Monday, June 20, 2011

JUNE SWOON

Please forgive this post those of you who are sportaphobics but I need to vent.

In the month of June, my beloved Marlins have gone from being ½ game out of first place to having sole, undisputed possession of last place. It is being referred to as the June Swoon around baseball.

We have only won one game out of the last 18 Now I have the woman's approach to the game in that winning isn't everything—but gee—even I need more than one out of 18 as a reward for watching  2.5 hours almost every day. Come on fellows. You are my summer entertainment.

April and May, we played really well. Pitchers pitched, bull pens didn't fail, fielding was vastly improved and batters hit. We were all thinking post season. For the month of June however, only the bull pen is still functioning but it can't carry a team and is showing the signs of strain.

The depression on the bench is evident.
Since the start of the swoon, my young team can't buy a win. Some losses are close games, some are pure humiliation but the defeats continue to pile up. We just find a way to lose.

 Watching games has been really, really painful and the phrase, “Oh no, not again,” pops into my head early in the games. I have to remind myself that this is only a game. To the fan it is still a game but it is pure business to the owners.

Sunday, the manager resigned. I do not think he was the reason for the swoon but heads must roll.  Why former batting champs suddenly can't hit a ball out of the infield or pitchers can't find the plate have Baseball baffled.

Right now, I think it has progressed to mental and I don't know what will set them right. Summer just isn't much fun right now but I still love them, even when it is difficult to do so.

To lighten the mood, I have enclosed some baseball quotes I thought amusing and true.

"This club is playing better baseball now. Some of the players actually look fairly alert." - Mets' Manager Casey Stengel during a rough period.

If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base.” ~Dave Barry
Recently during a Marlin/Dodger ball game, a man in the stands proved the opposite of that quote. He was holding his probably six year old  daughter balanced on the back of a chair so she could see better when a foul ball came his way. He promptly dropped his daughter to catch the ball. I tried to find pictures but they were all blurry.
She was not hurt and the crowd and announcers were both stunned and amused. However the daughter did not laugh and it took her quite a while plus an ice cream cone to half way forgive Dad. She gave him the elbow and a super black look when he tried to hug her. Bad daddy. Wonder what his Father's day was like?

Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer.” ~Ted Williams
Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off.” ~Bill Veeck
Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player.” ~Author Unknown
Confucius say: "Baseball wrong - man with four balls cannot walk."~Author Unknown
And finally from John Fogerty's song “Centerfield” is the reason I hang in there all summer long.
Well, beat the drum and hold the phone - the sun came out today!
We're born again, there's new grass on the field.
A-roundin' third, and headed for home, it's a brown-eyed handsome man Anyone can understand --the way I feel.
Next game, I hope that brown-eyed handsome man heading for home will be wearing a Marlin's jersey.
Thank you, I feel better.  I hope if you are a sports fan that your team is doing better. I am positive they aren't doing worse.

37 comments :

  1. This is the best blog I ever read. And, to think it came from a woman! Snicker.

    Sorry about your Marlins---but not much. Ha. I'm a life-long Braves fan. We're in second place but we have the absolutely worst hitting team I've ever seen---and I have seen a lot. BTW, thanks for giving us your manager, Fredi Gonzalez. We appreciate that.

    Then, we got Dan Uggla from you over the off season, and what a BUST he has been. You can have him back.

    One of my favorite baseball stories involved a Yankee player from circa 1960. His name was Marvin Throneberry, and he was a certified flake.

    One game, Throneberry hit a screaming line drive into right center field. Running as fast as he could, he rounded the bases and slid into third.

    The second baseman claimed he had missed second base and stepped on the bag to appeal the play. The ump agreed and called Throneberry out.

    Yankee manager Casey Stengel ran from the dugout to argue. As he passed his first base coach on his way to second base, his first base coach said, "Don't bother, Casey---he missed first, too."

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  2. I'm not a sport a phobic, but I just think sports is a waste of time to watch and the pay they get and the owners and all the politics and, well anyway, blah blah blah, I guess I'm not entertained by it all. Perhaps it was my upbringing, my dad only watched boxing on TV.

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  3. I am a BIG sports fan. Watching our beloved Cardinals lose 7 games in a row put us into a fit. Can't imagine what a Marlin fan is going through.

    I hadn't read that story about a daddy dropping their kid to catch a ball. Wonder what mommy had to say about it.

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  4. At our house we watch the Marlins games and love them, too, so we've been suffering right along with you. What's the matter with them? Who will be the next manager? What's going on? Will they ever win another game? Aaugh!!!! (The Miami Herald has a story in this morning's paper saying Jack McKeon might come back as the manager. Do you think they might really give it to him? He's 80. Hm...)

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  5. I hope you feel better now. I noticed a few other managers have resigned or been given the axe.

    My Monday rant is much smaller. I buy from Amazon those International Delight flavors (little cups in vanilla, hazelnut & amaranth) to use instead of plain ole cream. As the case contents diminish I transfer to plastic bags. A bunch of my second favorite flavor has been crushed and I have a greasy gooey mess to clean today, the first day of a week in which I had no DR. appts or other official duties. In Know I will get over it but would have preferred trying out my "eyes" with Photoshop.

    I am a sport fan ..period,,,, watched golf yesterday and believe the winner of the OPEN is the next Tiger Woods...hope it doesn't affect him in the same manner as the former.

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  6. I'm not a sports fan, but this is really sad. I do hope they get better, if only for your sake, Patti.

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  7. I feel the same way watching the Dolphins and Panthers ....ohh...right around Nov or Dec......

    Enjoy

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  8. I love it. However I must admit my thoughts on baseball in general have vastly improved as my Twins have come from 16 behind to 8 behind in less than a month. Things are looking up.

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  9. I feel your pain. Our Rockies have not been doing too well either. Although, they are finally coming our of their slump a bit. My husband was so disgusted with their performance he had stopped watching and proclaimed he had no interest in going to any games. Then, he was invited to a game on Saturday evening. He happily went off to cheer for the home team. They won. Now, he wants to plan a few trips up to see more games. I called him a fickle fan. I am loyal even when I am frustrated with them.

    I loved your quotes.

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  10. I'm not a big sports fan, but ever since my mom has been in her assisted living apartment, she has become a big baseball fan. The Minnesota Twins are her team. I think we will be going to a game in the new stadium for her birthday. Almost every resident there loves watching those games.

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  11. Great post! Someone once said, "Baseball is the only sport in which they can cram 20 minutes of excitement into a 3 hour game". I still enjoy it! NitWit1 was right--watching Rory McIlroy win the Open was a thing of beauty.

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  12. Your loyalty will be rewarded someday, i'm sure.

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  13. Sorry about your team, Patti. :(

    I'm "swooning," too, but from gardening, not baseball! :)

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  14. Yes Patti, they should try harder just for you, Patti.

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  15. She gave him the elbow. What's the elbow? He deserved the finger.!! Who was your boy that you were following? Is he still with the team? Can't you do a little MOM counseling with him? Gee those players look young but I guess they are. Good post and a lot of great quotes.
    Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck

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  16. Clint,
    Well thank you big fellow even though the compliment was accompanied by a snicker:))
    What say we give you Hanley. He isn't hitting either and maybe he and Dan just miss each other. That Throneberry story is pricelss and gave me the giggles. Thanks.

    Linda Starr,
    Sports fans can't be forced. You either are or aren't.

    Miss Dazey,
    Ouch, even with Albert?? Goodness. When I saw it, momma was also going for the ball but probably to keep it from hitting her daugher. Pretty sure she wasn't aware the kid was on the floor.

    Ellen,
    The pre game is on now and it appears Trader Jack is our new skipper. I liked him, partly because he looks like my dad and also he stepped in before and took us to the world championship. Hope his magic works again.

    Nitwit,
    I missed the tournament but saw his picture and he is adorable. Looks clean cut too. Just what golf needs.

    Djan,
    Thank you. I appreciate your taking my side even though you aren't a sports fan.

    Blue Ridge Boomer,
    Not sure about the Panthers but I know the Dolphins are notorious for a fall swoon. Maybe this year???

    troutbirder,
    Thank you, the Twins success gives me hope that we might turn it around also. We got a new skipper today.

    Retired English Teacher,
    I think we women are more forgiving of our sports teams. Your husband seems to be good luck. Maybe the team will pay him to attend the games.

    alwaysinthebackrow,
    How neat that your mom has become a fan and that she will get to see a game in person. According to troutbirder, the Twins are doing pretty good now.

    fishducky,
    Ha ha, I almost included that quote but I ran out of room. It is so true. The other 2 hours is spent scratching, chewing, spitting and grabbing. Hum,and I love baseball because----

    Olga,
    Aw, thank you. One can only hope.

    Pat,
    Thanks Pat. This heat has me swooning also. By 9 AM I am done and soaking wet. Yikes.

    marciamayo,
    Thanks, you are so right. That is exactly what I have told them too.

    manzanita,
    Ha ha. She looked a bit young for the finger but when he went to hug her, she rammed her elbow into his ribs,pushing him away and clearly letting him know to leave her alone, he had done enough.
    Yes, we do have one of the youngest teams in baseball. Part of the problem.

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  17. Hee Hee...I do like baseball but not quite as much as I did before they went out on strike; money hungry mongers-makes me angry...they don't play any better than that for all the money they make; URGH...

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  18. I didn't know Confucius was a baseball fan. Now - that was funny.
    My inner 13 year old had belly laugh. Good luck with that team.

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  19. Baseball isn't a popular sport here in the UK at all, so I have no knowledge of the game, but I know a bit more about it after reading your post!

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  20. I wish I could understand all these expressions used in baseball. I am absolutely ignorant in the field of baseball.On the other hand you are so enthusiastic that you inspire everyone who reads your story.

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  21. Confucious was a wise man!! :)
    Hilarious post Patti, P xx

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  22. I am so sorry your entertainment for the summer has been rough with the Marlins loosing so many games.
    It is hard to watch your favorite team and they can't even buy a win.
    Good writing like Clint said and to think it came from a woman. hahahaha
    Love ya
    Maggie

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  23. Tracy,
    Don't blame you though we have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball which is part of the problem. Just a bunch of kids.

    rosaria,
    Yes I do. It is my weakness.

    Grayquill,
    Ha ha, so glad your inner 13 year old is alive and well.

    LLCoolJoe
    Sorry Joey, It must make as much sense to you as a post about cricket would make to me. Thanks for bearing with me.

    Reader Wil,
    Aw, poor Wil and Joey, my post must sound like a bunch of garbled nonsense to you two. Thank you for hanging in also.

    Peter,
    Glad you liked it Peter. I see you have an inner 13 year old like Grayquill:))

    Grandmayellowhair,
    Thanks Maggie, I haven't given up the ship yet. There is lots of baseball yet to be played. We will have to win sometime--I think.

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  24. Hi Patti, I thought I had commented here before, but this must have been one of those that Blogger wouldn't publish...again! Grrr. I'm still laughing over the Confucius says...LOL! I do hope the Marlins start doing better for you.

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  25. The only sport team I follow is the Utah Jazz and they are doing pretty poorly right now.

    The owner died last year and the coach quit and they traded their star player....

    Well, hope lives on, maybe next season they'll perk up a bit!

    At least the hot dogs still taste good....

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  26. We're Cubs fans and used to pain.

    When I was a little girl, my grandmother lived about three or four blocks from the baseball stadium and rented rooms to the some of players during baseball season. I could walk to the games and did so almost every home game. Hooked me for life.

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  27. Not into sport really nowadays ...used to watch cricket as a youngster ...and tennis with mum ...and snooker with hubby ... but what i love is hearing the passion and that is also what makes me trust a person too. Re your last post ...I find it hard to find and trust those that we need to mend things ..,they are all glib sales persons who tell us what we need to hear ...but if I feel the passion for the subject i tend to begin to trust. Lack of trust ...along with lack of money ..is why I have so many jobs that need doing.xx

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  28. I think you are so loyal to hang in there no-matter-what, Patti....ONE out of 18, I don't think I could stand the pain of that.
    One does wonder what has happened to all these players---it sounds like they have all fallen apart with their game. Maybe that kind of thing becomes contagious when it is happening so much. Like I said though, You are one loyal fan, my dear!

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  29. Cheryl,
    I appreciate your trying again. These comments are annoying huh?
    We finally broke the streak, now we will see how long that lasts.

    Rocky Mountain Woman,
    A true fan loves them even when they play badly. You are a true fan also. At least you pain is over for a while.

    marylee,
    There is no better nor more patient fan than a Cubby fan. You set the bar high. What a wonderful experience you had as a youngster. I am envious.

    Angie,
    Passion is important for then we know they are doing the job because the love it, not just for the dollar.

    OOLOH,
    You hit the nail on the head Naomi. Losing and poor playing is contagious and I can only hope if they get a few wins, that will be contagious also.

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  30. Patti,

    OMG ... you have so clearly described what it has been like to be a Mariners fan. FINALLY, we are doing well ... but they have gone through lots of managers to get us to this point. They finally brought up the guy who was head of the Triple A team, and he's been going through players right and left.

    I finally decided to have back-up teams, which include the Red Sox and the Yankees (my husband told me that not of that was allowed, but what the heck). And because players are traded right and left, after watching the World Series yearly, as well as the Home Run Derby and The All Star game, I am getting to know and like many individual players.

    We sure did have fun at the Mariners game on Saturday, and I'll post about it soon.

    Have a great weekend!

    Kathy M.

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  31. The guy in the middle of your photo looks like a truck hit him. Perhaps that is the problem? Who knows why athletes get the heby jeebies? I sure don't. Dianne

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  32. Well our Blue Jays aren"t hitting too many homers either. Still we enjoy a game when we get the chance. Hope your team gets going at least a bit better for your sake.

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  33. Kathy,
    I will answer this on your blog. Good luck tonight.

    Dianne,
    If the uniform isn't dirty, they aren't playing hard. Logan is one of our really young ones and I am sure he felt like a truck hit him. Most of our guys are under 25 and the fellow on the left just turned 21. Youth is part of the problem.

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  34. KleinsteMotte,
    Our new 80 year old manager,Jack McKeon, seems to have put a spark in the boys. We won one under him and played well in the one we lost. That is all I ask.

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  35. Vent away..We have a Marlins farm team here in Greensboro, NC They are NOT doing well this year either.
    And, I am a BIG CUBS fan...How is that for frustrating...
    Sandy in NC

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  36. Sandy,
    Oh my, you really are taking it on the chin aren't you? Cubby fans set the bar high for being a true fan. My hat is off to you.
    We did win one last night. Yipee.

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