I apologize in advance for EVERYONE I have left completely out of the loop in regards to my health for the past weeks.  Between my absence and then appearance last weekend coaching third I guess you could guess a lot of things.  The truth is, this has been really hard.

      The open biopsy of my right calf/shin did indeed confirm the worst.  That it appears to be another high grade sarcoma this time in the opposite leg.  I also need to keep a careful eye on my lungs as what was thought to be scar tissue from the last surgery may have grown and their may be a new area….for now it is just to be monitored.

      The news is sad….for once peoples reactions turned from sad to down right anger.  I was somewhere in the middle.  I then began experience incredible pain all throughout my right leg after the out patient biopsy…this pain, which was never point to anything landed me in the hospital for a Friday through Monday weekend, by Wednesday I was back in for pain and in through Sunday explaining my 2 week absence.  I don’t want to tub myself a “tough guy”.  But I think my resume of the way I have always played the game of baseball as well as surgeries speaks for itself. 

      By the time I pleaded my way out of the hospital I was a waste and may as well have been dead.  The experience cost me 10 lbs, which has since continued to slightly fall.  Any call or text from any Raven family or friend (who I am I kidding….I say holding nothing back…you guys are truly my family!)  The truth is I just didn’t want to talk about it, I felt dead….betrayed by a God who I have suffered for thinking I was finally seeing the bright side of a sad situation. 

      I feel like theirs two of me.  Theirs Boz that we all have known, and then theirs the side of me that the Holy Spirit has transformed over the past year, taking a way my bad habits and giving me better judgment in situations.  The biggest transformation has been trying to love all people.  Those 1^st few days at home…I wasn’t either….I wasn’t Boz with a bad attitude or overly competitive wanting to kick this tumors ass like last year, and I certainly did not feel Gods peace.  I felt lifeless.  For three days I would stay in bed from midnight till 5 pm the next day, barely responding to questions from my parents and not eating, anyone who knows my big personality knows me not talking is a problem.

      Finally I caved….broke down, and there has not been a day that I haven’t cried since.  I prayed with both of my parents and prayed that God would come like a flood.  In the next days I had more support from every single Raven then at any point, support that made me ball, and support that sometimes led to a trash can as the anxiety of both the good and the bad all was leading me to throw up.  Since I try and treat it like a project, you work on it a bit each day….cry each day, but then you put it away and move on with your day.

      I began radiation this last Monday.  A process designed to shrink the tumor so they can go back in an perform a surgery without amputation that will have the same desired affect of leaving me with a fully functional right leg.  The radiation people are nice and it is the easiest process in the world and completely pain free. 

      In the meantime I’ve talked to some people and each day I feel an old shell of me start to climb out giving me inspiration for my next tattoo.  I feel like I am below water drowning….I had let go….given up…..but again God’s strong arm grabbed me.  As he holds me up I feel as if I am treading water, but right next to that arm of God holding me, is the familiar hand of my parents, of Scot Arganbright, or Kris, Darren, Vinny, Gramps, Sepion, Dale, The Haugen Knights, and the Androski’s amongst all of you.  It would be impossible to mention all of you, and how much you all mean do me, but their isn’t a guy on this team that I don’t want to hug, and break down and cry with, despite last year and being a warrior…..this stuff is tough.

      The more I live though and the more conversations that I have I learn that its not about whether you win or lose.  It’s how you play the game….its how you live…..  So make me the promise that you will run out every ground ball and play every minute on the field as hard as you possible can, and after the games this weekend, have a few beers, and enjoy all of this.  You do that, and surely but surely I’m coming back.  If you thought I fought last year….you haven’t seen anything.  Last year I fought, but this time it is with an army of love in my corner.  An army God has put right here for me and I love you all.  I will continue to have the faith that God will deliver me, and that I will be a story of his Victory and be able to use this whole experience as a testimony to lead others to him.

      I will be taking the rest of the summer off as a player.  I have zero restrictions at the moment, but given my overall health and strength I am not where I want to be and refuse to take at bats from teammates who are at this time better capable.  I got up for 193 lbs this winter with high hopes of what my summer on Ravens could look like with that kind of strength.  Instead I guess it will have to be mental strength as I will go back to coaching 3B full time and once again continue to work my way back.  I will again try and do everything I can as a 3B coach and a teammate to help this team play good ball. 

Finally….Minor….please only leave this up for a week or so, I don’t want to see it after that, its time to move forward again!  I apologize if I’ve been smug to any of you over the situation.  As for now, I’m off to get a hair cut, get my ear pierced again, and maybe try and search for some “Boz” and with the Lords help he will meet me and I will be back in full gear soon. 

Please continue to pray and THANK YOU for the Support! 

CAW!

      I have not written one of these in a while and for a lot of different reasons.  However, I have been thinking about Ravens baseball a lot lately, and in particular the upcoming 2009 season.  Even though its only November, and we are 6 months away I never think its too early to head in the right direction.

      I would like to start by thanking everyone who has supported me and kept me in their thoughts and prayers over the last year.  I am happy to report that I am feeling great spiritually and physically!  For those who don’t know, I have returned to Western Technical College in La Crosse, WI not only for academic reasons, but also to return to the baseball diamond at the collegiate level.  I have actively participated in fall practices and scrimmages.  Our team down here is currently conditioning twice a week and doing a combination of sprints, running stairs, and things of that nature.  I have seen definite progress each day.  Providing that it is part of Gods plan, I see no reason to not make a complete comeback.  I have another CT scan planned for late December to kind of check up on things and make sure all is well.  I ask that you all please continue to keep me in your prayers in the coming months and please let me return the favor let me know of any needs in your life that I can be praying for!

      The last couple days I have thought about this last year a little bit, and I completely have no regrets.  In many ways, I feel very blessed for this last year as it has taught me many valuable lessons about family, friendships, and even baseball.  Most importantly it has truly shaped me spiritually.  Baseball is no longer about me as much as it is the grander picture in life.  I have always admired how musicians are able to glorify God through their music.  I hope to glorify God through the game of baseball.  I know I will have my moments of weakness…Im human and far from perfect, and as a 22 yr old male, I know I will not always be a saint on the diamond.  However, in my heart of hearts I want my fire to burn for God and I want to lead people to him.  I want to use baseball, the greatest game on earth for his glory.  The truth is, Im not exactly sure how, but feel I will be shown to me, and before I begin my rant on the 2009 Ravens, I would like to THANK GOD for saving me in more ways then one, for my family, my friends, the beautiful game of baseball, and every single one of you that are a apart of my life.  For the lessons learned and the lessons still to be learned.  I am thankful for Ravens baseball, and tears could not completely express my desire for this game, this team, and the chance to play again after this last year. 

Onto Baseball………………… 

      I have a vision of 2009.  A vision of what I feel Ravens baseball could be.  I have a vision of new heights, of new brotherhood.  Of all of the pieces coming together and of every guy doing his work for the good of the team.  I envision Ravens baseball as what we all want it to be.  I see a new era, one in which we will rise and fall as a team…and as a family.  When I think about the Ravens, my picture is much bigger then Solon Springs and nine guys on the field.  When I think about the St. Croix Ravens, I picture Dale Rajala, Kris Minor, Scot Arganbright, RJ Keur, Rich Hailey, Darren Gordon, Vince Viggiano, Ryan Sepion, Garrett Nelson, Tim Bouvine, Brad Glassmaker, Sean Cummings, Chris Vendela, Reed Coil, Richie? Myself, and others.  I see Sarah, Shelly, Molly, Cristie, Heather, Susie, Chelsea, Alicia, Wes, Ashlee, Bub and Chubs.  I see the Rajala family, and I see the Androski family.  I see Jay and Sue, my parents, the Nelsons, Dan and Gina, the Sepions, Lori Cummings, Timmy SR, The Minor’s and several more.  I apologize that I do not know the names of all who support us.  I know often times RJ and Rich have family at games, I know we all have had family and friends there.  My vision includes every single one of them.  I see the town of Solon, and the patrons of the Village Pump and CJ’s.  Would it not be amazing, to see us all united and for the same purpose and to know everyone, and to stroll into Brill not as 15 guys, but as a family of 30?  To me…Ravens is much more then a few of us guys playing a game…… 

In 2009 our goal is to win.  Our time is now.  We have re-added Sean Cummings and Chris Vendela to a solid core.  Two guys who are good ballplayers and are tough.  Guys that are going to go out and compete every single weekend.  They bring fire along with their talent, and anyone who brings both should be wearing a Ravens uniform next year.  We also have a lot of guys returning.  With that, it is important that every single guy from top to bottom on this team realizes that playing time is earned and given.  I truly feel that we will have a good line up and some depth.  Anyone who is on this team can look around and notice things are going to be changing.  With that, everyone should realize playing time is earned and not to be expected or given.   

In the past I have been someone who worried about playing time and getting at bats, we all have!  Its time for all of us to be men.  If you are a member of the Ravens, you need to accept whatever role you are in, and know that things can always change.  However it is vital to be there every weekend and do whatever your called upon for the greater good of this team.  With that, it is also important to realize no one guys is irreplaceable.  Personally, I like the challenge of knowing we are going to have some healthy competition on our team.  It will only make us better.  With all that being said, we need to recognize our need for another quality inf on our team, and I would like to publicly endorse the idea of also bringing back Sean Ross in 2009.   

A talented team that plays as one can be dangerous, but this is all in vain, if any one guy doesn’t buy in.  Recently BubVisger has mentioned the idea of not playing next year as he doesn’t know he can make a full commitment, but has strongly stated he wants to be around and be apart of the Ravens.  In my vision, a guy like Bub who is a great friend and someone who wants to be around and still support the team is as important as Glassmaker hitting 6 homeruns next year.  It’s about unity and absolute unselfishness!  Bub remains one of the coolest cats I know. 

My vision for 2009 is a family with a roster full of depth, and a team of all different personality’s jelled together as 1 unit.  Its time to put all egos aside and Win or die trying.    

Excitement in the air, The Barnum Boys mean streak, Baseball Lessons, and the funnest team I have ever been apart of.

It has been a while since I wrote a Bozzball column but after writting a post on our message board I realized I have a lot on my mind. Its officially that time of year that the website seems to get a little dull, and the quality of play is slightly less enthusiastic as it was on opening weekend. However, on a team like this with the year we are having, Dog days of summer should not exsist. Last year at this time we were playing sub par baseball and backed our way into what realistically was a lucky playoff birth. For some reason, the blend of talent and personalitys was nice, but not half as live as it is this year. We are 7-3 in conference, and 17-10 overall. The Ravens have bid farewell to legends like Lew Lawler and Brad Glassmaker, and the tide has turned. This is a young team. It is Kris and Dale at the forefront, with a band of young, undisciplined, Energetic, frat like, smart mouthed, night clubbing, creeping, ballplayers, "boys" who just don’t know no better. The result has been a good season thus far. However this is not the time to fade. This is the time to embrace everything this team is, and every guy we have on it. This team certainly does not lack personality as every guy on the team is uniquely different and brings their own abilitys and quirks to the table. Its time for this website to start hopping again, for the energy to be there, and maybe even some promo videos for the upcoming playoff run.

After the completion of the contest against the Spooner Cardinals I heard Dale Rajala talking about the "Barnum Boys" and their mean streak they bring to this team. Its official, Lambert is a BAMF (who pitches 14 innings in one game!? HONESTLY!?) and a certified MAN, and RJ has a bigger mouth then me! It is no secret that we are not making many friends this year across the league. A friend of a few Ravens who plays for Siren has even been quoted as saying every team they play talks about how the Ravens are "Dicks" this year. …. quote of the year

"Wwhhaaattt kind of Man ARE YOU?!?!?! ~Haugen 1b coach in astonishment of RJ’s quick mouth.

Ok…so Kris Minor had a better quote towards a Spooner fan that weekend… J But I don’t think I’ll repeat that one…..

Certainly I don’t think its something we go out of our way to do, or embrace, but we are there to battle and to win. I think it should be respected. I can’t stand Brill…they are my least favorite team in this league…you know why….Because THEY ARE GOOD. I respect the hell out of them. As far as this years fiasco with them. I was sticking up for a teammate and I will do that at any cost. When you are my teammate, you are my brother and I will always defend you right or wrong. After the games and what not though I have no hard feelings for the wonderful guys that make up our league and or umpires. The truth is, I respect the huge Brill first base man for coming at me because he was doing the same thing, and I respect that!

Over the course of our season I have thought back to many of the lessons Coach Morgan preached to us at UWS in the spring. Transfer of Trust, Expect to Win, Having a role. I agree with all of those things, but its funny how much more they come into play on the Ravens. Never during the course of a game do I feel we will lose. If I make an out in a critical spot, I believe the next guy will pick me up. I also know my role and want what is best for this team, because I care about every guy on this team, and play for them and want to win!

Our players attendance lately at games has been spotty. Kris rightfully spoke about the issue after this last Sundays loss. To further what he said, or to state the same idea for the guys who didn’t hear the message, everyone needs to be around. We are a team, and it makes a HUGE difference when everyone is there. No one guy on this team is more important then anyone else top to bottom and I can honestly say that. Richie Visger is a prime example. Even on games when he does not pitch, he is up and I feel his energy. Bub is the same way. Rich Haily has not played a ton, but knows when he might pinch hit or run, and gets his legs loose. It is critical to have these guys there whether they are in the line up or not. It applies the same for EVERYONE. I know it is summer ball, but for me that makes no difference. You either love the game or you don’t. If you are going to miss out….miss out on a non conference game against lesser competition. This is the time of year we should all be there and embrace everything we have played so hard for and go all out for one another, regardless of our role.

Finally, on the note of our team and roles, there is not a guy on this team I would trade for anything. I love the commerodity we have developed. A few weeks ago Me and RJ joined Mitch and Scotty at a friends cabin. Mitch and Scotty also stayed in Minong w/ Tony a few weeks ago. Garrett loves everyone on this team from conversations Ive had, he’s talked at length about how much more he enjoys Amys this year (SACK UP and SHOW UP!). I went to the beach w/ Bub today and Rich Haily last week, and met Richie for a drink the same week. Last weekend I hung out w/ Garrett, Scotty, Haji, Minor, Seeps, and Richie after the game. Sam Morley? Don’t really know what happened to him…Cole Visger syndrome I suppose, but even he came up to Superior to hang out one night. At UWS I wasn’t sure about Sepion, but I like the creep a lot now that he’s a Raven! Bottom line, this is the best team I’ve been apart of. Gordo sure looks like he’s having fun this year too…who wouldn’t when your dating cristi! Dale at age 106 even came to Vinny’s grad party and went out w/ 20 year olds this spring, and as much as he claims to HATE me, I know me and Haji are tight and I will probably shed tears the day he decides to hang em up. Bottom line is that this is a better team then last year on every level and definition of the word "team!".

Stop and think about this team, this season, and how much both mean to you. Think about the excitement and expectations at the beginning of the year. IT IS NOT THE TIME TO FADE. Step up, everyone! And lets have some fun. Dig deep and lets lay it all on the line and Do Big Things in these next weeks!…

"DO WORK SON!!!"

Lightning in my veins and Thunder in my Chest

Raven’s baseball "it’s like lightening in my veins and thunder in my chest". I am listening to some Gary Allan at the movement and love his new song "A feeling like that". Maybe it’s the beat, but its inspired me to put off my final English paper of the semester to write a new Ravens blog.

I just mentioned this on the message board however I will reiterate. I am excited for our entire team next summer to be 21 or older. Bub is the lone exception here, but not a tavern in Solon is going to turn down 15 guys with one minor (not Kris) with a "responsible older brother" haha. I think after those magical Friday night games in Solon we should all hang out at the newly rebuilt village pump that Dale always proudly wears a cut off T-shirt of. Plus, if we do this, they are likely going to sponsor us next year and in the future.

I think that last year we maybe had too many young guns on the team, myself included. Youth is a wonderful thing and baseball skill wise we are fine. However, I think it maybe took us a while to mesh last year and that’s why we heard so much as young guys about past Ravens teams and their success. The truth of the matter is, it is a new era for Ravens baseball. Dale and Kris are at the forefront as our veteran weekend warriors. Everyone knows they will be there giving 110% every weekend. With Brett and Lew having unique schedules it leaves Mitch and Scotty (we need a nickname for them) as the veterans. Technically Garrett too! After this, theirs 3 Visgers, Vinny, Gordo, Amys, R.J Keur and myself who are part of that new flock of Ravens. When you look at many successful baseball teams they have that right blend of experience and youth. I feel that we have that.

Granted, we have lost our big man Glassy, however, I for one am ready to step up in that absence and everyone will have to play their part in doing so! I am excited to go into next season with the group of guys we have. Nothing is more fun then playing summer baseball in Solon Springs with the hardcore, grizzled veteran presence of old man Rajala. We have a swagger from Mitch, Scotty, and Vinny that I wouldn’t trade for the world. We have three Visgers who are taking on their own individual identities within our team. Bub, pimp. Tony, who’s maybe more of a smartass then me…really, he was quiet last summer to start with, and that’s a shame…the more you get to know Tony, the more you love the kid, and "Big Foot" Richie Visger. We have our "grumpy old men" 1-2 punch of Brett and Lew. Kris Minor providing a love for the game along with the coolest attitude at all times to occasionally offset Dale when needed. R.J is going to fit in very well as long as "Big Ron" is his Ron Coomer like self. I also hope to see Darren Gordon play with more confidence and without any hesitation in his game. Darren is a good athlete who can really help us when he plays his game. The quirky comments of Andy Amys are always good as well. This leaves us with two…………two who have nick named ourselves "Pale Force" Garrett Nelson and myself. Word on the street is Bub wants in as well. Garrett’s bat and arm continue to improve each summer, and I am sure to at least bring my skinny ass and energy to every game.

It will be a good summer…trust me on this one……..

This may seem a lot like my first post, breaking down our team one by one, however this is about the blend of our young punk attitudes and how well we can all blend to "STEAMROLL" through our division. Not about talent like the first time.

In other news:

Each day I am getting more excited for the UWS season to begin and to hopefully play a part in building some tradition. I was a bit tentative of things and maybe my own skills at first, but I am absolutely ready to roll now. Nothing however will compare to what I hope to be another great summer with "the flock".

Nothing made me laugh harder at Glassy’s fairwell party then seeing 35 year old Rajala at the same party as some local Superior high school hood rats, and stuck up UWS cheerleaders. Is that Ravens love or what….You rock Dale!

Quote of the Week: "Theirs two types of women in this world Boz…….girls I have had sex with, and girls I will have sex with" ~2B/OF Bub Visger

Caw till next’ time……

Merry Christmas!

With the excitement of the St. Croix Ravens post season awards coming out today, I thought I would write my second installment  of "Bozzball".

As a struggling student/utility man who is slightly obsessive compulsive, I have had Ravens on my mind lately. The good news is, I won’t burn out. I have more and more to say each day. It’s not my intention to become an ass clown like Curt Schilling that is simply known for running their mouth. I want to be a leader even though I’m just a pup, and maybe these writtings can inspire some along with entertaining others throughout the cold winter ahead.

It looks as if my fellow UW Superior teammate R.J Keur will be joining the Ravens next summer. This is a good addition, and an ideal fit. As opposed as I am to the Ravens not working with what we already have "in-house" so to speak, R.J will exemplify what a Ravens baseball player is. I can honestly say out of all of the 25 guys on the current UWS roster, R.J would be my first pick and maybe only to join the Ravens next summer. For those of you who don’t know R.J, he resembles a modern day Babe Ruth. He is left handed, weighs 260, and is a kick ass, laid back dude. He should provide some power in whatever role he has with the 2007 club along with a good attitude. I can’t see R.J complaining about much, and I can definitely see him throwing a few back with the team.

Speaking of UWS and Ravens, Bub Visger is apparently the biggest Pimp in the world. Maybe it’s the name? All I know is Bub is always talking to the ladies, and attractive they are.

Before I get too gung-ho UWS on everyone’ ass something dawned on me the other day in the weight room. I don’t really care what the coaching staff and my fellow players think of my baseball skill. I really don’t care if I’m not in the plans, and I’m certainly not kissing anyone’s ass by working out 4-6 days a week. I want to get better, and I want to get stronger. Maybe it was the 80’s rock weekend blasting in the background, but I realized, it was thoughts of Ravens that drove the rest of my workout. With all do respect for my coach, I aint trying to get better for him. I’m trying to get better for Dale, Kris, Brett, and all the Ravens…..even Lew! If God pours blessing upon me and makes me a WIAC stud, its not going to be in my heart like summer ball with the Ravens is. Maybe its because the UWS roster is so large, but I am truly realizing that the Ravens are a family, or at least damn sure should be, and how much it means to me.

After my workout I begin to reflect on our record this last season. I also started to think about how few of Ravens "veterans" we have. I began to wonder if this separated our team at all last year. The passion of the Ravens that have been around is clear. In the summer, Ravens is a way of life for them. I respect this, and don’t want that to die. Scotty often talked about how the previous summer was different and how much the team hung out. I hope that next summer we can blend. The talent and the passion is there, we just all need to mesh. I realize that not everyone is as passionate as one another but let me ask one simple question…… Where do you want to be playing baseball 5 years from now? If it’s not in some higher league, living everyone’s dream. I hope you answer is with the St. Croix Ravens. I also hope that the expectation are to win…..every single year! Let’s build something bigger then any of us can imagine. CCAAAWWW!

Bozzball plug of the week: More innings for Garrett Nelson and Richie Visger next year!!!

An Outlet for the Opinions of Adam Bozinski…….

My message board ramblings and thoughts now have much more room to be expressed! For some, it will be entertaining to read, and I’ll probably annoy the piss out of some people as well…..it’s just what I do.

I am very much looking forward to next season. I had a blast in my first year with the St. Croix Ravens and look forward to all the summers to come. I can honestly see myself playing for several years. The scary thing is if I’m playing 10 years from now, Kris Minor will be 36 and Dale will probably be a grandpa at 46 thanks to Andy Amys’s love child.

This last summer was a lot of fun, and I officially love this league. The fields in towns like Seely and Haugen were very fun to play at and represented the beauty of baseball, as well as our home park. Sure, this isn’t quite the big leagues, but it is indeed special. It is a peaceful feeling playing baseball on the weekends in small towns and on humble fields. The best part is, this is the big leagues for a lot of small towns. I can only hope that Solon Springs can someday really embrace the Ravens as their own and that we can make Raven’s baseball the biggest thing in town!

As wonderful as last summer was, it was frustrating. I can honestly say that the 2006 St. Croix Ravens was indeed the most underachieving team I have ever played on. For this reason, I get frustrated when the talk of adding players comes up. With Brad Glassmaker, Kris Minor, Mitch Lawler, and Tony Visger we may have the best amateur infield in the state. I feel strongly about that. When OF Scott Arganbright is "going big", and not "going home", he can be as dangerous as anyone in our line-up can. I hope that I can at least provide somewhat of a spark for us playing different positions and in the leadoff spot where I would really like the chance to stay. Vince Viggiano is sure to bounce back from some struggles at the dish, and always provides outstanding defense and swagger in centerfield. Brett Nelson is Lenny Harris, and the best pitcher on our team, period. Garrett Nelson going into next season may be amongst our most feared hitters. Despite batting seventh, he lead our team in RBI’s, hit nearly .350, and probably could have hit 3 or 4 homeruns that just missed or one hoped the fence just to the left of centerfield. A lot of those balls Garrett didn’t even make that great of contact on. He’s country strong like Jim Thome, and will be vital to our team’s success in the future.

As for the rest of the Ravens, Richie Visger was a nice luxury out of our bullpen, and Bub Visger as well as Darren Gordon deserve more opportunity to play before we start bringing in more guys. Gordo’s speed could certainly be utilized more next season, as well as Bub’s baldhead. You cannot say enough about Bub’s great attitude last season. Same for Amys until he began to pout during the Gazdik. Andy is always dependable though and showed up for us week after week. Finally, our fearless leader Haji is the biggest prick on the team for throwing the ball off of a batter while trying to throw it to the pitcher and then swearing at him. As much as the deacon pisses me off at times, nothing made me happier two Saturday’s ago then running into him while being stopped at a train. I love "The Haj" and can not wait to be on the same team as him again next summer.

As for the newly engaged Lewdogg…..he need’s to grow some! It’s scary to think that he K’d 80 guys in 82 innings last year while never really raring back. I’d like to give Lew a baseball makeover next year. The new Lew, would come back with a big ass beard, about another 20 lbs of smoked salmon, and beer under his #19 jersey and pitch like Jamie was cheating on him. Become David Wells…..not in regards to pitching, in regards to being a bad ass.

Fellow Ravens. I challenge all of you. Do something to get better this winter, or sometime in the spring before we start. We are already talented, but lets get even better. Let’s play as team, because that’s all we really need to do. I am bitter about last year and we all should be. No excuses next summer, Just Kick Ass!!!

State Title or Bust.

In my next column I will be discussing potential Free Agents the Ravens may be looking to add for the 07’ ball club, as well as how big of a pimp Bub Visger is at UWS. If you thought I had a lot to say this time….just wait!

 

First off, I’d like to start by saying that our two tourney’s were a blast. Actually, let me re-phrase that -- Thunder Bay was super fun off the field, (playing with nine guys in a tournament over five games really sucks… especially when Garrett couldn’t throw because he was in too much pain... but he sucked it up and played). But Dale Rajala proved that he’s the ULTIMATE team-player. Upon hearing that we had two games on Sunday, he put everything he had going that weekend aside and drove up Saturday night, knowing that we were out of arms. That’s pretty ballzy considering the following:

I know that amateur baseball isn’t life. It isn’t the most-important thing in the world. And maybe it’s unfair for me to get worked up.  But I do, because Ravens’ ball is one of the things I look forward to most every year.  However, this year, I am seriously disappointed.

Those of you who know me best know that I’m very much an introvert. I don’t express anger or disappointment outwardly that often. In the moments leading up to last Sunday’s game, I can not begin to express how absolutely sick/pissed I was looking at the fact that we had seven “regular” guys show up.

Baseball has always been a way for me to get away from the worrisome things that I have to concern myself with week-by-week. Just like everybody else, I have a lot of other things to worry about that need my attention. And for the last seven years, playing Ravens has put me in some tight spots with jobs, relationships, and everything else normal people face all the time. But to me, it’s remained a priority to be a part of this team because of the great times and special relationships I have taken away from every Raven whom I have shared a dugout with.  It's been a different story lately.  Since worrying about who we're gonna have pretty much every weekend, baseball hasn't been so much of a sanctuary, but rather another place for me to worry.  And, like most people, when I worry about some things, like baseball, other things start to creep into my mind (like stuff off the field).  It's something that hasn't happened to me before, and it's not something that I particularly care for.

Like I said before, I have a lot going on.  But, I have found a way to make it work. Again, it’s not fair for me to tell people how to run their lives. You don’t get paid to play for the Ravens. You’re not under contract. But some people care about this team and want to achieve something here. It’s common courtesy to be fair to the commitment that people expect from you. It’s about respect. It’s knowing that people love having you around, and count on having you here.

Ask the four longest-tenured Ravens how much trouble playing Ravens every weekend has gotten them into with significant others, jobs, etc. But do they stop showing up? No. Is it because they love baseball? I don’t know.  You'll have to ask them.

This year is the first time I’ve ever thought that I should re-organize my priorities and maybe give baseball a backseat. Not because of my job, not because I have a relationship which I value tremendously that gets time taken away from it, or because I think that there are so many other things I could do with my weekends. It’s because I’m disappointed.

Through the years, we have had a lot of guys come and go on this team. More than I can remember. And it was sad to see 95% of them go. They were great guys on and off the field and helped our team win. But there have been a few guys come and go that have absolutely shit on us by not showing up. Still, they were good guys, but when it came to it, didn’t have enough respect for us to let us know what was going on.

Smiley was the best. He showed up every frickin’ weekend. He rarely played, but he did everything that we needed to help. And when he did play, he managed to etch clutch moments that will live forever in Ravens folklore.

But this can’t keep happening with us. I get excited for every weekend to play ball. But, too often, I get to the field and have to worry about not having enough guys, or not having the best squad that we have to win.

We have an awesome team, talent-wise. But I can only think of maybe one or two games where everyone has showed up. But I don’t remember when the last time was.

Dale probably has the most on his plate to deal with everyday, but a two-week mandatory workshop in Eau Claire, a wife, two kids, and homework couldn’t even come between him and a five-hour drive to a different country to help us play frickin’ CONSOLATION GAMES on a Sunday, knowing he had to turn around and come right back the next day and face another week from hell.

Everyone who’s on this team should thank him. Just know that we devoted a jersey for each and every one of you. I’m not saying that you have to show up every weekend. That’s unrealistic. Just know that people are counting on you to be there. You’re all great guys, and without you, we will never realize our full potential.

SEE YOU SUNDAY IN SEELY.