August 23, 2011 – Angels vs. White Sox – 5 balls

This one is going to be pretty short since I didn’t have a camera with me to take photos.

This was my first game since the All Star Game and only my 3rd game of the season. I went down to the stadium early, about 1:30pm for 1 simple reason. To try to talk to a couple of people that I know on the White Sox to see if I could get a ticket for the game. I don’t really like asking for tickets but since Tuesday night was a Chia Pet giveaway I really didn’t want to spend $15 to get in.

As I was walking up I saw a big line waiting to spin some wheel and then a press conference area set up under the hats where we usually get autographs. The Angels were officially announcing that they had resigned Jered Weaver.

The local Radio station was giving away FREE TICKET for the game so I was not going to have to ask either of the people that I know with the White Sox. I ended up with 4 tickets and even found someone that was willing to buy my extra 2 for $20 so it turned out pretty good!

The gates opened and I was headed off to right field. The usual suspects were up there, Rob & Devo. It’s always a good time with these guys. Devo missed a catch early and I grabbed it off the ground and then I missed a catch and Devo grabbed it. I made a nice catch on a ball in the front row off of Carlos Quentin shortly after.

As most of you know I have worked in baseball and have been a clubhouse manager. Jake Peavy was on one of the teams I worked for a few years back. Last year at the end of the season I saw him as he went into the stadium in Anaheim and we talked for a few minutes and he hooked me up with tickets for the last game against the Angles. On this night I just yelled down to him after he was done warming up in the outfield and said HI. He promptly turned, asked me how I was and then fired a strike right to me.

I grabbed one last ball on a ricochet off the bat of Adam Dunn and then Rob and I headed over to left field. After a few minutes I saw a spot in the 6th row that was pretty open. The only person around was a mom guarding the families seats and belongings. I told Rob I was going to go down a few rows on a HUNCH to catch a ball. Less than 2 minutes later someone sent a fly ball right at the Mom and I stepped in and saved her life. Ok well at least I saved her from having a big bruise on the right side of her body. That was my 5th and final ball of the day.

I decided not to stay for the game as I had to head back to Arizona to clean out my office. Yes, again another job in baseball that as soon as the season was over, so was the job. It was fun however spending the summer with Jose Canseco and a few other former Major League misfits!

I think that I might make a game or two before the end of the season. I am not sure where it will be but if I know more than a day ahead of time I will let you know. I have also had some people ask about my book. Yes, “Taking Home A Piece Of The Game” is still available on Amazon.com for $5.49 and Yes if you buy a copy and send it to me I WILL SIGN IT and send it back to you! I have also had a few people send my friend Zack Hample’s book to me so I could sign my 2 pages in there as well!

Just make sure you send a self addressed envelope big enough for me to send it back to you in!!

Ball #	Ball Type	Time	Location	Method	Player	Note	Photo
271	Practice	BP/Pre-Game	LF Bleachers	Hit
270	Practice	BP/Pre-Game	RF Bleachers	Hit	Carlos Quentin
269	Practice	BP/Pre-Game	RF Bleachers	Hit	Adam Dunn
268	Practice	BP/Pre-Game	RF Bleachers	Thrown	Jake Peavy
267	Practice	BP/Pre-Game	RF Bleachers	Hit	Russell Branyan