I Am Spoiled

The story in Winston-Salem this weekend was more about the weather than it was about the fact that Wake took two of three from the Tigers on the diamond. After a deluge on Friday cancelled play and force a proposed double header on Saturday, winter set back in and forced the Tigers and the Deacs to play in climate more fit for hockey than for baseball. I found out one thing during the weekend, those of you who have to sit in the stands to watch the Tigers play have it tough!



The weekend in Winston-Salem made me realize just how soft I have become. I have the great pleasure for 36 regular season contests and for every post season game of broadcasting Clemson baseball. Usually I sit out of the elements, in a climate controlled booth, on a padded seat, with food and drink at my disposal, and I take it for granted. Not any more. You may know that the press facilities at Gene Hooks Stadium on the Wake Forest campus aren't palatial but more nomad. Dan Scott and I had the privilege of sitting under a tent this weekend to do the broadcasts which did protect us from the rain, snow, freezing rain and some of the howling wind that hit on Saturday, but did nothing to protect us from the cold. The experience is not one that I would want to go through again, but it did make me appreciate what you fans have to go through. Tiger fans are a hearty bunch and they came prepared. The 200 or so that showed up to cheer the Tigers on came knowing what they were getting into and didn't complain a bit. They were just glad to be wearing Clemson orange and having a chance to see the Tigers play. They taught me a lesson, always be glad your at the ball park regardless of where you sit. I respect you fans, but I want my posh surroundings back.



Notes from this weekend:



Throw Saturday's game out the window. I have never seen a game more affected by the weather conditions. Give credit to the Deacs for their 13-11 win, but it could have just as easily gone the other way.



Jeff Schaus, Chris Epps, and Kyle Parker are all going to be very tough outs before this season is over. Schaus was 6 for 13 at the plate this pass week with 4 rbi and 6 walks. Epps had a big pitch hit that drove in a run in the second game and then went 2 for 5 in game three. All Parker did in the series was to go 5 for 8 with three home runs, seven rbi and six runs scored.



Justin Surratt impressed out of the bullpen over the weekend. He pitched twice throwing two innings of one hit ball with a strikeout and one double play ball.



Matt Vaughn picked up the save in game three, but he made us sweat things out. He ended the game by getting Allan Dykstra, maybe the best hitter in the ACC, to pop up to center. He did this after walking two batters.



Tigers now have a 12 game home stand. Six of them will be league games with Boston College and NC State. Going 5 and 1 sure would be nice before back to back road trips to Maryland and Miami.