Essendon vs. Waverley

Essendon defeats Waverly 3-2...This is game was played at Melbourne Ball Park in Altona, Victoria and pitted the top two teams of the Victorian Baseball League against one another. The game was played on Wednesday, February 18th, 2010.

EBC Love

It is five hours shy of my first real test in Australia. I am slated to start tonight's game against the VBL's first place squad, Waverley. The match is even more important as my counterpart is former El Paso Diablos teammate, Adam Blackley. This is an appearance that I've looked forward to since before I even came here.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the past couple weeks Down Under. My girlfriend, Katie, was in town from Feb. 5th - February 17th and the vacation was one I will never forget. There was so much accomplished during that short time...visits to the Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, Lorne, St. Kilda, Melbourne Zoo, Crowne Casino, etc. It was a great 12 days for sure! Although she left yesterday, she made impressions on my new family out here that will surely last a lifetime.

As for baseball, I've really come on strong. In my last post, I spoke of how things have finally come together and how excited I am about seeing results for it. This past Sunday I threw again - this time for 2 2/3 innings for four strikeouts, no hits, no walks, and no runs. My control has gotten better as has my confidence and strength (mentally and physically). I'm feeling good and now know I'm the guy that is going to help bring a Grand Final championship back to Essendon. Go Bombers!

God Bless.

It's all starting to come together

There are so many slogans and phrases that I have heard in my life in regards to good things happening to good people. I've heard everything from "if you love it, you'll certainly fight for it" or "what goes around comes around".

What is my favorite you ask? It's pretty simple especially after the life lessons I've learned these past couple months.

"Good things come to those who wait."

I've tried to paint a pretty picture for everyone about baseball so far out here for me. The results and statistics have looked pretty solid there is no question there. But in relation to my mechanics, rhythm, and comfort level...not much good has been able to be spoken of. I've struggled these past few weeks to get back to where I was before I was injured. I've tried drills after drills, worked on sinker after sinker, and broken down my mechanics time after time. The end result was more time in the gym and extra repetitions on the bullpen mounds.

And yesterday afternoon, it all came together again. That magic of being dominant was back. My comfort level was elevated and I felt like I was on top of the world.

In yesterday's win over Cheltenham at Essendon Baseball Park, I punched out 12 opposing hitters and limited them to just two hits in six innings. The end result was my first win in the VBL and an overwhelming feeling of...I'm back again. "I'm back" means much more than you could ever understand. As I sat on the bench after a long day's work yesterday, I tried to take it all in. Tears came to my eyes and a smile beamed from my face.

I love this game. My hardwork has paid off and now I have results to show for it.

God Bless.