7/22/10

Hello Bear Believers, welcome to the stretch run installment of Bear-ly Blogging. This could be the busiest home stretch for the blakc and gold as the team finishes the last leg of the season with seven home dates in the span of 10 days.  With promotions that range from Backwards Night,  burritos and a Hall of Fame hoops hero, Sims Park will be lively and the games intense as the Griz look to propel themselves to a protracted playoff push.

But before we look forward, it's rewind time.

Since I last joined you on Independence Day, the Grizzlies lost a slugger to the pros, lost a pitcher to dead arm, and continued to win games on the road.  Randolph Oduber accepted the offer to play for the Washington Nationals and was immediately assigned to the Gulf Coast League.  Oduber has the opportunity to play nearby for the Savannah Sand Gnats of the SALly league or even jump to Potomac of the Carolina League. If Oduber does receive a local promotion, I will let you know where he would play so you can make your plans to attend.
 
Ben Booker(ETSU) went back home to recover from dead arm. The toll of the A-Sun schedule with his Buccaneers proved to be enough to cause Booker to shut down his summer a good bit early. He was scheduled just 40 innings or so with the Griz this year, but the rest means that coach Tony Skole will have one of his main arms ready for the fall as his players return to Johnson City.

The Griz obviously prefer to take the first licks each night as they have amassed one of the best road records in the CPL.

The true test of a team that is together is how they play on the road. This team wins 65 per cent of their games on the road.  This team seems to get along nicely, it appears they have fun on the road.  If you take away the trip to the northeast corner of the CPL map, this club is winning over 2/3rds of their games away from the home yard. That gives a difinitive edge to the Griz come playoff time.

The 2010 All-Star Game in Forest City was a rousing success for the folks in Forest City. Take the big stage in a baseball park like McNair field, add a couple thousand excited fans and Rutherford County had a big win.  The game and the atmosphere even had people conversing about the possibility of Forest City bringing in an Appy League club. As a lover of minor league baseball, I would welcome any chance to bring more baseball to the area. I will keep you posted.

Speaking of big showings at the All Star game, David Chester was the man of the week.  A derby win capped off by an offensive PoG award for the Oklahoma native was another grand footnote for the 2010 Griz.  A footnote that could include a playoff home game, a first for the franchise.

After last nights sweep of the Mustangs Wednesday, the Bears are in a great spot for a playoff berth. 33 wins was a safe number for a berth, and if the team can keep the current pace, a playoff spot is a done deal. Martinsville gets the Grizzlies at home two more times and the lone non divisional game on the home slate is against Petersburg on July 31. 

So there you have it, you are up to date with the Grizzlies. I will see you at a game soon.

 FYI, I will announce the Facebook ticket winner next week. You can still enter. Just become my friend on facebook and you could be my guest at Sims for a Grizzlies game.  Find me on facebook by searching voicecarolinas, and do it soon. 

Til next time, grin and bear it!

7/6/10

Hello everybody. Welcome back to Bear-ly Blogging.  This time around, the Bear-ly comes in two parts. This is part A.

  A series of nights away from Sims Park has taken me to the veteranarian, the Westfield Mall at Eastridge(aka Eastridge Mall)n and to Sears.  This week, I wanna talk about scorebooks, old high school buddies, why I don't like going to Sears, and the Angels and Royals. So sit back and  enjoy.

My family has a strange brood of pets.   One of our pets has  a small issue that is requiring some work.  I just took my oldest daughter and Charlie to the vet and it was quite the experience.  My girls love animals.  I saw just how much while there.  My daughter will now begin "shadowing" our vet to take her first steps into the field of pet medicine.  It hit me that my kid is growing up.

That story leads me here.  I know my kids are growing up, and I think my kids are seeing what I see in baseball.  I know it sounds corny, but I really do think that the scene from Field of Dreams where James Earl's character gets invited to the corn is a telling reminder of a simpler time.  Maybe a better time, even.  I am not saying that baseball makes a family stronger.  But I do believe that families are stronger because of baseball.  When my family goes to a game, we take time to catch up.  We talk and talk about virtually everything.  We have started to do score cards at games. The score card is a great part of the fabric of baseball. Every card tells a story.  I do a card for every game that I announce, except for the Grizzlies.  Too much work in the press box to enjoy a scorecard.  The score card became a topic of conversation in the box one night.  Carson Dockery, our official stat man-child, was vacationing. So one of my best friends in the world stood in for Dock.  Chris Poore is the Sports Info Director at the Abbey.  He is a stat nut like me, and he noticed my daughter with her scorebook. They chatted for a moment about the virtue of the book and the card.  At that moment, I realized my daughter was in the club officially.  She is a scorer!  She knows that baseball is a numbers game.  She realizes that knowing the numbers gives the scorer a definitive advantage that a non-scorer never enjoys.  She has a book that will ultimately go in our hope chest.  One day, I will show her grandson(please God, send a grandson in about 15 to 20 years).  We will look at how every pencil stroke is really significant.  Which leads me to part B.


Part B comes from Knights Stadium on Independence Day.  It's a cloudless evening for Skyshow, presented by my fave radio station. Last year, I hauled rear from Pulaski VA to get here in time to watch the show. We decided to stay closer to home this year.

  Last night with the Griz was great. You people really make me feel like a big deal.  Robert Jeroszko was dominant. Thomasville had no shot last night. A great team win for the bears.

  My best friend from high school was there last night. It's been twenty years and we have gone two different directions in life. But it was awesome seeing him and my other friend that came with me to Rangers games back in the day.  Seems wherever I go now, my friends know me now as only the Grizzlies guy.  It's pretty cool being that guy!  So to all the Brian Slagle's, Stamey's, and LL's in the city, you are seeing me finally living something that represents eveything I ever wanted in life. God is good in so many ways:)

I am sure that you guys will all catch a firework show, and probably not even pay attention to the game between the Halos and Royals.  It's a shame that game doesn't mean more today.  When I was growing up, that game was a big deal.  Keith Jackson, Al Michaels, Howard Cossell, they painted pictures for me every Sunday afternoon and Monday night on ABC.  It was a time of life I will never forget.  George Brett was the best.  Willie Wilson was a cheetah on the paths.  Bobby Grich, Devon White and Rod Carew would lead the Angels in a classic AL West battle seemingly every week.  It was the first time I ever heard the words Bermuda Grass or of Gene Autry. Gene Mauch and Dick Howser were baseball geniuses. The Yankees weren't run away winners, the Red Sox weren't  relevant, and the Mariners didn't exist in my mind.    It was a time where marginal players were Hall Of Famers to a nine year old kid. 

Life should always be like that.

Happy Independence Day.  Thanks for the chance to share with you guys. Til next time, grin and bear it!

6/17/10

Hello baseball fans. This installment of the Bear-ly has me on the road at another press box. My summer travels have taken me to the Charlotte Eagles game.  This is my other gig for the summer.  And for the record, someone did bring a vuvuzela to tonight's game.

Soccer is hard to watch. It is a good thing that I have to read ads during the match, otherwise, there is no reason to be here.

David Cloninger, who writes for the USC Gamecocks, once said soccer is "cross country with a ball". Tonight he may be right. At half, scoreless between Charlotte and Atlanta.

I thought I would share more about the draft today.  However, I want to touch on the Pregnant night promotion first.  If you are with child, I hope you have fun at the game. But please hydrate before, during, and after the game. The heat is very tough this early in the year. And I hope that you avoid the garden as well.  The next group of Grizzlies fans need a healthy start to life. The craving station is available and that should suffice. And please, park smart in the lot.  SUV's take up lots of space and the doors are big.  If you are in need of a mini van in the coming months, don't forget Kia of G-town. The Sedona is a great van. I know, I happen to own one.  Besides, buying from K o G keeps the money in the local economy. That means I can keep working here locally:)

Correction, Eagles goal  lead 1-0.

Now for the draft.  It is such an awesome thing to have guys you know get selected.  The hard work and sweat equity that players and their families log into seeing a dream come true gives an entire community a sense of pride.  For the Grizzlies players that have been selected, they are faced with a daunting chore of deciding what to do with their baseball fortunes.  It is so difficult to gauge what amount of money is the right amount for a signing bonus that is attractive enough for you to leave school.   I have seen some kids with major promise just never live up to it. Guys that were one elbow or shoulder away from millions of dollars.  And I have had the fortune of seeing the Kevin Millwood's and Wes Helm's go to the majors and have very respectable careers. 

In a few years, we will tell stories of Grizzlies players that took the step and signed pro deals. They will play as long as their bodies let them.  And someday, they may come back and see the new breed of Grizzlies can't miss prospects.  For those young men, this is the most exciting time in their lives. 

Well, I am home and putting the final touches on another busy day.  Charlotte 2 Atlanta 0. 

In a closing thought, one such man that gives this community pride is Jake Buchanan. He was one of the kids in our city that is living that dream.  His dad Buck started Jake early, doing the drills and taking the extra bp as long as I recall Jake even being born.  Jake excelled at North Gaston on the mound and that led to a chance to play for the Wolfpack. Elliot Avent is a solid coach and one of the finest baseball people  I know of.  In three years at State, Jake flourished in a very steady ACC that has seen several teams go deep in the tourney.  The Astros know Jake's talent and drafted him in the 8th round.  He signed last week and he is off to spend a few late winters training in Kissimmee, which is a beautiful complex.

Just for reference, Mickey Henson went earlier than Jake, so did Paul Brannon and Chris Mason.  Both Helms and Millwood went in later rounds. The draft is never a perfect science, but if I know Jake, he has no plans of doing anything less than facing the likes of Randolph Oduber and Andrelton Simmons one day, in a big league park wearing big league jerseys.  I hope I am announcing that game when it occurs.  

Good luck, Jake.

Til next time folks, grin and bear it.

6/12/10

"Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes it rains!" That came to pass here at Sims Park Thursday as showers postponed play against Asheboro.  So welcome to a wet press box for another installment of Bear-ly Blogging.

The rain has given me a chance to head home for a night of spring cleaning. But before I do that, I need to touch base with everyone to get you up to speed on all things Grizzlies.

The guys got a win Tuesday that will hopefully help them get on track.  Losing as they have lately is frustrating for the guys, but the possiblity of guys signing pro contracts might be even more aggravating.  The draft is a reality every year, but a good bit of the roster could be influenced by this year's selections. Potential signings could mean some conditional players are here for the duration.  In the coming days, I will fill you in on contract negotiations and how conditional players are signed and even become permament fixtures for a franchise.

Thanks to all you guys that have become facebook friends. Nothing gets people together like ticket giveaways. Shameless marketing really work :)

I will see you guys Saturday as fireworks invade Sims Park again. Til' then everybody, grin and bear it.

6/2/10

Hey, everybody. Brian Rushing here for another peek into the press box at Sims Park. We call this Bear-ly Blogging, and I am glad you are here.                                       

The first weekend has come and gone and your Grizzlies have had a steady 3 and 2 start to the new year. Last night saw the Grizzlies lose 7 - 1 to Martinsville in a game that didn't see much go the home team's way.   Mustangs hurler John Cornelius was very solid for six innings.  The Grizzlies batters never could get a clutch hit and therefore left a bunch of runners stranded.  Lehman had some trouble last night on the mound, as the ball carried uncharacteristically well to right field. I have never seen a ball drift into the corner past the foul pole like it did last night. The two home run balls were magnified by control issues that never quite got fixed. Devin Smith gobbled up some innings last night and the team finally gave away some pretzel drops, as the Johnny B's player of the game Cass Via finally scratched with an infield hit. 

Last night's game was a polar opposite of Saturday's game vs Forest City.   Sam Pepper was in total control for nearly eight innings and the offense managed to muster one run to win the pitchers duel.  Sam peppered the strike zone with a solid fastball and breaking stuff that the Owls could not adjust to. The crowd of 2700 plus saw a game under two hours, a Grizz win over the vaunted troops from Rutherford County, and a splendid fireworks show by Scott Neisler and his band of pyrotechnicians.  I got to see a host of friends that I have not seen in months. It's always good to see friends at a game. 

So what's next?  Thursday is cornhole night, as Columbia comes into town, Friday gives us another shot at Martinsville, and Sunday is facebook friends night. If you wanna be my friend on facebook, it's easy, www.facebook.com/voiceofthecarolinas.  One new friend of mine in the next two weeks will get some tix for a Grizzlies home game.  So fill up my inbox and I will see you real soon.

Until next time, grin and bear it!

5/28/10

Hello to all my furry mates in Grizzleville. It's time for your next installment of Bear-ly Blogging, your link to the press box at Sims
Legion Park.                           

Wow!  What a night for an opener. I think I am still sweating. That tuxedo was hot!!!  But it was so much fun being in that atmosphere. You guys always make what I do so exciting. I work a lot of events in the course of a season. But my two faves are Upstate Spartans basketball and Grizzlies baseball. The excitement that is emitted here at Sims Park carries me all summer. It's hot and a lot takes place every night, but the end result is a small group of people that take great pride in putting on a great show. 

Jesse and I get a chance to be at the front of this franchise nightly, but so many people bust their tails for this franchise just so I can be silly at each game.  I will talk about the interns later as I find out more about them. But walk up to the concession stand and you see familiar faces. They work in extremely hot conditions and do less than glamorous work just so the hot dogs are primo and your Coke products are cold. There is Sam in the garden, every night, keeping the folks out there refreshed and happy. And infrequently, he officiates the cornhole games.  From Meredith in the souvenir shop who I think has worked for the Grizz since her preschool days, to one of North Gaston's best and brightest, Katie, that just started this season with us.  These kids come out every year looking for a little cash and end up becoming part of the story of Grizzlies baseball. 

Derek Smith works the web network and has been on the mic for years here in town. For all my hyperbole and ego centric behavior, Derek brings that Georgia charm and southern drawl that just feels like the south. I hear his work and I think mom and banana pudding. (Some guy told me last night that when he hears me, he thinks about buying a beer.)  But, for me, the stalwarts, the epitome of the work that we do, lives at Sims Park all summer and gets to hold the place down all winter.

Jamie Curtis and Lauren Lee expend so much energy with little fanfare just so the experience at Sims is amazing. If you guys knew how often those two are doing something extra or straightening out my goofs that occur on a nightly basis; it would startle you.  And at the end of the night, they tell me how great I do.  What they don't know is I feel like the kid in the proverbial candy store. All of these people bless me in such a way that I could never put into words. Or maybe I just did.

Until next time folks, grin and bear it!

4/16/10

Hello eveyone, April is here and that opens the door to May and May brings back baseball to Gastonia.  This is Bear-ly Blogging, your periodic view into the press box at Sims Park.  Brian Rushing here, so happy you jumped on board.  I have alot to catch up on so this could get pretty involved. I will have more to cover at a later time now that I am getting back into the swing of press box banter.
 
High School baseball has gotten off to a fast start and my time with the North Gaston Wildcats has taken on a Grizzlies style feel.  The Wildcats are involved in some great promotions and chances for fan involvement.  This is great practice for the Coastal Plain League season. Plus, I get to stay connected with some of the Griz faithful as a strong contingent frequent Sims Park from Dallas all season long.  
 
College baseball has taken on a new twist now that I have a daughter that is a developing baseball fan (which makes Daddy proud).  That means going to games again as a fan is in the plans.  One such trip comes in late April as her UNC Tar Heels come to Charlotte to take on the 49ers.  Also, Byron McKoy and the Temple Owls play the Niners April 30 and May 1-2 in Charlotte.  That sounds like a great chance to see a Griz alum four weeks prior to a new season.  McKoy recently faced David Chester's Pitt Panthers in a weekend series that went to the Big East Panthers.
 
Speaking of Grizzlies in college action, I ran into Robert Jeroszko the other night in Spartanburg as the Upstate Spartans upended the 27th ranked Cougars from the CofC.  Robert didn't pitch, but he did say he is excited to get back to Sims Park after a long run in the NCAA regionals.  The season record holder is in the pen for Charleston, which should give him plenty left in the tank for the upcoming year.  Robert and his Griz mates will also await the MLB draft in June to see who makes the leap like Teddy Fallon, Travis Witherspoon and Erik Valdez. 
 
On a personal note, I took the family to Orlando for a trip to Disney and it was a welcome retreat.  While there, the family and I took in a spring training game played in Kissimmee.  The Astros beat the Jays that day, but I had a chance to see an old friend to Gastonia baseball.  Nick Leyva is the bench coach in Toronto for Cito Gaston's Jays and I finally got to see him don the big league gear and do what he does best.  Both teams had split squads there, so the stars were not in full force.  But what really made me smile was watching Leyva chat it up with Joe West, one of the umpires in the majors that has made quite name a for himself.  We thought we would see Brandon Morrow (former Mariners reliever and Type I diabetic like my wife).  His start was scratched due to shoulder stiffness.  To see the sights and hear the sounds and smell the smells; this day was long overdue.   I also caught up with the former voice of the Grizzlies John Chagaris.  We had lunch and had a great time.  We took a couple pictures and compared the Mariners against the Hawks.  He is doing well and misses you folks, though I think he might be dating Snow White.  I guess Disney was cool and I did eat the greatest sushi in the world less than one mile from Amway Arena; but I may never live a day more surreal than seeing actual big league players in a big league game.  The native Floridians might have been the pushiest most entitled folks I have met in quite a while; but I bring back fond memories of that weekend.
 
I plan to get back to some form of regularity on the blog now that this season is so close.  The crew in the office is working hard trying to get the park ready.  I even saw Chizzle playing softball with some buddies that he met at a networking group (who knew Bears network).  This could be the year that the Chiz puts on his best dance moves.
 
So until next time, keep counting the days and before you know it, it's woohoo time.  Be well everyone, see you real soon.  

3/3/10

Hello everybody.
 
I have gone along time without emailing and updating so here it goes.  That has been purposeful to some degree.  I have worked myself into a bit of fatigue and am trying to slow down and rest.  400 dates in 2010 will be a taxing tour of duty.  Thanks to good coffee, my mp3 (filled with Barfield, Cartee and Selah) and the Comfort Suites Westgate for some respite. 
 
For those that don't know, I have submitted my name to the Tampa Bay Rays for their PA job.  The idea was prompted by a shot in the dark and bit of bravado.  The bravado that would force a guy from Gastonia and only marginal exposure in the Carolinas to think he can land a gig that has only 29 colleagues.
 
It has been two weeks since I turned in the resume and letters, along with a compelling demo tape.  Sadly, I report no contact from the Rays.  My plan to come out of nowhere and become the new voice of MLB public address announcers is not going swimmingly.  Clearly, I am somewhat disappointed, especially since this is a baseball gig.  However, from the beginning, I knew this was an uphill climb. 
The really sad part is there is no interest from the Atlanta Beat either, nor the Greenville Force minor league football team.  I don't know what that says(or maybe afraid to ask) when I am striking out with women's soccer and indoor football.  I guess the success of Oklahoma City spoiled me somewhat.
 
The dream is not over, I have struck out before, as many of you know.  But at this stage, I would say the dream(s) are on not going well. 
 
Thanks for the well wishes.  Thanks more to those that wrote letters to Tampa.  You shared a word I had no idea many of you really felt.  To those that know Joe Maddon or have incredible pull and influence, I am not above begging and pleading.  In fact, I am going to Florida in three weeks to give the children the thrill of Disney.  It is a thrill to go, even if we are hitch hiking and panhandling our way to Orlando (okay, maybe that is an embellishment to some small degree).
 
Anyways, be well and if things change, you will know because I will be in the Gazette Lock up section for brazen acts of insanity.
 
Take care.

1/12/10

Hello baseball fans and Happy New Year!!!  Hope you folks are hibernating nicely.  It is so cold, indoor activities are great in January.  You have made it online just in time for the official word from the press box at Sims Park, Bearly Blogging.  2010 is off to a quick start and in no time pitchers and catchers report to camps across Florida and Arizona.  This exciting time can't come fast enough for me. But I thought that in the spirit of the New Year, I would share some random thoughts that may or may not have any relevance to baseball, but will entertain nevertheless.  The actual baseball stuff occurs in earnest in February.
 
Highlights that I have come up with that involve me and the Grizzlies heading into Opening Day (May 27):
 
-I do want to report that the press box is going to look very familiar next year.  Derek Smith and I have re-signed for 2010.  Contract terms were undisclosed, but rumors about Derek being courted by the Long Island Ducks are false.  However, I signed a minor league deal, but I do get an invite to spring training, so I got that going for me.
- The Belmont Wildcats return to action to defend their County Baseball title in April.
- I expect to announce the franchise first home playoff game in August this year.  The recent playoff format change offers great possibilities for each franchise.

Good seats are still available.  Go back to the home page for ticket package info. 
 
Now for resolutions…I usually don't do them but just for fun we will indulge:  

I resolve to make this the year I see the M's live and go to Disney finally.

I will sing Rick Astley songs unashamedly, maybe even at my high school reunion, unless they stop me.  Then I will sing in the restroom, at the top of my lungs. 

I wanna see 4,000 people at a single Grizzlies game, and shake each of their hands.
 
I plan to announce one game from the hill in center while having a picnic dinner this summer.  I hope Jesse doesn't read this.   
 
And I plan to stay up throughout the night on July 9th, err, 10th, for Midnight Madness.  But just in case, I hope to have my couch brought in to the press box (anybody got an air bed???).

Feel free to share your resolutions with me if you like:
brian@voicecarolinas.com

11/23/09

Well Hello Grizzlies fans.  Just in time for Thanksgiving, your favorite big mouth is back to share some more baseball related stuff on your favorite press box blog.  Let's get started.   

Another baseball season has come and gone.  It seems like every time the baseball season ends no comma it kind of leaves an empty place in my soul. 
The most frustrating thing is baseball crowns its champion in one unbelievable display: the Fall Classic.  When it's over, there's nothing left.  You want more, but there isn't anything.  Of course, I like Hot Stove baseball, but it's not the same as watching a pitcher stare down a batter, the batter adjusting his batting gloves, the first base coach reading the pitcher's move to first, and some young 22 year old bright-eyed kid figuring out when he's going to 2nd base to make a little history for himself.  I’ve got to wait four whole months to see that again.  I miss it like an old friend.  

But anyways, congratulations to the Yankees.  I guess I should've known it was gonna happen.  Even though I'm sure I didn't want it to.

And now the chill of winter is upon us.  In no time, Sims Park will turn cold, the thick patch of Buddy Lewis Field will change color and baseball will be in the back of our mind.  ACC basketball will put a stranglehold on our conscience as we crown a couple football champions and celebrate the "most wonderful time of the year".

It is wonderful, no doubt, but Puerto Rico has baseball during the holidays, so does Republica Dominicana.  Granted, Palm trees aren't as pretty as an Avery County tree, but I’ve always wondered if Santa wears swim trunks and sips tea with lemon as he chills out on the sands his favorite island south of Miami (and no, Santa doesn't drink SunDrop, I asked).

Anyway, what does all this mean?  I guess I am offering hope.   The MLB network is amazing, though I don't have it on my TV.  I saw it one day at Moe's (you know, Moe's is a great Christmas gift idea for your favorite Sims Park announcer guy).  In no time, college baseball will be playing before the Super Bowl is over.  Then, baseball returns to Sims Park in March.  See, I feel better already!!! Besides, I have a winter full of basketball to announce.  So, if you miss me that bad, just come to a game.  Just find me and we'll share a hearty Woo-hoo together.

On a more serious note, you guys are going to become familiar with a family in the next few weeks that has captured my attention.  Micah Mahadeo is in the Middle East, fighting for you.  Melanie is his wife.  She has alot on her mind these days.  She has to care for kids and keep up a home life while a husband is around the world.  However, she does it all, having just lost her job and insurance.  No matter what the economy does, this is a tough thing to deal with mentally and emotionally.  For Melanie, however, add to her equation that she recently was diagnosed with cancer.  I will bring more to you as I know more, but be assured of this.  Melanie is getting a double dose of life, and I am thinking of her and Micah and praying for them, especially during this time of year.  Be thankful this season!!!  I can't imagine being where they are right now.

Here is a link to that story: http://www.wbtv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4317880&h1=Woman%20with%20husband%20in%20Iraq%20fighting%20cancer%20at%20home&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=132133&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=39294786

Until next time, grin and bear it!!!

9/16/09

Well, did you miss me???  I missed you, and now, we are together again.  Welcome to the latest edition of Bear-ly Blogging.  I am Brian Rushing, your new best friend and your vocal tour guide through Sims Legion Park.  Let's chat. You ready? Let's go.

The playoff races are winding down and I hope your favorite team is winning, and thankfully, it ain't Atlanta!!!  I'm kidding, you Braves fans have endured alot, I feel really bad (I almost said it with a straight face)!!!  Anyway, it seems like a whole month has passed since we saw the last Grizzlies game on the fourth of August.   Then I realize a month and a half has passed, so that means we are that much closer to the start of Griz season.

The Grizzlies are in a push to become the first minor league franchise with two billion people (fans) on the Facebook page, or was it less???  Why haven't 2 billion people signed up yet???  Something about chicken...sounds delicious.  BTW, I am on Facebook, but I don't have chicken, or 2 billion people as friends either.  But I love my friends I do have, all 3 of you.  look up my name, Brian Rushing, or VoiceCarolinas.  That's simple enough.  I promise I won't send you that Farkle stuff.
 
I have announced alot of football and volleyball.  I miss baseball though.  I may be going through -woohoo- withdrawal.  Anyway, if you see me, just go -woohoo-, and I will probably respond in kind.
 
I wanna thank those that sent well wishes on the trip to Greenville,SC to announce for the Drive.  It was fun and the crowd was huge.  They asked me back, but there offer only got as high as a BMW and a lifetime supply of beef jerky.  I have a Kia Rio, so my need for a sports car is fulfilled, but in the end, the jerky just didn't cut it.  I love it here, and I can't wait til' next year.  But I do wish Jesse would let me shoot fireworks from the press box.
 
In closing, Happy Birthday wishes go out to Jeanene Rushing.  I won't tell her age, but I will say I dig older women, except for that lady from DesMoines that proposed online.  That was not cool!!
 
Anyway, Jesse, Jamie, Lauren, Chizzle, Derek and me miss you all.  This time of the year is spent working toward next year.  Sadly, I have nothing to announce.  Please join us on Facebook, we're all lonely:(
 
Til' next time folks, grin and bear it:)  

8/26/09

Hello friends of the bear, Brian Rushing back to partake in another Pulitzer worthy trek into the press box at Sims Park.  Welcome back to Bear-ly Blogging.
 
I hope that all your kids are back in school and ready for another great year of school.  Okay, maybe that was a feeble attempt at motivating kids that may be asleep in class right now.  Anyway, wanted to give a big woohoo to Isaiah Sheffield and all the other kiddos that stayed with the Griz all year.  And to think, opening day is only 9 months away! :(
 
Our Grizzlies are back in class and prepping for another offseason filled with books and weight training.  The dream starts all over for a number of players that await their name being called on draft day.  Programs across America begin the sprint to Omaha right now.  That means your Grizzlies are all of about 2 weeks away from cranking it back up with their respective college team.
 
I wanted to conduct my own unofficial awards ceremony, Grizzlies style.  This is not in any way a personal endorsement but strictly looking at the year from my view.  It will offer many anecdotes to recall good memories in 2009.
 
Fan Favorite- uhhhhhhh, maybe Russell Wilson.  If the Jonas Brothers played baseball, that might make people forget Russell.  Fact is, it was clear why this kid was so popular.  Athletic, charismatic, he is what parents look for in your student athlete.  I never saw a time that Russell brought shame to the franchise, lesser disciplined players would, and have besmirched the uniform.  Not a Pack fan, but I will watch if the Pack plays, just because.
 
Most versatile Ivy Leaguer- Greg Van Horn.  In case he ever becomes my boss, I wanna kiss up early.  All the smarts, none of the pretense.  We may never mistake Greg for Manny, but isn't that what we hope for, anyway???
 
Best drafted player this year- Eric Valdez.  For this team, Eric's loss was more palpable than Travis Witherspoon's.  Byron McKoy filled in nicely in center, and having Eric around made us a formidable staff that could have caused a dent in the Petit Cup chase (won by Forest City if you were wondering).  Valdez went to the Mariners and in watching a game in Pulaski this year, it became clear he was ready for the minors.  We wish him well, and soon, the M's need pitching.
 
Best player to be drafted next year- Randolph Oduber.  Oduber makes a different sound when the ball hits his bat, and that matters.  Plus he looks like a player.  The right fit will be essential to his development, but a good farm system could send him skyward.
 
Pitcher of the year- Ben Booker.  Steady all year, and stats to impress.  Tony Skole got a good one for ETSU. 
 
Player that I wish I could have seen more of... B-Mc.  If McKoy stayed injury free, he might have been batting champ.  Follow this kid.  All he does is get hits, and that will make up for questions about stature.  There are lots of 6'2" guys that weigh 195 that can't hit.  B-Mc hits.
 
Player that you want as a next door neighbor- Ty Nelson.  You could see Ty coming over, playing corn-hole, and eating a burger with you after playing wiffle ball with the kids.  If the franchise ever gets a more salt of the earth player, I'll deny it. 
 
Best press box moment-  the night all the mascots come into the box on break.  I thought I was on Noah's ark or at the petting zoo.  Derek Smith was weirded out and I wanted Chic Fil A in a bad way all night after that.  Plus Chizzle was digging the State Farm bear.  And they call it...Cubby love!!! Thanks Donnie Osmond.
 
Fans, I am done for now.  My year goes into full swing this week so I may be a couple weeks before I return to Bear-ly Blogging.  Rumor has it Jesse traded me to the Greenville Drive for a couple bats and a Red Sox t-shirt.  That is just a rumor.  However, I will be taking the press box show on the road Friday night as the Kannapolis Intimidators play in Greenville.  This is my first minor league game as an announcer , so you can imagine how happy I am to be there.
 
Until next time folks, God Bless, grin and bear it!!! 

6/22/09

Hello Griz fans.  Welcome back to the internet home of the Sims Park press box.  I am Brian Rushing, Gaston's Sports Voice and your favorite public address announcer. 

The Grizzlies are finishing the first half of their schedule and I can share the good, bad and last week’s ugly.   First the good:  Randolph Oduber likes to hit the long ball.  He hit his sixth tater in Wilmington to show the All Star fans what they will see in the home run derby.  The ball just does a little more jumping when he hits the ball.  It’s a unique talent to be this young and hit for power.  The bad:  Losing three players to pro ball and seeing Russell Wilson leave to return to the gridiron creates problems for the Griz.  Ted Fallon, Travis Witherspoon and Eric Valdez have all signed and are in camp.  On a personal note, I will see Valdez on Independence Day as the Pulaski Mariners play the Bluefield Orioles in Virginia( Yes, I am going on a vacation involving baseball).  But this draft success has stripped the team of the ace of the rotation, the centerfielder that played stellar defense, and the team’s closer.  The chemistry may be intact, but this team needs a couple things like a closer, another starter that is top of the rotation and another guy in the heart of the order wouldn’t hurt. 

Now, for the ugly.  Last week might have been the worst ball I have seen since the early Griz years.  If it could go wrong, it did.  It happens to teams, and it is good that it happened now.  Truth is, when the team that wins the West first half gets 23 wins or so, you won’t win that division.  So, build for the second half and hit July streaking.

Wasn't Tuesdays game the most bizarre you have ever seen?  The boys put a five spot up in the first with JoeRod on the bump.  The bullpen scuffled in middle relief only to have Laufer vulture a win for the good guys.  Wilson snapped out of his slump and Byron McKoy keeps pounding.   

Come out and see the guys Friday and Sunday.  Sunday is a 5pm start.  Until next time, grin and bear it!!!

6/15/09

Hello Grizzlies fans, welcome to Bear-ly Blogging.  Your look from the press box of Sims Legion Park.  I am Brian Rushing, the High Priest of hyperbole, the Sultan of Verbal Synergy.  

The Grizzlies are 7-4 against every one east of Forest City, NC.  Ofer 5 against the Owls.  The team is gonna miss the ace Valdez; but have more pitching depth than last year.  This team is hitting a bit better, but .222 won’t make it even in this league.  The fans don’t seem to mind.  They keep coming, even in adverse conditions.  It’s like a baseball rebirth in Gastonia….

Which brings me to this.  A familiar face from my past peeked into the press box Tuesday night.  Former Gastonia Rangers’ GM David Haas showed up to shake hands and recount the days of pro ball in G-town.  It was a thrill to see him in my new home at Sims Park.  Last time we were there, I was an annoying kid.  (No, not last month)

He was impressed with the crowd and the excitement, and seemed a bit nostalgic over the view from this grand old park.  When he left, Richard Walker was there and they retreated for the comfort of downstairs.  I realized that I was in some high sporting cotton that night.  It was so cool to know that David saw a kid grow up and do okay for himself, right in his home ballpark.

I got a piece of bad news Tuesday night.  Former SALLY League commissioner John Henry Moss recently suffered a stroke and is recovering but as with any stroke, the trouble could be long term.  You know what this man means to me, he was one of the ones responsible for baseball in my world.  I will pray for him, and hope you do too.  Baseball owes John Henry a debt of eternal gratitude.  I hope he pulls through.  I look forward to seeing him every year at the Cleveland County Hoops tourney.

This Sunday is a day that I have waited for a while.  My baby girl’s birthday and Father’s Day, all rolled into one.  This weekend is going to be great, and I hope that all Dads have a great day.

I was reminded of how great being a dad is the other day.  My kids have gone a long way to make sure that I get a great weekend.  In a huge bag sits all the gifts that await me for Sunday.  The contents are a few homemade cards, a copy of my newest book adventure ‘Chasing Moonlight’ that I highly recommend, and a trophy.  Made from cardboard, aluminum foil, and love, and according to an eight year old, I am the World’s Best Daddy.

Can you know what that means?  We live humbly, and money is tight, but she spared, they spared no expense in a way that mattered most.  They love me to the limit.  I hope each of you can get that love somewhere.

Happy Father's Day, God bless, and Go Grizzlies!!!  

6/1/09

Hello fans and welcome back to Bear-ly Blogging.  I am Brian Rushing, the voice of Sims Park and the High Priest of Hyperbole, the Sultan of Verbal Synergy and the dude that reads all the ads from our wonderful sponsors.
 
Well, Opening Night has come and gone, netting a win against Martinsville and seeing a record 3,402 fans make their way to Sims Park.  What a fantastic night of baseball.  I was so happy to see so many fans at the game being rowdy and having fun.  The folks witnessed eight months of work culminated into one night.  Everyone in the front office and game day staffers have prepared and sweated that night for quite a while.  I had the easy part.  I get to hoot and hollar and have fun with you folks from a great seat.  And then, I get paid... what a deal!!!
 
I do have a few observations from Saturday night to mention.  Alot of you folks had good things to say and I want to touch on them from my own vantage point.
 
The fireworks were great, so much so I think my ears rang all day Sunday.  It was a great end to a fabulous night.  You folks seemed quite satisfied.
 
I think the effort from the Grizzlies was a glimpse of what we could see all year.  Good pitching, clutch hitting, and speed.  Lots and lots of speed.  There were moments that I thought I was watching a relay team.  This is a team built in many ways like the St. Louis Cardinals of the early 80's.  With a few changes, let me take you back:

Russell Wilson- more athletic than Ozzie Smith, but at second base.  This guy oozes athleticism and machismo.

Greg Van Horn- Tommy Herr at SS.  Van Horn is a package of ability and intellect.

Ty Nelson and Joey Stevens- A catching duo like that of Darell Porter and Gene Tenace.  Nelson, gritty, lunch pail type, a real gamer.  Stevens, heady, technically sound, a future manager in the making.

David Chester- Jack Clark in a 21st century body.  You did not see him Saturday, but this guy will drive in runs.

Greyson Schram- Ken Oberkfell  is a stretch, only because Schram swings more aggressively and should spark the offense.

Byron McKoy, Travis Witherspoon, Micah Jarrett-  all in that classic Lonnie Smith, Willlie McGee, Vince Coleman mold.  Spoon looks more like Lonnie Smith, but tracks balls down like McGee.  McKoy is almost a dead ringer for Coleman (just stay away from the tarp).

Randolph Oduber- Doesn't exactly remind me of George Hendrick, more like Pedro Guerrero in later days.  When Oduber gets settled, look out, he could be something.            

In essence, this team could really do damage if they get comfortable with the new surroundings.  It should be a good year.
 
Saturday seemed to be akin to a County Fair.  Games were everywhere for the kids, mom and dads had a good game to watch, and the dj spun records for our drinking patrons. 
 
I hope this will be a place I can share the day to day goings on from the press box.  Other stuff will be on my site, so check it out.  If you have questions, you know where to find me, brian@voicecarolinas.com.
 
Til next time, grin and bear it!!!

5/18/09

Hello to all of my baseball loving compadres out there in Grizzlyland.  It is time once again to delve into the world according to me, the High Priest of Hyperbole, the Sultan of Verbal Synergy, Gaston's Sports Voice, no less.  I hope that these words find all of you well.

Well, as promised, I attended the book signing of 'Chasing Moonlight'.  Brett Friedlander gives a wonderful depiction of Archie Graham that makes "Moonlight" jump off the page.  I am holding out for my copy so a certain group of women can remember Father's Day.  Friedlander is definitely a lover of the grand old game, even if he is a Swampdogs fan.  He seems to be as much a fan of Moonlight as the writer of the book.  He clearly took this on as a labor of love.  I recommend the book a hundred times over.
 
Congratulations go out to our local baseball champions.  Belmont Abbey makes there way to the D-II World Series in Cary, NC by pummeling the higher seeded competition.  Clearly Cinderella is wearing ruby red slippers with spikes.  Go Crusaders!!!
 
Also, the Belmont Middle School won this season's 2009 Middle School crown.  They went wire to wire, undefeated and capped the year off as Andrew Locklear threw a one hitter.  Congrats, Cats!!!
 
In closing, I am going back to last week's blog where I spoke of the waiting for the season to get started.  It is unfair to not share a bit of my wish list for this year.  So, here goes.  In true genie fashion, these are my three wishes:
1) I hope the Grizzlies win the CPL crown. 
2) I hope that each of you will come up and say hello often throughout the year.  Each of you that take the time to frequent this page are really sweet to do so.  You deserve my thanks, personally.
3) I wish that the organization would do something for Victoria Martinson.  This is not original, I am not reinventing the wheel here; but this little girl needs some love and support.  I would wish for the team to have her at a game and allow her dad to throw out the first pitch.  I would wish that the team gives them the chance to embrace our little group.  You can follow their story on www.helpvictoria.org  The story just recently struck me to the point of tears.  I can never imagine being capable of enduring what that little child and her family have suffered.  I wished that the Grizzlies community could reach out to her.  The family needs every corner of love we could afford.           
  
We are ten days away from Opening night.  I can't wait to see all of you.  Please come shake my hand and introduce yourself.  Here is to a great summer!!!  Go Grizz.  Til next time, grin and bear it!!

5/11/09

Hello folks...Brian Rushing back again to give the people what they want.  That is right, Bear-ly Blogging is coming right at you.
 
Two weeks away, are you ready?  I would love to say that Opening Night makes me excited, but I fall into the same trap that eight year olds do at Christmas time.  Around October, I formulate my wish list then ammend everything just before Thanksgiving.  For two weeks, I am so hopeful of what I might be getting.  Then, for no reason, December 12th rolls around and I begin to even forget what I wanted.  And I'm tired of Bing Crosby by then, unless he does that duet with David Bowie that is sweeter than maple syrup on a three pound pancake.  When David isn't Ziggy Stardust, he is actually fairly talented.  Finally, around the 23rd I am excited again.
 
That is Opening Night for me.  I love Opening Night.  But the build up that leads to Opening Night is tough to deal with.  This year I promised to be different but I am still scuffling.  I mean, what haven't I told you.  What don't you know already.  I am waiting on the 28th when I hear the magic words...PLAY BALL!!!!!!
 
So while you are waiting like me, here are a couple things to put on your calendar.
 
This Saturday the 16th, author Brett Friedlander will be at the Library at 2pm to sign and sell his new book 'Chasing Moonlight'.  The book originates from the character in the Field of Dreams movie.  Turns out, after hearing the real story, I was even more adoring of that man than I was before.  He is a great story, and I will be there.  I may even buy the book, but I will definitely hear Freidlander out.  I got to hear most of the story on the radio.  I want to fill in the blanks Saturday, 2pm.     

On the 23rd, the first annual Beer Fest takes place.  I won't be at this event, since I am a tee-totaller; but for beer aficionados, it will be an eventful evening.  Food, beer and song for one price.  If you see the garden on Thursday night, you know there is no shortage of folks that will frequent any festival pertaining to beer.   It would be like some guy named Bubba at a BBQ fest.  I have yet to meet anyone named Bubba that wouldn't hurt a rack of ribs.  A band will be there, but after 9pm, no one will notice.  Robert Plant could show up and he would be persona non grata.  Anyway, if you go, please go responsibly.  Somehow, I think a few of Gastonia's finest will be in the neighborhood, just in case.
 
I wished I had some breaking news to report, but sadly, Jesse has put out a gag order on new news until Opening Night.  I did have to nix the idea of me announcing opening night in a bear skin coat.  I looked like a hybrid of Chris Farley, Sir Mix-a-lot and Perez Hilton.  (Yes, it was that bad!!!!)  Big man in a little......  I have also decided that I will avoid a Krispy Kreme donut dog.  I think I want to return next year. 
 
Well, folks, til next week, Grin and Bear it.   
 
For more good blogging, log onto www.voicecarolinas.com.

4/27/09

Hello folks, welcome back to the only blog that peeks into the press box of Sims Legion Park.  That's right, folks, Bear-ly Blogging is headed your way.  If you are new to this page, welcome.  This is a weekly journey through all things Grizzly.  I am your humble announcer, the High Priest of Hyperbole, the Sultan of Verbal Synergy, Brian Rushing.
 
I took a couple weeks away to transition into summer mode.  Baseball season is off and running and my Mariners are leading the AL West.  College baseball is nearing the end of the regular season and high schools are in the home stretch.  The finishing touches are starting to be placed on Sims Park, and the front office is working feverishly to make sure that 2009 is even better than '08'.  Lauren Lee is beating the bushes selling the last remaining ticket packages.  Jamie Curtis is choreographing the employees and tackling all the logistical obstacles.  Jesse is pounding the pavement, glad-handing anyone and everyone to join the Grizzlies conga line all the way to the playoffs.  I have spent alot of my time practicing my delivery and polishing my pipes.
 
This week, I wanted to take on a serious topic.  It appears that a couple things really caught the fancy of fans and management alike.  In an effort to refresh your memory and lay the ground rules for this year, let me talk about WooHoos and Day-O's.
 
The origins of WooHoos are fuzzy at best.  Commonly referred to as WaHoos from New England natives and lovers of Clam Chowder; WooHoos became a run scoring staple at Sims Park in the second half of the 2008 season.  The sudden exclamation became a fan favorite during the Grizz 7 game win streak in July, as fans would exchange WooHoos with me until the wee hours of the night(or maybe just 5 minutes past the final out, I forget).  Kids are especially fond of WooHoos, but females aged 29-39 were surprisingly on board.  Thursday nights were an exceedingly good WooHoo night, topped only by Saturday nights when Hot Dogs were two for one.

Here are the rules for WooHoos:
1) WooHoos happen on every scoring play
2) No more than two WooHoos happen for any scoring play
3) Three or more WooHoos are reserved for games won at Sims Legion Park
4) WooHoos are not performed when ahead by more than eight runs(it falls under unwritten rules, totally arbitrary)
5) WooHoos are encouraged by fans at any time, which will get an immediate response from me.
6) WooHoos are not a proper way to address your mom or ask a girl out!  Mind your manners boys.
7) If you see me outside of Sims Park, I am contractually obligated to acknowledge your WooHoo with a return WooHoo, though we will both be asked to leave said public place, unless it is Moe's.  Saying WooHoo in Moe's will constitute as applying for a job.
        
Day-O's, made famous by Harry Belafonte and the 80's cult classic Beetlejuice; were intially brought on to involve Yankees fans.  Fans continually repeated the nonsensical melody with glee club precision.  It wasn't until late in the season that GM Jesse Cole realized the ditty was not a recording but a live utterance of yours truly.  The fans attend games repeatedly if for no other reason than to finally get to the end of the song.  Sadly, management has no intention of reaching that climactic end.
               
In any event, we are all feeling the buzz around the park.  After what you folks did for us last year, how could we not get excited?  Until Opening, May 28th, be blessed and Go Grizzlies!!!
 
For more about the "Voice of the Grizzlies", log onto www.voicecarolinas.com 

4/6/09

Hello baseball fans, welcome to Bear-ly Blogging, your weekly look at the world from the press box high atop Sims Legion Park.  I am Brian Rushing, the voice of Sims Park and the Grizzlies, and your guide on this tour.
 
Well, Monday for me was a special time and it had nothing to do with TarHeels or sky blue or anything Psycho.  Monday was Opening day and I was able to breathe in all that makes baseball great, even if it was colder than Prom date rejection.  Opening Day brings my senses to the same conclusion every year.  I love Baseball.  Everything people dislike about baseball is what makes me love it.  I love big league games that last three hours.  I love alternate jerseys and interleague play.  I even love the DH, which always gets my dad's dander up.  He calls it "Japanese ball", and thinks I don't like lemonade, and I kick puppies.  But the truth is, all of these things that are different about baseball from when my dad was my age is what keeps the game so great.  The feel is still the same.  Nothing feels better than finding the sweet spot on a fastball.  Nothing smells better than pine tar, hot dogs and freshly cut grass.  My allergies may disagree on occasion...
 
On top of the usual excitement stemming from Opening Day is the added honor I have of watching Gaston County's best high school players in the 2009 Gaston County High School Baseball Tournament, sponsored by the Gazette and Caro Mont Health.  These sponsors deserve alot of credit for giving this 23 year old tourney some new life.  It was a real labor of love for the sponsors to come off the hip in this down economy.  The Gastonia Parks and Rec Department deserve credit for bringing this thing to the best spot for this tournament.  Sims Park and this tournament deserve one another.  Besides, the most grateful person here is the coach that doesn't have to host the thing on his field.  That is a job!!!
 
The week has given me a chance to reconnect with some old friends and hopefully make a few more.  The first day of the tourney was held at Sims and North Gaston.  Let me tell you, you haven't had a burger or a dog unless it comes from North Gaston.  Call me a homer, but wow, that hit the spot.  Now. if I get invited anywhere else, like Belmont Middle, believe me, that is the best, too!  The point is, and I said it before, local baseball is the fabric of this country.  
 
I ran into my baseball coach at Highland the other day, Coach Kenny Howell.  He spoke of the memories that came back seeing me chat with Chad Brown.  That was funny, memories came to me as well.  I remember the track behind left field where I lived one day after Stanley beat us to a bloody pulp.  I think I just left my shoes there because I knew I would be back tomorrow.  I remember Coach Howell telling my younger brother he has "the prettiest swing of a .250 hitter" he's ever seen.  That might be the funniest thing I remember. Fortunately, Dave finsihed the next year over .400.
 
Clint Medlin of Forestview stole the show Monday night.  Forestview's lefty hurler was supreme that night, stifling the Cats' bats for six strong innings.  I hope the front office reads this so they can start tracking this kid.  It was a very good showing.
 
Friday Night concludes the tournament, so get out and watch these kids. 
 
Now, on the Grizzlies front.
 
Jesse and Eli have been burning up the phones trying to land the last piece or two of this would-be championship puzzle for 09'.  However, I have not seen our former president as of yet.  He was in Arlington Monday, so I guess he is no hurry to get here.  But thanks for the emails regarding the ex-leader of the free world.
 
Don't forget the season begins May 28th.  Get your tickets now.  Call the office at 704 866 8622 and tell them I sent you.  It promises to be a great summer!!!
 
Folks, until next time, grin and bear it!

3/30/09

Hello baseball fans, Brian Rushing back with you for another foray into life at Sims Park.  Yes, it's Bear-ly blogging time.  So glad you are here.
 
Excuse me while I put away my rain jacket.  The weather has not been very kind to everyone playing baseball.  But April looms near, and with  that, the sun will burst out in some warmer weather and temps more conducive to young pitching arms.
 
I had the chance to take in the Belmont Middle School opener against Cramerton and I was so happy to see a few hundred people at the game.  If you haven't, you really should go to Davis Park and take a game in.  People line the streets and pack themselves in game worn bleachers just to watch the local stars of the future.  It is Americana!!! I want to thank the Athletic Department for allowing me to be a part of it all.  A special thanks goes to Neal and LJ for the help getting everything together.  Neal is learning the ropes and could easily displace me as the voice of Wildcats baseball.  It is very humbling knowing you will one day be replaced by a 12 or 13 year old.  Whippersnappers!!!!
 
Speaking of the future, some of your Grizzlies of the future will play next week at the 2009 Gaston County Baseball Tournament.  It will be my busiest week of the baseball season.  Games all week for me.  Monday night starts at North Gaston, then Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will wrap up the tourney at Sims. I have a college game in Spartanburg Wednesday which will prevent me from attending the games at Sims.  So if you missed me, and I know you have, I will see you next week at Sims Park.
 
As I close, let me remind you that Opening Night is less then two months way.  May 28th will be a great night of baseball, followed by a weekend game May 30th.  Fireworks will conclude the Saturday night game.  Please check out the website for more info.  Get your tix now, or you may have to watch from the Marietta Street bridge, and that isn't fun. www.gastoniagrizzlies.com or 704 866 6822.
 
Til' next time fans, grin and bear it!!!     

3/23/09

Hello friends of the Griz, Brian Rushing here to bring you the latest on Bear baseball, that's right, it's Bear-ly Blogging time.
 
I recently got to Sims Park to pay a visit to the Grizzlies front office and catch up with what is new on the horizon.  First of all, some things are sworn to secrecy, so I can't divulge everything.  However, Christmas came nine months early for the organization while I was there.  As it turns out, the new line of Griz gear for the 2009 season is looking really good.  New fibers, new fonts, good stuff, indeed.
 
Then, in walks Perry Spivey.  It has been years since I talked to Perry, and he had no idea who I was.  He gets a pass, afterall, it has been 22 years.  But he brought the new uniforms by.  I must say they look really nice.  The look gives sort of a Wofford Terriers vibe to the team.  I am puzzled as to how that can be.  Who would be familiar enough with the Wofford baseball program to order uniforms that are so similar in nature?  When our GM saw them, he immediately grabbed one and tried to teach a pitching lesson in it.  Jamie and Lauren were both able to wrestle the jersey away from Jesse with no real incident.  That left Jesse to teach with a longing look in his eyes the rest of the afternoon.
 
In related news, attempts to make Sims Park a Wofford satellite campus has been swept under the rug.  Seems funding was an issue.
 
Okay, on to serious business.  It appears those that frequent the blog are overwhelmingly in favor of Ty Nelson being the catcher on Opening Day.  One email gave such a compelling argument for Ty, I have forwarded the email to Eli Benefield and I think the Grizzlies could have our first advance scout.  And who can argue with the numbers?  Ty is hitting .343 with three bombs and 14 RBI.  Those are impressive numbers, indeed.  Barring injury, both receivers probably play in a platoon anyway.  Plus, Ty proves that he could easily be a DH when not wearing the tools of ignorance.

To clarify, I have no preference.  Benefield doesn't call the press box for advice, and I don't catch him at the batting cage, unless I have a NASCAR question.(The whole constant left turn thing at 185 mph still leaves me dumbfounded.  Rational, sane human beings spend hours watching what I try to avoid everyday.)  I gain no personal pleasure in seeing a player on the field or on the bench.  If I pronounce their names correctly, and watch good baseball, the rest is a bonus.
 
Speaking of bonus, have you seen online what some of our signees are doing in college?  Of course not, that is why you read this blog.  I do the work for you, and it's a labor of love, I really mean it!

Jose Cuevas is batting a cool .406 with 9 home runs and 31 RBIs.  Greyson Schram is hitting .451 with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs.  15 and 54 is a good season, and he hasn't gotten to April, yet.  Randolph Oduber is hitting  .451 with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs.  I hope these guys bring their hitting shoes to Gastonia.  If they do, it could be a WooHoo kind of year.
 
Speaking of WooHoo, the new season brings new things.  I want to get some of your new ideas for the 2009 Grizzlies.  If you have an idea, for anything, I want to hear about it.  This isn't something for the front office to determine, just your thoughts.  Should games this year all be played in the day time?  Should the dunk tank be open for two innings instead of one?  Should the Grizzlies put up a slide that Chizzle slides down after every home run, a la Milwaukee, that ends in the beer garden?  Should Sims Park be a country music only facility?  Whatever you think, let me know.  I will not take them to Jesse unless you ask me to. 
 
Lastly, I want to remind you of a couple things.  The 2009 Gaston County Baseball Tournament is coming to Sims Park.  I will not be at all of the games due to other events I am announcing, but you should be there.  North Gaston is much improved, Cherryville is good as usual and South Point looks to paint the place red.  It should be a competitive week of baseball.
 
Also, May 6-10 will be the dates for the 2009 NJCAA Region X baseball tourney at Sims Park.  Some of the best JUCO baseball in the country comes from this region and you want to be there.  It is baseball the way my dad remembers it.  May 6 will be baseball all day, so get your tickets now.  Call 704-866-8622 for information.
 
Well, that does it for me.  If you can't get enough of Bear-ly blogging and me, the High Priest of Hyperbole; go to www.voicecarolinas.com for all kinds of good stuff.  Your friends go there, and they think it's cool.  You deserve to be cool too.  Til' next time friends, grin and Bear it!!!

3/16/09
Hello baseball fans, Brian Rushing here to bring you the happiest time of your work week, Bear-ly Blogging. 
 
I have taken a couple of extra days to check out the baseball landscape.  I know you would imagine I am watching basketball.  But that would be far from the truth.  I am here on a rainy evening, listening to the 80's super soft pop band Breathe, having an introspective night.  Truth is, these nights are fewer and fewer in light of my schedule.  But you people deserve Bear-ly Blogging, and i am here to deliver.
 
This weekend trumpets the beginning of spring and if you are like me, this means that you have watched the Grapefruit League for too long and you are ready for the real thing.  However, with the WBC toiling away at the sensibilities of even the most ardent fans, baseball will begin at the big league level soon enough.  Hang on folks, it won't be long before the Phillies get their rings, Junior roams the Seattle dugout again, and the Yankees send off their first in a series of futile ransom payments for that illusive pennant.  Once that occurs, then it will take no time before you hear me at Sims Park.  However, if you miss me already and must see me before May, just check out the website:  www.voicecarolinas.com.
 
This winter has been very enlightening for me.  It has required me to reach out to you through varying forms of media.  One such form is youtube.com.  I still get people talking to me about Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik and his infamous basepath rant.  Truly classic stuff.
 
However, by far, Facebook has become the most needed networking tool.  The Grizzlies are on there, and some of you have signed on just because of me.  Just know your restraining orders are in the mail!  But the website is a great, unofficial place for friends of the Griz to congregate.
 
With that, I offer you the all Facebook team for the Grizzlies.  A few people that played or worked with the Grizzlies last year that need their own facebook page.
 
For infielders, that honor goes to a man that took on a role as a fan  fave in '08.  Conference USA couldn't contain him, and neither could the CPL.  He is Marshall...Brandon Casamassima.
 
In the outfield, the guy on the this list is without question the guy that spent more time getting dirty than anyone.  He bunted, danced, and bunted some more, and sold Icees -  B-lo berry to be exact.  Making the list, Bryant Lopez.  Congratulations are also in order for B-Lo, who signed to play at UT-Arlington next year.
 
As pitchers, can there be any question?  This hard throwing, good time Charlie became the object of many girls' affection.  Just looking at the Grizzlies video, you see a gut that loves attention more than Chizzle.  Our next pick, Chris Kupillas.
 
Showing some love for ballon animals and bicycle horns, you must have Lula-belle on the list.  To kids, she is the best escape from the rigors of a CPL summer.  Having Lula-belle there meant that I wouldn't be the only clown in the park.  Lula-belle is a mascot for Sims Park as much the Grizzlies, making the night at a Griz game all the more unique.   
 
Now, speaking of our mascot, he would be too obvious for the facebook team.  So the nod does not go to Chizzle, but the guy that keeps him, and all of us in line.  Plus, he spent the sixth inning last year all wet.  This man could have his own reality show and don't be suprised if one comes to Gastonia this year as a promotion.  Our fearless leader, Jesse Cole, is on the list.  (For those that read into this clear political tactic, understand that I re-signed in November.  However, the slumping economy requires that I am especially nice to my boss.  So stop hatin')
 
I would love to put myself on the facebook list, but that is unfair, and pointless.  It doesn't take alot to see I am not exactly a socialite on the networking website.  Besides, the last thing I need is a host of college-aged, single women slapped all over my profile page.  I am a fan of
Breathe, and drink decaf in the afternoon while listening to political talk radio.  That's hardly facebook quality, sorry.
 
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this look at some silly Griz stuff.  Enjoy March Madness, I will see you next time.  Til' then, grin and bear it!  

3/9/09

Hello fans, welcome to Bear-ly Blogging, your one stop shop for all things Griz.  I am your humble keyboard compadre, the High Priest of Hyperbole, Brian Rushing.
 
First of all, I read the March newsletter that our fearless leader has installed on gastoniagrizzlies.com and came to these conclusions.  First, Jesse Cole needs to find a gastroenterologist for the coming year as a sponsor to the team.  Anyone proud of the fact that he devoured eights enchiladas at 'On the Border' is going to end up like a pigeon addicted to pop rocks.  I have tried the enchiladas at 'On the Border', and they are very underrated.  However, I would be out of commission for a very long time if I endeavored to eat like that.
 
Secondly, Jesse really loves baseball.  And it should come as no surprise, considering a lot of the talent that donned the home colors would move on to perform well at their respective schools so far this year.  But it was a complete stunner to get a text message asking me who would I start behind home plate considering that Joey Stevens and Ty Martin are both playing so well.  I won't tell you what I said in reply unless you ask.  brian@voicecarolinas.com
 
So on that note, here is an update on the two backstops for 2009.
 

STEVENS, Joey .387 31  12  3  0  1  13  18  7    . 5 8 1
Allow me to translate... First, thanks to the EKU Sports Info Department. 
Joey is 12-31 with two doubles and a bomb with 13 RBI.  That goes for a .581 slugging %.  Very solid numbers for a newcomer to D-I ball, as well as catching nine games.  If Joey puts up numbers even close to this in Gastonia, he could hit 100 points lower and still have a very solid year.  The Diamondbacks drafted him a couple years ago for his arm and defense, knowing they can teach him to hit a little.  Looks like the scouts may be getting a bit more from the Florida native than initially expected.
 
For Ty Nelson, take a look.

NELSON, TY .385  26  6  10  0  0  2  8  16  .615
Thank you UT-Martin Sports Info (they love the credit, plus I avoid litigation, it's a win-win).  Ty is 10-26 with two taters and eight RBI.  However, his Slugging% is a little better.  It is arguable the two best catchers in the OVC will be fighting for at bats in Gastonia this year.
 
So, who will be the opening day catcher for the Griz.  I will conduct an unofficial poll.  Send me your emails at brian@voicecarolinas.com to enter your feedback.  I will keep the polls open until the ballots stop coming in.  I can't promise that Eli will listen to me, but Jamie Curtis will have fun with it.
 
Lastly, I have had a little practice on the microphone working some games for USC Upstate and North Gaston High School.  The Wildcats were victorious Monday over Highland Tech in their home opener, and I look forward to seeing you folks at a game real soon.  I am getting good practice for Opening Night with names like Henry RRRRRRRRundio playing second base.  That is just a fun name to say!  With the weather warming, you don't have an excuse to not see me at a game.
 
Til' next time folks, grin and bear it!!!  

3/2/09

Hello to all you still ridding yourselves of all the snow.  Brian Rushing here for another installment of Bear-ly Blogging, your one stop shop for all things Grizzlies.
 
First of all, I got snowed out of the press box this week.  Seems that Sims Park is much like the rest of Gastonia in regards of infrastructure to combat a once-in-a-decade blizzard.  So I stayed home like most of you and caught up on such much needed rest.  Even imaginery Grizzly bears need to hibernate now and then.  I was able to find out again why sledding on South New Hope rocks.  The hill at the old hospital is wicked sweet.
 
Baseball for all intents and purposes got put on hold.  Rain and snow wiped out schedules all over the sotheast.  In fact, much of this weekends action will begin on diamonds that are still a bit soft.  Some schools are going farther south just to get in this weekends games.
 
But while watching the fluffy white stuff fall I happened upon an interesting anecdote.  Seems like I was able to draw some comparisons for snow and baseball.  Around here, snow doesn't happen much.  But when the threat arises, we prepare as if an old friend were coming
to pay a visit.  We go to the store to pick up the things we need to make french toast because that becomes everyones favorite meal in snowy weather.
 
We look out our doors when the snow begins as if our grandparents were hauling in presents.  We wake up earlier than normal to see the newly remodeled landscapes.  The ones this week were especially spectacular.  We know already that vacation has been thrust upon us, so we aren't in a great hurry to shave and primp as we typically are.
 
We bundle our kids to brave the cold even though in similar conditions without snow we'd never allow our kids such lattitude. We then descend snowy embankmets risking personal injury in ways we would never allow in mid-July.   Then, we bundle ourselves as if we had been teleported back to the Blizzard of '91 when the ACC basketball tourney was almost postponed.
 
Something about snow makes us feel young again. 
 
Just like baseball.
       
I have had friends tell me repeatedly they can't wait til the summer to catch a Grizzlies game.  That gives me a certain sense of pride.  I can't wait either.
 
I enjoy making the preparations for the coming year.  Studying stats, picking Jesse's brain on why he didn't land the big kid from Gerogia Tech with the 96 mph fastball.  Scouring the memory banks for the next witty thing that will become part of the charm of the press box.  Talking to you guys to see what you want to experience at Sims Legion Park.
 
I can't wait to watch as my family rolls into the parking lot and wave at them from high atop the box.  Can't wait to wave at you guys, either.
 
All of these things are anticipated because they share common denominators.  They unite us, they remind us, they become our memories.  They envelop our senses with welcome things.  They call us home.  They wait on us like we have brought a gift.  And we have.  The gift of presence.
 
I can't wait til' Opening Day.  3,000 of my best friends and family, reuniting for something we anticipated, just like this week's snowfall.  Memories are made at Sims Park... I'll see you there!
 
Til' next time, grin and bear it!

2/23/09

Hello friends of the Grizz, Brian Rushing here for another dip in the interent dunk tank, Bear-ly Blogging.  This week, I will update you on some future Grizzlies that are really making our fearless GM look really good.  Plus, I have another former Grizzlies great on Where are they now?      
 
First, I want to thank all of you for your kind comments on last week's blog.  It is pretty cool when fans come up and acknowledge the effort it takes to pull this blog off.  I am working alot in preperation for the upcoming year.  The kudos from all of you mean alot.  Plus, nothing gets a reaction form baseball fans like the steroids issue.

A number of Grizzlies are making a big splash with their college teams already.  Ben Booker has started the year like he is looking for a pro contract in June.  The Cleveland State Community College pitcher is 2-0 after tossing a 5-hit complete game last weekend.  If Booker continues this pace, he immediately becomes a potential openeing day starter and would-be AllStar. 
 
Jose Cuevas is batting a blistering .556 with 8 RBI and one tater for Western Oklahoma.  I do not drink, but I plan on ordering a Jose Cuevas double every night.
 
Wake Forest pitcher Zach White pitched in relief earlier this week for the Diamond Deacs.  He dealt a scoreless 3.2 innings for the no-decision.  
 
Charlotte native and Temple Owls OF Byron McKoy is batting .267 with a bomb and three RBI.  His three run blast came against Central Michigan last weekend. 
 
If that school sounds familiar, you would be very perceptive.  Chris Kupillas is the closer for the Chippewas, and actually faced McKoy in the eighth inning.  Sadly for McKoy, He flied out to left against the strong righthander. 
 
UT-Martin catcher Ty Nelson hit his first DI homer against Central Arkansas last Saturday.  Ty Nelson has 3 RBI and a .500 slugging percentage.
 
But the most impressive weekend belongs to Randy Oduber.  The Western Oklahoma OF already has four homers and 11 RBI to go with a cool .462 average.  That puts him on pace to hit 68 homers and 216 RBI (Hey, that is fun stat). He is on my fantasy team, for sure.
 
Without doubt, the Grizzlies are in midseason form.
 
I want to thank Andrew from Chaska, Minnesota for asking about the Grizzlies first manager.  Travis Little is this week's Where Are They Now?    
 
Travis Little is the Head Coach at Montreat College of Appalachian Athletic Conference playing NAIA college baseball.  The Pfeiffer grad began his stint with the Grizzlies in 2002 while coaching Bethany College.  That inaugural Grizz squad finished 28-21.  That team had a middle infielder on the club that was being groomed for that very same job.  That player was current Gastonia manager Eli Benefield.  Little recently won his 200th game as coach of the Cavaliers.  Former Grizzlies Daniel Benner and Brian Greene are currently on the Montreat roster.
 
Thanks Andrew for the question, stay warm in Minnesota.
 
Til' next time folks, grin and bear it!

2/16/09

Hello to all the Grizzlies faithful traversing the World Wide Web.  Brian Rushing here to bring you another installment of your favorite peek in the box, Bear-ly Blogging.
 
This week I want to take a different path.  I have heard from a number of you that are beside yourself after hearing about Alex Rodriguez and his fall from grace.  Yankees fans, BoSox fans, even Braves fans are just sick to their gut with the news that another first ballot Hall-of-Famer was cheating.  I must admit, A-Rod's admission had me scratching my head.  Being a Mariners fan, I watched this kid develop into a top flight shortstop.  I was deeply let down when he bolted for Texas.  I was jealous when he donned the pinstripes.  This guy has it all, it seemed.  Money in obscene numbers, the adoration of millions of fans.  The jeers of millions more that would trade it all to be him for one day.  Being friends with Madonna.  Well, three out of four ain't bad!  How could this guy find it necessary to cheat?  What did he possibly think would happen by taking this chance of being outed?  I would like to lend some answers to these questions.
 
Let me refresh your memory with a few people that you might know.  Wes Helms, Kevin Millwood, Scott Stewart, Devin Lowery and Chad Brown.  Wes Helms and Kevin Millwood are easy.  These guys are the latest chapter of Gaston County greats that have had substantial careers in The Show.  Millwood shot through the minors rapidly once he got to the Braves AA affiliate in Greenville.  The Braves were sold on him, and he made it pay off.  Wes lived the life of a high school god in baseball circles.  He followed Trot Nixon as NCHSAA player of the year and the sky was the limit.  He continues to hang around today.
 
Scott Stewart and Devin Lowery went to the show in very different ways.  Scott labored in the Indy leagues until he finally caught on with Montreal.  That was after the Rangers let him go out of A ball.  He managed to stick for a while with Cleveland and LA, because teams need left handed pitching.  Stewart was the culprit of one of the classicly funniest pranks a ball player can pull.(You will have to email me for that exclusive!!!)  Lowery has stayed with one organization, which is a testament to what the Royals think of him.  Another less patient farm system would have never let him see Omaha.  But the Royals have stayed with him and he now wants to prove em' right.
 
Chad Brown grew up around me and I am glad I was around to see it unfold.  He was my first view of what a baseball player looked like.  He was the 12 year old kid that would have been cast as Mickey Mantle in the movie.  Everybody knew that Chad was gonna be a pro ball player.  I had no doubt I was watching the second incarnation of Steve Carlton and Brett Butler rolled into one.  I got to practice with him and it was all I could do to focus on not getting killed with a fungo.  I was observing a kid that had been given a true gift.  And I spent everyday wishing I could be that good, or at least carry that kind of bravado.  Chad never made it to Toronto, but every time Syracuse came to Charlotte, I was there.  I clung to the notion that, maybe, if only, a scout had been there for the Cherryville/Highland game I would have been spotted after that three run blast that never came down.
 
The steroid era has encircled these guys careers like a cloudy asterisk.  Nobody is able to avoid the stigma that has been cast on this game.  No way to really prove the clean players, so all of them cheated.  Major League Baseball wants to stick it guys like Millwood and Helms, because it shows they will leave no stone unturned.  But what about the guys like Lowery and Stewart.  These guys are one good year from getting a fat contract.  Wouldn't that edge be worth it?  How about kids like Chad.  A town of 75,000 people are all expecting this kid to make a big league club, which would set him for life?  Look at the risk/reward.  How can that guy not at least contemplate what a cycle might do for the rest of his life?                    
      
In no way am I asserting that any of these guys cheated, took the juice, or roided' up.  I could never know that about these guys.  But I do know that in clubhouses all over the US, even in Charlotte, guys were faced to choose whether or not to get an edge.  The kid from the Dominican that can't go back home.  The guy with a wife and a newborn desperately wanting a better life.  That is the face of the steroid era.  The broken down has-been looking for one more good year so his pension kicks in.  The once promising prospect wanting to show everybody he wasn't a bust pick.  That is the face of the steroid era.
 
The truth is, this game has become so big, the heroes so mythical, that these players would risk it all for their place in baseball lore.  Kids barely old enough to legally drink were faced with a dilemma.  That dilemma caused choices to be made that immortalized a few, shamed a good number, and even killed one or two.  I thank God that I never became good enough to believe I only needed an edge! 
 
The good news is it appears that baseball has found a way of attacking these problems so people like me only speculate on cheating by looking at scuffs on foul balls or measuring pine tar on bat handles.  The NCAA and NAIA are being considerably more conscientious about the young men that play baseball.  The Grizzlies players that take the field this year are living in a different baseball climate.  God forbid we are ever confronted with a moral and medical epidemic like this again. 
 
For more of Brian Rushing on the web, be sure to log on to www.voicecarolinas.com.

2/9/09

Welcome to Bear-ly Blogging, your look at the Gastonia Grizzlies from the lofty perch high above Buddy Lewis Field at Sims Park.  I am Brian Rushing, Voice of the Grizzlies, the High Priest of Hyperbole, the Sultan of Verbal Synergy.

Wow, I woke up Sunday and thought I had been warped to a different place, a different time.  It was clearly Gastonia, but it felt like Peoria, Arizona in early March.  I immediately grabbed my glove and bat, but quickly realized I needed my racquet instead.  You see, I had to work my day job these last few days and it has thwarted any effort to keep you updated on the latest Grizzlies happenings.  Please forgive my tardy entry.

This week, I want to give you some ideas of what you can do to pass the time in preparation for the 2009 Opening Day.  Several Grizzlies signees will be making stops in the area to play for their respective colleges.  This is a great chance to see very early the prospects for a fantastic year and a significant run to the CPL championship.

SS Garrett Koster and C Matt Thielepape will be playing at home in Rock Hill all season long.  The CPL has a number of players signed out of the Big South Conference.  Go to www.winthropeagles.com for schedule information.

Pitcher Jesse Cadenhead, local product from Denver, brings his Charleston Southern Buccaneers to Rock Hill April 3, 4 and 5 for a potentially pivotal three game series in the BSC. 

OF Micah Jarrett and P Zach White lead the Wake Forest Diamond Deacons to Winthrop March 10.  First pitch is time 6pm.  Again, this is a beautiful ballpark and a very nice 45 minute ride to one of my favorite places in the Carolinas.  I loved my time with Winthrop and I hope to see you down there.

P Benson Merritt (Canisius) and C Ty Nelson (UT-Martin) will journey to Gardner Webb to tangle with the Bulldogs in February.  Go to www.gwusports.com for details. 

P Robert Jeroszko will travel to Spartanburg to play former Grizzlies All Star Kyle Behrendt and Wofford College Friday, May 8, 9 and 10.  Also, the Southern Conference Tournament will be held at Fluor Field in Greenville May 20-24.  I am currently seeking to work the 2009 SoCon Tournament, so check back for updates.

P Will Helms plays for Appalchian State.  That is a fantastic idea for a weekend getaway.  They have a new baseball facility and it’s Boone, what more do you need.  Go in mid April, it is perfect college baseball weather.  Go to www.goasu.com for more info.

P Darrin Tew comes to Gaffney as his Lander Bearcats get it on with Limestone March 4 at 2:30 pm.  Oh, and when you are done, Exit 92 has the KFC buffet.  Fried chicken and baseball, heaven awaits!!!

P Dave Laufer and IF Matt Hamlet bring their BC Eagles to Winston- Salem to take on the Diamond Deacs April 10, 11 and 12. 

OF, Charlotte native, Byron McKoy and the Temple Owls make their way to High Point to scrap with the Panthers February 27, 28 and March 1.

C Joey Stevens and the Colonels of Eastern Kentucky get only as close as Cullowhee, NC as they have a single games scheduled against Western Carolina 4/8.

Of course, if you want to hear me, then come to Upstate next Friday as I open the Spartans season with the Courtyard by Marriott Baseball Classic.  Virginia Tech and former Grizzlies catcher Anthony Sosnoskie will be there as will SIU-Edwardsville and George Mason.

Ok, now you have your travel plans for the spring.  I will see you at the games.  Til then, grin and bear it!!!     

2/2/09

Hello, fans.  Welcome to Bear-ly Blogging, your weekly look at life in the press box at Sims Park.  The audio equipment is ice cold, but rest assured, we get a couple dry runs this month as baseball once again calls Sims Park home.

Elizabeth City State opens the 2009 Sims Park schedule as Belmont Abbey’s opponent on February 11.  The Abbey plays a date at Sims Park on a yearly basis.  It is good for both the Abbey and Sims Park.  The Highland Tech Rams will be making their 2009 debut at Sims Park in March.  The Gaston Gazette will be the title sponsor for the 2009 Gaston County Baseball Championship.  I hope I am there and I hope you will be there.

Many thanks goes to all of you that send me emails at my web addy: brian@voicecarolinas.com.  I recently got one from Jennifer in Dallas.  She asked about the Spring Training schedule for the Grizzlies.  This is a great, often overlooked part of the Grizzlies season.  Let me break it down for you.

The major league teams head to spring training around Valentines Day.  Full workouts start in earnest roughly February 20.  Minor league camp begins around March 1. 

College players, many of whom will play in the CPL this year, began their preseason workouts in early January.  These guys spent an entire semester lifting and running and hitting to be ready for January.  The college season starts for D-II players on February 1.  D-I teams start around the 20th. 

Now, after a long college year, your Grizzlies complete exams, spend a few days with mom and dad and then head here for a short week of getting settled and practicing with their new mates.  That happens around Memorial Day.

In the end, an average Grizzlies player will be a part of 56-60 games before even putting on a Griz uniform.  Tack on the 56+ games the Grizzlies will have, and you get a nice round number of 120 games.  I need a nap just typing all this.  Anyway, thanks for the question Jennifer, be looking for your Grizzlies fan pack in the mail.

If you want your questions answered on Bear-ly Blogging and get a Grizzlies fan pack for your effort, send me a shout: brian@voicecarolinas.com .  I intend on picking two a month.  It will be a cool mix of Grizzlies stuff and VoiceCarolinas gear (I’ve gotta promote my stuff, too). 

My look back at a former Grizzlies player this week is Brandon Durden.  The Georgia native is playing for the Modesto Nuts (California League) in the Rockies chain.  According to Wikipedia, Durden was a party to arguably the greatest manager tirade in baseball history.  Let me refresh your memory: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4DPRuEJUVM

Durden is seen briefly in this clip.  He just happens to be the pitcher that attempted to pick off Kolby Clemens.  Yes, that Kolby Clemens, son of Roger Clemens.

To say this is Durden’s biggest brush with fame is unfair.  In that 2006 season, Durden was a SALLY League All-Star with a 10-4 record and was twice named SALLY League Pitcher of the Week.  He looks this season to progress to the AA Texas League in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

If you have a player that comes to mind, email me.  If it makes me go hmmm, I will put it on.  Til’ next time, grin and bear it.

1/26/09

Hello Grizzlies fans, Brian Rushing here again with another installment of Bear-ly Blogging.  This week we will take a look forward, take a look back and remember a high school memory.  Thanks to everybody that took the time to read last week’s blog.  Your thoughts were very kind.

My look forward this week comes in the form of two players re-signed for next season that I am sure you folks are plenty familiar with.  Joey Stevens and Ty Nelson will tandem this year behind the dish for the Grizzlies.  These two will face off April 4 and 5 at Eastern Kentucky, where Joey Stevens will lead his Colonels against Nelson’s Skyhawks.  Both players represent the Ohio Valley Conference.

Stevens last year showed why Arizona drafted him in the 32nd round in 2007.  Stevens exhibits a strong arm and defends his position quite well.  The 6’4”, 215 pound form makes him durable enough to handle the rigors of the arduous CPL season.

Nelson came in midway through the season and provided a much needed offensive lift for the Grizzlies after Joey Stevens was lost with a fractured hand.  Nelson proved to be equally adept behind the plate.  Nelson’s laid back demeanor makes him a favorite amongst his teammates.

As for analysis, it is always a good thing to have two solid backstops platoon at catcher.  I can see Stevens being the de facto starter, but I expect Nelson to get plenty of at-bats in the DH slot as well as serious action at catcher.  Nelson seemed virtually unfazed by the wood bat in his brief stint with Griz.  Joey Stevens spent a half-month tired and dinged up.  Nelson was thrown immediately into the fire and it showed in the end.  Having both together this season will keep the guys fresh and less prone to injury.

I was thinking back to my high school days this week when a song popped in my head.  I remember sitting at the lunch table with my girlfriends (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it) talking about the new song on the radio from Sir Mix A Lot.  No, ‘Baby Got Back’ came out after I graduated.  This was a song called ‘Beepers’.  It was a little ditty about the newest telecommunications craze that became the status symbol for businessmen and cretins alike.  I was especially amused by the voiceover for Skypager – Northwest.  1-800-759-7243 was the new 867-5309 (Jenny).  In my zeal to uncover truth, I decided to call the number during lunch on the school’s pay phone.  Sure enough, I did not have the PIN number, so my plot was foiled.  But, the girls were impressed that I boldly dialed the number and risked pager humiliation.

That brought forth another stream of consciousness that led me to these pressing questions: Where is Sir Mix A Lot?  What happened to that 80’s super-duo Go West?  What happened to all those SWATCH watches?  Where is Mr. Belvedere?  Does anybody own a Members Only jacket, anymore?  And what happened to the Rock and Roll Express?

So, in a way that only I can offer; I give you GRIZZLIES: Where are they now?   This is a weekly look at former Gastonia Grizzles players that might have slipped your mind recently.

This week we will look at Quentin Davis.  Davis joined the Grizzlies in 2004 via Francis Marion University.  In 2004, Davis batted .303 with 28 steals in just 43 games.  The Darlington, SC speed merchant was later drafted in the 13th round by the Atlanta Braves.  2007 was his biggest stat year in the Braves chain as he batted .349 with 11 triples and 37 stolen bases.  That earned Davis a promotion to AA Mississippi where he hit .191 while swiping 10 bases in only 14 attempts.  As of press time, Davis is still active in the Braves minor league player pool, where he projects to remain in Mississippi.

If you have a GRIZZLIES: Where are they now? request, just email me at  brian@voicecarolinas.com.

I hope you enjoyed the blog this week.  Check next time for more press box banter from the High Priest of Hyperbole.  Until next week, grin and Bear it!

Brian Rushing is not only the ‘Voice of the Grizzlies’, he is founder of VoiceCarolinas here in Gastonia.  Don’t forget to check out www.voicecarolinas.com for Brian’s take on the sports world every day.