Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Sunday, June 28, 2015

2015 Zoots Tournament Day 2

Walbeck Elite

The Walbeck Elite played in the second day of the Zoots Tournament. In the first game, they faced the AZ Zoots.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 1 with a walk and a strike-out. In his first at-bat with Trevor at third, they tried to run a sucidic squeeze. The pitch was in the dirt for a ball and Trevor was picked off at third. Jack eventually walked on five pitches. He was out on an inning ending double play by Sam. After taking two called strikes, Jack struck out swinging in his second plate appearance.

In the field, Jack played right field. He had three put-outs and handled four other hits to right field.

Child pitched and struggled with his control. Managing only three hits, the Elite lost the game by the score of 5 to 1. The scorebook is here.

By three hours between games, Jack and I had lunch and wandered to West Coast Sports. The Elite played Lamorinda in the second game of the day.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 2 with a walk and a fielder's choice. In his first at-bat, Jack fell behind 0 and 2. He took a ball, fouled off a pitch, took another ball, fouled off two more pitches and then drew a walk. He ended the inning there after Ryan flied out and Trevor struck out. Jack hit a 0 and 2 pitch for a hard ground ball right at the pitcher. The pitcher made a nice stop and forced Sam out at second. Jack was safe at first. He ended the inning there when Ryan flied out. In his third at-bat, Jack grounded a 0 and 1 pitch to the second baseman and was thrown out at first to end the game.

In the field, Jack played right field. Although he handled a couple of balls to right field, he didn't have a put-out. The scorer charged him with an error. In a hit to right field, a runner was trying to score from second. Jack threw to Aaron at first as the cut-off, but the catcher yelled for him to let it through. The catcher didn't field the ball and they charged Jack with an error on the throw?!?

Although Lamorinda only managed three hits, the Elite shortstop committed four errors. The Elite lost the game by the score of 5 to 2. The scorebook is here.

For the summer season, the Elite have a record of 2 win and 8 losses. The game log is here.

Although the Elite will be playing a consolation game on Monday in Pittsburg, Jack is not available. This is the last game Jack is going to play this summer. He is heading to UPenn for the Wharton Sports Business Academy next weekend.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

2015 Zoots Tournament Day 1

Walbeck Elite

The Walbeck Elite will be playing in the Zoots Tournament over the next three or four days, including doubleheaders on both Saturday and Sunday. The Elite played Club All-Star in the first game on Saturday at College Park High School in Danville.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 2. In his first at-bat, Jack tried to bunt a 0 and 1 pitch for a hit. He bunted it too hard. The pitcher fielded it and threw him out at first. Jack struck out swinging on a 2 and 2 pitch in his second plate appearance.

In the field, Jack played centerfield. He had two put-outs.

Lee pitched a solid complete game. Unfortunately, the Elite gave up two unearned runs on three errors. Additionally, they couldn't string together any timely hits. The Elite lost the game by the score of 4 to 1. The scorebook is here.

The Elite turned right around and played Kali White in the second game of the tournament. Trevor who played with Jack on the Jesuit freshman and JV baseball team was playing for Kali.

At the plate, Jack was 2 for 3 with an RBI. In his first at-bat, Jack lined a 0 and 1 pitch into right field for a single to lead off the third. Unfortunately, the next three batters hit fly balls for outs and he ended the inning at first. With Trevor on first, Jack hit a 2 and 1 pitch for a hard grounder through the right side for a single in his second plate appearance. The next two batters hit fly balls for outs to strand Trevor and Jack on first and second. In his third at-bat with the bases loaded and one out, Jack grounded the first pitch to the shortstop. Freeman scored from third and Jack was thrown out at first.

In the field, Jack played right field. He had two put-outs.

Managing only five hits (two of the hits by Jack), the Elite lost the game by the score of 4 to 2. The scorebook is here.

For the summer season, the Elite have a record of 2 win and 6 losses. The game log is here.

The Elite will play AZ Zoots and Lamorinda on Sunday at CSUS East Bay.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Farm to Fork Dinner

Sharon and I went to the Agribusiness and Food Law Committees of the Calfornia State Bar Farm to Fork Dinner at the Heidrick Ag History Center. Sharon served on and chaired the Agribusiness Committee in the late 1990's.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Area baseball beat: Sacramento State, UC Davis lead area in draft picks

Area baseball beat: Sacramento State, UC Davis lead area in draft picks | The Sacramento Bee

Of the 1,516 players selected in the three-day, 40-round Major League Baseball first-year player draft, only 15 players came from the more than 75 high schools, four community colleges and two four-year institutions in the Sacramento region.

[Three high school players were drafted.] Elk Grove shortstop and Bee co-Player of the Year Nick Madrigal was a 17th-round pick of the Indians, but he has decided to attend Oregon State on scholarship. Jesuit right-hander Tanner Dodson, a 31st-round choice by the New York Mets, tweeted he will honor his commitment to Cal, and Yuba City third baseman Caden Goldby, a 39th-round pick by the Miami Marlins, will have to decide between college and turning pro. Dodson is the son of Bo Dodson, a 1989 third-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers out of Christian Brothers. Goldby is the brother of Cooper Goldby, a 36th-round choice by the A’s out of Yuba City in 2013.

Stanford left-hander Logan James (Jesuit) went to the Seattle Mariners in the 31st round.

Draft notes

▪ Four times, fewer than three area high school players have been selected in a single draft. In 2004, 35 players from the region were taken but only one from a local high school: left-hander Zach Phillips (Galt) in the 23rd round by the Texas Rangers. Twice, two preps were taken: in 1986, left-hander Pat Gomez (San Juan) in the fourth round by the Chicago Cubs and left-hander Jim Sloan (Casa Roble) in the 29th round by the New York Mets; and in 1991, outfielders Dan Vetter (Del Campo) in the 38th round by the Phillies and Danny Larivee (Rio Americano) in the 50th round by the New York Yankees.

Monday, June 22, 2015

2015 Walbeck Elite Game Log

Gamechanger

Overall - 2 wins and 8 losses

06/09/2015 - SC Cats 9, Walbeck Elite 7 - [scorecard]

**NorCal NIT Tournament**
06/18/2015 - Walbeck Elite 7, California Club Baseball Blue 3 - [scorecard]
06/19/2015 - Sac Cats 10, Walbeck Elite 5 - [scorecard]
06/19/2015 - Club All-Star 8, Walbeck Elite 3 - [scorecard]
06/20/2015 - Danville Hoots 13, Walbeck Elite 3 - [scorecard]
06/21/2015 - Walbeck Elite 3, Hardtke Braves 2 - [scorecard]

**Zoots Tournament**
06/27/2015 - Club All-Star 4, Walbeck Elite 1 - [scorecard]
06/27/2015 - Kali Whilte 4, Walbeck Elite 2 - [scorecard]
06/28/2015 - AZ Zoots 5, Walbeck Elite 1 - [scorecard]
06/28/2015 - Lamorinda 5, Walbeck Elite 2 - [scorecard]

2014 Walbeck Elite Game Log

2014 Jesuit JV Game Log

2013 Cardinals Fall Ball Schedule

2013 Jesuit Freshman Game Log

Sunday, June 21, 2015

2015 NorCal NIT Tournament Day 4

Walbeck Elite 18U versus Hardkte Braves

The Walbeck Elite played the Hardtke Braves at Delta College in Stockton in the fourth day of the NorCal NIT Tournament. The Elite played against the Hardtke Braves in a tournament in San Jose last summer.

Jack did not bat. He entered the game in the top of the second as a courtesy runner for Jury (Catcher). He went to second on a wild pitch and then scored on Gregory's double. Immediately after scoring, he replaced Cregory (Pitcher) as a courtesy runner. He went to third on Starosciak's ground out and scored on Richardson's single.

The coaches have been using Jack a lot as a courtesy runner. In an odd statistic, Jack is tied for the team lead with five runs scored in only four at-bats...

In the field, Jack played three innings in right field. He had one put-out.

Behind a strong pitching performance by Gregory, the Elite won the game by the score of 3 to 2. It got interesting in the bottom of the seventh. After striking out the first batter, Kane walked and then hit a batter. With runners on first and second and one out, Rossitto came in and got the last two outs. The scorecard is here.

For the summer season, the Elite have a record of 2 win and 4 losses. The game log is here.

The Elite are scheduled to play in the Zoots tournament in the bay area next weekend.

Sharon, Jack and I finished Father's day with an early dinner at Rey Azteca, a long walk with Tiber to the river and presents (a tie and cologne) at home.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

2015 NorCal NIT Tournament Day 3

Elite

The Walbeck Elite played the Danville Hoots at Bulldog Field in Tracy in the third day of the NorCal NIT Tournament.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 2. In his first at-bat, Jack grounded a 1 and 1 pitch to the second baseman and was thrown out at first. Jack grounded a 1 and 1 pitch to the first baseman in his second plate appearance to start a 3-6-4 double play.

In the field, Jack played five innings in centerfield. He had one put-out and handled four other hits to the outfield.

Giving up 10 runs in the top of the second, the Elite lost the game by the score of 13 to 3. The scorecard is here.

For the summer season, the Elite have a record of 1 win and 4 losses. The game log is here.

The Elite will play the Hardtke Braves at Delta College in Stockton on Sunday.

Friday, June 19, 2015

2015 NorCal NIT Tournament Day 2

The Walbeck Elite played in a doubleheader at Billy Hebert field in the second day of the NorCal NIT Tournament. Jack played at this field with the Outlaws.

The Elite played the Cats in the first game of the season. They lost to the Cats by the score of 9 to 7 last week. [Jack said later that this was not the same team they played last week; it was the Cats younger team?]

Jack did not bat. He entered the game in the bottom of the seventh as a courtesy runner for Freeman (C). He went to second on a sacrifice bunt, to third on two successive walks and scored as a passed ball just before Trevor struck out to end the game...

Jack did not play in the field.

Three different pitchers (Dewitt, Kane and Richardson) gave up 10 runs (9 earned). The Elite fell behind by the score of 9 to 0 and were never really in the game. The Cats won the game by the score of 10 to 5. The scorebook is here.

The Elite turned right around and played Club All-Star.

Jack did not bat. He entered the game in the 2nd, 4th and 6th innings as a courtesy runner for Jury (C). In the second inning, he went to second on Clarke's bunt and scored on Kane's single to right.

Jack did not play in the field.

Leading 3 to 1, the Elite gave up 8 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Elite lost the game by the score of 9 to 3. The scorebook is here.

For the summer season, the Elite have a record of 1 win and 3 losses. The game log is here.

The Elite will play the Danville Hoots at Monte Vista Middle School in Tracy on Saturday afternoon.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

2015 NorCal NIT Tournament Day 1

The Walbeck Elite will be playing in the NorCal NIT Tournament over the next four or five days. The Elite played the California Club Baseball Blue in the first game of the tournament at Tony Zupo Field in Lodi.

Jack did not bat. He entered the game as a courtesy runner for Freeman (EH) and Jury (C).

In the field, Jack played centerfield for a 1/3 of an inning. In the top of the seventh with the bases loaded, two outs and the Elite leading by the score of 7 to 2, they moved Jack into centerfield, Jared to first and Lee to pitcher.

Behind 2 for 3 performances from Jarod and Aaron (2 RBIs each) and four solid innings on the mound from Child, the Elite won the game by the score of 7 to 3. The scorebook is here.

For the summer season, the Elite have a record of 1 win and 1 loss. The game log is here.

The Elite will play a double header against the Sac Cats and Club All Star on Friday at Bill Herbert Field in Stockton.

The Walbeck 18U Elite won 7-3 against CCB Blue at Zupo Field in Lodi. #pitching #defense #backstops #timelyhitting #grinders

A photo posted by Walbeck Baseball Academy (@walbeckbaseballacademy) on

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Future Stars Parent Admission Forum

Sharon and I went to a two and a half hour Parent Admissions Forum at Future Stars titled "Navigating the College Selection and Admissions Process." The next six months are going to be wild!
Navigating the College Selection and Admissions Process

The key to getting a handle on the college admission process is knowledge on how to identify the best college match, the different steps in the application process, and how students respond emotionally to the pressures of applying to college and leaving home. That is why in this forum you will learn:
  • How students can stand out in the admissions process.
  • Information about all the steps of the application process from early applications to interviewing to submitting test scores.
  • How to research college options.
  • The different ways students respond to the pressure of college admissions and preparing to leave home.
  • The timeline for applying to college.
  • How financial aid and scholarship decisions are made and the process for applying.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - har•mo•ny 2

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - har•mo•ny 2

Code Expiration: September 8, 2015

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - James Taylor - Today Today Today

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - James Taylor - Today Today Today

Code Expiration: September 8, 2015

Monday, June 15, 2015

Jerusalem Farm Photo Album #2

What a powerful and productive week we just had hosting Jesuit High School Sacramento! Thank you all for coming way out here to serve others! Safe travels an we hope to see you again sometime!
Posted by Jerusalem Farm on Saturday, June 6, 2015

More Jerusalem Posts!

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Walbeck Baseball Academy Video Shoot

After working out with Matt in the cage in Folsom in the morning, Jack spent the afternoon at the Walbeck Baseball Academy Video Shoot.

Great day for our video shoot.

A photo posted by Walbeck Baseball Academy (@walbeckbaseballacademy) on

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Graduation Party for Chelsea

Sharon and I went to a graduation party for Chelsea. Sharon has known Chelsea's mom, Mary, since first grade. Sharon and Mary went to St. Mary's parish school and St. Francis high school together. Liz showed up just as we were getting ready to leave.

Chelsea graduated from St. Francis and will be heading to Washington State University in Pullman for college.

Friday, June 12, 2015

The Matrix


Jack, Bridget, Sharon and I watched The Matrix. While I have seen pieces of the film over the years, I have never sat and watched the whole movie.

Released in 1999, the film stars Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne. It won Academy Awards for Film Editing, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing and Visual Effects.

Sharon didn't like the movie and wandered off in the middle to do something else...

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Sacramento Bee's 2015 All-Metro baseball team

The Sacramento Bee’s All-Metro baseball team was selected by Joe Davidson of The Bee and Mike Finnerty of All-City Preps with emphasis on coach nominations and playoff impact.  The 2014 All-Metro baseball team is here.

Two Jesuit seniors were named to the Sacramento Bee’s 2015 All-Metro baseball team: Dodson and Cantelme. There were two Jesuit players last year: Dodson and Loeb. Although Loeb was on the Jesuit team this year, he was recovering from shoulder surgery and never played. Given Jesuit's lack of success in the play-offs over the last two years (missed in 2014, one and done in the 2015) and the fact that no Jesuit juniors made it this year, it is going to be interesting to see which, if any, Jesuit players make the All-Metro baseball team in 2016.

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

* Nick Madrigal, Ty Madrigal, Srs., Elk Grove

FIRST TEAM

Catcher

* Caden Voges, Sacramento, Jr.

Infielders

* Dylan Carlson, Elk Grove, Jr.

* Isaiah Garcia, Lincoln, Sr.

* Hank LoForte, Franklin, Sr.

* Carlos Moseley, Elk Grove, Sr.

Outfielders

* Ryan Robards, Elk Grove, Jr.

* Isaiah Engman, Franklin, Sr.

* Tyson Solis, Oak Ridge, Sr.

* Matt Smith, El Dorado, Sr.

Utility

* Tanner Dodson, Jesuit, Sr.

* Matt Manning, Sheldon, Jr.

* Chris Roppolo, Oak Ridge, Sr.

* Josh Savea, Rio Americano, Sr.

* Logan Denholm, Oak Ridge, Sr.

Pitchers

* Adam Erickson, Roseville, Sr.

* Nick Frank, Granite Bay, Sr.

* Connor Davis, Oak Ridge, Sr.

* Tiegen Jones, Capital Christian, Jr.

* Ryan Sullivan, Oak Ridge, Sr.

SECOND TEAM

Catcher

* Spencer Lininger, Bella Vista, Sr.

Infielders

* Brooks Day, Elk Grove, Sr.

* Kody Gardner, Rio Americano, Jr.

* Drew Gnos, Davis, Sr.

* Joe McNamara, Christian Brothers, Jr.

Outfielders

* Jacob Alvidrez, Pleasant Grove, Sr.

* John Kidder, Roseville, Sr.

* Payton Simmons, Franklin, Sr.

* Zach Tresemer, Franklin, Jr.

Utility

* Grant Dragmire, Bradshaw Christian, Sr.

* Caden Goldby, Yuba City, Sr.

* Darren Nelson, Granite Bay, So.

* Jack Walsh, Laguna Creek, Sr.

Pitchers

* Caelen Bland, Vista del Lago, Sr.

* Nick Bonniksen, El Dorado, Sr.

* Dalton Gomez, Pleasant Grove, Sr.

* Micah Gunter, Valley Christian, Sr.

* Austin Southward, Yuba City, Sr.

HONORABLE MENTION

* Infielders: Ryan Arruda, Pleasant Grove; Jackson Balantac, Christian Brothers; Vincent Byrd, El Camino; Taylor Doyle, Yuba City; Jack Filby, McClatchy; Taylor Garcia, Capital Christian; Terron Halverson, Rio Linda; Alex LeForestier, Christian Brothers; Carson Leber, Dixon; Tyler Malone, Woodcreek; Devin Orr, Roseville; Joe Raymond, Del Oro; Jake Rodrigues, Oakmont; Mike Shoenberger, Rocklin

* Outfielders: Dayton Anderson, Bear River; Chase Chamberlain, Bradshaw Christian; Miles Coffee, Lincoln; Nolan Dahler, Woodland; Mason Fong, Kennedy; Cedric Johnson, Granite Bay; Shawn Franklin, Burbank

* Catchers: Matt Cantelme, Jesuit; Xavier Christensen, Bradshaw Christian; Jake Hathaway, Oak Ridge; Kellen O’Brine, Pleasant Grove; Antonio Torres, Antelope

* Pitchers: Jaime Arias-Bautista, Woodland; Dace Asher, River Valley; Alex Barajas, Sacramento; Andrew Cisneros, Pleasant Grove; Austin Loeb, Woodcreek; Kyle Lucke, Oak Ridge; Chris Martin, Elk Grove; Tyler MacKenzie, Dixon; Jake Miller, Placer; Tyler Mortensen, Davis; Donovan Palma, Cosumnes Oaks; Polo Portela, Grant; Jacob Rath, El Camino; Craig Schmich, Lincoln; John Treat, Woodland; Kyle Yamada, Del Oro; Alex Zalasky, Elk Grove

* Utility: Kevin Baranowski, Granite Bay; K.J. Crump, Sacramento; Trenton Denholm, Oak Ridge; Tyler Gums, Placer; Ray Henry, Colfax; Carlos Paniagua, Sheldon; Davis Rodigo, Del Campo; Austin Roberts, River City; Tim Wieser, Oakmont; Daniel Vitoria, Galt

COACH OF THE YEAR

* Jeff Carlson, Elk Grove

Overcoming injuries, playing the Sac-Joaquin Section’s most difficult nonleague schedule and competing in the area’s top league, Carlson kept the Thundering Herd together and motivated. Elk Grove won its eighth Division I North title since 2002 and its sixth D-I section championship since 2003 under Carlson. The Herd finished 24-10, including 7-1 in the playoffs. Adding to Carlson’s joy was coaching his son Dylan, an All-Metro first baseman.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: Ted Turner's Greatest Race

Grant land and ESPN Films have released the thirty-fourth film in their 30 for 30 documentary short series.

30 for 30 Shorts: Ted Turner's Greatest Race

The latest film, directed by Gary Jobson, tells the story of a dark and stormy night in one of the world’s most prestigious yacht races.


You can find Ted Turner's Greatest Race on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=12991717 .

More about the film at: http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=tedturnersgreatestrace.

Tuesday, June 09, 2015

Walbeck Elite 18U versus SC Cats

11008797_862291453840191_6057631067215961890_o

Jack will be working out and playing some baseball with the Walbeck Elite 18U team in June. Given the fact that he gone most of July and the team is carrying a bushel of outfielders/pitchers, I am not sure how many at bats he is going to get. I am just grateful that he is getting a chance to work-out and get a few at-bats.

The Walbeck Elite 18U played the SC Cats at Sac City in their first game of the summer season.

At the plate, Jack was 0 for 1 with a strike-out, a walk and a run scored. Subbing into right field in the sixth inning, Jack walked on five pitches. He went to second on a wild pitch, to third on Whitney's walk and scored on a wild pitch. Jack came to bat again in the seventh inning. He struck out swinging on a full count to end the game.

Jack was also a courtesy runner for the catcher twice. He got caught stealing the second time.

In the field, Jack played the bottom of the sixth in right field. He didn't have a put-out or an assist.

The Elite lost to the Cats by the score of 9 to 7. The box score is here.

For the summer season, the Elite have a record of 0 wins and 1 loss. The game log is here.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Monument Valley

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Monument Valley

Code Expiration: September 1, 2015

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - White Noise

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - White Noise

Code Expiration: September 1, 2015

Monday, June 08, 2015

Raven Black by Ann Cleeves

I finished reading Raven Black by Ann Cleeves. I heard the author interviewed on an NPR book podcast last year and ordered the book. NPR used to put together a Books podcast that was a compilation of all of their individual book and author interviews. At some point in the last year, they stop pulling these together. This book made me realize how much I miss finding books that I might not have heard about otherwise. I need to start looking for some book podcasts!

Raven Black is a murder mystery/detective novel set in the Shetland Islands. It won the 2006 Duncan Lawrie Dagger Award for the best crime novel of the year. The award is given annually by the United Kingdom Crime Writers' Association. The novel is the first in a series known as the Shetland Island series.

I enjoyed the book; it was a nice light change of pace. It is was interesting to read a little about the culture of the Shetland Islands. I give the book a solid "B" grade.

Sunday, June 07, 2015

Jerusalem Farm Photo Album #1

This has been a great project with students from Arkansas and Jesuit HS California! New drywall, insulation, paint,...

Posted by Jerusalem Farm on Friday, June 5, 2015

More Jerusalem Posts!

Saturday, June 06, 2015

Back from his Christian Service Immersion

Traveling back from spending the week in Kansas City for his Christian Service Immersion, we picked Jack up at the airport about 9:30 pm. The flight landed almost 25 minutes early. Watching the group collect their luggage and say goodbye, they seemed very bounded.

Jack spent the week putting new drywall, insulation, paint, carpet and crown molding in a home and working in the garden. I am going to post a couple of photo albums and individual pictures over the next week [Album #1, Album #2].

The group spent Saturday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium watching the Texas Ranges play the Kansas City Royals. The Rangers won the game by the score of 4 to 2.

Friday, June 05, 2015

Kuleto Estate

Wine Tasting at Kuleto Estate

Finishing up a couple of days of Sharon staying with me in Napa, I met her at Kuleto Estates. She bought a couple of boxes of fried chicken and sides from Addendum in Yountville. Given that Sharon is a wine club member at this winery, we were able to eat in the picnic area overlooking the vineyard.

After eating, we took a tour and a tasting. In a twist of fate, it turned out that Noel and his girlfriend (Kathleen?) were in Napa for the weekend. They joined us for the tour and the tasting.

Thursday, June 04, 2015

Auberge du Soleil


Spending a couple of nights with me in Napa, Sharon and I had a fantastic dinner at Auberge du Soleil. I had scallops, risotto and duck, while Sharon had foie gras, ricotta and veal. We had a Merry Edwards Estate Pinot Noir with dinner.

When I was a kid, we often ate ducks that my Dad had killed. As a result, I rarely order it for an entree. The duck was very good.

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

Celebrating Wallen's Birthday

Up surprisingly early, I ran 6 miles on the treadmill and then had breakfast. The TownePlace Suites had a solid complimentary breakfast.

After getting cleaned up, I caught the shuttle back to the airport. I checked my bag for the day at a storage place on the baggage claim level.

There is now a train from SeaTac to the downtown. Finding my way to the train, I rode it to the last stop which is about a block from Wallen's office. After getting a quick tour of his office, Wallen and I walked the mile and a half to the stadium. We met up with his brother Bob who had flown in the morning.

With an early 12:40 first pitch, the stadium was opened at 10:40 am. Bob and I were essentially the first fans on the suite level and found our way to the suite. We took advantage of what the suite had to offer...

Safeco

I enjoyed the day a great deal. There was a group of 25 in the suite, including: Wallen, Jill, Nate, Sam, Murphy, Becky, Tal (who I met for the first time), Bob, Jim, Allyn, Bailey, Scott and Gail, Gaston and Vic. I have to admit that I spent a lot more socializing than I did watching the game.

The event was actually a birthday celebration for Wallen, Nate and Sam. Wallen's birthday was last Saturday, Sam's birthday was Tuesday and Nate's birthday was that day.

Safeco Field

Behind seven strong innings from Tanaka and home runs from Teixeira and Jones, the Yankees beat the Mariners by the score of 3 to 1. Making his first start in more than a month, Tanaka (3-1) was efficient and overpowering. Tanaka struck out a season-high nine and had zero walks.

After the game was over, a group made one more stop near the stadium. About 5:30 pm, I started to wind my way back to the airport. I caught the train back to SacTac, picked up my bag and breezed through security. I caught a 8:10 pm flight back to Sacramento.

Finding my car and car keys, I drove back to Napa to catch up with Sharon. She is staying the next couple of days with me while I am working in St. Helena. I crashed about 11:30 pm. A long day...

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

To Seattle, Washington

After spending the day in the SmartHospital/SmartRoom Visioning meeting, I wandered back to the Sacramento Airport. I caught an 8:35 pm Southwest flight from Sacramento to SeaTac. I am taking a very quick trip to Seattle to celebrate Wallen's birthday!

Walking off the flight, I called the hotel to pick me up. They had a complimentary shuttle. I am spending the night at the Marriott TownPlace Suites in Renton. I was in the room and crashed just a little after 11 pm.

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Patrick Watson - Hearts

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Patrick Watson - Hearts

Code Expiration: August 25, 2015

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Dawes - Things Happen

The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!

Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Dawes - Things Happen

Code Expiration: August 25, 2015