Seminoles on the Warpath

 Playing in the heat of a late-Summer afternoon, the Severn Seminoles 14U baseball team displayed grit and enthusiasm while coming from behind to overcome a determined Severna Park Hornets 14U team. 

It was the last pre-Fall Ball Season scrimmage, but the boys demonstrated solid fundamental baseball. The pitching staff did an admirable job getting out of jams as there were multiple times the Hornets had bases loaded and one or less outs. As the two teams combined for 22 walks and 2 hit batsmen, the game was slow and plodding. 

That the team scored in each inning was a great achievement. It showed that they are unselfish and willing to work together to score runs. And in the field, as well--the boys followed-up plays and looked for the continuation to get additional outs defensively. 

The season starts next week and the hope is that the team will continue to build off the success seen so far. 

I am very happy to be back on the dusty diamond.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Baseball--In the Park!

National's Stadium
Mets vs Nationals
Washington, D.C.
September 3, 2021

 I went to a Major League Baseball (MLB) game in person last night. 

It was my first in-person professional baseball game since Spring Training in Florida during February 2020. And it was my first regular season MLB game since some time during 2019. 

It was great to be out at the ball park with the crowd. We had great, no we had awesome seats four rows from the field behind home plate. I took the image in this article from my seat while sitting. We heard the crack of the bat, the whump of the ball bouncing off the plate, the sound of a 101 mph fastball smacking into the catcher's mitt, and we saw an incredible play at the plate which resulted in the Mets catcher leaving the game.

We were part of the action. I noticed how loud it is with all the other fans above and around us. 

The game went into the 10th inning, which was incredibly exciting as the Nationals scored two runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to tie the game. Sadly, however, the home team gave up four unanswered runs in the top of the 10th and the Mets ended the evening with a 6-2 victory. 

The only downside was that we did not make it back home until after midnight. Even though the Nationals, like the Orioles, are cellar dwellers, it was fun to watch competitive baseball. Did I mention that Jeremy, our son, scored premium seats that included food, drink, and parking? That also added to the great experience. 

Baseball in person! Wow!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

1st Outing, 1st Win

 

I stepped back onto a baseball field as a coach for the first time since Covid-19 this morning in Severn. I am helping with the Severn Seminoles 14U team. I had forgotten how much I enjoy the thrill of coaching in a game helping to mould young ball players. 

As can be seen from the partial box score to the left, the Seminoles were successful in their first outing. It was a great first outing and the boys actually had fun and enjoyed the game even in the oppressive heat of the morning. 

It was a bit weird playing a baseball game when there were football games happening on a nearby field--but that is what Fall Ball is all about. Keeping the baseball skills sharp while developing into well rounded baseball players. 

The box score is really very good. Everyone contributed and since it is Fall Ball we used 5 pitchers to give the most opportunities to everyone to get back onto the mound and deliver a pitch for the team. 

The game ended due to the time constraint--but the two teams were fairly evenly matched. 

Most importantly, we all had fun coaching or playing a game that we love.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday Morning at the Ballpark

Jax Swings and Misses
Pasadena, MD
May 23, 2021

 Well, it wasn't really a ballpark, it was a field with fences and dugouts behind a middle school in Pasadena, MD. That is where Chris and I found ourselves in the heat of Sunday morning watching baseball with other parents and relatives. And that is probably the truest form of baseball--a rough field, two teams, boys living a dream that may not be their own, and dedicated fans.

As Chris and I walked across the dry grass of the adjoining playgrounds to the baseball field, I though about the many other players and parents across the country who are doing the same thing this morning, other mornings, and evenings to enjoy the game of baseball. And I do enjoy baseball. The boys are getting to the age where the game is much more than try to hit the ball and hope something good happens. There are plays and calls and strategy. And often just plain old good hustle will turn into a great play. It is fun and frustrating because we want the boys to play like professional baseball players and sometimes forget that they are still boys who are learning. 

But it was on this Sunday morning that I realized how special it was to be able to enjoy the game of baseball as it was being being played on a hot, dusty field full of hopes and dreams.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Orioles Write History

 

John Means Throwing Complete Game No Hitter
Seattle, WA
May 5, 2021

It happened yesterday in Seattle--John Means threw the first no hitter of the 21st Century for the Orioles. 

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first non-perfect no-no in Major League history that didn't include a walk, a hit by pitch or an error. This marked the first career complete game for Means, who tied a career high with 12 strikeouts. (MLB.COM)

What kept the game from being a perfect game was a batter reaching base on a dropped third strike who was subsequently thrown out attempting to steal second. 

There have been 10 no hitters in Orioles history--6 since moving to Baltimore for the 1954 season. There is even a no hitter in Orioles history where the two pitchers combined for a loss. The last no hitter was thrown during the 1991 season.

Last evening, the Orioles won over Seattle, 6-0.

The Orioles are sitting one game under .500 and 3 games out of first place!

Congratulations to John Means on the game of his life!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday Again

 It has been a very busy couple of days. 

Jax at the Plate

Severn, MD

April 18, 2021

Of course, with Chris enjoying beach time in Florida there is more to accomplish around the house--but I seem to have something scheduled for every day and evening.

Last evening, for instance, I enjoyed a great massage to soothe the muscles I abused on Saturday. 

During the afternoon after work, I rode my studio cycle through Switzerland on a 44 minute, 10 mile, uphill ride. Ugh! And this was after working full day. 

Sunday's game with the Severn Seminoles was exciting. Jax had a productive day and it was nice to sit in the warm sun and to enjoy some baseball. 

Important note: Chris is not just enjoying beach time, she has been working hard at planned projects and repairs in our Florida condo. 

Tonight looks to be busy again! At least the time passes quickly.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Day at the Course

From the Tee Box at Hole 4
Timbers at Troy
Elkridge, MD
April 17, 2021

 The important thing is that I survived 5 hours of sports activity.

I played racquetball in the morning for an hour followed by just over four hours of golf at Timbers.

I had an OK golf outing, considering that it was only the second golf outing this year. 

It was a beautiful day, just a bit on the too cool side to be called a perfect day, but when out golfing almost any day is a perfect day. My game was ragged--which was to be expected, but there were a few pars and at least one good look at making a birdie--which I missed but was left with an easy tap-in. On the down side, I totally collapsed on the second hardest hole on the course (12) after missing a par put and making a bogey on the hardest hole (9). Ugh. That is golf!

It was a great sports day. Today, sadly, I must devote mostly to business, although I am going to a Severn Seminoles 13U baseball game in a few minutes. 

I do enjoy weekends!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Look--Up in the Sky!

Five Contrails
Severn, MD
April 7, 2021

 A couple days ago I wrote about the blue, clear sky. Last evening at a baseball game for the Severn Seminoles, I experienced the blue clear sky under the lights as twilight deepened. I looked up and saw a reassuring sight--five contrails headed into the distance. 

Travel is definitely resuming as out society and economy struggles to overcome the pandemic. I was out at game, under the lights, trying to resume life. The major remembrance of the pandemic was that I had to wear facial covering even though I was both outside and practicing good physical distancing. 

I do not remember the last time that I saw five contrails lined up together. I do know that lately, air travel has been increasing. The steady stream of arriving and departing flights to or from BWI has become evident from my house. 

MLB AL East Standing
Through Games of April 7, 2021

And in other cool news. The MLB season is one week old today. Most teams have played six games. AMAZINGLY, guess which team is alone atop the AL East? And the Orioles have still not played a game at OPACY. Opening Day at home is today and sadly, I will not be attending. 

It is Friday Eve and I am looking forward to a good day. I will keep my eye on the sky and watch some baseball as well. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Let the Mowing Begin

After the First Mowing of the Year
Elkridge, MD
April 3, 2021

 The first mowing of the year happened yesterday. In advance of the annual Easter egg Hunt, I revved-up the tractor and mowed the weeds. The grass was at a good height, but the weeds were getting a bit too tall. And the mower also removed the last bits of winter debris from the lawn.

It was good to be outside doing work and enjoying the sunlight of the just a bit too cool day. I also managed to rearrange the shed to find a spot for the snow thrower--it has a great place to enjoy until it is again needed next season.

AL East Standings
Games through April 3, 2021

And writing of seasons--guess which team is alone atop the AL East of the MLB? Yes, the Orioles. Although unlikely to remain there long, it is good to see the Birds atop one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Orioles are already exceeding expectations, they have been at or above .500 for two days!

It seems prophetic, almost, the O's atop the AL East and my mowing season beginning. Spring has truly arrived and hope springs eternal. 

I also want to wish everyone a Happy Easter. It is because of Easter that we have hope.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

 

AL East after Games of April 1, 2021

Baseball has arrived. 

Well, except for the Orioles whose season opener was delayed until today. But, in so doing, the Orioles have a half-game lead over the Yankees! 

I am excited about the baseball season, not because I believe that the Orioles will be in the playoffs, that is unlikely. But, because fans are being allowed into the stadiums and by the end of the season, hopefully, there will not be any restrictions on the crowd size. 

My prediction, which I gave earlier but will repeat here, is that the Orioles finish 75-87. That would be a good season and position them for a strong season next year.

I remember, in olden times, that the first place I would turn when reading the morning newspaper was to the sports section to check the baseball scores and standings. In some way, I long for those times again. Now, I only see a newspaper on Sunday and lately it has been unreadable due to being soaked through by the rain. 

But baseball is back! Take me out to the ballgame.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday is Gone

Jax Leading off 3rd Base
Severn, MD
March 20, 2021

It was the First Saturday of Springtime. And what a day it was. 

Another near-normal Saturday is in the books. 

There was shopping and busy-ness during the morning. I even cleared a blockage in a drain. And then baseball to help enjoy the warm sun during the afternoon followed by a great dinner and evening at home with Patrick and Jen.

As the second sunrise of springtime happened this morning, I was again cheered by the blue sky and the golden hues as the sunlight crept down the tall and bare trees. I know that soon the trees will again be green.

The baseball game was very enjoyable even though Jax's team lost. They made it exciting at the end and while Jax's pitching wasn't as effective as last week, he made up for that at the plate where he went 2 for 2 with an RBI and he scored a run.

I am enjoying Saturdays again. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Jax at the Plate

Jax at the Plate
Kinder Farm Park
March 13, 2021

The slow, lurching progress towards normalcy took a big step forward yesterday. I did something that I did not do last Spring and that was to attend a youth baseball game. I was supposed to coach a a team that was planning to attend a tournament in Cooperstown.

COVID canceled the season and the tournament. 

Yesterday, Chris and I attended a youth baseball game during the Springtime! We had been to a few Fall-ball games during September and October, but Spring is when the games get serious.

It was a cool, but beautiful Spring day. I know that spring does not officially begin until next Saturday, but yesterday felt like Spring had already arrived. It was a nice day for a baseball game. Yes, there were face masks and physical distancing--but nonetheless, it was Springtime baseball. 

Life is returning, slowly and cautiously.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Baseball is Almost Back!

The winter of my discontent is nearly over. It appears that baseball will be back on time. 

Spring training in Sarasota for the Orioles is about to begin. Pitchers and catchers report on February 16th. But even better, the one player that the Orioles missed last year has already reported to camp-- Trey Mancini! Recovering from colon cancer, Trey appears ready to hit the field and be the team leader.

Covid has changed baseball. Doubleheaders will now be seven inning games and extra innings will start with a runner on second. I fear that the era 19 inning games is over. Baseball has become to commercialized to allow giving away free games as extra inning affairs.

Here is the big news: Opening Day is April 1st. Pushing back the start of the season has been dropped.

Take me out to the ball park--I hope.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Normal Saturday Returns

 

Chris and I enjoyed a more normal, BC* Saturday this past weekend. 

Ready at the Plate
Loch Haven Park, Maryland
September 19, 2020

We went to and enjoyed an autumn youth league baseball game. It was a clear, crisp, cold autumn morning with temperatures in the 40s as we woke and in the 50s at game time. We drove to the game, which had a 10:00 AM first pitch time looking forward to being back at a baseball field watching our grandson play ball.

Getting the Sign
Loch Haven Park, Maryland
September 19, 2020

We dressed warmly, but not warmly enough--I needed to get into the sun every half-inning to absorb enough warmth to enjoy the game as we were seated in the shade. I could have chosen to move to a sunny spot, but we were between the dugout and home plate on the first base side of the field right at the fence. It was a great position to watch the game that I used to coach.

The game started late and went the full two hours ending about 12:30 PM. It was a great escape from the news of the day which caused me to enjoy the outing even more. Jax had a frustrating day at the plate but pitched three solid innings allowing one earned run and throwing only 44 pitches. 

After the game, it was time to work around the house and enjoy the sunny, yet cool, day outside. I mowed the lawn and tended to some other minor projects ending the day, as Chris and I do, enjoying a glass of wine chatting about life, the future, and dreaming a bit about times to come while mindful of things past.  

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

*Note: BC is Before COVID

Baseball Resumes

Jax Pitching for Severn
Severn, MD
August 24, 2020

Last evening I attended my first youth baseball game of the year! It was an event that was supposed to have happened during March, but which was delayed due to coronavirus. 

Jax Finishing a Pitch
Severn, MD
August 24, 2020

Much has changed since March. I am no longer coaching and Jax has moved to a 13U Team and is now playing for Severn, in a red uniform. The game last evening was a scrimmage and Jax had a good night. The 90 foot bases and longer distance to the mound really changed things. It slows the running game down a lot. 

It felt strange to be watching the game from off the field rather than participating in the game from the dugout and third base. But, that is what the game is about growing up and playing at higher levels. 

Last evening's game caused me to think back to the winter workouts that our team had getting ready for a Spring season that was canceled due to coronavirus. So many lost innings. It hurt the development of all of the players not to have the season and I could see it in some of the players last night. 

The game had some drama last night. There was an infield fly that resulted in two outs with a runner caught stealing. There were a few dropped and misplayed balls, unfortunately during the inning that Jax pitched, which resulted in the game being lost although there were no earned runs scored. 

It was good to be out under the lights watching live baseball. If only they could do something about the bugs! But that is a story for another time.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Covid Timeout: Baseball

It is back!

Baseball--America's pastime, has returned. There were two games last evening and the Orioles take the field tonight in Boston to begin their 60 game Covid-19 shortened season. 

The Lightening Bolt that Effectively Ended the Game
Yankees vs Nationals
July 23, 2020

Last evening I watched the Yankees defeat the Nationals 4-1. I did not realize it when I went to bed during the 6th inning rain delay, but I watched the entire game. It was weird watching the game with the stands empty. 

In the other Opening Day game the Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-1. 

I am excited that the Orioles have returned, but a few of the rising stars are sidelined for tonight's game, one of them, Trey Mancini, will likely be out for the season although the Orioles placed him on the 60 day Injured Reserve. 

Here is my prediction for the young 2020 Orioles. 

I believe they will surprise people, but they are playing the toughest schedule in baseball against their own American League East Division with the Yankees and the Rays and against the National League East which has the defending World Series Champions and the Braves (who won the division last year) as marquee teams. I was impressed with the Baby Birds during Spring Training--but that was February, they went 3-0-1 during my trip to Florida. I believe the Orioles will finish 21-39, .350. That would be an improvement over the 54-108, .333 finish they posted last season. 

Let's Go O's!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Baseball Returns

It is back again in the news, hidden in the depths of the sports pages and web sites. 

Baseball! 

Major League Baseball (MLB) is creeping back onto the national stage. 

America's pastime.

Ed Smith Stadium
Sarasota, Florida
February 29, 2020

There is a schedule of three Spring Training (why aren't they calling it Summer Training?) today. Hidden inside the schedule of intrasquad games there are real baseball games between the Pirates and the Indians, the Mets and the Yankees, and the Phillies and the Nationals. 

Fans at Spectrum Field
Clearwater, Florida
March 1, 2020

I am lucky to have gone to Spring Training, the real Spring Training during late-February and viewed real baseball games with fans! And beer! And hamburgers!

It will be very different knowing that there are no fans in the park. Empty cavernous stadiums--it is a sad thought.

But, baseball is returning and the Orioles are traveling to the Phillies tomorrow for a game! 

I definitely need the diversion.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Loss of the Season

Coronavirus related losses are mounting; affecting every aspect of life. 

While many of us are mourning the loss of professional sports, the impact on youth and high school sports is even more devastating. Entire seasons have been canceled and opportunities to improve skills through on-field competition are being lost. 

Moonrise over GORC Park
Odenton, MD
March 9. 2020

The GORC 12U baseball team that I was assisting is losing its season and while there are hopes that a season may be reconstituted during June and July, the original April 25 date for restart has come and gone with only rumor and conjecture regarding the future. The pinnacle tournament of the season was to occur in Cooperstown, NY, during late June--but that was an early victim of the coronavirus. 

A month-and-a-half ago on March 9th, the team had its first outdoors practice after working out all winter in an indoors facility. I snapped this image of the moon rising over the field feeling full of hope and excitement as the reality of the upcoming season was finally coming to fruition. The lights were on and we were practicing baseball. I wrote about the optimism of the moment in a post titled, The Moon Rises.   Little did I know as I wrote that blog that it would be the only outdoors practice in which I would participate and that coronavirus would soon cancel almost everything. 

But, it is not a total loss, yet. There is still hope for baseball, despite the daily evidence to the contrary. 

Time will tell--we will adapt and survive.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Opening Day 2020, Not!

Yesterday was the originally planned opening day for Major League Baseball's (MLB) Baltimore Orioles and most of the league. 

Why do I get so excited about Spring and baseball?

Rogers Hornsby, a baseball star from a century ago said it best when it comes to the return of baseball.

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball,” Hornsby once said. “I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”  
-- From the New York Times article It’s Opening Day. Baseball Is Closed.

People who know me know that I, similar to Rogers Hornsby, look out the window during the winter and wait for spring. Why? Because spring is when baseball begins again, and in truth it begins before spring in Florida and Arizona with Spring Training games. I am more fortunate than many MLB fans because I was lucky enough to attend four Spring Training games in Florida during February before the season stopped and then delayed. 

Orioles Game on TV to Celebrate Opening Day
Game from June 7, 2017
March 26, 2020

Of course, the real MLB opening day will now likely be in June, but I decided to enjoy yesterday as if it were Opening Day. I wore my Orioles jersey to work along with the cap I bought at Spring Training and my Orioles jacket. I was not the only person who similarly attempted to infuse some springtime cheer into those around me. During the day I imagined when I would be going to Camden Yards and reveling with the crowd--yes, a real baseball crowd not adhering to social distancing, and then enjoying my first beer of the baseball season. Chris also got into the spirit of the day. When I got home she had a ballpark dinner planned and we enjoyed sitting on the back deck in the full sun talking about Opening Days past and reveling in the warmth dressed in our best ballpark clothes. Oh yes, and there were adult beverages served as well. 

Trey Mancini

Once we came inside, we joined the broadcast of an Orioles game classic on MASN, from June 7, 2017. The game went 11 innings and the Orioles scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game--the two that tied the game were powered by a homer from Trey Mancini. The Orioles went on to win the game in the bottom of the 11th on a walk-off homer from Trey Mancini. It was good to see all of my favorite old Orioles who are no longer with the team while watching my favorite new Orioles player. Sadly, only four players from that team remain: Trey Mancini, Richard Bleier, Mychal Givens and Chris Davis. All four of these players appeared in this game. 

But hey, it was Opening Day, in my mind, and the Orioles won! What could be better?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Moon Rises

Moon Rise
Odenton, MD
March 9, 2020

The moon rose over Odenton last evening as our baseball team enjoyed perfect weather and conducted its first outdoors practice of the season. The lights of the field illuminated the players and the practice field while the moon rose in the distance. 

It was good to have practice outside and prepare the upcoming season. The team had been practicing at an indoors facility since January. Being outside again we had the room to accomplish drills and distance throwing that we could not at the indoor facility. The infield is under renovation, so we were confined to the outfield, but we still managed to have a very productive practice. Monday practices promise to be interesting as they do not begin until 7:30 PM. I have to admit that it was nice not to face rush hour traffic to arrive to practice. It was a much more enjoyable drive and took the normal amount of time to traverse the distance from Elkridge to Odenton.

The boys worked hard, but the rising moon was the highlight of the evening for me. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD