Blessings & Radar Guns

My brother came to me and asked to talk with me in private. I chatted with him and he asked me to go with him to Eugene. I asked why and he told me "I want to try out for the Padres!" I was very excited for him. He woke me up at 6:30am and we headed out just shortly thereafter. The drive to Eugene was quick, only took an hour and 35 minutes. We were not speeding....well just a little. We arrived at Civic Stadium just before 9am. Ben met the scout and filled out the paperwork. I found a nice shady chair on the deck and just enjoyed the cool northwest morning air. The sun was shining in full force, so I left the shade and sat in the sun. The players were just tossing around the ball and stretching. The scout called in the group and gave a quick schedule of events. Pitchers would throw bullpen last. Since my brother is a pitcher, we were going to be there for a bit. I just sat back and enjoyed the morning. Outfielders and infielders did what they came to do. A couple boys that showed up....lets just say that they weren't going to be making any team from rookie ball to the show. They were there for the experience and to say that they have tried out. They were not good. Finally the pitchers threw. The scout had the gun and was asking for pitches. Ben was the fourth to throw. First pitch, fastball, 87 mph. WOW. The scout and coach of the legion team were kinda stunned. To that point, the fastest was 84 and that was a first pitch and the speeds of the other pitcher were all down from that. Ben was consistent. The scout clocked many pitches at 85-86 for fastballs and the slider topped out at 80. Ben's change was in the low 60s. Thats very good for a change. Ben finished and the scout had a ton of questions for him. He was very impressed with Ben and how he threw. That made for a great ride home. I was glad I went. I guess I can say that in someways, I'm glad not to be working this summer. I've had the chance to see and do some things with family and friends that I wouldn't of been able to do if I was working. Having my family here from Michigan and spending time with them has also been a great thing. I've been blessed this summer.....and very thankful that I have been.