Christine Michael, the future RB at Texas A&M

I got to do a profile of one Christine Micheal for John's football team last year. We knew Christine (pronounced "Christian") was special, having earned All-District honors a sophomore.

In his Senior year at Beaumont West Brook, he ran for over 1,400 yards in only 8 games. (The season was shortened by Hurricane Ike.)

He played in the Army-Navy Game in San Antonio, where he received the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the hardest working high school football player in the country.

He is currently ranked as Rivals' #3 RB in the entire country. I am glad that he has a strong verbal commitment to my alma mater, Texas A&M. He listens to his parents, is a devout Christian and was a great role model to underclassmen like my son.

The Texas Aggies don't know how lucky they are.

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Last weekend, my wife and I did some cleaning in the basement. I happened across some slides that I had completely forgotten for at least twenty years.

One of the pictures I found depicts a night that changed Rock and Roll history in 1982. A group of high school ne'er-do-wells became the most famous white-funk-punk cover band in Glenview, Illinois history.

Our band, K.N.O.B. had an all-star cast of musicians.

1. Drummer - Matt Ferraro (went on to experience vast success doing film scores in Hollywood) http://matthewferraro.com/

2. Guitars - Bullet Bob Ness, His Majesty King Williams (King also manned the synthesizer.), Andrew Grundy (allegedly changed his last name to "Ridgely" and joined a successful musical duo in London).

3. Vocals - Tony Gattone, Billy Winsauer and Patrick Titus

For three sold-out (Glenbrook South High School Variety) shows, we kicked it. Girls fainted. Parents groaned. The clergy gasped. Women were suddenly (momentarily) interested in me. Our performance was edgy and laced with suggestive hip-action. Alas, Billy and I had creative-control differences. Like the Beatles, we broke up.

So, to commemorate KNOB's 25th Anniversary at the pinnacle of the rock-world, Junior and I have put together the Vicarious Life 80's Music - Top Ten for your debate and analysis.

10. Here Comes My Girl - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Damn the Torpedoes- 1979

9. Love On Your Side - Thompson Twins - Quick Step and Side Kick - 1981

8. Digging Your Scene - Blow Monkeys - Animal Magic - 1986

7. I Confess - English Beat - Special Beat Service - 1982

6. Touch and Go - The Cars - Panorama - 1980

5. Stop Your Sobbing - Pretenders - Pretenders - 1980

4. My Brain is Hanging Upside Down - The Ramones - Animal Boy - 1986

3. Stay Up Late - Talking Heads - Little Creatures - 1985

2. Alive and Kicking - Simple Minds - Once Upon A Time - 1985

1. Our House - Madness - The Rise and Fall - 1982

People who knew me in high school might say, "Hey you didn't include any Prince. He used to be your favorite." And, that would be true. But, over time I have concluded that Prince was a guy who created a persona; he had enough magnetism and talent to convince people he had a more profound message and deeper spirituality than others.

We picked music that has endured.

In retrospect, I have realized Prince's message was no different than any other musician in search of his next (shall we say) love connection. He was a man with great timing who used his talents in pursuit of the satisfaction of his personal ambition and selfish appetites. Sexy Packaging. All style. No substance.

Kind of reminds me of a certain person in politics enjoying rock-star status today.

The Two Aces

This post marks the 100th post in the History of the Vicarious Life. I've been doing this blog now since 2005, I think. My readership is now up into the double digits. So, I'm giving The LA Times (Communist Propoganda) and The Washington Post (eastern bureau of the LA Times) a good run for their money.

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There is a young man in Single A Ball with the Texas Ranger organization name Ryan Tatusko. The Rangers are currently in Surprise, AZ for Spring Training. Tatusko wrote an interesting piece about a baseball life, and his experience in the Minor Leagues. It is a must-read for any young ballplayer with aspirations for playing in the 'Bigs'. Here is a link:
http://forum.newbergreport.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7273#p135836
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Anywhoo, Maddie had her first Volleyball Tourney of the season yesterday. And, the day before that, J. Scott and JP Mooneyham exercised their 2nd Amendment Rights in the back yard at our home in Virginia. The footage in this little video is from Maddie's scrimmage, a week ago.

Co-starring in the video (below) is J. Scott Mooneyham, Texas Aggie graduate and veteran of Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Mooneyham was a Marine Chopper Pilot and remains a patriotic American. If you have time, read this link about another patriotic Aggie Chopper Pilot, who lost his life in a Black Hawk Helicopter crash on campus last week.

May God bless those committed few who protect our liberty. And, may God protect us from those who resent their commitment.

Winter Baseball Workouts in NoVa

John has been working out with a great batting coach on Saturdays, named Gregg Ritchie. Coach Ritchie is a hitting instructor for the Pittsburg Pirates Organization. We go for two hours every Saturday to receive reps and instruction from Coach Ritchie's excellent group of college coaches and players. A great opportunity.

The opportunity to go to this camp was afforded to us by our friend, Jeff Willis. Jeff's son Luke and Junior play on the same select team, high school baseball team and football team. Jeff (the dad) grew up near the site of the 1st Battle of Bull Run, in Manassas, Va.

Above is Luke Willis, a versatile athlete. He made Varsity at Oakton HS (Vienna, Va.) in baseball as a freshman. Having seen his football skills, I predict that he will be a recipient of District Honors in Special Teams next season.

John also works out with the NVTBL Stars at an indoor facility in Fairfax, called MVP baseball. I have been very impressed by the comportment of the members of the team. The Manager of this team has recruited poised, hard workers.

John has been getting some good work in with his offspeed pitches. He's gaining more confidence in his curve. This summer's schedule promises the an intense stretch of six weeks of non-stop play. We're scheduled to take part in showcase tournaments at states universities, and out of state (Wake Forest, East Cobb, Ga.).

Oakton Survives Scare From Spartans

John's a sophomore this year at Vienna, Va's Oakton High School. He is a backup Middle Linebacker on the Varsity Team. He's #9 on JV and #34 on Varsity.

It's an incredibly stacked team, with D1 weapons at the skill positions. For the first time in the school's history, the football team won the Concorde District by going undefeated in the regular season. After last night's epic battle with North Carolina commit, Bryn Renner (see link at the bottom of the article), Oakton is sterling 12-0.

Next week, Oakton is scheduled to meet Chantilly for the Regional Championship.

Oakton Survives Scare From Spartans

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Maddie's Steals Brother's Headlines

The emergent Maddie announced her arrival in the sports world in a big way last Saturday, stealing the spotlight from her brother (at least for this week).

Old Dominion Tournament

The Fairfax Falcons beat a team from the Bronx, NY in the last game, after dropping the first two.
Old Dominion University is a gorgeous campus in Norfolk, Va.

Just a few miles up Hwy 264 is Virginia's Historic Triangle, Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. Colonial Williamsburg is populated by people in the garb of the revolution. They grow food and attend to the occupations of the locals circa 1700's. Check out www.visitwilliamsburg.com for more information.

The College of William and Mary is also just a few miles away. Lots of great American history here.

7/5/2008 Tournament at Wake Forest

John hit this up the middle for the Falcon's first hit on Saturday.
Here are some of the Falcons, John's new team.

Johnny Ballgame had a 2-strike base hit in his first at-bat vs. the Mid-Atlantic Mets. In a 6-4 loss, John scored twice, walked once and had a base hit.

1st Tournament in Manassas, VA - 6/29/08

Johnny Ballgame batted .500 in his first tourney as a member of the Fairfax Falcons.

Playing CF, he went 3 for 3 in the final game (a loss) against the Dulles Diamond Dogs at Stonewall Jackson HS ballpark. Interestingly, all his base hits in the final game were first-pitch fastballs.

Next week, we'll be at Wake Forest University for an Impact Baseball Wood Bat Tournament.

Random Quality Sports Pics

You would think a big stud like Big Papi would own a Doberman or a Bulldog.

I kiss my dog on the lips too.

History will have to judge "W's" legacy. But, you can't deny that he threw his fastball for strikes. Here is the pitch tracker from the 2001 World Series, in which he threw out the first pitch.

This picture was sent by Chicago Sean O'Connor, a devout Bears fan.

Friends Of The Great Game

One of the best books I've read recently is called The Old Ballgame. It describes the strong, life-long bond between two people who were very different in origin: Christy Matthewson and John McGraw. Matthewson was an Ivy Leaguer and a somewhat socially refined gentleman. McGraw was an uneducated, foul-mouthed, hard-drinking Irishman. But, the game gave them a commonality.

The game has given Junior a commonality with Price Jacobs and Evyn Lacy.

Jacobs is a hard-throwing righty at Baytown Sterling. The two have been through the grinder as members of two different select teams together. Through their time together, they have developed a mutual respect for eachother's abilities and a fine friendship.

John has played baseball and football with Evyn. Although they come from different backgrounds, my son has developed a great deal of respect for Evyn. He is a quiet, hard worker. Football at West Brook can be more like a prison sentence than a team sport. And, only those players with strong character succeed. John respects Evyn as a player and a person. He shows up every day, ready to work.

Like Matthewson and McGraw, the great game continues to be the medium through which young men of substance forge lasting friendships. I'm proud that these young men (Lacy and Jacobs) think highly of my son because I certainly think highly of them.

Ballgame at Aggieland - 3/15/08

The noble Aggies crushed the Texas Tech Red Raiders yesterday at Olsen Field in College Station. Final Score: 12-1.

John invited teammates Evyn Lacy and Carter Clarke to ride up and take in the sights in God's Country on The Brazos. We Aggies know that TAMU is not heaven. But, it's close enough that you can see it from here.

1st Varsity At-Bat vs. Barbe HS

Going into the season, CollegiateBaseball.Com ranked Barbe HS (Lake Charles, La.) #19 nationally. Junior got his first varsity at-bat at their field. He got a hit, but didn't get the stop sign from the coach. Oh well, freshman mistake.

2-26-2008 Johnny Ballgame Checks In At The Plate

Last night, John got hit by a pitch, walked and hit a double. He stole a few bases. And, any other time, I would have enjoyed it. But, we were so cold, I felt like a snow man with a carrot-nose and video camera. John is getting the opportunity to play on the Varsity Team this weekend, which is a nice opportunity for a freshman.

Homage to the Young Buck #34

This represents many of the moments of Junior's childhood. I'll miss those days. He's a huge highschool linebacker now. I'm fairly certain that he doesn't care to know my opinion as much as before. Great days are ahead for our young man. But, I'll miss the days depicted in this video.

Barry Who?

If you saw ESPN's Home Run Contest this year, wasn't San Francisco's AT&T Ballpark beautiful? And, wasn't A-Rod resplendent as he engaged Barry Bonds in an intense conversation, while the cameras whirred? It was poignant as the man who is about to break the all-time HR record chatted with the resurgent A-Rod. We (as a country) are having trouble embracing Bonds because we all know he took steroids. If you are in that camp, stop worrying because A.) Bonds is one of umpteen-gillion cheaters. And, B.) A-Rod (whose body has grown significantly since being drafted) will blow so far past Bonds, all the present consternation will have been much ado about nothing.

The MLB doesn't mind cheaters unless those cheaters get caught. The game is full of cheaters. As long as these players keep their deceit on the down-low, baseball is happy to move forward. If you don't think the game is full of cheaters, I'll throw some names out to illustrate my point, using only my favorite team, present or former Texas Rangers.

Randy Velarde
Laynce Nix
Jason Botts
Gabe Kapler
Juan Gonzalez
Julio Franco
Ruben Sierra
Sammy Sosa
Jose' Canseco

How do I know these guys took yummies, the juice, steroids? I know for the same reason you know not to buy a Rolex watch from a man with an eye-patch on a street corner. I used to work out in the same gym with Former 7-time, Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman (a great guy). He never tested positive for steroids. But, I can tell you that his urine positively glows in the dark. So, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, chances are very good that it's a duck.

By the way, I have included an early picture of A-Rod and a current picture. It wouldn't be crazy to think that HGH is a component in his box of Wheaties. Remember, there is no test to positively identify HGH.

In the next week or so, A-Rod will be the youngest player ever to get to 500 HR's. He's 32, for crying out loud. If he hit just 30 taters a year for the next 10 years, he'd be around 800, putting him way ahead of the number Bonds will end up with.

My conspiracy theory is this: A-Rod is using some combination of HGH and steroids. To support that theory, I give you photographic evidence of his broadening body. Also, prior to 2002, (his first year with the Rangers) he had never hit more than 42 taters. Seemingly amazingly, he exceeded his career best that year by crushing 52!

The three best years (for HR's) were the years he was in Texas. Carl Everett, Juan Gonzalez, Travis Hafner, Gabe Kapler, Pudge Rodriguez, Herbert Perry and Rafael Palmeiro were all on the Rangers' roster in 2002, Rodriguez' first year in Arlington. Is it just a coincidence that A-Rod had his career-best HR year in the first season that he played with this group of unusually large and strong men (and the only 500+ HR hitter ever to test positive for banned performance-enhancing drugs)?

Now, at the age of 32, A-Rod is on pace to have the best year in Yankees history for the long ball. Roger Maris was 26 when he hit 61 in pinstripes. Isn't it odd that A-Rod will pass that number at the ripe old age of 32?

Like Bonds, A-Rod hits harder as he gets older. So, it's a lock that we'll be celebrating the All-Time HR record again fairly soon after Bonds breaks Aaron's number. Finally, A-Rod will join other cheaters: John McGraw, Gaylord Perry and probably Bonds in the Hall of Fame. I hope that it happens at a park as gorgeous as the one in San Francisco. But, they'll always know that they cheated to get there.

4th of July

My neighborhood is made up of a great group of people. The adults all seem to remember what it is to have been kids. And, that makes it great to be a kid on the cul de sac on Madera Lane. Sadly, we're losing the sweetest family we have. Brian and Kim Long are taking their three wonderful kids away from us this weekend. It seems his company thinks the Longs are more needed in Virginia.

Of course, Brian's company could never know how much we all have come to love his wife's smile, his son Brice's mischief, son Brennan's quirkiness and Brandtley's movie-star cuteness. No realtor could simply replace the Long Family. That's for sure.

We had our last great hurrah this July 4th before we see the Longs drive away for the last time. It was raucous; and it was bitter-sweet. I was allowed to say our last prayer. And, in it, I asked for their safe travel. And, I thanked the Lord that my family's journey was allowed to intersect with theirs, if only for a short time. I know my other neighbors feel the same.

The 4th of July this year is a time to celebrate our blessings as Americans. We live in the greatest democratic republic that the world has ever seen. And, despite the left's best efforts to thwart our president, our economy and our security, our system and our brave and proud people continue to present the world an example of the freedoms that all men should enjoy.

Also, my family can sit back and reflect on another baseball season. The Beaumont Gladiators were outfitted with half a roster of players, and half a roster who expected the other half to deliver the day. Our coach did everything he knew to develop the players.

Morgan Walker was a fine coach, in that he extended respect to players who gave effort. And, he extended opportunities to improve to players who were simply over-matched at this level. We were a .500 team. But, I don't lay any part of the blame at Morgan Walker's feet. From my perspective, when Walker realized that our team was out of its depth, he dedicated the season to the development of the players, with little regard for win-percentage. Most coaches' egos will not allow them to make decisions on that basis. My son learned from a player with professional experience, and a coach who extended him more respect than any coach ever had before. Walker was both.

John is now working out with the Beaumont Westbrook football team, doing summer workouts. It's tough. But, he can see already that he's above average among incoming freshmen.

Gladiators settle for 2nd at the Box

Weather: Perfect
Competition: Tough
Box Stadium: Idyllic
Second place isn't as good as first. But, what a nice tournament at Box Stadium on May 19 & 20, 2007! A special thanks to Mrs. Jacobs for taking many of these pictures.

Our Last Bat Had a $300 Price Tag

Roger and the Larger Context

The "Arlington Oak", Timinator Phillips called on Monday to allow me to vent if I felt betrayed by Roger Clemens' signing with the Gotham Pinstripes.

I told the sculpted Timinator (3rd Place, Mr. DFW) that I would have to call him back after collecting my thoughts. First, I had to consider what we know:

THE ROGER - 7 Time Cy Young Winner, 11 Time All-Star, AL MVP, 7 Time ERA Ldr, Couple of Rings, 1st ballot HOF'er, blah, blah, blah...

*Loyalty is not the coin of the realm in business, and definitely not so in sports. Would the Astros be so heartbroken if Clemens hadn't been so good last year? Where is the loyalty to a free-agent when he's long in the tooth and recovering from Tommy John surgery? No GM has ever explained the signing of a gimpy has-been free-agent with the term: "for old time's sake".

**There's even less mutual loyalty in Gotham than in the real world. When Roger puts his jacket in the dugout during his first game back, he won't be bumping into Mel Stottlemyre and Don Zimmer. They've been excused by the Boss, despite their notable investments in the team's past good fortunes. Zimmer was so bitter about the disloyalty embodied by Steinbrenner that he dedicated fully 20 percent of his book, the Zen of Zim to the chapter and verse of his mistreatment in New York.

***All the gullible hayseeds in Houston, emailing the Houston Chronicle's Crybaby Section Editor about Roger's infidelity should ask themselves one question: What would they do if they themselves held a royal flush, while sitting at life's card table surrounded by the game's biggest scoundrels? If they were smart, they would cash in.

Loyalty is a quality of paramount importance. Men should be loyal to their wives, their families, friends and their country. But, the term has no place in business. Any employee in MLB can trust an owner as far they can throw his bloated body. They deserve no loyalty. If you don't believe me, ask Richardo Hidalgo. The operative term in the MLB is "LEVERAGE".
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Mike Reed from Pasadena, Texas Retorts on Rocket...

I agree. Roger had the right to cash in. If the Madman of Gotham wants to pay an overweight, self-absorbed, grandiose, marketing genius, (most-likely steroid or HGH taker) 28 million, who is the chump?

Roger pitched well for the Astros both years and could have easily had many more wins if not for the ineptitude of the offense. Roger is a Hall Of Fame pitcher that is using the free market system to perfection. He is the Rembrandt of self-promotion and so far he has performed. What do you want? To pitch your last days with a club like the Astros? Or, do you want to go out playing for the most historic and celebrated franchise in history of sport? What Jersey will the Rocket display in Cooperstown? The Astros? PleaZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

Personally, I believe Roger is a self absorbed, egomaniac, with no loyalty to anyone but Roger. However, as far as his family goes.... (Hey honey, mind if I play a few months this summer for a cool $28 million? Probably can buy you a new Hummer with the extra cash. I can stop making those ridiculous HEB commercials with Andy Pettite and the washed up Carr.)

This is business and Roger owes nobody nothin. That is Texas English at its best. If I am the Astros I move on without even a second thought. The Astros do not need Clemons. They can spend 18 million or 28 million on some younger talent. Time to rebuild. The Astros have one of the highest winning percentages in baseball over the years. True fans can chill out and allow the team to rebuild. A fourth place finish is not the end of the world. Go to the ball park for the entertainment and the joy of the game. Enjoy watching other teams' talented players. Take a lesson from Cub Fans for Heaven’s sake.

Enough about Roger and his disloyalty to Houston. Who cares? We have terrorists trying to kill us and the possibility of a woman president. Here is a scenario for you cry babies. Astros and Yankees in the 2007 World Series, Roger on the mound in game seven; bottom of the ninth, two outs, man on 3rd (the winning run). Roger beans Biggio, the all time hit-me king, both benches empty. Nolan Ryan comes out of the stands and kicks Roger's ass. After the melee has ended came is forfeited and MLB declares the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Champions.
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The Beaumont Gladiators played like Gladiolas on Sunday in Humble, Texas despite pummeling both the Austin Wings (6-1) and Houston Slam (6-1) on Saturday in the "Head of the Class" NIT Qualifier.

On Saturday, Peerless Price Jacobs had the 1st game's biggest highlight with a 3 RBI moonshot over the left field fence. Solid pitching was delivered all day on May 5th by Jacobs, "Wild Thing" St. Clair, "Mousetrap" Dugas, "Papa John" Titus and "Farmer" Scoggins.

An uneven effort on Sunday quashed any chance at advancement, despite gritty performances by Caleb Henry and "Soft-toss" Markum.

The Gladiators will play next at Box Stadium at Louisiana State University on May 19th, 2007 in the Battle of the Box.

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.