Day Two-Hundred and Eighty-Three

The South Atlantic League All-Star Game

I took 265 pictures today. I'll let them do the talking. As for now, Adam and I are headed back to Greensboro. It's 2:20 AM. We still have 2 more hours left! But what an incredible experience! We're so thankful for the opportunity that we've been able to enjoy. We had a blast today!

The All-Star festivities kicked off with a Hall of Fame Luncheon this afternoon. All players were in attendance, along with Brian Cashman (General Manager for the NY Yankees) and Bill Murray (Caddyshack superstar). Both gentleman were quite impressive. So was the food.

Inducted into the Sally League Hall of Fame today was Bill Murray. And yes, he really wore that. Matching his wild style, his speech was just as colorful and entertaining. I would expect nothing less.

The Hopper All-Stars! NINE in total: a Sally League AND Greensboro record for most players selected from a single team! Go Go Grasshoppers Go!

Following the luncheon, the players were paraded (literally) to the field behind a gigantically massive tank-thingy-majigger. They were truly treated like All-Stars today!

While Adam was off establishing his own celebrity, I posed with one of his favorites. Bill liked my dress. He commented on it twice. Clearly, he has good taste ;)

The parade delivered the boys to a huge tent, where they hosted a public appearance autograph session. Call me biased, but I'm quite partial to Adam's signature. It's pretty cool. And he got a lot of practice on it today, as hundreds of people asked him for his John Hancock. 

Yesterday, the Homerun Derby Preliminary Round was performed atop an aircraft carrier. From the sihp, the boys hit balls out into the water, attempting to clear the arc of boats that formed a pseudo-baseball fence line. Today, the Final Round was held at the Charleston Riverdogs Stadium. And as Adam looked on, I knew exactly what he was thinking, "Are you serious? Give me a bat. I can hit more Jimmys than these dudes." 

Adam was the first player on either team to be introduced. 

The National Anthem performance was among the best I've ever seen. Just beautiful.

(Sidenote: Adam had the nicest flow.)

And then, to our surprise, we saw this.

And this.

This.

And finally, this.

 Four parachuters fell from the sky...and for what? Why, to deliver the game ball, of course!!!!

In the fifth inning, Adam took the mound. All-Star games are completely different than a typical game. Each inning is pitched by a different All-Star, which enables everyone to showcase their skills and talents instead of just one or two guys. And Adam didn't disappoint! In just NINE pitches (6 strikes and 3 balls), he retired the side. Wow. Wow. Wow!!! He threw so well!

The Northern Division All-Stars took the game with a 3-2 win over the Southern Division! And yes, Greensboro is apart of the North Division! WINNERS!!! 

Adam said that the post-game firework show is the best he's ever seen! I can't argue!

I love my sweet man! So incredibly proud of him. This first half-season has been such an incredible journey and a sweet, sweet blessing. What a fun way to end a short but beautiful chapter of our lives!

Day Two Hundred and Eighty-Two

The Sally League All-Star Welcome Dinner

Two hundred and seventy-four miles Southeast of Greensboro sits the lovely city of Charleston, South Carolina. The four and a half hour road trip took Alejandra, Maritza, and I through all sorts of little towns and winding highways, that eventually led us to our destination, but not before finding gas in some quaint little town for $2.99. Yes, read the sign. That's no lie!! I actually didn't mind filling up my 36-gallon tank this time!

The boys were required to ride the baseball bus to Charleston, and Alejandra and I were supposed to follow; her in the red Raptor, me in the black one. It didn't end up happening that way, however. Within two miles of leaving Greensboro, the bus driver sped through a red light and we never saw our men again. Until we pulled into the hotel. After unpacking and settling in, I found Adam on Youtube with a tie around his neck. And I quote, "All the ties look the same once they're tied, but they're all different knots! I don't get it!?" He's so cute...finally learning how to tie his own tie! I think I could definitely get used to that!

The All-Star Welcome Dinner was our scheduled event for the evening. Hosted in a fancy Southern convention center, we enjoyed a barbecued meal and live country music playing in the background. The atmosphere was very relaxed and without formal introduction; I think they save that for tomorrow's luncheon. 

Adam and I were unsure of the dress code for the night, but he was insistent upon dressing up. And there's no way I'd ever argue with that! Other than the day we were married, I've never seen Adam dressed so sharply. Oh my gosh! He looked SO HANDSOME!!! He even had on a tie clip! I was proud to call him mine tonight. Ok, I'm proud to call him mine EVERY night, but you know what I mean!

Following dinner, we headed over to the ocean. We'd been missing the Atlantic, and yes, she looked just as pretty as I remembered her! Over a beautiful sunset, I hung out with my boy and giggled about the mass of hair he's got growing out the back of his head! He slicked it back quite neatly tonight, and I LOVED it! He tried to tell me the other day that he was getting sick of his long hair. I DON'T THINK SO! 

It won't be long until I get to see that ocean every day if I want to! 

And gosh he looks good! He told me today that if baseball doesn't end up working out for him, he prefers a job that will require him to wear a tie to work. He thinks he'd be more productive that way. I think there's some merit to that statement? Maybe? If so, he'll just wear a tie to the field every day.

Charleston is a BEAUTIFUL city with so many things to see and do. During our walk through Meeting Street - a popular center of town - we found a Gelato shop and I immediately begged Adam for some Italian ice cream. He gave in. But not before meeting a man waiting outside the shop with this flower. He had no hands, but instead, prosthetic clamping "hooks." The man was precious. A kind soul. And also homeless. Adam bought me this flower from him for $10. 

And then my most handsome man got two scoops of Gelato, swirled it together, and spent the rest of the night with me.

He. Is. Outstanding.

Day Two Hundred and Eighty-One

The First Promotion

Hey everyone, Adam again! After all the rumors it finally happened. Today before our game, I was making "Happy Father's Day" phone calls, and sure enough, was called into the coaches office. I first told them, "don't release me" and after holding back a smile, my pitching coach Blake McGinley said, "You're getting released...to Jupiter." After all off-season, winter workouts, mini-camp, and spring training, it only took us just under 3 months to return to Jupiter. Well, we aren't in Jupiter yet, first the good byes, then the packing, then the All-Star game, then the driving.

Saying bye to Nick wasn't easy. He is a great kid and full of energy. We miss you already buddy, keep throwing no-hitters and you'll be wearing a Grasshoppers uniform before you know it!

Although we spent a short time in Greensboro, Kendall found a group of amazing people to call family. Sheila here has been working on a blanket for Kendall all season, and cranked it out just in time for our departure. It was a total surprise to Kendall and I, as neither of us knew who she was making it for! Thank you, Sheila. Your friendship means so much to Kendall.

What a great start to an already exciting year for the Marlins and all their affiliates. We feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to come to Greensboro and experience Southern Comfort first hand. Great people, great support, great memories. We'll miss you.

Day Two Hundred and Eighty

The Playoff-Spot Clinch

THE HOPPERS WON!!! CHAMPAGNE EVERYWHERE!!

Tonight, our Greensboro Grasshoppers clinched a spot in the post-season playoffs!! And it was so much fun to watch as they celebrated like CRAZY! Regardless of how they play during the second half of the season, nothing can keep them from playing for a spot in the championship game! Good job Marlin Men!!

I'm most proud of you though, Sweetheart.

I love you, so much, Adam Conley.

Day Two Hundred and Seventy-Nine

The Fourteenth Game

As tonight was Adam's last start before the All-Star break, I decided that the more pictures I took today, the better. And that's exactly what I did. And, no, there was no champagne tonight....I just wanted to get that off my chest before I wrote the rest of this. The bottles remain in the clubhouse, hopefully until only tomorrow.

Anyways, here's a little idea of what our "pre-game" routine looks like. Typically, I drive the truck to the field and Alejandra rides shotgun. When we arrive at the stadium, I pull over to the side of the road, click on my hazards, and Ale jumps down from her perch in the Raptor. She runs to the front of the stadium and picks up our tickets at Will Call, located on a closed-down Bellmeade Street. And then she runs back. By now, the women at Will Call already have our tickets out and waiting for Alejandra's arrival. They're so sweet.

Not two minutes after we enter the stadium, we pay visit to the bullpen, where 2 out of every 5 nights, one of our boys is warming up. Tonight, it was Adam's turn, and as you can tell, he was looking quite handsome while rocking my favorite "pants-up." In my professional opinion, yes professional, pants-up makes his booty look bigger. And I like that! Unfortunately for me though, by the end of 4 innings, he rolled his pants back down. Apparently, these pants are too thick and too long to wear up. 

When I said that Greensboro does it big, I wasn't lying. Every home game, two black labs can be found running the field of Newbridge Bank Park. They retrieve bats, deliver baseballs, and fetch balls shot out of a modified paintball gun. And sometimes, they run right behind Adam while he's warming up. Can't say it's often you see something like this!!

During the games, especially when Adam pitches, I like to get nice and close to the field. Typically, I sit in the third row up behind home plate to watch him throw, but a little to the right, so I can see his delivery better. Tonight, I got real up-close and personal, and stuck my camera through the netting. I ended up with various shots of him pitching, but really liked the added touch of the net, which does save my life every game.

I love watching him pitch. Even though my insides turn into a butterfly battlefield. Always. They still haven't retreated, and attack me every fifth day. I don't appreciate it. Maybe one day they'll calm down. But probably not. Somebody needs to be nervous for him...because he certainly is not!

He struggled a little bit tonight with his slider, and didn't come away with amazing results. Adam has been working extremely hard on new techniques that have been given to him these past few months, and well, it's a work in progress. He's explained to me that he's very intent and focused on being disciplined in his new approach, even though it's something totally different and at times, uncomfortable. That's what 15 years of pitching one (less efficient) way will do to you. Adam battled hard tonight though, and didn't let the game get away from him. He pitched 5 innings, on 8 hits, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, and 3 earned runs. He did get the loss, and is now 7-3 with a 2.78 ERA. 

To bring our smiles back to life, Beth brought us some funnel cake to share!! She showed up in the seventh with a plate full of deliciousness just waiting to be scarfed down...

But Alejandra had never tried it before, so Beth gave Ale her very first taste. It was love at first bite!! 

And Sawyer? Well, he wanted in on the action too...and he figured out very quickly that powdered sugar tastes real good when licked from your finger! He's so stinking precious!! We sit with him and his daddy almost every night, and have enjoyed getting to know our baseball-loving 2-year-old!! He reminds me so much of my little nephew Hunter...and I secretly want to take him home with me some nights. But shhhhh. Don't tell Adam. I don't want him getting any ideas! He's still convinced that they come out 8-years-old and Little League All-Stars! 

Well, All-Stars someday...just like their Daddy! 

Day Two Hundred and Seventy-Eight

The Thirsty Thursday

Today was a special day. We met Johnny and his parents at Applebee's and enjoyed a precious time with our new friends. Johnny was diagnosed with Leukemia on April 23, 2012 and since then has undergone a whole life of change, even for an 8-year-old. Speaking from a bit of experience, I talked with Johnny about the importance of being strong and positive through his journey of chemo, surgery, and needles. When I first heard of Johnny's diagnosis, I couldn't help but think of my own Johnie. The man I call Dad...and his courageous battle against the cancer that's tried to steal his life twice. They're both such an inspiration, and when I think of their fight, all of my own problems seem to disappear.  

Johnny said something really sweet today. He said, "This cancer is happening to me so that I can know what all the other kids feel like. I never want any more kids to feel like this, so I'm going to make sure that when I grow up, they never will." 

Following lunch, it was time for more Hopper baseball! The boys returned home today for a four-game series against the Charleston RiverDogs, and tonight, it was Thirsty Thursday. With one dollar beers, the crowds came in masses. I swear, it's like they don't even realize they're at a baseball game! 

A few of us girls enjoying our Thirsty Thursday night from the comfort of Mr. Bob's box! I LOVE these ladies! 

The Hoppers are currently in a very tight race for clenching the first-half of the season, which guarantees them a spot in the playoffs at the end of the year. Tonight, they won. But they needed the second place team to lose in order to secure their title. And so, the entire team waited at the field following our game, for the result of Hagerstown's game. Waiting in the locker room was 3 boxes of champagne that they were more than ready to pop open. But tonight wasn't their night, as Hagerstown got the W. But if Adam gets the win tomorrow, popped bottles of champagne will be flowing in the clubhouse!!! Goooooo Adam! 

I love my precious man.

Day Two Hundred and Seventy-Five

The Bainbridge Bank Park Girls

I spent a lot of time today in this Big Boy. He's become quite the pal. I like him. And so, I treated him to a nice bath at the Ford lot for being so good to me. Remind me never to go to another car lot, in a big truck, alone and without my husband. Bad idea. Officially creeped out.

The truck wash was surprise #1 for Adam today. His #2 was found in the team store last night. And today, I picked it up...(surprise to be revealed a few photos down...) This is the Greensboro Grasshopper's store, located within the concourse of the stadium. I must brag...it's really really nice.

We've spent 2 months at Newbridge Bank Park, and not once have I taken a picture of it. This is where Adam works, plays, and competes. While grabbing surprise #2, I ran down the street and snapped a photo. Yes, it's really pretty. And yes, it's all ours! At least for now!

It looks so much different without 8,000 screaming fans waiting outside, and today, I finally realized that crafted into the front entrance gate, a gigantic baseball bat sits on display! So neat! I love our stadium! This is where I enter my baseball world almost every day...I climb those very stairs and pass through the gate on the far left with my green water bottle and a few treats for Adam hidden in my purse. By now, the ushers, cooks, ticket scanners, and managers know my freckly face and greet me as I walk by. It's precious. 

Meet surprise #2!!!!! Alejandra and I finally pulled the trigger and bought Grasshopper jerseys!! We special ordered them with our boys' names and numbers stitched on the back, which took a day to complete. Adam and Jose were so surprised and very happy. And so were we!!

The Hoppers are now on the road for a three-game series against the Intimidators. Luckily for them (us too!), the trip to Kannapolis is only 45 minutes away. So, we went. During the fifth inning, black clouds rolled in and drenched the entire stadium with sideways rain. Sheila snuck this photo of Alex, Alejandra, and I watching the game from atop a park bench, underneath a gazebo. We're diehard and crafty fans, yes. 

Happy girls. Even in the midst of crazy weather and an even crazier life. And let me tell you, it's gotten real crazy lately. I've learned more than I ever thought I could handle in the past month. And I'm so very thankful for my sweet husband and precious friends who've helped me along the way. I don't know what I'd do without you!