Traveling Back to Oz
Hi Friends,
I’m writing this as I’m sitting on the floor in Hong Kong International Airport (only power outlet I could find). I just spent an amazing week in Hong Kong with my girlfriend- hanging out with my sister, Stef, and her boyfriend Will.
As ‘Popeye’ commented on my last blog, it really is an amazing place. So much to do, we barely sat down. I have to give it to them, their transit system is unreal, you can get from one corner of the city to the other in minutes. (ha, i should work for their tourism department!) I know we don’t have the same population in Seattle, but it would be great to get downtown on public transit in minutes, not have to worry about parking or traffic and every other hassle of driving!
Before I get off the Hong Kong subject, I have to fill you all in on my excess baggage penalty, which pissed me off so much. I got charged 500 US dollars for having excess baggage on Virgin Atlantic. I kinda hope this throws them under the bus a little bit! How can you justify charging a customer that amount of money, after they spent over 2K on a ticket? I have flown every other international airline and not once have they charged me for being over, and if you think about it, I’m never going to Fly Virgin Atlantic ever again, so basically, they made $500 off me but missed out on a 2000 dollar fare next time I choose an airline!
OK, I, just wanted to publicly get that off my chest, as I sit here thinking of a scheme to get my money back!
So I am making my way back to Oz finally after such a roller coaster season, ready to get amongst some warm weather and surf, hang out with my family and friends and get my head ready for 2009! I must admit though, I am missing my new ‘home’, I just bought a house as some of you mentioned you read about and I hadn’t had a chance to enjoy it!
I guess as I check the weather in Seattle I think I can be away from there right now. So thanks to all of you who came to meet me at DJ’s a couple weeks ago, I had a blast, and had some great conversations. Plus DJ and the guys at DJ’s Sportscards were great people and run a great thing there in Renton. Good to be apart of that, and put a face to some of my favourite comments.
Well my flight to Sydney is boarding so I better pack up the computer and get on there! The check-in guy probably gave me a seat in the luggage compartment for being a hassle after my blow up about the bags! Ah well, whatever gets me home!
I’ll keep in touch while I’m back home!
Also I have answered some of your questions below.
- RRS
Texas Jill, I’m not sure if I’m going to be playing the WBC, it all depends on how I feel when I start to throw again. If all’s good, and Australia puts together a good group of guys, and I’m invited, I would love to be a part of it. I will have to talk Balfour into it as well!
Chris from Bothell, it’s hard to go into detail about my workouts but some things I have found really helpful in my offseason workouts are sprint training and boxing. As soon as the season ended I was straight into East Side MMA’ in Renton and got into the boxing. I love it and it gets me in really good shape. They have a great gym there with everything and Joe, the owner would put me through hell! You should get down there and check it out! As I start to get in the sports specifics, the sprint training is great because it relates exactly to the power movements in pitching. One of these days I will go into detail with some good workouts but for now those two things can really help you.
K.Smith – I’m sure this is the same K. Smith that was at DJ’s? Well, glove companies are pretty good about giving you what you need as far as new gloves! Guys normally get 2 or 3 in spring training, I normally stick with 1 glove until I have a string of bad outings then I try and go for the new one sitting in my locker. It’s silly but it seems to get me back on track, I hope!
Big Al, I haven’t had a chance to meet Jack yet but from what I have heard sounds like he is a positive thing for us and our furture! And thanks for the explanations!
Kellie, as far as the guys in the AFL, I know Rob very well, he is a good friend of mine, he caught me in AAA and caught me in Seattle (against the Yankees ). He is one of the hardest workers I have ever met, and is going to be a great catcher. I also know Stephen Kahn quite well. We lived together in 2006 AFL, funny dude, and really sucked he missed this year with his knee. You will see more of him soon.
I’ll check in soon! gotta run … gonna be long flight amongst suitcases!
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Ryan, I just wanted to thank you for being a great sport at the autograph signing in Renton earlier this month. I was there with my 10 year old daughter (I told you I’d comment here!). She was thrilled to meet you and get our picture taken with you. She showed it off to all her friends at school! We’re huge fans, of course.
I was going to ask you about participating in the WBC, but I saw you answered that in your blog. What I was going to ask was, if you do end up playing for Australia, when would you join the team back in Peoria? Some friends and I are planning a trip to Spring Training and I don’t want to miss seeing you there!
Have fun relaxing back home. Soak up some good sun!
–Cheryl Ann
Hey Ryan! I’m the girl with the shirt about tim tams, meat pies and you. Thanks again for the autographs and the picture!
I also wanted to tell you that I get my tim tams from an Australia store in Leavenworth, WA and for more variety I order online from a store in texas (they have other Aussie things too!)
http://about-australia-shop.com
I was also wondering, do you scuba dive? You should, not just down under but the diving back in Seattle (and surrounding areas) is amazing for cold water. I know a great dive shop up here if you’re interested.
~Jenny
What’s up, Ryan. Must be nice to get away from this freakin cold weather and enjoy a summer in December. We’re kinda in the same boat… I’m from Hawaii (ever been?) but going to the UW so I get to go back for winter breaks. It’s awesome to take in the sun and the surf (although I’m not much of a surfer) during Christmastime. You don’t really know how much you enjoy home til you’re away for months at a time, huh? Anyway, take it easy in Oz and hope you can stick it to the man and get those 500 bucks back.
G’day Ryan!
Can’t wait for the new “Australia” movie. Will you be seeing it? Of course I am sure it has the “Hollywood” element in it but what do Aussie locals think of it? I think that’s the closest I will be getting to Oz for awhile…oh do I miss it!
I’ve never been anywhere in Asia (except I am told I was born there) but I have heard from others and now you that Hong Kong is amazing. Thanks for writing us from an airport floor!
We just passed Sound-Transit prop 1 so maybe…just MAYBE we’ll finally have light rail and our transit system will start looking progressive. Though I believe none of that is supposed to be finished i.e. usable until 2016. And I KNOW we can never have what Hong Kong has…well never say never…
You’d probably be good for a tourism department-you sure know about travel haha!! But for now, I think you’re doing pretty well as a pitcher
Flying used to be fun…now it is just a hassle…”your bags are too big”, “no liquids”, “that’s not allowed”, “too many” blah blah blah. Pre-9/11 it wasn’t nearly as strict. Though of course good security is of utmost importance, it’s still a pain…and charging you is ridiculous. I’ve heard of $20 fees if you have extra bags (I complain about that) but $500?! I’d be going ballistic… I hope you get your money back-Good luck.
You must be excited to be going home to the great land of Oz. Would love to hear of your surfing adventures etc. You got a new surfboard from your sister right? You may miss your new home (must have been hard to leave a brand new house cuz I am sure you’re ready to break it in, decorate etc) but believe me, you’re the lucky one with sunny weather, the chance to surf, and pristine beaches. I, in Seattle have been waking up to cold mornings, lots of rain, and some pretty good windstorms. Plus, awhile back Andra told me she was extremely excited to finally get to see Australia and where you grew up.
Oh, and yes, this is the same “K. Smith” that was at DJ’s. Thank you so so much for dedicating an evening to your fans. It was so nice to be able to come down and say “hi” in-person. Plus, I got some great auto’d souvenirs (sorry for getting so many haha-hope your hand didn’t hurt!) that as of now, you CANNOT get in any store or online. Yes, I have looked. You might be able to get a false one off ebay or something haha…you get the point. I am currently trying to find a shadow box that fits balls and photos…no luck yet…might have to make one…
Thank you in general for keeping close to your fans and actually being approachable as opposed to a “behind-glass” celebrity type.
That is really interesting about the gloves-thank you. And hey, WHATEVER WORKS to get you back on track!!! I think all sports people are “superstitious” about something or another…I know I have my quirks!
I hope you had a good flight to Sydney. I imagine it isn’t THAT long from Hong Kong? And I sincerely hope the airlines didn’t take any more of your money!
-Kirsten (Kiri)
My husband recently was charged a $125 overage for a single bag on a flight between Seattle and LA. I’m not sure how charging people MORE for the inconvenience of being stuffed in a metal tube with recirculated air, bad food, and sick people is a good move for airlines, but I have the feeling it’s only going to get worse before it gets better. I have to fly to the east coast for Christmas, and am not really looking forward to it. I don’t envy people who have to fly a lot, especially commercial flights.
Hi Ryan, Great blog..my 10 year old baseball fanatic son is a fan. Just wondering while you are in Australia, if you will be making any appearances…
Hi Ryan, I play baseball and I love it heaps. I love watching the pros play and I just wanted to know whats it like to play major league baseball in america. When i grow up i want to be a major league baseball player. Can you give me any tips.
Thanks.
Enjoy your time in Newcastle(Aust). Watching the player movement action on Hot Stove.
Better leave you right where you are(with Seattle that is)
Hi Ryan!
Sorry to hear that you lost $500 for no good reason! That absolutely sucks. I’m sure I would have flipped out, too! But the bright side is you got to see Hong Kong and you get to go home. There’s nothing like being home for the holidays. I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving and a wonderful time at home with your family. I’m sure you all have a lot to be thankful for. Safe travels and have fun in Australia!
Hi Ryan,
What are your thoughts on all the changes that have been made within the M’s organization? As a long time fan, I’m hopeful. I’m already looking forward to spending some time in Arizona for Spring Training in ‘09.
hey Ryno
saw you on NBN news the other night great story they did i thought
good to see u back in newy and getting a bit of recognition!
Hey champ,
yeoooow
Virgin airlines are ridiculous!!! Is paying $500 gonna magically make more room for your bag ! On a flight thats not even full!!! O that makes me mad. Shady airline!!! not about customers at all!!! Hope you are having fun in OZ and you are missed here. Seattle will see you dominating on the Safeco turf before you know it
Great interview on NBN mate!
People in Oz need to know you and your achievments over time also.
Great footage for a change!
Mr. Rowland-Smith, I have to say that I am really looking forward to next season. I truly believe that 09’s rotation will be able to keep you guys in contention for many years to come. I would like to ask you a couple of questions though..? What do you think of the changes the orginization is making this off season? An do you think that Mr. Clement will rebound this season? I mean I am sorry but I still don’t get the contract extension to Mr. Johjima I am not saying he is a bad player by anymeans but going off his stats the last couple of years makes you sort of raise your eyebrows, if you catch my drift. Either way I am really looking forward to seeing you and Mr. Morrow in the rotation along with Mr. Hernendez and hopefully Mr. Berdard if he can bounce back… Tell you the truth I wonder if he even really wants to be in Seattle with the way he played last year and checking himself out of the games at the 100 pitch mark he just didn’t seem that happy to be there, I hope he proves me wrong! GO MARINERS! AL CHAMPIONS/WORLD SERIES CHAMPS 09′
HI Ryan, I wanted to post a link to a photo I took of you at spring training. I was with the Red Apple group and you were gracious enough to help out. Have fun in Oz and we’ll see you in 09, and thanks again for the photo.
http://carlae.wordpress.com/2008/10/26/off-season/
Hey man I wanted to ask how you came about playing baseball. Ive heard that baseball isn’t very popular in Australia and wondered what it must be like to try and transition from bowler to pitcher (especially if no one plays). My best friend and I have been trying to think of ways to play baseball without having enough people. The people we find to play will have no part of a cricket-ish game, I would imagine that happens in other cultures as well. Have you ever tried to get any baseball players to play cricket? I will be rooting for you in the WBC!
For some strange reason is I am going to fly my mother-in-law from Australia to Seattle to spend some time with my wife (don’t ask why I am footing the bill). The good news is I was looking for the dodgiest airline to send her on. So Virgin Atlantic is it? I was going to go for China Airlines
I read an article a minute ago about Milwaukee trading with the M’s for you, Putz, and Lowe. No way, would I live there.
Hey Ryan.
Just found your blog today and wanted to thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I’d also just like to say that living in Ireland where there’s an even smaller market for baseball than Australia (we haven’t had a major leaguer in over 60 years and he only pitched one inning and ended up with a 189.19 ERA!) you’re a great inspiration for me. It’s really motivating to know that talent like yours can come out of less developed baseball areas. Looking foreward to watching you next season as a permanent fixture in the starting rotation and hopefully notching up a few wins while your at it.
Hey Ryan,
Just wanted to give you a shoutout and let you know that this freezing cold Canadian M’s fan can’t wait for next season and I hope to see you as a fixture in the rotation. I have made the long trek down to Seattle to see you guys since 1995 and I’m hoping this year we’ll catch a game that you’re starting in. Best of luck in ‘09 dude.
PS. My band is hoping to play at Safeco for the ‘Turn BAck The Clock’ game this year…pull some strings for us will ya mate *grin*
Cheers!
SB
First of all, Ryan, Merry Christmas and happy surfing to you down there in the sunshine!
And, some questions:
When do you start training for the WBC? Do you think your Aussies can get to the second round?
Any good Sean Green and or JJ stories? Not asking for comments on their going, just some fun stuff about them. Those guys and R.A. Dickey (who’s still up for grabs) struck me as solid citizens in a tough year for the M’s.
Merry Christmas. Have fun surfing.
Merry Christmas, Ryan! Hope Australia is treating you well and you are getting your sunshine quota for awhile (although you will probably get a little more at Spring Training). Seattle misses you, so come back soon….but enjoy your family while you are there!!!
2009 is going to be a great year for you and the M’s!
Happy Christmas Ryan!! Hope you are soaking up as many sun rays as possible and getting your surf in! Over here in Seattle we have been having a pretty substantial snow storm for the west side. I am working on my Christmas present for my brother-a shadow box filled with things you signed at DJs…I hope it turns out okay. On Saturday our family is having a wine tasting featuring Australian wines so I am super excited for that. I am thinking you are more of a beer drinker but if you drink wine at all I would be curious as to what your favorite local wine is. Dead Letter Office (2005) Shiraz is a top ten wine on many lists so I picked that up.
Anyway, me going on again. I hope you are enjoying the MUCH deserved time off but I will admit I always miss baseball season about this time of year. Your girl must be loving the down under! Also curious if you are one to make new year’s resolutions or have any wishes for 2009. May you have a good season! Happy holidays!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Ryan! I hope you’re having a wonderful time with your family and friends!!
Hey Ryan, Just started the Baseball Australia USA Facebook Group – literally and would like for you to join.
Hey, Ryan–Just wanted to wish you a happy new year! I’m ready for another season of Mariners. Hope you are looking forward to it, too!
heyyy mate
awesome.
congrats on ur success this year!!
i was wondering if you were playing in the Claxton shield while you were home? i imagine your not because of restrictions and what not.
anywho might see you round on the northern beaches somewhere! haha manly pride!!
take it easy mate and maybe you will magically get traded to the bosox for me