HAPPY LEAP DAY

Well it comes around every 4 years and today is the day that is added to the calendar every 4 years, I would hate to have a birthday on that day because you only get to celebrate every 4 years instead of every year.  The Virginia baseball team lost 8-0 at home yesterday to Liberty, the Cavs only had 2 hits in the game.  Well it looks like we are going to get some rain today here in the Heights, there is a 80% chance but the rest of the week the temps are going to be in the 70's.  My pain index is up quite a bit after 2 days of practice on the field and burning my mouth pretty bad on some soup mom made last night, in hindsight I should have let it cool of a bit.  MICKEY

Ability is what youre capable of doing Motivation determines what you do Attitude determines how well you do it ~ Lou Holtz

KENSETH WINS THE DAYTONA 500

I wish I could say I stayed up to watch the finish of the Daytona 500 but I didn't, if fact I probably only saw about 40 laps of the Great American Race.  Between the baseball practice, rain and last nights fire delay I just didn't get to see much of the race.  Matt Kenseth picked up the win with Dale Earnahrdt Jr. finishing 2nd, the highlight of the race win I was watching was Juan Pablo Montoya running into the back of the jet dryer after some thing broke on the car causing the jet dryer to burst into flames.  Next week the Sprint Cup Series heads to Phoenix.  The Virginia baseball team will be back in action today against Liberty, GO CAVS.  We were finally able to get on the field for the 1st time yesterday at Shepherd and we had a pretty good practice but we still have allot to work on.  Also just a quick not on high school basketball action Petersburg beat Henrico to win the Central Region Championship, both team will play in the stat tournament next week.  MICKEY

If we do not change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed. -Chinese Proverb

DAYTONA 500 WASHED OUT

For the 1st time in the history of the Daytona 500 it was rained out yesterday and rescheduled for today at Noon.  The forecast is not looking to good today either at Daytona either, there is an 80% chance of rain down there today and it is raining as I type this mornings entry into the blog.  If they don't run today it is unclear what there plans will be for the 500 but I am sure its not the way Nascar wanted to start this years season.  The Virginia baseball team beat Monmouth again yesterday 13-1 finishing off the weekend sweep of Monmouth, the Cavs are now 5-1-1 and will face Liberty at home on Tuesday.  For some reason I didn't sleep very well at all last night, just tossed and turned all night long.  MICKEY

No great discovery was ever made without a bold guess ~ Sir Isaac Newton

THE DAYTONA 500

Well the 2012 Nascar Sprint Cup Season starts today with the Super Bowl of stock car racing The Daytona 500.  Carl Edwards will be starting on the pole with his teammate Greg Biffle joining him on the front row for today race.  Jame Buescher won yesterdays crash filled Nationwide race at Daytona in a finish that looked like Friday nights truck race a green, white, and then checkered finish.  If I was a betting man that's the way it will probably end today as well.  Also in yesterdays Nationwide race Danica Patrick got taken out by her teammate of all people.  In college basketball action yesterday at eh JPJ Arena the North Carolina Tar Heels beat Virginia 54-51.  The Cavs got in some serious foul trouble and couldn't handle the Heels big men towards the end of the game and the offense went ice cold form 3 point land missing there final 13 attempts from there.  The VCU Rams beat George Mason last night 89-77 at the Seigel Center capturing the #2 seed in the upcoming CAA Tournament at the Richmond Coliseum.  In college baseball action yesterday the Virginia Cavaliers improved to 4-1-1 on the season with a 7-1 win over Monmouth, the Cavs will go for the sweep this afternoon.  I am hoping all the strong winds we had yesterday will have dried the field enough so we will be able to get outside tomorrow for the 1st time this year.  MICKEY

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” ~ Mother Teresa

UNC AT VIRGINIA, DANICA WINS THE THE POLE FOR TODAY'S NATIONWIDE RACE

The Virginia basketball team has a very big game at home today against the North Carolina Tar Heels.  The Cavaliers have to be able to slow down the Heels big men and shoot well from 3 point range to have a shot against the Heels.  The VCU Rams will also be at home tonight against the George Mason Patriots, the winner of tonight's gets the #2 seed in next weeks CAA Tournament.  Drexel has already captured the #1 seed.  In college baseball action yesterday the Virginia Cavaliers beat Monmouth 18-4, the Cavs will face them again today as well.  Down at Daytona yesterday Danica Patrick captured the pole for today's Nationwide race edging out Trevor Bayne for the top spot, I think today's will be wild one.  Well we didn't make it outside at all the first week of baseball practice, it looked like we were going to make it out there yesterday but then the storms came which will probably keep us off the field again on Monday.  I have to say being in the gym and in the cage is already staring to get old.  MICKEY

What is not started today is never finished tomorrow ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

VERY WARM TODAY

Well it's going to be in the upper 70's today before a cold front comes through bringing some very strong thunderstorms this afternoon and dropping the temps into the 50's the next couple of days before returning into the 60's on Monday.  Hopefully these t-storms will not bring a whole lot of rain with them because if they do we may not be able to get on the field until the middle of next week.  At Daytona yesterday Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth won there qualifying races, tonight the truck series will be in action.  The Virginia baseball team will face Monmouth this weekend in a 3 game series this weekend.  Well I am off to work I hope everybody has a good day.  MICKEY

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. ~ Dale Carnegie

VCU WINS ON THE ROAD

The VCU Rams beat UNC Wilmington on the road last night 63-59, it sure wasn't pretty but the Rams found a way to come away with the win.  The Rams will finish out there regular season at home against George Mason on Saturday and have a shot to finish on top of the CAA with a win if Old Dominion could upset Drexel the Dragons and Rams would finish tied.  In college baseball action yesterday Virginia had to go to extra innings to beat William & Mary 6-5, the Cavs were trailing in the game 4-0 after 7 innings.  They will run the Gatorade Duels at Daytona setting the rest of the field for Sundays Daytona 500, there are quite a few drivers who need to race there way in the 500.  Well we had to practice in the gym and in the cage again yesterday and with the overnight rain it looks like we might have to do it again today.  MICKEY

Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic. ~ Dale Carnegie

VIRGINIA HOLDS ON TO BEAT VIRGINIA TECH

The Virginia basketball team trailed most of the game against Virginia Tech but took the lead late in the 2nd half and held on for 61-59 win on the road at Virginia Tech.  The Cavs are now 8-5 in the ACC and 21-6 overall and will North Carolina at home on Saturday.  The VCU Rams will be on the road at UNC Wilmington, the Rams simply have to win this game.  The Virginia baseball team returns to action today against William & Mary.  Well we had our 1st day of baseball practice and between the JV and Varsity teams we had about 40 players coming out for the 2 teams.  It is going to feel like spring the next 3 days here in the Heights.  MICKEY

Early to bed & early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy & wise. -English proverbs

1st DAY OF BASEBALL PRACTICE

Well today is the 1st official day of baseball practice and because of Sunday snow we will be spending it in the gym and in the cage at the school.  Hopefully by Friday we will be able to get on the field at the stadium bu I am probably being a bit optimistic about that.  I guess we will do some conditioning today and then go take a few swings.  The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team will be at Virginia Tech tonight tonight looking for another ACC road victory and with home games with North Carolina & Florida State coming the Cavs need to win this game.  It looks like it is going to be in the 70's both Thursday and Friday now that feels like baseball weather.  MICKEY


No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness. -Aristotle

WE DID GET SOME SNOW

Well we finally got some snow this Winter yesterday afternoon and evening however it was like a wasted snow for all the teachers and students in Colonial Heights because school was already closed for Presidents Day.  I went out and moved the cars this morning so I could go to work and it was heavy wet snow that I had to get off the vehicles.  We were suppose to officially start baseball practice tomorrow but it look like we will be in the gym or the cage probably the rest of the week even though it will be in  the 60's by mid week.  Carl Edwards captured the pole for next Sunday's Daytona 500 edging his teammate Greg Biffle, Dale Jr. was the 3rd fastest yesterday.  MICKEY

VIRGINIA BEATS MARYLAND, IS IT GOING TO SNOW

The Virginia basketball team picked up a much needed win yesterday afternoon knocking off the Maryland Terrapins 71-44.  It is hard to believe that this game was tied at 31-31 at the half, the Cavs defense held the Terps to just 13 points in  the 2nd half.  The Cavs will travel to Blacksburg on Tuesday night trying to avenge an earlier loss this season to the Hokies.  The Virginia baseball team picked up its first win of the season yesterday berating Coastal Carolina 9-3 but later in the day played James Madison to a 4-4 tie in a game that was stopped because because of rain.  The Cavs are now 1-1-1 and will be at home against William & Mary on Tuesday.  Kyle Busch won last nights crash filled Bud Shootout at Daytona passing Tony Stewart as the came to the line, it looked more like a demolition derby than a race at times.  The will qualify for the front row of the Daytona 500 today.  The big question here Colonial Heights today is whether or not it is going to snow or not, the weatherman have changed there minds so many times with this storm I don't know what it is going to do.  The are still calling for 2-4 inches of the white stuff but I will believe it when I see it.  MICKEY

The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done. -Arnold Palmer

60's TODAY, SNOW TOMORROW

Well it's going to be in the 60's today here in Colonial Heights and then on tomorrow it looks like we are going to get a few inches of snow and then by Wednesday it's going to be back in the 60's.  This weather is not going to be good for the 1st week of baseball practice.  Speaking of baseball the Virginia baseball lost it's opener to Boston College yesterday 5-3, the Cavs will play 2 games today because of tomorrow's impending weather.  The 1st game today the Cavs will face Coastal Carolina and in the 2nd game they will face James Madison.  The VSU baseball team will also be at home today against Alderson-Broaddus College.  The VCU Rams beat Northern Iowa last night 77-68 in there bracket buster game, it was a close game until about the last 5 minutes when the Rams pulled away.  The Virginia basketball team will bet at home today against Maryland, the Cavs must win this game.  The will run the Bud Shootout tonight at Daytona.  MICKEY

"A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it, is committing another mistake." - Confucius

THE VIRGINIA BASEBALL TEAM OPENS UP THERE SEASON TODAY

The Virginia Cavaliers baseball team opens up there season today against Boston College in Conway, South Carolina in a tournament hosted by Coastal Carolina.  The Cavs have allot of new faces so it will be interesting to see how this years season plays out.  The VCU basketball team returns home tonight to face Northern Iowa in a bracket buster match-up, the Rams need to win the rest of there game to bolster there chances of making this years NCAA Tournament.  Also this weekend the will run the Bud Shootout as well as qualify for next Sundays Daytona 500, things are heating up Daytona.  Also there is a chance of snow on Sunday as well, most of the weatherman in the area are calling for rain but there are a few hinting of some snow.  I sure am glad that it is Friday.  MICKEY

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. -William James

LOOKS LIKE A RAINY DAY

Well it looks like it is going to be a rainy day here in the Heights.  There is a about an 80% chance of rain today and tonight however the rain is only suppose to be light to moderate.  Also there is another pretty good chance of rain on Sunday which may end as a period of snow Sunday just in time for the start of baseball practice.  There is allot of uncertainty about how much precip that we are going to receive on Sunday so hopefully it won't be to much.  My are is very sore this morning after throwing BP again last night however my are does feel like it is getting into a bit of a groove which is good thing for out hitters.  MICKEY

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." - Albert Einstein

VCU LOSE AT THE BUZZER, VIRGINIA FALLS AS WELL

The VCU Rams & George Mason played like they were the best teams in the CAA last night in a game that was not decided until the final buzzer when George Mason hit a 3 pointer to came away with a 62-61 win over the Rams.  Hopefully the Rams will be able to bounce back from this loss and win all there games in the CAA until the face George Mason again next week and Drexel will lose somewhere down the road as well.  The Virginia Cavaliers lost at Clemson last night 60-48 hurting the Cavs chances of making this years NCAA Tournament, the Cavs just don't have enough offense right now.  The Colonial Heights girls basketball team lost to Petersburg last night 43-35 ending there season.  The New York Rangers continued to play at a very high level last night beating the Boston Bruins 3-0, next up for the Rangers are the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.  My arm is very sore again this morning after throwing BP last night.  MICKEY

Bad is never good until worse happens. -Danish proverb

VCU AT GEORGE MASON

The VCU Rams have huge CAA game tonight at George Mason with 1st place on the line in CAA, the Rams and Patriots both enter the game at 13-2.  Drexel is also tied with VCU & George Mason for 1st place and the Dragons will be at home against William & Mary tonight.  The Virginia Cavaliers will be on the road tonight at Clemson, this will be tough match-up for the Cavs who are bit beat up and undermanned at the present time.  In high school basketball action tonight the Colonial Heights girls basketball team will be in action in the Central District Tournament against Petersburg.  The New York Rangers have another big game tonight at Boston, the Bruins are in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference 7 points behind the Rangers.  Well I hope everybody has a Happy Valentines Day.  MICKEY

Education is the best provision for old age. -Aristotle

IT'S A COLD MORNING HERE IN HEIGHTS

Well it is a very cold 18 degrees here in the Heights this morning however the high temperature each day this week will be in the 50's or 60's which is pretty good for this time of year.  It's to bad that baseball practice doesn't start this week instead of next week.  Well there not much else going on around here today so I guess I am going to go to work.  MICKEY

When you choose your thoughts, you choose results. - Imelda Shanklin

VCU STAYS ON TOP, VIRGINIA LOSES

The VCU Rams remain in a 3 way tie atop the CAA standings with Drexel & George Mason after beating Old Dominion yesterday on the road 68-64.  The Rams trailed by 3 at the half but lead most of the 2nd half before pulling out the win, the Rams will travel to George Mason for key CAA match-up on Tuesday.  The Virginia Cavaliers did not fair as well yesterday on the road at Chapel Hill falling to North Carolina 70-52, the Cavs trailed by 3 at the half before Carolina dominated the 2nd half.  The Cavs will travel down to Clemson to face the Tigers on Tuesday night.  The New York Rangers continued there domination of the Philadelphia Flyers beating them for the 7th straight time the 5th time this year 5-2 to yesterday, the Rangers will return home today to face the Washington Capitals.  I did go over to Virginia State yesterday to watch some college baseball action between the Trojans and the Fighting Scots of Ohio Valley College, the Scots came away with 1-0 win only getting 1 hit.  Well it is very cold 20 degrees here in Heights this morning and the high today is only going to be in the upper 30's today.  MICKEY

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. ~ Albert Einstein

VIRGINIA & VCU HAVE BIG GAMES ON THE ROAD TODAY

The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team will be on the road today down in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to face the North Carolina Tar Heels.  I think a win today by the Cavaliers would go a long way in getting them into this years NCAA basketball tournament however it will be a very tough task for the Cavs to win at the Dean Dome.  The VCU Rams will be on the road today down at Old Dominion, the Rams will need to win to stay in a 1st place tie with Drexel and George Mason.  I was going to go over the Virginia State today to watch the Trojans open up there baseball season today against Ohio Valley College however the weather isn't looking to good for baseball today.  The New York Rangers have another big game as well today on the road Philadelphia, so far this year the Rangers have not lost to the Flyers.  Also today is Andrew's birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW.  MICKEY

Most everything that you want is just outside your comfort zone. - Jack Canfield

WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY IT'S FRIDAY

What else can I say but it's Friday my favorite day of the week.  There is just not a whole lot of things happening today.  I did watch the New York Rangers pick up another win last night in OT beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 and with the win the Rangers now lead the Eastern Conference of the NHL by 5 points, the Rangers will be in Philadelphia tomorrow.  It is really going to feel like Winter tomorrow here in the Heights with a high in the mid 40's before a cold front comes through and drops temps in the afternoon bringing along with wind in excess of 30mph and some light rain or snow showers, BRRR.  MICKEY

 "Our intention creates our reality." - Wayne Dyer

VIRGINIA & VCU BOTH WIN

The Virginia Cavaliers dominated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons last night at the JPJ Arena coming away with a 68-44 win.  The Cavs lead by by 30 points at times during the game before playing allot of subs at the end of the game.  The Cavs are now 19-4 and will travel to down UNC on Saturday.  The VCU Rams also picked up another win yesterday beating Towson 66-43, the Rams also have big game on the road Saturday when  they travel down to Norfolk to face Old Dominion.  The Rams are still in a 3 way tie for 1st place in the CAA with George Mason Hofstra.  Well I threw another 250-300 pitches last night but I don't feel to bad so far this morning, I think the soreness will intensify later today.  Well it looks like it is going to be sunny and cool today with high around 50 and tomorrow it will be in the mid 50's before highs drop into the 40's for the weekend.  MICKEY

Goals help you channel your energy into action. ~ Les Brown

VIRGINIA AND VCU AT HOME TONIGHT

The Virginia Cavaliers and the VCU Rams will both be at home tonight looking for a couple more wins.  The Virginia Cavaliers will be at home against Wake Forest while VCU will be at home against Towson.  In high school basketball action last night the Colonial Heights girls team lost to Meadowbrook 66-36 while there was no report in either paper on the CH boys game.  My arm is very sore after throwing batting practice last night, I think I threw about 450 pitches and I will be back at it tonight as well.  The weatherman is hinting on a chance of light snow on Saturday but I will believe it when I see it.  MICKEY

Restlessness and discontent are the first necessities of progress. ~ Thomas Edison

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SEASON COMES TO AN END TONIGHT

Well the regular season for both the boys and girls basketball season comes to an end tonight with the Colonials facing Meadowbrook.  The boys teams will be at home tonight and it appears that they will not make this years basketball tournament.  The girls team will be at Meadowbrook tonight and they will make the Central District tournament which starts next week.  With basketball season coming to an end it means only one thing that baseball season is just around the corner.  Speaking of baseball we will be hitting in the cage both tonight and tomorrow night, I am still trying to get my arm into shape for the first official day of practice.  MICKEY

Slow growth is better than no growth! Understand that progress is a process that leads to success. ~ Louis Martin Jr

GIANTS WIN SUPER BOWL

The New York Giants beat the New England Patriots last night 21-17 to capture this years Super Bowl.  In a game that Giants lead 9-0 after 1st quarter only to fall behind at the half 10-9 they were able to get a touchdown in the final minute of the game to come away with 21-17 win.  Also in New York yesterday the Rangers beat the Flyers 5-2 so is was a good day to be a New York sports fan.  There is allot of ice on car window this morning so am going to have to take some extra time to clear off my windows, it is 24 right now but it is suppose to make it into the low 50's this afternoon.  MICKEY

You don't win once in a while, you don't do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit. -Vince Lombardi

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Well today is Super Bowl Sunday and they will play Super Bowl XLVI today in Indianapolis.  The years Super Bowl has the NFC Champions facing the AFC Champions New England Patriots and I think it is going to be a very close game with the Giants coming away with the win.  I just think the Giants are playing better football right now especially after beating the Packers 2 weeks ago.  The Virginia Cavaliers lost on the road at Florida State yesterday afternoon 58-55, the Cavs just turned the ball over to many times to come away with the win.  The Cavs will return home Wednesday night to face Wake Forest.  The VCU Rams knocked off Northeastern last night at the Seigel Center 59-56 to remain in a 1st place tied with Drexel and George Mason with Old Dominion just 1 game back.  Next up for the Rams is another home game on Wednesday night against Towson.  Well I think I am going to cut my hair, have a good day.  MICKEY

“The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” ~Linus Pauling

VIRGINIA AT FLORIDA STATE, VCU AT HOME

The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team has a very tough game on the road at Florida State this afternoon, the Seminoles have already knocked of Duke & North Carolina this year which is pretty tough to do.  It is going to be tough for the Cavs because of FSU's size inside.  The VCU Rams will be at home tonight against Northeastern and yes it's Homecoming for the Rams, since the don't have a football team they have homecoming during basketball season.  The Colonial Heights basketball team lost last night at Prince George 85-77, the Colonials will finish out the season Tuesday night at home against Meadowbrook.  I was just looking at the stats for Mickey's Place for the month of January and I was surprised to see that 31 different  countries visited at least 1 page on Mickey's Place, we have truly gone World Wide.  MICKEY

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave. -Calvin Coolidige

I SURE AM GLAD THAT IT IS FRIDAY

I have to say that I sure am glad that is Friday, for some reason I sure has been a long week.  My allergies and sinuses are continuing to bother especially in the mornings and yes I still have water in my right ear.  The Colonial Heights boys basketball team will be in action tonight on the road at Prince George, the girls team played Prince George last night but I don't have a score to report because there was nothing in the paper about the game.  Well all the hype is about to come to an end with this year Super Bowl now just 2 days away.  Well I am going to work, I hope everybody has a good Friday.  MICKEY

Something as simple as a smile can change everything. ~ Stephen Welton

VCU TIED FOR 1ST

The VCU Rams picked up another CAA win last night on the road at William & Mary 87-78 and with George Mason losing to Delaware the Rams are now in a 3 way ties for 1st place in the CAA with George Mason and Drexel.  Next up for the Rams is Northeastern at home on Saturday.  Well I am hoping Phil doesn't see his shadow today meaning we will not have an extra 2 weeks of winter.  It is raining very lightly here in Colonial Heights this morning but the temp is still a very mild 56 degrees, there is about a 50% chance of rain this morning before the sun comes out later today.  I just hope these mild temperatures are around when baseball practice starts in a few weeks.  MICKEY

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere. ~ Frank A. Clark

VIRGINIA WINS, VCU BACK IN ACTION TONIGHT

The Virginia Cavaliers beat the Clemson Tigers last night at the JPJ Arena 65-61, the Cavs trailed by 4 at the half and lead by 10 in the 2nd before holding on for the win.  Next up for the Cavs is a visit to Florida State on Saturday afternoon.  The VCU Rams will be on the road at William & Mary tonight, the last time these two played the game went to OT.  In high school basketball action last night Dinwiddie beat Colonial Heights 77-58, the Colonial girls team beat Dinwiddie last night 42-37.  The blogmaster would like to wish Joy & Scott a Happy Anniversary.  Well it is really going to feel like Spring today with a high in the low 70's before some rain comes in tonight.  My arm is a bit sore this morning from throwing BP last night an I will be throwing again tonight, with the warm weather last night my felt pretty good while I was throwing.  MICKEY

"Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success." -Dale Carnegie