Tornadic Activity: a Cyclones blog

Responses to meeting Doc

El Juglar — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:25:00 -0500

Since my blog has been largely inactive, I was surprised to see how much of a response I've received to my article about meeting Doc Gooden.

I've had a couple people respond saying that they didn't think he was dodging my question, that he either wasn't clear what I was asking, or that he was refuting what I was saying.

What I left out of my recap was that Doc had dodged nearly every question having to do with his drug abuse or anything dealing specifically with his relationship to Darryl Strawberry. One anonymous poster had this to say:

I don't think he dodged your question. Seems to me that by saying they were both bad influences on each other he is refuting the notion that he was an innocent and Straw was the corrupter.

While this is actually a really good point, it flies in the face of what Doc wrote in his own autobiography. After the interview was over, the moderator approached me and commended me on my question, and told me that despite what Doc had just said, he actually wrote in his own autobiography that he felt Darryl was a bad influence.

I don't blame him for dodging questions. This was an open conversation about some of the most uncomfortable moments of his life. I can't even imagine having strangers ask me questions about such uncomfortable moments. I just called it as I saw it. I stand by my characterization that he was less-than forthcoming when it came to his drug abuse and relationship with Darryl Strawberry.

Meeting Doc Gooden

El Juglar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:05:00 -0500

Last night, I was lucky enough to be invited to a small gathering to hear Doc Gooden speak about his career. The event was sponsored by Nike, and was held in the Nike store in SoHo.

Doc was looking good, though many in the room became worried when we saw sweat pouring down his face at the beginning of the interview. I turned to my roommate and said "oh no, he's back on the drugs", but the sweat went away after the first ten minutes. He may have just been nervous.

Doc spoke briefly about his personal struggles with addiction, but did not go into detail. The most interesting moment of the interview was when the moderator asked "if you could whisper one thing into the ear of the 1985 Doc Gooden, what would it be?" Doc thought about it and said "to reach out. To get help."

The funniest moment of the night came when an audience member asked of the three distinct hair styles Doc sported during his career (close cut, flat top and jheri curl), which did he prefer. Doc thought about it and then said "definitely the flat top".

I managed to get a question in during the Q&A session. I prefaced my question by saying that I wasn't even two yet when the Mets won in 1986, but that I read the book "The Bad Guys Won", which paints Doc as innocent and naive, and Strawberry as a bad influence. I asked him "what do you think about that characterization?"

He responded by saying that they were both bad influences on each other, totally dodging my question. I was honored, however, to have the opportunity to ask it.

New Juggling Video

El Juglar — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:27:00 -0500

Dear all,

I really regret have I haven't kept the site up... I hope to bring it back for next season. I really enjoy writing it, and I love getting feedback, but sometimes life is just too hectic. To try to make up for my lack of updates, I present to you my latest juggling video, filmed mostly at KeySpan park.

Cyclones fall to Rip's Birds

El Juglar — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:07:00 -0400

The Cyclones (3-2) were defeated last night in Maryland by the Cal Ripken-owned Aberdeen Ironbirds(3-2) by a score of 3-1.

The Cyclones' lone run came from Florida native RF John Servidio, who doubled in the 7th and scored on a throwing error.

Starting pitcher Bradley Holt earned the loss for the 'Clones, going 2.1 innings and allowing 2 runs, 2 hits, a walk and 4 strikeouts.

Next game is tonight at 5:35 pm in Aberdeen.

2008 Promo Schedule: New Nights and Old Favorites

El Juglar — Sun, 04 May 2008 11:07:00 -0400

The Brooklyn Cyclones have announced the 2008 promotional schedule, with many old favorites and a few new give-aways and themed nights.

The Cyclones have a full lineup of heritage nights, including Caribbean Heritage Night (June 27th), African American Heritage Night (June 29th), Jewish Heritage Night (July 13th), Irish Heritage Night (July 24th), Asian Heritage Night (August 10th), Latino Heritage Night (August 16), and Italian Heritage Night (August 23th).

New themed nights include Pirate Night (June 26th), thgiN sdrawkcaB (July 5th) Salute to Billy Joel (July 12th), Salute to the Pork Rind (July 14th), Nut-Free Night (August 27th), Power of Attorney Night (September 4th), and Coney Island Night (September 5th).

There are also new give-aways, besides the standard cap night and jersey night. A few highlights include:
Front Gate Replica (June 19th), Cyclone Roller Coaster Replica (June 30th), Maverick the Wonder Dog Bobblehead (August 11th), Carl Erskine Bobblehead (August 17th), Ballpark Snow Globe (August 28th), Edgar Alfonzo T-shirt Jersey (September 6th).

When are they making a juggling vendor bobblehead? Also, isn't Billy Joel a well-known Yankees fan? What's next, Derek Jeter Night?

The Soulja Boy juggling music video has arrived!

El Juglar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:20:00 -0400

It's finally here, the critically acclaimed new music video from yours truly. Enjoy.

April is upon us

El Juglar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:57:00 -0400

It's been a long, cold winter, but seven months after the Mets' historic collapse and the Cyclones' heartbreaking loss to Auburn in the finals, it's time for baseball again. While the Cyclones' home opener is still two-and-a-half months away, there is some news to report in the Brooklyn baseball universe.

-Patrick Hickey, Jr., the outstanding Cyclones' beat writer, has launched DemBrooklynBums.com. The writing is excellent and the layout is top notch. Patrick is a fairly prolific blogger, so make sure to check his site regularly for all your Cyclones updates.

-Former Cyclones OF Angel Pagan, recently reacquired by the Mets organization, has wowed the coaching staff and apparently locked up a starting spot on the opening day roster in place of the injured OF Moises Alou. In 71 at bats this spring, Pagan leads the Mets in runs (10), hits (24), RBI (10), and stolen bases (5), all while batting .338.

Wagner takes Kunz under his wing

El Juglar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:01:00 -0500

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports that former Cyclones RHP Eddie Kunz has been shadowing Mets closer Billie Wagner in Port St. Lucie.

"He came up to me and said, 'Hey, you're going to follow me around,'" Kunz said. "'Wherever I'm at, you're at.'"

It's great to see Eddie progressing through the organization. He certainly showed a lot of promise in his limited appearances with the Cyclones, collecting 5 saves in 12 innings of work.

In 9 games with the Scottsdale Scorpions this winter, Kunz went 0-1 with an ERA of 10.13.

Opening day only four and a half months away

El Juglar — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:51:00 -0500

One of the main problems with Short Season Single A baseball is that the off-season is interminable. Nine and a half months? That's longer than the typical gestation period for a human female.

In the interest of alleviating the mid-winter baseball blues, I have compiled the following roundup of Brooklyn Cyclones related news:

-The New York Mets have reacquired OF Angel Pagan from the Cubs. Pagan was one of the original Cyclones, playing on Edgar Alfonzo's 2001 NYPL Champion team. In 318 career at bats with the Chicago Cubs, the switch-hitting native of Puerto Rico has a .255 batting average with 9 home runs and 8 stolen bases.

-However, in acquiring Pagan, the 'Clones were forced to ship off two former Baby Bums, OF Corey Coles and P Ryan Meyers. As the AP reports:

Coles, 25, rose to New York's Triple-A affiliate last season, but spent the bulk of his time at Double-A Binghamton, where he hit .296 and stole nine bases.

Meyers is a 22-year-old who had 13 saves and a 2.14 ERA in 33 games at Class A Savannah. He struck out 48 and walked 14 in 42 innings.

-Sunday, Febuary 3rd, the eyes of the nation will be on Arizona as the hated New England Patriots do battle with our New York Giants. There's much more at stake, however, than just regional pride. BrooklynCyclones.com reports that 'Clones GM Steve Cohen has made a friendly wager with Lowell Spinners GM Tim Bawmann. If the Giants win, Bawmann has to come to Brooklyn and help the Cyclones' ground crew manicure the field. If the Pats win, however, Cohen has to go to Lowell and rake grass for the Spinners.

-The Brooklyn Cyclones have completely revamped their website. It's a lot nicer looking, check it out.

-Lastly, I'm happy to announce that I will be returning for a second season as the juggling peanut vendor at KeySpan Park. Last summer was a real trip, and I'm thrilled that I'm coming back.

Next game is 7 pm June 17th at KeySpan. See you there.

Starry Night Christmas Spectacular Thursday the 13th

El Juglar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:16:00 -0500

They're at it again! The cast of Starry Night is coming at you again with another off-the-wall variety show Thursday the 13th at 9 pm.

Come join The Reigning Queen of Everything, El Juglar, Jocelyn Adams, Jared the Conjuror, Harley Dear, Mike Lawrence and newcomer Mark Normand as we go back, way back to Christmas 1967.

There will be Christian Jugglers, Communist Contortionists, Jewish Strippers, Hysterical Comedians, and of course, the Reigning Queen herself.

The show is at East Coast Aliens, 216 Franklin Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11222. For more info, go to www.eastcoastaliens.com

For those of you who haven't seen it yet, here is a clip from the last show:

Don't ride your unicycle on the sidewalk at 3 am down Classon Avenue

El Juglar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:24:00 -0500

Last night, I was cited for a moving violation for riding my unicycle on the sidewalk at 3 am down Classon Ave. The ticket was for $10. The cop told me it'd probably be dismissed, but that I'd have to show up to pay the ticket anyway.

Good work officers.

November update

El Juglar — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:17:00 -0500

Hey all. Sorry I haven't posted in so long. There hasn't been too much Cyclones news in the past few months. This is what I've been up to:

Here is a video of me juggling knives on my unicycle with A Starry Night Variety Show in November:

Here's a clip of me performing in the same show in October:

My new website is coming out soon so I'll be sure to keep posted.

Warm memories

El Juglar — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:37:00 -0400

Here's a video of the Cyclones following the final out of Game 1 of the semifinals against the Staten Island Yankees. I wanted to be there that night but I was performing in the circus.

Things I can't do

El Juglar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:40:00 -0400

This is truly entertaining. It's something called foot juggling. The music is a little corny but just watch.

Much ado about jugglin'

El Juglar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 02:16:00 -0400

My buddy Duncan finally got around to sending me this vid from the middle of the season. It sure brings back memories.

Awards: The Bobblys

El Juglar — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 12:18:00 -0400

This past year, The Brooklyn Cyclones gave away an amazing six bobbleheads, ranging from current ball players (Joe Smith), former players (Don Newcomb), non-players (Marty Markowitz) and inanimate objects (Brooklyn Bridge). These six bobbleheads will be rated on a scale from 0-5 along four criteria:

Aesthetics, Origninality, Deservingness, and Overall Bobble

Don Newcombe
Brooklyn Dodgers legend
Aesthetics: 4.3
Don strikes a great pose in his bobblehead, rearing back just before firing one over the plate. Nuke loses points for his "Brooklyn Legends" uniform. I realize they couldn't use a Dodgers uniform, but the uniform looks just a little odd.
Originality: 3.5
He is a Hall-of-Famer, so it's not a totally original idea to give him a bobblehead, but Nuke is an often over-looked superstar, remembered by the Ebbets Field faithful but forgotten by the younger generation.
Deservingness: 4.8
The first and only player ever to win the Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP. Yeah, I'd say he's worthy.
Overall Bobble: 4.0
Excellent side-to-side bobble. Head keeps bobbling longer than many of the others.

Marty Markowitz
Brooklyn Borough President
Aesthetics: 2.5
A guy in a suit, holding a bat... yawn.
Originality: 4.0
It's not every day that a politician gets his (or her) own bobblehead. And consider the fact that Marty isn't a senator, a governor or a mayor. He's a borough president.
Deservingness: 3.5
This had been a point of contention. Many people love Marty, some people despise him, and most people don't really know who he is. To avoid any controversy, I gave him a 3.5.
Overall Bobble: 2.0
Kinda lame bobble. Lasts only for a moment. Markowitz could learn something from Newcombe.

Willie Randolph
Mets Manager
Aesthetics: 2.5
Willie strikes a rather boring pose, very similar to that of Markowitz. He looks more like Sammy Davis Jr. than Willie Randolph
Originality: 4.2
Ok, maybe giving Willie his own bobblehead wasn't that original of an idea, but putting him in his Tilden High jersey was. Bravo.
Deservingness: 4.0
He'll truly be worthy once he takes the Mets all the way.
Overall Bobble: 3.7
A slow, almost lazy bobble. Lasts long.

Lee Mazzilli
Mets great, Mets commentator
Aesthetics: 3.2
His pose is somewhat more inspired than Randolph's; much more natural.
Originality: 4.2
Again, it wouldn't be that original except that he's wearing his Lincoln High jersey.
Deservingness: 3.2
Yeah, he's from Brooklyn, but did he really do that much as a Met?
Overall Bobble: 3.0
A little stiff. Could be better.

Joe Smith
Former Cyclones great, former Mets great, current Zephyrs great
Aesthetics: 4.7
Wow. Well crafted, excellent detail, and the pose is outstanding. Joe looks great in his red Cyclones hat and his sleeveless home jersey.
Originality: 2.5
Since basically every former Cyclone who makes it to the Mets gets a bobblehead, Joe gets a low originality rating.
Deservingness: 3.0
Joe was a legend in Brooklyn, and he certainly made a name for himself in Flushing. Remember that it was just over a year ago that this guy was playing in college.
Overall Bobble: 4.2
Excellent side-to-side bobble, weak up-and-down bobble. Overall a great bobble.

Brooklyn Bridge
A bridge
Aesthetics: 2.5
It's made of plastic... I guess it looks alright, but plastic?
Originality: 4.8
A bobblehead of something that doesn't even have a head. It's original, I'll give them that.
Deservingness: 4.0
Takes us all safely from Brooklyn to Manhattan. A fixture along the waterfront.
Overall Bobble: 1.0
Barely bobbles at all.

Cyclones' magical season ends on sour note, Doubledays win game 4-1, series 2-0

El Juglar — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 01:18:00 -0400

The Brooklyn Cyclones (2-2) were defeated last night by the Auburn Doubledays (4-1) by a score of 4-1.

Rather than post my usual recap, which seems a little pointless at this time, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all the fans which made this the most amazing summer of my life. It was a pleasure to perform and vend for you guys.

When I first answered a craiglist posting for a juggling vendor, I had no idea that I would be so warmly received by thousands of Brooklyn baseball fans, a notoriously hard-to-please group.

It was horrible to watch those guys celebrate on our field, but you got to give them credit, they earned it.

The next question is what to do with my blog. I will continue to post about the 2007 Cyclones season, things such as favorite memories, best bobblehead awards, etc. I will also post about Cyclone alumni now in the majors, and anything else in the Cyclones universe.

I will also use the blog as a forum to keep everyone posted about any of my future events, as I'd love to have you guys come out to one of my shows.

It's been an amazing summer, and I'll see you all next year, if not sooner.

Kyle

Cyclones' bats silent, Auburn a win away

El Juglar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:20:00 -0400

The Auburn Doubledays (3-1) defeated the Brooklyn Cyclones (2-1), taking a 1-0 series lead in the best of three championship round.

Brooklyn did have opportunities, loading the bases with no out in the 2nd, loading them again in the 6th and putting runners on the corners in the 8th, yet the lone Cyclone run came in the form of a sac fly off the bat of C Cesar Cordido.

RHP Dillon Gee was impressive, going 5 scoreless innings, giving up 4 hits and striking out 8.

RHP Steve Clyne surrendered 3 runs, including a two-run homer, in the 6th.

RHP Will Morgan had a particularly difficult 8th, hitting a batter, walking a batter, throwing a wild pitch, walking a batter, striking out a batter, throwing a wild pitch, and finaly walking a batter before being pulled. He finished the eveining with 1.1 innings pitched, 1 hit, 4 walks, 4 earned runs, and 1 strike out.

Next game is tonight in Brooklyn at 7pm. The Cyclones must win to stay alive.

Reminder: Greenpoint performance

El Juglar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:56:00 -0400

For all those interested, I will be performing my juggling and unicycling act tonight in "A Starry Night" variety show in Greenpoint, Brooklyn at 9pm. The venue is conveniently located two blocks from the Greenpoint Ave. G train stop, at 216 Franklin St.

Tickets are just $10 and the venue features a bar. For more info/directions, go to the venue's website:
East Coast Aliens.

I don't imagine most of you will be traveling with the team to Auburn, so come on out!

Random silliness

El Juglar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 22:20:00 -0400

This is hilarious.

Did you see that? That was like, a 360 backflip. This is just a good, high quality excellent unicycling racing game.

Cyclones to face Doubledays in NYPL Championship

El Juglar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0400

Despite scoring 2 runs in the 9th, the Oneonta Tigers were unable to overtake the Auburn Doubledays last night, falling 4-3. With their victory, Auburn secures its spot in the NYPL Championship.

The Brooklyn Cyclones (2-0) will face the Auburn Doubledays (2-1) tomorrow night in Auburn at 7:05.

Yours truly performing this Thursday in Greenpoint

El Juglar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:54:00 -0400

This Thursday September 13th only, I will be performing my juggling and unicycle routine in "A Starry Night" variety show in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, just two blocks from the Greenpoint G train station. The performance starts at 9 pm and tickets are just $10. The venue includes a bar and beverages will be served.

The show should be a lot of fun. Beside my act(s), there will be two standup comedians, a sideshow performer, a ventriloquist, a burlesque dancer (no nudity), and Elvis himself might even make an appearance. Best yet, I even sing a song during the show.

The venue is located at 216 Franklin St., at the corner of Huron St. Call 718-514-7628 for ticket information. For directions to the venue, go to www.eastcoastaliens.com

Hope to see you there!

Brooklyn sends Yanks packing, Cyclones 2 wins fron NYPL Championship

El Juglar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:06:00 -0400

Despite two lengthy fog delays, the Brooklyn Cyclones (2-0) defeated the Staten Island Yankees (0-2) to send the defending champs packing. The Cyclones will face the winner of the Auburn-Oneonta series on Thursday, followed by home games Friday and Saturday if necessary.

CF Raul Reyes got the Brooklyn offense started in the 3rd off rehabing big-leaguer RHP Darrell Rasner with an RBI double. After a bunt by C Cesar Cordido, LF-RF Ezequiel Carrera followed up with an RBI single putting the Cyclones up 2-0.

In the 6th, LF Lucas Duda connected on an RBI single to tack on an insurance run.

RHP Dylan Owen is your winning pitcher. Owen went 5 innings, allowing 4 hits, 0 walks while striking out 7. Owen was pulled after a second lengthy fog delay.

RHPs Brant Rustich and Edgar Ramirez combined to go 3 scoreless innings of relief.

Closer Eddie Kunz went 1 inning, allowing an unearned run for the save.

Next game is Thursday night in either Oneonta or Auburn.

Duda powers 'Clones, Brooklyn wins 8-4 in series opener

El Juglar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:17:00 -0400

The Brooklyn Cyclones (1-0) defeated their archrivals the Staten Island Yankees (0-1) last night in Staten Island 8-4 to win the opening game of the 2007 NYPL Playoffs.

LF Lucas Duda knotted the game up in the 6th with a 2 run homer. In the 9th, Duda tacked on 2 insurance runs with a two-out single. Duda finished the night 2-5 with a homer and 4 RBI.

LHP Michael Antonini gets a no-decision. The southpaw went 4 innings, allowing 4 runs and 7 hits.

RHPs Will Morgan, Steve Clyne and Eddie Kunz combined to pitch 5 no hit innings of relief.

Clyne, the beneficiary of the Cyclones' offensive outburst in the 9th, earns the win

Next game is tonight in Brooklyn at 7pm. The Cyclones will advance to the next round with a win.

Clowning around yet again

El Juglar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:10:00 -0400

For those of you who still haven't seen it, please check out my latest youtube video.

Coincidence?

El Juglar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 11:01:00 -0400

The last two nights, I performed my dugout routine after the bottom of the 8th inning.

The last two nights, the Cyclones either tied or won the game in the following inning.

I'm not suggesting anything.

'Clones win second straight walkoff, clinch division, homefield advantage

El Juglar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:17:00 -0400

The Brooklyn Cyclones (48-25) defeated the Lowell Spinners (40-35) 3-2 on their second straight walkoff win. In so doing, the Cyclones have now clinched the McNamara Division and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.

The night before, the hero was SS Matt Bouchard who connected on a rare home run in the 9th to win the game. Last night the hero was LF Lucas Duda, who tripled in the 9th. After been removed for a pinch runner (RF Will Vogl), 2B J.R. Voyles connected on a sac fly to force extras.

In the 11th, it was J.R. Voyles again, although he didn't even have to swing his bat. With runners on 1st and 3rd and 2 out, Lowell pitcher Ryne Miller balked home the winning and McNamara Division clinching run.

Special bobbleheads go to 1B Jason Jacobs (homer), Lucas Duda (triple) and J.R. Voyles (game tying sac fly).

RHP Dillon Gee was your starter, going 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 5 hits striking out 6 with 0 walks.

RHPs Steve Clyne and Eddie Kunz each tossed a couple of scoreless innings in relief.

UCLA product RHP Brant Rustich is your winning pitcher. The former Bruin went 1 scoreless inning in relief allowing 0 hits and 0 walks.

Next game is tonight versus the Spinners at 7. The first 2,500 will receive a bobbling Brooklyn Bridge.

The juggler on MetsBlog

El Juglar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:38:00 -0400

Matt Cerrone of MetsBlog.com posts an excellent photo of me riding my unicycle wearing a MetsBlog.com t-shirt. Thanks for the post, Matt.

No time for recap: this is what you need to know

El Juglar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:30:00 -0400

Following last night's action, the Yankees are still 1.5 games behind the Cyclones after beating Tri-City 12-3.

Follow Auburn's loss last night to Jamestown, the Doubledays are 46-28, one behind the Cyclones in the win column, but three behind in the loss column. The Cyclones are now guaranteed to finish with a better record than Auburn.

If the Cyclones finish ahead of the Yankees, they are guaranteed homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. The magic number is now 1, meaning that Brooklyn clinches with a Cyclones win or a Yankees loss. Both teams have 2 games left on their schedule.

Come see: The Creation

El Juglar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:27:00 -0400

For those of you trying to figure out what to do with your weekends now that the regular season is nearly over, why not take the wife and kids to some live theatre and take in a little culture?

This weekened I will be performing in "The Creation", which is based on a poem written by author, Harlem Renaissance figure and early civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson. The production features juggling, unicycling, dance, trapeze, and more.

There will be three performances: two on Saturday (7 and 9 o'clock), and one on Sunday (5 o'clock). The performance takes place at 126 St Felix St., between Hanson Pl. and Lafayette, right under the famous clock tower in Downtown Brooklyn. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $12 for students and seniors.

For ticket information, call 718-289-3177.