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This past week has provided the members of the Alligator baseball club with some good news as it has recently learned that it's long-time catcher, Kai Gronauer, has signed a contract to play baseball for the New York Mets.

This last weekend the Alligators saw their way through a rainy, and cold opening weekend to find two victories against the HSV Steelers and in the way saw some young talent shine through again. 

So this Sunday, our Alligators face the Neunkrichen Nightmares at the Weyersberg ballpark.  The game is set for 1200h, and is a double header, and on Saturday the Regionale team opens its season against the Buende Berserkers.

On behalf of the baseball team, and the coaching staff, I want to send Kai a heartfelt congratulations on his signing with the New York Mets (short for Metropolitans).  As I have grown up around baseball and the MLB, I have been able to know and understand the MLB game, without being directly tied to it. 

I have been fortunate to be able to play on college teams with a couple teammates who have since made their way onto Major League Baesball teams but Kai is the first player who I have had the distinct pleasure of getting to coach. 

Now, I have had little to nothing to do with his development, so it is imperative for me to mention those around him who have helped in his training as a baseball player.  There are several names who I'm sure Kai would mention.  In the end, it is only Kai who is left to move forward on his way to a Major League Stadium in the United States.  It is now in his hands, his future and his career. 

This weekend we will honor Kai's great news in between the games against Neunkrichen.  I really invite any of you who have been able to watch Kai, starting from when he was a junior, until now, to come and send him off correctly.  I'm not sure if this will be his last game in an Alligator uniform but we want to make sure he knows who is supporting him as he begins the next chapter in his baseball career.

To all of the Bundesliga, Regionale, Junior and younger players who have aspirations to make it as a MLB player from Germany - you could be next.  Obviously, there is a lot that goes into being noticed by any scout, especially from outside the United States.  However, as Kai's example shines brightly, it can be done. 

A former coach of mine once told me that it isn't what you do when people watch you that matters, it's what you do when no one is around that really makes the difference.  How you practice and prepare when there are no fans, or teammates, and coaches around - that is what seperates the great from the good enough.

Last weekend our Alligators faced the HSV Steelers in our home opener.  It was a rainy affair and the field was in ruins after the double header.  However, we came out on top of both games, winning the first one 11-1 in 7 innings, and the second 9-2. 

Our pitchers did their jobs again.  I am pleased with all of their efforts so far (in games and especially during practices).  Three pithers had their debuts this weekend: Jens Cornelsen and Sebastian "Basty" Bernards and Andre Hughes.  Jens pitched in relief of game one starter, Andre Hughes.  Both pitchers pitched well and have more to look forward to this year. 

In the second game, Basty Bernards pitched the final two innings in relief of Enorbel Marquez.  Enorbel pitched a gutty peformance in the rain and cold conditions against a HSV team who look to improve after a shaky 2007.  Basty pitched very well in relief, even striking out 3 batters in two innings. 

Offensively, the Alligators were again led by Florian Goetze and Dustin Hughes.  These two have started off the season in good form.  Not far behind them, Kai Gronauer and Dominic Wulf provided big hits during the double header as well.

Moving on, our Bundesliga and Regionale teams are in action this weekend.  Starting on Saturday, our Regionale team takes on the Buende Beserkers at 1300h in Buende.  It is a double header and will see the Regionale team in it's first regular season action of the year.

On Sunday, the Bundesliga will face the Neunkrichen Nightmares at Weyersberg Ballpark.  Our team has had another good week of practice and are beginning to feel more comfortable in their own skin.  They are getting familiar with the style of play that it's going to take to compete each weekend.  our players are determined to keep winning every pitch and every inning. 

I challenge all of our players to go beyond what expecations they have for themselves.  Ask more of themself FIRST, and then the rest will sort it self out in the end.