He got the win against Georgia Tech at Reckling Park in 2001 in one of the more dramatic games ever played at the Reck. Many of you remember him for the much needed spot start against Baylor in the 2001 regional. His effort helped get the Owls to the championship game and, well, we all remember the 2001 regional championship…He came on to pitch to theme music from The Godfather. He’s hanging out in spring training in Florida and he’s taken the time to check in with RUBPA. He’s Philip Barzilla.
Hello RUBPA members and supporters. I'm down in Kissimmee, Florida for my sixth spring training with the Houston Astros. As Mr. Ruchti informed you spring training is very similar to Groundhog Day, although they occasionally mix up the dessert we have after lunch.
Yesterday was actually quite an exciting day at camp: Nolan Ryan came and talked to all the pitchers about the things he did to ensure success when he pitched. Besides throwing really hard and striking everyone out, he told us how he prepared himself to pitch. He stressed how consistent he had to be with his mechanics and conditioning. Something he said that stuck in my mind was that he could go out and repeat his mechanics right now and that in his mind he knows exactly where his release point, landing foot, balance point, etc. all need to be. Nolan told us he'll remember his mechanics for all his life. He also said he could go out and do it today if he needed to, however, he said no way could he throw tomorrow and that's why he's no longer pitching! So unlike Coach Graham, Nolan Ryan admits he could no longer play day-to-day (just kidding).
The Astros’ coaching staff encourages us pitchers to go up to Nolan and use him as an asset, to ask him questions about pitching or anything to do with baseball. Unfortunately, I haven't done so just yet. Honestly I still get nervous when he's around. How can I possibly ask a living legend a question? Maybe tomorrow I'll come up with something lame to ask him...We'll see.
Anyways, thank you for allowing me to share a spring training experience with you and thank you for all of your support.
