Fantastic Four: July 2007

For Pops

For my Dad - who didn't call this morning to ask for a new picture, but I know he really wanted to. But this is going to be it for today - it's just too hot up here..

Just What We Needed...

What a bummer. This truly sucks. Not only for the players, but for the city of Utica, who failed to take advantage of the talent and oppourtunity that was practically smacking it in the face.
A lose-lose situation for all involved.

But I came across this on a website I frequent. It's from one of my favorite radio shows, but more importantly, it seems very relevant. I'll see if I can link to the podcast a little bit later.

Garrison Keillor on Quitting:
They voted ten to four not to do the senior class play, which went against everything they’ve been brought up with: never to quit, never to quit. Never, ever give up.
And they found out then, the reason you should never quit or give up is because when you do, it won’t make that big a difference to people. They won’t notice. You think it’s going to be a scandal, and it’s not.
You’ll come home early from school for three or four days before your parents say, “weren’t you in a play?” And you say, “oh well, it was canceled.” And they’ll say, “oh.” That’s all.
That’s all the world says when you quit, when you give it up: “oh.” That’s all you get.

Keep on keepin' on, guys.

Today

Today this article and picture were in the Utica Observer-Dispatch.

The Herkimer Trailbusters' Mike Passerell slides back into first base during a New York State League baseball game Tuesday at Murnane Field. Passerell and Trailbusters teammate Matt Leahy have been playing baseball together since they were in Little League. Herkimer won the game, 2-1.

Lifelong teammates together again

July 18, 2007

UTICA — When Matt Leahy and Mike Passarell of the Herkimer Trailbusters warmed up before Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Oneida Barge Bucs, it was nothing new.

The two have played together since they were 6 years old in the Chili Little League in Rochester.

"Without him, I'd be lost," Leahy said of Passarell. "He's more than a friend; he's a coach. (Advice) means more coming from him."

The two have had plenty of opportunities to get to know each other as they have played together through Chili Little League, Gates-Chili High School and one year at Finger Lakes Community College.

After the 2005 season at FLCC, the two went separate ways, with Passarell going to Columbia Union College in Maryland and Leahy going to Coker College in South Carolina.

The players are happy they were reunited with a chance to play professionally together in Herkimer.

"There aren't many chances to be seen in Upstate New York," Passarell said. "It's great that Jay Acton started this league."

Leahy was 0-for-2 Tuesday, and Passerell was 1-for-3. In the second game, Rome defeated Utica, 9-4.

Although Passarell is new to the Utica area, being in the city is a homecoming for Leahy, who was born in Utica.

"It's good to be back in Utica," Leahy said. "It's a lot different than when I moved out in '89."

The teammates are also on their second go-around as roommates, as the two also lived together during their Junior College days.

They have fond memories of their first time they were roommates, including their shared 21st birthday bash.

"We were born 14 days apart," Passarell said. "To share something like our 21st was great."

Now both 23, the teammates have played together for more than 17 years, but it was playing together as 12-year-olds in Cooperstown Dreams Park that was their favorite baseball memory.

"It was great," Leahy said. "Bunking up with 25 other kids, just having a blast."

The pair has talked about opening a baseball academy together when their playing days are over, but for now they're enjoying something they have loved since grade school.

"The other day I was playing first and he was on second," Leahy said. "It was just like Little League again."

And these pics were in a few days ago:

Got What I Asked For!!

Here are some pics of Matt that my Dad sent out. I have to get going and get the house together. Sarah's train is running late and that gives me some extra time to do some things around the house now that the baby is asleep (or at least quiet in her crib).

PS - Pat - Hope you're having fun at "All You Can Eat Hamburger and Hotdog Night" at the ballpark - I don't have to worry about you getting your money's worth on this one!

Been a While...

I guess it has been a while since I done the blogging thing. I had trouble remembering my password! I don't think there is a better word to describe this summer than busy. It's like we haven't had any breathing room, we've been running so much. That, and I filled the card on the camera and have been too lazy to empty it so I could take more pictures. But Caroline's Grandfathers have been more than willing to make up for me in the picture taking department. I am hoping to get some pictures of Matt playing in the new New York State League (the Matthew quote of the week: "Can you believe they actually pay me to play baseball?!?"). We were lucky enough to see him play this weekend and the weekend before that we spent up in New Hampshire.

Now it's time for night-night, so here are some recent pics...