Pic Post.

Hey guys. Love yall. Thank you for all the comments. Ian, I laughed pretty hard at your comment. Alex, I got an extra 8 balls in bp for the lion outfit ;). Thanks for all who hit the blog.

For a short little update. I have had a great past of couple of games. Hit my first triple of the year to the roar of fans. As I was rounding second...the noise was incredible. I dove in and the umpire motioned safe. What a great memory. Starting to hear the fans chant my name as I come up to the plate. I really do not like writing about things like this but I just want to recall this memory some time down the road. I know that Bruce Springsting's "Glory Days" will be playing in the background. So as long as I am writing about good moments, I will continue just a bit...
I also had a walkoff double to clinch a playoff spot for us this season.

SO...Last night.
Doug Toro, one of my closest brothers on this team, and I were sitting on the bench. We chewed at least 2 packs of gum and 300 sunflower seeds. I was drinking coffee and had my batting gloves on because it is getting pretty cold here in ol Quebec. We were just playing around and then Toro predicted this to me. It was the top of the 8th inning, we were down 4-3.

"Ok Tony...Bottom of the ninth, I will pinch run for Scalabrini, our DH, You will pinch hit for D'oust, our catcher. You will have the game winning hit and I will score the game winning run."

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA....ok man. Whatever. I am cold brother."

Sure enough. Toro's prediction came true.

So we clinched a playoff spot with the win and I had a walkoff game winning double. Toro crossed home plate and the team rushed the field and we all were cheering with joy. Great moment. Here is the article in today's paper.

"The Capitales in the Playoffs by the Grace of Tony Lewis"

http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-soleil/sports/ligue-can-am/200908/28/01-896937-les-capitales-en-series-grace-a-tony-lewis.php

I can't wait to sit down and share stories with all of you. I love you all so very much. Here are some pictures that I have captured. With explanations following.



This is when Eric Coutu and his family came to see me play. I took them on a tour of the stadium. It was a fantastic day.





This is a pic of Jose Aquinas, James Kukucka, and me. These are a couple of new pitchers that we got and I took them on a tour of Quebec. James is my roommate now. Great guy and friend.



This is a picture of Chateau Fontenac. A five-star hotel in Quebec that sits on the top of the city. Absolutely beautiful from this view. The following pic is a view from the boardwalk.



Can't say it enough...Love you guys and I will see you pretty damn soon. Beso.

It is what it is.

Hello friends. I have taken a hiatus from writing, as you all can tell. Been through quite a bit the past few weeks and I am glad that I can finally write a little bit about what is going on. To all that still hit the blog, I love and miss you all....I still read all the comments when I had no intention to write. To Mom and Dad, the most supportive parents a kid could have...Thank you for putting up with all the conversations, stories, bitching, lashing outs' that I have given you. If I can't talk to my parents.....who can I talk to though? Love you guys. Alex, I love you man. Thanks for still giving me the words I need to hear so I can lace up my spikes. Ian, I love you man. It seems that you live through all the bullshit that baseball has dealt me as well. Thanks for helping keep my head. Stephanie, I couldn't ask for a better girlfriend. When I think that you would say..."Come home." You tell me to "Keep going." That let's me know how much you really care about me. Chris, I miss you man. I know I say this a lot but, I really see us hanging out within the next year or so. Olivear, THE CALLING!!!! Hahahahaahahaha....How I miss those times in our "studio". To everyone else, thank you for reading and for all the support. Say a prayer for a loss in the Lael family and for my uncle Jose.

Where, oh where, to begin?

It has been hard, lemme tell ya, to be a part of a professional baseball schedule. There are incredible highs and incredible lows. Pete LaForest has really helped me out these past couple of days on how to deal with it.

"Tony...I have been around a bit and I know what you are going through. Doing incredibly well....not playing when you think you should....getting in, and putting to much pressure on yourself. You have to play this game on an even level."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when you are hitting, like you did when you got here, you can't let anyone know how 'high' you are feeling. When you go 0-20, you can't let anyone how 'low' you are feeling. You have to play this game on an even keel."
If you play highs and lows....it is a rollercoaster of emotions that you can not control. You have to play it cool and bring that 'swagger' that you have every game. Do not let anyone see 'you' not being 'you'. And that is that kid with a smile on his face, giving everyone shit. It is not hard to tell when you are not being you."

I understood this. I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve. Yes...it being due to the fact that I haven't played so well the past couple of games and being out of the lineup...but also to the fact that I am away from home. I am away from family, my girlfriend, and all of my friends. It is really hard keeping all my relationships in tact via phone conversations. But do you think I am the only baseball player who has dealt with these problems...? Hell no.

It is just a different life.

Now understand this as well. I know that this is not the "Majors". But this is a summer where baseball really is a 'job'. Where 'off days' are 2 days out of the month, working 8 hours a day, wanting to perform well, getting paid in peanuts...

The best aspects I can take out of this summer are these two things.

1. I can play with these guys.
2. I can honestly say, that I am going to ride this mother fucker to the end.

Baseball has been such a big part of my life. Ever since I picked up that yellow bat when I was 5 and got in my left handed stance (my favorite story btw Dad) to my final at bat of this season, there are things that I will remember most. It is not the homeruns, doubles with two outs, and diving plays that I make. It is everything else that is outside of the game that I will remember. The people I meet, the rain delay games, the shananigans that go on in the hotels, the picture I have with Coach Strat, and the feelings of rejection and redemption are the things that will echo most in my mind.

So the attitude now is this...

Let's see who can throw this mother fucker by me...

Here is a link to video you guys might wanna see. It is when I was asked to show up for a Capital/sponsor thingy.

http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090806/mtl_baseball_morrin_090806/20090806/?hub=MontrealHome

I love you guys and will talk to you soon.

A Grind.

Hey guys. Yeah...yeah...it's been awhile. Just been travelin' and playin' constantly my friends. SO I have some time to sit down and write my thoughts and share what is going on with you guys. I am sitting at home, drinking some Molson beers, and feel the urge to write. I love you all. Miss you too :D. Chris, thanks for the emails my man...I am so glad that you are keeping up with me. One day my brother, we will be sharing a glass again. Mom and Dad, I know you are probably pissed off at your youngest for the lack of info., but know that I think about you guys all the time. Alex and Ian, in the words of that old Budweiser commercial, "I love you man". Steph, miss and love you. To everyone else, (If there is anyone else), I love the support you show and I love the fact that you care about what is going on in my life.

So I left off with the shindig that happened before our last roadtrip. What a roadtrip...lemme tell ya. I stayed in the same hotel for 7 nights. We split time going to the New Jersey Jackal's field and the Sussex Skyhawks field. Like I have said many times before...I really don't like explaining play-by-play about what goes on during the games. Just know that I got out of my slump and that I am still swinging as hard as I fucking can.

But I will share what happened in the hotel during the second stretch of the trip.

I room with Eddy Lantigua during the trips. He is our first baseman and just mashes the ball. He has been playing pro ball for 15 years and is just the nicest guy. We have a connection not only because we are teammates but also because we have latin blood. He had his kids with him during the first part of our trip (vs New Jersey) and we all shared the room. His kids are incredibly nice. So lemme get to the story...

When we started the second half of our road trip, all the players had to move hotel rooms for some weird reason. I was planning on rooming with Eddy again with his kids but I soon learned that Eddy was going to get his old room. So I was going to get another roommate because I was thinking that Eddy and his kids were going to get one room. So our clubby, Christian, told me,

"Tony...439. That is your room with Sean Gregory."
"K...sounds good. I will leave the key for him at the desk."
(Because he wasn't present at the time)
"Sounds good. Goodnight 'La bougie d'allumage' (Spark plug)"

So I went to my room and unpacked my stuff. Now it had been a good hour and there was not sign of Sean. I then went to went to Chili's for dinner with a couple of guys not thinking too much of my tardy roommate.
I was eating with several of the guys on the team and this conversation was struck.

"So where is everyone rooming?" Asked Sebastien Boucher (OF)
"Oh we have the same roommates." Replied everyone.
"Well, I have the new guy with me (Sean Gregory)" Answered Sebastien.

Now a lightbulb lit in my head.

Well if Sean is with Seb, I have my own room!
Now to play it cool.

"Who are you rooming with Tony?" Asked Seb.
"Oh...one of the other rooks I think...but no one is in there now. Cause' Eddy has his kids with him now...."
"Hmm....ok. Well give me your room number when you can" Answered Seb.

Ok...I'll get right on that.............NOT.

If I can have my own room, I will fucking take full advantage of that.

So long story short. People found out that I was rooming by myself, and for a rook to have his own room is unheard of. So I just relaxed with four pillows in my room giggling to myself. I then heard my hotel phone just ringing off the hook...
There was no way I was going to answer it hahahahaha.
I then heard in the hallways.
"WHERE THE FUCK IS TONY???!!!" Differnt voices called out.

I was loving it.

No one knew that 439 was ol Tlew's room. So I relaxed the last half of our trip in my own room.

I won't forget that.

Now zipping to our ride our from our roadtrip. We were to have an off day on the 30th of July. The next day (our day off) was a scheduled 'Paint Ball Day' for the whole team at Eric Gagne's island on a little lake just outside of Montreal.

Yes...he owns an island devoted to paintball.

We rolled into Montreal at about 12:00am and was greeted by a spread that I normally don't see. Eric took us to his island on his boat and there was a huge bonfire going. The spread consisted of pizza, chips, cookies, beer, and top shelf alcohol. This was going to be a crazy night. So the whole team ate, drank, and laughed by the fire all night. It was such a good night. Their was a guitar out and everyone was singing to whoever was playing. A good time.

The next morning, we waddled out of our 'sleeper bus' and played paintball all day. The whole hungover Capitale team had a great day of paintball and laughter.

A day that, I'm sure, nobody will forget.

So I am back in Quebec to start our 17 game straight stretch of ball. We won tonight with Gagne on the mound in front of 5 thou plus.

I miss you guys and love ya so much. You are in my thoughts all the time.

Feeling Betta.

Salut les gars. I really appreciate the comments you guys have left. Chris, thanks for the support and for the words. Really means a lot my brother. I still laugh about the "I think I heard sumpin.." comment. Eric, it was awesome to see you and hang out with you the other day. Someone upstairs knew that I needed to see a familiar face. Spending the day with your family was godsent. Mom and Dad, I love you guys and thank you for making sure I'm ok since I have hit my little slump. Alex, I got your message today and it meant a lot. Don't ever think that you can't tell me those things...I still need to hear that from you. Ian, it was good to talk to you the other day man. I hope you, Emily, lil Jo, and Steph have a good time when you meet up. To everyone else who reads, I hope you enjoy what I write. I love and miss you guys so much.

I will start by telling you about my day with Eric. Eric Coutu is a guy played with when I was in Bois Guillaume, France. Before I came to France, I doubt Eric used his english much. So I bring it out of him. He is better than he thinks. He is a great guy with a great family. A guy who does things not for himself. He is happy when other people around him are. Just a great friend. So I get an email from him saying that he is in Quebec because that is where he grew up. I can't tell you how happy I was to see his face when I met him at our stadium. He brought his three adorable kids, wife, and mother-in-law. Big hugs were shared by all. I then took him on a lil tour of the clubhouse and the stadium. His wife, Virginie, said something when she came out of the tunnel, onto the field,

"Well Tony, this is no Bois Guillaume."

But I would not trade my memories of Bois Guillaume's field for anything. Yes, it is a considerable step-up from where I was at, but....
I loved cutting the grass, adding dirt, and teaching my kids on that field. I took pride in that field. I still have dirt from the mound on my dresser at home. Ok enough reminiscing.

So my day off started with a tour of Quebec. We went to a beautiful waterfall just outside of town. Chute Montmorency. Chute meaning "waterfall" in english. It was massive. Eric and I were chuckling with the "Holy Chute" comments. I lead his kids right up to the fall and the mist just drenched us all. Laughing the whole time. I needed this time with them. After that, we took a tour of Old Quebec. I haven't really seen the city at all until this day. You guys would love it. It perfectly reminds me of a town in France. Just beautiful. So we walked around and said our goodbyes. Eric is going to make another trip to see me before he leaves for France to see one of my games. Thanks Eric for that day. J'ai eu besoin d'un jour comme ça.

We just got done wrapping up an 8 day homestand vs Sussex and Worcester. I did fairly well during the week. Couple multi hit games and a couple 0'fers. Hit a lil slump though to be honest. The only way I am going to get out of it is not to think. And to fucking swing as hard as I can. So that is that.

I will now tell you about the time that I spent with Josh's mom and grandma. They came to visit Josh for a couple of days. I have to say that they could have been my family members as well. The grandma always demanded that I hug her when I see her and she would always give me a kiss on the cheek. Always saying,

"I worry about you kiddo(Referring to my tore up knee). I love you."

They treated me to dinner the nights that they were there. They don't know how much it meant to me to have them there. They will always be in my heart.

Just really is amazing how things work. When I was completely down, being homsick and all, I was picked up by Eric and Josh's family. The time that I spent with them really subsided the negative water that was drowning me.

Thank you.

I will now share a funny story after our last homegame. After the game, there was going to be a party on our "Beer Concourse" with live music, free beer, and free food. When you are a poor baseball player, this is something you take advantage of. So after showering up, I headed to the party. I was greeted with hello's, signed autographs and had a couple beers. So I was talking to Steph on the phone when I heard everyone calling my name.

"Yeah Tony can play guitar! TONY?! GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE."

Oh shit.

So Gagne took the phone from me and told Steph he was taking it from here. So after a couple of stiff shots and a chugged beer, I found myself with a guitar in my hands and a mic in my face. I was immediately reminded of the only other time I played "live" before in France. That was great because everyone was completely sauced and didn't understand a damn word I sang. One thing that I have learned when playing guitar is this...
You have to have atleast three songs, not only that you can play without thinking, but sing to as well. I happen to have a couple in my repetoire. So I started with Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight."

In my mind, I sounded great. In reality, probably not.

I had the attention and laughter from all the guys on the team. It was great. I ended with Backstreet Boys "I want it that way." You might be thinking, "What the fuck.." but it is good one to play where people love to chime in. I then put the guitar down and thanked the crowd for their dispersed applause. Fun night, funny story, but more importantly, a good memory.

I am in Little Falls, New Jersey right now playing the NJ Jackals. Got rained out today and went to go see Harry Potter tonight. Harry is such a pussy btw. When is he going to grow a set?

Well, I love you guys and I will talk to you soon. Miss you.

A Lil Lonsome.

Hey guys. Sorry it has been a bit since I posted last. Thank you again for the comments and seriously, I love reading them. It lets me hear your voice. Mom and Dad, I love you and miss ya, Ian, that was a good comment, Alex, I love and miss you too...I don't care if you are tired of hearin' it. I am lucky to have friends and family like you guys.

Well, I will fill you in on the past couple of days. We got back from Brockton at 6:00am last Tuesday morning. It was an off day...thank baby Jesus. So I just dragged back to the house and passed out. On off days, normally the guys either go play a round of golf, sleep, or go visit family. I happen to have a horrible slice, I can sleep when I die, and I do not have family close for hundreds of miles. So I played guitar and went on another hike. Kinda reminds of how I would spend my free time in France. When I started on my hike, I saw on the map that there was a lake about 6k away. I didn't have anything better to do, so I set out. I like having this time to myself to get air and not be around anyone but what enters my head mostly is you guys.




I miss the hell outa ya. I miss the beating sun in July, fire flies, Dad's french fries, and my girl.

I have just hit a wall really. The same wall that I would hit every now and then when I was in France. I know that I am privileged to come to a ballpark everyday and get paid to play a game. With that being said, at this point, I am just homesick. I hate to sound so glum because it is not my personality. I am not me if I am not smiling 80% of the day. The other 20% is laughing. I am learning that I have to face things in my life alone sometimes. And it is tough. I thank you for the support and love that you have shown.

I will share something with you a lil brighter though. We are playing the Sussex Skyhawks right now in a four game set. In yesterday's game, I started right field. Before the national anthem is performed, there is always a different little league team that goes out with the starters to their position. Funny thing is, this is one of my favorite parts of the day. I am not liein', I love this. These kids are so little and they look at me like I am Alex Rodriguez. So I always love to talk in French with the kid who runs out with me. The kid I had reminded me of lil Joey. Didn't look anything like him, but my heart felt a little tighter. So as my name was blared through the sound system, I took off to my position with this kid running as fast as he could to try and keep up. I backpedaled and laughed as he was sprinting with all of his might. Here is the translated conversation that I had with Laurent.

"Hey lil guy, you alright?" With a grin.
"Oh yeah! You are very fast!"
"What is your name?" I asked
"Laurent." He replied
"What position do you play?" I then asked.
"Oh, LF, RF, SS, P, 2B...." The list went on.
I smiled and then asked,
"Are you a good hitter?"
"OH YEAH. I hit my first homerun the other day. Can you hit one for me today?"
"Listen Laurent, that is a pretty tall order but I will try my best."
"Ok, can you sign my jersey after the game?"
I knew that it would bring down the value of his Chico Bail Bonds get up but replied,
"Of course I can. Laurent, it was a pleasure to talk with you."

I then turned him the right direction to look at the flag. The anthem started and there we were. Two kids standing side-by-side.

It is not the HR's, doubles, or plays that I make that really stick out to me since I have been playing outside of college. It is memories like these that really makes baseball fun.

I didn't hit a homerun for Laurent needless to say, but I did get him a bases clearing double. The past three starts that Gagne has had, I have just been on fire. I have found out sometimes that I really do well when certain people pitch on the same team as me. Another pitcher that comes to mind is Lendsey Thompson. I always raked when he threw when we played together in Nevada.

Josh and I have attended weekly bible sessions with the team preacher. It is open to the whole team but Josh and I are usually the only ones in attendance. His name is John and he is just a great guy. Reminds me of Chris a lil bit. We get to the ballpark early and have lunch together. We go over scripture and just talk about what is going on in our lives. It is just a good escape from the routine.

Well tonight I didn't do so well. I went 0-4 and had a dogshit approach at the plate. I brought my lonesomeness to the park. Can't do that. But it happens and I am alive. That's the good thing.

Te quiero y te amo muy mucho. No puedo esperar a verte'.

Helluva Day.

Hello my friends and fam. As soon as I start writing a blog, I have to say this. I love and miss you all. Mom, Dad, Ian, Alex, Emily, Joey, Phyllis, and Nena...I wish that I could have been there to spend the afternoon with you guys. Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun and I'm glad that there were a bunch of Lewis's at the same place at the same time. And at the McNish's I might add....I always wanted to swim in their damn pool. Lucky SOB's. Love you guys a ton. Steph, I miss and love you with all of my heart. I can't say it enough. I hope you and your Mom have a good time in AZ. To everyone else, holler.

I am in Brockton, MA right now but let me start by telling you about Gagne's last start in Quebec. Again, it was a packed house. We were playing the New Hampshire Defenders. I started LF. Gagne got into some trouble early and we found ourselves down a couple of runs. This is game after my 0-4 performance. And dammit....I have been doing so well on the road and I just wanted to do well in front of my home crowd. So the pressure was on to not only win the game but to give Gagne a win.

The game was tight. 3-2 going into the 5th inning. With us on the trailing end. One of my good buddies Doug Toro, UT, was having an excellent night and drew a walk with the bases loaded. We tied the game. Then Ol' TLew came up.

One out. Bases loaded.

Strike one and two came quickly.
"Well, shit." I was thinking.

I battled to make it a 2-2 count.
I felt some pressure. I just wanted to deliver.
Then the pitcher from New Hampshire made a mistake.
He left and inside fastball over the middle of the plate.
I squared it up and the roar of the crowd was deafening to the ears. The ball hit off the wall and I stood on second with a bases clearing double. I was so happy at that moment. I later slid into home of a sac fly from Josh. Dan Sausville, my roommate and good buddy P, came up to me and said,
"Tony, I have never seen everyone in the crowd get up and cheer like that."
It was such a good feeling. It reminded me of something that someone said to me, I wish I could remember who but I can't.

The words that I go to the ballpark everyday are,

"Let's have fun today. What is fun to you Tony? Getting hits or striking out?"

So in other words,

You are in control of your happiness in this game. This game is fun when you come through in clutch situations. To fully enjoy this game, you have to want the bat in your hands when push comes to shove. I have wanted that bat in my hands since I picked it up for the first time. I owe that to Dad for countless hours of chasing down that baseball in the backyard. I owe that to Alex for reserving hours at the cages to break down my swing. I owe that to Ian for......I owe that to Ian for................hahahahahahaha.
For the support my bro.

Love you guys and wanted to share that with you.

We went on to win the game and Gagne got the win. It was a rockin' crowd the the Capitales came through.

Now, I am in Brockton, Massachusetts playing the Rox. These guys just can't lose right now. We played them last night and just got the holy bah-jesus kicked outa us. Probably due to an 8hr road trip in the same day, just my opinion. Opinions are like assholes though...Everyone has one.
So tonight, we wanted to break their winning streak and get on track. But before I tell you about Game 2 of our series, I have to tell you that I went through a really scary situation today. Ivan Naccarata, our SS, and I walked to this little mall close to our hotel to grab some lunch. After we ate, I needed to grab some packages of gum because I now need a new piece of gum in my mouth every inning. Superstion again*. Ivan didn't need to go to the gas station, so I just walked to the closest one on my own. So I finally arrived at this gas station about 1 mile away from the hotel. I grab some Doritos, a gatorade and some packs of gum. And just as I placed the gum on the counter...something completely shocking happened.....

I get shoved by somebody, almost knocking me over, and the next thing I know is that there are four gangbangin' lookin guys coming into the gas station carrying baseball bats. At this moment, I though of every movie I have seen where the innocent bystander gets shot, knifed, or in my case, beaten over the head with a bat. Once the guys with bats made it into the gas station, I quickly ducked out of the gas station and started running. I immediately dialed 911 and started explaining to the operator what was going on.
"There are four African American males carrying baseball bats chasing a big Caucasian male at this gas station. Licence plate number of the vehicle of the guys with bats are 165-jkx."
At this point the guys with bats came out of the store and were cussing out the guy in the store. This fight was probably over a drug deal gone wrong. So the guys with bats finally got in their mini-van but didn't leave. The guy came out of the store and tried to book it out of the place in his car. Once the gangbangers saw this, they jumped out and bashed in his back windshield with the bats. I had ran about a good 30 yards away to avoid any further involvement. The guys with bats then sped off and the guy with the bashed in windshield was all a fluster. His kid was with him and was really shookin up. I then approached them and said,

"Hey man, I do not know what the hell just happened but I phoned the cops. They have descriptions of the guys, their licence plate number, and direction they are going. I am out of here. But just letting you know, the cops are on the way."
With tears in his eyes, he said,
"God bless you."
"No problem."

Just a really weird situation. It just made me think of all the innocent people you hear get killed just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was just buying some gum. It could have been a costly purchase. Shook me up too for a bit. But I made it back to the hotel alright and shared what happened with some guys in the lobby. They were just all in disbelief.

So zipping into last night's game. Now I have just loved where I have been placed in the batting order. Either 8th or 9th. Just a shit ton of fastballs...lemme tell ya. So Pat Scalabrini, hitting coach, posted up the lineup for tonights' game. I was penciled in to lead-off playing LF. I felt a little shock, not much of one, but a little one. Just have to change the gameplan a lil. As a leadoff, you have to see a bunch of pitches and you have to just get on the damn base. So first at bat, I fought 6 six pitches before I was thrown a big hammer for strike three. Well shit. I knew I was a lot better that that big lefty and I was going to prove it my next at bat.
Brockton struck in the first inning with three runs and we found ourselves trailing. We fought back in the third inning though. Doug Toro laid down an excellent bunt and Geoff Tomlinson added an rbi single up the middle. So then I came up for the starting the second circuit through the lineup.
I got him this time.
He left a fastball too far over the middle of the plate and it soared into the gap. I later scored and we tied it up 3-3.
Now you guys know that I have never played outfield. But I have to tell you that I really like it. It is very peaceful out there. When the ball is struck my way, high in the air, it is just really relaxing. I dunno. Just kind of a stress free position. Stress free until a fan yells,
"Cut that hair you faggot!"
or
"Nice throw ANTHONY MATTHEW!"

Ha...did a lil studying I guess.

It was the 6th inning and I took my position in left. Dan Sausville came in. He has been money for us since I have been here. This time he wasn't as sharp and left a couple of balls over the zone. They scored a couple of runs and had runners in scoring postion with two outs. I was standing in left, didn't really have much action leading up to the next batter.
WHACK!
I got a good beat on this ball and was sprinting to my back right. I had no clue where the fence was, I only knew that I was going to have to leap to make this catch. So just as the ball was at a point where I could catch it, I leaped. The ball found the mit and I crashed into the wall at full speed.
I couldn't breath.
All I could hear was the moan of the crowd and footsteps of my teammates running toward me.
I felt so much pain and it was hard to breath.
The first person to me was Ivan Naccarata, Nac.
"DUDE, TONY YOU OK?!"
I just grunted.
"HOLY SHIT! THAT WAS MLB SHIT."
By this time Laplante had made his way out there.
"Just why the hell didn't you guys say 'WALL'?"
Accusing the bullpen.
"I was just in awe of the play." Said Mike Joyce, Left handed reliever and fellow guitar player.
"Well good catch Tony, and don't get up until you are ready."

So I got up and the crowd cheered. I ran back onto the infield and tossed the ball on the pitchers mound. The crowd was standing and cheering. It was a moment I will not forget. I got high fives from the dugout and strapped on my gloves because I was due up second. JP, our trainer, gauzed my elbow up because it was just oozing blood. I had tore up my knee and elbow pretty good. I could see the blood stain coming through my pants where my knee was. I wasn't excited to see what that looked like when I would undress.
As I strode up to the plate after the catch, the
"CUT YOUR HAIR FAGGOT" jeers turned into "Helluva catch left"
It was just a wee bit nicer. I then laced another double over the center fielder's head. Just hit that melted butter again.
We got down more runs and got dicked by the umpire at the end by him making a bullshit double play out when we were threatening late. Good game but terrible outcome. I got back into the clubhouse and just was completely exhausted. I ate the spread they had out for us. Chicken ceasar wraps with potato salad. It was really good but to be honest, I could have eatin anything. I then swallowed three Ibuprofens and just sat in the shower. I just let the water pelt my face and watched the blood run off my knee.

Made it back to the hotel and went to the bar. Thank god the waitress had never bartended because she just made the stoutest whiskey coke. Josh and I played spades and shared a spinach artichoke dip. I just crashed when I made it to my room. Love you guys and will write again soon. Miss and love you all. Comment dammit.

A Game of Aspirins

Hello all. Thanks for the comments on the last post. Mom and Dad, Love ya. Emily, thanks for the comments and I was ready for Big Foot, tell Joey he's my best friend...I hope you guys have a great time with Alex. Steph, thanks for being incredible. Nikki and Alicia, I'm glad you guys had/are having a good time in AZ and thanks for the background noises, Alicia. Tell Bostyn hi from her other uncle. To Don and Petie, thanks for following and I just read your comment the other day. I hope baseball and the wine is still great. I'm sure both are ;). To everyone else, much love.

Alrighty, well I had a game today against New Hampshire. I woke up feeling great this morning. Made an egg omelet and just felt so good. I have been kinda mopey as of late, but today was different. I was smiling all day. Had a great convo. with Steph and everything was right in the world. I went to team "Chapel" and the day just kept getting better. Eddy, 1B, came up to me in the clubhouse before BP and said,

"Hey Tony, you alright today?"
"Oh yeah, just felt down the past couple of days and I woke on the right side of the bed this morning."
"Well good, ever since you got here, all I ever see is smiling and the kinda kid I used to be. I knew something was wrong with you the past couple of days and that is not like you."

Eddy kinda looks out for me like a brother.
He then said,(In a very strong spanish accent)
"Tony, you have to be happy playing baseball. Cause one day, it's gonna be gone away. Be happy papa."
He then took his arm and rubbed it against mine. Something he has been doing every game because I just can't miss a ball right now and he wants my luck. I don't mind but if you have ever played baseball...Superstitution is fucking huge. I try to do everything the same every day. For example, before I go to the plate,

I strapped my gloves twice,
Walk behind the umpire,
Rubbed my hands together,
Bring them to my face in a prayer position,
(I'll never tell you what I'm thinking),
Spit behind the umpire,
Make the sign of the cross on the plate,
and say in my head,
"Bring that weak ass shit, you motherfucker."

So we took BP today and I was just running all over the outfield. Hootin and hollerin at guys, catching balls, and laughing with teammates.
So then the game started. Pretty good crowd. I DH'd tonight hitting 8th.
I would like to tell you that I had another good game. I would be lieing if I did. I went 0-4 with two strikouts. But the fucking funny thing is, I still felt great. Haha, I felt like my swing was incredible tonight. But tonight the damn ball looked like an aspirin. This will not be my last 0-4 night, but let's just hope I do not get frequented by this performance ;)

Now to talk a little baseball. I play with and against guys who have played at the Single A level all the way to the Big Show. But something that I do not change is how I look at the game. When guys disect every single pitch, every single count, different strike approaches....I start to think to much. Thinking = bad. As my brother Alex would say,
"Just swing the damn bat little bro. The rest will take care of itself."

I see one guy on the damn mound with a ball.
I want to hit that ball.
That would be great.

That approach could be why I am in Quebec instead of Kauffman Stadium (GO ROYALS!!!)

Ugh...they suck.

That is all for tonight. I love you all and I hope to hear from you soon. Love ya.

A Day Off.

Hello everyone. Thank you for reading and for the comments. To my Mom and Dad, thanks for telling me about the broadcast this past game. I'm glad you are listening. Ian, nice comment. Steph, I miss and love you.

We had a day off today, Monday July 6th, and I really had nothing specific planned. So I decided to just take care of two things today.
Take a hike into the woods and go grocery shopping.

Every one of the guys that I live close to either had plans or thought I was crazy for doing something so strenuous on a day off. But I was excited to tackle the trails and hopefully get a good view into the valley where our condo complex sits. So I filled up a water bottle, packed my backpack, and took a kitchen knife.
Why would I take a kitchen knife?
Because I do not know these woods at all and I might get mauled by Yeti...that's why. Not that a dull steak knife would do much damage.
Some guys on the team were laughing that I was taking a kitchen knife with me saying,

"Well, if you meet a bear, you should just kill yourself with the knife to save pain."

I was kinda freaked out and kinda not. So to just clear up the matter I called our coach Michel Laplante.

"Hey Tony, what's up?"
"Hey Michel, if I go hiking here, do I have to be afraid of encountering any beasts?"
"Well Tony...two years ago, a person spotted what you Americans might call Big Foot."
(Followed by laughter)
"Hahaha, no...you don't have to worry about it."

So I took off on my lonesome. It was nice to feel the breeze through the trees and not hearing any urban noise. It was just me and my footsteps. I kinda jumped and gave little girl shrieks when birds would fly out of brush here and there but no Big Foot confrontations.



So I finally reached the summit and looked out onto the view. It was peaceful and relaxing.





Stephanie called when I was up at the top on her way back from a yoga class.

"Hey what are you doin babe?"
"Well, I'm on top of a mountain right now."
"Really? Thats cool. You go with anyone?"
"Nope. Just me."
"Aww..that's cool."

I felt pretty homesick at that moment.

So we ended our conversation and I headed back down the mountain. Did alot of thinking on the way down. This is really the first day where I did not have anything to do. Baseball has occupied my mind for the past couple of weeks and boredom really wasn't a factor.

So when I got back to the condo, I just felt extremely homesick. I know I tell you guys I miss you all the time. I really do. It is times like these when I know where I want to be in the future.

Around you guys.

There was a point in my past where I decided that I wanted to eliminate all the negative influences in my life. It was people, lifestyle, and bad feelings. The positive makes my life awesome now.

Enjoy the pics. I love you guys and I think how great it will be when I finally get to come home and see you. Miss ya.

The Three-Man Lift, A Tarp Slide, and A Couple of Games.

Pic from Le Soleil. A Quebec paper.


Hello everyone. I miss and love you all so very much. Thank you for the comments and for the support you guys give me. It makes living over a thousand miles away not seem so far. Mom and Dad, thanks for the birthday call...I got choked up a lil when we were talking about my 3yr old video. Ian, I am sending some things to sacrifice for Alex's return...I couldn't find the Zelda 8-bit but I hope a copy of Ghost's N Goblins or Pro Wrestling will suffice. Alex, I love you and I wish I could have been home to see you. Steph, I am so happy to hear that AZ is going well. I miss and think about you everyday. Tell the P's hi for me. Tiff, thanks for the Bday wish and Im glad you found the site. To everyone else, je t'aime.

I have to let you know first off that I was a part of a horrible trick that is played on to rookies. It was hilarious and awful at the same time. Hilarious for everyone else, awful for me and two other rooks.

If someone asks you to be a part of the "Three-Man Lift", you would be wise to politely refuse the offer. Before our game on Saturday, we were all sitting in the dugout watching puddles form all over the field. So we were talking and playing grab ass in the dugout, the usual. And then I heard of the guys start talking about when the Three-Man lift was going to be.

"When is Eddy going to do it?" Asked some.

Eduardo Lantigua (1B, OF) is one big fellow. He has played professional baseball for over 15 years and I can tell you as soon as you look at him, you know this guy can knocked the absolute poo out of the ball.

"Well...we need three people for him to lift." Answered other.
"He did it last year...just barely. He had 575 lbs up in the air!" Chimed in another vet.

People were making bets to see if Eddy could pull off the Three-Man feat again this year.

So here is what I thought was going to happen...

This was going to be in the clubhouse in a cleared off area. There was going to be two towels tied together on the ground, three guys were going to laydown on the towels. Eddy was going to then stand over the guys on the ground and grab both ends of the towels and try to pick up all the weight. People were going to make bets saying that he could or could not get the weight off the ground for a 5 second count.

Do you think I was a part of the chosen three....?

(sighing) Yes.

"Ok Tony, Toro, and Allen will be the guys on the ground."
I immediately said.
"Just wait a fucking second....something doesn't seem right. He is going to pick all of us up? And why us three?"
I was going through the status of the other two guys.
And yep...all rookies.

"We are all rookies. Something fucked up is going on." I answered.
"Dude...chill the fuck out, I will take your place if you want me to." Answered Josh.

I mean if they were pulling a practical joke.....everyone was fucking in on it. Even when I wasn't paying attention...the guys were placing bets and talking about last year's lift. Eddy is huge and I was thinking that this big sob might actually try to lift us. I gotta hand it to the guys.

So about after an hour of climactic banter, the game was called due to rain and the Three-Man Lift was going to happen.
So everyone was all in good spirits for this event and for the added day off I might add.

So all of us were in the clubhouse, people were laughing with excitment, placing bets, and Eddy was getting warmed up. He put athletic tab around his head like rambo and was doing pushups to warm himself up.

I was thinking...
"Well...this seems pretty serious."

Over three hundred dollars were in a pot. I then took Josh, my roomate and good buddy, aside.

"Hey, is something fucked up going to happen?"
"Dude...no. Don't worry. Just when he starts to pull up, put all your weight to the ground. I have a hundred bucks that says he can't do it."
"....Alright."

The two towels were tied together and we were placed on the ground. I was on one of the ends and then Eddy stood over us.

In a rough Hispanic accent,
"You guys gotta get closer...(He adjusts our arms to make us hugging)It's for the balance."

I started to laugh nervously.
Phones and cameras started coming out to record this mess.

So Eddy let out a huge scream and grabbed both ends of the towels.
"ARE YOU READY???!!!! HERE WE GO!!!!"

At that moment, an avalanche of shit hit all of our bodies.
Some of the guys, without us seeing, had mixed just the nastiest shit in a bucket. I couldn't really tell you what exactly...I had bananas, toothpaste, and some type of juice in my hair as evidence.

I've never seen guys laugh so hard.

I got up immediately and screamed.
"I FUCKING KNEW IT!"

I ran to the shower and hosed off. I, along with the other two guys, took in all in good fun and we all had a good laugh.

So after I got done showering, Josh came over to me.

"Man.......I'm so sorry. I just couldn't tell you. The guys knew I might let it out to you but I just couldn't do it."
"Oh man...It's alright. It's actually pretty damn funny." I said with a smirk.

Laplante, our Coach, after drying his eyes, came in and said,
"Who wants to do a tarp slide?"

I have to share another story with you now to let you know about me and tarp slides. I love them and will not pass up an opportunity to do one.
For those of you who do not know what a tarp slide is, it is when a game is called due to rain, the grounds crew pull out the tarp onto the field and players run full speed and dive on the tarp, sliding a good amount of ways. I will now tell you that I did a naked tarp slide in Nevada, Mo one summer. It was also family weekend.

"We'll do it!" Josh and I said.
Now Gagne was supposed to have started for Saturday's game and so there were a good 3000+ in the stands. So Josh and I came out of the tunnel and started heading into the outfield. I was clothed this time. Shorts and an underarmour shirt. So when we started bolting from right field towards the infield, the crowd went absolutely nuts. We dove and just cruised a good 90 feet. We were all applauded and I gave a little bow. The pic was in today's paper, front page of the sports section. I kept a copy to bring home. It was a day of shenanigans I guess you could say.

So today, Sunday July 5th, we were slotted to play a double header against the Brockton Rox out of Boston. I was penciled to start Left Field the first game. Again...I really don't like writing about the games to much. Sorry. I will tell you that it is a beautiful sight to play in a stadium that is packed. It is not the depressing, empty Hammons Field during a regular season MSU game. The placed was rockin and people wanted to see their Capitales victorious. I started off the 3rd inning with a hit and later barreled around third for the first run of the game. It is envigorating rounding third to screaming fans. We won the first game 5-3.
Gagne started Game 2 and I'm sorry to say we didn't have the same outcome. I started LF again to a little more jam packed park. We got down early in the second game and couldn't make it back. We lost 5-1.

Well that is that and I hope you enjoyed the story. I love you guys with all of my heart and I miss you too. Write me if you got any Q's. Be well.

A Year of Change

A photo from one of our home games. Stade Municipal, Quebec City, Quebec.

Hey guys, I have to take this opportunity to write again because I do not know when the next time I will get internet. I will probably not to be able to post on my birthday, which is tomorrow, so I have to get this in. But I need to let everyone know, that I am not one of those losers who calls people to remind them to remind me a happy birthday. First, I have to say I have loved reading all the comments. Mom and Dad, thanks for talking to me after all of my games. I am fortunate to have parents who are eager to hear from their son about news of a game. Ian and to the whole fam, I do not know what ritual has to be performed for Alex's return to Springfield, I think the sacrifice of an animal will suffice. Steph, thanks for all the love and support you give me. It is what I need to hear to keep playing ball. Anita, I am so happy that you and Steve are following. Gonna have to bring back a good bottle of wine when I get back to share stories. Eric Coutu, I can't wait to see you bro. If you read this before our next homestand, just email me when you are coming and I can get you and the fam tickets. Olivear, thanks for reading my brother. I have learned some pretty cool songs on guitar and I frequently remember the times we had in our "studio" when we were jamming out. I miss that brother. And last but definitely not least, my main man Chris Harrison.

Let me tell you guys a little about Chris Harrison. This guy was my savior in France last year. When things were at their worst last year, Chris brought me out of the dark. I have learned so much from him last year. Mainly, just how to be a good person. Because that is what he is, the nicest guy you could ever meet.

Now Chris....I think we can laugh about where I was on my birthday last year. If you don't know where I was last year, let me quickly fill you in. I just got kicked out of my second french apt. by my crazy landlord, and was homeless, sleeping on Chris's top floor on an air mattress. Chris still made my birthday a memorable one with a cake and a good bottle of red. So yes,Chris, I am ready to laugh now where I was at.

So today Thursday, July 2nd, is an off day for the Quebec Capitales. We rolled in from New Hampshire at 6:00am this morning. Now the only problem I had now, besides not a f'n minute of sleep, is that I was homeless. Weird coincidence. I knew I was going to live in these winter lodge condo's just outside Quebec City in the mountains. So it was decided that I would just stay one night with a pitcher on the team before other arrangements could be made. So we headed on 73N for about 20 minutes into the forested Canadian mountains. Now in Toronto, I didn't see any of this. Toronto could have been any other big city in the states. Where I was driving now was the Canada that I wanted to see. Evergreens as far as the eye can see, rolling mountains. Just beautiful. Now I'm gonna get wordy here...Even though I was dreadfully tired I perked up when the sun introduced himself at the point where the sky met the tops of the trees. Very Ansel Adamesque. I just need to just show you pictures of where I am at. They will come but not this post (sowwy). I brought in my bags from my car and just crashed in on the open bed. Now these condo's are just amazing. All the players live in these condo's which are pretty much deserted now. They are fully fernished with windows that let you look into the mountain valley. When you go outside you can see all the ski slopes that the lifts take you up to. It is just beautiful.

My one thought of when I arrived at this place was...I can't wait to take a long run into the mountain sides.

"Tony, what are you going to do today?" Asked Josh Colafemina (Single A Royals, our 2B)
"I think I'm going to go for a long run on one of those paths over there."
"Dude, you can't do that." He replied.
"Just why the hell not?"
"There are bears and shit out there. There are signs everywhere about it."

I had a look of concern at this point.

"Well, maybe I won't go running."

All followed by a roar of laughter from all the guys.

"I guess Missouri boys aren't the brightest."

"Well, fuck, I don't know!" I was just playing out Jim Gaffigan's stand up about "Bears" in my mind.

'Just play dead....'

So, I didn't go running anyway. Kinda got me freaked out. So Josh, Sebastien (AAA Orioles CF), Derek (Single A Padres P) and I decided to go to the gym and work out. I just needed to get a good run in, so I did just only that. I don't think my body would have let me lift much because I was still feeling the past road trip. After our lift, we went to a mall for lunch. So now I am back here sitting in Josh's condo writing yall because his is the only condo with internet.

I still do not know exactly where I am going to be on the complex, the coaches told me that something will open up and that it should be taken care of shortly. I have to tell you that moves are about to be made in the organization. Geoff Tomlinson, the guy who pulled his hammy...who I went in for the first game, is being pulled off the DL (disabled list) tomorrow. So when he is activated, that means someone has to go.

Now...

I know that I don't have much to worry about because I have performed pretty damn well. But you never know with these things. If not me, then it has to be someone else who has gotten along well with the team. Even though I have only been here just over a week, we are a pretty tight knit group. People all have their ideas who is going to be let go. But the fact of the matter is that someone is losing their job.

I know that feeling. I hate that feeling.

So at this moment I think of something kinda off topic.

I think about the fat obnoxious beer-bellied baseball fan who yells at the opposing team. The guy who might have had baseball glory in his past and who thinks of clever things to say the night before he comes to the ballpark. This asshole has no clue what goes on on any type of professional baseball club. So when he screams at the player who just messed up. That player could be packing his bags that next day, having to deal with what to do next. I know that the violins are coming out but I now know about what guys go through.

Just had to say it.

To leave you on a lighter note, I had an excellent past series. I hit the absolute piss out of that homerun. I know I have written before about it but when you absolutely crush a ball, you don't even feel it. I feels like you just hit a baseball made out of melted butter.

I miss you guys and love you with all of my heart. For Mom, I have to do it...

"Happy Birthday to me...(blowing out the candles)"

I can't wait to see and hear from you guys again. Thanks for the comments and I love to know that you guys are reading. Love and miss you all.

New Life

Hello Everyone, I am sorry that it has taken me this long to finally get down my thoughts onto a blog. I just haven't found the muse to write until now. I am sitting in my hotel room in Nashua, New Hampshire and I got the urge to write. I glanced over my past blogs and relived my past experiences the other day and was smiling (the Italian 5K, The homer in Beziers, Cinque Terre, etc)...so the best way to relive these past weeks,obviously, is to write them down. So like my past posts, I like to acknowlege my friends and family. Mom and Dad, I am very lucky to have you guys as my parents. You support every one of my decisions that I make, even when I backtrack and go a different direction. I can only wish to become like you when I get older. Ian, thank you for all the pep talks when I feel like the world is on top of my shoulders. Alex, thank you for taking time out of your day and throwing me round after round of Bp. And for telling me to just say "Fuck it." and let the fucking bat fly. Emily and JoJo, thank you for the support you have givin me. I tear up almost everytime when I hear Joey say, "I miss you Tony...you're my best friend." To Steph, who goes in just as many directions as I do, I love the way you are and that you talk to me before every game. You are the only girlfriend of mine who has been 100% behind my baseball. I can't tell you how much that means. Have a blast in AZ.

Okie doke......Let's have a little summary about just what the hell has been going on. Long story short,
1. Toronto
2. Chicago
3. Toronto revisited
4. Quebec

Toronto Part 1.
My baseball career was going to continue in Toronto this summer. The story of how I got to Toronto is a funny one. When I was in France playing for Bois Guillaume, we played a team called Cherbourg. When we played them one series, there was an old Pirate scout that was helping them out. His name is Steve Oleshuck. When the Seagulls came to the Woodchuck den, I went 4-5 with two moon shots. For those of you who do not know the level of play in France....it is not that hard to achieve that. He saw me, he was wondering just the hell I was doing in France, and he wanted to get me elsewhere. He got offered a job to be an assistant coach for a team called the Toronto Maple Leafs in a league called the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL). He said if I wasn't going to come back to France, I should follow him to Toronto. So the next spring, I packed up to go to Toronto. I show up in Toronto and had bad feelings from the get go. The first words out of my host's mouth was,
"Did you bring dip?"
"No."
"Well, that sucks."
Nice to meet you too, asshole.
The field where the Maple Leafs played is called Christie Pits. Let me tell you what the "Pits" looks like. Imagine Cooper on roids. Hammons Field being at the opposite end of the spectrum. We drew an alright crowd for our opener, a couple hundred. I really don't like to tell you how well I hit, especially during a season, because it is bad luck. But I will say that I absolutely demolished the ball in the first couple games I was there. I am not downplaying the league, my teammates, the organization, or the "Pits" but I needed to be somewhere else.

Chicago. Now let me introduce you to a guy who has done more for me than anyone else to further my baseball career. His name is Bill Bryk. When Stephanie and I drove to Chicago, on route to Toronto, I was scheduled to meet a Padres National League scout to work out with him. So I met him on a small high school park just inside Indiana to show him my stuff. I impressed and Bryk was on the horn. He said that he was going to get me somewhere and that to be patient and head to Toronto to start my season. So I did but then Bryk called and had a gig in Chicago lined up for me. He wanted me to play for the Windy City Thunderbolts in the Frontier League (Independent Baseball). So I packed up my things in Toronto and drove 8 hours back into the states. I hope that this leap would pay off. I was penciled to play in a final exhibition double header in Rockford for this team. Getting less that a days rest, in 38 degree weather, I had to impress a new team and a new coach.
"Lewis...you are going into the 6th inning at 2B the first game, and starting all nine in Game 2."
"Alright Skip."
For you greenhorns, "Skip" is the universal term used to call your coach no matter if his name is Johnny or Jean-Luc.
The 6th inning approached. I grabbed my bat and started warming up. The Rockford Boners brought in another pitcher. A lefty throwing fucking chedder. Great. So I step in for my first at bat.
First pitch...
Lined down the right field line for an RBI double.
This shit is too easy....hahaha jk....well...not really.
I made every play that came to me the rest of the night at 2B, 3B, and SS. I thought it was in the bag.
The next morning I got up and went to Church. Don't faint Mom...but I just felt the urge to go. The message was a good one but it foreshadowed the future. It went something along the lines of,
"In life, you are confronted with obstacles, and if at first you are impeded by that obstacle, you have to find a way to move past it."

"Lewis..."
"Yeah."
"Skip wants to see you in his office."

I was new to all of this. Signing contracts, playing what is considered Pro ball, etc. So I did not know at first that this is not a good thing to happen the day of final cuts. Hell, I just got here and I did well. I mean, I left Toronto, burned bridges, showed commitment, and took a chance.
"Hey Tony, how you feeling?" Skip says.
"Well...pretty good."
"K well Tony, this is the hardest thing a coach has to do.....
At this moment, I didn't really hear what he said that followed because those are the words you never want to hear from a coach. My face was flush red, I felt like all the air in my lungs were gone, and I was just astonished. So I signed my release right after the night before I had signed a contract to play. I will never forget the feeling when I walked back into the clubhouse. When other guys are gearing up for practice, I was gearing up for a roadtrip back home. They all knew what happened but it didn't affect them in the least. The only word to describe the feeling when someone is let go is complete awkwardness. Nobody knows what to say...just the nature of the beast I guess.
So everyone back home heard the news and beared with me while I acted like a little bitch for a bit. I am sorry for lashing out at everyone at this time and I thank you for telling me to stay the night before I drove home. Thank you Mom, Dad, Ian, Alex, and Steph. I will say that that Hampton Inn bed felt so damn good.

Toronto. Part Deux.
So I am back home in the good 65804. I felt good to see family and friends these days. I really wasn't myself the entire time I was home. Bryk was just as perturbed as I was and was adamant about fixing this debacle. I told him I needed a break to breath in the air. I got calls from various Indy teams on the way back, all replying with the same answer.
"I need a week to think things over."
They all were understanding of this answer but in reality they probably just went to the next best prospect on their list when I hung up the phone. So one day, when I was back, I was having lunch Ian and Critter at this Cajun place. Damn good sandwich btw. I got a call from Steve Oleshuck in Toronto.
"Hey Tony...I just wanted to see how you were doing and I hope the best for ya kid."
"Well Steve...I got released and I am currently unemployed."
"Well HOLY SHIT, you won't be unemployed for long, We want you back kiddo!"
"Thanks Steve, but I don't think that will go over so well with the whole organization."
"Don't worry. I'll call you back in two hours."
I get a call back from Steve. He had done some patchwork for me and even managed to up my pay. So I took the job in Toronto...again.
Bill Bryk didn't like the decision because he wanted me elsewhere but this was the only solid job offer that I had. Well...back on the road to Toronto. Another 17 hour drive..yippee.
I picked up another pitcher in St. Louis on the way. Ricky Meinhold, a pitcher from Drury, who helped out my senior year at Drury to win the whole kit and caboodle in 2007. So Ricky and I headed to Toronto.
Back in Toronto. I was welcomed with open arms but the feeling still lingered from my past visit. I really didn't enjoy coming to the ballpark at all. Again, I really enjoyed my time with some of the guys on the team. They know who they are and don't need to be mentioned. So I spent another two weeks in Toronto playing in the IBL.

Then I got a call from Mr. Bryk.

"Alright Tony, expect a call from a guy named Michel Laplante. He is the manager of the Quebec Capitales in the CanAm League."

Now I have heard of the CanAm. In 2008, it was voted 2nd best Independent Professional Baseball League. A lot of talent is there and they play in front of thousands every night. And on this team was 2003 Cy Young award winner Eric Gagne. This was something and I knew that this was different as soon as I spoke with Michel. He was just an incredibly nice guy. Understood my situation and said that I would get a fair shot. Now the day that I talked to him was Monday. He said he wanted me in Quebec City by Wednesday afternoon for their home game with Gagne on the mound.
Decision time.
Option 1.
Stay in Toronto, get paid well, stay miserable.
Option 2.
Take a little pay cut, play in front of thousands, test my metal.

I took Option 2. So I packed up my bags and headed 8 hours to the northeast towards the Quebec province. Getting bad mouthed the whole way there from certain owners, and players. But this is my career, not theirs. I can't put it any other way. If they do not respect my decision, then "they can go..." you can finish the rest.

Les Capitales de Quebec.
Now this is French Canada. As I am pulling into Quebec, I needed to stop at a gas station to get directions to the field.

"Um Hi...do you speak English?"
Nervous giggle.
"Non."

Time to whip out the French baby.

"Je searche pour les terrain de les Capitales de Quebec. Je pense le nom est Stade Municipal."
"Oh bah oui! Les Capitales! Tu est un jouer de les Capitales?"
"Oui. J'espere"
"Ohhh tres bonne."

She then told me that I was a couple blocks away. I made it to the field and met Michel. He was happy to see me and that I needed to come to the players parking lot on the adjacent side. Now I have to tell you that the Stadium is absolutely beautiful. And since Gagne was starting tonight...there was tailgaters, hot dog vendors, Capitales penants, and media everywhere."
Hahahaha, when I got out of my car, people rushed over to see if I was Gagne. Hmm...sorry but not quite.
So I made my way into the clubhouse being introduced to another new team. Guys were getting released as I was coming in. That "awkwardness" was in the air. But I came in thinking.
"Fuck it. If this doesn't work,then I know that I tried to succeed with what path I thought was best."
Michel told me to suit up for Bp and to take it easy because I had been driving since 6am that morning and that I probably wouldn't get in tonight. That was fine with me. I was just a rook with a smile on my face as I saw thousands of people pour in for our Bp. This was where I needed to be. I have to mention that I now know what Derek Drage was telling me about Pro ball.

"Tony, the feeling of strapping on your cleats and being proud of walking out onto the field everyday is irreplacable. This is my office, this is my job. Watch me go to work."

It was awesome. I was just fielding ground balls and shagging flys. I was so jacked that I even knocked a couple out of the place. So the game started with Gagne on the mound. He was greeted by a standing ovation by 5,410 spectators. I was just happy to be a part of it. We were playing against the New Jersey Jackals. We scored a couple in the first innings and Gagne was cruisin. Then our star center fielder, Geoff Tomlison (2nd Round pick, AAA Omaha) pulled his right hamstring on his way to 2nd base.

"Lewis...get loose. Your going in."

Fuck yeah. So I got to 2nd and looked at the grandstand. It was pretty sweet. So I was at 2nd doing my little bait dance to the pitcher, Dad, you know the one. The 2nd pitch to our 1st baseman, Pete LaForest (MLB Padres, Tampa Bay, Phillies), scorched a ball into center. I hurled around 3rd as the crowd was just going apeshit. It was awesome.

"K Lewis, get your arm loose you are playing 2nd."
I felt like I just stepped off my damn jeep to 2nd base. I got warm and ran onto the field.
Playing 2B for Gagne. Pretty cool. I know Critter is giving me shit for 'cool' and 'awesome' but I can't say anything else. Gagne got hit pretty well over the next couple of innings and we lost our lead 11-9 going into the 9th inning. In my at bats before I had flyed out and got hit by a pitch. Not the best for my first at bats...I just wanted a fucking hit.
So bottom of the 9th, 1 out, and I come up.
1st pitch. Slider for ball one.
2nd pitch. Outside change up.
I swung and topped the hell out of it that sprung 20 feet into the air off the plate. I ran so hard to first base as the pitcher fired to first for the out. My foot hit the bag before the ball arrived. The ball continued past first base down the right field line. I hurled around second and slid into 3rd safely. It was pretty damn loud. My first hit. Not the best hit. But I will take it any day.
I scored on the next hit and was greeted by the team.
Our rally came up short and we lost 11-10 that night. It sucked but a good first experience. Our clubby, Christian, came up to me that night in the clubhouse and handed me first first pro base hit. It read,
"Tony Lewis First Hit as a Quebec Capitales June 24 2009"
It was such a nice gesture.

Now let me just zip into the future a bit. I have played 9 out of our last 10 games and I am absolutely murdering the ball. It looks like a beach ball right now. That is how it is sometimes, other times it looks like an aspirin. But I am having a blast and hit my first bomb the other night. It was great. I love you guys and miss you so much. I will post when I can...maybe some pics...who knows...I will do my best. Love you and talk to you soon.