Last night we attempted to go to the dog track. It's just like the horse races, but they do it at night and it's something that Lutz and the Heiseys have gone to before. We rode in two seperate cars because we don't all fit in one and us the Heiseys got there first and went in. When the Lutzs got there they were told Ryder wasn't allowed in, so we stayed for two races and went home. Travis lost $15, so I think it was a good thing we couldn't stay because $15 x 13 races=a very unhappy wife.

Since our plans at the track were cancelled we went home and broke out Cranium. We played guys against girls. The girls dominated the entire game. Then the boys wanted to play for a guys night out or a girls night out, so we each played trying to get one from each category. We got our girls night. Then they wanted to play for 15 minute massages. We got our 15 minute massages. Then they wanted to play for another 15 minute massage. We got another one, and called it quits. It just wasn't their night, and boy was it fun because you know how competitive those boys can be, and to be beaten by their wives. It was really quite fun for us girls, and quite rewarding.

They look so happy; this is before they lost, again, and again.

The Cranium Champions

Spring training is coming to an end and I must say I'm quite sad. This is the last year the Reds will have spring training in Sarasota. Next year it will be in Goodyear, Arizona. This is where Travis and I got engaged, and really where we've probably spent most of our relationship. It's a beautiful area and I'm going to miss it.

I've really had a great time this spring training. Normally we have some of the guys stay with us and it's been really fun for me to have two other females around. It really helps to have them around to vent to about this crazy baseball world we live in. I've also gotten to see how having a baby will work in this life, and I hope and pray we get children like Ryder.

The Big Girl

Travis's mom sent us this picture of Abbi. I miss her terribly and can not wait until Travis's parents can make the trip to deliver his truck, the rest of our stuff, and our sweet, sweet baby girl.

Amazing Again

Ryder playing in the grass

Ken Griffey Sr. watching Travis's game

Travis checking his stats after the game

4.1 innings/1 hit, no walks, 3 strikeouts

Travis will only pitch in one more spring training game, next Wednesday in Port Charlotte.

Travis pitched again today. Yes, he was supposed to throw yesterday but with roster changes and them wanting to get the starters on the five day rotation they'll have during season, he pitched today. It worked out better because yesterdays game was in Fort Myers, and this game was home.

He threw 4.1 innings, 1 hit, no walks, 3 strikeouts. The one hit got caught stealing second so he only had to face 13 batters. His velocity was between 87-90, and he said he's still not throwing with all of his power, so that's very good too. He threw 64 pitches before they pulled him. He'll start the season with a pitch count around 85 or so and then it will increase as the season progresses. He also got an at bat. He bunted and moved the runner that was on first to second, but he got out at first. It was a good effort though, and really all they expect or want him to do is move the runner, it's just an added bonus if the pitcher actually makes it on base.

Hopefully we'll know for sure soon where we'll be going for the season. We're pretty sure we know where we're going, but you can never be sure with baseball. Things change every day so who knows. If we end up in North Carolina as planned, we have a great set up with an apartment complex that works with the players on the team. They put all of the utilities in their name, get the furniture we want, and even waive deposits. This is wonderful for us because we have such a hard time finding places that will work with us and our crazy short term lease needs and everything else, so hopefully everything will work out. As soon as we get word for sure, I will let everyone know.

Perfect through three

Travis pitched again yesterday afternoon against AA Orioles. He went three innings, no hits, no walks, and struck out five. His velocity was at 88, which is good considering it's still very early in the year for him. I'm so proud of him. I swear I didn't get nervous last year for spring training games, but so far this year I have been a wreck. He's done so well so now he just has to keep it up. He's set to pitch again Thursday against Fort Meyers (Twins, I think). The game is away so I'm not sure if I'll be making the trip. It's about an hour and a half away so we might just have to hear how he does from him. So all I'll probably get will be, "fine, I felt good." I'll try and dig for more info though.
Okay, everyone has always told me that I should write a book about my crazy up and down life, and I've actually started. The other night I was bored and Travis had gone to bed, so I just started typing. I started with a very hard time in my life, but probably the most life changing moment. If nothing else, maybe it will be great therapy for me. We'll see how it goes and I'll keep you updated.

2 down, a million more to go

Travis pitched in his first spring training game of the year on Wednesday. He was the second pitcher to go in the game against the AAA Tampa Bay Rays. He gave up no hits, no runs, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts in two innings. He faced 6 batters, so it was a very good start. He will start out pitching only a few innings until he gets his pitch count up and go for 5+ innings. He said he felt good too, so that's even better.

Travis warming up

Homer came to the game too, he was worn out after playing with the Bolivar's girls.

Baseball Quotes

Ok, so baseball season is definitely upon us. The boys have started their long days at the field. Next week games start. I just thought we may need a little humor to help get us through another season. Here are some humorous quotes I found about baseball.

Baseball is a fun game. It beats working for a living. ~Phil Linz

Baseball is a game where a curve is an optical illusion, a screwball can be a pitch or a person, stealing is legal and you can spit anywhere you like except in the umpire's eye or on the ball. ~Jim Murray

Baseball is almost the only orderly thing in a very unorderly world. If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off. ~Bill Veeck

I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981

You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all. ~Earl Weaver

It's no coincidence that female interest in the sport of baseball has increased greatly since the ballplayers swapped those wonderful old-time baggy flannel uniforms for leotards. ~Mike Royko

A baseball park is the one place where a man's wife doesn't mind his getting excited over somebody else's curves. ~Brendan Francis

I don't know why people like the home run so much. A home run is over as soon as it starts.... The triple is the most exciting play of the game. A triple is like meeting a woman who excites you, spending the evening talking and getting more excited, then taking her home. It drags on and on. You're never sure how it's going to turn out. ~George Foster

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

Baseball must be a great game to survive the fools that run it. ~Bill Terry

Our first week in Florida

Ok, well our first full week in Florida has been a lot of fun. Since Travis didn't actually have to report till the 5th, he got all of his tests and everything out of the way before a lot of people got here. So he's had time to golf and he even had on off day. So far we've just been playing with the Heisey's puppy Homer, playing with Ryder, the boys have golfed several times, we all went bowling, Travis and I went and played putt putt with the Heiseys (I lost, but it was a much closer game than I would have thought; Lisa tied Travis for second), and the girls and I went to the beach yesterday with Ryder. The beach was packed, but it was a gorgeous day. Ryder made it out there for several hours under the beach tent we found. I was shocked, he made it longer than I usually do. I'm sad that I didn't take a single picture, but I promise I will next time.

Travis and Homer, he reminds me of Abbi when she was a puppy but with a longer nose


Ryder smiling at me



Ryder at the bowling alley, he was so good.


Playing putt putt

Lisa and Chris looking at the gators at the putt putt place

Spring Training Begins

Travis and I left Arkansas around 6:45 Wednesday morning and got into Sarasota around 11 that night. We checked into a hotel until the house that we're renting for spring training was ready.
We're renting a three bedroom house with two other married couples. Derrik and Danielle Lutz and Chris and Lisa Heisey. Lutz is a pitcher and Heisey is an outfielder. The Lutz's have a 6 month old son, Ryder. He's gotten so big since the last time we saw him, I can't even believe it. Having him around is going to be great practice for Travis and I. I'm hoping his mom lets me baby sit while she does her work and the boys are at the field, I don't think it will take too much convincing. The Heiseys are from Pennsylvania and they ran into some bad weather while they were on their way down, so they should be here tomorrow.
I'm so excited about spring training this year. Last year we had two single guys that stayed with us, so it will be a completely different experience this year, and so much more fun for me. The wives and I are planning on some beach days and I know some shopping will happen. This is the Reds last year in Sarasota so we have to take it all in while you can.
Our last few days at home were packed full of trying to see everyone and say good bye. We went bowling a few times with friends and family, had a few family dinners, I had a girls night out with Casey and we went to a really cute new restaraunt called Ya's Ya's and went and saw "He's Just Not That Into You," Travis had a few poker nights and golf trips. He even managed to take a few fishing trips, I even went on one.
Here are a few pics from our last couple weeks at home. I promise to keep everyone updated on how the season goes and I hope to see some of you during the season.

Our fishing trip, we caught well over 200 fish.


167 fish, we gave them all away


We took a trip to Hot Springs for Valentine's Day and Travis decorated the room for me.


While we were in Hot Springs, we went to the Mid America Science Museum. We each had been there when we were younger, but hadn't been in years.