15 Things I'm Looking Forward To This Year

I've realized that roughly 130% of my posts have been about baseball. With that in mind, I've decided to shake things up a bit and talk about myself. 

In no particular order, here's a list of events I'm looking forward to in 2009. 

1. Patriot's Day. Although I'm working the game, I plan on getting smashed at Copperfield's afterward. This could be my last Patriot's Day for a few years, so I plan on enjoying it. 

2. Douglas' 4th of July party, home to the world's most competitive croquet tournament. Thankfully, the Board of Governors convened this winter and, in a 5-4 decision, voted to outlaw the "sweep-shot." 

3. Master's Sunday. It's on Easter Sunday, which means I'll be watching it in HD at my parent's house. And you know I'll be blasting that sucker full-bore when the first piano key of the Augusta Theme is struck. 

4.  My first MLB paycheck. To say I'm due for a paycheck is like saying Nicholas Cage is due for a good movie. 

Side note: Still haven't decided if I should take Carty's advice and frame it. Maybe I'll frame the pay stub. I really need the cash. 

5. The first 70 degree day, colloquially known as "Halter Top Day."

6. A bar crawl? Looks like Greg Kulaga is coming up for a visit in mid-May and wants to do a bar crawl. Yes and yes. 

7. John Smoltz's first start at Fenway. Perhaps my favorite non-Sox player of all-time, Smoltz is due to receive a thunderous ovation on his way to the 'pen for pre-game warmups. 

8. My next trip to Eagle's Deli. This place is so delicious and the portions so generous that I need not justify its inclusion on this list. 

9. The inter-league series vs The Mets. Not only will I get to meet Ed Coleman, but there's a remote chance both Mike and The Mad Dog will attend at least one of the games. 

10. Bumping into Peter Gammons in the Media Dining Room at Fenway. How do I strike up a conversation? Should I ask him about the burgers?

11. Finding out where I'm going to be living next Fall. That's always a fun one. 

12. The first "Blue Jays Shopping Ace Halladay" headline, followed by Yankees fans inundating ESPN chat rooms and asking Keith Law, "is Melky and Kennedy too much for Halladay?"

13. Winning my fantasy baseball leagues, again. And yes, that's "leagues" with an S. 

14. Eating at UBurger this summer. Better start loosening the belt-buckle right over and get it over with. 

15. I don't want to jinx it, but hopefully I'll be able to play in the Courier Cup Classic, otherwise known as the vaunted wiffleball tournament from back home.