As a long-time Reds fan – going back to my Big Red Machine, I’ve never been much on the New York Mets.  I still remember those rude Mets fans during the 1973 NLCS, and the Pete Rose – Bud Harrelson fight.  Of course, I remember those same Mets fans – for the most part – filling Shea Stadium during a lousy period in Mets history, in order to graciously cheer Pete Rose with standing ovations when he tied and broke the modern N.L. Hitting Streak record during the summer of 1978; Rose would go on to an N.L. Record 44-Game Hitting Streak. 

I admired the Mets in years to come – when they won the 1986 World Series over the Boston Red Sox.  I felt bad for the Red Sox as well, as they were soooo close to a World’s Championship.  I felt good for Ray Knight and for Keith Hernandez – I was always a grudging admirer of his, and he could play both 1B and the man could hit. 

I would love to say that I enjoyed the 1986 Fall Classic, BUT I was busy as a brand new trainee – I was in Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, from 17 September – 21 November 1986, so I missed the entire Series.  Actually, I saw about 2 minutes of one game – I was peering in my Drill Sergeant’s office with the game going on one evening.  I got caught, and was lucky I didn’t have to do push-ups.  I had to appreciate MLB’s postseason by reading the newspapers on Sunday – training took up the rest of the week from before sun-up to past sundown. 

As for subsequent years, well…let’s just say it’s been hard to enjoy MLB these past years with the Reds having such a LONG period of losing (since 2000).  I did get to appreciate the 1990 World Champion Reds – once more, from a distance.  This time, I was in Saudi Arabia, as I was called up from my then Tennessee National Guard Unit (130th Rear Area Operations Center) for Operation Desert Shield, later to become Desert Storm.  Sweet Lou Pinella, Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, the Nasty Boys, and the rest of that great gave me something to cheer about during a tough but victorious period that kept me away from my wife, Lynne for several months. 

I’m still a Soldier, and Lynne and I are still going strong – 21 years now – and I’m having the opportunity these days to work at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  From time to time, you can see some celebrities come to WRAMC to visit our “Wounded Warriors” – those who have been seriously wounded, injured during our deployments into Harm’s Way.  The Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints paid a visit to our Heroes a few weeks ago.  I stay away from these events – the celebrities come to see “Our Celebrities,” and I’m strong in my beliefs that “it’s not about me.” 

Well, just a few days ago, I saw some familiar faces in civilian dress walking outside towards our main pavilon, hospital building – I was returning from visiting patients, Etc.  These guys came in large groups – big giveaway.  They were wearing different modes of neat attire – from suits to blue jeans, and they had hospital reps with them.  They were clearly V.I. Guests. 

I did recognize the Met’s manager, Jerry Manuel – can’t mistake him, and said hello.  He smiled back and returned my greeting – very kind man, and I was very appreciate of their visit. 

BUT…the one ballplayer – out of all the stars who were there, and I believe I recognized David Wright and others as well – was a great NY Met from the past – Keith Hernandez. 

I wasn’t carrying a pen on my uniform – of all the times – and I asked a fellow Soldier to borrow a pen and I asked another for a scrap of paper.  I got an index card, and I covered the 50 or so yards in no time – thank God for Army training/staying in decent shape.  I got to Mr. Hernandez in just enough time before they entered the back of the building.

Keith Hernandez has aged some – like the rest of us, but he’s done it with grace; there’s no doubt who he is today.  I called out his name, and he turned around.  I quickly asked for his autograph, and he graciously supplied it.  I thanked Mr. Hernandez and the rest of the Mets for coming to see our Soldiers, and I left.  They had important people to see…

Mr. Hernandez, if you read this, or someone alerts you to this, “Thank YOU, Sir, and the Rest of the Mets.  As for your signature, I’m not one of those fans who will “turn a kindness into a buck.”  In fact, I’m giving your autograph, along with a good photo I can purchase, and card – to my eldest son.  Will is an Army ROTC Cadet at a University in Illinois.  I’m very PROUD of Will, and my younger son, Bobby – They are my Heroes.   Will is a big baseball fan, and I want him to have a great autograph of a great ballplayer. 

People go out of their way to speak about how athletes and other celebrities can be rude and self-seeking.  Well, here at Walter Reed, I get the opportunity to see some selflessness from great celebrities from time to time.  When I hear of great baseball players, I’ll always Keith Hernandez – for his great play on the field, and his many clutch hits and solid career.  

Still, Keith Hernandez, for all his accolades, will always be TOPS in my book – for taking time to visit America’s Heroes…and for giving an old fan an autograph. 

Keith Hernandez & the New York Mets: This Old Soldier Salutes YOU.  God bless you and yours. 

More on the Cardiac Reds tomorrow, or soon – always busy at WRAMC, and this shows in very few blogs over the year.  Oh well…Great 2010 Season so far.  Don’t lose hope, Votto and Company – keep your heads up.  2010 has been really Fun!

GREAT MOMENT IN REDS’ HISTORY: Pete Rose hustles around the bases with clenched fist in the 12th Inning, after hitting what became the game-winning HR against Mets at Shea Stadium, Game #4, 1973 NLCS – Shea Stadium, October 1973.

“Who would have thought it?”  I’m rather impressed with Votto, Rolen, Phillips, Gomes, Bruce, and most of the entire pitching staff, headed by that young rookie sensation Mike Leake.  Leake is now 4-0, with another quality start while besting tough Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright this past Saturday night. The 22-year-old Leake gave up two earned runs and four hits over six innings with three walks and five strikeouts. MLB.COM notes that Leake is the first Reds pitcher to begin his big league career 4-0 since Santo Alcala and Pat Zachary both did it in 1976 – Now, that’s impressive.

Reds first 40 games of 2010:

W   L   PCT  GB  (Record v. Central Opponents)

23  17  .575    0     16-10

Of course, the Reds are in 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of LaRussa’s Cardinals.  Let me say this – I’m PROUD of Baker and the Reds thus far. 

This is my first entry of, not only the season, but of all 2010.  Not much to say for that, except I’ve been staying busy with the real world – my job and responsibilities.  Working for the good old USA will shortly put me “Inside the Beltway.”  Well, I can see some Nationals baseball from time to time. 

Gotta run – Great job, Reds – Definitely looks like Cincy Baseball is “Getting back to fun again.”  Even your hustle looks somehow…familiar.  Pete should be proud, and I’m still sore at Charlie Hustle for his very poor judgment in December through now.  Still, the man could play baseball. 

Anyone who has spent a few minutes looking at this blog knows that I’m a Pete Rose/Big Red Machine fan.  Charlie Hustle, a.k.a. The Hit King, has always been my favorite baseball player.  The man simply got the job done on the field, and was darned exciting to watch. 

Unfortunately, Pete Rose has also been about as embarrassing off the field as he has been exciting on it.  I won’t even touch the betting on baseball, or 14 years of lies he told in denial.  Let’s see: There’s a (1) Paternity Suit back in January 1979, which he settled; (2) multiple affairs on his first wife, Karolyn; (3) Same on his second wife, Carol. 

NOW, Mr. Rose is obviously forgetting his age (68).  He’s forgetting the vows he made to his 2nd wife – Hey, I wonder if Rose even had vows to her.  On top of that, he’s dating a woman who was running around in diapers when he was setting MLB records.  Now, he’s talked his girlfriend into trying to get a audition for Playboy Magazine.  Sorry, Pete – This fan is disgusted in your behavior, and I’m sure I’m NOT alone.   

GROW UP, PETE!  I remember when Mr. Rose admitted in an interview – with an allusion to his betting on baseball – that he’had done some things his father wouldn’t be proud of.  Guess “Old Grandad” can add another tale to his hall of shame story. 

Wonder If Your Dad and Ty Are Looking Down On This Great Moment, Pete…

When Mr. Rose’s father, Harry “Big Pete” Rose, died in December 1970, it seemed that all the stops came off in the Pete Rose’s life – as far as acting his age, and remembering he had responsibilities to his family…and his fans.  Rose the ballplayer seemed to just get better with age – over many years.  He was invaluable as a teammate, and he helped push other stars to be their very best – just ask Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, and Mike Schmidt, to name a few.   

Rose just seemed to remain a perpetual teenager.  Until recently, it seemed that he was acting his age the past several years.  Well, “Rose-Hefner” has gone back to his teens once more, thanks to this sad tale.  Isn’t Charlie Hustle a little O-L-D for yet another mid-life crisis?  What of his wife, Carol Rose, who has stood by his side since April 1984, when they got married.  She’s been there during Rose’s fall from baseball grace as well.  Doesn’t she count for something, Pete?  Why isn’t your wife your girlfriend, too???   This tale, in my opinion, is a disgrace.  

I’ve defended Pete Rose on countless occasions.  Now, I don’t know whether I feel more disgust or pity for the man.   Has Mr. Rose NO shame these days? 

I hope Pete gets a wake-up call about his attitude, though I seriously doubt he’ll take it.  I’m sure this stupidity really appeals to MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, as well as Bob Feller, Johnny Bench, Stan Musial, Joe Morgan, and several other Hall Of Famers.  Just when it seems more sympathy could be there for Charlie Hustle to somehow have a chance to make it back into baseball’s good graces before he dies, he pulls another trick out of his bag of STUPID Stunts. 

In closing, I’ve often told my Sons (now ages 18 and 16), to play sports like Pete Rose played baseball, giving 110% on every play.  Unfortunately, I’ve had to tell my boys to NEVER play the game of life like Pete Rose.  Pete Rose on the field is worth emulating; off the field, he’s worth forgetting. 

My boys will see me, through 20-plus years of marriage, multiple deployments during times of war, and more – with a marriage that is happy, healthy, and intact, and I hope I’ve been a good father as well.  I’m no saint, and I couldn’t play baseball today to save my life – but I pray I’m a much better example on how they should live their lives, love their families…and keep their dignity intact.  I’ll take my Wife and Family over Pete Rose, his records, and his feet of clay, a.k.a. stupid decisions everyday of the week, and twice on Sundays.  That’s an understatement.   

I would really LOVE to be PROUD of you again one day, PETE.  That’s not looking good lately…

BETTER DAYS FOR CHARLIE HUSTLE…1971, Spring Training

Well, sitting here on a nice, cool, cloudy Saturday Afternoon.  I’ve got a chance to breathe and relax a bit; it’s been a hectic week.  That’s PAR for the course in the U.S. Army, but I’m Thankful right now to be Home with my Family and not Deployed.  Can’t say where I’ll be in a year – God knows, and Uncle Sam will tell me in a few months…

I regret not posting something for Veteran’s Day.  God bless those who have served – and serve today – our Great Nation in Her time of need.  Freedom is NEVER Free, and the men and women who have sacrificed time away from families and friends in order to “stand guard over our Freedoms and Freedoms around the world” are the real Heroes in my book. 

In my opinion, Baseball Players – and even Hall Of Famers – pale in comparison to our Men and Women In Uniform since the beginning of the USA.  Of course, there are so many Patriots ballplayers from decades past who served, like Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Bob Feller,Ted Williams, and so many more during WW2, Korean War, and more.  They sacrificed time – and stats – to serve our Country.  Joltin Joe might have gotten 3,000 hits had he not lost years of service – and nearly 450-500 HR, and Teddy Ballgame would have easily gotten well over 3,000 himself, and a few more battling titles.  600 Homers would have been possible, too.  Bob Feller would have easily notched 300 wins, and perhaps a Cy Young Award or two. 

The coolest thing about Mr. Feller – though I disagree with his stand against Pete Rose – He and countless other ballplayers like him have NO regrets in serving.  Bob Feller enlisted in the Navy right after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.  May GOD bless all Veterans, Soldiers – Past and Present – for their Sacrifices to Our Nation, and their families as well. 

I just made a little Breakfast/Brunch for my Sons – A Father’s happy duty from time to time, and my teenage boys love it.   Lynne, my Wife, is picking up some groceries; she’s great on making breakfast, but HATES eggs.  I’m sparing her this Sat. Morning fun. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you – yes, I’m early, but I am Thankful for so much that GOD (Yes, GOD) has blessed me and mine with.  Okay, I’m NOT including the Reds’ losing streak, but I’m not blaming GOD for the actions of Reds’ owners and management over the years.  Yes, I’m Thankful that my Thanksgiving this year is spent with my Family and not on Deployment.  I’ve spent plenty Holidays away, so I’m grateful that’s not the case in 2009. 

I do get a little tired of the history revisionists that all but ignore the Pilgrims and their first winter/year on this new land.  They worked well with the Indians, for instance, but they were not saved by them.  Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation (from October 1863):

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln (William H. Seward, Secretary of State)

 May we always be Thankful to GOD for His Blessings to us – HAPPY THANKSGIVING, and GOD Bless America! 

I’ll say this once more – – I’m HAPPY for Jerry Hairston, Jr…and his new team. 

Hairston could have had better numbers in Cincy this year, but it seems he gives his best to the games.  Now, he joins former Red Aaron Boone as a Yankee who came through in the clutch, and he is playing on a team that is very close to the World Series.  Yes, as a long-suffering (and dedicated) Reds fan, I’m very happy for Jerry.   

Comes down to this, folks, and it always will: Doncha think it’s about time the Reds Management bring back a WINNER to Cincinnati?   Boone went to the Yankees when the Reds did their “Fire Sale” of Summer 2003, thus ending any chance of their making the postseason that year.  The team was in the midst of a rebuilding phase – how many of these must they go through til they have a winning season again?    

I’ll hold my judgment on the Reds, their management, and their goals until after the Winter Meetings and the Free Agency/Trade Routes.  I do hope the team shows more concern and goes after a proven Veteran or two during that time.  We’ll see.

As for now, I’ll enjoy some of the MLB Postseason.  After that, I’ll do my part supporting the bid to get the late, great Old Lefthander, Joe Nuxhall, submitted once more for the final three in the Ford Frick Award voting – for next year’s Baseball Hall Of Fame.  That’s a great travesty than the Reds Management failures in the past decade – Joe Nuxhall deserves to win this award and be in the that company of legendary Radio and TV Broadcasters.  Mr. Nuxháll worked with fellow HOFér Marty Brennamin from 1974-2004 on a full-time basis (he started with Reds baseball on WLW back in 1967), and Nuxie moniker at the end of his part of broadcasts was “This is the Old Lefthander rounding third and headed for home.  Goodnight, everyone.” 

Add the fact that Nuxie is still the youngest player to ever play a MLB game – 15 years and some months old months back in 1944.  Joe worked hard to make it back to the Majors on his own, too – though it took nearly a decade, and he had a fine career with over 100 wins.   

To me, Joe Nuxhall IS the face of Cincinnati Reds Baseball and it’s proud history.  High time for the Reds – and Reds Management/Ownership to be proud of it’s future. 

New York Yankees’ Jerry Hairston Jr. celebrates after scoring on a throwing error by Los Angeles Angels’ Maicer Izturis during the 13th inning of Game 2 of the American League Championship baseball series Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in New York. The Yankees won 4-3 to lead the series 2-0.(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Reminds me of another Celebration depicted in the Reds Hall Of Fame – From the Celebration of the Reds Beating the Pirates, 3-2 in the 5th and Deciding Game of the 1972 NLCS.  Taken July 21, 2009.     

Towards the bottom of my article, I’ve added corrections – I’ll save my tears for SPC Issac M. Nieves, SGT Christopher Webb, and 1SG Christopher Rafferty – three friends and fellow Soldiers of mine among the 4,000-plus who paid the Ultimate Sacrifice during the Global War On Terror.  

May GOD Always Bless, Support, and Comfort all the families who have lost loved ones on 11 September 2001, and in our War On Terrror since that day. 

Yes…We Must NEVER FORGET

 If you want to read a truly awesome article remembering 9-11, please read my friend Julia’s article – – juliasrants – Very Touching…Can be found at –   http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/ 

 This entry won’t cover the Reds – they did lose, but that’s not important today.  Not by a long shot…

9-11-2001.  Army wise, 11 September 2001.  Eight years ago, and yet it seems like it was yesterday.   
 
I remember that morning, and where I was – I was just completing my first full year as a chaplain and serving the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Armored), out of 1st Cavalry Division (Fort Hood, Texas).  I had finished P.T. (Physical Training), speaking about the day’s events with a fellow officer, when we heard the news on his truck radio concerning the first Twin Tower being struck by a jet.  By the time I got home, the other tower had been attacked, and pictures were starting to be displayed on the screen. 
 
I hurried my clean-up at home, grabbing toast on the way out the door.  I was in a rush, but could have lingered for a grand-slam breakfast at the local Denny’s for the time I had remaining.  No, I wasn’t hungry at the time.   It simply took me more than 2 hours to get back to the once free-flowing entrance on FT Hood.  Of course, the attacks at the Pentagon and the crash of U.A. Flight #93 occured as well.  FT Hood previously had limited 24/7 security at the manned entrance/exit gates daily, but that was a thing of the past.  Security was now there in full force – Soldiers, MPs, and Policemen from the City of Killeen were checking everything – bottoms of cars and trucks, many engines, all Military I.D.s and driver’s licenses.  Our units (and many more) set up some barbed wire at key entrances, and most Soldiers stayed on post until nearly midnight before feeling secure enough to go home for the brief night. 
 
Within 2 mos, my unit (just back form brief 4-plus month mission in Kuwait) would be attached to a Brigade Task Force and sent to a newly constructed base of operations – our base was named Camp Pennsylvania – in tribute to the Victims/Heroes of U.A. Flight 93.  We moved out to Camp Penn on Thanksgiving Day 2001, and would remain there in support of Operation Enduring Freedom until March 2002.  Halfway through March, we returned Home.  By the way, we also had camps named after New York and Virginia – tributes to our 9-11 fallen as well. 

 
Security has tightened up greatly since that day, and you don’t see many Soldiers without “Battle-patches” (unit designations below the Flag on their uniform), meaning they’ve been deployed at least once in a war-zone since 9-11.  I could interchange three different unit patches below my Flag, if I chose, and I know those who have been “downrange” considerably more often than I.  Yet, I and countless others chose our way of life – I’m aware there are times I have to be away from my family, and in Harm’s Way, and that’s not easy for me or my wife and boys…but I will always be PROUD to serve. 

Of course, there were thousands of civilians from all walks of life – never intending to go to war, kissed spouses, children, loved ones and went to their places of work on that September day, and many boarded planes for meetings and such…never to return home.  May we NEVER forget their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of NY’s Firemen and Policemen who died trying to save them, and yes, those in our Nation’s Service who have died since then…Freedom is Never Free. 

And…Freedom will NEVER be Free – not while evil exists.  And those terrorists, those cowards who kill innocents – they need to be defeated and stopped.  If it takes the loss of the lives of these murderers, you won’t see me shed a single tear over them.  I’ll save my tears for the victims of 9-11, and for the service of our fallen Policemen and Firemen, as well as our Men and Women bravely serving in Our Armed Forces. 

I’ll save my tears for SPC Issac M. Nieves, SGT Christopher Webb, and 1SG Christopher Rafferty – three friends and fellow Soldiers of mine among the 4,000-plus who paid the Ultimate Sacrifice during the Global War On Terror.  May GOD Always Bless, Support, and Comfort all who have lost loved on the since 9-11.

 
Yes, this is truly one of those days when baseball seems so unimportant – it’s just a game…
 
Thank you for your Patriotism, and Your Support.  God bless you and yours, and God Bless America…

__________________________________________________________________________________

“Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended.”

“Great tragedy has come to us, and we are meeting it with the best that is in our country, with courage and concern for others because this is America. This is who we are.” 

– George W. Bush (43rd President of the U.S.) 

9-11 — NEVER FORGET!