1st half coming to an end

June 6, 2011

The first half is coming to an end and we are trying to make a push to win to get an early playoff spot. These last three games against the Lions have been very exciting and tough on us. The fans came out and pushed us to perform, but we had some struggles. We ended up getting swept by them. We are currently 4 games back, but have a couple of make-up games to play and gain some ground.

I threw against the Lions last night for my first start in Taiwan. We played in Pingtong, but were the home team. In this league although there are only 4 teams, but we play in about 12 different stadiums around the island. I kind of like that because it allows me to see the rest of the country. Pingtong is located in the south part of the island. When I stepped out of the bus I was greeted by local kids asking for autographs and fans wishing me good luck for my start. I also noticed how extremely hot and humid it was down there. The stadium is fairly old in the sense that the stands were cement seats. Even with the heat the fans filled the seats and the drums and trumpets were ready to go. I felt good and threw well. I ended up going 7 innings, 2 runs (1 might have been earned), 7 hits, and I believe 5 strikeouts. I left the game with us winning 4-2, but we ended up losing 6-4. It was a lot of fun to pitch in this kind of atmosphere. Like I have said in earlier blogs, these fans have such a respect for the game and are always rooting for you.

Here is a picture of my first line up card

Here is the highlight footage of my first game. Thanks to the fan who sent me this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1SzdcdPwX4&feature=player_embedded#at=52%27

Here are some more interesting things I have noticed or seen over here.

-Our cab driver had a karaoke machine in his car. 2 tvs, 2 microphones. Of course when my American teammates and I stepped in the cab, Achy Breaky Heart comes on and the driver hands me the mic.

-After 10pm our “band” is not allowed to beat the drum or play the instruments to pump up the crowd.

-We stayed in dorms when we went down south to play the Lions at CC Lake.

-There is one American umpire over here, who actually was behind the plate for my game

-When we lose we have a team meeting after the game with the manager and coaches to go over the game.

Before we got on the high speed rail I checked out some of the food at the convenient store in the station

For the park and ride system at the rail station they do it a little different. Maybe this is where all the couples come to make out.

Always good to see a picture of our mascot.

Lets GO HEAT!

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Written by Scot Drucker Posted in Uncategorized Tagged with adrian burnside, Australia, china, CPBL, David Welch, detroit tigers, elephants, fu ti ni, grand prairie, ken ray, La New Bears, lamigo monkeys, Lions, Oakland, oakland athletics, steve hammond, stockton ports, taiwan, taoyuan, tigers, toledo mudhens