Lewis and Clark: Reflections

I was walking about this morning, shoring up details from two weeks gone by... still having snow tires on my car, sifting through mail, 'haying' the lawn that a landscaping company we'd hired to mow forgot about while we were away, prepping for an upcoming conference next week... and I realized I was whistling a song I heard from many moons ago, a song written by one of the more extraordinary guitar players about I think, a fellow named Tommy Emmanuel: A song called 'Lewis and Clark'.

The song always had a haunting melody for me of sorts... one that captures that Western rolling plain spirit, a sense of adventure, almost bewilderment for me... a free spirited, floating melody...

Emmanuel himself explained the origin of the song in a concert I saw a bit like this:

In between concerts I needed to get out of the hotel and, asking a local what to do, he suggested I walk part of the Lewis and Clark trail nearby. Asking politely, who Lewis and Clark were... I had to explain that I was from Australia... and we just didn't talk about Lewis and Clark Down Under. The chap graciously explained what the adventure was about to me and I set out to see the portion of the trail and the visitors center. I was so inspired by the whole thing. The idea of heading out, two people, across an unknown part of the country, of new country, the role of their Indian guide, Sacagawea, and that pioneering spirit. I went back to the hotel and wrote this song.

I spoke to many players on the Cannons on what travel was like across the badlands, the great plains, the grasslands back in the day. I encouraged many on our trip to look at the rolling grass in the breeze... how it moved. How the big sky can swallow you up... fields open for hundreds of miles, the looming storms we saw on the horizon, traveling in wagons, on horses... for hundreds of miles... new horizons. For may of the players, this was their first trip West... and they could feel it.

Buffalo on the hillside over the Cheyenne River Valley

Cheyenne River Valley

I spoke to a few at a rest stop we landed upon on a hillside above the Lewis and Clark bridge over the Missouri River. Imagine coming over the hillside, seeing the Missouri river in a day when there were no buildings, no cars, planes... seeing a herd of Buffalo in the distance...

It's inspiring stuff. The sort that hopefully inspires many of these young folks to see the world... to appreciate the depth and trials of history that brought us to this point.

Emmanuel's song here, to me anyway, captures some essence of that adventurous, hopeful spirit, the big sky, the open plains... Who knows what it might conjure up in the hearts and minds of the folks on our trip. Enjoy!

Landed back East

We've landed. Some brisk unpacking, taking it easy. Amazing trip! I'll write up some reflections over the next few days. Stay tuned!

One special quick note of thanks to Bob Wheel... Bob kept us on track, on time, and on the road. Bob drove the whole distance of the trip and we can't thank him enough for his effort, dedication to the program... a drive to help provide a great experience to a fine group, and his continued friendship.

Day off for the Cannons tomorrow... wisdom is key!

Last night of the trip in Niagra Falls

After two days on the road we spent the last night of our trip in Niagra Falls, NY. The team took a trip on the Maid of the Mist and then ate at the Hard Rock Cafe. The Falls are amazing. It's hard to believe the volume of water pouring over them as you stand and watch. After a short night of rest, we're back on the road headed home. We'll be getting dropped off in Fair Haven, shaving a couple hours off our trip.

I'll write up a reflection for the blog after I get home on the trip and the fun we've had working with these fine folks.
















-- Posted from batphone

Headed back East

We're headed back East, fresh off the final game of the tournament, a loss to Boulder. Today we were out of gas, emotionally drained I think from yesterday...

Yesterday we squared off against Missoula, Montana, the defending Montana State champions and third in the Nationals last year. The Mavericks have a center fielder who went in the third round to the Diamondbacks in the seventh round, and it's easy to say they were heavily favored going into the game. All said an done, we played excellent baseball and clipped them 6-1 on the day.

After a five-hour rest back at the dorm, we squared up in the premier game of the tournament Vs Rapid City, a night game followed by a fireworks show. We fell behind in the game early 4-1. Through some sharp base running, bunting, and diligent hitting we clawed out a 9-4 lead into the bottom if the seventh. Zach Tandy didn't gave his best stuff but gutted through the game, keeping us close. We got two quick outs in the 7th, and then Rapid City knocked in five runs to tie the game. (Curve ball story... you'll have to ask Roddi... a group decision... it was the right call!). The crowd was on their feet for the rally, the hometown team came back with what seemed like an impossible, improbable rally. Tied at the end of seven.

We answered the call, plating a run in the top of the 8th on a double by Nick Swim, plating Cody Sherrow from first. Sherrow pitched a scoreless bottom of the 8th, shutting down Post 22 for the win. The hometown was stunned, but typical to the excellent baseball town that is Rapid City, both teams received a thunderous round of applause at the conclusion of the game.

So... We closed the day with wins against two of the best legion teams in the country, and watched a fireworks show on the field with 1000 fans... Something everyone who participated will remember for a long, long time.







Recapping a bit from our games:

We played a doubleheader in 100+ degree heat vs Boulder and Las Vegas, a very tough draw.

We opened up against Boulder, losing a 14-13 slugfest, a game we had in out grasp. Rather than folding up though, the team responded against a talented Vegas team with a win.

The next day, we seemed a bit lethargic, losing to Coons Rapid, MN, losing a grip on two innings in the game where they put a four and five spot on us. In all we competed well against them, winning five of the seven frames.

We lost to Eden Prairie, last years National Runner Up, taking them to the sixth inning, behind just 7-5. In the final frame they threw a six spot on us, a deceiving end to a great game.

We had a lethargic game Vs West Warick, RI losing 3-1, a great showing Vs a talented team. One of those days where we hit everything a someone. A good, well played, quickly paced game.

Then came the improbable sweep of a doubleheader described above. Quite a day.

A final loss to Boulder, a sub par effort, but clearly drained in resources and energy.

In all, we had quite a road trip, competing in 7 of the 8 games, winning three, and showing some folks in Rapid City, and ourselves that there's something special brewing with this Cannons team.

We had some great food, delivered up by Janice and Kristin and Sprague Sherrow. We had lots to see: the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, a quick view of The Crazy Horse memorial, an amazing tour of a buffalo ranch, some incredible baseball, great camaraderie... Many lasting memories.

We're back on the bus makin our way home... Headed to Sioux City, Iowa as a first stop... Looking over the rolling plains of South Dakota... Batman Returns playing on the DVD player, some are sleeping, likely exhausted. Some are reflecting, staring out the window. Mongeon holding individual player meetings, an important part of any season... And all of us wondering where the time went.

Three days on the road, including one in Niagra Falls... Another incredible site seeing spectacle.

... and yes, I typed all this on a phone on the bus!

Engage...

-- Posted from batphone

Wild Idea Buffalo Ranch

Jill and Dan O'Brien hosted our crew for a tour of Wild Idea Buffalo Ranch. We loaded up in a pickup with a wagon in tow and headed across the prairie. We found the buffalo on a hillside overlooking the Cheyenne River Valley... Incredibly beautiful country. A large storm loomed on the horizon, we rode 10 feet from the buffalo, rolling plains... It's easy to get inspired in country like this. Our sincere thanks to our gracious hosts for taking time to give our group a tour.




























-- Posted from batphone

Dropped two today

We didn't seem to have a rhythm today after our 730am start. We dropped two today, the first to Coons Rapid, MN, the second to West Warick, RI 3-1. Quick shower then off to a Buffalo ranch... A cookout, then turning in early. Lots of tired guys today.


-- Posted from batphone

Rained out at noon

Our game Vs Coon Rapids, MN was rained out at noon. Both teams helped put on the tarp and then we started a good rain delay show with some baseball telegraph, jousting (Eb on the Swim horse) taking on a player from their team to a draw, and a multi-team game of mod flip. Good fun. More heavy rains washed out the game. Rescheduled for 7am!







-- Posted from batphone

Team BBQ

A team BBQ hosted by Gloria an Gary Stanley. Love it!




-- Posted from batphone

Made to order pancakes

Yesterday we had scrambled eggs loaded with ham, peppers, cheese, fresh fruit, and juice. Today... Made to order pancakes, apple cinnamon, bananas, chocolate chips, blueberries... Any combo therein. We've got a great road crew!



-- Posted from batphone

Yesterdays game

We stuck with Eden Prairie, last years National Runner-up, through six innings only down 7-5, and then the game got away from us in the seventh as they scored 6 in final frame. Final score 13-6. In all, the score didn't reflect how well we played, but it's a good lesson on the potential of this team. More details here:

http://insidedakotasports.com/skjefte-eden-prairie-continue-offensive-barrage

After the game we all headed up to Mt Rushmore to see the evening lighting ceremony. Shane will be posting up the team pics shortly, but here's one from the cell at night:




We're set to play Coon Rapids today at noon. They are on a hot streak coming off back-to-back wins. Cool and overcast here today, perfect for a team from VT! Team BBQ after the game at Gary's house, sounds like a good day to me! More updates later!


-- Posted from batphone

Wild day in Rapid City yesterday

Great article on our games yesterday:

http://insidedakotasports.com/vermont-club-makes-themselves-at-home-in-the-sd-heat


-- Posted from batphone

Photos From The Badlands

Hey, here are some photos from yesterdays trip to the Badlands. Everyone was excited and awe struck at the land forms. Some spots were very dangerous as there were large cliffs and steep drop offs, but everyone made it back on the bus safely! During interviews on the experience most of the guys were speechless and when I asked them to describe what they were seeing they just, "This is sick." I have several more photos from this that I am trying to upload but the internet at SD School of Mines is slow!!! Keep your eyes posted and I'll let you know when the rest go up!

Two more badlands pics

There's been some more chatter on the badlands scenery today. Here are a few more pics.









-- Posted from batphone

Badlands, Wall, and on to Rapid City

We left Soiux City and rolled through the Badlands National Park today, soaking in some amazing scenery and history.




From there we visited Wall, home of the rather crazy Wall Drug, home of free cold ice water, 5 cent coffee, and about every other crazy thing you could imagine. We ate lunch at Wall Drug and true out one of there famous doughnuts, damn good actually, and then headed out to Rapid City. We met traveling parents there and local Gary Stanley. Gary used to live in Vermont and lives out here now. Gary and his wife generously donate a scholarship to the Cannons program each year. Janice an Brenda, our food crew, headed out with Gary to restock while we settled in. Tonight we're headed over to the field to use the indoor cages and to see Rapid City play Las Vegas. More pics later!

-- Posted from batphone

Game Photos

While we are on a two break from games, here are some photos that show some game footage from the past weekend. I'm in the process of posting photos from Sunday's game but slow connections are becoming troublesome! Click photos to enlarge! Enjoy!

Go here to see full albums of game footage - http://www.shanebufano.com/Sports/AAU-Legion-Baseball-2011

Overnight

Overnight in Souix Falls, South Dakota


-- Posted from batphone

Breakfast at Wildberry

Wrapped up the Barrington IL tourney yesterday with a team outing to Six Flags. Gio nights sleep and then a Team breakfast at Wildberry before a road day. Excellent way to start. Guessing after a huge breakfast there be some heavy sleeping on the bus. Leaving IL, rolling through Wisconsin, Minnesota, and into South Dakota. Engage



-- Posted from batphone