Gladiator Baseball

The 14U Beaumont Gladiators took home another 2-2 record after play on April 21st and 22nd.

On Saturday at Baseball USA, the day started in dissarray. First, the Gladiators lost to cross-town rivals, the Big-Timers. Then, adding insult to injury, former Atlanta Braves Catcher, Javy Lopez snuck into the team picture. (Click on picture to see enlargement.) The team followed by salvaging the remains of the day with a victory over The Southern Panthers.

Sunday brought a repeat of the previous day with a split with Team Extreme and the Triple Threat.

Motor City Madman Speaks

Leave it to the Ted to talk common-sense.

The Nuge speaks out about "Gun-Free Zones".

Sgt. Robert Matthew McDowell of Deer Park, TX

A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SGT. ROBERT MATTHEW MCDOWELL
WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, APRIL 20, AT 10:00 A.M.

AT THE ST. HYACINTH CHURCH LOCATED AT 2921 CENTER STREET
(CORNER OF CENTER & P STREET)


SGT. MCDOWELL WAS KILLED ON APRIL 1
IN BAGHDAD WHILE SERVING HIS COUNTRY


AS A DISPLAY OF OUR COMMUNITY’S RESPECT
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US IN LINING UP ALONG CENTER STREET

(BETWEEN PASADENA BLVD & P STREET)

BETWEEN 9:00 A.M. AND 9:30 A.M.
TO OFFER OUR RESPECT

Protecting My Great Game

This is a picture of my son, pitching a real nice game on Sunday against the 7th ranked team in South Texas, The Houston Angels. The Gladiators had a pretty good weekend at Baseball USA, going 2-2, and giving a nationally ranked team a hard run up until the very last out. Being at a great ballpark with my son on days like this is what I like the best. Forget skiing, forget Vegas, forget scuba diving with a friendly Grouper in Cozumel. On days like this, I get so wrapped up in the game that I'd forget my head if it wasn't connected.

I was in a pretty good mood all weekend, despite a few bad breaks. Our infielders looked this weekend like they are starting to realize that they have got to sacrifice. Excuses don't count. Results do. It was great to see some of these boys be accountable. In particular, "Everyday Eddie" Garza and "Peerless" Price Jacobs had their best weekends defensively.

I was allowed to say the team prayer prior to our first game on Sunday morning. I remembered to give thanks for our boys, for the effort they are showing more of, for the family members who support their efforts and their friends. I remembered to say "...in Jesus' name we pray..". But, I forgot to ask the Lord to bless our troops. I get so wrapped up in my day to day life that I forget what those brave men and women are doing in the War Against Terror.

While the team had their heads bowed and knees bent in prayer on that pristeen grass on Sunday, I should have asked the Lord to bless our President, who has shown the courage of his convictions throughout this difficult time of politically motivated attacks and unfair misrepresentation of our intent and performance in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, more important, I should have remembered to give thanks for the courage and commitment of our fine and brave military men and women. But, as I said, I forget everything else when its time for baseball. These men and women protect my time at the ballpark with my son, often at the cost of their own. A picture that I saw this morning reminded me what I had forgotten yesterday.

Please take a moment to read the story that surrounds this picture, by visiting this link: Staff Sargeant's Brave Son

Next Sunday, I'm going to ask to say the team prayer and ask Jesus to help us win the peace in the Middle East. I'll ask the Lord to bless our fine soldiers. This time, I won't forget.
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It's great to see former Aggie Great, Jason Tyner playing well enough to draw starts and ink. After going 3 for 5 on Saturday Night, he's even forecasting some power numbers. Tyner Time At Twins.Com

On your mark, Set your TiVo: YANKEES V BOSTON

The first grudge match between the Red Sox and Yankees takes place next weekend at Fenway. This series is simply the best in baseball, with apologies to Chicago/St. Louis and the Yankees' cross-town NL rival. Its a serving of the rich groom's cake of our romance with the great game. Every match between Gotham and Beantown has a subtext. Historians know the passionate historical antipathy between the two towns. And, there are always more than enough current events to make the matchup great. Both FOX and ESPN are broadcasting nationally next Saturday and Sunday nights.

• On May 30th 1938, before a Yankee Stadium record crowd of 83,533, Yankees outfielder Jake Powell and Red Sox player-manager Joe Cronin fight on the field and beneath the stands. Both players were fined and suspended for 10 games. The Red Sox finish second to the Yankees, who go on to sweep the Cubs in the World Series.

Oh, baseball's glorious, romantic yesteryear. So, you see? This rivalry has the legitimacy of a long and bitter geneology.

• On May 24, 1952, Red Sox outfielder Jimmy Piersall and Yankees second baseman Billy Martin exchange insults before a game in Boston, and end up fighting in the tunnel under the stands. The fight is broken up by Yankees coaches Bill Dickey and Oscar Melillo, and Boston starter Ellis Kinder. Piersall changes out of his bloody shirt and promptly fights with teammate Maury McDermott. The Red Sox win 5-2 with Piersall sitting the game out.

My readers are not baseball neophytes, so I won't insult them with a rehashing of the Curse of the Babe. But, I will predict that Yankees fans will announce that this series presents A-Rod with another of their When It Matters tests. (They won't remember if he continues his torrid start.) But, if he has the hiccups in Boston, get ready for the NY papers to rail on about how he doesn't show up when it matters. For their part, Boston fans are foaming at the opportunity for Daisuke Matsuzaka to shine as the jewel that will bring beantown another crown. How much does Boston hate Steinbrenner and his limitless team salary? How will Boston receive New England's biggest turncoat since Benedict Arnold, Johnny Damon? Could the outcome of this series have an effect on Roger Clemens as he determines which team is just one All-Star pitcher away from a championship? (Astros fans, don't kid yourself. Your team is just a bargaining chip in this sweepstakes.)

There are so many layers in this rich cake, it would take a crane to move it. And, it will be soooo sweet to be a fan on April 20th.

The Wait Pays Off For Le Blanc

When we do a Google Search with the phrase: "Wait on the Lord", it's amazing how many scriptures convey that sentiment. I encourage you to try. I'll include one.

Psalms 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.

Sometimes we wonder why we/others have to struggle. Some struggle badly. They wriggle, whine and complain. Others exude poise and grace during their period of struggle. And, we are left to wonder why God wills that such good people must endure such hardships.

My fine son used to play football for the La Porte Texans. He was a 10 year old, marauding defender in the mold of a Taylor (Lawrence or Jason). One of our friends had a son: 6th Grader, Robert Le Blanc.

Robert used to be a Def. End. But, he couldn't get a sniff of consistent playing-time. It seemed that his coaches wrongly judged that he was slow and lacked killer instinct, being such a quiet kid. Robert's mom quietly stewed all season. We hurt for our kids when their best efforts go unrewarded.

Robert has always been such a poised young man, it was hard to guage his emotions. Robert kept trying. But, recognition did not find him that season. He waited.

Robert's mom sent me a message this week. She advised that Robert had been unknowingly drafted onto the La Porte Bulldog track team by the coaches. He was assigned to lead the charge in his first-ever meet in the 200M. In the Deer Park Track Freshman and JV meet on Thursday, March 29, Robert won his first heat and took 2nd in the event. (So much for him being slow and lacking killer instinct.) He's now expected to be an anchor in several events. Robert is also projected to make Varsity next year in football (as a sophomore). He's also a fine baseball player. Going forward, the only discussion regarding Robert among the highschool coaches will be who gets to have him on any given day.

It is said that sports is a parable of life. It is designed to provide each of us with trials. Why was Robert denied the chance to really show himself when he played for the Texans? What was God's plan? Comparatively, this youngster's challenge was not serious; just one of life's hurdles. But, it provided an opportunity for all to see the qualities that his mom prizes so dearly: his steadiness, strength and faithfulness. When someone shows poise and waits in difficulty, it's easy to root for that person. So, I'm a fan. My son is proud to be his friend. And, we look forward to his coming glory days on the gridiron.
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Attached is a picture of Justin and Krystil Burney at the Goin' To Bat For Burney event last Saturday.
No doubt, Krystil's parents wait as she treats Hodgkins Lymphoma. They wonder about God's Plan. I wonder if Krystil's positive approach to her condition wasn't meant to be an illustration of how we should always put our focus on others, without indulging ourselves in self-pity. Her Carepages include so many pictures of the little children to whom she is a source of brightness and warmth. Even today, she writes about a little friend, named Hunter.

Krystil is currently being treated with anti-biotics for pneumonia. Please visit her Carepages and sign in to follow her treatment. Just go to www.carepages.com and input the name: kmburney

Krystil Steals the Show on Saturday

SFA's Lumberjack baseball team beat Central Arkansas 10-8 on Saturday. The Daily Sentinel, Nacogdoches' largest paper delivered the big news:

"The story of the day, though, was the pitching — not just of the SFA bullpen, but of SFA Ladyjack Krystil Burney, who has Hodgkin's lymphoma.

She is also the sister of SFA baseball player Justin Burney and the girlfriend of SFA baseball player Jake Leonhardt.

Burney threw out the first pitch, which was caught by her brother Justin. She stepped on the mound, glove in front of her mouth and shook off her brother's signs. She then spit out some sunflower seeds and fired a strike into her brother's mitt."

Krystil's mother, Edith breathed a sigh of relief that her daughter had the energy to throw out pitches in both the baseball and softball games. Although, she gave the appearance of youthful energy and enthusiasm on Saturday, Sunday Morning brought very sore muscles for Krystil. Krystil was very thankful to everyone at SFA who brought attention to the condition that plagues so many.

In a National Search for her initial bone marrow transplant, only eight potential donors were found to help Krystil. Sadly, after being contacted, only two of these potential lifesavers showed for their appointment. There remains a great need for more donors. Donating your healthy blood-forming cells can save a life. And, the donor is back to normal after just a few days.

Please visit: National Marrow Donor Registry for more information. We continue to be inspired by Krystil's courage as she fights cancer.
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Please CLICK on Before Picture.
The Vicarious Life would like to recognize our neighbors, Brian and Kim Long. On Sunday, April 1, 2007, this lovely couple took it upon themselves to attend to the trash, weeds and overgrown shrubbery that was making my yard something of a blight on our neighborhood. This can-do attitude is much appreciated. (BEFORE and AFTER photos attached.)