John McGraw and Connie Mack were talking Baseball a while back.
“I’m looking to add some new talent” McGraw told Mack.
“There’s lots of talent around these days” Mack replied.
“Yeah, but none of them have passion for the game anymore. They’re all just Nancy boys,” John said.
“Well, have you looked at that Cowan kid up in the Northwest league?” Connie said.
“Yeah, he looks promising but I wonder if he has the moxie to make it here in the bigs?”
“Why don’t you bring him down here for spring training and see if he can hit the breaking ball?”
McGraw telegraphed Seattle asking to have Cowan sent down to Phoenix for spring training. When he got to Phoenix, Cowan was as wide-eyed as they come. He sure looked out of place down in the valley of the sun. “I’ve never been to big leagues spring training before” he stammered.
“Well, just keep your eyes open and learn” McGraw said. McGraw and Mack put the entire team through their paces. The practices were hard and they were long. The spring sun was a warm and welcome change from the dreary gray skies up in Seattle. Everyone at spring training worked hard and did everything the coaches had them do.
There were some really talented folks. Many veterans were in camp, and they led the way. Years of experience made the veterans both savvy and polished. The rookies listened, and learned from the veterans. Soon it was obvious that McGraw and Mack had built another winner of a team.
McGraw and Mack called for Cowan after practice late one afternoon. “Kid, we like your style. Welcome to the show,” and then they walked away.
Well, that’s not really what happened but it sure would have been cool if it had. While down in Phoenix for Bloodhound Blog Unchained, McGraw I mean Greg, asked me to contribute here at Bloodhound Blog. I feel like a rookie who just got the call up to the ’27 Yankees. The murderers’ row of writing talent here is without equal. I only hope that I can carry the water for the team. What I might lack in polished talent I know I make up for in passion. Real estate, Baseball, and technology, are my passions. I am so honored to be able to share them here with all of you. I excited to be here and really looking forward to seeing what the future brings here at Bloodhound Blog.
Don Reedy says:
Scott,
Grew up in Ohio, and did play ball myself. I remember in the spring, when there was often snow still on the ground, and always hard earth and cold days, that we’d take the practices into the gym. Here, with tennis shoes instead of cleats, and tennis balls instead of the real deal, we’d bunt and play pepper, working on technique, working to build the team’s rapport, and working to take it to every other school in our area.
Unchained allowed me to meet you, and your article reminded me of this. It’s pure Scenius my new friend!
May 6, 2009 — 1:30 pm
Tom Vanderwell says:
Scott,
A love of baseball and a love of real estate – have you been hanging around bawldguy yet? If not, you should!
Seriously, welcome to the team. Enjoy it and do like I have and learn from everyone!
Tom
May 6, 2009 — 4:03 pm
Dylan Darling says:
For a minute I thought I had the wrong blog. Honky tonk baseball talk… on bloodhound? Great analogy! I found myself reading it with a southern accent.
May 6, 2009 — 4:18 pm
Al Lorenz says:
You really brought that one to life for me! You’re one who can really swing a big stick, even if it is a keyboard!
May 6, 2009 — 4:38 pm
Mark Green says:
Scott, way to knock it out of the park on your first at-bat. Please keep the baseball analogies coming, brilliant.
May 6, 2009 — 6:30 pm
Brian Brady says:
Connie Mack? I can live with that- it’s a Philly thing
May 6, 2009 — 6:40 pm
Geno Petro says:
btw, rookies have to wear pilgrim hats and boxer shorts to breakfast @ the next BHB gathering. Looking forward to it.
Congrats and welcome,
Geno
May 7, 2009 — 12:24 pm