Comfort Home League

[Sparrow]

October 3, 2009

"I imagine you're feeling pretty good. I mean, could the news have been any better! Only a handful of people filed for the major league draft. That must be due to the enthusiasm for the start up of the Comfort Home League. People are going to come play. Good people too!"

"I don't find this news good at all. I hear they're going to cancel the draft. People look forward to it every November 1st since 1871. It's a tradition. Plus this news is distracting from the playoffs, and that's never good. MLB is helping fund our league, we have a great relationship. I don't think this bodes well for our relationship with MLB moving forward."

"Your're just a Negative Nancy. The Comfort Home League will be thriving in no time. Perhaps bigger than the MLB."

"That's not our goal. That shouldn't be our goal. You know that. Our community first league will be great, and has a niche, perhaps a large one, but I don't think we should try and compete with MLB. We should be collaborating with them, increasing the passion and love for baseball."

October 5, 2009

"Did you sign it?"

"Yeah, had no choice. They were going to pull our funding if I didn't."

"So any player that is associated with the Comfort Home League can never be a part of MLB, and vice versa?"

"Yup, but it did force a few Colleges and High Schools to commit to provide players for our amateur draft. So that's good. Plus our International Youth League is going to be okay'd. I thought they were going to shut that down."

"Well, we should still have a huge group of players for our inaugural draft. Are you still thinking 16 teams?"

"Maybe...we'll see. We have everything in place to start with that many teams, but I'm done talking and thinking about politics. From now on, I'm focusing on my love for baseball. I plan on watching all 4 playoff games today."

"I wish the Padres were in it."

"I just want to see some good baseball..."

October 25, 2009

"Ummm...."

"Way to go Brewers. Second World Series title in 4 years."

"That's not what I was gong to say."

"Oh, you mean how MLB postponed their draft, added 5 levels of minors to each organization, secretly went around the country signing some of the best unsigned players, and put the amateur draft on the same day as ours?

"Yeah that."

"I told you I'm done with politics. There's enough athletes and passion for both leagues to succeed. Before you know it, it will be January 1st, we'll be holding tryouts, have the draft on the 2nd, and moving forward. Wanna play catch?"

"Sure."

[Sparrow]

12/31/2009

"Finally, the tryouts are tomorrow. Baseball tomorrow."

"How many players do you think will show up? How many teams can we have?"

"I'm still not worrying about that."

"But how did you know how many sandwiches to get?"

"Ahhhh, baseball tomorrow."

[Sparrow]

1/1/2010

It was going to be a seasonally warm day for January 1st in the Midwest. Those who believed in omens knew this was a good one. Those that didn't, appreciated the stroke of good fortune. There was an indoor facility prepped and ready to be used but it was too small and would have been limiting. The grass was brown and dead, but there was no snow, and the infield dirt was as it should be.

Tryouts were to start at 10, as even the warmest days are cold in the morning. At 10, all participants were to be stretched out and ready to go. Sunrise was at 7:28, and already Robin Bastion, the founder, his wife Jane, and their son Reed were waiting to see who who'd pull up. They weren't alone. Bill Ruffin, an 18 year old from Pittsfield Massachusetts was jogging along the warning track, mitt on his left hand.

This league is trying to attract people for the love of the game. The salaries won't match the MLB. The ballparks can't match the MLB's parks in beauty, architecture, size, or history. But what it can offer is the chance to appreciate the game without moving your family from city to city, without the long travel days, or weeks, and a chance to beat some of the hollowed records in the long history of the MLB.

Can you beat the 47 game hitting streak set be Miguel Dillone in 1982? 4 players have homered in 7 consecutive games, can you be the first to do so in 8? No player has ever gotten 7 hits in a game or struck out 20. Can anyone have a season more astounding than Lou Gehrig in 1930 when he hit .394, belted out 48 home runs, and had an OPS of 1.286?

These are records and benchmarks held by the best of the best, and now there is a professional league where some of these seemingly unbreakable records can be challenged. And if you find the MLB records too daunting, be the first to score 100 runs. Hit more doubles in a single season than anyone else. There are so many records to be appreciated and set in this new upstart league, and so much baseball to be enjoyed.

This league has a niche. For the longest time the MLB had 30 teams and that was it. That left a lot of talented athletes, some talented enough to play in the MLB, without a place to play. The inclusion of the minor leagues has impacted this somewhat (added 10/25/2009), but there are still plenty of baseball athletes out there, and today, if you believe in omens, they will come.

[Sparrow]

1/1/2010

305 people came to try out for the new league. This was fewer than expectations, but nobody seemed disappointed. This would allow 4 teams, each with one minor league affiliate. A small league for sure, but it's still baseball. All 305 were between the the ages of 18-28, an appropriate age for picking up your life and dedicating it to a new community built around a sport. Well, 304 were in that age range, there was one 40 year old pitcher, who at the end of the day realized he couldn't keep up, his love for the game wasn't enough. Fortunately, the league still needed a radio broadcaster.

During one bullpen session a crowd gathered. The pop of the catcher's mitt seemingly could be heard for miles. The ball, on the other could not be seen, it was travelling up to 100 miles an hour. The catcher was muttering how happy he was that it wasn't 40 degrees out side, he couldn't feel his hand as it was. Hector Limon, the 6'4" 220 pounder out of Nashville, loved the crowd, and put everything he had into every throw. After all, they only get one day to impress before the draft. As one aspiring player said "I could see hitting against him. I'd have no problem watching 3 pitches go by and heading back to the dugout, but....I don't think he has any clue where the ball is going. That's what's scary."

Jeff Jackson, who came with the nickname "Franchise" had a tick less velocity, but appeared to have impeccable control and late movement on the pitch. For someone who proclaims himself the franchise, he really was easy to get along with.

Dave Roberts, a lefty out of California, was putting on quite a display in the batters box. He hit nearly every pitch well over the wall in right field. When the drill changed, he started peppering lined shots into the gaps and down the lines.

There were a handful of guys who seemed intent on showcasing their speed. They raced from the center field wall to the left field foul line, bending over, hands on knees, panting and laughing at the end of each race. Most people thought Mike Garrett had the best wheels of the crew but it was close.

Greg Hayden looked every bit the part of a center fielder. He seemed to start moving before the ball was hit. And his lines were straight. You got the feeling that when he was out there, you could play with 2 in the outfield, and 5 across the diamond. John Miller, on the other hand, wasn't as fast or quick to the ball, but people were comparing his arm to Hector Limon, as he had an absolute cannon.

On the infield, Will Foster didn't miss a ball. Not once...all day. This was made all the more impressive by the fact that he was equally good at getting to balls moving to his left or right, showing tremendous range.

All in all it was a tremendous day. Everyone left excited, and most left happy. Some were discouraged by their performance, staying past the 5 PM sunset, trying to prove their pitch really does break, or they can hit the ball over the fence.

The anticipation for the draft the next night was high. Some people were sure to get drafted early, but every single ball player that showed up that day truly believed there was a good chance they would hear their name called tomorrow night. It might not be until round 50, but they all went to sleep that night knowing they had a chance. And that was enough.

[Sparrow]

To the players, the coaches, and this writer, it seemed like an eternity from the end of tryouts to draft night. But, in reality, it was only 26 hours. The draft was at 7 PM central, and every single player was there on time. There were a few dressed up, but most were more interested in playing baseball, and getting this league started, than coats and fancy shoes. There was a local media crew with a video camera. They left after the first pick was selected. There was also a blogger, who tweeted updates on the draft. This twitter account became well followed as fans started to get behind this upstart league.

Before the draft, Robin Bastion came out to say a few words. There is a transcript of the speech available, but it was very long, cliché, and all in all, boring.

Finally, a representative of each team sat around a single table in the front of a large auditorium, which held all the players, coaches, a media crew, a blogger, some family members, and a couple fans.

Jack Stanton, the 40 year old who came to play, but quickly transitioned to being the radio broadcaster had four cards in his hand. The ace, 2, 3, and 4. These cards were to determine the draft order. In an over-dramatic display of shuffling, he made it clear there was no bias in the way these cards were distributed. He then slid one card to each representative.

The order was:



And so, at long last, the 50 round draft began and the league was on its way.

[Sparrow]

Round 1:

Birders select SP, Stuart Wood, RHP, 18 years old.

Hiders select LF, Dave Roberts, 26 years old.

Rascals select SP, Pat McDermott, RHP, 21 years old.

Jurors select 1B, Tyrone Cook, 28 years old.

[Sparrow]

The draft was over. Some players left happy, some clearly disappointed. There were 50 rounds, 200 players were drafted. Leaving 104 players that would fill the initial free agent pool.

The drafted players were quickly told whether they would play in the majors or the minors (AA) of course with the caveat that all things are subject to change.

Ryan Jenkins was elated when he heard his name in the 18th round. Then the Daly City native realized what he heard. "Relief pitcher." He thought of himself as a SS. He didn't realize how valuable a 94 MPH fastball with late movement was.

It was the last pick of the draft. Roy Phillips was sitting next to his life long friend Drew Blake. They carpooled to Missouri together from San Antonio. They grew up as neighbors and remained close. They thought they'd see some other people they played ball with but they were the lone representatives from San Antonio. To this point neither had been drafted. When the last pick of the draft was indeed Roy Phillips, they shared a look, no words. Just lots of mixed emotions, and a couple pats on the back.

Everyone, including this writer, anticipates a quiet couple months until the Spring Training Schedule starts.

[Sparrow]

03/06/2010

Jack Stanton here, the voice of the Comfort Home League. I apologize for the technical difficulties, I know you were promised live radio broadcasts of the first Spring Training game, but it just wasn't to be. Now that we are live, we have been told due to programming issues, we have to keep the post game wrap short.

Around 1700 people came out to The Nest for the double header. The weather was cold, yet the fans that came were excited to see baseball and the new league. I have to imagine the organizers are a bit disappointed with the crowd size, but those that came had great enthusiasm.

Good baseball was played today. The league started with Scott Johnson throwing a called strike. 3 pitches later, Seb Kennelly grounded out to second. In the bottom of the first, Edward Graham struggled giving up 4 runs in his only inning of work. The 4 runs by the Jane Jurors were enough to carry them to a 5-2 victory over the Thistle Hiders, who never really mounted a come back.

Al Turnage, who started at SS and moved to third for the Hiders, was the player of the game, getting 3 hits, scoring once, and knocking in a run. He also doubled twice.

The night cap saw the Reed Rascals cruise by the Robin Birders 7-3. Jim Baker hit a monster shot for the first home run of the league. It traveled an estimated 434 feet, and was in the air for a minute and a half. Well, it did go 434 feet.

All 6 Birder pitchers gave at least 1 free pass. Bernie Covington, who came into the game in the seventh, made 2 errors at 2B, for a very forgettable first game.

Opening day also saw the leagues first 2 injuries, but neither player is expected to miss more than a week.

That's all the time we have, thanks for tuning in. Tomorrow, we should have baseball on the radio and I hope you join us.

[Sparrow]

3/7/2010

Jack Stanton here, as we continue our post game wrap up after the Thistle Hiders defeated the Reed Rascals 4-2 in 13. And here we are with the hero of the game Ryan Gordon.

So, Mr. Gordon, did you know that ball was out when you hit it.

No, I didn't. I saw their RF head back and stop at the track...I thought he was going to catch it but fortunately the ball carried and went over the wall and we got the win. Not a bad first hit huh?

Not bad at tall. That's right you were 0-5 going into that AB. Has the organization given you any indication what your role on the team will be?

No, I'm just going out there, working hard and hoping for the best.

I assume since you were the third round pick you have a spot on the team.

Nothing is a given, just putting in the work, having fun, and letting the rest happen.

Well, thank you for joining us, congratulations on your first hit and home run.

Thank you.

There you have it folks. Ryan Gordon, Hiders RF. Stay tuned, game 2 of the double header, Birders at the Jurors next.

[Sparrow]

3/7/2010

Jack Stanton here. Since the first game went into extra innings, we don't have much time for the interview for the night cap which saw the Birders beat the Jurors 4-1. Ken White is here with me, the SP for the Birders.

Ken, you pitched 4 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits and striking out 2. I think the most remarkable part is you did it in only 35 pitches. What's your secret?

Well, I just went out there pounding the strike zone. Some balls were hit hard, some less hard. There was some good defense behind me, and a couple balls were right at people.

Well, that's all the time we have, thanks Ken.

Thank you.

Have a good night everyone, see you tomorrow for another Spring Training double header.

[Sparrow]

Owner

Ed Gregory. He is described as a lenient and patient man. He feels like the team should have a winning record.

Pitching

Scott Johnson is by far the ace of this staff. He throws a cutter, slider, and a changeup, and gets a ton of ground balls. His control is impeccable.

Offense

Tyrone Cook is a 6'4" first baseman with tremendous power. He has also taken over as one of the leaders of the team.

[Sparrow]

Owner
Shannon Case expects a winning record. He maintains a tight grip with the financials, but understands that even a good front office will suffer some bad seasons.

Pitching
They are led by 21 year old Pat McDermott. With a slider, fastball, and changeup he excels at challenging hitters and keeping the ball in the park. Scouts say he doesn't have swing and miss stuff, so will have to be more of a finesse pitcher if he hopes to have success.

Offense
Chris O'Brien is only 22 but this third basemen can hit. His patience and bat control make up for what he lacks in raw power.

[Sparrow]

Owner
Gary Stevens says he'll be happy with .500 ball. Those close to him laughed when they heard that quote. Most think of him as an impatient penny pincher who tends to meddle.

Pitchers
Stuart Wood is expected to be the staff ace. At only 18 this may sound like too much, but scouts literally droll when they see this kid on the mound.

Offense
Tony Thomas, a 22 year old left fielder, excels at everything except defense. Power, contact, and speed, Thomas should be a fun one to watch.

[Sparrow]

Owner
Davy Howard is already talking about playoffs. Hard to believe when the season, well the league, hasn't even started. He is described as an economizer, but also expected to be understanding with team results.

Pitching
Edward Graham has the stuff to succeed on the diamond. Personal problems prevented him from interacting much during Spring Training so his personality is unknown. Everything is now resolved and he's ready to commit to the Hiders.

Offense
Dave Roberts has exceptional talent. Great in left field, great with the bat. The only thing that will hold him back is his selfish attitude and poor work ethic.

[Sparrow]

4/5/2010

It seemed like a century since The Comfort Home League had is Inaugural Draft back in January. In reality it had only been 3 months. Now, on Monday April 5th, the Jane Jurors were ready to square off against the Thistle Hiders. The league only had one stadium, The Nest, so there isn't much of a home field advantage. Tonight, the Hiders were slated as the home team.

15,921 fans showed up, just 79 shy of capacity. There were a lot of St. Louis Cardinals hats as the fans hadn't had much opportunity to fall in love with the teams and players of the Comfort Home League yet. It was cold but clear, at 47 degrees and a 9 mile an hour wind blowing out to right. Everybody old enough to stand did so and clapped and yelled as loud as they could as the Thistle Hiders took the field.

If you were at home you would have heard Jack Stanton's voice on the radio:
"Edward Graham, the Hiders opening day right hander peers in to get the sign from Jim Barnes. Luis Antonio Herrera stands in, a left, waving his bat wildly over his left shoulder. Everyone is on their feet in anticipation of the first pitch. Graham's left leg steps back, the windup and a 91 mph fastball just off the corner. Barnes stands up and tosses the ball into the dugout. The first historical memorabilia as this game, season, and league are all under way."

With one out in this top of the first Gil King rips a fastball on the outside corner down the line in left. The Comfort Home League has its first base hit, a double. In the same inning, with 2 outs, Mike Miller turns on a fastball, parking it in the bullpen for a 3-run homerun. By the end of the inning, the Mike Miller jerseys were already sold out.

By the end of the game the Hiders out hit the Jurors 17-6 but lost the game 6-5. The fans went home thrilled. The game was close throughout, a runner was thrown out at the plate. The only down side was Chris Gunther hurt his leg sliding into third. Fortunately it turned out to be a claf cramp, and he will be fine by tomorrow.

Scott Johnson got the win, Joe Wallace the save, and Edward Graham took the loss.

And the player of the game:

Mike Miller- 2 for 5 with a home run, 3 RBI, and scored twice. The first home run set the tone and the Jurors were able to use that momentum to win the game.

[Sparrow]

4/6/2010

In the day game, fans were treated to 24 hits, 14 of them by the winning Birders. Tony Thomas, LF, and Walt Waters, RF, combined for a 6-6 day with 4 doubles, 4 walks, and scored 5 of the 9 runs. What a day for the corner outfield.

Player of the game:

Jorge Castillo, SS for the losing Rascals had a great opening game going 3 for 5 with a home run and a SB. He also committed the only error of the game, though it didn't result in any runs.