Sunday, January 25, 2009

Expect the Miraculous with the Brew Crew


Yesterday, I attended the Brewers On Deck event in Milwaukee held at the Midwest Express Center. I went there wanting to get a photo I have signed by J.J. Hardy, but with only 250 vouchers available per player/coach it was not assured that I'd get the autograph.
My cousin and I got there about an hour and a half before they opened the doors to the center but fortunately we were able to wait in line inside. The line quickly started heading way way way back behind us then proceeded to snake around next to us.
We had heard that there were other such lines and that everyone would be allowed in at the same time. That was a bit of hope because we were maybe only like 150 people away from the beginning of the line.
When the event finally began we ascended the escalator and quickly made our way inside the convention center and b-lined right over to stage two where Hardy would be signing autographs.
My cousin and I were about 75 people or so back from the beginning of the line so at that point I began to realize, Hey, yeah, this is really going to work! The staging area was set up similar to an airport ticket counter with lines guided around and around by barriers. We were on the first row and about 6 feet away from the wall.
It was about 10:30 in the morning and we still had another hour before Hardy would begin signing autographs. On the other side of the stage area that we were on was another stage where all-star slugger Ryan Braun would be signing autographs at 11 am.
Around 10:55 I knelt down to find something in my jacket on the floor. Not expecting what I was about to see, I looked and made eye contact with a passing-by Ryan Braun. In dumb-founded amazement I said,
"Holy shit it's Ryan Braun"
"Hey whats up man?," he acknowledged
"Not too much man," I said
Half an hour after that Hardy passed by, this time it was expected. About ten minutes after that we were getting ready to climb the small stage to get our autographs. Now the autograph vouchers each cost $10 and only one was available per fan who made it into that blessed 250.
My cousin, Jon, was impartial to the autograph and even suggested that he get out of line and give it to someone else. Instead I figured I could use the opportunity to get two things autographed. I told Jon to get my photo signed and I'll have the shortstop sign my jersey which I was taking off my back.
So there we stood, Jon handed Hardy my photo which he signed then I was up. I went up to him and said,
"Hey buddy, can I get you to sign it right here?" Pointing at the spine of the number seven on the back of the jersey.
"Sure" he said.
As he's signing it I said to him, "So man, is it going to be the Cardinal's offense or Pittsburg's 'D' that'll take the Super Bowl next week?"
With a grin he replied, "Oh man Cardinal's all the way. I'm from Arizona so you know how it goes."
"Yeah man," I said. "I know, that's great, I want them to win too. Thanks." I descended the stage in blissful manifestation into a sea of faces and flashing cameras.
This is ancient wisdom applied to modern circumstances. In a totally non-religious way, look at what is written in the gospel of Mark, verse 11:23. In it Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart."
About a week before the event, I became confident in the knowing that I'd be able to get Hardy's autograph despite there being only 250 vouchers available and in upwards of at least over 5000 people due to attend.
What I wasn't expecting that day were the two bonuses that I got. Speaking to Braun was a bonus and then to get not just one but two things signed was also a bonus.
I am at a point where I just can't doubt anything that I put my mind to. Seeing this amazing power at work in my life, manifesting these amazing experiences has left me in the full knowing that absolutely nothing is impossible.
"He that loveth pureness of heart, For the grace of his lips the king will be his friend."
-Proverbs 22:11

Thursday, January 22, 2009


The Brewers are wrapping up talks with first baseman Prince Fielder on a two year, $18 million deal. A detailed account of the Brewers' deal with Fielder will be released within the next 24 hours. It could be released at "Bob Uecker's Winter Warm-Up," which will be held Friday evening in downtown Milwaukee.


Fielder's contract will cover the first two of three arbitration seasons he is eligible for. The vegetarian slugger must pass a physical before the contract will be enacted.


Last season, Fielder hit .276 with 34 home runs and 102 RBI, which followed his career 2007 season. He had 50 home runs and 119 RBI in 2007. Barring any injuries, Fielder's 2008 statistical season can be expected from the third-year Brewer.


Recent players offered arbitration-avoiding deals include shortstop JJ Hardy and pitcher Dave Bush. Hardy was offered a one year, $4.65 million deal. He hit .283 with 24 home runs during the historic 2008 season. Bush had a 4.18 ERA in 31 games last season, of which he earned 16 quality starts.


Arbitration-eligible players remaining include pitcher Seth McClung, right fielder Corey Hart, and second baseman Rickie Weeks.