[updated 4/6/2014 - According to CIF section rules, this is a suspended game and has to be replayed from the start. The teams replayed the game on Saturday, April 5.]
With the rain moving in, the Jesuit Marauders JV baseball team played the Folsom Bulldogs. There was one player on the Bulldogs (Darrow-1B) that Jack has faced before against the Folsom Flames. Additionally, Connor Clancy is playing catcher for the Bulldogs; he and Jack went to K through 7th grade together at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Traveling for work, I watched the gamecast. Rod scored the game using iScore Baseball on my iPad. While I hate missing Jack play, I loved being able to follow the game live!
Batting seventh, Jack was 2 for 3 with a single, a double and an RBI. In his first at-bat with two out in the top of the first and Jared on third, Jack hit a 0 and 2 pitch for a line drive up the middle. Jared scored for the RBI. Jack ended the inning there when Wolger grounded out to second. Leading off the third inning, Jack crushed a 1 and 1 pitch for a hard fly ball over the head of the left fielder in his second plate appearance. He went to third on Wolger's ground out to the second baseman. Unfortunately, Jack ended the inning there when Sogard grounded out to the pitcher and Nick grounded out to the third baseman. In his third at-bat, Jack hit the first pitch for a fly ball out to the right fielder.
Play centerfield, Jack did not have an assist or a put-out.
It started to rain hard in the fourth inning, they finally called the game with two out in the top of the fifth. Based on CIF Northern Section rules, I am not sure that this is considered a complete game. It may be considered a suspended game…
The Marauders were leading the game by the score of 9 to 0 when play was stopped. The box score is here and the scorecard is here.
Wolger (1-1, 4 starts, 10.2 innings, 3.94 ERA) got the win. Striking out 8 batters, Wolger pitched four no-hit innings.
The Jesuit JV baseball team now has 7 wins and 1 loss. Their league record is 1 win and 0 losses. The game log is here. The Marauders will be playing a home game against Folsom on Friday and an away game against Folsom on Friday.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Jesuit JV Baseball versus Folsom Box Score
Log Game
JESUIT MARAUDERS JV (9) AT FOLSOM JV (0) JESUIT MARAUDERS JV AB R H BI FOLSOM JV AB R H BI Nick Iwasa 3 2 1 0 Jacob Mandsager 2 0 0 0 Alexander Isola 2 1 1 0 Matt Langbehn 1 0 0 0 John Louis Chiappe 1 1 1 0 Connor Clancy 2 0 0 0 Samuel Stiltner 3 0 1 2 Trevor Darrow* 2 0 0 0 Jack Cosca 2 2 1 1 Chris Wiese 1 0 0 0 Trevor Beards 1 0 1 2 Mark Langbehn 1 0 0 0 Byrce Colombara 1 1 0 0 Dylan Crane 1 0 0 0 Jared Alameida 3 1 2 2 Kota Hayes 1 0 0 0 Jack Heringer 3 0 2 1 Christian Sanchez 1 0 0 0 Jack Wolger 3 0 0 0 Nicholas Sogard 2 0 0 0 Cooper Renteria 1 1 1 0 TOTALS 25 9 11 8 TOTALS 12 0 0 0 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 420 12 -- 9 FOLSOM JV 000 0x -- 0 LOB--JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 8, FOLSOM JV 3. ERR--Kota Hayes. 2B--Jack Cosca, Alexander Isola, Jack Heringer. 3B--Jared Alameida. HBP--Samuel Stiltner. JESUIT MARAUDERS JV IP H R ER BB SO HR Jack Wolger (W) 4.00 0 0 0 3 8 0 FOLSOM JV Dylan Crane (L) 4.00 8 7 4 5 0 0 Michael Dermenjian 0.67 3 2 2 0 2 0 PB--Connor Clancy. WP--Dylan Crane. SO--Jack Wolger, Nick Iwasa, Matt Langbehn, Christian Sanchez, Jacob Mandsager (2), Trevor Darrow*, Connor Clancy (2), Kota Hayes. BB--Byrce Colombara (2), Jack Cosca, Alexander Isola, Nick Iwasa, Matt Langbehn, Mark Langbehn, Chris Wiese.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Garden District
While we were in New Orleans, we took a Fodor's walking tour for about an hour that spotlighted almost two dozen mansions in the Garden District.
Garden District
Louisiana Historical Marker
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This historic place is located at 1500 Washingtion Avenue, New Orleans in the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 29° 55.792 W 090° 05.105.
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
Famous for its nineteenth century homes and gardens. This area was originally part of Livaudais Plantation. Became part of City of Lafayette, 1833. Annexed by City of New Orleans, 1852. Designated a National Historic Landmark, 1974.
Louisiana Historical Marker
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This historic place is located at 1500 Washingtion Avenue, New Orleans in the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 29° 55.792 W 090° 05.105.
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
Famous for its nineteenth century homes and gardens. This area was originally part of Livaudais Plantation. Became part of City of Lafayette, 1833. Annexed by City of New Orleans, 1852. Designated a National Historic Landmark, 1974.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
2014 Jesuit PACE Gala & Auction
Sharon and I went to the Jesuit Red & Gold Gala. This is the second year that we have gone [2013]. The event includes a silent auction, a dinner and a live auction. Jesuit High School is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
We signed up to sit with the DeAndas. Jack is playing baseball with their son AD on the JV baseball team. In a nice surprise, the Laskins were also at our table.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Jesuit JV Baseball versus Davis
While we were in New Orleans, the Marauders played at Raley Field on Friday, March 21. I was very disappointed to miss this game, but Sharon and I scheduled the trip months before the spring baseball schedule was published. Rod started scoring the game on my iPad. I was following the game on my iPhone while we wandered the streets of the French Quarter. Unfortunately, he got called to work and only scored about half the game.
Jack is playing centerfield in this picture. The Jesuit Marauders JV baseball team played the Davis Blue Devils. The Marauders beat the Blue Devils last year by the score of 6 to 0.
Leading off, Jack was 0 for 1 with a walk and a run scored. He had a great first at-bat. Jack ran the count to 2 and 2, fouled off a pitch, took a ball, fouled off another pitched and then drew a walk. After Nick struck out, he stole second while Bryce was batting. After Bryce struck out, Jack went to third on a passed ball while Sam was batting. He scored the first run of the game when the second baseman misplayed Sam's ground ball. Jack hit a 1 and 2 pitch for a fly ball out into right field in his second plate appearance.
Starting in centerfield, Jack played three innings. He didn't have an assist or a put-out. I found out later that Jack had hurt his ribs diving to make a catch during practice on Thursday before the game. He spent some time with the trainer. The ribs were still sore on Friday. I am guessing this is why they made an early substitution for him.
With the score tied 4 to 4 in the bottom of the seventh, the Marauders loaded the bases on a hit by Nick, an error on a ground ball by Jonah and an intentional walk to Sam. Alex hit a sacrifice fly to right to drive in the winning run. The Marauders won the game by the score of 5 to 4. The box score is here and the scorecard is here.
Coming in to face the last batter, Stiltner (1-0, 2 appearances, 2.33 innings, ERA 0.00) was the winning pitcher. Wolger and Kane both pitched effectively; each pitched three innings and gave up no earned runs.
The game log is here.
Jack is playing centerfield in this picture. The Jesuit Marauders JV baseball team played the Davis Blue Devils. The Marauders beat the Blue Devils last year by the score of 6 to 0.
Leading off, Jack was 0 for 1 with a walk and a run scored. He had a great first at-bat. Jack ran the count to 2 and 2, fouled off a pitch, took a ball, fouled off another pitched and then drew a walk. After Nick struck out, he stole second while Bryce was batting. After Bryce struck out, Jack went to third on a passed ball while Sam was batting. He scored the first run of the game when the second baseman misplayed Sam's ground ball. Jack hit a 1 and 2 pitch for a fly ball out into right field in his second plate appearance.
Starting in centerfield, Jack played three innings. He didn't have an assist or a put-out. I found out later that Jack had hurt his ribs diving to make a catch during practice on Thursday before the game. He spent some time with the trainer. The ribs were still sore on Friday. I am guessing this is why they made an early substitution for him.
With the score tied 4 to 4 in the bottom of the seventh, the Marauders loaded the bases on a hit by Nick, an error on a ground ball by Jonah and an intentional walk to Sam. Alex hit a sacrifice fly to right to drive in the winning run. The Marauders won the game by the score of 5 to 4. The box score is here and the scorecard is here.
Coming in to face the last batter, Stiltner (1-0, 2 appearances, 2.33 innings, ERA 0.00) was the winning pitcher. Wolger and Kane both pitched effectively; each pitched three innings and gave up no earned runs.
The game log is here.
Jesuit JV Baseball versus Davis Box Score
Log Game
DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL BLUES DEVILS (4) AT JESUIT MARAUDERS JV (5) DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL BL AB R H BI JESUIT MARAUDERS JV AB R H BI S Biers-ariel 3 0 1 0 Jack Heringer 1 1 0 0 Alex Timmons 3 2 0 0 Kyle Roessler 2 0 0 0 Gabe Gitierrez 2 2 0 0 Nick Iwasa 4 1 1 0 H Jury 3 0 1 1 Byrce Colombara 3 0 1 0 T Gibson 2 0 1 2 Jonah Allman 1 0 0 0 Dan Henrickson 2 0 0 0 Samuel Stiltner 3 1 1 0 James Richardson 4 0 0 0 Alexander Isola 2 1 0 1 Pierce Tujo 3 0 0 0 Jared Alameida 3 0 1 0 Peter Frame 2 0 0 0 Jack Cosca 2 1 2 2 Jack Wolger 1 0 0 0 Ryan Kane 1 0 1 0 Kevin Fitzsimon 0 0 0 0 Nicholas Sogard 3 0 2 1 TOTALS 24 4 3 3 TOTALS 26 5 9 4 DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL BLUES DEVILS002 000 2 -- 4 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 300 100 1 -- 5 LOB--DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL BLUES DEVILS 9, JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 8. ERR--Dan Henrickson (2), Jared Alameida, Alexander Isola. 2B--Byrce Colombara. HBP--Dan Henrickson, Gabe Gitierrez. SACF--Alexander Isola. SACB--S Biers-ariel. SB--S Biers-ariel, Nicholas Sogard, Jack Heringer. DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL BLUES DEV IP H R ER BB SO HR Pierce Tujo 2.00 3 3 0 2 4 0 N Riffle 1.00 1 0 0 0 0 0 T Gibson (L) 3.33 5 2 2 4 3 0 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV Jack Wolger 3.00 2 2 0 4 5 0 Ryan Kane 3.00 0 0 0 2 4 0 Andrew Child 0.67 1 2 2 1 0 0 Samuel Stiltner (W) 0.33 0 0 0 0 1 0 PB--H Jury (2). WP--Jack Wolger (2). SO--Pierce Tujo (3), H Jury, T Gibson, James Richardson (3), Alex Timmons (2), Jack Wolger, Jared Alameida, Byrce Colombara, Kyle Roessler, Nick Iwasa (3). BB--H Jury, Dan Henrickson, T Gibson (2), Gabe Gitierrez, Alex Timmons, Peter Frame, Jack Cosca, Alexander Isola, Samuel Stiltner, Jack Heringer, Kevin Fitzsimon.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Jesuit JV Baseball versus Del Oro
The Jesuit Marauders JV baseball team played the Del Oro Eagles. The Marauders didn't play the Eagles last year during their freshman season. There were a three players (Culligan-P; Kravich-SS, and; Heryford-1B) that Jack has faced before playing against Bandit Baseball, NorCal Bears and Golden Spikes.
It rained for about 15 minutes before the game, but then stopped. It didn't rain during the game.
Leading off, Jack was 0 for 3. In his first at-bat, he crushed the eight pitch for a hard fly ball to right center. When it left the bat, I thought it was going to drop, but the wind held it up a bit and the centerfield made a nice running catch. Jack popped a 3 and 1 pitch down the right field line for an out in his second plate appearance. In this third at-bat, he hit a 3 and 2 pitch for a hard grounder down the third base line. With Jack hustling up the line, the third baseman made a nice stop and just barely threw him out at first.
Jack played centerfield. He had three put-outs. With one out in the top of the seventh and runners on first and second, Jack made a very nice catch on a sinking line drive hit to right center by the Eagles clean-up batter [Heryford].
The game was a pitching battle. Each team only managed 3 hits. The Marauders scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the second on a double, a walk and two errors by the Eagles. The Eagles left 10 men on base, including loading the bases in the fourth and sixth innings. Giving up one run in the top of the seventh on an error, the Marauders held on to win the game by the score of 2 to 1. The box score is here and the scorecard is here.
Stiltner (2-0, 1 start, 2 appearances, 7.33 innings, ERA 0.00) was the winning pitcher. Beards (1 Save, 3 appearances, 4.67 innings, ERA 0.00) got the save.
The Jesuit JV baseball team now has 6 wins and 1 loss. The game log is here. The Marauders start league games next week. Except for the Easter week, they will be playing Monday, Wednesday and Friday over the next six weeks.
It rained for about 15 minutes before the game, but then stopped. It didn't rain during the game.
Leading off, Jack was 0 for 3. In his first at-bat, he crushed the eight pitch for a hard fly ball to right center. When it left the bat, I thought it was going to drop, but the wind held it up a bit and the centerfield made a nice running catch. Jack popped a 3 and 1 pitch down the right field line for an out in his second plate appearance. In this third at-bat, he hit a 3 and 2 pitch for a hard grounder down the third base line. With Jack hustling up the line, the third baseman made a nice stop and just barely threw him out at first.
Jack played centerfield. He had three put-outs. With one out in the top of the seventh and runners on first and second, Jack made a very nice catch on a sinking line drive hit to right center by the Eagles clean-up batter [Heryford].
The game was a pitching battle. Each team only managed 3 hits. The Marauders scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the second on a double, a walk and two errors by the Eagles. The Eagles left 10 men on base, including loading the bases in the fourth and sixth innings. Giving up one run in the top of the seventh on an error, the Marauders held on to win the game by the score of 2 to 1. The box score is here and the scorecard is here.
Stiltner (2-0, 1 start, 2 appearances, 7.33 innings, ERA 0.00) was the winning pitcher. Beards (1 Save, 3 appearances, 4.67 innings, ERA 0.00) got the save.
The Jesuit JV baseball team now has 6 wins and 1 loss. The game log is here. The Marauders start league games next week. Except for the Easter week, they will be playing Monday, Wednesday and Friday over the next six weeks.
Jesuit JV Baseball versus Del Oro Box Score
Log Game
DEL ORO JV (1) AT JESUIT MARAUDERS JV (2) DEL ORO JV AB R H BI JESUIT MARAUDERS JV AB R H BI Noah Kravich* 2 1 0 0 Jack Heringer 3 0 0 0 Trevor Whitley 4 0 0 0 Nick Iwasa 3 0 1 0 Andrew Keefe 2 0 0 0 Alexander Isola 2 0 0 0 Dalton Heryford* 4 0 1 0 Samuel Stiltner 3 1 1 0 Jake Newby 4 0 0 0 Jack Cosca 2 0 1 0 Drew Gee 2 0 1 0 Jared Alameida 2 1 0 0 Ethan Snow 1 0 0 0 Byrce Colombara 3 0 0 0 Justin Culligan* 1 0 0 0 Kevin Fitzsimon 2 0 0 1 Colton Steinhauer 3 0 1 0 Ryan Kane 0 0 0 0 Trevor Beards 0 0 0 0 Nicholas Sogard 2 0 0 1 TOTALS 23 1 3 0 TOTALS 22 2 3 2 DEL ORO JV 000 000 1 -- 1 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 020 000 x -- 2 LOB--DEL ORO JV 10, JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 5. ERR--Noah Kravich*, Andrew Keefe, Drew Gee, Alexander Isola. 2B--Samuel Stiltner. HBP--Noah Kravich*, Jack Cosca. SACB--Noah Kravich*. SB--Andrew Keefe, Ethan Snow. DEL ORO JV IP H R ER BB SO HR Justin Culligan* (L) 6.00 3 2 0 2 5 0 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV Samuel Stiltner (W) 5.00 2 0 0 4 1 0 Ryan Kane 1.33 1 1 0 3 2 0 Trevor Beards (S) 0.67 0 0 0 0 0 0 PB--Jake Newby, Alexander Isola. WP--Ryan Kane. SO--Jake Newby (2), Trevor Whitley, Jared Alameida, Byrce Colombara (2), Alexander Isola, Kevin Fitzsimon. BB--Andrew Keefe (2), Drew Gee, Ethan Snow (2), Justin Culligan* (2), Jared Alameida, Alexander Isola.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
I finished reading David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcom Galdwell. I bought the book because it enjoyed Galdwell's book Outliers so much! When I read Outliers almost five years ago, it give me a blueprint for trying to help Jack be successful: opportunity and repetition. I have repeated this mantra over and over again.
In this book, Gladwell challenges how we define advantages and disadvantages. He looks at five generalized cases where people excel in spite of the situation. These included: learning disabilities like dyslexia; loss of a parent; big fish in a little pond as it relates to colleges; the power of close misses in the bombing of London during World War II; and results of a culture being persecuted over time, such as the Mennonites and Huguenots.
I enjoyed the book, but I have not yet had the kind of epiphany that I had with Outliers. The two concepts that I am still rolling around in my head are the disadvantages of the most prestigious schools and the idea that children of successful parents are disadvantaged because they didn't face the kind of disadvantages that we faced.
While I gave Outliers an A+, I would give David and Goliath a weak B+. I just don't think that conclusions are as focused as they were in the earlier book.
In this book, Gladwell challenges how we define advantages and disadvantages. He looks at five generalized cases where people excel in spite of the situation. These included: learning disabilities like dyslexia; loss of a parent; big fish in a little pond as it relates to colleges; the power of close misses in the bombing of London during World War II; and results of a culture being persecuted over time, such as the Mennonites and Huguenots.
I enjoyed the book, but I have not yet had the kind of epiphany that I had with Outliers. The two concepts that I am still rolling around in my head are the disadvantages of the most prestigious schools and the idea that children of successful parents are disadvantaged because they didn't face the kind of disadvantages that we faced.
While I gave Outliers an A+, I would give David and Goliath a weak B+. I just don't think that conclusions are as focused as they were in the earlier book.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
New Orleans
We stood by this historical marker as we were waiting in line for Cafe Du Monte.
New Orleans
Louisiana Historical Marker
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This historic place is located at 770 Decatur, New Orleans in the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 29° 57.442 W 090° 03.724.
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
First sighted as Indian portage to Lake Ponchartrain and Gulf in 1699 by Beinville and Iberville. Founded by Bienville in 1718; named by him in honor of the Duke of Orleans, Regent of France. Called the Crescent City because of location in bend of the Mississippi.
Louisiana Historical Marker
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This historic place is located at 770 Decatur, New Orleans in the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana. The GPS coordinates for this location are N 29° 57.442 W 090° 03.724.
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
First sighted as Indian portage to Lake Ponchartrain and Gulf in 1699 by Beinville and Iberville. Founded by Bienville in 1718; named by him in honor of the Duke of Orleans, Regent of France. Called the Crescent City because of location in bend of the Mississippi.
Sac Bee High School Varsity Baseball Top 20
BASEBALL TOP 20 - 3/25/2014
Next year, I believe that five of the top seven teams in this week's ranking will all be in the same conference! When I mentioned it to Jack, he said, "yeah, and those will be the games with all of the college scouts…"
Next year, I believe that five of the top seven teams in this week's ranking will all be in the same conference! When I mentioned it to Jack, he said, "yeah, and those will be the games with all of the college scouts…"
Team Rec. Prev. 1. Elk Grove 2-2 1 2. Pleasant Grove 3-0 2 3. Davis 3-2-1 3 4. Jesuit 4-1-1 4 5. Franklin 5-2 6 6. Bella Vista 6-0 10 7. Oak Ridge 1-2 5 8. Vista del Lago 7-1 9 9. Rocklin 2-4 8 10. Grant 4-1 11 11. Granite Bay 2-3 7 12. Oakmont 5-0-1 14 13. Woodcreek 4-2 15 14. Yuba City 2-2 16 15. Christian Brothers 4-1 18 16. Colfax 7-0 19 17. Nevada Union 4-2 – 18. Whitney 5-2 12 19. Bradshaw Christian 6-1 17 20. Inderkum 3-1 –
Monday, March 24, 2014
2014 New Orleans Day 5
Sharon and I got up about 6:40 am, packed up the room and checked out. Sharon has a conference starting today and will be spending a few more days in New Orleans. I headed to the airport and caught a 10:35 am flight to Phoenix. Although I had a A44 boarding pass, like the trip back from spring training, I got a seat in the emergency exit row. I walked off the plane in Phoenix and the gate for the Sacramento flight was two gates away. I had an uneventful flight back to Sacramento hitting the ground about 15 minutes ahead of the 3:05 pm scheduled arrival.
A couple of observations. First, unlike the New York trip last fall, we had guidebooks for this trip. I felt like we made pretty good use of them. Second, I had hoped to sit one of the nights and listen to some local music. Due to the logistics of the larger group, I just didn't get this done. Third, I had hoped to have dinner with the Larkin group one of the nights. Again, due to the logistics of the two larger groups, we just didn't get this done.
A couple of observations. First, unlike the New York trip last fall, we had guidebooks for this trip. I felt like we made pretty good use of them. Second, I had hoped to sit one of the nights and listen to some local music. Due to the logistics of the larger group, I just didn't get this done. Third, I had hoped to have dinner with the Larkin group one of the nights. Again, due to the logistics of the two larger groups, we just didn't get this done.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
2014 New Orleans Day 4
Up early, Sharon and I went to the 9:00 am Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral. This is the oldest active Cathedral in the United States (since 1718). The Mass was packed. I would guess that there was more than 1,100 people.
After the Mass and a quick stop for Sharon to do some shopping, we met up with Janie and the Gainsleys in the lobby of the hotel. We had two destinations for the day: the Garden District and the National World War II Museum. We caught the St. Charles [green line] trolley to the Garden District. While French Quarter was initially established by Creoles during the French and Spanish colonial periods, the Garden District was created by Americans after the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. We took a Fodor's walking tour for about an hour that spotlighted almost two dozen mansions with a variety of interesting styles. We finished the walk with a drink at the Commander's Palace.
We then got back on the trolley. We jumped off near The National World War II Museum. Our schedule got a little blown up at this point. We hadn't eaten. We put our names in for the American Sector Restaurant, but it took a lot longer to get a table than we expected. I had a chance to walk through the museum, but not spend as much time as I probably should have in the galleries of the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion. We watched the 4 pm showing of Beyond All Boundaries. Narrated by Tom Hanks, this film is billed as 4D journey through the war.
We finished the evening with a late dinner at the Bourbon House Restaurant. While we waited for the table, I sat at the oyster bar and finally got a chance to enjoy some oysters. Both Kevin and I had a combination fried seafood platter.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
2014 New Orleans Day 3
While Sharon, Janie and Mary went back to Cafe Du Monte for more beignets and coffee, I ran on the treadmill at the hotel with the Gainsleys. I covered 6.03 miles in hour and seven minutes.
The plan for the day is a planation tour. I researched tours a couple of months ago when we first decided we were going and settled on a tour that included the Laura Planation and the Oak Alley Plantation. Sharon had seen the Oak Alley Plantation on a television show and really wanted to go there.
Catching the van about 12:30 pm, we headed out of New Orleans and up the River Road along the Mississippi River. The first stop was the Laura Plantation. This stop included about a 70 minute tour of the house and grounds. The tour guide did a very nice job talking about the history of the plantation, its owners, slavery and sugar cane farming. Note to self, I really need to find a book on the Creole culture.
The next stop was the Oak Alley Plantation. The tour at this plantation focused on more on the house rather than the plantation culture. I was surprised that they were selling mint juleps as we entered the house. The highlight of this stop is definitely the 28 three hundred year old oaks that line the entry to the house.
By the the time we got back to the hotel, it was after 7 pm, Sharon made reservations for a late dinner for Arnaud's Restaurant. This was definitely the best meal of the trip. I had Oysters Arnaud, a sampler of one each of their baked oysters and Pompano Duarte. The menu is billed as Creole cuisine. Sharon brought the restaurant's cookbook. I suspect that the fall dinner party this year may feature Creole cuisine. As a general observation, we found the prices for meals very reasonable compared to other places that we have been.
The group, Sharon, Janie, Mary, the Gainsleys and I, finished the night at the bar in the SoBou Restaurant in the W Hotel in the French Quarter.
The plan for the day is a planation tour. I researched tours a couple of months ago when we first decided we were going and settled on a tour that included the Laura Planation and the Oak Alley Plantation. Sharon had seen the Oak Alley Plantation on a television show and really wanted to go there.
Catching the van about 12:30 pm, we headed out of New Orleans and up the River Road along the Mississippi River. The first stop was the Laura Plantation. This stop included about a 70 minute tour of the house and grounds. The tour guide did a very nice job talking about the history of the plantation, its owners, slavery and sugar cane farming. Note to self, I really need to find a book on the Creole culture.
The next stop was the Oak Alley Plantation. The tour at this plantation focused on more on the house rather than the plantation culture. I was surprised that they were selling mint juleps as we entered the house. The highlight of this stop is definitely the 28 three hundred year old oaks that line the entry to the house.
By the the time we got back to the hotel, it was after 7 pm, Sharon made reservations for a late dinner for Arnaud's Restaurant. This was definitely the best meal of the trip. I had Oysters Arnaud, a sampler of one each of their baked oysters and Pompano Duarte. The menu is billed as Creole cuisine. Sharon brought the restaurant's cookbook. I suspect that the fall dinner party this year may feature Creole cuisine. As a general observation, we found the prices for meals very reasonable compared to other places that we have been.
The group, Sharon, Janie, Mary, the Gainsleys and I, finished the night at the bar in the SoBou Restaurant in the W Hotel in the French Quarter.
Friday, March 21, 2014
2014 New Orleans Day 2
We spent the day exploring the French Quarter. Sharon and I met Janie and the Gainsleys and headed to Cafe Du Monte for beignets and coffee.
Afterwards, we walked along the Mississippi River towards the French Market. We wandered back down Decatur Street into Jackson Square. Sharon and I toured the St. Louis Cathedral. Scoping out the Mass times, we are planning to come back on Sunday morning.
We actually ended up connecting with the Larkins. The whole group visited the Presbytere Museum. The Presbytere houses an elaborate collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and memorabilia. It also included a special exhibit about Katrina. The first person videos of hurricane Kartina were awe inspiring. I particularly enjoyed the exhibit that allowed you the viewpoint of riding on a float in the Mardi Gras parade.
After walking through the museum, I struck out on my own and explored Jackson Square, Pirate Alley and Royal Street. Eventually, we connected back up and headed to lunch. Janie lead us to Ralph and Kacoos Seafood Restaurant. The food was fair, but the service was bad. It was probably not a place that I would have chosen…
From there, we did a walking tour of the French Quarter. We wandered up Royal Street. We kept losing Janie and Sharon as they shopped. We made a stop to regroup at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. Built between 1722 and 1732 by Nicolas Touze, it is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.
Heading back down Bourbon Street, we found our way to Pat O'Briens. Kevin and I were able to jump on a table in the courtyard. It was about this point that we realized that it was spring break for lots of the college kids! This became even more apparent on Friday and Saturday night along Bourbon Street. It was an interesting people watching experience.
We continued on the walking tour to Napoleon House. We had a light early dinner. I had jambalaya.
Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel to met up with Mary. She flew in on Friday evening. At some point, the Gainsleys texted us and we headed back to the Bourbon Bar [same procedure as last night!]. We got the same table and watched the people go by.
Sharon and I plus the Gainsleys finished the night at a different spot along Bourbon Street watching the people go by. It was about 11:30 pm by the time we got back to the room. Sharon and I spent about 30 minutes talking to Jack on the phone, including hearing about the Jesuit versus Davis JV baseball game at Raley Field. More on the game next week…
Afterwards, we walked along the Mississippi River towards the French Market. We wandered back down Decatur Street into Jackson Square. Sharon and I toured the St. Louis Cathedral. Scoping out the Mass times, we are planning to come back on Sunday morning.
We actually ended up connecting with the Larkins. The whole group visited the Presbytere Museum. The Presbytere houses an elaborate collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and memorabilia. It also included a special exhibit about Katrina. The first person videos of hurricane Kartina were awe inspiring. I particularly enjoyed the exhibit that allowed you the viewpoint of riding on a float in the Mardi Gras parade.
After walking through the museum, I struck out on my own and explored Jackson Square, Pirate Alley and Royal Street. Eventually, we connected back up and headed to lunch. Janie lead us to Ralph and Kacoos Seafood Restaurant. The food was fair, but the service was bad. It was probably not a place that I would have chosen…
From there, we did a walking tour of the French Quarter. We wandered up Royal Street. We kept losing Janie and Sharon as they shopped. We made a stop to regroup at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. Built between 1722 and 1732 by Nicolas Touze, it is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.
Heading back down Bourbon Street, we found our way to Pat O'Briens. Kevin and I were able to jump on a table in the courtyard. It was about this point that we realized that it was spring break for lots of the college kids! This became even more apparent on Friday and Saturday night along Bourbon Street. It was an interesting people watching experience.
We continued on the walking tour to Napoleon House. We had a light early dinner. I had jambalaya.
Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel to met up with Mary. She flew in on Friday evening. At some point, the Gainsleys texted us and we headed back to the Bourbon Bar [same procedure as last night!]. We got the same table and watched the people go by.
Sharon and I plus the Gainsleys finished the night at a different spot along Bourbon Street watching the people go by. It was about 11:30 pm by the time we got back to the room. Sharon and I spent about 30 minutes talking to Jack on the phone, including hearing about the Jesuit versus Davis JV baseball game at Raley Field. More on the game next week…
Thursday, March 20, 2014
2014 New Orleans Day 1
A very early flight. I got up about 3:40 am. Sharon and I left the house at 4:25 am. To my surprise, the Southwest counter and the security line were packed with people. By the time we checked our luggage and got through security, they had already boarded the A, B and C groups of our 6 am flight. Luckily, Janie saved some us some seats!
We changed planes in Las Vegas. The flight from Las Vegas to New Orleans was delayed about 45 minutes due to a missing crew. Although we were scheduled to land in New Orleans at 2 pm, it was almost 3 pm by the time we got there. The Gainsleys landed shortly after us and we ran into them in the baggage area.
We took a taxi to the hotel. It was a zoo. We are staying at a large Marriot on Canal Street.
After getting checked in and settled in the room, we wandered into the French Quarter. We had appetizers at Tujague, the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans. We met up with the Larkin group, including Joe, Cindy, Cindy's sister and her husband and Barbie.
We had an early dinner with the core group at NOLA. This is Emeril Lagasse's restaurant in New Orleans. The food and the service was very good. I had a pork chop, while Sharon had a fish called a drum.
After dinner, we headed to Pat O'Briens, but the line was huge. We wandered down Bourbon Street and eventually found a nice table for people watching at the Bourbon Bar. We met back up with the Larkin group here.
Eventually, we wandered back up Bourbon Street. We ended the night with a nightcap at the Roosevelt Hotel before crashing.
We changed planes in Las Vegas. The flight from Las Vegas to New Orleans was delayed about 45 minutes due to a missing crew. Although we were scheduled to land in New Orleans at 2 pm, it was almost 3 pm by the time we got there. The Gainsleys landed shortly after us and we ran into them in the baggage area.
We took a taxi to the hotel. It was a zoo. We are staying at a large Marriot on Canal Street.
After getting checked in and settled in the room, we wandered into the French Quarter. We had appetizers at Tujague, the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans. We met up with the Larkin group, including Joe, Cindy, Cindy's sister and her husband and Barbie.
We had an early dinner with the core group at NOLA. This is Emeril Lagasse's restaurant in New Orleans. The food and the service was very good. I had a pork chop, while Sharon had a fish called a drum.
After dinner, we headed to Pat O'Briens, but the line was huge. We wandered down Bourbon Street and eventually found a nice table for people watching at the Bourbon Bar. We met back up with the Larkin group here.
Eventually, we wandered back up Bourbon Street. We ended the night with a nightcap at the Roosevelt Hotel before crashing.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy by Jane Leavy
I finished reading Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy by Jane Leavy. My curiosity was piqued in Koufax after seeing the SportsCentury documentary that ranked him #42 on the list of the top 100 athletes of the 20th century. I read Leavy's book about Mantle a couple of years ago.
Like the book about Mantle, Leavy takes a somehow nontraditional approach. Levy weaves Koufax's life story in between telling the story of the perfect game that he pitched in 1965.
I am not going to repeat all of the statistics that I included in the posting about the SportCentury documentary, but Koufax had an amazing six year run.
While you get a picture of Koufax's life story from the book, I don't feel like you get much of a picture of who Koufax is. Koufax is a private person and I don't feel that you get much of a peek inside that shell of privacy. I did feel particularly early in the book that there were a lot of quotes from people talking about Koufax. The quotes were one after another… This reliance on quotes diminishes somewhat as the book progresses. In spite of these flaws, I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Like the book about Mantle, Leavy takes a somehow nontraditional approach. Levy weaves Koufax's life story in between telling the story of the perfect game that he pitched in 1965.
I am not going to repeat all of the statistics that I included in the posting about the SportCentury documentary, but Koufax had an amazing six year run.
While you get a picture of Koufax's life story from the book, I don't feel like you get much of a picture of who Koufax is. Koufax is a private person and I don't feel that you get much of a peek inside that shell of privacy. I did feel particularly early in the book that there were a lot of quotes from people talking about Koufax. The quotes were one after another… This reliance on quotes diminishes somewhat as the book progresses. In spite of these flaws, I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Jesuit JV Baseball versus St. Mary's
The Jesuit Marauders JV baseball team traveled to Stockton to play the St. Mary's Rams. Last year, the Marauders beat the Rams twice [10 to 3 and 10 to 5] and lost once [7 to 3].
Leading off, Jack was 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, an RBI and a run scored. In his first at-bat, he grounded a 3 and 1 pitch to the right side and was thrown out at first. With the bases loaded and one out in the second inning, Jack drove a 1 and 1 pitch through the right side for a single and a RBI in his second plate appearance. He went to third on Nick's ground rule double, but ended the inning there when Sam flied out and Alex grounded out. In his third at-bat, Jack walked on five pitches. He went to second on a wild pitch, to third on Alex's single and scored on Jared's walk. Jack grounded a 1 and 0 pitch to the third baseman in his fourth plate appearance and was thrown out at first on a fairly close play. He is doing a great job of getting out of the box and hustling up the line.
Jack started in centerfield and play the entire five inning game there. He had one put-out on a high fly ball to right center. This was only one of two balls that got out of the infield. The other was a line drive base hit to left field.
The Marauders scored eight runs in the top of the third and chased the starting pitcher. The Marauders won the game by the score of 12 to 0. The box score is here and the scorecard is here.
Cosca (1-0, 2 Starts, 6 innings, ERA 3.50) was the winning pitcher. In two starts and six innings, he has struck out eight and walked four.
The Jesuit JV baseball team now has 4 wins and 1 loss. The game log is here. The Marauders next game is Friday, March 21 against Davis. They will be playing at Raley Field! Last year, the Marauders beat the Blue Devils in their only meeting by the score of 6 to 0 behind a complete game by Chiappe.
Jesuit JV Baseball versus St. Mary's Box Score
Log Game
JESUIT MARAUDERS JV (12) AT ST MARYS (0) JESUIT MARAUDERS JV AB R H BI ST MARYS AB R H BI Jack Heringer 3 1 1 1 Michael Mendonca 2 0 1 0 Nick Iwasa 3 1 1 2 Jamie Zavala 0 0 0 0 Samuel Stiltner 3 0 1 0 Nick Herrera 1 0 0 0 Jack Baer 1 0 0 0 Anthony Galindo 2 0 0 0 Alexander Isola 2 1 1 1 Gavin Cline 2 0 1 0 Kevin Fitzsimon 0 1 0 0 Nick Swanson 1 0 0 0 Jared Alameida 2 1 0 1 Kevin Kyle 1 0 0 0 Jonah Allman 0 0 0 0 Isaiah Bettencourt 1 0 0 0 Jack Cosca 1 2 1 2 Roy Harwell 1 0 0 0 Trevor Beards 1 0 0 0 Connor Tatum 2 0 0 0 Christian Flores 2 2 1 1 Raymond Vazquez 1 0 0 0 John Louis Chiappe 1 0 1 1 Tevin Hernandez 1 0 1 0 Byrce Colombara 3 1 1 1 Jovanni Goivannoni 1 0 0 0 Cooper Renteria 1 0 0 0 Jack Wolger 1 2 1 1 Kyle Roessler 1 0 0 0 TOTALS 25 12 9 11 TOTALS 16 0 3 0 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 038 010 -- 12 ST MARYS 000 00x -- 0 LOB--JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 8, ST MARYS 5. ERR--Isaiah Bettencourt. 2B--Nick Iwasa. 3B--Byrce Colombara. HBP--Jack Cosca, Christian Flores. SACF--Jack Cosca. SB--Jack Cosca, Christian Flores, Gavin Cline. JESUIT MARAUDERS JV IP H R ER BB SO HR Jack Cosca (W) 3.00 2 0 0 3 5 0 Trevor Beards 2.00 1 0 0 1 3 0 ST MARYS Nick Swanson (L) 2.00 7 9 9 3 2 0 Connor Tatum 1.00 1 2 1 2 0 0 Isaiah Bettencourt 2.00 1 1 1 2 1 0 PB--Samuel Stiltner, Gavin Cline (3). WP--Connor Tatum, Nick Swanson. SO--Jared Alameida (2), Jack Baer, Jovanni Goivannoni, Michael Mendonca, Nick Herrera, Kevin Kyle, Isaiah Bettencourt, Connor Tatum, Raymond Vazquez, Nick Swanson. BB--Jack Wolger, Jared Alameida, Jonah Allman, Alexander Isola, Jack Heringer, Nick Iwasa, Kevin Fitzsimon, Jovanni Goivannoni, Michael Mendonca, Jamie Zavala (2).
Sac Bee High School Varsity Baseball Top 20
BASEBALL TOP 20
Team Rec. Prev. 1. Elk Grove 1-2 1 2. Pleasant Grove 1-0 2 3. Davis 3-1 3 4. Jesuit 3-0 4 5. Oak Ridge 1-0 6 6. Franklin 2-2 7 7. Granite Bay 2-2 5 8. Rocklin 1-3 8 9. Vista del Lago 5-1 9 10. Bella Vista 4-0 13 11. Grant 3-1 14 12. Whitney 4-1 12 13. Capital Christian 7-1 15 14. Oakmont 2-0-1 17 15. Woodcreek 1-2 10 16. Yuba City 1-2 11 17. Bradshaw Christian 4-1 16 18. Christian Brothers 3-1 18 19. Colfax 4-0 19 20. Del Oro 2-1 –
Monday, March 17, 2014
2014 Spring Training Day 4
We got up a little before 6 am, packed up the room and headed to the rental car return. We dropped the car, rode the shuttle to the terminal and went through the security line. Although the security line was fairly short, it took 20 minutes to navigate.
Typically, we had eaten at a Fox Sports restaurant near the gates, but it was gone. Drew, Jack and I got a couple of breakfast burritos instead.
Jack and I boarded our 8:45 am flight almost 30 minutes early. Although we had boarding numbers A54 and A55, I was pleasantly surprised to find that we could get the two seat exit row. It was an easy, uneventful trip. Sharon picked us up and we were home by 11:45 am.
Three observations for the long weekend. First, the Wallens did a great job on the seats. All of the seats were behind home plate and more importantly in the shade for most of the afternoon. Second, in the three games that Jack and I saw, there were 16 home runs and 70 runs scored! Third, I had a wonderful time with everyone. I really enjoyed spending time with Jack on Friday. The two of us had seats separate from the group. I was great to see Drew and let Jack have an opportunity to spend some time with him. I really enjoy Wallen's and Tomasin's company. As I have said before [here and most recently here], I am the emotionally closet to Wallen, but I have a great time traveling and hanging out with Tomasin.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
2014 Spring Training Day 3
After a fairly late night, the boys slept late. I eventually got them rallied. We drove into downtown Tempe and climbed Hayden Butte. It is less than a 1/2 mile hike to the summit, but there are some great view of Tempe, the ASU campus and the surrounding area from the top.
We headed back to the hotel and picked up the Tomasins. We ended up having a late breakfast at Harlows for the second day in a row.
The game for Sunday was at Surprise Stadium. I pulled a bonehead stunt and forgot the three tickets that Jill gave me on Friday. It took Wallen and I about 20 minutes to get the tickets replaced.
We saw the Texas Rangers play the Chicago White Sox. Yu Darvish pitched five innings for the Rangers, while Prince Fielder started at first. Like Friday and Saturday, a football game broke out. The Rangers won the game by the score of 14 to 8. The Rangers hit four home runs, including a grand slam.
A log of spring training games I have seen over the years is here.
After the game, the group headed to Glendale. Tomasin and I stopped briefly at the Yard House. The group ended up having dinner at a restaurant called the Whiskey Rose. The food was not good; it was one of the worst meals that I have had in recent memory.
With a number of people having early flights in the morning, we broke up fairly early. When we got back to the hotel, I spent some time visiting with the Tomasins before crashing early.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
2014 Spring Training Day 2
Getting a slow start to the morning, Drew, Jack and I spent an hour in the exercise room at the hotel. I ran 5.15 miles on the treadmill, while the boys worked out with the weights and rode the stationary bikes.
After getting cleaned up, we went to Harlow's for a late breakfast. Jack ordered enough food for three people…
We eventually headed to Phoenix Municipal Stadium for the Oakland A's versus the Texas Rangers. Apparently, this is the last year that the A's are going to use this venue. Next year, they are moving to a remodeled Hohokam in Mesa next year with the Cubs moving to a new stadium.
It turned out to be a wild game. With the A's leading 13 to 9 in the top of the seventh, an A's pitcher [Ryan Dull] faced five batters giving up five earned runs on two doubles and two home runs. The Rangers went on to win the game by the score of 16 to 15. The game included seven home runs.
A log of spring training games I have seen over the years is here.
Unfortunately, the game included a train wreck with Moore. Wallen and I need to get back to Phoenix to see him in the future. Part of my motivation for coming this year was to spend some time with Doug.
Tomasin called me during the game. They flew in from New 0rleans mid-day and are staying at the same hotel as us.
After the game, we headed back to the hotel. Tomasin, Drew and I spent some time in the hot tub catching up.
With Julie feeling under the weather, the Tomasins stayed at the hotel while Drew, Jack and I went to Luke and Brea's for dinner. Wallen barbecued some meat. The group played Ladder Golf until after 11 pm. Drew also played some of his new music for the group. By the time we got back to the hotel and in bed, it was after 11:30 pm.
Friday, March 14, 2014
2014 Spring Training Day 1
Jack and I are heading to Arizona for spring training. This will be the eighth time in the last nine years that Jack has gone to spring training. For me, it is the eleventh time in the last fifteen years. We were originally scheduled to fly out late Friday night, but I moved us to an early flight after they canceled Jack's baseball practice for Friday.
Sharon took us to the airport. We caught a 8 am flight to Phoenix. Sitting in the exit row, it was an easy comfortable flight. Due to the price of the Hertz cars, I switched to Enterprise for this trip. I miss Hertz Gold…
Once we picked up the rental car, Jack and I headed to Maryvale to see the Milwaukee Brewers play the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Brewers won the game by the score of 9 to 8 in the tenth inning. With one out and a runner on third in the bottom of the tenth, the Diamondbacks played 5 infielders and 2 outfielders in an attempt to hold the runner at third. They got a ground ball to the shortstop, but the runner beat the throw home to score the game winning run. I don't think I have ever seen a team play five infielders before. The game featured five home runs including two by Overbay, the Milwaukee first baseman.
A log of spring training games I have seen over the years is here.
We had a pretty big group at the game, including Wallen, Jill, Chabrier, Kay, Moore, Moore's friend Bob, Wallen's brother Bob, Carol, Kyle, Brea, Jim, Bill, Marcus, Brandon and three other guys from Seattle that I didn't meet.
After the game, Jack and I fought our way through the traffic back to the hotel. We are staying at a newish Courtyard Marriot on 47th near the airport; this is not a hotel that we have stayed at before.
Checking in and getting cleaned up, we then headed to downtown Tempe. Jill made a reservations for dinner at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant. Jack and I split a Margarita Pizza and a Giro platter.
Drew flew in on a late flight. We picked him up at the airport about 10:45 pm. I was amazed at the traffic mess around Terminal 4. There were cars everywhere trying to pick people up.
I am looking forward to spending a few days with both Drew and Jack.
ESPN 30 for 30 Vol II Trailer: Requiem For the Big East
The seventeenth film--Requiem For The Big East--in ESPN's 30 for 30 Volume II will premier Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 9 pm ET.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
ESPN Films 30 for 30 Vol II: No Más
I watched No Más. This is the eleventh installment of ESPN's 30 for 30 Vol II. This film originally aired last October. I am still trying to get caught up from last fall. An episode guide for Vol II is here.
No Más focuses on the two fights that Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Durán fought in 1980. In June of 1980, they had the brawl in Montreal. In a brutal 15 round fight, Durán won a unanimous decision. Five months later, in November of 1980, they had a rematch in New Orleans. In the closing seconds of the eighth round, Durán turned his back to Leonard and quit, saying to the referee, "No Más."
The final third of the film examines why Durán quit. At the time, he said he had stomach cramps. The film looks at three other theories: Durán was overweight and had to lose too much weight too fast; he ate too much food after the weigh in before the fight, and; the fight was fixed in order to set-up a third match.
The movie closes with Leonard going to Panama to ask Durán what happened. They met in a boxing ring and talked about what happened.
Like some of the other subjects covered by the 30 for 30 documentaries, I am not a boxing fan. I don't think that I have sat and watched a boxing match since I was a freshman in college. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the film. It is a solid look at an interesting story. I was surprised by how many title matches both Leonard and Durán fought after 1980.
No Más is also available in iTunes.
A trailer for the film is here.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: Untucked
Grantland and ESPN Films have released the eighteenth film in their 30 for 30 documentary short series.
You can find Untucked on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10538699.
More about the film at: http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=untucked.
30 for 30 Shorts: Untucked
The latest film, from actor Danny Pudi, tells the story of how a controversial jersey design helped lead a team to a national title.
You can find Untucked on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10538699.
More about the film at: http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=untucked.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
HOME RUN?!? [Jesuit JV Baseball versus El Camino]
The Jesuit Marauder JV baseball team played the El Camino Eagles at Jesuit High School. The Marauders did not play El Camino in baseball last year. Additionally, I couldn't match any of the names on the El Camino roster with names that Jack has played against in the last four years.
Jack batted second behind Nick. At the plate, he was 1 for 4 with a home run, a run scored and two RBIs. In his first at-bat, Jack struck out looking on a high pitch with the count 3 and 2. He was not happy with the call…
With one out and Nick on first, Jack crushed a 2 and 0 pitch to right field in his second plate appearance. The wind was blowing from left to right and the ball carried. More on the wind in a minute. Jack was moving. I heard a couple of parents behind me comment on how fast he was going and speculate that he was going to catch up with Nick. When Jack got to third, the third baseman was straddling the bag. Jack crashed into him and lost his balance. He got back up and raced home in time to just barely beat the throw. Later in the game, I walked over to talk to Matt Walbeck. I mentioned that Jack had gotten a home run. One of the parents on the El Camino side started barking at me about how it was not a home run… c'est la vie!
Jack came up in the fourth inning with two out and Nick on first. With the count 1 and 1, Nick got caught stealing. Jack came back up again to lead off the fifth inning. He golfed a 3 and 1 pitch for a soft fly ball into short centerfield that the shortstop caught for an out. In his fourth at-bat with the bases loaded and one out, Jack drove the first pitch for a hard line drive to right. The right fielder was playing way over towards the line and caught the ball for an out. I was a little frustrated that they didn't have Kevin tagged up and score from third, but Jack didn't seem to mind.
In the field, Jack played seven innings in centerfield. He didn't have an assist or a put-out. The first Eagles batter hit a hard fly ball to right center. I thought that Jack was going to catch it (so did he!), but the wind carried it over his head. Jack tracked the ball down and made a solid throw to the cut-off man. With the runner going for third, they had him. Unfortunately, the relay throw was high and the runner scored on the error. This was the only run that El Camino would score.
Four Marauders pitchers (Wolger, Kane, Beards and Chiappe) combined to struck out 15 of the Eagles batters. Other than the lead off hit, only two other balls left the infield. The Marauders won the game by the score of 7 to 1. The box score is here and the scorecard is here.
Kane (2-0, ERA 2.52, 1 start, 2 appearances, 8.33 innings) was the winning pitcher. After struggling to find the plate last year, Kane has been very good so far. He has struck out 13 and walked only 2.
The Jesuit JV baseball team now has 3 wins and 1 loss. The game log is here. The Marauders next game is Tuesday, March 18 against St Mary's of Stockton. Last year, they split with St. Mary's: winning at home and losing in Stockton. In the next two and a half week before the league games start, the Marauders only have three games.
Jack batted second behind Nick. At the plate, he was 1 for 4 with a home run, a run scored and two RBIs. In his first at-bat, Jack struck out looking on a high pitch with the count 3 and 2. He was not happy with the call…
With one out and Nick on first, Jack crushed a 2 and 0 pitch to right field in his second plate appearance. The wind was blowing from left to right and the ball carried. More on the wind in a minute. Jack was moving. I heard a couple of parents behind me comment on how fast he was going and speculate that he was going to catch up with Nick. When Jack got to third, the third baseman was straddling the bag. Jack crashed into him and lost his balance. He got back up and raced home in time to just barely beat the throw. Later in the game, I walked over to talk to Matt Walbeck. I mentioned that Jack had gotten a home run. One of the parents on the El Camino side started barking at me about how it was not a home run… c'est la vie!
Jack came up in the fourth inning with two out and Nick on first. With the count 1 and 1, Nick got caught stealing. Jack came back up again to lead off the fifth inning. He golfed a 3 and 1 pitch for a soft fly ball into short centerfield that the shortstop caught for an out. In his fourth at-bat with the bases loaded and one out, Jack drove the first pitch for a hard line drive to right. The right fielder was playing way over towards the line and caught the ball for an out. I was a little frustrated that they didn't have Kevin tagged up and score from third, but Jack didn't seem to mind.
In the field, Jack played seven innings in centerfield. He didn't have an assist or a put-out. The first Eagles batter hit a hard fly ball to right center. I thought that Jack was going to catch it (so did he!), but the wind carried it over his head. Jack tracked the ball down and made a solid throw to the cut-off man. With the runner going for third, they had him. Unfortunately, the relay throw was high and the runner scored on the error. This was the only run that El Camino would score.
Four Marauders pitchers (Wolger, Kane, Beards and Chiappe) combined to struck out 15 of the Eagles batters. Other than the lead off hit, only two other balls left the infield. The Marauders won the game by the score of 7 to 1. The box score is here and the scorecard is here.
Kane (2-0, ERA 2.52, 1 start, 2 appearances, 8.33 innings) was the winning pitcher. After struggling to find the plate last year, Kane has been very good so far. He has struck out 13 and walked only 2.
The Jesuit JV baseball team now has 3 wins and 1 loss. The game log is here. The Marauders next game is Tuesday, March 18 against St Mary's of Stockton. Last year, they split with St. Mary's: winning at home and losing in Stockton. In the next two and a half week before the league games start, the Marauders only have three games.
Jesuit JV Baseball versus El Camino Box Score
Log Game
EL CAMINO JV (1) AT JESUIT MARAUDERS JV (7) EL CAMINO JV AB R H BI JESUIT MARAUDERS JV AB R H BI COLTON Burns 3 1 1 0 Nick Iwasa 4 1 2 0 TRENT BOURDON 3 0 1 0 Jack Heringer 4 1 1 2 MICHAEL HERNANDEZ 2 0 0 0 Samuel Stiltner 3 1 2 2 JUSTIN GRACE 3 0 0 0 Jared Alameida 3 1 1 0 HAYDEN ANTHONY 3 0 1 0 Kyle Roessler 0 0 0 0 ANTHONY KEENAN 2 0 1 0 Alexander Isola 4 1 2 2 DANNY ROGERS 2 0 0 0 Jack Costa 3 0 0 0 BEN HAYNES 2 0 0 0 Christian Flores 2 0 0 0 KYLE RAIRDON 1 0 0 0 Kevin Fitzsimon 0 1 0 0 DEVON MILLER 2 0 0 0 Byrce Colombara 2 0 0 0 KEVIN LOHEIT 1 0 0 0 Jonah Allman 1 0 0 0 Cooper Renteria 2 0 0 0 Andrew De Anda 0 1 0 0 TOTALS 24 1 4 0 TOTALS 28 7 8 6 EL CAMINO JV 100 000 0 -- 1 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 005 002 x -- 7 LOB--EL CAMINO JV 7, JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 7. ERR--HAYDEN ANTHONY, BEN HAYNES (2), TRENT BOURDON (2), Cooper Renteria. 2B--COLTON Burns, Alexander Isola (2). HR--Jack Heringer. SACB--TRENT BOURDON. SB--HAYDEN ANTHONY, ANTHONY KEENAN. EL CAMINO JV IP H R ER BB SO HR JARED BELL (L) 3.00 6 5 4 0 1 1 TRENT BOURDON 3.00 2 2 2 4 1 0 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV Jack Wolger 2.00 3 1 1 0 6 0 Ryan Kane (W) 2.00 1 0 0 2 3 0 Trevor Beards 2.00 0 0 0 2 4 0 John Louis Chiappe 1.00 0 0 0 0 2 0 PB--Alexander Isola. SO--KYLE RAIRDON, DANNY ROGERS (2), HAYDEN ANTHONY (2), ANTHONY KEENAN, COLTON Burns, DEVON MILLER, BEN HAYNES (2), MICHAEL HERNANDEZ, KEVIN LOHEIT, JUSTIN GRACE (2), TRENT BOURDON, Jared Alameida, Jack Heringer. BB--DANNY ROGERS, ANTHONY KEENAN, COLTON Burns, MICHAEL HERNANDEZ, Kyle Roessler, Samuel Stiltner, Andrew De Anda, Kevin Fitzsimon.
Monday, March 10, 2014
El Retiro San Inigo 2014
Sharon and Janie spent the weekend at El Retiro San Inigo, the Jesuit Retreat House of Los Altos. They attended a silent retreat for members of the legal profession.
From 1994 to 2011, Sharon went to this retreat 17 out of 18 years, missing only the year after Jack was born. After missing the last two years, she got back on track and attended this year.
From 1994 to 2011, Sharon went to this retreat 17 out of 18 years, missing only the year after Jack was born. After missing the last two years, she got back on track and attended this year.
Sunday, March 09, 2014
Walbeck Academy College Prep Video Shoot
Jack spent the morning and early afternoon at the Walbeck Academy College Prep Video Shoot at Bella Vista High School. They took video of him fielding and throwing in the outfield and hitting. After playing mostly first and third base for the Outlaws, Jack has done an excellent job of turning himself into an outfielder. He looks very comfortable. I was frankly shocked at how awkward most of the other players looked fielding and throwing in the outfield.
The video will eventually be uploaded to a page for Jack on the website SportsForceOnline.com. This is tool to support him getting recruited to play baseball in college.
Saturday, March 08, 2014
Jesuit JV Baseball versus Archbishop Mitty and Wilcox
The Jesuit Marauders JV baseball team traveled to San Jose to play Archbishop Mitty and Wilcox High Schools. The Marauders dropped a double header to Archbishop Mitty last season, but didn't play Wilcox.
Due to a CIF limit on the number of games that a player can play in a season, the coaches split the squad. Ten of the boys played against Archbishop Mitty and a different ten played against Wilcox. Jack played in the second game against Wilcox. This was probably the stronger split squad both offensively and defensively. It seemed like the team that played against Archbishop Mitty just had too many players out of position.
Committing three errors and not looking very sharp defensively, the Marauders gave up 9 runs in the first two innings against Archbishop Mitty Monarchs. They ended up losing the game by the score of 11 to 2. The box score is here and the scorecard is here.
Wolger (0-1, 1 start, 1.67 innings, 21.00 ERA) was the losing pitcher. Jack said that he got very odd in the dugout before and during the game. He deserves to be more than a little frustrated with the defense.
Getting a quick bite to eat after the game, the group traveled to Wilcox High School. Archbishop Mitty served the boys hamburgers.
Jack led off and played centerfield. At the plate, Jack was 1 for 3 with a single, a walk and a run scored. In his first at-bat, Jack struck out looking on a low inside pitch on a 3 and 2 count. He walked on 6 pitches in his second plate appearance. Jack went to second on Nick's single and scored on Sam's double. In his third at-bat, Jack struck out swinging on a low inside patch with the count 1 and 2. Jack hit a 2 and 2 pitch a hard grounder through the left side for a single in his fourth plate appearance. He was caught stealing. After the game, Jack was admant that he was safe.
In the field, Jack played seven innings in centerfield. He had two put-outs. Jack is tracking the ball very well in the outfield. In the third inning, a ball was hit hard to deep centerfield. I heard a couple of parents from the other team say "its over his head." Jack made the catch look easy.
After falling behind by the score of 3 to 2, the Marauders scored three runs in the fifth and two more in the seventh. They won the game by the score of 7 to 3. The box score is here and the scorecard is here.
Child (1-0, 2 appearances, 4.00 innings, 0.00 ERA) got the win. After not making the team last year, he has pitched effectively in the first couple of games.
The Jesuit JV baseball team now has 2 wins and 1 loss. The game log is here. The Marauders next game is Tuesday, March 11 against El Camino. They did not play against El Camino as freshman.
Jesuit JV Baseball versus Wilcox Box Score
Log Game
JESUIT MARAUDERS JV (7) AT WILCOX (3) JESUIT MARAUDERS JV AB R H BI WILCOX AB R H BI Jack Heringer 3 1 1 0 # 5 3 1 1 2 Nick Iwasa 4 2 2 0 # 8 4 0 0 0 Jack Costa 2 2 0 0 #16 3 0 0 0 Samuel Stiltner 4 2 3 3 #19 3 0 1 1 Christian Flores 3 0 0 1 # 6 3 0 0 0 Kyle Roessler 4 0 2 1 #17 2 0 0 0 Trevor Beards 3 0 0 2 #12 2 0 0 0 Cooper Renteria 1 0 0 0 #18 2 1 1 0 Andrew De Anda 1 0 0 0 # 7 3 1 1 0 Andrew Child 3 0 0 0 TOTALS 28 7 8 7 TOTALS 25 3 4 3 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 002 030 2 -- 7 WILCOX 003 000 0 -- 3 LOB--JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 6, WILCOX 5. ERR--Nick Iwasa, M. 2B--Samuel Stiltner (2). HBP--Jack Costa, Christian Flores, J. SB--Nick Iwasa (2), H (2), K, B. JESUIT MARAUDERS JV IP H R ER BB SO HR Jack Costa 3.00 3 3 3 1 3 0 Andrew Child (W) 2.00 1 0 0 1 1 0 Samuel Stiltner 2.00 0 0 0 1 2 0 WILCOX #22 4.00 4 2 2 2 3 0 # 6 (L) 1.00 2 3 2 2 1 0 #15 2.00 2 2 2 0 1 0 PB--Samuel Stiltner (2), Q. SO--Kyle Roessler, Samuel Stiltner, Jack Heringer (2), Andrew Child, C, Q, H, A, J (2). BB--Trevor Beards, Cooper Renteria, Jack Costa, Jack Heringer, Q, H, G.
Jesuit JV Baseball versus Archbishop Mitty Box Score
Log Game
JESUIT MARAUDERS JV (2) AT ARCHBISHOP MITTY JV (11) JESUIT MARAUDERS JV AB R H BI ARCHBISHOP MITTY JV AB R H BI Alexander Isola 4 0 1 0 Nicholas Palacios 4 1 2 0 John Louis Chiappe 4 0 0 0 Spencer King 0 0 0 0 Jared Alameida 2 0 0 0 Anthony Rodman 4 1 1 0 Kevin Fitzsimon 1 0 0 0 Jacob Martinez 2 2 1 0 Byrce Colombara 1 2 0 0 Jake Holton 4 3 3 3 Jack Wolger 2 0 1 0 Sean Walsh 3 1 1 1 Nicholas Sogard 3 0 0 1 Maverick Kressman 3 1 1 2 Jack Baer 1 0 0 0 Tristan Caldwell 3 1 0 0 Ryan Kane 2 0 1 0 Harrison Roberson 3 1 2 4 Jonah Allman 2 0 1 0 Connor McWard 1 0 0 0 Calvin Quittner 4 0 2 1 TOTALS 22 2 4 1 TOTALS 31 11 13 11 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 010 001 0 -- 2 ARCHBISHOP MITTY JV 632 000 x -- 11 LOB--JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 6, ARCHBISHOP MITTY JV 7. ERR--Jonah Allman, John Louis Chiappe, Kevin Fitzsimon, Harrison Roberson. 2B--Jake Holton. 3B--Jake Holton, Harrison Roberson. HBP--Jack Wolger, Jonah Allman, Kevin Fitzsimon. SACF--Maverick Kressman. SB--Tristan Caldwell, Maverick Kressman, Anthony Rodman. JESUIT MARAUDERS JV IP H R ER BB SO HR Jack Wolger (L) 1.67 7 9 5 4 3 0 Ryan Kane 3.33 5 2 2 0 5 0 Byrce Colombara 1.00 1 0 0 0 3 0 ARCHBISHOP MITTY JV Niall Manning (W) 4.00 4 1 0 3 4 0 2.00 0 1 1 1 2 0 Enrique Guerra 1.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 PB--Alexander Isola (2), Calvin Quittner. SO--Jonah Allman, Ryan Kane, Alexander Isola (2), John Louis Chiappe, Jack Baer, Connor McWard, Tristan Caldwell (3), Maverick Kressman, Calvin Quittner, Anthony Rodman, Harrison Roberson, Nicholas Palacios (2), Sean Walsh. BB--Jared Alameida, Byrce Colombara (2), Kevin Fitzsimon, Tristan Caldwell, Jacob Martinez (2), Sean Walsh.
Friday, March 07, 2014
sarta 2014 techedge
I attended the sarta 2014 techedge conference at the Hyatt Regency. The presentations included a number of Sacramento Success Stories, including: Mike Millie, Bayer CropScience; Cate Dyer, StemExpress; and, Robert Winkler, 5th Plant Games. After lunch, the keynote speaker was Andy Miller, President and Chief Operating Officer of Leap Motion. Miller served as Vice President of Mobile Advertising reporting to Steve Jobs. Miller is a part owner of the Sacramento Kings and is heading up the Kings' technology committee.
I ended up running into someone that was sitting at our table at the Mardi Gras Fundraising Gala. I sat with Jeff at lunch.
I ended up running into someone that was sitting at our table at the Mardi Gras Fundraising Gala. I sat with Jeff at lunch.
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Virtually Biking Across America - Day 83
On Day 83, I rode 26.6 miles across northeastern Kansas. Starting the ride at the Pony Express Museum at the corner of North 4th and Main Streets in Seneca, I rode to the southeast along a series of country roads. As you can see from the changes in incline, this is rolling terrain with lots of ups and downs.
I went south on South Fourth Street out of town, east on Road 140 and then south on Highway 68. I turned east on Kelly Road [120th Road] and south on what appears to be S Road. I passed near the Log Chain Pony Express Station [39°46'22.9"N 95°54'06.0"W - SW1/4-S19-T3S-R14E].
From here, I went east on 112th Road, south on U Road, east on 104th Road, south on U4 Road, east on 96th Road, south on Bittersweet Road and finally east on 140th Street. I ended the ride near the Kickapoo Pony Express station [39°42'39.2"N 95°42'49.5"W - S14-T4S-R15E].
The trip log for Virtually Biking Across America is here.
Wednesday, March 05, 2014
Jesuit JV Baseball versus Tokay
After getting rained out of a double header scrimmage last week, the Jesuit Marauders JV baseball team played the first game of the season. They played the Tokay Tigers; this high school is located in Lodi. I didn't recognize any of the names on the roster as kids that Jack has ever faced before.
Leading off, Jack was 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, a strike-out, a stolen base, an RBI and two runs scored. In his first at-bat, Jack struck out swinging on a 3 and 2 pitch. The Tigers starting pitcher is listed as 6' 4" and 225 pounds. He struck out five of the first six batters, including Jack, Nick, Jack Cosca, Jared and Sam.
In his second plate appearance with Bryce on third and Nick Sogard on first and no outs in the bottom of the third, Jack drove a 0 and 1 pitch through the left side for a single and an RBI. At the time, the score was tied 1 to 1. The Marauders started to get to the pitcher at this point. Jack went to second on Nick Iwasa's sacrifice bunt, to third on a wild pitch and scored on Jared's ground out to short.
In his third plate appearance with two out in the bottom of the fourth, Jack walked on six pitches. He stole second and then scored on Nick Iwasa's line drive to right. The Marauders went on to score four more runs and chase the starting pitcher. The starting pitcher threw 92 pitches. It makes me uncomfortable to see a young player used that heavily particularly so early in the season in a meaningless game.
In the field, Jack started in centerfield and played four innings. He had no assists or put-outs. The first batter of the game hit a line drive in right center for a double. Jack ran it down and made a solid throw to second to almost get the runner.
With the Marauders leading by the score of 10 to 1 in the top of the fifth, the coaches replaced all of the starters. All twenty of the boys got to play. The Marauders ended up beating the Tigers by the score of 14 to 3. The box score is here and the score card is here.
The Jesuit JV baseball team now has 1 win and 0 losses. The game log is here. The Marauders next game is Saturday, March 8 against Archbishop Mitty in San Jose. The Marauders lost both ends of a double header to Archbiship Mitty last year.
Leading off, Jack was 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, a strike-out, a stolen base, an RBI and two runs scored. In his first at-bat, Jack struck out swinging on a 3 and 2 pitch. The Tigers starting pitcher is listed as 6' 4" and 225 pounds. He struck out five of the first six batters, including Jack, Nick, Jack Cosca, Jared and Sam.
In his second plate appearance with Bryce on third and Nick Sogard on first and no outs in the bottom of the third, Jack drove a 0 and 1 pitch through the left side for a single and an RBI. At the time, the score was tied 1 to 1. The Marauders started to get to the pitcher at this point. Jack went to second on Nick Iwasa's sacrifice bunt, to third on a wild pitch and scored on Jared's ground out to short.
In his third plate appearance with two out in the bottom of the fourth, Jack walked on six pitches. He stole second and then scored on Nick Iwasa's line drive to right. The Marauders went on to score four more runs and chase the starting pitcher. The starting pitcher threw 92 pitches. It makes me uncomfortable to see a young player used that heavily particularly so early in the season in a meaningless game.
In the field, Jack started in centerfield and played four innings. He had no assists or put-outs. The first batter of the game hit a line drive in right center for a double. Jack ran it down and made a solid throw to second to almost get the runner.
With the Marauders leading by the score of 10 to 1 in the top of the fifth, the coaches replaced all of the starters. All twenty of the boys got to play. The Marauders ended up beating the Tigers by the score of 14 to 3. The box score is here and the score card is here.
The Jesuit JV baseball team now has 1 win and 0 losses. The game log is here. The Marauders next game is Saturday, March 8 against Archbishop Mitty in San Jose. The Marauders lost both ends of a double header to Archbiship Mitty last year.
Jesuit JV Baseball versus Tokay Box Score
Log Game
TOKAY JV TIGERS (3) AT JESUIT MARAUDERS JV (14) TOKAY JV TIGERS AB R H BI JESUIT MARAUDERS JV AB R H BI Brennon Berninger 3 1 1 0 Jack Heringer 2 2 1 1 Alejandro Avila 2 1 1 0 Kyle Roessler 1 0 0 1 Shaun Rizzolo 3 0 0 0 Nick Iwasa 2 1 1 1 Chris Blanchard 3 0 0 0 Trevor Beards 1 0 1 0 [Not on Roster] 2 0 0 0 Jack Costa 1 2 0 0 Tyler Lopez 0 1 0 0 Jonah Allman 0 0 0 0 Leo Alcantara 3 0 0 0 Jared Alameida 3 1 1 2 Victor Munoz 3 0 2 1 Jack Wolger 1 0 0 0 Luis Ramirez 3 0 0 0 Alexander Isola 2 3 2 2 Trever Kranich 2 0 1 0 Samuel Stiltner 3 0 2 2 Andrew De Anda 0 1 0 0 Christian Flores 3 0 0 0 Kevin Fitzsimon 1 0 0 0 Byrce Colombara 3 1 1 0 Jack Baer 0 1 0 0 Nicholas Sogard 1 1 0 0 Cooper Renteria 2 1 1 2 TOTALS 24 3 5 1 TOTALS 26 14 10 11 TOKAY JV TIGERS 100 002 -- 3 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 014 504 -- 14 LOB--TOKAY JV TIGERS 5, JESUIT MARAUDERS JV 7. ERR--Leo Alcantara, Chris Blanchard, Trevor Beards, Ryan Kane, Kevin Fitzsimon. 2B--Brennon Berninger, Cooper Renteria, Alexander Isola. 3B--Byrce Colombara. HBP--Andrew De Anda. SACB--Nick Iwasa. SB--Alejandro Avila, Jared Alameida, Jack Costa, Alexander Isola (2), Jack Heringer. TOKAY JV TIGERS IP H R ER BB SO HR Mason Burrows (L) 3.67 6 9 8 5 5 0 Tyler Lopez 0.33 2 1 1 0 0 0 Brennon Berninger 1.67 2 4 4 5 1 0 JESUIT MARAUDERS JV Ryan Kane (W) 3.00 2 1 1 0 5 0 Andrew Child 2.00 2 0 0 0 1 0 John Louis Chiappe 1.00 1 2 1 2 0 0 PB--Leo Alcantara (2). WP--Mason Burrows (2), Brennon Berninger (2), Ryan Kane, Andrew Child. SO--Luis Ramirez (2), Victor Munoz, Brennon Berninger, Alejandro Avila, Jared Alameida, Cooper Renteria, Jack Costa, Samuel Stiltner, Jack Heringer, Nick Iwasa. BB--Tyler Lopez, Alejandro Avila, Jonah Allman, Kyle Roessler, Trevor Beards, Jack Costa (2), Alexander Isola (2), Nicholas Sogard, Jack Heringer, Jack Baer.
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
2014 Northstar Day 2
Getting up before 7 am, I went down to the Starbucks in the village with my book. I had a cup of coffee and read.
My original plan was to ski with the Larkin group for a second day. While I was at Starbucks, Larkin texted me to let me know that he and Cindy were going to take the day off. His back and ribs were trashed.
I headed back to the condo and kicked back while Hunter and Yuli got ready. One thing I have learned over the last 37 years is that you can't do anything with Hunter and be in a hurry… Hunter had booked a lesson for Yuli. We got her to the ski school and organized about 930 am. Hunter and I were on the slope skiing a little before 10 am. We skied Comstock Express and the Backside until about 1230 pm and then headed to the mid-lodge to meet up with Yuli.
After a quick bite to eat with the two of them, I headed back to the condo to pack up. I was on the road about 130 pm and back in Carmichael about 330 pm. It was a great couple of days. It was nice to spend a couple of days with Hunter catching up.
After twisting my knee yesterday, it was not happy with me in the wet heavy snow at the bottom of the runs. I am probably going to have to ski with some kind of brace on my knee next time. It also dawned on me that prior to this trip I have only skied once in the last four years. This was two years ago at Sugar Bowl with Jack. Note to self, I need to try to make sure that I take at least one annual ski trip!
Finally, it is really shocking how little snow cover there is. Looking north from the top of Northstar, there is no snow in the Martis Valley.
Monday, March 03, 2014
2014 Northstar Day 1
Up before 5 am, I was on the road about 6 am for Northstar. The plan for the next two days is to ski with Hunter and the Larkin group. I rousted Hunter out of bed a little before 8 am with a phone call and got him to let me into the garage at One Village Place. I have had a chance to stay at Hunter's condo and ski twice before [2009 and 2010]. Looking back, I was shocked to realize that I have not been back here in four years.
I settled into the condo and then walked down to get a lift ticket. The Larkin group [Joe, Cindy, Pete and Karen] called almost as soon as I got back from buying the ticket. I met them a little after 9 am at the gondola and we headed up the mountain. We skied together on the Comstock Express stair until about 10:30 am when Hunter finally caught up with us.
After another couple of runs off of the Comstock Express, we headed towards the Backside. We skied the Challenger run. On the second run down, Hunter led us off on a short run called Follow Me. It was a mess; it was not groomed and lots of little trees sticking up through the snow. Although I twisted my knee, I worked my way down pretty well. Cindy and particularly Karen had more problems.
The next time down Larkin got tangled up with a snowboarder near the bottom. In the thirty plus years that I have skied with him, it is the longest that I have ever seen him stay down.
At this point, it was after 1 pm and we decided to head to Shaffer Camp for lunch. This is a private restaurant, bar and lounge located at the top of the Zephyr Chair. Hunter had dropped Yuli there earlier. We had a nice lazy lunch.
After lunch, Cindy headed to the mid-lodge. Larkin and I skied a couple of runs on the Backside and off the East Ridge. We never connected with Hunter. We quit about 4 pm and met the rest of the group at the mid-lodge. Finally connecting with Hunter, I skied down to the condo with him. The Larkin group stopped by the condo for a few minutes to get a tour.
Hunter, Yuli and I spent a long time in the jacuzzi. After getting cleaned up, we headed to Mikuni's for dinner. Looking for somewhere to have a drink after dinner, we wandered around the village. It was empty and everyplace was closed. We ended up going back to Mikuni's and essentially closing the place down. By the time we got back to the condo, it was after 11 pm and I crashed.
The weather was a little funky over the course of the day. While we were skiing, we had light snow flurries for most of the day. Towards the end of the day, it got very wet. When we stopped at 4 pm, my jacket was very wet. When we walked to dinner and then wandered around the village after dinner, it was raining lightly.
I settled into the condo and then walked down to get a lift ticket. The Larkin group [Joe, Cindy, Pete and Karen] called almost as soon as I got back from buying the ticket. I met them a little after 9 am at the gondola and we headed up the mountain. We skied together on the Comstock Express stair until about 10:30 am when Hunter finally caught up with us.
After another couple of runs off of the Comstock Express, we headed towards the Backside. We skied the Challenger run. On the second run down, Hunter led us off on a short run called Follow Me. It was a mess; it was not groomed and lots of little trees sticking up through the snow. Although I twisted my knee, I worked my way down pretty well. Cindy and particularly Karen had more problems.
The next time down Larkin got tangled up with a snowboarder near the bottom. In the thirty plus years that I have skied with him, it is the longest that I have ever seen him stay down.
At this point, it was after 1 pm and we decided to head to Shaffer Camp for lunch. This is a private restaurant, bar and lounge located at the top of the Zephyr Chair. Hunter had dropped Yuli there earlier. We had a nice lazy lunch.
After lunch, Cindy headed to the mid-lodge. Larkin and I skied a couple of runs on the Backside and off the East Ridge. We never connected with Hunter. We quit about 4 pm and met the rest of the group at the mid-lodge. Finally connecting with Hunter, I skied down to the condo with him. The Larkin group stopped by the condo for a few minutes to get a tour.
Hunter, Yuli and I spent a long time in the jacuzzi. After getting cleaned up, we headed to Mikuni's for dinner. Looking for somewhere to have a drink after dinner, we wandered around the village. It was empty and everyplace was closed. We ended up going back to Mikuni's and essentially closing the place down. By the time we got back to the condo, it was after 11 pm and I crashed.
The weather was a little funky over the course of the day. While we were skiing, we had light snow flurries for most of the day. Towards the end of the day, it got very wet. When we stopped at 4 pm, my jacket was very wet. When we walked to dinner and then wandered around the village after dinner, it was raining lightly.
Sunday, March 02, 2014
2014 Kings versus Timberwolves
Saturday night, Sharon and I went to the Sacramento Kings versus Timberwolves NBA basketball game. Leading by the score of 56 to 53 at half-time, the Kings were outscored by 31 to 14 in the third quarter and lost by the score of 108 to 97.
This was date night for Sharon and I. We ended up spending a lot of the first half talking and trying to figure out what to have for dinner rather than focusing on the game.
Ironically, former King Kevin Martin was the leading scorer for the Timberwolves. He had 26 points on 9 for 16 from the field, 1 for 5 from three point range and 7 for 8 from the free throw line. Kevin Love had an off shooting night. He had 22 points, but was 4 for 12 from the field. Love did have 10 rebounds and 7 assists.
The Kings leading scorer was Rudy Gay. Gay had 24 points on 8 for 14 from the field, 4 for 7 from three point range and 4 for 4 from the free throw line. Cousins added 21 points and Isaiah Thomas contributed 22 points.
Kurt, Craig and Keith were also at the game.
The Kings have 2 wins and 2 losses in games that I have during the 2013-2014 season.
Nebraska
Late Friday night, Sharon and I watched Nebraska as a HD rental on the AppleTV. We are trying to knock out as many of the Oscar nominated films as possible before the Academy Awards show in early March. It has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Payne, Best Actor for Bruce Dern, Best Supporting Actress for June Squibb, Best Original Screenplay for Nelson and Best Cinematography for Papamichael.
This is the seventh of the nine movies nominated for Best Picture that we seen, including Philomena, 12 Year A Slave, Dallas Buyers Club, Captain Phillips, Gravity and American Hustle. We will not get a chance to see Her or Wolf of Wall Street before Sunday.
Nebraska is billed as a road trip film. Shot in black and white, it is set in Montana and Nebraska. The views of the countryside are interesting. I have ridden through this part of the country virtually on the bike, but [note of self] I would like to drive through it at some point in the next couple of years.
Neither Sharon nor I enjoyed this movie. Sharon said "it is terrible." While I appreciate what they were trying to do, I am frankly surprised it is one of the Best Picture nominations.
This is the seventh of the nine movies nominated for Best Picture that we seen, including Philomena, 12 Year A Slave, Dallas Buyers Club, Captain Phillips, Gravity and American Hustle. We will not get a chance to see Her or Wolf of Wall Street before Sunday.
Nebraska is billed as a road trip film. Shot in black and white, it is set in Montana and Nebraska. The views of the countryside are interesting. I have ridden through this part of the country virtually on the bike, but [note of self] I would like to drive through it at some point in the next couple of years.
Neither Sharon nor I enjoyed this movie. Sharon said "it is terrible." While I appreciate what they were trying to do, I am frankly surprised it is one of the Best Picture nominations.
Saturday, March 01, 2014
Philomena
On Friday, Sharon and I went to see Philomena at the Tower Theater and then went to Ella's afterwards. We are trying to knock out as many of the Oscar nominated films as possible before the Academy Awards show in early March. The film is nominated in four categories at the 2014 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress [Judi Dench]. This is the sixth of the nine movies nominated for Best Picture that we seen.
The film tells the true story of Philomena Lee's 50-year-long search for her son. The film is based on the book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by journalist Martin Sixsmith.
I hadn't read anything about the story ahead of time. I was pleasantly surprised by the movie. I don't believe that it will win the Oscar for Best Picture of Best Actress, but it is a solid, enjoyable film.
The film tells the true story of Philomena Lee's 50-year-long search for her son. The film is based on the book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by journalist Martin Sixsmith.
I hadn't read anything about the story ahead of time. I was pleasantly surprised by the movie. I don't believe that it will win the Oscar for Best Picture of Best Actress, but it is a solid, enjoyable film.
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