Way to go Brew Crew!!! Stay hot!

Wanted to tell a story that happened at a ballgame the other night.  I took my family to an Angels game.  We were playing the Seattle Mariners.  Normally we have a good group that sits around us in our seats.  When I say good group, I mean people that are baseball savvy.  You know, the kind of people who understand the way the game is supposed to be played.  Well, apparently someone in our group gave his tickets to a mo-ron. 

Now, by mo-ron I mean a guy that brings his kids to the game to teach them the way NOT to behave at a baseball game.  This guy is screaming and yelling and telling the umpire which pitches were balls and strikes.  Just for reference we sit in the second level, which are great seats for someone who wants to get a 
full perspective on the game but not close enough to have any idea about whether a 95 mph fast ball cut the corner or not.  I always figured the man standing right behind home plate has the best vantage point on a call like that.  Anyway. this yahoooo is swilling beer and booing everything. Everyone around this guy is getting irritated and the ushers aren’t doing anything.  But lets face it, the ushers are a lot like the UN…they are there but they really can’t do anything.  Well, if you have ever wondered if there are baseball gods, worry no more. 

About the sixth inning this guy is in full swing when a left handed batter for the Mariners comes up.  Now where we sit, we get two kinds of foul balls.  Those lazy pop fly fouls and then the ball that comes at you on a rope.  Ervin Santana delivers the pitch…the batter swings and ropes a foul ball right into our section…the drunk stands up to try and catch it.  With no glove he puts his hands up and as if all the gods in baseball were working on this, the ball comes directly to him, hits his hands, goes through is grip and drills him in the chest.  Normally, in our group there would be concern over the health of someone having to go through this.  The entire section cheered as he was knocked back into his seat and a kid right behind him caught the deflection. 

I think it is truly American to take your kids to the ballgame.  In fact, it should be a law!  However, when you take your kids remember they mimic what they learn.  Needless to say, the rest of game was enjoyable as we watched this "fan" rub his chest for the next 3 innings. 

Well, peace my friends and remember…someone is always watching you.

Bill Engvall

Click Here

Many have asked where I’ve been hanging out before and after games.  Mostly, I’ve been grinding in my apartment but on the occasions I’ve been out on the town, there have been a few spots worth mentioning…for your approval, of course. 

The 4th Base was great.  Loved the food, service and atmosphere.  The smoke chokes a little but it’s my kind of place and I was impressed that the wait staff remembers your name.  It’s close to the ballpark and offers a solid education on all things Milwaukee.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time at the Champps in Brookfield.  It’s big, it’s new, the food is good and the flat screen, hi-def TV’s make me want to move in.  Easy to follow multiple games and have some chow.  One day, I was there so long I ate lunch and dinner without leaving.  I watched games and golf between meals while reading the sports pages.  That was a good day.

I’ve hit "Friday’s Front Row Grill" after games a few times as well.  Great spot. Convenient, very convenient.

Being "out" is nice, but the best meal I’ve had in Milwaukee was "in" at Brewers TV director Mitch Riggin’s house.  Can’t beat dinner, a ballgame and live music!  If you’re at Miller Park and you want to get on TV, Mitch is the guy to talk to…you better like the video link below, however, or you can forget it.

Here are some other recommendations from the blogworld:

Bill writes: "If you want some good Tex-Mex, La Perla is your spot."

Mike writes: "…remember a couple of things: When someone says "’Stallis", they mean "West Allis", when they say "Cudahee" they mean "Cudahy", a "bubbler" is a water fountain and if you really want to win their hearts mention Brett Favre a lot and walk around the parking lot before games with a circa 1980 George Bameberger jersey and sample the cuisine.  The only places to hang out is Wolski’s (just ask Matt Vasgersian and Drew Olson), anywhere on the east side, or Milwaukee Ale House (not my fav, but you will like the music)."

Sheila offers the "Water Street Grill" in Delafield.

Marc says: "Forget bars, a lot brat before a game will get you right where you need to be!"

And, Jeff Suppan suggests "Soup’s Grill" in SoCal…when it opens this summer.  I’ve got the house account!

Any others?  Bring ’em on.  Click on the comments icon below.

BA

This is for my guy Mitch, Check it out: CLICK

Brewers, Bill, Braun, Brennaman, Bro, BA, and Buddy…welcome to the alliteration station.

The first road trip is in the books and the Brewers made it a success.  It’s always good to win more than you lose away from your home ballpark. 

The mailbox is filling up with Bill Hall and Ryan Braun thoughts/comments/suggestions.  It’s too early to panic on Hall in center.  He’s going to make some mistakes but as I said on the air, he’s a great athlete, a great character-guy, and he has high expectations of his outfield defense…I’m not betting against him.  Let’s revisit the center field saga in June.  Hopefully, Hall will have made it a non-issue by then.  As for Ryan Braun, he is "raking" in Triple-A.  But, we knew he’d hit.  I’m told his third base play has been solid.  His time is coming but he needs more reps in the minor leagues.  It’s too risky to bring him up before he’s ready.  His bat is special but the Brewers can win without him.  How bout we hope for the Brewers to run away with the division, call up Braun in September, get him acclimated to Big League life and watch him win Rookie of the Year in 2008?  I know you like the sound of that.  Ryan Braun hears about such expectations every day.  That’s a big burden to bear for a young player, so be patient.

The trip to Cincinnati was special for me.  It was great to see Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman again.  In 1993, during my brother’s brief trip to the big leagues with the Reds, Marty Brennaman brought me to his booth after he heard I was interested in broadcasting.  I was still in college but brother Mike asked Marty if he could let me "hang" for a day.  Marty obliged and once I saw him work in person, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life.  Now, 14 years later, he was the first person I sought out in Cincinnati.  I was ready to re-introduce myself and remind him of our past but before I could say a word, he greeted me like an old friend…remembering it all while offering a hearty "welcome to the club!"  He knew all about my trek through the minor leagues, the Golf Channel and now the Brewers.  I got a glimpse into a Hall of Famer’s window 14 years ago and to share the same press box with him is beyond cool.  I’m glad he’s getting a chance to work with his equally talented son, Thom, all over again Cincinnati.

Seeing the Brennamans reminded me of how many doors my brother, Mike, opened for me.  Mike was an undrafted pitcher, signed out of a "cattle call" tryout camp.  He fought his way to the Major Leagues and put me in some great company along the way.  He’s a big reason I’m here.  Twenty years after that tryout camp, Mike is still in the game.  He’s a pitching coach in the Texas Rangers organization (Bakersfield – Cal league) and I have no doubt he’ll be in the big leagues soon.  There is a growing list of pitchers that my big bro has helped develop into Major Leaguers.  His story is blog-worthy on its own.  Perhaps next time.

Thanks for the all of the great comments and encouraging words.  Let’s hope the Brew Crew can get a win streak started.  See you on TV!

BA

Everybody needs a little Buddy sometimes. Enjoy!  CLICK.

Please feel free to send your thoughts/questions by clicking the "Comments" icon below.

Well, well, well…the baseball gods have smiled upon Milwaukee.  Due to the lovely weather in Cleveland which, by the way, I think would have been hysterical to watch a baseball game in that snow. Just think of the fun of starting your slide 20 feet from the base or homeplate and then sliding right on in to the backstop or into outfield. I think that we are missing a real opportunity here. Although I would not want to foul tip a ball or take one inside on the small part of the bat. Yeeesh!  It brings back memories of being a kid in the freezing cold and some dork would flick your ear. The vendors could sell for that one week Cleveland Indian ear muffs and scarves and parkas. 

Heck, why stop there Cleveland Indian thermal underwear.  Anyway, I digress.  You the Milwaukee baseball fans get a chance to see in your beautiful ball park the spectacular Angels baseball club, you must be giddy with excitement.  I know Brian is jealous that he can’t be there.  He’s miserable sitting on the beach in Miami.  Oh well, good luck and remember it could be worse, you could be in Cleveland

Here’s your sign…Go Brew Crew!

Bill Engvall

The first week of the season has passed and I have enjoyed every minute of it in the booth.  I could not have dreamed up a more perfect Opening Day scenario than the Ben Sheets masterpiece versus the Dodgers.  The energy in Miller Park was off the charts.  Opening Day was by far the busiest day I have ever experienced in my career.  From TV and radio interviews, personal appearances and preparing for my own call of the game, most of my MLB debut anxiety had no chance to creep in.  The game was over before I knew it and I can barely remember a thing outside the final inning.

The highlight of the opening series for me was to share the press box with three Hall of Fame broadcasters.  Bob Uecker, Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrin.  Combined, these three legends have spent 142 years in the booth…and all with one team.  Vin Scully recommended I keep this gig, reminding me that, "the job pays well and noooo heavy lifting…" as only Vin Scully can say it.  He is such a gracious man. 

While the opening homestand has been the headliner, I think I’ve answered more golf questions than baseball questions with the playing of the year’s first major, The Masters.  The proud new owner of the green jacket is Zach Johnson.  A guy I covered closely in 2003 while he played on the Nationwide Tour.  He was the Player of the Year on that Tour in ’03 and kudos to my ex-Golf Channel partner Curt Byrum, who accurately predicted at the time that Zach would not only win on the PGA Tour (which he did immediately in Atlanta in ’04) but that he would contend for Major’s.  Now, four years later, Curt was right and Zach Johnson has played his way from the mini-tour’s to the Butler Cabin…earning golf’s most coveted title. 

In my opinion, to go toe-to-toe with Tiger on the back nine of Augusta National on Championship Sunday at the Masters…and come out on top…is one of the most impressive feats in ALL of sports.  Zach is one of the greatest character-guys I have ever known.  A man of faith and a bulldog of a competitor, it’s only fitting he won on Easter Sunday. 

Enough about golf…the first road trip of the year begins Monday.  An eight game, nine day, three city roadie.  Let’s hope the Brewers can put a good run together.  See you on TV.

BA

Here is a tune you might like…a little on the pop side but they pass the acoustic test with this performance.  If you can write it, play it and sing it…I’m a fan: Click here

Have you ever wondered what the Greyhound would do if he ever caught the rabbit?  Would he be disappointed?  I think he would race again because the chase is just as fun as the catch.  As we get ready to start the new season, I kind of feel like that mutt.  I have caught a big league bunny with this job.  My dream job.  But, now we move to the "keeping" portion of the race. 

Many have asked what my emotions are going to be like before the first telecast.  Well, I’ll tell you…nervous, excited, uncomfortable, humbled, fearful to name a few.  Every announcer wants to be liked and I’m no different.  Likability is what keeps us talking heads employed.  But, it’s not about me.  My voice, my style, is what it is.  My pledge.  My priority…is to make sure my Brewers still sound like your Brewers (at least the TV version).  Day by day, night after night.  A wise producer once told me, "An announcer cannot make a bad game great…but he can make a great game bad."  I agree with that.  My goal is to help keep the great games great and the bad games watchable.  Let’s hope the bad eggs are few and far between. 

I believe this team has a chance to win a lot.  Talent matters and the Crew has plenty.  Especially the pitching.  We asked Bill Hall the other day if he’s ready for 162 (number of games in a season).  He said with a smile: "At least!"  I love hearing that.  He’s expecting more than 162 and that’s what you want to hear from your leader.  All of the Brewers are expecting more this year.  There is a quiet confidence in that clubhouse and I can’t wait to watch this team attempt to cash in on the expectations. 

So, here’s to a new race!  On the field and in the booth.  It’s Opening Day…the greatest Opening Day of my career!  Hope you enjoy Brewers TV this season. 

BA

And…for good luck.  My guy…SRV.  Click here

One week to go before the Crew heads North! 

Make sure you take note of the Brewers "On Deck" event planned for your enjoyment Sunday, April 1st.  It’s a FREE event at Miller Park.  The "On Deck" will not be televised this year but the entire TV crew will be there.  We’ll be potato- sack racing to build unity and producer John Walsh will be practicing yelling at Bill and me to "READ THE PROMO" to get us ready for the first telecast.  The players will be there, too…shaking hands, kissing babies and signing autographs before they hit the field for a public workout in the afternoon. 

Some questions to be answered:

For Melam: Joe Thatcher is a great story.  Certainly a guy you root for.  It would not surprise me if he pitched in the Big Leagues this year.  I watched him from the stands Saturday and he is filthy!  He throws NOTHING straight.  He has a natural cutter that breaks away from lefties and into righties.  From what I’ve seen, he hasn’t shown an "away breaking" pitch to righties but he’s a difficult guy to square up on as a hitter which means you can ditch the radar gun and look at results.  It’s rare for a club to call a guy out of minor league camp halfway through spring training so he definitely has the Brewers attention.  They might be making a "Disney" movie about Joe Thatcher one day!

For (too many to count): I know the Direct TV deal is a bummer for many of you.  This decision came from MLB so you can direct your complaints to the mothership.  If you’re anti-Direct TV, you can still watch every Brewer TV game and listen to every Brewer radio game on the web.  Just sign up for the MLB.TV Premium package at MLB.com.  The picture/sound clarity is good with a high speed connection and you can watch/listen at your own leisure since every game is archived after live play.  It’s less expensive than the Extra Innings package, as well.

For Steve at mybrewers.mlblogs.com: I’ve spent some long nights on the web trying to cram four decades of Brewer history in my bean.  Milwaukee World Series teams show up every 25 years so I hope the trend continues in 2007…then is broken in 2008.  Overall, soaking up Brewer lore is a slow process.  I try to pick up as much as I can day by day but I’m not going to pretend I’m an expert.  I can spit out facts all day but to really know it is to live it.  I don’t start "living" it until I get to Milwaukee.  Foundation first, then the house.  I’m trying to build a solid foundation and so far, the process with the current ballclub and front office has been smooth.   

For Javier: Yes we’ve added to the TV announcing crew but Bill and I will call every game whether it’s on FSN North or WMLW (140 games total).  As far as the outfield situation…be patient.  You have to feel for Laynce Nix.  He strained a muscle in his side at the worst possible time.  Tony Gwynn, Jr. is silky smooth in the outfield and I know the Brewers like him.  It’s NEVER a bad thing to have a surplus…especially if you have to address a need.  I’m sure Doug Melvin has been busy fielding calls.  There are a few teams with outfield needs.  If nothing shakes…Frank Kremblas is going to have quite an crew in Triple-A Nashville.  Stay tuned. 

For Brett and Kevin in Milwaukee.  Marc wants you two to know that "he is the #1 Brewers fan in Rock Hill, SC and that if he could be at the games, he too would boo every time anyone but Ryan Braun, potential NL Rookie of the Year, takes 3rd Base."  Marc gets credit the most creative Ryan Braun comment…there coming in fast.  Ryan Braun’s time is near.  Too risky to bring him up now with such a young infield already.  He swings a golden bat.  But if you bring him up and he struggles defensively, his bat will bear the burden and then you have two spills to clean up.  I’ve watched Braun take fungoes at third and he picks it just fine and his throws are accurate.  But he struggles in the games.  That means he’s pressing…and if he’s pressing at Maryvale, what happens at Miller Park?  Let him get some innings under his belt in the Minor Leagues then he’ll be a Brewer with a bullet.

Thanks for all of the questions and comments.  I’ll get to more on the webcasts this week.  I’ve got a new home address…it says "WI".  Cool!  See you all on TV April 2nd.

BA

Ok…here’s a Hall of Fame entry to ease touchy nerves from last week. Click here.  Enjoy?

We’re halfway through the Cactus League schedule and I’ve already had enough of Spring Training.  Opening Day can’t get here soon enough.  I’m ready for rosters to be set, lineups to be established, games to count, numbers to matter, and seventh inning "line changes" to disappear.

The closer we get to April 2nd and the Brewers opener versus the Dodgers, the more anxious I am.  The baseball, the crowds, Miller Park…all reasons for such anticipation.  But one subject that has me particularly interested is the much talked about Miller Park tailgating scene! 

I used to be an expert tailgater.  Then I began a career in sports and now I have to work before and after games.  I love my job but I could’ve turned pro in "hanging out."  I love to sit around and yap with good friends and good chow at a stadium.  I come from a long line of parking lot squatters.  High school football, baseball, and Texas Longhorn games were our regular stops as a kid.  We’d pack an illegal amount of people in the RV, plow our way to the stadium lots and set up shop.  Sometimes, we even made it to the game!  It was a guarantee…the dad’s would get stupid, the mom’s would get offended, and the kids would get grounded. Then, we’d rinse and repeat the very next week.  What great memories.  Stories for a lifetime. 

Even Texans know Wisconsin tailgating is legendary…and we think we invented everything.  I’ve heard it from just about everyone who knows anything about the Milwaukee Brewers…the tailgating at Miller Park is a must experience.  I’m looking forward to checking out the scene.  I’ve already made a few warm up stops in the Maryvale lots this spring.  But now I’m ready to see the main dish at Tailgater Park this season.

So feel free to share your stories and detail the rules of engagement.  Two weeks to go…we’re sending a camera crew your way so save ’em a spot.

BA

Here’s a tailgater tune with an edge…a new CCR: CLICK HERE

Send your thoughts/questions.  Just click on the "comments" icon below.

It’s TV time for the 2007 Milwaukee Brewers.  Saturday (March 10) kicks off the first of three televised Spring Training games from Maryvale Baseball Park.  Jeff Suppan is scheduled to pitch for the Crew versus the Diamondbacks.  Nice…I already love that guy.  Suppan is a broadcaster’s dream.  Works fast, throws strikes, and is a great interview.  You’ll be hearing from a number of other Brewers players and coaches "live" during the telecast as well. 

Bill Schroeder and I have done a week’s worth of webcasts and it has been big help for me.  I needed to knock a little baseball play-by-play rust off after four years with The Golf Channel.  The new Pards and I have had a great chance to get used to each other on the air.  It always takes a little while to learn each others rhythm but honestly, it’s been easy so far.  I put Bill Schroeder right at the top of the list, with Curt Byrum (TGC) and Sean Elliott (Spurs TV), as the most compatible TV partners I’ve ever worked with.  I’ve stepped on his oversized feet a few times but it’s been a smooth dance overall. 

Obviously, calling webcasts, which is essentially a radio call, is play-by-play oriented.  I believe this style of play-by-play is the most creative outlet for a sports announcer.  I’ve been yapping away because I have to.  Without the accounts and descriptions (with the express written consent of Major League Baseball, of course) the audience is in the dark. In radio, the pxp-man leads and the analyst follows. 

But, in television, it’s just the opposite.  The pictures provide the facts and the analyst drives the bus.  There is plenty of "play calling" involved but it’s mostly up to the pxp-man, producer, and director to weave the broadcast around what the analyst sees on the field.  We all contribute, but there is only one man on the crew who has played in the Major League’s and ultimately, that’s where the subject matter begins and ends. 

Saturday will also be my first game with Brewers TV producer John Walsh.  John, aka Johny Sweatsalot, is one of the most highly regarded producer’s in the FSN family.  I’m looking forward to getting some reps with him and the rest of the production crew before we tee it up for real April 2nd.  You can catch the Brewers on FSN North Saturday at 2pm CST, then Monday, March 19, on TV-41 WMLW (Cubs) and Wednesday, March 22, on FSN North (Rockies).  Also, be looking out for a Season Preview Show on FSN North in late March.  Otherwise, we’ll see you on the webcasts and thanks for the steady stream of questions at broadcast@brewers.com.

See you on TV!

BA

Perhaps a diamond in the rough offered up by Lazr4…I like ’em. Enjoy! CLICK HERE

Please feel free to offer your thoughts/questions by clicking on the "comments" icon below.

So far so good in Brewers camp.  The Crew is throwing around some serious lumber in the early going.  A few bumps and strains but, overall, the health of the team is very good.  The health of the announcers is also very good.  I’m trying to get a little fatter (preparing for next winter) and "Rock" Schroeder is on a mission to lose 20 lbs before April 1st.  After three days in Arizona, he now has to lose 25 lbs.  Calling baseball again has been an absolute blast.  I can’t describe to you, without sounding like a total wuss, how blessed I am to get a chance to call Brewers games.

You can thank Tyler Barnes for arranging the FREE webcasts.  In a related note, plans are in the works for a charity fundraiser to replace the six months worth of paychecks that Tyler will no longer be receiving.  Way to take one for the team TB!

We’ve enjoyed taking emails during the games [broadcast@brewers.com].  They’re coming in fast so remember, questions only. Short and sweet.  I’m not smart enough, nor talented enough to read long email’s and call the game at the same time.  We certainly don’t want to miss any action so save the filibusters for the blog and keep ’em tight. 

With that in mind…allow me to respond to a few now:

To Crew82: On the Blog…18 Spring Training webcasts, 140 regular season TV games + playoffs…believe me, you’ll hear PLENTY of Brewers "X’s and O’s" from my trap.  The blog is for the "side" stuff and the mailbag.

Glad to see there are so many "Texas" Music fans out there…it’s an acquired taste, for sure.  I’ll keep the links coming and I’ll search for a better video player.
To Jskill: My starting 9 of Texas ‘tonkers:
1) Pat Green
2) Jack Ingram
3) Reckess Kelly
4) Robert Earl Keen
5) Cross Canadian Ragweed
6) Cory Morrow
7) Mickey and the Motor Cars
8) Charlie Robison/Bruce Robison (platoon)
9) Kevin Fowler
Manager: Willie
Here’s a great station in New Braunfels, Texas if you’re into it. CLICK.

To Megan: I like all kinds of music, not just the "hick" stuff.  From Switchfoot to Haggard to Zeppelin to Bach.  I just can’t do most of what’s on the pop charts.  I try to stick with artist’s who can write it AND play it.  My music inventory would make you laugh.

To Adam and Rob: Good work on The Brewer Nation.  Way to keep it sharp.  I like your breakdown’s and while I’m not a big stats guy, I am all for numbers that tell a good story.  If I ever say a .300 hitter is "3 for his last 10,"  Shoot me!  Yessir, I am truly living a dream but keep that between us.  I’m applying an unhealthy dose of paranoia to my daily work so as to wipe this stupid grin off my face.

To Delaats:  Thanks for the current Milwaukee weather update.  Slap!  BUT, having actually fried a summer egg on my street back home, I can’t wait to experience that glorious Milwaukee summer.  As for the winter, it’s a pretty safe bet my heating bill will be the highest in Wisconsin history. 

Note: I’m working on an outing for Brewers fans.  An "extended" January defrost-fest in Austin (Hyatt Lost Pines Resort). Interested?  Golf, live music, fishing, etc…

To hchutch:  Dead ball and dead bird, right?  In a related story, I once played golf with Detroit Tiger great Lance Parrish…he hit a 3-wood into a large oak tree, dropping a bird…a bird that appeared to have chirped his last chirp.  Except moments later, spooked bird rallied, shook it off, and staggered away.  Sometimes par is better than a birdie!

To Germany Julian:  Thanks for the nice comments and so glad to hear you’re going the extra (kilometer) to stay connected to the Crew.  Keep ’em coming!

Home Run call entries…that I’ll never use:
from Michael: "Clean up in aisle 3, section 102."
from Giffy…a golf theme: "Fore right."  Or "Fore left."
from hurles12: "More cowbell, please!" Or, any other "Cow" reference.
from Big Rygg: "Baseball, I bid you a fond farewell. Good night, now!"
from pigzig: "ha-ha!"  (Nelson-style, from The Simpson’s). 

To Marty G:  You’ve got $1,350 coming your way.  Put it on Chorizo and double your money!

To Spring Valley Brad: For a 1:05 game, the Brewers will start surfacing on the field around 11am.  The visiting team, unless coming from Tucson, will do their work on their own field then bus over.

To Luke: Bill and I both keep a scorebook during the games.  Keeping a scorebook is a lost art, I’m glad you still do it at the games.  I couldn’t do a game without it.  Mine is more like a pitchers chart.  I’ll scan a copy of my book and post it here soon so you can check it out.  I doubt you’ll be able to read it but I agree, it’s always interesting to see how others score a game.

Thanks all.  Play ball.
BA

Here’s a legend.  Enjoy: CLICK HERE