He's most famous for his complete game victory in the championship game of the 2003 College World Series, bringing Rice's first ever team championship to South Main. He was also a three-time All-America and first round draft pick of the New York Mets. He's experienced life in the big leagues and he's working his way back. He'll be checking in with RUBPA all season. He's Philip Humber, aka The Shark.

Hey guys it's Philip Humber here again updating you on life in the Minors.

As I write this, I am excited that the Owls have triumphed over the Longhorns tonight. That kind of win can really give a team momentum. I remember the confidence our team gained in '03 when we beat tough teams in mid-week games. I hope this team can build on that momentum.

That kind of brings me to what I wanted to share this week. Our home park, Zephyr Field, is also home to the Tulane Green Wave while they rebuild their stadium. So, in the past week, I have encountered quite a few college baseball fans. In fact, the first night we spent in New Orleans coincided with the LSU vs. Tulane game. The other day, I was interviewed by an internet writer who spends his time doing stories about former college players, mostly from Tulane or LSU, and their experiences in professional baseball. He started by asking me about my days at Rice, going from my decision to go the college route instead of signing professionally out of high school, to winning a national championship.

I am always happy to relive my college experiences, and I am sure I gave him plenty of material to do his piece on (probably a little more than was necessary). It is so much fun to remember the teams I played on and especially what it was like to be on the field for that last out in Omaha. I wouldn't trade those moments and friendships for anything. You guys know what I'm talking about. The games are all really intense in the college season, as one loss or win can decide your seed in the tournament. Intense may be an understatement when you play under #37! But, being on a college team is more than that. It's the laughs you share in between. Whether it's the stories on the bus rides or the jokes told while shagging during BP or even the highly competitive tape ball games in the clubhouse, it all helps to bond and shape us as teammates and as friends.  Most of the jokes wouldn't, and probably shouldn't be shared outside the team, and if they were, nobody would even get them. That's part of what makes it the fraternity that it is. It's also the nicknames, the card games, and the late nights spent talking over life's mysteries, whether it be how to get that curveball over the plate or how to get that girl to go out with you.

Professional baseball is a much different environment. I wish I could say that the goal of the 2007 New Orleans Zephyrs is to win a Pacific Coast League Championship. Obviously that isn't the case. Of course we play to win, but every guy on this team wants to be in Shea Stadium. We are friendly with each other, but not close friends. Most of the guys on this team have never played together and may never again after this year.

While I have enjoyed my time in pro ball so far and can't wait to compete for a World Series with the Mets, I know that nothing will top that feeling I had holding the trophy in Omaha with 25 of my best friends.

At the end of that interview, the reporter asked me what I would say to a kid who was trying to decide whether to sign a professional contract or play college baseball. Here's my answer:

Make sure you get enough money to make up for the priceless memories you will miss out on.

Until next time...

Go Owls!