UM, NOT SO MUCH. I challenged Matt Bonner to a game of P-I-G at his basketball camp in Concord, N.H., and was skunked. Couldn't get the roll. Not to mention Mr. Red Rocket hit a crazy clinching shot from halfcourt:

Law Enforcement Night

Wow, what a powerful night with the Fisher Cats, who honored police officers throughout the state and raised thousands for charity during tonight's game against Reading. Before the game, I met Manchester police officer Dan Doherty, 26, who was shot four times in a March gunfight and spent more than a month in the hospital. He threw the ceremonial first pitch for Law Enforcement Night, firing a strike before dozens of men and women in uniform. He told me about the night he was shot in the abdomen, hip and leg -- after responding to a report of an armed man on the West Side -- and how he constantly deals with flashbacks. "I think about it daily, hourly. I always think about what could've happened. I'm glad to be here now," he said. "It's a special night."

Greenland police chief Mike Maloney, killed in the line of duty in April, was an honored during pregame. It was a privilege to be part of the annual Law Enforcement Night -- and the Fisher Cats again did a tremendous job organizing this event.

Fisher Cats Focus: John Stilson

I enjoyed getting to know Fisher Cats newcomer John Stilson the past couple days as we conducted pregame interviews and had a photo shoot. Anxious to see him pitch tonight against Reading. There are some legendary stories about Stilson pitching through a shoulder injury (labrum tear) and sacrificing himself for the good of Texas A&M. As a sophomore, he set programs records and led the nation with an 0.80 ERA. As shoulder cartilage began to deteriorate as a junior, but he kept on trucking. Highlights from the interview and story in today's Union Leader:

"I knew I was hurt, for sure. I felt it on one pitch. I probably should have stopped right then, but I kept going and threw threw three or four more games. It kept getting worse and worse, but that's the type of pitcher I am. I'm not coming out unless you pull me off the field," he said. 

"I went out there and tried to help my teammates. It ended up hurting me more than it helped me, but that's all in the past. Everything happens for a reason. I'm just thankful the Blue Jays gave me this opportunity."

Asked if it's fair to say he was overworked by Aggies coach Rob Childress, Stilson made sure he didn't throw the skipper under the bus. "(College coaches) are in a tough spot. They either have to win or they get fired. They have to win ball games to make a living and support their family. I understand. It was also my choice to go out there and pitch."

Get this: Stilson once threw about 30 pitches against Dartmouth at Coral Gables, Fla., waited through a 1-hour rain delay, and returned to the mound. Later that night, he pitched in relief, earning a save as Texas A&M beat Miami. That's essentially three separate appearances on the same day! Hello.

Father's Day Pledge

TO MY SON AND DAUGHTER on Father's Day, There are lessons every dad should teach his children, and, along with looking both ways before crossing the road, I pledge to teach the game of baseball. Funny how what you learn on the diamond -- and from other sports -- can be applied to life. Presenting 10 baseball lessons every father should teach his kids:

1. Respect the game -- Great effort goes without saying. Hustling on and off the field and proper behavior are some of the ways to honor baseball's tradition and those who have played before us. It's a privilege to wear the uniform and represent the school or name on your jersey. Don't take it for granted.

2. Always have fun -- After all, isn't that what it's all about? Whether covering Little League games or World Series games, I've found a common theme from the most successful players and teams through the years.
"You want him to play the game like he's having fun and play hard. I look for that first, as a dad, to make sure he looks like he enjoys it," said Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills, asked about his son, Beau, who played against the Fisher Cats last week.

3. Teamwork -- In sports, there is nothing more rewarding than everyone believing in a common goal and pulling for each other, putting individual accomplishments aside. Championships, not batting averages, are what everyone remembers in the end.

4. Play by the rules -- There is no substitution for hard work. And no short cuts.
"You can't skip ahead in life," New Hampshire pitching coach Tom Signore said. "If you want to be a lawyer, you've got to go to law school."

5. Sportsmanship -- Respect your opponent and umpires. Win with humility and lose with dignity. Failure is part of the game, and throwing your bat or helmet will not be tolerated.

6. Throw a fastball for a strike -- Forget the off-speed stuff until learning the importance of commanding your fastball. Then think about throwing a changeup.

7. Don't forget defense -- Fisher Cats manager Gary Cathcart says it's the most neglected part of the game among youngsters. How to field a grounder? "Get in a ready position. Move your feet. Get your glove in a good position to make the play," he said.

8. Throw some more -- There is some truth to an old-school philosophy: A sore arm is a sign of not enough throwing. Play catch. Throw a bullpen session. Long toss will help strengthen the arm.

"Too many pitchers only pick up the ball when they play," Cathcart says. "Our pitchers throw every day during the season."

9. Listen to coach -- Pay attention. Ask questions. Be coachable. It's a game of endless fundamentals and strategy -- and it keeps getting better with the more you learn.

10. Baseball is life -- Some of life's most valuable lessons are right there in our national pastime: focus on what you can control. A strong work ethic is needed to succeed. Be tough. Rise above critics. In the end, character and integrity are more important than hitting home runs.


-- From a 2009 Father's Day column in the New Hampshire Union Leader

D.J. Davis video by Baseball America

With the 17th overall draft pick, the Blue Jays selected high school outfielder D.J. Davis of Mississippi. Check out the swing and speed. The swing is compact and short to the ball. Early stride and load and establishment of front-side resistance, which is what I try to teach my 13-year-old AAU team. Judging from this clip -- and let's not get crazy -- but Davis appears to show an advanced approach. Anxious to see the other tools. John Lott's early story here.