Opening Daze.....

It has been a whirlwind of a month as we have gotten the 2009 baseball campaign underway. Our group went through 3 opening days - Texas, Cleveland, and New York. The weather, which was great in all 3 openings, can be a factor. The worst was a cold snap in Arlington and our Texas friends were forced into heavy overcoats for our setup that started at 7 AM....but they survived and actually accused us Clevelanders of bringing in the cold weather...cold in Cleveland? Brisk maybe, but not cold to us natives!

From the last out in Goodyear to the latest weekend here at Progressive Field, the time has flown....and we have moved into the season without any delays. Upcoming will be some pics of the new Yankee Stadium as well as the Intrepid - the aircraft carrier museum docked on the Hudson. New York is always a grand place to visit - oh and beat up on the Yankees!

But for before this season is too far along, here is a question, what will be the top 10 stories this year? For a starter, check out this link to MLB.com's thoughts... look at their thoughts , but then make up your own - sort of like new year's resolutions - and see what happens at the end of the season.....

In the meantime, a little baseball humor never hurts - and here truly are some humorous thoughts on the boys of summer.......

When they start the game, they don't yell, "Work ball." They say, "Play ball."

Willie Stargell, 1981

I managed a team that was so bad we considered a 2-0 count on the batter a rally.

Rich Donnelly, minor league manager

Finish last in your league and they call you Idiot. Finish last in medical school and they call you Doctor.

Abe Lemons

There have been only two geniuses in the world. Willie Mays and Willie Shakespeare.

Tallulah Bankhead

I could never play in New York. The first time I came into a game there, I got into the bullpen car and they told me to lock the doors.

Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles

Passing Through Old Town.....

The pics of St. Pat's are now long behind us...as March finished up....

For us, we returned for yet another set of games in the Valley of the Sun. We had another fun set of games with the crew and folks over at Goodyear. While there, the schedule allowed for a little time off and some sight seeing in the picturesque surroundings of the greater Phoenix area.

Scottsdale is well known for its fine homes and great looking golf courses. One of the spots that is home to shopping, food, and some outstanding galleries is Old Scottsdale. This is a great area to spend some time on a nice day and check out the neighborhood - and make a few purchases as well!

It is located in the southern portion of Scottsdale and covers several city blocks. On a weekend, it is a very crowded area to be in with all the folks checking out the area. But between the old coach ride and the singing cowboy, it has the atmosphere of an old West area.

Our next trip - opening day in Texas.... As we say in Texas, "Baseball season is here pardner - play ball"!