tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46796489048221785722024-02-06T19:24:14.471-08:00The Clubhouse ChroniclesJust an Aussie baseball player, inviting you all along for the ride!toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-38410751684389380002016-09-01T13:07:00.003-07:002016-09-01T13:10:55.088-07:00PlansWhen I signed my first professional contract in 2008 with the Philadelphia Phillies I had a plan in my head of how my baseball career would turn out. I had just celebrated my seventeenth birthday and as I signed my contract I looked it over and noticed it was a seven year contract. So I thought, too easy, I will be pitching in the big leagues when I'm 24 years old. I had nothing to worry about. There were seven levels in the Phillies system including the Major Leagues, seven levels, seven years, I will be a big leaguer and making millions of dollars in no time. Oh how wrong I was.<br />
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Lets fast forward eight years to 2016 and see where I am in my career. I have been released, then signed with the Minnesota Twins, then release again allt before I had turned 21 years old, started taking online classes to try and earn a degree, and even spent a summer playing baseball in Holland where I decided to test the theory "white men can't jump" and slam dunk a basketball. The result was busted left elbow which need a full reconstruction. I was re-signed by the Twins who had released me just two years earlier and almost broke an all-time record with a Minor League affiliate for most appearances by a pitcher. And where am I now? I'm sitting in a hotel in Jackson, Tennessee two weeks after being promoted to the Twins AA affiliate, the Chattanooga Lookouts.<br />
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I was asked by a coach in Spring Training of 2015 what my goals were. Once again, I was very optimistic and said I'd like to be promoted to AA by the end of the season and be pitching in the Major Leagues by the end of 2016. Now let's see how my plan turned out this time. In July 2014 I was promoted from the Twins Low-A affiliate, the Cedar Rapids Kernels to the High-A affiliate which are the Fort Myers Miracle. Instead of being promoted to AA I spent the entire 2015 season with the Miracle. Instead of being promoted to AA after Spring Training this year, I spent nearly the entire season with the Miracle which like I said above, almost resulted in me etching my name in the record books with Ft Myers as the all-time appearance leader by a pitcher with the club. For those of you playing at home I pitched in 101 games with the Miracle and the record was 106 set back in 1993-94. So as you can tell, and once again the plan I had set out in spring training the year before hadn't really turned out the way I would have liked it. I remember a quote by a coach in the Twins system who said "It's a different experience when you let whatever happened be the thing that's supposed to happen. It's a way different experience than to think of what's supposed to happen and then when it doesn't happen judge it not to be right". That quote has kind of stuck with me for awhile, so much that it has been written as a note in my iPhone since 2014.<br />
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If you are a minor league baseball player and you tell me the thoughts of "I can't do this anymore" or "Is this worth it?" or "What am I doing with my life?" have not popped into your head at some point during the summer months, then I'm going to find it hard to believe you. The minor league baseball season is a grind like no other and it questions your love for the game each and everyday. At the end of the day, or even the start of each day you remind yourself why you do this. I tell myself I do this because there are many times I could have given up, and I do this for the times I wanted to give up and didn't. I do it for that. If I had given up after a terrible outing in July this season like I was ready to, I wouldn't be sitting in a hotel room about to head to the field to play the AA affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. I've learnt over time and through experience that just because your plan hasn't gone the way you have wanted, it isn't a reason that you can't achieve your goals. Someone else somewhere has a bigger plan for you. Trust it.<br />
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<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-80375312440755370182016-05-10T15:08:00.004-07:002016-05-10T15:13:00.134-07:00See You Later?One thing every baseball player will tell you is that their teammates are more than that, they are family. And it is easy to see why. You spend nearly everyday with these guys for six months of the season. Now, you may not like every teammate you come across, just like you probably don't enjoy the company of everyone of your family members but they're still there for you when you need someone. You may not be best mates with your centre fielder but he will put his body on the line and lay out for a ball for you. Just like a good family member, they are there for you.<br />
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Recently a teammate I have played with for each of the last three seasons decided to hang up his cleats and retire. One day he woke up, made a few phone calls to the appropriate people and just like that he was in a car and on his way home. My initial reaction to this was shock. I mean, its not everyday that a teammate decides his playing days are over at the age of 25, but it does happen.<br />
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It doesn't really hit you that one of your teammates, one of your family members, isn't coming back until you're standing in the outfield during batting practise where he used to roam. A part of you is happy for him, hoping he is happy and at peace with his decision but then there is the part of you that is selfish and wishing your teammate, your brother was still there with you.<br />
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There have been a few teammates I've had to say "see you later" to over the last few months. Whether it be a release or a retirement. Those "see you laters" are very optimistic because as much as you wish you could see them again, it is usually a goodbye and farewell. I am generally a pretty positive person, and like to look on the bright side and all I know, is that baseball is a funny game and it can take you to funny places, so you never know when you may run into your brother again.toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-15456114804869434112013-11-06T21:32:00.001-08:002013-11-06T21:35:33.971-08:00Sydney Blue Sox Season Launch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year our season launch was held at NSW Parliament House, but I think this year we performed one better by having our launch at the Sydney Cricket Ground. It was a pretty awesome experience for most of the Aussie players on the team as we were able to have full use of the change rooms and we were able to spend time in the Members Pavillion. This is pretty exclusive as there is a 20 year waiting list to become a member at the Sydney Cricket Ground so not many people get to experience what we got to yesterday.<br />
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Board members of the ABL, ABF, Sydney Blue Sox and Baseball NSW were present as well as the NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and Arizona Diamondbacks first basemen Paul Goldschmidt who was undoubtedly the guest of honour. Had to get a photo with him because how often will you meet a guy who wins the Hank Aaron Award, a Gold Glove Award and a Silver Slugger Award in one season? He may even add the National League MVP to his list of honours this year. I had to take a photo with him to remember the occasion!<br />
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We were able to play catch with a few little leaguers before taking a lot of photos on the field. It was a perfect day for the launch as the skies were blue and everything went according to plan. Standing on the Sydney Cricket Ground in a baseball uniform only gets me even more excited for the MLB Opening Series in Sydney next year.<br />
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toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-21391407703479588742013-10-24T16:14:00.001-07:002013-10-24T16:14:36.316-07:00Its just around the corner!We're five weeks into Spring Training which means its almost time to get our season underway! Next week the Blue Sox fly to Perth to take on the Perth Heat who are undoubtedly the most successful club in the Australian Baseball Leagues short history. But before the regular season gets underway we have some exhibition games to take care of this weekend<br />
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On Friday night the Blue Sox will host the Sydney State League All-Stars and a team made up of ABL import players. The Sydney State League is the amateur league that runs in Sydney during the summer. Many players in the league have played professional baseball and college baseball so the standard is very high. Many of these State League players may be called up to the Blue Sox at some point in the year if there are vacancies on the roster due to injuries so this game is a good chance to show the Blue Sox management what they are capable of. For me it will be a bit of fun as I may get the chance to pitch against my Ryde Hawks teammates.<br />
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On Saturday and Sunday we will play against all the imports who have flown in to play in the ABL. Imports from all six teams in the league will come together to make the ABL Imports team. This is a great way for the league to showcase the Minor League prospects in front of a local crowd. So far we have six imports at the Blue Sox with one still to arrive. We have Joey DeMichele and Jacob May who are both 3rd round picks from the 2012 and 2013 drafts respectively who are in the Chicago White Sox organisation. Keon Broxton was also a 3rd round pick but for the Arizona Diamondbacks back in 2009 who spent last season playing in Double A. After having Tyler Collins and James Robbins from the Detroit Tigers in the last two seasons, the Blue Sox have continued that relationship with the Tigers organisation by including Dean Green on the roster who just spent last season playing with the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the Florida State League. Rounding out our imports who have arrived are Connor Whalen who played in an Independent League in 2013 after spending a few years in affiliated baseball with the Brewers. Last but not least is Brendan Pittsley who came to Sydney to play for the Ryde Hawks but was given a chance to try out for the Blue Sox after impressing the coaching staff was offered a spot on the roster.<br />
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Even though they are just exhibition games I feel like it is a great tune up before the season gets underway. Many other teams in the league won't get to play games against quality opposition like we get to so it is a great advantage for us to play high intensity games like this right before the season begins. Only one week to go now and you better believe I'm counting down the days!<br />
<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-61049341628610994592013-09-20T16:54:00.003-07:002013-09-20T16:56:01.335-07:00And here we go againWelcome to another (hopefully full) season of The Clubhouse Chronicles! I got a little slack with it last season only posting on the first half of the season but this year I'll make sure you get to enjoy the fun ride in the fourth season of the Australian Baseball League!<br />
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This week we started spring training with the Sydney Blue Sox. Considering our 2012/13 season ended in early February it has been a long time since I've been able to wear my Blue Sox gear. After what I thought was a very successful season under manager Jason Pospishil where he dramatically changed the culture of the ball club, I'm looking forward to playing under him again. Graham Cassell is also returning as the third base coach which he has manned ever since I was a teenager watching games back in the Claxton Shield days. There are a few new additions to the staff which includes Nathan Wright, Darian Lindsay and Lionel Harris. Nathan Wright, more commonly known as 'Lefty' to everyone in Sydney will be the new first base coach and will workout with the catchers and Darian Lindsay will take over as the clubs pitching coach this season. He will take over the job from Chris Oxspring who after a successful season pitching in Korea is planning on taking time off this summer. Last but certainly not least is Lionel Harris. Lionel is a an Australian Baseball Hall of Famer and his presence around the ball club will be surely something that will be valuable for everyone. He will take over as the executive officer from Terry O'Toole who unfortunately had to step down after spending the first three seasons with the club.<br />
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This year about 42 players have been invited to spring training and before the season this will need to be cut down to 35. There are a lot of open spots on the team which is sure to lead to a very competitive few weeks. There has been talk about some imports coming in to help the team but unfortunately it doesn't seem like we will be seeing last years boys returning.<br />
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Unfortunately I haven't been able to participate in any Blue Sox spring training workouts so far because I am preparing for the Under 23 National Championships with the New South Wales team. We head off to Adelaide next week to take on some of the best young talent in the country. Being on the Under 23 team is a little different for me. Since I've been a part of the Blue Sox I've been one of the youngest pitchers on the roster, whereas on the under 23's team I am one of the senior pitchers. Its a role I've enjoyed so far trying to help some of the younger pitchers on the team as much as I can.<br />
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So hope you look forward to following me this season. I can't wait for it to get started!<br />
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<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-69682857262790420452012-11-01T03:22:00.002-07:002012-11-01T03:22:28.003-07:00ABL Preseason vs Team AustraliaLast weekend we played our first full preseason series against Team Australia. A team of seasoned veterans as well as up and coming Australian prospects travelled to Blacktown for the weekend. This was a great hit out for us as it created regular season intensity. We went down in the series 2-1, but easily could have finished the series with a positive 3-0 record.<br />
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<b>Game 1</b><br />
Costly errors early on in the game were too much to come back from as Australia took an early 4-0 lead. We were able to get within 1 run, but Australia added an insurance run late in the game and we were never able to mount a comeback. Australia ran out winners 5-3.<br />
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<b>Game 2</b><br />
Craig Anderson started and threw 5 1/3 great innings allowing only 2 runs and left with a 3-2 lead. I was brought into the game to throw to the right handed hitters and end the 6th inning. Simple task you may think, but the two batters I had to face were Luke Hughes and Justin Huber. Both have spent time in the Majors and both have been part of Team Australia for the last 7 years. The nerves kicked in and the adrenaline took over as I retired both hitters with swinging strikeouts. I was pretty pumped as it was great to throw in front of a crowd of over 2,000 people again. Tyler Herr threw 2 great innings of relief before handing the ball over to Matt Williams to try and nail down the win. Unfortunately Team Australia strung quality at bats together, which set the stage for 19 year old Darryl George to hit a game winning 2 run single to right field. Australia stealing a 4-3 win.<br />
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<b>Game 3</b><br />
We started off hot scoring 2 runs in the 1st inning thanks to a double down right field line off the bat of Blue Sox import James Robbins. Vaughan Harris kept the Australia bats quiet through 5 innings only allowing a handful of hits before Luke Wilkins took over in relief. Luke started off shaky allowing 2 runs to score in the 6th, but then bounced back in the 7th throwing a scoreless inning. Another import, JD Williams made his presence felt as he hit a double in the 7th, stole 3rd base, and then scampered home on an errant throw by the catcher. I came out to throw the 8th inning, something that I thought was very unexpected since I haven't pitched in many games lately, and I threw the night before. The task wouldn't be easy again as I had to face Mitch Dening, Luke Hughes and Justin Huber. Luckily I was able to finish the inning only allowing three ground ball outs. Matt Williams came out to throw the 9th and there was no case of deja vu. He nailed down the save securing our first win of the preseason.<br />
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We head to Canberra this weekend to start our regular season against the Cavalry. I have no doubt this series against Australia gives us a great advantage.<br />
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<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-85180652405025249612012-10-24T18:46:00.001-07:002012-10-24T18:49:54.311-07:00First Game BackI wrote not too long ago about throwing my first bullpen since my injury. Today I'm going to write about my first outing since my injury. My last official outing was on July 1st in Holland, so it had been nearly four months since I pitched in a game. The Sydney Blue Sox had an exhibition game last week against the Manly Eagles who are a top grade team that play in the Sydney State League and I was on the roster to play against them.<br />
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I was scheduled to throw the 6th inning of the game. So I started to stretch and get ready around the end of the 4th inning. It was a nice warm day in Manly so it didn't take me too long at all to get ready. After about 12 pitches in the pen, I entered the game in the 6th inning. I had to face the 4, 5 and 6 hitters in the Manly line up.<br />
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The first pitch I threw was a strike pulled foul, so I was glad to start my first hitter off with a strike. The next pitch however was a slider that the hitter hit straight back at me that left me laying flat on the ground. Luckily the infielders up the middle made the play to get the out. As I got back up I was thinking to myself "Of course the first batter I face will hit the ball straight back at me". I still don't have full range of motion in my left arm, so fielding come backer's are still a small concern for me to field, but luckily I got out of the way of this one. I then struck out the next two batters I faced to end the inning. I'm not sure if I actually took a breath out there on the mound, but man it felt good to be back.toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-72036688402496918142012-10-09T20:39:00.001-07:002012-10-09T20:39:26.431-07:00Back on the BumpIts been nearly three months since I took that fall from grace after attempting to slam dunk, but yesterday I took another big step in my rehab. As the title suggests, I stepped on a mound for the first time and threw a bullpen. Its taken a lot of hours of physiotherapy and a lot of patience, so it was a very sweet moment for me. I've been throwing about four times a week for the last three weeks to get my arm in shape. Even though I haven't been able to catch a ball thrown to me from over 70 feet, I felt like I was ready to get back on the mound and start to get ready to pitch in a game.<br />
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I stepped onto the mound with my heart beating a million times a minute. To say the least I was extremely nervous. You're probably wondering why I would be nervous. There wasn't anyone trying to hit the ball, just the catcher and me, but I was nervous on how I would feel. How my right arm would feel, how my left arm would feel, how good my control would be. I said a little prayer and then I threw my first pitch, my second, third, fourth then fifth. All five of those pitches were balls and were nowhere near the strike zone. My catcher told me to step off the mound and breath, something I had forgotten to do those first few pitches. Once I took the mound again everything started to feel good again. I was throwing strikes and apart from a slight mechanical change in my front arm, I felt great. The ball was coming out of my hand great, I had good control, my change up had movement and I was throwing it for strikes.<br />
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This bullpen was far better than what I thought it would be. Everything that I've done up until this point has been worth it. All the hours of physiotherapy, all the time spent sleeping with my arm in a brace, all the time I've spent at home trying to straighten my arm, bend my arm, twist my hand instead of going out with friends have been worth it. I'm still hoping I will be ready by November 2nd for the opening series of the Australian Baseball League against Cavalry. I've come this far, and worked so hard, no reason I can't keep working hard to be ready in three weeks time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>"For nothing is impossible with God" - Luke 1:37</b></span></div>
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<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-5574452402684461402012-08-22T06:46:00.001-07:002012-08-22T06:50:06.772-07:00Corendon Kinheim, Hoofdklasse Honkbal Kampioen!If you can read Dutch, then you would be able to understand the title of this entry and if you can't, you're about to find out. The team I played for in Holland, Corendon Kinheim are now the champions of the National League in Holland!<br />
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I left just before the playoffs and Kinheim had qualified for the playoffs in 3rd place behind Amsterdam and Neptunus, and just ahead of the Pioneers. The way the playoffs work in the league is that each team will play each other 3 times, and the best two records after all those games, goes through to the Holland Series, which is the name of the finals.<br />
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After a rough start to the playoffs where Kinheim got swept in the series by Neptunus, they found themselves in a tough hole to dig out of. They dug out of that hole quite easily by winning 4 of the next 6 games to seal their spot in the Holland Series.<br />
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That momentum kept rolling as they took down Neptunus in amazing fashion, winning the series 4-0 and crowning themselves the 2012 champions. I really wish I could have been there with the boys to celebrate and be apart of the win, but I knew all along they could do this and I'm extremely proud of all of them. Hopefully I'll be back there next season and we can make it back-to-back championships!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUB2t5T9UBV2JExZD89tAQZ6H2vlM3ZgIgVSiqSpLuUgAu6b_1mCuWw4X-KpBY-zqKPf4RGKlJjQJtOpZ3smg_AkKlIYQ8SGqV2cMX9i0EBpM5lZQuTVF9wpShIht6m-fcYnbmjpkZV2Y/s1600/champs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUB2t5T9UBV2JExZD89tAQZ6H2vlM3ZgIgVSiqSpLuUgAu6b_1mCuWw4X-KpBY-zqKPf4RGKlJjQJtOpZ3smg_AkKlIYQ8SGqV2cMX9i0EBpM5lZQuTVF9wpShIht6m-fcYnbmjpkZV2Y/s400/champs.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<param name="flashvars" value="tcmid=tcm-5-1394212" /><embed src="http://s.nos.nl/swf/nos_video_embed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="352" height="198" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="tcmid=tcm-5-1394212"></embed></object>toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-36907048945807614602012-08-22T06:35:00.000-07:002012-08-22T06:35:22.957-07:00Since I've Been HomeIt's been over a month since I've been home and even longer since I've last posted on here, so I thought it would be good to update everyone on my injury. I would love to update more but with the use of only one arm, typing on a keyboard takes quite a long time.<br />
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I arrived home from the Netherlands on the 19th of July and I didn't have much time to enjoy being home as I had doctors appointments lined up over the next few days. The day after I arrived home my mum and I went to see the first specialist. The initial diagnosis from him was that there was irreparable damage, and even after surgery my arm would never be back to the way it used to be. Safe to say, I didn't really like this guy too much. Two days later we went to see another specialist and he was much more positive and my mum and I got good vibe from him. He explained what happened to my elbow, how they would operate on it and the process of recovery. Mum and I decided to go with this doctor and that I would have surgery the next day.<br />
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I underwent elbow reconstruction surgery on the 24th of July. The surgeon cleaned out the shattered bone, fixed the radial head using some of the shattered bone, which is now held together by a screw and a tiny anchor, and also he repaired the torn ligaments. The surgery took nearly two hours and when I finally woke up I was in no mans land. My left arm was completely numb and in a cast and I was so drugged that you could have held a gun to my head and I would have laughed at you. I spent one night in hospital before I was allowed to go home. My instructions from the doctor were to relax and do nothing. It was perfect timing as well because I could relax and do nothing, whilst watching the Olympics.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMThWV6FELJ2i9sCS7C5BvqZmrGLO8BmR0TOW6KWwyoYZwFIZAeCWr1AVZuPXJIp8e-xOTsHR4XYS14XrspUbLBK7qBkzbq0bdO7AIe9F9Bx0uFljoOjhZ00BgvUdxoHHKOEw_tcvvEB8/s1600/photo+(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMThWV6FELJ2i9sCS7C5BvqZmrGLO8BmR0TOW6KWwyoYZwFIZAeCWr1AVZuPXJIp8e-xOTsHR4XYS14XrspUbLBK7qBkzbq0bdO7AIe9F9Bx0uFljoOjhZ00BgvUdxoHHKOEw_tcvvEB8/s320/photo+(36).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One week post surgery</td></tr>
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Two weeks post surgery I went back to the doctors for a check up. The cast came off and I was put into a brace. The brace is used to stabilize my arm while it gives it a restricted range of motion. My first thought of when he put the brace on my arm is that if Forrest Gump needed a brace on his arm instead of his legs, he'd look exactly like me. The main problem with the elbow now is not the bones that have been repaired, but getting rid of the stiffness in the elbow. Since my arm was sitting in a cast for two weeks, the ligaments tighten up and need to be stretched out. That's where all my rehab time will go to, straightening out my arm and being able to supinate and pronate. Since I got out of the cast I have been to the physiotherapist 3 times a week and we've been making slow improvements. Like I always say, slow improvements are better than no improvements! I'm very lucky because my physio has a background in baseball and was the team physio when I played on an U17 Australian team. Not going to lie, the physio sessions do hurt a lot, but like the old saying goes, "No pain! No gain!". One good thing about the brace though, is that I can take it off and I no longer needed to wear a rubbish bag on my arm when I shower.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first scar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brace, makes me look bionic</td></tr>
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Well, today I went back to the surgeon for another check up and received some very encouraging news. I took new x-rays to him of the repaired elbow and he said everything looks great and the progress I'm making has been good. The best news he said was that if I push myself, I may be ready to resume baseball activities in a months time! This is perfect because Sydney Blue Sox Spring Training begins on the 18th of September and the season begins in the first week of November. I set myself a possible return to baseball in maybe mid December, but I'm extremely excited now that I could be ready to start the season with the Blue Sox.<br />
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I would like also like to thank all the support I've been receiving from my Twitter family, all your kind words really help!<br />
<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-66171763886100422602012-07-16T09:55:00.001-07:002012-07-16T14:27:59.477-07:00Going HomeSo my European adventure has come to an abrupt end. I injured myself in an off field incident that will require surgery. It was decided by team officials and my mum that I would travel back to Sydney to have the surgery and do my rehab in the comfort of my own home.<br />
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Now to the embarrassing explanation of how this injury occurred. I usually take good care of myself off the field but this was just a big accident and a freak injury. I was playing basketball with Luke Wilkins who traveled from Belgium for the week, and I decided to jump and grab the rim, something I have done over a hundred times before. Only thing is this time when I grabbed the rim my hand slipped and I fell to the floor. I tried to brace the fall with my left arm but the impact was too much and it caused my elbow to dislocate. Luckily I had Luke there to help and he kept calm and was able to call people from the my team to come help.<br />
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I remained on the floor on the basketball court while help arrived and once they got there it took a while for me to find my feet and be able to walk properly. Up until this point in my life I had never broken a bone, fractured or dislocated anything so everything was a bit scary to me. As I started to walk I felt like I was going to pass out but with the help of others I was able to get in the car. Once I got in we went straight to the hospital.<br />
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I haven't had many experiences with hospitals but all I remember is in Sydney hospitals having to spend hours waiting to see a doctor. This wasn't the case here as I went straight into a room, was quickly assessed, given medication, had an x-ray and got a cast put on all in under two hours. I don't remember too much from my time at the hospital. I don't even remember having my elbow put back into place. All I do know is that the x-ray also revealed I had also fractured the elbow in three places which meant I was going to need surgery.<br />
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As bad as I felt for myself at the time, I felt even worse for my team that I am leaving. Even though I have only been here for six weeks I have made some awesome new friends and it hurts that I won't be here to play alongside them once the playoffs begin next week. Everyone here has made me feel welcome and comfortable during my time here and I'm truly grateful for their hospitality.<br />
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So over the next few months I will have to get myself healthy again, prepare for the Australian Baseball League season, and once that ends, hopefully I'll find myself back here in Holland playing for Kinheim because I have some unfinished business to take care of.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad panda. Picture taken just after I got back from the hospital.</td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-small;">PS - if you want to see a picture of my dislocated elbow, comment on this post.</span> </u></b></div>
<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-30192547768974785642012-07-02T15:03:00.002-07:002013-10-28T04:34:11.725-07:00Dontrelle Willis Announces Retirement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now yo<span style="background-color: white;">u're probably all wondering why I would want to write about Dontrelle Willis. Yes, his career was plagued by inconsistency after his early years in Florida but that's not how I will remember him. I will remember him as the fun loving guy who always had a smile on his face and a hat that wasn't worn quite straight. I'll remember the 22 games he won in 2005 and in the same year became the first pitcher in 32 years to bat 7th in the hitting lineup. I'll also never forget the two home runs he hit against the Mets in September of 2006 to go along with the 8 innings he threw that night.</span><br />
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I have modelled my game around the way that Dontrelle played. I played each game like it was my last. Leaving everything out on the field and having fun while doing it. Many people, especially many of my Blue Sox teammates would be used to my signature "smile while poking the tongue out face" I make while on the mound was something I would do when I felt like I stuffed up or got away with a mistake. Even though I'm in the heat of the moment, I still find a lighter side in everything. Something I always enjoyed seeing Dontrelle do. The way he would slide head first into 3rd base while running out a triple is exactly the way I would do it. Even though the coach wouldn't approve of his pitcher sliding into base, it didn't stop him from playing hard. Playing the game it was meant to be played, just like you're a little leaguer playing on the sandlot with your friends.<br />
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One day I even decided I'm going to start pitching like Dontrelle Willis. I wore high socks, I had a high leg kick, twisted my body, hands were raised above my head and I threw across my body. People asked me why I did that and I simply told them, because it's what the D-Train does. That's when I received the nicknames T-Train and VanTrelle. I had that pitching action for five years. I even wore number 35 because of him, then changed to 21 when he moved to Detroit.<br />
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I'm definitely going to miss him and the way he played the game, but wish him the best in retirement. He is truly my favourite player of all time, no one else will understand why except me.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">@D_Train35 retweeting one of my tweets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrga0GuHyGHaHO2V1K0KrkNuUKwdnp16M1jXV4jpoWcRIw6t-wfeOeV6N-q-j5ZjpY8GYmSdACUA7OI6gPpsF8rQOIPp-QbfiDKXOhiB2pCSzpv7enlT3B-J5yNBk5kLv-HXu2N9niUKs/s1600/image201110250002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrga0GuHyGHaHO2V1K0KrkNuUKwdnp16M1jXV4jpoWcRIw6t-wfeOeV6N-q-j5ZjpY8GYmSdACUA7OI6gPpsF8rQOIPp-QbfiDKXOhiB2pCSzpv7enlT3B-J5yNBk5kLv-HXu2N9niUKs/s320/image201110250002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My game use Dontrelle Willis bat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">@D_Train35 replying to one of my tweets</td></tr>
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<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-15647224274432391972012-06-26T14:40:00.000-07:002012-06-26T14:40:14.083-07:00Series vs Sparta/FeyenoordYes, if you were wondering if I was excited to play a team with Sparta in the name, I was. Too bad the team were not anything like Gerard Butler and his army of 300 Spartans. Sparta/Feyenoord are the last place team in the league and had a 5-27 record before playing us this week.<br />
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Game 1 - Part 1<br />
All day it threatened to rain and as the game started a little drizzle started to fall. We were up 4-1 before the rain really decided to make its presence felt in the bottom of the 3rd inning. The umpires decided to call the game and we would have to restart the game the next day.<br />
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Game 1 - Part 2<br />
So on what would usually be a day off for us, we were back at the ball park to try and play the first game of the series. Like we did the day before, we scored runs at a frantic pace and finished up winning the game 14-2 after 7 innings due to the mercy rule being enforced. David Bergman started and threw 6 innings giving up 2 runs to pick up his 7th win of the season while Ramiro Ballentina and Rachid Engelhart paced the offence going a combined 5 for 7 with 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored. To put into perspective the vast age differences in this team, Ramiro is 38 years old, while Rachid is only 16.<br />
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Game 2<br />
We travelled to Sparta/Feyenoord's field on Saturday to try and wrap up the series and we did it in fine fashion. Nick Veltkamp threw another quality outing going 7 shutout innings before myself and Pim Walsma completed the shutout. There were a number of offensive standouts for us today but a big shoutout once again goes to Rachid Engelhart who blasted his first career home run in the top grade here in Holland.<br />
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We were suppose to play the final game of the series on Sunday but rain decided to ruin the party and the game got postponed to be played on Tuesday night.<br />
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Game 3<br />
We took care of business as usual and defeated Sparta 10-0 to complete the sweep. Luke Sommer threw 6 shutout innings to pick up his 9th win of the season. I was suppose to come into the game in the 8th inning but the offense decided they didn't want me to throw. We wee up 5-0 heading into the 7th then scored 5 runs with 2 outs to enforce the mercy rule and end the game. It was kind of bitter sweet, because I love winning, and I love pitching and I didn't get to do one of them today. But that's the life of a relief pitcher!toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-63426311791399840142012-06-19T05:27:00.000-07:002012-06-19T06:42:42.554-07:00Weekend Series vs Door NeptunusDoor Neptunus travelled to our field on Saturday for the second game of the series. My roommate got the start for us today and was solid through 3 inning before running into a bit of trouble in the 4th allowing 4 runs to score. The wind was howling out to right field and that helped the balls get into the gaps safely instead of being routine outs. He allowed 1 run again in the 5th before coming out of the game in the 6th and handed the ball to Steven Van Groningen.<br />
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During this game we proved you don't need to get hits to score runs. After putting together quality at bats we were able to score 1 run in the 5th, 3 in the 7th, and then 1 in the 8th to tie the game. Four of those runs came in via a bases loaded walk or a hit by pitch once again proving that baseball is one funny game. All of a sudden we were tied at 5-5 heading into the last inning.<br />
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Steven came out to throw the 9th inning and got the first two outs quite quickly and then the elements played a big in how the game was decided. The Neptunus batter hit what looked like a routine fly ball, but it got caught in the wind which carried it just over the wall to give Neptunus a 6-5 lead. We came back out to try and tie it up in the 9th but went down in order as Dushan Ruzic closed out the win.<br />
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On Sunday we had to travel back out to Rotterdam and avoid the sweep. Things didn't go to plan as Neptunus scored first but we instantly replied by scoring 2 runs on an errant pick off attempt to 2nd. The pitcher attempted a pick off, but threw it away. As the center fielder ran in to pick up the ball, he missed it which allowed the runner from 1st to score as well. Those were the only runs we would score all game as Neptunus put on runs slowly to run out 6-2 winners and finish off the sweep. I came into the game in the 7th inning and allowed 1 hit in 2/3 of an inning.<br />
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This week we take on Sparta/Feyenoord who are the last place team in the league. Hopefully we can take all 3 games from them and get closer to clinching that playoff spot.toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-79353836175188502962012-06-14T15:21:00.001-07:002012-06-14T15:21:18.776-07:00First Appearance for Kinheim... On The Mound<br />
Tonight I made my debut as a pitcher for Corendon Kinheim and apart from one mistake I was quite happy with it. The mistake I made was quite a costly one for the team. I came into the game in the 6th with runners on 1st and 2nd and 1 out. I struck out the first guy then gave up a 2 run double on a pitch that I should have thrown inside, but instead threw it over the plate. As a reliever giving up the starters runs is a tough pill to swallow especially when he's thrown such a good game for us. A lot of people would say "don't worry, those aren't your runs", but I don't worry about whether they are my runs or not. The runs are on the board and I feel like I should be held accountable for them. I've grown to love being a reliever, being called upon in tough situations to get the tough outs. That's why its so vital to bare down on every single pitch, because one mistake could have huge consequences in how the game is eventually finished. We ended up losing the game 3-2 in the 10th inning, and apart from the loss, it was really fun to be apart of an intense atmosphere. Something I haven't felt in a baseball game since the ABL season finished.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">My final line in tonight's game</td></tr>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-55074007012754636892012-06-14T05:13:00.000-07:002012-06-14T05:13:21.044-07:00My New RoommateWhenever you join a new team full of players you don't know, you're going to end up with a roommate who you don't know. What you don't know is how many friends you have in common. My new roommate is Luke Sommer who has spent time playing in the Minor League system with the Chicago Cubs as well as playing for the Somerset Patriots in the Atlantic League which is an Independent League. When Luke and I first started talking he started to tell me all the Australian baseball players he has played with. One by one he told me he had played with Ryan Searle at the Cubs as well as meeting Cody Hams and Adam Spencer. He also played with Justin Huber and Chris Oxspring in his time with the Somerset Patriots. It's actually quite amazing that even though baseball is a sport that takes all over the world. The baseball world is actually very small.<br />
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His professional career started off as an outfielder in his rookie year with the Cubs before converting to a pitcher in 2008. As a relief pitcher he enjoyed success at all levels of the Minor Leagues from the Rookie Arizona League all the way to AAA in the Pacific Coast League. After an inconsistent start to the 2011 season with the Tennessee Smokies, he was released by the Cubs organization and then went on to sign with the Somerset Patriots where he played alongside Chris Oxspring and Justin Huber. He was used primarily as a reliever with Somerset but at the back end of the season he was asked to assume the starters role which he handled comfortably. He now is one of the starters with Corendon Kinheim where he has delivered quality outing after quality outing to be a workhorse on this team. He was the starter last Sunday and went 8 innings allowing only 2 unearned runs on his way to picking up the win.<br />
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Off the field he's a really nice guy and has helped me a lot since being here in Holland. He's showed me around town a bit as well as informing me of all the bike rules so I don't get into any trouble. He also has a sweet handlebar mustache that even Chopper Reid would be proud of.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke pitching for Tennessee in AA</td></tr>
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<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-88490619416936654382012-06-12T05:21:00.004-07:002012-06-12T05:21:40.753-07:00Downtown HaarlemToday I went on another bike ride. This time heading to downtown Haarlem. Needless to say I decided to go to the right part of town. There were countless small cafes, so many shops and so many amazing buildings. The centerpiece of downtown Haarlem is the St. Bavochurch which is quite amazing once you get up close to it. Here are a few pics I took today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3Kl1lEafbHbKDi364Vq1eaoydbd2wRLrvN0ETDm6mFcv8XfGWWC1nPUfb6xbMJoS0gn5pcyPx8YMWq_7K85smK0aRWTMiIVIuyPakEG4W_wjjgxYMr-MUxXZUfS2CGz2wq41YZznehw/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3Kl1lEafbHbKDi364Vq1eaoydbd2wRLrvN0ETDm6mFcv8XfGWWC1nPUfb6xbMJoS0gn5pcyPx8YMWq_7K85smK0aRWTMiIVIuyPakEG4W_wjjgxYMr-MUxXZUfS2CGz2wq41YZznehw/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Bavochurch</td></tr>
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<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-61403724642964880232012-06-11T03:22:00.001-07:002012-06-11T03:22:47.659-07:00Getting Around TownSince everything in so close here in the Netherlands the main mode of transportation for most people is on bicycles. The other reason why people get around on bikes is because gas here is so expensive. The cheapest I have seen gas prices here was €1.55 a liter. For those of you busting out your calculators to figure how much it would cost in your country, that is about $1.95 a liter in Australia and around $7.03 a gallon in America.<br />
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I recently acquired a bike from someone that works for the club I'm playing for so I thought it would be fun to go on a little ride around town today. I was riding for about 30 minutes before I decided to turn around and head back to the apartment in fear that I would get myself lost and never be able to find my way home. My roommate Luke was telling my the road rules for bike riders. There are a lot more than you would think and if you don't follow them, apparently other bike riders get extremely unhappy. Such things like if you hear someone ring their bell behind you, move to the right of the lane also don't get caught riding on the wrong side of the bike lanes, or once again the other riders will of course, be extremely unhappy.<br />
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Just like cars on the road, the bike riders have their own special lanes as well as their own traffic lights. Its quite a novelty to see things like this since riding a bike back home is quite uncommon. I think the last time I rode a bike back home everyday would probably be back when I was in the 6th grade and I'd ride to my friends house to play Digimon and have Pokemon Card battles. It may take some time to get my bike endurance up, but at least it will be a fun way to stay fit and get around town.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traffic lights for bike riders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-73425412439534601472012-06-10T11:20:00.000-07:002012-06-10T11:20:58.613-07:00Photos of the Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">One of my faithful twitter followers @flemo_k created a few memes to commemorate my signing with Kinheim in the Netherlands.I thought they were all quite funny and hit the spot perfectly.</span></div>
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<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-6078534567981434902012-06-09T13:35:00.002-07:002012-06-09T13:41:24.100-07:00First Appearance for KinheimNow you're probably going to ask me how my first outing went and I'm going to give you an answer you will not expect. I went 0 for 2 with a walk and a run scored. Is your mind blown yet? You're probably wondering why a team would fly me out, a pitcher, to hit in their national league. The answer is quite simple, and funny actually. Due to a league rule, all international players must play in 3 consecutive innings before the 5th inning of a game, before June 15th to be eligible to play the rest of the season. Since my arm isn't conditioned to start a game and throw 3 consecutive innings it was easier to get my eligibility out of the way by putting me in the DH spot and hit me in the hole. Now you're probably thinking again, how did I get 3 at bats hitting 9? Well, simple really, our team went on an early offensive onslaught and we were ahead 13-0 by the end of the 3rd inning and ended up winning 15-0 after 7 innings due to the mercy rule. I never expected to get 3 at bats at all and I don't think anyone expected me to get 3 at bats, but I did and it was a memorable way to make my debut for Corendon Kinheim. We have another game tomorrow. Hopefully I will get to pitch and make it another memorable day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lineup card with my name penciled in at No.9</td></tr>
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<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-650913239436126772012-06-08T03:23:00.002-07:002012-06-08T03:23:18.256-07:00Travel Time to NetherlandsLike I always do, I used the stopwatch on my iPhone to time the trip.<br />
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Lap 1 - Flying time from Sydney to Guangzhou</div>
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Lap 2 - Time spent in Guangzhou</div>
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Lap 3 - Flying time from Guangzhou to Amsterdam</div>toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-14434653258595702032012-06-08T03:19:00.000-07:002012-06-08T03:19:10.015-07:00The Trip to the Netherlands<br />
After falling asleep at 3:00am I had to wake up at 5:45am. You're probably wondering, why would I go to sleep that late when I have to be up so early. It's simple, I have this theory if I don't get sufficient sleep the night before I have to board an overseas flight, I will feel terrible once I get on the plane and sleep most of the journey. So far, my theory hasn't failed me.<br /><br />
I had a 9:50am flight to China first up, and like most flights I have to take internationally, it was delayed, but only for 30 minutes, so it was no big deal. That delay just meant I would spend less time in Guangzhou Airport which didn't bother me at all.<br /><br />
Once we boarded the flight I noticed two babies were ijnmy vicinity. I thought this was going to be a problem when I heard one of them crying, but the parents were able to control their child, so I started to relax a bit. When the plane took off I got my iPad out and started to watch the South Park episodes I had recently bought off iTunes. I got through four episodes before I decided to sleep, and a good sleep it was. I slept for about five hours straight which was more than half of the entire journey. That's a win in my book. After waking up I started to watch th Fresh Prince of Bel Air season that I bought and it got quite awkward as I was laughing out loud many times. People must have thought I was crazy, but I have a bad habit of laughing in public. Once again I was getting a little tired, so I tried to sleep again, and did quit successfully as I woke up about 45 minutes before landing. Pretty epic win if you ask me.<br /><br />
I got off the plane and even though we didn't have to walk on the tarmac I was met by this overwhelming heat and humidity. Something I haven't experienced since Extended Spring Training last year. Needless to say, my jacket came off pretty quickly. I made my way through immigration quite quickly and walked to the international transfers gates. I was stuck in this airport for a couple of hours so I was hoping there would be restaurants or at least a fast food joint to get some food from, but nothing. There was a cafe but I was too scared to go see what they had, seeing as the menu was written in Chinese. So I found a duty free shop and bought a chocolate bar and a bottle of water. Quite an athletes diet if you ask me. After I purchased my big meal I made my way to my gate which was quit empty. I made myself at home and layed on the ground, set up my iPad and started watching some more Fresh Prince episodes. Seeing as there was no one around me, I could laugh out loud as much as I wanted.<br />
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It finally became time to board my last flight and I only watched one episode of Fresh Prince before I fell asleep. I didn't wake up for nearly 10 hours, which is quite amazing. After I woke up I just watched Moneyball on my iPad and that was it. The flight was over. Apart from the boring delay in Guangzhou it was quite an easy trip to Amsterdam.<br />
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I got my bags and met up with someone from the team who took me to my apartment in Haarlem which is 20 minutes out of Amsterdam. I'm living with one American who's had professional experience with the Cubs, so I'll talk about him a little later. So far all I have done on my first day in the Netherlands is go to the supermarket and sleep. Soon I'll be heading out to check out the town before settling in and relaxing for the night before my first game tomorrow afternoon<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-89647065127534599542012-05-30T20:25:00.002-07:002012-06-09T14:07:43.737-07:00Off To The NetherlandsAfter spending a semester at college hoping that an opportunity to play baseball would come around, it did. I am now at the end of my 1st semester and a few days ago I was offered the opportunity to go play professional baseball in the Netherlands. I couldn't accept the offer straight away because I have school exams to do. The team, Corendon Kinheim wanted me there before June 9th and my exam was scheduled on June 15th. After speaking with my lecturers and the Dean at college, they are allowing me to take my exam early so I can accept the offer to play overseas. A similar offer to play in the Netherlands was brought to me a few weeks before this one, but I couldn't have accepted since I still had more than 3 weeks of semester to go and seeing as I had gone that far, I thought it was only right to complete my semester.<br />
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It all happened quite quickly actually. Vaughan Harris, who is a pitcher on the Sydney Blue Sox played over in the Netherlands a few years ago and his old coach came to him about a week ago asking him if he knew anyone that was interested in playing for his team Corendon Kinheim. Vaughan contacted me and obviously I was interested but had to sort out everything with college first.<br />
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I contacted the staff at my school telling them I've been given an opportunity to play baseball in the Netherlands and they were very cooperative with me in allowing me to take my exam 9 days earlier than the rest of my course. That just means I'll have to cram a whole lot of studying in, in a short amount of time.<br />
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I will take my exam on June 6th, then fly out the next day to Netherlands. It may not be the Minor Leagues, but it gives me a chance to do something I love once again on the other side of the world. Like my mum always tells me, God has a plan for all of us, and his plan has taken me all over the world to play a sport I love. I can't complain about that can I?toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-83197088483699830152012-05-16T02:03:00.002-07:002012-05-16T02:04:43.681-07:00Uni GamesI know I haven't posted in a while, but if you follow me on twitter you would know that I've been getting stuck into college trying to earn that degree. Now when I first started at the Australian College of Physical Education, the tutors and older students told us to get the most out of your college experience you should join in extra curricular activities. Since I've started at college I've played in the Oz Tag team and I am also in the mixed netball team to play at the University Games.<br />
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In America college sports is huge, but here in Australia its not taken as seriously. The University Games in a 5 day tournament where all the Universities come together and compete in different sporting events. We don't have a baseball team at school so I decided that I should try out for the netball team. At the tryout I didn't do too good, but I think I only got it because I was taller than most people. You're probably wondering what netball is, and the easiest explanation I can give you is that it's a bit like basketball but you can't bounce the ball or move once you have possession of the ball. It's also designed to be a women's sport but I'm playing on the mixed team with guys and girls. Today I had my first practise with the team and after quite a while I think I may finally understand some of the rules but with a little less than two months to go until we go away for the University Games, I'm pretty sure I'll know the finer points of the game.<br />
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Highlights from the ANZ Championship, the professional netball league in Australia</div>
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<br />toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4679648904822178572.post-47103143111907411312012-04-04T05:08:00.000-07:002012-04-04T05:08:25.449-07:00Back to Petersham OvalAnyone who has ever played baseball in Sydney will surely be familiar with Petersham Oval. Petersham Oval is sacred ground to cricket and to baseball. For those of you who didn't know, Sir Donald Bradman scored his maiden 1st class century there and walked down the same path I walk down many times to enter the field.<br />
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I joined the Petersham family back in 2007 when I was 16 years old and have nothing but good things to say about the club. I say Petersham family because it really does feel like family. When I joined I didn't know many people at the club but they welcomed me with open arms and make me feel apart of the Petersham tradition. In my first year at the club I played in what is called 3rd Grade which is essentially the 3rd division team. We won the tournament that year and ever since then, I have bled 'Tersham' blood. Although I had a minor stint with another club in the same league, Petersham will always be my true home for winter baseball.<br />
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Last weekend I decided to go watch the opening round of the Sydney Winter Baseball League and it felt special being back to Petersham Oval. I initially wasn't going to play, but when I arrived I was persuaded to strap on the cleats and throw an inning in 1st Grade. It ended up being a good inning as I struck out the inside in the 8th inning. Safe to say at the end of the game, it felt good to be wearing my number 21 Petersham jersey one more time.toddvs35http://www.blogger.com/profile/15330418159478329087noreply@blogger.com1