2010 Baseball Trip

I guess I'm not going to go into as much detail about our trip as usual, because i really posted good blogs and tons of pic on my mlblog. Here it is:

http://burrilltalksbaseball.mlblogs.com/

'Minoring In Baseball'

We had a great time hitting all of the Minor League teams in Iowa, and a college and MiLB game in Illinois. We also saw the Field of Dreams movie site and went to Norway, IA, which is home to the true story and movie 'The Final Season'. We caught a few foul balls and drank a few beers along the way, too. Not sure where we will go next year, but can't wait.

Fun Weekend At The Ballpark

Despite the Whitecaps losing both games over the weekend, Lily, Trevor, and I had a great time. We kicked off Saturday with lunch at Chuck E. Cheese's in Grand Rapids. The kids loved playing there and getting the 'prizes' with the tickets they won. We then headed to 5/3 Ballpark and immediately got in line to meet the Peoria Chiefs manager, former Chicago Cub legend, and Hall of Famer, Ryne Sandberg. It seemed to take forever (over and hour of waiting), but Ryno finally came out to greet his fans. Luckily enough, we were able to get some autographs (top picture) and we were the LAST ones before the game started. Tough game to watch as the 'Caps were shut-out, but a beautiful night for baseball and we enjoyed fireworks after the game.

On Sunday, the kids an I were able to get on the field for autographs. We got a free team picture before the game, so the team signed that for the kids. Pictured at the bottom is Lily in front of the West Michigan dugout. It was a hot day, but we survived and the kids even found the energy to run the bases afterward. Middle pic is of Trevor 'rounding third. All around fun weekend, and I hope we get a chance to get to another game before the summer is over.

'Caps Drop Two To Chiefs

Not a good weekend for the Whitecaps, as they dropped two games to the Peoria Chiefs. The West Michigan bats were dismal in both games, scoring just three runs total.

On Saturday, Mauricio Robles pitched six shutout innings for the 'Caps before Wilton Garcia gave up two runs in the top of the seventh. Catcher Alex Avila had two hits for the 'Caps while second baseman Justin Henry (pictured hitting) also had a hit.

In Sundays game, the Whitecaps came out and scored two quick runs off Chicago Cubs pitcher Scott Eyre who was rehabbing with the Chiefs. Unfortunately, they would add little more offence. Pitcher Alfredo Figaro (pictured) pitched a beauty of a game, going 6.2 innings and giving up one un-earned run. He only gave up three hits, and struck out five. The 'Caps couldn't hold the lead, and the game went into extra innings after Peoria tied it up in the seventh. The Chiefs would take the lead after scoring two runs in the tenth. The 'Caps came close to tying the game back up when Keith Stein hit his first home run to cut the lead to one. Hayden Parrot was one first after being hit by a pitch, but was thrown out trying to steal. Stein also got his first MWL hit in the game. Justin Henry and Kody Kaiser both got a hit and scored a run in the game.