OT:Thank You McCovey Chronicle

by jnormous on Jul 2, 2009 7:25 PM PDT Comment 46 comments

I just wanted to share my thanks to the people of this site. I grew up loving baseball. My admiration of the game stems from birth when my parents feverishly watched everything baseball. They are both two of the biggest baseball fans I've ever known. As a child I watched the A's because my parents were huge fans of Ricky Henderson, Carney Lansford, Rick Honeycutt and all the other Oakland greats of the '80's. But me, I never had the same affection for those teams as my folks did. Much to the chagrin of Mom and Dad, I was a Giants fan. Then in 1993, when I was 10 years old, I was officially hooked. Barry Lamar Bonds came home and I was a young boy in awe of his greatness. I idolized the same things we all did. No reason to list them all. We were all witnesses to his excellence. Baseball was what I cared about most. Football, basketball, and wrestling were cool, but I wanted to be a baseball player first and foremost. But, as I got older baseball became less and less important.

I grew bigger (along with BLB) and baseball faded into the background by the time I was 16. Wresting was my top priority when it came to sports. Girls, my drivers license, high school social status and everything that seemed soooo important as a 16 year old kid now trumped my once obsession with the Giants and baseball in general. Though I always followed and rooted for my home team, I could rarely be bothered to spend three hours to watch the game I once couldn't bare to miss. Then came college, work, and general life stuff we all do. Baseball kept being driven further and deeper into my sub-consciousness.

So, where does McCovey Chronicles and all ya'll fit onto my story? Well, a bit over a year ago on Mother's Day I got sick. I couldn't eat brunch with my family or go to work the following day. "Ok, so I have the flu," I thought. But I got progressively more ill and in more pain. Finally I went to the doctor after a few stubborn weeks. No luck with a diagnosis. My legs and arms had started becoming so painful I could barely walk or grip anything. Maybe I had a pinched nerve in my back. Docs ran some test and again nothing. I was rapidly losing weight. Before I got sick I was 185 lbs at 6'1". A month in and I was now 170 lbs. My doctors started getting worried and so was I. Two and a half months in and I could no longer walk and was pretty much stuck in bed 24/7. My doctors were perplexed and I was sent to Stanford Neurology. There I was given every test known to man, more than once.

At this point summer was in full swing and baseball was cruising along. I had all the time in the world to watch games again because I couldn't leave the house without serious help. The Giants were there everyday and again became a part of my life. I started to become interested in all things baseball and one day I was searching around the internet. That's when I found McCovey Chronicles. I started reading some things here and there, but quickly I became a avid reader. I started learning about Fangraphs, ERA+, VORP (which I still don't understand), Gints Brazz, Bowkermania and just about everything else that is awesome. In the simplest of terms, baseball and McCovey Chonicles were a way to keep my sanity.

August came around and I was down to 148 lbs and still no diagnosis. I was definitely terrified now, but was able I had an outlet I loved now. I was enjoying watching Lincecum dominate, The Kids coming to The Show and laughing at the randomness that is McCovey Chronicles (there really is some funny stuff on this site). Finally, when things were at there worst and I had reached my bottom point, I was diagnosed. The good news was that my doctors found a rare auto-immune disorder that was curable with time and meds. September rolled around and I was quickly on my way to recovery. The Giants were out of it, but that wasn't the important part to me. What was important was that the Giants and McCovey Chronicles were there along the way to keep me from losing my mind. When I was pissed, tired, sad, scared or any combination of emotions, I would always look forward to a game. Off-days for the Giants were a big bummer, but those were days I just spent more time reading The Chronicles.

I bring this up now because it was just about a year ago when things weren't looking too great and I was ALWAYS roaming around these parts. I was just thinking about how important baseball has been to me and even though there was a gap in my life where baseball was forgotten, I believe it is now here to stay. And I thank all the good people of McCovey Chronicles for not only reminding me that my childhood love has not been forgotten and for teaching me things about the game I never would have known otherwise, but for also being there for me when you didn't even know it. That's what is great about life sometimes; you can mean something to someone without even knowing it. Baseball was that something. McCovey Chronicles was that something. Today I'm just about fully recovered and watching baseball now feels even better now. I'll forever remember that. Thank you baseball and thank you McCovians.

This FanPost is reader-generated, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of McCovey Chronicles. If the author uses filler to achieve the minimum word requirement, a moderator may edit the FanPost for his or her own amusement.

24 recs | Comment 46 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Hang in there, and keep getting better!

by Merope on Jul 2, 2009 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sorry about your condition

Its great that you can find joy in baseball like the rest of us.

Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)

by CB30 on Jul 2, 2009 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

We Love Baseball

Glad you were able to tape it up and walk it off

by wilriv21 on Jul 2, 2009 7:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I prefer

Rub some dirt on it and get out there.

But either way the sentiment remains the same. Glad to hear that you are doing better.

Baseball has the amazing power to bring people together and help them through the toughest of times, and there is no better place to discuss it than right here.

Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis.

by j14 on Jul 2, 2009 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

jnormous=ultimate gamer

Thing A

by sam23 on Jul 3, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was going to say It's not lupus

Until it occurred to me that it might be Lupus, so instead I’ll just say

Good luck!

by jctGamer on Jul 2, 2009 8:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

lol

sounds like it could have been a house episode. probably would have an argument about the religious implications in the movie “Angels in the Outfield”

She Hate Me
"oh I served BRP all right
drained J-Kiddesque running floaters over him all night long last time we balled" - prezofdeath

by cloudydays on Jul 2, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good luck, kid. (Can I call you kid, as roughly five years your senior?) Glad to hear you’re on the road to recovery.

This probably goes without saying, ‘cause you’re obviously wise beyond your years: Hug your folks. I can’t imagine the suffering, silent or otherwise, they must’ve been experiencing seeing their “baby” battle an unknown enemy. The fear and sleepness nights they endured were probably overwhelming, and I know they’d love a hug.

I wish you all the luck in the world.

Stupid is as Ruben Rivera does...

by bkrhater on Jul 2, 2009 9:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

jnormous, best of luck to you and I’m glad you’re feeling better. It must have been a difficult ordeal and good for you for hanging in there and powering through.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Gamer

I am glad to hear you have the health issue under control. Life sucks enough, and then you have this to deal with. You’re doing well and I hope your recovery goes just as well.

Supporting San Francisco Dugout since 2005 and Manny Burriss since 2006, and bringing you all your California League needs since 2009.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Jul 2, 2009 9:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Three cheers to jnormous

Here’s to hoping you’re at 100% soon.

Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all

If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.

GET THAT VORP SH!T OUTTA HERE!!!

by baetown415 on Jul 2, 2009 9:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better. That must have been really hard to go through, I can’t even imagine. What you wrote was very touching, though, so keep posting here.

Also, your user pic is awesome.

Osiris, lord of the dead, and relief pitcher for the San Francisco Giants.

by neurofarm on Jul 2, 2009 9:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I can’t really say anything because I’m all emotional reading this (damn girls on the Internet crying over everything) but this site saved a good portion of my sanity while I was going through medical hell in ’07 and ’08, also with an AI disease. Anyway. Good luck and I hope you keep improving!

Still backing Notgardo, wheresoever he may wander. (Don't forget to wriiiite!)

by tk on Jul 2, 2009 9:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

This makes me feel good. I’m glad yer on the rebound.

Randy Winn is in time out until his OBP gets back over .330.

by oldjacket on Jul 2, 2009 9:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hang in there, buddy

Auto-immune: God’s little joke on humans who think they run the world. Except it’s not funny.

Disfrute Los Gigantes every day at www.leftymalo.com

by leftymalo on Jul 2, 2009 9:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

GAMER.

And I say that in all seriousness. Keep on keeping on, man, and I hope your recovery continues to go well.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Jul 2, 2009 10:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You win

The McCovey Chronicles Dave Dravecky Award. If there is one. Hang in there!

by FriscoJoe on Jul 2, 2009 11:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Glad they discovered a cause and a treatment-- sorry you had to learn Value Over Replacement Doctor

Very sorry for your battle, but very glad you are coming back. In another 15 years, you’ll be about old enough to suit up for the Giants.

Baseball has been a steady for companion for all of us at one time or another, some difficult patch or another. I’m glad it was here for you, too.

And there seem to be LOTS of autoimmune problems in the past several years, from lupus to sarcoidosis (which I had 4 years ago and am in remission) to MS to who knows what. It’s really odd. I know of a research doc who is trying to look at all of these together and see them as one big issue rather than discrete diseases. Something is going on. It’s not good.

But I’m glad you’re mending. If you’re on prednisone, I wish you the best with it. I have had it on a few occasions and haven’t liked it at all. I wish you the best.

Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit... Maybe.

by Mayor of 311 on Jul 3, 2009 12:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good stuff here. Arguing about baseball has helped me and my family through some very sad times. Glad to see you are near full strength and ready to fight about the best sport on earth with the rest of us idiots :-)

by m34josh on Jul 3, 2009 1:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

For you jnormous

by SFGuy on Jul 3, 2009 1:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rally GIF Subthread for jnormous:

Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all

If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.

GET THAT VORP SH!T OUTTA HERE!!!

by baetown415 on Jul 3, 2009 2:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Deep down, I always knew dick jokes and bad puns could serve the world in a positive way

Reading your story makes me so happy I wanna dance! Here’s to you jnormous

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jul 3, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

by jctGamer on Jul 3, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

for you, jnormous

jnormous: represented by ian holm
auto immune disorder: played by mr. willis

Dodgers fans eat their young.

by redhornet78 on Jul 3, 2009 9:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Glad you’re doing better. Health problems are the WORST.

Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...

by rotorueter on Jul 3, 2009 10:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great story, and good luck.

by Dan from NM on Jul 3, 2009 11:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You realize you're now an episode of House....

but also congrats and best wishes on a speedy recovery

by Yoostey on Jul 3, 2009 12:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I may be a little overly-sensitive from just watching Marley & Me,
but this story can make me cry.

Great to hear that you are recovering, jnormous.

Sir Alex Omar Hinshaw: It's not right if it's not left.

by The Enchanter on Jul 3, 2009 1:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

+∞

Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear

by Natto on Jul 3, 2009 1:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Stories like this can really put things into perspective. Here’s a young fella, full of life…on the rasslin’ team and enjoying the college life. And what should befall our protagonist is not one, but two A’s fans for parents! I mean, really? Rick Honeycutt? Ay caramba.

Now this is the part where most experts would agree I stopped reading carefully. Looks like jnormous sought medical help for Athleticphilia by Proxy down at Stanford, or at least that’s what I’m thinking, and the docs have him back on the road to recovery. Well wishes during your convalescence.

by biff pocoroba on Jul 3, 2009 2:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good luck man, that was an uplifting story

by Classy_Argonaut on Jul 3, 2009 4:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

jnormous joins tk on MCC Gamer All-Stars

That sounds like a brutal stretch (pun not intended) you’ve been through. I can’t imagine how discouraging it must’ve been when you were down to 148 with no idea what was going on. It has to feel awesome to have an illness like that in your rear view mirror. My hat is off to you for battling through. Also, thanks so much for letting us in on your story. It’s fun to be able to celebrate with you!

The only thing that’s confusing me, though is the idea of the Giants, combined with this collection of humanity here somehow keeping you……………..

Sane?

Weird…they’ve had the opposite effect on me.

Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher??

by tobias on Jul 3, 2009 4:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks for your inspiring essay, jnormous! i am proud to be in this mob/community/batch of crazy people along with you.

cheering for Adam Witter, who will hit bigleague dingers some day.
Still yelling "Go, Antoan"

by foothillsfan on Jul 4, 2009 12:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I echo everyone’s statements and I hope you kick this thing’s ass.

Jesse Foppert: I Still Believe. Maybe a little less now.
"I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen." ~Bob Lemon,

by AndYourBirdCanSing on Jul 4, 2009 12:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Best wishes , Mr. J

uh , “McCovians”?

I prescribe more R ‘n’ R…‘n’ R. Ortiz

NL West TempestTeapot
Nothing matters , and what if it did?

by victor frankenstein on Jul 4, 2009 3:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Keep on keepin’ on.

by Uribe nee Gonzalez on Jul 4, 2009 4:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

sounds a lot like guillianne Barre syndrome

Often post viral, and sometimes can be mimicked by arsenic poisoning. Baseball is great.

by bradleybear on Jul 4, 2009 10:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That's what it was.

Full name is Sensory Deficit Guillianne Barre. And thanks everyone for all the kind words posted in response to my story.

by jnormous on Jul 5, 2009 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I read in the paper yesterday that The Fridge Perry has been battling that.

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jul 6, 2009 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I should have posted this before

I also congratulate you on overcoming your parents’ love for the horrible, evil, puppy-killing A’s of the late 80s.

by North Side Chicago Expatriate Giants Fan on Jul 5, 2009 12:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for making me tear up, you jerk!! :P

Seriously, great post, and glad to hear that they found a cure. Hope you don’t ditch us now that you’re all better and stuff, heh. ;-)

No, really, I have updated my blog this year: http://skaldheim.livejournal.com/tag/baseball

by Skaldheim on Jul 5, 2009 2:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

you did all the little things and played the game right and had yourself a good outing in the end

by kornstar2004 on Jul 5, 2009 9:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

‘cause he’s gamerrifc!

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jul 6, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not much to add to what everyone else has said. Glad to hear you’re on the mend, and that this site helped you through some very tough times. It’s truly wonderful and weird how this silly game gets us through life.

"He is Tim Lincecum...the Most Interesting Pitcher in the World."

by Kitspool on Jul 6, 2009 3:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Best of luck to ya, man.

emperor nobody: "can ben copeland play third will the mcgwire throwback jersey be sponsored by balco labs i think i am having non-nerve-damage related chest pains well there’s holliday’s homer for may"
Clayton Tanner. I have nothing witty to add.

by walkoff baltimore chop on Jul 6, 2009 10:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs