Basics of Baseball Class for Women

[bensheeps]

Hijacking my husband's user name to tell of the class last night. I went with a friend of mine and consider us both to be fairly baseball knowledgeable to begin with (even though she is a Cubs fan). I think most people had a good grasp of baseball concepts (except for the lady that called the 1982 Brewers the "Al" (as in the name) Championship Team.

 

They started out by giving us a 16 question quiz- like who did Lou Gehrig play for, or in what year was the Earthquake during the World Series. Then an English professor from UW-M. For the most part, she answered questions that were submitted on 3x5 cards. Most questions were routine, but some required extensive explaining. There was a question about where the name bullpen came from that some 10-12 girl explained in detail that awed most of us. Some questions on the different pitches. Mostly good questions.

 

Then, Doug Melvin got up to talk which was supposed to be for about 15 minutes, but lasted about 35. Lots of background info, but also gave us an idea how he works with the team from top to bottom. He made an interesting comment about how new owners don't realize how the game can consume you...to the point that when you are on vacation in Italy and you watch your Blackberry for the pitch by pitch of your team...He really stayed away from the topic of the skirmish in the dugout. He emphasized that he would take a player with a little less talent if they had excellent character.

 

Then Aleta Mercer(? - I think that is who it was), Senior Director of Entertainment & Broadcasting spoke for about 10 minutes and explained that her division is in charge of everything else that doesn't have to do with the team on the field. Making is all a great experience-Seems like the contact I wanna make when I retire and wanna "work" for the Brewers in my spare time. She said 1/3 of her team is HS kids and the other 2/3 is college kids and teachers. Hmmm...I see possibilities here.

 

Last came up Stephanie Sutton...what a dynamic young woman. Nice that she is a native of WI. Says Bonds is exactly as you think he is. Said - nope, they are not always dressed in the locker room. Said she is remembered by many managers and players b/c she is a woman-"which is nice..." We got the chance to read a sports cast while the tape was running and I was the only one to take her up on it. After doing it, it seems really tough to keep up with the timing, while reading and also trying to watch the feed.

 

We wrapped up and picked up our tickets, and will meet on Saturday for our tour...I found out we DO get to race in the sausage costumes!

[sgtcluels]

Awww sounds actually pretty fun. I do believe you guys get to have lunch with Yost and DM tomorrow, have any questions planed?

[bensheeps]

My wife has hit me up for possible questions. Any thoughts from posters here?

[hawing]

Wow, I wish I could have done this. Had this been next week I'd have ample time to get to Milwaukee. This week, not so much.

[sgtcluels]

I'm having my friend ask Ned why he always either has a long sleeve shirt on under his uniform, or a jacket? Are they blasting the dug out with cold air, or is he cold blooded?

 

I personally welcome our new Reptilian Overlords.

[lcbj68c]

I've always thought the reasoning was because of some biker tattoo's or something on his arms that he doesn't want to show.

[bensheeps]

Ok - now that it is finally over, I thought I would tell you what happened on Saturday.

 

Most of the day was devoted to the tour. We were split in 3 groups of 25 each. My group started in the clubhouse. No pictures were allowed, as there was a lot of personal effects in there. The room was very neat. Most lockers had a TON of shoes, some had more gloves than others. Some had children's drawings in them, some had trophies. Nothing really too out of the ordinary. Two big screen TVs and then about 8 smaller ones. I didn't see any X-Boxes or other systems and that kinda surprised me. They told us the order of the lockers here is exactly the same as you would find it on the road. Next we went to the equipment room. Oddly enough, we were allowed to grab any bat we wanted and check them out. We were advised not to touch the catcher's stuff, as it really stunk. Then, we moved into the Dugout, then we tried on Sausage Costumes and raced. Then, we moved to the visitor's bullpen and threw off the mound. Then, we went to the press boxes, and got a chance to sit in Bob Uecker's chair. Lunch was on the home plate concourse - nothing special. We were joined by Ned Yost, Brian Anderson and Derrick Turnbow and his wife, Becca. There was an opportunity for some pics and autographs b/4 the meal. After the meal, was the question/answer session. Everyone was really nice. I did ask the question about Ned's long sleeves (sorry if I stole someone's thunder), he said that it is just something he is used to. In the past, he had problems with sweat dripping off his hands, and the long sleeves prevented that. Brian Anderson noted "really, it's to cover up the tattoos." Which draws the question...is he lurking here? :-)

 

I would recommend the class next year if they hold it again.

 

Mrs. bensheeps

[razzzorsharp]

So was this free? Why dont they do this for guys? Seems sexist...

[hawing]

I would recommend the class next year if they hold it again.

 

I'm just about drooling at the thought. Thanks for the recap!

[sgtcluels]

So was this free? Why dont they do this for guys? Seems sexist...

It wasn't free.. .like 110 bucks which included 2 tickets. I actually sat next to the Professor at the game that day.. just happened to be sitting in the same section as the class. Small world.

 

[bensheeps]

The cost was $125. We had the two hour session on Thursday, the tour on Saturday, lunch and two tickets to the game. One person from the class got to throw out the first pitch. My friend and I are going to use the class for "floating inservice" as part of our teacher contract requirements. It will count as one day of work.

[brewcrew00]

Was the professor Marian Marris? I had her for a couple classes in college and she was great. I see her at almost every Brewer game still, I know she loves going and doesn't miss a one!