Guest Blog: Morgan Ensberg
25 04 2008Morgan ran across my blog one day and about a week ago asked if he could guest blog. Of course I agreed. Hope you enjoy.
So here we go…
This is the first time I have ever blogged anything. To be 100% honest with you, I don’t really know what to write about. This was an incredible discovery for Seinfeld. Heck, he made a whole TV show about not having anything to talk about. But the whole purpose of a blog is to give a point of view and for that matter, give you a point of view about baseball. So here you go.
TV contracts are a really big deal in baseball. So much so that the umpire at second base has a stop watch and starts it immediately following the last out of the inning. We all sit and warm up and wait until a minute and 30 seconds (I think that is how long) has passed. You will see the home plate umpire standing and waiting, the batter will be outside the batters box waiting, and you will see the pitcher standing behind the mound and looking at second base and waiting for the umpire to move back into the outfield or put his hat on (the signal that we have passed the time needed for commercials) and that tell us we can start. It drives all of us crazy.
The next idea that I have is about opposing fans. I love it when a fan is yelling at me and says something really witty. Not just yelling to be heard by the people around him, but something really funny. If it is good, I will laugh at it myself. I want it to be funny. But let me tell you this, if you say “you suck” we know that you don’t know what to say and you probably aren’t very funny. To us it is like saying “um”. We hear it all the time and it is just a sound with no meaning. Take your time and don’t get caught up in the moment. Timing is everything and if you can think of something genuinely funny, you will have my respect.
Finally, the Office is the greatest show on the planet, and I would like to pose this question to all of you….
Would an average sized row boat support phil and me without capsizing?
One more thing, I love reading and I really love to read non-fiction. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them. Just email Phil and he can pass them on to me. Hopefully you will send enough recommendations that we shut down the internet! Later! Morgan
morgan made some sick plays last night
thanks for the entry
see ya
FIRST COMMENT!!! Morgan - That was a great blog. I honestly had no idea about the whole “commercial thing”. I am going to watch for that during a game. Finding out these little bits of information is why I love Phil’s blog (and indea for “guest bloggers”).
As far as witty comments, sitting in the bleachers you can usually get some good one liners. What was the closest you ever came to saying something back? Have you ever (you dont seem like the type). What was the best one-liner you ever heard?
Now with the boat - Sit in the middle and stay still. Just please don’t go fishing during the season. We cannot afford to lose any more players this year, never mind to a fishing accident in a boat.
lol I’m sure opposing fans will try and accomidate you Morgan.
Hey Morgan & Phil,
I loved these quotes from the office:
Woman: Well I’m gonna head out.
Michael Scott: Oh. Okay. Well, um, I enjoyed this, conversation. It was very nice. It was like talking to the sweet old lady on the bus.
Woman: That’s incredibly rude.
Michael Scott: Now you ruined it. [walks out]
—-
Michael Scott: Hello Oscar Meyer Wiener -lover. I bet, that you have a bunch of very liberal girl-type friends, who trust you implicitly, because they know you’d never touch them given your condition.
You and Phil are officially my favorite people ever.
i never knew that about the t v but i would get annoyed also. i will think about saying something funny 2 u. a good book is the holocaust writen in 1987. also phil u had a good outing last night not ur fault of the lose no disition i no u wouldve done better if it didnt rain. Also morgan now i no y u never wrote blogs be 4 lol jk it was great
also the office great show
I had a feeling that whole commercial thing bothered you guys.
I completely agree about the fans. That is why I love Yankee fans, most of the time they have great comments and are usually very witty. The fans who are boring and uncreative, but think they are funny, get annoying fast.
The Office is beyond amazing!
I can’t stop laughing at the image of you two in an average sized row boat trying not to capsize.
Thanks Phil and Morgan! I have been a fan of Morgan since his days with the Astros so I absolutely love this.
The second part of the blog is brilliant and reminds me of a game last year at the stadium, when Tigers closer Todd Jones enjoyed what myself and the other bleacher creatures yelled at him. So, he was talking and laughing and decided to come up and watch b.p. from the bleachers. It was great to see him in the bleachers acting like a fan with his glove.
Anyway, I honestly wouldnt advise you and phil going in the same row boat. Im sure its not very safe. haha
OH, Phil, please make sure that Morgan payed his Cell Phone ticket that he got. Those late fees could really be a pain.
I really want to go to a sox-yankees game and throw a bag of twizzlers on the field. But that’s just me.
Morgan,
Your post made my day
I’m a huge Astros fan, but I read this blog all the time anyway as Phil seems like a great guy.
When the Yankees come to Houston over the summer I’ll make sure to think of a good jeers.
Morgan, what was the funniest thing a fan has said to you?
Thanks for blogging Morgan…I loved your entry!
To answer your question, I do think an average sized row boat would support you and Phil without capsizing….but if Joba jumps in too…well, that’s questionable. Haha—just kidding
Anway, nice job playing 3B these past few games…you’ve really made some awesome plays!
“Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin is a fairly fascinating triple biography about Lincoln and his cabinet. Its a good read, and written really well. Also Malcom Gladwell’s “Blink” and “Tipping point” are great non fiction social commentary. You may also like “Freakonomics” which is another social commentary, and might be the most fun read I’ve had in 3 years. Fun book! but a warning, you’ll be disappointed, it ends too soon!
Morgan that was awesome — everything a blog should be.
I took my 7 year old to the Braves-Marlins game last night and she was wondering the same thing…..”Daddy, why are they all just standing around?” But, of course, the TV money (1) keeps the cost of tickets somewhat reasonable — Yankee Stadium excluded — for the fans and (2) puts money in your pocket (and those of the owners) so it can’t be all bad.
“The Office” rocks…my favorite all time comedy, though is the British version of “Coupling” —- laugh out loud stuff…you can rent the DVD’s from Netflix
The most inventive in-game taunts of opposing players I have heard were both at Yankee Stadium (1) while sitting in the right field bleachers back in ‘91 fans were taunting Dante Bichette with a “Dante B’Sh*t in his pants” chant….kind of gross but effective. He gave a casual wave at some point during the game and (2) during the late 80’s —- not the best time in Yankee History, there must have been only 12 or 13 thousand fans on a chilly Monday night in April. The Yanks were losing badly to Minnesota and were serenading a position player named Pedro with, “Pedro, the revolution has begun” — a bit racist perhaps but with the silence in the crowd I know they could here it on the field
For books — try “From Beirut to Jerusalem”, the best book in history on the Mideast. My favorite baseball book ever was probably Summer of ‘49 by David Halberstam. For Yankee History try “The Bronx Zoo” — might provide some insight into the psychological makeup of your current employer or Peter Golenback’s well written biography of Billy Martin.
That was actually pretty funny. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m not dissapointed.
It’s fresh to see Ensberg.
Thanks for the insights, Morgan, that’s a great blog! I enjoy watching you play and am happy you had a little time at 3d base this week.
Re: opposing fans - I went to my first Yanks/Sox game on 4/16, and boy those fans are OBNOXIOUS! Even on the subway home, they were still taunting the Yankee fans and it took a lot of gall because they LOST that game! Anyway….
Re: books - I also love nonfiction. A Civil Action is one of my favorites; I also like books about corporate greed like Liar’s Poker, Den of Thieves and Barbarians at the Gate (they really capture the heyday of the roaring 80s). The Glass House was great - tells the story of a woman whose childhood was spent wandering around the country with her parents who are now homeless. Oh and how could I forget Bringing Down the House which is about the MIT kids who made cash beating the casinos’ systems.
I’m going to see you at the Stadium on 5/1 and 5/6, so I’m looking forward to those games for sure!
Great entry! I know what you mean with the opposing fans thing. I was at Phil’s first start against the Blue Jays, and I was sitting in right field right near the field, and these guys right near me were just giving it to Alex Rios the entire game. Apparently his given name is “Alexis” and they just kept saying you have a girls name. It wasn’t very funny, but one thing that was funny was when Abreu got that huge hit, while everyone was watching the play, the guys turn to Rios and say “don’t worry Rios, we didn’t forget about you”.
And the thing about the TV contracts is crazy, but yeah, I know it’s true. I remember a number of years back there was a Boston v. Yankees game and I was listening on the radio, and Sterlling said that they were going to throw the first pitch and an executive from Fox actually ran on the field to stop them because Fox wasn’t back from commercial yet.
Anyway, awesome hit last night, that really made the game exciting. Hope to see more entries from you!
Nice entry by Morgan. I liked the Seinfeld reference. You made a nice diving play on that ball that was ripped down the line, which could have easily beeen a double.
http://zellspinstripeblog.wordpress.com/
Kevin
Morgan, I agree with you as a fan who has been known to sport Yankees gear in enemy ballparks. “You suck” and “Yankees suck” are as boring as they come. But if you make me laugh, I’ll tip my hat and maybe even buy you a beer.
I just finished reading 21: Bringing down the House - it was a good read, really interesting how they could coordinate their card counting and beat Vegas for so much money. I haven’t seen the movie yet, I imagine it won’t live up to the book.
7-8 years ago I sat 13 rows behind the Yankees on-deck circle at Fenway. The Sox fans were merciless, mainly taunting Jeter, Tino, and Paul O’Neil. Their go to chant was “Hey Paul, last train to Provincetown leaves at 11:30″ (If you don’t know about Provincetown, it’s a place in Cape Cod where many gay men congregate.) Maybe not the most PC chant, but the Sox crowd loved it. Fortunately the Yanks won, but it still didn’t shut up the obnoxious Boston fans.
Loved the post Morgan. It definitely put a smile on my face
As for books, you should read “Mountains Beyond Mountains” - it’s a good read about a doctor and what he’s done with his life helping people with TB and other ID (infectious diseases). And I’m about to start reading “The Boys on the Bus”. It’s about coverage of the 1972 elections. Don’t know how it will be, but I’m told it’s good… no guarantees though. Enjoy
Great entry Morgan…very entertaining!
I love sitting in the stands around fans who yell funny things so it’s good to know you have a sense of humor.
Non-fiction is great - must mean you’re smart! Good book recommendation: Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell
Morgan great perfomance yesturday, signing you to the yanks was a great move.
Only thing was trying to backhand that in-between hop was probably the worst thing you could have done. Anyways it was relieving to see you fist pump after the single and everything. Why don’t you just make your own blog? If you enjoy this then follow Phil’s footsteps.
Here are my book recommendations:
The Operator - By Tom King (biography on the rise of David Geffen)
Whose Broad Stripes and Bright Stars - By Jack Germond and Julkes Witcover - about the presidential race of 1988 (george Bush and Dukakis)
Veil - by Bob Woodward about the secret CIA wars that took place from 1981-1987 ie Irangate etc
And the Sea is Never Full - By Eli Wiesel his memoirs from 1969 to present talk about how someone can overcome anything a true inspiration on forgiveness etc
Mad as Hell - by Jack Germond and Jules Witcover about teh 1992 Presidntial election ie Clinton, Perot and Bush
Long Walk to Freedom - Nelsom Mandela’s autobiography agin like Elie Weisel true inspiaration
and my highest recommendation is a book called The Children by David Halberstam about 8 young students from the civil rights movement and follows their lives from that time until present day, They inckude the students who fought to go to university in Arkansas ,the sit ins, freedom rides etc. One of thoise children is JOhn Lewis current congrssman from Georgia who was one of the leaders of the movemnt with King
Thats cool, I was excited when Morgan signed on as a free agent this past offseason. He’s really doing a great job. I’m going to all the games this weekend and can’t wait for another sweep.
Morgan, start up your own blog!!
and remember, stay off your cell while driving in NY
those ticketing bastards!
That was a great entry.
Reading suggestions? Oh, I can probably come up with a few of those…
You should hit up Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose. If you liked the show, you’ll love the book.
hey Philly check out HULU.com you can watch any office ep you want
if you really are “The Blowfish” (according to Phil), does it really matter if a row boat would support you both?
Nice entry. I like the guest blog idea. Pretty neat!
Morgan here is a great book. “Please send me an autograph” written by joekliq@yahoo.com
i dont like the TV commercials either, but that’s how the players/teams make money. us fans get nothing from it. the players at least know it’s supplementing their salaries.
if the MLBPA gets together and say “we’ll cut our salaries in half so in order to stop commercials”, i think you’d have the full support of every baseball fan out there.
HAHAHAH this was a fantastic entry! HAHHAHBABHH it was hilarious…particularly the section about the office. i literally blasted into laughter omg. HAHAHAHAHA
you know what was so great about seinfeld? it def was a show about nothing (technically speaking), but all those events that happened in the characters’ lives was of utmost importance to THEM. i think that’s what made it so good — seeing how much tiny occurrences or upsets mattered to them and seeing the changes they underwent after experiencing the various incidents. that’s just me being a tv dork who’s obsessed with screenwriting i suppose…
i would recommend sacco and vanzetti must die! by mark binelli. it’s based on true historical events combined with fiction (quite a bit of fiction). so it’s really interesting and even funny in certain parts
This was a really fun blog Phil! Well I guess it was Ensberg’s idea, so way to go! Yall both did good last night. I know what you mean about the people yelling stupid stuff. Not sure if you heard one particular guy everytime Melky went to bat during the White Sox series but it was SO annoying. Next time I’m at a game and you happen to be playing, I will be sure to yell something funny
Morgan,
I really enjoyed watching you last night. I stayed up until 1 (our time 12 yours) hoping you would do something amazing. It payed off, your great. Love the blog. And I’m defenitly going to keep that commercial thing in mind when I come see you and the Team against Detroit. Can’t wait.
Phil,
I did great last night! I know it was only two innings, but you were sick out there. It stinks! I’m not seeing you next week. Sure I’m seeing Pettitte, but I saw him againt Boston already, I wanna see you. Btw my picture next to my comments is your first Major League pitch!! I remember. First pitch, ball (low and away). Second pitch double (Alex Rios). Next batter Strike out!
Lets Go Yankees
David
Loved, loved, loved the office last night- esp. how awkward it was with Toby.
Morgan- I would suggest 1776 by David McCullough- if you thought John Adams on HBO was a good series (not sure if you watched it or not) then you will really love that book…
some quality reading are
“WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR” -DAN MILLMAN great author…kinda a personal growth book but with ideas that make you mentaly strong for quite sometime…im on my 3rd go with the book and im not the most avid reader but its addicting when you get a good one…
“The Alchemist” - PAULO COELHO (spell check on the last name) another personal growth book with awesome meanings.
on a dark side theres ” the ice man” which follows the life of RICHARD KUKIINSKO…you know that maniac you prob saw on HBO bout 3 or 4 years ago? well thats a fun one especially since your in NY now….fast read
Morgan, I suggest you learn how to throw the baseball to home plate. All the best!
Clutch hit indeed last nite, Morgan, but lets not forget you blew that throw to home. More work on arm strength, less time watching tv and reading non-fiction. Get to work!
I also prefer nonfiction myself. Don’t know why that is… anyway Morgan, the best book I’ve ever read in that genre was “The Westies” by T.J. English. It’s about the Irish Mob in Hell’s Kitchen New York, and is so well written it’s ridiculous. The juxtaposition between the smooth writing and gangland stuff made the book really stand out in my mind.
Your swing looks great by the way. Mechanics are really compact. I think you’d do some real damage with consistent AB’S. Best of luck the rest of ’08.
Everyone wants a piece of the action. Great posts Morgan. Do you hear the noise at all when 50,000 people are screaming during your at-bat or can you tune it out?
Great job at 3rd last night and the base hit up the middle was terrific. If you try to take every pitch up the middle you’ll do some serious damage, but duh I guess you know that.
A terrific non-fiction book is “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”.
just for kicks, tell Morgan to check out Hunter S Thompson’s first book of letters, the Proud Highway. Fascinating.
you’re too cute…
haha
And I agree, wittiness is key. I live my life by it
Alrighty, take care you two!!
Alex
I clapped in glee when I saw this this afternoon. You’re quite the writer, Morgan! I enjoyed the little insights. I was really excited when the Yanks signed you and then when you made the 25-man. Nice plays last night!
As far as non-fiction goes, Augusten Burroughs’s memoirs are phenomenal–funny and irreverent. Geez, now I sound like the New York Times! I recommend Dry, though. It chronicles his efforts to stay sober, but it’s rarely anything like its title.
And, um, errr…no! Okay? No you wouldn’t fit in a rowboat!
Best of luck! I really enjoy watching you play!
-Elizabeth
oh, ps: …..blowfish?
Try “The Glory of It All” by Sean Wilsey.
Yay! Thanks Morgan! I’m in South Bend, Indiana right now for school, and when I’m not there I’m home in Indianapolis, so we don’t get a lot of games on TV here, but I’ve been able to watch all of the White Sox games this week, so it’s been awesome!!!
As for books, one of my favorites is “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”. It’s a true crime story that’s pretty sweet. It’s by John Berendt.
Hey Morgan, last weekend at Baltimore I got real close to the batting cage during saturday’s batting practice and I yelled to you. The only problem is that I was yelling “Hey Chad Moeller!” Just wanted to apologize for that. I’ll get you with the right name next time!
for starters, I think that an average size row boat would hold you both, but I think Eric Gagne might have issues. Has anyone else noticed how “big boned” he has become? And what’s with that oversized uni? You ain’t foolin’ anyone, Eric. (okay, I didn’t post this planning to dog out Gagne, it just happened)
for non-fiction, I loved a book called Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNabb, a former British special forces soldier in the first Iraq war.
btw, ever hit Phil in the face with a football from point blank range? watch last night’s Office and you’ll know what I’m talking about. I’m still chuckling over that one…
loved your post. very interesting. hopefully, Phil will bring you back by popular demand.
try “the blind side” by Michael Lewis or
“imperial life in the emerald city inside iraq’s green zone”
Morgan!!!! Glad to see you here!!! You made some very nice plays the past few nights. Philly looked real good in 2 and I could see why Girardi didn’t want him to go out after the rain delay. No sense in getting hurt on that soggy mound.
I loved the remarks about the fans. Jeter did a top ten list on Letterman a year or so ago and it was the Top Ten Things You Don’t Know About Derek Jeter and one was “When Red Sox fans yell ‘Yankees Suck!’ it really hurts my feelings.” I almost fell down laughing!!!
Nonfiction ideas for you:
David Halberstam wrote wonderful books (he died last year). He wrote a FANTASTIC book on the Red Sox / Yankees rivalry called Summer of ‘49 and it’s a great BASEBALL book even if it didn’t cover the rivalry….and an outstanding book on Vietnam “The Best and the Brightest” which is still hailed as the greatest book written on Vietnam.
Donnie Brasco is still one of the best. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote never gets old. Same for Helter Skelter.
The Center Cannot Hold by someone Saks about his psychotic breakdown…great book! Into Thin Air by James Krakauer (don’t know if that is the right spelling).
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burrows is funny/sad but I REALLY liked it.
Now for lighter fare: Born Standing Up by Steve Martin (his autobiography), Freakanomics is a fun book. I think everyone should read Freakanomics. It’s just one of those books.
Zimster: Eric Gagne has ballooned into Eric Cartman!
Morgan: come back soon! Keep playing well and Let’s Go Yankees! clap clap clap!!!
Oh yeah and I was switching back and forth between the Office and the game last night. My favorite line: Michael tells some woman he’s trying to pick up that he’s a bank teller and then she leaves and he looks at the camera and says, “Ryan said to be successful with women tell them you work in finance.”
A BANK TELLER. LOL!
Hey Morgan for someone who has never blogged before that was good. As for you and Phil in a boat it could hold the two of u but I wouldn’t recommend it would want to lose two good players lol Books…. iv been reading In Cold Blood by Truman Capote if u haven’t read it I would suggest it. Great game last night :}
Brittany.
Morgan i would just like 2 say that u r the man. I completely agree i play 4 my schools basketball team and I hear “you suck” all the time, but if i hear something unexpected, like a team playing jonas brothers during their warmups, i get throw off, and its hilarious. great blog.
PHIL- tough luck about last nite u looked like u were in the zone striking out thome. i cant believe girardi didnt send u back out. w/e i guess ull just hav 2 finish it off next time out. good luck 2 both of u guys
Loved this post..Morgan is the man. When we were at Spring Training (Yanks vs. Rays), he would talk to the fans…my friend was telling us stories about how nice he is. Of course, he proved it to us by responding to our SCREAMS of “MORGANNNNNNNNNNNN…MORGANN!!!!”
Thanks again Morgan, you’re the man!
also phil this was a great idea can u have some1 not many fans know about guest blog? like ross ohlendorf or brian bruney? Alberto gonzalez?
Morgan/Phil,
Oh I’m sorry, I forgot to give you some ideas on books. I’m not so big on non-fictions, but I do know about a great historical-fiction book called “My Brother Sam Is Dead”. Its really good. Another really intresting book that I know you’ll love is called “Freakanomics”. Its pretty much all the wierd things in life and they tell you more about it.
Happy Passover Phil, Morgan The Blowfish
Lets Go Yankees
David
haha that was pretty random but some very interesting stuff anyway, thanks for posting this morgan, i like what you bring to this yankee team and i hope you stay around for awhile, you were really pumped after that game tying hit and i like that intensity, i also think the guest blog is a good idea, it’d be awesome to hear from someone like damon shelley duncan or joba
Morgan!! Great job! I certainly appreciate the “inside information” and I’m sure everyone else here does as well. As far as non-fiction suggestions, I’d have to say anything by Stephen Ambrose and Doris Kearns Goodwin. Of course, if you’re not a fan of history, then please disregard my suggestion
Otherwise enjoy! Take care guys!
Awesome post!
Love The Office- hope you guys have been able to keep up with it, the new episodes are great and Phil said he was having trouble watching them.
Rowboat- go for it. Just don’t lean over the sides too much. Or if you do, lean over opposite sides at the same time to balance. Either way, I hope you guys know how to swim. Wear your life vests. Just in case.
I was at a game a few weeks ago and I heard some pretty funny drunks cheering, but no clever comments. More like, “Morgan. Morgan. Morgan,” over and over, getting more and more offended the longer you didn’t answer. Not exactly witty.
Not sure I can help you with any kind of nonfiction books except horseracing and baseball ones. Baseball-wise, Roger Angell is boss (A Pitcher’s Story, Game Time, etc.). Obviously, The Boys of Summer is a good choice. My friend suggests The Numbers Game by Alan Schwarz. Birth of a Dynasty and The Last Best League are two of my favorites. The Great Rivalry is a good one. Right now I’m reading The Psychology of Baseball, which is pretty complicated but really interesting. Ruffian by Jane Schwartz is a great book even if you’re not into horseracing, as is Funny Cide (by the Funny Cide Team and Shelly Jenkins). Unless you think carrying around a book with a cute little puppy on the cover would detract from your manliness, Marley & Me is a very good non-baseball nonfiction book.
Thanks for the post, Morgan!
Another vote for The Blind Side by Michael Lewis - My second favourite book behind Moneyball.
Thanks for your contribution Morgan!
You guys are great. Try Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose. STELLAR read about the Lewis and Clark expedition trying to find the Northwest Passage
Another great Halberstam baseball book is the Teamates which chronicles the journey that Johnny Pesky, Bobby Doer and Dom Dimaggio made via car to Florida to say goodbye to Ted Williams.
“But let me tell you this, if you say “you suck” we know that you don’t know what to say and you probably aren’t very funny. To us it is like saying “um”. We hear it all the time and it is just a sound with no meaning.”
I was laughing so hard at this, you seem like a very dry humor sort.
As for books:
The Seven Pillars of Truth by T.E. Lawrence
The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto “Che” Guevara
Sorry I can’t offer much, most of what I read is fiction, but both of these are very insightful and amazing reads.
Hey Morgan it is really cool of you to guest blog. Just watch that Joba and Ian don’t call you a geek like they called Phil.
Did you pay your ticket yet? FYI Jersey has the same law.
Hey 89 no one gives a hoot what you think.
Dear Mr. Ensberg,
as far as non fiction books go, I’d highly recomend “Sixty Days that Shook the West.” It’s about the Fall of France in the Second World War, and as a man that’s read a great deal of non-fiction, it’s one of the best, most compelling books I’ve ever read. Also, Baseball is the greatest thing ever and I’m most envious of you and Mr. Hughes and the rest of the New York Yankees
Hey Morgan, good game last night. You made some great plays. By the way, good blogging. I think you should come on here and write some more. It’s always interesting to hear what baseball players have to say about the game.
Morgan, thanks for the great insights and great game last night. You were a vacuum out there at third.
Hey guys,
I like the guest blog idea,
good luck this week
Hey Ensberg,
Great post, i love hearing the “behind the scenes” of a game (and of a player’s mind while being heckled)… i think it’s hilarious that you’re actually giving your hecklers advice on how to heckle better. I remember once this season i heard someone yell at Giambi, after he slid into second, “nice slide, Giambi, you look like a ballerina out there.” I heard this on the TV while sitting in my living room, so the guy must’ve been loud as hell for people who were physically there (like Giambi himself). Classic.
As for nonfiction book recommendations… you could try “the office and philosophy,” which is exactly what it sounds like, and pretty funny too. Or if you’re in the mood for something more serious, and you have an interest in genes, evolution, and just human interaction in general, you could try “the selfish gene.” One of the most enlightening books I’ve ever read.
Great having you on the team this year!
And Phil, the “guest blogger” idea is awesome! Good luck tomorrow, fellas.
i think u have a future morgan ensberg. i imagine u and phil are fast friends because of the office bond. ur in good favor with fans so far - u’ve hit well. welcome!
Check out “Free Lunch” by David Cay Johnston, very insightful stuff about greed and corruption of corporations in America. (Ignore the passage about the New Yankee Stadium)
Morgan,
Give some fiction a try, you may like it.
Given your occupation, I’d suggest reading “Bang the Drum Slowly” by Mark Harris.
However, if your really interested in reading some non-fiction, I’d suggest a novel called “The Game” by Neil Strauss. Very interesting read about an underground society. Give it a shot.
-Tony
Hey Morgan
Thanks for sharing with us.
Not sure what genre of non-fic you’re into but here’s 2 suggestions
An Innocent Man by John Grisham is the true story about a death row inmate. It has all the drama of a Grisham novel but it’s a true story. Has a little bit of a baseball theme in it too.
Relentless Pursuit, a Year in the Trenches with Teach For America by Donna Foote. Teach for America is a non-profit that recruits college grads from prestigious universities to teach in inner city schools. The book chronicles the lives and experiences of 4 of the teachers. It is an eye opeing experience for the college grads, the inner city students and everyone who has never attended or knows someone who has taught at an inner city school.
Morgan said to E-mail Phil, but I’ll just throw out a few nonfiction recommendations here:
“Newjack” by Ted Conover.
“Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life” by Jon Lee Anderson.
“Saint Therese of Lisieux” by Kathryn Harrison.
“Hell at the Breech” by Tom Franklin* (total cheat, but it’s based on fact and it’s pretty damn amazing).
Those came to mind off the top of my head. The first one — about a writer who spends a year as a guard in Sing Sing — is highly recommended.
Phil;
Thanks for bringing a guest. It’s good to see that Morgan bought into the theme of not too much baseball. I don’t like to talk work all day either.
Morgan;
My son got the change to get an autograph in Tampa Bay last week. Thatnk for being so accomodating. We’ll see you at some home games before our next road trip (Texas and Baltimore in two August trips.)
As for the boat, scrap the row boat and go for something with some HP and a few companions…
I know it is somewhat random but I send all the luck in the world to Brian Bruney after reading about everything that happened to him.
I love the post by Morgan!
Phil, did you know that when you made the 3rd out by striking out the White Sox batter in the bottom of the 1st inning, it was at exactly 9:00…just in time for The Office. GREAT TIMING!
Phil, you’re back!! And you’ve brought Ensburg! Really nice to see you get in on this, Morgan. And your Seinfeldian blog was great. I’m sure you appreciate that commercial break when you need to take a bathroom break! That’s what commercials are always good for. And I imagine the Boston fans are a great bore like an Affleck movie. As for the rowboat, just remember to not rock the boat and bring ducktape because ducktape fixes everything. And good choice in non-fiction. I love reading history, biography and autobiographies. Depends what you’re into but you can’t go wrong with US Grant’s Memoirs. Great man, great insight into the Civil War from one of the greatest men in American history.
That was really cool
Wow,this is acool,Phil Hughes and Morgan Ensberg blogging together!!! Thanks fpr keeping us posted guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Morgan, if it’s sports nonfiction you’re into, I recommend Tom Callahan’s biography on Johnny Unitas (”Johnny U”
to anybody. But if you like history, the one I’m reading now is pretty good. Someone mentioned David McCulloguh earlier, and his work on John Adams is now on the shelves. Really terrific.
Anyway, I’m moving to Costa Rica. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and I think I’m just going to hop the fence and do it now…
LOVED your blog, Morgan! thanks for sharing with us!
Phil I have a blog to on wordpress. Maybe you could read it. The website is kaleenaraine.wordpress.com
Now how much beer exactly would you have in that rowboat?
I love this new phenom of blogging baseball players. I love getting to hear a baseball player’s point-of-view (except for that pompous PITA Schilling). Thanks guys.
Morgan…first off, I would like to thank you for your terrific campaign in Houston in 2005. Not only did u help lead Houston to the series, but you contributed to the beginning of CANADA DAY’s fantasy baseball dynasty…so thank you.
Now, time to get to the nitty gritty…I took a look at your split stats, and see you have played 3 career games vs Toronto and 30 vs Montreal/Washington (SHAME ON BUD FOR THAT MOVE). But I gotta ask you, it must’ve been somethin special to hear “O Canada” being played prior to a ballgame eh? was it somethin special when you went up to bat vs a Canadian ball club? According to your career splits, you’ve never played a game in the Rogers Centre (in Toronto), which you will get to soon enough this season, but you have played in 5 at Olympic Stadium (we call it Parc Olympique) in Montreal. I bet seein those metre signs on the outfield walls really baffled you eh? I see you’ve even hit a homerun there! I bet that was something special eh? touchin’ em all in good ol’ Canadia must be a memory that lasts for a lifetime!!!
Thank You Morgy! Best wishes and good luck the rest of the journey!
From the brother up North,
-Canada Day
morgan your a pretty funny guy haha and your improving so much now that your playing more as for the row boat youve got a good shot of not capsizing unless phil finds it funny to stand up and jump on it to make it sink haha just kidding best of luck to you this year see you at a game soon!
Wow that was great.Haha and the whole “You suck” thing was the best thing I’ve read in a long time.The book Twilight is really good if you’re into that kind of thing.And yeah that boat would totally capsize.Much love <3
Ok, for books that are non-fiction, I completely recommend anything by David McCulloch (author of John Adams, 1776, The Brooklyn Bridge (my favorite but the engineering was definitely a little bit tough to understand!), etc.). Also, Bill Bryson is hilarious and non-fiction at the same time. His take on Australia is particularly amusing.
Why’s everyone so positive about Morgan?
He’s the most obvious no talent ex juicer ever.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/e/ensbemo01.shtml– his stats SCREAM STERIODS.
This guy is awful.
People like Andy and Roger have at least proved they can play without the roids, this guy has not. I wish the Yanks never signed him.
my god i wish phil could find a way to keep the negative people off these boards
We all know they are classless Saux fans. We know that. Morgan knows that. Phil knows that. True Yankee fans know that. True Yankee fans would never come on the blog of a Yankee player and dis someone wearing the pinstripes. We know this is not a true Yankee fan and if this is someone who says they are: please shut up and go away.
Morgan: love ya guy! Don’t listent to the haters. I totally appreciate you coming here and chatting with us.
I love the yankees and i love phil. my grandfather raised my father a yankee fan, my father raised me a yankee fan. I’ve been a season ticket holder my whole life.
To say I must love everyone in pinstripes is dumb. I can hate all the druggie ball player i want.
The Tri State has the most opinionated fans in the country. Yankee fans are ruthless. Every player that ever played for the Yanks know this. So it’s strange so many kiss asses are in a yankee blog.
This is full of girls who think phil is hot or girly men. Just becuase I have a negative opinion about an ex riod head doesn’t mean im not a true yankee fan.
I bet 1 million he’s gona get cut this year
Thank you Phil And Morgan. That was a good blog for talking about nothing.. haha.. i mean you gave me a bit of info about the commerical thing.. never knew there was a stop watch nor the signals that the commerical was up .. just knew you had to wait.
As for the boat thing. .you both will fit as long as you on land… cause if you put it in the water you will be swimming ! ..
I never screamed “you suck” its always something creative,Thats if i say anything at all …. I’m there because im a Yankee fan (season ticket holder)..But not only for that but i am a huge fan of baseball as a sport. Oh can one of you guys please tell Robby and Melky to stop swingin at the first pitch when there is bases loaded or men in scoring postion…The PITCHER is in trouble not the batter !!
Dont listen to these rude, obnoxious,nasty people that are saying mean things on here,they are just jealous and they have nothing better to do with their lives other than judging others. go ensberg!:):)
If you don’t like “rude, obnoxious,nasty people” it must be hard being a yankee fan. You’re probably a bandwagon fan from florida.
NYC is a tough place, not for the weak hearted.
Plus i dont think im being “rude, obnoxious,nasty”. Morgan was in the 60 mins piece training with roger. He trained with Mac. There is no question in my heart that this guy is a fraud. The fact that we have Morgan instead of a young clean player is disgusting.
You are right about one thing.. i have nothing better to do.
Phil really needs to have someone go through the comments and delete the obnoxious ones. It is funny how big and bad they are when they can hide behind a computer.
that blog by morgan was actually really good and fun to read. good guest blogging
Can I get an answer to why all opinions have to be lovey dovey? Why can’t I state Morgan Ensberg is an ex juicer who is still living off his juiced stats.
Shelly and Gonzalez (who just made the best double play of the year at 3rd replacing Big M little organ) are way better then him and should remain on the roster once Wilson comes off the DL.
This is a sports talk blog. All opinions should be heard. You all act like commies.
The way Gonzalez and shelly have played they have to stay on the roster. That means wilson or ensberg will have to be cut. My money is Ensberg.
CYA
it’s fine to have opinions but don’t go making accusations without proof, that’s wrong, and if you’re a yankee fan you should be a little appreciative that morgan came on here to post something, it shows that he cares a little about the fans, so you’re out of line dude, no way around it
yes — an average size rowboat could hold you both.
Morgan seems like a very nice guy.
As a Yankee fan, who watches every inning, being a nice guy just isn’t cutting it. Shelly D has spent the last few weeks in Triple A (thank god he’s back) b/c of Ensberg and that makes me mad. As all REAL fans should be. he’s a waste of a roster spot. Plus he’s taking money outa shelly’s pocket which isn’t fair.
It’s like Cashman is dreaming this guy is going to have the season he had in Houston when he trained with Clemens and MacNamee (however it’s spelt). This is a fact guys. They trained together his great year. Do you honestly think they were not shooting up together?
Haha, great post Morgan. I agree. “You suck” is unoriginal and makes you look stupid. I’d like to add one to that, yelling and screaming at the guy for 5 minutes straight doesn’t work either. If anything, that just annoys everybody around you.
There’s no doubt in mind Ensberg is a former steroid user. it’s common knowledge he trained with Clemons his Glory Year but unlike CGARCT i could care less. I say he and Giambi find a top of the line bio chemist and start cycling again, NOW, so they can actually help the team.
Alberto Gonzalez has passed him on the depth chart at 3rd and Shelly has passed him on the chart at 1st, so he better do something or he’ll be outa town soon.
Phil, You DA Man! I have no doubt you’ll turn things around! Unlike Ensberg people believe in you and will have patience.
Some of you “people” and I use that word very loosely are nasty. I don’t really even know how to reply to some of the idiotic