Stepping into the Brewers On Deck Circle
What a crazy week it has been. I can really tell that Opening Day is right around the corner. Right after the football season ends, it seems like the baseball fans come out of their winter hibernation, and start to get ready for the season. I’ve been busy on my end. Living the college graduate life, I have a lot of time to devote towards the ride. Basically, Biking for Baseball is my full time job. And then some. Between training, trip planning, and recruiting sponsorships I’m managing to stay busy.
On Sunday, I made a trip down to Milwaukee for the Brewers annual festivity of Brewers On Deck, an event that really gets fans hyped for the upcoming season. I’ve been a huge Brewers fan for years. I think my parents would put me to bed at night with Uecker on the radio. It’s in my blood. However, I’ve never attended Brewers On Deck. This year, since, I’ll be riding the entirety of the season, I knew I wouldn’t be able to attend many games at the friendly confines of Miller Park. I needed little enticing, and happily made the trek to downtown Milwaukee for the event.
The event had its up and downs. Essentially any player who has even played significant innings in the MLB had a $10 fee for their autograph. Proceeds went towards the Brewers Community Foundation, so it’s worth it right? I mostly hung out around the free autographs, which included newly acquired Luis Sardinas from the Texas Rangers through the Yovani Gallardo trade.
I mostly hung out by some interactive stages, where I asked questions to Mike Fiers and Kyle Lohse. Mike, stated his favorite ballpark outside of Miller Park was Dodger Stadium. He loved that atmosphere, and the fans their. While Kyle felt Fenway topped the list. The history, the atmosphere, all combined to make it a great experience. Hearing the players themselves get riled up about their favorite ballpark, only made me more excited to start biking. Kyle also confided that he hates facing Carlos Beltran. Hates it. He just can’t get him out. The numbers speak for themselves. In 54 at bats against Lohse, Beltran has hit a blistering .481with four home runs. Not to mention, he’s also drawn 11 walks. Man. Carlos just destroys him. Lohse was probably happy when he wore the same uniform as Beltran back in 2012 with the Cardinals.
The event, had all sorts of activities, including some photo opportunities that I couldn’t resist. First, I met Hank. The infamous pup, that has stolen all Brewers fans’ hearts. He was found, and later adopted by the club after he wandered up to their spring training facility in Arizona. They named him after the great Hank Aaron, and he recently won Dog of the Year! Hi5 Hank!
Don’t forget Gerardo Parra. The gold glove award winner outfielder sure does have a personality. He eagerly posed for a selfie with me.
Remember Rob Deer and Cecil Cooper? I never got the chance to see them play, but I LOVE listening to stories from my dad and grandpa from their days. Cecil Cooper had a historic hit that put the Brewers up late in Game 5 of the ALCS in 1982. You can even see him motioning for the ball to get down. The definition of a clutch hit, and it delivered the Brewers to the World Series.
Rob Deer, famously hit a game tying home run on Easter Sunday to give the Brewers their best start in club history at 12-0. They later collapsed right after that, losing over 10 games straight. Still, it’s one magnificent start to a season. The local burger joint George Webb even gave out free burgers to everyone after they made a bet to do so if the crew won 12 straight. Within three days, a whopping 168,000 were given away. That’s not a typo folks.
My top moment of the day was meeting legendary radio broadcaster, and voice of the Brewers Bob Uecker. Growing up without cable television and loving the game of baseball, I often found myself tied to the radio listening to Uecker calling Brewer games. My brothers and I often would drag an extension cord out to the back yard, in order to listen to the game while playing catch. I’ve been wanting to meet Ueck for years, and I knew the clock is ticking. All those Usinger’s sausages, Klements brats, and Miller beers have to catch up to him eventually.
He just celebrated his 81st birthday on Monday. Happy belated birthday Bob! Safe to say, it’s a moment I’ll never forget. Here’s a tidbit of a Uecker home run call.
Finally, I could not head home without a picture alongside the world famous Klement’s Racing Sausages. It’s tough to get a picture with all five, so I was pretty excited. You know you’re from Wisconsin when you get excited to take a picture with five people in sausage costumes. I usually pull for hot dog. Since he’s get the most aerodynamic costume. Fellow B4B’er Rex loves the Chorizo.
Well, it’s official. After a few days of voting, the winner is clear. Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez, will be the new name of my bicycle for the 11,000 mile ride. The infamous slugger from the movie Sandlot. If you grew up in the 90s like myself, there’s no way you haven’t seen the movie. From Wendy Peffercorn, who every 6 year old boy had a crush on. To the Great Bambino, the beast, or simply the joy of enjoying a never ending summer with your close friends, the movie is a classic.
Finally, last, but not least. I want to give a huge thanks to Reddit! I made a post earlier this week on the website, and immediately was overwhelmed with offers of support. From sea to shining sea, I’ve been getting offers of all sorts. From meals, lodging, tickets to ballgames, and even donations. It’s been incredible! This kind of support is what really fuels my fire. I want to help these kids, and raise awareness of the importance of youth mentorships. I heard from Big Brothers or Big Sisters from across the country who spoke their appreciation for their program. This program makes a difference. It’s worth supporting. It’s worth following. Most of all, it’s worth biking 11,000 miles for. Check it out for yourself!
Well, time for me to get going. Until next time, I’ll just keep pedaling.
Hi5!