field, I played 4 innings in right field and did not have any chances.

Tomorrow is a double header day, so hopefully the body will hold up.

One month to go

Is it possible? We are down to about a month before another Pirates fantasy camp begins anew?

Well it is true. 

Plus I just wanted to make sure I could post to this Blogspot blog, you know how much Google likes to change things.

Postseason bound

For the first time in 21 years, the Bucs will be playing meaningful games in October.

Now come on Corsairs, let's catch those Cardinals so we can duck out of the wild card game.

Barry who?

Finally, the curse is over. Congratulations to Clint Hurdle and the troops as they have ended the 20 year losing season streak.

Now let's get some October baseball in Pittsburgh...

Fantasy Camp reunion

Yes, I have been a bit lax, the Fantasy Camp reunion was a few days ago. I would have posted much sooner had I had better news.

Apparently, for me, bats are afraid. My hitting was none too good during the Field of Dreams game or the PNC Park reunion mini-game, and my fielding was only slightly better than that. On the plus side, I did close it out by playing some nice middle infield with Laurie to end the PNC park game. I suspect it was just enough to convince me to attend the 2014 Pirates Fantasy Camp...

A great loss

I was sad to learn today of the passing of Don Jacobs, a true Pirates Fantasy Camp Hall-of-Famer and all around great guy. It will not be the same without him.

My sincerest condolences to Don's family. He will be missed.

Final recap

I have had a couple of days to reflect on my week, and it was a great week. Team Waner came together when it counted and played very good baseball. It was a real fun time even though I could not seem to get much going either at the plate or in the field.

Let me give a quick shout out to the members of Team Waner. Thanks to Richie Hebner and Bob Walk (our pro staff), Scott May (staff assistant), Dick Davis (Bradenton Booster), and fellow players Paul, Ty, Matt, Jerry, Jack, Nick, Mark, Laurie, Marty, John, and Julie. Everyone gave it their all and I hope that the team can reunite more or less intact for the reunion game coming up on June.

Here were my final batting statistics for the week:

8 games played
.524 batting average
11 hits in 21 at-bats
3 runs scored
1 double
9 runs batted in
2 walks
4 strikeouts (ouch!)
3 hit by pitch

And some additional statistics:
26 plate appearances
.571 slugging percentage (12 total bases in 21 at-bats)
.615 on base percentage (16 times on base in 26 plate appearances)
1.187 OPS

I'll be signing off for a while to try to recover from my myriad of injuries, unless something really important happens. Go Bucs!

Day 6 and travel day

It was nice to play the second pro staff game of the day for a change instead of the eighth game of the day as I did in my first two camps, it left most of the day free. We didn't expect to do very well against the pros, and as it turns out that was exactly what happened. I played a couple of innings in the outfield and unfortunately dropped a fly ball hit by Omar Moreno, and at bat, I face Zane Smith who was really dealing. As per usual for this camp, I had the hardest hit ball of our game against Zane, but it was right back at him, and he flagged it down and threw me out at first.

Getaway day was pretty uneventful, and as I close out the narrative part of the blog for this year's camp, I am back amidst the snowy plains of Ohio.

I will post some camp summaries after I get a chance to recover a bit.

Day 5

I was not sure what to expect heading into my first playoff game in 3 Fantasy Camp tries. Would we fall behind early and come back late as per usual in all our wins, or would be not sharp in the field or at bat and get drilled?

As it turns out, the answer is neither. Our morning playoff game was against the other division's first place Team Clemente (5 wins and 1 loss) on field 1, the team that we had lost to on Tuesday. The game was a well played game this time, as we opened up a 6 to 2 lead in the first half of the game and closed them out in the last half of the game to win by a score of 6 to 4 to advance to the Championship Game. At the plate, I had a single with 1 RBI, a ground out with 1 RBI, and another ground out. In the field, I played 4 innings in right field with no chances.

So in the afternoon, the Championship Game pitted Team Waner vs. Team Cuyler managed by Steve Blass and Bill Mazeroski. Unfortunately, our overachieving team fell short to a team with vastly superior talent, and lost by a final score of 11 to 4. At the plate, I had a single, a hit by pitch, and a strikeout, and in the field, I played 3 innings in right field with one running catch. For our final defensive inning, they put me in left field, but I did not make it through the inning, as I injured my finger trying to make a catch and had to leave the game.

Friday is the game versus the pro staff, which only lasts 3 innings. Which is good because I am not sure how much more my body can take.

Day 4

The Wednesday double header action for Team Waner saw yet another improbable comeback and another split of the games played.

In the morning game on field 3, we trailed Team Stargell by a score of 7 to 2 entering the bottom of the 6th, at which point we scored 5 to tie the game. We then closed the door in the top of the 7th to set the stage for some hitting heroics by Nick Senuta to give us an 8 to 7 win. In this game, I had a bases loaded walk for 1 RBI, a single with an RBI, a hit by pitch, and another hit by pitch to put runners on 1st and 2nd right before Nick's hit. In the field, I played 4 innings in right field with no chances.

This win gave us a record of 3 wins and 2 losses, and due to our victories over opponents in our division, we clinched a playoff spot. (My first playoff game in my 3rd camp. I was thinking I would never be on a playoff team.)

So in the afternoon game 6 on field 2, both our team and Team Cuyler had wrapped up playoff spots, so the game had more of an exhibition game feel to it. We ended up losing a pitcher's duel by a score of 20 to 16. At the plate, I had a single with an RBI, a double with an RBI, and a ground out, and in the field, I played 3 innings in left field with no real chance to make any plays due to gusting winds, and I played 3 innings as catcher. Oh, and I should mention that Paul Speer, our star center fielder, hit a massive homerun over the fence. It may have been wind aided, but it was still a shot.

So our league play record here at camp ended up at an even 3 wins and 3 losses. Everyone on the team contributed, and so far the camaraderie and comebacks have been fun.

For Thursday morning's playoff game, we just need to get behind by 5 runs or so entering the 6th and 7th inning, and we will have the other team right where we want them.

Day 3

Team Waner's record evened at 2 wins and 2 losses with an unfortunate loss to Team Clemente. Their pitching was very strong and we just could not get enough going to outscore them.

My own personal day was not very good as I struck out, scored a run as a pinch runner, beat out an infield single for 1 RBI, and struck out again. In the field, I played 4 innings in right field with no chances. I did back up a couple of plays to help our team out defensively, but in my opinion that hardly makes up for striking out twice, each time with a runner on third and less than 2 outs.

The evening cookout was fine, as I got a bunch of cards and balls signed.

Wednesday is the final day of the league play with a double header scheduled. It would be best for Team Waner to obviously win both games, so we shall see how it goes.

Day 2

There was good and bad on day 2 of the Pirates Fantasy Camp for Team Waner.

In the morning game on field 4, we could not get much going in the way of offense and lost to Team Traynor by a score of 9 to 1. In the batter's box, I flied out, hit a single, and flied out again, and in the field, I played 4 innings in right field with one nice running catch.

So with a record of 1 win and 1 loss, we knew that the afternoon game was going to be critical. We trailed by 3 runs going into the bottom of the 6th inning against Team Vaughan, but the comeback kids made another appearance as we rallied in our last time at bat to win the game by a score of 13 to 9. At the plate, I had a single with 1 RBI, 1 run scored as a pinch runner, a strike out (real bad strike calls by the umps this week, they must have a group date or something), and another single. And in the field, again I played 4 innings in right field with no chances.

Wednesday is a single game, and it would be very important to get to a record of 3 and 1.