DIS Dads Rust Belt Road Trip (2 UPDATES--1/18)

[Captain_Oblivious]

Oops. Sorry that I was a little slow in posting this:

I guess I got the spirit of it, if not the exact phrasing.

 

[Poolrat]

Don't you hate it when good restaurants shut down? My wife and I used to go to Bennigan's all the time in college...no longer there.

OOOOO Bennigan's. We last encountered one in FL probably near US. That is where my daughter discovered her newest favorite thing.... the toothpicks in their own package. She talked about that for days.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

OOOOO Bennigan's. We last encountered one in FL probably near US. That is where my daughter discovered her newest favorite thing.... the toothpicks in their own package. She talked about that for days.

The fact that she was excited about the toothpicks may not speak well for the food...

We'll always have fond memories of Bennigans. Really good chicken strips and honey mustard sauce, but it's also the place that introduced us to the Monte Cristo sandwich.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

It would feel weird to go back and quote your last update because
a) My brain is still somewhere back in the Bahamas
b) most of the good jokes have been taken already.

But rest assured, I read it and enjoyed it. I've had the pleasure of breaking bread with Stopher, and I agree, it's quite a treat. I can only imagine his family being just as cool as he is.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

It would feel weird to go back and quote your last update because
a) My brain is still somewhere back in the Bahamas
b) most of the good jokes have been taken already.

I tried to use that "brain in the Bahamas" excuse with my boss when I came back from the cruise in 2009. He said it didn't excuse all the stuff I screwed up in the years before I left.

But rest assured, I read it and enjoyed it. I've had the pleasure of breaking bread with Stopher, and I agree, it's quite a treat. I can only imagine his family being just as cool as he is.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Another day, another new state. I'll tell you right off the bat: this was one of my favorite days on the road trip. I don't even know if I could quantify everything that made it that way (although you know I'll try), but it just turned out to be one of those days you look back on and say, "You know, that was a great day."

We had yet another tasty breakfast the Country Inn in Indianapolis and called our friends, Jay and Donna, to let them know we were heading down the interstate. They were caravanning with us down I-65 to Louisville, Kentucky. We had to make a stop for gas near Shelbyville, Indiana (possibly home of the Shelbyvillians, nemesis to Homer Simpson's Springfield Isotopes). Apparently I could have waved hello to Andy (afwdwfan) from here, although that was unbeknownst to me at the time.

Around 11:00 or so, we were crossing the Ohio River (wider than we'd seen at its start in Pittsburgh) and entering Louisvile. Our first stop was another piece of hallowed ground in American sports: The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

The Hillerich & Bradsby Company has been manufacturing Lousiville Slugger baseball bats since 1884, so it's safe to say they have some experience in the industry. The museum, working factory, and company headquarters are all located in the same building right in downtown Louisville.

Big Dave has become a huge baseball fan over the past year, and Jay and I love the game as well (although he is on the Dark Side, being a Yankees fan ). Needless to say, several of us were excited to see the museum and tour the factory. And the girls were good sports and came along as well.

We were decked out in our finest Phillies gear and took the time to check out the World's Biggest Bat, right in front of the building (although it's made of steel and is hollow).

The factory next door had some fun with their location as well.

In my pre-trip research, I'd read that you could order a personalized baseball bat before taking the factory tour, and that it would be ready by the time you were done. The boys and I had decided that this would make for a really, really cool souvenir and went for it. They used some birthday money and allowance they'd saved up in order to pay for it, and I used my allowance from the Budget Committee. I did not ask the Budget Committee if she wanted her own bat, for fear it might be used for enforcement of committee rules later on down the road.

Bats ordered, we started the tour with a lively guide named...well, I don't remember her name at all. So we'll call her Aurora. We learned that bats are primarily made from ash wood, and that maple has been becoming more popular in recent years (because it's harder--the downside is that maple bats tend to shatter when they break, which makes them more dangerous). Louisville Sluggers ship their wood from tracts in New York and Pennsylvania, if memory serves correctly. All of their bats are made there at the Louisville location. We got to see how the wood was shaved down into long cylinders, and then an old factory hand showed us how they used to be carved by hand on a lathe.

The guy turned out to be a retired schoolteacher from the Philly area, and was tickled to see our Phillies t-shirts. I shook his hand after his short talk, and he said he really enjoyed working in the factory, but he missed the cheesesteaks from back home. I couldn't blame him there. Cheesesteaks, in case you didn't know, are on the menu in Heaven.

Aurora said no pictures are allowed during the tour, since they don't know which folks are spies from other bat companies. We got to see pallets of bats for different Major Leaguers (they have at least one player signed to use their bats on each team) as well as some bats being made on the floor to commemmorate Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit (making Jay the Yankees fan happy). We also got to see the automated bat-carving machines that replaced the hand work on the lathe, and it was amazing how fast they shaved the wood down. Apparently the bats are made to exact specifications, and Major League hitters are sensitive enough to be able to tell if a bat's handle is a millimeter too thick or if it's a fraction of an ounce too heavy.

When the tour was over, we each got a free mini-bat and then checked out the museum. They had all sorts of historic bats used by various Hall-of-Famers. Here's a bat Joe DiMaggio used during his historic 56-game hitting streak:

The bats of Hall-of-Famers Cal Ripken Jr., Eddie Murray, Mike Schmidt, and Tony Gwynn:

A bat used by the legendary Babe Ruth during his amazing 1927 season. He carved a notch around the logo for every home run he hit with it:

They also had a photo station where you could pose with a bat used by Major League players. Dave and Scotty chose to hold the bat of David Ortiz:

I'm assuming Scotty is about to drop a bunt, because I certainly didn't teach him to hold the bat like this.

Sarah went for Cal Ripken's bat:

Somehow, they managed to peacefully take all of these pictures without taking any swings at each other.

Another exhibit in the museum had a pitching machine set up to show a pitch traveling at 90 mph, typical for what Major League batters face. It traveled the distance from the mound to home plate in an instant. I'm amazed anyone can even get the bat on the ball at that speed, let alone hit for any distance.

Once we'd finished with the museum, we picked up our personalized bats. They looked awesome! Unfortunately, Julie made us keep them in the box rather than carry them around with us the rest of the day.

From there, we headed to the batting cage. The factory has some cages set up with pitching machines, where for $1 you get 10 pitches and a chance to swing the same model bat as some current pro players. Sarah, Dave and I ponied up our $3 to give it a shot. They got youth bats and a slow-pitch cage, while I went for the baseball machine.

I chose to swing Jim Thome's bat, which weighed in at 32 oz.

I chose...poorly.

The bat felt very heavy in my hands, and I had a hard time getting it around in time to meet the pitches. The pitches felt quick, and I was consistently swinging late and barely fouling them off. It was very hard to get a read on when the pitch was coming from the machine--there was no windup, or indicator light, or anything. The ball would just suddenly shoot out of the machine. So it was hard to get the timing down. Also, the sun was in my eyes, and my back was sore, and it may have been a full moon the night before.

So, I swung at 10 pitches connected on maybe 7, and hit only one that would have had any chance of landing fair (most likely in front of the pitcher's mound). I exited the cage.

"How fast are those pitches?" I asked the girl manning the booth.

"About 45 mph," she said.



That's about Little League speed, in case you were wondering. I muttered something about the glare from the lights under my breath and turned the bat in. Next time, I'll pick a smaller bat. At least I didn't try Ty Cobb's bat--it weighed in at approximately 39 oz. and looked like I'd be trying to swing a tree trunk.

Sarah and Dave did better taking their hacks. Dave, in particular, saw his Little League experience pay off as he made contact with every pitch he saw.

Not to be outdone, Scotty took his hacks in the t-ball cage.

All in all, it was about 2 hours in baseball heaven. The boys (big and small) absolutely loved it. Even the girls enjoyed the tour of the bat-making process. The company has been around forever, and feels like an American institution, right up there with apple pie and voter fraud in Chicago.

If you're a baseball fan or intrigued by factories and American history, I highly recommend the stop. If nothing else convinces you, how about this: your kids will all be handed free blunt instruments to swing at each other the rest of the day. Wait, let me re-phrase that. You'll get your own free blunt instrument to keep your kids in line!

Coming Up Next: The most unique meal of the entire vacation. Seriously, I don't know if there's anything I can say that would prepare you for this place.

 

[KatMark]

Another day, another new state. I'll tell you right off the bat: this was one of my favorite days on the road trip. I don't even know if I could quantify everything that made it that way (although you know I'll try), but it just turned out to be one of those days you look back on and say, "You know, that was a great day."

Sounds intriguing, so I guess I'll read on.

We had yet another tasty breakfast the Country Inn in Indianapolis and called our friends, Jay and Donna, to let them know we were heading down the interstate. They were caravanning with us down I-65 to Louisville, Kentucky. We had to make a stop for gas near Shelbyville, Indiana (possibly home of the Shelbyvillians, nemesis to Homer Simpson's Springfield Isotopes). Apparently I could have waved hello to Andy (afwdwfan) from here, although that was unbeknownst to me at the time.

Perhaps if the Simpsons were not on your mind, you would have known to wave at Andy.

Our first stop was another piece of hallowed ground in American sports: The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

The Hillerich & Bradsby Company has been manufacturing Lousiville Slugger baseball bats since 1884, so it's safe to say they have some experience in the industry. The museum, working factory, and company headquarters are all located in the same building right in downtown Louisville.

Big Dave has become a huge baseball fan over the past year, and Jay and I love the game as well (although he is on the Dark Side, being a Yankees fan ). Needless to say, several of us were excited to see the museum and tour the factory. And the girls were good sports and came along as well.

I had no idea that was there; I'll have to tell my Andy about that...he'd probably enjoy going there with his love for the game.

The factory next door had some fun with their location as well.

Love this photo!

In my pre-trip research, I'd read that you could order a personalized baseball bat before taking the factory tour, and that it would be ready by the time you were done. The boys and I had decided that this would make for a really, really cool souvenir and went for it. They used some birthday money and allowance they'd saved up in order to pay for it, and I used my allowance from the Budget Committee. I did not ask the Budget Committee if she wanted her own bat, for fear it might be used for enforcement of committee rules later on down the road.

The more I hear about Julie, the more I love her! And smart idea NOT to get her one.

The guy turned out to be a retired schoolteacher from the Philly area, and was tickled to see our Phillies t-shirts. I shook his hand after his short talk, and he said he really enjoyed working in the factory, but he missed the cheesesteaks from back home. I couldn't blame him there. Cheesesteaks, in case you didn't know, are on the menu in Heaven.

I've heard that about Cheeseteaks; I have to admit I have never had one.

Aurora said no pictures are allowed during the tour, since they don't know which folks are spies from other bat companies. We got to see pallets of bats for different Major Leaguers (they have at least one player signed to use their bats on each team) as well as some bats being made on the floor to commemmorate Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit (making Jay the Yankees fan happy). We also got to see the automated bat-carving machines that replaced the hand work on the lathe, and it was amazing how fast they shaved the wood down. Apparently the bats are made to exact specifications, and Major League hitters are sensitive enough to be able to tell if a bat's handle is a millimeter too thick or if it's a fraction of an ounce too heavy.

We watched that game when Jeter his his 3,000th--classy guy!


Somehow, they managed to peacefully take all of these pictures without taking any swings at each other.

Could be because you have good kids.

Once we'd finished with the museum, we picked up our personalized bats. They looked awesome! Unfortunately, Julie made us keep them in the box rather than carry them around with us the rest of the day.

Again...smart lady!

I chose to swing Jim Thome's bat, which weighed in at 32 oz.

I chose...poorly.

The bat felt very heavy in my hands, and I had a hard time getting it around in time to meet the pitches. The pitches felt quick, and I was consistently swinging late and barely fouling them off. It was very hard to get a read on when the pitch was coming from the machine--there was no windup, or indicator light, or anything. The ball would just suddenly shoot out of the machine. So it was hard to get the timing down. Also, the sun was in my eyes, and my back was sore, and it may have been a full moon the night before.

We beleive you, Mark. Whatever you say, Mark. It's okay, Mark...MOST men can't do it either.

Sarah and Dave did better taking their hacks. Dave, in particular, saw his Little League experience pay off as he made contact with every pitch he saw.

Not to be outdone, Scotty took his hacks in the t-ball cage.

Coming Up Next: The most unique meal of the entire vacation. Seriously, I don't know if there's anything I can say that would prepare you for this place.

And how long before we find out what this unique meal was?

And you have to make a return trip to Chicago just so I can meet your better half.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Another day, another new state. I'll tell you right off the bat:

I don't even know if I could quantify everything that made it that way

Well, crossing the Ohio put two full states between you and me. I would guess that might factor in...

We had yet another tasty breakfast the Country Inn in Indianapolis

They're not exactly Mickey Waffles, but it's to argue with "free".

Around 11:00 or so, we were crossing the Ohio River (wider than we'd seen at its start in Pittsburgh) and entering Louisvile.

Isn't that a gorgeous view? Crossing the river, seeing the skyline of Louisville, and Louisville Slugger Stadium right there... That view alone on our trips to Disney convinced us to check out Louisville as a destination.

I did not ask the Budget Committee if she wanted her own bat, for fear it might be used for enforcement of committee rules later on down the road.

My Joint Finance Committee carries a frying pan for just those reasons.

All of their bats are made there at the Louisville location. We got to see how the wood was shaved down into long cylinders, and then an old factory hand showed us how they used to be carved by hand on a lathe.

Did you get your nubs as well? I have mine sitting on my desk.

I'm assuming Scotty is about to drop a bunt, because I certainly didn't teach him to hold the bat like this.

I'm assuming you did teach him to use a bat that is not taller than he is...

Once we'd finished with the museum, we picked up our personalized bats. They looked awesome! Unfortunately, Julie made us keep them in the box rather than carry them around with us the rest of the day.

She's smart - she knows it's much harder to swing a box than a bat, thus discouraging you - sorry, I mean the kids - from swinging it constantly.

I chose to swing Jim Thome's bat, which weighed in at 32 oz.

I chose...poorly.

Maybe they should have had Mario Mendoza's bat for you to try.

The bat felt very heavy in my hands, and I had a hard time getting it around in time to meet the pitches. The pitches felt quick, and I was consistently swinging late and barely fouling them off. It was very hard to get a read on when the pitch was coming from the machine--there was no windup, or indicator light, or anything. The ball would just suddenly shoot out of the machine. So it was hard to get the timing down. Also, the sun was in my eyes, and my back was sore, and it may have been a full moon the night before.

Well, if you can't be an athlete, you can always be an athletic supporter.
Oh, and you forgot to blame that broken foot or whatever it is that you have that sounds really painful.

Sarah and Dave did better taking their hacks. Dave, in particular, saw his Little League experience pay off as he made contact with every pitch he saw.

Nice Job Kids!

Not to be outdone, Scotty took his hacks in the t-ball cage.

Evan was too short for the cages, and if I recall correctly, we had to drag him out of the t-ball cage.

Great picture!

Coming Up Next: The most unique meal of the entire vacation. Seriously, I don't know if there's anything I can say that would prepare you for this place.

Wow, that sounds like some fancy McDonalds.

 

[Mrs. Knowitall]

Don't take us for granted, now. How many dads are out there who don't "get" Disney?

Quite a few.....some even in the Captain's own family! (I know....the scandal!)

It would feel weird to go back and quote your last update because
a) My brain is still somewhere back in the Bahamas
b) most of the good jokes have been taken already.

I can't claim (a), but I can (b). That 's my story and I'm sticking with it.

But rest assured, I read it and enjoyed it.

DITTO!!!

Another day, another new state. I'll tell you right off the bat: this was one of my favorite days on the road trip. I don't even know if I could quantify everything that made it that way (although you know I'll try), but it just turned out to be one of those days you look back on and say, "You know, that was a great day."

Agreed!

Shelbyville, Indiana (possibly home of the Shelbyvillians, nemesis to Homer Simpson's Springfield Isotopes).

I'm just amused that there's a Simpson-Wiki out there!

And the girls were good sports and came along as well.

Let's just say we really had no choice in the matter. That being said, it was a very enjoyable and educational tour!

The factory next door had some fun with their location as well.

This just tickled my funny bone. Talk about a great marketing strategy!

I used my allowance from the Budget Committee. I did not ask the Budget Committee if she wanted her own bat, for fear it might be used for enforcement of committee rules later on down the road.

So we'll call her Aurora.

WHAT? That's the best you could do? Who names their kid Aurora?

cheesesteaks from back home. I couldn't blame him there. Cheesesteaks, in case you didn't know, are on the menu in Heaven.

If anyone is ever in the area, and HASN'T had one of these delicious things, the Oblivious-Knowitall Family will treat you. There. The Budget Committee has spoken.

We got to see how the wood was shaved down into long cylinders, and then an old factory hand showed us how they used to be carved by hand on a lathe.

We also got to see the automated bat-carving machines that replaced the hand work on the lathe, and it was amazing how fast they shaved the wood down. Apparently the bats are made to exact specifications, and Major League hitters are sensitive enough to be able to tell if a bat's handle is a millimeter too thick or if it's a fraction of an ounce too heavy.

Even as a non-baseball fan, I found this fascinating.

I'm assuming Scotty is about to drop a bunt, because I certainly didn't teach him to hold the bat like this.

I think he's just struggling to hold the thing!

Somehow, they managed to peacefully take all of these pictures without taking any swings at each other.

Might have had something to do with the worker/guard making sure that no one touched the bats with bare hands.

Jay and Donna's kids, being Yankees fans, got to hold Mickey Mantle's bat.

Once we'd finished with the museum, we picked up our personalized bats. They looked awesome! Unfortunately, Julie made us keep them in the box rather than carry them around with us the rest of the day.

I'm such a wet blanket.

Love this quote. Good motto for life!

Also, the sun was in my eyes, and my back was sore, and it may have been a full moon the night before.

Ummm.....yeah.....

Not to be outdone, Scotty took his hacks in the t-ball cage.

Kind of wished we'd told a little fib about Scotty's age so he could have tried the batting cages. You had to be 6 to go in.....and Scotty could easily have passed for a 6 year old....well....size wise at least!

Coming Up Next: The most unique meal of the entire vacation. Seriously, I don't know if there's anything I can say that would prepare you for this place.

Other than..... PURE AWESOMENESS?!?!!!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

WHAT? That's the best you could do? Who names their kid Aurora?

King Stefan and Queen Leah.
Or do you mean besides them?

 

[afwdwfan]

I'll tell you right off the bat:

You truly are taking way too much inspiration from Barry's writing style.

We had to make a stop for gas near Shelbyville, Indiana (possibly home of the Shelbyvillians, nemesis to Homer Simpson's Springfield Isotopes). Apparently I could have waved hello to Andy (afwdwfan) from here, although that was unbeknownst to me at the time.

Well, the exit close to my office is the next one south... but yeah, same idea. And the Shelbyville exit off I-65 is a bit deceiving... it is on the edge of Franklin and only about 10 miles or so from the Shelbyville city limits. Don't know how those DOT guys come up with some of this stuff.

And the girls were good sports and came along as well.

The Budget Committee has been very good to you... first the football hall of fame, and now the Louisville Slugger factory. You are a lucky man.

(although it's made of steel and is hollow).

Are you sure it isn't aluminum? It could almost be a regulation NCAA bat.

The boys and I had decided that this would make for a really, really cool souvenir and went for it.

Awesome idea for a souvenir. Did you get to see them actually working on any part of your bat?

I did not ask the Budget Committee if she wanted her own bat, for fear it might be used for enforcement of committee rules later on down the road.

Why would the Budget Committee need its own bat when there will already be multiple bats readily available and on hand?

The guy turned out to be a retired schoolteacher from the Philly area

Some people want to retire and work in Disney World. Other people want to retire and carve baseball bats in Louisville. Both would be awesome, but I like the Florida weather a little bit better.

Aurora said no pictures are allowed during the tour, since they don't know which folks are spies from other bat companies.

But do they allow someone wearing a Mizuno baseball T-Shirt to go on the tour?

Dave and Scotty chose to hold the bat of David Ortiz:

Couldn't they find a bigger bat?

I'm assuming Scotty is about to drop a bunt, because I certainly didn't teach him to hold the bat like this.

I've seen that stance before. He's going to be a pitcher in the American League.

Sarah went for Cal Ripken's bat:

Excellent choice!

I chose to swing Jim Thome's bat, which weighed in at 32 oz.

I chose...poorly.

His bat looks huge when he holds it... and he's not exactly a little guy.

The ball would just suddenly shoot out of the machine. So it was hard to get the timing down.

Maybe you should have learned from Scotty and tried to lay down a bunt.

Also, the sun was in my eyes, and my back was sore, and it may have been a full moon the night before.

And you stayed at a Country Inn, not a Holiday Inn Express.

"How fast are those pitches?" I asked the girl manning the booth.

"About 45 mph," she said.

Not to be outdone, Scotty took his hacks in the t-ball cage.

Ok, nevermind learning how to bunt from Scotty... he needs to teach you that swing. I don't even see a bat in that picture. The kid's got some good bat speed!

All in all, it was about 2 hours in baseball heaven.

This isn't baseball heaven. This isn't Iowa.

 

[afwdwfan]

Maybe they should have had Mario Mendoza's bat for you to try.

Wow, how did I miss that one? Good one, Barry!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

One tidbit I meant to include and forgot to post:

Every bat is marked "Powerized". Way back when, the company used to include a special kind of wood glue in the finishing process that hardened up the bat, made it harder to break and gave more power to the hitter. Major League Baseball stepped in and outlawed it, saying the rules stated that a bat must be made from one unbroken piece of wood with no other substances applied. So, the Louisville Slugger from then on out didn't include the wood glue, and they removed the "Powerized" marking from the bat.

Only once they did that, the players started to complain. "How come my bat isn't powerized anymore?" they would ask. They feared the bats weren't as good and their power would suffer as a result. So, the company took the prudent approach and began marking "Powerized" on the bats again.

So, when you see that on the bat, it means absolutely nothing.

 

[glennbo123]

The factory next door had some fun with their location as well.

What was on the other side? A gasoline and match factory?

They had all sorts of historic bats used by various Hall-of-Famers.

Did they have George Brett's famous "pine tar" bat?

Speaking of historic baseball bats, I thought this recent story was interesting.

I chose to swing Jim Thome's bat, which weighed in at 32 oz.

I chose...poorly.

Nuts. If only herve villechaize had had a bat.

The bat felt very heavy in my hands, and I had a hard time getting it around in time to meet the pitches. The pitches felt quick, and I was consistently swinging late and barely fouling them off. It was very hard to get a read on when the pitch was coming from the machine--there was no windup, or indicator light, or anything. The ball would just suddenly shoot out of the machine. So it was hard to get the timing down. Also, the sun was in my eyes, and my back was sore, and it may have been a full moon the night before.

Careful....you'll tear your achilles.

Another FANTASTIC family photo.....you got a lot of them on this trip!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Every one else has already thumped your skull pretty good, so I’ll just hit a couple of highlights this time.

The Day We Gave Our Kids Blunt Instruments

If I recall correctly, this is the second time on this trip where the young’ens were given access to blunt instruments (it’s just the first time they got to keep some of them afterwards).

Another day, another new state.

The mark of a great road trip (or maybe a life time spent on the lamb).

I'll tell you right off the bat…

Really?

…he is on the Dark Side, being a Yankees fan ).

I don’t really have a favorite team so I generally pull for the underdog. But… I must question a large percentage of the Yankee’s fans. It’s not that the team doesn’t have a great history. It’s just that they win so often (and have enough money to ensure that this continues) that being a fan doesn’t really require any effort or investment. Most of them are just sitting on the bandwagon and claiming all the credit

…When the tour was over, we each got a free mini-bat and then checked out the museum.

This will have to be added to my list of places to see. History, heritage, museums, playground and a billy-club for your own personal enjoyment… Hard to beat.

Julie made us keep them in the box rather than carry them around with us the rest of the day.

To paraphrase... "She chose wisely"



Which leads me too…

I chose...poorly.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
(I’m surprised someone didn’t beat me to that one)

So it was hard to get the timing down. Also, the sun was in my eyes, and my back was sore, and it may have been a full moon the night before.

"I ran out of gas. I... I had a flat tire. I didn't have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn't come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake. A terrible flood. Locusts! IT WASN'T MY FAULT, I SWEAR TO GOD!"

Another great picture and an excellent closer for this most excellent post

 

[afwdwfan]

So, the company took the prudent approach and began marking "Powerized" on the bats again.

So, when you see that on the bat, it means absolutely nothing.

Hmmm... learn something new every day. I always thought it meant they were corked.

...a billy-club for your own personal enjoyment… Hard to beat.

Great... another punny Disdad.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Sounds intriguing, so I guess I'll read on.

Well, that's very kind of you.

Perhaps if the Simpsons were not on your mind, you would have known to wave at Andy.

Ever see Homer's thought bubbles? That's kind of how my brain works.

I had no idea that was there; I'll have to tell my Andy about that...he'd probably enjoy going there with his love for the game.

I think all of the baseball-loving folks in your family would enjoy this!

Love this photo!

The more I hear about Julie, the more I love her! And smart idea NOT to get her one.

If she needs to whack me, she can always borrow my bat.

I've heard that about Cheeseteaks; I have to admit I have never had one.

Don't try one outside of the Philly area. Most places just don't get it right. Which is weird, because it's chopped ribeye, fried onions, and cheese on a sub roll. You wouldn't think it would be too difficult. But you have to get the proportions right. We'll just have to treat you if you're in the area.

We watched that game where Jeter hit his 3,000th--classy guy!

Being a Yankee hater, it pains me to admit it, but Jeter is a classy guy.

Could be because you have good kids.

Aw, thanks!

Again...smart lady!

If she's so smart, what's she doing with me?

We beleive you, Mark. Whatever you say, Mark. It's okay, Mark...MOST men can't do it either.

I need a rematch with the pitching machine. And Dustin Pedroia's bat.

And how long before we find out what this unique meal was?

I dunno. Maybe by the end of the week?

And you have to make a return trip to Chicago just so I can meet your better half.

Deal! We'd love to come back!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I figured you'd appreciate that little tribute. I couldn't resist.

Well, crossing the Ohio put two full states between you and me. I would guess that might factor in...

Good point! But then again, we were farther away from Bambi, Madison and Evan...

They're not exactly Mickey Waffles, but it's to argue with "free".

If it's free, it's for me! With a family of 5, free breakfast is one of the first things I look for in a hotel now.

Isn't that a gorgeous view? Crossing the river, seeing the skyline of Louisville, and Louisville Slugger Stadium right there... That view alone on our trips to Disney convinced us to check out Louisville as a destination.

That view is amazing. Just breathtaking. I'm actually kicking myself for not getting some good pictures of the Louisville skyline from that direction.

My Joint Finance Committee carries a frying pan for just those reasons.

It's interesting to see how the tools of the trade differ in various regions of the country.

Did you get your nubs as well? I have mine sitting on my desk.

We did! Mine is....somewhere. It probably got buried in one of our souvenir bags.

I'm assuming you did teach him to use a bat that is not taller than he is...

He didn't have much of a choice there. They got to choose between David Ortiz, Mickey Mantle, Johnny Bench, and Cal Ripken's bats.

She's smart - she knows it's much harder to swing a box than a bat, thus discouraging you - sorry, I mean the kids - from swinging it constantly.

She knows me too well.

Maybe they should have had Mario Mendoza's bat for you to try.

Mendoza probably looked like Hank Aaron compared to me.

Well, if you can't be an athlete, you can always be an athletic supporter.

I need to find a rim shot clip or something.

Oh, and you forgot to blame that broken foot or whatever it is that you have that sounds really painful.

You're right! I'm sure that played into it as well. Thanks!

Nice Job Kids!

Evan was too short for the cages, and if I recall correctly, we had to drag him out of the t-ball cage.

You get to hit a ball as hard as you can right at a wall. What's not to like?

Great picture!

Wow, that sounds like some fancy McDonalds.

You know exactly where we went. Seriously, is there an easy way to describe it?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Quite a few.....some even in the Captain's own family! (I know....the scandal!)

There's still time for them to come around.

I'm just amused that there's a Simpson-Wiki out there!

Admit it. You spent hours browsing it, didn't you?

Let's just say we really had no choice in the matter. That being said, it was a very enjoyable and educational tour!

It's the Louisville Slugger Factory! Of course you didn't have a choice. Not wanting to go there is like not wanting any apple pie.

This just tickled my funny bone. Talk about a great marketing strategy!

WHAT? That's the best you could do? Who names their kid Aurora?

Royalty, that's who! And maybe Gwyneth Paltrow.

If anyone is ever in the area, and HASN'T had one of these delicious things, the Oblivious-Knowitall Family will treat you. There. The Budget Committee has spoken.

Wait, I can't replace our 27" analog standard-definition TV but strangers reading this TR get free cheesesteaks??

I suppose, like the Louisville Slugger Factory, there's no choice in the matter. Come visit us! Have a cheesesteak! We'll take you to our favorite place.

Even as a non-baseball fan, I found this fascinating.

That's a relief.

I think he's just struggling to hold the thing!

Well, at least he's cute.

Might have had something to do with the worker/guard making sure that no one touched the bats with bare hands.

That does make for a good deterrent.

Jay and Donna's kids, being Yankees fans, got to hold Mickey Mantle's bat.

Being a Yankees-hater, it pains me to admit it, but it's pretty cool to say you got to hold Mickey Mantle's bat.

I'm such a wet blanket.

Yes. Yes, you are.

Love this quote. Good motto for life!

It works for me!

Ummm.....yeah.....

You've seen my athletic prowess. Naturally, you know that my struggles in the batting cage were an anomaly.

Kind of wished we'd told a little fib about Scotty's age so he could have tried the batting cages. You had to be 6 to go in.....and Scotty could easily have passed for a 6 year old....well....size wise at least!

His head fits in my ball caps. I don't think there would have been a problem!

Other than..... PURE AWESOMENESS?!?!!!

Mmmm...pure awesomeness...

King Stefan and Queen Leah.
Or do you mean besides them?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

You truly are taking way too much inspiration from Barry's writing style.

I apologize. It was hard to resist that one, and I had a weak moment.

Well, the exit close to my office is the next one south... but yeah, same idea. And the Shelbyville exit off I-65 is a bit deceiving... it is on the edge of Franklin and only about 10 miles or so from the Shelbyville city limits. Don't know how those DOT guys come up with some of this stuff.

Ah, it's Indiana. All those towns look the same.

The Budget Committee has been very good to you... first the football hall of fame, and now the Louisville Slugger factory. You are a lucky man.

Hmm. Maybe I should re-think that TV thing I said a minute ago.

Are you sure it isn't aluminum? It could almost be a regulation NCAA bat.

Maybe we need to look into this.

Awesome idea for a souvenir. Did you get to see them actually working on any part of your bat?

Unfortunately, no. I had the suspicion that the bats were already made, and that the engraving is the only thing they do while you're on the tour.

Why would the Budget Committee need its own bat when there will already be multiple bats readily available and on hand?

Exactly. I guess she could have gotten her own with some smart-alecky message printed on it.

Some people want to retire and work in Disney World. Other people want to retire and carve baseball bats in Louisville. Both would be awesome, but I like the Florida weather a little bit better.

Agreed. But you know, Louisville is a pretty cool town. I don't think it's a bad backup plan at all.

But do they allow someone wearing a Mizuno baseball T-Shirt to go on the tour?

Now that would have been interesting. Maybe you just get harassed, like when you wear a Universal Studios t-shirt to WDW.

Couldn't they find a bigger bat?

Jaws! Sort of.

I've seen that stance before. He's going to be a pitcher in the American League.

I love watching the American League pitchers in interleague games when they're forced to bat. Standing 8 feet off the plate with a "Please don't kill me!" look on their faces.

Excellent choice!

Can't go wrong with the Iron Man.

His bat looks huge when he holds it... and he's not exactly a little guy.

I have to admit, I was thinking "former Phillie, I love Thome!" rather than , "Gee, he's a big guy. That bat might be heavy."

Maybe you should have learned from Scotty and tried to lay down a bunt.

I prayed to Joe Boo to help me hit the curveball. If you no help me hit the curveball...I say @#$% you, Joe Boo. I do it myself!

And you stayed at a Country Inn, not a Holiday Inn Express.

Good point.

Ok, nevermind learning how to bunt from Scotty... he needs to teach you that swing. I don't even see a bat in that picture. The kid's got some good bat speed!

I think he's going to be my retirement plan. I have to work on being more overbearing as a sports dad.

This isn't baseball heaven. This isn't Iowa.

That's on my list of places to visit in Iowa!

(Mostly because I'm not sure what else there is in Iowa)

Wow, how did I miss that one? Good one, Barry!