FW: College World Series postblog

 

 

College World Series post-Blog

Fresno State Wonderdogs visit The Wonder House and George W. (“Wonder”) Bush

 

I am writing this after one of the most unique and amazing experiences I can imagine. Without thinking it was possible, but taking advantage of a “somebody-who-knows somebody” relationship through work, we received an invitation from the White House to attend today’s 2008 NCAA Sports Champions day on the South Lawn of the White House. It was such a special day and for the last time, at least for the 2008 season, I will share the experience of following this team with all of you with my only regret that everyone could have been there to see it firsthand – this was a day I never will forget.

 

q       We arrived yesterday afternoon and met 6 of the boys for dinner in the Georgetown area, including a couple who were returning from the minor league teams to attend this special event. They were tired after a long day of travel but very excited to be here, not really comprehending altogether what was ahead.

 

q       It was impressive to hear that every single current and former player and coach from the 2008 team had made the trip. The team was staying in the Hilton Garden Inn (same hotel as Omaha) in Arlington, VA just about 5 miles from the White House.

 

q       The boys left their hotel at about 9 AM on a bus tour of the DC area lead by the National Park Service which included many of the sights and a ride to the top of the Washington Monument (not available to the public) about which they were all thrilled.

 

q       We also toured the area for a couple of hours this morning and enjoyed this amazing place. It was all put into perspective though with a visit to the Vietnam Memorial where literally hundreds of wreaths had been placed in honor of yesterday’s Veterans’ Day. The sheer number of men and women who gave their lives was overwhelming and we as a nation continue to be in their debt – it was truly an emotional experience.

 

q       The boys ended their tour with their arrival at the White House where they got a very special tour of many of the rooms – I heard several of them refer to it as like a “museum” (and about to get a new curator!)

 

q       Karen and I arrived at the southeast entrance of the White House and were immediately impressed by the presence of at least 20 security personnel. We had been asked to submit all kinds of information in advance as part of the screening process. There were a couple of hundred people there, with most of them uniformed military service personnel who also attended the event as, I am guessing, this was an opportunity for them to see the President and many of them were here already for yesterday’s Veterans’ Day ceremonies.

 

q       We eventually filed in up the long walk to the east wing of the White House where we went inside while waiting – spent time viewing pictures of past presidents and family, an incredible bust of Abraham Lincoln …. amazing.  We were lead from there past the Marine Corp Band that was playing for the event to our seats on the South Lawn looking back at the White House with the Washington Monument behind, a view we have all seen many times. We sat down and looked at each other, both thinking at the same time “can you believe we are really here?” – it was a bit unreal.

 

q       Once everyone was seated and the stands with TV cameras behind us were rolling, the introduction of the teams began, which included the Marine Band playing each team’s fight song. There were 9 NCAA championship teams altogether including ours. Also attending were two from ASU (softball and men’s and women’s indoor track), the rifle team from U. of Alaska, and Arizona’s swimming and diving team. The women’s crew team from Brown was here (an interesting group) and the Northwestern women’s lacrosse team was here for the 4^th straight year in a row.

 

q       Then came the moment – the Bulldogs filed out of the second level of the White House down both sides of the winding staircase while the fight song played. What an amazing sight to see these boys, who looked amazing in their suits come out of there and take their seats – big smiles on all of them.

 

q       After all the teams were seated, the captains of each of the teams came out of the lower level along with the President. We all stood and it was so great to see Steve Susdorf and Clayton Allison, both minor leaguers now, on the stage next to the President. I just wish I could have frozen the entire moment at that point – it was all going too fast.

 

q       The President said a few words about each team and finally came to our Bulldogs, which I believe he saved for last. There was a certain affection is his remarks  toward this team – he is a baseball guy but I think he really was taken by the Bulldog story. A White house staffer told me after the event that he spent more time talking to our team than any other there and that he watched a couple of the CWS games in June. Following is the transcript of his comments about the Fresno State baseball champions:

 

And finally, Fresno State men's baseball. So you talk about a team that refused to quit. This team lost 12 of the first 20 games of the season. I suspect some of you wrote you off, you know, like -- (laughter) -- eight and 12? These guys call themselves champs? You needed to win your conference tournament just to make the NCAA field of 64 teams. Six times in post-season you were only one game away from elimination. Every time you held on, and you became national champs. No wonder the ESPYs nominated you for the best upset of the year. I thank you for your willingness to never say die, your willingness to keep fighting. Steve Detwiler said this -- he played with an injury by the way -- he said, "It's mind over matter. The pain is temporary. The pride is forever." And I suspect, Steve, a lot of athletes, whether they were on your team or on the teams represented here, can testify that pride is forever. This is a prideful moment for you

 

 

q       The event wrapped up with “W” shaking hands with all of the team captains and waving good-bye for the last time presiding over an NCAA champions day. He was funny and un-rehearsed throughout and the boys reported being very impressed with how warm and down-to-earth he was in talking to them.

 

q       We were able to stay after the ceremony and linger for awhile and get some more pictures on the lawn and the beautiful grounds (see pic below). There was hot chocolate for everyone and the Marine Band continued their wonderful music. There were no mementos, except for the handful of cocktail napkins many of the boys stuffed in their pockets.

 

q       We attended a nice reception for Fresno State Alumni living in the greater D.C. area at the team hotel and met some very nice people there. Their stories of watching the CWS games in DC-area sports bars with hundreds cheering for the Bulldogs just reinforced how big all of this was literally across the nation. We said our goodbyes as the boys were rushing out to dinner and to watch Brandon Burke (final game closer) perform at an Arlington open-mike comedy club.

 

It is hard to describe this improbable day, but what about this 2008 Bulldog baseball season had been probable? We all know what they have accomplished and the unpredicted, unexpected and even unlikely experience it has been – they were at the White House today chatting with the President of the United States – wow! – not even the most confident among them could have predicted this on their first day of practice as a freshman. Today was such a cheerful, no-stress day with no game-day jitters or wonder about who was on the mound or whether the bats of the Fresno Lumber Company (thanks Kenny) would show up or not. But what struck me more about today than what they have done, is that today may very well be the last day they all will ever be together again – players and coaches. So what a way to spend it and create one last memory of this 2008 baseball season – this was the final chapter for this team. They were a unique bunch and I still see the goofiness in them today in their suits and ties at the White House as we all reluctantly bring this season to a close. It is hard to let go for us but the memories, including those made today, will always be there along with the lifelong bond that players, coaches, parents, friends, and supporters have all developed. We are humbled by it all and grateful to God for the blessing that every minute these Wonderdogs have provided to us.

 

IS THERE A DOG IN THE (WHITE) HOUSE??? WOOOOF!!!!

 

 

 

 

(pictures following)

 

More than a game

I just received a Thank you from a friend of my brother-in-law. The reason I am sharing this..... Jeff (my brother-in-law's friend) has a 12 year old son Jack. Jack is a from the San Francisco area and is a fan of the Bulldogs. Jack is a baseball player (pitcher)and is currently recovering from major surgery. Justin was asked to call Jack while he was in the hospital. They had a short conversation and I could tell that Justin was the one who was touched by the "fan appreciation". To follow is the e-mail from Jack and his dad.

How blessed we all are to have had the CWS experience and more important, the opportunity to make someone feel better because of it.


Greg Mackay sent me your email address so we could send this note. Justin was the kindest young man to take the time to speak with my son Jack while he was in the hospital and send him a cap which is proudly placed on the top of his bookshelf in his room as his prized possession. Would you please pass the following note to Justin from my son.

God Bless

Jeff Humphrey, ASA, CCRA
Senior Vice President - Asset Management
Devon Self Storage Holdings, LLC
2000 Powell Street, Suite 1240
Emeryville, CA 94608
Phone (510) 450-9205
Fax (510) 595-3369





Dear Justin,

Thanks so much for the hat. It’s the most special baseball item on my shelf. I really appreciate it. It was lots of fun watching you and your team play in the CWS. I will hope to see you throwing in the big leagues. Good luck in Pittsburg!!!

Sincerely,
Jack Humphrey

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ESPY

Look for the ESPY show tonight at 9pm. More info on the event to follow soon.

Resolution passed in the U.S. House today

110th CONGRESS2d Session
H. RES. 1327
Congratulating the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Baseball Champions, the Fresno State Bulldogs, on an outstanding and historic season.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 9, 2008
Mr. Nunes (for himself, Mr. Costa, Mr. Radanovich, Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Walden of Oregon, Mr. Dreier, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Issa, Mr. Calvert, Mr. McCarthy of California, Mr. Rohrabacher, Mr. McNerney, Mr. Terry, Mr. Young of Alaska, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Honda, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr. Shimkus, Mr. Doolittle, Mr. Bilbray, Mr. Berman, Mr. George Miller of California, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Lewis of California, Mrs. Bono Mack, Mr. Campbell of California, and Mr. Herger) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor
RESOLUTION
Congratulating the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Baseball Champions, the Fresno State Bulldogs, on an outstanding and historic season.
Whereas California State University, Fresno, better known as Fresno State, was founded in 1911 and has offered advanced degrees since 1949;
Whereas Fresno State has one of the top Agriculture Sciences and Technology programs in the California State University system, with a worldwide reputation in water technology, more than 200 awards for student-produced wines, and research having global impact in the areas of food production, land preservation, and irrigation;
Whereas Fresno State’s Craig School of Business has been recognized in the Princeton Review’s top business schools and is nationally acclaimed for its Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship;
Whereas Fresno State also offers well-regarded programs in schools or colleges devoted to arts and humanities, health and human services, education and human development, social sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics and engineering;
Whereas Fresno State is home to approximately 19,000 undergraduate students, 2,200 graduate students, and nearly 1,000 post-baccalaureate students;
Whereas in the recent Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation process, Fresno State was commended as a “national model for institutions interested in becoming generators of social mobility, economic development, and student success”;
Whereas Fresno State prepares its students to prosper in their chosen careers by being responsible citizens in their communities, as well as in the State, Nation, and world;
Whereas all Fresno State athletic programs pride themselves on recruiting male and female athletes from local high schools and junior colleges;
Whereas every member of this year’s championship baseball team is from California, with many players hailing from such San Joaquin Valley towns as Fresno, Clovis, Bakersfield, Visalia, Hanford, and Turlock;
Whereas the Fresno State Bulldogs baseball team beat the University of Georgia Bulldogs two games to one to win the 2008 College World Series;
Whereas the Fresno State Bulldogs opened the College World Series with a victory over fifth-seeded Rice University and had two wins over number-two national seed University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill;
Whereas the Bulldogs scored 14 home runs, breaking the College World Series home run record, and set the record for the most extra-base hits, runs batted in, and total bases in a championship game;
Whereas the Bulldogs became the only team in College World Series history to score more than 16 runs in 2 separate games;
Whereas the Bulldogs were the first number-four seed to reach the finals of a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship in any sport;
Whereas the Bulldogs earned 8 wins over teams ranking in the top 20;
Whereas the Bulldogs played on the road for over 40 days;
Whereas, throughout the College World Series, the Bulldogs won 6 elimination games, including a 19–10 victory over the University of Georgia Bulldogs in the championship series;
Whereas, for the third consecutive season, the Bulldogs earned a pre-season ranking in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s Fabulous 40 and an 18th-place ranking from Baseball America Magazine;
Whereas the Bulldogs won 47 games and lost 31 games during the 2008 season;
Whereas 7 members of the Bulldog team were named to the Preseason All-Western Athletic Conference Team;
Whereas on May 17, 2008, the Bulldogs won their third straight Western Athletic Conference championship;
Whereas on May 25, 2008, the Bulldogs won their third straight Western Athletic Conference tournament after beating the University of Nevada;
Whereas the Bulldogs had not played in a College World Series since 1991;
Whereas the Bulldogs won the Long Beach Regional and Tempe Super Regional tournaments, and beat 3rd-ranked Arizona State University, 6th-ranked San Diego University, and 11th-ranked Long Beach State University;
Whereas head coach Mike Batesole was named the 2008 National Coach of the Year, the second time in 10 years he has won the award;
Whereas Steve Susdorf was named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Tanner Scheppers was named the Western Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, Danny Muno was named the Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, and head coach Mike Batesole was named the Western Athletic Conference Co-Coach of the Year;
Whereas Steve Susdorf, Tanner Scheppers, Erik Wetzel, Alan Ahmady, and Brandon Burke earned First-Team All-Western Athletic Conference honors;
Whereas seniors Clayton Allison, Blake Amador, Jason Breckley, Brandon Burke, Jacob Hower, Ryan Overland, and Steve Susdorf and junior Kris Tomlinson have graduated or will graduate within 9 semesters, having managed their time well enough to keep up with studies and play championship baseball over 78 games and hundreds of practice sessions;
Whereas Steve Susdorf was a Western Athletic Conference All-Academic awardee for the fourth year and also won ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District and second team Academic All-America honors;
Whereas senior Clayton Allison, juniors Kris Tomlinson and Erik Wetzel, and freshmen Trent Soares and Jake Floethe were also Western Athletic Conference All-Academic performers;
Whereas Tommy Mendonca was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player and was named to the 2008 National Collegiate Team;
Whereas Erik Wetzel, Steve Susdorf, Steve Detwiler, and Justin Wilson were named to the 2008 College World Series All-Tournament Team;
Whereas, in addition to the players who earned all-conference honors, the Bulldogs saw outstanding play from Danny Muno, Jordan Ribera, Gavin Hedstrom, and Ryan Overland;
Whereas Bulldog coaches Mike Batesole, Matt Curtis, Mike Mayne, and Pat Waer and the entire Bulldog roster and staff have earned a special place in Fresno State sports history;
Whereas many members of the Bulldog team will never play professional baseball and truly give meaning to the term “student-athlete”; and
Whereas Fresno State’s competition for the national championship has been exciting to watch for all those who have an attachment to the University, the San Joaquin Valley, and the game we call our national pastime: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) congratulates the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Baseball Champions, the Fresno State Bulldogs, on an outstanding and historic season; and
(2) recognizes that the Bulldogs, in winning their first College World Series, concluded an unprecedented season and championship that captivated baseball fans across America.

Where have all the guys gone? (from CSTV.com)

With all the excitement dying down and life returning to their normal routines, where are they now...
• Erik Wetzel has signed with the Colorado Rockies and will begin short season with the Tri-City Dust Devils.• Danny Grubb is taking the summer off and hanging out at home with friends and family in Orange County.• Trent Soares is playing summer league in Madison, Wisc. with the Madison Mallards.• Nick Hom is playing in a summer league.• Alan Ahmady is taking summer classes and working out.• Jason Breckley is finishing up school.• Tanner Scheppers was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round and undergoing rehabilitation on his shoulder.• Steve Detwiler is at home recovering from surgery in the Bay area.• Danny Muno is playing in a summer league in Thousand Oaks, Calif.• Jordan Ribera is enjoying a summer off.• Justin Wilson was drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates in the fifth round.• Ryan Overland finished school and is at home in Atascadero preparing to pursue a career in coaching.• Brandon Burke signed with the Diamondbacks and will be playing short season with the Missoula Osprey.• Steve Susdorf signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and began short season in Pennsylvania with the Williamsport Cutters.• Gavin Hedstrom is taking the summer off and spending time with family in Irvine.• Blake Amador graduated and is spending time with family in Turlock.• Tommy Mendonca is playing with Team USA in the Netherlands.• Justin Miller signed with the Texas Rangers and is playing short season with the Spokane Indians.• Jake Johnson is playing summer league in Alaska.• Sean Bonesteele is taking the summer off and hanging out with friends and family in Santa Ana.• Jake Floethe is taking the summer off and spending time at home in Lafayette.• Clayton Allison signed with the LA Dodgers and is playing short season with the Ogden Raptors.• Gene Escat is recovering from an injury.• Kris Tomlinson graduated and is spending time at home with family in Visalia.• Holden Sprague is taking the summer off and hanging out with family in Fresno.• Jake Hower graduated and pursuing a career in law enforcement.

Some great pictures of some superstars and fantastic views. Enjoy!

It's everywhere

I spoke to a friend of mine who was at Dodgers Stadium last night for a game. He said that one of the biggest cheers of the night was when they showed a fan in the stands waving a Fresno State College World Series hat for the camera on the stadium scoreboard screen. The place went nuts for it.