Lily The Ballerina

Lily has started her ballet class and is loving it. She has class every Thursday at Lake Superior State through the Sault Academy of Performing Arts. At the end of the season in May she will be part of a big musical number called 'Send In The Clowns'. That is fitting for Lily. More pics will come in the future, this is her getting ready for her first class. She's having fun and making lots of new friends.

'Caps Win! 'Caps Win! 2007 Midwest League Champs!

The West Michigan Whitecaps repeated their task of a year ago by winning the 2007 Midwest League Championship in a grueling five game series against the Beloit Snappers. The 'Caps won the decisive game by the score of 11-5. Michael Bertram had three hits and two RBI's and Scott Sizemore went three for five with two runs scored. West Michigan releiver Luis Marte gave up two hits and struck out a season-high nine over five scoreless innings to earn the win. The 'Caps surged in the fifth inning, scoring eight runs on five Snapper's errors. "If any field in the league in any part of this country could cause that many errors in an inning, I'd pick Pohlman Field every time," Bertram said. "The field is so rocky and hard, especially in the outfield, so I'm not too surprised there were that many."

This is the Whitepcaps third championship in four years, and it's fifth in fourteen seasons in the league. The Whitecaps jumped out to a two game lead in the series, squeaking past Beloit 4-3 and 3-2 at 5/3 Ballpark in Comstock Park. Beloit bounced back with two wins of thier own, including a 5-0 shutout in game 4, before West Michigan wrapped up the series on the road.

Former Laker Jakaitis Signs With The Toronto Marlies

Lake Superior State graduate Jeff Jakaits signed a minor league contract to play in the American Hockey League for the Toronto Marlies. Jakaitis played four years for the Lakers, earning a degree in business and setting multiple goal tending records while wearing the anchor.

In his senior season, the Rochester, Minn. native had a 16-16-3 record with a 2.31 GAA. His 16 wins ranked fourth in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. Jakaitis' career save percentage of .925 is a school record, and his career GAA was 2.39. In all, he set nine school records including most shutouts with nine, breaking Blaine Lacher's record set in 1993-94. He ranked second in career saves with 3, 446. Jeff is pictured above with Trevor and Lily taken during the 2005-06 season.

Baseball Trip 2007

Dayton, OH-7/30/07: This was our only home loss of the trip, as the Dragons fell to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 6-1. It was a nice little stadium in Dayton, though, carved into the downtown area. We met my friend Darryl from high school and had a great time. This was the first time we were at 5/3 Field in Dayton. Got autographs for the kids from former Tiger pitcher Doug Bair.

Toledo, OH-7/31/07: This was exciting to watch AAA ball. We saw players that have been up to the 'show', like Chris Shelton and Brent Clevlen. We watched Tigers pitcher Fernando Rodney thow to a few batters as he was recooperating with the Hens. All in all, the Mud Hens doubled up the Richmond Braves 8-4 on a home run from infielder Jack Hannahan, who also had 3 RBI's in the game. 5/3 Field in Toledo is really a nice stadium (pictured above), and we probably had the most fun here.

Midland, MI-7/31/07: Our first trip to Dow Diamond to watch the Loons was a memorable one. It was a long trip up from Toledo, but it was worth it. I met former Tigers catcher Lance Parrish, and got him to sign some cards for the kids. The game was long, but got exciting in the 9th. Down 8-4, the Loons came back to tie the Clinton Lumber Kings with a four run inning. Then in the 10th they won it with a walk off home run. Honestly, I can't remember who hit it, but it was pretty thrilling. Parrish seems to be doing a good job down there as manager. This was the most gruelling day of the trip, though.

Comstock Park, MI-8/1/07: As always, it's great to watch my favorite team, the West Michigan Whitecaps. This game was really special, though, as they were playing the Peoria Chiefs who are managed by former Cub and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. I waited almost an hour, but is was worth it to meet him and have him autograph an Cubs baseball. I MET RYNE 'FEAKIN' SANDBERG!!!!! Awesome. We saw a great ball game, but it went quick, as the 'Caps beat the Cheifs 3-1. We saw some great defensive plays from both teams. Second baseman Scott Sizemore had two hits for the 'Caps including a double. This was a great contest between the two division leaders.

Traverse City, MI-8/2/07: The Traverse City Beach Bums held on to beat the Southern Illinois Miners 6-4. Not a bad game, but the quality of baseball is a little low compared to AAA and even A ball. We had a good time, though, and I headed back up to the Soo after the game. They gave away free steffed bears for the kids which was nice. A little cooler weather, so we liked that, too. A pretty good end to a long trip.

Because of the intense heat, we skipped the Lugnuts game in Lansing on the 1st. We were actually getting sick from the heat and lack of sleep. Still a lot of fun and look forward to planning next years trip.

Perfect Day For Putt-Putt

It was a perfect day here in Sault Ste. Marie for putt-putt gold, and Lily, Trevor, and I took advantage of it. As usual, we had a really fun time just hanging out together. I was absolutely awful, but the kids didn't do too bad. Lily sunk some nice puts, and Trever was, well, Trevor. Daddy just couldn't find the cup, either. We still had a great time and enjoyed some flav-or-ice afterwards. We're spending as much time together as possible before I leave for my four day baseball trip tomorrow.

Lily's Little League Season Concludes

Lily's baseball season has come to an end. It went by so fast, yet here we are. I can honestly say that I can't think of many things that have brought me more joy in my life than watching my daughter play ball. I am proud of her for trying it, and glad that she enjoyed herself so much. I also feel proud that I had such an influence on her playing. Again, I feel truly blessed.

Down to the game at hand. Lily completed the 2007 season on a good note both at the plate and in the field. She was able to get some balls hit to her and make some plays. She fought for a couple, too, which is good for her. I only saw two of her three plate appearances, but the ones I witnessed she did extremely well. Her first hit was a ground ball toward the third base side. Her second hit was a screaming line drive up the middle. I hear her third hit was solid as well. Most important, she had more fun playing with the other kids.
Cheering Lily on this week were Mommy and Daddy, Trevor, Grandma Nichols, and Uncle 'Muttley'. Grandma treated the kids to dinner at McDonalds after the game. Also, tonight was a 'fun night' at the ball field. I had to work and Lisa took the kids. They had fun, but nothing special going on so they went out for a picnic at Brady Park. A fun end to a fun season.

Lily Scores Big In Baseball

The Sault Little League season is winding down, but Lily certainly is not. She gave another spectacular performance on Tuesday night. In the field, she was able to make plays on most of the balls hit to her. One was a 'ground ball with eyes' that saw it's way around her glove, though. She made good throws on her plays, too. At bat Lily continues to hit the ball well. She's hitting a lot of grounders, as the coach keeps the tee a little lower than Lily is used to. She's still making solid contact, though.
The usual crowd of Mommy, Daddy, Trevor, and Grandma Nichols were there to root on our #9. I had to leave a little early, though, to make it back to work on time and missed the final half-inning of Lily in the field. Hopefully I'll be able to get a shift change on Thursday for her last game and Friday which is a 'fun day'.