This is my first blog entry so bear with me. Today feels like Christmas Eve. You want to go ahead and go to bed so tomorrow will be here. Tomorrow we open up with VMI in our new stadium, Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium. We have been practicing on the new field for about two weeks now and every time I walk out there I am amazed. We have not moved into the locker rooms yet and it looks like we won't until Thursday of next week. The construction crew still has a few minor things to complete and then the stadium will be ours. This week our brand new weight equipment and the furniture for the players' lounge arrived. In the players' lounge there is also a pool table with Carolina blue felt and the UNC logo in the middle. It's pretty nice to say the least. Its amazing how much more room the new Bosh seems to have than the old structure.
This past week we have done a little bit of everything. Last weekend we scrimmaged all three days. From a pitcher's perspective the last few scrimmages are tough because the hitters start to find their groove and they have seen us so many times that there are no more secrets. Monday we had the day off and then practiced Tuesday through today. Tonight we went out as a team to eat at Champs. This has become a team tradition over the last few years. The last three years we went to Hooters, but this year we decided to change it up. Shortstop Ryan Graepel said it best: "The best way to start the season is to eat at a place called Champs."
We are all excited to get started this year and we hope that there will be a huge crowd turnout. Another interesting tidbit about the first weekend is getting to hear everyone's walkout song for the first time. Tomorrow our journey starts toward our ultimate goal, a national championship, but we must focus on smaller goals, winning each game, to get there. We have a great team this year on and off the field, and I am looking forward to competing with them every day.
This past week we have done a little bit of everything. Last weekend we scrimmaged all three days. From a pitcher's perspective the last few scrimmages are tough because the hitters start to find their groove and they have seen us so many times that there are no more secrets. Monday we had the day off and then practiced Tuesday through today. Tonight we went out as a team to eat at Champs. This has become a team tradition over the last few years. The last three years we went to Hooters, but this year we decided to change it up. Shortstop Ryan Graepel said it best: "The best way to start the season is to eat at a place called Champs."
We are all excited to get started this year and we hope that there will be a huge crowd turnout. Another interesting tidbit about the first weekend is getting to hear everyone's walkout song for the first time. Tomorrow our journey starts toward our ultimate goal, a national championship, but we must focus on smaller goals, winning each game, to get there. We have a great team this year on and off the field, and I am looking forward to competing with them every day.
Adam, loved your blog..... it helped shortened the miles between us :-).
We, too are so very excited about this season of Tar Heel Baseball. We wish so very much that we could be there for this opening weekend and for every single game for that matter.... but we can't.... so please know that we are with all of you guys in spirit. We will be rooting for you from here in Connecticut... watching and listening to ACC Select (a very far second to being there but we are very grateful we have that). Best of luck to you all!!
GO HEELS!!!!!!
The Harveys
Adam,
From another avid UNC baseball fan here in Connecticut, we are equally excited about the new field as the Harvey's and seeing the Heels play "America's game" again. The start of the season IS like Christmas (nice analogy)for parents as well. The joy of seeing your kids come down the stairs, wonder at all the gifts and soooo anxious to rip into eveything is something we enjoy every year. For you and the rest of the Heels, it's the end of a long fall and spring practice session and the anticipation of what the new ACC season (and unfortunately your last; savor every minute) will bring. Best of luck to you and the rest of the team. We too will be watching ACC select and hopefully a couple of games on TV. Even though AC has moved on, our ties to UNC baseball like so many other parents of former players lives on. I just couldn't resist the lure of the new stadium, so I'll be there tomorrow. From all of the Carignan's best of luck this season and hopefully you'll stay healthy so we can bring home that national BASEBALL championship to Carolina where it belongs. BTW, great start to your blog.
Adam,
Great job on the blog! We are all looking forward to the opening game! Just being back at your own field must make a big difference for the team and I know that all of you are excited to get going. When you are out there, know that even though we are not in the stands for all the games, we are cheering from afar and wishing the team all the best!
Go Tarheels!!
The Bates
Adam, it was great to read your blog and to feel the excitement you and the team have as you begin what will hopefully be a very successful and memorable season in a beautiful new facility. As the other folks have already stated, we look forward to following you and the Tarheels beginning today - well into June. Best of success to you and the whole team. I look forward to getting down for a game in person in March.
Adam,
Great start for your blog. We, as Carolina Fans, are looking forward to another great baseball season. My wife (Pene) and I, plus two of our grandkids, (Josh is one of your batboys) attend most of the games and have been to Omaha the last three years. You and your teammates are great representatives of the University, both on and off the field. We have had the pleasure of meeting the parents of most of the players and it is easy to see where the exemplary character of the team originates. Congratulations on your recent award at the Smith center and the outstanding job you have done in academics at Carolina. See you at the New Bosh!
Al Gilmore
Adam,
Enjoyed your blog. For some reason Stephanie thought that I should respond to your comments as a "tarheel baseball fan". We do look forward to finally catching one of your games this year. We'll let you know so that you can get those t-shirts ready for me and Landon & Garrett! Good luck with the start of the season.
Dear Adam,
I was truly a pleasure meeting you after the game Friday (I was the "old guy" from little Washington taking pictures). Adam, you and your teammates Alex White and Ryan Graepel are excellent representatives of our great university. Your sincere friendliness and accommodation to the press folks was very impressive. As for your blog, I love it! This is a great idea. I think I told you how addicted I am to Gametracker because of UNC baseball. Now this is just another “drug” for this UNC baseball junkie. Keep it coming. God bless and I’ll be praying for a healthy and successful year for all the boys in blue.
Go Heels!
Butch Weston
Washington, NC
Adam, I enjoyed reading your first blog entry....what a good introduction to the season! We look forward to following the Diamond Heels this year! GO HEELS!!
Nice post.I am big friend of baseball. Houston is great place for baseball.
Hey Adam,
It's been great watching you pitch the last 3 years. Look forward to seeing the Heels get to Omaha and take the title home this year!!!
Good luck with Clemson this weekend.
Go heels!