2006 Minnesota Twins Fantasy Baseball Camp Day 7 - Final Day

Saturday morning our team filed into the clubhouse around 8:30 and prepared for the "big game" at 11. The weather was again beautiful and as Ernie Banks used to say, " Lets play two!"

I don't know if we were a little tight or, if after a week of excellent fielding the law of averages caught up with us, but in the top of the 1st inning our infield booted a couple routine balls and, playing in the outfield, I couldn't catch up with a fly ball to short left center. Result was a 1-0 lead for the bad guys after we left the bases loaded in the bottom of the inning.

Score remained that way until the bottom of the 3rd when we plated a run. The bad guys scored again in the top of the 4th and it was 2-1 until the bottom of the 6th when we scored 3 to take a 4-2 lead. This held up and we took home the championship!

It was an exciting game to play and to watch.

Afterward, to the victors go the spoils, right? The daughter of our shortstop was wearing a T-shirt she was hoping to get the pros'to sign. I think I embarrased her into letting me sign it!


Before the evening meal was served, Chief Justice Mudcat Grant and Associate Justice Bert Blyleven, presided over the final Kangaroo Court of this year's camp. Joan again got fined for "being to busy to listen" when the court was called into session. (She thinks I ratted on her, but even if I did, she wasn't paying attention and it is for a good cause!)

After dinner there was an auction of sports memorabilia and a spot in the camp for next year. Including the $25,000 donation from the Willis Foundation, the auction receipts and Kangaroo Court fees, the camp raised $40,000 for the Children's Hospital.

The evening concluded with some folks heading for the Tiki Bar just outside the hotel and others of us singing a little karaoke in the dining room. The hit of the evening was Mudcat singing a few songs.
All in all, this camp was a great time. Along with the Camp Championship, our team gathered several honors including a couple gold glove awards, a Cy Young award and the Rookie of the Year. One thing we can be sure of is next year, members of this team who come back will be spread out amongst the others.

I certainly recommend this experience to anyone who ever played ball, or just enjoys the game.

2006 Minnesota Twins Fantasy Baseball Camp Day 6

Friday morning we played our 6th game. As mentioned before, we knew we were seeded into the championship game regardless of the outcome of this game. But, we wanted to carry into the championship game the momentum, and psychological advantage, of being undefeated. Abby Geisler, an 11 year veteran, started the game on the mound and was relieved by Terry Amundson. Once again our hitting and fielding served us well and we won the game rather handily. Record is now 6-0!

Following the morning games pictures were taken of campers sitting with all the pros. Joan said to me, "I am going to come with you and sit on your lap." We figured why not, as the only thing that might come of this is a fine in the Court. So she did! The camp photographer has that shot and it won't be available for a few more weeks. In this picture Mudcat Grant is messing with Al Neuman.

One of the other traditions of the camp is what is called the "3-Man Lift". Promotion for this event begins in the middle of the week with bulletin board material telling everyone to put their cash on the line (for the kids!) and bet either for or against Abby exceeding her current lift record of 695 pounds. Proof of the lift being made is the Lift Judges being able to pull towels out from under the 3 people lying on them. Yes, it takes some degree of gullibility to even imagine this happening, but one soul is always found.

After the proper bodies are chosen (to achieve the desired weight), towels are laid on the ground, arms and legs are linked, towels are wrapped around torsos, and the lift is attempted. Here our team manager and Lift Judge, Gary "Mugsy" Allenson, makes sure everything is in order.

What ACTUALLY happens, is once Abby gets into position and the 1-2-3 count is started, a number of individuals armed with Gatorade, baby powder, whipping cream, etc. step forward and on the 3 count plaster the poor guy in the center with their ammunition. This year's dupe was Bill Phillips who took it all in good spirits.

After all THIS excitement we have the Camper - Pro games. A team made up of the pros in the camp (and augmented by former Camp MVPs and Hall of Famers (campers with 10 years of attendance)), play a series of 3-inning games against each of the camp teams. In order to make sure each camper gets a chance to hit against the pro pitchers, the campers get 4 outs in their half of the inning. And to ensure a degree of competition, the pros get only 2 outs per inning and start each at bat with a one-strike count. Our team lost, as did all the others, 2-1. We were, however, the only team to score a run against the pros. This game, as is the championship game, is played in Hammond Stadium, home of the Twins' Ft Myers Miracle minor league team.

After dinner Friday evening several of the pros, including Julio Becquer, made some speeches.

Saturday at 11 am the championship game will be played between our team and one that didn't do too well in the qualifying round-robin games, but came on as the week went on. And this was the intent when the schedule was set up.

2006 Minnesota Twins Fantasy Baseball Camp Days 3 - 5

We had a bye on Tuesday morning and won our game in the afternoon. Record so far 3 wins, 0 losses . So far so good!

Below is former Twin pitcher, Lee Stange. "Stinger" was one of my coaches last year, but is with another group this year.

On Tuesday evening, Joan and I drove down to Naples, FL and visited Paul and Betsy Koller. Paul was one of my bosses during our tour of duty in Moscow in the early 80s. Paul has retired from Caterpillar and they have built a beautiful house near the beach in Naples. Most evenings, they join a group of friends for 'wine on the beach.' There were few clouds, so the sun just sort of disappeared into the sea with little residual color.

Betsy is an accomplished artist and you can find her paintings on UNICEF cards and Nestle chocolate candy boxes.

We played another game on Wednesday morning and won again to stay undefeated. As a result, we are seeded #1 for the tournament starting Thursday. The best thing about this is, as the #1 seed we have a bye and can rest our pitching.

Wednesday afternoon is free time for the campers. Some go to the beach, some to the pool, some sleep, and some of us golf. A scramble is organized for interested players at Crown Colony where our camp organizer is a member. Pros are assigned to each group of campers and for the second year, Joan and I played with former Twin pitching great, Bert Blyleven. Bert is a great golfer (Hdcp 2) and with his length and the combined talents of the rest of us, we finished at minus 7. Unfortunately, that was not good enough to beat the group including former Twin catcher, Tim Laudner. Tim (Minnesota State Amateur and State Match Play qualifier last year) might be a -2 handicap and his team finished at minus 9. Shown below is Joan, Bert, and Jim Hustvedt, a fellow camper.

After our bye on Thursday morning, we played in the afternoon and won again. Our undefeated record to this point seeded us into the Championship game on Saturday, regardless (or for you English majors, 'irregardless') of whether or not we win our Friday game.

During the camp I played 3rd base, 2nd, outfield and pitched. My summer team manager calls that "opportunity!"

Our goal is, of course, to win the camp championship, but also to stay undefeated in doing so. Friday we will play one game in the morning and then participate in the 3-inning Camper - Pro Games.

2006 Minnesota Twins Fantasy Baseball Camp Days 1 - 2

Back on the 19th of January I recounted our trip to Ft Myers. Now I will bring you up to speed on the camp itself.

Interested parties (male or female) over the age of 30 are eligible to participate in the camp. The age limit is to keep the games somewhat competitive. I would say the average age of the camper is mid-forties. AND there are usually two or three ladies who participate.

Players and Pros check in on Saturday night. There is an orientation meeting for the "rookies" and welcome banquet for all. It was at this point I put aside the idea of either skipping the camp next year, or maybe stopping coming altogether. Again meeting up with the group of guys I have known for 4 years now, and meeting a new batch of "rookies", was all it took to convince me I will probably do this until I physically cannot.

Mornings the clubhouse opens at about 8 am. Sunday morning is orientation at the clubhouse for the rookies and instruction from the pros on stretching and calisthenics, and workouts/evaluation in the areas of hitting, pitching and fielding. After lunch the rookies play an evaluation game which is scouted by the pros. Those of the veterans who wish to also play a warmup/practice game. None of the veterans put out too much in this game, preferring rather to save the throws, catches and hits (not to forget the groins, hammys, quads and arms) for when it counts!

After the rookie game the pros retire to the conference room and "draft" their teams. Teams are announced at dinner Sunday night. Below is a shot of our team "Off In The Woods." (The name was selected by the coaches, and - reportedly - there was some phychology involved in this name. Something about not being able to beat our team.)

Because the date of this year's camp was moved up a week, due to a conflict with the Twins Winter Caravan, several campers who had registered for the original date had to drop out. The result was we had only about 55 people who were then divided into 5 teams. The lower number of teams caused a change in game schedule from previous years. This year we played a 4-game round robin to determine seeding, and then had a single elimination tournament to determine the camp champ. (Previous years there were at least six games played and records in those games determined the first and second place team who would then play in the championship game.) We played, and won, two seven-inning games on Monday.

We had our first Kangaroo Court on Monday night. For those not familiar with the "Court", it is an opportunity for any indescetion by the players (or other coaches) spotted by the coaches (or maybe reported to the coaches by the players!) to result in a fine, usually $ 2 or $3 per. I don't know what the major leagues do with this money, but in the case of the camp, it is donated to the Lee County Children's Hospital in Ft Myers. "Mudcat" Grant is the Chief Justice of the Court, assisted by Bert Blyleven at the final court on Saturday night.

I should have said it is not only the players who can be fined. Joan picked up one of the first fines of the night for being in the dugout (women do NOT hang out in dugouts!) taking, or being taken, pictures. Here she is with former Twin third base coach, Al Neuman.

Joan usually comes to the games but sometimes there are other things to do. We met up with friends from Caterpillar, Dick and Phyllis Hermann. Dick's mother lives in Ft Myers and they were down for the week visiting her. Joan went with Dick and Phyl on a boat trip around the development where Ann Hermann lives. There was a bird in a tree!

Reno to Littleton, Co Jan 3/4, 2006

The year-end rains in San Francisco brought snows to the mountains. We did not have chains with us, but thought it "might" be useful to have them "in case" we needed them as we headed east out of San Jose. So we bought a set in Three Rivers and, well, we needed them! On the 2nd of Jan we went from San Jose to Reno to visit Gene and Sharon Prescher, friends from our days in Russia. (We also met up with Gene and Sharon when they lived in Saudi Arabia and China.) It took us a couple hours longer to reach Reno due to the weather. It took me a couple of seconds to remember that I didn't really like to put on chains!


After an overnight in Evanston, WY (and a stop at a Sierra Trading Post outlet store!) we got to Kjirsten and Scott's late afternoon of the 4th (in time to celebrate Kjirsten's birthsday!) At the time of this visit, Zach was able to "walk" behind a cardboard box. (He is now standing by himself, but not yet walking.)

All that "running around" makes a guy really sweaty, and the BATH is great fun!

All cleaned up and dressed in our Chaska Town Course golf shirt, we are quite the little man.

Dad and Zach spend a little quality time together.

When we passed through Littleton on our way to CA, we had a mini Christmas; Zach opened one present. We celebrated the presents part of Christmas when we came back through. Zach managed to get a few more gifts, and the old folks did ok, too.

We drove straight back to MN on the 6th to get ready for the Twins Fantasy Baseball Camp starting on the 14th of January.

CA Dec 29 - Jan 4, 2006 At Mark & Wendy's, Travel to CO

On the afternoon of the 29th, we drove from Three Rivers to San Jose, CA and spent the weekend with brother Mark, sister-in-law, Wendy, and their kids who are still at home.

The plan, besides visiting, was to play golf on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and we were able to get only one round in in really iffy weather on Friday.

After the golf game and a dip in the hot tub, we went to Vin Santo to celebrate Wendy's birthday which was the 31st. We had a table on the patio under a heat lamp. Tyler was our server and along with a great meal we had excellent service.

Mark
Wendy
Tyler - Freshman in College
Kurtis - Sophomore in High School
Collin - Wendy's youngest son; Freshman in college

On this particular weekend, there were torrential rains in the area, with serious flooding of the Russian River and in ares around San Jose and San Francisco.

Saturday night we went next door with Mark and Wendy and celebrated New Year's Eve with neighborhood friends.

We were without power for several hours at Mark's on Sunday. BUT, being the resourceful guy he is, Mark broke out his generator and we had the power needed to finish making fudge and to power the TV and DVD player. With candles burning we enjoyed homemade candy and a movie.

We left Monday morning for Reno where we spent the night with Gene and Sharon Prescher, friends first made in Moscow, and revisited in Saudi Arabia and China. On the way, we stopped and had a nice lunch with Bob and Minnie Buyse in Sacramento. (The Buyses were the family Willy Peterson and I stayed with for several weeks when we moved to California in 1964.)

We also had the pleasure of putting chains on the car as we reached Donner Pass on the way to Reno.

We left Reno on the 3rd, spent a night in Evenston, WY, and arrived at Kjirsten and Scott's on the afternoon of the 4th, Kjirsten's birthday.

California Dec 28, 2005 WoodLake Continued

Also included in the commands are those for pushing a wheelchair, both forward and backward, and switching a light on and off. In additon to just learning to move the switch, the dogs are trained to recognize a left or right located switch. That is because sometimes there are two switches; one for a fan and the other for a light. The dog owner may only want one of the switches activated.


These are really amazing animals and their cause is a very good one. If any of you viewing this blog had any interest in helping support this program financially, you may send donations (any amount is most appreciated!) to the Assistance Service Dog Education Center, P.O. Box 367, Woodlake, CA 93286















In the picture on the right, Whitaker is being told to "leave" what are actually little dog treats, but in the real world might be spilled pills.



How can one not love these mugs??!

California Dec 28, 2005 Assistance Service Dog Educational Center

On the 28th we went to Woodlake, a small town just west of Three Rivers to visit the Assistance Service Dog Educational Center. As the name suggests, this operation, run by Gerald and Donna Whitaker, trains dogs - in this case, golden retrievers - to respond to nearly 100 commands which might be required by the physically impared. The program is sponsored by Rotary and the dog trainers are 'at risk' high school sophomores and juniors, who actually get class credit and a grade based on how well they work with the dogs. Dave and Barbara help out at the center by transporting students and dogs, photographing classes, preparing memory books, and generally being available as needed.

As mentioned, the dogs are trained to respond to a great number of commands, including at least three visual commands. Here Whitaker, the demo-dog, is rolling over after having looked at the card held by Gerald. He also saw, and responded to, signs to sit and lie down.

Here Whitaker is helping to take the jacket off Gerald.

It was interesting to watch the dog work with the odd-shaped tupperware container so as to be able to pick it up without actually puncturing it with his teeth.



Woodlake - to be continued......

California - Dec 26 - 29 Kingsburg Continued

While some of us were shopping (see Swedish Princess in previous posting) Albert and Dave rested outside the store.

All the shopping made everyone hungry, so we went to small restaurant specializing in Swedish cuisine. Most of us had the Swedish Special which consisted of: Potato Sausage, Swedish Meatballs, Potato Salad, Cardamom Roll and Rice Pudding. The sausage wasn't as good as that produced in Minneapolis basements but, given the situation, wasn't bad! No one left any on the plate.

Paul and Albert Hagopian

Betty Hagopian

Joan

Dave Sandberg

Here is Barbara on the front/back porch with a replica of one of the birds.

California Dec 26 - 29 With Dave & Barbara Sandberg

We left Deb and Mike's the morning of the 26th and headed for Joan's brother and sister-in-law in Three Rivers, CA, where Dave and Barbara built a beautiful new house about three years ago. Three Rivers is located about half an hour east of Visalia, CA. Given it was our 35th anniversary, we stopped on the way at a McDonalds in Tulare and celebrated with a Double Quarter Pounder and Fries!

The back (or front?) of the house faces the hills above, and the front (back?) looks down over the town. This is the front (or back!)
We had a foggy morning one day.
The Sandbergs still have about 14 birds of the parrot/macaw ilk, three cats and four dogs; including Boris shown below. This dog has the biggest ears of any dog I have any seen.
Very near their house is a reservoir. The water level is quite low right now, but with the snow melt in the spring will be up to the line visible just under Dave's left elbow. The marina you see will actually be towed up the side of the hill as the water level raises. Not visible in this picture is the shore line camping area which will be submerged as the water rises.
One day while there, we met up with Betty and Al Hagopian at their home in Reedley, and then drove to Kingsburg, a small Swedish town about 10 miles south. Unfortunately, Barbara was unable to join us because on of their birds - who has some medical problems - was ill and she didn't feel she could leave the bird without knowing what was wrong.

We shopped for a bit in a Swedish Butik in the town. I couldn't convince Joan to buy this for some reason!
Kingsburg - to be continued.....