Baseball in the Warm

 

Jax at the Plate
Odenton, MD
March 26, 2026

As a counterpoint to yesterday's blog, we went to a baseball game last evening that was perfect in terms of temperature. 

Arundel High met South River High in a tussel with the game time temperature at 78 degrees. Wow! What a difference a day and twenty degrees makes. Although Arundel ultimately lost, the game was far more enjoyable than the 58 degrees we experienced at the start of yesterday's game. And then it got colder!

Jax on the Bump
Odenton, MD
March 26, 2026

Jax was the starting pitcher and pitched the team to a 3-3 tie at the end of 4 innings. Ultimately the team lost 11-7. The team let him bat and he made solid contact with the ball, unfortunately he hit it right to an opposing player who threw to first to make the out. It was a fun game to watch however, because the team never stopped trying and it  ended with the bases loaded and the tying run at the plate. Now that is some excitement.

In other baseball news, the Orioles began their season with a gritty 2-0 win over the Twins. I am excited about this version of the Orioles team and am expecting an 88 win season! With 1 in the books, they only need to win 87 of the next 161 games.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Baseball in the Cold

Jax Leading the Cheer
Odenton, MD
March 25, 2026

 Chris and I enjoyed two events yesterday. 

Baseball in the cold and dinner with Jeremy, Julie, and Lucas. 

I write baseball in the cold because after attending two Spring Training games in South Florida this season, yesterday's Arundel High baseball game against Severn Run High was just downright cold. 

Although Jax was not scheduled to start, we still wanted to go to the game to see, in person, the boys we have been following nearly every game so far this season on Game Changer. 

Arundel in the Dugout on Offense
Odenton, MD
March 25, 2026

The temperature at 4:45 PM, game time, was about 54 degrees, but as the game went on it got colder and the wind picked up. Nicole introduced me to some really nice electric hand warmers! Trust me, I learned they were lifesavers! As for the game, Arundel won 6-5 with some bottom of the 7th inning heroics to enjoy a walk-off win.

Jax is the scheduled starter for the tonights game! Already the temperature this morning is warmer that it was at game time last evening. Game time temperature is expected to be around 79 degrees! Yay!

We left the game during the 4th inning to enjoy dinner with Jeremy's family. We had a great meal together.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Irish all Over with Baseball on Top

 

The Irish Festival
Downtown Abacoa, FL
March 14, 2026

Enjoying a lazy Saturday is the epitome of a great weekend. 

Our big event of the day was attending the Irish Festival in Downtown Abacoa. There was a Spring Training game underway right across the street at Roger Dean Stadium which meant parking was a bit tight. OK, really tight. Fortunately, Chris and I arrived a bit early and were able to secure free parking in the overflow lot down the street. 

Irish Fest
Downtown Abacoa
March 14, 2026

We enjoyed the fest and I am looking forward to another fest in the parking lot across the street on the actual St Patrick's Day hosted by the local Irish Restaurant and pub, McCarthy's.

For the afternoon/evening, Chris and I watched a pre-season baseball scrimmage via GameChanger between Arundel High and Marriotts Ridge. Jax pitched the first two innings and later played left field getting an RBI as a batter. It was a long game--really long (3 and a half hours) and the final score was a less than satisfying 12-12 tie. The good news is that Arundel came back from a 6-run deficit to tie the game but could not push the winning run across in the bottom of the 7th. 

I love this video clip. Jax throws a killer curve to strike out the final batter of the first inning. 

I am very happy that baseball is back!

BTW--I, sadly, did not enjoy any pie on Pi Day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Friends on the Beach

Six Friends on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
March 9, 2026

 Celebrating the end of a beautiful day and the sad close to a vacation for two friends, we met on the beach last evening for Happy Hour and dinner. I decided to take an image of the six friends on the beach, but it was a bit different from most. As we sat there, I saw our shadows on the beach in front of the ocean. I decided that would be our good-bye portrait. It is kinda obvious which shadow is me, lol.

Heston Kjerstad
Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, FL
March 9, 2026

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with Sue and George and it sadly is coming to an end as they fly north today. But, we will be heading North ourselves in a few weeks for Easter.

We also attended a Spring Training Game between the hometown Cardinals and the Orioles yesterday. It was a solid game for about 5 innings until the Orioles gave up 5 runs in the 6th and 7th innings to lose 7-2. But we had fun seeing the Orioles for what I believe was their first trip to Jupiter since moving to Sarasota from Ft Lauderdale during 2010.

It has been a fun and busy week. We will miss Sue and George. Here's hoping for smooth TSA processing at PBI and a refreshingly boring flight.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Out to the Ball Game

Nicole and me at the Stadium
Jupiter, FL
February 23, 2026

 It was a cool, clear day; perfect for baseball. Chris, Nicole, and I headed to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium to watch a thrilling, but slow moving game between the Marlins and the Cardinals. Both teams host their home Spring Training games at the stadium. When they play each other, they switch off being the home team. Yesterday, the Cardinals were the home team. That is important later.  

The Pitch
Jupiter, FL
February 23, 2026

We arrived at the park early enough to enjoy stopping at a bar for a pre-game drink and snack in downtown Abacoa. Abacoa is a community in Jupiter, FL, that has charm and should not be missed. Arriving at the park early also meant we secured some free parking!

Sitting in the sun we were hot, even though the temperature only briefly reached 60 degrees. When the shade overtook our seats, we got cold! It was one of those days! But the game was at least interesting, especially the bottom of the 9th inning when the Marlins blew a 4-2 lead and the game ended on a run-scoring wild-pitch for a Cardinals victory. It is good to be the home team.

I felt a bit guilty being able to attend a baseball game while the Northeast is digging out from a blizzard. But then reminded myself that is why I retired to Florida. We still experience cold, for instance this morning the temperature is 42 degrees. The good news is that the return of 70s and 80s is only two days away. 

I love singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game during the seventh inning stretch. 

The Orioles come to Jupiter in two weeks! I'll be there and I will be wearing baseball attire.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A New Sports Season Dawns

 Now that football is over, baseball is ready to spring onto the scene. (Did you catch the double entendre there?)

Orioles pitchers and catchers report tomorrow to Sarasota. Those participating in the World Baseball Classic  (WBC) reported yesterday. Yay. There are more than a few Orioles playing in the WBC this year. Sadly, that usually does not bode well for their performance upon returning to the team. The WBC games and innings add-up when tacked on to a 162 game season.

According to the most current information I have, ten Orioles will be participating in the WBC:

• Henderson will play for Team USA, marking his WBC debut. 

• Kremer returns for Team Israel, his third appearance. 

• O'Neill joins Team Canada.

• Bradfield represents Team Panama. 

• Garcia, Espada, and Vázquez are on Team Puerto Rico, stepping in after key players were denied insurance. 

• Long pitches for Great Britain. 

• Ashman joins Team Canada.

• Cruz, a 26-year-old lefty, plays for Cuba. 

I am still committed to soccer (football in the rest of the world) with Arsenal actually not folding this year. So far! Go Gunners!

Turning to the Olympics--I wish they were a bit more exciting. As of this morning, the U.S. has but two medals--both gold. For such a promising team to get spanked the way they are is sad. It looks as if the team may get possibly earn two more medals today. 

Finally, in high school baseball, Jax is preparing for his senior year at Arundel High. He was rated with the second best curveball among high school seniors in Maryland. I am looking forward to seeing more than a few games. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cheering the Wildcats

Jax and Nicole
Berlin, MD
MAy 10, 2025

 I have not written a lot about the Arundel High School Varsity Baseball Team this season. But, their win over Saverna Park made them a regional champion and propelled them into the Maryland State Class 3A Baseball Finals, it is time to start mentioning the Wildcats. 

It was a tough season, with the Wildcats going 10-10 until the regional playoffs. They won their play-in game and then defeated two more teams, including one team that was a favorite to with the state championship, to get into the finals, where they are now .

Their win yesterday, 7-2 over Saverna Park, was a signature win which propelled them into the States. 

The official final seedings for the State tournament are pending as of this morning but there is excitement in the air as the season continues. One unofficial source has Arundel facing Chopticon. The stats and comparison between the two teams is on the web.

I love baseball!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

No. 3 Takes the Mound

Jax on the Mound
Arundel High School, Odenton, MD
April 2, 2025

Last evening, I was privileged to attend an Arundel High School Varsity Baseball game in which my grandson was the starting pitcher. He is a junior and it was his first varsity start. Although it was cold--very cold, both Chris and I were excited to be there. We did not know he was the starter until we arrived just as he was finishing his warmup for the first inning.

He pitched a gutsy and great 5.2 innings. He actually pitched 6 innings, but a dropped ball at 1st base cost him the final out of the 6th and also the win. He allowed 2 hits, 1 unearned run, walked 4 and struck out 2. The team went on to win the game 2-1 with a 7th inning walk-off single to score a run. 

Why gutsy? Well, it was cold and there was a biting wind. But, more importantly, he did not have command of his best pitch, yet figured out how to get outs using his other pitches and that is really tough on a cold day when the team is depending on you to turn the fortunes of the season around. The team has suffered some tough late-inning losses and their record is 2-5.

On the Bump
Arundel High School, Odenton, MD
April 2, 2025

This was his third appearance of the season and he has been solid in the other two. Although he got tagged for a blown save in his first appearance, he was victimized by a nasty error which allowed the go ahead runs to score on what should have been the final out of the game. He was lights out in his second appearance, also in relief, pitching 2.2 innings of 1 hit baseball while recording 5 strikeouts. That game was the team's only other win.

I wish we were staying in Maryland longer so that I could see him pitch again, but the warmth of Florida is calling to me!

Good job Jax! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Long-distance Baseball

Watching GameChanger
Tequesta, FL
July 19, 2024

 Our grandson Jackson is playing in a Maryland state-wide American Legion baseball tournament this weekend. Chris and I looked hard at flying to Maryland to be there in person, but the crazy pricing for last-minute airline seats made that financially irresponsible and it was too far to just drive up for the weekend.

The miracle of modern technology almost makes it as though we are there at the game, however, using an app called GameChanger. We can access the realtime video of the game on my laptop, or phone, and project it onto a larger TV. It is not the same as a big league game but we can follow the action in realtime almost like we are there. Of course Nicole, our daughter and mother of Jackson, gets peppered with questions about things happening that are not clear. She seems to take it all in stride, however, and I appreciate her timely responses. 

The team seems to be doing well. They are playing again today after two games on Friday and one game yesterday. I think that means they are likely in the semifinals, which is really cool. I hope they get to play the team from Boonsboro again who gave them their only loss so far. 

I wish we were there in person, but watching the game live is a close second.

Gotta love baseball!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Night with the O's

OPACY (Oriole Park at Camden Yards)
Baltimore, MD
May 1, 2024

 Chris and I were blessed to be able to attend an Orioles game, Wednesday night, with many of our family members. I say blessed because it was a truly great experience even though the O's dropped the game to the Yankees.

Pre-game at Pickles
Baltimore, MD
MAy 1, 2024

I had not been to OPACY since the 2022 season. It was good to be back in my favorite ballpark and to see for myself the new, last year, Great Wall of Baltimore. 

We dropped in at Pickles for some pre-game adult beverages. That was something that we almost always did when we had season tickets. It is a good way to transition from fighting horrific traffic to getting in a baseball frame of mind. It is fun to interact with the other fans, even those rooting for the wrong team. 

View from Our Seats in Section 55
OPACY, Baltimore, MD
May 1, 2024

As can be seen from the images, it was an idyllic evening for baseball complete with clear skies, bright sun, moderate temperatures and a lot of fun. 

I was treated to a great pitcher's duel. Although the O's lost 0-2, I enjoyed the game as each at-bat brought a new opportunity to win the game. 

I enjoyed a Boog's BBQ--wow, I forgot how much roast beef they put in a sandwich! I walked the stadium and enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of the ballpark. 

It was good to be back, even for a night.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Take Me Out . . .

Jax at the Plate 9th Inning
Broadneck HS, Annapolis, MD
April 29, 2024

 I had the opportunity to enjoy a junior varsity baseball game between Arundel and Broadneck. Jax was playing and there was a bit of revenge in the air as Broadneck had soundly defeated the Arundel Wildcats during their previous meeting.

The warm temperatures, in the 80s, and the crystal blue sky coupled with a nice breeze made the afternoon game a very pleasant endeavor. 

While the game was a loss for Arundel, I witnessed a lot of good baseball with some exceptional plays. Arundel turned two double plays but could not score more than 2 runs, finally succumbing to Broadneck 9-2, with 3 of their runs coming in the bottom of the 6th inning as the pitchers pitch count started climbing. Jax had one of Arundel's 5 hits, a solid shot into right centerfield. Earlier in the game, he got dinged up a bit sliding into second base as the infield dirt was very hard. 

It was a great afternoon of baseball.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Finally--the World Series

 What a very different MLB playoff season it was. But now the teams are set for the finale--the World Series. 

After the wild card and division playoff series were mostly blow-outs, both the ALCS and NLCS went seven games with the winning teams taking the final two games from the home teams. That was a first in baseball history I learned while watching the game last night.

Based upon their recent performance, the Arizona Diamondbacks should have the advantage since they will play four of the seven games on the road! Texas only won road games during their ALCS series. 

But no matter--it begins Friday night in Texas as Arizona faces the Texas Rangers in the best of seven game duel. 

Can the snakes strike before the Rangers unholster their bats?

It remains to be seen.

I am rooting for Texas. It is a thing. I tend to cheer for the team which eliminated my team to win the championship, because if we lost it had better be to the eventual champions!

Go Texas.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Baseball Banquet and the Week Begins

 

Jackson and His Coach
Waugh Chapel, MD
June 5, 2023

Last evening I was honored to attend the Baseball Banquet for Jackson. He was a contributing member of the Arundel High School JV Baseball team and last evening was the recognition for the entire program, varsity and junior varsity.

He was recognized not only for his contributions to the team, but also as a scholar athlete.

It was a fun evening watching the team accept awards and accolades, from freshmen to departing seniors.  

This banquet kicked off a week of celebration. 

This morning we are off to Ethan's graduation. And the activities associated with graduating high school have already begun in earnest. 

But, last evening was devoted to Jax and baseball, and rightfully so!.

BTW, Happy D-Day!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Pollen and Baseball

Pollen on the Pond
Odenton, MD
April 14, 2023

 I was shocked yesterday as I looked at the pond near Nicole's home and noticed the thick layer of pollen floating on the water. It is no wonder my allergies are running rampant. The incredible amount of pollen in the air is a good reason to stay inside, but the problem is that the weather has been so idyllic that I want to be outside. Thankfully, Claritin keeps my allergies in check so that I can be outside. 

Jackson gets a Hit
Glen Burnie, MD
April 14, 2023

I was outside in the pollen attending the Arundel Junior Varsity Baseball Team's game in Glen Burnie last evening. It was the third game of the week, but fortunately the weather has made attending the games very pleasant. 

Last evening's game was a rout, sadly, as Arundel pounded the undermanned Glen Burnie team, 25-1. I felt very bad for the Glen Burnie team as they were clearly outmatched. Even though the game ended after 5 innings due to the mercy rule, it still took well over 2 hours to complete. I was impressed with the Arundel coaches who recognized during the 5th inning with the game in hand that Glen Burnie was out of pitchers. With the bases loaded, as they had been for most of the top of the 5th inning, and a 24-run lead they allowed Glen Burnie to get an easy third out to end the inning and the bleeding. I actually heard the Glen Burnie manager yell "Thank you" after the play. Long before that, during the inning, Arundel had stopped aggressively running the bases to keep from running up the score. Glen Burnie was retired quickly in the bottom of the inning to end the game. It was demoralizing for the Glen Burnie players who only had 11 players compared to Arundel's 19. Not a deep bench.

The entire Maryland family, along with a family from Ithaca attended the game and were treated to Jax getting a hit and playing in the field. I am getting a bit better with my camera and recorded the hit. It was good that everyone made it to the game. Since we have moved to Florida, we have had fewer opportunities to gather together to celebrate. 

After the game many of us gathered at Nicole's and enjoyed pizza while watching, of course, the Orioles once again come from behind in the late innings to win a baseball game. The Orioles are tied for third place in the AL East with the Yankees. The are also tied for 5th place in the American League with the Yankees and the Guardians.

And what is on tap for today? 

Baseball! Outdoors! Pollen! And Happy Hour with friends.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Springtime Projects and an Update

 

Electric Mower
Odenton, MD
April 11, 2023

I live in a condo community and so I do not have yard work. I must travel to have the opportunity to get out into the yard with a mower and create the dust and pollen to which I am allergic. The other day I mowed the lawn at Nicole's townhome. It is much smaller than the lawn I used to mow on my tractor and I used a self-propelled electric mower. I was good to be in the yard doing work. I did need to boost my allergy medicine afterwards--I am very allergic to Maryland. Funny, I don't need allergy medicine in Florida. 

I actually enjoyed getting out in the yard and doing one of the first mowings of the season. Chris and I used to compete to do the first mowing at our house in Elkridge. 

As an aside and a follow-on to yesterday's blog about the Arundel Junior Varsity Baseball Team, Chris and I attended a home game last evening. The Arundel team spotted the visitors 10 runs in the top of the 1st inning, but over the course of the remaining innings of the game outscored the visitors 14-2. Final score: 14-12 Arundel! Jackson did not get into the game, but it was thrilling to see the boys claw back into the game by tying tie the score at 11-11 in the 4th inning and then press on to win. It was a long almost three-hour game, but it was full of action and drama.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Baseball Afternoon

Jax on the Mound
Southern High School
Harwood, MD
April 11, 2023

 One thing that both Chris and I are experiencing during our visit to Maryland is junior varsity high school baseball. And it is great to be at the games we otherwise would be tracking on GameChanger. 

Yesterday we traveled to Southern High School for an afternoon game. The weather had warmed since the weekend and was absolutely perfect for baseball. 

We had comfortable seats, in the shade, for the game. I have to admit, I was thankful that I brought a sweatshirt to ward away the cold which began to sink-in about mid-way through the contest. 

Jax was not in the game as a position player, he often plays an outfield position. As the game wore on, into the third inning, the score began to get more lopsided and we were hoping that the contest would end after the fifth inning by mercy rule--a ten-run advantage for the Arundel Wildcats. 

Then, to begin the bottom of the 4th inning, who should appear from the dugout and stride to the mound? Jax! We were very excited to see him pitch in person. He had only posted one other appearance this year--two solid innings of work combining for a shutout. Today, however, was another day and we held our breath as he took the mound. 

When the game was over, Jax had posted two solid innings of work. Two hits, one unearned run and two strikeouts. He threw 27 pitches to 8 batters, 20 of which were for strikes. He also demonstrated a great pick-off move which caught the runner leading too far off first base leading to a rundown which ended when the runner was tagged out. He held the more than 10 run lead and the game was mercifully over 2 hours and 15 minutes after it had started.

Since we have been in Maryland we have seen Jax play right field, pinch run, and now pitch! Oh yes, and bat!

Today, we will be attending a home game!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

80s in Maryland

Arundel High JV Baseball Team
Crofton, MD
April 6, 2023

 Chris and I landed in Maryland just a few hours ago and we are already at a junior varsity baseball doubleheader enjoying 80 degree temperatures. 

The Orioles canceled their home opener due to the threat of thunderstorms, but the skies at 2 PM were partly cloudy. 

We had an early morning flight from West Palm Beach which went smoothly. The plane was packed. 

Of course this is a holiday weekend and we are back in Maryland for Easter. 

Sitting here, I am amazed at the number of kids on the team that I have had the honor to coach with my son-in-law Mike in the past. They are so big now and still using the fundamentals of the game we taught them. Wow! 

- Bob Doan, Crofton, MD

Spring Training Continues

Lecom Park
Bradenton, FL
March 17, 2023

 I drove across Florida to attend a Spring Training game at the Pittsburgh Pirates facility in Bradenton, Florida, yesterday. The drive across Florida for three hours on a two lane road is very interesting. My route, since I'm going to the Sarasota/Bradenton area, takes me just north of Lake Okeechobee and then straight across the state to Bradenton. The landscape is very flat. I passed cattle farms, palm tree nurseries, a turf farm, and lots of just open space. I note that the road is a two lane road. And the road in places is just straight and flat. 

I enjoyed the game. The Pirates defeated the Rays 6-2, but it was almost more about being in the sunlight, the warmth, and with my friends from Maryland.

View Across the 5th Fairway
Bobcat Course, The Plantation
Venice, FL
March 18, 2023

This morning I awoke in a condo on a golf course. I ams sitting here watching the sun come up and wondering when the first group will pass by. I can remember being one of the first groups on the course heading out into the dew covered grass watching the ball kick up a rooster tail when it rolled over the green. I am told this course hosts an LPGA qualifying event. 

I am looking forward to some fun this morning and then a drive home later tonight.

-- Bob Doan, Venice, FL

Baseball Returns

Roger Dean Stadium
Jupiter, FL
February 25, 2023

 The first Spring Training games of the brand new MLB season were played yesterday.

Chris and I along with our friends visiting from Maryland were in attendance as the Washington Nationals came to town to play the St Louis Cardinals!

Baseball is Back!

Jupiter is a baseball city. Two MLB teams conduct Spring Training here and there are two Minor League teams that play here after the MLB teams head north. 

Yesterday's game was exciting and enjoyable. The only real problem was the two teams playing both wore red and so it was Red on Red. The only visual difference in the uniforms was their pants. The day was blessed with beautiful weather, 80s and clear. The game was close, but I have to admit the crowd seemed somewhat subdued. The game felt more like a late season MLB game with both teams out of contention for the playoffs. 

There were two distinct parts to the game. The Cardinal starters beat the National starters 2-1 during the first 5 innings, but the Nationals Spring Training invitees defeated the Cardinal invitees 2-0 for the final 4 innings, making the final score 3-2 Nationals. I took the image of the scoreboard before the game was complete, but it accurately depicts the final score.

It was baseball and I was there to enjoy it. 

Roger Dean Stadium did have some opening day security issues. The lines were over 20 minutes long to gain entrance to the stadium. We missed the first half inning and the National's first run because of the lines. I am hopeful that the security processing issues will be solved as the season progresses. 

In other Spring Training news, it should be noted that the Orioles defeated the Twins 10-5 in Sarasota. 

Go O's!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

A Beautiful Night for Baseball

Padres vs Nationals
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
August 12, 2022

 

The sky was stunningly clear and the temperatures moderate after stifling heat and humidity. Jeremy secured some prime seats at Nationals Park for the game between the visiting San Diego Padres and the local Washington Nationals. 

It was not so much about the game, I spent much of the evening watching the Orioles scores as they defeated Tampa Bay to move into third place in the division and actually take sole posession of the third Wild Card spot. Of course there is a lot of baseball remaining, but that the Orioles are third in the toughest division in baseball is no small feat.

But, back to the game. I was able to see some of the Padres superstars--Manny Machado--a former Oriole, and Juan Soto, a former Nationals. The Nationals were never really in the game once the scoring began and the Padres piled on the runs, winning 10-5, but three of the Nationals runs were gratuitious in the bottom of the 9th inning. 

The game was fun to watch, but there was a problem with the scoreboard and we did not have live pitch counts or scores after about the 6th inning. Fortunately, we were able to keep up with the game on our cells.

I thank Julie because she accepted the task of driving in the ferocious traffic; allowing me to enjoy the game more because I could just be a passenger.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD