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2009 Tour in a Nutshell

Day 1

We all arrived safely and after a long flight drove down to Temecula. The freeways were very congested and extended our drive by quite some time. We went straight to Chick’s Sporting Goods for some “retail therapy” and it seems there are some very experienced shoppers here!!  The players were able to load up on some quality sporting gear at excellent prices and we then headed off to Pat & Oscars Diner in Temecula for dinner and to meet the billet families. By the time the adult bus arrived about 5 minutes after the players, the players were already sitting with their billets and having dinner, and it seemed like they had known each other for ages. A great meal at Pat & Oscar’s which comprised of BBQ Chicken (two flavours), BBQ Ribs and bread sticks. Not sure what they put in those bread sticks but the word magnificent was used quite a lot. After dinner the players went off with their billets, and parents went and checked in to their hotel. It had been a very long day.

Day 2

We took the parents to San Diego and spent the day on Coronado Island at the Hotel Del Coronado, a beautiful 120 year old hotel right on the beach. The players spent the day with their host families and joined in the normal activities of that family. There were birthdays attended, softball games to see, pizza lunches and many other activities. By the time we got to see the players that night they were all talking excitedly about their day and what plans they had for Sunday. Our game was delayed due to the game before ours going extra innings, so our start time was 6.45pm – our first game on US soil was under lights! Had a great crowd to watch the game and everyone is being asked plenty of questions about Australia, we are very popular!!

Although we don’t score the games (oh really)  we did win 14 – 13. We were able to use 3 pitchers and change positions of most players. Although our players seemed a little intimidated at first, they quickly realised that the US players were not any better than what they were and played very well. Everyone contributed and all accepted that there will be times when they only get half games, and that all will have equal playing time by the end of the tournament.

Day 3

Today the players will spend the day with the host families again, and the parents are off to the mall for some shopping. We have our second game tonight with a 4.30pm start, then off to the Padres game tomorrow afternoon for opening day – should be a great experience.

We were lucky to catch up with David Nilsson, Australia’s greatest ever player, who came to the game last night. All the players will get to meet David tonight and he will talk to the players a little about baseball.

The days have been very nice but the nights have been cold, especially when a few players forget to bring their jackets to the game.

We played our second game on Sunday afternoon and everyone again played well. This game we were beaten 9 – 3. A photographer was at the game, not the one we use for the players team photo and playing cards, but a freelance guy who took shots of the kids playing. These shots are on www.o-show.com  

Day 4

Monday, today we attended the San Diego Padres v Los Angeles Dodgers game at Petco Park. We went in early and watched batting practice, and then enjoyed the opening day spectacle and entertainment – bands, fireworks and jets flying over were just some of the entertainment. That would have been enough…but then we got to watch a Major League Game and everyone joined in the festivities of the crowd.  For many of our group it was their first experience of Major League baseball and was quite an impressive eye opener. Many excited conversations on the way home.  Manny was strutting his stuff for the Dodgers which was worth the price of admission in itself.

Tomorrow we are going to Lake Elsinore Storm’s ground and will have individual and team photos taken. We will then have a tour of the stadium and then off to the outlet mall for some shopping. We play a double header tomorrow night, and then need to get some rest as we have a big day at Universal Studios on Wednesday.

Day 5

We spent the morning at Lake Elsinore Storm’s ground where we were lucky enough to be taken on a tour of the facility, Players locker room, media centre, corporate suites…even through the owners private box. After the tour we were allowed on the ground and had individual and team photos taken. The players were able to choose whether they were in a fielding, pitching or batting stance for their playing cards, and then had their photos taken.  After the Storm session we went to the Lake Elsinore Outlet mall where everyone was able to spend a few hours shopping. The Nike store took a bit of a “hammering” from the group and I think everyone was happy with their bargains.  We then headed to the field where we played a double header. Game 1 was close early but the BLE team pulled away in the middle stages for an 11 – 6 win. The second game was a lot closer, with the Dodgers pulling away early but our players pulled back to be leading by 2 going into the final inning. The Dodgers scored 1 to reduce the lead but we were able to hold on to win 7 - 6. (Not that we keep score, but just letting you know how the players are comparing to the other teams). Again everyone is contributing to each game and it has been great to watch. We have played a different team every game so far, and have two games left.

 Day 6

We are off to Universal Studios today which is a long day, so everyone will be tired this evening. It is sure to be a great day though, although there is a talk that it may rain. We have had perfect weather so far, although the night games have been cold. The good thing is that everyone remembered their jackets this time.

It’s now days end and what a blast this place is….FUN, FUN, FUN!!  If you can’t enjoy yourself at Universal then it’s time for a rest!!

Day 7

More FUN…can you believe it?  Today we hit Mulligans Fun Centre for a half day of  Go Karts, Mini Golf, Batting Cages, Arcade Games, Rock Wall climbing and more.  All washed down with Pizza & Sodas for lunch. The players were so excited they almost missed the first pitch for their own game!! A 4:00 o’clock game that saw everyone contribute to another win over our USA friends. Oh, did I mention that we don’t keep score!!  Immediately following the game we hit the busses and hot footed it back out to Lake Elsinore for the home opener of the Lake Elsinore Storm.  What a night, a sellout crowd and a great promotion as minor league baseball always is.  The crowd really got into it and our group was right in the middle of it.  Unfortunately OUR Storm lost but we all left happy to have seen such a great spectacle. Can’t wait for tomorrow.    

Day 8

Disneyland ……Do I need to say more?  The “happiest place on earth” We arrived at about 11:00 am and left about 11:30 pm. What a day…what an experience.  

Day 9

Saturday on our last weekend, the players spent the day with their billets and then we had our final game in the afternoon. The team we played was a mixture of billet families and others and was a close contest and a very enjoyable one. We were able to win the game 10 – 8, but it was great to see the interaction between our own team and the US players – some great friendships have been made.

The weather was very cold as we left the ground to attend a BBQ at Mike Wallace’s home. The players spent most of the time in the pool (heated) and the spa, and left with their billet families at a reasonable time.  Another great day which was used by most as a recovery day after Disneyland.

Day 10

Today we left Temecula at 9.00 am to attend the Angels v Red Sox game in Los Angeles.

We arrived at the Angles ground and were able to get in to see batting practice. There was lots of atmosphere at this game and we were surrounded by some very vocal Boston supporters. The game had everything for us, home runs, a bench clearing incident, come backs from both teams and a close 1 run result. After the game we headed back to Temecula and the majority had a sleep on the bus, and had their last night with their host families.  BBQ’s seemed to be the theme for the night with many of the Aussie families touring with us heading for BBQ’s with their respective child’s host family.

Get Out Day…Day 11

Our last day was Monday and the billets were helping the players pack or do some last minute shopping. We all met at Pat & Oscars and had some lunch, and then the tears began to flow as we said goodbye to the billets. It wasn’t just the players shedding some tears, as the billets were also upset that the players had to leave so soon. We then drove back to Los Angeles Airport, and those flying home said goodbye to those staying for some extra time. Everyone was very tired so hopefully all had a good sleep on the plane overnight.

There are lots of stories and hopefully many fond memories from all who toured. 

Thanks again to all who toured and to everyone who let their children attend.

We at BLE hope you all had a “Big League Experience” that will last a lifetime.

Photos................Itinerary