Season Pass Update

Ze pass 'as been procured, boss, and the first six dates have been sought. Am thoroughly enjoying MLB's Gameday Audio package (a steal at CAN$19), which has allowed me to eavesdrop on spring games from across the majors. As for the dating, I'm 0-for-1 with 5 responses pending, but my refusal to take things personally is perhaps the biggest development. Hope I can keep that up.

Browsing the profiles is amusing. Today's biggest chuckle was elicited by a woman who announced off the top, "IM not lookin for FREAKS." Rest assured, darling, freaks aren't "lookin" for you either.

One week to Opening Day! Projected starters are Roy Halladay and the Tigers' Justin Verlander.

Season Pass: The Reboot

I'm pleased to announce that Season Pass will be relaunched in 2009. Though I unearthed much material in 2008, the book's major premise—one dating attempt per game attended—came on board rather late, ultimately spinning out as that season wound down.

So, it's time to start the festivities afresh. Tantalizingly, this year brings a bonus and an early beginning: I'll be at Round 1, Pool C of the 2009 World Baseball Classic in Toronto (March 7-11; 6 games), plus I'll toss the full 2009 Toronto Argonaut schedule into the mix (June-November; 10 games).

That's 97 games, 97 dating attempts. Not 97 dates; I wish, but that's, er, unlikely. Busy as the season itself will be—and this thing called work might chew up some time, too—I hope to post updates as the proceedings unfold.

Predictions: Blue Jays finish 3rd, Argos 2nd in their respective divisions; I go on 15 dates. Wildly optimistic in the Jays' case perhaps, but it says here that Tampa Bay just cashed in their lone Cinderella season. Anyway, if I'm right that'll bump up my total to 98, as the Boatmen will host a playoff game. The fun officially kicks off February 25 (Blue Jays' first spring training game).

"So, any grand ideas for our first date?"

"Well, um, you into baseball by any chance?"

Season Pass Update

Season Pass news: as the quest to take in 81 baseball games winds down, our hero is nudged by Leilani to embark on a parallel (and more daunting) quest: ask 81 women out! Appropriately, the festivities begin at the September 17 game vs. Baltimore, where yours truly will attend a speed-dating event in Section 230 or thereabouts.

I wonder if other writers use their work to conquer some long-standing fear: "Let's, um, try THIS. If nothing else, a little terror will spice up the story."