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A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

baseball writing challenge

Can of Corn 4: On paper

May 20, 2020

There’s a lot of paper in baseball. 

You have lineup cards. Press notes. Programs. Notepads. And, of course, scorecards. 

Can of Corn Challenge logo

I’ve blogged about scorekeeping before. It’s something I’ve done at baseball games for much of my life.

It’s not something everybody does, but I do consider myself a bit of a baseball nerd. 

Scorekeeping at a baseball game is an old-school tradition for baseball fans. Though not all do it, most know about it. Scorecards are in most programs. Kids do it. Adults do it. 

The best part about scorekeeping at a game is there is no set style. Though the concept is the same – you record each play in a game on a scorecard – everybody has their own style and way of doing things. 

That’s really cool, too. 

Sometimes when I am at a game and see somebody keeping score and sitting by themselves, I’ll go say hi, just to talk scorekeeping and see how they do things. I’ve seen a lot of cool things. And some people do very little and just keep score on a piece of paper. Some people have full-fledged scoring systems. 

Keeping score.

And thought I enjoy getting in-depth, I like the simplicity of keeping a scorecard. The craziest I seem to get is using colors when a new pitcher comes in.

I have my own system, but in general, I can look back on most of my scoresheets and can take you through a game just from the way I kept the sheet. 

Most programs at baseball games will show you a basic way to keep score. The basics allow you how to keep score and understand the things one needs.

From there, you can develop your own system and style and let it blossom. I’ve changed some things over the years to the point where I feel I have something I like.

Having things on paper at a baseball game is something of the norm. But once you delve even deeper into things, you’ll find that the way of putting some thing on paper is definitely unique and helps tell the story of a baseball game.

Can of Corn Challenge 4: On paper linkup

The Can of Corn Challenge is a monthly blogging challenge that runs from February-October. You can see all information, as well as themes for 2020 by visiting this blog post. Feel free to join us for any and all themes! The linkup will remain live each month for about seven days.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: Baseball, Can of Corn Challenge, challenges, My world, Writing Tagged With: baseball, baseball challenge, baseball writing challenge, can of corn, can of corn blog challenge, can of corn blogging challenge, can of corn challenge, chan of corn baseball challenge

1 Comment

Can of Corn 3: Yer out!

April 20, 2020

This theme seems apropos, wouldn’t you say?

The Can of Corn Challenge marches on, with nary a game of baseball in sight. There’s no college ball. No high school. No minor league. No major league. 

No baseball. 

When I came up with themes for this year’s challenge, I had some pretty good thoughts with this one. It has the ability to be fun. 

Can of Corn Challenge logo

Maybe it’s back when I got tossed out of a Legion game for being too mouthy. Or watching something happen during a game. Maybe it would have been a photo series with the question of an out? Oh I had ideas. 

Alas, who knew I’d be writing about the baseball season being out?

The MiLB season would have been about two weeks old or so at this point. I definitely would have already been at a few games, enjoying the game be it in cold or warm weather. To be fair, if it was too cold, I might not have made it the whole game if it wasn’t a great one to watch, but it still would have been baseball.

Ahhh baseball, something I look forward to each year. Watching the game in person is as much of a stress reliever as it comes. I enjoy keeping score, watching a game unfold, and all the nuances surrounding the sport. 

And yet, no baseball. 

This virus has halted a lot of things in this world. We, as humans, are being put in a situation we are not used to and we don’t like. Some choose to “fight back,” which in the end will not help humanity. Others go fully the opposite way, which, again, will not help humanity. 

So we’re out for now. 

Sports are trying to figure ways to come back so it can help provide a distraction for people. Empty stadiums. Quarantine athletes and shuttle them back and forth. 

Is it smart? I don’t know. Sports are so huge with crowds. Be it cheering or booing, it can be a massively huge part of the game. 

I’m thinking the only sports franchises in North America who don’t mind all going on are the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox. 

For now, though, baseball is out. 

There’s no crack of the bat. No slap of the mitt. No kids looking for autographs on a scratched-up foul ball they tracked down. No sitting in the stands with an overpriced beer and hot dog. 

Goodness, I’d even welcome paying 10 bucks for a Bud Light at this point. 

There’s a part of me that is staying optimistic. That there will be the chance to go see games in person this season. That there will be cheers and groans of how things unfold on the field, not just in the world. That life will be normal and sports will be part of it. 

Then there’s the other side. Where we will be so cautious that things won’t be “normal” this summer. That we don’t trust when things seem to get better; that the bitter side that is this world right now continues on. 

In the end, we don’t know what will happen. 

All I know is I’m out when it comes to seeing baseball right now, and that makes this whole situation even harder.

Can of Corn Challenge 3: Yer out! linkup

The Can of Corn Challenge is a monthly blogging challenge that runs from February-October. You can see all information, as well as themes for 2020 by visiting this blog post. Feel free to join us for any and all themes! The linkup will remain live each month for about seven days.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: Baseball, Can of Corn Challenge, challenges, My world Tagged With: baseball, baseball challenge, baseball writing challenge, can of corn, can of corn blog challenge, can of corn blogging challenge, can of corn challenge, chan of corn baseball challenge, summer of baseball

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Can of Corn 2: Spring training

March 20, 2020

This post has taken a different meaning. 

When I originally came up with these themes, there were some ideas bouncing in my head. But this year, this is totally different. 

The scare going around the world has changed everyday life for the near future, and even the escape of sports – which for many people is just that – has been taken away. 

And though spring training standings aren’t really worth much, the Phillies had the best record in baseball. And that at least had me excited. Baseball was coming soon. 

Can of Corn Challenge logo

And then this pandemic has shut down the world. 

Believe me, I fully understand the ramifications of what is happening. And though I may wonder about the lengths we are going, I also realize a couple months (give or take) of inconvenience to make sure people are healthy is the least of my concerns. It’s part of life and hopefully, as a people, we will get through this. 

That being said. 

When there are things wrong with the world, often the way to escape is with sports. 

Alas, event sports have stopped. 

And here we are, in the middle of March… when those of us who love baseball would be gearing up for opening day. Spring training cuts and such would be happening and teams would start shaping up to what we would expect. 

My hope is that will still happen, even if a month or so down the road. Technically, spring didn’t even start until March 19. Then it runs through June 20. 

But for the sake of not having everything go to this virus overtaking the world, I’ll go back a couple of years when I had the chance to attend spring training for the first time. It was quite exciting, I will note. The only issue? Back problems. Several weeks before the trip to Florida, I pulled my back at some point. I think it was caused by shoveling snow, but it was a gradual pain. Eventually, it got really bad. I went and saw the doctor. They took an MRI on it (that might have been after the trip). I went and saw an acupuncturist. 

Nothing worked. 

I went to Florida in some serious pain. So bad that I couldn’t walk far without going into a catcher’s crouch to relieve the pain. Let’s just say it wasn’t a great thing. 

So spring training was cool. Watching games down there was nice. But I couldn’t get out and explore the stadiums and areas like I would have wanted to. 

Some day, I’ll likely go back. 

Oh – the back issue. When I got home, I finally went and saw a chiropractor. And I went several times a week for a few weeks. In time, things improved. The MRI came back without anything major, thus meaning the doctor said no surgery. Instead … I just went to the chiropractor. 

It kept improving. 

I needed fewer visits. 

And now? Fine. I think part of the reason is I go back every 4-6 weeks to get myself lined up. Preventative really does work. To think I could have gone to Florida in better shape if I had just gone to the chiropractor in the first place!

Back to 2020. Baseball’s on hold … but it’s my hope spring training will resume and we’ll get some regular season games eventually. 

Can of Corn Challenge 2: Spring training! linkup

The Can of Corn Challenge is a monthly blogging challenge that runs from February-October. You can see all information, as well as themes for 2020 by visiting this blog post. Feel free to join us for any and all themes! The linkup will remain live each month for about seven days.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: Baseball, Can of Corn Challenge, challenges, My world Tagged With: baseball, baseball challenge, baseball writing challenge, can of corn, can of corn blog challenge, can of corn blogging challenge, can of corn challenge, chan of corn baseball challenge, summer of baseball, writing challenge

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Can of Corn 1 – Play Ball!

February 20, 2020

The two words that baseball fans clamor for as the spring nears. 

Those words that many professional teams select a kid or two to say before the start of a game. 

The words an umpire will often say before the first pitch. 

Just two words that mean so much at a baseball game. 

Can of Corn Challenge logo

“Play ball!” 

And just like that, it’s time once again for the Can of Corn Challenge, after taking a two-year hiatus. Enough of that, though as you can read about the challenge, how to get involved, and all the themes by checking out the original post.

Before I get into the main part of this post, though, let me explain the name of the challenge as a few people have asked me. Can of corn is a term used in baseball for an easy/routine pop up/fly out. As the story goes, the term came about in the early 19th century because clerks at grocery/general stores used sticks to hook canned goods off higher shelves, and then use their aprons to catch the can – somewhat like a fly ball.  

Anyway, on to the post.

For me, the season is upon us. And for those who know me, you know I’m a baseball junkie. It’s gotten worse the past two summers after I gave up playing softball. That gave me, to a point, more time for games. 

To me, baseball is the perfect sport. Though it can run long at times, it’s a well-paced game with a lot going on. There’s a lot of thought and a lot of action, though it’s not going 100 miles an hour the whole time. 

I’m also a bit of a baseball nerd. At games, I keep a scorebook. I watch and try and dissect things that are going on. I question decisions and think about what I would want to do in situations. 

Overall, it’s a wonderful experience for me. 

I know many people who think differently. They can’t understand why I’d want to spend time at a baseball game. And that’s fine – fair and legit at that – but I always say it’s my peaceful place. 

Baseball isn’t just a game to me. It’s the whole experience. When I watch, it’s easy to just drift off into the game and not think about everything else going on in the world or my life. 

And I like that. 

For 2-3 hours, I can disappear into the stands and just watch. Or grab a hot dog and just bask in the day. 

I mostly attend minor league games, though I am still on my quest to see all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. Minor league baseball, in my eyes, still has some purity. That’s something missing at the majors (see the latest Astros junk going on), though the trickle-down effect likely will be there. 

The powers that be at MLB have worked to change the game a bit over the past few years and I’m not a fan of much of it. 

Baseball isn’t a game made for television. It’s made to be in-person, or on the radio. There are nuances about the game that aren’t easily brushed aside, as much as the powers at MLB would like to think so. While I do agree with several of the changes (fewer mound visits, instant replay), there are some that boggle my mind. Not having to throw for an intentional walk, for example, That takes away some strategy. 

And automated balls and strikes being talked about. Really? I have a better idea – what about making the umpires be accountable if they are garbage? If a player fails, they get sent to the minors. It should be the same for umpires. If you stink, down you go and somebody from the minors can come up and try and show they are better. 

Baseball has survived time. And it’s done so without some of these idiotic changes being proposed. 

Leave the game alone and let it evolve naturally. 

And while you’re at it, play ball!

Can of Corn Challenge 1: Play Ball! linkup

The Can of Corn Challenge is a monthly blogging challenge that runs from February-October. You can see all information, as well as themes for 2020 by visiting this blog post. Feel free to join us for any and all themes! The linkup will remain live each month for about seven days.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: Baseball, Can of Corn Challenge, challenges, My world, Writing Tagged With: a ‘lil hoohaa, baseball, baseball challenge, baseball writing challenge, can of corn, can of corn baseball challenge, can of corn blog challenge, can of corn blogging challenge, can of corn challenge, hoohaa, writing challenge

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The Can of Corn Challenge is back!

February 3, 2020

It’s been a few years, but the Can of Corn Challenge is back!

In 2016 and 2017, I ran a baseball-themed blogging challenge. The idea was much like many other challenges out there – take a theme and write about it. These themes are open to interpretation, but baseball needs to be involved in some shape or form. 

Can of Corn Challenge logo

Though not a lot of people participated in the past, it was a lot of fun. Hopefully a few people will take part and enjoy it as well this year. 

Below, you  will find the themes and posting date for the nine months we will be holding this challenge. That way, you can plan ahead and maybe schedule posts. Then you’ll just have to remember to come back and link up. 

The link up will be scheduled for the 20th of each month, February-October. The nine months, of course, signify the innings of a baseball game, or of course. 

I hope you’ll consider joining us and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Months and themes:

  • February: Play Ball
  • March: Spring Training
  • April: Yer out!
  • May: On paper
  • June: The Big Screen
  • July: Hey, nerd
  • August: Popped up
  • September: 4-6-3
  • October: Fall classic

If you know others who might want to take part, please share this post with them! Here’s hoping for a fun challenge!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Filed Under: Baseball, blogging, Can of Corn Challenge, challenges, My world Tagged With: baseball, baseball challenge, baseball writing challenge, can of corn, can of corn blog challenge, can of corn blogging challenge, can of corn challenge, chan of corn baseball challenge, summer of baseball, writing challenge

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Tis a dreary and rainy day. What better than to ha Tis a dreary and rainy day. What better than to have a cup of tea in my new mug, which was a birthday gift from my nephew/godson Cameron!
Live life the best you can. Have experiences. Smil Live life the best you can. Have experiences. Smile. Love the world. 

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Harper and Phil! #goldenretriever #dog #dogsofin Harper and Phil! 

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Saturday was national dog day… posted on Faceboo Saturday was national dog day… posted on Facebook, but forgot here! Harper was spoiled all day!
How could we skip this? North of the border this How could we skip this? 

North of the border this weekend to get away and hit a few caching events and geocache. Dinner tonight was at @harpersburgers, especially with outdoor seating and dog friendly! @harper_dublin got to enjoy a little of my #burger, of course. And, yes, I got poutine, duh! Great service and great food! Went back later for a spiked shake. This one was a Malibu Colada (malibu rum, dark rum, vanilla ice cream, and pineapple juice) … yum! 

Good times! Looking forward to another event and caches on Saturday before heading home! 

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My newest #pathtag came in! A great design by @geo My newest #pathtag came in! A great design by @geofoxandthehound! This one, of course, is connected to @harper_dublin ‘s Instagram account. It won’t be easy to get! 

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Rain on leaves … still on trees or on the ground Rain on leaves … still on trees or on the ground… is so peaceful. 

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Henlo. #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #g Henlo. 

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Haircut day! I got mine done, as did Cameron. He g Haircut day! I got mine done, as did Cameron. He got some waves for when he goes to the shore next week! One shot of me getting the straight razor too! Nice job @studio11chris at @studio11barbersuite ! 

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Life is good! #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram # Life is good!

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Part one of the backyard work is done. New patio h Part one of the backyard work is done. New patio has been installed ... (the rock garden area is basically done, too ... but i need to put a few things up with it). The guy who did my patio did a great job... looks cool. 

I think Harper approves. 

One more step and we'll be set to really enjoy it back there with some shade!

Working on a few other landscaping things, too.
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Waggin’ Wednesday at the @swbrailriders was a lo Waggin’ Wednesday at the @swbrailriders was a lot of fun! Hot night, but very enjoyable! 

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Haircut day! Cameron went after me @studio11barber Haircut day! Cameron went after me @studio11barbersuite and looks super smooth! Superb job on both of us, @studio11chris ! 

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Harper delivering some flowers to her gram. #gol Harper delivering some flowers to her gram. 

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Stop and look around in life, even if you have the Stop and look around in life, even if you have the yawns. 

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As a @sunydelhi alum, and local, I still love walk As a @sunydelhi alum, and local, I still love walking around the campus. It’s especially nice in the morning when college isn’t in session as it’s quiet and @harper_dublin can sniff and explore her surroundings (if in session, she will want to stop and meet every student etc.). I know a lot of people local walk the campus, and it’s really nice that we have something like this in our community to be able to do so. 

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Ok folks… barbershop experience is good times. H Ok folks… barbershop experience is good times. Hair, tend to the beard … you get it. In Oneonta, check out @studio11chris at @studio11barbersuite ! Tell him I sent you! 

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A video looking at my first year and a half of owning a golden retriever, my first dog. It's had its ups and downs, but I've truly loved the ride and look forward to the future. 

Music: Happy before we get old by Michael Shynes via Artlist. 

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I hate being in front of the camera, but also realize sometimes it's not the worst thing in the world. So, I'm getting better with it. Week 4's theme was all about us and having us in front of the camera, so I tried to come up with a creative way to do it. 

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