..Wow, what a nice suggestion, BeenthereIL!

Been out of town for several days and didn't get to see the game, however son and I caught Sportscenter. They made some comments about Zach that were entirely on target. This kid has it all - velocity, spots, composure. A great future awaits!

I've been telling a guy in the office (lifelong Pirates fan) about Zach, and he's been kindly interested...but hey, he's a rook, right?

So he watches the game on Saturday and comes bouncing in the office today more excited than anyone's seen a Pirates fan since 1979! "That Duke's the real deal!"

Another fan is born!

You know the strangest thing about this whole situation with Zach is: I'm at a friends house watching the game with about 20 other people and Zach comes out and I yell to everybody, "Zach's on the mound today. Maddux is in for a rough ride," and all through the game I'm rooting for him like crazy. Everyone's looking at me and wondering who is this Zach and how do I know him. Because I'm acting like he's a relative or something and that I really do know him. The strange part about it is, I feel like I really do! Another syndrome resulting from the good relationships we have here on the "hsbaseballweb."

Go, Zach!!

This kid is really, really good. Too good to be in the pirate organization. In my humble opinion its the best thing that happend in the pirate organization since Roberto Clemente.

Catfish ...

Know just what you mean about acting and feeling like you are related to Zach ... happens here at home, too but fortunately Hubby understands my connection with some on the HSBBW and follows right along with me. Heck, I follow Zach more than I do some players I actually know.

"Duke's stellar performance on the mound would, at first glance, appear to be the highlight of the youngster's day, but not necessarily so in a game where the left-hander recorded his first career RBI off Maddux as well.

"I'm more proud of that than anything, to be honest with you," Duke said with a laugh. "I got an RBI off Greg Maddux. I have to call home and tell my parents that for sure. It's one of those things [where] I put the bat on the ball and got lucky."

Reading Zach's post game comments, you come away with certain impressions:
1. He is very humble about what he is doing and his getting to do what he loves,
2. He is very knowledgeable and respectful of the game...very nice comments about Maddux;
3. He clearly has a special relationship with his parents. to Mr. and Mrs. OPP who should be as proud of the way he works with the media as the way he competes on the field.

I am planning to see Zach pitch down here next week. I am so excited I feel like my own son will be on the mound!!!!

TPM---

Now how is it that YOU get to see him live and in person before I do?? BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!