hawing

OK, at about 11:00 I could clearly hear the U2 music played at Camp Randall when the Badgers run out of the tunnel. I was inside our house, eight blocks away, with the windows closed. The sound was not wind-aided. We've lived this close to the stadium since 1993 and it was never this easy to hear stadium doings before. A few weeks ago we even heard the students' charming, forum-unfriendly chant - though we had to be outside to hear that.

That game was so hyped - a night start, and at the time we lived closer to the stadium than we do now - then the Badgers fell pretty flat. Sorry I don't have information about the jersey, though.

I realize I have developed a reputation around here of being an upbeat person (at least compared to many of you http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif). However, the employees at Trader Joe's are off the upbeat charts, just relentlessly upbeat, to the point where it's bugging me. It's not quite enough to drive me away, since it's literally a neighborhood store for me, and we've identified a few items that we prefer to buy there (some of which are less expensive than even Woodman's). But they're so upbeat that I feel like a curmudgeon in comparison. I also don't get the cult-like appeal of Trader Joe's, but I have no problem resisting it. To me, it's just a handy place to pick up a few items on the way home from work, or if I don't feel like using the car.

To play devil's advocate, though, what would it say about the Brewers if Ned had success managing elsewhere?

I would just like to express my relief that the towels wielded by Dodgers fans tonight aren't all white. They have a Dodger blue square in the middle, then a white border. No wonder Philly is ahead.

That, and you've got to reserve that prime time spot for the evil empire.

With another season in the books, I find I once again have many extra Gameday programs. If I can help bf.netters complete their collections, all the better. Here are my extras: 2009 no. 1 (Macha on cover) - 1 copy left 2009 no. 2 (unidentified T-Rat, probably Lawrie) - 1 copy 2009 no. 3 (Gallardo) - 1 copy 2009 no. 4 (Corey, Ryan, Prince, JJ) - 1 copy 2009 no. 6 (Escobar) - 1 copy 2009 no. 7 (Hoffman) - 1 copy 2009 no. 8 (Salome) - 1 copy 2009 no. 9 (Looper) - 1 copy 2009 no.10 (Iribarren) - 1 copy 2009 no.11 (DiFelice) - 1 copy 2009 no.12 (Castro) - 1 copy 2009 no.13 (Eric Arnett) - 1 copy 2009 no.14 (Fox Cities Stadium) - 1 copy 2009 no.15 (McGehee) - 1 copy 2009 no.16 (T-Rat Dan Meadows) - 1 copy 2009 no.17 (Cameron) - 2 copies 2009 no.18 (Counsell) - 1 copy 2009 no.19 (T-Rat Jim Henderson) - 2 copies 2009 no.21 (Pat Listach) - 1 copy 2009 no.22 (Prince) - 1 copy 2009 no.24 (Coffey) - 1 copy 2009 no.25 (Cory Provus) - 1 copy 2009 no.26 (Fans) - 1 copy left Extras from previous seasons: 2008 no. 1 (Braun) - 1 copy 2008 no. 3 (Metavante Club) - 1 copy 2008 no. 4 (Director of Team Travel Dan Larrea) - 1 copy 2008 no. 5 (Kendall) - 1 copy 2008 no. 6 (Prince) - 1 copy 2008 no. 9 (George Brett and Robin Yount) - 4 copies 2008 no.11 (Kapler, Torres, Crazy Joe Dillon) - 1 copy 2008 no.13 (Don Sutton) - 1 copy 2008 no.14 (Torres) - 1 copy 2008 no.16 (Selig) - 1 copy 2008 no.17 (Sabathia) - 1 copy 2008 no.19 (Hardy) - 1 copy 2008 no.20 (Hart) - 1 copy 2008 no.21 (Sheets as Olympian) - 1 copy 2008 no.22 (Parra) - 1 copy 2008 no.23 (Nieves) - 2 copies 2008 no.25 (Fans) - 1 copy 2007 - one copy each of the following: no. 2 (Nieves) no. 3 (Hall) no. 6 (Simmons as a player) no. 7 (Davey Nelson) no. 8 (Estrada) no. 9 (Vargas) no.10 (Harvey Kuenn) no.17 (Molitor) no.19 (Gorman Thomas) no.20 (Don Sutton) no.26 (Fans) I also still have the same lone gap in my Gameday program collection, for which I'd be willing to make a trade or purchase: 2008 no. 24 (I don't know who was on the cover as I have not seen it. It was from a September Reds series which we could not attend.) Please send me a PM if you are interested in any of these. I'm willing to send up to a few gratis. For large quantities, or the whole lot (if that interested anyone) I'd lean more toward payment or trade. Thanks. (Edited most recently on 10/18 to reflect what's left. Thanks for the responses thus far!)

Thursday: Phillies at Dodgers, 7:07 PM CDT Friday: Phillies at Dodgers, 3:07 PM CDT, Angels at Yankees, 6:57 PM CDT Saturday: Angels at Yankees, 6:57 PM CDT etc....assuming the weather doesn't interfere.

On a trip to the dentist's office a few years ago, I saw a woman wearing Chuck Taylors with heels. http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:PrL-Yl38wGpcRM:http://stylescoop.freedomblogging.com/files/2008/03/ashchuckheel.jpg They were a different color, but I was kind of appalled anyway. What is the point of these?

I wrote a letter to Felix the Cat once, when I was a wee little one. I don't know if my mother actually mailed it (or if she did, to where she mailed it).

1966 represent! I was in the same situation. My high school classmates born July 1 or later were unhappy, to say the least.Actually, if I recall correctly, the drinking age changed in July 1984 from 18 to 19, then from 19 to 21 in September 1985. I remember this because of someone I know who turned 19 on September 11, 1985, and was also unhappy. I can't say I'm an expert on this in any way, but I suppose businesses that rarely see out of state IDs might be more likely to refuse them, since they wouldn't be as familiar with what's real and what's fake. You'd think that would not be the case in Vegas, though.

I'm not sure the audio for 2009 will include "and that was the first triple play seen live by sgtcluels." Though it's a traveshamockery if Bob/Cory and Brian/Bill both failed to mention it. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif To expand on the "Hoffman debut" selection, he sort of had two: 4/27 vs. the Pirates where the Brewers scored five in the 8th, but Hoffman was warmed up, so out he came, to Hells Bells, before the Brewers' media crew realized that was only to be used in save situations. A few days later (4/30) was his first actual save situation at MP. By then the audio guys had received Trevor's suggestion that Hells Bells be played louder - and they complied, much to the surprise of many in the stands, the hawing party included. I think there's some value to using player walkup music in these highlights, which would make it hard to avoid all rap/hip-hop. But jarjohm is bound to include Hells Bells, and accompanying both Catalanotto's and Gerut's home runs with their respective tunes might balance things out some. With that said (and with all due respect to Robin19 and other non-fans of that style of music), I hope jarjohm can include Heir to the Throne. Yeah, Prince is up next.

Just so state employees don't come off as slackers in burnie's post, it was a furlough day today for many of us.

Remember the great audio highlights that Jarjohm of Right Field Bleachers put together for the 2005, 2007 and 2008 seasons? He's seeking suggestions for what to include in a 2009 highlight file. Post your suggestions in this thread; or if you want to keep it private, email Jared at RFB. I personally hope fervently to hear "Your Love" along with any decent play from Frank Catalanotto. His home run would be a suitable clip. Otherwise, I'll throw out some relative no-brainers: Prince's grand slam vs. Cleveland on June 15 Mike Cameron's crazy catch in CF, I think sometime in May. Yovani scoring the only run, via the long ball, in that 1-0 game vs. PIT early on. Bill Hall with the game-winning RBI vs. St. Louis on Memorial Day. Or any moment where the Brewers top the Cardinals.

Well, that was brutal if you root for the Rockies. This postseason has been chock full of brutality, hasn't it?

Maybe. I don't know about you guys, but I look at Huston Street and see the guy who gave up a dinger to Jason Kendall two weeks ago. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gifYou're right about the postseason excitement, though.

Just for the sake of linkiness: Oates column in Wisconsin State Journal

It seemed like there were an awful lot of kids (like K-12 school-aged) at Woodman's West in Madison today, with parent/guardian types. Why wouldn't they be in school? Is this par for Woodman's, burniebrewer? (Not to put you on the spot, but you're there more often than I am.)

One of the terrace level guest relations supervisors was telling me in August that the right field corner of the terrace concourse (currently one of the smoking-allowed spaces) will be renovated into offices (not necessarily a fan friendly upgrade). I recall her saying something about the loge bar, but I don't remember what it was. Edit: I was just on the phone with our season ticket rep (for ticket related reasons) and asked if he knew what the upgrades were. He didn't, adding that he thinks the scoreboard is a 2011-at-soonest thing.

I met Blake Geoffrion once, when he was at my library looking for a book. He was extremely polite. But I'm afraid that photo doesn't give quite enough face detail for me to be able to tell for sure.

Brewers.com link, text follows: October 11, 2009 Dear Brewers Fans: On behalf of all Brewers players, coaches, and front office staff, we thank you for your tremendous support this year. For the second consecutive season, more than three million fans attended games at Miller Park, which represents the ninth-highest attendance in Major League Baseball. This is a truly remarkable accomplishment, which once again confirms to me that you are the best fans in all of professional sports. This isn't solely my opinion. I have heard from baseball executives, members of the media, and fans from around the country, all of whom agree that your passion and knowledge have no equal. We do not take your support for granted, and I want you to know that it gives us the motivation and resources to compete at a high level. When my group purchased the Brewers in 2005, one of my primary goals was to raise all expectations for the team. Coming off last season's playoff appearance, I expected us to play very meaningful games again through September and compete for another postseason berth. I share your disappointment that we fell short of our goal. Only a few years ago, achieving a .500 record would have been acceptable, but posting 80 wins this year satisfied neither you nor the organization. This higher standard demonstrates how far we have come in raising our expectations and how much our performance has improved. Never one to shy away from competition, I welcome the challenge of being held accountable for our efforts to meet this standard. As I think back on the 2009 season, I find many positives that deserve mention in addition to reaching three million in attendance: Our offense scored the third most runs in the National League, trailing only two playoff teams (Philadelphia and Colorado). Prince Fielder put together what I believe was the best offensive season in team history, capped by an all-time Brewers franchise record 141 RBIs (tied for the NL lead) and 46 home runs, one behind Albert Pujols for the league's top mark. In the middle of this historic season, Prince won the Home Run Derby at the All Star Game, cheered on by fellow All Stars Trevor Hoffman and Ryan Braun. Ryan Braun reached 100 career home runs in his 400th game, the second-fastest to accomplish this among all active players in baseball, and became just the third Brewer to lead the league in hits (203), joining Paul Molitor and Robin Yount. Yovani Gallardo recorded 204 strikeouts, the fifth-highest total in Brewers franchise history. Casey McGehee, who was claimed off waivers from the Cubs, emerged as a legitimate Rookie of the Year contender, leading all first-year players in RBIs and placing second in home runs and batting average. Trevor Hoffman once again showed why he is the best closer in Major League Baseball history, recording the NL's fifth most saves (37) and giving Miller Park fans an adrenalin rush with each dramatic entrance to "Hell's Bells." When I addressed the players and coaches last weekend in St. Louis, I thanked them for playing and working hard right to the finish, capped by a weekend sweep of a Cardinals team that was competing for home field advantage in the playoffs. Even through challenging stretches, our guys always played to win. As a fan and owner, I believe this is a testament to the character and makeup of our team, and it will serve us well as we continue to build for 2010. Looking ahead to next season, no one at the Brewers will settle for the status quo. We have begun a thorough top-to-bottom review of all aspects of our business and baseball operations, and we will work diligently to improve our roster. We know how important it is for a team in our market size to develop homegrown talent, and we believe our farm system is well positioned to do that. At the Major League level, Doug Melvin and his staff have already taken several steps toward ensuring a strong foundation for next season. Bringing back closer Trevor Hoffman, who is approaching his 600th career save, is the most visible move, and much more is happening behind the scenes. In terms of enhancing the fan experience, we are focusing on two areas. First, we will be making several upgrades to Miller Park this off-season, and we look forward to celebrating the Brewers' upcoming 40th Anniversary. Second, we are also sensitive to the cost of attending games in light of the economy, and we believe this is reflected in our ticket prices for 2010. One of my top priorities is to keep the Brewers accessible to the entire community so that families continue to enjoy an affordable experience at Miller Park. We are also excited about our continued efforts to expand our impact in the community. This year, our players donated over $350,000 to Brewers Charities and other local causes. Together with donations and funds raised by our Brewers Wives organization and the team's corporate partners, more than $1.5 million in grants and in-kind donations went to support Wisconsin organizations in 2009. Brewers Charities will remain a priority for the team as we are already working on a number of new fundraising programs for 2010. I am passionate about my role as Principal Owner and committed to taking the steps needed to ensure our long-term success, both on the field and off. I am proud that expectations for our organization have been raised on all fronts, and I pledge that we will continue to work on raising that bar even higher. It is a privilege to serve you, the best fans in baseball, and you should count on my continued hard work to reach our collective goal. Go Brewers! Mark Attanasio Chairman and Principal Owner

Oh, wow, and (now upon reading the box score) the 9th inning offense for the Angels was all two-out magic. Superb. I am distressed, though, that Madison has three sports radio stations, and none of them is carrying baseball today or tonight.

I read in the newspaper this morning (yes, I kick it old-school) that Pujols left the Cathedral of Baseball Played the Right Way without talking to reporters. OK, the newspaper called it Busch Stadium. The cathedral thing was my embellishment. I guess this could just as easily go into the Schadenfreude thread.

Now all we need is for Charter to become a Brewers sponsor. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif But thanks in advance. Moving on to another random thought...the gingko trees across the street from us dropped a bunch of their leaves overnight, presumably because of the freeze. It's normal for these trees to drop a lot of leaves abruptly, and kind of neat to watch. It's weird to see a couple of inches of green leaves in the street, though.

That would be three. STL won a few more in 2006. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gifI truly don't tend to be a super vindictive person, but I do make exceptions at times. I'm pleased for the contributions the Brewers made to the Cardinals' late 2009 fade. Edit: I only saw a few plays of the game. How did the Cardinals fare given the white towels?