An Undying Love

Spring is an amazing season. It creates growth and life, not just in our natural surroundings but also in ourselves. Everyone feels better when the sun is shining, the weather is warmer and when the days are longer. There is always that sweet spring smell you feel passing through your nose into your lungs in spring. I always loved that spring smell.

That smell reminds me of countless hours at the ballparks around Western New York. Usually these little tiny parks where the grass is worse than the infield dirt. But even though the fields were below par, you were still out there to play. Playing in the polyester flannels of white or grey. Wearing that same cap day in and day out, collecting sweat stains from overuse. The breaking of a new pair of cleats until they feel oh so right. That was what baseball was to me, the sights, sounds and the feel of the game.

It's been years since I've played competitive baseball. It's apparent I can never let the game go. Despite the love for the national game, it caused anxiety, the worry, the boredom of outfield duty. But as soon as I left it, the game kept calling me back. I can never say no to it. That's why I have to be around it.

I love baseball. I'm not like those stereotypical guys who has to live with sports and uses it as an affirmation of life. Sports, particularly baseball, lured me into the strategy and competition of the game. It grew the greatest relationship with my father. The game developed my dream to be an announcer. To me, life couldn't get any better than announcing baseball games for the rest of my life.

While the journalism world is hard to break into, tomorrow, I will be in the booth for my second season of play-by-play for the Geneva Red Wings. Last year I was 22 years old and achieved one of my top ambitions in life - to call a baseball game. At 23 I am hoping it will lead to an opportunity to a career. A paid gig, financial security. Now, I'm not asking to become a millionaire with a catch phrase (not my style). I'm just looking for an opportunity to follow ballplayers and tell their stories and their games. As I get the rest of my notes prepped tonight, I hope people tune in and think about how much work and how much love the people at the ballpark have for baseball... and that's not including the players.


ROC SPORTS NET 2009

Geneva Red Wings - 6-6-09

The first team meeting of the new baseball season. So many fresh faces and a few familiar ones fill a quiet room. That's the thing about first impressions, they have gotten such a horrible reputation that people feel more at ease letting silence fill the air rather than simple introductions.

That ends when manager and owner Dave Herbst walks in and opens up the meeting. The Rangers scout draws such a strong connection between his style of baseball and boxing. It's interesting to hear similarities of the national pastime to the sweet science. Herbst talks about using intelligence and quick strikes to eliminate opponents out on the diamond. It reminds me of the works of a young Mike Tyson. Though I'm pretty sure Herbst doesn't want batters pummelling infielders or catchers with jabs and hay makers.

Throughout the discussion of Herbst's talk about his expectations of the summer (hard work and focus on baseball), the room lets out it's nervousness. While on first impression of meeting Herbst he is not the kind of guy who overpowers you with his words. He talks when needed, much like the boxer he was, reminds me of the Paulie character from Goodfellas. Even the words he says are powerful but at the same time speak to your level. Herbst is the type of guy who wants to help you, a strong reminder of why he manages a collegiate summer league team.

After the introductions of the coaching staff, the players shared their basic information around the clubhouse and the one thing that stood out that was different from last season was the goal. Not to say that last season's Wings team was focused on trying to advance in the game of baseball but the players this year seem focused on winning.

While the some of the players got fitted, Dave Riggs, my broadcasting partner and I took a look at the new pitching staff for the 2009 season. Let me tell you this, there are some pretty strong arms on this young group. This team has a collection of arms looking for the quick strike, fastballs that are whizzing through the warm June air in Geneva. The 2008 staff featured a diverse group of pitchers. Half finesse with an equal amount of power just turned away hitters last season. It was a critical factor in the teams title run that ended in the Divisional Series against eventual champion Brockport.

After the short practice, I was able to chat with Will Horford, returning infielder from Notre Dame. I was glad to see Will, because this is a kid who shows a lot of hustle and love for baseball and as a journalist, a laid back guy you can easily talk to.

The same can be said for most of the guys on this squad, so open at dinner, where I was talking to Dan Gliot about playing high school baseball in harsh Northeast and Midwest conditions or chatting about the dearth of large towns in Iowa with Jack Wortley. This team looks ready to play as a team and hopefully this squad will take home the championship. Let's see if they can start today's exhibition with a "W".

ROC SPORTS NET 2009

Follow Summer League Baseball

One of the greatest seasonal traditions in the Flower City is enjoying baseball. While the Rochester Red Wings take the field all summer at Frontier Field, the Geneva Red Wings will be playing at McDonough Park in Geneva.

As the play-by-play announcer for the team, I'll post every game with updates and player news. With these college kids playing summer ball, impressing major league scouts, who knows someday they may be playing for the Rochester Red Wings.

Geneva Red Wings Site


ROC SPORTS NET 2009