The Boys Of Summer

Baseball season has returned. And no, I haven't blogged much about the Catfish so far for a couple of reasons.

First, our schedule this year might not allow us to attend many of the games. That's something I'm not happy about, but it's the way things are sometimes.

Since we're not sure how many games we'll be attending this year, we didn't get season tickets earlier this year. We'll still be able to sit in or near our regular seats when we go, although the Wife won't be going to many of the games. My schedule means I won't be going to them all, but her schedule means she'll be going to less.

Since our schedule is so iffy regarding attending games, we won't be able to meet the obligations of a host family, so we're not hosting any players this year.

Still, tonight is the first home game of the year for the Catfish. And it looks like we'll be able to make the game.

Anyway, here's a quick catch-up on the Catfish for those that might be interested. The rest of you, play along quietly, and we'll go out for ice cream later.

First, most of the team from last year is gone. Most were promoted to Vero Beach (High-A) or Jacksonville (Double-A). Some were traded. Some were released.

Remember we hosted two players last year, Lucas May and Dan Batz. Luke played most of the second half hurt, and went to Vero Beach late in the season for rehab. He's back with the Catfish this year, playing left field (and some right field).

Dan was with the Dodgers organization until a week and a half ago, when he was released. That hurt us hard, because he's a competitor, and we really enjoyed watching him play. Catfish fans last year voted Dan "Unsung Hero" for his quiet, yet consistently outstanding play at first base. He's also featured in the image at the top of this page.

Our player from 2004, Brandon Carter, was traded to the Washington Nationals organization, currently assigned to their New York-Penn League team. If he winds up being moved to the South Atlantic League, we'll get to see him play when the Catfish play the Savannah Sand Gnats (the Nationals' entry in the SAL), but I'm not sure how likely that'll be.

This year's Catfish team looks hardly anything like last year's team. I was worried at first, about just how good (or bad) this team is. And, after the first two games, I was really worried. The Catfish were held to one hit in a 6-1 loss to the Greenville Drive (Red Sox) on the road. Things didn't look any better the next night, when they lost again, this time 16-3. Saturday, they won their first game, edging Greenville 2-1, despite being held to two hits. Sunday, they earned a split with the Drive, winning 10-5.

Tonight, the Catfish have their 2006 home opener, taking on the Charleston RiverDogs (Yankees). I can hardly wait for first pitch! I'll be in the stands, wearing Catfish jersey #49.

Oh, those of you that sat quietly waiting for ice cream? Meet me at the game tonight, and I'll buy you an ice cream.