31 May 2005
30 May 2005
Pictures From The ACC Tourney
This is the gnome in question...and his friend Jack. Drew posted our pics plus some other folx'. I'll let his bandwidth take the hit of the 2 people who read this blog.
We Got A Regional!!
Woot! We've got Auburn (#2), South Alabama (#3) and Army (#4) in our bracket. We're paired with the Gainesville regional, which has UF, Stetson, UNC and Notre Dame. Any of those four teams could make it out of that regional, so its not guaranteed that UF will be hosting a Super.
Of course, that draw has predictably already brought out the whinging Gator fans in force on the message boards. Gee, go figure.
If we win our regional and the super and make it to Omaha, we'd end up paired against....GaTech (sucks!). Dammit.
Oh well, I like our chances for Omaha. USA and Auburn won't be pushovers, and you know UNC wants to win their bracket to get another shot at us. Should be fun.
Of course, that draw has predictably already brought out the whinging Gator fans in force on the message boards. Gee, go figure.
If we win our regional and the super and make it to Omaha, we'd end up paired against....GaTech (sucks!). Dammit.
Oh well, I like our chances for Omaha. USA and Auburn won't be pushovers, and you know UNC wants to win their bracket to get another shot at us. Should be fun.
29 May 2005
Back From The ACC Baseball Tournament
Random Thoughts from the trip:
* Gnome!
* Bratwurst
* Mount Nacho
* The Assassin
* ACC Umps suck
* Tech Sucks!
* 0-2 North Carolina BBQ
* Cero-dos y barbacoa
* Shut up AJ
* Essence of ass/ring of fire
* Grilled fungus
* Maggianos
* Ice cream helmet
* Maxwell House
* Free fans
* AN**ALS
* "FUCK YOU!!!"
* No parking on game day
* Where the fuck is the ATM?
* "This....sucks"
OK, so the trip was fun, even though the end result wasn't quite what I wanted. Is it too much to ask for ONE damn win against Tech (sucks!) this season? Oh well.
We got in for the wednesday FSU game around 2pm. We tried to find Mike and Jeri's tailgate but didn't see 'em. So, we ended up parking in a lot between the baseball stadium and the football stadium. The game that night went on forever because of some really aweful baserunning decisions, but we got the win over our bitch UNC anyway in 12. Bryan Henry pitched another good game, but ended up with a no-decision because UNC tied it up after he left. He's been an awesome pitching find for us this year, and really a big reason why we've been as successful as we have been this year. He gives us the reliable arm we need, and allowed Wardell to get into the game and deliver some much needed power (not to mention a bigger target at 1st). Ryno has done really well since moving to 3rd also.
That night we went out to Outback for a later dinner with some of the other Animals. Decent, even though I had to end up trading my pork chops for J's prime rib cause she didn't like it. Of course, a gaytor fan had to say something as we were leaving, but ended up regretting it 'cause Mongo was there.
The next morning we got up and had breakfast buffet at the hotel cafeteria. They had an omelette bar, which made me happy. Decent food. The waiter gave us coupons so the buffet only cost us $6. He got a good tip of course.
We then headed out to Mike and Jeri's tailgate (now that we knew where it was) and set up shop there. Mike had the grill out and was cooking up mushrooms, peppers, chicken, pork and yummy Irish sausage. We're pretty spoiled when it comes to tailgate cooking, if its not Pappy its Momma Nee, and if its not Momma Nee its Mike and Jeri. And you can't go wrong with any of them...unless you're trying to lose weight...then you're fucked.
We went in a little early to catch some of the NCSU-Clemson ellimination game before our game with Tech. Despite a late rally, the Pack fell to the kitties. Then the ugliness set in. Sauls pitched a pretty good game for us vs Tech, but the 1st base umpire in the game blew a call and totally turned the tide of the game in favor of Tech. In general, the umps were aweful, so you can't just look at that one call...they were crappy the whole tournament for everyone.
I did get a chance to try out the awesome bratwurst at the stadium. $6 for a footlong brat smothered in grilled onions...very tasty, and really the only highlight of the day. Dinner that night was pizza delivered to the room. Blyeh.
Friday had us playing in the elimination bracket vs. Wake. Wake had a really great tournament, beating Duke and Maryland in the play-in portion of the bracket, taking GaTech the distance in the 1-8 game before losing, sending UNC to an 0-2 BBQ exit, and then falling to FSU with no pitching left. Still, they ended up 3-2 for the tournament, which ain't bad. They'll probably not get a post-season berth, which is a shame. Hyde pitched really well for us in that game, which is good, cause Wake's bats had been pretty hot for the tournament. I think for the regionals our 1-2-3 should be Henry, Sauls and Hyde.
Friday night also saw the birth of the Gnome. While we were waiting for the Wake game to start, we went into the stadium gift shop and they had a Seminole garden gnome for $20. Its about a foot tall ceramic thing, and I bought it! We then took it around to where the players were waiting and took pictures of most of the team (including 11, JB and Shouppe) holding the gnome. It went down the silly hill pretty quick after that. Most of our songs and cheers that night involved the gnome. It was a total blast and some of the most fun I have had with teh Animals so far. Easily the best $20 I have ever spent.
After the game we headed over to TGIF's for food with some Animals. Decent, but nothing special. Good conversation though.
Saturday morning we again headed down for the breakfast buffet at the hotel. I blame the buffet for both losses to Tech, since the losses were both suffered on days we ate there. We headed out to the tailgate where we were joined by a larger contingent of Animals who made the trip down. Shane Robinson's folks tailgated with us most of the week and are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
We watched some of the UVa-Clemson game before our game started. Obviously, our game stunk. Jones didn't pitch well at all, and Browning didn't fare much better although he did settle in after a while. Jones has been inconsistent all season, but Browning has been in a slump since mid-season. He's definitely got the stuff to succeed, but he needs to find his mojo again. I don't think his performance in the last half of the season was enough to impress the scouts, so hopefully he'll be back and can regroup for a better showing next year.
That night we went to see Madagascar with Robb and his fiance Kariann at Maggiano's. Unbelievably good Italian food. We ended up ordering the family dinner thing, which had appetizer, sald, pasta, main entre and dessert courses all you can eat for entirely too much money. But it was worth every penny. The chicken thing we got was to die for, but the whole meal was just outstanding. The movie was really good too, it'll be added to the DVD collection ASAP.
This morning I think we had just had enough of Jacksonville and decided to head home instead of staying for the championship game like we planned. We ended up watching it on TV here. In the long run, I think Tech winning helped our regional cause because the only teamwe lost to in the tourney was Tech. I think maybe if we'd been in the other bracket we'd have been undefeated like UVa....but who knows. Doesn't matter since we did end up getting a regional, which makes me happy.
I'll post pictures that we took later on.
* Gnome!
* Bratwurst
* Mount Nacho
* The Assassin
* ACC Umps suck
* Tech Sucks!
* 0-2 North Carolina BBQ
* Cero-dos y barbacoa
* Shut up AJ
* Essence of ass/ring of fire
* Grilled fungus
* Maggianos
* Ice cream helmet
* Maxwell House
* Free fans
* AN**ALS
* "FUCK YOU!!!"
* No parking on game day
* Where the fuck is the ATM?
* "This....sucks"
OK, so the trip was fun, even though the end result wasn't quite what I wanted. Is it too much to ask for ONE damn win against Tech (sucks!) this season? Oh well.
We got in for the wednesday FSU game around 2pm. We tried to find Mike and Jeri's tailgate but didn't see 'em. So, we ended up parking in a lot between the baseball stadium and the football stadium. The game that night went on forever because of some really aweful baserunning decisions, but we got the win over our bitch UNC anyway in 12. Bryan Henry pitched another good game, but ended up with a no-decision because UNC tied it up after he left. He's been an awesome pitching find for us this year, and really a big reason why we've been as successful as we have been this year. He gives us the reliable arm we need, and allowed Wardell to get into the game and deliver some much needed power (not to mention a bigger target at 1st). Ryno has done really well since moving to 3rd also.
That night we went out to Outback for a later dinner with some of the other Animals. Decent, even though I had to end up trading my pork chops for J's prime rib cause she didn't like it. Of course, a gaytor fan had to say something as we were leaving, but ended up regretting it 'cause Mongo was there.
The next morning we got up and had breakfast buffet at the hotel cafeteria. They had an omelette bar, which made me happy. Decent food. The waiter gave us coupons so the buffet only cost us $6. He got a good tip of course.
We then headed out to Mike and Jeri's tailgate (now that we knew where it was) and set up shop there. Mike had the grill out and was cooking up mushrooms, peppers, chicken, pork and yummy Irish sausage. We're pretty spoiled when it comes to tailgate cooking, if its not Pappy its Momma Nee, and if its not Momma Nee its Mike and Jeri. And you can't go wrong with any of them...unless you're trying to lose weight...then you're fucked.
We went in a little early to catch some of the NCSU-Clemson ellimination game before our game with Tech. Despite a late rally, the Pack fell to the kitties. Then the ugliness set in. Sauls pitched a pretty good game for us vs Tech, but the 1st base umpire in the game blew a call and totally turned the tide of the game in favor of Tech. In general, the umps were aweful, so you can't just look at that one call...they were crappy the whole tournament for everyone.
I did get a chance to try out the awesome bratwurst at the stadium. $6 for a footlong brat smothered in grilled onions...very tasty, and really the only highlight of the day. Dinner that night was pizza delivered to the room. Blyeh.
Friday had us playing in the elimination bracket vs. Wake. Wake had a really great tournament, beating Duke and Maryland in the play-in portion of the bracket, taking GaTech the distance in the 1-8 game before losing, sending UNC to an 0-2 BBQ exit, and then falling to FSU with no pitching left. Still, they ended up 3-2 for the tournament, which ain't bad. They'll probably not get a post-season berth, which is a shame. Hyde pitched really well for us in that game, which is good, cause Wake's bats had been pretty hot for the tournament. I think for the regionals our 1-2-3 should be Henry, Sauls and Hyde.
Friday night also saw the birth of the Gnome. While we were waiting for the Wake game to start, we went into the stadium gift shop and they had a Seminole garden gnome for $20. Its about a foot tall ceramic thing, and I bought it! We then took it around to where the players were waiting and took pictures of most of the team (including 11, JB and Shouppe) holding the gnome. It went down the silly hill pretty quick after that. Most of our songs and cheers that night involved the gnome. It was a total blast and some of the most fun I have had with teh Animals so far. Easily the best $20 I have ever spent.
After the game we headed over to TGIF's for food with some Animals. Decent, but nothing special. Good conversation though.
Saturday morning we again headed down for the breakfast buffet at the hotel. I blame the buffet for both losses to Tech, since the losses were both suffered on days we ate there. We headed out to the tailgate where we were joined by a larger contingent of Animals who made the trip down. Shane Robinson's folks tailgated with us most of the week and are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
We watched some of the UVa-Clemson game before our game started. Obviously, our game stunk. Jones didn't pitch well at all, and Browning didn't fare much better although he did settle in after a while. Jones has been inconsistent all season, but Browning has been in a slump since mid-season. He's definitely got the stuff to succeed, but he needs to find his mojo again. I don't think his performance in the last half of the season was enough to impress the scouts, so hopefully he'll be back and can regroup for a better showing next year.
That night we went to see Madagascar with Robb and his fiance Kariann at Maggiano's. Unbelievably good Italian food. We ended up ordering the family dinner thing, which had appetizer, sald, pasta, main entre and dessert courses all you can eat for entirely too much money. But it was worth every penny. The chicken thing we got was to die for, but the whole meal was just outstanding. The movie was really good too, it'll be added to the DVD collection ASAP.
This morning I think we had just had enough of Jacksonville and decided to head home instead of staying for the championship game like we planned. We ended up watching it on TV here. In the long run, I think Tech winning helped our regional cause because the only teamwe lost to in the tourney was Tech. I think maybe if we'd been in the other bracket we'd have been undefeated like UVa....but who knows. Doesn't matter since we did end up getting a regional, which makes me happy.
I'll post pictures that we took later on.
24 May 2005
21 May 2005
The Rookie
The newest member of the family. We still don't have a name for him, but he's a cutie.
We adopted him from the Wakulla county animal shelter. His welcome to the house was a nice warm bath...which he hated. But not nearly as much as existing kitty Cassie hates him.
She'll get over it.
We adopted him from the Wakulla county animal shelter. His welcome to the house was a nice warm bath...which he hated. But not nearly as much as existing kitty Cassie hates him.
She'll get over it.
20 May 2005
I Want To See...
...a regional comprised of LSU, Viginia Tech, Oregon and Delaware. We could call it the Turducken regional.
18 May 2005
17 May 2005
16 May 2005
15 May 2005
14 May 2005
Fuck Yeah!!!!
Noles beat the Tarheels with a walk-off homerun by Ryne Malone in the bottom of the 9th. Trailing 3-5, 2 outs, 2 men on, 2 strikes and one ball. BAM!!! Instant legend.
We have now taken the first two games from the vaunted Heels pitching staff, and now they are forced to reckon with essentially three starters left for us in our pen for tomorrow.
This really helps our regional prospects as well. Fucking awesome.
We have now taken the first two games from the vaunted Heels pitching staff, and now they are forced to reckon with essentially three starters left for us in our pen for tomorrow.
This really helps our regional prospects as well. Fucking awesome.
13 May 2005
In Honor Of The Newest Animal, I Give You...Well...You'll See!
I haven't done that particular activity in 20 years at least.
12 May 2005
04 May 2005
In The Year 3000
I need to write this crap down. A la the Conan O'Brien 'In the year 2000' bits, I thought we could do this at FSU baseball games.
In the year 3000...
* Mike Martin will still be coaching FSU baseball.
* Mike Martin Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. will be coaching 3rd base.
* Chip Baker will be short.
* A two strike bunt with two outs will still be a bad idea.
* The home run ball that Danny Wardell hit at the Saturday Miami game in 2005 will finally come back down to earth.
* You will finally reach the head of the line at the Aramark concession booth. (pause) Your bill will be $8000. (pause) For a small Coke. (pause) With lots of ice.
* The Animals will still be fat.
* Mongo
* The Boston Red Sox will finally win another World Series. (Do the math)
* FSU will win its 347th consecutive national championship with a team of Shane Robinson clones.
* Miami will be using satellite photography to steal signs.
* The last remaining Miami fan who actually attended the University of Miami will pass away.
* In an effort to improve the accuracy of strike zone calls, the ACC will replace its umpires with giant sacks of potatos.
* Intravenous pork.
Suggestions welcome.
In the year 3000...
* Mike Martin will still be coaching FSU baseball.
* Mike Martin Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. will be coaching 3rd base.
* Chip Baker will be short.
* A two strike bunt with two outs will still be a bad idea.
* The home run ball that Danny Wardell hit at the Saturday Miami game in 2005 will finally come back down to earth.
* You will finally reach the head of the line at the Aramark concession booth. (pause) Your bill will be $8000. (pause) For a small Coke. (pause) With lots of ice.
* The Animals will still be fat.
* Mongo
* The Boston Red Sox will finally win another World Series. (Do the math)
* FSU will win its 347th consecutive national championship with a team of Shane Robinson clones.
* Miami will be using satellite photography to steal signs.
* The last remaining Miami fan who actually attended the University of Miami will pass away.
* In an effort to improve the accuracy of strike zone calls, the ACC will replace its umpires with giant sacks of potatos.
* Intravenous pork.
Suggestions welcome.
03 May 2005
Sand Storm In Iraq
Got this link from a former co-worker in the Marine reserves. Amazingly close to the genuine Hollywood version of a sandstorm from movies like the Mummy. ;)
02 May 2005
Speaking of Headd...
Its a damn shame that we had the double-header on Sunday, cause I might have thought of this stuff if I had had time to think. Anyway, I thought this would be funny, and I'm writing it out in case I get a chance to use it at the ACC tourney. Basically, I'd do my own player announcement for the UVa team:
At catcher, Scott Headd
At first base, Pierre Latrine
At second, Frenchy Toilet (pronounced: twa-lay)
At short stop, Rafael LaVatory
At third base, Neville Watercloset
In left field, Ian Chamberpot
In center field, Thomas Crapper (history nerd reference) or Richard John
In Right field, Paul Portolet
And flushing out the roster for Virginia - although we don't remember adding him to the line-up last night - Steven Corn.
I slay me.
More for Mr Headd:
Hey Headd, why do you have an extra D on the end of your name? Is that the only way you'll ever have a chance of seeing a pair of D's up close?
Hey Headd, who's pitching for you tonight? Shoulders?
Hey Headd, if someone pats you on the head, do you feel it twice?
At catcher, Scott Headd
At first base, Pierre Latrine
At second, Frenchy Toilet (pronounced: twa-lay)
At short stop, Rafael LaVatory
At third base, Neville Watercloset
In left field, Ian Chamberpot
In center field, Thomas Crapper (history nerd reference) or Richard John
In Right field, Paul Portolet
And flushing out the roster for Virginia - although we don't remember adding him to the line-up last night - Steven Corn.
I slay me.
More for Mr Headd:
Hey Headd, why do you have an extra D on the end of your name? Is that the only way you'll ever have a chance of seeing a pair of D's up close?
Hey Headd, who's pitching for you tonight? Shoulders?
Hey Headd, if someone pats you on the head, do you feel it twice?
Rag Head
Yeah so I normally do a long 'rag arm' when opposing pitchers have a 3-1 count with less than two outs. Occasionally, I switch things up and say something other than arm. Well, yesterday vs. Virginia - who have a catcher named Headd - Terry the loudmouth says into my ear as I was in the 'raaaag' part, 'head!'. Not thinking (lack of oxygen you see), I said head instead of arm.
Oopsie :)
I'm sure we'll catch flak for that, but I blame Terry. :)
Oopsie :)
I'm sure we'll catch flak for that, but I blame Terry. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)