A lot has happened since my last blog, including graduation, our trip to Boston College, and the ACC tournament, so let me see if I can get you caught up. A couple of Sundays ago, Chad Flack, Tyson Lusk and I were able to attend the university's graduation ceremony before our game against NC State. We did not get to walk due to the large number of graduating seniors, but it was an awesome experience to put on the Carolina blue cap and gown and make the transition from students to alumni. The guest speaker was Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and archbishop emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa.
The next week we made the trip to Boston in what many have dubbed the worst trip ever. We did stay in a nice hotel, but they did not have free internet and there were no stores or restaurants within walking distance. This may not sound like a big deal, but when you are trying to kill time on road trips those two features are essential. When we did go eat, everything cost a lot more than we were used to in the good ol' South. Friday's game was rainy and cold, but the weather did improve throughout the weekend. Saturday after our last game, we headed to the airport to find that our flight had been delayed due to inclement weather. After waiting to board until 10:30 p.m., we were informed that our flight was cancelled and that we would have to fly out of Boston on Sunday morning. Therefore, we had to check in to another hotel, which did have free internet surprisingly, and spend another night in Boston. It didn't help that we had sent all our luggage home on a charter bus so we had no toiletries or clean clothes for that night or the following day. Needless to say, a safe landing in Raleigh was greeted by the team with applause.
This past week was the ACC tournament in Durham. It was nice to be able to stay in our own beds during the tournament instead of staying in another hotel. It was disappointing to not play in Fenway Park like originally scheduled, but the DBAP (Durham Bulls Athletic Park) was a great alternative. It even had a blue monster in left field. On Tuesday, all the participating teams attended a banquet where a delicious meal was served and awards were given out. Our team had five All-ACC selections and the ACC Player of the Year. On the field, we did not get the results we had hoped for, but it was fun to play in front of great crowds including playing in front of the biggest crowd to watch a college baseball in North Carolina on Saturday. Thanks to all the Tar Heel fans that supported us throughout the week.
Today we met together as a team in the player's lounge to watch the NCAA selection show. We were excited to get a #4 national seed and be able to play in front of our home crowd again. We are looking forward to starting NCAA postseason play, but practice must come first which is what we did after the show. The next few days we have a few team meals set up, breakfast at Breadman's and dinner at Firebird's, which helps to keep the team together outside of practice. The team is looking forward to a packed Boshamer Stadium full of Carolina baseball fans this weekend.
The next week we made the trip to Boston in what many have dubbed the worst trip ever. We did stay in a nice hotel, but they did not have free internet and there were no stores or restaurants within walking distance. This may not sound like a big deal, but when you are trying to kill time on road trips those two features are essential. When we did go eat, everything cost a lot more than we were used to in the good ol' South. Friday's game was rainy and cold, but the weather did improve throughout the weekend. Saturday after our last game, we headed to the airport to find that our flight had been delayed due to inclement weather. After waiting to board until 10:30 p.m., we were informed that our flight was cancelled and that we would have to fly out of Boston on Sunday morning. Therefore, we had to check in to another hotel, which did have free internet surprisingly, and spend another night in Boston. It didn't help that we had sent all our luggage home on a charter bus so we had no toiletries or clean clothes for that night or the following day. Needless to say, a safe landing in Raleigh was greeted by the team with applause.
This past week was the ACC tournament in Durham. It was nice to be able to stay in our own beds during the tournament instead of staying in another hotel. It was disappointing to not play in Fenway Park like originally scheduled, but the DBAP (Durham Bulls Athletic Park) was a great alternative. It even had a blue monster in left field. On Tuesday, all the participating teams attended a banquet where a delicious meal was served and awards were given out. Our team had five All-ACC selections and the ACC Player of the Year. On the field, we did not get the results we had hoped for, but it was fun to play in front of great crowds including playing in front of the biggest crowd to watch a college baseball in North Carolina on Saturday. Thanks to all the Tar Heel fans that supported us throughout the week.
Today we met together as a team in the player's lounge to watch the NCAA selection show. We were excited to get a #4 national seed and be able to play in front of our home crowd again. We are looking forward to starting NCAA postseason play, but practice must come first which is what we did after the show. The next few days we have a few team meals set up, breakfast at Breadman's and dinner at Firebird's, which helps to keep the team together outside of practice. The team is looking forward to a packed Boshamer Stadium full of Carolina baseball fans this weekend.
Adam,
Congratulations on graduating!! I know that your time at Carolina has flown by, but you worked hard and have accomplished much, in the classroom and on the ball field. We wish you all the best that life has to offer. You have a great future ahead!!
Good luck in regionals and your quest to return to Omaha!
Go Heels!
See you this weekend!
The Bates Family
"Baseball is 50% pitching, 50% hitting and 50% fielding." I think Yogi said something like that! Let's put all three together and have a great run to the CWS! Good luck!
Congratulations on a great year so far. Also for graduation and Academic All-American selection as well.
Play hard and we hope to follow you and the guys to Omaha again this year!
We've enjoyed reading your blog...Noticed that the "Uh-Huh" man was at the Miami game this week-end over in Durham, and do remember him at Bosh earlier this year...Always one in the crowd! - Talking about 'rally traditions' -- Florida State at the finals on Sunday, had a token cheerleader leading the crowd when the count was 2 strikes..."Kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk- Time...." - Clap Clap, K-Time, Clap Clap...pretty catchy...We'll be at the Bosh for the Regionals cheering the Tar Heels on to victory...Thanks again for all the great blogs this season.
What a great couple of weeks! Graduating from a fabulous university. Listening to a great man, Desmond Tutu. Doing so well in your baseball. You'all have had a great year and it hasn't ended yet!! I can't wait for the weekend at the Bosh. I'm bringing goodies to you'all. Sorry I wasn't able to do that at DBAP, but things happen! See you soon!!
Congratulations on winning Academic All America Award! That is amazing that you could keep up with your grades at the same time having a very demanding college baseball schedule! Remember who has given you this ability!
Congratulations on the Round 1 win against Dartmouth. It was lucky that it stayed dry through the entire 9.
I hope the '09 good fortune sticks with the Tarheels.
Graduating from UNC is a championship in and of itself. Once a 'Heel, Forever a "Heel.
Adam,
Congratulations on your win against ECU to head back to Omaha, it was a pleasure to watch you pitch. Also wanted to congratulate you on graduating last week, you are a true inspiration to youngsters who don't think the grade are important. Don't know if you remember me but we met at a softball tournament in Myrtle where you were keeping us posted on the tarheels football game and Kendric (#16). We are friends of the Burney family. Anyway, was a pleasure meeting you and your parents, watching you play and voting for you to win the Lowe's award. All the best in your future...I'm sure you'll remain successful.
Good luck in Omaha! Go Heels!
Doubletree downtown Omaha... No free internet... Dope. Well, at least there's The Drover!
Congrats on another trip to the CWS!!!
Congratulations on winning yesterday. We are looking forward to your play in the college world series. God has given you a pulpit that few are given! Play well & use it well!
Great that you got drafted #135! I am not a big Yankees fan since I root for the Orioles but it could be a good deal for you! You pitched a good game against So. Miss & did your team support you with 23 hits. Hope you all can keep it up!
Hey Adam,
Oh my goodness I am a HUGE fan of yours. Congratulations on graduating. I love the Carolina tarheels! I hope to play softball there on a scholarship. Anyways that was a great pitching game against So. Miss!:) So I hope that you all do great the rest of the CWS and I will be rooting for you. I hope you keep pitching great ecspecially with the NYY. If the NYY has to play the Mariners then I will be crushed. Ha. You might can tell I'm a HUUUUUUGGGEE Dustin Ackley fan too. HA...GOOD LUCK!!