Wild Weather

It has been a while since I have made an update to the blog. That means two things: the parents were in town, and I am on grounds crew.

It was really nice to have Mom and Mike come visit. They deserved a vacation and it was fun to see them down here and get to have all the fun that we had. It made for some long days, but they prepared me for grounds crew this week.

The weather has just been awful. It has rained every day. On Tuesday we even had a round of games cancelled in the middle because we were falling behind time wise and another rain delay just occurred. We then cancelled most of the night games which helped out Scott for a day. He was going to work all six games for about an 18 hour day so that he could go home for the weekend and have Thursday off for his flight. Now those games are spaced out tomorrow.

We already have a full Wednesday schedule so I am not sure where or how they will fit in new games, but I know it will be interesting to see and will give all of us a hard time but we are all in it together. Today, we worked 13.5 hours and didn't get a meal break. I managed to grab a couple hot dogs during a rain delay. I hope that tomorrow is better. Right now I am looking at a 70+ hour work week, but it will help me reach my total for my internship. It is also good experience for the world of Minor League Baseball where there will be many days with long shifts like that. I am also to the point where I can show up at work and not know when I am getting off. I just keep doing my job until someone tells me to leave. Ahhh, the life of baseball. It is hard, but I am very happy. I wouldn't want to do anything else for a living.

I will be in touch,

Cody

39 To Go...

39 days left. Mom and Mike are coming Thursday so it will be nice to see them. Tomorrow I am going to ask my boss if I can announce the morning games next week so that my evenings are free. I hope he will let me do it.

Today I got to MC the home run derby on Duncan Field. It was so much fun! One kid hit 30 home runs in one round! It was so crazy. He was easily 6'2", 220 with a beard, so that's probably as big as he will get.

He was part of the first 16u tournament that we have had this summer. We also have an international team this week. The Oakville A's are from Ontario, Canada.

I finished reading my book, 90 Minutes in Heaven today too. He was asking questions about why God brought him back to Earth instead of keeping him in Heaven. It made me think about being sick. God kept me here in Myrtle Beach for a reason. It's just not as serious as what took place in the book. I know that this is where God wants me to be and that I am doing His work. I can't explain why I got sick either time that I have been down here, but God allows things to happen for a reason. This summer is happening just as He planned for it.

Keep you all updated,

Cody

Halfway There

Let's just say, I have been through a lot the first half of this internship. It feels like a new start now though. I am about to switch bedrooms for good with Scott and am already there for this weekend. Sickness is a big memory from the old room so it's nice to move on.

Brooke got in last night. I felt bad for Scott because her arrival moved from Thursday night to Friday at 11:30, to 1am, to 3am before she got here. I will probably meet her sometime today. I think I am going to venture out a little bit later and check out the card store to see what they have.

This week was pretty good. I got to announce which I really enjoy doing. I even brought my own iPod to the games so that I can get kind of creative during the games and vary my introduction play lists.

Next week I am doing results at the tournament. I get to collect the results from the games, drive around umpires, and help maintain the tournament. It is like I am going to be second in command to an extent.

It is going to be an exciting week. Only problem is that we are supposed to get some really nasty weather this week. But on a good note, my logs and assignments have started getting graded and basically all I need is another 230 hours and my internship is done.

Keep you in touch,

Cody

Finally Catching Up

Ok, so it has been a while and I have a lot to catch everyone up on. Last week we had our biggest tournament in history so being on grounds crew, my evenings were pretty long. We had 61 teams last week over four tournaments (11u, 12u, 13u, 14u). I'm glad that the weather cooperated for us. The last thing that I wanted to do was to have to tarp fields and be there half the night waiting out rain delays.

At the end of the nights I was mainly on emptying trash and cleaning bathrooms duty. It was better than tarping fields so I didn't mind it. There was some drama in the grounds crew this week. I don't get how a group of guys can have so much drama.

It was nice to see Amanda this weekend. We made it out to the Pelicans game, fell asleep on the beach, made a sand turtle :), walked the boardwalk, did the SkyWheel, had a nice dinner, played some mini golf, and just relaxed together.The only thing that we had a problem with was me getting sick again and getting a flat tire. It was odd to almost see a white guy get beaten up by five drunk black men with big sticks. I'm sure it was even more awkward for Amanda. She got to stand around and watch that while I changed the tire as quickly as I could so we could get out of there. I am so ready to spend the rest of my life with her.

This week is pretty nice. I get to announce games. The hardest part is the heat in the press box. I enjoy what I am doing though and it is so hard to believe that four weeks have flown by already.

I will keep you all updated.

Cody

What a Day...

So today is basically one of those days. I was expecting to be off at one this afternoon when the bosses come by and tell me that I am covering the skills competition so what was a six hour day turned into a thirteen hour day, the longest I have ever worked.

I hated having to switch between home run derby and turn two and bean bob because we had to set the field multiple times. Two little kids cussed me out because they wanted to bean bob again and I said you can only go once. I normally don't like to say that my kid won't be like that, but I really hope he is not. He would get smacked if he did do something like that.

Two good things happened today though. I hit four home runs in the home run derby (should have been five, but one just went foul down the left field line). I hit the wall on one from the left side of the plate. I was hoping to hit one from both sides.

The other good thing was that the bosses realized finally that they asked the interns who had been at the complex since 7:30 that morning to work until 8:30 that night instead of catching the tournament officials who came in later. Once they realized it at 6:30, they came out to the field, apologized, and let us go home. I think we impressed them though because we just kept working and didn't complain.

We actually were good entertainment for the fans. We sang songs, danced, did some skits, and played some ball games for them.

Once I got off after eleven hours I came home, hit the hot tub, met two older couples who were talking about Ripken so I told them what I did and we had a nice conversation. One couple was even from Wintergreen, VA! Now I am relaxing in bed with that feeling where you just want to cut your legs off and scoop out the insides.

At least I don't have to be at work until 5PM tomorrow. Oh, and the Nationals won tonight! :)

Cody

Announcing, Announcing, Announcing...

This week has been all announcing. Let me just say this, if timing is off or you pronounce someone's name wrong it is World War III. Granted I only had one bad game as far as fans went, it tends to stick with you for a while.

Today was an amazing day. I asked some good trivia, got names right that no one else could, hit my cues, and even got to introduce Dasher. (Our yellow lab mascot who carried out the balls to the umpire for my second game.)

On top of that, I got off at 12:30 so I could spend the afternoon at the pool before coming back to get a haircut (it's too hot here for long hair), hit the hot tub, watch the Nationals game, and write Cory a letter before doing the blog update. I am still very tired and am not sure how Ryan manages to wake up to get to the field at 6AM.

With Scott working the night crew and me being an afternoon guy, we have rarely seen each other this week and that might continue for a while. :(

Hopefully my games tomorrow go a little faster. My first one had a final of 22-15. The second was 13-8. Am I working baseball or football? lol

Cody

Heading Into Week Two

This was a pretty fun weekend. Saturday, on my day off I went to the mall, checked out a memorabilia store. It wasn't that great. They had a lot of autographs but not many cards.

I then went to the beach, played some baseball with Ryan, Jordan, Scott, and Laura. We then went into Broadway for dinner. The only restaurant without a wait was Carlos and Charlie's. It was pretty good Mexican but I can only eat those fancy places occasionally. Then we went to Ben and Jerry's for some Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream. It has swirls of caramel and fudge covered waffle cone.

Today at work was alright. I was on the training island so I mainly made sure that the teams were where they were supposed to be. The coach of the Starz irritated me. He got short with me because he wanted three batting cages and only reserved one so I made him leave. He then took his team on an actual outfield and I told him he couldn't so started cussing at me. I said, "Sir, calm yourself. Everyone has to follow the same rules. You aren't better than anyone else." He ended up leaving and it was taken care of.

The severe thunderstorm made things interesting as me, Colin, and Chris ran around the complex getting people to shelter before the serious waves of the storm reached the complex. I am looking forward to tomorrow.

Cody

P.S. I also got to meet Bill Ripken today. We waited out a rain delay together. It felt so weird to root for the Nationals against the Orioles with a Ripken right there lol. He even caught the first pitch. Since it was Father's Day a boy who won a Father's Day essay contest got to throw out the pitch. He lost his dad two years ago so it was pretty emotional.

First Week Coming to a Close

I know, I know, it's taken me a while to update. This is what happens when you work so much. To sum it up, I have turned over 40 fields, handed out dozens of wristbands, announced two games, and actually rested, yes, rested.

I just came back from the pool. From this week, my hair is turning blonde, I am pretty brown, and have a beach volleyball-esque sunglasses tan.

Quickly, Tuesday I worked night grounds crew. I went in at 2 and got off at 11:30. I was the lucky one that had to clean the toilets. At least now I can always say, "At least it's not that bad."

Wednesday I got to announce some games. One kid even told me that he wanted me to broadcast his game but I told him I only had two games. He was upset, but it made me feel good that he enjoyed my announcing. I even got to give out some prizes and ask some trivia.

Today I was on grounds crew again and had to be at the park at 6am. I was almost late and kept Kelly, Lindsay, and Scott waiting in the car. I then had to pull tarp and the night crew forgot to put down Turface so Griffith Field and the Polo Grounds looked like crap. We finally got them into playable shape though. It was such a great feeling. :)

I turned 24 fields today. It isn't bad. You rake home plate and the pitchers mound, put down some fresh clay,  drag the Coco over it (the rug that gets pulled to even out the dirt) and then paint the boxes.

By the end of the day I was covered in clay, so showered off and hit the pool so I could finally relax. Tomorrow is a short day. I have to stuff gift bags and then I am off until Sunday when the next tournament starts. It has been a fun and exciting first week at Ripken.

First Tournament Kick-Off

There is so much to write about. We started the first tournament today. The kids came from all over the country, mostly from GA and FL, but one team from Denver and one as far away as California. The team names have been hilarious. We have two "Dirtbags" and a team called the "Chili Dogs."

I was doing the players/coaches picnic with Andrew, Dan, Colin, and David. We had a good time, but it was hard work; very hot and very tiring. After serving each one a bag of chips, a slice of pizza, and a hot dog it was time for the opening ceremonies.

The kids walked in from left field, past us interns and lined up along the field. After that, a guy from a local church sang the national anthem and Reggie Sanders threw out the first pitch!!!! I couldn't believe it! I thought it would take me a while to meet someone famous and he said he would be around all week.

Everyone is super friendly though. Danny, who works here full-time gave everyone in attendance his phone number in case they needed something in Myrtle Beach this week. I couldn't believe it.

The home run derby came after. I had the 14U on Duncan Field. It went to a swing-off between two kids who ended with 12 each in the first round. A boy for the Mizuno Edge set the complex record with 19 in the swing-off!!!! I had such a hard time imagining someone hitting so many home runs. The winners of the "bean bob" competition (where they throws balls from the outfield to hit a dummy at home plate) and the fastest double play got plaques shaped like home plates with facsimile signatures of the Ripkens and "skills winner." The derby champ got that as well as an engraved wooden bat with "Ripken Experience 14U Home Run Derby Champion" on it. It was a great prize to be able to hand over to someone. :)

Cody

Me and God

So I have no doubt today that God is with me down here and called me to come to Myrtle Beach.

I was healthy enough today to leave the condo and go explore the area. I went as far north as North Myrtle Beach and then went south to Murrell's Inlet. The Inlet is a phenomenal place. Picture the Outer Banks with plenty of palm trees. I found an amazing parking spot (that was free) and then walked on the beach for a little while, so glad to be feeling well.

What brings me to title this entry "Me and God" is this. I was reading "Wild at Heart" this morning before I left. It was discussing the battle between men and Satan and how God calls us to initiate our manhood through a great adventure. Satan fights against us taking that adventure (my need for wrist surgery, auto work, sickness, etc.). Even when I got here I got very sick. Satan was telling me through this, "You can't do this. You are sick, you miss home, just go home where you are comfortable." I must admit I almost did, but today I was healthy, went out, and saw all the beauty that God surrounds me with. I even passed a sign that said, "He is with you always."

I even read an analogy about D-Day and Saving Private Ryan in "Wild at Heart" and when I got home today Saving Private Ryan was on TV.

The last thing I read in "Wild at Heart" was Joshua 1: 6-7, 9.

That has never been truer in my life. Tomorrow starts the first tournament and I am very excited.

Keep you updated and continue to pray.

Cody

First Visit to Ripken

Today's post is a little more cheery. I actually made it to Ripken today. I bought five shirts, two black (tournament operations), two green (grounds crew :( ) and one blue (retail and concession). The fields look amazing and the interns are friendly. I'm already looking forward to Sunday.

I get to work the picnic party. Five of us interns get to serve the food, drinks, and beer to the players, coaches, and families as they enter for the kick-off ceremonies. Other interns then take over for the skills competitions of home run derby, fastest double play combo, among other things. There is even a playground beyond center field for the players.

Monday I am on tournament ops. I put wristbands on the kids as they come in so that they can access the water park and racetrack. Tuesday I am grounds crew in the afternoon. Wednesday I get to announce two games in the morning for the 12-U tournament. Thursday I am grounds crew at 6am. :(. Friday I am making gift bags for the next weeks tournaments.

Luckily for me, as I was writing this my computer went down because it came loose from the charger, but Google Chrome saved it. :)

We have two tournaments this week, a 12-U and a 14-U.

I am really looking forward to the summer. It is just my extended vacation. :) Right now I am just laying in bed, drinking some Gatorade, and resting up for the start of the week on Sunday.

Cody

First few days before work

I'm not sure where to start exactly. It turns out I really was sick before I left and am on antibiotics now. They seem to be working well. I was supposed to start work today but it got bumped back to Sunday, which is good. I feel like working will fight off some of the homesickness that I know is going to come.

Right now it is not here and I am glad to be recuperating. Mom and Mike took a flight in yesterday because they were worried. It makes sense. Dr. Borst thought that I had appendicitis at first and had sent me for a CT scan while they were boarding the plane. Over these two days I have been tested for everything. He has been very thorough and I now have a doctor here, the last thing I wanted but knowing me, the first thing I would get. We are now waiting for the test results from a stool sample. They are looking for salmonella, e coli, or parasites.

I look forward to starting work but don't really look forward to seeing my parents leave. Even when they do, it's only four weeks or so until they come back and then my lovely Amanda comes down and then it's August and I come home.

This is the "band aid" in my life. It needs to be done, I want to do it, but am worried about being here without my family. God will be looking over me though.

I will keep you updated.

Cody

A weekend away from the big move.

Blog followers,

Today I am basically just relaxing around the house, soon to be the old stomping grounds. I still am having a hard time believing that I am actually going to be leaving and that a week from today I will actually be done with orientation and be thrown into the mix at Ripken Baseball. It is an exciting time too. This can basically lead me anywhere that I want it to and that is something that is making it a little easier to leave.

This entry wasn't very long, but it is a start. I have no doubt that as the summer grows longer, that the blog entries will too.

Cody