Jackie Robinson Park

So, here is the story about a kid that STOLE (no baseball pun intended) my heart away a few summers ago... Casey Kotofsky. He is the son of Jeff and Jyll Katofsky, the owners of the Orem OWLZ baseball team.
If ever there was a kid that you could just be OH SO PROUD of, it is him.

At a recent summer baseball game in Ogden Utah, the subject of dirt collecting came up. (ya, go figure!) When I mentioned that I collected it and needed some from WHEREEVER anyone goes, the Katofsky kid jumped at the chance and told me how he had been to quite a few places! Not only traveled and hung out, but had also played ball there too.

You see, this boy is MULTI TALENTED! He couldn't pass up a chance to add to my collection and returned this week with a sample from the Jackie Robinson Park where he pitched this past season. To read more about Jackie Robinson the ball player you can visit http://www.jackierobinson.com/.

Casey gave me this dirt last night at the field and was not a bit camera shy about this photo op too! The dirt is bright red and OBVIOUSLY from a ballpark. I look forward to getting more trading cards with his autograph...(he probably doesn't remember, but he gave me one of his 3 years ago and simply signed it... to my star)... and more importantly, more dirt from his travels. This kid is going far to say the least! Thanks Casey!

Rancho Cucamonga

Recently, the baseball season started. Along with new players coming and going, I have the privilege of meeting their parents as well. Some stay longer than others, but even if it is for a brief amount of time, it is always fun to get to know them.

Enter the Wing Family.

Michael played in Orem near the end of the 2008 season. He lived with us for that short amount of time, and his impact on the team was felt immediately, but for our family it was even more. He kept in touch during the off season and when he went to the Dominican Republic for fall ball. Of course, my staying in touch with him was for purely selfish reasons...I needed dirt from the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes' home field! And my efforts paid off! His parents Damon and Laura came to visit Michael this season and with them they brought me this dirt sample.

It even had a little additional "turf". They live in Rancho and of course, are seasoned veterans at attending baseball games too! They plan to visit later in the season, and hopefully will be able to fulfill my request for dirt from Anaheim Stadium. It will complete the entire collection for fields that the boys of summer play on while on their journey from rookie ball to the BIG LEAGUES.

Thank you Wing family! You, (and the VERY cool t shirts) are very much appreciated.

Michael will no doubt leave a lasting impression on the Orem Owlz team as well as in the hearts of the Ridley Clan.