Fishing the English Channel.

Howdy y'all. Lovin' the comments. Ian, I laughed out loud at the black shorts and yellow T-Shirt comment....I am laughing as I type that, Alex, get off my ass...seriously I work my ass off, travelin and relaxing can really make you tired...my eyes have just worked too hard :D, Karly, I'm not just the dumb jock you might have thought me to be so nyah nya na nya na, Tiff, miss ya and cole, Phyll, seriously the moon must have been aligned perfectly last night for the first post, Mom and Dad, love you guys.

Today was another great day in the Tony Lewis book. Jean Luc picked me up this morning around 10:00am and we headed for Dieppe. Dieppe is the closest town, about 50 minutes away, to the sea. We were going to try to catch some rays and some fish at the same time. I will tell you neither of those things happened but I couldn't have been happier with my day.

The sun decided to hide today. It has been out all week, but for some reason it did not follow routine and we were left with overcast skies and wind. It was only Arthur, Jean Luc, and I at Dieppe because Benedict and Laura decided to pass on a cloud filled day. There was a slight breeze and the Paturel's were pissed. I was unusually really happy with the weather. Just a tranquil feeling. The was a crisp breeze that made your hair stand on end. I loved it.



We set up shop (fishing) on the boardwalk and cast out. We used artificial bait at first but later had to resort to other methods. So we had our poles propped up as we made ourselves some french baguette sandwiches with ham and hard boiled eggs. I was just completely content with just watching the waves roll and standing next to my pole. Just a completely relaxing day.



Arthur and I started to walk into town to the bait shop to get some worms but we made a detour to walk along the beach. If you have ever seen the Coldplay "Yellow" music video, this is it Lewis stylee.



The water was pretty cold so swimming in the channel will have to wait another day. So we headed back into Rouen taking a different route.

We stopped at a WWII Canadian Cemetary and I got some good pictures. We also took a more scenic route home because Jean Luc has picked up that I really enjoy the French countryside. I can see myself retiring amoung the rolling hills.





Got back home. Showered and went over to Olivear and Marie's for dinner. I supplied the main course with an assortment of sausages and they made a pot full of rice. We then drank rum and played guitar until the fingers felt pain. Great day and great night.

Love you guys and talk to you soon. Au Revoir.

Reflecting and Killing Time.

*Rallying the troops


*Crushin' a ball


*Another Cinque Terre Pic.

Hey guys. I'm glad you had fun with the last pic...Did you assholes even read the post? Bah...anywho, I'm glad I still have y'alls attention. Thanks for commenting. I love you guys and miss you. You might be tired of hearing that...but it is so very true.

Since my last post I have had a lot of time just to sit and take some things in. Where I am at, what means most to me, and how fortunate I am.

I am so grateful to be playing the game I love.

You guys mean the world to me.

I thank God every night for the the strength he has shown me through your support.

Without your words of encouragement, I wouldn't make it very far. Sorry if this is coming out sappy but it is what I feel. If you gotta problem with it, go read someone else's blog. :P <-- (Mom, that's a little smiley sticking his tongue out)

This week's weather has been absolutely beautiful. About 75-80 F and clear skies. The past couple days I have taken my book and walked into the forest. I pick out a secluded spot amidst the trees and plop myself down. Before I crack open my book, I take a second and just let the breeze and warmth welcome me. It is a warm embrace that seems to tell me,

"Tony, you are with friends...now get lost in your novel."



Again...this is just what I feel.

I cannot express the feeling when you are in the middle of a good book. When the world is throwing you obstacles and strife, a book is a retreat. I am glad that you, Ian, stole this book from Critter to allow me this recess. It's not the best book I have read but it definitely lets me retreat. To all of those who are wanting to know the name of the book...it is called, "Acacia." A fantasy novel...not going to get into it because it's nerdy fantasy stuff.

So after I take a couple hours of reading, I head back home...and either get ready to conduct baseball practice or my night's meal. Chris and I have hung out some of the nights. Chris usually preparing dinner with Anne, while I entertain the kids. I am their "Uncle Tony." I KNOW, I KNOW. I am only Uncle Tony to Joey, Olivia, Claire, and Zach but I see their smiles through Chris's children. I miss you kids so very much. Alex, tell your kids Hi for me. Ian, you do the same.



Well I am going fishing tomorrow on the English Channel with Jean Luc. I hope I bag a lunker. I have never fished deep water before...it should be interesting. I will take pictures and let you know how it goes. I miss and love you all. Au Revoir.

Last Italian Days, Getting back, and Kicking Ass.

Hey guys. I am sorry for long absence. I have not found the inspiration to write the past couple days and I wanted to wait until it felt right to type. I still don't really want to write but I miss hearing your comments. Evan, thanks for the mail and advice, Karly, thanks for keeping up, Tiff, good talking to you last night, Ian, I love you and miss you man, Emily and Jo, I love you guys and can't wait to see you, Alex, I get a lot of my humor from you and Ian...Your quips are hilarious and that is a gift that you have had ever since I have looked up to you. Mom and Dad, I love you guys and I'm pulling for the other side to pay up pretty damn soon. Music, thanks for joining the party and for the comment, sorry but I do not know your name. To everyone else...thanks for keeping up with my antics and I want everyone to know that I think about them everyday and you guys are in my prayers.

The last of the Florentine air....
My weekend in Cinque Terre will go in the memory banks for my entire life. I didn't get to mention the soccer guys much in the last post...but we all stuck together like best friends on my week in Italy. I want to give a special thanks to Connor, Brian, Jake, and Chase. You guys have made my stay a little easier and I loved our wine filled nights on the town.
We explored the whole town. Connor even went running with me one day. After our long run/walk I decided to take the gang of bro's on a hike that I did last year. It was great to get out of the city and immerse yourself in the waters of Tuscany. You could see the look on all of their faces. They were out of their element and were treking into new lands. It was the same feeling I had when I hiked. It was great. We made out way to a little outskirt town and had coffees and beers. We hiked about 4 miles back into town and stopped at Fort Belvedere to get another great vantage of Florence. We took some goofy pictures but this one right below actually turned out really well.



I love this pic.

So after our days of doing these types of activities, we would see what the girls were up to and I would try to think up something fun for us to do at night. Hannah and Lindsay had an absolute ball with the Crepes so that was a success. And the clubs that we went to were filled with dancing, so that was good too.


*Lindsay and Hannah

So the icing on the cake was Cinque Terre once again. I can't talk about this place enough.

It is where tension, seriousness, and formality go to die.

After a beach filled day, Jake and I saw this little cathdral sitting on top of a mountain. I then asked a local in Italian,

I pointed to the top of a mountain...
"How do you get to that little cathedral?"
He chuckled,
"My friend, that is a hike. But this is the way..."

He explained and Jake and I started out. It was a great hike. Im talkin worn out steps at vertical angles. I felt like we were in search of the Holy Grail or something.
One thing that I always tell myself when I go hiking or running is that, God seems to reward those who go the extra mile. When we reached the summit after 2 1/2 hours of hiking, I was face to face with the most beautiful view I have ever seen in my life. This is the actual picture. No postcards...just me behind the digital device. We stayed up there for about 45 minutes.



Zipping into the future. My journey home from Italy wasn't an easy one. I had a 5 hour train layover in Paris when I got back into France.
....Paris fucking sucks.

So my first days back were relaxed. You can't stay in a paradise like Italy for too long...you will spoil the effect. I left Italy wanting more and that is how I like it. I never want to feel bored with that beauty.
I conducted practices like usual. The girls had a softball game on Saturday. They creamed the hell out of Les Andeley and that was that.

Jean Luc and I had something planned for a long while for our Sunday's games. So on June 22, 2008, the Bois Guillaume Woodchucks enjoyed something that has not been apart of the club in their 20+ years of existance.

Intro Music.

Jean Luc finally got the city to lend us a sound system with long ass extension cords. So I got a list and had the guys write down what songs they wanted before they came up to the plate. It was great.
I'm not going to do a game summary because I don't feel the need. We creamed Cherbourg 12-0 and 7-3. I don't want to talk about the games but the feelings the guys had.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Hannah Carter and Ashley Vincel came up from the DU Italy class to spend the weekend with me. They enjoyed Paris for a couple days and train'd it to Rouen for two nights. So they were at the games. You would also be right in saying the guys were all about that. I will not get into detail what the guys were saying about the American girls...but you can imagine for yourself. So we had Pat Benetar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," and "Put Me In Coach," by John Fogherty blaring through our one loudspeaker between the innings. It was great. Before the game started, Anne Clair (one of my Softball players) took the mic and announced starting line-ups for both teams. It was an incredible feeling. These guys have never had their names announced through a loudspeaker while standing on a baseline. It was great to see the smiles and jeers from both sides.

The intro music was just fantastic. One could hear anything from Olivear's AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" to Pierre's choice of Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." Hahaha, it was so great. I went with a more classical selection of "The Kiss," performed by Clannad, the violin filled jig found in the Last of the Mohicans.

Great day. We had a barbeque afterwards and played our Baseball Golf game. More players, more beer, more laughter. Great day and I am blessed that I have been able to witness such joy. It would have made your heart smile Dad.

That is it for now. Oh Ian...almost forgot..."Acacia" is actually getting pretty fucking good. Thanks for your patience guys and I hope I haven't lost ya. I love you guys and I mean that sincerely. I will sit down and talk to each and every one of you soon, as we share a bottle of wine. Au Revoir.

Standing on the Edge of Reality.

*Cinque Terre, Italy

Hello friends and family. I have gone 100 mph the last week and I finally have a chance to sit down and share what I have done in Italy with y'all. Thanks again for all the comments. There was like 20 of them and I don't really remember what they said but I am glad that you guys have been keeping yourself entertained. I have been jotting down notes on my hikes/train rides to have a give you an accurate account on what has been going on. So I shall begin...

Arriving. I step off my Beauvais to Pisa plane. I am immediately in my element. I used my Spantalian when I was in Pisa and the excitement was growing. My goal: Get to the Pisa train station because the last train to Firenze left in 45 mins. I made it to the station with plenty of time to spare and I get my seat. Plug in my ipod and listen to songs that reminded me of last summer.I step off the 10:30 pm Pisa to Firenze train. Such a great feeling you guys. The night was alive in Firenze. The same street entertainers, shops and clerks, streets, buildings, smells, everything. Firenze is my second home. I know Firenze better than I know north Springfield. So I buy a bottle of wine for Jackie, my teacher and friend, and I make it to her apt. because I was going to stay with her for the next week.
I was greeted with hugs and she made me a great dinner because she could see that I was famished. Jackie, Todd (other teacher), and Tom (Jackie's bf and my guitar mentor) will be my friends for life. A great welcoming.

I got up the next morning and got in my Florentine run. Took a familiar route and was just loving the fact that the bakers were just pulling out their first batch of bread. Went to Michealangelo's Piazza and sat for a long while. Something happened at that moment. I usually have no problem thinking about baseball at any location. I simply could not think about baseball here....I tried today when I was there but I can't....There is just too much beauty around. Your mind is at ease and you use your eyes for the first time in your life.

Later on my first day, I met up with this year's class of kids that Jackie is teaching. They were happy to see me and the feeling was the same on my side. Chase Vincel is one of my buddies from high school that I didn't even know that was going to be on the trip. He immediately came up to me and said,

"Tony, I am so glad you are here. Jackie said 'Good things will happen when you are with Tony.' "
"Well, I am glad to see you too brother. This is going to be a fun week."

I am just going to give you a brief overview of some of the things I have done during the weekdays.

*I cooked a meal for the whole class, my Poor Man's Lasagna dish. They licked the bowls clean. I then showed the girls how to make crepes. They were so appreciative of it. I gathered my dessert ingredients: Bananas, chocolate syrup, strawberries, apples, cinnamon, and whipped cream. I showed them how to do it in one demonstration....then they took over. The girls absolutely loved the fact they were making these crepes and just had a ball. I was so happy to be giving them my recipe. I was happy because they were happy.
*Most of the nights are filled with wine and walking. The nightlife is so phenomenal here. Street musicians, art, statues, and clubs. I even saw the same Latin Jam Band outside the Academia Arc. Just perfect. It is an unspoken role that I have taken as well. I am the tour guide of the class. All I need is an umbrella to let the group know how far ahead I am. I couldn't be happier guiding these guys to a good time. We go to the same bars, clubs, and hangouts.
*My afternoons are usually spent with Tom while the kids have their class. We play guitar together and he has taught me so much. He is really impressed with what I played for him and he said I have a Spanish tone. He said it's from you, Momma. Not only has Tom mentored me on how to be a good guitarist but I have learned a little about the person that I am trying to be.


*Playing the Guitar next to the Arno

"Tony, you are an entertainer. You are not happy if other people are not happy. You have to be the leader. People look up to you and you have to deliver a good time. If not...all is lost. You need to strap a guitar on your back and teach the world how to have a good time. If you can't strap a guitar on your back...you need to find the girl who will carry it for you."

I love these sessions with Tom.

*I had a great Italian night. Chase and I didn't want to club it up one night so we went to a square on the other side of the Arno, (Major Italian river), and made our way to Santo Spirito Piazza. Now this place was bumping. There were atleast 1000 Italians hanging out, playing soccer in the streets, drinking wine, and playing music. It was great.

Now the last topic is about Cinque Terre. I decided to take the whole class, 14 kids, to Cinque Terre. Jackie was completely ok with the fact they were going with me...but again...shit....I have only been here one other time. I also go at a different pace than most people. But I will tell you right now these kids know how to move and not doddle. Oh I'm sorry, I haven't told you...

Cinque Terre is the most beautiful place that I have ever seen.

It sits right on the Mediterranean and has 5 beautiful towns. When the kids saw the view from the train for the first time. They all gasped in awe. I did the same even though I knew it was coming. A funny thing happened when we all got off the train...
I gathered the whole group off the train. The crystal blue water was just crashing into rocks behind me. I stood on a step and started the tour. I was explaining where everything was...the Lover's Walk (a walk along the 5 lands), Riomaggiore (the town we stayed at, the cool bars, and dinner destination. I noticed that other people were gathering behind the class and was getting information. I then yelled to one of the squakers...
"HEY, this info. is not free my man. That'll be 5 Euros my friend."
Everyone laughed.

This past weekend was great. Beautiful views, hikes, and old memories of the past summer. I have photos in my mind for life.

Well, I am leaving to go see Michealangelo's 'David' statue right now. I will talk to you guys when I get back into France tomorrow evening. I love you guys and will talk to you soon.

Leaving On A Good Note. BG vs Montigny

Hey y'all. I am tired as shit but as promised...I am giving you one last post before I leave for Italy. Absolutely loved the comments. Ian, Don't worry, I'll be lookin for some gifts for people back in France...maybe the bumper sticker where Calvin (N Hobbes) pissing on a Chevy emblem, Alex, dude...I have probably worked more over here in three months than you have in your whole life, Emily, thanks for keepin up and like the support about the pics, Karly, you're a darlin' for talkin to me on Facebook, Tiff, my only advice about teaching lil ones is maybe just a swift slap across the head is in order, Mom and Dad, thanks for talking to me after my games and I will be keeping in touch when I am in Italy. Now to everyone else who reads, Lemme hear ya.

I will start with Friday. Olivear and I pretty much schedule Friday nights as dinner/jam session night. It was great. I made a pasta dish and Olivear had a French delicacy planned. Crepes. Now, maybe it is just me, but I thought crepes were a breakfast thing. But not in France. You can have crepes at all times of the day with whatever you want to put in them. So Olivear closely instructed me how to make a perfect crepe. I added deli ham, tons of cheese, and a sliver of butter that melted over the thin cake. It was phenomenal.




For dessert, we made dessert style crepes. Lemme just say my banana chocolate crepe was delicious.



After a good dinner, Olivear made our way down to our studio. Olivear's girlfriend, Marie, said that we played too loud last time so we had to play in the basement of the building where Olivear's flat is. At first glance, it is a small dungeon, but we brought some chairs and some lights down to make it our own. The acoustics that the basement bring out are just great. So we had whiskey filled drinks and played until our fingers couldn't move. It is great to hear both of our guitars ring out. We are at the point where we can just tell each other a chord arrangement and put together a really good melody. Just a good night.


*Olivear and I in our studio*

Saturday. Nothing much happened. Both Cadet and Softball games were cancelled due to lack of players on opposing teams. This happens a lot. So I conducted a practice with both teams on the field and we played a mixed scrimmage at the end of practice...it was fun but I could tell all the kids were pissed that the games were cancelled. I went back home, heated up a pizza, and just crashed. I had to get ready for Sunday's games vs Montigny.

Now if you have been keeping up...You know that Montigny is 2nd behind us, 3 games back. This double header is huge. Not only huge in the race for first in our division but also because of the fact I am going to miss next week's games vs GIF, 7th place. So we just need to atleast split with Montigny to ease things over with the BG club concerning my departure. So let's just jump into it...

Game 1: Bois Guillaume Woodchucks vs Montigny Cougars
Time: 11:30
Weather: Sunny, beautiful
Attendence: 25

Montigny is a pretty big club with a really nice field. It is the only astro-turf field in France with a good grandstand in the background. If you look at one of my first posts of the pre-season games...you will see the field. It doubles as a soccer field in the outfield, so lemme just say it is really deep. Hard ground balls through the infield can go for triples.


*Marc and Me*

Marc, our Canadian ace, got the start for us. This guy is good. About a 82-85 mph fastball with a D1 slider. He usually just shuts teams down.

First inning. We struck first off a double by Bernie. God, I love this guy. 1-0.
Marc shut them down in the bottom of the frame.
The beginning innings for us were pretty slow and even slower for the other team. I got the most ground balls at shortstop that I have had to field in a long time. I wanna say atleast 8 6-3's. Before my next at bat, the umpire says to me in a broken English,

"Montigny must really hate you." Followed by a chuckle.

They hated me even more because I laced a RBI double down the right field line after he said that.

So after some hits by us and errors by the other team, we found ourselves out front with a 5-0 lead.
Bottom of the 6th. First two batters get extra base hits. The next batter hit both of them in. 5-2. Ok...no problem. I told Marc that those runs don't mean shit and that we got'em. He walks and HBP's the next two batters.

Well fuck.

We got two outs and they are threating to put two more runs up with their next batter. The next play was incredible.

Marc throws a dirty slider, but it stays over the middle of the plate and the batter laces a flyball into the gap. I was sure that it was trouble. All of our hearts stopped except for Pierre's, our right fielder...

He gets such a good beat on this rocket and makes an over the shoulder leaping catch. Just incredible. We just exploded with joy. Pierre was so happy that he jumped into our huddle in front of the dugout as we were praising his name. That catch saved the game.
In the top of the 7th, we put up 4 more runs with the help of a triple by Marc...yes our starting pitcher. You could say he helped himself out big time. Montigny went down in order in the bottom of the 7th and we got the victory.

I can not tell you how relieved I felt. Now I didn't have to worry about my holiday anymore. It was effecting my batting and Olivear had told me that he could see it. I told the guys I was so proud of them. I told everyone to forget the game, get a second win, and most importantly to have fun this game. I love having the player/coaching power. I love being able to step back and look at baseball from a different angle. I took that role in my last season at DU and it was amazing, but I love that these guys really listen to what I say. I am their SS, power hitter, coach, and friend.

Game 2: Bois Guillaume Woodchucks vs Montigny Cougars
Time: 2:00
Weather: Still perfect
Attendence: 40

Montigny has really good support. It really nice to see people in the stands supporting their team playing a sport that is miniscule compared to other sports in France. Vincent, a lefty, got the start for us. Vincent got the win against Montigny last time and we figured that his floater would work its same magic.

Montigny was not fooled this game. We went down in order in the top of the frame and they jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Vincent was doing well but was throwing too many pitches and was getting wild. We had managed to tie it up 2-2, Pierre led off with a hit, I walked, and Bernie hit a 2 RBI double.

4th inning. I warmed up on the side of the dugout to get loose in case I needed to come in. First batter for them hit a shot deep into the left side hole. Romain dove and missed the ball but I was running right behind him in backhand position...

Now I have to stop and tell you something. All my plays to this point were pretty routine allowing me not to throw the ball hard at all to get the out.

On this play...I had to use the gun.

I backhanded this play deep in the hole, like I have done all my life, and fired a frozen rope across the infield. It beat the runner by a step.
The whole crowd stood up and clapped at my play. It was awesome. The umpires and other team members said that they have never seen a play like that. It was just really cool. Vincent got into trouble in the same inning and I took the mound. I got us out of the inning without a scratch.

2-2. We went down in order in the 5th. I took the mound and started getting careless. I was leaving my fastball up and the other team took advantage. They got a couple of hits and sacrificed a run in, going up 3-2. I cursed to myself and decided to use the knuck even more. It got the next guys to strike out and we finally got out of the inning.

Top of the order up for us. Olivear, Arthur, and yours truly. Olivear and Arthur struck out swinging. Then I make my way to the plate. I gotta tell you that my little rituals are the same over here. Strap the gloves a couple of times, walk behind the umpire, say a silent prayer to myself, spit behind the umpire, and make the sign of the cross on the plate.

Jean-Luc then yells at me from 3rd base.

"Hit a homerun and we are tied."

I laughed.

I thought to myself..."Well, I'll try."

First pitch.

I absolutely swung as hard as I could.

It was the longest ball ever recorded on Montigny's field.

It felt great. Dead center field.

Tie game 3-3.

I took the mound for the bottom of the 6th. I have to tell you that I pitched really well but the batters duckfarted some balls that landed for base hits. I had one out though without giving up the leading run. I then threw a great knuck. The ball knucked right onto the absolute end of the guy's bat and it was enough to sacrifice the runner in. 4-3 Montigny. I got the next guy out and we were down to our last 3 outs.

We all put on rally hats but it wasn't enough. We went down in order in the last inning. So we split with Montigny.

I was happy to still be up 3 games on them. I think everyone was happy with the outcome and I am sure that Jean-Luc is going to sleep better during my absence. So that is a good thing. I got compliments from the other team for my shot and I went to go fetch my ball. I tossed it to Jean-Luc and said I wanted him to have it. He was happy and we made our way back home.

Now to prepare for Italy. I leave tomorrow at 6:30pm and get into Florence around 10:30. I also want to mention to you...that if you are in the Springfield area, turn on Scott Puryear's and Ned Reynold's Sports Talk Radio Show tomorrow, Monday, morning from 9:00-10:00am. I am doing a short phone interview. So that should be fun.

One thing I have to share is that I love digging into my little old Italian language reference book and re-learning the phrases. I will probably post when I get back to France, Wed. 18th, but will try to when I am in Italy. I miss you guys and will talk to you soon. Au Revoir.

Getting a "Green Light."

*View from Michealanglo's Piazza, Florence, Italy. Last summer, this was my favorite spot.*

Hey guys. Thanks for all the responses. I have to say I laughed the most at Alex's comment...but just at his 'hobbit' comment. Hey dude, I am like Shaquille O'Neil over here. Ian, another good comment...Phyl, I am glad you are still keeping up, miss you, Karly, I always love hearing your comments, makes living over here easier, Tiff, miss ya and we are catching up on "Lost" when I get back, Mom and Dad, love you guys a lot and thanks for the email, Dad. It helped.

Okie Dokie. Well, on Monday of this week, I opened up a great email. It was from Todd Lowery, Drury Art Teacher, and he is in Florence right now. The class that I went with last year is in Florence right now. I got a great message that contained the words "Get here anytime from the 7th - 19th of June." You do not have to ask me twice to have a break in the most beautiful town I have ever seen. I quickly started looking at plane tickets online. I know now, from past experience, that you have to be very careful who you buy your plane tickets through. So my Monday morning was full of just surfing the net to land the best flight deal. I went through so many possibilities on how to make it to Florence from Rouen. *I am not using my train pass because once I activate it...I only have 2 months to get my 15 train days in...So I am hopefully saving that for certain family members who need to get their shit together....*
So anywho, I finally had a couple of possible routes to get to Italy. The only thing now was covering all fronts on the French side. I have to tell you...it has not been easy.

We play Montigny this weekend, currently in 2nd place behind us and 3 games back. I will be here for that game definitly but the only obstacle that I am facing is trying to miss the next week's games vs 7th place GIF.

I ran by some flights by Jean-Luc. First Option: I can spend 120 Eu (about $180) and leave on Monday, 9th, and return the Wednesday, 18th. Second Option: 157 Eu (about $247) to leave on Monday and get back on the 14th, Sat. night. Both Monday flights put me in Florence at about 11:00pm.

Jean-Luc obviously favoring the second option. Now let's look at some facts. I am not touting myself in anyway...but...I have put in a 110% effort to the club + another 20%. I really need this break for peace of mind. To see my teachers, a lot of friends I convinced to go, and old Italian acquaintances from last year. I have to tell you that it makes me so excited to visit this place again.

So after a long discussion...good and bad...not hostile in anyway though....Jean-Luc gave me the green light to take the longer break. WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!BOOYA! I am taking this next line to thank Jean-Luc for understanding my need for a little holiday.

So I bought my tickets and I am bound for Italy next week!

K...well the rest of the week has gone pretty well. I had two Cadet games in Caen on Wednesday. These were make-up games vs Cherbourg. Both teams decided to meet halfway in Caen. Now if you remember our N1 game vs Cherbourg...they had an older Canadian who spoke perfect English with me. He was their coach. So we bullshited awhile. It is really nice to relax my brain from French and be able to speak English fluidly. I have to tell you a funny thing...when you don't use English everyday with everyone...you have trouble finding words. It is so weird. I am mixing English, French, and Spanish. I think if I don't have someone to speak English with every now and then...I am going to wonder the Earth speaking a broken language containing all three languages.

The Cadet won both games. They were pretty good games too. Not a blowout by any means. So the kids were pumped and we headed home.

I have to tell you a funny story that happened on our way home. I was sitting in the front seat with Eric chatting away and then I get a text message on my french cell phone. It was from a number that I didn't recongnize at all. So I read the message...

I can't tell you what exactly what it was but it pretty much said, "Are you the American I just saw at the field? You are really good looking!"

Hahahaha...I knew some of the kids were probably fucking with me. The kids were all laughing with excitement and that's when I got a second message...

In French, "I want to meet you sometime and feel your muscles..."

Hahahahahaha.....I demanded all the kids in the car to show me their phones. I didn't find the criminal.

So all of us were waiting for another message and sure enough...another one came.

"I am in love with you."

All the kids were almost in tears, laughing. Well dammit...just who the fuck is this?

Eric told me to give him the number without the kids in the back seeing. So I gave him the number as secretly as I could. The kids didn't know he was calling...

We heard a cell phone ring inside the car. Sam was ducking behind the backseat just laughing as hard as he could. What a fucker. I will never forget that. It was so funny.

Today, I had a practice with the softball team. Now if you remember from last week, I had mentioned that these girls were being little whiny bitches. Little did I know, I was going to be called out on it today. Camille, 3rd base, reads the blog regularly. She then asks me in front of the team,

"What is a wheeny little bitch?"

I started laughing so hard. So shit...I gotta watch it my words. So all the girls gave me mean looks because they knew I was talking shit on them. I then brought them all together and said it was a mixture of things that day and that normally they bring joy to my life. I brought them back from the darkside and things were all good. We had a great practice. As soon as one of the girls was mouthing...I quickly told her to sit on the bench and not come back until she had a smile on her face. I told them that I only wanted to see smiles today. They all understood what I wanted and everyone had a good time and playing really well might I add. Good practice.

Well, tomorrow, I think I am doing something with Chris...taking some choo choo pics I think. ARE YOU HAPPY JOEY?!
I love you guys and will talk to you soon. Au Revoir.

Jammin' with Captain Live Cavern, Winnin' Some Games, and Playin' Baseball Golf.

Hey guys. Sorry, I was too tired after yesterday's games to post but I figured that you would enjoy reading on a Monday anyhow. Thanks for the comments. Karly, thanks for the comment and miss ya qt, Biff, I'll try my best to record our music day, Ian, thanks for the Neosho flashback...that was nice, Emily, funny comment about "Ian's Blog", poor little bugger...Alex, If you were over here, I know you would need a couple of cold ones to numb your aches...tet de bit (dickhead), Mom and Dad, really glad I talked to you guys yesterday. To everyone else, thanks for reading.

Ok. I will start with last Friday. I met Jean-Luc on the field that afternoon to clean up the field. Raking, mowing, and adding dirt. Charles helped out as well and that was good. The sun was blaring and I was getting a pretty good tan during the whole day. Jean-Luc quickly noticed something.

"Tony, you are getting skinny man!"
"Ha, I have lost about 8 kilos." (16 lbs)

So all three of us were on the field, working, and then I saw a whole class of kids walk through the gate. They had a P.E. teacher with them and they were going to play a mock softball game in the outfield. I gotta tell you...I am lady killer with the 15-16 year old girls. I know...I'm a pimp. It was funny because when they were warming up, the girls would purposely overthrow each other in my direction and they would chuckle when they got close. Dammit, send me a 20+ and we'll talk.

I saw Jean-Luc talking with the P.E. teacher and he was motioning in my direction. Soon after his chat he walked over to me and said that he wanted to throw me some BP so these kids could see how I hit. At this point, the P.E. teacher brought all of his kids together and told them what was going on. I stared hearing "Bonjour Tony..(tee hee hee)" from the girls. I put my shirt back on and strapped on my batting gloves. The very first pitch Jean-Luc threw I knocked an opposite field homer. The whole class was "oooing" and "aweing" at the hit. Out of the next 10 pitches, I hit 8 more out. On the last homerun that I hit, the whole class erupted in applause. It was really funny and I was laughing the whole time.

After our little Bp, Jean-Luc asked if I wanted to go to his band's jam session. I agreed of course and we made our way to his band practice. I was greeted by the rest of "Captain Live Cavern."



*From Left: Denis, lead guitar/bass. Theirry, vocals/rhythm guitar. Jean-Luc, Drums. Benoit, lead guitar/bass*

This is a band of older guys who just love to jam out to classic rock and roll. Before their practice began, Denis (Lead Guitarist), asked if I wanted to play his stratocaster for a bit.

"BA OUI!" (Oh, YEAH!)

So I played some of my electric guitar riffs in my repetoire. I was nice to have an electric in my hands. I then started on an easy but bad-ass riff that I knew. "Seven Nation Army", by The White Stripes. Jean-Luc came in with the drums and Benoit came in with a sweet bass line. When I got to the chorus...we just jammed out. The guys were are laughing and it was a great time. The guys were impressed that I have only been playing for about 6 months. Then Captain Live Cavern took over. They played some really good songs. Smoke on the Water, Where is my mind, Hotel California, and Stairway to Heaven just to name a few. The lead singer, Theirry, has a good voice but it is really funny to hear how he pronounces the english words. Completely off but you can get the point. Hahaha, they would always look back at me when they would finish a song and ask,

"Do you know that one?"

When I said yes, they all would look at each other in a successfull grin.

After the Jam session and a couple of brews, I went downtown with Charles and had a good night.


*Paul warming up*

The next day, I would go with the Cadet team to Honfleur to coach their game. There was no softball game on Saturday due to lack of players. So we went to Honfleur and proceeded to kick ass. Paul and Dimitri pitched really well, using lessons that I had given them, and the whole team had great hits. I am really proud of our progress. Our infield was flawless and our hitting was superior to Honfleur. The umpire came up to me and said,

"Your kids look like they know what the hell they are doing." In perfect English.

Woah, wait...

"Haha thanks, and what are you doing here?!"

"Haha, I have lived here with my wife for the past 7 years and we love it here."


*Don and Me*

His name is Don and he was a NBC News correspondant for many years and he has been stationed all around the world to be a T.V. personality. I couldn't believe it. He and his wife have written several books and he informed me that his next book is going to be about baseball in France. So we talked the entire day, and I am meeting with him and his wife at a bar close by to get an interview on my take on things. He has visited the blog and loves my style. So that was really cool to hear him say.

So we made our way back to BG and I retired early to get ready for our double header on Sunday against Dunkerque.

Today was a special day because after the games there was going to be a barbeque for the whole club/parents.

Let me just jump into the games.

Game 1: Bois Guillaume Woodchucks vs Dunkerque Korvers
Time: 11:30
Weather: Humid as hell
Attendence: About 18

There was a lot of cloud cover just creating an oven over our field. Marc got the start for us and he shut them down in the first. In the bottom of the frame, we tacked on 2 runs to get an early lead. They struggled not only offensively but defensively as well. We just completely routed them 14-2 in 5 innings for the run rule. Bernie and Marc had homeruns and 8 RBI's between them.

I was informed a couple days ago that other teams are talking a lot of shit about us. On the French Baseball Forum, other teams are saying that the only reason that we are good is because we have "a strong American player and two Canadians." This has caused some bad blood against other teams but tough shit...start recruiting and shut your mouths. There is a lot of bark but no bite.

So we relaxed during our break, having sandwiches and drinks. I have to tell you that my arm feels 100% now and I wanted to get some innings in to get some practice in on the mound. Jean-Luc and I decided that I was going to start the second game and go until I would feel the slightest pain in my arm.

Game 2: Bois Guillaume Woodchucks vs Dunkerque Korvers
Time: 2:30
Weather: Sun finally came out to break the clouds
Attendence: 25

The other kids from the program started showing up. It is nice to have their support and that gave me a little more incentive to pitch well. So I took the mound for the first time in about 2 months. I have to say my knuckle ball was on.

First inning. Struck out the first guy on outside heat. Struck out the second guy on a knuckle ball that I still think he is thinking about right now. I remember when I was pitching in high school and when I would throw a knuckle ball...I would just laugh at the faces the batters would give me. Just utter confusion. Like...

"Just what in the hell was that?"

Nothing has changed now. I still giggled to myself on the mound and the guys in the field were laughing as well. The next guy fouled out on a first pitch knuck and we were out of the inning.

We started off slow in this game. Not really what I wanted when I was pitching but oh well. I had completely silenced their bats in the first part of the game. We finally struck in the 3rd. I started off when I triple to center field and then Bernie blasted his second homer of the day to put us up 2-0. I was thinking that was all I needed, but my assumption wasn't right on.

My location was great the entire day. Changing arm angles and just completely keeping the other team off balance. We tacked on three more runs to go up 5-0. Then the Korvers finally put together a decent inning. One of their batters got a chopper over my head and Romain, SS, failed to make the play. Next batter, ground ball to Romain, and he failed to handle it cleanly. K...relax, just get the batter. Next batter for them hit a side arm fast ball pretty well to center but I was almost sure that we were out of the inning. Vincent, CF, took a horrible route and the ball went over his glove for a 2 RBI triple. Next guy got on first on a ground ball to Charles at 2nd. Well, dammit c'mon guys. Next send a duckfart into center. Another RBI. I jammed the next batter to get a ground ball to me, inning over. 5-4.

Dammit. I was pissed.

We went down in order in the 5th.

Ok...six more outs. First batter for them hit a weak ground ball to 3rd. Our guy sailed it over the first baseman's head and the tieing run ended up on third base. Unfuckingbelievable. Jean-Luc called time and called Eric, C, and me to the mound.

"I am sure they are going to squeeze here."
"If you see him square, throw it up." Eric said to me.
"Pfft...Ok."

I threw a knuck for a first pitch strike in defense of a possible bunt. He didn't square. We didn't know, but the squeeze was on, on my second pitch. I motioned for Romain, who was at 3rd now, in Spanish to be ready. So I went into my wind up with a long pause that completely threw off the runner. He got a very late break but he was stealing home for the squeeze! I launched a high fastball that wizzed into Eric's mit. The batter missed the bunt and Eric easily tagged out the runner to foil the tie. It was great and everyone was pumped including myself. I blew a side arm fast ball that buckled the batter's knees for the strikeout and threw three sweet knucks to get the next guy wiffing three times for the final out of the inning.

Bottom of the 6th. 5-4 BG.

We needed some insurance. The heart of our order was coming up. Arthur, me, and Bernie. I told Arthur if he gets on, I am hitting a homerun. Arthur grounded out on a first pitch ground ball.

I really needed to get something started here to help out my situation. I stepped in and let a pearl of a strike blow by me. Well dammit Tony, swing the fucking bat. The next pitch was a complete mistake by the pitcher. He let a changeup hang on the inside part of the plate. I proceeded to hit it over the trees in right center that landed on the soccer field. It felt so good. We tacked on two more runs in the frame to go up 8-4.

Momentum was with us. The whole club was in attendence and was cheering. The softball girls were telling me the same things that I would tell them during their games followed by laughter.

I struck out the last three batters of the game.

We got the sweep and everyone was happy. We were even more happy now because we could smell the grill being fired up and the meats that were being put on the rack. So we cleaned up the field, showered in the clubhouse, and satisfied our hunger with some sausages, cheeseburgers, and beer. A great day. The other team stayed for the barbeque and we all just had a good time. I love the fact that all of us were friends off the field yesterday.

So we were all sitting around not doing much and I motioned Olivear over to me.

"Wanna play some Golf?"
"Hahaha, sure...how?"
"Grab a ball and a bat."

Baseball Golf is a simple game that incorporates the rules from a traditional golf game. You pick out a spot anywhere on the field (an outfield pole, a base, billboard, etc). You get one drive where you get to toss the ball up to yourself and try to crush it. Then wherever your ball lands, you have to hit the ball on the ground using a golf swing. Whoever hits the target with less shots wins the hole. So Olivear and I played a couple holes and I noticed the people from the barbeque were looking at us wondering what we were doing. Before I knew it, we had a 10 person scramble match going on. Jean-Luc even put wooden stakes at different parts of the field for different holes. It was great. Just like back home. We all were laughing and I got some good pics.


*Laura judging the distance of the next hole*


*Vincent watching Olivear wack the ball from the fairway*

That is it for now. Sorry, the post is a little long. Love you guys and talk to you soon. Au Revoir.