TODAY 9-11-2012

TODAY is September 11, 2012. 11 years ago, our lives were changed forever. It was one of those days where people vividly remember where they were and what they were doing when they got the news. I was at home that morning watching TV, Lois & Clark actually. The phone rang and it was my uncle telling mom to turn on channel 3, a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I can still tell yo

u the exact episode and the moment in the episode that was on when the TV changed to the horrific image of the towers with smoke billowing. I couldn’t even imagine what was to follow. None of us could.

TODAY, we honor the heroes. The first responders who ran into disaster, never stopping to think what may happen to them. The passengers aboard flight 93, who fought with their last breathes to see that their plane did not reach it’s intended target. All those who died that day, in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania, and to the families they left behind. The brave men and women who put it all on the line everyday to keep us safe, and to their families at home as well. Thank you all.

TODAY, take the time to let your friends and family know that you love them. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Also, take the time to thank the heroes that are in your community everyday. Those in the military, both home and away, ready to do what is asked of them, and much more. Also, the first responders, who are ready to respond to the call, not always sure exactly what they are headed for. If you see a man or woman in uniform today, say thank you. It is something they are not told enough.

TODAY, and everyday, I am proud to be an American.

Historic Centennial Field hosts a historic moment

2012 has been an unpredictable season for the Vermont Lake Monsters.  Since it has been a while since the last post here, let's start with a quick season recap.

June
18	Tri-City	L 2-10
19	Tri-City	W 7-4
20	Tri-City	W 7-4
21	Tri-City	L 3-5
22	Lowell	L 3-5
23	Lowell	W 8-7
24	Lowell	W 7-2
25	Connecticut	W 3-2
26	Connecticut	Postponed
27	Connecticut	W 9-7
27	Connecticut	L 2-6
28	Lowell	L 5-6
29	Lowell	W 4-3
July
1	Connecticut	Postponed
2	Connecticut	L 0-8
2	Connecticut	L 6-9
3	Connecticut	W 4-3
4	Hudson Valley	W 2-1
5	Hudson Valley	L 0-6
6	Hudson Valley	W 5-3
7	State College	W 4-2
8	State College	W 8-2
9	State College	W 2-1
11	Jamestown	L 2-3
12	Jamestown	L 6-12
13	Jamestown	L 5-6
14	Williamsport	W 4-3
15	Williamsport	L 3-8
16	Williamsport	W 3-2
17	Connecticut	L 3-4
18	Connecticut	L 1-4
19	Tri-City	L 3-6
20	Tri-City	L 0-6
21	Tri-City	L 3-7
22	Tri-City	W 4-2
23	Lowell	Postponed
24	Lowell	L 3-5
24	Lowell	W 5-1
25	Auburn	L 7-8
26	Auburn	L 5-6
27	Auburn	L 0-4
28	Aberdeen	W 7-2
29	Aberdeen	L 1-2
30	Aberdeen	W 8-2
August
1	Mahoning Valley	L 1-6
2	Mahoning Valley	W 7-5
3	Mahoning Valley	L 0-2
4	Batavia	W 7-3
5	Batavia	W 3-1
6	Batavia	W 4-3
7	Hudson Valley	L 5-7
8	Hudson Valley	L 0-2
9	Hudson Valley	L 4-5
10	Brooklyn	L 0-1
11	Brooklyn	L 3-6
12	Brooklyn	L 5-10
15	Staten Island	W 6-2
16	Staten Island	W 3-2
17	Staten Island	L 3-10
18	Brooklyn	W 4-1
19	Brooklyn	L 0-2
20	Brooklyn	L 2-6
21	Staten Island	L 3-5
22	Staten Island	L 0-2
23	Staten Island	L 1-10
24	Tri-City	L 4-7
25	Tri-City	L 2-9
26	Tri-City	L 4-9
27	Connecticut	L 4-7
28	Connecticut	W 9-0
29	Lowell	L 0-6
30	Lowell	W 8-0
31	Tri-City	W 3-2
September
1	Tri-City	W 2-0

With a record of 31-41, the Monsters are in last place in the Stedler Division.  While they are not going to be able to make a repeat of last season, they still play some great baseball.

Saturday night's game was a historic moment in the history of the Vermont franchise.  It was the team's first ever No-Hitter.  Through the combined efforts of pitchers J.C. Menna, Deyvi Jimenez, and Ryan Dull, as well as tremendous support from the rest of the team, they were able to prevent any hits from the Tri-City ValleyCats.  A no-hitter is always an incredibly impressive achievement, but when you consider that they did it against the ValleyCats, who currently have the highest winning percentage in Minor League Baseball, it is a truly amazing moment for the team.

This year may not be a championship season for the Vermont Lake Monsters, but that doesn't stop the fans from cheering on their team.  Things like this no-hitter remind me of why I love Minor League Baseball.  Especially at the Single-A Short Season level, it is common for the team to be over 90% new each season, so the results can vary as well.  The no-hitter is also a good example of how a low record does not mean the players aren't talented.  It just means it didn't line up right this time.

The Lake Monsters are currently in the middle of the final homestand of the 2012 season.  Don't miss your chance to get out and see some great baseball at Historic Centennial Field.  They finish their series with Tri-City tomorrow and then wrap up the season with a 3 game set against the Aberdeen IronBirds.

See you at the ballpark!