Summer in the Cape
July 25, 2003
Well, we’re here at week five. Things are getting busy around here as we’re wrapping up the season. I was hoping to go into detail in this email, but it might have to be a little shorter than some of the other ones.
The last game of the season will be August 5th with the playoffs beginning on the 7th. Right now, we’re still in second place. As I talked about last week, the top 2 teams from each division play each other in a best of 3 series. The two winners then meet in a best of 3 series to determine the Cape Cod League Championship.
Lately, I’ve been very focused on baseball. With the season winding down, now is the time to focus. I can rest when I get home. Our goal is to make it into the playoffs. From there, we need to play fundamental baseball and make sure we do all the little things. If we can avoid mental mistakes, I think we’ve got a good shot to win.
This past Tuesday was our day off. I got to go to the Red Sox game. What an amazing experience. There were so many people at the game, and everyone was rooting for Boston. In Miami, there are fewer fans at a Marlins game, and in the crowd there can be a lot of fans rooting for different opponents. Jim Burt and I started debating during the game. I really think that I could hit it over the green monster. It’s only 310 ft. down the line. You’d have to hit it high, but the distance isn’t the problem. We all know that Jim could hit one out, so that isn’t even a debate. I’m not sure about my brother Danny, but I know that I could.
I was surprised to see that my Mom sent me an email. We speak every day and I didn’t even know that she was reading the journals. She gave me an update on my brother and the rest of my family. She’s heading up to the Cape to watch me play on August 2nd. Well, mom, thanks for the email. I can’t wait to see you this coming week. I love you and we’ll talk soon.
Cheryl sent me another email this week. Don’t worry, I’ve passed along your email to Jim Burt. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see it.
Vanessa Valdes sent me another email this week. She mentioned that she might be in Boston on the 15th. Unfortunately, I’ll be gone by then. But hopefully, I’ll run into you in Miami.
Erin Espinoza sent me an email wondering if I believed if it was ok to think you were better than another player on the field, or if you should be just as good. My goal is that you should always strive to be the best. Never be satisfied with good enough. It’s the guy who tries to be great, that usually succeeds in life.
Diana wanted to know why I cut my hair. I answered that one in last week’s journal, but in case you missed it, I didn’t like any of the barbers here at the Cape. I decided to shave it myself and let it grow out while I was here. When I get back to Miami, I’ll have my barber cut it the way I like it.
Brian Lundstrom wanted to know if I keep in touch with my host family from last year. He mentioned that they were the host family for Richard Giannotti in Waynesboro last year, and that they hear from him all the time. Brian, I would have to say that I do keep in touch with them. I’ve written a few letters and called them from time to time. When we went up to play Virginia this year, they drove down to watch me play. After the game, we went out to dinner and caught up. I think that it’s important to keep in touch with the people that have opened the doors for you to be a part of their family. These experiences are ones that I will never forget.
Lastly, I got an email from Randy. He mentioned that he came down to Mark Light this past season to watch Miami and San Diego State play. His son was a freshman at Miami this year, and gave him a grand tour of Mark Light. He’s been a fan for over 20 year. Randy, thanks for the email. And with your regards to the question about Summer Catch, my experiences here have shown me that the movie is pretty close, except they don’t always end with the happy ending.
Well, that’s all I have for this week. I’m writing this email pretty late and have to get up early in the morning for breakfast and a work out. Thanks for the emails and keep them coming.
Until next week,
Paco Figueroa, #16
