To all recent graduates,
As I sit in my living room, piling around all the job ads I should be applying to, I have been thinking about the mentality of a job seeker. As many of us know way too well, this is not the best of economic times. Whether you are still searching for the right opportunity, took a decent job just to move away from home, barely making rent or even working for your dream employer, the same mentality applies.
Recent graduates have forgotten about the work we have done. Many of us, who have recently graduated from a four-year university, are forgetting about what we have accomplished. Whether you went to the University of Illinois, Montana, West Virginia or Judson, you did the work to get out of there alive. You had those all-night study sessions cramming a semesters’ worth of material into your brain. You sat through those boring lectures that counted towards your attendance grade. You went into office hours trying to get help on that lesson you learned last week. You did it all.
Now, since some have graduated and have yet to find that perfect fit somewhere, we forget about everything we have done. Graduating college is no small feet. Just because we are not where we thought we would be, doesn’t mean we are failures. I know from first hand experience that I have felt like a failure in these last couple of months. I then ask myself; why am I failure? I know I have done all I can to land that great writing job I know I deserve. I know I got through college, met new people, branched out and did things I never thought I could. I am sure everyone had great accomplishments during those four amazing years that they never even dreamed of.
What I am trying to say is that no matter where you are in life, you can’t forget what you have achieved. Just because you are not where you want to be now doesn’t mean you won’t get there. Failure is defined as an act or instance of failing or proving unsuccessful. None of us are that. I think everyone needed to be reminded of this.
Thanks for listening.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The gift of sports and the ESPYS
Every year, I look forward to July, not for fireworks, but for the ESPY awards. The Golden Globes of sports recaps the year with drama, comedy, shock and inspiration. It reminds us why we love sports in the first place. It makes us appreciate what a team has accomplished, not only for themselves, not only for their owners, not only for their city, but for an entire world.
The three moments that stood out to me tonight dealt with the unfortunate circumstance between former Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce, the Thomas family forgiving the Becker family, and of course the Jimmy V award.
For those of you who don't know, Armando Galarraga was throwing a perfect game with only one batter left. He forced a groundball and covered the bag just like a pitcher is supposed to. It was a close call, but when you saw it live, you knew he was safe. Instant replay confirmed the 27th out. However, Jim Joyce called it like he saw, just how he always has; safe.
Everyone, including Joyce, after he watched a replay, knew he was out. Later on, before leaving the ballpark, Joyce went up to Galarraga to personally apologize. Galarraga, who would have gone down in the record books, humbly accepted the apology.
Joyce later said I took a perfect game away form that kid and there is nothing I can do.
The next day, Joyce was at homeplate where he accepted the lineup cards from each team. I bet you would never guess who would bring out the card for the Tigers. Armando Galarraga came out of the dugout and the first thing he did was pat Joyce on the back. They then had a hearty handshake, the kind of shake that men have.
These are the kinds of heroes that youngsters should look up. Not because of their talents or fame, but for their character, sportsmanship and respect they showed for one another. Imagine doing something in your profession that only a couple dozen people have done, ever. Imagine having that feeling of greatness and accomplishment tingle throughout your body and all of a sudden; gone. That's what went through the mind of Galarraga. Yet, he was able to put all that aside, the fame, the history, the glory, and forgive the man that took it all away. That is the hero we should all look up to.
What about Joyce? To be able to live up to your mistake and announce it before the entire nation, takes a lot of guts. How many of you out there have ever made a mistake at work? I am willing to bet 99.9 percent of you say you have. When umpires make mistakes, they get yelled at by thousands of screaming fans. But that wasn't enough for Joyce. He was criticized and put in the spotlight for the weeks to come in newspapers across the country. We are all human. But the people who live up their mistakes, realize what they have done and accept the outcome are the truest humans of them all. Joyce, just like Galarraga, is the kind of hero we should look up to.
Later on, I will write about my other two moments from tonight.
The three moments that stood out to me tonight dealt with the unfortunate circumstance between former Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce, the Thomas family forgiving the Becker family, and of course the Jimmy V award.
For those of you who don't know, Armando Galarraga was throwing a perfect game with only one batter left. He forced a groundball and covered the bag just like a pitcher is supposed to. It was a close call, but when you saw it live, you knew he was safe. Instant replay confirmed the 27th out. However, Jim Joyce called it like he saw, just how he always has; safe.
Everyone, including Joyce, after he watched a replay, knew he was out. Later on, before leaving the ballpark, Joyce went up to Galarraga to personally apologize. Galarraga, who would have gone down in the record books, humbly accepted the apology.
Joyce later said I took a perfect game away form that kid and there is nothing I can do.
The next day, Joyce was at homeplate where he accepted the lineup cards from each team. I bet you would never guess who would bring out the card for the Tigers. Armando Galarraga came out of the dugout and the first thing he did was pat Joyce on the back. They then had a hearty handshake, the kind of shake that men have.
These are the kinds of heroes that youngsters should look up. Not because of their talents or fame, but for their character, sportsmanship and respect they showed for one another. Imagine doing something in your profession that only a couple dozen people have done, ever. Imagine having that feeling of greatness and accomplishment tingle throughout your body and all of a sudden; gone. That's what went through the mind of Galarraga. Yet, he was able to put all that aside, the fame, the history, the glory, and forgive the man that took it all away. That is the hero we should all look up to.
What about Joyce? To be able to live up to your mistake and announce it before the entire nation, takes a lot of guts. How many of you out there have ever made a mistake at work? I am willing to bet 99.9 percent of you say you have. When umpires make mistakes, they get yelled at by thousands of screaming fans. But that wasn't enough for Joyce. He was criticized and put in the spotlight for the weeks to come in newspapers across the country. We are all human. But the people who live up their mistakes, realize what they have done and accept the outcome are the truest humans of them all. Joyce, just like Galarraga, is the kind of hero we should look up to.
Later on, I will write about my other two moments from tonight.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The streak continue
Hello loyal readers,
Long time no talk. At the request of another die hard Sox fan, JA, I stopped writing for a little due to their recent hot streak. Well, the consecutive win streak ended, at a game I was at the by the way. However, like any good team, when one streaks ends, another begins.
The Sox in the last month have been displaying traits I haven't seen since 2005.
No. 1 - Hustle and Defense.
This team wants to win. On a any groundball, base hit, line drive or pop out, these team hustles. Many players in this league, hello All-Star Hanley Ramirez, do not run out groundballs or go all out for pop outs in foul territory. The Sox are not these kind of team. Next time you watch a game, watch how hard Alexei Ramirez runs out a routine out. The bullet tries to be out every single ball. When he is robbed of a call, he lets the umpire know it. You know what? That is the passion that drives a successful team. How about defense? Midway through last season, numerous critics said Ramirez could not make it as a major league shortstop. People said he lacked focus. Look at him now. He is arguably the best defensive shortstop in the AL. Ramirez is arguably the Sox MVP for the first half of the season.
No. 2 - Starting Pitching
Anyone who saw the '05 Sox can not tell me this last month doesn't remind you of that rotation. Even with Peavy out for the season, which I called by the way when he went a complete game in Washington three weeks ago, these starters can pitch. The man leading the way is the supposed No. 5 starter Freddy Garcia. I heard an interesting comment on the 670 The Score today. A team's 5th starter is supposed to eat up as many innings as possible. They are not to be judged by their record. When it comes to the south side, every pitcher is judged by their record or ERA. Garcia has the third best ERA among Sox starters and has almost equaled the total innings of Floyd and Peavy, who have both pitched in one more game than Garcia. This rotation is finally starting to show what we all hoped for last winter.
No. 3 - Bullpen
This bullpen is flat out the best in baseball. Let's start with my man, All-Star Matt Thornton. This guy dominates, and I mean dominates the AL with essentially one pitch. Guys go up there expecting and seeing a fastball, yet still miss it. Occasionally he will fool you with a curve or slider, but once you expect that, there is no way you are catching up the 98 MPH heat. How about offseason acquisition JJ Putz? He has been nothing short of spectacular. When Jenks came out, he and Thornton proved they could handle closer responsibilities. His ERA is 1.64. Yeah, that's pretty good. And how about converted infielder Sergio Santos? This guy just seems like a winner and has shown it on the mound. You can't tell me he wouldn't be an eighth inning guys on numerous teams in the MLB. Let's finish with our big closer Bobby Jenks. The season did not start off great. Later on, White Sox reliable beat writer Joe Cowley reported that Jenks was disappointed with how he was being treated by the fans. You know how to solve that Bobby? Go out and pitch. Don't quote me on this, but I think he has converted his last 20 save opportunities and has only blown ONE save. I will take that any day.
Overall, this is a team that can succeed. So go ahead Miguel Cabrera, try to catch up to a Matt Thornton fastball. Ron Gardenhire, try to out coach Ozzie and the best pitching coach in the league Don Cooper. The second half of baseball is going to start heating up, but I am confident our South Siders will be able to stay cool come October.
Long time no talk. At the request of another die hard Sox fan, JA, I stopped writing for a little due to their recent hot streak. Well, the consecutive win streak ended, at a game I was at the by the way. However, like any good team, when one streaks ends, another begins.
The Sox in the last month have been displaying traits I haven't seen since 2005.
No. 1 - Hustle and Defense.
This team wants to win. On a any groundball, base hit, line drive or pop out, these team hustles. Many players in this league, hello All-Star Hanley Ramirez, do not run out groundballs or go all out for pop outs in foul territory. The Sox are not these kind of team. Next time you watch a game, watch how hard Alexei Ramirez runs out a routine out. The bullet tries to be out every single ball. When he is robbed of a call, he lets the umpire know it. You know what? That is the passion that drives a successful team. How about defense? Midway through last season, numerous critics said Ramirez could not make it as a major league shortstop. People said he lacked focus. Look at him now. He is arguably the best defensive shortstop in the AL. Ramirez is arguably the Sox MVP for the first half of the season.
No. 2 - Starting Pitching
Anyone who saw the '05 Sox can not tell me this last month doesn't remind you of that rotation. Even with Peavy out for the season, which I called by the way when he went a complete game in Washington three weeks ago, these starters can pitch. The man leading the way is the supposed No. 5 starter Freddy Garcia. I heard an interesting comment on the 670 The Score today. A team's 5th starter is supposed to eat up as many innings as possible. They are not to be judged by their record. When it comes to the south side, every pitcher is judged by their record or ERA. Garcia has the third best ERA among Sox starters and has almost equaled the total innings of Floyd and Peavy, who have both pitched in one more game than Garcia. This rotation is finally starting to show what we all hoped for last winter.
No. 3 - Bullpen
This bullpen is flat out the best in baseball. Let's start with my man, All-Star Matt Thornton. This guy dominates, and I mean dominates the AL with essentially one pitch. Guys go up there expecting and seeing a fastball, yet still miss it. Occasionally he will fool you with a curve or slider, but once you expect that, there is no way you are catching up the 98 MPH heat. How about offseason acquisition JJ Putz? He has been nothing short of spectacular. When Jenks came out, he and Thornton proved they could handle closer responsibilities. His ERA is 1.64. Yeah, that's pretty good. And how about converted infielder Sergio Santos? This guy just seems like a winner and has shown it on the mound. You can't tell me he wouldn't be an eighth inning guys on numerous teams in the MLB. Let's finish with our big closer Bobby Jenks. The season did not start off great. Later on, White Sox reliable beat writer Joe Cowley reported that Jenks was disappointed with how he was being treated by the fans. You know how to solve that Bobby? Go out and pitch. Don't quote me on this, but I think he has converted his last 20 save opportunities and has only blown ONE save. I will take that any day.
Overall, this is a team that can succeed. So go ahead Miguel Cabrera, try to catch up to a Matt Thornton fastball. Ron Gardenhire, try to out coach Ozzie and the best pitching coach in the league Don Cooper. The second half of baseball is going to start heating up, but I am confident our South Siders will be able to stay cool come October.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Sad week
Remember when I said the Sox had a schedule was supposed to be favorable to the south siders? Well, they proved to disappoint again. In six games against the heavy-hitting little pitching Rangers and second worst team in the AL Indians, they could only manage claiming two victories. They went one for three in each series, both of which took place in Chicago.
I will skip over the first five games, luckily for them. On Sunday, they were able to overcome another poor performance by their so called ace, Mark Buerhle. He was chased out only after three innings and six runs. When was the last time we saw Buerhle only go three innings? It actually was his last outing versus the Indians when he was thrown out of the game for arguing balk with first base umpire Joe West. Either way, Buerhle has not Buerhle. He says he is feeling better than ever. If that's the case, then fix it.
The team's struggle goes beyond Mark Buerhle. How about the rest of the starters? John Danks, arguable the best starter all year, was tagged on Friday early, causing once again for Ozzie to go to bullpen. And Sox fans, if it wasn't for our bullpen, we would be in last place right now.
Luckily, out hitting has started to come around. They need to keep it up. Rios and Konerko need to quarterback this thing. Stay hot and the rest will follow. Buerhle, Danks, Floyd and Peavy, pick it up. Garcia, you’re doing fine.
I will skip over the first five games, luckily for them. On Sunday, they were able to overcome another poor performance by their so called ace, Mark Buerhle. He was chased out only after three innings and six runs. When was the last time we saw Buerhle only go three innings? It actually was his last outing versus the Indians when he was thrown out of the game for arguing balk with first base umpire Joe West. Either way, Buerhle has not Buerhle. He says he is feeling better than ever. If that's the case, then fix it.
The team's struggle goes beyond Mark Buerhle. How about the rest of the starters? John Danks, arguable the best starter all year, was tagged on Friday early, causing once again for Ozzie to go to bullpen. And Sox fans, if it wasn't for our bullpen, we would be in last place right now.
Luckily, out hitting has started to come around. They need to keep it up. Rios and Konerko need to quarterback this thing. Stay hot and the rest will follow. Buerhle, Danks, Floyd and Peavy, pick it up. Garcia, you’re doing fine.
Friday, June 4, 2010
It's a start
The Sox were able to salvage the final game of the series with the Texas Rangers Thursday night as they defeated the AL West leader 4-3 behind a strong outing from supposed No. 5 starter Freddy Garcia.
Has any Sox realized that Garcia has arguably been our most consistent ant pitcher - the other one being John Danks? He was able to got the bat-heavy rangers to only two earned runs in seven innings. This is what the Sox organization expected from their pitchers before the season. This is how good our rotation can be. Consistency is the key.
Despite Garcia's solid start, I was more impressed with two aspects of last night's game. In the fourth inning, Carlos Quentin recorded only his second error of the year on a routine fly ball deep in right field. That run ended up scoring, which tied the game. When Quentin went into the dugout, he went straight for the corner. According to Manager Ozzie Guillen, almost every started went up to him to say don't worry about it. That is exactly what a team is supposed to do. Baseball is a huge mental game and those remarks got Quentin back in the game. By the way, Quentin ended up hitting the game winning two-run homer in the seventh inning. That is the definition of keeping your head up.
Another positive note I read about today deals with the team meeting after Wednesday's 9-5 loss. Guillen, after the media left the room, kept all the guys late. He asked everyone what was going on out there. They talked and whatever. However, after that conversation, he straight up asked them, is there something else I or the coaching staff could be doing? Not to my surprise, no player questioned their coaching styles.
Later on, Guillen told reporters that he wasn't doing his job. He feels like he isn't getting the most out of his players, the No. 1 job of a manager, or any coach for that matter. Let's be honest. He isn't getting the most out of his players. They know they have the talent needed to win the AL Central. Now is the time to put that talent to use and get a run going. Early on, their pitching was sufficient. Lately, it's been their hitting. Now it needs to come together. Thursday was a start and now it's time to prove to us fans that the season isn't over.
Has any Sox realized that Garcia has arguably been our most consistent ant pitcher - the other one being John Danks? He was able to got the bat-heavy rangers to only two earned runs in seven innings. This is what the Sox organization expected from their pitchers before the season. This is how good our rotation can be. Consistency is the key.
Despite Garcia's solid start, I was more impressed with two aspects of last night's game. In the fourth inning, Carlos Quentin recorded only his second error of the year on a routine fly ball deep in right field. That run ended up scoring, which tied the game. When Quentin went into the dugout, he went straight for the corner. According to Manager Ozzie Guillen, almost every started went up to him to say don't worry about it. That is exactly what a team is supposed to do. Baseball is a huge mental game and those remarks got Quentin back in the game. By the way, Quentin ended up hitting the game winning two-run homer in the seventh inning. That is the definition of keeping your head up.
Another positive note I read about today deals with the team meeting after Wednesday's 9-5 loss. Guillen, after the media left the room, kept all the guys late. He asked everyone what was going on out there. They talked and whatever. However, after that conversation, he straight up asked them, is there something else I or the coaching staff could be doing? Not to my surprise, no player questioned their coaching styles.
Later on, Guillen told reporters that he wasn't doing his job. He feels like he isn't getting the most out of his players, the No. 1 job of a manager, or any coach for that matter. Let's be honest. He isn't getting the most out of his players. They know they have the talent needed to win the AL Central. Now is the time to put that talent to use and get a run going. Early on, their pitching was sufficient. Lately, it's been their hitting. Now it needs to come together. Thursday was a start and now it's time to prove to us fans that the season isn't over.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
South side optimism, maybe
OK readers, I am revamping my blog. Since I don’t have as much to talk about as I thought, in order to write more often, I will share my thoughts about the Chicago White Sox. I will lose some readers, I will gain some readers, but either way, you will get the thoughts of the silent writer.
The Sox entered June on a bit of a high note. They had just come back from a seven day road trip against Cleveland and Tampa Bay, who currently hold the best record in the MLB. Surprisingly, they finished the trip at 4-3, splitting the series in Tampa. So coming back to Chicago, you would think they would be optimistic.
To make thinks even better, the Sox, who spent most of May on the road, will get to play 18 of their next 24 games in Chicago. They will play Texas, Cleveland, Detroit and the Cubs in their next 12, all teams they are capable of beating.
Texas, as any American League fan knows, has always been a hit first and pitch second kind of team. Coming into the season, the Rangers were the exact team the Sox were expected to dominate. With our “supposed” great starting rotation, we should have rolled over Texas. Result of the first two games: L and L
The Cleveland Indians then come to town with the second worst record in the MLB. They are getting over the embarrassment of barely giving Tiger’s pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game (which in my mind and many others was a perfect game. Thanks Jim Joyce). Either way, the Sox should have no problem with the Indians. Easier said than done, right? The sox are 3-6 against the tribe this year.
Next enter the Tigers. This is the time for the Sox to prove themselves. The only time they have played this season resulted in a win at Comerica Park in Detroit. They have clearly been the second best team in the division, with solid starting pitching and AL MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera. This is time for the Sox to show their fans and the organization not to raise the white flag just yet.
The Sox then travel across town to the biggest toilet in Chicago known as Wrigley Field. The Cubs, despite a better record, have been just as disappointing this season. Don’t worry Chicagoans, even though both teams suck, they are playing for something more, the BP Crosstown Cup. Way to pick that sponsor. Who cares right? In this town, our baseball teams play for bragging rights.
There you have it, four very winnable series for the Chicago White Sox to start off the month of June. Are they up for the challenge? To be honest, probably not. After the first two losses to Texas, I bet that high note is no where to be found on the south side
The Sox entered June on a bit of a high note. They had just come back from a seven day road trip against Cleveland and Tampa Bay, who currently hold the best record in the MLB. Surprisingly, they finished the trip at 4-3, splitting the series in Tampa. So coming back to Chicago, you would think they would be optimistic.
To make thinks even better, the Sox, who spent most of May on the road, will get to play 18 of their next 24 games in Chicago. They will play Texas, Cleveland, Detroit and the Cubs in their next 12, all teams they are capable of beating.
Texas, as any American League fan knows, has always been a hit first and pitch second kind of team. Coming into the season, the Rangers were the exact team the Sox were expected to dominate. With our “supposed” great starting rotation, we should have rolled over Texas. Result of the first two games: L and L
The Cleveland Indians then come to town with the second worst record in the MLB. They are getting over the embarrassment of barely giving Tiger’s pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game (which in my mind and many others was a perfect game. Thanks Jim Joyce). Either way, the Sox should have no problem with the Indians. Easier said than done, right? The sox are 3-6 against the tribe this year.
Next enter the Tigers. This is the time for the Sox to prove themselves. The only time they have played this season resulted in a win at Comerica Park in Detroit. They have clearly been the second best team in the division, with solid starting pitching and AL MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera. This is time for the Sox to show their fans and the organization not to raise the white flag just yet.
The Sox then travel across town to the biggest toilet in Chicago known as Wrigley Field. The Cubs, despite a better record, have been just as disappointing this season. Don’t worry Chicagoans, even though both teams suck, they are playing for something more, the BP Crosstown Cup. Way to pick that sponsor. Who cares right? In this town, our baseball teams play for bragging rights.
There you have it, four very winnable series for the Chicago White Sox to start off the month of June. Are they up for the challenge? To be honest, probably not. After the first two losses to Texas, I bet that high note is no where to be found on the south side
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Graduation
Loyal readers, listeners and fans,
The time has come and now I am a graduate. Not to my surprise, I don't feel any different. When are you supposed to feel different? When you start the job? When you leave school? When is that moment of transformation going to come?
I thought maybe there was a moment last night when all of my best friends were out, having a gay old time, dancing and celebrating. I think it was the first time some of us realized it was really ending. We had some hugs here and there. Yet, that momentous feeling didn't come. Maybe that is a sign that it shouldn't come. After all, who wants it to come? Who wants to leave our little bubble and enter into "the world?" We have been spoiled these last four years.
Let's be honest, college is hanging out with friends, partying, being away from home, learning about the outside world, about our potential futures and doing what we can to make a career. This is my bubble, paradise, heaven, Cabo, Pulco, Vegas all rolled into one. And now it is time to exit that bubble. Who knows, some feeling might pop up.
The time has come and now I am a graduate. Not to my surprise, I don't feel any different. When are you supposed to feel different? When you start the job? When you leave school? When is that moment of transformation going to come?
I thought maybe there was a moment last night when all of my best friends were out, having a gay old time, dancing and celebrating. I think it was the first time some of us realized it was really ending. We had some hugs here and there. Yet, that momentous feeling didn't come. Maybe that is a sign that it shouldn't come. After all, who wants it to come? Who wants to leave our little bubble and enter into "the world?" We have been spoiled these last four years.
Let's be honest, college is hanging out with friends, partying, being away from home, learning about the outside world, about our potential futures and doing what we can to make a career. This is my bubble, paradise, heaven, Cabo, Pulco, Vegas all rolled into one. And now it is time to exit that bubble. Who knows, some feeling might pop up.
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