Waiting for the games to begin
August 12, 2008
It has been a couple days since the Opening Ceremonies here and there isn’t that much to report. We had another game against China but we just weren’t that into it. I can definitely tell we are just ready to start playing. All this practicing and what not is getting old.
However, the President was at our game and that was really cool. I think he only stayed for an inning or two but he took pictures with us and talked to us a little bit. I felt like he just wanted to have a normal conversation about sports. He asked me where I was from and when I told him I was from Nebraska he said “You know I am a Longhorn right?” But then of course he brought up Alex Gordon and Joba Chamberlain. I just cant get away from those two. Even in the USA Baseball programs – our bio stuff in there mentions Gordon and Joba, tough draw I guess. I did get a picture with the President and it’s a good one too. He is looking one way and I am looking the other. It’s perfect.
I have been able to venture off of the village recently. We went to the Silk Market, which is a six story building that sells knock-off stuff and you basically negotiate with them and try and get it as cheap as you can. While I was there I bought two suits and each came with a dress shirt. However, the suits and shirts are custom made for me. So that is pretty cool. I also bought a couple of watches and a belt. But they have everything from golf clubs to electronics, watches to jeans, and even luggage. I will definitely have to take my dad there because in his world everything is negotiable, and he will tell you that too. Speaking of negotiating, I was hanging out with Lou, one of our catchers, while we were there and I tell you what, he is a dealing machine. It was so much fun to watch him work with the people selling him the stuff. They would get so mad at him but he would just keep laughing and smiling. He got everything he wanted at his price though.
I am excited today because it is the last day before the first game. We have just a light workout at about 5 and then we are good to go. Also, we actually saw sunshine today and it wasn’t humid either. It gave me the feeling of a college football Saturday. Its about that time of year.
Brian's Baseball Blog from Beijing 
So no where in that whole blog did it mention the gifts you bought for your sisters who weren’t sweet enough to get an invite to Beijing?? Hope your just saving it for a surprise!! Good Luck B.D hope you get the gold.
Erin
Hey Brian setting here with your grandparents we all wish you well. Enjoy and have fun. From Shane Garrett
Brian — We are anxiously waiting for the first game and wish
you all the best. Enjoying your blog, just like having a conversation with you. Bring home the gold!!!
Gr and Gr. D.
Brian–Congratulations for making the Olympic team and for respresenting Team USA. It will be fun to watch for you and see a relative of the family participate in the Summer Olymipics. GO USA!!!!
Cheryl Gerdes
im a 12 year old pitcher in florida and i love waching baseball my dad told me that he would bye me a custom glove next year so i was wondering where you get them and by the way go USA and bring home the gold since its the last time it will be played in the olympics. and good luck when you make it to the big leagues
Brian – good luck on your road to gold! Saw YOU did good today; too bad the games aren’t 8 innings long! HA HA
All your mom’s friends at work are so excited about the opportunity you, Lisa, and your parents have to experience the Olympics and China. Hope you are having the time of your life!
Go USA! We are proud of you and the whole team.
Hi Brian!!
What a proud moment seeing the family name in the Olympics!!! You looked Sharp today – Great Job! Your Husker cousins are all VERY Proud of you and in all that you have accomplished. How exciting for you to be there, enjoy every moment.
Go Team USA!!!!!!!!!!!
Linda Gerdes,
KC, KS
P.S. – Alex Gordon can’t top this one – lol
Good luck in the Games, Brian! It is great to see the Twins represented!
I am hoping to see you pitch in Minnesota soon. The fans here are expecting they call you up in September.
GO USA!
Hey, that’s a Winner! Nice game against the Netherlands. Keep it up! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
–Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
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