Little League Tournaments Require Full Family Committment

Park visited: Tiffany Hills Sports Complex
City: Kansas City, Missouri
Food of the day: Chocolate Mousse Pothole @ Sheridan's
iPhone song of the day: "The Coast Is Clear" by Scotty Emerick
Miles traveled: 10

It was another early morning in Kansas City with a full slate of tournament semi-final and championship games scheduled at Tiffany Hills. Once again the wind was a ginormous factor and once again slowed down our set-up process. Luckily Frank hooked us up with some cement buckets, which prevented another tent casualty from occurring.

There are usually a couple of moments during the course of our site stops that stand out as memorable or thought provoking. Today I was particularly touched by a girl who came up to the booth with a black t-shirt and in glitter were the words "Baseball Player's Sister." And even though it was a simple few seconds that involved an article of clothing the young girl probably didn't even know she was wearing, I was reminded that a youth baseball player is not the only one who makes a commitment to the crazy schedule of traveling, competitive baseball - it requires an equal amount of dedication and effort from the parents, the grandparents and maybe most significantly, the siblings.

In reality, the (usually) younger brothers and sisters are thrust into this roller coaster of games, practices, traveling, camps and lessons. They are expected to go along for the ride and to be in attendance regardless of whether or not they really want to be there. And despite asking so much of those who are so young, the pride that kids have for their older brothers is incredible to watch on their faces....or on a t-shirt like the one I mentioned before or "Frankie's Little Sister and #1 Fan."

In conclusion, today's "moment," combined with this blog entry reminds me of how thankful I am for all the years that my two younger sisters were so supportive of me during my seemingly never ending years of crazy baseball functions, such as the aforementioned schedule and list of responsibilities that come with the decision to join the little league, an All-Star team or traveling squad. Lindsie and Lauren were always willing to go with the flow, never complained and were constantly proud of their big brother's accomplishments on the field. I am blessed that I had (and continue to have) sisters who are also my friends and who never resented me even if I might have been hogging the weekends on the baseball diamond. If you're reading....thanks girls ;)

Tonight we had dinner at Outback Steakhouse, went to Blockbuster to rent a movie (where Clink and I also played a couple rounds of Rock Band....that game is uh-DICTING!) and got a little dessert at Sheridan's Frozen Custard. As you read above, the Chocolate Mousse Pothole is my "Food of the Day," and I couldn't have a better one. This thing was delicious and I give it my full endorsement.

Tomorrow we have the day off, so we will more than likely get organized and maybe do some laundry before our trip continues on later this week. Have a wonderful start to your week and please feel free to pass on www.chrisjung.com to anyone you think might be interested. Thanks for reading!

Until next time,
Chris

Kansas "Windy" City

Park visited: Tiffany Hills Sports Complex
City: Kansas City, Missouri
Food of the day: KC Bleu Strip at O'Dowd's Irish Pub
iPhone song of the day: "Shimmer" by Fuel
Miles traveled: 10

The Baseball Youth Road Trip wasn't the only thing that blew into town on Saturday....the 35 mph winds were right there with us too. But in the face of dirt storms and flying debris, the JustBats.com tournament went on as scheduled, as did we.

The Tiffany Hills Sports Complex was one of the nicest facilities we've visited thus far in our journey; the fields really had a Disney-esque feel to them in terms of the way they were designed and laid out. Kids and adults alike were chomping at the bit for free t-shirts, and the 2009 Louisville Slugger bats received the most attention we've seen.

Today was also the most impressed I have been with the kids who came by our booths and tents. I was raised to be overly polite to anyone who I come in contact with, so simple "thank you's" go a long way with me....especially when they're coming from young children. And this afternoon, I was extremely satisfied with the wonderful manners of all of our excited baseball players and siblings.

Several hours and one hefty "back of the leg" sun burn later, we returned home in time to watch Big Brown's disappointing Belmont run and caught dinner on the "party deck" of O'Dowd's Irish Pub in an area of town booming with restaurants and stores. In true Kansas City/Irish fashion, I enjoyed a K.C. Bleu Strip steak sandwich, which was complemented by a Black & Bleu (Guinness & Blue Moon) beer.

We're back at it again first thing tomorrow morning, so I'm sure I will have more to report in about 24 hours. Until then, enjoy the remainder of your weekend and thanks as always for stopping by.

Chris

Our Last Stop In Missouri

Park visited: None
City: Kansas City, Missouri
Food of the day: Buffalo Chicken Tacos at On The Border
iPhone song of the day: "This Side" by Nickel Creek
Miles traveled: 127

Kohrs asked me tonight what state we were in. "Kansas?," he asked.

"No....Missouri," I replied.

"But if we're in Missouri, why is it Kansas City."

I didn't have an answer. Regardless, the Road Trip made its way from Columbia to K.C. as we begin our last week in the Show-Me-State. Tomorrow morning (Saturday) we will be on hand for the JustBats.com Tournament, and we expect it to be a long, but successful day.

During our drive today, I continued reading Tony Dungy's "Quiet Strength." For those of you unaware, Dungy is the head coach of the pro football team Indianapolis Colts, and became the first African-American head football coach to win the Super Bowl a couple seasons ago against the Chicago Bears. His rise through the football ranks and his absolute commitment to his family and his faith is an incredible story, and even though I haven't finished the book yet, I absolutely recommend it to any of you looking for your next great read.

Today was also a monumental day in the life of Mr. Clinkenbeard. The same pair of Asics running shoes that have his supported his feet during thousands of miles and hundreds of races throughout his running career were officially retired, as he picked up a new pair and started a new sneaker era.

Once we reached the Best Western by the airport, we settled in and relaxed this afternoon before enjoying a good dinner at the On The Border. Now we're off to bed in preparation for an early morning and long day at the park. Have a great day!

Until next time,
Chris

A Wrap In Columbia

Park visited: Twin Oak Complex
City: Columbia, Missouri
Food of the day: Jack Daniels Flat Iron at T.G.I. Friday's
iPhone song of the day: "Better With You" by Five Times August
Miles traveled: 55 (including yesterdays' drive from Jefferson City to Columbia)

Thursday the road trippers wrapped up their final day in Columbia, Missouri with a final return to the Twin Oak Complex for the TBN World Qualifier. Our regular load in terms of setting up and stripping down our area was considerably lightened, as we welcomed the fourth and final member of our Road Trip crew, Matt Troy. Matt comes to us from Chicago and will be a strong addition to our group with his knowledge and passion of sports, strong ability to work well with children and his patience for the ridiculous banter that usually is conjured up by myself, Kohrs and Clink.

A specific moment tonight required me to make a phone call to my parents, as I was taken back to my childhood for a second at the sound of a five-year-old waiting in line in an attempt to win a t-shirt. As a kid, my Mom and Dad would always have to strategically keep me away from the grocery store aisle where the Goldfish crackers were located or any product with "fish" in the name, because the only way my unformed vocabulary and mouth could pronounce the word fish was with a curse word that rhymes with lit.

Well tonight, a boy that was no older than six years old, had to be removed from the prize line by his mother because while trying to start a "I want a shirt" chant (in reference to a free t-shirt), the only thing he could muster was "I want a *insert unintentional expletive here*." He was quickly removed from the area much to the embarrassment of the mother, and all I could do was stand back and laugh. Fun moment for me.

Following our final night at Twin Oak, the newly-formed foursome went for a late dinner at the T.G.I. Friday's near our hotel. While going to wash our hands, Matt and I discovered some germophone-inspired technology on the door that I found quite fascinating. In an effort to give people who do not wish to pull the "germ-infested" handle to exit the bathroom, there is now a small plate located at the base of the door called "StepNPull" where you can literally step down and pull the door open with your foot, without ever having to place your hands on the door. Not a believer? Visit their web site at www.stepnpull.com. Pretty good stuff.

Tomorrow we will roll out of the town and head for Kansas City, as we plan to be at the JustBats.com Tournament first thing Saturday morning. As always, I appreciate you stopping by to check on our progress....especially you Alyse Zinzilieta. Our journey continues to feature some fun moments and stories, and I encourage you to stick with us as we travel the country all summer!

Until next time,
Chris

You Heard It Right....It's All Free

Park visited: Field of Legends
City: Jefferson City, Missouri
Food of the day: Southern Style Chicken sandwich at McDonald's
iPhone song of the day: "Blank Sheet of Paper" by Tim McGraw
Miles traveled: 130

Has our society become so cynical and so negative by nature that the general public has lost its ability to accept things that are pure? It's one thing for us to have to explain to young children multiple times why we are at a certain location and why we are giving out so much free merchandise and so many free prizes. But when parents continuously circle our area with oozing skepticism all over their face and ask what the catch of our visit to their park REALLY is, it's frustrating that we can't convince them that we are truly there to provide a unique experience for all the kids in attendance that day.

But overall, despite several hesitant parents, our trip to the Field of Legends for a random night of league play in Jefferson City was another successful stop on our road trip. I even overheard one Mom attempt to explain to her husband on the phone what our set up consisted of, and she described it as "standing in the middle of a baseball carnival." I think that's pretty accurate.

Our morning started with a relatively quick drive from Kirkwood to a deserted area in Jeff City where the Days Inn we are staying at literally had no one in it at one this afternoon. It's since filled up a little, but we are definitely in the middle of a city that is the opposite of metropolitan.

The baseball complex where we were was something straight out of the movie Field of Dreams, as it was literally placed in the middle of hundreds and hundreds of acres of farm land. The nearest "building" was a run down while building that previously served as a woman's prison. Kohrs was trying to lead a "ghosthunter" trip into the structure, but it never came to fruition. The field did include a pretty cool sun deck on the top of its centrally-located concession stand, and though we didn't partake, they had the largest selection of draft beer I've ever seen for a little league snack stand.

Another interesting aspect of my "job" this summer, are the social scenarios I have a front row seat for. Tonight, I witnessed an exchange between a father and a son that I'm afraid is way too common in the world of little league baseball. The Dad, who was also the son's coach, stood scowling with his arms crossed in the dugout, and told his son (who had been warming up pitching down the left field line) to stop because he had "seen enough and he couldn't stand to watch anymore." The son sulked back to the bench, laid his glove down and innocently asked his Dad/coach, "why did you have to say it like that....why couldn't you just tell me to stop?" The father had no answer, and the son proceeded to stand silently at the other end of the dugout.

I obviously never saw how the rest of the evening unfolded, but how disappointing that a parent acts that way. I have had plenty experience of watching former teammates deal with the awkwardness of having their coach also be their Dad, and while it can indeed be a difficult transition, that double duty includes some fine lines, and it is extremely irresponsible for the parent to forget about the role that MUST come first, and that's being a supportive mentor and role model....not a grumpy monster who thinks he's playing Game 7 of the World Series in the middle of the Jefferson City cornfields wearing a baseball jersey and denim shorts.

Our stay in this town will end quickly tomorrow, as we make our way back to Columbia for the TBN World Qualifier. I'm ending this now as bad storms are on the way and I don't want the power to shut off and delete this very long entry! Thanks for reading folks.

Until next time,
Chris

Action-Packed Couple Of Days

SUNDAY

Park visited: None
City: Kirkwood, Missouri
Food of the day: Steak & Chicken Fajitas at Union Station Houlihan's
iPhone song of the day: "Swing" by Savage & Akon
Miles traveled: 20

Heavy weekend rains combined with the fact that the Kirkwood fields are basically located under sea level resulted in the complete cancellation of the remainder of the June Baseball Classic on Sunday. My Mom had already offered to do all of the laundry for myself and the Nate's, so I assisted her with in completing this task with my free morning. Before her and my Dad got back on the road for Union, we grabbed lunch at Texas Roadhouse and enjoyed a very nice conversation prior to their departure.

With an unexpected free day placed in our laps, the Road Trip crew descended into downtown St. Louis Sunday afternoon to partake in the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour. The beer journey took us through the 45-degree lager area where the beer barrels are located, onto the bottling/canning area on the factory floor, inside the stable area that houses the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales (which included our favorite "Claire") and eventually the hospitality room where we were allowed to sample two types of Anheuser-Busch's product.

Our guide Sarah was giving her first tour ever which slowed things down a little, but overall the hour-long walk around the AB grounds was a fantastic experience. I was hoping to try two beers I hadn't tasted before at the tour's conclusion, but the Beach Bum keg ran out just before I reached the counter. I elected for a fresh Budweiser Select and the Belgian brew Shock Top.

Following our brewery excursion, we met up with one of Clink's friends from STL, and headed for Union Station downtown to get a bite to eat. We chose Houlihan's, which turned out not to be anything special, but pretty good nonetheless. The combo (steak and chicken) fajitas did do the job, and a Boulevard draft was a nice complement to the meal.

MONDAY

Park visited: Busch Stadium
City: St. Louis, Missouri
Food of the day: (tie) Raspberry Sprite at Sonic & Chicken Quesedilla at J Buck's.
iPhone song of the day: "Hurt" by Danse Russe
Miles traveled: 20

After a pretty lazy Monday morning, we had a quick lunch at Sonic and made our way to the fields in Kirkwood to straighten up the trailer and pack up the remainder of our supplies from Saturday's events. After we finished, we took a couple hours to hit some balls. Without an actual fence on the field we were using, our Home Run Derby plans were kind of scrapped. We did enjoy the swinging exhibition, despite our extreme amateur pitching abilities and Kohrs' difficultly shagging in the outfield without a left-handed glove.

Back at the hotel, we got cleaned up and made our way back to downtown St. Louis and Busch Stadium for the Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game. Prior to entering the park, we enjoyed some appetizers and pregame beer at J Buck's on Clark Ave. while Clink made some last minute fantasy baseball lineup changes on my iPhone.

In terms of seating at the game, we opted for the $10 "standing room only" spots, which ended up being very enjoyable. Our position along the third base line offered a great view, as Cards dropped a tough one to the Bucs 5-4. Jason Michaels (former Indian) hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the 7th winning that tied the contest at 4-4, and Jason Bay eventually drove in the winning run that spoiled a relatively decent performance from Adam Wainwright.

It was definitely impressive to see 42,000 fans at a Monday game against a pretty crummy team, but simply gave credibility to the theory that St. Louis patrons are some of the most intelligent and loyal fans in baseball. There was one lady, however, who really irked us before the game started. As a local St. Louis high school choir led the park in God Bless American and the Star Spangled Banner, she stood with her back turned the whole time while she laughed and talked with one of the ushers.

This is one area where I have no tolerance for disrespectful people, and her antics were shameful. And then, the fact that she had the gall to turn and give a half clap when she realized it was over was pitiful, and really got under my skin. Why can't people take two minutes out of their way important life to honor THEIR flag and respect a tradition that is much more significant than their petty conversation? This is almost just as bad as men who don't think the "please remove your caps" announcement doesn't apply to them. No one is looking at your hair. No one cares. Take your freakin' hat of and show some respect for 120 seconds.

OK, I'm off my soapbox now. Altogether, these past couple days have been excellent, and it's hard to believe we've already fit so much in to just two weeks of our three-month adventure. We still have a lot left to see, do and experience, and I look forward to sharing it all with YOU.

I do appreciate all of the consistent readers of this blog, including Jason Dolan, Candra Spirtoff, Sara Bailey, Patrick Clark, the Jung family, Elisa Arnold, Megan LaFollette and Brandon Quinlan. If I didn't mention you, please leave a comment so I know you're out there....and either way, thanks so much for keeping up with our Road Trip! For ALL the pictures from our journey cross country, please visit the "Baseball Youth Road Trip Recap" link located on the right side of this page.

Until next time,
Chris

Kirkwood Loves Their Baseball

Park visited: Kirkwood Fields
City: Kirkwood, Missouri
Food of the day: Chicken O'Tender Trio at O'Charley's (and obviously the rolls)
iPhone song of the day: "Half Alive" by Secondhard Serenade
Miles traveled: 5

What a day.

Our morning began bright and early Saturday, as the Kirkwood Athletic Association was scheduled to start games for the June Classic Tournament at 8 a.m. Following last night's ferocious round of heavy rain and hail, however, these specific fields were ALL underwater upon our arrival to the complex.

Since our location by the main entrance would be on asphalt, we went ahead and set up the base of our area with tents, tables and our inflatable batting cage. We returned back to the hotel to chill in the room for a bit (which was actually a horrible idea, as Kohrs and I got comfortable back on our beds.....yes, we were in separate beds). Eventually we made it back to Kirkwood to find out that the day's schedule had been altered because of fields not quite being ready. I have to give credit to the local grounds maintenance crew; those guys worked to the bone for about seven consecutive hours on a Saturday to try and get the fields playable, and their work was very much appreciated.

As teams and their families slowly streamed back into the park, the Baseball Youth village was rocking once again. Our "pack war" baseball card games seemed to be a big hit, and I'd be willing to bet there there continuously 40-50 kids waiting in line for both the prize wheel and the free Airhead candy hand outs. Saturday was also a special day, as my Dad hung out and assisted our efforts at the park. With the majority of my extended family still living in the St. Louis area, my parents decided to make the drive down this weekend to check out our routine and for a quick visit. I must say that my decision to hit the road all Summer is heavily attested to the amazing support I've received from my Mom and Dad throughout my entire life. Their selflessness always leaves me in awe, and I am a lucky guy to have the backing of such incredible people.

But it was great sharing the day with Dad, and even managed to get a couple of rounds of "catch" in with him. I do think he also has a new found respect for the amount of time and grunt work that goes into not only assembling and disassembling our road trip arrangement, but working and executing it as well. I think he also got a kick out of just watching the reactions of the kids to all of the freebies we offer, and how generally respectful and polite all of them are.

As the 6 p.m. hour drew closer, dark rain clouds once again rolled in, and we decided to call it a night. And just as we were folding up the beast of a batting cage that we have and throwing it in the trailer, the rains came and we made our escape in record time. Despite our disgusting state, we drove straight to O'Charleys near our hotel and met up with my Mom and grandparents for a nice dinner. It was a treat being able to visit with them, and they seemed extremely interested in all the small details of our trip and just exactly what we were up to and where all we were going.

We were scheduled to have another full slate of games again tomorrow (Sunday), but just prior to beginning this entry, Clink received information that indicated that tomorrow's games are already canceled, and I have to imagine that the fields simply cannot take more of a beating tomorrow with all the inclement conditions that have made things difficult the past few days.

Feel free to check out pictures from today's activities below. Because of the timing of tomorrow's cancellation, we now have two straight days off, which means will definitely be seeking out some fun things to do the next couple nights, including the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game at Busch on Monday night.

Until then, take care and thanks for reading!
Chris