Scarborough Drops Aldine

After more than one week away from the court, the Scarborough Spartans knocked off Aldine High School 95-52 Tuesday afternoon.  The Spartans move to 15-4 for the season.

The Spartans next play Friday afternoon (January 2) at 3 pm against Milby in the Scarborough gym.

Get more information on the team's website. 

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Spartans Week #7

After more than a week away from the court, the Scarborough Spartans wrap up non-district play this week.  District 22-4A competition begins for the Spartans (14-4) Saturday, January 10 vs. Wheatley.

This Week's Schedule:

Tuesday, December 30 vs. Aldine (3:00) (at Scarborough High School)

Friday, January 2, vs. Milby (3:00) (at Scarborough High School)

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Full Season Schedule and Results

For more information, check the team's website

Harris County, Don't Forget to Talk to Your Comissioner

Dear Harris County residents,


Since the Future of the Dome has been brought up again, here is a friendly reminder to communicate directly with your county commisioners about the Harris County Domed Stadium.  Feel free to wish them a happy holidays while your at it.

FYI Here is a link to info about: The Stadium Being Built with 70 to 80% PRIVATE FUNDING

In response to this new development in the Harris County Domed Stadium's story, I once again encourage you to communicate with your county representatives concerning this matter.  Below are links to facilitate your communication with these representatives.

Thanks for listening.

Peace,
Mike Tauser

Judge Ed Emmett

Commissioner El Franco Lee- Mr. Lee does not list an email address but his office phone number is 713-755-6111.

Commissioner Steve Radack

Commissioner Jack Cagle

Commissioner Jack Morman

What Would a Hobbit Do? Give His Book Away for Free

At least a few of my descendants must have been hobbits, because I have decided to celebrate my birthday by giving away my book THE GAMBLE for free.  This promotion has expired.

More information about purchasing The Gamble can be found here.

Please consider telling a friend about this story.  Thanks.

If you have any difficulty, contact me via email at farmstros@yahoo.com.

Read more about The Gamble here.

Spartans Week #6

The Spartans made it to the Christmas break on a high note.  They won a went 6-1 for the week.  This included a third place finish in the Hempstead Christmas Classic, Thursday-Saturday.

This Week's Schedule:

After a busy week of basketball, the Spartans(14-4) are off for more than a week for the holidays. Their next game is scheduled for December 30.

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Full Season Schedule and Results

For more information, check the team's website

Spartans Take Third in Hempstead Christmas Classic

The Scarborough Spartans won third place in this weekend's Hempstead Christmas Classic. The Spartans wrapped up a 5-1 showing at the 12-team tournament with a 59-55 win Saturday night over Huntington.  The 14-4 Spartans are off until December 30.

Spartans' Hempstead Tournament Results

Thursday, December 18 vs. Weimar, Win, 74-27

Thursday, December 18 vs. Bellville, Win, 57-35

Friday, December 19 vs. New Waverly, Win, 60-31

Friday, December 19 vs. Anderson, Win, 59-54

Saturday, December 20 vs. Aggieland Home School, Loss 49-37

Saturday, December 20 vs. Huntington, 59-54.

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Get More information on the team's website

The Sign of the Hat Wearers- Real Grace Reflection #4

Following is my fourth attempt to reflect on Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas's 2015 theme, REAL GRACE. If I had paid better attention in High School English when we studied Chaucer, I might call this poem THE MILLINER'S TALE.  Instead, I have decided to call it...

SIGN SEEN ON THE DOOR TO THE GATHERING PLACE of the INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP of HAT WEARERS

Come one, come all and join us here

Hat wearing, we will be

A big hat, a small hat, a beanie, a fez

There’s no telling what you will see

Akubras, fedoras and helmets on heads

Deerstalkers and yarmulkes too

A songkak is here every once in a while

And coonskins are often in view

Do you have a hat? You can wear it right in

Sombrero or cowboy hat? Yes

If you have a thing on the top of your head

You’re welcome, there’s no need to guess.

There is just one thing that we need to make clear

Before we say anything more

If your head is empty, if holding no hat

YOU TOO, please come in through our door.

You see we dig hats, turbans, trillbys, you name it

We find all head coverings neat

But what holds hats up, that is the great treasure

From his or her head to the feet

So, bring in your hood or your doo rag or crown

Please, don’t leave your hat on the shelf

Yet, if your head’s bare, holding some or no hair,

You’re welcome, too, just bring yourself.

c2014 Mike Tauser

Roller Rink Rock and Roll- Real Grace Reflection #3

Following is my third attempt to reflect on the 2015 theme of Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas, REAL GRACE.  For the sake of full disclosure, these lyrics and its backstory, posted below, were actually penned about six years ago.  Reflecting on the theme for 2015 brought to mind the lyrics and the experience that led to them being written.

ROLLER RINK ROCK AND ROLL

Let your grace, Amazing Grace, override my melody
Let your mercy override the smallest corners of my song
Let your peace that passes understanding override my restless heart
Let your love, your hope and love, override me all day long.

c2008 Mike Tauser

In case you are wondering, there is a story behind the title of this song. Here it is:

I came home to Houston during Christmas Break of one of my years at Marquette University (I believe it was my junior year-1989) and volunteered to DJ a Christian music night at a local roller rink. I was majoring in broadcasting and had even produced and hosted a contemporary Christian music show on the campus station (WMUR), so I figured this was right up my alley.

I showed up at the rink with my feeble collection of music including Petra, Michael W. Smith, Steve Taylor and, if I remember correctly, Stryper, as well as a few more groups. I settled into the DJ booth, while the skaters started lacing up. The first song I played was THIS MEANS WAR by Petra, a Christian band with a hard rock sound. For many years their lead singer was John Schlitt who had been in a rock band called Head East. Before the end of the song's first stanza, a gentleman came in to the booth quite irate, asking why I was playing this rock music, etc.

I wish I could say that I had a great strategy of listening to this man's complaint in an attempt to reach some understanding, but the truth is I was so stunned by his attack on the TYPE OF MUSIC that I was playing that had been special to me that I couldn't formulate any response to him for several minutes. 

Eventually, several skaters offered to get some music from their cars that was a bit more "acceptable", so I did my best to play a mix of the two styles. If memory serves, the gentleman, who as best I could tell was a pastor/minister stayed by my side for at least 90 minutes. As I listened to him and got to explain a little bit of the positive ways God had used this rock and roll in my life, I was able to understand the crux of his argument. He even quoted that famous Scripture to me to defend it, it is from Paul's letter to the Classical Musicians, chapter 4, verse 1:"Thine beat shalt not override thine melody." (OK, OK that's not really a verse, it is April 1 after all). However, that was the main part of his argument, "the beat overrides the melody, therefore, the music is not of God."

Some events I have recently been a party to have made me think again of that night at the roller rink. While the roller rink memory is a bit humorous now that the emotions of the moment are far in the past, the recollection is also a bit disconcerting to me. Even if I met that man today, I don't think I'd have much more to reply to his complaints and his attacks on me. 

Furthermore, there are times when my shortcomings and sins make it so no one's words can get through to me, and I know there are some people who perceive me as THAT GUY attacking them.

I say all this to portray some of the jumble in my mind as I composed the above-posted lyrics. I know the writing of these lyrics reminded me that God's grace is sufficient to overcome(speaking of Paul) my failures. I hope they serve the same purpose to those who read them and hear the story behind them.

Spartans Knock off Lee for Ninth Win

Scarborough routed Lee High School 84-30 in a road game Tuesday night.  The win improves the Spartans' record to 9-3 for the season.

Scarborough travels to Hempstead this weekend for the Hempstead Christmas Classic.

Get more information on the team's website.

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Spartans Week #5

The Spartans opened and closed the last week on a high note.  On Monday, they knocked of Furr High School in their district-opening game.  The Spartans lost their first two games of the Sweeny Tournament.  However, they bounced back to win two games on Saturday and finish the tournament with a 2-2 record.  Scarborough heads into this week with an over-all record of 8-3.

This week's schedule:

Tuesday, December 16 at Houston Lee (5:30)

Thursday, December 18 vs. Weimar (3:00) (Hempstead Christmas Classic)

Thursday, December 18 vs. Bellville (6:00) (Hempstead Christmas Classic)

Friday, December 19 vs. New Waverly (noon) (Hempstead Christmas Classic)

Friday, December 19 vs. Anderson (6:00) (Hempstead Christmas Classic)

Saturday, December 20 vs. Aggie Home School (10:20 am) (Hempstead Christmas Classic)

Saturday, December 20 vs. TBD (2:00, 3:30 or 5:00) (Hempstead Christmas Classic)

Full Season Schedule and Results

Get more information on the team's website

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Spartans' Sweeny Tournament Results

Thursday, December 11 vs. Wharton, Loss, 60-33

Friday, December 12 vs. Columbia, Loss, 64-63, Game Story

Saturday, December 13 vs. Spring Woods, Win, 72-69

Saturday, December 13 vs. Brazosport Christian, Win, 69-44, Game  Story

According to Coach Martin Wall's Twitter feed, the Spartans finished third in the tournament.

Empty White Board- Real Grace Reflection #2

Empty White Board

I think that I’ve seen you before

Then each time you show even more

You fill up my frame, and I can’t comprehend

The picture that you have in store

A canvas in need of your art

A doodle, I can’t even start

You brush on your hues and fill up my page

Just watching, it seems, is my part

It’s true I am impatient clay

A lump set on rolling away

You capture my fear and mold my hard heart

May I be your vessel someday.

c2014 Mike Tauser

This is my second attempt to reflect on the 2015 theme of Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas- REAL GRACE.

Scarborough Wins District Opener, 75-50

The Scarborough basketball kicked off a busy week, winning their district opener over Furr, 75-50 Monday night.  With the win, the Spartans improved to 6-1 over-all this season.

Scarborough heads to Sweeny, Texas this weekend.  They are scheduled to play four games from Thursday to Saturday in the Miksch/Washington Invitational Tournament.

Get more information on the team's website.

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Spartans Week #4

The Spartans head into Monday's district opener with a 5-1 over-all record.  They opened week #3 with a win over Houston Austin.  Houston Davis knocked off Scarborough Friday night on a last second basket.

This week's schedule:

Monday, December 8 vs. Furr (5:30) (Barnett Fieldhouse) #District Game

Thursday, December 11 vs. Wharton (2:30) (Sweeny Tournament)

Friday, December 12 vs. Columbia (2:30) (Sweeny Tournament)

Saturday, December 13 vs. Spring Woods (10:30 am) (Sweeny Tournament)

Saturday, December 13 vs. TBA (TBA) (Sweeny Tournament)

Full Season Schedule and Results

Get more information on the team's website

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

The Skeeters of the Future?

Hundreds of minor league free agents are available according to Baseball America's free agent tracker.    Looking at the players on the market, I can't help but wonder which ones might end up wearing a Sugar Land Skeeters uniform for all or part of the 2015 season.

The Skeeters roster is consistently a landing spot for players who cannot find a place in a big league organization.  In three seasons, Sugar Land has provided an opportunity for numerous players to showcase their abilities and matriculate back to affiliated baseball. In a few cases, those players have made it all the way back to the Major Leagues from Constellation Field.

With this in mind, here is a look at eight free agents who might end up in Sugar Land for 2015. Ages are as of April 23, 2015-the Skeeters opening day.

Jeremy Barfield, 26, OF (Most recently with Oakland organization). Signed with Colorado

After spending time at Klein High School and San Jacinto JUCO, both in the Houston area, Barfield was drafted by Oakland in 2008. He reached AAA in the Athletics system in 2013.  However, Barfield was at AA Midland for all of 2014.  He has 67 home runs in seven professional seasons.

Tommy Field, 28, IF (Pittsburgh). Signed with Texas.

Field spent time with Salt Lake and Indianapolis in 2014.  He has a total of 33 games in the Majors with Rockies and Angels.  Field is an Austin native.  He attended Texas St. a few years after Skeeters fan favorite Dominic Ramos.

Josh Geer, 31, RHP (San Diego).

Geer is a Texas native who pitched at Rice University.  He has pitched in San Antonio each of the last three seasons.  One of his starts for the Missions in 2014 took place in Houston. Geer has some big league experience and he posted a solid AA season in 2014, so he could well be picked up by a big league organization.  If not, Sugar Land seems like a fit.

Dustin Martin, 31, OF(Arizona).

Martin started 2013 and 2014 with the Skeeters.  Each season he was picked up by Arizona.  He has played a total of 42 games with Sugar Land.  Martin is a Corpus Christi native who played in college at Sam Houston State.

Michael Nix, 30, RHP(San Diego).

In three seasons, Nix has made 51 appearances for the Skeeters.  He has moved on from Sugar Land in season twice- 2013 (to White Sox); 2014 (to San Diego).  If  he doesn't latch on with a big league organization, Nix could be back in the Skeeter rotation.

Josh Rodriguez, 30, IF(Miami).

Rodriguez attended South Houston High School and Rice University.  He has bounced around to four different organizations after being drafted by Cleveland in the second round in 2006.  He has played almost 300 games at AAA in nine professional seasons.

Ross Seaton, 25, RHP(Houston). Signed with Detroit

The Astros selected Seaton in the third round of the 2008 draft out of Second Baptist in Houston.  He spent time at AAA in each of the last three seasons.  Seaton leads the Corpus Christi franchise in career starts(64) and innings pitched(372 2/3).

Will Startup, 30, LHP(Detroit).

After spending 2012 with the Skeeters, Startup pitched in the Detroit system each of the last two seasons.  Most of his work for Detroit was done at AA Erie, where he made a total of 69 bullpen appearances.

Given to be Given- Real Grace Reflection #1

Here is my first attempt to reflect on the 2015 theme of Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas: Real Grace.  If you feel compelled to put these words to music, I'd be glad to hear what you come up with.

Given to Be Given

It puts nothing in my pocket

Not a thing upon my plate

No, I cannot hold on to it

To use at a later date

With it, still my wallet’s lacking

My cup? Empty does remain

I could write of it for ever

Yet my words wash down the drain.

It’s nothing I can hold on to

It’s everything as well

Each day, each second it is new

A miracle to tell

It seems to journey off, I panic

When will it return?

It’s always there to open up my eyes

So my heart learns

My tries to hold onto it

Are a certainty to sink

A boat made out of cardboard

Quickly sucked down in the drink

It’s given to be given

It’s shared so I can share

The vessel that can store it

I’ve not seen it anywhere.

c2014 Mike Tauser

Adam Godwin Joins Pittsburgh Organization

According to Baseball America's Minor League Transactions page, another Sugar Land Skeeter will be getting a shot at affiliated baseball.  Adam Godwin, who roamed the outfield at Constellation Field in 2013 and 2014, signed a minor league contract with Pittsburgh for the 2015 campaign.  Godwin last played affiliated baseball in 2009 with Chattanooga, the Dodgers AA team at that time.

In 215 games with the Skeeters, Godwin, who turns 32 on December 13,  had 239 hits and 63 stolen bases. He has 269 stolen bases in 10 seasons as a professional.

The BA transactions page also shows that former Skeeter Jason Lane has re-signed with San Diego.

Spartans Fall in the Last Second to Davis

Scarborough led Friday night's game until the final second against Houston Davis. Unfortunately, the final second was when the game was decided, as the Panthers hit a field goal in the game's final moments to take a 46-45 lead.  That one point lead was Davis's first of the game. The Panthers held on for a hard fought win when a last second 2/3 court shot by Hunter Janacek of the Spartans missed the mark.

Spartans Coach Martin Wall tweeted the following after the game, "win or lose the goal is to get better and we accomplished that tonight. proud of the team. emotions after the loss shows we care. next up!" With the defeat, Scarborough fell to 5-1 for the season.

The Spartans open district play on Monday night.  They take on Furr High School at 5:30 pm at Barnett Fieldhouse.  

Get more information on the team's website.

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Broderick Signs with Angels Organization

The Sugar Land Skeeters have sent another player back to affiliated baseball.  According to a tweet from Matt Eddy of Baseball America, Brian Broderick, RHP, has signed with the Angels organization.

Broderick, 28, spent all of 2014 in the Sugar Land bullpen.  He recorded 11 saves and posted a 2.31 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings pitched.  Broderick made 11 appearances for the Washington Nationals in 2011.

Get Your Spartans Stats Here

If you're following the journey of the Scarborough Spartans basketball team this season, keep the link to their Max Preps page handy.  The Spartans coach, Martin Wall, is diligent about updating the team's statistics after games, so you can know the latest on the Spartans before anyone else.  Max Preps does require that you sign up for the website (for free) to access advanced information.

Spartans Down Austin, Improve to 5-0

Scarborough knocked off Houston Austin, 62-39 on Tuesday night.  With the win, the Spartans improved to 5-0 on the season.

The undefeated Spartans next play Davis High School Friday at 6:30 at Scarborough.

Get more information on the team's website.

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Van Hekken Headed Back to Korea

Andy Van Hekken will be headed back to Korea in 2015 to play a fourth season with the Nexen Heroes.  Van Hekken posted 20 wins during the regular season for Nexen in 2014.  According to this article, he will have a base salary of $650,000 (US dollars) in 2015.

High Speed Train meeting

Constellation Field is a Launch Pad

The Sugar Land Skeeters play in the Atlantic League, which as an independent league provides a platform for players to showcase their skills in hopes of being picked up by a major league organization.  Following is a listing of players who have returned to affiliated baseball after spending time at Constellation Field.

Brian Broderick(Angels) and Adam Godwin(Pittsburgh), members of the 2014 Skeeters, will begin the 2015 season with big leauge organizations.

7/25/2014- Taylor Harbin, IF to Mobile(Arizona-AA)
6/26/2014- Chris Smith, RHP to El Paso(San Diego-AAA)
5/24/2014- Michael Nix, RHP to El Paso(San Diego-AAA)
5/10/2014- Dustin Martin, OF to Mobile(Arizona-AA)


Aaron Bates(Dodgers) and Brian Burgamy(Mets), members of the 2013 Skeeters, began the 2014 season with big league organizations.

8/22/2013- Ryan Langerhans, OF to Toronto (MLB)
7/21/2013- Jason Lane, LHP to Tucson(San Diego-AAA)
7/6/2013- Matt Wright, RHP to Reno(Arizona-AAA)
7/5/2013- Jason Bergmann, RHP to NW Arkansas(Kansas City-AA)
6/14/2013- Dustin Richardson, LHP to Salt Lake(Angels-AAA)
6/7/2013- Michael Nix, RHP to Charlotte and Birmingham(White Sox-AAA and AA)
5/30/2013- Chase Lambin, IF to Omaha(Kansas City-AAA)
5/22/2013- Dustin Martin, OF to Mobile(Arizona-AA)
4/22/2013- Sean Gallagher, RHP to Tulsa and Colorado Springs(Colorado-AA and AAA)

Scott Kazmir(Cleveland) and Will Startup(Detroit), members of the 2012 Skeeters, began the 2013 season with big league organizations.
 
8/25/2012- Amadeo Zazueta, IF to Dunedin(Toronto-High A)
6/8/2012- Drew Locke, OF to Corpus Christi(Houston-AA)
6/6/2012- Matt Wright, RHP to Lehigh Valley(Philadelphia- AAA)
5/25/2012- Jimmy Van Ostrand, IF/OF to Harrisburg(Washington-AA)

Spartans Basketball Week #3

The Spartans made it to the Thanksgiving break with a 4-0 record.  They knocked off Magnolia West on the road on Monday and Westbury at home on Tuesday to complete the week.

This week's schedule:

Tuesday, December 2 at Houston Austin (6:00)

Friday, December 5 vs. Houston Davis (6:30) at Scarborough

Full season schedule and results

Get more information on the team's website

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Hot Start Carries Spartans to Fourth Straight Victory

The Spartans rode a wave of torrid three-point shooting in the first quarter to a 60-48 victory over Westbury at Scarborough's campus gym.  The Spartans held a 26-8 lead after one quarter of play thanks in large part to six of nine shooting from behind the arc.

After the first quarter, the short-handed Huskies battled to make it a game.  Despite only having five players available the entire second half due to an injury, Westbury cut the lead to four points midway through the fourth period. However, a clutch three-pointer by Scarborough's Jorge Martinez with about 3:30 left in the game pushed the Spartan lead back to 10 and sealed the outcome.

Hunter Janacek led the Spartans with 20 points.  Quinton Hudson contributed 11 and Jorge Martinez hit three three-pointers for nine points.

The Spartans (4-0) are off until next Tuesday, December 2, when they play at Houston Austin. Game time is 6:00 pm.

Get more information on the team's website.

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Tonight's Spartan Game has been Moved to Scarborough Campus

Tuesday night's Spartan game against Westbury has been moved from Westbury High School to Scarborough at 7 pm.

Spartans Win Third Game in a Row

The Spartans went to Magnolia on Monday night and picked up their third straight win.  According to Coach Martin Wall's Twitter Feed, the Spartans (3-0) knocked off Magnolia West, 68-55. I will update this post once I see more information on the game.

Scarborough travels to Southwest Houston to take on Westbury Tuesday night at 7 pm.
NOTE: Tuesday's game has been moved to Scarborough.  It is still at 7 pm.

Get more information on the team's website.

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Spartans Basketball Week #2

The Spartans started the season with two home wins in week #1.  They knocked off Northbrook, 53-38 in Tuesday night's season opener.  They followed that up with a 70-39 victory over Kipp Academy on Friday.

This Week's Schedule

Monday, November 24 (7:00) at Magnolia West

Tuesday, November 25 (7:00) at Westbury
Note: The Tuesday game has been moved to Scarborough campus, still at 7 pm.

Full season schedule and results

Get more information on the team's website

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Spartans Move to 2 and 0

According to a tweet from Coach Martin Wall, Scarborough improved their record to 2 and 0 on the young season Friday night.  The Spartans knocked off Kipp Academy, 70-39 at home.

A few notes from the team's Max Preps page: The Spartans had a total of 20 assists with a total of 30 field goals.  Hunter Janacek had eight assists and Jorge Martinez added six.  Six players finished the game with eight points or more.  Jonathan Garcia-Loza had ten rebounds and two blocked shots to go with his 15 points.  The double double was Garcia-Loza's second of the season.

Next up for Scarborough is a game at Magnolia West on Monday night (November 24).

You can find more information on the Spartans at the team's website.

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

KHOU Chronicles Spartans Unique Football Journey

The Scarborough Spartans football team, despite not winning any games this season, found itself playing an extra game after their regular season.  Daniel Gotera of KHOU Houston filed the above report on the team's growth throughout the season, including its season finale in Beaumont against West Orange Stark on November 13.

A unique series of events led to Scarborough's first post-season appearance in 19 years.

Last spring, the UIL placed Scarborough in one of several five team football districts. These small districts were necessitated by a low number of teams in the classification.

Shortly after the classification, the Houston ISD decided to re-purpose Jones High School.  One result of the re-purposing was that athletics were abandoned at the school.

Since Jones was slated to play in Scarborough's district, the Spartans found themselves in the state's only four team district. Since four teams from each district advance, a post-season berth for the Spartans in November was clinched before pre-season drills even began.   Doing the math, 64 of 87 teams competing in 4A Divsion II qualified for the post-season.

Note: Two other teams in the state (in other classifications) played an extra game this season despite winning only ONE regular season game.  Grullo, who competes in 4A Division I was 1-8.  Freer, a 3A Division II team was 1-9 in the regular season.

Grullo fell 60-20 in their extra game.  Freer dropped their bonus contest, 66-6.

Spartans Open the Season with Win Over Northbrook

Scarborough used a stifling defense to post a double digit victory over Northbrook during Tuesday night's season opener.  The Spartans held Northbrook to only 10 field goals (including four three pointers) and won the contest 53-38.

Offensively, Hunter Janacek led the way with 17 points.  However, the junior was only 2 of 9 from three point range.  Jonathan Garcia-Loza contributed 11 points, including at least three baskets off of put backs of teammates missed shots.  Freshmen Quinton Hudson (10 points) and Tahj Parrish (9) made impressive Scarborough debuts.

Next up for Scarborough is a showdown with Kipp Academy on Friday at 5:30 on the Scarborough campus.

#-Point totals in this post are based on the score book I kept while attending the game.

You can find more information about the Spartans at the team's website.

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Steve Taylor Releases "Goliath"

Steve Taylor and The Perfect Foil released "Goliath", their new album today.  It is the first new album for Taylor in more than two decades.  I have always been impressed by Taylor's lyrics, both as a soloist and in his collaborations with other artists, such as The Newsboys.  You can hear the album at this link.  

Taylor and the band have been performing live recently in support of the new album.  His cover of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" is one of the funniest things I have seen in a while.

Spartans Basketball Week #1

This week marks the beginning of the 2014-15 season for the Scarborough Spartans basketball team. After being in the play-off race until the final game last season, this year's squad has their sights set on representing District 22-4A in the post-season.  Five players from last year's squad will be on the court when the team begins play on Tuesday night.

This Week's Schedule

Tuesday, November 18 (7 pm) vs. Northbrook (at Scarborough)

Friday, November 21 (5:30 pm) vs. Kipp Academy (at Scarborough)

Full season schedule and results

Get more information on the team's website

This site's coverage of Spartans basketball is brought to you by ???  If you have an interest in sponsoring the coverage, I will donate all proceeds to the Spartans program.  Please contact me at farmstros@yahoo.com for more information.

Spartans Basketball Starts Six Days From Today

If you are looking for a high school basketball team to follow in Houston, please consider the Scarborough Spartans.  The team begins their season six days from today with the first of five on campus games.  I've included below some information about the upcoming season that I am distributing to some of my neighbors.  If you are in the Northwest part of Houston, consider coming out to support the Spartans this season.

If you’re looking for some inexpensive, indoor entertainment this winter, and you’d like to support the activities of some of the young people in our community, please consider going to a Scarborough Spartans basketball game. 

Link to Spartans full schedule 

Link to Spartans roster

Under the leadership of Coach Martin Wall, the team missed the play-offs by just one game last season.  They are aiming to make it this season.  For your convenience, the Spartans are scheduled to play five games this season down the street on campus. Come on out, and see some high school basketball.

Games Scheduled to be played on campus:

Tuesday, November 18, vs. Northbrook (7)

Friday, November 21, vs. Kipp Academy (5:30)

Friday, December 5, vs. Davis (6:30)

Tuesday, December 30, vs. Aldine (3)

Friday, January 2, vs. Milby (3)

For more information on Spartan basketball, please visit the team’s website:

Sincerely Your Neighbor,

Mike Tauser

Spartans Picked to Make Play-offs for First Time in 10 Years

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches predicts that the Scarborough Spartans will qualify for the play-offs this season as the fourth place team in District 22-4A.  The TABC prediction foreshadows a first round meeting between Navasota and Scarborough in February, 2015. Scarborough has not made the post-season since 2005 when they fell in the first round to Yates.

For more information on the Spartans basketball team, please visit their website.

The Gamble- The Season The Local Brewer Bet Against the Dukes

The whole town sat on edge.  Would the Dukes avoid 100 losses and win their fans free beer? The question remained unanswered until the final day of the "A" League season.  The nation's eyes were on Dukes Stadium as the teams took the field for what would be the most memorable season finale in franchise history.  

Read about The Season The Local Brewer Bet Against the Dukes now.  This original novella inspired by a true story is available through Lulu.

As an online book(PDF)- $2.39  

As a paper back book- $7.50

Thanks for considering this creative effort.  Please tell your friends, family and anyone you know who enjoys a good story about it.

Previous posts about The Gamble

Korean Series Schedule and Results

2014 Korean Series Schedule and Results:

Samsung wins series, 4-2.

Tuesday, November 4- Nexen at Samsung, Nexen wins 4-2. Video Highlights

Wednesday, November 5- Nexen at Samsung, Samsung wins, 7-1. Video Highlights

Friday, November 7- Samsung at Nexen, Samsung wins, 3-1. Video Highlights

Saturday, November 8- Samsung at Nexen, Nexen wins, 9-3. Video Highlights Van Hekken post-game interview Full Game Video

Monday, November 10- Samsung vs. Nexen, Samsung wins, 2-1. Video Highlights

Tuesday, November 11- Samsung vs. Nexen, Samsung wins, 11-1.

If you are looking to follow this series, check out MyKBO.net.  This site is the best one on Korean baseball that I have seen.  According to this site, video of all Korean Series games will be available for free on YouTube.(As best I can tell, the free video is only available during the live webcast. I haven't found a free replay.)

A few tidbits about the series:

You may want to keep an eye on Nexen's shortstop, Kang-jung Ho. The 27-year old shortstop is expected to play in the United States in 2015.  MLBTR predicts he will end up in Baltimore.

The last three games of the series are slated to be played in Jamsil Stadium, which is a neutral site. Nexen and Samsung's home fields seat less than 20,000, so Jamsil, which seats more than 25,000, will be used for Games 5-7.

Coverage of the Korean Series on this site is brought to you by Scarborough basketball.  The Spartans season starts November 18 at home.

It's CanStruction Time Again

If you are in the Houston area this weekend, consider checking out CanStruction Saturday from 3-5 pm.  This unique event gives local businesses and organizations a chance to support the Houston Food Bank by designing and building "CanSculptures".  The canned goods used to make the creations are donated to the food bank and distributed to those in need after the event.

Public viewing of CanStruction takes place at City Centre on Saturday, November 15.  The sculptures are more impressive if you see them live.  However, you can see a photo gallery of this year's creations here. 

Check out the Spartans Roster

With just 10 days until opening night, the Scarborough Spartans 2014-15 basketball roster is taking shape.  You can check out the team at Max Preps.

According to the posted roster, five players are returning from last year's roster.  These five will be joined by five newcomers.  The Spartans start their season on Tuesday, November 18 vs. Northbrook. The game will take place on the Scarborough campus at 7 pm.

For more information about Spartans basketball, please check out their website.

Belly Slide Day

I recently received a poem from an acquaintance of mine from Wisconsin. The poem involved a penguin, Sopu, who was elected mayor of a small town called Grangey du Lac. During his term as mayor, Sopu declared a city-wide holiday called Slide on Your Belly Day. Everyone in town (or at least a majority of people) agreed that Sopu's administration was a success, so sliding on their bellies seemed a natural way to celebrate his leadership.

I was asked if I would try to put the poem to music. You can hear my effort above. I have included the words to the poem below. 

BELLY SLIDE DAY

The penguin said slide 
So that’s what we all did
On a warm summer Wisconsin eve

On our bodies face first, down the hills
Down the dales
It was almost too much to believe

Old and young slid together on 
Belly slide day
Farmers and cowmen did too
In spite of our worries, we slid hand in hand
Just like, I guess, most penguins do

Belly sliding I highly recommend
It sure beats sliding on your own rear end (2x)

Myrtle McDougall brought her cardboard square
And slide time and time with great ease
Officer Johnson slid slightly too fast
And almost ran into a tree

The bankers and businessmen 
Slid for a while
They laughed as their ride reached a great speed
The teachers and doctors, like Artemis Jones
Slid right through a big patch of weeds.

Belly sliding I highly recommend
It sure beats sliding on your own rear end (2x)

The Douglass twins, Sherry and, yes, Shelly, too
Were sliders beyond all compare
They took home the medal and heard Sopu say,
“You are sliders extraordinaire!”

As the sun set, the sliding fun gradually stopped
Except a few folks there and here
Now with our bellies filled up with great warmth
We practice our slides for next year.

Belly sliding I highly recommend
It sure beats sliding on your own rear end (2x)

The Heroes and Van Hekken are Headed to the Korea Series

The Nexen Heroes throttled the LG Twins 12-2 on Friday night to secure the organization's first-ever berth in the Korean Series. Nexen won the semi-final series three games to one to advance to the best of seven championship series, where they will face the Samsung Lions.

By clinching the series in four games, the Heroes avoided using their top starting pitcher Andy Van Hekken.  Van Hekken, who won 20 games during the regular season, should be available when the Korean Series commences on Tuesday, November 4 in Daegu.

Samsung and Nexen were the top two teams in the KBO during the regular season.  Samsung was 78 and 47 with three ties.  Nexen finished the regular season 78 and 48 with two ties.

Nexen Heroes take 2-1 Lead in Semi-Finals

The Nexen Heroes knocked off the LG Twins 6-2 on Thursday night to take a two games to one lead in their Best of Five Semi-Final Series.  Game Four is scheduled for 6:30 pm Friday (4:30 am, Central Time).

Game Five, if necessary, is slated for Sunday afternoon.  The winner of the semi-finals advances to the Best of Seven championship series against the Samsung Lions.

The Hill at Minute Maid Park presented by YOUR NAME HERE

I have made it clear to Bryn M'Taggare't that I'm not interested in her articles about the Astros.  I posted some of her stuff on Farmstros, because she does good work in her coverage of the franchise. However by and large, I feel that the best course of action for this space is to ignore the goings on at Crawford and Texas.

I will give Ms. M'Taggare't credit for her persistence.  She still regularly sends me her stories about what is going on at Minute Maid Park. Although I usually don't share what she writes, I find I must pass on her most recent essay.

Astros Look to Sell Naming Rights to the Hill at Minute Maid Park

by Bryn M'Taggare't

Via a prepared statement, the Astros have announced that they are considering selling the naming rights to the hill that sits in center field at Minute Maid Park. "We feel that the hill is a unique asset of our stadium," the release stated.  "We would be remiss not to look into the possibility of making money off of it."

The statement indicated that the current plan is to keep the flag pole in place on the hill. However, if "an organization pays $10 million, they will have the final say so on the status of the flag pole in addition to the naming rights for the next 15 seasons."

Independent sources have indicated that the club's interest in getting rid of the hill has been prompted primarily by ongoing awkwardness with the hill's current namesake.  According to these sources, when the Jim's Crane purchase of the team took place three years ago, the buyer was under the impression that Tal Smith would continue paying rights to have his name ascribed to the hill through the 2017 season.

These payments from Mr. Smith have not materialized. Numerous attempts to find a resolution on this matter have proven unsuccessful.

The club is also considering getting rid of the hill entirely, which could provide alternative ways to monetize that part of the stadium.  A final decision on the matter is expected after an appropriate amount of time.

Spartan Basketball Is Just Around the Corner

Scarborough High School starts their boys' basketball season three weeks from today on November 18.  As the high school is down the street from my home, I will be following their progress through February.  If you are looking for a high school basketball team to follow this season, consider the Spartans and check their website often.

Read a preview of the upcoming Spartan season.

Van Hekken and Heroes Hit a Bump in Korean Play-offs

Andy Van Hekken and the Nexen Heroes bullpen allowed six runs in the top of the eighth inning as the LG Twins evened their KBO semi-final series against Nexen at one game apiece with a 9-2 victory Tuesday night.

Van Hekken had allowed two runs (one earned) through the first seven innings of the contest, before the wheels fell off in the fateful eighth.  He departed after two batters with one out and a runner on second.  After four walks, one hit by pitch, one single, one double and a sacrifice fly allowed by the Heroes bullpen, the Twins held an 8-2 lead.

The Best of Five Series resumes with Game Three on Thursday night.  Van Hekken is slated to pitch again in Game Five on Sunday.

Van Hekken Looks to Lead Heroes to 2-0 Lead on Tuesday

Andy Van Hekken will take the mound on Tuesday night in South Korea with a chance to lead the Nexen Heroes to a 2-0 lead over the LG Twins in their Best of Five KBO semi-final series.  Van Hekken who was 20-6 in the regular season, was 3-3 with a 3.38 in six appearances against the Twins according to @MyKBO.

The Heroes won game one of the series, 6-3 on Monday night. The winner advances to the Best of Seven championship series against the regular season champion Samsung Lions next month.  Tuesday's game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm local time(4:30 am, Central Time).

Reflections on Internal Pressures Endured While Waiting for a #HERO

Reflections on Internal Pressures Endured While Waiting for a #HERO

The voices echo loudly 

Throughout the streets of town

A flood of so much rightness

That I’m certain I might drown

Is everyone a HERO?

And an enemy as well?

The swords of words swing quickly.

It’s difficult to tell

My bladder’s full to bursting,

But I don’t no where to pee

I hope they figure this out soon

Or I’ll just use a tree

They Did Good Work, or so I'm Told

A poetic reflection on the impending demise of CSN Houston:

They Did Good Work, or so I'm Told

The House of Cards has fallen

The deck has tumbled down

On sandy ground constructed,

I guess rock could not be found.

They did good work, or so I’m told

In truth, I could not see

The signal they were sending

Never entered my TV

My hands run out of fingers

When it comes to pointing blame

This chapter nears its end and soon

More fans will see the game

2009 UDFA Love

R.J. Alaniz, RHP, Signed 8/14/2009 (Still with org.; GCL and CC in 2014)
Garrett Bullock, LHP, Signed 6/28/2009 (Highest Level Reached- Low A-Lexington)
Kirk Clark, RHP, Signed 8/2/2009 (High A- Lancaster)
Max Fearnow, RHP, Signed 6/28/2009 (Short Season- Tri-City)
Jack Frawley, RHP, Signed 7/28/2009 (Short Season- Tri-City)
Ben Paxton, RHP, Signed 11/12/2009 (Spring Training)
Philip Rorabaugh, RHP, Signed 6/24/2009 (Rookie- Greeneville)

This post is brought to you by the Scarborough Spartans basketball team.  The Spartans season starts on November 18. 

Former Legends in the World Series

For the first time in franchise history, two former Lexington Legends are participating in the World Series.  Hunter Pence (Giants) and Terrance Gore (Royals) spent time as Legends earlier in their careers.  Pence was in Lexington in 2005, and Gore was a Legend in 2013.

Prior to this season only two former Legends have taken part in the World Series:

2008- Ben Zobrist with Tampa Bay.  Zobrist went 1 for 7 as the Rays fell to Philadelphia.

2012- Hunter Pence with San Francisco.  Pence was 4 for 14 with one double and one RBI as the Giants swept the Tigers.

This post brought to you by The Gamble- The Season the Local Brewer Bet Against the Dukes.

ex-Legends in the Post-Season

Who are the former members of the Lexington Legends participating in this year's play-offs?  Here's a rundown.

UPDATE on 10/16/2014
To the World Series:

Terrance Gore, Kansas City
Hunter Pence, San Francisco

This post is brought to you by THE GAMBLE- A DUKES TALE.  This book is available online now.

UPDATE on 10/8/2014

Who's on to the LCS:

Terrance Gore, Kansas City
Bud Norris, Baltimore
Jimmy Paredes, Baltimore
Hunter Pence, San Francisco


(Year in Lexington in parenthesis)

Fernando Abad, Oakland (2008)
Terrance Gore, Kansas City (2013)
J.D. Martinez, Detroit (2010)
Bud Norris, Baltimore (2007)
Jimmy Paredes, Baltimore (2010)
Hunter Pence, San Francisco (2005)

Andy Van Hekken is a 20-Game Winner

Andy Van Hekken, 35, became the first left-hander since 1995 to win 20 games in a season in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). According to @BaseballinKorea on Twitter, Lee-sang Hoon was the most recent left-hander to accomplish this feat.

Van Hekken (20-6), who is in his third season with the Nexen Heroes, picked up the milestone victory Tuesday in a 12-4 win over the Lotte Giants.  Tuesday's start should be the final one of the 128-game regular season for Van Hekken.

The play-offs await for Van Hekken and his Nexen teammates.  The Heroes enter the post-season as the KBO's #2 seed, meaning they will receive a first round bye and are scheduled to begin play on October 27.

In three seasons with Nexen, Van Hekken has established himself as one of the top pitchers in Korea.   The Michigan native has collected 43 wins in three seasons overseas.

NOTE: Andy Van Hekken is not related to Mark Van Hekken (illustrated above). However, I had Andy in mind when I named a character in my new book Mark Van Hekken. Mark Van Hekken, also a 20-game winner, is one of the main characters in The Gamble- The Season the Local Brewer Bet Against The Dukes.

Mattress Mac didn't Give Me a Refund Check, but He did give me a Book Idea

Gallery Furniture in Houston gave money back to several hundred of their customers Sunday.  Before the 2014 season, Gallery's owner Jim McIngvale bet that the Astros wouldn't win 63 games (i.e. they WOULD LOSE 100 games).  McIngvale lost this bet as the team won 70 games.

Sunday was McIngavale's day to pay up on the lost wager. Customers who had purchased more than $6300 on furniture during a specified promotional period before the 2014 baseball season received a full refund on their purchase Sunday.  The promotion was limited to the first 500 customers. McIngvale reportedly refunded more than $4.2 million as a result of the lost bet.

I didn't buy any furniture during the promotion, so I didn't get a check from McIngvale Sunday. However, his promotion gave me an idea that, over the course of the 2014 season, grew into my first book.  The Gamble- The Season the Local Brewer Bet Against the Dukes is a tale about the Dukes quest to avoid 100 losses in order to win free beer for their fans.  Without giving too much away, I can tell you that the season's drama is flowing until the final at bat.

You can purchase THE GAMBLE online:

As an online book (pdf)- $2.39

As a paperback- $7.50

The Origins of the Dukes

The Gamble- The Season the Local Brewer Bet Against the Dukes is my first attempt to describe the exploits of the Dukes in prose.  However, I started writing poems about the baseball team that plays within the friendly confines of my cranium during the 2008 season.  You can read the seven poems in my Dukes Collection here.

The Gamble- A Dukes Tale (Coming in October)

This tale is now available for purchase.  Click here for more information.

It promised to be a long and uninteresting season for the Dukes. Another 100-loss campaign seemed inevitable. Football season couldn't come soon enough. Then, the local brewer added a little zest to the season. FREE BEER for all Dukes fans if the team could avoid 100 losses said Roland Fredericks. A beer-induced buzz swept through the town that summer as Dukes fans loudly cheered for beer. Hope for a few more wins flowed out into the streets. The stage was set for the most memorable season finale for a bad baseball team ever!

NOTE: The above illustration is the cover of The Gamble.  The narrator of the tale is telling his daughter a story about a memory from his childhood.

Skeeters Bring October Baseball Back to Houston Area

By advancing to the Atlantic League Championship Series, the Sugar Land Skeeters have assured that baseball will be played in October in the Houston area for the first time in four years.  The Astros and Cubs played at Minute Maid Park on October 3, 2010.

Atlantic League Championship Series schedule:

9/30- Sugar Land vs. Lancaster (7:05), Barnstormers win, 10-6.
10/1- Sugar Land vs. Lancaster (6:05), Barnstormers win, 5-0.
10/3- Sugar Land at Lancaster (6:00), Barnstormers win, 8-7 (13 innings)

Barnstormers win series, 3-0.

This post is brought to you by The Gamble- A Dukes Tale.  Coming online in October.

Skeeters Lose Series on a Walk-Off Home Run

A walk-off home run in the bottom of the 13th inning, gave Lancaster an 8-7 victory over Skeeters on Friday night.  With the victory, the Barnstormers swept the Atlantic Championship Series from Sugar Land.

Yes, They Have a Plan

Yes, They Have a Plan 

Jeff Luhnow's a brilliant man
We trust in his awesome plan
We watch him and every day
He reveals the Astros Way

Refrain:
Yes, they have a plan
And we love their plan
Oh, it's a great plan
Jeff Luhnow tells me so

Luhnow's eyes can see, it's true,
Far more than most mortals do
We will never understand
All the wonders of His Plan

REFRAIN 

When will Luhnow and His Plan
Lead us to the Promised Land?
Soon and very soon we say
It's nearer now than yesterday.

REFRAIN

c2013 

words by Royal Worm, used with permission
music by unknown