Don't Hate, Appreciate

As a lifelong New York Yankees fan, I've seen my share of history, incredible individual achievements, and magical moments.  But as the summer of 2009 wore on, I had a sense that I was seeing something special as I watched their games after work on espn360.com.  It seemed like every other game they'd be down in the 7th or 8th inning and the would fight, claw, or just blast their way out of the deficit to take a lead to hand the ball over to Mariano in the bottom of the 9th.  And when "Enter Sandman" blares from the speakers in the 9th inning at Yankee Stadium, that usually means one thing...  game over.

The Bronx Bombers ended the regular season with the best record in the majors, but I had a cautious optimism as the playoffs started due to their recent run of playoff failures.  But the Yanks swept the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS, setting up an ALCS batter with the hated (at least in my book) Anaheim Angels, who eliminated the Yankees in 2002 and 2005 playoffs and who play them tougher than any other team.  But the series ended with a Yankees victory in 6 games featuring the hallmarks of their season- strong starting pitching, A-Rod A-Bombs, comeback wins, Jeter and Damon on base seemingly every time you looked up, a never say die attitude, Mariano saving the day, and different heroes almost every game. 

November ushered in a World Series against another formidable foe, the Philadelphia Phillies.  But Mr. November, Derek Jeter, and company ended it just like they did against the Angels with a series win in 6 games at the new Yankee Stadium.  A 27th World Series title, more titles than any other team in professional sports.

Of course I was happy about all of this, as I had been riveted to the TV for a couple weeks.  And if you've ever been to my house, you know how big of a Yankee fan I am.  However my joyous mood was a little tempered by all of the Yankee haters.  Facebook entries, comments in passing, emails, etc spewed forth some rather rude comments, including some from friends that I hadn't heard from in awhile.  A message or something that just said, "Yankees suck" or something like that.  "Oh, good to hear from you too," I thought to myself. 

Of course I didn't take it personally, as I'm not a member of the team (just like I find it strange for some to "congratulate" me on the Yankees winning.  I mean, what part did I play?).  But I do admit that I was a little peeved for a couple reasons.  First, that many of my friends couldn't be happy with me.  It sucks when you're happy about something and then your friends just get up in your face.  It tends to make me not happy anymore.  Secondly, why can't they just appreciate seeing a good team?  Many complain that the Yankees have "bought" their title, but I think that they just wish that the owners of their teams would sink money in their teams instead of just lining their bank accounts (A's fans, it's not like Wolff is short of money).  Also, money can't buy team chemistry, or character, or a will to win.  As a baseball fan, you'd have to appreciate how they never give up, how they don't make so many mental mistakes, and just how much talent there is on the field.  If you're a true fan of the game, I don't see how you couldn't appreciate what they're doing out on the field.  When the Yankees lost game 1 due to Cliff Lee's gem, I tipped my hat to him and was in awe of what I saw.  Lee was dealing and as a baseball fan it was a wonder to see, even though my team just got dominated!  I saw a wonderful performance and just appreciated it. 

It's kind of like how people say bad things about Christians.  They'll call them "Jesus Freaks", "fanatics", or worse without ever knowing much about the faith or anyone who lives by the faith.  But if they investigated the faith themselves, they'd see good things...  the joy that it brings to one's life, the sense of community and support in a church, how it gives purpose and reason to live.  Because they've already labeled the faith, they can't see past it and altogether miss out on something of wonder.

So as we walk through life, take a moment to look deeper.  Don't hate, appreciate.

A Load Off My Back

A few weeks ago I got a surprise when one of our office staff told me that she would be leaving our company to pursue another opportunity that had presented itself.  When I heard the news, I had mixed reactions.  On one hand, I knew that this was a good opportunity for her and was happy and on the other hand I’ll miss her as a friend and how much she supported me in my practice.

I have to admit that at times I’m somewhat of a control freak, that I’m reluctant to hand off or delegate things because I’m afraid that they won’t be done right or done well.  When I first started my job, I was able to do everything myself, but as time went by it became harder and harder.  I found myself spending so much time doing work that wasn’t productive or efficient for me. 

Finally this year I broke down and started to delegate more things to her. It definitely freed up time for me and I wasn’t so bogged down with details anymore.  I just passed stuff off to her and it got done.  I left her extension on my voicemail and people would call her directly and things would be taken care of.  Many times clients told me how prompt and professional she was.  Life was so much easier for me!  I had no idea about some of the things being done because she would just take care of them.  Now that she’s gone I’ve discovered how much she had been doing because a lot of those duties are now back on my plate!  Right now I’m in the process of finding some help because I’ve realized how much more efficient I can be when worries are taken off of my plate.

I think it’s kind of the same with our relationship with God.  How many things do I hold on to that I really should give up to God?  Sometimes I foolishly think that I can do it better or that I’m in control, but is that really true?  I’m sure that if I could be less of a control freak and learn to truly cast my cares on God, then my life could be so much better.  Definitely a challenge, but my recent circumstances were a good reminder of what I need to strive for.

Humbling

Recently the sport I've been playing the most has been basketball.  In fact, I know that some of the students have come to think that it's my favorite sport to play, which couldn't be farther from the truth.  While I do derive some pleasure from my time on the court, it mostly comes from the fellowship time I get with the guys and as a means to get exercise.  Given a choice, there are several other sports I'd rather play than basketball.

Probably one reason why I don't like it so much is because I'm not that good.  Over the years I've made light of this in several blog posts and believe me, this isn't another example of Asian style false humility.  Let's break down my game...  I've got no handles, can't shoot the three, I can't defend well, I don't move well off the ball, tend to make ill advised passes and shots, and I'm not laterally quick.  Other than that, my game is fine.


The look on my face says it all...  "Dang, burned again..."

That being said, it's ironic that in a few hours I'm going to be playing in San Lo's 3 on 3 tournament yet again.  I really only do it as a means to have fellowship time with the guys but honestly, I feel more pressure before this year's tournament.  It's not just the usual feeling of being overmatched and inadequate on the court, but it's the fact that this year I think I have a pretty good team.  I hate to feel like I'm the weak link, that I'm holding them back, that I am a liability and perhaps a roadblock to success.  So in an effort to prepare, I've done more practice and prep that ever before.

And at times the experience has been rather humbling.  One night we were practicing and I was matched up against a guy 8 years younger than me who was taller, faster, could shoot the three, and just moved so much better that I did (pick and roll, screens, etc).  There were times when I literally wanted to yell at the top of my lungs, kick the ball, and just storm off the court pouting like a little boy.  I was so frustrated.

But how can we improve if we don't push ourselves?  I haven't improved much at all, but I do see little things.  I'm moving to the open spots better, playing a little better D, using screens better.  I'm thankful for my teammates who take the time to teach me, to be patient with my play, and encourage me when I get frustrated.  I'm a work in progress with my hoops game, much as I am in my faith walk with Jesus. 

Over the past few months I've been so thankful for my brothers in Christ who push me to grow in my faith, who are patient when I make mistakes, who inspire me with the example of their lives, who pray with me and encourage me.  Following God isn't easy.  Many times you're called to go counter to what our culture dictates.  Sometimes it's frustrating, just doesn't make sense, and I want to just give up.  But I've realized that it's their accountability and fellowship that really help keep me going.  I couldn't ever imagine what my journey would be like if God didn't provide these brothers in my life to keep pushing me along.  Thanks guys.  I hope that I too can encourage you in your faith walk as you do for me!

Big Old Scrub Shooters Sign Jie Yu

July 24, 2009
cbssports.com wire reports

San Lorenzo, CA - The Big Old Scrub Shooters gave themselves a significant upgrade on Friday when they announced the addition of shooting guard Jie Yu.  Once again tapping international talent from the ISF league, this latest move has rounded out the team in preparation for the upcoming SLJCC 3 on 3 tournament.

"I'm really excited about this addition, as this move gives us depth unmatched with any of the previous teams I've put together," Big Old Scrub Shooters general manager Jeff Chun said.  "I've been scouting Jie for a couple years now and have always hoped we'd be able to sign him.  Recently I wasn't so optimistic about that happening but we had some developments this week that allowed things to fall into place.  He'll be a great addition to our team and I think he'll mesh well with our team dynamics."


Jie Yu                      AP Photo: Todd Fong

Widely regarded as a dangerous 3 point threat in the ISF league, the native of Hangzhou, China will add another outside shooter to the Big Old Scrub Shooters to go along with David Wu.  The Big Old Scrub Shooters have had some questions about their stamina and injuries for the tournament format, so club officials made it a priority to add depth at the shooting guard position to help stretch out opposing defenses.  Jie, with his prior experience and familiarity to Chun, was an obvious target.

"Jie is a big time player, not afraid to take the big shots at the end of the game," remarked Chun.  "I remember him scoring 8 points in a 10-0 run to bring his team back from the brink of elimination from one of the round robin games in last year's ISF tournament games.  He just took that game over."

Jie's new teammates were excited to hear the news about his addition as well.  "When Jeff told me we added Jie, I was thrilled," said David Wu.  "He was the guy that I wanted to be on our team."

"Jie can really see things on the court," noted Ron Costello.  "He's always looking for the open man, he has a good sense of team play...  he's got a solid all around game."

Jie will report for practice with the Big Old Scrub Shooters upon his return from China and Canada on August 10th and will be ready for the SLJCC 3 on 3 tournament at the Alameda Naval Air Base on August 15th. 

Pineriders To Disband For 2009 Season

July 17, 2009
cbssports.com wire reports

San Lorenzo, CA - In a surprising development, Pineriders general manager Jeff Chun announced today that his basketball club, The Pineriders, will disband for the 2009 season.  "I really had no choice," remarked Chun.  "With Jay MIA from the ISF league this year, Ryuichi returning to Japan, and Ben wanting to go in a different direction (he will be captain of the Bockman Bruisers this year), I had to find a whole new crew this year."  However, Chun did not rule out the Pineriders reuniting for next season's campaign, saying that the split with Ben was "amicable" and that it was the "right decision for both of us this year."

In the meantime, Chun has put together an entirely new squad for this year's SLJCC 3 on 3 tournament, the Big Old Scrub Shooters.  In his introductory press conference, Chun was optimistic about the prospects for his team in the lower silver division.  "I think this year's squad is a little more balanced than in years past, we've got a solid veteran core that really has a high basketball IQ," commented Chun.  "We have a nice inside-outside combo that will serve us well.  Last year we were really hurt by an inability to hit from the outside and move the ball and I think we've made some nice moves this year to address those issues.  I think we can make some noise and I think we've got a real shot to return to the playoffs if we can stay healthy.  I think our fans will really enjoy our brand of basketball this year."


Meet the 2009 Big Old Scrub Shooters


Luke Bu                                                       Ron Costello        (AP Photos: Todd Fong)

Luke Bu will give the Big Old Scrub Shooters the inside presence that none of the Pineriders teams has ever had.  Currently he is rehabbing a broken finger and is not 100%, but he's confident that he can regain his conditioning and game in time for the tournament.  "Luke is a gamer, his injuries are a minor issue for him.  He always gives 110%, he's a great team player," commented teammate Ron Costello.  A beast on the boards, Luke always gets great position and a lot of second chance points.  Luke brings a unique mix of intensity and humor to the team, which is always appreciated.

Ron Costello has been enjoying a late career resurgence in the ISF league.  The 2008 ISF tournament MVP (from team "Undefeated" with Luke), Ron has discovered his fountain of youth.  Blessed with great court vision, a wide array of low post moves, and a solid mid range game, Ron is a player any team would love to have.  "The thing I appreciate the most about Ron is that he makes everyone around him better," stated GM Jeff Chun.  "I love playing with him because he makes himself so easy to find and he's always doing the little things that are so crucial.  He's made me look good at times when I had no idea what I was doing."


Jeff Chun                 US Presswire:K.Strharsky   David Wu                     AP Photos: T.Fong

General manager/guard Jeff Chun returns for another year.  "I'm not sure how much longer I'll play, but as long as I have the opportunity, I'll give my team everything I have," remarked Chun.  In the offseason, he has been working on his fundamentals; playing in the ISF league has helped his development.  Chun hopes that he can be a solid contributor to this year's team, knocking down jumpers and providing energy.

David Wu is this year's long distance threat.  "We haven't had a legitimate threat from downtown since Nick Kinney," said GM Jeff Chun.  "I'm excited to see how Daewu will stretch the defense, making things easier down low for Luke and Ron, and how the three ball will help us make the game shorter."  David has worked hard on his outside shooting in the offseason and in recent preseason games it looks as if his hard work is paying dividends. 

 You can catch the Big Old Scrub Shooters in action on Saturday, August 15th at SLJCC's 3 on 3 tournament.  Don't miss out on their only west coast appearance!