because you might not get there."      

- Yogi Berra

I began my new job at the end of May.  This is the first time I have even visited my mlblog since then.

Work is fun, but it definately is alot of work.  Maybe that's why they call it....

But I am adjusting well, and I am happy :)  Now I need to work on balancing my interests as well.  Yay mlblogs :)

I also still haven't been able to find my camera cord- another distraction to mlblogging since much of what I want to blog about is inspired by photos I've taken at games that are still sitting in my camera memory. 

The difference is now that I have a job, $40 for a new cable doesn't seem so bad.  Is that wrong?  I may crack soon and just go buy a new one... and then according to Murphy I'll find mine the next day...and then I'll have two.

But yes, I just wanted to pop in and say hello.  I missed you.

Go Mariners!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart,

Ms. Mariner Monroe

I love the wailing of the trains outside of Safeco... We beat the Red Sox 5-4!  I watched FSN and scored the game in my book.  The first three innings belonged to the Sox.  In the 5th Ichiro hit a home run, and in the 6th we scored four runs (including Ichiro's second home run of the game).  Ichiro was then intentionally walked in the 8th, and made a great catch in the 9th for the second out.  David Aardsma closed the game.  David, you are a great closer.  Great job Ms!  I know you've been playing tough the past weeks because I've been watching.  I'm glad the final scoreboard tonight reflects your hard work.  You deserve the W!   

Larry the Cable Guy made an appearance at Safeco tonight, even participating in batting practice in a Mariners jersey with the sleeves cut off to his liking (by Ken Griffey Jr.). 

Today was pretty busy, lots of volunteering.  Still no sign of usb cable. Sigh...  Pray to St. Anthony for lost items:

Saint Anthony, perfect imitator of Jesus, who received from God the special power of restoring lost things, grant that I may find my camera usb cable which has been lost.

At least restore to me peace and tranquillity of mind, the loss of which has afflicted me even more than my material loss.  To this favor, I ask another of you: that I may always remain in possession of the true good that is God.  Let me rather lose all things than lose God, my supreme good.  Let me never suffer the loss of my greatest treasure, eternal life with God.

Amen

("Lose My Soul" by Toby Mac playing in the background... 'I don't wanna gain the whole world, and lose my soul.....')

or

Tony, Tony, look around.

Something's lost and must be found.

Amen

I'm very excited to go to both Saturday's and Sunday's SEA vs BOS games.  My sister is a huge Red Sox fan (legit- she was born in Massachussets / there are childhood pictures proving her lifelong fandom including one outside of Fenway with THE Johnny Pesky / etc.)  So, needless to say, we always make sure to go to as many Mariners/RedSox games as we can (this regular season, only this series :(  ). 

Let's Go Mariners!  Git R Done!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart,

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://justiceproject.typepad.com/the_justice_project/images/2008/05/10/larry_the_cable_guy.jpg

2.http://www.catholicgreetings.org/card_images/684.jpg

Since my last entry the Mariners have played five games.  We won only one of those games 5-3 against the Twins.  Then we were swept away by the Rangers. 

Meanwhile...

Friday and Saturday I appeared as an extra in the shooting of my band friends' music video.  I would classify the theme as 'the psychobilly undead.'  I was actually scoring the first inning of the game on Saturday when I received a text to join the zombie video shoot day two.  And so - scorecard interrupted, but plenty of zombie fun.  We all wore clothes with a retro vibe and had our zombie makeup professionally done.  There were circus performers, dancers, and a hearse.  There were alot of takes of the same scene and waiting for cameras, lighting, and rearranging sets- but it was fun.  My favorite time-killer was reinventing pickup lines zombie style. 

Before going home I, of course, had to stop by my friend's get-together to make a gruesome appearance.  Before taking off my zombie makeup at home I took an awesome picture.  I was planning on posting it here.  The past days have been spent in pursuit of my camera usb cable.  Purchasing a new one would be too expensive for me.  I will vigilantly search so that you too may witness the awesomeness of zombie makeup.  I also will no longer wait to find the usb cable before I mlblog.  While it would be more inspiring to mlblog using my own pictures- I'd rather mlblog than not mlblog at all.  Plus, what if (gasp, knock on wood) I never find it?  Sigh.

Here's to hoping for the best this weekend.  Back home at Safeco we'll play the Red Sox at their only trip to Seattle this season.  Tomorrow I'll have to watch FSN, but Saturday and Sunday we're going to the game!  With some luck I'll be able to post pictures soon!

Go Mariners!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart,

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://rlv.zcache.com/zombies_undead_baseball_sticker-p217728671656293391tdcj_210.jpg

2.http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq182/friedathedog/pinupzombie.gif

We're on a five game losing streak.  Texas edged us out in the two game series.  Kansas City nearly shut us out in their two game series.  The Twins shut us out last night.  I was impressed by the Royals and former Mariner Willie Bloomquist.  Born in Washington and able to play any position well, Bloomquist was my favorite Mariner for several years.  I was of course very sad to see him go; dissapointed we let him go.  I suppose not everyone believed in his talent the way I did.  I proudly wore my Bloomquist shirt both days.  I am very happy to see he is treated much better in Kansas City and given the opportunity to play everyday.  He is batting .389 this season.  Good for him!

I am currently reading "Watching Baseball Smarter: A Professional Fan's Guide for Beginners, Semi-experts, and Deeply Serious Geeks," by Zack Hample.

Zack, 'The Baseball Collector,' is a well known mlblogger.  It is an enjoyable read covering everything baseball.  Zack keeps it interesting and isn't shy about offering his opinions.  There are quotes (I heart quotes), a baseball slang glossary, and a poem entitled '151 Ways to Hit the Ball' which I found very entertaining.  Thank you Zack for sharing your baseball knowledge and a bit of yourself with fans of the game!  Check out his blog at:

http://snaggingbaseballs.mlblogs.com/

Seattle meets Minnesota tonight at 4:10 for game two of the series.  Felix is pitching.  Let's get two wins and beat the Twins- Go Mariners!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart,

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://sparkmagazine.com/images/mag_issues/story_139.jpg

2.http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/13700000/13701302.JPG

What you have to do is eliminate the Grand Canyon."  

- Andy Van Slyke

We lost two very tough games to TEX.  Yesterday's game was a particularly rough loss 7-2 in the 10th inning.  Saltalamacchia's Grand Slam sealed the deal.  I liked when Branyan caught a foul along the first baseline seating area in the 4th and the announcers commented on the  'quality fans getting out of the way and even assisting him."  I always like to think of Mariners fans as being quality, but confirmations through actions (like not interfering with a game) certainly help.

Even worse than losing yesterday, it was heart breaking to watch Shawn Kelley fall to the mound in pain in the 10th.  He is suffering a strained oblique.  He held it together very well as I'm sure he was in quite alot pain. Get Well cards can be sent to:

Shawn Kelley

c/o Seattle Mariners Baseball Club

P.O. Box 4100, Seattle WA 98194

Tonight we play KC at Kauffman Stadium @ 5:10.  Silva is scheduled to pitch.  I am very interested to see Willie Bloomquist play.  The Royals have him playing left field and he is batting .378 this season.  Kansas City is on a four game winning streak with a 16-11 record and is leading the Central Division.  We can always hope that .5-game-behind-us-TEX will lose to the Athletics, but the only game one truly can control is one's own. 

Go Mariners!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart,

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00673/grand-canyon-leap3_673093c.jpg

Rise and shine Mariners fans!  It's a new day!  I know, I know, but we lost last night you say.  The saying you can't win them all is true.  What the Mariners are doing this season though is playing tough- win or lose.  And because they are playing tough when they are down by one (or several more) runs, many times this season we've proven we have the stuff to win in dire situations.  We did lose last night, but we played a great game and battled the whole way.

Last night I watched TEX edge out SEA from row four of the third base side.  Very nice seats indeed.  I scored the game- this time also keeping track of foul balls like we talked about before.  I found it very easy as I was already watching every pitch anyway and simply not writing anything down for foul balls before.  I also brought my camera and had planned to take some pictures, but we arrived late (late as in not when the gates open- which to me is on time...), I was scoring the game, and it's a little difficult to eat Ivar's bread bowl clam chowder, score the game, and take pictures.  I do have plenty of pictures from other games and events that I haven't posted on mlblogs yet, and I hope to very soon! 

Felix gave up six runs (two each in the 4th, 5th, and 6th), but pitched very well striking out nine batters.  Millwood pitched a great game too, and when he had reached his 70th pitch would you believe 20 were balls and 50 were strikes?  Fact.  We were able to score four runs in the 5th thanks to a HR by Branyan, base hit by Lopez, double by Johjima, and HR by Gutierrez.  We scored one more run in the 7th, but couldn't seem to find a way to get another.  Twice we ended innings with men left on third (Ichiro hit a spectacular triple btw).  I was a little sad, but it was a very exciting game to watch.  Both teams played really hard.  If you are a Mariners fan you really need to go to some of these games!  I definately know the economy is hurting many of us right now, but the Safeco ballpark seats are cold and waiting to be filled with "The Best Fans in Baseball."  And no matter the final score, you can expect a great game in a beautiful ballpark.  And some garlic fries.  

Game two of the two game series vs. TEX starts today @ 1:40.   I am very optimistic that we can take this game.  Go Bedard!  Go Mariners!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart,

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://www.schulzmuseum.org/images/pe19730611.jpg

Extra Innings!!!!!  Watching the game was an all-day affair.  There were chores and things to be done.  I ended up watching the tv at home and listening to the radio on the way to church.  I sat in the parking lot hoping the game would finish before Mass began at 6:30 (which it did!).  It all ended when Eveland walked Ichiro to pitch to Jose Lopez.  Bases loaded, Lopez bats in the winning run.  YES- THAT JUST HAPPENED.  TWICE.  (see Friday...)

*************************************************************************************************************

Memo

To: All opposing pitchers

From: Ms. Mariner Monroe

CC: All opposing managers and coaches

Date: 05-03-2009

Re: FYI

Pitch to Lopez!

Feel free to intentionally walk any batter to pitch to Lopez anytime.  It is highly recommended that you also load the bases in case you prefer to walk in a run rather than battle Jose.

*************************************************************************************************************

It cannot be forgotten that the Mariners actually came back twice- once in the bottom of the ninth with one run and once in the bottom of the thirteenth with three runs.  Sweeney and Johjima both walked away with home runs.  Johjima's home run tied us up in the 9th 4-4 and was hit off the first pitch! 

Great game guys!  It's nice to pray when the sun is shining!

The best way to stay ahead in our division?  Beat the other teams in our division.  Watch out Athletics, Angels, and Rangers!  After the win today we are tied for 2nd in the American League with Boston behind Toronto.  It's also important to beat these teams.  Boston will be here May 15th-17th.  Toronto will be here July 27th-29th.  Those will be good games- go buy your tickets now...

The Rangers are in town tomorrow @ 7:10.  See you at the Safe!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart,

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2008/09/07/lopez_jose_ap_260.jpg

Tonight was Turn Back the Clock night at Safeco Field.  The Mariners wore the 1939 uniforms of the Seattle Rainers.  There was an announcer introducing the players using a classic microphone and dressed very nicely wearing a straw hat.  We played a great game.  Washburn pitched very well.  Branyan hit a home run.  There were several close plays- at home and second base.  Both teams fought it out and the Athletics took it 3-2.  I am very optimistic about taking the series.  Game three starts tomorrow @ 1:10. 

After watching the game I needed something to cheer me up a bit and I was in a nostalgic mood.  I checked Ondemand free movies for any baseball movies and 'A League of Their Own' is currently available.  Tom Hanks looks alot like my dad.  They make the same faces and have similar mannerisms.  This makes scenes like 'There's no crying in baseball' especially entertaining.  I also like the throw back to the era when people dressed nicely at the ballpark.  Remember- there wasn't a whole bunch of money to be had, but people made the effort to look polished.  And nearly everyone wore a hat.

Speaking of hats, I couldn't help but notice the green blob behind the O on Oakland's hats.  I exclaimed at the dinner table:

"What the heck is that green blob on their hat supposed to be?" 

"That's an elephant of course," both my mom and dad replied, "You should know that, you were born in Oakland." 

"That's the ugliest elephant I ever saw."

"Well, elephants were different back then."

...

This went on and on for awhile until I conceded.  A few innings later:

"Are you sure that's an elephant?  I know what they look like and that isn't it."

"Yes!  It's the Oakland Athletics and their mascot is the elephant.  They were the Philadelphia Athletics, then the Kansas City Athletics, then the Oakland Athletics."

"Ok.  But that still isn't an elephant.  It looks like a leaf.  Are you sure it's not a leaf?"

Much later in the game:

"Hey- they're not wearing Athletic uniforms.  Just like the Mariners are wearing Rainers uniforms.  It's just confusing because their uniforms still say 'Oakland.'"

"Oh, that makes sense."

"Ok.  But that still doesn't explain that blob.  Yeah, they're wearing the Pacific Coast League's Oakland Oaks uniforms- but that doesn't look like a leaf."

After a quick trip online:

"Oh.  It must be an acorn.  That was their mascot."

A quick glance at the game.

"That's the ugliest acorn I ever saw."

I think it's supposed to be an oak leaf.  And we probably could have learned all this if we had spent less time talky talky and more time listeny listeny [to the game].  I did think it was funny how my parents so valiently defended the elephant.  This prompted me to find out what the Athletics official name for thier mascot is (ours is The Mariner Moose).  Meet Stomper:

btw- elephants look the same now as they did back then.

Go Mariners!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart,

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://a.espncdn.com/media/pg2/2002/0510/photo/geena_i.jpg

2.http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/oak/images/fan_forum/2008/stomper_wave.jpg

OAK @ SEA, Mariners win 8-7

Highlights:

-Beltre's 1600th hit!

-Branyan and Gutierrez home runs

-Broken Bat double play 4-3-6

-Oakland 6 run inning

-the video hydro race had a ducky crossing!

-Jose Lopez

As I was leaving the park and heading to the car I was asked about the pitch count on Lopez's at bat.  I've been asked questions about the pitch count and the pitcher's stats before and my usual response is that it isn't something one keeps score on.  In this particular situation, I myself was curious as to the pitch count.  I began to question- Why don't I score foul balls?  Is it common for other scorers to keep track of foul balls?  What is the best way of keeping track of foul balls on a scorecard?

Christian at BaseballByTheNumbers.com notes that "Other things that happen in a game, such as, the number of foul balls hit by a batter, ball and strike counts, the location where a base hit first touches the ground, and other such things, may or may not be recorded depending on the individual," and that "The scorecard produced by the amateur scorer has no importance in the official record keeping of baseball statistics. Rather, for the amateur, the game is scored as a means of entertainment, to help a fan "keep his head in the game", to produce a unique souvenir of the game, or, just for the heck of it."

http://www.baseballbythenumbers.com/baseball-scoresheets/baseball-scorebook/baseballscorekeeping.html

Matt Murphy at eteamz.com has a pdf file on "Keeping Score Baseball."  He suggests there are three levels of score keeping- easy, medium, and hard.  "For people interested in doing pitch counts, note all foul balls after 2 strikes have been recorded.  You can do this with dots, dashes or small slashes somewhere in a free area within the batter's box." You can check out his article at:  http://www.eteamz.com/vadistrict5/Files/KeepingScoreBaseball04wo.pdf

Wikipedia suggests counting foul balls as an F just as strikes are S and balls are B.  

I used to not keep track of the count at all (isn't that easier?).  I received "Ultimate Baseball Scorekeeper" by Benjamin Eli Smith from my Dad many Christmases ago.

The book is aimed at young aspiring score keepers and makes a perfect gift for baseball fans.  There is a section explaining basic scorekeeping rules and notations, scorecards with space to make notes about the pre-game show, seventh inning stretch, and post-game wrap up.  There is space to attach ticket stubs, collect autographs and more!  It is where I originally learned how to keep score.  The book doesn't mention a system for keeping track of foul balls and suggests keeping track of the balls and strikes as an advanced technique.  "My father taught me the system you just learned, and I adapted it to my own taste.  Every fan has a slightly different method.  Don't bother arguing.  This scorecard is for your own use in years to come, and the right system is the one that makes sense to you."

For the most part, I'm not sure anyone particularly cares about foul balls in the grand scheme of the game- other than counting total pitches.  There are situations- like Lopez's amazing at-bat last night- where the pitch count is of high interest.  The problem is if one is not in the habit of keeping track of foul balls by the time one finds an interesting enough case it's too late to start counting in the middle of an at-bat.  I am intrigued by attempting to keep track of the pitch count.  I want to at least try it.  It may end up being something I do regularly.  Just as there are many ways of scoring a game, I also think that avid scorekeepers find their methods evolve over time.  Maybe this is my next evolution. 

I was still curious about the Lopez at bat, and luckily when I got home and turned on the tv to wind down a bit before bed, Branyan was in the midst of being walked.  Lopez was up at bat!  And so I sat down and kept track.  Here it is; two outs, bases loaded, bottom of the ninth, game tied seven to seven.  

Pitch                Call

1.                                          Ball

2.                                          Ball

3.                                          Strike

4.                                          Strike

5.                                          Foul

6.                                          Foul

7.                                          Foul

8.                                          Foul

9.                                          Foul

10.                                      Foul

11.                                      Foul

12.                                      Foul

13.                                      Foul

14.                                      Base Hit

2.http://www.amazon.com/Batter-Up-Ultimate-Baseball-Scorekeeper/dp/0811826112

To write against your name,

He'll write not that you won or lost,

But how you played the game.

- Grantland Rice 1908

I hadn't planned to score the game on Wednesday- it just happened.  I thought I might get some chores done while listening to the game and one pitch into Ichiro's at bat I couldn't take it.  My scorebook was sitting nearby and looking all shiny and lonely.  The last game I had scored was SEA @ LAA 4/25 [Ms win 9-8!].  Wednesday's game SEA @ CWS resulted in CWS win 6-3.  Of course scoring a game when your team loses is not as much fun as the opposite outcome.  One never knows how the game will play out until it has, so a recreational scorer like myself must make a decision.  I always like to score the games that I attend in person.  I also like to watch games on tv and score.  Regardless of whether the team wins or loses, there always seems to be some magical moment that is now captured forever on paper and in the mind. 

The Mariners left two men on base in each of the first three innings.  Three of the White Sox runs were single home runs hit by Pierzynski in the 2nd, and back to back home runs by Quentin and Dye in the 7th.  Quentin was hit by a pitch in the 1st and the 5th, and he was robbed of a hit by Balentien's amazing catch in the third.  He deserved that home run. 

In additions to Balentien's catch, Ichiro had great luck in the 5th when he led off the inning by hitting a ball that actually bounced off of first base and popped over and out of reach of Konerko on first.  Lopez hit a single and then Griffey hit a highly convenient double to bring both Ichiro and Lopez home.  Griffey reached third on an error by the shortstop Ramirez.  Beltre hit a single to bring in Griffey for our third and final run of the game. Other positives include Beltre's stolen base in the 3rd, and back to back outs on Chicago [Anderson and Ramirez] caught stealing in the 2nd.  Even with this loss, our record still is leading the A.L. West, and is third in the American League.

Today's break should certainly help the Mariners after their doubleheader on Tuesday.  The team returns to Seattle for the Oakland series; game starts 7:10 @ Safeco.  I'm going to bring my scorebook to the game tomorrow!  I recently checked out 'The Joy of Keeping Score: How Scoring the Game Has Influenced and Enhanced the History of Baseball' by Paul Dickson. 

This is most definately the book.  It covers basic and advanced scoring techniques, an A to Z guide of scoring and baseball history, and plenty of photos of old scorecards.  It is a very easy and enjoyable read.  If you are a baseball fan, this book will capture your attention.  I've been score keeping for awhile [see previous entries], and reading this book is like talking with a friend who has been scorekeeping forever (I would like to make friends with more people who enjoy scoring games!).  I began reading it Tuesday night.  Perhaps that is why I couldn't say no to scoring Wednesday's game!

See you tomorrow night @ The Safe!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://www.walkerbooks.com/nonfiction/books/covers/joyofkeepingscore-l.gif

 -   W. P. Kinsella

Game one of the double header in The Windy City this afternoon went to the White Sox.  Chicago won with two hits, two runs, and two errors.  Jakubauskas and Colon both pitched very well.  Seattle scored one run, but seven Mariners were left stranded on base.  Betancourt was very close to a three run homer when he hit the ball far to the left with two men on.  The ball landed on the wrong side of the pole and the next pitch ended in a pop up to finish the inning. 

Game two goes to Felix The Cat.  It was very nearly a shutout until the ninth inning.  The White Sox managed to get a run and the next at bat resulted in a double play to end the game.  The Mariners won 9-1 with 19 hits.  It was a great game to watch and especially uplifting after the first game. 

So now we have another rubber match!  Game three starts tomorrow at 11:05.

Before the month ends I wanted to make sure to wish a few Mariners Happy Birthday; I wrote a short poem:

One year wiser, one year older,

2009 is the year to be bolder!

A very Happy April Birthday to you,

& Best of Luck to the Mariner Crew!

Happy Birthday Felix Hernandez, Adrian Beltre, Carlos Silva, Shawn Kelley, and Sean White!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://sportsfanoutlet.com/images_cat/SCG/MC135.jpg

2.http://images.celebrateexpress.com/mgen/merchandiser/46996.jpg?is=365,365,0xffffff

As I sat in front of the tv at 5:11 I was reminded of one of my childhood birthdays.  A pony was coming for pony rides and as I sat looking through the window of the door enjoying the snow I asked when the pony was coming.  Just like there are no pony rides in the snow, there is no baseball in U.S. Cellular Field in the rain.  And so I just sat there.  Staring at the tv like I stared out the window.  No pony?  No baseball game?  It seems like when I'm looking forward to something it takes a while for the message that its not going to happen to sink in. 

Luckily I stay tuned long enough to see FSN scramble to fill the air time with something- Top 10 Mariner Commercial Countdown and Top Ten Griffey Moments Countdown.  Both were highly entertaining.  It definately got me even more interested in the Classic TV Commercial DVDs giveaway nights.  Night #1 will be July 10th vs. the Rangers, and night #2 on August 28th vs. the Royals.  All together the DVDs will play 100 Mariners commercials.  My favorite commercial from the top 10 countdown was the Mariner Moose Bad Dream in which he gets replaced by a coffee mascot.  That's just funny.  My favorite Griffey moment from the countdown was most definately Griffey Sr. and Griffey Jr. back to back home runs.  That's just magical. 

The game is rescheduled for tomorrow and now the Mariners will play a double header against the White Sox starting at 1:30.  Remember- focus on the good.  What's better than one baseball game?  Two!

I love the rain, I love my wellies, and I love Safeco Field.  Knock their white sox off boys!

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://www.charlesmschulzmuseum.org/images/cb-baseball-rain.jpg

Good advice from a great pitcher.  It's so easy to forget to pray when the sun is shining.  Sometimes its important to have a bad day, or fall down, or in this case lose a game.  It reminds us that we're not invincible and we're not alone in that.  Sunday afternoon we lost to the Angels.  More than lost... we were shut out.  The Angels actually scored at least one run in every inning but the first, the seventh, and by the time the ninth rolled around they didn't even have to bat.  Although we gave them fourteen hits, only eight runs were scored.  At least by watching the game I found out via announcers that the enthusiastic fan who robbed Matthews of a homer Saturday was actually an Arizona fan in disguise.  I'm no longer embarrassed for true Seattle fans everywhere. 

What a blessing that we lost a game so badly and yet are still leading our division, and third in our league.  In true western washington weather fashion it's raining and sunny!  Prayer provides an outlet for deep meditation, outpouring of gratitude, and relief of anxiety and stress.  It allows a person to participate more fully in life.  Collecting and acknowleding all of the great things by showing gratitude will strengthen the soul for trying times.  Satchel said it better than me. 

Saint Rita is the patron saint of 'impossible or lost causes.'  In 'The Rookie' (watched last night!), Dennis Quaid's character becomes a major league player- something which everyone- including himself- thought was impossible.  A miraculous medal also appears in the movie.  Since then some medals have been printed with an image of St. Rita on one side and a batter on the other side. 

Pretty sweet baseball rosary, huh? 

I don't know about the rest of the Mariners Faithful, but before I go to sleep I'm definately saying a prayer of thanks for the 2009 season.

Amen.

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.https://www.catholicsupply.com/christmas/Baseball%20Rosary.jpg

What a game!  What a game!  What a game!  Definately a champagne popping moment!  And it all took place in the home of the 2010 All Star Game, Angel Stadium.  I watched on television and kept score.  Mariners win 9-8 with 12 hits to the Angel's 11.  Branyan hit a three run homer to right field in the 1st.  Balentien hit a homer to left field and Johnson, who landed on first due to an error on Kendrick, caught a ride home on Betancourt's double.  Branyan scored again in the 6th.  Ichiro, Chavez, and Griffey all scored in the 7th.  Balentien made a circus catch in the 7th to retire the sides and prevent another run from scoring.

The Angels were tough tonight, and it was hard work preventing a rally comeback.  Lowe pitched a full count to four batters in a row.  The Angels were fighting hard to come back.  The crowd was so loud- intense! 

Two single run homers were hit by the Angels- one by Morales and one by Hunter.  There were almost three single run homers, but fan interference robbed Matthews.  The enthusiastic fan was surrounded by Angels fans and wearing a Seattle cap.  I must admit, I was embarassed that a Seattle Fan would interfere with a game.  The umpires left the field to review the tape- the first time video replay was used in Angel Stadium.  Enthusiastic fan immediately began speaking on his cell phone.  The umpires ruled the hit a double.  Matthews spat alot.  I wonder what happened to enthusiastic fan- was he escorted out of the ballpark?  If not simply for interference, for his own protection!  ESPECIALLY considering the final score.... I hope the kid is okay. 

AND... Silva got the win!  I'm so happy for him!  Infact, the first two innings were three up / three down.  Remember what we learned the other day class?  When the world tells you it can't be done- that just means it hasn't been done...yet  :)  Way to go Silva!

What a great night for Baseball!  Watch a great Ms game on Fox, and then 'The Rookie' on AMC.  'What's a Devil Ray?'  'What color is it?'  'Can you eat it?'  'Cool.'

Tomorrow we go for the sweep- ah, spring cleaning! 

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://teamsugar.com/node/567165

2.http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg189/rassmuss1/blog/SweepAngels.jpg

In 1902 [during a New York Giants Game], while vendors in the baseball stands shouted, "Get your red hot dachshund sandwiches!" an amused Ted Dorgan sketched a mustard covered canine and because he couldn't spell dachshund, he named the drawing "Hot Dog."

Yesterday @ Angel Stadium Mariners win 8-3.  We took one run in the 2nd, six in the 5th, and one in the 6th to the Angel's three in the 5th.  Although it did take 17 hits for us to score 8 runs to the Angels 6 hits for 3 runs.  Beltre's two run double in the 5th was pretty spectacular.  Bedard took the win.  So now we are leading our division and second in the American League only to Toronto.  Our 6-2 on the road record is better than our 5-4 at home record.  Traditionally the Mariners road record has always been a bit better. 

Tonight we play the Angels again @ 6:05.  I hope Silva can get a win!   

St. Louis All Star Game ballots are out.  You can vote online... but then you don't get to poke the little paper holes out of the ballot.  :)  One of my favorite things is sitting at Safeco, eating a hotdog, watching the game, and poking enough holes off a ballot till I have confetti to celebrate the next great hit or play.  I've only been to one All Star Game/Home Run Derby/Fan Fest extravaganza, and that was in 2001.  What a great year...

For more on Hot Dogs, check out All you ever want to know about hotdogs according to mlb.com      

xoxo

Your Safeco Sweetheart

Ms. Mariner Monroe

photo credit:

1.http://search.msn.com/images/results.aspx?q=baseball+dachshund&FORM=MSNH11#focal=1bd3fea47218d83d5a77e2e6f84959e2&furl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.railroadtrackfilms.com%2Flildachsund.JPEG