When the Los Angeles Dodgers moved their home opener with the San Francisco Giants from April 1 to March 31 to accommodate ESPN, it meant the Dodgers lost one more local television broadcast. For the Dodgers, normally that means no Vin Scully, which is a trade no Dodger fan would ever make. However, fear not, Dodgers fans. While the opening day game will be televised on ESPN, … [Read more...]
Passing of Dan Brown
February 7, 2011 I am saddened to report the passing of Dan Brown, yesterday, of pneumonia. He is survived by son Nick and daughters Amanda and Meghan. Dan was a personal friend of mine, since the 7th grade. We were classmates in junior high and high school, part of a smaller group of couples that got together for dinner on prom nite. As kids, we shared a love of … [Read more...]
“Pitchers and catchers report”
From the Los Angeles Times: They are four ordinary words: "Pitchers and catchers report." To baseball fans, however, the words carry an almost magical connotation. The spring comes alive, even in an otherwise unremarkable photograph of a pitcher playing catch. The season soon will be upon us, but not before six weeks of optimism among fans of even the weakest … [Read more...]
Johnny Mac
Football, basketball, but no fastpitch here. (though teams can dream of outfielders with arms as accurate as this guy). The other day it was Ben Enoka and his "bat trix". Today, a little diversion watching football tricks by UConn football backup quarterback Johnny McEntee. Yeah, I read that twice too. "Back-up". Hmmmm. My favorite comment posted: "I can only … [Read more...]
Kiwi teen to sign with Boston Red Sox
Porirua teenager Te Wera Bishop is set to sign a deal to join baseball giants the Boston Red Sox. Bishop, 17, who made his international debut for the New Zealand men's softball team against Australia, will ink a contract in Auckland in Thursday and join up with Red Sox for spring training on March 1. The catcher is taking a step in the unknown, but is excited by the … [Read more...]
Comments Welcome
As you may have noticed, one of the new features of the recently re-designed FastpitchWest website is the "Comments" section at the bottom of each and every blog post. (Scroll down on any page to "Speak Your Mind"). Your comments are welcome and invited. (Longtime readers will recall that the old Morning Brief blog had a comments section but that it as turned off due … [Read more...]
Ken Vierling Update
Surgery on Friday. Ken's note on Facebook: I am going to be a fighter and my intention is to not let this get me down. I may be off the Internet for a while during this time but I will know more once I get to the hospital. After the surgery on Friday I will be at Fairview Southdale from 7 to 10 days. My hope is to keep everyone informed of my status. Thank you all for … [Read more...]