Friday's Top Five - Baseball Themed ANYTHING

Baseball season is upon us, and there is no better time to blog my love for this beautiful sport than now. And it's Friday, so what better way than in my semi (when-I-have-time) regular feature, the Friday Five!

This isn't the first time I have posted about baseball. If you have time, go read:

• This Used to Be My Playground (June 2009) - how playing baseball reminded me how much it is to go outside and play
• My Field of Dreams and the Discovery of my Love for Baseball (July 2009) - how keeping stats, and local baseball, improved my love of the game
• The Wild Species Survival Guide - The Obnoxious Baseball Fan (July 2009) - a handy-guide on how to spot, avoid, and deal with the obnoxious baseball fan

I present to you my top-five baseball themed anything:

5. Baseball memes
Oh peoples of the interwebz. What would I do without you there to amuse me?  Baseball memes are funny. Especially the one's that poke fun at Steve's beloved Mets.

It's funny 'cuz it's true!

4. Baseball movies

I love sports movies. Baseball movies are great because sometimes, they don't always end with an underdog victory, like with football movies. Sometimes the underdog remains the underdog. I walk away inspired anyways.

While I have yet to watch a baseball movie I didn't like, the two that stand out the most for me are A League of Their Own (which deals with women in professional baseball during World War II), and The Sandlot (a fabulous movie that deals with kids playing baseball, narrated in a similar fashion to The Wonder Years). I will watch these movies over and over again.

My favourite song by Madonna: This Used to Be My Playground

3. Baseball (a documentary by Ken Burns)

Ken Burns, a prominent documentary film maker, made a 10 "innings" Baseball documentary, covering every decade of baseball. He seamlessly weaved the story of baseball in the context of what was going on in America (and the world). He featured prominent (and lesser-known) players, fields and actions that would impact the game forever. This documentary changed the way I view baseball, and it gave me a profound appreciation for just how important baseball is the world.

Truth.

2. Vintage baseball pictures

Baseball is not just men in uniforms playing in the dirt. Baseball is not just an escape from the problems of the world; it is a reflection of the world. Vintage photographs not only conjure up romantic nostalgia. They also, when chronologically placed, reflect real issues in the world.Overcoming adversity in the face of illness, World War II, gender and racial barriers being broken...it's all there. Some issues will always remain (women in professional baseball), but baseball led the way when it came to facing these issues --- whether it wanted to or not.

Lou Gehrig's famous retirement speech after being diagnosed with ALS

Women served in professional baseball during WWII

Jackie Robinson broke racial and colour barriers

Joltin' Joe DiMaggio was just awesome. Plus he served in WW2. But I put this here because he was awesome!

 Center Field by John Fogarty. This song was inducted into the Baseball HOF.

1. Baseball games (MLB, Local, Little League, Beer League, amongst friends)

There is something about attending baseball games, at any level, that is enjoyable. I've attended a New York Yankees game in New York, numerous games at John Ducey Park in Edmonton (Trappers, Edmonton Capitals, whatever the next team, if any, will be). I've watched kids play in little-league with their full hearts. I've watched my dad play in a community beer-league team, just for fun. I've gone to the park simply to play with my friends.

John Ducey Park (a.k.a. Telus Field) in Edmonton

Each time has been nothing but enjoyable. Baseball, even at the MLB level, is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment out there. For less than $20.00 at the semi-professional local level in Edmonton, you can get a ticket, a hot dog, a beer, a pop, and a 50/50 ticket. You sit in the lazy summer sun. You cheer and chat with the people around you. You heckle when heckling is needed. If you really want to get involved, you keep stats. If you don't, you just sit there and watch. It's peaceful and engaging.

This is how I plan on funding my retirement. Baby boo better have a good arm.

And for free, go out and watch a game locally (in your community-league). It's a great sport for kids. It's great for wanna-be kids. It's a great game to play if you just want to go out doors on a lazy summer day.

A great song by Kenny Rogers

I can't wait for the new season, or summer for that matter. Go check out Joanne's awesome list at A Warm Cup of Jo, and I think her husband Steve from Wayward Yankee will contribute as well! 

Play Ball!

Fridays (Way Overdue) Top 5: Guilty Pleasures

Hello faithful readers of five. I am way overdue on a blog post. Blame a combination of work-crazy, life-crazy, and laziness. Mostly laziness. OK. Just blame laziness and move on already.

My beautiful gurl crush BFF Joanne, at a A Warm Cup of Jo, has been faithfully committing to our quest to post weekly top fives. In fact, it was my suggestion to do this series as a way to blog more faithfully. How's that working out for me? Sigh.

So I need to catch up to the two posts FT5 posts she has posted (what a keener she is), I present my catch-up post #1.

We all have them. Some of them are more embarrassing than others. Here are my top-five guilty pleasures.

5) Libraries and Bookstores.


Source: National Library in Ottawa

I shouldn't feel guilty or embarrassed by my love of books, libraries and bookstores. There is nothing to feel guilty about.

 

But I take my love a new level. I will go in and wander just because. I have been known to have "dates" with my friends at libraries and bookstores. On a few occasions, Wendy and I went to Chapters just to look-around. Joanne and I spent many, many, many days in our youth going to the library (which was a conveniently located next to the fire hall *ahem*).

 

If there is time between bus connections at Northgate Transit Centre, I mosey over to Chapters. Bookstores and libraries are my paradise.



 

4) Weight Watchers

Source: Weightwatchers.com

It might be odd to have a corporation as a guilty pleasure. And for full disclosure, I am currently on Weight Watchers. But have you seen my WW stash? Have you seen the lengths I have gone to to attend a meeting?

 

True story. While I was on my honeymoon in Penticton B.C., I made my new husband drive around and then wait in a car for an hour just so I can attend a meeting. Was it dedication? Well sort of. But mostly, it was because I wanted to get my hands on products we couldn't get at our meetings at home.

 

My reading nook in the basement has an entire shelf dedicated to Weight Watchers. I have books going back to when Sarah, the Duchess of York was a role model. I have every single "weekly" magazine since the new Points Plus program came out in 2010. I have the latest book Weight Loss Boss by CEO David Kirchhoff (a book I highly recommend). I spend hours looking at other people's blogs. I go to message boards (via my App). 

 

So how am I doing in my own journey you ask? *cough cough*. Let us move on...

 

3) PBS

Source: PBS.org

Arguably, the previous two pleasure can be defended as reasonable and rational. But this is pure guilt at it's finest.

What is embarrassing about this choice:

• It is an acknowledgement that I, at 35, willingly watch PBS.
• It is an acknowledgement that I, at 35, willingly watch stuffy period pieces.
• It is an acknowledgement that I, at 35, willingly watch documentaries and cooking shows

I know there are friends out there who would say "stand proud, stand tall" (right Rebecca?) I have always felt like an old soul. I have always felt that when I reject Jersey Shore and Honey Boo Boo for Downton Abbey, Jane Austen films, Ken Burns Documentaries and America's Test Kitchen, I am saying to the world that I am better than than you.

Which I am if you watch Jersey Shore and Honey Boo Boo willingly.

Yes, I am a snob. But some of the best 10 hours of TV footage of my life have been spent watching Ken Burns documentary Baseball. Seriously.

Source: PBS.org

 
2) Duck Dynasty

Source: A&E Television

I am a dumb complex individual. The same person who watches Downton Abbey while poo-pooing those who watch Jersey Shore will spend an entire Saturday watching Duck Dynasty marathon. My Wednesday nights have never been the same since I first saw welcomed the Robertson family into my life.

You have no idea how much I love this show. It is great for two reasons:

1. It is genuinely funny. Side-splitting funny.
2. The family are harmless and unoffensive in their red-necked ways.

Here are the gems they say on this show:

• "I don't know about this Justin the Beaver"- Kay
• "You kids ever hear of the term 'Nam' "- Si
• "Most people named Willie are either in prison or on the arm of a wrestling circuit"- Jase
• "First it's pretty tires. Next it's pretty guns. Then the next thing you know, you're shaving your  beard and wearing capri pants." — Si

Pure. Solid. Harmless. Enjoyment.

1) Cooking shows

If I had one guilty pleasure above all else, it is probably that I waste spend hours a week watching cooking shows.

There are the shows that I watch to actually learn how to cook, like America's Test Kitchen, Martha Stewart's various shows, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson et. al.

Then there are the shows I watch for pure foodie enjoyment, such as Chopped, Just Desserts, You Gotta Eat Here and so on.

Watching cooking shows, even in mass quantities like I do, wouldn't be other people's guilty pleasure. In fact, it would seem quite normal.

But shall I casually state that, much to the displeasure of my husband, my actual cooking skills are less than stellar? The fact that I am the anti-Nigella in the kitchen (under the delusion that I will actually get better by watching these shows) makes this my #1 guilty pleasure.

So head on over to see Joanne's guilty pleasures, and share your own guilty pleasures in the comment boxes.



 

 

 



Can we "Clap People Out"

There is a baseball reference that I heard for the first time at the Edmonton Capitals Baseball game. The term "clap them out". What it basically means in the context of a baseball game is that the when someone from the opposing team is at bat, you give that slow exaggerated clap to distract them from the task and hopefully they will strike out and victory will be ours. It can also be used in other contexts which net the same result (the removal of a player from the field).

Today at work, we have the annual company golf tournament (*barf*). So the obnoxious level at work at in full force today. Everyone is wearing their God-awful golf shirts in a variety of rainbow colours...and no, this isn't a pride parade folks. It's a bunch of stuffy conservatives in khaki's and cleats walking the halls like Tiger Woods incarnates.

SO OBNOXIOUS.

And when they are not talking about golf, they are pestering me with questions as to why I am not attending the all empowering golf tourney.

Obnoxious Co-Worker (who never talks to me any other time of the year unless forced): "Dani, why aren't you going to the golf tournament?"

Me: "Because I hate golf"

OCW: "But it will be fun".

Me: "I don't care"

OCW: "But you don't have to know how to play, it's Texas Scramble".

Me: "Unless that's an omlette of some sort, I don't care".

OCW: "Well why don't you come for the dinner after".

Me: "When is that?"

OCW: "It's around 5 p.m. onwards".

Me: " I don't go to company functions on my private time. I spend enough time here".

OCW: " Well we'll have fun..you should come".

Me: "I hate work. I hate golf. I hate people. So ..umm..yah...NO".

So here I am, at my desk, watching the rainbow connection pass by me talking all things golf.

And all I can think of is...

CAN WE CLAP PEOPLE OUT?

Wouldn't that be an awesome societal attribute? You just stand up and start the slow paced clap, and a few others join in, then the jackasses can leave?

Wild Species Survival Guide: The Obnoxious Baseball Fan.

Latin Name: homosapien obnoxious

English Name: Obnoxious Baseball Fan. (aka: OBF)

Origin: Although thought to be descendents of wild apes, scientists have recently discovered DNA links that indicate that they are in fact an ape.

Lifespan: They last about 3-5 hours but can rebirth daily during the spring to fall season.

Staples: OBF prefer foods of high fat content to keep their belly's firm enough to be used as a table to record baseball statistics. Particularly fond of hotdogs, nacho's, pizza and peanuts. They consume large amounts of waterous beverages derived from a combination of hops and barley.

Population: Although once small in number, their population has been increasing. They can be found directly behind me in almost every venue. There are larger populations in warmer climates.

Range: They can be found all over the world, but are particularly indigenous to North America. They tend to migrate to my section no matter what venue I happen to be located.

Behaviour: OBF's tend to travel in packs and are easily encouraged by the cheering or acknowledgement of others. They are often loud and speak with a firm judgement. Deep inadequacy of their own experiences makes them deeply judgemental of those who excel. They tend to think they know how to play the game better. They can be particularly irate towards umpires and are easily angered by managers. The fail to notice annoyed glances or awkward silences around them.

Mating season: Sadly, OBF's do mate. They tend to attract similar alpha-females. However, it has been observed that they prey on innocent nearby females who embarass easily, with the hope that this time honoured mating dance may increase their chances of reproduction.

Threats: Their biggest enemy is the park security attendent or police officer. Can be prone to irate gestures, physical violence and loud yelling when confronted.

Gifts: Although they think their gifts are their opinions and their lame attempts at humour, their actual gift is their insane ability to win 50/50's and catch t-shirts despite not be worthy of the prize.

What to do if confronted by an OBF: If avoiding eye contact does not work, pointed staring can work in some cases. If situation does not resolve, a general comment in any direction might work, although it is advised to avoid direct conversation at all costs. Their threats tend to be able to weed them out. The best thing to do for maximum results is for large groups to not respond or react, thereby weakening their powers. At last resort, kick them in the balls or tell the female alpha-wolf that there is a richer OBF in another section.
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I hope my handy guide will help when faced with an Obnoxious Fan Syndrome.

Crossroads.

It is strange to know that you can leave your daily routine at any time you wish, and the only thing keeping you there is money or fear or comfort in the known. ~ PastaQueen.com

So clearly last night I was having a pity party about myself. I am probably not as bad as I think that I am (body image issues and all that jazz). But the reality of the below post is that it reflects my state of mind.

I am in a state of confusion about my life. It is said that life is the journey between where you were and where you were meant to be. But that offers me no solace at all when I think of my life well wasted and my future uncertain. It doesn't solve my anxieties that I have right now at this crossroads in my career/life.

I was following up on my newfound Edmonton Captials obsession appreciation and came across a blog by one of the players, Chan Ehrnsberger. If you click on the link, it will take you to this one post he did that caught my eye and completely fascinated me. I felt in some weird way like I found a person who is on a parrallel path with me.

Here is a professional baseball player who is at that same point in life. 31 years old, unattached, struggling with doing something he completely loves. But the love comes with the sacrifice of pay, uncertainty and the sacrifice of spending no time with his friends and family. But baseball is his passion.

Then there is me. 31 years, unattached, struggling with doing something I completely despise. But I get guaranteed pay, a fluctuating certainty, and very little personal sacrifice (unless you count my soul, but that's another story). And I would love to pursue my passion, but fear roots me to the reailty.

Two completely different strangers, yet one common crossroad. As was illustrated in the two examples, there are pros and there are cons to living a passionate life vs of average. I wish there was an easy answer. Do you pursue your passion at the cost of the known or do you stay in the known at the cost of your passion? Which has a greater reward?

My field of dreams and the discovery of my love for baseball.

Last night Steve, Joanne & I went to the Edmonton Capitals Baseball game. For $16.00, we got a ticket, parking, a hot dog, a BOTTLED Pepsi (not fountain), three 50/50 tickets & free popcorn while we watched The Sandlot right on the field. I don't care who you are, that them there is cheap entertainment for a Saturday night.

Now up until last night, Steve has been slowly indoctrinating me into baseball. It started off with casual mentions. Then it moved onto full out discussions. Then he ever so subtly leant me Baseball for Dani Dummies.

And I knew he rolled his eyes everytime the word "that baseball player is hot" was muttered.

Prior to last night, baseball was one of those games we went to, usually with the winning of free tickets and nothing better to do. And I would go, and watch only knowing what a strike, ball and home run were. And I would focus most of my energies on hot baseball players and their asses.

And while I still enjoy the 'rear view' as it were, I have a new found love for the game. How so do you ask? What is the secret to getting into baseball?

I have two words for you: Stat Recording.

It literally changed my life. After the initial consulation ("Count with me ...1..2..3..4...5...6...7...8..9. No, the left fielder is 7, not 8...the other 7..... that's a 6-4-3....no, having a nice ass does not mean he's a good hitter....that's a fly ball...because it flys in the air is why it's called a fly ball...fill your diamond out properly....because his last name is Flowers so he will be mocked..") , I got right into the game.

When forced to pay attention, you really start to appreciate the nuance and stragegy of the game.

So with my Edmonton Capitals hoodie propped as a table, my hat on my head to protect me from the glare of the sun, my pen poised and ready to record...I became an avid fan of baseball. To cap off the perfect night, we got to stroll on the soft grasses of John Ducey Park & watch a movie.

So I challenge all my readers (ok...well my 3 regular readers and the odd straggler that accidently clicks on this blog), go embrace America's Favorite Past Time. Go to your local league, nosh on a hot dog, and cheer on your local team.

This Used to Be My Playground.

As we embark upon another impossibly heat sweltering but short summer, I have become nostalgic towards summers past. I can reckon back to a time when my only concern was how many times mom was going to yell at me to come in for dinner before she got really mad.

As time goes by and responsibilities grow forth, summer play time becomes replaced with endless work hours. If you are lucky, you might be able to take one week of paid holidays off, in which you proceed to waste away catching up on the errands you don’t have time for during the other 52 weeks of the year.

The other day, Joanne and Steve, were going to the field down the street to play baseball and I ended up joining them (along with mom’s boyfriend Gary and my sister Jennifer). We ended up having one of the most enjoyable evenings I have had in along time. It didn’t cost anything or require any long commutes or planning. It was just a spontaneous game that we truly enjoyed. Memories were made that evening (“I’m throwing with my tetnus arm” and “thank-you Bob Uecker”).

At the end of all this, I started yearning for uncomplicated play time like we did when we were kids. When we were kids, we didn’t think about how stressful our school day was or how busy our day was going to be tomorrow. We certainly didn’t use either as an excuse to not do anything but stay home and zone out to mindless t.v. for hours on end.

Nope. We put school behind us as soon as it was over and rushed home to play outside for hours on end, not thinking of what school was going to be like tomorrow. Yet somehow, as adults, all we do now is reflect on work and prepare for work. We have lost the ability to just play without a worry in the world. We have so few parks anymore that haven’t been ripped up and turned into a condo unit, that the few places we do, they sit their idle except for the few kids who aren’t playing video games.

Well I say no more. I’m done with living my life without play time. I’m taking back my childhood spirit. Bring on the baseball games! Bring on the cheap family events! Bring on the bocce ball, and the outdoor skating, and the swimming centers!

Because if there is one thing I know, I was a hell of a lot happier as a kid then I am now, so clearly the way I am living my life now just isn’t working! I’m taking back play time!