08.18.2010: Farewell, Brainerd. Thanks for the Memories!

--This post was supposed to be submitted the night of the final game, but was not submitted until now due to computer issues--

So I guess this is it, huh? It feels like yesterday I was driving up from Dallas to Brainerd with my dad feeling nervous but excited, confused but eager, and definitely hungry for whatever reason. On Wednesday morning I will drive to the cities, pick my father--screw it, I call him "Daddy," even at 21 years old...make fun of me, I don't care--up from the airport and begin our long trek to Los Angeles so I can begin my senior year at USC.

This is my final post. I will wrap things up a bit and finish with shout outs to almost everyone that played a role in my experience.

I started this blog as a way for me to express my feelings and to chronicle my summer. My memories from this summer stretch much deeper than what was published in this blog and I will always look back on them fondly. At an early age, my dad always preached the importance of honesty and integrity so nothing I put in this blog was fake, a lie, or a cover-up of my true feelings. If I didn't feel like it was appropriate, I just would not put it in. Everything in this post comes from the bottom of my heart.

I was asked countless times how I ended up in Brainerd when I go to school in Los Angeles and I am from Dallas, TX. Since the day I can remember, sports has been my ultimate passion. Four years ago I realized that broadcasting was a sub-product of that burning passion. Since I stepped foot on USC, broadcasting has been my number one focus. After spending two summers working for The Ticket in Dallas, one of the most successful sports radio stations in the country, and one summer working for the Texas Rangers in the press box, basically shadowing their TV play-by-play broadcaster, Josh Lewin, I decided it was time to take my college experience and parlay it into an actual broadcasting job. Naturally, I first turned to the Cape Cod League and got a job as a broadcaster for the Bourne Braves. Unfortunately, shortly after receiving word of my offer, I found out I needed jaw surgery and would be unable to broadcast, so I decided to spend another summer working 7am-11pm days--which I loved--split between the radio station and the Rangers.

After the summer, I contacted the GM of Bourne and asked if the position was still open for the next summer (this summer) and he said 110% it was. A month later he called and told me I would have to pay for my living as their host family situation was in shambles. I could not afford this and asked permission to search elsewhere...next thing you know I am on the phone with some guy from some small town called Brainerd talking about Brett Favre. Having never heard of Brainerd, I immediately did what every kid my age would do: Wikipedia "Brainerd." I found out it was in Minnesota and in the 1970's they had some diarrhea outbreak that actually killed people...no joke. Sweet. Well, it didn't scare me away and it brought me to Brainerd...

...In hindsight, the Cape, though more popular, was not the best option because they play half the games which means half of the experience. It was irresponsible of me to have such a narrow initial search...but, I have always believed everything happens for a reason.

As I look back on this summer, I will always have a smile and very fond memories. I learned so much. I learned that broadcasting is definitely what I want to do. I enjoyed being in a small town for an extended period for the first time--everyone in Brainerd was so nice. I found out that grocery stores have very good deli sandwiches for low prices. And, no matter where I go, I will always be made fun of for going to USC. But, really, I learned more than what I can express in this blog.

To answer some more questions I have been getting lately...

What's next? I got one more year of school. I return to USC as the Sports Broadcasting Director. I will broadcast the USC Football games--which means I will be in the cities when the Trojans head East to take on Minnesota--basketball games, and baseball games. I also have a weekly segment on a local LA Sports talk show, and I have a gig with ESPN Radio in which I have an on-air pre-recorded segment during halftime of every USC Football game. Finally, I will continue my duties as the head manager of the USC Baseball team, my second family.

Am I coming back? I am very thankful that the opportunity to come back for a second year was extended to me. I can not commit one way or another yet. For broadcasters, just like players and coaches, this league is developmental--intended to help each individuals progression towards their ultimate goal. My dream is to become a professional sports broadcaster. I am committed to putting in the time and work to achieving that dream and I do not intend on letting anything get in the way--Blake Lively, my celebrity crush, might be able to put my dreams on hold, but only temporarily.

There is a good chance coming back to Brainerd will present the best opportunity and if that is the case, I will be back in a heartbeat. One thing is certain, if coming back to Brainerd is the best option, I will be absolutely pumped to come back.

I talked to ESPN so look out for an hour long special to be dedicated to my decision a la LeBron in a few months.

Before I get to the shouts, I want to wrap up this post--the shout-outs will simply be an appendix.

On Wednesday morning I will drive to the cities, pick up my daddy from the airport and begin our long trek to Los Angeles, as I get set to begin my senior year--one year removed from being thrown into the real world. During this drive, I will undoubtedly feel nervous but excited, confused but eager, and, yes, 100% definitely hungry (update: totally true...After eating lunch at the Mall of America at 11 while waiting for my computer to get fixed, I didn't have dinner until just after 9...brutal!).

SHOUT-OUTs and THANK YOUs

Brainerd: I want to speak to everyone because I learned that the entire town of Brainerd is like its own family. Thank you for accepting an ignorant big-city kid and treating me like on of your own. You are all special people.

Front Office

Mr. Sutherland: I admire your energy. Thank you for giving the town of Brainerd another chance at calling a Northwoods League team their own. I enjoyed our sports talks and hearing your stories.

Dustin: Thank you for giving me, a Packers fan, the opportunity to broadcast this summer. That hour long phone call--I mean, interview--sold me. Thank you for giving me the freedom to develop as a broadcaster.

No one realizes how difficult it is to run a team, especially at such a young age and the connotations that come with youth. I can't wait to see where this team goes under your direction. We still need to have our college football talk. You have my number!

Nate and Mike: We had a blast. Video games. Apartment hangout sessions. Me telling you guys how awesome the Texas Rangers are. You guys making fun of me. Regardless of where our paths take us, we will always be keep in touch and that is a product of why this summer will always be so special to me.

Nate: For someone who randomly got this job, you were grrrrreat. Seriously, though, you were and so much of what you did went unrecognized. You sold a deck, too! Nothing would get done without you. You have got what it takes. As great as you were to work with, you were a better friend.Thank you for being there for me and always putting a smile on my face when I needed it.

Mike: I got your back when it comes to soccer. It's a great sport. Just do me a favor and remember how to properly pronounce Tottenham, okay? Thanks for providing guidance and leadership for Nate and me. I know my role with the team is totally separate from yours, but understand how much I appreciate the way you took care of business. Regardless of what our roles are, we all represent the entire product, and our successes and struggles as an organization reflect on everyone, and you made us look good.

Jake: I will never forget our talk in the stands after the game. I think I got 100 mosquito bites from sitting there but it was worth it. I knew I could always count on you if I needed help with something and I can't tell you how much that means.

Press Box

Eric: EG! When I met you before the season started, I was so pumped knowing I'd get to spend 35 games in the same booth as you. You are a great friend and I couldn't have asked for a better person to share the booth with. I am going to miss our pre-game and in-game talks about everything and anything. I'll miss the routine--the pre-game handshake. I heard all the PA guys in the North and I there wasn't a single one as good as you. It's funny how everything sort of fell a part the two games you missed...oy vey was that bad! Oh, and when the Rangers win it all, remember who told you so!

Ed: I appreciate your passion for baseball. I will get around to those books eventually. I didn't have a free second this whole summer. We argued and disagreed but it was because we both cared. I enjoyed our talks and loved giving you the trivia. Thanks for putting up with my nonsense and always being understanding. It's tough to say, but, despite my growling stomach, I will miss you more than your awesome chili--but it is close!

Smolke: You are the man. Sitting in the press box with you between 3:30 and 6:30 was awesome. Whether it was our pre-game talks, texting while on the road, our wagers, pre-game meals, or just hanging out away from the field, I am so glad we became so close and I look forward to keeping it that way down the road. Thanks for all of your hard video work. We never seemed to have problems at home and it seemed like there were issues everywhere else we traveled. I don't think the people who watch the video feeds realize the work that goes into it, but I do and you do a phenomenal job.

Coaches

Lev: Thank you for everything. I think our relationship and the freedom you allowed me played a major role in how fun this summer truly was. I will miss sharing a room on the road and loved our talks, whether I was picking your brain about baseball, talking about the team, asking you for advice, or just talking about the most random stuff. You meet so many people in the sport where they know so much about baseball but so little about everything else, but I admire how well-rounded you are. You don't need baseball to be successful, but baseball needs more people like you. You have a decent amount of bad jokes, but you also have some good ones.

As far as the team, you did a phenomenal job with everything that came up throughout the summer. I don't know that anyone else would have made this bunch competitive in the second half the way you did, with the injuries and the constantly changing state of the team.

I wanted so badly to do everything right out of my respect for you. Whether you realize this or not, I admire you and respect you so much. I will take so many things away from this summer, but but our friendship is right at the top of that list.
What do you say, one more time?

Lip: Thunder Dan! I take 100% full credit for that. Thanks for always being willing to help out--whether that was being ready for the Thunder Dan Show everyday, picking something up for me when I needed something, or just simply being a friend. I loved talking baseball with you and learning your philosophies. I am glad someone also shares my hunger...for food. Our sports talks were awesome...I can't wait to see how Nebraska does in the Big Ten. I also can't wait to go to a college baseball game one day and tell someone, "Their head coach is one of my good friends," obviously referring to you.

Etch: Thanks for letting me hit fungos. Bus rides were always fun...still not sure how we got so lost so often...really? Z's was always a blast. Isaaaaaac Balloooooooouuuu. Alllllexxxxx Gllllleeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnard. Priceless. Absolutely priceless. I really enjoyed talking to you about Platteville's hitting philosophies. Our pre-game meal talks were always great as well. Thanks for giving me fries from time to time...I'll keep giving you pickles. Get inverted!

Players

To Everyone: I love the sport of baseball so much and a lot of that is because of the people. I spent so much time with you guys and we became like a family. Thank you for including me, taking me in, and allowing me to feel like one of the guys. Thanks for always being willing to help out with media needs or requirements of mine. Without the great relationships I shared with you guys, this summer would not be the same. I cannot wait to follow each and every single one of you as you progress through your careers and through life. I wish every single one of you the best of luck in everything you do.

Note: Understand I could write so much more about all of you than what you will read below but I will likely tell you to your face anyways, plus, it isn't like we won't ever talk again. It should go without saying, I hope to maintain the friendships we established for as long as we live.

Nick McManus, Jake McLain, Craig Massey, Travis Cariveau, Mielock, Dorain, Joe, Lasher, Sam, Hogan. I wish I got to spend more time with you guys. But I enjoyed getting to know you all and glad I've been able to keep in touch with some of you since you left.

Ian: I loved watching you pitch. I'll miss our high school sports talks, reliving another step in your career, but, for me, my glory days.

Aaron: Your competitiveness and bulldog attitude impressed me so much. I'll miss hack, and just hanging out so often on the road. Broadcasting together was a blast.

Koglin: My man! It was so fun to watch you play in the field. I was sad to see you go and wish you best of luck with the new staff!

Juan: You are you and you make no bones about it. You crack me up, man. I can't wait to see you in the Spring.

T.J.: I love and appreciate your work ethic and competitiveness so much. So many people told me before the season, "You'll love T.J. Berge" and they couldn't have been more right. I don't think you have a mean bone in your body.

Baumy: On the field, you saved this team. The poise with which you pitch is unbelievable. We were basically "bus roommates," if that makes sense. I think our shared love for sports made it impossible for us to not get along. Your mustache is awesome.

Wick: You, also, were like a bus roommate. I'll never forget you saving food for me your second day here, before we even really met. That meant a lot. Hanging out with you was always a blast.

Matt: Gunslinger! The offense fell apart when you left. Watching you fly around the bases was so fun. I enjoyed getting to know you and can't to see you continue to get better.

Vince: I don't know that there was anyone that just got the job done the way you did, on the field. But as much as I enjoyed watching you play, I enjoyed getting to know you more. Dude...I still can't believe you chose toast. Can't wait to see you in the Spring.

Chadd: I honesty don't know if I have ever seen a better defensive catcher. I loved watching you behind the dish. You are a special player. Thanks for always keeping me grounded by giving me a hard time. I enjoyed the lake and I can't wait to see you in the Spring.

Ryan: I can't wait for you to get consistent ABs and see the damage you do at the plate. You are a great kid and i'm sure we have some deep facebook chats in store in the future.

Teague: Watching you pitch was a blast. I loved our talks in the press box during batting practice when you just didn't want to shag...classic.

Tommy: Ricky told me how much I'd like you and he was right. You are the man...seriously. Watching you play was a blast, but hanging out with you was even more fun. I can't wait to hang out with you in Cali!

Charlie: What would I do without jew? Our friendship is unique. Chuck, I don't know if there is anyone I'd rather have on the mound in a big game than you, the way you compete is so impressive. Watch your pockets.

Jeff: Tats. When I interviewed you over the phone I was so confused, more than anything, when our conversation ended. But getting to know this summer was a blast. Your sense of humor is something else. Stay healthy.

Levi: I don't even know where to start. I know you were hurt and didn't have to play, but you fought and fought and I think that's freaking awesome. Off the field, I learned so much from you. I think most of it is good.

Florer: I was so sad when you left. But now that the season is over it means I'll get to see you soon. You better come to SC and I'll come meet you at LMU. We haven't been to Buffalo Wild Wings in a while...

Rob: You are a chartacter...in the best way possible. We hit it off right away. It's a little thing, but I thought it was really cool how, the minute there was a rain delay, you'd be right up in the booth. FB Chat for sure.

Pat: I am glad I have a soccer buddy. And a baseball buddy. You are like Peter Crouch and I am like Lionel Messi. I'll have to come visit you in England, right?

Drew: That drive to Rochester was...how do you describe it? Hanging out with you was a blast. I can't wait to see you in Lawrence.

Russ: Hey, man, I really appreciate you answering the facebook message. Haha. I finally bought into the fly ball hacky sack strategy.

Mick: Glad I got to see at least one home run out you, big fella. Your tanktop-wearing style made me feel like I was back at school. Can't wait to see you in the Spring.

Brian: My bad, my bad. No excuses. You made me a junior pirate and because of it, my people couldn't be happier. You were the first player I actually met. I enjoyed hanging out a bunch and I am sure I am going to get through boring classes fb chatting with you since you are always on...

Ray: Dude, I dedicated an entire blog to you. You know where I stand with you. You are special and unique. The Legend of the Ray Black Rain Delay Show will live on forever.

David: Big fella! Our Buffalo Wild Wings lunch was awesome. We need to do it again? Thanks for always putting a smile on my face...and for messing up my interviews! I'll see you in Lawrence!

Nick: I hope everything works out health wise. When you were good to go you were fun as hell to watch.

Extended Lunkers Family

Cody--I wil keep giving you trivia. It was great getting to know you and we better keep in touch.

Benny--My chops are ready.

The Beck Family--Your passion for the Lunkers is truly remarkable. Thank you for your support of the staff and how well you always took care of us.

Betty Holden--Your kind words meant so much to me. It was a treat getting to know you.

Host Families--It gets said a bunch, but this is not possible with you all.

Deck Girls--It was great getting to know you all and hanging out with you girls was a blast. Thanks for making sure I was never hungry!

Volunteers--I regrettably never got to know many of you, but it takes commitment to show up to a game as a volunteer two hours early and I never heard of any problems.

Other

The People of Caribou Coffee--No way I would have had a voice if it wasn't for your green tea. Thanks for always starting my morning off the right way.

Cub Foods--Your lunch sandwiches are awesome. Great tasting food at a great value...what more could you want?

08.13.2010: Let's be real...

I mentioned that one of the coolest parts of the All-Star break was meeting people in the South division because we never see them with the new schedule. Unfortunately, after the All-Star break, the North-South segregation was back in effect.

Relationships remain a big part of this league. For the players, they meet fellow players from around the country and establish, for some, lifelong friendships. Other also connect with their host families to a special degree, like David Allbritton and the Deuth family. Same goes for coaches. Same goes for front office staff. And, same goes for broadcasters.

I have really enjoyed getting to know the various broadcasters around the North division. A few of them have become good friends--people I hope to maintain relationships with well beyond their and my time in this league.

I could single all of them out and write a little paragraph on each but that would sort of defeat the purpose. Instead, I'll make it more relevant.

The first broadcaster I met was Travis Lucian, from St. Cloud. Dustin sent me to St. Cloud to spend a day with Travis so that he could show me certain things and answer questions I had that Dustin wasn't able to, because they were really just questions a broadcaster would know. This is Travis' fourth year in the league so he has tons of experience. He really taught me a lot in our two or three hour meeting that day, which included a stop at Chipotle. I was so thankful for all of his help and it made my transition into the league so much easier.

Then, I got the chance to listen to him call games via the league's website. I love listening to his broadcasts. He is very, very talented.

The best part, though, is when we play each other...He and I, I feel like, go about things similarly. We both take our jobs very seriously and try go about things the right way--the professional way. When one comes to the other's ballpark, we usually have a good chat, followed by a game-relevant discussion to exchange information. Today, we go to St. Cloud for our double-header. It will be the last time we play St. Cloud this season and, for the summer, the last time I see Travis...Before you think I am getting all sappy, I am not. But, I do appreciate people and appreciate relationships and my relationship with Travis is no exception. I hope to keep in touch with him as he progresses through the broadcasting world...and, hopefully, with some hard work on my end, maybe I can join him.

Hot Sports Opinion: I am supposed to finish off my USC discussion but there really isn't much more to say, to be frank...

I have some HSO's about this whole K-Rod situation in which he was charged with assaulting his father-in-law...

-This is not the first time he has showed signs of anger-management issues (remember his blowup in New York with Brian Bruney, former Yankees reliever, to bring up one of a few?)

-Reagrdless of whether you believe the Mets are or are not in the race, this is a bit bigger than baseball...

-Carlos Zambrano...the Cubs lets his anger management issues go a few steps too far and who knows if he will ever be the same...and I don't necessarily mean as a pitcher.

-Get K-Rod help. Medical help. He needs it. Not because he is a huge investment worth taking care of, but because we are all human beings. At the bottom of your heart, do you enjoy every time Carlos Zambrano blows up? Do you enjoy every time Milton Bradley blows up? Did you enjoy Milton's tear-jerking interview after he asked the Mariners for help? No. Let's not let this happen to another player.

08.12.2010: Down the Home Stretch

5 games left. I cannot believe it! The team is still in thick of the race--2 games out with 5 to go. Tonight and tomorrow night the Lunkers play the St. Cloud River Bats, one of the two teams they are chasing...a perfect opportunity to make a run!

So, you know how, depending on the situation, there is always that standard talking point? It's that "stock" question that everyone asks to be friendly but no one truly cares or listens to what you have to say...But, nonetheless, you still ask it, the other person answers and then asks you back, you answer, and then you move on...Example:

Two people see each other at college after a summer away

Joe: Hey! Great to see you! How was your summer?

John: It was awesome. I had a blast. Partied with friends. Hung out with family. It was relaxing. You?

Joe: Yeah, man. Same here, same here. Just relaxed and stuff.

John: Yeah, yeah, great, great.

...And then A) the two people realize they have nothing to talk about or B) the real conversation starts

..But, sometimes one of the two parties involved actually gives an answer with substance that warrants a response outside of the legitimate "stock" responses typically given. But, the other person, not paying attention, doesn't realize this so the following awkward situation ensues...

Joe: Hey! Great to see you! How was your summer?

John: Dude, it was awful. I put on 15 pounds, I got fired from 3 jobs and I now have no shot getting that big internship next summer. I blew it, man.

Joe: That's awesome, man! Sounds fun. I did the same, just hung out with friends, family...you know. That's great you learned a lot and had a great time.

...You know it happens. Who is at fault? Joe for not paying attention or John for answering the typical stock question with an "out-of-stock" answer, knowing that the norm is for the other party not to really pay attention?

Either way, I was involved in such a moment yesterday...I will not give any names but in the press box last night I was involved in the typical Northwoods League stock conversation of the moment which is about how the season has passed and how it's almost time to go...Here's about how it went...

Me: Hey [name], whatsup!? Long time no see (bad joke, referencing how, after seeing him on Monday, Tuesday's game was rained out before we got to the park).

Other Person: Yeah, looks like we'll get both of these in, though.

Me: Yep...7 more left...I can't believe it.

Other Person: I know. Are you just counting down the days?

Me: Honestly, no, I am not. If you told me it was day 1 of the season, I would be thrilled. I am having a blast and, while I am excited to get back to school, I am not ready to leave!

Other Person: Yeah, me too...I can't wait to get out of here. It's been a long, stressful season. I am right there with you...

..So, how do you respond? Do you make it awkward or just leave it? I just left it...

But, I can't stand how you have to ask those stock, generic, cliche questions based on situation...and there is now way around it.

Hot Sports Opinion of the Day: Pretty soon college football is going to start. Inevitably, it will be a new, exciting year filled with surprises, disappointments, and remarkable performances and games. Each year is different, each year has its own unique personality. One thing is already different about this year...one of the best programs in the country, and a team that would fight for a BCS Bowl berth, the USC Trojans, are ineligible per NCAA rulings based on events that occurred in the mid-2000's.

I go to USC. I am a huge USC fan. But, to the best of my ability, I will write this from an unbiased standpoint. Unfortunately, this situation creates a domino effect in which so many different, unconnected thoughts and ideas come to mind so I am just going to bullet point all of my thoughts in the order they came to mind.

-USC did not follow the NCAA compliance rules during their reign...neither did the worst team in D1, whichever team that was. Everyone breaks the rules. After spending a majority of my college life working in the athletic department, I will stand by this statement. If you disagree, you are so oblivious to what goes on. This applies to football and basketball, without question.

-USC is penalized for "knowing" about things that went on between their players and people not associated to the program. Usually, people get penalized for illegally trying to get players to either go to their school or stay in school. But, the Trojans are getting penalized because others broke rules trying to get players to leave their program. Agents were trying to secure prospective clients for when they left school. Does USC deserve some blame based on the sequence of events? Yeah, but to the extent they received blame? No way.

-Once again, this is not to say USC did not do illegal things that were not mentioned or discovered...but, one more time...so did everyone else.

-Saying "If you are going to penalize USC, penalize everyone" is more figure-of-speech than actual wish...it is not practical to penalize everyone.

-Penalize USC...fine them, take away wins, records, etc.(not that that is a legitimate punishment)...but why penalize guys that were not involved in any of this by stripping them of a chance to win a championship or compete in a bowl?

-Why USC? Why now? Were they too good for too long? Sorry for partying.

-Honestly, USC fan or not, how awesome would it be for USC to use this as motivation and run the table? I hope it happens. Wouldn't be the first time they were left out of a title game despite being deserving.

-People who think Pete Carroll ran away from the trouble have a point, but so what? Pete turned a proud, historic program from years and years of mediocrity to years and years of dominance. Did people care how the transition came about? No. He gave almost a decade to that program and made them the best program of the 2000s without a doubt. He deserves the opportunity to accept his next challenge.

-I am not the biggest Lane Kiffin fan, but I do want to say this. Yeah, what he did leaving Tennessee was sleazy, but USC was his dream job. Are you telling me you'd pass up your dream job? That opportunity might not ever come around again. Talk about loyalty with Lane and you might say he has none because of how he left Tennessee...but what about how he returned to the school for which he used to work for...How about how he took the job knowing that USC was going to receive punishments from the NCAA? He stepped into a bad situation...He didn't just inherit a dynasty like everyone thinks. Do I love Lane? No. Do I think he was totally right for leaving Tennesse? No. But do I think he was totally wrong, either? No.

-I have to go to lunch, but I will continue with my thoughts on this in my next post, which will likely be today or tomorrow...and that's a guarantee.