Extra Innings

Shane Victorino #8

2009-11-24T23:04:00.005-10:00

Quick Facts
Born: November 30, 1980 in Wailuku, HI
Team: Philadelphia Phillies (2005-Present)
Position: Centerfield
MLB Tenure: 5 seasons
2009 Salary: $3.125 million
2009 Stats: 102 R, 13 3B, .292 BA
Other: 2009 All Star, 2008 and 2009 Gold Glove Award, 2008 World Series Champion

Shane Victorino, also known as "The Flyin' Hawaiian," has had a busy couple of months--fresh off a trip to the World Series, the Gold Glove winner headed to the altar earlier this month on Maui, and hosted his second annual celebrity golf tournament a week later. Victorino is among the most successful local boys to make it big in baseball, and has not forgotten his roots--the golf tournament, held in Maui supports the Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation.

The Second Annual Shane Victorino Celebrity Golf Classic was held at Makena Beach and Golf Resort on Maui and included a round of golf with celebrities such as golfer Tadd Fujikawa, Miss Hawaii 2009 Raeceen Woolford, ESPN's Neil Everett, Phillies teammates Ryan Howard and Joe Blanton, and ex-MLB player Lenn Sakata, followed by live and silent auctions. Some of the items up for auction were: a VIP experience with Rachael Ray, autographer memorabilia, jewelry, a trip to Las Vegas, a trip to Philadelphia for a Phillies game and a meet-and-greet with Victorino, rounds of golf, and "days/evenings/weekends out" from Hawaii restaurants, hotels, and travel companies. Last year's event raised $100,000 for Alzheimers research. This year's goal was $120,000.

Victorino, a former Eagle Scout and winner of the 2008 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, had this to say about his charitable work during a visit to Sunrise on Hawaii News Now: "Anytime I can give back to my community, it puts a smile on my face... Anytime I have the opportunity to give back, some way I can help, whether it be financially, whether it be my time, whether it be speaking to kids... To be in the position that I am, growing up here in Hawaii, I never had the luxury to look up to somebody and say, 'Hey, I want to follow this guy.' And I'm in a position now that I'm able to do that, and I've always said that if I had that opportunity that I'm going to do whatever I can to give back to the community, to be involved, speak to kids, to be known as a role model, to be somebody that kids idolize... When I go out there and I play the game of baseball, I don't take it for granted. I understand opportunity that I'm having, because things could change. I could drive out of here, (knock on wood) get into an accident and never play again. That's how I approach my everyday life-- that everyday may be my last. When God calls, He calls. So I go out there and I do something like this. I do it from the heart and I want to give back anyway I can. "

For more information, or to donate:
Shane Victorino's Celebrity Golf Classic

Shane Victorino - Official Website

Player Info

Pictures from:
http://blog.pennlive.com/lehighvalley/2007/07/victorino.jpg
http://zozone.mlblogs.com/victorino%20trophy.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BX2aSG8RqEU/SSo9qxMBxSI/AAAAAAAABnM/RCbS_c0CuIU/s400/Shane+Victorino+Ren+Hoek+Peter+Lorre.jpg

Albert Pujols #5

2009-11-24T21:00:00.001-10:00

Quick Facts

Born: January 16, 1980 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Team: St. Louis Cardinals (2001-Present)
Position: First Base
MLB Tenure: 9 seasons
2009 Salary: $14.4 million
2009 Stats: 124 R, 45 2B, 47 HR, 135 RBI, 115 RBI, .327 BA
Other: 3-time NL MVP, 8-time All-Star, 2001 Rookie of the Year, 5 Silver Slugger Awards, 1 Gold Glove, 2008 Roberto Clemente Award Winner

Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals is notorious for the power numbers he produces on the field (which recently earned him his third National League MVP Award), but he makes big contributions off the field as well. The 2008 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award primarily contributes through his non-profit organization, the Pujols Family Foundation. Just when you think he can't get any better, he does.

The Pujols Family Foundation, which has a focus on Faith, Family, and Others, is geared toward three main causes: promoting awareness and helping families and children who have Down Syndrome (Pujols' stepdaughter is affected by it), improving the lives of children with disabilities and/or life-threatening illnesses, and helping impoverished children in the Dominican Republic (his home country). The foundation is funded through donations, fundraising events (like the annual Christmas Celebration, Golf Classic, etc.) and sponsors, such as Ford Motor Company and American Airlines. The foundation also hosts events for the people it helps, like their annual prom for people with Down Syndrome and Mother-Daughter events. Pujols also stepped up to help establish a Down Syndrome center for adults in St. Louis and provided funding for Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Tournament (Coolbaugh was a former teammate of Pujols' who was killed by a foul ball in the minor leagues).

Though Pujols is mostly known for his big bat, it should also be known that he also has one of the biggest hearts in the league.

For more information, or to donate:
Pujols Family Foundation: Faith, Family, and Others
Player Information

Pictures from:
http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/images/logo-events.gif

http://blog.pennlive.com/pasports/2008/11/large_albert-pujols-111708.jpg

Nick Swisher #33

2009-11-08T19:22:00.008-10:00

Quick Facts
Born: November 25, 1980 in Columbus, OH
Team: New York Yankees (2009-Present), Chicago White Sox ('08), Oakland Athletics ('05-'07)
Position: Outfield, First Base
MLB Tenure: 5 seasons
2009 Salary: $5.4 million
2009 Stats: 29 HR, 82 RBI, .371 OBP, 84 R
Charitable Work: Swish's Wishes, cancer awareness, Strikeouts for Troops, Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation, Make A Wish Foundation, Special Olymipcs

Nick Swisher, of the World Series Champion Yankees, is one of the more outgoing players in baseball today. Not only does he have one of the great personalities in the game, but also has one of the strongest giving spirits. Throughout his career, he has been involved with numerous charities including Barry Zito's Strikeouts for Troops, Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation, the Make A Wish Foundation, the Special Olymipcs, and his own foundation-- Swish's Wishes.

Swish's Wishes was founded in 2007, while Nick was still with the Oakland Athletics. Since then, he spent a season in Chicago with the White Sox, and is currently a member of the New York Yankees. During his time in each city, he has worked to make a difference through his foundation and with other efforts such as frequent hospital visits. Swish's Wishes is geared toward "enriching lives and lifting the spirits of children who are facing vital health issues while providing care, comfort, and support through the most difficult of times." Swisher's foundation supports organizations such as the Lynn Sage Cancer Foundation, Janet Pomeroy Center, Tony LaRussa's Animal Foundation, UCSF Children's Hospital, and Military Families Appreciation.

Nick's grandmother, who raised him after his parents' divorce, had a strong influence on him and instilled a giving spirit in him. She battled brain cancer in 2005, and unfortunately passed away. Since then, Swisher has been very involved with cancer organizations. Also in 2007, he grew out his hair for a year to cut and donate it to make a wig for a cancer patient.

This is what Nick says:

"I love helping people, anyway I can. I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can use my position in baseball positively to make a difference in people’s lives... It doesn’t always have to be a big new story to help someone, the way I see it, it’s reading a story to a child in the hospital, visiting with our injured troops and shaking hands and talking baseball, growing out my hair so a wig can be made for a woman dealing with hair loss from chemotherapy, or simply making sure I sign as many autographs as I can. Every action I take can make a difference in someone’s life. It’s the challenge and the opportunity that we all have to give back to others. This is what drives me. This is who I am."

For more information or to donate:
NickSwisher.net
Player Info

Photos from: http://www1.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/USA+v+New+York+Yankees+NyH-dkoYQiZl.jpg
http://www.nickswisher.net/photos/images/adambender_6.JPG
http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/images/2007/05/19/lsVtOx78.jpg
http://www.nickswisher.net/images/photo_charities.jpg

Curtis Granderson #28

2009-10-18T16:02:00.010-10:00

Quick Facts:
Born: March 16, 1981, Blue Island, IL
Team: Detroit Tigers (2004-Present)
Position: Centerfield
MLB Tenure: 5 years
2009 Salary: $3.5 million
2009 Statistics: 30 HR, 71 RBI, 23 2B, 72 BB, 20 SB
Other: 2009 All-Star
Charitable work: Grand Kids Foundation

The son of two teachers, education was always important to the Detroit Tigers' Curtis Granderson, who is one of the few college graduates playing in the major leagues. (Granderson has degrees in Business Marketing and Business Management from the University of Illinois-Chicago.) In his young, but successful career, Granderson has made many contributions to his community. Granderson's mission with his Grand Kids Foundation is "to enforce educational initiatives to youth and to help bring the sport of baseball back to the nation's inner cities."

Granderson reads to students at Hugo Elementary School.

Established in 2008, the Grand Kids Foundation has a focus on education and raises funds from annual events (such as the Celebrity Basketball Shoot-Out), sponsorships, and donations. The foundation helps buy school supplies and books for needy families, children, and schools. It also provides equipment, facilities, and other funding for baseball programs in Michigan inner cities. A future goal is establishing college scholarships for high school seniors.

In addition to Grand Kids, Graderson has been involved with a number of charitable organizations, such as: Play Baseball Detroit, Tigers Dreams Come True, Detroit Tigers Autographed Memorabilia Donation Program, Gloves for Kids, and the Detroit Action Team. Granderson has also been an international ambassador for Major League Baseball and represented America's pastime in countries such as China, South Africa, and Italy.

For more information or to donate:
Grand Kids Foundation
Player Info

Photos from:
http://legacydirect.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/curtis-granderson.jpg
http://grandkidsfoundation.org/images/samgallery/full/sam_full_1_1253220563.jpg

Barry Zito #75

2009-10-18T15:12:00.014-10:00

Quick Facts:
Born: May 13, 1978, Las Vegas, NV
Team: San Francisco Giants (2007-Present), Oakland Athletics (2000-06)
Position: Starting pitcher
MLB Tenure: 9 seasons
2009 Salary: $18.5 million
2009 Statistics: 4.03 ERA, 10-13 (Wins-Losses), 154 strikeouts
Other: 2002 Cy Young Award Winner, 3-time All-Star
Charitable Work: Strikeouts for Troops

Barry Zito has been less than stellar since signing a $126 million, seven-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, but he has continued his charity work with his foundation, Strikeouts for Troops. Established in 2005, Strikeouts for Troops raises money for America's veterans of war who are being treated at military hospitals in the US. Funds raised are used for various things, such as: paying for families to visit their recovering veteran, providing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for military patients and their families, purchasing holiday gifts for military children, supplying medical equipment for smooth transitions from the hospital to the home, providing toiletries and other supplies for patients who arrive at the hospital with nothing-- everything to keep rehabilitating troops' morale high to help them get through difficult times.

Strikeouts for Troops receive funding from player pledges, events, donations, and corporate sponsors. Contributing players include: Barry Zito, CC Sabathia, Tim Lincecum, Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Tim Hudson, Chris Carpenter, Brad Lidge, Adam Wainwright, Joe Blanton, Jake Peavy, Nick Swisher, Scott Rolen, Chipper Jones, Orlando Hudson, and Jermaine Dye, to name a few. These players pledge donations based on their on-field accomplishments (number of strikeouts for pitchers, and number of homeruns, RBI, hits, etc. for position players). Barry Zito, for example, pledged $500 for each strikeout he had in the 2008 season. (He had 120 K's, totaling $60,000.) Since its establishment in 2005, Strikeouts for Troops has raised over $1 million.

In addition to Strikeouts for Troops, Zito has also contributed to other causes such as, cancer research, juvenile diabetes, world literacy, autism, Special Olympics, performing arts, animal rescue, and Little League funding.

Barry Zito holds a flag that was flown at the airbase in Balad named for Zito and his foundation.

For more information or to donate:
Strikeouts for Troops
Player Info

Photos from:
http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/San+Francisco+Giants+Photo+Day+bS0QxQVBdWfl.jpg
http://www.strikeoutsfortroops.org/images/main_news.jpg

Torii Hunter #48

2009-09-20T12:07:00.015-10:00

Quick Facts:
Born: July 18, 1975 in Pine Bluff, AR
Team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2008-Present), Minnesota Twins (1997-2007)
Position: Centerfield
MLB Tenure: 13 seasons
2009 Salary: $18 million
2009 Statistics: .311 Batting Average, .380 OBP, 85 RBI, 22 HR
Other: Gold Glove Award Winner for 8 consecutive seasons, 3-time All-Star
Charitable Work: Torii Hunter Project, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Prostate Cancer Foundation, and more

A quick Youtube search of Torii Hunter will pull up videos of Hunter's spectacular defensive plays, his rally-igniting home runs, and various interviews, behind-the-scenes specials, and commercials highlighting Hunter's charismatic personality. Hunter always displays his exceptional abilities on the field, but he also does exceptional work in the community.

The Torii Hunter Project, named for its founder, is "a comprehensive, long-term effort to impact youth in need in various parts of the United States." The program supports a variety of causes, but has a focus on sports, community, education, and wellness. The Project is teamed with the Heart of a Champion Foundation (a non-profit organization aimed at youth character development) to benefit middle school students. Another part of the Project is "Hunter's Hundred," which will provide 100 college scholarships to students from Anaheim, Pine Bluff, and Las Vegas over the next four years. Through the Project, Hunter has also teamed with Little League Baseball's Urban Initiative to help maintain and improve baseball fields in inner cities. In November, Hunter will hold a Celebrity Golf Classic to raise money for the Project.

Hunter has helped other programs and projects in addition to his own. In 2008, he helped fund the construction of the "Torii Hunter Field" in Placentia, CA for youth softball, especially for the Boys and Girls Club and the R.B.I. (Reviving Baseball in Innercities) League. He was also the Angels' representative for the Prostate Cancer Foundation's MLB Home Run Challenge. The list goes on and on...

Hunter has been a Gold Glove winner for eight consecutive seasons for his outstanding play in centerfield, but he has also received recognition for his work in the community. These include the 2007 Marvin Miller Man of the Year award (given to "the player in either league whose on-field performance and contributions to his community inspire others to higher levels of achievement"), the 2009 Branch Rickey Award (honoring "individuals in baseball who contribute to their communities and are strong role models for young people"), and two Roberto Clemente Award nominations (for the MLB player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team").

Here's what Hunter himself says: "Everything I do comes from having certain values instilled in me by my mother and grandmother. They always taught me to treat others the way I want to be treated, and that's something I've always done. I've been blessed to be able to help others not as fortunate, not just in baseball but in life. I'll be doing this until I die. It's something I feel strongly about... I get a lot of pleasure out of helping people through The Torii Hunter Project and in other ways. I'd like to see more players do a lot more as far as helping out the community, whatever they can... My message to everyone is what my mother and grandmother instilled in me: Always treat people like you want to be treated, and you can never go wrong. That great feeling you get after helping somebody is a feeling you want for the rest of your life. These are great awards, and I'm truly honored to be considered for them - for what I do on the field and off the field."

Here's a taste of Torii's personality:

For more information or to donate:

Torii Hunter Project
Torii Hunter's Blog
Torii Hunter's Golf Classic
Player Info

Photos from:
http://www.toriihunterproject.com/images/hunter-head-shot.png
http://media.cnbc.com/i/CNBC/Sections/CNBC_TV/CNBC_US/Shows/_Documentaries_Specials/Newbos/Slideshow/NEWBOS_Slide04_Hunter.jpg

Purpose

2009-09-13T12:10:00.001-10:00

In the recent economic downturn, it’s not uncommon to hear words such as layoffs, unemployment, furlough, etc. But there are a handful of people who aren’t badly affected (if affected at all) by the dismal economy, most notably professional athletes. The average American household income is around $50,000, whereas the average salary of a Major League Baseball player reached $3.24 million in 2009. Granted, professional athletes constitute a small portion of the population, but is it fair that one person gets paid millions of dollars to play a game while thousands of people struggle to make ends meet? These elite athletes deserve to be recognized for their talent and ability, but their yearly salaries reach ridiculous amounts. However, many players give their money, time, and effort and use their star power to make a difference in their community. This blog will spotlight players who go the extra mile to give back.

Angel Report, Part 2

2007-06-10T09:02:00.002-10:00

Now, for the rest of the Angels...

In recent games, the Angel bats have just exploded! 10+ hits in the last 5 of 6 games! And, who can forget the 8-run 8th inning they had against the Twins? One of the Twins' pitchers had a 216 ERA in that inning. And it wasn't just a few Angels who were hitting, it was the WHOLE line-up.

Let's start with my favorite player: CASEY KOTCHMAN! God, this guy is sooooooo good! His defense is phenomenal; I definitely see a Gold Glove in his future. He stops balls going down the line and/or in the gap, which often cuts a double or a triple to an out, and saves a run or two. He's excellent at picking bad throws out of the dirt. It takes the pressure to make a perfect throw off of the rest of the infield and more outs are made. This results in less errors all around. Now to his bat. He has so much power, and he's got great plate discipline, especially for a young player. He rarely strikes out and always puts the ball in play. I guess he's better against right-handed pitchers, but most batters do better against opposite handed pitchers anyway. Besides, he has gotten hits against southpaws, so he's not totally limited. I guess it's just better at times to give Robb Quinlan an AB given his success against southpaws. The only way to cool him off over the last month was to give concussion (*cough* Russell Martin *cough*). Kotchman was 0-17 since coming back from his one week recovery, and finally broke out of that slide with a 2-run jack to put the Halos ahead 3-2 in the series finale against Baltimore. That's a great way to get back in it. He has been the big bat that the Angels needed.

HOWIE KENDRICK: This guy is good. And, he'll only get better as his career progresses. He was set back by his injury earlier in the season, but I think he's starting to work out of it, and he's back on his way to the Kendrick we know (offensively). Towards the end of last season, I was disappointed to see Adam Kennedy leave, but Kendrick's defense is just as good as Kennedy, and his bat is arguably more productive. AK was more of a sentimental loss than a statistical one, seeing as he was a part of the Championship team, but Howie Kendrick's done a great job taking his place. I'm sure he'll soon become a favorite to many Angel fans, if he hasn't already. His smile and positive attitude is always infectious.

ORLANDO CABRERA: He should be the starting shortstop in this year's All-Star game, but it'll be hard for anyone to win that spot as long as Jeter's around and doing well. But, statistically, O.C. has been just as good, if not better, than Jeter so far this year. He's committed less errors and has been productive at the plate. Despite all the amazing stats, Cabrera didn't even make the A.L. roster as a reserve. I can't believe it! His defense is great: whether he's making a diving stop, turning the double play, making a game-saving play... he's just plain GOOD. Not to mention the fact that the guy is a doubles MACHINE! And, so sooooo great at coming through on hit-and-run plays! He's good at the plate and on the base path. He's got pretty good speed. And, I love how he runs with his gloves in his hands! I do that too! (Well, because he does it!) He's got a great personality, and I always enjoy watching his interviews, especially since he speaks English... Unlike some other players (*cough* Vladdy *cough*). He's a class-act and provides leadership for the Angels. I hope they hold on to him for the coming seasons. As Rex Hudler has said, the pine tar on "The Wizard of O.C.'s" helmet has been bubbling. It's such a shame that he didn't make the All-Star roster this year. =(

Up next, CHONE FIGGINS! I was at the Spring Training game that he broke his fingers, which cut his pre-season activities short, and kept him out of the line-up for the first month of the regular season. When he did come back, he had a very slow start, during which he committed most of the errors he currently has, and his batting average slid way below .200. Since then, however, he has turned things around, going from the bottom of the line-up to the top, and being one of the hottest hitters in June. Who can forget his 6-hit game (that included a walk-off triple)? He has been one of the sparks for the Angels' offense with his bat and on the base path. When ever he gets on base, he's a huge threat to the defense and has a tendency to distract the pitchers. Figgins isn't THE BEST 3rd baseman, but he hasn't been that bad in the hot corner. He has the ability to snag would-be-doubles going down the line and turn them into outs. Granted, he doesn't always make great throws (which accounts for most of his errors), but that's where Kotchman comes in to pick it. Also, let's not forget how versatile he is when it comes to position play. People may have doubted Figgins early in the season, myself included, but he has proven everyone wrong and has played a key role in the Angels' lineup so far this season.

Now, one of the men behind the plate: MIKE NAPOLI. This guy has got pop at the plate-- homerun power for sure! After all, he did go deep in his first major league at-bat. He's not always that consistent at the plate, but when he's hot, he's HOT! We can't forget the fact that he's practically a human backstop. He can get in front of the ball and block it to prevent runners from advancing. Granted, balls do take strange hops/bounces and it does skip away, but generally he's good. With a little more practice, he can improve on throwing out runners. He's not bad now, but there is room for improvement. One thing he's excellent at is blocking the plate. I think he took a page out of Scioscia's book in that department. He's very good at handling the pitching staff, and calling games. He's another great guy to have around. The only negative thing I've got on his is that he should shave more... =)

This is a pretty long post, so I'll save the rest for a part 3! ...There's probably gonna be a part 4, too!

Angel Report, Part 1

2007-06-09T09:57:00.000-10:00

No more school! Finally! But, summer school will be starting soon... Oh, well! Just got back from O.C., but it was such a short trip-- only 5 days! But, I got to see two Angel games, both of which they won. First place, baby! And on the trip I got 5 Angel shirts (Kotchman, Napoli, Lackey, Shields, and Cabrera!) and a bunch of other stuff, so I think I'm set for a while. Anyway, let's talk Angels!

The Angels arguably have the best starting rotation and one of the best bullpens in all of baseball. All 5 starters are capable of winning games, and, god forbid, anything should happen to one of them, they're covered with Saunders, Moseley, or Carrasco. The only weak spot would be Santana on the road. It's a mental problem. But, he just broke that streak today against the Cards! It was his first road win this season after 5 road losses. AND, he hit a 2 RBI double! Hopefully he can keep it up! Besides, when I was watching on Gameday, it looked like most of the balls he threw just barely missed the strike zone. He went 6 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 earned runs... Not bad! By the end of his outing, though, they were starting to knock him around. But, he still picked up the win.

Escobar has been doing well; he's the only Angel who can regularly complete full games. You've gotta love that!

Bartolo has been doing okay, but his injuries may be holding him back. His start yesterday didn't go so well. He gave up 3 HRs in each of the first three innings. One good start should set him back on track.

Weaver got roughed up a bit in the beginning of the season, but he's getting back to his successful self and picking up the W's. (We just got his bobblehead doll when we went to one of the games.)

And last, but definitely NOT least, Big John! He has been phenomenal this season; he's the ace. If C.C. Sabathia loses his next start, Lackey will have another chance to be the first in the Bigs to get 10 wins for the season. I love the fact that he plays with such emotion and passion. I love it! And, there's the possibility of the All Star Game. He started Game 7 of the World Series for the Angels in '02 as a rookie. Talk about a big game! I'm sure he'd be able to handle the All Star Game. Although, that would probably be tough for any pitcher. There won't be any break in the lineup!

I kind of Joe Saunders... He's not bad, and he's 3-0 on the season. He's the only southpaw starter. His strike to ball ratio isn't the greatest, but he's still young and I'm sure he'll mature and get better. I was so happy for him when he won the game that was "dedicated" to VA Tech.

As for the bullpen, they're not too shabby at holding down the other team. Darren Oliver has had a high ERA, but in his last outing against the Cardinals, he struck out the side for his one inning of work. Two of those batters were Albert Pujols and Jim Edmonds. Hector Carrasco has a pretty high ERA as well, and teams like to tee off on him, but he's okay. Bootcheck is usually only used for blowout games (Angels blowing out the opposition, or vice versa). But, as his career progresses, I'm sure he'll play a more important role in the bullpen.

Dustin Moseley is pretty good, and feel relatively "safe" when he comes in. He's done a good job filling in for Justin Speier. Hopefully he'll be coming back soon to set up for Shields and K-Rod. Speier's got a strange delivery, but it's pretty effective. Once he comes back, Moseley can be used for long relief if a starter gets into trouble in early innings, or as a starter himself. Shields and Frankie have both been pretty good recently as well. They've both gotten roughed up early in the season, but they're getting back into the swing of things. Shields will be in the Angel bullpen til (at least) 2010, but Frankie only has a one-year contract. Hopefully, the Angels will be able to lock him up long-term. Losing Frankie would be a pretty big loss for the Halos. He's got a wicked fastball and a nasty slider that gets guys all the time.

Well, enough said about the pitching staff... Besides their performances speak for themselves. What's been making them look even better lately is the defense behind them and the offense in the other halves of the innings. My thoughts on the rest of the Halos next time!

"Makes Me Wonder" - Maroon 5

2007-04-14T15:45:00.000-10:00

Maroon 5's new single, "Makes Me Wonder"

"What Means Switch" Discussion Question

2007-04-04T22:42:00.000-10:00

Why did Mona's mother get so upset when Sherman was bowing to the Japanese flag? We know she was upset because of Japan's involvement in World War II, but that was almost 20 years before this story took place. Why would she still get so mad?

Merry Valentine's Birthday!

2007-03-06T07:54:00.000-10:00

The setting in my Grandma's living room is a confused and somewhat cluttered one. From just looking at it, and outsider wouldn't be able to tell whether it's Christmas, Valentine's Day, or someone's birthday. It's March, but the Christmas tree is still standing tall and full of decorations. The garland is silver, but instead of traditional Christmas ornaments, there are Cupid and heart cut-outs hanging from the branches; the kind of decorations that you would usually see hanging from doorways or ceilings on the appropriate holiday. To add to the confusion, there are gifts for my Grandma under and around the tree. They've all been opened, but the different cards read "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Birthday".