Spring Training Trip

Looking Down at the 16th Green
Bent Tree Country Club, Sarasota, FL
February 25, 2022

 As most know, nearly every year for at least the past ten years I have made a trip to Sarasota, Florida, home of the Baltimore Orioles Spring Training, to play golf, watch baseball and enjoy some evening activities. This year, obviously, due to greed, the Spring Training Baseball part of the trip did not happen--but the golf and evening activities did. 

I drove across Florida to Sarasota on Thursday morning to play golf and have some fun with some refugees from Maryland. Funny, it took me longer to drive across Florida form Jupiter to Sarasota than it did for them to fly from Baltimore to Sarasota. 

I was able to play two rounds of awful golf--but I loved it. I had forgotten how tough the second day in a row playing 18 holes on a long course can be. But, I had fun!! And I had even more fun because I was playing with Jeremy both days. 

It was sad that there was no baseball to watch, but playing golf still makes the trip worthwhile. I did not stay for the entire four days due to requirements back in Tequesta--but I enjoyed my two days and one night.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Super Sunday

The day has finally arrived. It is Super Bowl Sunday and the stage is set for another day of partying and even the promise of some football thrown in between the commercials. 

Who to cheer for? The Rams, or the Bengals? 

The Bengals are the underdogs, currently by about 4 points. BUT, the Bengals hail from the AFC North Division--home to the Steelers and my favorite team the Ravens. Therefore, I will be cheering on the Bengals--a team which beat both the Ravens and Steelers in each of their meetings this year--home and away. 

I am truly hoping for good football to close out the season. The ending was very disappointing for the Ravens as Lamar was injured and the team lost its final six games to finish outside of the playoffs. 

The day will be filled with anticipation and maybe a bit too much food and drink. 

I know that here in Florida the police have promised extra patrols looking for impaired drivers starting about the time the game ends. They will be looking for party revelers who over indulged--and I don't think they will be helping them to get home.

Be save and don't over do it if you are planning on watching the game and partying. 

I am a terrible sports predictor--however, here it goes.

My prediction Bengals 31 - Rams 27.

May the best team win and the referees stay out of the headlines.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Racquetball

 I got out Saturday for a bit to play some racquetball at the outdoor courts. 

I don't usually write of my exploits on the racquetball court but it had been a couple months since I last played and I have not been golfing either. My game was rough--but it always is rough anymore, I do not play enough since I only play outdoor courts and between the darkness, weather, and schedules finding a time to play has become increasingly difficult. 

It was a cool day and I believe I managed to acquire a head cold from the play--but, most importantly I had fun smacking the ball around the court. The courses at Atholton have been refurbished and it was nice to actually be able to see the ball in the corners. 

The first two games were, in a word, miserable. I lost the two games by a score of 30-8. If you know anything about racquetball you know that games are usually played to 15, so do the math, I sucked. There was one stretch across the two games where I gave up 16 straight points!

The last two games were better. We split--the games and the points. The combined score for the two games was 29-29.

A solid ending for my last racquetball outing of 2021.

One wonders what 2022 will bring?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Banquet

Ethan Receiving his Personal Record Medal
Arundel High School
November, 16, 2021

Last evening Chris and I were honored to attend the Arundel High School Cross country End of the Year Banquet. 

It was really good to see all of the runners gathered together in a relaxed atmosphere. Although I had only attended two races this year, I could see that the runners, boys and girls, had blended into a true team. 

The coach did a great job talking about each one of the team members and describing their strengths and contributions to the team. The evening took me back of the football banquets I attended when I played high school football, however, with so many boys on the team the comments were not nearly so personal except for those who made the largest contributions. Last evening each member if the team, from freshman to senior, was recognized for their contributions and growth during the year. 

And at the end of the evening, Ethan received a tee-shirt from his other grandmother that really summed up the bond that cross country runners share. I found the saying on-line and put an image of a sweatshirt with the saying on it for all to enjoy.

Cross country truly is tough.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

State Cross Country Finals - Not for the Weak

Ethan 1 km from the Finish
Hereford, MD
November 13, 2021

 I must confess, although Ethan has run cross country for the past two years, I never really appreciated the sport until yesterday.

Yesterday was the State of Maryland Finals for Cross Country. It was quite an event with hundreds of harriers from across the state gathered at one high school for the finals. It was a sight to see.

What was more impressive were the throngs of fans, mostly parents and grand parents who made their way to the competition and braved the cold rain and temperatures to cheer their competitors. It was weather that makes the stoutest of heart faint considering the runners were wearing only shorts and running shirts. They made me cold looking at them in the mud and the cold rain. And when I say cold, my watch indicated the temperature was 43 degrees. 

The rain was unrelenting for the entire run. The mud was becoming a problem on the course and for the spectators watching the event. The boys did a great job running. Ethan runs for Arundel High and they are the team in green in the middle of the start. The Arundel High team placed 10th overall and Ethan was 4th on the team.

Braving the rain and the cold--what a day, what a race, and I have a new appreciation for the sport.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Two Weeks in a Row

 

Chris on the 1st Tee
Clifton Park, Baltimore, MD
August 7, 2021

An amazing thing happened this morning--I played golf!!

It was truly amazing considering that before last week my previous outing was June 5th, but now I have managed to risk life and limb on a course two weeks in a row!

And as an added benefit, Chris joined Jeremy and me for the outing. We had the second tee time of the day at  6:10 am and finished 18 holes in 3 hours 12 minutes! We would have been faster but the group in front of us kept us from making it a sub 3-hour round.

Although I did not log the improvement that I expected, I was two strokes overall better this morning than last week. 

It was great to be on the course before the sun crawled up into the sky and we were headed home about 9:30 with the rest of the day in front of us. 

A bad day on the golf course is better than a good day in the office!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday 9AM

It is 9 AM Sunday morning as I write this and it has already been a busy day.

I was up before the sun and on the racquetball court at 6 AM to get in the games that I had delayed playing since the rains on Friday and Saturday morning.

And then for fun, I started learning Pickleball--and played three games, if you can call them games, of this new sport.

From there I zipped off to Jeremy to assist with picking up a sofa--which tool until 8:50 AM. Boom!

And now I am home for breakfast and a shower before heading off to a baseball doubleheader.

A busy summer Sunday. What could be better?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sports Saturday at Hand

Cheery Window Box for a Bright Saturday

Elkridge, MD

April 17, 2021

 A busy sports Saturday is what I am in the middle of enjoying. 

This morning at 7 AM, as dawn was breaking, I was on the outdoor racquetball court. It was about 43 degrees, but the play soon got me very warm. It really is a great way to start the day. I actually held my own on the court, which made me happy. 

Following racquetball I have a Tee time for just before noon at Timbers. It will be only my second golf outing of the year and I am using a new driver--which I am still a bit unsure of. I may take my old one in case I lose confidence in the new one. 

I should be exhausted about the time evening arrives. I am thinking a nice late-afternoon nap will do the trick.

I have to enjoy life today because tomorrow I begin one of the tasks I dread the most: TAXES!! Ugh. Settling-up with the governments is a tortuous task that never comes out in my favor at the end. 

Play today and work tomorrow.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Super Bowl LV Review

From start to finish the BIG game fell short of expectations. 

It was not the most super of Super Bowls. 

The expected matchup between the quarterbacks did not materialize. I was expecting an offensive led game, but instead it was a one-sided affair. 

Of course, part of my disappointment has to do with the Chiefs losing 31-9 to the Bucs. But, it goes much further than that. There was no drama. Kansas City was never in the game. The offense never got into a rhythm and the defense made stupid penalties at critical times.

The highlight of the game was the flyover of bombers: B-1B, B-2, and B-52. Now that really excited me to see the the backbone and workhorses of the Air Force's power projection force on display. 

The halftime show left me wondering--what was that? I have an idea for next year's halftime show--get the best rated college marching band and have them do a classic show to restore the roots of football to the big game.

That may be the problem. The Super Bowl has strayed too far from the roots of the game. It has become primetime entertainment rather than a sporting event.

Even the commercials left me wondering--why? 

Well, there is next year, right? Maybe things will change.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

SUPER!

 

In a manner that none expected to happen, it is Super Bowl Weekend. It is different, there are few, if any, fans at the site of the big game. but, the game will go on despite coronavirus. And it will occur on the date planned many months ago. 

That the game is going to happen on time is testament to the American spirit. Through a season fraught with rescheduled games and m missing players--the NFL player on and provided quality entertainment for a country suffering the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic of any country in the entire world.

This morning there is news of an automobile crash with injuries to children involving the linebackers coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is the son of head coach Andy Reid and will miss the game.

But--the game will go on.

And what a contest it will be pitting the greatest of all time (GOAT) quarterback against the clear rival to that title. That would be Tom Brady (GOAT) versus Patrick Mahomes (GOAT wannabe).

I am excited for this game because I am expecting an offensive show and a high scoring game. Both quarterbacks should be able to pick apart the opposing defense with ease. It will be a matter of which offensive line gives their "gunslinger" enough time to find receivers down field. 

I am a Kansas City fan from my youth. I remember years ago as Chris and I were driving through Kansas City while traveling that I made us exit the interstate so that I could see the famous Arrowhead Stadium. So, it should be no surprise that I am again cheering for the Chiefs to win and become repeat champions. 

Bob's prediction: Chiefs 37 and Buccaneers 34. I will even go further and predict that the Bucs will miss the tying field goal (from 47 yards) on the last play of the game. 

Disclaimer: I am NOT a professional handicapper.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And the Dolphins Remain

 

I watched the Football Team defeat the Steelers last evening and preserve the 1972 Dolphins as the only team to post a perfect season and win the Super Bowl in the history of the NFL. 

It was a tough loss for the Steelers. It was a trap game--the team was coming off a tough win against the depleted Ravens last week and looking forward to the strong Buffalo Bills team next week. In between were the seemingly hapless Washington Football Team with a lowly 4-7 record. But, the Football Team has been playing much better lately with a strong defense and Alex Smith, their quarterback, getting the feel for the game after reassuming the starting role following his disturbing injury two seasons ago.

The Steelers loss, however, makes the playoff race a bit more interesting. For Washington, they are definitely alive tied atop the NFC East with good prospects for winning the division, which is the only way an NFC East team will be in the playoffs. And in the AFC, the struggle between Kansas City and Pittsburgh for the best record will continue for a few more weeks. Unlike Kansas City, which clinched a playoff spot this past weekend, the Steelers have a tough schedule and will need to defeat the thundering herd of the Buffalo Bills (9-3) as well as the Colts and Browns to clinch a playoff spot--unless the Ravens provide an assist by defeating the Browns next week. 

I have to confess, I am excited that the Team with "No Name" is in the playoff hunt! It would be weird if they won the Super Bowl and everyone had to accept that a team called Football Team (FT) is on the Lombardi Trophy!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

It Didn't Disappear

 

I remember the President and many Republicans asserting that COVID-19 would disappear right after the election on November 3rd. Their assertion was that the pandemic was the creation of the Democrats and it was a hoax.

How I wish they would have been right, but wishful thinking and professing an alternate reality does not work. Reality is, after all, real and as a country we are fully suffering unchecked pandemic. Americans are getting infected at ever increasing rates and people are dying. 

As much as we have been trying to cover up the facts and hope that they will get better, the inaction of the current, and fortunately outgoing, administration has only let the virus run roughshod over the American public. Instead of disputing the election results in the courts the administration should be focusing its efforts upon fighting the coronavirus in the streets.

And now the reality of the pandemic is hitting the NFL squarely. A headline in USAToday reports:

The NFL has officially reached its COVID tipping point

The article in USA Today begins:

It was bound to happen, as the last vestiges of the Trump administration continued to ignore a pandemic that moves unabated among us.

It was bound to happen, as various state governors ignored and dismissed mask mandates that would have helped.

It was bound to happen, as the NFL tried to balance a responsible position on COVID while keeping the games going on a no-matter-what basis.

Football is succumbing to the virus at an incredible rate. As teams begins to play their 11th game of the season, it is becoming difficult to field a complete roster for some teams. 

The Ravens and the Steelers, who are scheduled to meet Tuesday night after having their Thursday game rescheduled twice, now have 25 players on the reserve/COVID roster. There is a good chance this game may never be played.

But wait, there's more:

The Broncos do not have an NFL experienced quarterback for today's game. all four of their quarterbacks were placed on the reserve/COVIS roster.

The 49ers may no be able to play their next two home games due to COVID-19 restrictions regarding their stadium.

COVID-19 is real. 

Act like it!

-- 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

Spring Training 2020, Day 3

Ed Smith Stadium
Sarasota, Florida
February 29, 2020

The Spring Training trip is drawing to a close. My golf game yesterday was miserable, but then we played a a Champion course and I am not a championship player.

It was not pretty.

It was fun. The day was bright and sunny. We are getting a lesson in sunburn. With the cool temperatures we didn’t notice the sun’s effect until too late. There is no sun in Maryland to worry about, but this is the Sunshine State for a reason. While my golf game was not sharp, my team won the day. Thankfully, my teammates picked up the slack.

After golf, we went to Ed Smith Stadium and watched the Orioles defeat the Marlins. Wow!  I have to stop speaking badly of Chris Davis, he hit his third homer of the Spring Training and is leading the team in batting average.  

The Orioles crushed the Marlins, 12-6.  With the exception of the first run, the Marlins runs were scored after the starters left the field. 

Btw, it was Leap Day. It only happens once every four years. Today is the last day of the Spring Training trip. It is sad how quickly it went by. But I have a lot of good memories and a sunburn. Today is golf, baseball and a flight home.  

— Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida

Baseball and Golf Day 2

River Run Golf Links
Bradenton, Florida
February 28, 2020

Another day in the Florida sunshine was experienced. It was cool and I needed to wear my jacket for much of the day, but the skies were clear and the sun was warm on my face. And I did get a touch of sunburn by the time the day was over.  

The day began on the River Run Golf Links in Bradenton, Florida.  We had an early tee time and watched the sunrise over the course. The sunrise in the palm trees was a stunning sight. The picture above is looking down one of the fairways from the tee box.

After golf we went directly to the Pirates Stadium in Bradenton to watch the afternoon game between the Pirates and the Orioles.  The stadium was very nice and we arrived about an hour and a half before game time. It was fun to watch the stadium come alive. I was surprised at how empty the stadium was when game time arrived. But it was a good afternoon for the Orioles. They defeated the still winless in Spring Training Pirates 11-4 to even their record at 4-4. 

Today is a wash-rinse-repeat of yesterday. Golf in the morning and baseball in the afternoon. We will be in Sarasota to see the Orioles host the Marlins.  

By way of note, happy Leap Day! To those of you with birthdays today, I hope your very special and rare day is enjoyable.

— Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida 

Baseball and Sun

New Atlanta Braves Stadium
Venice, Florida
February 27, 2020

And so it begins. The first day of the Spring Training trip was a success. Even the weather cleared to make the day spectacular. The morning clouds gave was to clear sunny skies. It was cool, but comfortable.

We visited the new Braves facility in Venice and saw a game between them and the Cardinals. You might think that that is not an Orioles game, and that is true, but two former Orioles played. Nick Markakis plays for the Braves and hit a double. Matt Wieters catches for the Cardinals and went hitless.

Today is a golf and baseball day. Golf tee time is 7:14.

Baseball is later in the day.

Day two is off and running.

— Bob Doan, writing from Sarasota, Florida

The All Stars

The All Stars after their Games
Ethan and Jackson
Arundel Middle School
Odenton, MD
February, 26, 2020

Last evening was a celebration of youth and basketball. Ethan and Jackson were both representing their teams in the end-of-the-season All Star games for the GORC league. It was a very exciting time since they both were selected as All Stars.

Jax at Mid-Court before the Game

There was a lively crowd on hand and the best referees from the regular season officiated the games where it was a lot of fun watching the best kids from all of the teams that we had seen play during the season came together to play some exciting basketball. 

Ethan at Mid-Court Before His Game

And the skills were definitely on display. Fouls were kept to a minimum and the boys played basketball. It was fun to see the skills on display and remember how all of the players developed during the season. I had attended almost all of the games and witnessed the players development during the season. 

And now, Basketball is done and it is on to Baseball! But, for one last evening filled with highlights, three-point shots, spectacular defense, and gritty play Basketball was celebrated. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The In-Between Week

I decided to take a break from writing about the Impeachment Trial and write about football.

Welcome to the in-between week. Since the NFL Pre-Season began during August, we have had a steady diet of football--until this week. This week the only game on tap is the Pro Bowl and that just does not generate a lot of interest. I may watch it because there are a lot of Ravens playing in the game who would rather be playing in the Super Bowl, but alas, the fortunes of football did not shine kindly on them during their last game of the season against the Titans. 

Next week, the Super Bowl hype will begin in earnest as the ramp-up to the big game begins. But this week--there is a void of football reporting and most sports reporting for that matter. I did read that Derek Jeter and Larry Walker were selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

It is, however, generally quiet on the sports front and, hence, the Impeachment Trial seems to be the biggest news around. 

But to get out there and back to the Super Bowl, I am picking the Kansas City Chiefs to defeat the San Francisco 49ers and win their first Super Bowl in 50 years! And I am an ole time Chiefs fan as I was cheering for Kansas City 50 years ago when they defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 even though the Vikings were 13 point favorites! It was the Chief's second Super Bowl--they lost to Green Bay in the first Super Bowl which was not called the Super Bowl when they played the game. 

Super Bowl Fact: Super Bowl IV, won by the Chiefs was the last Super Bowl played between the AFL and the NFL. After that season the AFL merged into the NFL to become the NFL that we have today.

And so the in-between week continues. And now, back to the Impeachment Trial.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The National Championship

I sat last evening and watched the beginning of the National Championship Game 2020 between the two teams known as Tigers. I have to admit that I was awed by the energy and the excitement. It has been a long college football season and it comes down to this finally final game. 


I must confess that I really didn't care which team won the game. I was just happy that Alabama and Ohio State were not in the championship game as it seems that those two teams tend to dominate such affairs. Although Clemson, as the defending champion, is beginning to start a dynasty of its own having played in 3 of the past 4 national championship games with this being its 4th appearance in the past 5 years. They had two championships and were going for the third. 

The game began with fireworks--but no scores during the first two drives for each team. Clemson finally drew first blood on their third possession with a touchdown. From there there game was on!

As I was playing racquetball at 5:30 AM this morning, I did not to watch too much of the game and opted to get some much needed rest. 

Congratulations to LSU, the National Champions and owners of the college football bragging rights for 2020. LSU defeated Clemson 42-25.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

January Weather Respite

I did not see yesterday coming. 

Around the Fire Pit with Friends
Elkridge, MD
January 11, 2019

The high temperature yesterday was officially 72 degrees! The record for the date was 73 degrees! I was outside in my shirt sleeves enjoying the day. We had the windows open and enjoyed having an outside event. By evening, we had the fire pit burning and enjoyed wine in the evening with friends. 

Weather Underground Forecast for BWI Airport
Baltimore, MD

For January, it was a fantastic day. A welcome break from the cold and means that we are one day closer to the beginning of Spring. I am sure that there will be some very cold and weather trying days ahead. Looking at the ten-day forecast, the temperatures are trending down to more seasonable levels--fortunately, right now there is no snow in the forecast. 

The beautiful day did end on a sour note, however. The Ravens were defeated in their playoff game by the Titans. It was not a particularly close game and that means that there will be no AFC Championship nor Super Bowl to celebrate for the Ravens. It was the franchise's best season ever and they had the best record in all of football. It was sad to have the season end in such a defeat--but that is, after all, sports. Neither of the two-best teams in baseball last season, the Dodgers or the Astros, won the World Series.

So today, I think I will just enjoy the expected nice weather with a forecast high of 71 degrees and some sun in the afternoon.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD