Getting nutritious meals is problematic for minor league players, particularly with road games which get them back to San Jose late at night. Energy bars and drinks are the best food available on the team bus. Silicon Valley just doesn’t have the 24 hour truck stops common along major interstate highways. There are a few fast food places that are open late, but even the convenience stores are closed in the wee hours of the morning after a long road trip.

But then we discovered that Safeway has stores near our house which are actually open 24 hours a day. So now they can get fresh fruit and milk, even if there isn’t any sit-down service!
Host Mom, Jean

A fun article this week this week in the San Jose Mercury News on the top 10 bargains in Silicon Valley listed the San Jose Giants baseball team. “In an era when major league baseball has priced itself beyond many budgets, there’s a cheaper alternative at home: General admission tickets to the A-level Giants go for $7 to $10. “You can enjoy the best barbecue in town from a picnic table just a few feet from the action,” writes reader Russ Reynolds.

From personal experience, it’s a great place to have BBQ at Turnkey Mike’s and watch a reasonably priced game! It’s family friendly, without blowing the budget…..
Host Mom, Jean

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Carson wrote:
I’m fourteen playing little league allstars in Calgary, Canada. I’m the kid who is giving 110%, I hustle on and off the field and give it my all at practices. I also have the 7th best batting average on the team I have made an since the beginning of the season (5 games) and I have sat every game except one. I’m just wondering do I confront my coach or just play out the season.

From the Baseball Pro:
You must be careful when you confront your coach about playing time. You do not want to come across too bold and make the situation worse. But if you do it right there is nothing wrong with asking him a few questions. Maybe you could ask him if there is something that you need to improve upon in order to play more. Explain to him that you are doing everything you can to play your best and maybe he has some advice for you. I would start with a conversation such as this and see where it goes. I hope it helps you out.
Your Baseball Pro,Steve Holm