Conquering NYC

At Night from the Empire State Building
September 29, 2019

Reflection of the new World Trade Center 1
on another building
September 30, 2019

It was a whirlwind trop to the Big Apple for Chris, Jax, and me. 

We left Sunday morning and returned last evening. It was a trip to celebrate his promotion from 5th grade and into middle school. We could not have picked a better weekend for the visit and making use of a school holiday made it an even better trip. The weather was generally fantastic with only a few raindrops falling onto us as we disembarked from the oat which brought us back to shore from visiting the Statue of Liberty. 

The trip included a visit to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, the obligatory visit to Times Square and dinner there followed by a nighttime visit to the Empire State Building--which was awesome. I had never seen the city from there at night. 

Chris and Jax at the Shuttle Enterprise
Intrepid Air and Space Museum
September 29, 2019

Statue of Liberty
September 30, 2019

Yesterday was a fast paced day. We began by going to Rockefeller Center and visiting some of the shops. We missed the Today Show by a few minutes. From there, after retrieving the car, we headed off to the World Trade Center Memorial and from there the Statue of Liberty. There is so much to do in NYC, a short overnight just does not seem to do it justice. 

But we had fun and squeezed in a much as we could. We drove this time and it was not too bad. I even did pretty good in the NYC traffic. It is not all that much worse the Baltimore traffic.

And now, we return to our regularly scheduled week.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Crashing through the Weekend

Me with Jeremy, Nicole and Patrick
Elkridge, MD
September 26, 2019

We have so much stuff planned this weekend that two days were not enough in which to complete everything and so I stole a day from the workweek and added Monday to make this a three-day weekend!

We are going to be "crazy" busy. 

We have already been busy starting with my birthday on Thursday, followed by Happy Hour with friends last evening. 

Today the GORC Cooperstown Wildcats play a double header in La Plata! At least we get two games because it is over an hour drive with no traffic. That will eat up most of Saturday. But it will be a baseball Saturday--what could be bad about that?

Tomorrow, bright and early probably before dawn, Chris and I head out for NYC with Jax for an overnight. I am taking a day off on Monday so that we can explore NYC and then return at our leisure. 

By the time the weekend is complete, I may be looking forward to getting back to work to get some rest. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Grandson Day

Ethan at the Maryland State Fair
Timonium, Maryland
August 31, 2019

To note the passing of the month of August, the transition into September, and the last weekend before the start of another school year Chris and I hosted our grandsons for the day and an overnight.

Chris with the Boys Ready for the Farris Wheel
Chris, Ethan, Jax, Lucas
Timonium, Maryland
August 31, 2019

It began about noon with a surprise trip to the Maryland State Fair. I have to admit, I have not been to the state fair in a number of years. Sadly, it has not changed much except that the prices seem to have tripled. Rides are $5-6 each. Games are $2-5 and everyone seems to be trying to part a fool from his/her money. 

The boys enjoyed a number of rides and we made the obligatory walk through the livestock barns to get back in touch with farming. The boys all commented that they did not realize that cows were so big! I just had to smile at that. It was refreshing to see the kids with their prize livestock. Many of them were nervous in preparation for going into the judging ring. What a different life they lead from that of my grandsons'. 

Jax Headed into the Pool
Elkridge, MD
August 31, 2019

The day at the fair culminated with all of us becoming Scat Masters in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources exhibit. Who knew I'd be able to distinguish different kinds of wildlife poop correctly? I did have trouble with the coyote poop, having never seen it in the wild. From there it was back home to enjoy the pool for some refreshing activity. The pool was cool, clean and ready for action. 

Jax and Ethan at the Fire Pit
Elkridge, MD
August 31, 2019

It was an enjoyable early evening which saw pizza and wings get devoured in near record time. 

And then it was time for S'mores around the fire pit. 

The S'mores were enjoyed as the fire raged and then it was time for the scary stories. We told tales of the hereafter and unknown for a while and everyone contributed. The fire grew dim, the mosquitoes arrived, and soon it was time for bed. Exhausted, the boys quickly went to sleep, hopefully dreaming of the great ending to the month of August and the preparations for the start of the school year ahead. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Baseball is Back!

GORC U12 Cooperstown Team
GORC Field 8
August 19, 2019

Despite the obvious fact that football season is upon us and that the Orioles have tanked after showing signs of life during 
July, baseball has returned!

Last evening was the first practice for the GORC 12U Cooperstown Wildcats! The coaching staff was there, most of the boys were ready to play and the 95 degree temperatures on the field reminded us that this is not Spring baseball--it is Fall Ball! The field was in great shape, especially considering the torrential downpour that happened on Sunday afternoon. It was good to be back out in the dust of the diamond!

The road ahead of the team is long--it does not end until July when the team heads off to the mecca of baseball, Cooperstown, NY,  to play a week long tournament. 

As they say, one practice or game at a time, but off we go.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Promotion Day 2019

Jax Receiving his Promotion Papers
Waugh Chapel Elementary School
June 13, 2019

Jax on Promotion Day

It is the end of the school-year and yesterday Chris and I attended the 5th grade promotion ceremony for Jackson. We had a lot of fun watching him close-out his elementary school career along side of many of his friends. I think they were all ready to get out of there and to the after school pool party that had been arranged for them at the local facility.

It was a likely my last visit to the elementary school that I have been visiting for the past nine years. I have attended a wide variety of events and activities. There were concerts, awards ceremonies, and promotion ceremonies, and many other reasons to visit the school and revel in the activities of both Ethan and Jax as they progressed through the years. 

Yesterday, however, was a celebration of Jax and his academic career. And now he is off the the wild land of middle school. It is hard to wrap my mind around the thought.

Congratulations, Jax!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD  

And so the Season Ends

Pre-game Warm-up GORC 12U Wildcats (Haslup)
June 8, 2019

The GORC 12U Wildcats (Haslup) ended their playoff run and their season yesterday with a bone crushing loss. It is the kind of loss that just leaves a bad taste in your mouth because the winning team was not necessarily the better team, they just received too many breaks in the first inning.

Line Score GORC 12U Wildcats (Haslup)
June 8, 2019

The box score tells the tale of the game. The opposition managed 8 runs on 2 hits with 6 walks. Five of GORC's errors (3 fielding and 2 passed balls on 3rd strikes) occurred during the first inning in which it took the equivalent of 8 outs to get out of the inning. Taking away those errors, which all occurred with two-outs and no runs in, the score should have been 3-2. 

Pre-game Team Meeting
GORC 12U Wildcats (Haslup)
June 8 ,2019

Once the defense stiffened, the team managed some great plays, including turning another double play and solid play by the catcher, third basemen and shortstop, but they just were not ready to play at the start of the game. It felt like we had two outs for an hour during the now pivotal first inning. We had some heroic plays as well by players who were injured fielding the ball but still made great plays before succumbing to the pain or the dirt in their eyes. Jax was one of those, on a ball hit back to him while he was the pitcher dirt got into his eyes, but he still made the throw to first for the out. And in another, the centerfielder, Cal, got hit by the ball which took a bad hop but was able to field it and get it to home plate to cut down a runner. 

Despite the heroics and the solid defense, the game ended before the bats could overcome spotting the other team 6 runs during the first inning. 

Although the season is over and the sting of the loss is still fresh and painful, the one thing that I will take away from the season is that the boys are now baseball players and not just playing baseball.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Back on the Winning Trail

It was a beautiful evening for baseball last night. The GORC 12U Haslup Wildcats had an away game in Crofton which brought the best out in the team as they pulled together to win the time-shortened game in five innings. 

Jax Behind the Plate
Crofton, MD
May 21, 2019

The game began with the Wildcats stranding a runner at third after a lead-off single. With Jax on the mound and due to a few defensive miscues, the Wildcats surrendered three runs during the opening frame. The Wildcats bats finally heated up a bit during the second inning, but during the bottom-half they surrendered and additional 3 runs and were trailing 6-2 at the end of two innings. From that point on, it was all Wildcats as they outscored Crofton 10-4 for the remaining three innings. 

Brian repeated his 3-3 at the plate performance from Saturday's game with a single, double and a triple. He scored three times and had two RBI's. Jax was 2-3 at the plate with 1 RBI while scoring twice. He did circle the bases on a single assisted by three defensive errors. 

From a pitching perspective, it was a team effort. Four pitchers combined for the victory: Jax, Martin, Michael (who made his pitching debut) and Sawyer. While they combined to surrender 12 walks, they also struck out 7 batters and allowed only 2 hits.

The game ended on an extremely weird play. With two outs, the bases loaded and clinging to a tenuous two-run lead, Sawyer was on the mound and fired a 3-2 pitch which the batter thought was going to hit him and went down to the ground, but the ball hit the bat falling into fair territory in front of the batter. The catcher picked up the ball, after some encouragement from the dugout, and tagged the prostate prospective baserunner out to end the game. 

It was a gritty win! But a win!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bone Crushing Defeat

Yesterday was Saturday, and Saturday means baseball. It was a beautiful day for baseball with clear skies, no rain, no wind. Temperatures were in the 80's. 

The GORC U12 Haslup Wildcats played the other GORC U12 team in the Anne Arundel County League.

In short, we the game resulted in a loss 13-8 and the record fell to 4-4-1. It was a depressing loss because our boys are a really good team, but yesterday their lack of energy made simple plays seem difficult. Of course, it is hard to catch up when the team spots the other team fours runs and doesn't begin scoring until the third inning. 

There were highlights! Brian, the catcher, went 3-3 with a double and a triple and 3 RBIs. Cole, a utility player, was 1-1 with two walks and a homer!

Pitching Box Score
May 18, 2019  GORC U12 Haslup Wildcats vs GORC U12 Dispenza

The pitchers did better as a group, getting the walks down to 8 and striking out 9. They also played their position well recording outs at first and at the plate.

It was a difficult loss to take, but it will be growing experience filled with teaching moments.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bats Awaken

The win streak is now three. After starting the season 0-3, the GORC 12U Haslup (Wildcats) are now 3-3 after a hard fought 16-11 win over Crofton - Coach Plummer. 

The box score only partially reflects the hard fought victory. The six runs scored during the third and fourth innings are significant because that is the maximum number of runs allowed to be counted during an inning, until the unlimited sixth inning. It means the team scored six (or more) runs before getting three outs. In fact, the Wildcats scored eight runs in the bottom of the fourth inning due to a massive three-run homer, but only six could be scored for the game. 

Jax Warming-up for the Fifth Inning
GORC Park
May 4, 2019

The team started by giving Crofton the lead at during the first inning and that held until the bottom of the third when the Wildcats took the lead for the first time, 10-7. Crofton regained the lead during the top half of the fourth, 11-10, but that lead was short lived as the Wildcats exploded for eight runs during the bottom half of the fourth and that is when Brian hit his massive three-run homer.  

Jax came in to secure the win by pitching the top half of the fifth inning. He faced 5 batters, walked 2, struck out 2 and allowed no runs. 

The game was called because of the two-hour time limit with the home team Wildcats winning after the top of the fifth inning. 

It was a hard fought complete team victory. The boys are beginning to gel as a team and trust their instincts while making some great plays.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Offense and Defense Equals a Win

The team took to the field for our first away game of the season last night. The weather was warm and it seemed to warm up the bats and the inspiration the team as the GORC 12U Haslup cruised to a five inning win over the Anne Arundel County Harundale Rebels Recreational,17-5.

Box Score from the Game

Looking into the GORC Dugout
Corkran Middle School
Glen Burnie, MD
April 30, 2019

The game was another complete team win which saw GORC throw out four runners at the plate and turned in an improbable double play that started with a ball hit deep to Michael in center field. The hitter tried to stretch the hit into a double and play continued as Michael got the ball to Sawyer, the shortstop, covering second base, who tagged the hitter out trying to advance and then threw a strike to Preston, the catcher, who tagged out the runner attempting to score. Score the play 8-6-2, as I recall it. There were many other great plays by the defense during the night, one if which was throwing the batter out who tried to advance to second base after getting a walk. Great defense is just as important as a solid offense and the team had both last night turning in 9 hits and 9 walks.

The game saw Jax's first hit of the season, a double, in a night which saw him go 1 hit in 2 at bats but score 3 runs because he was also hit by a pitch and drew a walk. Jax had a solid pitching outing as well giving up 2 runs on 1 hit with 4 strikeouts, but 7 walks during 3 innings of work. The big player of the night was Sawyer, the shortstop, who hit the team's first homer of the season and went 2 for 3 at the plate with a walk, but more importantly had 5 RBIs. 

The win felt good for the boys and the game was called after 5 innings due to impending darkness.

Tonight is practice and we have a few more things to work on to make the team even better. The written recap of the game can be found at GameChanger. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The First Win

Success on the baseball field has finally happened for the Jax's baseball team the GORC U12 (Haslup). It came in the form of a complete team win yesterday. I write complete team win because everyone on the team contributed either offensively or defensively or both. 

The team posted a 7-4 win over the South River Seahawks 12U. It was a hard fought game which saw solid pitching by both teams. 

Defensively the win for GORC was highlighted by a double play, throwing a stealing runner out at the plate, and solid defensive work by by the team--including the outfield getting the ball back into the infield to minimize the number of bases taken by the runners. Defensively, the team only gave up 3 stolen bases and caught 2 runners stealing. By comparison, offensively, our team had 11 stolen bases and only 1 runner caught stealing. 

Jax Smiling after the Win
GORC Park
April 27, 2019

The hitting also came around as well. The box score records 9 hits, 1 of which was a massive double.

Jax pitched one inning, the 6th and faced four batters striking out two and walking one. He also received fielding support on a 4-3 put out. He earned a save for the effort and closed down the visiting team during the critical unlimited runs 6th inning, preserving the 3 run win! Defensively, he also had an incredible throw from deep Right Field that went on the fly to third base and almost got the runner that was advancing.

It was good to get the win. The boys have worked hard for the victory and all of the practice time is finally paying off. 

There were still some weird calls by the umpires. Jax was called out on a dropped third strike after apparently safely advancing to first base because allegedly somehow he touched the ball in fair territory. I'm still having a hard time seeing that play in my head.

A computer prepared write-up of the game can be found at Game Changer. 

The team heads on the road Tuesday night hoping to make it two in a row!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Bad Bounces

Sometimes the ball does not bounce the was we would desire during sporting events.

GORC U12 (Haslup) Wildcats
Parade Day
April 13, 2019

Last evening for the GORC U12 Team (Haslup) Wildcats, the boys could not get a break. And it was a lot of things that do not show up in the box score which contributed to the 10-3 loss. 

There was just so much that by the end of the evening it was clear that the ball and the calls were went against our boys. It was definitely a learning experience.

Here are the lowlights from the game:

We had a runner step off of 2nd base and get called out on a trick play.

We had another runner called out on appeal for missing second base--I personally saw him step on the bag as I waved him onto third base.

Then there was the runner that did not hear the fly ball call and decided to run home for a score only to be thrown out at third for not tagging. 

And then the worst call of the night, which arguably ultimately cost the team the game was when the shortstop was run over by the baserunner while making a play on the ball. The runner should have been out and that would have saved a number of runs during the pivotal fourth inning in which they scored the maximum of 6 runs. The interpretation from the umpire bible is very clear: If a base runner impedes a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball, or who is making a throw in continuation of fielding a batted ball, you have interference (5.09(b)(3)). Call the runner out. Award the batter first base (unless he is the one who interfered). Other runners may only advance on this play if forced by batter going to first. In this case, the lead runner would have been out on this play and the complexion of the game materially changed as the inning unraveled after this play. Sadly, the umpires were woefully uninformed of this rule.

But wait, there's more. To add insult to injury, as the game moved to the bottom of the sixth inning, and the home team Wildcats loaded the bases with no outs, the umpires called the game due to darkness. In this league, the sixth inning has unlimited run scoring and it was clear the Wildcats' bats were finally beginning to find baseballs over the plate.

Wow, my blood pressure rises even now as I review the evening on the diamond. I was proud of myself and Mike as we held our emotions in check and kept the boys focused on the game and not the calls. We never stopped believing that we could win--right up until the umpires called the game due to darkness, And then, it was over. Except for the bad taste in our mouths. 

Tonight, practice and Saturday will be our first win!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Under the Lights

GORC Park Field 7
GORC U12 (Haslup) vs Bowie
April 16, 2019

It was a beautiful evening for baseball. 

The temperatures were cool, but not uncomfortable and there was no wind. The field beckoned to the players almost calling them by name and inviting them to ply their craft on the dirt and grass.

The boys were ready to take the field and being the home team they had an advantage. They would have the last ups! And as the night progressed they really needed it.

The game degenerated a bit as the innings turned over from top to bottom. While the team kept the score close, that fact that we only had three base runners finally caught up with the  boys and the mercy rule was enforced at the bottom of the fifth inning with the score 11-1.

Mercifully it was over. Although, it never seemed as bad as the final score would seem to suggest.

But we have more work to do with our players. Practice is tonight and the next game is a week away.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Portending Summer

Jackson at Baseball Practice
Odenton, MD
March 15, 2019

As I walked though the workplace yesterday morning, I noticed something different, most everyone seemed a bit more enthused about the approaching weekend. Of course it probably helped that I wore an extremely bright Aloha shirt to help get into the weekend mindset, but I am convinced that the positive energy and mood due to more than my shirt. I believe that it may have been the favorable weather forecast coupled with the great week that was rapidly moving behind us.

Chris at Jeremy's Fire Pit
Elkridge, MD
March 15, 2019

Yesterday the temperature soared to about 78 degrees. Although rain had been predicted for the afternoon, none arrived until almost 9 PM. It was a great evening. I coached Jackson's baseball team practice until about 8:00 PM. It was glorious afternoon and the boys turned in a great practice. 

And then a magical thing happened. When I arrived home, I suggested that we enjoy head into the yard to enjoy the fire pit and the warm temperatures.  Chris and I decided that it was a bit late to start a fire, but Jeremy must have been reading my mind and invited us over to enjoy some fire pit time with him. So, we drove to Jeremy's and made it six days in a row around a fire pit. Although the rains arrived shortly after we settled in, we did enjoy some quality time with Jeremy. 

Friday portended the arrival of summer. Cue the sun and heat! Pool opening is a mere 52 days away!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Dog and Her Boys

Lily and Jax
March 8, 2019

Lily, the newest canine member of our larger family, apparently has a knack for making sick children feel better.

Lily and Ethan
March 8, 2019

Yesterday was a sick day for two of my grandsons--Jax and Ethan. Chris spent her day nursing them back to health. But, she had help from Lily, their faithful dog,  who comforted each of the sick boys as they napped on the sofa.

It was a touching scene--a a dog and her boy, sleeping together on the sofa together as the boys tried to get better. 

What a great dog Lily has become. She is attentive and loving. She takes great care of her boys! After all, what more can we expect from a dog?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Jax Celebrates

Jax with his Birthday Cookie
March 5, 2019

Jax celebrated his birthday yesterday. Coincidentally, he also had the day off from school due to parent-teacher conferences.

Jax and Ethan
March 5 ,2019

The day turned into a great celebration for him, lasted the entire day. Chris was able to enjoy the festivities while I was at work. It is rare to get such an opportunity and I am glad that they all were able to celebrate together. 

The party last evening was the frosting on the cake, err cookie! It was a warm family commemoration amid the cold and definitely not spring-like weather. This morning it is a balmy 18 degrees. And it is not expected to become much warmer for a few days.

Happy Birthday Jax! Baseball season is ready to get underway.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Happy Hour on Steroids

Nicole, Mom, Patrick, Jeremy
Elkridge, MD
February 27, 2019

Dad, Jeremy, Patrick, Nicole
Elkridge, MD
February 27, 2019

When is a good time for a celebration? 

Whenever there is a reason, of course!

Happy Hour is a daily celebration that Chris and I enjoy and last evening it became a very special celebration as the family gathered to enjoy the presence of Mom and Dad as they are journeying back to Central New York after wintering in Houston. 

The gathering of the entire family, less one, resulted in an exciting early evening. It is always good when the family celebrates--and it was a celebration. 

Luke, Jax, Dad, E
Elkridge, MD
February 27, 2019

There was a lot of noise as the grandsons took control of the situation. Sadly, there were too many cars in the drive to allow them to play basketball and so they were pretty much confined to the house. It would have been good to get them outside for a bit, even though it was cold. 

I was especially happy that everyone made it over so we could party together. We have not been gathering as a big family as often as we used to and we need to rekindle the close relationships.

The party ended early out of necessity as there is school today and the boys had to do homework and get to bed. 

Thanks everyone for carving out some time to gather together and celebrate. It was a Happy Hour to remember!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Veterans Day 2018 - A Special Tribute

Veterans Day fell on  Sunday this year meaning that the holiday covered two days. That was a good thing.

While it is unfortunate that the children in most Maryland schools have to attend classes on Veterans Day, because of that I attended one of the most touching and memorable Veterans Day celebrations I can remember. The event was held yesterday at Waugh Chapel Elementary School in Odenton. 

I was invited is because my grandson Jackson is in the fifth grade there. Even better, he had a speaking part in the Veterans Day assembly.  I was honored to attend, but I have to admit I was not entirely sure what I was going to find once the assembly began.

The school body assembled in the gym for the Veterans Day celebration. There were readings and poems, and songs along with a keynote address from a Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer. But, there was also unbridled patriotism and, I believe, a genuine effort to honor the veterans, the moms, dads, and grandparents who were in attendance.

The assembly began by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and then singing the Star Spangled Banner. The readings were short, as they should be to maintain the attention of the school children. Jackson did a spectacular job reading his poem and I was able to capture it on video. I was genuinely touched as the entire student body sang God Bless the USA. They sang with enthusiasm and I felt proud to be there in attendance to see and hear them. I admit, I enjoyed listening to them sing so much that I did not record the moment. It is, however, etched in my memory--the Waugh Chapel Elementary student body singing in unison and the growing enthusiasm as the song continued. 

It was a most special Veterans Day and it made me proud to stand up as an American and as an American veteran!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Life Achievements - Jax

Program for the Induction
September 26, 2018

I was honored, Wednesday evening, to attend a ceremony inducting Jax into the National Elementary Honor Society. 

Jax making his Entrance
September 26, 2018

While I often write about Jax's exploits on the sports field, mostly baseball, but he is also a very good student. 

It was a short but significant ceremony to mark the occasion and I am happy that every so often, scholarly pursuits receive the attention that they deserve. I am guilty of focusing on athletic more than academic achievement. Perhaps it is because as a society we do not appreciate academic achievements in the same way that athletics are worshipped.

Jax with Jack
Academic and Athletic
September 26, 2018

That needs to change.

But, in the case of Jax, he is good at both athletics and academics, and that is rare. Not surprisingly, one of his best friends, Jack, was also at the induction and like Jax, he is also a solid athlete!

Good friends in sports and school!

It was a great evening followed by a good dinner celebration.

Life celebrations. They deserve to be remembered!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Cool Summer Days

The Team

Last evening I spent another two-and-a-half hours watching Jackson and his tournament team prepare for the weekend's games. 

Jax During the After Practice Team Meeting

It was another long practice in preparation for a tiring weekend of games when the weather is expected to be hot. At least the evening weather was cool and provided the perfect conditions for another lengthy practice.

Jax is enjoying moving up to the next level of baseball where the game takes on deep strategy and complexity. There are signs to get the players ready for all aspects of the game from batting, to pitching, to base running, and even calling plays in the field.

Something the coach told the boys really resonated with me, he said, "You are not playing baseball, you are baseball players!" I think it is an important distinction. They are no longer just playing a game. 

The boys of summer are here!

In other news, the Orioles lost another game last evening 8-7.  They were winning in the 9th and managed to lose in the 11th. They are now a dismal 23-56 and they are 26 games out of first place.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD