Bloomberg.com's Mike Di Paola writes an interesting piece about the future of Coney Island, including plans hotels, condos, and new amusements. Di Paola writes:

As I leave Coney Island, I walk past the electronic billboard for Nathan's Famous, which counts down each 10th of a second to the next Fourth of July hot-dog-eating contest. Sigmund Freud supposedly said that Coney Island was the only part of America that interested him. Perhaps he saw a super-sized id in the freak-show buffet of immediate gratification.

Haha, that's great, I never knew Freud was such a fan of Coney Island. I wonder what he'd think of my juggling act.

The Brooklyn Cyclones (27-12) defeated the Lowell Spinners (23-16) 7-2 last night before a paid crowd of 5,030 in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Give a game ball the C Jason Jacobs, who had a solo homer in the 2nd (his 5th of the year), and an 2 RBI double in the 3rd. He finished the day 2-4 with 4 RBI and a run.

Honorable mention goes to 3B Jacob Eigsti, who went 3-5 with 2 runs and 2 RBI.

Righty Nick Carr is your winning pitcher. Carr went 5.0 innings, scattering 2 runs on 4 hits, striking out 5 in the process. He improves to 3-0.

Next game is tonight in Lowell, game starts at 7:05 pm.

SNY is reporting that the Mets and the Twins have agreed to a three-player swap which would send 2B Luis Castillo to the Mets in exchange for Binghampton catcher Drew Butera and former Cyclones' OF Dustin Martin, now of St. Lucie.

Sounds like a steal, Omar. Castillo doesn't strike out much, and consistantly hits around .300. With the 'stache down, this brings the Mets a little insurance, as well as a bonafide number two hitter.

Please be sure to check out my newest and juggling-est video to date. Yes, I just posted this the other day, but it's my blog and I can do what I want.

The Cyclones' Brooklyn Legends Bobblehead series has already proven to be one of the most popular give-aways of the season, featuring legends such as Dodgers great Don Newcombe, the one and only Willie Randolph, and former Cyclones great Joe Smith, now of the New Orleans Zephyrs.

Michael Clancy of the Village Voice, however, is not so keen on one Cyclones give-away: Marty Markowitz Bobblehead night. Clancy writes:

When, as a society, did we start honoring apparatchiks of the Brooklyn Democratic machine? Nothing against the guy personally, it's just that with all of the famous Brooklynites in the world, why are we honoring politicians, especially those with very few real powers and big big budgets?

I tend to agree with Clancy. Willie, Joe Smith, Lee Mazilli: these are great bobbleheads. Like Clancy, I have nothing against Markowitz, but I question whether he is deserving of his own bobblehead, especially when there is a certain juggling unicycling peanut vendor who still hasn't gotten his own bobblehead night.

As fireworks blasted overhead Friday night, Cyclones infielder J.R. Voyles lay on the ground, bleeding, victim of a 10th inning fastball to the head from Vermont fireballer Alberto Tavarez. Voyles was in and out of consciousness, and was carried off the field on a stretcher. The game was delayed for several minutes as a thick smoke from the fireworks covered over the field.

From what I understand, J.R. will be fine. He received some 20 stitches, and has been released from the hospital. He is still listed on the active roster, and apparently will not be placed on the DL.

My heart stopped when J.R. got hit by that fastball. J.R. has been the best, most consistant hitter on the Cyclones this year. Hope you're doing alright buddy.

The Brooklyn Cyclones (26-12) fell to the Vermont Lake Monsters (22-16) last night before a crowd of 8,532 on Jewish Heritage Night at KeySpan.

The Cyclones appeared sluggish at the plate, collecting only 4 hits on the night. Their sole run came in the 9th, in the form of a bases-loaded sac fly off the bat of DH Chris Fournier. Though Brooklyn brought the winning run to the plate, they were unable to take advantage.

RHP Dylan Owen is your tough-luck loser. Owen pitched 5.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, striking out 6. He falls to 5-1.

The Cyclones travel to Massachusetts tonight to battle the Lowell Spinners at 7:05 pm.

The much awaited, highly anticipated new video from El Juglar is here. Enjoy!

This past homestand was perhaps the best of the season.  There were celebrities (Brooklyn Dodgers legend Don Newcombe and Moises Alou), firefighters, fireworks, classic cars, bobble heads and naturally, tons of juggling and unicycling antics from yours truly.  Here's a rundown of El Juglar's top moments of the homestand:

1. Moises Acknowledges El Juglar

While performing my act on the top of the first base dugout Sunday night, I noticed that Moises Alou, who had joined the Cyclones as part of his rehab assignment, was watching me ride my unicycle.  I shouted to him "I love you Moises", and he kinda nodded... sorta. If he tells Omar about my act, there's a chance I can get promoted to the Majors.

2. Miss Cyclone 2007 hugs El Juglar

Saturday evening, Miss Cyclone 2007 Angie Pontani was on hand to throw out the first pitch.  Not only did I have a chance to talk Angie (who was absolutely lovely), but she actually gave me a hug!  I'm never washing any of the clothes I was wearing again.  By the way, Angie, are we still on for Thursday night?

3. El Juglar vs. the Hot Dogs

When the Cyclones asked me to participate in the Nathans Hot Dog Race by chasing the hot dogs on my unicycle, I felt a bit conflicted.  After all, I'm a vegetarian.  But then I realized that I would only be racing the hot dogs and not actually eating them, and I decided to do it.  Unfortunately, I finished in last place.  But in my defense, I was offered a large bribe by an organized crime figure to throw the race.

4.  Appell's niece high-fives El Juglar

Cyclone's LHP Josh Appell's young niece was on hand with her grandmother Sunday night as the 'Clones took on the Tri-City ValleyCats.  I performed a special juggling show for her, and then she gave me a high-five.  By the way, Josh is 1-0 this year with a 1.98 ERA over 13.2 innings pitched.

Stay tuned for the next edition of The View, next week, same El Juglar time, same El Juglar station.

The Brooklyn Cyclones (24-9) defeated the Tri-City ValleyCats (10-20) last night before a paid crowd of 8,624.

Prior to the game, the Cyclones honored RHP and former Brooklyn Dodger great Don Newcombe.  Newcombe is the only player in history to win the Rookie of the Year, the MVP and the Cy Young.  Newcombe threw out the first pitch, and the Cyclones retired his number 36.

Newcombe wasn't the only member of baseball royalty on hand.  Mets OF Moises Alou made a rehab start for Brooklyn last night, going 1-4 with an RBI in the winning effort.

Give a gameball to Jacob Eigsti.  Eigsti played second base last night, going 2-3 with 2 RBI and a run.  Give another one to OF Will Vogl, who went 2-5 with a double, a triple, and 2 runs.

RHP Nick Waechter is your winner, going 5.0 strong innings, allowing 3 hits while striking out 7.  He improves to 2-2.

The Cyclone enjoy a well-deserved day off today before battling the Muckdogs in Batavia tomorrow at 7:05.

First base coach Mike Coolbaugh of the Tulsa Drillers was killed last night after being struck in the head by a line drive as his team played the Arkansas Travelers of the Texas League.

Coolbaugh played in 44 Major League games from 2001-2002 for the Cardinals and the Brewers.  He is survived by his wife and two young sons.  His wife is expecting their third child in October.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Coolbaugh family.

This has to be one of the most upsetting baseball stories I've heard in a long time.  If nothing else, I hope this tragedy serves to remind people to remain aware of batted balls while enjoying the game.  Both my mother and I have been struck in the head by foul balls this season at KeySpan, so please, remain alert, especially if you have small children.

According to the Brooklyn Cyclones, Mets OF Moises Alou will play for the Coney Island 9 tonight at KeySpan.

I speak for all Mets fans when I say praise Jesus (Alou).

...Update...

My roommate just told me that in Hindi, alou means potato.

The Brooklyn Cyclones returned to their winning ways last night, soundly defeating the Tri-City ValleyCats 11-2 in front of 7,885 at KeySpan Park.

The Cyclones collected 18 hits, including 6 for extra bases.  Every Cyclones position player had at least one hit.

OF Will Vogl went 3-4 with a homer, 2 runs and 3 RBI.  OF Raul Reyes went 3-5 with 2 runs, 2 RBI and a double.

Texas native RHP Dillon Gee earns the win, going 5.2 innings, allowing no runs on 3 hits, striking out 5.  He improves to 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA.

Next game is this afternoon at 5 pm.  You might want to come out, because we're having a very special guest at the stadium today (here's a hint, his father's name is Felipe, and he has uncles named Matty and Jesus).

Albany's Times Union featured a touching article this morning about Warner Fusselle, the radio voice of the Cyclones.  Warner has broadcast ever Cyclones game in their 7 year existance.

"He is a legend," Christopher said. "He has unique voice that you are not going to hear anywhere else."

You can read the full text of this article by clicking here.

I listen to Warner every time I get a chance, which isn't often since I work at every home game and am usually busy when they're on the road.  There's something about Warner's voice and his way of calling the game that reminds me of the way things used to be.  In any event, it's great to see him being recognized.

The Brooklyn Cyclones (22-9) fell to the Tri-City ValleyCats (11-18) last night 8-6 before a capacity crowd of 9,006 on Coney Island.

For the first time this year, the Cyclones have lost two in a row.

While the Cyclones out-hit the 'Cats 10-9, Brooklyn suffered from sloppy defense, giving up 4 unearned runs in the first two innings.  Sloppy defense was a constant theme last night, as both teams combined to commit 6 errors.

Puerto Rico native Alberto Cruz played first base for the ValleyCats and smacked 2 home runs in a winning effort.

OF Brandon Kawal continues to stay hot, going 2-5 with a run.  He is now batting .370.

Southpaw Eric Niesen is your losing pitcher.  Niesen went just 1.2 innings, allowing 5 hits and 5 runs, only 1 earned, striking out 5 in the prossess.

Wow, 1.2 innings, 5 runs, 1 earned, and 5 Ks?  It was just one of those days last night.  'Clones battle 'Cats again tonight at 7pm.  Miss Cyclone will throw out the first pitch.  And remember, tonight is the Classic Car Show at KeySpan.

What could be better than honoring New York's Bravest and enjoying a post-game fireworks display?  Tonight is FDNY Night at KeySpan, where the Coney Island faithful will comemorate the sacrificies of these brave men and women.  Post game fireworks show begins immediately after the game tonight against the Tri-City ValleyCats.

And, as always, the game will feature a special juggling and unicycling show by yours truly.

Game starts at 7 PM.  See you there!

Redeem yourself by clicking below.

The Oregonian reports that Oregon State University pitcher Eddie Kunz is about to sign with the New York Mets.  Kunz (not to be confused with RHP David Koons), was selected by the Mets in the first round (42nd over-all), but had yet to sign a contract up until now.

After the deal is finalized, Kunz is expected to join the Brooklyn Cyclones.

God's speed, young Kunz, God's speed.

The Cyclones (22-8) snapped their six-game winning streak, falling to the Williamsport  CrossCutters (15-15) 4-2 before 8,253 last night at Keyspan.

The Cyclones struggled at the plate and struggled on the field, collecting just 5 hits but committing 3 errors.  OF Will Vogl went 1-3 with a double and an RBI HBP.

Right-handed starting pitcher Nick Carr went 5.2 strong innings, scattering 5 hits and 1 run, striking out 4.

RHP Steven Cheney earns the loss, giving up 3 runs (0 earned) over 0.2 innings pitched.  He falls to 1-2.

You can't win every game, though it's starting to seem like it's possible.  'Clones battle the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Houston organization tonight at 7.  Hang around after the game for the fireworks.

I was featured in this morning's edition of The Morning Call, a newspaper based out of Allentown, PA.  In anticipation of the arrival of a new AAA team in Allentown (the Lehigh Valley IronPigs), The Morning Call is doing a series of reports from the 6 minor league stadiums within 100 miles of Allentown.

For the full text of this article, click here.

To see an excellent, high-grade picture of me juggling at Keyspan, click here.

And to think, my 7th grade teacher Mrs. Logan told me I'd never amount to anything.