"Put Me In, Coach"

I am ready to play.

I'm currently watching MLB Network and wishing today was Sunday and not Monday. Brewers On Deck was a blast.

Prime and I got a bit of a late start heading down to Milwaukee; we finally arrived at quarter to eleven. We headed in, I got a couple of lotto tickets for autographs (Yovanni Gallardo and Ryan Braun). Then Prime and I hit the main attraction.

I headed over to Randy Wolf's line, paid my $10 and pulled out one of my baseball cards. Thankfully I was able to get Mr. Wolf's autograph right away; I was one of the last in line. After him was Craig Counsell. Got in that line, but I was near the back. Prime popped over while I was waiting and snagged a few of my cards for a few other autographs. While he was there, the winning lotto numbers were posted. I didn't get a chance at Ryan Braun but made it for Yovanni Gallardo. Awesome.

After getting Mr. Counsell's sig (he's a majorly awesome guy) I got in line for Yovanni Gallardo. Here's where memories of BotCon started to surface: jumping in one autograph line to the next. But it was fun.

I got Mr. Gallardo's sig and managed to catch up with Prime, who, after standing in line for an interminable interval to purchase a couple of grab bags, had managed to get autographs from Casey McGehee, LaTroy Hawkins, and Manny Parra. By now it was nearly 2 PM and we were planning on where to go and what to do next. As we were chatting, we saw a large line and asked someone near the end for whom they were waiting.

It was a line for John Axford. I immediately hopped in because there was no slagging way I was going to miss the Axman's sig. He is too awesome to miss.

Yeah, I waited in that line for damn near an hour and a half before we were allowed into the main queue. Prime ran and grabbed us some food, then disappeared into the team store for a bit...after he checked my shirt size.

When he came back, he was holding a reusable Brewers bag. According to Prime, he bought it for slags and giggles; there was nothing in it. I believed him...at first. Then he set the bag down and I heard a 'clink'.

Prime had to admit that he simply didn't buy a bag. He got a little something for my birthday and since I had sussed that out, he gave it to me a few months early.

Prime bought me a game used baseball. As in, it was used, hit and thrown during an actual game. It's dirty, covered in the clay of Miller Park but it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life.

I nearly cried. I'm not kidding you. I held that acrylic case with its precious cargo and had to fight back tears. Best. Gift. Ever.

True story: As we're still standing in Axford's line, Corey Hart walks by. We all yelled and waved. He smiled and waved back. In case you wonder: Corey Hart is really cute in person. Seriously, he is incredibly cute.

After the longest wait of my life, I got John Axford's autograph. Oh my Primus, it was so worth it! He is beyond awesome! XD

By now it was nearly 4 and things were winding down. So Prime and I decided to go ahead and make an early start on the return trip. After we got a few more pics, of course, and I managed to sneak in and get Wil Nieves's autograph on a photocard in the midst of that. I was exhausted but elated when we got to the car.

The trip back was uneventful and all too brief. I was glad to be home, but more than a little sad the day was over. It was a lot of fun, getting autographs and chatting with people. Prime, you gave me a great anniversary present last month. You have no idea how much I appreciate this. Love ya, big guy.

Now begins the excruciating wait for Spring Training and Opening Day. As of right now, I really don't want to see any more snow at all. My brain is stuck in spring, thank you very much.

--Weasel, "April to October, baby. Ain't nothin' like it."