From one Holliday to another
Happy Holidays to not only Nats fans, but to all sport's fans. I have so much to be thankful for this year, and topping the list is the health of my 11-year-old grandson Jack Rolle.
Jack is one of our 10 grandchildren. He's number three of the four sons of my daughter Tracie and her husband Chris. Nick, Chris, and Liam are the other members of the Rolle clan.
In Bel Air, Maryland, my daughter, Dr. Kellie Smaldore, and her better half, Dr. Steven Smaldore are constantly driving their boy's Devin and Anthony to games. Son number one is a sophomore at Hood College in Frederick.
In Kensington Maryland, The McCarthy family holds court, where daughter Moira and husband Bob have their hands full with three daughters, Maggie, Clare and Bridie, all under the age of three and a half. That in inself is reason to celebrate - great kids with great kids of their own.
Back to Jack for just a moment. He has been given a clean bill of health! NO Cancer cells remain after six grueling months of chemothearpy and radiation. You Nats fans were so supportive during the course of his treatments with prayers, cards, letters, gifts, Rosaries, Mass cards, all in the spirit of keeping Jack's spirits up.
Well it worked. I can never thank you enough. The amazing Jacko - as I like to call him - keeps reminding me he wants tickets for Opening Day at Nationals Park. I told him I would put him in touch with my ticket man...Ray Knight! Jack is back in school, his hair is growing back, and he can still beat the daylights out of me on the golf course.
On the football side, it was a tough season for Ralph Friedgen and his Maryland Terrapins team. Better things lie ahead for next year and I for one am glad Ralph will return to right the ship in 2010.
The basketball season is off and running with Gary Williams' Terrapins looking to return once again to the big dance at seasons end. I for one think you will see the Terps penciled in during selection Sunday.
At Loyola of Maryland you can never count out Jimmy Patsos' Greyhounds. His teams are always fun to watch and it's always fun for Kevin Grevey and I to do one of Jimmy's games on MASN. They don't come any better than Jimmy Patsos.
The Nationals are moving in the right direction during the offseason. How bout the addition of All-Star catcher Pudge Rodriguez to help the Nats' young pitching staff. At age 38, Pudge still has a lot to bring to a ballclub, namely experience and a great feel for the game.
If I'm not mistaken, Stan Kasten, Mike Rizzo, Mark Lerner and Jim Riggleman have said all along, 'we have a plan. It may not happen overnight, but be patient, we will get there.'
From where I sit, they are headed in the right direction. Now if I could only track down Nyjer on his cell phone. Oh well, Happy Holidays to you and yours!
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Categories (click for archive)Johnny Holliday | MASNblogs |
That's great news about Jack. What a wonderful gift it must be for him and for your family.
Here's wishing happy holidays to you and your family as well.
p.s. Loved the team's Off Season Greetings e-card.
Hooray for Jacko! Thank you, Johnny, for letting all Nats fans know that he is doing well. That is the best news I've heard in a LONG time! Outstanding.
Merry Christmas to all from the #1 Nats fan down here in South Carolina. We are so happy to be back home with my family and friends in these warm surrounding. Johnny, you just can't beat being with family....
And you can't beat enjoying watching our "Natstown" family grow. "Pudge" is a great addition to the gang.
Merry Christmas to everyone
Go Nats!!! RR- Upstate South Carolina
Hey Johnny!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Last time I read Caring bridge it was mentioned that on "Dad's Birthday" Jack had his port taken out! Was that "Dad" referring to you or to the Dad of the Family, Chris? I thought it was you.
I hope Jack does make it to Opening Day, because I would like to meet him in the booth either pre or post game time!!!
Hope you have a Merry Christmas and for Jack, a restful one!
Thanks for such kind words.. The Dad Tracie was referring to was her Husband, Chris.Jack's Dad...not your's truly.It was a nice birthday present for the entire family to celebrate on the day Jack had that port removed.
Happy Holiday's
Johnny
I was reading on the "Links" that the Nationals might be interested in Matt Capps of the Pirates.
Hey- We have had some great luck with Ex-Pirates acquisions (N. Morgan and S. Burnett) recently.
I'm also happy to see that Jamie Burke was offered a minor league contract. He is just a "Feel Good" kind of player. I sure his chances of a Washington address are near impossible, but it is one guy you just like to see hang around.
Take care everyone...
Go Nats!!! RR- Upstate South Carolina
Johnny-
My home town,(Anderson,SC),is just a couple miles from Clemson University. I was just wondering if you traveled with the Basketball Terp's. I thought it would be great to say hello at the game on the 1/31/09.
Go Nats!!! RR-Upstate South Carolina
RR
Thanks for the e-mail..Yes I am with the Terps home and away ..every game! Please do stop by and visit if you happen to be at the Clemson game. We can talk Terps and Nats. Look forward to meeting you
Johnny
There is a Santa... Welcome to NatsTown Mr. Jason Marquis!!!!! I think he will be a great addition as both a starter and "Big Brother" to our young staff.
I wish we could find a spot for (HOF'er) John Smoltz, just for his knowledge. That kind of stuff does rub off.
Go Nats!!! RR-Upstate South Carolina
Johnny- "Happy Holidays" to you and your family,the entire MASN Nat's Staff and all my fellow bloggers in NatsTown.
Life is Good......
Go Nats!!! RR-Upstate South Carolina
Very good adding "Everyday Eddie" to our family. It will be special to see him reach the 1,000 appearance mark (Less than 100 to go...)as a National.
Happy New Year to everyone...Talk to you in 2010.
Go Nats!!! RR- Upstate South Carolina