I’m back after a break last week. Well, I guess it was a
forced break since our internet connection was down for a few days, so I was
unable to write. Anyway, it has been a very monotonous week as I haven’t been
throwing. My workouts have consisted mainly of strengthening exercises,
running, core work, and lifting. As I mentioned previously, I took two weeks
off from throwing in order to allow some tenderness in my elbow to subside. The
good thing is that I see the doctor early this week in order to be cleared to
resume my throwing program. The one obvious detriment of the two week rest
period is the fact that it sets my return back because I’m going to have to work
my arm strength up briefly before I return to the mound. However, the most
important aspect of the whole rehab process is for me to get healthy, so I
definitely want to make sure I don’t rush it. It sometimes feels like it is
taking forever, but I think once I am cleared and begin competing in games, it
will feel like it flew by. I just have to view it as a means to an end.
My girlfriend Jenny (who I met at Stanford)
came to Tucson to visit this past week. She has about a month before she
reports to South Bend to begin her first year of Law School at Notre Dame. We
saw the movie “You, Me, and Dupree” over the weekend. I thought it was
entertaining, but it didn’t live up to my personal expectations. Ever since
“Old School” and “Wedding Crashers” (two of the funniest movies of all time), I
expect so much from any film starring Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, or Vince
Vaughn. I guess it’s really not fair for me to set the bar that high since
those movies may never be matched. That’s probably comparable to expecting a
pitcher to throw a perfect game every outing just because he did it once- it’s
just not realistic. Jenny and I also had the opportunity to go to a nice dinner
at Sullivan’s Steakhouse since I received a gift certificate from the parents of
the little leaguers for running those clinics. I thought that was very kind of
them and we definitely enjoyed the steaks.
Before Jenny arrived, I spent some
time at Border’s Book Store. I don’t know how or when I started this, but I
like to go to Border’s, grab a coffee, relax, and read all sorts of books or
magazines. I usually brainstorm about weird things that intrigue me, and then I
set out on a hunt to find a book about that subject. After I garner about 4 or
5 books, I sift through them for a few hours and try to become a bit more
knowledgeable on the topics. Last time, I perused books on real estate
investment, the Rwandan genocide, the top 100 baseball players of all-time, the
history of the Dominican Republic, and the plight of the wrongfully imprisoned.
I’d rank that as one of my top visits to Border’s since every book was truly
captivating. Usually, I’ll go 3 for 5 or 2 for 4 on a given day, but that was a
special 5 for 5 day. Learning about these diverse topics makes for good
conversation when I meet someone who is very knowledgeable on the subject. I
actually never used to be a huge reader. My reading was mostly limited to my
required economics readings at school, but now I have really taken a liking to
reading for pleasure. It allows me to engage in an intellectual activity to
keep my mind sharp since I am no longer in school attending classes.
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed
the Major League All-Star game. I truly marvel at seeing all those super stars
on the same field at the same time. Watching the excitement surrounding the
game really makes me want to get back on the field because it reminds me of how
fun it is to play the game. For now, I just need to focus on one day at a
time. I think that’s the best approach to handling rehab and before I know it,
I’ll be lacing up my cleats (actually not really, because I usually pre-tie them
and slip them on, but you get the point).
Have a great week……………Mark.