AUGUST

- 8/28/01
Guys get this. Tonight was the wildest game I have been in, since I can remember. We had to use the whole staff. We've had some extra inning games lately and we are a little short on arms.

So, in the top of the ninth we send out shortstop in to pitch cause at the time we are down by 4. He goes 1-2-3! Then in the bottom half we put a rally together so they tell me to start getting loose. I go down and throw according to the game situation. We tie the game on a hit batsman. So I go in the top of the 10th and go 1-2-3.

Then in the bottom half of the 10th they tell me I have to hit in the shortstops place. We get a guy on first with 1 out and I come to the plate. First time in 6 years! I get the bunt sign and lay down a gem! Everyone was rolling. The next batter drives one in the gap and win the game. The crowd was wild. It was the most fun I have had in a long time. It was a great win .Russ

JULY

- 7/18/01
Hey everyone! I know it has been a while since I last made an update, but there really hasn't been to much going on. Tonight I pitched well, 2 inns 3ks no runs. I am working on a mechanical adjustment to get my arm in a better "slot," and it felt good. We won both games of a double header.

The weather is chilly especially for the latter part of July and August. Tonight I think it was 55. Well thats it for now. Take Care Russ

- 7/2/01
Hello everyone, things are going a lot better. I'm finally getting back on track pitching. Last night was one a my best outings to date. I got the save pitching 3inns no runs and 8ks. I was named player of the game. What I was the most happy about was that I was able locate my fastball consistently to both sides of the plate. Which in turn allowed for me to throw my off speed pitches with more confidence because I knew I was throwing my fastball for strikes.

So things are getting better and I'm just going to keep pitching well so hopefully I can get moved back up. Keep up the good job AP, keep playing hard.

Until next time take care... Russ