Phillies Wives Organize Charity Auction for the National Audubon Society

Written by Nicole Johnson, Wife to Elliot Johnson

Phillies wives Crystal Durbin and Erin Romero have teamed up to organize a charity auction benefiting the National Audubon Society following the destruction resulting from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Audubon Society is aiding in the coastal restoration and animal cleanup, as well as helping out many who are out of work in the area.

Both wives are from the gulf coast area, the Durbins reside in Baton Rouge, and the Romeros reside in Alabama.

The auction includes several items including player signed bats, 13 signed by the entire team. To learn more about the National Audubon Society, visit mabcornerstore.com.

White Sox Wives Do Some Back to School Shopping

Written by Nicole Johnson, Wife to Elliot Johnson

White Sox Wives Jennifer Konerko and Andrea Thome recently teamed up with Target to do some back to school shopping with some foster kids in need.

The wives are glad to be able to help children that aren't born into the best circumstances, and really enjoyed getting to do some shopping with these kids. Jennifer is especially happy to help with this cause as her parents have housed several foster children.

This is a cause these two women really care about, and they want to use the opportunity to get the word out about foster children and their needs.

Miracles and Baseball

By Ck Egan , wife of Former Radio Guy and General Manager, Rob Egan

When my oldest son was born, my husband immediately had visions of baseball games dancing in his head. Little league games, high school games....lots of cheering from the stands, coaching in the backyard and pick-up games at the playground. Friends and family showered us with countless baseball outfits, sleepers, toys etc. baseball was in the kid's future. When our youngest son was born two years later, the cycle started all over again.


Our boys loved the ballpark from a very young age. It was their own personal playground. They loved running around on the field after the games, they loved all the bats, balls and hats. They were too young to show any real inclination for the sport, but they were definitely familiar with the game. Our youngest son especially, seemed to show some athletic ability. The kid could (and would!) run like the wind. Rob was pleased.


Rob has always been a huge sports fan. Baseball has always been his first love. At a young age, it was apparent (so I'm told.) that Rob lacked much in the way of athletic prowess. What he lacked in skill, he made up for in knowledge. He became a true student of the sport. I think this is why he made such a good broadcaster. He knew the game, and knew it well. He has amazing recall of stats, names, rules etc.


While Rob was accepting of the fact that he was not an athlete, I think he expected to live vicariously through his boys. What parent doesn't do this? Completely normal.
But our boys? Not normal.


At age three-and-a-half our oldest son Drew, was diagnosed with autism. Simple things like waiting his turn or not succeeding the first time, were extremely difficult for Drew to deal with. He also had poor upper body strength and his coordination was lacking.

This is hard news for any parent to hear and accept. In my experience, it's easier for the Mom. Moms are more "ok, that's the problem/issue. Now, what can we do?" Dads, especially with their sons, need to mourn that boy and man they always thought their son would be. For Rob, that was an athlete. Playing baseball was just not in the cards for Drew.

A few years later, our younger son Gabe, was also diagnosed with autism. This diagnosis was harder on both Rob and me. Two? Really? It took a little longer to find our pace, but we did. And once again, there was the mourning period.

Around this time, a new baseball field was being built in town. It was a Miracle League field. This was immediately exciting for us. The Miracle League was the baseball answer for us, as well as many other families in our area. The field is rubberized, and cushioned. Perfect for kids with coordination issues, as well as those who use walkers or wheelchairs. The Miracle League is all-inclusive. Anyone, of any age, who has a disability or special need, can play baseball. At our Miracle League we have athletes with down's syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, blindness and a myriad of other diagnoses. We have children as young as three years old, and adults in the forties.

Everyone bats, everyone gets a hit, and everyone scores a run. There are no outs, and every game ends in a tie. Buddies are provided to help the athletes as well as protect them. We play two innings, singing Take Me Out to The Ballgame in between.
It is an experience everyone should take part in. It is inspiring, heartwarming and fun. The kids are excited to wear their "uniforms" and to be a part of a team.

At the end of the season, every player receives a trophy, with their name engraved on it.
Are our boys gifted baseball players? No, not really. Drew can hit, and his throwing and catching is coming along. Is he ready for little-league? Not so much. Even at age ten, waiting his turn is difficult. Getting tagged out, called out or striking out would be devastating for him. He tends to be a bit of a ball-hog, so fielding would be problematic as well. He proudly plays Miracle League Baseball. He wears the uniform of his Dad's team, the Altoona Curve, and he wears it proudly.

Gabe will likely never play little-league either. I don't think this bothers him a bit. He has no interest in fielding, he just wants to hit and run. If he touches at least two of the bases as he runs by, we consider it a success. Personally, I often think he loves the Miracle League games because of the pretty young girls who often buddy. Eight years old and he's girl crazy to the max.

Miracle League baseball has become an important part of our lives. It gives our boys a chance to play the game that their Dad loves so much and that they spend so much time watching. It's an opportunity to visit with other parents in similar situations. Our (very VERY regular ed.) daughter runs around with the other siblings and cheers on her brothers. It's a wonderful experience for us all.

Miracle league has a wonderful motto:

"Every Child Deserves A Chance to Play Baseball"

I couldn't agree more.


















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Marlins Wives Make $10k Donation to SOS

Written by Nicole Johnson, Wife to Elliot Johnson

The Florida Marlins Wives Fund, a fund within the Florida Marlins Community Foundation, presented a check for $10,000 to the SOS Children's Village during their last homestand against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Judy Sanchez, wife to Gaby Sanchez participated in the event.  110 members of the SOS Children's Village were in attendance at the game, 75 of which were kids from the Village. 

The Ballplayer's Son

Since Daddy plays baseball, people may think our boys must be so into the sport, right?

But, they dig in the dirt during tee-ball, like the others.

They get bored out there, wishing they could bat.

Hitting is the best part of tee-ball, according to the boys.

{That and drink time.}

They throw the dirt in the air and try to catch it with their glove.

They fall at home plate in an attempt to "slide" into home.

And, they play to impress their dad.

Winter Ball Spring Training

Written by Nicole Johnson, Wife to Elliot Johnson

The first 10 days we were here, the Mazatlan Venados were in the "spring training" (fall training?) of their season.  It's similar to spring training in baseball in the states.  More guys than will be on the final roster were fighting for a chance to play some pro ball. 

The difference for us, however, was that Elliot wasn't fighting for a spot on the roster.  He already had a spot.  Elliot came back to the condo every day and told me how he felt like he was being treated like a big league player.  There were exhibition games going on, and Elliot would already be home from his workout hanging out with his family.  In the game he did play in, he had 3 at-bats and then got to leave the field. 

I now understand why so many of my big league friends enjoy spring training so much. 

Praise the Lord for the offseason!

Written by Karie Loman, Wife to Seth Loman

I thought this time would never come, so why am I ready for it to be over already? I just posted on my FB, what has my husband done to me? LOL. I know you can all relate. Seth and I just had our little muffin, Uriah Loman, In July and I was longing for the days we were a family in our own place, eating meals together, watching tv, strolling the park, CHURCH! Now that we have all those things, I found myself lying in bed last night thinking, Is it baseball season yet? Oh my!

Then I took a deep breath and reminded myself how good it felt to be home with family, back in church, and in a house where Seth and I can enjoy eachothers company for a short 5 months.
The playoffs seemed to take forever! Seth and I decided it would be best for uriah and i to fly back, considering he was only 6 weeks old! I was absolutely terrified to fly from NC to NV with him, but Praise the Lord, he did amazing! A bottle at take off and at landing did the trick! I have heard horror stories on traveling with their youngin's, however, I asked for help! Dont be afraid to ask the flight attendants to help you with your stroller, your diaper bag, YOUR BABY! They usually are super nice and really willing to help. Also, throw up a few prayers before you travel. God is gracious and knows what you can handle.
When we landed in Las Vegas, I was so relieved! The desert never looked so beautiful! The rocks, the dirt, it was all a happy dream to me! I called Seth and rubbed it in his face that he had 4 weeks to go and I was driving on the 215! But can i say, those were the longest 4 weeks of our lives! We didnt end up winning the play offs, and can I say without feeling guilty, I wasnt too upset? Of course I wanted to see the boys get their championship ring, but the selfish part of me wanted my husband home and to be a family again! After those 4 weeks we decided that we would not be apart for long periods of time if we absolutely didn't have to be! During the season or the off season! Im thankful Uriah will be old enough come spring training to travel with. Those first few months having a baby during the season are tough!
Seth finally made his way home, and after a few days of rest he is back on the grind! Working his little tail off to provide for his family, and I am so incredibly blessed and proud of him! God is working in so many ways it's incredible! Ladies, im not exagerating when I say to you that Seth and I came back with NOTHING! We had drained our savings when I had the baby because I was no longer doing hair, so we knew that we were going to have to borrow some money from our parents to get us over the hump before Seth started working again. However, his parents, both living the minor league and major league lifestyle, really wanted to see God build our testimony like He did for them. So they were willing to help us, most definitely, but prayed and we all asked God to provide the money we needed rather than us relying on other people. And I say this to you with so much joy and truth, God provided OVER AND ABUNDANT what we needed to pay our first months rent, groceries, our bills and we did not have to borrow a dime! Its such a testimony builder and we have learned to rely on God more than we ever have in the past! So can I offer some encouragement to those of you in the minor leagues in the financial situation we are in? God is our provider!!! He is our Jehovah Jireh! Our Provider! Trust Him, tithe regularly and watch God move! He can provide more than any family member can, government can, or any of the sort! And he is still providing!

With all that being said, I am excited the off season has finally come. Gods showing up in HUGE ways and I am excited to see all the neat things He is going to do during these next few months how He is going to use Seth and I as a family to reach out and touch those in the Vegas Valley!

Love and Blessings to all you wives. I pray your enjoying your off season as much as we are and yet I still leave you with this famous quote....

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby

Twins Wives Raise $10,000 for Wadena

Written by Nicole Johnson, Wife to Elliot Johnson

The quilt that the Twins wives put together auctioned off for six thousand dollars, and the wives contributed another four thousand to aid in the rebuilding of youth baseball fields in the town of Wadena, MN.  The quilt had autographs of each of the players and coaches on it and a Home Run Hanky from the inaugural first season.  The ten thousand is in addition to another ten thousand donated by the combination of the Twins and a Field for Kids grant. 

My Two Lives

Written by Courtney O'Connor, Wife to Mike O'Connor

My name is Courtney O’Connor, and I am both a career woman and a baseball wife. With that being said, I have never been a full-time baseball wife and traveled with my husband. I struggle with this weird dichotomy every day.

I visit my husband every few weeks, and I rarely fit in with the other baseball wives. I can’t completely relate because I have never been a full-time baseball wife. At the same time, the full-time baseball wives can’t completely relate to me either. Sometimes I am questioned as to why I work or why I don’t support my husband full-time, and I tend to get defensive because I take pride in the sacrifices I’ve made to be both a baseball wife and a career woman. I want it all.

Mike and I met at George Washington University in Washington DC in 2000 when we were both 20 years old. We started dating our senior year of college right before September 11, 2001. We spent the entire day of September 11th together glued to the TV. We literally watched smoke pour out of the Pentagon from the window of our dorm. As our senior year of college came to a close, Mike mentioned that he might get drafted. I was completely blindsided because we were both finance majors and had both been interviewing for “real jobs.”

Mike got drafted in the 7th round of the 2002 draft by the Montreal Expos. Not too shabby considering he was never a highly touted college player nor did he go to a big baseball school. He played A ball from 2002 to 2005. By 2005, everyone was asking me when he was going to give up baseball and get a real job. Fast forward to 2006, he skipped AA, started the year in AAA, and three weeks later got called up to the big leagues with the Washington Nationals. He was playing in the city where we met, went to school, and lived. It was great having him “home.” Mike subsequently had a couple of injuries, but he spent about a year in big leagues from 2006 to 2008. This past year Mike played for the Buffalo Bisons (AAA for the Mets). He had a fantastic year, but he didn’t get the call despite his 2.67 ERA. Regardless, I had a fabulous summer watching Mike pitch online (via Gameday) and touring the International league a few weekends a month. Mike is headed to the Dominican Republican next week for winter ball. Ironically, I am headed to Los Angeles for business.

I love my husband dearly and have been extremely supportive over the years, but I have never been able to pull the plug on my career, education, dreams, or my own independence for baseball. I have a great job that I got by working hard and putting in a lot of time and effort. I carefully plotted out my college years and had an internship almost every semester, including one on Capitol Hill for Senator Joe Biden (now Vice President Biden). I studied abroad in Florence, Italy for a semester to take a break from my business courses. I learned Italian, took Art History classes, and traveled throughout Europe. Upon graduation, I worked as a Financial Analyst for America Online (AOL). For the past 6 years, I’ve worked for Marriott International at their corporate headquarters. I currently work in the Development, Planning & Feasibility group evaluating new hotel developments and potential hotel acquisitions, as well as asset management of existing hotels. I like the stability of working for a Fortune 500 company given the instability and uncertainty of baseball.

There are days that I really want to throw in the towel on my job and career, but I figure we’ve made it through 9 seasons already. What’s a few more? I really love my husband and my career. Our unique situation has made us a stronger couple, and as a result, we have a very solid marriage. After more than 9 years together (and apart due to baseball), we are more madly in love today than ever. Distance truly does make the heart grow fonder.

Blissful

Willie has been home for 3 weeks and for now, all has been absolutely wonderful!

He has been fishing everyday with the kids, even showing our youngest how to hold her

fishing pole.

He has been coaching tee-ball for our 3 year old.

And he has been enjoying time with our kindergardener.

Our adjustment period has come and gone, and surprisingly, it was much easier this time through. Perhaps, after 8 seasons together, we are getting used to it?

Or maybe these little kids have kept us so busy that there is little time to adjust?

In any case, we are living the life we have dreamed of during baseball season. It's these times that I must remember during the grueling season of long absences and single-parenting.

Because this, is pure bliss.