All-Star Weekend

We started out last week with Veracruz. We took two of three from them and I was dancing through the games, really feeling in the zone. I looked at my swings from the games and noticed something else I could get better at. When I make my stride sometimes I bend at the waiste a little, which causes my bat path to be longer or more indirect to the ball. The taller I stay the more direct and simple my path to the ball is. Beautiful.
I used the idea in the All-Star game and had success with it, driving in the first run for our team. The game ended in a 5-5 tie. Both teams played hard and the overall experience was good. I really enjoyed talking with the other players about ball or just joking around. I had a really cool conversation with a 37 year old Japanese player about hitting. During the few times we've played Mendoza I noticed he and I have similar swings and probably philosophies. I got a chance to speak with him before yesterday's game. After telling him I much how much I enjoyed watching him swing and agreeing upon a few things, he started to share with me some of his key points. He recommended visually seeing the ball as long as possible. In your mind it has to be slow to see it for a long time. Also at contact the swing should be at 100%, but not before. He and I both agreed many players start swinging at 100% too early which cause them to miss hit pitches. He also told me he noticed sometimes I overstride, but only sometimes. I listened and tried not to get too excited. I love talking about hitting, especially when it's someone who is so effortless and efficient with their swing.
Probably the best part of All-Star weekend was the publicity I got. This morning my coach was telling me how well they were speaking of me on TV last night. The were saying I could play in the Mexican League during the regular season. Just last week I was asking him how I could land a job here in the summer. He told me it would be difficult because I am a middle infielder and a foreigner with not a lot of experience at the higher levels. In my heart I know I could play at that level, but just need the opportunity. All weekend I was talking to everyone I could; managers, scouts, and radio to help my chances of finding a job here in the summer. Who knows what the future holds, but the Lord has his hand in all of this. Knowing that gives me peace, joy and thanks.
I've been thinking of my plans after this winter and next season. Hopefully I'll be able to come home and transition into training and lessons ASAP. I would like to have a facility and a schedule ready to go as soon as I get back to Texas. I'll be working on that the last month or so I'm in here in Mexico. Hope all is well there. Enjoy Thanksgiving with family and frieds. Eat a plate for me. Momma save me some pie. MMMM!