He's most famous for his complete game victory in the champsionship 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 been a while since I have checked in! I told Herce the other day that I really haven't had much positive to write about. While I was half-joking, June was a frustrating month on the field for me personally. I did manage to go 4-1, but that is more a reflection of the way the team was playing than my pitching. I have picked it up in the last few starts, so I am in a little better mood most of the time. The long ball has been my big problem as almost all the runs I'm giving up lately have been on balls leaving the yard. We are heading into the all-star break along with the big leaguers the next three days, so I'm going to use that time to relax and allow my brain and body to catch a second wind. We are more than half way through our season and it would be nice to finish strong.

I'm sure all of you guys were as disappointed as me to see the Owls go down in Omaha. I really thought this was a team that was ready to take home a Championship. I still feel that way, but sometimes you need a little luck to go with you. The guys had a great run and have nothing to be ashamed of but it still hurts knowing how close they got. We were in Omaha last week for a series and I thought about the team saying goodbye to each other. That is a sad scene. I remember guys with tears on their faces after our last game. I think you kind of take each other for granted and when it ends, especially with a loss, it is too sudden to process. Most of the guys you will see again, but not in the same context. The relationships just won't be the same for everybody. Then again, with RUBPA, we can all be in touch! So, no need for tears.

Sandy Alomar, Jr. is an Owls fan! The last day there in Omaha as Sandy boarded the team bus, I was happy to see him wearing a Rice baseball hat. I will get a photo of him with it on soon, I hope, but he is up with the Mets right now. He even knows how to form the wings with his hands. he didn't go to college so I'm nominating him as an honorary alumnus of Rice with full RUBPA privileges.

That's all I have for now, but I will try not to wait so long before the next one.

Go Owls!