Saturday, May 29, 2010

Gary Coleman

Rest in peace, Gary "What you talkin' bout, Willis?" Coleman

Baseball card and logo

When I started the PFA tour idea, I thought I'd get a new business card - then decided a baseball card would be more appropriate. Using the photo from my first pitch at the Padres in May 2008, I got a card made up with the picture on the front and info about the tour on back. I just picked the cards up from the printer this week and am getting them out in circulation.

I also designed a PFA logo and had a jersey, shirts, and a hat made with the logo embroidered on. Just picked up the shirts yesterday - and today they're off to the tailor to have the sleeves removed.

I'll get both the baseball card and logo posted on the PFA website next week.

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Latest Efforts

Went to see the Washington Nationals (Nats) play the San Diego Padres at Petco Park last night. Before the game I caught up with Debbi Taylor of MASN - Mid-Atlantic Sports Network - the network that televises the Nats and Baltimore Orioles games. Back in May 2008 when I threw out the first pitch before a Padres game, Debbi interviewed me live during the MASN game telecast.

Last night Debbi taped another interview with me in the stands - right above the dugout - and we talked about the PFA tour. At the end of the interview she said, "We need to get Tom in DC for a first pitch." She said the interview should air sometime this weekend during a Nats/Padres game telecast.

I gave Debbi a promotional portfolio that she said she would pass along to the appropriate folks in the Nats organization. She was very enthusiastic about the Tour and I hope she can help me out along the way.

After the interview I stayed at the dugout during Nats batting practice, along with all the kids hoping for autographs, until Nats manager Jim Riggleman left the field. I met him briefly at a Nats/Padres game last season and found we had alot in common, as he is a DC area native too - grew up in Rockville, MD. As he left the field I caught his attention with a Rockville reference. I think he remembered me, but he thought I wanted his autograph. I said no, I wanted to give him something. I then passed over several copies of my baseball card. I told him about the Tour, and how I wanted to add the Nationals stadium to my list. Instead of a brush-off, he asked WHEN I wanted to be there. Having done my homework I was able to reference Nats homestands in early July vs. the Mets and the Padres. He said "ok" and walked off with my card in hand.

So I hope that I get an invite pitch at a Nats game - and maybe an Orioles game, too. Will keep you posted.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Disability Awareness Month

October is National Disability Awareness Month. To acknowledge this, the Texas Rangers just invited me to throw out a first pitch before their game on Thursday, September 30, 2010.

That makes 10 teams on board with the tour!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Happy Monday evryone. I will be back in the phones this week trying to hook up with more first pitches for the coming season. Wish me luck!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Chicago Cubs

Just spoke with the Chicago Cubs. Unfortunately all of their "first pitch" opportunities for this season are booked. Alas - there's always next year!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Just added!

Just added to the schedule -- first pitch at Milwaukee Brewers on July 6, 2010!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Got a mention on the Sports Illustrated website today. Go to the following link and scroll down to "E-mail of the Day".

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/extramustard/hotclicks/05/18/lea-michele-glee-to-follow-super-bowl-hanely-ramirez-jogs-after-ball/index.html?eref=sihp

Just found out that the Pittsburgh Pirates are unable to schedule me in for a first pitch. Alas!

Also... just booked my flights for my first "roadtrip" -- Tampa to Miami to Boston. Guess I better start training again soon!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Florida Marlins

I just added the Florida Marlins to my schedule. I was invited to throw out the first pitch before the Marlins vs. San Diego Padres game at Sun Life Stadium on Sunday, June 27, 1:10 p.m. That makes 7 confirmed teams to date!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Play ball!

The game has started. First up -- Patsy & Joe Milosch. First pitch - STRIKE!

The count is 0-1. We await the next batter.

Thanks to Patsy & Joe for being amazing friends!