Team USA Series:
I have spent the last two nights playing with Team USA against the Perth Heat. It is a pretty cool set up and compared to the level of teams I have been playing against lately, very good competition. Actually, regardless of who I have been playing lately, it is really good competition.
Our roster is littered with pro players mainly from the US but also Canada and Sweden. Guys on our team have played all over, a lot in Indy ball, others in the minors, some up to AAA. Their squad is also mainly pro players, mainly Australian born (I think) guys who are currently or have been in the minors. For example, their starting catcher is the everyday AAA catcher for the twins.
Here are the links to their website and the write up for us:
http://www.perthheat.baseball.com.au/
http://www.waprovincialleague.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=70218
If you guys are up at crazy hours, you can listen to tonight's game online and we have another 3 game set next thurs-sat that will also be broadcast. You can find it on the Perth Heat website link above.
Game one on Thursday was much more exciting than last night, but we dropped a close one 9-7 after going back and forth with the lead for a few innings. I threw a scoreless inning, getting the first two guys, then giving up a single and walk, before getting their catcher to fly out to deep center. It felt good to get out there and while I didn't pitch great, it was good enough to keep us within 2 heading into our final AB.
Yesterday's game was much less exciting. We played sloppy baseball, making several errors to quickly erase our 1-0 first inning lead. They took the game 6-1. I got a pinch-hit opportunity to lead off the 9th, and got blown away. After one of the guys on my team told me the pitcher can be wild sometimes, he painted the outside black twice and I was quickly down 0-2. After a slider in the dirt, I was sent back to the pine with a swinging K. Ugly AB that made me appreciate the professional PHs all the more. Not sure if I will see any action in tonight's game, but I am on the hill for the Bears in an important game against UWA in tomorrow's provincial league action.
You can find links to Australian websites that write about the league I am playing in and the TEAM USA stuff in this post and on the side bar of the blog.
Other than baseball, I have been running to stay in shape, looking for jobs, learning to drive (more successfully), and beach bumming around. It's funny how sometimes it feels like you have less time to do things when you have nothing going on.
I think I was hit with a bit of culture shock the last two weeks or so, having made the quick transition from Belgium to the States and then down here. Even though things here are similar to the US in some respects, they are much different as well. Despite the common language (although dialects can be hard to understand and I haven't gotten a grasp on the numerous sayings and slang),I have felt a bit out of place and stressed out, which is not really typical for me. Things are slowly working their way to normal though, and I am starting to be able to enjoy everything Perth has to offer. The beaches here are amazing and the water a crystal blue that reminds me of Croatia. Looking forward for the temp/water to heat up so I can get out there a bit more.
Anyways, if there is anything you guys want to hear about shoot me an email or just post a comment. It always helps me to write more frequently when I get comments or feedback, and know people are reading. So if you want to hear more (or less haha) blow up the comments section.
A big happy birthday to my Uncle Jon, Cuz Rowan, and bro Tristan! Hope everyone had good ones!
Until next time,
Peace
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
First Week in the Books
I have spent the last week or so getting used to being down here and getting over jet lag and now that the dust has settled, I can fill in what has been going down with a little more detail.
First and foremost... Baseball.
Today we battled Curtin in my first home game for the Bears. After going down by one in the top half of the first, we took the lead for good in the bottom of the frame. We capitalized on errors and continued to hit the ball hard this week. I don't think we had any strikeouts as a team and under pressure, their defense cracked. We finished them up in 7 for a 14-4 win behind a strong pitching performance from Gabbo.
While down here, I will be playing for two teams... my main team is the Balcatta Bears. We play in the provincial league of Western Australia, second in level to the State league, from what I understand. The other team I am playing for is a Team USA, a team comprised of all the import players from the provincial league and state league. We had a practice for Team USA on Friday and start competition with a three game series against the Perth Heat this coming Thursday-Saturday. The Heat are the pro team for Western Australia. The games promise to be a lot of fun and good competition. In talking with a few guys on the team, one grew up playing with my roommate from college, big Willie and another has a good family friend playing at either Carleton or St. Olaf (he couldn't remember). Small world.
The main baseball thing to get adjusted to here is playing with metal bats in the provincial league. Although we have yet to play the top teams in the league since I have arrived, the difference between playing with metal and playing with wood has blown me away. I have made the transition from metal to wood and vice-versa in the states, but playing with metal here has been kind of scary. There are a lot of big, strong dudes playing ball out here and the ball jumps off metal bats at insane rates. As a pitcher it will be a constant challenge to keep the ball down and keep the ball in the yard. In that sense, I look forward to playing with metal and hope I can avoid screaming come-backers. On the offensive standpoint, hitting with metal should definitely help. Unfortunately I know I will still have WTP...
Driving...
Pretty soon I will be getting a car from the team to get around Perth with. I took our player/coach's car out for my first try at driving on the left (wrong) side of the road. What resulted was a MAJOR FAIL. Me and one of the young guys went on a mission to pick up drinks for everyone else. I had the poor kid scared for his life... turns out he had good reason. I was so focused on staying on the left side of the road that I stayed a little too far left and smashed the left mirror. Luckily the mirror was already broken and there was no other damage caused, other than to the underwear of the kid I went with when he soiled them. He decided it would be better for him to take over driving and feeling my confidence waning, I forked over the keys. It was only after we were already back on the road that he told me he didn't have his license yet and only had his learners permit. Not sure the legality of the whole situation, but the bottom line is that we survived and managed to get drink orders right. Yes, I am an idiot.
Work...
For some reason, I decided it would be a good idea to drop off an application at a surf shop at a mall. I was offered a trial run, which I felt went pretty well. They wanted me to be more outgoing and energetic. They offered me a second trial. I said thanks but no thanks, opting for different work. I guess I just don't have the energy or qualifications needed to sell bordies, singlets, and rashies... Carleton you have failed me haha.
Night Scene...
After practice with Team USA on Friday night, me and some of the other guys went out for a night on the town. We went to Northridge and Mustang Bar for a few drinks. I didn't stay out ridiculously late or showcase any of my Belgian dance moves, but it was a nice first taste of the night scene out here. Aside from the fact that a pint cost $8.80... the night scene here promises to be a good one. Looking forward to more good times to come.
Also, discovered Kebab places here... so I will definitely not starve. Although I doubt they will give Belkan a run for the KOTY. Time will tell.
That is it for now... so far Perth has been good to us and promises to be a lot of fun... With 4 games this week, should be plenty to write about... if I can survive learning to drive and come-backers whistling by my head. Until next time... Peace.
First and foremost... Baseball.
Today we battled Curtin in my first home game for the Bears. After going down by one in the top half of the first, we took the lead for good in the bottom of the frame. We capitalized on errors and continued to hit the ball hard this week. I don't think we had any strikeouts as a team and under pressure, their defense cracked. We finished them up in 7 for a 14-4 win behind a strong pitching performance from Gabbo.
While down here, I will be playing for two teams... my main team is the Balcatta Bears. We play in the provincial league of Western Australia, second in level to the State league, from what I understand. The other team I am playing for is a Team USA, a team comprised of all the import players from the provincial league and state league. We had a practice for Team USA on Friday and start competition with a three game series against the Perth Heat this coming Thursday-Saturday. The Heat are the pro team for Western Australia. The games promise to be a lot of fun and good competition. In talking with a few guys on the team, one grew up playing with my roommate from college, big Willie and another has a good family friend playing at either Carleton or St. Olaf (he couldn't remember). Small world.
The main baseball thing to get adjusted to here is playing with metal bats in the provincial league. Although we have yet to play the top teams in the league since I have arrived, the difference between playing with metal and playing with wood has blown me away. I have made the transition from metal to wood and vice-versa in the states, but playing with metal here has been kind of scary. There are a lot of big, strong dudes playing ball out here and the ball jumps off metal bats at insane rates. As a pitcher it will be a constant challenge to keep the ball down and keep the ball in the yard. In that sense, I look forward to playing with metal and hope I can avoid screaming come-backers. On the offensive standpoint, hitting with metal should definitely help. Unfortunately I know I will still have WTP...
Driving...
Pretty soon I will be getting a car from the team to get around Perth with. I took our player/coach's car out for my first try at driving on the left (wrong) side of the road. What resulted was a MAJOR FAIL. Me and one of the young guys went on a mission to pick up drinks for everyone else. I had the poor kid scared for his life... turns out he had good reason. I was so focused on staying on the left side of the road that I stayed a little too far left and smashed the left mirror. Luckily the mirror was already broken and there was no other damage caused, other than to the underwear of the kid I went with when he soiled them. He decided it would be better for him to take over driving and feeling my confidence waning, I forked over the keys. It was only after we were already back on the road that he told me he didn't have his license yet and only had his learners permit. Not sure the legality of the whole situation, but the bottom line is that we survived and managed to get drink orders right. Yes, I am an idiot.
Work...
For some reason, I decided it would be a good idea to drop off an application at a surf shop at a mall. I was offered a trial run, which I felt went pretty well. They wanted me to be more outgoing and energetic. They offered me a second trial. I said thanks but no thanks, opting for different work. I guess I just don't have the energy or qualifications needed to sell bordies, singlets, and rashies... Carleton you have failed me haha.
Night Scene...
After practice with Team USA on Friday night, me and some of the other guys went out for a night on the town. We went to Northridge and Mustang Bar for a few drinks. I didn't stay out ridiculously late or showcase any of my Belgian dance moves, but it was a nice first taste of the night scene out here. Aside from the fact that a pint cost $8.80... the night scene here promises to be a good one. Looking forward to more good times to come.
Also, discovered Kebab places here... so I will definitely not starve. Although I doubt they will give Belkan a run for the KOTY. Time will tell.
That is it for now... so far Perth has been good to us and promises to be a lot of fun... With 4 games this week, should be plenty to write about... if I can survive learning to drive and come-backers whistling by my head. Until next time... Peace.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Misadventures Continue
Tomorrow is game time again and we take on some team that I don't know. Looking to make it a perfect 2-0 down here in OZ.
Since you heard from me last, I had my first drive (and crash... oops) on the left side of the road, my first trial run for work (not a success), first night out on the town (kind of a success), caught up with old friends (after mistaking them for someone else), and plenty more... I will try to fill these stories in soon, but for now I am off for some music and fun... oh yeah and I have a few new nicknames... Hawk and I don't know (ask Rachel)... Stay tuneeeeeedddd...
Since you heard from me last, I had my first drive (and crash... oops) on the left side of the road, my first trial run for work (not a success), first night out on the town (kind of a success), caught up with old friends (after mistaking them for someone else), and plenty more... I will try to fill these stories in soon, but for now I am off for some music and fun... oh yeah and I have a few new nicknames... Hawk and I don't know (ask Rachel)... Stay tuneeeeeedddd...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
G'day from Perth
Hey All,
About time I updated this bad boy. If I wasn't a complete failure at computers than I would have updated the blog to make it a little more flashy, but basically I will look to continue what I started in Belgium here in Oz.
The last two weeks have gone by in a flash. The season ended in Belgium, I worked the spaghetti feed and the next day I was out like a light. I flew into SF on the morning of the 4th and flew out of Sacramento the next day at noon. In between I spent the night hanging with Marcus, Reza, and Erika in Sac. It was great to see them, but way too short. The next morning I flew up to Sitka, meeting Toby in Seattle and to quote my sister-in-law, "the wild rumpus" began almost immediately. We dove head first into a week of wedding festivities... family, friends and tons of fun. It was a great week that gave us two unexpected days of sunshine (allowing us to climb Verstovia), and culminated with what we all got together for... the beautiful wedding ceremony of Tristan and Johanna. The wedding went swimmingly, the reception was a blast, it was great to meet Jo's family and best of all to gain a new family member.
The fun in Sitka lasted a week and with the last of the wedding guests, Rachel and I were headed back to SF where we stayed with Drobny and Mrs. Drobny for a night. We spent the next day walking around SF, met up with Tyler for a drink before it was back to SFO to catch the flight to Sydney and then to Perth. The flight was miserable, but we made it and it was great to be picked up by Debra from the airport. I couldn't even remember the last time I had seen her, but it has been great to catch back up with her. Less than 24 hours after we stepped off the plane I was on the hill and batting leadoff in my first game down under. The game was only a game for about... 1 batter and quickly got out of hand. I doubled to lead off the game... it should have been a triple but I missed second base like an idiot (although it wasn't entirely my fault... I'll explain shortly) and about 15 batters later we were winning 9-0 in the top of the first. We ended up stomping them 35-3 and it was nice to be on the good side of a lopsided victory.
Like in Belgium, it seems like baseball in Australia will have its quirks. Example 1, and why I missed second... A number of the fields are actually converted Australian Rules Football to baseball fields. As such, there are no mounds and instead they use fiberglass pitching mounds. I didn't know this ahead of time and ended up playing in my running shoes. Hence, when I took a hard shoulder lean to hit the inside of the bag at second, and since it actually was an old school bad with a pin in the center of it that made the corners curl up, i missed the inside corner of the bag and almost ate it trying to stop from full speed in running shoes.
It was a fun first Australian baseball experience and more importantly, all the guys on the team seem really cool. I have a good feeling that like in Belgium, there will be plenty of good times down under.
I'm off for now, but more updates to come soon. I have plenty to fill in about the ridiculous ravens, the meathead gym manager, driving on the other side of the road, job applications, and plenty more. And of course a HUGE thanks to Debra for putting me and Rachel up while we get settled here in Perth. More later, mate!
About time I updated this bad boy. If I wasn't a complete failure at computers than I would have updated the blog to make it a little more flashy, but basically I will look to continue what I started in Belgium here in Oz.
The last two weeks have gone by in a flash. The season ended in Belgium, I worked the spaghetti feed and the next day I was out like a light. I flew into SF on the morning of the 4th and flew out of Sacramento the next day at noon. In between I spent the night hanging with Marcus, Reza, and Erika in Sac. It was great to see them, but way too short. The next morning I flew up to Sitka, meeting Toby in Seattle and to quote my sister-in-law, "the wild rumpus" began almost immediately. We dove head first into a week of wedding festivities... family, friends and tons of fun. It was a great week that gave us two unexpected days of sunshine (allowing us to climb Verstovia), and culminated with what we all got together for... the beautiful wedding ceremony of Tristan and Johanna. The wedding went swimmingly, the reception was a blast, it was great to meet Jo's family and best of all to gain a new family member.
The fun in Sitka lasted a week and with the last of the wedding guests, Rachel and I were headed back to SF where we stayed with Drobny and Mrs. Drobny for a night. We spent the next day walking around SF, met up with Tyler for a drink before it was back to SFO to catch the flight to Sydney and then to Perth. The flight was miserable, but we made it and it was great to be picked up by Debra from the airport. I couldn't even remember the last time I had seen her, but it has been great to catch back up with her. Less than 24 hours after we stepped off the plane I was on the hill and batting leadoff in my first game down under. The game was only a game for about... 1 batter and quickly got out of hand. I doubled to lead off the game... it should have been a triple but I missed second base like an idiot (although it wasn't entirely my fault... I'll explain shortly) and about 15 batters later we were winning 9-0 in the top of the first. We ended up stomping them 35-3 and it was nice to be on the good side of a lopsided victory.
Like in Belgium, it seems like baseball in Australia will have its quirks. Example 1, and why I missed second... A number of the fields are actually converted Australian Rules Football to baseball fields. As such, there are no mounds and instead they use fiberglass pitching mounds. I didn't know this ahead of time and ended up playing in my running shoes. Hence, when I took a hard shoulder lean to hit the inside of the bag at second, and since it actually was an old school bad with a pin in the center of it that made the corners curl up, i missed the inside corner of the bag and almost ate it trying to stop from full speed in running shoes.
It was a fun first Australian baseball experience and more importantly, all the guys on the team seem really cool. I have a good feeling that like in Belgium, there will be plenty of good times down under.
I'm off for now, but more updates to come soon. I have plenty to fill in about the ridiculous ravens, the meathead gym manager, driving on the other side of the road, job applications, and plenty more. And of course a HUGE thanks to Debra for putting me and Rachel up while we get settled here in Perth. More later, mate!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Last Hours in Belgium
As I sit here, 4 hours before I leave for the airport and yet to pack, I am trying to reflect back on my time here. A lot of things come to mind, but mainly all I can do is think about how great the people here have been. Absolutely amazing. Although some might say I am a bit rushed at the moment, I just wanted to take this time to thank The Cats for this wonderful opportunity and everyone for making me feel right at home. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
The other day we won our decisive game against Gent to secure the team's spot in 1st position for next year. After that it was the Spaghetti Zwier, which was also a blast. Great people, great times. I will elaborate more on my final days later but I before I left I wanted to attach an article I wrote about my time here in Belgium for the annual Cats Spaghetti Zwier magazine. I have to pack so without any more rambling... here it is. Off to pack.
ARTICLE FROM CRAZY AMERICAN NUMBER 1
Man, man, man... Where do I even begin? First, let me just come out and state the obvious. What can be said about my time here in Belgium that hasn't already been said about this country's finest beers...
Amazing, world class, dank je wel... nog eenje, second to none, it is always better with the right (protective) cup, and the list of positive adjectives goes on.
For me, my experience coming over to play for The Cats has literally been second to none. From the day I stepped off the plane ( and walked right past Ruud, who was expecting a bigger guy-- I guess now would be a good time to apologize for not being bigger and hitting home runs as all Americans are supposed to do), I have been welcomed into the club like I was family. Since day one, people have bent over backwards to make me feel comfortable and welcome, and for that I will forever be grateful. Sometimes I wonder what I have done to deserve to be among such a great group of people. This leads me to a little self-analysis…
Ok, so so far I am a short, weak American who can't hit home runs (like all Americans do). Strike 1. As if that isn't bad enough, a month into my stay here and I am also bringing my girlfriend over. Talk about a way to ruin the fun, right? Strike 2. Then the crates of beer keep coming and I can't drink as much as the last Americans, and am drunk after 4 pintjes. Strike 3. At this point, I really should be struck out and sent back to the States. Luckily for me, umpires in Belgium can't count strikes (or do much else right) so somehow I am allowed to stay on this amazing adventure. Yes, Belgium has been good to me. While other Americans had their time in this lovely country cut short by tooth aches, kidnappers in London, and torn muscles, I somehow avoided these tragic fates. And so for this lucky American, the adventure continued…
On this adventure, I have met so many great people, lived in four awesome homes, and Rachel and I were helped and supported by so many generous people that I could take up this whole magazine thanking you all. Instead I just want to offer one big thank you to the entire Cats Club for your part in making this the best summer of my life. You have all been so amazing, I just wish I could somehow return the generosity and hospitality that has been shown to me and Rachel the last 6 months (man, time flies).
Like the thank yous owed, the good times are also too numerous to speak about all of them. Instead, I will do what I often do on my blog... pick out a top list, so here it goes.
Thank you Belgium for... 5. Showing me I'm not the worst dancer in the world ( I guess that is a thank you to just Bart); 4. Letting me urinate anywhere I please and in front of anyone I want; 3. Your delicious food/my new love handles; 2. Having at least one game where it didn't rain; 1. Forever ruining the taste of American beer for me.
Top 5 highlights: All of our wins, ok that was easy. Ok, maybe a bit too soon. The only reason I say this jokingly is because in a few years when The Cats are atop the standings, people will be able to laugh about the trials and tribulations of seasons past. I may not be here then, so I am laughing now.
The serious Top 5 highlights:
5. Hanging out after practices and enjoying the social aspects of the club ( I have always said that the best part of baseball is the relationships and lifelong friends that I have made through playing and The Cats only strengthened this notion); 4. Trips to Leuven;
3. Travelling all over Belgium and Europe; 2. All the parties... Kermis week, Gala Ball, Vlinderball, etc.; 1. The relationships I have formed (with people especially, but also with the bullet special, about 100 new kinds of beer, different cities, the Belgian countryside, dinosaur cookies, chocolate, The 7 Oaks, and the list goes on…)
I could go on for pages, but the bottom line is that I will FOREVER BE GRATEFUL to this club and group of people for this opportunity and for all that you have done to make me feel like part of the Cats Family. Until next time, the warmest of thank yous to everyone. Thanks for everything and keep in touch.
Peace and love from the only American left standing.
Ethan Guevin
The other day we won our decisive game against Gent to secure the team's spot in 1st position for next year. After that it was the Spaghetti Zwier, which was also a blast. Great people, great times. I will elaborate more on my final days later but I before I left I wanted to attach an article I wrote about my time here in Belgium for the annual Cats Spaghetti Zwier magazine. I have to pack so without any more rambling... here it is. Off to pack.
ARTICLE FROM CRAZY AMERICAN NUMBER 1
Man, man, man... Where do I even begin? First, let me just come out and state the obvious. What can be said about my time here in Belgium that hasn't already been said about this country's finest beers...
Amazing, world class, dank je wel... nog eenje, second to none, it is always better with the right (protective) cup, and the list of positive adjectives goes on.
For me, my experience coming over to play for The Cats has literally been second to none. From the day I stepped off the plane ( and walked right past Ruud, who was expecting a bigger guy-- I guess now would be a good time to apologize for not being bigger and hitting home runs as all Americans are supposed to do), I have been welcomed into the club like I was family. Since day one, people have bent over backwards to make me feel comfortable and welcome, and for that I will forever be grateful. Sometimes I wonder what I have done to deserve to be among such a great group of people. This leads me to a little self-analysis…
Ok, so so far I am a short, weak American who can't hit home runs (like all Americans do). Strike 1. As if that isn't bad enough, a month into my stay here and I am also bringing my girlfriend over. Talk about a way to ruin the fun, right? Strike 2. Then the crates of beer keep coming and I can't drink as much as the last Americans, and am drunk after 4 pintjes. Strike 3. At this point, I really should be struck out and sent back to the States. Luckily for me, umpires in Belgium can't count strikes (or do much else right) so somehow I am allowed to stay on this amazing adventure. Yes, Belgium has been good to me. While other Americans had their time in this lovely country cut short by tooth aches, kidnappers in London, and torn muscles, I somehow avoided these tragic fates. And so for this lucky American, the adventure continued…
On this adventure, I have met so many great people, lived in four awesome homes, and Rachel and I were helped and supported by so many generous people that I could take up this whole magazine thanking you all. Instead I just want to offer one big thank you to the entire Cats Club for your part in making this the best summer of my life. You have all been so amazing, I just wish I could somehow return the generosity and hospitality that has been shown to me and Rachel the last 6 months (man, time flies).
Like the thank yous owed, the good times are also too numerous to speak about all of them. Instead, I will do what I often do on my blog... pick out a top list, so here it goes.
Thank you Belgium for... 5. Showing me I'm not the worst dancer in the world ( I guess that is a thank you to just Bart); 4. Letting me urinate anywhere I please and in front of anyone I want; 3. Your delicious food/my new love handles; 2. Having at least one game where it didn't rain; 1. Forever ruining the taste of American beer for me.
Top 5 highlights: All of our wins, ok that was easy. Ok, maybe a bit too soon. The only reason I say this jokingly is because in a few years when The Cats are atop the standings, people will be able to laugh about the trials and tribulations of seasons past. I may not be here then, so I am laughing now.
The serious Top 5 highlights:
5. Hanging out after practices and enjoying the social aspects of the club ( I have always said that the best part of baseball is the relationships and lifelong friends that I have made through playing and The Cats only strengthened this notion); 4. Trips to Leuven;
3. Travelling all over Belgium and Europe; 2. All the parties... Kermis week, Gala Ball, Vlinderball, etc.; 1. The relationships I have formed (with people especially, but also with the bullet special, about 100 new kinds of beer, different cities, the Belgian countryside, dinosaur cookies, chocolate, The 7 Oaks, and the list goes on…)
I could go on for pages, but the bottom line is that I will FOREVER BE GRATEFUL to this club and group of people for this opportunity and for all that you have done to make me feel like part of the Cats Family. Until next time, the warmest of thank yous to everyone. Thanks for everything and keep in touch.
Peace and love from the only American left standing.
Ethan Guevin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)