This year, we have so much more offense. Last year, we made the playoffs, but got Branson in the first round. This year, except for Branson, there are 10 teams going to the playoffs with about the same skill level.

I found out (Sunday) and I was shocked. Then, I heard today that he was in critical condition after the surgery. That didn't sound good. It's terrible. He's 45 years old. He's one of the nicest people I've ever met in or out of baseball.

He came to play every day. He was like Larry Bird in basketball. He was one of the first guys at practice and always put his work in. His whole attitude was contagious. You wanted to come to the ballpark and be around him. You knew you had a chance to win because he was on your team.

We wanted to start off and rattle them with the press early. We got some quick baskets and got ahead.

People say it's Calistoga's best team since 1992.

That's something he would always say.