pattyb's blog

I exhaust myself at the rehab clinic. I work very hard for 30 minutes in the exercise pool, then I get stretched out by the therapist. After that I lift weights and do cardio activity. If I do too much. I am wiped out for the rest of the day. These sessions put strength back into the body, because prolonged steroid use has weakened me greatly. The pool work is invigorating. I strongly reccommend it for everyone. This is a huge part of my comeback. I’ll be back soon.

Forgotten Pirate: Matt Lawton he played for the Bucs in 2005 after All-Star seasons in 2000 and 2004 with the Twins and Indians. He was paid. $7.7 million for 101 games and 10 home runs .273 average and 44rbi. The Bucs semt him to the Cubs for Jody Gerut also worthless

This afternoon my mother and I visited the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville. Construction on a multi-million dollar permanent memorial is underway, and it should be ready by 9/11/11. The temporary memorial is a very moving place. lots of flags and flowers. We saw cars from Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, and visitors from Austrailia and California. We sat on a bench and thought about that day ten years ago. Everyone should visit and pay tribute to real heroes

forgotten Pirates: Outfielder Emile Brown not to be confused with Adrian Brown. Both were part of the rebuilding plan a decade ago.Emile hit .206 in five years with Pirates. He struck out 122 times in 390 at bats

In order to stay organized, I develop a daily plan. I wake up and I know what I”m going to do, what I am going to read and do. My mother and I watch the Pirates every night, and Monday’s win at Toronto was thrilling. She is starting to get into it. Her favorite player is Michael McKenry. I set aside time for e-mail and internet activities, and time for World War One reading. A daily walk is also part of the plan. I have to watch how much I’m eating, because I feel fat and bloated. Long days are better when you have a plan.

FORGOTTEN PIRATE: relief pitcher Bill Landrum 1989,1990, 1991. He saved 56 games and had a 13-10 record 2.32 ERA. Jim Leyland was constantly looking for a closer in this era. He never found one.

Books are a big part of my day. I’m currently reading a great World War One book called World Undone and a general history book with photos,maps ,and charts. I’m also reading about the use of metaphor in a book called I is an Other by James Geary. Language books are always very informative. A friend sent me Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood which should be a great read. I view books as an opportunity to learn and enrich myself. More are on the way, my mother views them as clutter in her neat and orderly house. I disagree strongly, they are very important to me. I hope every parent reading this reads to their children and let’s their kids pick out books and magazazines to read. As a boy my father bought me football and baseball books which fostered my love of both sports. Comic books are great too. I’ve read hundreds or more. Encourage the youngsters to read the newspaper. I read it every morning before school. Buy a book and enjoy.

Forgotten Pirate: Jose DeLeon, pitcher He was 17-38 for the Pirates in 83, 84,85, 86. In 1985 his record was 2-19. He went 7-19 for the Cardinals in 1990

Part of my recovery inclucdes a few sessions of physical therapy each week. This is good because it keeps me active and gives me back some of the strength taken away by prolonged steroid use. (Yes some steroids weaken muscles)
Today I spent 30 minutes in a heated exercise pool. A great workout to build strength and balance, then the thearpist stretched out my body. After that its weight work and 20 minutes of cardio. It is invigorating, but it gets me tired.
My body needs this to heal. My mind is strong but the body has to get stronger. Prayer and meditation help a lot. Plus the World War One reading is stimulating.

Forgotten PIrate:Marvell Wynne He hit .245 in 360 games with the Bucs in 1983,84,85

Super 8 is a fun summer movie and very nostalgic for anyone who grew up in the late 1970′s. This tale of a band of young movie makers is an entertaining story from the duo of JJ Abrahms and Steven Spielberg. The kids see something they shouldn’t see, and deal with the consequences the rest of the film. This group is very talented and Elle Fanning stands out as the lone female in the movie crew. She is the female lead in the picture, and shows tremendous potential. Joel Courtney is outstanding as Joe Temple who struggles with his relationship with Fanning and his authoritative father. Typical teem issues, but they are unfolding on a science fiction stage. Super 8 is a SyFy network movie done with a big budget and talented film makers. There is a big bad montster terrorizing a small blue collar town in Ohio, but we do not see the creature until late in the movie unlike Sy Fy saturday night where you see the monster in the first 20 minutes. Abrahams enhances the drama by showing you what you need to see. Stick around for the credits and you will be treated by this great ensemble of young actors. Super 8 pays tribute to great Spielberg movies, and teen buddy movies. These kids swear and argue which reminded me of the crew I ran with in my childhood. This film is a nostalgic science fiction gem. It’s well worth the time and money

On Saturday I began my project of learning more about WW1. The causes for this catastrophic event that killed millions are questionable, but isn’t that the case for a lot of wars. Just because an empire is well armed or capable of fighting a war does not justify the act of war. That’s what happened in the early part of the 20th century in Europe.

Another great win for the Pirates the 6-4 victory over the Red Sox on Saturday showed the Pirates have changed. They make plays and good pitches when they need to. Sign of a good team.

Forgotten Pirate: Gary Redus 1989-1992 He hit .255 in Pittsburgh with 24 hr while playing 398 games. He made $825,000 in 1992

The Pirates 3-1 victory on Friday night over Boston was fun to watch, because the bullpen was able to shutdown Gonzalez, Ortiz, and others in crucial situations. Hanrahan is as good as good as you can get. It was fun watching for Spikes greats d’Arnaud and Watson contribute. We’ll see what happens tonight. It’ll be the highlight of my day, since I don’t have much excitement anymore. I do have three good meals a day and plenty of time to relax and read.

I have all my reading material and today I begin my lesson on the First World War. Eager to fill my mind with information that’s not there now.

Forgotten Pirate: Jeff Damico 9-16 in 2003 on a team that won 75 games. He could have been the ace.

The Red Sox play at PNC Park this weekend. I picture Adrian Gonzalez having a monster weekend, and Ronnie Cedeno doing nothing. All three games are expected to be sold out.

Watching the Pirates every night with a bottle of cold Diet Pepsi is my daily delight. I recently was looking at old baseball cards and I came across a Carl Yastrzemski from 1982. He looked like baseball royalty holding fungo bat. He is baseball royalty. A Jim Rice card made him look like the baddest dude in baseball. He was for a few years.

forgotten Pirate: Mike Diaz not to be confused with Matt Diaz. Mike played in the late 80′s and he had a similiar skil set as Matt. They both were about the same size and played outfield.

After spending 20 years working at a radio station. I am now dealing with the harsh reality of living with brain disease. I keep trying to find new ways to stimulate my mind. Reading is helping. I have four or five books I need to finish. Adversity strikes everyone, but you have to view it as a challenge. Make the most of every day. Set goals. My goal is to cover PSU football this fall. I love the pre and post game shows and talking to fans. Gameday provides a lot of energy. It’s critical that I keep negative thoughts out of my head. That will wreck me. I would love to see more movies and do reviews here.

Today’s forgotten Pirate: John Milner

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=milner001joh