Your pre-pre-game

[NCASAUmp]

Just to break up the monotony of questions regarding interference, obstruction and the LBR, I just thought I'd toss this one out there for a change of pace.

What kinds of rituals do you have to get ready for a game?

Me - stop off at McDonald's and get a double cheeseburger with a small Coke, no fries. $2.16, every time. Grab a couple Gatorades before I get to the field. Listen to something nice and loud on my iPod through my car stereo. Metallica, Godsmack or Shinedown are preferred. Smoke at least 3 cigs before the game (gets the nice grit in the voice, not that I advocate smoking). Arrive at the field about 45 minutes to an hour before game time. Relax a while, chat with the other blues, then start my pre-game.

What about the rest of you?

[mcrowder]

Me:

1) Invent creative excuse for leaving work early.
2) Change in the car, usually while driving, often at 60+.
3) Agreed - blare something on the IPOD in the car (Rush, U2, Our Lady Peace, Maroon 5, etc)
4) Arrive dressed with about 30 minutes to spare, hunt for my partner.
5) Start putting on plate gear, even though I was scheduled for bases - partner still not here, 10 minutes to go.
6) 2 minutes to go, Plate Conference, get home team out on the field.
7) Greet partner. Play ball.

I say this in jest, but similar events happen more than they should.

[Chess Ref]

I couldn't let a thread about metal and loud music go by. My choices for blasting are always metal/hard rock. This week I'm doing lots of Rob Zombie. Though I spend time with Godsmack, Disturbed and my old friends Queensryche. I did see Rob open up for Godsmack last summer, but I didn't stay in a Holiday Inn that night.

Rush is due here in several weeks. Saw them several times long ago, I have kinda lost interest in them, but may go see them for old times sake.....

I always get me an iced coffee with extra shots to get me moving..

[Dutch Alex]

Cause I work (mostly) only on saturday a double header (we don't have that much games mon. - fri.) and the appoinments come on wed. a week before, I can relax towards my games:
Tue.: send e-mail to my partner for this weekend. Mostly only about arriving time and uniform. At this moment I also start thiking about the games...
Thu.: Make sure everything is clean, uniform and underwear
Fri.: Pack the bag
Sat.: - Eat well in the morning and relax.
- Drink enough and play a little with my son; afterall daddy is the remaining of the day on the ballfield and Daan (my son 5Yr) will be sleeping when I come home.
- Check traffic in Internet (again) and leave on time.
- Cuban salsa CD on while driving (Highway: 110km/h), clearing the mind
- arrive 1 hour before the game starts. Have a cup a tea and talk with partner and scorer. 30min before go to dressingroom to change into uniform. Then I'm relaxed and ready to play ball!

I hate it to be late! Can't stand it when my wife and son come along and I'm not allowed to have MY music on in the car...
BTW, nobody may take something out of my bag. Not even my wife. I wash my own uniform, even press my pants and iron the shirts (if needed...)

[SWFLguy]

I really don't do anything special, except I usually eat a 3 Musketeers candy
bar before the game to get my blood sugar level up. Also here in SW Fl
bring bottled water in a small cooler of ice and make sure I am hydrated
before and during the game.

[IamMatt]

What? You mean you don't:

1) Search car seat in vain for lost glasses;
2) Ask snack bar lady if she can explain the difference between INT and OBS to you;
3) Toss a coin to decide which team you are going to favor in the game.

Isn't that what all us coaches think?

I'm kidding, I'm kidding!!!

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Chess Ref

I couldn't let a thread about metal and loud music go by. My choices for blasting are always metal/hard rock. This week I'm doing lots of Rob Zombie. Though I spend time with Godsmack, Disturbed and my old friends Queensryche. I did see Rob open up for Godsmack last summer, but I didn't stay in a Holiday Inn that night.

Rush is due here in several weeks. Saw them several times long ago, I have kinda lost interest in them, but may go see them for old times sake.....

I always get me an iced coffee with extra shots to get me moving..

Doh! I forgot Disturbed, KoRn, Megadeth, Ozzy, Pantera, and Rage. And to get the pipes warmed up, I also sing along.

[IRISHMAFIA]

I must be old. But my range is wide: Santana, Ten Years After, Moody Blues, Eric Clapton, John Mayal to Asleep at the Wheel, Marcia Ball, The Rebirth Brass Band, BB King and Jimmy Buffet. Of course, there is much more in between, but you can keep the headbanging stuff. Didn't like it 30 years ago, don't care for it much now.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I must be old. But my range is wide: Santana, Ten Years After, Moody Blues, Eric Clapton, John Mayal to Asleep at the Wheel, Marcia Ball, The Rebirth Brass Band, BB King and Jimmy Buffet. Of course, there is much more in between, but you can keep the headbanging stuff. Didn't like it 30 years ago, don't care for it much now.

Ahhh... Santana... Slow Hand (Clapton)... BB and Buffet. I'm 29, Mike, and those are also some of my favorites. My iPod literally contains every album Santana released.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I must be old. But my range is wide: Santana, Ten Years After, Moody Blues, Eric Clapton, John Mayal to Asleep at the Wheel, Marcia Ball, The Rebirth Brass Band, BB King and Jimmy Buffet. Of course, there is much more in between, but you can keep the headbanging stuff. Didn't like it 30 years ago, don't care for it much now.

Nice choices. Somehow I didn't quite picture you as a Parrothead though.

The music I listen to when getting ready for a college or high school game where I have the plate, is usually some form of jazz. No, not the "modern" stuff. The classics, Davis, Coltrane, Hampton...etc. "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis is a perenial favorite.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Nice choices. Somehow I didn't quite picture you as a Parrothead though.

Like the music and party, don't care too much for the perfomer or his empire.

Last year (?), my wife and daughter in law got tickets to Buffet in Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, including parking passes. I drove, set up the grill, canopy and lounge chairs in VIP parking area. I just enjoyed the atmosphere, food, beer, music from CD player and the company. During concert, had a few limo drivers hanging out with me sharing the food and music. Had more than a half-dozen people offer me tickets (no charge) on their way in, but I was quite satisfied where I was, thank you very much.

[Chess Ref]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Of course, there is much more in between, but you can keep the headbanging stuff. Didn't like it 30 years ago, don't care for it much now.

I will confess to having a sick and twisted fascination with Barry Manilow.
I have seen Barry 5 or so times over the years....

I also make sure I see Reo Speedwagon at least once a year, much to my wife's dismay.......

SO it's not all headbanging but mostly so.....