The Career of Julien Henri - A look back in time

[stevem810]

Some of the guys were grumbling in the locker room about our current losing streak. Bad luck, not getting the calls, facing tough pitchers, every excuse you could think of under the sun. The bottom line was: negativity. I wanted to say something but bit my tongue. I'm just not comfortable speaking out in the locker room at my young age.

About the time I was completely tired of hearing it we heard a familiar voice in the background. "Are you guys going to whine all day? Or, are you going to figure out a way to dig your sorry (bleep) out of this hole....the one you dug for yourselves."

Followed by silence.
Then recognition.

Wow. It was 31 year old Clement Phillipon. He was with me in AAA this season. He's had a few cups of coffee with Le Diamant in prior years. There is no disputing his leadership in the clubhouse.

Finally, a few of the other vets chirped in with, 'c'mon guys, let's reset and get it going, again'....other comments in the same vein. Voila.....the mood was changed by just two questions.

I've got a good idea why he was recalled and it's not so he can start a game tomorrow. Personally? I'm happy as a clam we have him.

[stevem810]

The Ancien Combattants outclassed us in all facets of the game taking all three games from us...in our place. The final contest looked like it was going to be a classic pitchers duel but things got away from us fast.
August started with so much promise that I think all of us are just mystified by this slump.

We travel to Giverny for three games. It is the home of Claude Monet, and the Monet Gardens. Maybe the road trip will do us some good.

[stevem810]

The trip to Giverny was a much needed break for us. We played a bit looser and did not tighten up the final two innings.

[stevem810]

It's no wonder I don't start all the games in CF when you have a 19 year old stud like Matthieu on your team. He has dominated at every level of the FBL including the Pro's. What a future for my team mate and friend from Saint-Lys, France.

[stevem810]

My turn to pitch in the rotation tonight and for the first 3 innings I thought it was going to be my night. Heading to the 4th inning I had allowed 0 runs and struck out 6. But, in the bottom of the inning I gave up a walk followed by a homer. Next winning was worse. We got thrashed 11-0.

[BirdWatcher]

Ouch!
Of course, that opposing pitcher's 4-hit, 9-K, 0-BB, shutout performance must have just made poor young Julien feel even worse about his rough start. Then again, not much he could have done if his teammates couldn't get anything started offensively either.

[stevem810]

The Herons overcame an early one run first inning deficit and seemingly scored at will handing us another defeat. I had a chance for an rbi in the first inning and lined a single to plate the early run. Not many highlights for Le Diamant after that.

[stevem810]

With 12 games remaining it's beginning to look like we will be on the outside looking in, come playoff time. The Waves are rolling to the tune of nine straight wins while the Sting Rays have won 7 of 10.

I've noticed that we have less press coverage over the past few days with reports opting to follow the two teams above us. We don't really care about that part, but it is a reminder that we have fallen almost out of the race. On the plus side we do have a good clubhouse. No one is playing the blame game. We keep going out there and giving it our best.

As my late grandfather used to say, "I've seen sicker dogs than this get well." Of course he'd pause after that for effect before adding, "but, a lot of em died along the way." He was a funny guy and a pretty good ball player himself.

[stevem810]

First place Marseille came to town and Le Diamant won two of three, 6-4, 4-6, and 5-2. I did't see much action but it was good to see the team play competitively against a first place team (France).

The Waves have peaked at the right time. Their 12 game win streak took them from third to first with a narrow 2 game lead over the Sting Rays. We are 5 back.

[stevem810]

A lot of fans in Martinique are thrilled with this announcement. You can bet that management is feeling pretty good about it, too.

[stevem810]

We have not had enough of these lately. Felt good to be on the mound with my team mates bashing the ball and fielding behind me. A 'W' for the Diamonds.

[stevem810]

With the 10-1 win against the Waves, we have a glimmer of hope, again. The locker room knows we have to win the next two games. Paris for 3 games after that, but, then its a 3 game set with the Sting Rays.

[stevem810]

Most of the locals are aware of Vic Cosman who is 14-9 for the Diamonds. Considered the #1 SP, and staff ace, he'll be on the hill for us next game. Excellent control, 3 quality pitches, and he is definitely a calming influence on the clubhouse.

He'll be facing a tough customer in Michael DeMay of the Cap Chevalier Waves. 'Just' 13-9. Demay carries a 2.15 ERA and 16 innings of 1 run/ 5 hit ball into the next game. Michael has 3 outstanding pitches, with a slider as a work in progress. He won't be easy.

Batting coach Mickael LePine is urging us to be patient with DeMay. 'Let him put a few runners' on base', is what he has told us. I'll probably be on the bench because I pitched yesterday, but, maybe I can be worked in later in the game.

[stevem810]

Two in a row against the Waves. There is a quiet buzz in the locker room. Players not saying a lot. But, you can see some swagger in the body language. Nice game for Vial and Cosman tonight.

[stevem810]

I had a discussion with the GM yesterday about my future with the club. I was pretty impressed with the fact that he made time to seek me out. It was all very casual. We sat in the stands and talked about a number of things.

He asked how I was adjusting to life in the big leagues and I told him that my biggest observation is the pace and how fast things happen. The bigger crowds, the intense schedule, all of it adds up to a busier life, at least for me.

He asked me about the newspaper job that I've been doing for the local paper. Sometimes it does stretch me out a bit, especially when we are on the road. I've loved doing it, but I may take a break next season so I can focus on my game. It's a lot to take on when you consider there is pitching to learn, and hitting, and defense. The pitching alone is a full time job.

So, I think I'm going to log my thoughts and observations in a journal. That was Alize's idea, actually. I asked her, 'who would ever want to read it?' Alize said that I might be surprised. No matter my stats, people love the inside story in the career of individuals, especially baseball players.

The more I thought about it the more I liked the idea. So, yeah, I'm now putting everything in my special journal. This is my starter one. Alize said she will get me a larger one once my career 'takes off'. Love that woman, she has faith in me.

[stevem810]

Wow. We needed 3 out of 3 and we got it. In extra frames. I had a PH appearance in the game. We gave up an early lead but our relievers drew the line in the sand the rest of the way. I think we might be back in it.

[stevem810]

We always look forward to our trip to Paris to play ball, at least, I do. I love the culture of the city complete with artwork. Even the bridges play a part in the display of the french creativity. Whenever possible, I take in the Seine River just to watch the boats float by. It's not far from the park.

We have 3 games against the Artists in their place. The Diamonds are 7-5 against Paris. We'd like to win all 3 here to set up the final 3 games with the Sting Rays back in Martinique. But, our coaches tell us we can't think like that. It's a distraction. They get us to focus on the half inning at hand. Try and score one or more runs. Or, simply, try and get on base. Move the runner if you can...hit behind him. If you score, hold them the next inning. I like that mind set. It helps me stay in the moment and focus on what I have to do.

[stevem810]

It was a game we thought we'd win. A 2 out bases empty walk-off homer put the finishing touches on an impressive comeback by the Artists. We fall to 3 games out. This one hurt.

[stevem810]

Herve DeLage. He's big time.

[stevem810]

I'm always amazed at how quickly my take on the season can change. After a loss you are looking up in the standings thinking, it doesn't look good. Not enough time remaining. But, win a game while your rivals are biting the dust, and it is 'we've got a chance'. I begin thinking about the next contest, what it will take to win it, searching for an edge. Any edge.

Needless to say, tomorrow's game is the biggest one of my career. I need to prepare myself for it. I know the Artists have the long ball in their arsenal. They lead the FBL in round trippers. They also lead the league in strikeouts. So, my marching orders will be to get ahead in the count without giving them a first pitch that they can dial up.