Blogging Baseball At FWGMLB
In addition to my full time job, blogging for my own site, being a good husband/father and trying to keep up with an eating and alcohol problem…I’ve decided to blog baseball for www.fwgmlb.com. The site’s owner, Rob Lunn, has been after me to blog for him in some capacity for quite awhile. When the chance came to blog about the sport that I love the most, the game of baseball, I decided to jump on board. Rob’s a talented writer who’s taken a college project and turned it into a career in media.
The site is just a baby at this point (2 weeks old) but we are hoping for big things. Please check it out, bookmark it, subscribe to it, follow it and tell your friends. You can catch up with my posts here. My most recent post was about the summer 20 years ago when current Kansas City Royals manager Trey Hillman coached me…hope you enjoy.
Batting Practice With Trey Hillman
It was the summer of 1989, I was a few months away from obtaining my drivers license and a few months past finally cutting the mullet that I had been working the previous few years. The better part of that summer was spent playing baseball, wiffleball or hitting wadded up paper balls with a window squeegee. When I wasn’t playing ball, I was following it. Specifically, I was following my hometown single A minor league team, the Prince William Cannons.
It didn’t matter that the Cannons were affiliated with the Yankees, although it would have been a lot better if they weren’t. The Cannons put together a magical 2nd half to that season and ended up winning the league championship. I was there to see a lot of those games and no player or coach had a bigger impact on that team than current Royals manager Trey Hillman.
The tiny stadium in Woodbridge, Va has seen a lot of great ballplayers play for the hometown Prince William team there over the years. Albert Pujols, Barry Bonds, Bernie Williams or Andy Pettitte…ring any bells? However, it was not any of those players that I’ll remember most about watching those teams as a kid, I’ll never forget Trey.
The records show that Stump Merrill was the manager of the 89’ Cannons, however he missed a lot of games due to illness. Trey was the 3rd base coach and took over the team in Stump’s absence. I used to stand along the 3rd base line and chat with Trey during games and he’d do cool things like give me foul balls. Sometime during that summer it was announced that the Cannons would be holding a camp for youth baseball players, I signed up right away. My buddy Chris and I turned out to be the only 2 non-grade school kids to show up for the camp. We were both on the high school baseball team and had talent. It was during this 2 day camp that Trey took us to the side and did what comes naturally to him, he coached baseball.
The camp was set to take place on the practice fields outside the main stadium. However, Trey took Chris and I inside the main stadium and worked with us for the better part of 2 days, personal 1 on 1 instruction with a future major league manager. Although I would later play organized games on that very field and eventually play in several minor league stadiums in my baseball career, that was the first time I got the experience of playing in that kind of scenery. It was super cool to walk thru the clubhouse and step out onto the manicured field and have the whole place to ourselves. Trey went thru bucket and after bucket of balls, pitching batting practice for hours in the hot Virginia sun…I was in the zone at the plate the rest of that summer. At the time Trey was just 26 years old, his own professional career (3 years in the minors) only recently over. I’m sure there was a lot of other things he would have rather been doing…no I’m sure there wasn’t anything else he’d rather be doing, he seemed to be enjoying himself as much as Chris and I.
Trey would be named manager of the Oneonta Yankees single A team in 1990. I’ve never seen him again. He toiled in the minors for 11 seasons as a minor league manager, reaching the Yankees AAA level. He then went overseas to manage in Japan for 5 seasons, winning a championship there. Finally, in 2007, after nearly 20 years in the minors and Japan, Trey was named as manager of the Royals. He worked hard and made his dreams come true.
As for me, I got my driver’s license which allowed me to score chicks and booze. I spent more time focusing on those 2 things than I did baseball. I now work in the automobile industry and blog for some guy named the “Fat White Guy.” I’m living the dream!
Happy Birthday Fatpickled
One year ago today I sat down and started a little project…I had no idea what I was getting into! A Redskin’s win over Dallas inspired me to sit down and create a blog. Despite the fact that I’m not the most computer savvy guy in the world, I somehow navigated my way to blogger where budlightthoughts.blogspot was born. A week or so later I changed the name of the site to Fatpickled, a play on a username that I’ve used for many years. My first header is pictured above, it was kinda cool…it changed to my current header shortly before http://www.fatpickled.com/ was launched in January.
It’s gone a lot further than I could have ever imagined, to date I’ve had nearly 200K hits for the year (minus my 100k, that’s still a solid #.) In the next few days I plan on posting a Top Ten collection of my favorite and most visited posts, but today I’d like to thank a few people that have helped support the site in the past year.
I’ve been very fortunate to have some VIP’s in the sports and blogging world help me along the way:
Tanner and Chris Cooley have been so awesome and instrumental to this site. I’m convinced the site wouldn’t exist without The Cooley Zone. When my comments on their site started turning into blog posts I knew it was time to start my own. My site wouldn’t be called Fatpickled either…had certain Cooley family members not thought my comments and handle were funny. Tanner has been a huge supporter since day 1 and I consider him a friend. Chris has granted me interviews, posted comments and worn a Fatpickled tee shirt to show his support. Additionally I’m also honored they allow me to be a contributor to the Cooley Zone, thanks for everything Cooley bros!
I respect Matt Terl as much as any blogger in the business…he also happens to have the coolest job as the official blogger of the Redskins. Matt linked Fatpickled to the Redskins site early on and has supported the site with links and tweets ever since. He works extremely hard and produces awesome inside info on the Redskins several times a day. If you don’t have his site under your favorites and don’t check it on a daily basis, well…your cheating yourself. Thanks Matt for your support, keep up the great work.
Hot Clicks is the Holy Grail for sports bloggers…it’s located in the Extra Mustard section of SI’s website and is run by Jimmy Traina. There is no better feeling as a blogger than to click on Hot Clicks around 11am (approx time it’s updated M-F) and see your site linked to it, because you know your going to get major traffic that day. In fact, this site probably had closer to 250K hits in the past year, but Jimmy’s loyal Yankee followers crashed my site for 8 days…and I’m ok with that. Hot Clicks is an awesome blend of sports and pop culture and is a must read on a daily basis. Thank you Jimmy for including Fatpickled…it’s your world, I’m just passing thru it.
I’d also like to thank the Fat White Guy; we are partners in crime who tag team posts from time to time. He’s a gifted writer who covers sports and pop culture at his site. Thanks Rob, I look forward to working with you moving forward.
I have some awesome writers who contribute to this blog, although none of them will be accused of working too much, haha. Porkboy, Lazy JC, E4three and RevJT…thanks for your humor and talent.
I need to thank Oliver Morris, who is responsible for setting up my site, my header, photo shopping and t-shirt designs…thanks Ollie.
Thanks to all the current and former athletes who granted me interviews. I know you didn’t have to grant an interview to a small blog run by a guy named Fatpickle…I thank you for doing so.
Most importantly, I have to thank Mrs. Pickle. I’m blessed to have a super hot and cool wife. I work long hours in my real job, then come home with an idea that I must blog about. She puts up with my hobby and supports me…even if she doesn’t read my blog. Thanks for being the most awesome wife and mommy, you are the MVP of my life.
Finally, thanks to all of you reading this right now. I hope you have found some entertainment and humor here in the past year. I appreciate your comments and tell your friends to visit…year 2 is going to be so much better.
Cheers and Hail
Posted by fatpickle Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Categories: Fatpickled, Happy Birthday!
Tags: cooley, FWG, happy bday, terl, traina
NFL: Week 1 In Review
Please welcome back the FWG (check out his sweet new site) as he and I give our 1 sentence thoughts about each NFL Team after Week 1’s action.
AFC EAST
PATRIOTS
FP: I’m anxious to see if it was the jersey that made Brady look so slow…or he’s not fully recovered?
FWG: I was at that game… Stiff. Like a boner in a strip club, rigor mortis- stiff.
JETS
FP: A very nice start to the Rex Ryan and “Dirty” Sanchez era in NY.
FWG: I was wondering how long it would be before you through in a “Dirty” Sanchez. In an act of defiance I will be referring to him as, Mark “Rust Trombone”
FWG: I was wondering how long it would be before you through in a “Dirty” Sanchez. In an act of defiance I will be referring to him as, Mark “Rust Trombone”
DOLPHINS
FP: Has the “wildcat” already jumped the shark?
FWG: Miami has the “Wildcat”, the eagles have “The Pitbull” (too soon?)
FWG: Miami has the “Wildcat”, the eagles have “The Pitbull” (too soon?)
BUF
FP: A couple more weeks of catching 2 passes a game and T.O.’s going to be a little restless…to say the least.
FWG: I think it’s safe to say that Dick Jauron’s is on the hotseat.
FWG: I think it’s safe to say that Dick Jauron’s is on the hotseat.
AFC NORTH
BAL
FP: After many years the Ravens finally have a good offense, if it’s not too late for the D…they will go deep into the playoffs.
FWG: Probably the only competition for the Steelers in the AFC, Flacco’s strong arm will take them far.
FWG: Probably the only competition for the Steelers in the AFC, Flacco’s strong arm will take them far.
PIT
FP: Big win for the Steelers to start the year, but they will need to get more production at RB, don’t think Parker can do it anymore.
CLE
FP: Anxious to see if Brady Quinn can be the man at QB, I’m sure Mangini and Brown’s fans are too.
FWG: Cleveland finally has the QB position solitified—hopefully the rest of the organization can follow suit.
FWG: Cleveland finally has the QB position solitified—hopefully the rest of the organization can follow suit.
CIN
FP: Wow! What a horrible way to lose a game…but where was all offensive firepower we were going to see again this year?
FWG: Ochocinco’s production? What production?
AFC SOUTH
IND
FWG: Ochocinco’s production? What production?
AFC SOUTH
IND
FP: Can anyone tell me why I didn’t have Reggie Wayne higher on my fantasy draftboard?
FWG: Attention INDY Fans, you’ve got an UNBELIEVABLE running back with Donald Brown.
FWG: Attention INDY Fans, you’ve got an UNBELIEVABLE running back with Donald Brown.
TEN
FP: They are not going to lose many games with that running game and defense.
FWG: Kearse. Done.
FWG: Kearse. Done.
HOU
FP: Most disappointing opening weekend for any team, especially from a fantasy perspective.
FWG: Former teammate and clipboard holder extrodanaire Dan Orlovski is playing..er…clibboard holding on your sidelines for 3.3 million a year. Disappointing indeed.
FWG: Former teammate and clipboard holder extrodanaire Dan Orlovski is playing..er…clibboard holding on your sidelines for 3.3 million a year. Disappointing indeed.
JAC
FP: Jack Del Rio or David Garrard, who’s going to lose their job first?
FWG: I’m not a betting man, but I’m going to say Jim Tressel.
FWG: I’m not a betting man, but I’m going to say Jim Tressel.
AFC WEST
SD
FP: For his career, LT has averaged 115 yds rushing per game against Oakland, he got 14 touches Monday night.
DEN
FP: Hail Mary, Full of grace …
FWG: Ahh, I see you’ve been reading the “How To Be A Bills Fan” manual…
FWG: Ahh, I see you’ve been reading the “How To Be A Bills Fan” manual…
KC
FP: Hey Brodie Croyle, nice game against a tough D.
FWG: Ditto?
FWG: Ditto?
OAK
FP: Heyward-Bey 0 catches, Tom Cable “I thought I saw a real nervous uptight young man,”…maybe he thought you were going to punch him.
FWG: This will by Tyvonn Branch’s breakout season in Oakland. Get your starter jackets out of retirement.
FWG: This will by Tyvonn Branch’s breakout season in Oakland. Get your starter jackets out of retirement.
NFC EAST
NYG
FP: I’m calling it right now, they do not win the Division, might not make the playoffs.
FWG: Blasphemous! But, But…hes…a..a, a Manning!
FWG: Blasphemous! But, But…hes…a..a, a Manning!
PHI
FP: They laid the wood to Carolina and didn’t miss a beat with the new D-coordinator.
FWG: I want to see Philly fail, rib injury aside they looked very good.
FWG: I want to see Philly fail, rib injury aside they looked very good.
DAL
FP: Their offense is scary…lots of options there.
FWG: Romo’s Three TD Passes are a hat tip to his new focus (sans Jessica Simpson) offensive weapons aside, Dallas could finally win a playoff game this year
FWG: Romo’s Three TD Passes are a hat tip to his new focus (sans Jessica Simpson) offensive weapons aside, Dallas could finally win a playoff game this year
WAS
FP: They lost to STL last year and only beat DET on a Santana Moss punt return, don’t overlook any team in the NFL.
FWG: I’ll assume this is your 30 beers talking, but again the Skins don’t look horrible this year, not to mention your fans are everywhere.
FWG: I’ll assume this is your 30 beers talking, but again the Skins don’t look horrible this year, not to mention your fans are everywhere.
NFC WEST
GB –
FP: Like I said last week, I’m totally in love with this team.
FWG: Agreed. I love A.J. Hawk and his long flowing locks.
FWG: Agreed. I love A.J. Hawk and his long flowing locks.
MIN
FP: Peterson is a freak and may allow Favre to have his highest QB rating ever!
FWG: Everyone is talking about the offense here, hello—Jared Allen and the rest of Dom Capers should be proud.
FWG: Everyone is talking about the offense here, hello—Jared Allen and the rest of Dom Capers should be proud.
DET
FP: Bet against them until further notice, Stafford game 1- 3 INT’s and a 27.4 QB rating.
FWG: A losing team in Detroit? Oh, I’ll believe it when I see it….
FWG: A losing team in Detroit? Oh, I’ll believe it when I see it….
CHI
FP: Relax Bear’s fans Jay Cutler is really not as bad as he wan Monday night, at least I don’t think he is?
FWG: Well, 4 INT’s might beg to differ…
FWG: Well, 4 INT’s might beg to differ…
NFC SOUTH
NO
FP: If healthy all year Brees goes for 45TD’s and 5,000 yards…did Reggie Bush forget how to rush for positive yardage?
FWG: No. Reggie Bush drinks Coke Zero, cause he likes things that are good, but never quite lived up to their hype.
FWG: No. Reggie Bush drinks Coke Zero, cause he likes things that are good, but never quite lived up to their hype.
ATL
FP: This team is good and will win this division easily.
FWG: Matt Ryan went 22 of 26 for 229 and 2 TDs— I concurr, Dr.
FWG: Matt Ryan went 22 of 26 for 229 and 2 TDs— I concurr, Dr.
TB
FP: Cadillac Williams was the lone bright spot, his burst is back & looks fully recovered from knee injuries.
CAR
FP: Should we stick a fork in Jake Delhomme…is the fat lady singing?
FWG: She done sung.
FWG: She done sung.
NFC WEST
SEA
FP: You can’t beat a 28 –zippy win, it was the Rams…but still.
FWG: Please never, ever say zippy again, and yes, the Rams suck.
FWG: Please never, ever say zippy again, and yes, the Rams suck.
SF
FP: I’m calling it right here, the 49er’s win this division.
ARI
FP: Kurt Warner looked a little like the 04-05 edition of Kurt Warner last week.
FWG: Meaning what? He and his wife have matching haircuts again?
FWG: Meaning what? He and his wife have matching haircuts again?
STL
FP: Bright spot in box score, rookie Jim Laurinaitis with 14 tackles and a fumble recovery.
FWG: Probably the only bright spot for Ohio State fans this past weekend…
FWG: Probably the only bright spot for Ohio State fans this past weekend…
Cheers and Hail
The Six Degrees Of Fatpickled
Six Degrees of Fatpickled is a weekly rundown of 6 items that I have enjoyed. Make sure you check them out.
Cooley writes a post about all the things that a man enjoys about being a man. Going to Home Depot to buy power tools, check. Burning shit for fun, check. Drinking beers around your pool watching chicks in bikinis, check. Getting ticks on your sack? well yeah, check.
And to you Chris, which pool party am I invited to? Demetric Evans is loaning me his speedo!
For those of you who follow my blog, I hope you have all checked out my link to The Fat White Guy. His real name is Rob Lunn and he’s playing professional football overseas. Besides having his own site, Rob writes for about a 1,000 others including guests spots on Cooley and Deadspin. Truth is Rob is not fat, not bald, appears to be very smart, funny, and has a good looking girlfriend (what an asshole.) Anyway, the 2 posts that FWG wrote for Deadspin have been awesome. The Nigerian whore story had me thinking of the Farley clip at the bottom of this post.
The Redskins start a minicamp tomorrow, so today was class pictures. If you want the inside scoop of whats going on at Redskins Park, you need to follow The Official Washington Redskins Blog. And how about the picture of recently signed O-Tackle Mike Williams? He stands 6’6″ and currently weighs 404lbs! He makes Samuels look like the Danny!
Everyday, Monday-Friday, I visit Sports Illustrated Hot Clicks. It’s part of the Extra Mustard section. I Love it! It’s a daily collection of links to cool stories, blogs, videos, and hot chicks! The subjects vary from sports to pop culture, tv to music. Jimmy Traina is the mastermind behind it all. And he’s a smart mf’er, because he linked Fatpickled on Wednesday!
Several stories to check out at Mr. Irrelevant’s DMV. Boog Powell, Smoot Smack, and “The jewish Jordan.”
Cheers and Hail
