Month: February 2013

Here’s the second half installment from Corey. Even though I’m old, falling apart and wasn’t good at baseball to start with, I can’t tell you how much I really want to do this some day.. although I think for me, wishing about it would turn out to be far more healthy than actually participating…

Don’t forget to check out Part I

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The REST of Twins Fantasy Camp 2013

A Rookie’s Story: By Corey Sauer

Tuesday, January 8^th: PLAY BALL!

The day dawned bright and relatively clear. Early morning fog quickly burned off as the South Florida sun rose and flooded the city with light and heat. Two 7 inning ball games were on the schedule for 10:00 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., and as the sky grew more blue and the temperature skipped past the 70’s and right into the 80’s, every camper was smiling and full of excitement. We were finally going to play ball.

The Dream Weavers were ready to play and we took a solid lead in Game 1 and never looked back as we won 9-6 over the Burnsville Bombers (coaches: Frank Quilici and Dick Stigman). After a tasty lunch back at the clubhouse, we took the field against the Canterbury Clan (coaches: Ron Coomer and Julio Becquer) for Game 2 and played a close game that ultimately went our way, and we one 5-3.

I was called in to pitch in relief in Game 1 and while I wasn’t exactly Cy Young on the mound, I did enjoy my brief stint on the bump, but unfortunately it did lead to a muscle injury in my left hip that would nag at me and hinder my mobility for the rest of the week.

Wednesday, January 9^th: TRIPLE HEADER! 

As a consequence of Monday’s complete rain out, the solitary game that was originally scheduled for Wednesday was going to be accompanied by two extra games. And instead of forcing campers to play 21 innings in a single day, it was determined that the three games would only be 5 innings each, and that one game would be pitched by each team’s Pro Staffers. This strategy would allow the games to move along at a good pace and to minimize the possibility of injuries to campers.

Game 3 saw the Dream Weavers play against the Hrbekskis (coaches: Kent Hrbek and Tom Brunansky) and we scored often and early in a 14-2 blowout.  Game 4 was against the Battery Mates and this game was pitched by the Pros. Two of our coaches, Camilo Pascual and Bill “Soup” Campbell, pitched to us, while our opponents had to face their two coaches, Frank Viola and Tim Laudner.

I had the pure pleasure and luxury of playing warm up toss for several minutes prior to this game with the great Camilo Pascual. The 79 year old former pitcher was having a ball. He had a huge smile on his face, and I could see his eyes sparkling from behind his large black horn-rimmed glasses as he was breaking off one wicked curveball after another during our warm up, and I couldn’t stop grinning like a fool. A great memory, unforgettable.

As for Game 4 itself, apparently Camilo didn’t understand that he was supposed to make it easy for us to hit the ball. Instead he allowed only one hit to us. Meanwhile, Bill “Soup” Campbell finished what Camilo had started, and we ended up losing the game 1-0.

Game 5 was played after lunch and despite our best efforts it didn’t go our way either. We faced a really tough left-handed pitcher and were able to manufacture several hits and runs, but in the end we still lost 6-5 to the Warriors(coaches: Rick Aguilera and Phil Roof).

We had started the day with a 2-0 record and finished the day with a 3-2 record, despite the losses, were still in a good position to get a high seed in the playoffs that would take place on Friday.

Thursday, January 10^th: POSTSEASON DRIVE!

Armed with our 3-2 record, we knew that if we won both games today, we were a shoe-in as a number one seed. And if we split, we would be no less than a three or four seed.

Our Game 6 opponents were the Panama Stingers (coaches: Juan Berenguer and Lee Stange) and we faced a very good pitcher whose fastball and curveball combo was just too much for us. He also got us at the plate with a 350’ home run over the left field fence. We dropped the game 4-1.

Game 7 was the final game of regular pool play and would determine the final seeding for the Friday playoff games. Our opponent Stay Thirsty My Friend (coaches: Gene Larkin, Erik Rasmussen, and Milt Cuyler) had earned a reputation during the week of making big comebacks and it was reflected in their 4-1 best of camp record at the start of play on Thursday. We began the game very well, with solid starting pitching, great infield defense and good productivity at the plate.

Before we knew it, we had taken a 6-2 lead, had turned four fantastic double plays and were looking at what could be a great win to break our three game losing streak.

In the bottom of the seventh, it all fell apart. The Thirsty’s mounted an incredible comeback as they kept attacking the ball at the plate, and our consistently solid defense started to crack. The Thirsty’s scored 5 runs in that inning to win the game 7-6 in what turned out to be a shocking loss for us.

Friday, January 11^th: PLAYOFFS!

A new day and a new opportunity to win. After losing four straight games (three of them were one run losses), the Dream Weavers were looking for redemption. The playoff structure of Fantasy Camp features two divisions: Red (lower) and Blue (upper). We were seeded number one in the Red Division with our 3-4 record and were slated to play the Burnsville Bombers (the number four seed in the Red Division) in a one game playoff. A win and we would play in the Red Division Championship on Saturday. A loss and we’re done.

The pitcher we faced was a right-handed curveball hurler who kept us off balance for much of the game and by the bottom of the seventh inning we were down 3-2. I came to the plate with runners on and drove a base hit up the middle to drive in the tying run. The very next batter drove in the winning with a hit through the left side of the infield. We beat the Bombers 4-3 and earned a Championship berth.

After a well-deserved lunch, it was time for PROS vs. ROOKIES game at Hammond Stadium where the Miracle play, and where the Twins play their Spring Training exhibition games.

This was basically an exhibition and not an actual competitive game. All of the 39 Rookies were separated into four “teams”. Each team would get two at-bats per player and two chances to play defense against the Pros.

The highlight for me: After my team’s pitcher pitched one inning against the Pros, amazingly none of my teammates wanted to pitch, so I jumped at the chance! I “pitched” against Ron Coomer, Gene Larkin, Tom Brunansky, and Milt Cuyler. It was awesome because I suck, so the Pros just hammered my “pitches” all over the outfield.

Saturday, January 12^th: CHAMPIONSHIP!

The Dream Weavers were thrilled to get a chance to play more baseball. And not only did we get to play in a championship game, we got to play it inside Hammond Stadium

The field was immaculate and resembled a jewel glistening in the sunlight.

Our opponent for the Red Championship was the Warriors. A team whom we had already lost 6-5 to earlier in the week, but we knew we were capable of getting hits and runs against their starter, former All-American southpaw Billy McMacken from South Dakota, so we had confidence we could do it again.

Unfortunately, Billy was on fire and his curveball was essentially unhittable. I was able to manage only one hit in my at-bats, a hard shot comebacker past the pitcher and over second base. The rest of my teammates managed to pile up five combined hits, but we could not score. The Warriors’ offense was a brute force attack that made our reliable defense look completely overmatched.

In the end we were bludgeoned 8-0 in a loss that actually was NOT humiliating. I say that because, we had the chance to play baseball and no matter the score, it was a huge thrill to be on that field, and have former “voice of the Minnesota Twins” John Gordon calling out our names as we came to bat, and recapping the action over the P.A. in between innings. It was an awesome experience.

In Conclusion

Fantasy Camp was an absolute thrill for me. The atmosphere in the clubhouse everyday was fun and good-natured. Everyone was excited about getting to play baseball and be surrounded by some of their heroes from Minnesota Twins history. Being able to walk ten steps in the clubhouse over to Bert Blyleven’s locker or Frank Viola’s and have the chance to chat and get an autograph was simply priceless. The evening banquets featured fantastic food, plenty to drink and lots of opportunity for the Campers to mingle and get to know one another and build friendships.

Some personal highlights: Taking batting practice against Juan Berenguer, Rick Aguilera, Phil Roof and Bill Campbell. Having both Kent Hrbek and Frank Viola refuse to sign an autograph when I called them Mr. Hrbek and Mr. Viola, and then very quickly and graciously signing the second I referred to them as Hrbie and Sweet Music, respectively. Getting to listen to listen to Tony Oliva dispense his hitting wisdom while sitting next to him on the bench every game. Chatting with Frank Viola one-on-one in the dining room during lunch. Getting to walk around all day in a Twins uniform and cleats and feeling like a Major Leaguer everywhere I went. Bert Blyleven giving me props for striking out swinging instead of looking. Hrbek giving me props for drilling the ball during batting practice in the instructionals.

Another great part of camp was the familial aspect. There were several brothers; fathers and sons; grandfathers and grandsons. And they have been coming to camp for years in order to play baseball together. What a great tradition.

Fun was an integral part of camp. From Camp Commissioner Bert Blyleven’s antics during “Kangaroo Court” at two different banquets, or literally mooning my team during our team photo, to the clear camaraderie and joy of playing baseball that was evident in the clubhouse, the dining room, on the diamond, or just in low-key social gatherings outside the structure of camp. The people, both Pros and Campers alike, genuinely LOVED being there. And that made the trip worthwhile.

By Sunday morning as Campers were heading back to their respective home states, people were exhausted, sore, and more importantly, very happy.

My good buddy Corey (you’ve seen his name because we frequently use his photos here on Knuckleballs) got the birthday present of his life from his folks this year – a trip to Twins Fantasy Camp. He has graciously summarized his experiences into a bit of a “daily diary” to share with those of us not as fortunate and jealous as H. E. Double Hockey Sticks.

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Twins Fantasy Camp 2013

A Rookie’s Story: By Corey Sauer

On June 16^th, 2012, while having dinner with my family to celebrate my 40^th birthday I opened a present from my parents, and I was thrilled at what I found inside.

It was a picture frame with a letter under glass. The letter was from Stan Dickman, the guru of the Minnesota Twins Fantasy Camp, informing me I was all signed up for the 2013 camp.

I had wanted to go to Fantasy Camp since I turned 30 a decade earlier and suddenly, I had my chance, but I had to wait another seven months. Imagine having to wait for an entire summer (and fall) to pass by before you can play fantasy baseball…in the middle of winter.

Cut to January 5^th, 2013. I headed south on Delta Airlines to Fort Myers, Florida, the Spring Training home of the Twins. Camp was slated to last from January 5^th to January 12^th. I was very excited to spend a week in sunny southwest Florida playing baseball and soaking up the rays.

Once I arrived in Fort Myers, I picked up my rental car (highly recommended) and drove to the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Belle Tower Shops. The Plaza Hotel was only 5-10 minutes from the Lee County Sports Complex, where the Twins have Spring Training each year. LCSC is also the home to the Twins Minor League affiliate, the Fort Myers Miracle, who play their home games at Hammond Stadium, based at the complex.

Check-in at the hotel was quick and easy, and I was paired up in a room with a fellow rookie by the name of Andy Schmakel.

Registration for Camp took place in the hotel and was a snap, I got to meet former Twins relief pitcher Juan “Señor Smoke” Berenguer in the registration room. Juan was very pleasant and happy to meet a rookie.

What follows is a relatively brief summary of each day’s events and the highlights.

There were many. 

Saturday, January 5^th: ARRIVAL DAY

After checking in to my room and completing camp registration, there was a “Rookies Meeting” at the hotel. There were 39 rookie campers this year, including myself. We met in a small conference room, where Fantasy Camp guru Stan Dickman gave us an overview of what to expect during the week. Not 5 minutes into the orientation, Bert Blyleven walked in and dropped an F-Bomb before taking a seat. There was a roar of laughter. 

After the meeting was the first of five banquets that would be held during the week.

Fox Sports North broadcaster Dick Bremer (himself a veteran camper) welcomed the group and mentioned that Kent Hrbek wouldn’t want anyone to know that the reason Hrbie arrived at camp on crutches was due to a “bowling injury”. Laughter from the crowd , then a torrent of laughing and clapping as Hrbek stood up and gave Mr. Bremer the finger. That set the tone for the rest of the week. 

Sunday, January 6^th: DAY ONE

The official first day of camp. Rookies reported early to get a brief orientation of the clubhouse, its rules and protocol for camp. Breakfast was served in the clubhouse dining room and would be a regular offering every day of camp, along with lunch. 

Rookies and Veterans alike dressed in our provided uniforms and participated in a session of stretching led by former relief pitcher Bill “Soup” Campbell. It was made clear to us from the start (and we were reminded constantly during every game we played) to “TAKE IT EASY” when stretching and when playing ball. (Remember this statement later) Apparently, in the past they have had campers blowout hamstrings, damage knee ligaments or otherwise get injured on the first day and miss the rest of camp.

After the stretching session, all campers were divided into six groups and commenced with participating in a series of six separate “Instructionals”: Hitting; Base Running; Infield Drills; Outfield Drills; Pitching; Catching.

Former major leaguers, referred to as the “Pro Staff”, led each instructional.

My first instructional was hitting with Gene Larkin and Kent Hrbek.

After instructionals were completed, we reported to the dining room for lunch. After lunch, all 39 rookies were divided in to four separate teams in order to play two games in front of the entire Pro Staff for evaluation.

It was during the evaluation game that I was forced into pitching (I’m an outfielder, I cannot pitch). During my stint on the mound I “pitched” decently. In other words I threw the ball toward the plate and sometimes it was hit and sometimes it was not. The low point of my outing on the bump came when my camp roommate, Andy, came to the plate and my first pitch drilled him high on his left hip near his lower ribs. He laughed and smiled as he trotted slowly toward first base while I circled the mound with my glove covering my face in embarrassment. Andy had quite a bruise after that. He forgave me almost immediately. I bought him a beer later that night at the bar.

In my final at-bat of the evaluation game, Bert Blyleven suddenly stepped out on the mound to pitch to me. I had no idea what was going on. I thought perhaps this was what sometimes happened at camp, that Bert would show up wherever and provide some entertainment. He threw me three pitches. I took the first high and out of the zone. The second I swung at and fouled off. The third I made partial contact and chopped the ball slowly down the third base line. I ran it out and was safe. My roommate Andy was the catcher and he was unable to get to the ball in time to make a play. I got a hit off of Bert Blyleven.  I later realized, Bert only came in to pitch just to get the game over so the Pro Staff could get back to the hotel and conduct the draft. 

After the completion of the evaluation, everyone got changed and went back to the hotel where the Pro Staff tucked themselves away in a suite to conduct the Camp Draft. All campers were drafted onto eight separate teams, with at least two Pros coaching each team. 

At the banquet in the hotel that night, the Pros formally announced their team names and then named each camper who had been drafted to their respective team.

I was drafted on to the Dream Weavers with Bill “Soup” Campbell, Tony Oliva and Camilo Pascual as coaches.

Monday, January 7^th: RAIN OUT!

We awoke to overcast skies and the threat of rain. The schedule had us locked in for two 7 inning baseball games, one at 10:00 a.m. and the second at 1:10 p.m. After reporting to the clubhouse and enjoying another fantastic breakfast, all campers were dressed for baseball and began batting practice sessions in the indoor batting cages.

The rain had already begun while were eating, and by the time campers started B.P. the light rain was a steady downpour. We stretched, threw warm up toss, hit baseballs, joked around and waited for word from Stan whether we would get to play the morning game.

Then finally, the call was made. RAIN OUT. The storm system had parked over Fort Myers and was very sluggish. There was no way we could play either game.

Luckily, there was a contingency plan. Meet in the dining room and watch a highlight video of the 1991 World Series with the Pro Staff and stick around for Q&A with Rick Aguilera, Kent Hrbek, and Gene Larkin.

Afterward, we had our afternoon free before the evening Team Dinners where each team treated their Pro Staff coaches to dinner out on the town. Upon returning to the hotel following dinner, a special Autograph Party took place on the deck of the hotel restaurant & bar, Shoeless Joe’s.

On Sunday, each rookie had been given a full-size wood baseball bat with their name and the camp logo and year engraved on it. The autograph party was the perfect opportunity to collect signatures on the bat. Each player was very gracious, friendly and accommodating. My bat is loaded with autographs. Great souvenir!!

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Now watch for Part II (and more photos) coming soon!