Chapter 12 - "some say that heat's the way to go-but I have discovered the secret-HOT ICE-I heat up the ice cubes. Its the best of both worlds"

We played our second game at the Development facility. After a dismal start in the morning we regrouped our efforts against Ron Johnson's, Jackals. Ron's team won it all last year. The afternoon games are pitched by each teams coach. So Epperson was pitching to us. The lineup was set with me batting third in the lineup and playing second. First at bat was a lined single RBI between the shortstop and third. I ended up at third with no outs. Coach Merloni was the third base coach. Next batter hit a fly ball to center and instead of holding the bag I ran down a little thinking the centerfield would not catch, my bad, came back to bag to tag but was to late. Coach Merloni went on to say that in that situation with no outs or one out, hold the bag and tag. So with one out, the next batter came up and hit a fly ball to left field, which of course I thought was tailing away so I started down third when I looked back and he caught the ball, so I went back to base and tagged and Coach said go (he knew I was dead to rights). I scampered down third and slid into home and was called out - double play. As I got up Coach Merloni walked by and I said to him, "didn't you just tell me what to do?" What a 10 year old mistake. Oh well. Made several good plays at second which kept our team in the game. Had one more hit that fell in front of the right fielder.
Moved to second on a sacrifice. Ok folks, one out and on second. Coach Merloni had the insurance run on second, my thighs were burning up. I looked at him and gave him the "no way I am going to score from second" sign. He agreed, as the batter hit it to the outfield and he held me at third where I was stranded - my thighs were killing me. However, we won the game by one run and we are now 1-1. It was a very satisfying win and gave me a little more confidence going into the next couple of days.

Patti was at both the morning and afternoon games and tried to take some video with the new camera. After reviewing the results, we have agreed that she will focus on the picture taking and not use the video feature on the camera (plus after reviewing, video must put on at least 20 extra pounds on the person).

She walked be back to the training room and I met her back at hotel later in the afternoon. During that time I visited the trainers room along with several others from Camp. I had him wrap my thigh with ice. He asked about the other one and I said one at a time. Sat around with the leg wrapped and than changed it over to the other thigh and than to the shoulder. Key to all of this, I do not think this counts as the under in the odds laid down by Eddie. This was treatment for aches and pain that neither beer nor drugs were able to fix. So whoever bet the over wins!!

Tomorrow we are on City of Palms Stadium Field in the morning. Mom and dad are coming with a video camera. Hoping the weather holds, cold front down here, low 60's and breezy. A little colder in the morning. Until than.