By Bill Kristoph

When I think of the FSU baseball games I watched last weekend, the only thing I can think to say is, “Thank God I went to the women’s softball doubleheader on Saturday.” The great job done by the Lady ‘Noles over the weekend, was the only fun thing I was able to watch, thanks to the Seminole baseball team’s lack of enthusiasm and experience. How on earth can the ‘Noles be playing this badly? Congratulations to Georgia Tech on making history and sweeping the ‘Noles at home, but seriously how much of an accomplishment is it?’,'Friday night’s drubbing was sad. The best ball I saw played on Saturday occurred between 12pm and 5pm at the Softball Complex. To be honest I think we need to suit the girl up to play the rest of the baseball schedule. I’d like to see some of the guys try to hit van der Linden on the softball field. Speaking of her, there’s nothing better than a pitcher that is willing to throw inside and van der Linden certainly is not afraid. Congrats to her on being ACC player of the week (again).

Saturday, baseball was only salvaged by non-baseball things. Tallahassee’s Best Sports Deli served up some great burritos and an entertaining game of horseshoes thanks to some FSU Rugby players. I also enjoyed a nice cardiac basket with some friends post-game at the 4th Quarter. Congrats to DeCarlo Thomspon though, he did a great job in the last two innings of the game. Maybe next time Mike Martin won’t send the poor kid out the bullpen in the 1st inning and then not let him in the game until the 7th.

Sunday’s game was close (7-6). Sunday’s game also featured an hour delay in the 9th inning. Sunday was really hot. All of that equates to an early exit and finishing up the game in the car on the way home. I figured it couldn’t hurt to leave, I obviously wasn’t helping any!

My only suggestion for the rest of the season; if you want to see some quality ball played, check out the Seminole softball team.

By Bill Kristoph

Hey Seminole fans! Georgia Tech is in town this weekend to play #12 FSU and this series has heavy ACC implications. The unranked Wramblin’ Wreck are looking to sting the Seminoles on their way through ACC play. Will GT continue to flirt with a fielding percentage record? Have the Seminoles found their stride after a 16-4 drubbing of the rival Gators?

Key players to watch:

Georgia Tech:
#22 Micah Owings. At 6-5, 225 the Yellow Jacket sophomore is a beast in the cleanup position this season. He has 12 home runs (2nd on the team has five) and 44 RBIs. He’s also the probable Friday night pitcher.

#3 Eric Patterson. He’s batting .333 and has 28 stolen bases. If he’s on base, the Seminoles had better pay attention to him.

Florida State:
#4 Stephen Drew. Do I really need to say anything here? Just watch some video of his towering home run against the ‘Gators.

#22 Rhett James. The new Sunday starter has been pitching well and shutting down the opposition’s bats. He only has 1 loss on the season and 53Ks. Sounds good for Seminole fans.

Friday’s and Saturday’s games will be televised live on Sunshine Network at 7pm. All three games can be heard in Tallahassee on 1270AM WFLA. If you have time stop by the Sports Deli near Doak Campbell stadium and pick up a sausage burrito before the game!

By: Joe Cala (JoeSeminole18)

Realists beware; blind homers take notice. Tired of the same dull, drab articles that you read everywhere else about this writer’s take on the game? Well, here I am. I’m here to provide the fan’s view, without the political correctness that everyone else is forced to write with. In part one of my (hopefully ongoing) series, I’m going to be talking about Seminole Basketball and why the future is brighter then ever.’,'Adios Tim Pickett. See ya Nate Johnson. One might see that the ‘Noles are losing Pickett and just simply assume that they’re in big trouble next season: but we’re not. These people do not understand what type of talent Head Coach Leonard Hamilton is bringing into Tallahassee. Coming off a recruiting period that saw Coach Hamilton grab the Nation’s best recruiting class, he’s poised to bring in another stellar class. With Jason Rich, Isaiah Swann, and Jerome Habel already committed, the ‘Noles have a class made up of 2 top 40 players and another ranked 61st. If forward Juan Palacios ends up pulling the trigger and committing, that will cap another great recruiting class that should easily be a top 15 class.

It’s a word all ‘Noles fans know, and know well, and its called reloading. But here in Tallahassee, reloading is a football word, not a basketball one. However, times change. With the absence of top 5 finishes for the football team, Coach Hamilton has started something very special in the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center.

Just a few years ago the only reason for going to the Civic Center for a basketball game was the rip-off beer and the girls. Now, while those are great alternatives during a lull in the action, the basketball team is drawing some real attendance. Most ACC games last season pulled in well over 8000 fans, which is something that just didn’t happen before Leonard stepped foot in Tallahassee.

Next year the ‘Noles return some very key players. ACC Rookie team member Alexander Johnson is back to anchor the inside, and the Tribe will get a huge boost from Juco sensation Diego Romero. Diego was held out of action last season because the NCAA found that he was in violation of several rules concerning the amateur status. Later in the year he was cleared to play but Hamilton decided to keep the versatile big man on the bench so he could have a full two years to play. Shooting guard Von Wafer will have to step into Pickett’s shoes and try and fuel the Seminole offense. Some might think that task is too big for the true sophomore, but anyone who saw Von play at the TLCCC his senior year in high school knows better. As I sat in the stands that night watching Von absolutely torch the opposition, I knew we were extremely lucky to be landing a player of his caliber. He’s already shown signs of growing up. He hit some huge shots down the stretch of some very crucial games (at Duke and NC State in the ACC Tournament) this season and his slashing ability makes him more than just a shooter.

If Adam Waleskowski can sustain his solid play like he did for the latter half of last season, he will play a crucial role in getting this team to the NCAA Tournament. The only question on the court will be whether or not Todd Galloway can fill in at the PG spot. Expect a good battle next season between him and Isaiah for the starting point guard spot. If Jerome Habel can qualify he will also help out on the inside where at times the ‘Noles were a little thin. Sophomore Al Thornton and Andrew Wilson will get plenty of playing time and could just be the difference makers for next season.

After the excitement for next football season has died down, remember Seminole fans, there is another sport here in Tallahassee. It might have been in hideaway for the past few seasons, but its definitely back: and needs your support. Grab some friends and get yourselves to the Civic Center for some expensive beer, to check out the hot women, and most of all, to support this team as it takes the next step forward: the NCAA Tournament.

By Bill Kristoph

The Florida State Seminole baseball team dropped their fourth straight game to the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday night at Mark Light Stadium in Miami, 7-3. The Seminole pitching staff faired well in the early innings again, but faltered quickly after the fifth inning. With tonight’s win, the Hurricanes win the season series against FSU.
That is not to say that Sunday’s match-up is not important. The Hurricanes would like to continue their winning streak against the Seminoles. They also want to win game number three of a twenty-two game homestand to finish the regular season. The Seminoles desperately need to find themselves if they hope to compete not only in the NCAA playoffs, but in the rest of their regular season games.

The frustrated ‘Noles play tomorrow at 1pm. The game will be televised live on Sunshine Network.

By Bill Kristoph

The thought dawned on me that there are three types of Seminole sports fans (and all fans in general). Lucky for me, that goes along with the format (I say “format” loosely) of my column. This is just my observation. I think that everyone falls within these three categories.’,'Category 1: Garnet Glasses
Fans that wear the Garnet Glasses never see any problems with FSU. Everything that the sports teams do is “golden” and starting players can do no wrong. The favorite argument of the Garnet Glasses wearer is something like, “You can’t talk about BOYS like that. They’re just KIDS. They don’t deserve to hear any criticism from us.” (Forget the fact that this is just preparation for the pros., where suddenly it’s okay to boo.) The upside to them, is that they are generally seen wearing garnet to games and tend to do a good job of representing the university.

Category 2: Fencers
Fencers are your typical fan. They see both the good and the bad in the teams. They agonize over the poor calls, but they celebrate loudly when the teams succeed. Probably 75% of all fans fit into this category.

Category 3: Whitebeards
Bitch. Moan. Whine. Complain. Whine more. Call for the coach’s head. Call for the waterboy’s head. Fire the PA announcer. Why is it so hot? Why aren’t we up by 52 instead of 48? Those are the whitebeards of the world. If you’re wondering where that title came from, I’ve borrowed it from some friends of mine that sit near a man named “Whitebeard.” (That’s just his nickname kiddies… not his real name.) Whitebeards infuriate the other two types of fans. Are Whitebeards really unhappy or are they just flaming people (like they do on message boards)? Maybe they are ‘Gators, or just as bad, Yellow Jackets.

Where do you fall? Talk back on the message boards, or email me at NoleCC@scalpem.com!

By Marita Kristoph

Now that I go to Dr. Do-you-want-to-die, and my ass is shrinking, my family decides to add a ticket and move our seats in the stadium. You may appreciate that for numerous seasons and prior to The South Beach Diet, I could have used a little extra room on the bleachers. Two out of three of us in the family have the big butt syndrome. Two of us purchased the seat cushions to help pad and protect our butts from the cold aluminum or the wet metal. It’s amazing how the extra flesh provides no additional comfort. Perhaps that is why it is called the Spread and then it is spread too thin. There are three of us but now we need to allow for a fourth. We keep hoping to increase our family by any means possible including ticket enticement. What could be more perfect than an additional female football enthusiast to even out the odds in my family girls vs. boys? Speaking truthfully, my husband and I are not able to attend all of the home games because he recently changed jobs and moved down on the priority list for time off. According to my son, the brains of the family, selling three seats or selling one extra seat does not fly at Doak. Processing this request is more challenging than you might think. I have learned from the instructions provided with the season ticket renewal forms that changing seats is not like Musical Chairs where speed and agility can give you an edge. Remember your Booster donations (point system) and your letter writing ability all come into play and prayer might have the greatest result.

Speaking of flying, is there anyone else who is spooked by the overhead flights with the trailing messages? What happened to the no flight zones? First, the messages are so brief that they are usually boring. Second, where are these small planes supposed to land if the engines fail? Third, who is investigating the pilots of these planes in light of 911? Hello! So many people and national coverage! If they were larger planes, I’d express an interest in a No Flush Zone. I always worry about that frozen debris that sometimes reportedly hits homes and when investigated it turns out to be the failure of the flushing mechanisms on planes.
P.S. I do enjoy the Air Force flights in patriotic tribute. I know that they are more dangerous and closer to the stadium and need to be more precise but the pilots have top security clearance and are also well trained and practiced in the maneuvers.

Okay, I’m a considerable distance from childhood, but why cotton candy at football games? Cotton candy is a staple at carnivals, fundraising festivals and city zoos. It is my experience that all of the usual gourmet delights sold at football games to the adults like cola, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, boiled peanuts etc. will fill the kiddies just as well. Take a good look at the kids eating this sticky substance after about 10 minutes. Then watch the parents trying desperately to clean the kid up by spitting on tissues and wiping the faces and hands of their beloved children. Now, I can hear the complaints about taking the joy out of family outings. How about adding the moist towelette to the cost and adding them to all purchases? Come to think about it, licking the mustard off your fingers etc. is just one step up from spitting on tissues. One moist towelette beats out numerous cheap paper napkins every time!

I have one other comment about refreshments at the games. Is it too much to ask for Diet Caffeine-free Cola? At one particular game, I had a young boy next to me who needed extra attention. I was fine with his questions and enjoyed the afternoon game next to him, more than some pushy adults that I’ve experienced. The child’s mother drove me crazy when she constantly apologized for his alleged ADHD syndrome. What amazed me is the size of the caffeine sodas that she gladly gave him during the course of the afternoon and then she worried about his increased activity. SHE WAS NOT BLONDE! What was her excuse? I know that Sprite or 7UP are caffeine-free but loaded with sugar that both adults with big butts and children that are hyperactive should avoid.

By Bill Kristoph

Ouch! The old saying, “Hit it where they ain’t” certainly did not apply to the Seminoles today. A small Easter crowd watched as the Miami Hurricanes two-hit the Seminoles in one of the shorter games that I can remember. Sunshine Network must have had at least 20 minutes to fill at the end 4-0 ‘Cane victory.

On to the three points:

1.Not only was the game short, but the crowd looked like a middle of the week crowd due in part to Easter Sunday and rain expected in the Tallahassee area. A quiet park does not create electricity, nor does it intimidate opposing teams.

2.Kudos to the kid sitting two seats over from me in the third base bleachers. He knocked his mother’s cell phone from her purse, it bounced around and eventually balance on the lip of the row in front of him. Half of a millimeter more and it would have been time to visit Nextel for a new phone.

3.What is the deal with having 2000 empty seats and someone just sits down on top of you? Seriously, when there is room to spread out, SPREAD OUT.

No time for a bonus of the day… I have too much work to do!

Discuss, talk amongst yourself on the boards, or email me at NoleCC@scalpem.com!

By Bill Kristoph

Saturday night’s baseball game at Dick Howser Stadium was a rare beat down of the Seminole baseball team. The Hurricanes pounded out 17 runs, and it seemed like every hit was a line drive up the middle. Something tells me that the Hurricanes had the Seminole pitching staff figured out. Of course walking 11 batters did not help the dire straits the Seminoles waded into.’,'Anyway, on to my three points of the game:

1. I’m so tired of sitting next to Augie, Jr. at the games. C’mon Augie wear a freaking ‘Nole cap someday. Would it kill you? Just once? For the rest of us? It’s not like it’s getting you any ladies.

2. Fans that bring Gator bench chairs to games involving Miami and FSU irritate me. Are you stupid? Did you forget who was playing? Are you trying to annoy both sides (which incidentally OWN YOU).

3. Those new skirts that are kind of like pleated cheerleader skirts are a WONDERFUL thing. Springtime at FSU is just such a great season. The smell of freshly cut grass, the crack of the bats and beautiful co-eds attending games. Now I remember why I liked playing high school baseball so much!

Bonus points:
1. Tailgating is tough. I’m tired, so no bonus points tonight!

Talk back on the boards or shoot me an email at NoleCC@scalpem.com

By Bill Kristoph

ScalpEm.com promised you different takes on everything, so DIFFERENT is what we are going to give you. Instead of giving you the typical run down of the evening, I thought it might be prudent to give you, the reader, some other aspects of the game. So to follow a classic format (from my short days at NoleVillage), here are my three points of the game (which are never really three points)!’,'1.’Cane fans are an interesting bunch. You’ve got to give them credit for coming out in force and in day-glo orange. Personally, I did not enjoy the moronic ‘Nole fan in the third base bathroom that tried to pick a fight with an overly ‘roided ‘Cane. Although, in all fairness, aren’t ‘Canes taught that you DO NOT take the urinal next to some one. You leave space and wait until something else opens up!

2.Stephen Drew is a stud. Those two bombs he crushed were a beautiful site, and it was certainly nice to see him looking healthy. It is a sad fact that he will be out of here next year, but I hope there are $$$ signs in his future. And, let’s hope that the injury bug stays away from him.

3.Personally, I enjoyed “Seminole Idol.” Mike Martin did quite a rendition of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.” I think maybe he has a signing career in his future.

Bonus Points:
1.That deli over by the stadium makes an AWESOME sausage burrito! It is so big and heavy that I think you can knock someone out with it. If you have not tried it yet, head over there A.S.A.P. Besides, you cannot beat a $4.00 pitcher.

2.It was nice to hear a few murmurs at the game about ScalpEm.com and to talk with a few curious people. Mainly it was to the effect of, “ScalpEm.com, what’s that?” Evidently my hat paid off. Hopefully the debut of the ScalpEm.com baseball jersey will attract some more attention for our humble little site.

P.S. Congrats to the Seminole baseball team on a hard fought and exciting victory!

Feel free to discuss this on the boards, or shoot me an email at NoleCC@scalpem.com!