Vero Beach Baseball Academy to have Grand Opening June 2

Former Vero Beach Dodgers pitcher Chris Thomas offers pitching instruction at the new Vero Beach Baseball Academy.

Baseball season is officially full swing, and the boys of the summer are hard at play. Assuring proper introduction to the season, Vero Beach Baseball Academy, Inc. will hold its grand opening on SAT June 2nd from 1:00-to-6:00 p.m.

The 5,000-square-foot, climate-controlled indoor facility is located at 510 2nd Street S.W. in Vero Beach, and is operated by owner/instructors Chris Thomas, a former pitcher in the Minnesota Twins and Las Angeles Dodgers organizations, and Jack Cavanaugh, a former Division 1 baseball player and 16-year high school baseball coach.

Cavanaugh got the idea for the Academy from an ex-triple A catcher in the Pirates organization who ran indoor baseball facilities in his native New Jersey before he moved down to Florida. He and Thomas began looking for the right space for their complex about eight months ago.

“The place up in New Jersey was small place with one batting cage and one pitching lane, and I started taking my kids there at a young age,” Cavanaugh said. “Chris and I began talking about the indoor baseball complex idea, and as we both had an interest in it. We feel that there is a real need in this town for a facility were kids are going to get some good instruction and get them started on the right foot so as they develop they will have their mechanics down. That will help them reach their highest potential.”

Additional instructors include Brian Cavanaugh, Ed Nicolace, Jason Wright and George Young—all of whom have considerable colligate and professional baseball experience.

The facility has all new state-of-the-art equipment, featuring two Iron Mike hitting machines in 75′ x 14′ lanes, an individualized pitching lane with portable mounds to facilitate Little League and Big League distances, and conditioning and strength training equipment. Teaching aides also include video analysis which is used to record and analyze the player’s hitting swing or pitching motion.

Saturday’s open house is open to all Baseball players and fans—bringing gloves and bats is encouraged. Hot dogs and popcorn will be available, and there will be hourly raffles for free hitting and pitching lessons.

Thomas shoots video of 13-year-old Michael Holland pitching from behind the mound with an iPad . . .

. . . and then Thomas shows Holland what his pitching motion looks like as a visual aid.

“What we’re trying to do is let people know we’re here,” said Thomas of the month-old Academy. “The machines will be cranked up—one for smaller kids and one for bigger kids—and we’ll have some pitching lessons. We’ve had three or four teams rent the facility out, and we have hourly rates for teams for either one cage or the whole facility. When it rains outside, the phones start ringing here.

“One of the things about Indian River County is that there are a lack of baseball fields,” added Thomas. “There’s the field at Vero Beach and St. Ed’s High Schools, but other than that there is no place for the (older) kids to play. You have to either drive south to Lawnwood or to Lakewood Park to rent fields if you want to play. I don’t think there is another facility in the area that can compete with this in terms of offering the kinds of services we have at Vero Beach Baseball Academy.”

For more information call 772-567-0776 or visit www.verobba.com.

St. Edward’s and Master’s Academy Spring Football Game

The diminutive Daryl Norwood of St. Edward’s ran away from Master’s Academy defenders all night.

Running Back Devon Kahle finished off several long runs against Archbishop Curley during the first matchup.

Chris Flaig is one of the best long snappers in the country, and he’s been offered by FIU and Memphis. Boston College, Miami and Cincinnati are amongst several schools who may extend scholarship offers to the 6’5 286 lb. prototypical OL by the end of the summer.

Coaches Bill Motta and Lou Ferrari brought a small, but well-trained roster to the field for the spring game.

Fullback Aaron McGee drug three Curley defenders into the end zone on the first Pirates TD.

Jad Shaloub and Cullen Falvey played physical football, as did the rest of the St. Edward’s squad.

Even on Curley’s lone scoring play, the Pirates made their opponents pay with big hits. This one was courtesy of Devon Kahle.

Master’s coach Dan Smith ran his team through some plays while St. Edward’s took on Curley.

Jack Tonner wrapped up this receiver and Norwood finished him off with a crushing tackle.

Rising frosh Brock Miller showed off his basketball skill set with this leaping TD grab.

Miller was a game-changer on defense, delivering several hard tackles and . . .

. . . when he caught Master’s Academy receiver Michael Maher from behind on the Patriot’s longest passing play of the night.

Danny Pennell broke a nice run here against Curley early in the contest.

Zach Miller broke a few nice runs during the spring game for the Patriots.

McGee was seen dragging defenders all night when he carried the ball.

Master’s QB Jeff Stabe (with St. Edward’s defender Mason Heim closing in) was on the run from the Pirates tough defense most of the night, but he never backed down.

Fresh off a good baseball season, St. Edward’s QB Anderson Proctor was all smiles after watching his teammates win their scrimmage by a combined score of 41-6.

Vero Beach High School Football Spring Wrap-Up 2012

QB Dalton Stokes drops back for to pass, with WR Will Dawkins, RB Jason Pierre, and OL Luke Oliver. It was one of the few times during the game the junior QB wasn’t under intense pressure from the Miami Northwestern defense, who took advantage of three VBHS injuries to offensive line starters in their 21-13 win on Saturday.

Pierre cuts back here early in the first quarter after catching a screen pass from Stokes. He’s being stalked here by one of the five 300-pounders on the Northwestern roster.

LB Cole Ripple and CB Dravious Wright close in on Bulls RB Darius Tice, a University of Miami recruit, in the first quarter while FS Antonio Jones-Davis attempts to drag Tice down by the waist.

Wright and CB Sean Paul, two of the finest defensive backs in the state, give pursuit to Tice in the first quarter. Wright and Paul have about 25 offers between them. University of Illinois defensive coordinator Tim Banks made the trip to Vero Beach just to watch the two rising seniors. Banks, who like me is a former Central Michigan University Chippewa, turned around defenses at CMU, Bowling Green and Cincinatti before landing in Champaigne. Paul and Wright would be nice building blocks for his aggressive defensive scheme. They could sure do a lot worse—Banks is a class act.

Scouts from Florida Tech look on as Bulls QB/ATH JoJo Robinson chases down one of many high snaps of the day. Far and away, it was the best way Vero Beach had of moving the ball with the Treasure Coast’s best OL, Connor Moore, on the shelf with a leg injury for the spring.

Stokes got off a short pass to Dawkins over Center Scott Bacon here under pressure, but Dawkins was unable to hold on.

WR/RB Nate Pryor attempts to cut back to daylight here as LB/FB Cole Ripple does his best to stay in front of a defender.

Minnesota running backs coach Brian Anderson looks on with Banks from the sidelines as Alabama commit Jacqutin Victrum comes up with the catch of the game after Wright bit on a play action fake.

Wright got a few touches on offense, where he got a little payback on Northwestern’s Victrum with a sharp cutback.

LB’s Cole Ripple and Josh Gallo attempt to corral Northwestern RB Fabian Johnson in the second quarter.

WR Jimmy Williamson reaches to the sky for this pass from Stokes. Further proof of just how many scouts were there–VBHS head coach Lenny Jankowski said there were about 50 schools in attendance for the game—Iowa State offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham blocked part of the frame of this otherwise good action shot (LOL).

Northwestern defensive coordinator Luther Campbell walks off the field at halftime with his defense shutting Vero Beach out. Cambell, the pioneering member of 2 Live Crew (amongst other acts), has long been University of Miami’s football’s biggest supporters and is the state’s most unique entrepreneurs.

Vero Beach nickel back Jamie Giampietro breaks up here a pass in the third quarter and narrowly missed the interception.

DE Josh Ealy chased down another bad snap by Northwestern here . . .

. . . and promptly scooped up the loose ball for a 65-yard TD fumble return. Ealy had a big night on defense, racking up four tackles for a loss.

Jonathan Gallo towels off during a time out in the third quarter.

One would never guess this was a pre-season game by looking at the visitors-side bleachers. Northwestern lived up to its promise of bringing almost 2,000 of its own fans via chartered bus all the way from Miami.

Javonte Bagley catches this pass in spite of a Bulls defender draped on his back. The 6’3″ rising junior had a couple of nice catches in the second half, showing off his basketball athleticism.

Ealy and DL Ivory Kizzy attemt to corral Northwestern RB Fabian Johnson here in the fourth quarter.

This hit out of bounds on Jason Pierre earned the Bulls a 15-yard penalty and gave Vero new life with under 1:00 left to play.

QB Ryan Hiser, here with C Scott Bacon and RG James Grossman, helped engineer a late drive to put the Fighting Indians into the red zone with seconds left to play. Their comeback attempt fell short and they lost to Miami Northwestern 21-13.

Looking back at Spring Training 2012: Tigers, Nationals and (some) Braves

The Nationals’ spring training home in Viera, FL.

My dad got us some choice scalped tickets—perfect to get some non-press pass pictures of players!

Miguel Cabrera sporting the Oakleys that saved high right eye on a bad hop at third base just days after this was taken.

Only in a spring training game can you find Don Kelly batting cleanup. Unfortunately, Jim Leyland does bat Ryan Raburn fifth on occasion.

Jhonny Peralta looked less like a linebacker and more like a shortstop this spring.

Four of Detroit’s five outfielders here, only Delmon Young is missing.  We din’t really miss him, though.

Cabrera here showing off his improved speed after losing 25 pounds in the off-season.

Doug Fister was in prime form already in May—all 6’8″ of him!

National rookie phenom Bryce Harper showed off his cannon of an arm here.

Ryan Raburn was beat by the throw on this stolen base attempt but he slid around the tag.

Harper couldn’t figure out Detroit’s pitching this day, striking out his first three trips to the plate.

Thomas rounding third after a 425′ HR to right field.

Minor league relief pitching prospect Jose Ortega beats the speedy Roger Bernadina to first base for the out.

Possibly the most uninspiring spring training venue in Florida, Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie is home to the New York Mets.

But then again, I don’t mind watching a game here when Stephen Strasburg is pitching.

He was “only” throwing 97 this time, but it was good enough to throw a one-hitter through six innings.

The Tigers played the Braves at Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista, FL.  It took the people at Will Call 15 minutes to find our tickets—how does that happen?

No lineup card for this game, but just know that the incomparable Justin Verlander was pitching.

Braves all-star second baseman Dan Uggla was extra pumped up to start the season this year. Check out the 20″ forearms on this popeye wanna-be!

Grand Prix of Vero Beach: A Porsche Paradise (part II)

This blue Porsche 944 raced down the backstretch. It was hard to tell it was a 20-some year-old car by the way it performed.

This 968 got off the track . . .

. . . and up-close and personal with Pelican Island Audubon Society President Dr. Richard Baker . . .

. . . and got red-flagged.

This black 928 was impressive . . .

. . . as was this metallic grey 928.

This yellow 911 was a senior citizen in its class, but was still dapper.

You don't see too many 912's anymore.

This 911 Turbo was so fast, I only caught its backside.

Grand Prix of Vero Beach: A Porsche Paradise (part I)

Members of Porsche clubs from Orlando to Miami came out to the Grand Prix of Vero Beach on Sunday, Feb. 26.

This Carrera S was one of the hottest 911's at the event.

The Carrera S looked great gliding by on the slow curve.

This Gorgeous silver GT3 soared on the straightaways.

This yellow 911 sliced through the cones like nobody's business.

This burgandy 991 was sexy and it knew it.

My dad saw this car and he asked me, "Why would anyone paint their Porsche GT3 RS that color?" My answer? If you have enough money to buy one you can paint it any damn color you please.

A light drizzle didn't keep this racer from going topless.

This grey one was stunning in person and it handled like a champ. Is this a 991? The lights are a little different than the pics of other 991's I've seen. Any input is appreciated.

The Carrera GTS—hate to see you go, but love to watch you leave. What a great rear end!

Oh, you again? Thanks for coming back to see me . . .

I've heard of vanity plates before, but . . .

Check out the body lean on this 911 Turbo.

Grand Prix of Vero Beach : The Best Autocross in Florida

The Nissan GT-R is a beast on a closed-course track . . .

. . . and under the hood.

Reigning F2000 series rookie of the year Kyle Connery didn't run this car in the autocross . . .

. . . here he is preparing another set of wheels for the competition . . .

. . . and here Kyle taking on a series of pilons at about 50 mph. He gave it a good run, but he was facing top competition in another Vero Beach resident . . .

. . . who was none other than endurance specialist Terry Borcheller, a two-time Rolex 24 winner. Borcheller's time of 1:02 set the course-record.

Scott Hodges of Vero Beach in his 600+ hp Ariel Atom.

And here Hodges is backing his ride into a spot. Not a bad way to spend $65,000!

Event chair Wayne Sandlin in his Lotus Elise.

A '66 Mustang that won best time in its class, driven by Vero Beach's Steve Kepley.

A VW GTI sliding around the start/finish.

This S2000 shredded the course en route to one of the best times of the day.A Ferrari 430 clippping a cone . . .

Vero Beach car collector John Schumann took first with a class-low time in his Ferrari 360.

A WRX shredding through a series of pilons.

This mid-80's Ferrari gave me Magnum P.I. flashbacks

Farmers’ Market Oceanside in Vero Beach—I love winters here!

You can find tomatoes of all shapes, colors, and sizes at the Farmers' Market Oceanside.

All the action takes place across the street from Humiston Beach—just a few hundred yards from the ocean. The Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

Grapefruit may be pictured here, but Schacht Groves produces the best orange juice I've ever had, and certainly the best in Florida. They squeeze it fresh for the Farmers' Market every week. Check out their website, they deliver!

Louis Schacht tries his best to keep up with the demands for free samples of his orange juice. Get to the stand early and buy some!

Erin and Aleska came out with me to the Market to grab some orange juice and some fresh bread.

Tara Plantation: Bernie Grall’s Christmas Wonderland

Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to pose here with Bernie Grall. The two have become close friends over the past two decades, as Grall has perfected decking the halls of his Tara Plantation office property in Christmas decor.

The Grall family (and a few friends) spend weeks decorating the property with Christmas lights and props.

My wife, Erin (with baby Aleska), with her sister, Bridget, stand out in the office driveway amongst some of the lights.

Tens of thousands of people came to the open houses here at Tara Plantation, where they could explore the office in its last year of full Christmas decor.

Aleska took some time out to pose with some of her Christmas friends in the lobby. Who knew reindeer wore boxers?

Every room in Tara Plantation was sub-themed within the Christmas spirit.

The library is home to the Christmas Village, Bernie Grall's Christmas piece de resistance. This was the last year the office library will be home to it.

The town is a wonderland of houses, businesses, and town squares Grall has collected over the years.

/Frankenstein and his bride choose to celebrate Halloween and Christmas at the same time.

Santa is seen here packing up his RV. Is he headed to Low-Key Hideaway in Cedar Key with Mrs. Claus for vacation?

Flights never get delayed for weather here, you just need to wear goggles.

Santa wisely has the Budweiser truck waiting for him while finishes his Christmas detail.

Every town should have a White Castle—just sayin'.

Construction goes on in even the most perfect towns.

This guy appears to have hit his ball into the wrong fairway—my kind of golfer!

I wonder if this Ford Dealership sells F-40's?

This town takes weeks to put together, but just days to take down . . .

Pat Grall has been helping his dad with the inside setup and take down for a few years now.

Bernie is saying goodbye to over two decades of decorating the inside of his law office, but he's still going to decorate the outside of the property. Thanks for providing so many people with so many memories over the years!

The Canon 60D: why I couldn’t be happier with it

My buddies Joe Gilman and SGT Rob Ryan sharing a moment with one of our two Dobermans, Diva.

Buying a new camera is stressful.

I put as much research into buying a new DSLR as I did for almost any class I took in college. There are so many factors to look at, it is almost confusing to know where to start. One thing was for sure, whatever camera I bought would have to be fast enough to keep up with shooting basketball and football. This was the primary reason I needed an upgrade from my borrowed Nikon D40, because for most everything else it was at least average.

The D40 wasn’t able to shoot continuously, and this was a feature I really missed when shooting moving subjects. With so many good DSLR choices out there it was hard to make a wrong choice—but I wanted to make the best one possible for the money.

The Nikon D40 served me well in Rome—here's one of the many shots I took at The Forum.

Ah, the money. Professional-grade cameras are $5,000 new before you start buying lenses, and it isn’t hard to spend another $5,000 on lenses if you buy three good ones. As a professional writer who shoots pictures to complement his stories, my camera would be used for a wide range of things:

-shooting outdoor sports day and night

-shooting indoor sports in varying light conditions.

-posed pics of human subjects (portraits, more or less)

-some landscape-type of photography.

-candid shots

-taking HD video

The 60D is a very capable sports shooter. After three high school basketball games, I'm very satisfied with its production. Here is one from St. Ed's 40-33 win over Pine School.

At the top of the list, and over my budget, were:

-Canon EOS 7D

-Sony ALT77

-Nikon D7000

Each of these cameras were capable of shooting in low light and at high speeds, and were about twice what I wanted to spend. These cameras, all crop bodies, could use a nice variety of high-quality lenses. I wasn’t unhappy with my Nikon, but my professional photographer buddies were very happy with their Canon bodies and lens lineup.

I figured I would be ok with a top-notch prosumer camera, given they could do most everything the semi-professional models could. This led me to three other models, after briefly considering the Canon Rebel T2i and T3i, the finalists were:

-Canon EOS 60D

-Nikon D5100

-Sony SLT-a55

I picked the 60D for a few reasons. If I didn’t need video, I probably would have picked up a used Canon 50D and been done with it. As a new dad, however, I suspected I would want to shoot movies at some point. Further, with more and more video being mixed in with online news media, I liked the idea of being able to record an interview on HD video if I wanted to.

While the Sony a55 provides a best-in-class 10 FPS and outstanding video quality, the feel of it was somewhere between the Nikon D40 and Canon’s Rebel line. I was looking for for something bigger, and the 60D was a bigger, heavier body. I also liked that the 60D shares a sensor with the 7D, a proven low-light sports shooter. The Nikon D5100′s fit and finish left something to be desired, and the menus were just as bad as the D40′s.

Pre-K football? The 60D has it covered!

A visit to Canon’s POTN (Photo on the Net) Forums showed me that the 60D could handle pretty serious shorts shooting, and that sealed the deal for me. Canon had a 15% off sale on their refurbished EOS cameras and refurbished lenses just before Christmas, and I made the plunge.

I got the camera two days later and it looked brand new. Further investigating showed the camera had just 70 shutter actuations. Right about then, I almost felt bad for all of the people who paid about $1,000 for it brand new. Mine was less than $800.

After five weeks of shooting, the 60D still looks brand new.

With my new camera, and with lots of practice, I’ll be able to shoot most of the things a professional photographer can. I may not have a great keeper rate for awhile, but I no longer feel under-equipped whether I’m shooting high school basketball with my 50mm 1.8 II or wildlife on the St. Sebastian River with my 55-250m.

The battery life is insanely good on the 60d. I shot over 600 pictures over two days and used just 40% of its power. Another great feature is the articulating screen. Those who say it is just for video certainly aren’t giving that opinion based on experience with the product.

A little slice of autumn on the St. Sebastian River.

Eventually I would love to graduate to something like a Canon 7D or a 5D series, but getting the 60D was a great step forward for me in my progression as a photographer. Canon has provided me with a powerful tool which will hopefully elevate my stories to another level by taking fantastic pics for every occasion.