The Final Pitch

This is the final entry for Baseball, Life, and Other Stuff.  Thanksto all who have faithfully followed me for 332 blog entries over the past two years.  I am moving on both literally and figuratively.  I now contribute to Seamheads.com, a premier blog site for all things baseball, and for those who wish to continue reading my musings on the grand old game, you may do so there.  I have also been asked to contribute to Baseball Digest.com and, as I wrote Wednesday, I will be hosting Baseball in the Valley, a weekly half-hour podcast on the Valley Baseball League beginning in May.  I will also be contributing to the Outta the Parkway podcast as well.  June will see me return to the Rebels' webcast booth.  Something had to give and that something was this blog.

I am also calling it quits out of respect to my readers.  When one runs out of things to say, one should quit talking, or writing, in this case.  Doing other wise might qualify me for Congress--eminently--but I wouldn't feel right if I couldn't give this blog, that is to say my readers, my best effort.

As I understand it, readers may still access any entry that has appeared here before.

It has been a great deal of fun for me.  I hope it has for you.  As I personally know the vast majority of readers, I don't think "good-bye" is appropriate.  We won't be visiting each other through these pages, but we'll certainly be visiting!  Thanks for stopping by.         

                                                                                    --Austin

Comments

[Jennifer Pickrell]

I've enjoyed following your blog - here's to a great baseball season for the Valley League and for the O's!

[Austin]

Thanks, Jen. I've always enjoyed your comments and was happy to have you as a reader.

[Robin Schaffler]

I have always enjoyed your blog -- insightful, funny, and humbling. Looking forward to the 2011 VBL Season and your new venues.

[M. Dodge]

Bittersweet...that seems to be my go to word to describe those things that have brought me joy, piqued my interest, and expanded beyond their current venue. This is certainly not an ending or quite a new beginning. It is the continuation and growth of your writing and sharing. I can't wait to see what's next and I won't mourn the past because it has brought you (and us) into new and exciting territory. Time to suit up and dig in--you're takin' this sucker for a ride!!!

[Austin Gisriel]

Thanks, Robin. Those are very kind words.

Melissa, thank you--for the photos for one, but more importantly, for the support and encouragement.