My Thankful Day

 

Two pods and a lot of rain

It's been a while.

A little over a month ago, I stopped the madness of posting every day as I headed to San Francisco for a conference.

The most recent post came after I returned from California.

Then? I stopped.

Oh, I thought about writing it but I gave myself a break.

November tends to be a busy month of work and I was somewhat occupied with another conference, a few cases in the deposition world, and a bunch of games.

If I'm being honest, I'm not working enough and it's frankly not sustainable. That causes me some sleepless nights.

Last night, however, I tossed and turned and thought about the annual Thanksgiving broadcast of high school football between Greenwich and Staples.

If the game had been at Cardinal Stadium, my concerns would have been minimal. I'd be there within five minutes. We'd have our own booth. We'd have heat and power and internet and we would be dry.

Today's game was not at Cardinal Stadium. It was at Staples where I have worked maybe three games in their press box. Ever.

Today was not one of those days. So I knew we would be out on the landing just outside of the press box door.

And it was going to rain. I had hoped the forecast would change but it did not. The chance of rain sat at 98%.

So I worried about getting internet and having working equipment. And keeping it dry.

I was up early, out the door, and on the Staples campus at 7:30. The game was scheduled to kick off at 10.

I surveyed the setup, reviewed the size of our space, and pondered what to set up.

Dan Murphy arrived a few minutes after I did and we got to work.

I opted to go with the pods that I have. One is larger than the other and I thought that was the best one to use as an anchor for our equipment. I told Dan he could use the other one.

Keeping in mind the day would be windy, we had to be mindful of anchoring the pods.

For the record, I had a canopy in my trunk that belongs to WGCH but I think it would have been too big for our space.

I ran the power from the booth. We strung the internet cable from the WWPT Radio booth. Then I promptly dropped it. So we did it again.

All was well. Until it wasn't.

The rain picked up and soaked the old MacBook that I was using. The computer began to act weird and, eventually, stopped charging.

Uh oh.

If only I was prepared. You know, like with another computer.

Like the one I'm currently typing on.

A quick text to Bob Small to make sure we could connect via a different website (yes) and we were in business.

I won't tell you it was perfect. In fact, it wasn't. We had a problem with Dan's microphone initially but he worked diligently to get that under control.

But, overall, today's game wasn't great (final: Staples 27, Greenwich 0) but the broadcast was a standout. I'm very proud of it.

Look, I stood in the rain for hours. I did everything I could to keep notes dry. At times, I just kept them tucked in my jacket. I never wrote out a scorecard because it would have been laughable.

Dan kept some stats from inside of the other pod. For the record, we never saw each other during the broadcast as we reacted to what each other said.

Dan never panicked. It's easy to overreact in these circumstances but Dan was a seasoned pro and didn't budge. He made the situation work for him and adapted as necessary. He knew we had been blessed with great weather since mid-September so, eventually, this was bound to happen.

And it did. Oh, did it ever.

Even the famous tailgate was sadly a no-go today, as the rain scuttled those plans. Starving, Dan left to go get something to eat. He tried calling me at one point and I couldn't answer it because the phone and my hand were both soaked.

The point of all of this is we made it work. It had a chance to be a disaster for the ages and, instead, the broadcast was a triumph.

Broadcasts like that make a team grow closer, especially when you rally and don't let it ruin the effort. I think that happened today.

I warned Dan that we've experienced so many things on Thanksgiving Day. We nearly fought with a TV crew, dealt with cold weather, light snow, and bad communication that impacted the broadcast. We've had classics, tension, and a few ho-hum games. 

That led to today. Even as the forecast looked awful, Dan remained consistently excited for his first Thanksgiving call. For the record, today was my 23rd, only missing 2020 since I started working on turkey day in 2001.

It has made Thanksgiving Day almost my favorite holiday. Of course, now I wish we could just fast-forward to January, but that's a different story.

But seeing it through Dan's eyes -- and his enthusiasm -- gave me a boost, especially as my blood pressure was spiking during setup.

It took some time, but I made my way home to a very quiet afternoon. While I spent the day with only The Cat, I thank those who did invite me to spend the day with them. In truth, I was shot. 

I came home, cleaned myself up, and put all of the soaking clothes in the laundry. Then I made a turkey sandwich and watched TV. Football, of course.

And, eventually, I fell asleep.

I also discovered we accidentally put a bag of equipment in Staples High School in my car and I have to arrange to return that.

Thanksgiving 2024 was one of challenges. But it's all in context. 

The weather, as bad as it was, could have been a lot worse. It could have been snow. I can see the silver lining.

I, too, can be positive, even if my positivity is dipped in reality.

John Nash caught me working under the umbrella

But I'm thankful. You bet I am.

I have friends who cared about where I spent my Thanksgiving. I have friends who were texting and making me laugh all day.

I have love. A roof over my head. The turkey sandwich.

And though he wasn't with me until just a few minutes ago, I have a son.

You bet I'm thankful.

And Greenwich has at least one more game as the Cardinals host New Britain on Tuesday night.

That means we'll be back at Cardinal Stadium.

Bad weather won't impact us.

The Broadcast Brings Peace

 

In the booth at Brunswick. Any booth is my sanctuary.

Let's start with the good news.

Today's broadcast went much better. Working solo isn't easy but I find it works for me. Oh, I'm probably best with a partner, but it has to be a good partner. Obviously, Dan Murphy and I have that chemistry, for instance.

I felt like I saw the action better today at Cosby Field for Brunswick's home game against Phillips Exeter Academy. That's not easy to do as the press box there is set lower, making the field somewhat tougher to see to the right.

So despite feeling exhausted, I felt a bit better about the broadcast. As always, the booth is my comfort zone and I can generally leave any troubles behind there.

Oh, and before the game, I walked into Cosby Field and took note of the assembled families as they waited for the Senior Day ceremony to begin. As I walked, I noticed a certain feeling in the air before I heard someone say "Oh!"

My gut took note and wondered. Sure enough, as I said hello entering the booth, I was asked if I could be the announcer for the ceremony. In other words, I became the host, introducing each senior player and interpreting the notes that I was handed literally before I began the ceremony.

I've hosted several of these ceremonies so I know the drill. Enunciate. Allow each player to have their moment. Keep it moving.

As far as I know, it went off without a hitch and I'm happy. The ceremony is really for the parents as coaches and players are anxious to get to game time and play.

With that all said, on the downside, the Bruins lost 36-27.

As I've often said, I can't allow myself to be emotionally involved too much. I'll always feel for players and coaches and families but I have to withdraw from that. It's not about me. If anything, in a loss, the words are even more magnified on the air than usual, in that criticism can be difficult for the audience to accept. Tensions are frayed.

I came home after the final whistle, leaving quietly, other than chatting briefly with someone I know who got me a copy of Brunswick's hockey schedule. I'm not looking to get to winter sports yet but it's nice to be thought of.

Not everyone thinks so kindly of me and I'm pretty bummed about that. I wrote not too long ago about being exhausted playing the bad guy.

Or the perceived bad guy.

In truth, I think I'm fairly easy to get along with. I have my opinions -- oh, you bet -- but I also listen when spoken to and have a good respect for others. That doesn't mean I'm going to blankly agree with things. However, I might just politely nod and that will be the end of it. Yet if I truly respect you and the topic at play, I'll debate things.

But I also pick my battles, believe it or not.

However, not everyone feels that way and, in the process, I become persona non grata. 

But I'll never have patience for phonies. And enablers. Among other things.

I hate this kind of middle-school nonsense. That's the word. "Hate."

And I have a disdain for conflict.

I also don't like cutting people out of my life but it has become a necessity in recent times.

Thus, I simply have to move on.

And I am.

I know who my friends are and have to reduce the toxicity.

I'll get a break from Connecticut Junior High School after tomorrow when I head to California for a few days. That will maybe do some good. Hope they have fun in study hall back here. Maybe they can pass notes to each other.

Bennie Rose will be my guest on "Meet the Beatles" tomorrow morning at 9. Join us on WGCH and Robcasting.

The Night Before the Game

 

(Greenwich Football social media)

Tomorrow is game day for Greenwich Football.

If you don't know, the Cardinals lost last week to Wilton for the first time in nearly three decades. The 20-17 win for the Warriors was definitely a shock but also well-earned. Wilton did a solid job of slowing up Greenwich's running game and capitalizing on mistakes.

To be honest, I still very much expect the Cardinals to be right in the thick of the playoffs when Thanksgiving comes around. That's hardly a stretch to say.

The Cardinals play at Trumbull High School tomorrow night.

Trumbull. Huh. Where have I heard of them?

Yes, Trumbull has become an extended broadcasting home for me, covering baseball there every year for some time now. I've also picked up some basketball, ice hockey, football, and even rugby.

That began with being asked to cover the Babe Ruth New England Regional back in 2015. The idea was for us to come in and call the semifinals and championship game with the HAN Network.

However, that wasn't enough for me. I wanted to call every pitch. So I pushed for it and called all of it in what became the last days of HAN Radio.

That has basically continued in some form on an annual basis ever since, including the Babe Ruth State Tournament in July and Little League action in August in Rhode Island.

I've been so fortunate to meet and get to know the wonderful people of the town, led by Mike Buswell. On the Trumbull football/broadcasting side, Jeff Alterman has been my main contact and friend, and I've been proud to watch as the TEN Network has grown.

TEN, in fact, will be doing their own call of tomorrow night's game just a few feet over from where Dan Murphy and I will call the action on WGCH and Robcasting. The Trumbull booth isn't big enough for us so we'll enjoy a pleasant Friday night under the stars.

Both teams have playoff aspirations for good reason. My feeling, and I alluded to this once already, is that the Cardinals will get things straightened out and be a playoff team. That's not to say they'll win tomorrow night or to minimize Trumbull at all. The Eagles' coach, Marce Petroccio, is someone I'm proud to call a friend and I know he'll have his team ready.

Once upon a time, Marce brought a Staples High School team to Cardinal Stadium to play Big Bad Greenwich.

Final score in that 2000 game? Staples 14, Greenwich 8. Yes, the Cardinals almost won on a Hail Mary at the buzzer but it was not to be. It was, instead, the official arrival of Staples as a powerhouse and Marce as a top-level coach.

Now, 24 years later, he's a legendary coach.

So we give all of the props to Trumbull while knowing the Cardinals, led by coach Anthony Morello, likely had fierce practices this week. I can't see any way Big Red won't be ready by seven tomorrow night.

From a broadcast standpoint, I've poured through both rosters, including rebuilding Greenwich's, looked back at the history of the matchup, and have set up and broken down the equipment a few times to make sure things are working.

Yes, we're as ready as we can be. We even get a small break with a later start, allowing us extra time to do the slog through Friday night traffic.

We'll be live from Trumbull tomorrow night at 6:50 p.m.

Maybe Not My Best

 

In any part of life, regardless of the circumstances, we all have a day in which we just feel off.

I called a fascinating and weird game between Greenwich and Wilton last night at Cardinal Stadium. I came home and watched the Yankees/Cleveland game and crashed into bed after it was over.

Dan Murphy was along for the entire evening and, at one point, we talked about calling a game when we just don't have "it."

Well, that was me today.

I called Brunswick's homecoming matchup against Andover today. The circumstances were joyous. Jovial. Fun.

And yet I felt I was sort of just OK on the air.

As I sit here tonight, I look back and think about what could have been off, if anything.

Lack of sleep? No, I don't think so. By my standards, I had a decent night.

In the morning, I had breakfast, including a cup of coffee. I eventually cleaned a bit, sweeping and vacuuming before reviewing notes and making sure I had everything I needed.

I stopped at a deli to grab a small sandwich just in case there was food at Brunswick. We sometimes get offered things and I wanted to be ready either way. The sandwich would suffice otherwise.

I parked at Brunswick and got to work on setting up. It was mostly nothing unusual, except for having to climb to the roof of the press box a few times to thread an audio cable.

The only other factor was that I began to feel a little bit of sinus pain last night. Nothing too bad though I did take something for it before I went to bed. It did not linger through the Brunswick game.

At game time, I set about doing my opening and getting down to business.

And from there, I was fine. That's it. Just fine.

I'm hoping to the listener there was nothing unusual to take note of and that it was just in my head. That, overall, it didn't sit to my high standards but so what?

Look, the fact that Brunswick won 42-7 doesn't help things though I contend that a broadcaster should be at their best in those moments. Most of the time, I handle this with ease. 

The truth is, I laid out a bit more today. I wasn't quite as glib.

In this business, you generally have to fight through whatever it is that's going on. Sometimes those things are tangible. Sometimes they're not. But, unless something makes it physically impossible, I do whatever I need to do to make it work.

Maybe, ultimately, the sinus thing bothered me more than I let on. Maybe I was just overtired. Maybe I'm run down. Maybe it was Friday night's game that sapped me.

Who knows?

The goal is to not have the audience be aware of it. From what I gathered, nobody noticed.

So, I have to do "Meet the Beatles" tomorrow, with guests Sun Kings: A Beatles Tribute.

I can chill out after that and enjoy sports on TV.

A full week awaits before games next Friday and Saturday.

As always, I'll be ready.

The Boys Are Back in Mount Kisco

Dave, Mark, Bob, Me, 2022

 

The first edition of "The Clubhouse" aired tonight on WGCH and Robcasting.

We kept it simple tonight, only having 1969 "Miracle Met" Art Shamsky as a guest.

Beyond that, it was just Dave Torromeo, Mark Jeffers, me, and Bob Small. We talked about sports and whatever else we wanted to talk about.

It was a fun and easy show, serving as a reminder that I wish they could all (Doubleheader included) be that way.

We didn't need to stress over things. It was an easy hour of top-notch radio.

A few people mentioned that it was as good as anything they hear on sports talk these days.

In truth, we're three guys (Dave, Mark, and me) who love sports and, while it can be easy to cast us off as "old," I think we adjust as needed.

We each had things to get wound up tonight, like Dave spouting about the Jets. Overall, I think I stayed calm, though I was asked off the air about how much I detest the black Mets jerseys.

I'll repeat: they celebrate mediocrity. Oh, cool, you clinched the 2000 National League pennant wearing those? Remind me, how did the 2000 World Series play out?

(Narrator: they lost. To the Yankees.)

Plus they're ugly but I recognize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I loved the format of this show tonight, allowing us to growl and talk and laugh and be loose until the interview at the midway point.

Shamsky was wonderful in explaining how he really doesn't pay as much attention to current baseball but how much the 1969 team means to him. I asked him about being on the Ed Sullivan Show to sing "You've Gotta Have Heart" and he said the team made a bunch of appearances like that. He doesn't go a day without being asked about 1969 or thanked for it.

In that regard, he's a wonderful ambassador.

Our famous scoreboard, "The Clubhouse Report" took up the final segment of the show as Mark delivered the most recent sports news that gave us a chance to react to. In truth, a show like this flies back and that's exactly what tonight did.

When the equipment sets up and breaks down with ease, things go fine technically, and the show presentation is flawless, it's all a joy to do.

Plus, at its core, we have a good time both on and off the air. We all have ideas worth pursuing and real-life circumstances worth discussing.

A show like this is supposed to be fun and it was just that tonight.

We're only in for a four-show run this time before the end of the year but we're also panning some a little different and I'll let you know about that as we get closer.

We'll be back at it next week.

I'll be back on Doubleheader tomorrow.

As I Write This Letter

 

I felt the need for a breakfast sandwich this morning after a long day of football on Saturday.

I pulled myself together and got out the door to head over to one of the delis that is actually open on Sunday morning.

Sandwich and coffee in hand, I moved onto the WGCH studios and set up. What might not be known is that I don't just sit down and talk. Depending on the show, I have to set up a mixer and connections (for music) and the cable to go to Mixlr for Robcasting.

That's when it hit me.

Look, I would have enjoyed being at home, chilling out with coffee there, especially after another night of questionable sleep. Instead, I was sitting in a (too warm) radio studio preparing to do "Meet the Beatles."

And that was the point.

I get to host a radio show -- one that I came up with* -- about the greatest band in music history.

OK, I actually get to host at least three shows ("Doubleheader," "Meet the Beatles," and "The Clubhouse").

* I realize that, conceptually, "Meet the Beatles" doesn't break new ground. But it's a show that was in my mind for several years, and the idea was to see what I could do with a Beatles show of my own. Overall, I wanted it to be about the discovery and enjoyment of the music. If we can find some different avenues we will.

For the first seven months of the show, I made it my own personal journey, picking different themes each week. Sometimes, I'd go with a "dealer's choice" show that allowed me to just play music. Some weeks, I'd highlight a single member of the band or an album.

I'm sure some weeks have been better than others.

Bennie Rose will be on this month

As October began, I had my first guest on as Mark Zelenz was on last week. This week was just me, so I honored John Lennon's birthday. Sun Kings will join me next Sunday, and Bennie Rose will be on the following week.

We're talking about more guests -- singers, historians, authors, and fans -- that I hope you'll enjoy. I'm still trying to convince Sean to come in for a show, for instance. He doesn't quite understand why but I want him to explain his journey with the music, and it's an example of how it gets passed through generations.

But that's where my mind was this morning as I was sitting there. A lot of radio stations wouldn't embrace this idea.

WGCH did and those in charge like it.

I mentioned it in passing to Bob Small, and he was all in. It took a few months to get it on the schedule but it's now anchored at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning. Will it stay there forever? Who knows?

But there's been no interference. From time to time, I've had a few headaches about "Doubleheader" but that sound and fury has only come from one place, and, beyond that, it has gone away. 

I suppose what I'm saying is that, despite the lack of money the shows have been a joy to do overall. I'm not sure I can afford to do them much longer but I'm content to keep going while there is still the flexibility and hands-off approach. It fits in my schedule and that matters a lot.

WGCH is a gem. It's a gem that we need to make shine more. The website didn't work this morning but that's why Robcasting is always available as a backup. 

I want to make WGCH even better and shows like "Meet the Beatles" helps because it's locally produced.

That needs to be the approach.

We need to make more of that happen.

It Was Just a Sandwich

 

I look at this with a sense of humor. As I do at most things.

I'm in Middletown, NY to call a football game -- the Middie Bears of the home team and the Newburgh Goldbacks.

I'm basically a stranger in a strange land here, though I've been to Middletown many times.

I pulled into the parking lot just under an hour ago, meaning I'm here in plenty of time for a 5:30 pregame and 6 p.m. kickoff. In fact, I've been in the region for a few hours, having stopped at Woodbury Commons to walk the outlets there.

No purchases were made but it was nice to walk around.

Before that, I made a quick detour into New Jersey -- maybe five minutes out of the way -- to a Wawa. A broadcaster has to eat and get fuel for the car.

So I grabbed lunch and added an extra sandwich to the order just in case I got hungry later.

Moving on, I came up to Middletown, stopping to grab two bottles of water. Always stay hydrated!

But that being said, staying hydrated also means having to use the restroom. So, before heading up to the booth at Faller Field, I stopped in the men's room.

I had my backpack over my shoulder, where I put my extra sandwich, along with the bottles of water. They sat in the outer pocket.

There were two guys in the restroom.

After completing what one does, including washing up, I walked upstairs. 

One of the guys left the room and I heard a giggle. Always thinking people are laughing at me, I got self-conscious.

Well, I'm now partially set up in the booth and, alas, one sandwich has gone missing. Could it have fallen out of my bag? Easily. No question about it.

Was it some prank? Possibly, even though I didn't know the guys. In fact, I know no one here.

Does it matter? No, not really. If the worst I've lost is a yummy Wawa turkey sandwich with cheddar, hot oil, and Old Bay? Not even close. Lunch is holding up just fine.

If it was taken from me then so it goes. If I dropped it then I'm an idiot. Either way, I probably didn't put it in the right place in my bag.

But the bigger point out of all of this is that the story is funny.

And it's a story. 

A story worth telling.

*****

I'm back home now and could have used the sandwich in question. But alas it was not to be.

Newburgh won the game 35-13 behind five touchdowns from Bruce Montgomery.

As I was working for another radio station, we weren't supposed to be using my equipment. Yet something told me to bring my stuff to the booth.

When Ethan McElroy, whom I was calling the game with, showed up with the equipment, we discovered a crucial piece wasn't working. 

Guess how this played out?

I used my equipment.

Preparation is a multifaceted concept.

From Ice Side

 

I'm home for a few minutes after calling the Connecticut Roughriders 4-3 overtime win over the Providence Capitals.

It was the kind of game in which one team scored. Then another. And they alternated until the extra session when the Norwalk home team got the W.

I'll be back with them again next week.

It's one of the most unique setups I get to encounter. I call the game from inside the visiting team's penalty box, which is also part of the scorer's booth. It's from there that I get power and access to plug equipment into the setup fro the broadcast.

To that end, an important piece of equipment couldn't be found at first, leaving me to think that I'd have to see if I had one of my own with me. 

Left to my own devices, I found the item, wedged in among other things. If you've ever worked in a hockey rink, you know that the chance exists to find anything. Al Capone's remains might be in some hockey rink.

In the end, all was well. OK, sort of.

Obviously, the FloHockey broadcast is the primary outlet. I provide Robcasting for those content to just listen. It also gives me access to an archive given I'm not paying FloHockey for my own broadcast.

I plugged in my podcaster, which gives me more control over the sound, including access to a mute button, thus cutting down on extraneous noise. It also allows me to run it through Robcasting.

Except it didn't work today for two periods, so I broadcast 90 minutes of just rink noise.

I put that squarely on my shoulders.

It's a unique setup from which to call a game. There's no booth and, to be closer to the camera and audio connection, I have to stand in the penalty box as I mentioned. As a result, I also serve as doorman for the penalty box.

And, as I'm sure you'll not be surprised, there's no edit button on players coming into the penalty box.

Yup, F-bombs a plenty.

More to the point, I call it as if I'm invisible. Sure, my voice can still be heard but I try to keep things under control as best as I can.

Oh, and the view isn't ideal. I couldn't see a goal score and one point; something I apologized for.

But, again, I'll take the challenge and run with it. Many think this is above them and I don't see things that way.

And in the middle of that are texts about other things in my wackadoodle world that also need attention. So it's always a wild ride.

Which is just how it goes.

The week continues. 

The grind rolls on.

Not everyone will sign up for this.

But I will.

*****

Today is John Lennon's birthday. The member of the Quarrymen was born on this day in 1940. We lost him in 1980.

John is a man who needs to be studied in context. He was complicated. That's the short version. For every "Run For Your Life," there was "In My Life."

But I'll be curious what post-1980 would have been like. Sadly, we'll never know.

Shine on, John. We all need that.

We all shine on.

I Asked For This Schedule

 

The malfunctioning scoreboard

Always be ready.

Survive and advance.

Adjust as necessary.

I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat on the couch for a moment before "Meet the Beatles" this morning when my phone buzzed from one of the two people scheduled to be my first guest in the history of the show.

It turns out he wasn't feeling well and chose discretion, opting to stay home.

However, he was performing as part of a duo, so his partner was still going to come in and we'd also have him back another time.

I was fine with however it was resolved because, with the exhaustion of Saturday, I was all about having a peaceful day.

This worked out very well.

Mark Zelenz was my guest and he performed a variety of Beatles songs, as well as solo John Lennon and Paul McCartney songs, and, at the very end, even brought us part of one Billy Joel song ("Vienna"). Interspersed between songs, we chatted about influences, trivia, and more.

It was a success and I think the sound was outstanding.

As with all Robcasting audio, the show is archived on archive.org and Mixlr. Additionally, the WGCH archive page will be built soon. I happen to know the WGCH archivist in this case, as that has become one of Sean's duties.

With the show over, I stopped home for a few moments to grab some warmer layers.

My first hockey broadcast of the season was next on the agenda.

The commitment to Rockets Hockey Club means roughly a 90-minute drive to the Bridgewater Sports Arena in New Jersey.

It means the second time doing the drive down I-287, which has become one of the more boring jaunts that I deal with.

But, before I drove it, I found the new Wawa off NJ 17 in Ramsey.

I needed lunch. I also needed a cup of their coffee.

I worked my way out US 202 to cut off a bit of 287. The bigger reason to do that is because I used to have family out that way and we would drive 202 because 287 didn't exist yet. If I've never said this, my mother spent the first years of her life in Butler, NJ and we had members of her family sprinkled through that region.

So I enjoyed the few minutes of semi-nostalgia as things have changed quite a bit.

I rolled into the Bridgewater Sports Arena with plenty of time and found a full parking lot. I made my way into the red rink, where the Rockets play, to find that a game was already going on and it was being broadcast. As a result, I couldn't set up. Instead, I grabbed my notes, leaned on the top of a garbage can, and scribbled.

That game went into overtime and the Rockets won it (it was a different level than the one I'd be calling). But late in that game, I noticed the four-sided scoreboard overhead wasn't functioning.

Thus the broadcaster of that game said he'd be joining me to help with keeping an eye on the game clock (he was running the website also). So, thinking I'd be "Scullying" a hockey game, I instead wound up with an analyst I've never worked with and didn't know.

You know the drill with that. There's the whole thing of learning cadence as well as creating chemistry.

I'm not sure how smooth it sounded but we made it work. He (his name was Sean) brought a wealth of knowledge to the broadcast and that was a great advantage to have.

It was over a few hours later, completing my third call since Saturday afternoon, and I began my drive home.

Of course, Sunday night traffic slowed things up a bit in Rockland County for me but I was home by 8 p.m., in time for Steelers/Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.

Which was delayed due to a thunderstorm.

Oh, you bet there was another trip to Wawa before I got home, as Sean (son, not today's broadcaster, was happy to get a sandwich).

Things will be quiet tomorrow but don't worry. 

Things will heat up.

More hockey and more football later this week.

If only I could work in a baseball and basketball call to complete the big four.

Adjusting on the fly, of course.

My Kind of Saturday

 

That's Dan on the left. Not Chris Erway.

Oh, let them question my sanity.

As I type these words I'm sore and tired after calling two games today at two different sites.

I have a heavy schedule tomorrow.

But today, thankfully, went well.

Sure, it seems nuts to embrace the idea of running around like I did but I enjoy the challenge.

Heck, there was a moment as I drove across Greenwich and thought about why I do what I do.

But then I told myself I'd miss the rush of days like this if I wasn't doing it.

I left the apartment and went to Brunswick, where I went into a quiet press box to set up in the window that I've generally used for years. 

It's not that difficult. I set up my small Zoom mixer and one headset. I put a crowd mic in place and ran a cable upstairs for the videographer. 

Things were in place pretty quickly. 

I walked out, knowing I'd be back in a few hours.

Then came the drive across town, sitting at every traffic light and following every slow vehicle. But I had time.

I needed water. 

And food.

A quick stop at the nearby Stop & Shop meant I could grab some water.

Then, it was onto Cardinal Stadium where things were buzzing. A water polo tournament meant there was plenty of life in the parking lot.

I walked into the stadium, made my way upstairs, and, eventually, went into booth number 204. Dan Murphy and Sean came over a few minutes later. Sean was with us in case I needed to leave early to return to Brunswick, thus they would have to pack up the equipment. Sean would bring it home.

I showed Dan some of the intricacies of setting up and how to run things.

From there, it was food we needed and I think there was some time confusion because the usual array of food trucks were very timely in their arrival to the stadium. We each grabbed chicken nuggets and fries and headed back to the booth where we got on the air just a hair after 2:50 p.m.

Greenwich took care of business from there, blocking two punts for touchdowns and rolling to a 42-14 win.

My time to leave for Brunswick was 5 p.m. We were close to that as the third quarter ended and I thought I could finish the broadcast while still being a little bit late to leave.

Off the air, Dan said he was ready to call the action. That was enough for me, knowing it would allow me to be there for a few minutes, serving as a mentor if necessary.

Imagine that? I could help Dan as a broadcaster and I wouldn't charge him for it!

He took the balance of the game and did a good job. Eventually, we talked about a few things that I noticed but his evolution as a broadcaster has been a wonder to watch.

I shifted to doing analysis for the rest of the game. In the end, I never left early, but I found out that Dan could definitely serve as a backup for me.

From the 2024 Greenwich Football program

Earlier in the day, I was given a copy of the 2024 Greenwich Football program, a color book of pictures, ads, and other items. I have basically all of them back to 2000. A few years back, the team was kind to start including the broadcasters.

Except, it was long after the publication date when I realized they might not know that Dan is now in the booth.

So I flipped it open and, yeah, it wasn't Dan.

It was Chris Erway.

Oops. I apologized and realized we'd have to change that in 2025.

With the Greenwich game over, we packed in a few minutes and headed to the parking lot. Sean helped us get out to the car and he took off.

I was getting ready to go to Brunswick and Dan, it appeared had the broadcasting bug. He followed me over, volunteering to join me for that broadcast.

The lot at Cosby Field was overflowing but I found a space near the Hartong Rink and headed down to the booth. Dan joined a few minutes later.

Mission accomplished, we were on the air in time and called the Bruins 35-14 win.

Dan just wanted more reps and it was great. The audience wins in the long run.

I'm back home now and a few people have asked what I thought of the day. I want to say we crushed it but I'm sure it wasn't perfect.

Still, to have the day work out like that is great.

Now, it's onto tomorrow, where I have "Meet the Beatles" with guests at 9 a.m. and onto New Jersey for Rockets Hockey Club action at 3 p.m.

Oh, and the Yankees won tonight. They lead the Royals in their best of five, one game to none.

So yeah, it was a good day.

The Adrenaline is Gone

 

From the booth at Cardinal Stadium

Some games just wear me out.

Today's Bishop Hendricken/Greenwich football game was outstanding.

That, simply put, can be exhausting.

That's the post right there.

I learned many years ago that a nail-biting game can drain adrenaline after it's over. That's how I feel tonight.

It's exhausting because it was a wonderful battle between two excellent programs.

Hendricken scored the first time they touched the ball, but Greenwich responded in kind.

It was 7-7 right through the end of the first half. Greenwich had the ball at the end of the second quarter and missed a field goal at the buzzer.

Again, each team put seven on the board in the third quarter to keep things tied at 14.

With three minutes to play in what had been mostly a defensive battle, a six-yard touchdown pass gave the Hawks from Warwick, RI a 20-14 lead.

But never take the extra point for granted. Greenwich's Richie McMurray blocked it and we were set for a fantastic finish.

The Cardinals had thrown the ball with some success but they went back to the run to work the clock down. They had all three time outs so destiny was mostly in their hands. They needed a touchdown to tie the game. The extra point would put them ahead.

In the booth, it's important to convey the drama without overselling it. It's also important to stay in control but feel the passion.

You live for calls like this. People remember calls like this.

But the words all matter. Don't exaggerate. Stay calm but let the emotion flow. Don't be a cheerleader. Remain professional. React but also watch the officials because it's their call that you can react to.

Next to me once again was Dan Murphy. Dan has understood every element of this position. To some color commentators, the instinct is to react, often stepping on the call of the game. That, as my guy Anthony Conover would say, "is not what you want."

Dan has exhibited excellent timing and a sense of humor as well as an understanding of the moment. For someone still so new he has meshed so well with me.

Greenwich, leaning on junior running back Hector Lopez and senior quarterback MJ D'Angelo, ran the ball up the field. D'Angelo scampered to the end zone to tie the game at 20 with 1:15 remaining.

It was now on the foot of Julian Ravina, and the senior didn't disappoint, tacking on the extra point to give the Cardinals a 21-20 lead.

The defense needed to do their thing against the Hawks offense.

They did.

A desperation heave was intercepted by Noah Steele and the Cardinals ran out the clock.

And so, you're reading the words of an exhausted broadcaster. 

Home games often mean being "on." The door opens with visitors and there are questions to answer and hellos to exchange.

Also, this was the first home game since last December and do I need to explain that? To that end, Cardinal Stadium now does not allow backpacks among other things. I don't like feeling that I was involved with anything like that. People bring it up to me jokingly and I mostly laugh about it.

But it sits in the back of my mind.

To that end, I was glad to be back at Cardinal Stadium and have a great game to cherish and move on. I've only waited nine months for that moment.

The Cardinals are home next Saturday as I do the two-school shuffle, calling the Greenwich homecoming game before running to Brunswick to call their Saturday night affair.

But, at this point, I'm shutting down and shutting up.

I've had enough excitement.

We Need Stinking Badges

 

I used to have a media badge that I carried with me.

It was simple, carrying just the WGCH logo on it. I added a label with my name on it and that was enough. As Sean would go to games with me at that time, I made one for him as well. It made him feel official.

I stopped wearing it a while ago as it was outdated.

Flash forward to the beginning of this footblal season at West Haven.

At first, I walked into their stadium unnoticed, as security wasn't on site yet. Dan didn't have an issue when he arrived either but a guard near the gate noticed him walk back to his car.

"He's with me," I told the guard, though I'm not sure what that point would have been. But she recognized that we were both legit and both broadcasters, so it was OK.

I watched as some of the print media walked in, badges around their necks and it reminded me that maybe we should once again have such a thing.

Earlier today, for the fun of it, I looked online to see how expensive such a thing would be.

Finding the price to not be prohibitive, I went about selecting a style and designing credentials that would help Dan and I look a little more legit.

I found a picture that I liked of myself. Granted, it's dated, but it's a shot John Ferris Robben took of me at Brunswick a few years back. I've used it for other profile pictures and I still sort of look like that.

I also fudged a new logo. This badge will be used for games that I cover and I can't really dig up the logos of every job that I work at.

So, unless I decide to make a new one, I picked out WGCH and Robcasting and put them together. Nothing fancy, of course, and I have no idea how the finished product will look.

It's worth mentioning that it feels like I need a credential most of all at football games that I work. I generally have no problem with other sports, especially when covering Brunswick. Still, an official-looking badge won't hurt.

I realize it's not the work of the Official Internation Sportscasting Badge Design Association of Ottumwa, IA. It's meant to look like I belong and I suppose I can show my driver's license beyond that.

No. There is not an official organization for sportscasting badges. Also, I used Ottumwa, IA because it's such a great-sounding city name and Radar O'Reilly from M*A*S*H was from there.

It's supposed to be delivered in under two weeks which simply produced questions for me.

- Why does it take so long to create this?

- The second question is about shipping. After going through the creation process, I went to check out and saw that the shipping cost was nearly double the cost of the badge. So...why?

Dan and I placed our order together to help with the shipping cost a little but it's still essentially two-to-one.

It will be cool to get it when it arrives. I've got a few lanyards just from myriad Hunt Scanlon conferences alone.

If nothing else, it will be a fun curio to add to the box of credentials I've acquired over nearly three decades.

And maybe we'll look official.

The Opener

 

The tradition continues. WGCH Radio, GHS, 2000
(L-R: Sean Kilklelly, me, Bob Small)

Opening Day.

Every Opening Day deserves a post. Even if it's Opening Night.

It all feels fresh.

There are nerves. Always. Sometimes it's worse than other years. I learned that I wanted those nerves. I like them. 

It is healthy. It is a reminder that this is all a privilege as well as a job. It can be fleeting and gone in a moment. I'm never convinced that I've earned any of this. I'm not entitled to it.

There was a point early last December when I wondered if I would ever broadcast Greenwich football again. Things happen and I worry.

Then the offseason creeps along and you wonder if WGCH will commit to another year. Will we get sponsors? Are we wanted? 

Then Chris Erway announced he was moving.

But Greenwich High School is happy we're back. We have sponsors (and can always use more). To that end, if you have any interest in sales, reach out to me.

And Dan Murphy is ready to rock tonight in the booth. 

Oh, there will still be nerves and doubt. I have no doubt about Dan or Sean Kilkelly, again in the studio this season. I trust both of them.

Most of the doubt is the result of the Blue Meanies* swimming around in my brain.

* It's a Beatles reference.

What do I worry about?

I'm still waiting on a West Haven roster. Traffic through Stamford. That I'm prepared enough for the #PrepSnobs of the world. Traffic through Westport. That the equipment is working, especially after we had a computer issue in the studio yesterday. Traffic through Bridgeport. Getting to the game site with enough time. Yes, you actually can have too much time at a game site and you have to adjust without getting stale. Traffic from Milford to West Haven. Parking at the site. Given access to the site. Hoping the booth is open early enough. Hoping Dan's trip is OK. Hoping I haven't forgotten anything.

And...

Hoping I remember how to call a football game.

You will say, "But Rob! Dear Rob! You are the most verily of professionals! It will all be OK!"

Look, I get that so much of what I just said is largely out of my control and the result of anxiety. It's in my head. All duly noted. But these are the checkboxes that especially exist before the first broadcast. They're actually sort of necessary. It keeps me humble.

Because, in the long run, I want everything to be in the neighborhood of perfect. I want people to remain every bit as pleased and impressed as they've been for a quarter of a century. I want people to say this is as good or even better than what they hear at the professional level.

I read the notes about those who are seen as "the best in Connecticut/Tri-State Area/the world." OK, sure. Cool.

I've always wanted people to be proud that I'm their play-by-play announcer. I don't want them to cringe at that thought. If they're asked about game coverage, I want them to feel proud of me and recommend the work I've helped create.

My first Greenwich football broadcast was in 1999. I was a frozen sideline reporter who could have been the analyst had another person not shown up. In 2000, I became the lead announcer and have worked Greenwich football ever since. I've missed only a few games, not including 2014-15 when I was at the HAN Network. I did some GHS football but not every game. I even did a 7-on-7 game during COVID in 2020. I've covered spring football games, hosted the team banquet, attended golf tournaments, and so on.

Otherwise, it took surgery, a business trip to San Francisco, and my niece's wedding (with no backup for me) to miss these games.

And I have a wonderful connection at Brunswick as well. I truly enjoy that relationship and have wished for it to be more. I wish I could split myself in two and get over to Cosby Field to handle Cheshire Academy/Wick tonight. But I can't, so I'll see the Bruins next week at Salisbury if I'm still wanted/needed.

See what I mean? The mind is a dangerous thing. 

And, as always, I just want a home.

Enough. It's time to get back to prepping, which is more than just writing notes and studying rosters. It's pulling things together and being ready mentally.

Greenwich and West Haven will be live at 5:50 p.m. on WGCH (1490 am), online at wgch.com, and on Robcasting at robcasting.mixlr.com.

If you have Alexa, Radio Garden, Tune In, or another method I'm not thinking of, you can find WGCH there. We're on smartphones and iPads and computers and radios.

If you've never listened, give us a try. If you have listened in the past, please join us again.

We're not a "Game of the Week" that covers a small region. I cover Greenwich, Brunswick, and anyone else without hesitation.

And I love it.

Year 26 of play-by-play (not counting the corporate softball days).

Let's get started.

(And West Haven's AD just told me I'd get the roster at the field. So, yeah.)

September Mourn

Two weeks to the day before she passed. The clock was ticking.

 

The details of Sept 4, 2020, will live in my mind forever.

Most of the details of Sept 3 will as well.

I'd taken Mom to two appointments on the 3rd, with the second one being a cardiologist. She'd received news that her heart was failing.

According to her as we talked in the car, she said it could be six months or who knows.

I think, in truth, she was ready.

In reality, the doctor said it was a lot less than that. She was gone the next morning.

Four years ago today.

My parents are with me every day and I feel blessed to have had Mom until she was 83, as opposed to Dad dying at 59.

The last years of her life weren't easy. My sister and I tended to be her plus one for events. Laura took her to the weddings and showers while I took her to the parties and picnics.

Of course, she also had grandchildren who were also available. They were all there for her. I'm so glad that she and Sean were so close.

To that end, he and I laugh about her all the time. There are frequent jokes that only we get and she would laugh at.

It helps to have a bit of a dark sense of humor.

So there's no question I'm thinking of her today and trying to not think about the events of that morning.

The call to 911. The EMT arriving. The police. The phone calls. The texts.

The waiting.

Knowing that she was gone and wanting to tell the 911 operator that but carrying on as she was giving me CPR instructions. I couldn't give up but, at the same time, there was the reality to consider.

Remaining calm and keeping emotion out of it all.

The waiting (yes, there was a lot of that).

Finally, the news I expected, was given by the EMT, who assured me it wasn't COVID-related. I knew clear as could be that it was her heart. 

Then more waiting for the funeral home.

Offering the police a drink.

Being advised to not go back to the living room. That bothered me a lot.

Generally not going into the house at all. Just standing at the top of the driveway and making phone calls.

Then standing, almost at attention, as she was brought out. I had to be there for that, even after the funeral director suggested I walk away. 

No. I couldn't. I had to be there for Mom.

Oh, there was more to the day. The phone calls -- some so much harder than others.

And the one I didn't make. Couldn't make.

Sean. That had to happen in person when I picked him up at his mother's house. I remain happy he wasn't at the house for any of it.

Then helping him call his grandparents.

Then a long, lonely, drive from Hopewell Jct, NY to Bridgeport, CT. 

In shock.

If I had anything on the radio, I think it was banal sports talk that I wasn't paying attention to.

Finally, eating, at Jersey Mike's in Fairfield before getting to Bridgeport to call a baseball game. Yes, I was going to work, dammit. Everyone felt I should. I felt confident Mom would want me to honor the commitment. It was bad enough that I wouldn't make a game the evening of her funeral.

At that point, nothing had been said publicly. Then I discovered my aunt wrote something online, so I quickly posted a picture of her and a few words to let people know. We were trying to make sure everyone of importance knew before we made a statement but it was too late.

Then I spoke during the game. I wanted to say something quick to make sure Nick Castellanos didn't "make it a 4-0 ballgame."

Then listeners -- friends -- coming by to express sympathy.

And Paul Silverfarb and Shawn Sailer wanting to take me out for a few minutes postgame. Also, the reality that I had to return to Mahopac. To her house.

That, fortunately, would wait until the next day.

I wound up with family in Bridgeport to have a late dinner and just talk for a bit. That's where I finally got to see my sister. I'd spend a sleepless night on her floor.

Hell, as it turns out, was just beginning for us. This was only the first phase of the storm.

But, while sitting there, a cat came over to try to get my chicken parm. A cute animal named Binx. He was offered to me.

"I'm serious," my niece's husband Eric said. We'd lose Eric roughly six months later. 

A little over a week later, Binx came with me to Mahopac.

His name is Rascal Squeaky Beast now.

A ray of light out of a bad day.

Someone to keep me company and whenever you want to say I'm a crazy cat person, remember why he came into our lives.

Mom, we think of you every day. We were your "partners in crime." We both have so many memories. So much travel. So many stories.

We love telling them.

We miss you.

We have to work tonight.

Don't worry. We'll honor the commitment.

Back Home

Holiday Inn Express, Warwick, RI (Photo: IHG)

People were milling around the lobby of the hotel last night when I decided to slip out.

We'd had a nice dinner of wings, nachos, and other kid-friendly finger foods, and I was tired.

Some began to head outside to play Kan Jam, while the No Fun Policeman was yelling at people.

Seriously, this dude was clearly the captain of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Warwick-Providence (Airport) No Fun Police.

He only needed a badge.

Let's see, beers needed to be consumed in a cup.

Kids were constantly being lectured about the furniture. OK, granted, they shouldn't be climbing on it, but one would think he'd have some better things to do.

I'm sure there was a judgment on our having food in the area in which people tend to, you know, eat.

In short, his constant presence and observation of us got exhausting. If I didn't just leave and head for home, I figured the best I could do was to go to bed.

I knew if I continued to sit there, I'd say something to him, either causing embarrassment or getting thrown out. Or both.

Given we almost got thrown out of the baseball game earlier, I opted to remain silent. To be clear, the umpires ultimately didn't have a problem with me or our broadcast but they objected to fans complaining about ball-strike calls (which were frankly bad). Incidentally, develop some rabbit ears and let it go. Ejecting people in the first inning wouldn't be necessary. In any event, it calmed down.

So, with sunburned arms and neck from yesterday, I disappeared and went to bed.

Saying goodbye to everyone is difficult when the season ends and people disperse kind of quickly. To that end, I was in the lobby before 7 a.m. The NFP were thankfully nowhere to be found. 

I'm also terrible at goodbyes.

So I grabbed a quick breakfast and departed Rhode Island.

I simply can't thank everyone enough. Heck, Mike Buswell and Bob Gerbert were trying to convince me to join them on vacation to say thank you for the broadcasts. In truth, I thank them for everything.

No, I don't get rich doing these games, but I feel loved and appreciated. Thus the honor is mine.

They gave me a place to stay, fed me, and fully supported the broadcasts.

While I can't root on the air, my heart always hurts when a season comes to an end, as it did with Trumbull falling to Rhode Island yesterday. It breaks my heart to watch the players and parents cry. I feel for the coaches who agonize over the decisions. 

But sports is winning and losing. And there are wonderful lessons to be learned. Trumbull is too good. They'll be back (and maybe I'll be there with them).

Today's East Regional Championship was moved to Noon and I decided I was just going home. In truth, had anyone asked me to stay and call the championship, you can bet that I would have.

Instead, I was home by 9:30. I had laundry running by 10.

The Cat has been next to me the entire time since I walked in.

Sean is on the way home from South Carolina so I'll have to go meet him and his friends in a bit.

With that, travel is over for now. I've pondered a day trip before high school football season but we'll see how realistic that is.

A lot of things are on my plate this week, so I'll be busy here. Of course, the week begins with a very expensive fuel pump replacement on Monday morning.

Then it's back to the Renegades, "Doubleheader," and so on. 

I didn't expect this journey to happen.

I'm glad it did.

And I'm already looking forward to 2025.

My Summer is Over

 

From last night's Maine/Rhode Island game

Trumbull's season just came to an end.

I feel confident that I won't call a game for a bit, perhaps not until late Aug or early September.

I guess that will have to be OK.

But, as for Trumbull, they lost 4-3 in a tight contest in the New England Championship Game.

Rhode Island moves on to the East Regional final where they'll play Mid-Atlantic champion Pennsylvania.

I called both games, with the decision to do the Mid-Atlantic game coming roughly an hour before first pitch.

With Mike Buswell's urging, I jumped in the car and hustled to the field.

I "Scully'd" it (working solo) wondering who was listening.

Quite a few, in fact. Like one of the biggest audiences in Robcasting history.

I'm quite humbled.

The second game started off a bit raw, with umpires threatening to throw Trumbull's fans out. I said what I thought about that which I'm sure didn't make me many friends but I thought it was a huge overreaction by the umpires and the tournament officials.

They did not, however, threaten us, as one of the umpires told us a few minutes later. In fact, we were allowed to stay exactly where we were and everything settled down.

I'll never be a fan of any official who tries to make things about themselves but, as I said, things calmed down.

But, sadly, with Trumbull's loss, it's time to go home. I might stay the night before heading back to Greenwich in the morning. I'm aware the wicked weather of TS Debby has caused issues back in Connecticut.

Here in Rhode Island, I looked up at the scoreboard and watched it go out as power was lost in the area. We finished the broadcast on battery power but their scoreboard and public address system were out.

I can't even begin to express my gratitude and love for everyone here. Obviously, it starts with Mike Buswell but extends to the families that have embraced me like I'm one of their own. 

This has happened year after year and it is beyond humbling.

I do this because I love it. There are others who wouldn't dream of calling a game with only an hour before the start to prepare. Heaven forbid they don't have myriad hours to conjure up the name of the priest who baptized a kid.

So, I'll take that challenge and run with it. I'll broadcast the game on pure guile.

And the reviews were amazing.

It's been a ride. It's been a drive. 

And, soon, it will be time to go home. 

Right now, I'm planning to stay the night and head home tomorrow. Also, right now, I'm hungry.

As for what I wrote yesterday, I appreciate everyone's thoughts. I appreciate the love. But, sometimes, that's just how I'm going to handle such a thing. I stand by my feeling that saying nothing is often just best.

In truth, I struggled with some bridge and height anxiety yesterday. I'm trying to figure out where this has come from and eradicate it. Driving is a big part of my life as you know.

I had to literally talk myself through each of Newport's three area bridge (Mt. Hope, Pell, Jamestown Verrazzano). I reminded myself that this was all in my head and that I was OK.

But it bothers me. 

A lot.

Hopefully, the drive home will be less dramatic.

Thanks for listening, everyone. As always, I'll miss calling baseball dearly.

High school football (along with hockey, soccer, and anything else) is around the corner.

Focus on the Cat

He was in the middle of a meow

I was going to write about something a bit serious.

Something that's bothering me.

But, here's the thing. Hang in there with me for a moment.

I've made the mistake -- too many times -- of coming to this space to write such things. The mistake is that I write, treating this as a safe space. 

When I've needed to blow off steam.

When I just have to yell a bit.

I'm not even necessarily writing to be seen. I'm not looking for attention. It's just that I need to say it.

And people -- well-meaning, I know -- give me the ol' "everything will be fine" when I've literally asked to not receive that.

So, this time, I'm not doing it. I'm fine. All is well. If I need to write about such things, I'll do a private diary or seek therapy.

Oh, wait. I don't have nor can I afford benefits.

Shall I tell you about the latest form letter kiss-off I received? Nah. Let it go, right?

So, instead, it's International Cat Day and I'm here in Rhode Island with the Trumbull baseball families who have welcomed me as one of their own. A mom told me last night that she thinks we'll all be spending the next few summers together.

I shouldn't make vacation plans.

And it's weird to not be broadcasting every game of the tournament but it seems only Trumbull cares about if the games have coverage. That's sort of sad but I think it's just a matter of the other teams not knowing they can have coverage. Only people from Braintree, MA inquired about us.

So, yes, International Cat Day it is. I'm sure our Rascal Squeaky is back home, chilling on my bed or on my floor as the temperature has come down from the flaming numbers we've had for a few weeks.

It's quite cool actually. I'm pleased I brought a hoodie and a windbreaker. 

We are quite grateful for The Cat, who has provided us with companionship and pet therapy since joining us nearly four years ago.

Maybe I should talk about things to him.

Anyway, Trumbull plays a team from New Hampshire today at 5 p.m. They are 3-for-3 in wins of 10+ runs or more.

I need to go find some lunch before the game.

I took a ride to Newport this morning. It was crowded and too expensive to park and their bridges can bit white-knuckling. 

And that's all I have to say about that.

Mount Hope Bridge coming out of Bristol this morning

Trumbull Wins ... I Lose

 

See the blue poncho? That was today's "booth."

We try.

Oh, we try hard every time.

And I go through the safety checks.

Is this plugged into that? Is the whatchamacallit connected to the doohickey?

In truth, is the mixer making the connection with the computer? Does the computer have enough battery strength? Are the microphones loud enough? Are we on the air?

Most of the time, it is. And it all works.

But a little bad weather can impact everything.

On the plus side of this tale, Trumbull is now 3-0 in the Little League 10U East Regional. They roared past Colchester, VT today 10-0. I was happy to be back on the call in Cranston, RI.

OK, first things first. I missed breakfast at the hotel and, well, I wound up at McDonald's. I'm not proud of that fact, to be clear. I'll try to do better tomorrow, but Sean and I texted each other about this. He's in the land of Waffle House and I'm not.

There's an IHOP near our hotel. So there's that.

But, breakfast procured, I took a walk around the Warwick Mall to stretch my legs and get a little exercise.

Then, it was onto the field.

We're going to battle rain all week, and the game that was supposed to be played at 11 this morning was moved to 1 p.m. due to heavy rain last night.

The crew at the park was still mowing and preparing the field as I walked over.

Soon, I was set up, using the Apache hard-sided case to keep the equipment dry.

Bob Gerbert was a surprise at the field and was able to join me for the broadcast. Only minutes earlier, I thought I'd be "Scullying" the call (aka working solo).

All seemed set. I passed our audio to Chris Anderson for the Gamechanger broadcast feed.

Yes, all was well. The internet signal was good and Mixlr had our audio.

A steady rain fell so I had to close the case to keep things dry. We went live as I played the opening music and aired the live feed of the lineup introductions.

Following the national anthem, I adjusted the volume, began talking, and closed the Apache case.

And, in the process, I must have closed the computer, thus taking us off the air on Robcasting.

I had no idea.

Of course, Gamechanger had the audience and I gather we could be heard loud and clear. But it took me reopening the case to check on things to make the discovery and get back on Robcasting.

The audio -- now archived -- has some of our audio but then there's a short gap before it picks up again later on.

I'll own the mistake and live and learn from it. I don't have an engineer to monitor the feed.

The weather and the setup of the fields don't make using the pod possible. It would block the view of someone and people don't take too kindly to that.

There is simply no opportunity to be in the "press" (ha ha ha) box.

So we'll adjust. We'll live and learn.

If you want to hear the full broadcast from today, you'll need to go to Gamechanger. 

If you want what we were able to record, it's in the Robcasting archive.

Tomorrow is another day.

And Right Back to RI

 

"Wait. You interrupted your trip to Rhode Island to teach?"

It was as if he was surprised. If this person truly knew me, it wouldn't be a shock.

"Yeah. I mean, I made the commitment, and I know how much we switch things around. I didn't want to do that again so I dealt with it."

Getting on the same page with me when it comes to my schedule is quite a trick. There's baseball, depositions, the Renegades, "Doubleheader," and whatever else. I wish it wasn't like that (as in having a home base, aka #HireRob) but it comes down to weighing all of the options and doing right by my commitments.

I'd already changed my dates with CSB so I honored the commitment and held classes yesterday and today. As I wrote last night, it gave me the chance to run home, see The Cat, etc.

So, yes, I have made it back to the hotel where I am happy to see my key still works.

But, wow, the temperature has dropped as the weather gets uglier. It's in the low 70s and I actually have a sweatshirt ready if necessary.

I want to like the drive from Stratford to here but it's just too much traffic on I-95 for only two lanes, especially when a lane was closed. Unfortunately, traffic doesn't flow. So, mix that together and it makes for a grind to the RI border.

Ever fascinated, I stopped by the memorial to those lost in a massive fire at the Station nightclub on Feb 20, 2003. One hundred lives were lost 230 more were injured when a pyrotechnic display ignited flammable acoustic foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage. Jack Russell's Great White was getting ready to perform at the club in West Warwick.

The park was dedicated in 2017 and each victim is lovingly remembered with personal memorials. I remember when the fire occurred and I was honored to pay my respects today before moving on to the hotel. What struck me was how many of the victims were in the same age range as me.

Sad. All of it. May they rest in peace. It is said many survivors have dealt with post-traumatic stress since.

I'm back in my room now and the weather is quite gray as we keep our eye on Tropical Storm Debby, who is cruising up the east coast.

I've heard from Sean in Myrtle Beach and he is fine, if somewhat wet I suppose. Rain has been intense but, at last check, he was sending me pictures of Steelers items in stores down there. I'm happy to see each picture, serving as an indication of all being well.

I've also texted with Kristy, my niece in North Carolina, who said the rain is heavy as she had to drive to Raleigh. She said the storm was notable but they were OK.

I'll take those answers.

Of course, it's worth noting that it's supposed to eventually reach Greenwich (you know, there's a cat there) and, well, Rhode Island, where there's a baseball tournament to be played. I'm happily not in the shoes of those running the Little League tournament here who have to make decisions based on the weather.

I want what's best for the kids.

And these Trumbull kids are playing outstanding baseball. Their next game is tomorrow morning at 11* against a team from Vermont. Weather permitting the game will air on Robcasting and Gamechanger.

I have plenty of things to keep the equipment (hopefully) dry.

(*Update: Here we go with the weather. Tomorrow's game has been backed up from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm due to overnight rain)

Host With a Certain Level of Most

 

On the field in the 94 jersey
(Photo: Mike "Clicks" Newell)

WARWICK, RI -- Sometimes, crazy plans turn out just fine.

Yes, first of all, I made it to Rhode Island, after Mother Nature (remember, it's not nice to fool her) did her best to thwart all efforts.

Let's return to yesterday, shall we? 

I was packed, and ready, said farewell to Rascal (The Cat), and hit the road to work with Rascal (The Mascot). I stopped and picked up water and seltzer for the hotel room (and, let's face it, I'll drink it at home). I grabbed lunch and then went to Heritage Financial Park.

In the end, was I nervous for my first time as the on-field host? Sure, but it wasn't paralyzing. I probably looked more anxious than I actually was. I'm certain I looked clueless, especially to the group of interns on the Fun Team that I'd be around all night.

Jamie Goerke, Manager, Game Day Promotions & Programming, was the rock star for me. She was supportive and patient with me all night, and I couldn't have asked for more. 

But, as I said, Mother Nature did some damage to the evening, bringing us a delay that resulted in the first pitch being thrown two hours later than scheduled.

So, I hung out. I walked to the PA booth. I walked down and talked to Lori. I stepped onto the field a few times, including making a brief opening statement that, for some reason, brought applause.

I chatted with fans. 

I walked. Walked. And Walked.

Call it a form of pacing.

I was mixed about playing as the rain fell. If we didn't, I'd lose that first try at hosting but could head to Rhode Island at a reasonable hour.

And Mike Buswell was asking for my ETA (Narrator: it would be late).

But, alas, the decision was made to play. I asked if I should make an announcement, headed to the field, and ... play-by-play announcer (and fill-in on PA) Joe Vasile did the honors. OK. There's that.

I grumbled about communication and carried on.

Oh, and keep in mind that Sean (aka "Junior") wasn't there.

Screenshot from the game broadcast

Eventually, we got down to the real business of the night. I just had to be me. I was passionate and energetic and excited. At times, I worked in some sarcasm.

I made sure to shout out Joe and Clicks and Anthony and Rass.

I chatted with contestants for the games.

I talked with fans.

What can I do better? I screwed up one of the intros, skipping a name on the lineup card (Lori said I made up for it well). I was too slow on a few games and I'll get better timing down.

I'll also learn how to shoot a T-shirt gun eventually.

But, more than anything, I'll continue to relax and let more of the sarcasm come out.

Energy in a crowd dissipates on a night of weather delays. People leave and things thin out. But those who stay are the troopers and are fantastic. Those are the fans I played to. I've learned from years of conference and event hosting to find friendly faces in the crowd and work with them.

When it was over, I walked back out to the field and said a final goodnight. As always, I shouted out the team I worked with, especially the crew in the PA booth.

First, I made sure the crowd cheered the Renegades for their win and, always promoted, reminded fans to come back for Sunday's game.

"For, Anthony, Clicks, Joe, and Rass, I'm Rob Adams. Get home safe everyone, and good night!"

With that, there was applause. Cheers. People calling my name.

And, from what I heard, there might be a second chance to do this again.

I got to see things from a different angle. I was able to watch the faces of the fans, the throwing of the T-shirts, the interaction with the mascots, and occasionally, the game itself. I was even able to break into some goofy play-by-play of the on-field games, like Tic-Tac-Toe.

(Photo: Clicks)

As opposed to what I usually do, this is pure entertainment, and more than anything, it's about making people smile and be happy they're there.

I'd like to think I did that. It's a level of customer service, such as assuaging concerns over the rain.

I walked with Lori to her car after the game, said goodnight, and began the trip to Rhode Island. More than anything, I tried to not think about it too much. The only thing that occurred to me was that I was hungry.

I just drove, focusing on the road and the still-falling rain.

And I found an open McDonald's in Middletown, CT that I ran into near 11:30.

From there, the race was on. All along, Waze told me I'd get to the hotel at 12:45 a.m.

Yup. I pulled off I-95, into the parking lot of this Holiday In Express, and joined Mike and company.

Beverages were waiting. I didn't even go to my room until nearly 2 a.m.

With that, I've shifted right back into broadcaster mode. People from Braintree, MA -- Trumbull's opponent today -- are excited that I'm here.

Oh, my body is sore and I know I could use some sleep. And for the last 28 weeks, I've created new episodes of "Meet the Beatles." Today, for the first time, I let a show rerun. It's summer, people are away, and I gave myself a break. A new episode will air next week. I already know the topic.

But for today, it's time to play ball and put the headset back on. I'm told other teams are interested in hearing me.

Bring it on.