An Interview with RJ Breisacher

If you recall, I posted a while back about a guy from Toledo whom I met on Twitter named RJ Breisacher (See: “Why I’m Starting a New Project”).  RJ is an Army veteran having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  While on tour, he vowed that when he got out of the Army he was going to visit at thirty Major League ballparks in one summer.  That summer was this summer.  Starting with Detroit’s Comerica Park on Opening Day in April and ending with Comerica Park on June 15th, RJ travelled all across the US, going from coast to coast.  Along the way he met some great people and watched some great baseball.  But more importantly though, he fulfilled a dream and did something few people thought he would ever actually do.  I have mad respect for RJ and am super proud of him for his accomplishment.  One of these days I’m going to do the same thing as him.  Until then, you’ll find me in Cleveland.

RJ and I both intend to immortalize his journey.  He already has in one way with his blog, Baseball Dreamin’, but he also intends to write a book about the trip.  I too intend to write a book based on his trip, although a fictionalized account.  I came up with the idea a while back (Again, see: “Why I’m Starting a New Project”), but have had little time or motivation to work on it since.  I’ve got some pretty good ideas in mind now though after doing this e-mail interview with him.  Hopefully soon he and I can go to a ball game or to Cedar Point and sit down and have a talk about his trip, his time in the Army, his love for baseball, and get some more ideas and get this project rolling.  We would really like to be able to chill out sometime in the Indians Social Suite before the season is out.  If things work out, maybe he and I can market our books together and share the profit to establish a non-profit to aid soldiers wanting to accomplish life-long dreams.

There is some quality stuff in all of RJ’s answers, but what really struck me is when he discussed talking about doing this trip while he was serving overseas in the Army.  Basically, RJ said thinking about this trip and talking about this trip was how he coped and that discussing goals for when you get back home is how a lot of soldiers keep themselves going.  That’s actually something you see in the media a lot—war movies and whatnot.  A group of soldiers in their bunk or at dinner talking about going to Disney World when they get back or how they’re going to marry their girl.  It’s in almost every war movie you watch, but you never really think about how important those conversations and those thoughts are to the real soldiers serving for our country.

1. You just completed an amazing journey from ballpark to ballpark. How long has this been in the making? In other words, when did you decide you were doing it and how long did it take to actually bring it to fruition? Did you spend a lot of time planning everything out or did wing it and go with the flow?

This trip was a lifetime in the making but I realized it about a year ago.  I was deployed to Iraq in 2008-2009 and again to Afghanistan in 2010-2011.  When we are deployed we talk about the things we want to do when we get home.  Grand things to make sure we get the most out of life while we have the opportunity.  We came home from Iraq and few people went on to do the things that they said they had wanted to do. 

When I was overseas in Afghanistan we started the "when I get home" talks once again.  I set out to actually go through with something big and hopefully inspire other people to chase their dreams as well.  I decided I would visit all 30 Major League Baseball Parks.  I didn't know where to start so I did a simple Google search for baseball parks and found http://www.ballparkchasers.com/.  I joined right away and received help from the creator of the website Craig Landgren and several people from the ballpark chaser community.  I wrote and emailed every Major League team and the offices of MLB.  I got a lot of free tickets, gear, and parking passes.  As soon as the schedule came out in late 2011 I planned my route during my downtime in Afghanistan.  All in all it was nearly a year’s worth of planning and two months of executing it. 

   

 2. Is there anything about this trip that you found to be especially stressful? To contrast, what would you say was the most enjoyable?

The most stressful part about my trip was watching my bank account getting smaller and smaller.  I was also stressed by the fact that I know I should of been writing for my blog but I was usually tired and just wanted to get the most out of my experiences.  I asked my friend Chuck Booth author of "The Fastest 30" how he found the time to write on his many journeys to all 30 parks.  He told me that he is a novelist and I should focus on the trip and worry about the writing later.  I found that to be excellent advice and didn't focus much on my writing the second half of the trip.  I do plan to finish up my blog entries and write a book about my experiences as well.  

It's really difficult to pin point just one experience that was most enjoyable.  The whole trip was absolutely amazing.  I think the most enjoyable things for me were discovering new cities, seeing the joy on little kids faces as the try to take in everything in a giant ballpark, seeing thousands of people enjoying the game I love in complete safety, and seeing our beautiful country.

3. I know there are a lot of people out there who would love to be able to do exactly what you did—myself included—though unfortunately, I’m sure very few will ever actually be able to do it. What advice could you give to the rest of us who would like to follow in your footsteps? Is there anything you know now that you wish you had known before you started? If (or when) you do this again, is there anything you would do differently?

My advice to anybody that wants to do a trip like mine or anything in general is to just go for it.  It was incredibly gratifying to do something very little people had faith I would actually do.  Advice that I have for a trip like this plan it out but don't plan everything.  I would of saved a lot of money if I planned my every stop for the night and where I would eat.  I had my schedule of games but everything else was up to me.  I got to see a lot of family and friends across the country that I decided to see a few days prior.  I also got to see amazing American tourist attractions like the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore because I had a few extra days and decided to go.  I believe if I was tied down to certain hotels in certain areas I would not of been able to see so much of America as I did.

If (Hopefully when) I do this trip again I will try to spend more time discovering each city.  I could save a ton of money by using http://www.couchsurfing.org/ for a place to stay and have somebody show me around their town.  I would love to do the trip again using social media to enhance the experience.  I believe that social media will change baseball for the fan and I want to be in the front of that.  One idea that was given to me is tag along with a team for at least one game at each away park the visit and blog, tweet, and facebook about what it is like to be a fan of the visiting team in the city and if you are an opposing fan in that city what you should do.  If I got to choose the team that would be with I would choose the Cleveland Indians. 

4. This is an obvious question, but which ballpark would say is best? Now slightly different question, but which ballpark do you think you had the best overall experience at? Which park or team do you think had the best fan base?

I can't decide which park is my favorite.  My obvious favorite is Comerica Park because I'm a Tigers fan and can't shed my bias.  Take Comerica park out of the equation and I have a tie for my top spot.  Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City and AT&T Park in San Francisco.  Kauffman was shocking to me that it was so awesome.  The fountains in the outfield, the fans, the staff, the food, and the park for kids make this a wonderful ballpark experience.  AT&T park is undoubtedly set in the most beautiful location for parks.  It's right on the bay and looks like something from a picture.  If you are ever out there take a walk around the park before you go in and you will be amazed. 

I had my best ballpark experience at Progressive Field in Cleveland.  I got extremely lucky and was discovered by the writers from http://www.didthetribewinlastnight.com/.  They did a story on me several weeks before I arrived in Cleveland and another after the game.  They took me to lunch at Melt bar and Grill, which has been featured on Man VS Food, and it was AMAZING.  After lunch we went to the game and I was on the field for batting practice.  I got to meet Masterson, Manny Acta, Sandy Alomar Jr., amongst many others.  When batting practice was over I walked around the stadium and saw Heritage Park.  I then made my way to the Social Media Suite.  This is a suite that the Cleveland Indians give to a fan every game and they get a 1st class experience.  The best thing about that game was I forged a great relationship with the writers from http://www.didthetribewinlastnight.com/ and the Cleveland Indians communication department.  So much so that after my trip I went back out there for a Tweet Up and had another amazing experience. 

I think the best fan bases are the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Anaheim Angels, and the Detroit Tigers. 

5. Going along with the last question, which city was your favorite?

There are too many amazing cities in the United States to say that one is better than the other.  If I moved to anywhere in the country I would choose between theses six cities: Nashville, Houston, San Diego, San Francisco, Denver, and Minneapolis.  I had my most fun on the trip when I was in Minneapolis.  It was an extremely clean, green city.  I have to young men that I coached in high school wrestling that live out there now and they took me out.  The night life in Minneapolis was a ton of fun.

6. I’m sure you met a lot of awesome people throughout all of this. Who would you say was the most interesting person you met?

The most interesting person I met was a woman in Los Angeles named Emma.  I found her by posting on the Dodgers website and she offered to show me around Dodger Stadium.  When I got to the park she showed me around a little bit and I got to know her once we were in our seats.  She is an amazing woman.  Emma has had season tickets to the Dodgers for 14 years I believe and it seemed like I was with a celebrity.  She knew everybody.  Fans and employees alike came up to her the entire game and talked with her about whatever.  Larry King is the most famous Dodgers fan but Emma is the Dodgers fan. 

7. I know one goal of this trip was to have as many crazy adventures as possible. Were you successful? What were some of your favorite crazy adventures?

One of my goals was to achieve some crazy adventures.  A few weeks into my trip I decided that I would like to pick up a hitchhiker.  We've all heard crazy stories about hitchhikers and I wanted to see if I could get a crazy story as well.  I did pick up a hitchhiker and it was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more.  It's a long story so I'll just share the link here http://baseballdreamin.blogspot.com/2012/05/hitchhiker-mike.html

8. Let’s talk about the Army. You were stationed in Afghanistan before doing this trip. What let you there? In other words, how did you end up in the Army? What is your current rank and status in the Army and what has being in the Army meant for you?

I was in high school when 9-11 happened.  My great-grandfather gave his life in WW2 and my dad served in the Air force in the late 70's early 80's.  I guess I just always had a sense that I needed to serve my country as well.  But the simplest answer to that question is I don't have a clue.  I got a flyer in the mail one day called a number and a few years later I was sweating in Iraq.  I'm a bit of free spirit and if I get an idea I just go through with it.

I got out of the Army in Feb of 2012 with the rank of Sergeant.  Being in the Army meant the world to me.  It shaped me into the man I am today and I will draw on my experiences in the military for the rest of my life.  I am proud of what we accomplished in Iraq and Afghanistan even if the main stream media doesn't exactly show it for what it is. 

 

9. If you could, please describe a normal “Day In the Life of RJ in Afghanistan”—where you stationed, what did you do, etc etc. Are there any days or events in particular that stand out for you?

I can't give you a description of my daily routine.  I can tell you I worked in a detainment facility located at Bagram Airfield.  We were in charge of the care, custody, and control of detainees.  We worked long hours and it was an intensely stressful mission.  In my down time I like to talk to my friends and family back home. 

One day that stands out is the day that seal team six killed Osama Bin Laden.  I worked nights and I was eating breakfast chow when they came on the Armed Forces Network when they came on and said Osama was killed.  In a crowded chow hall everybody fell silent and was glued to the tiny TV's.  After a few moments everybody started to cheer.  It was a surreal moment, certainly one I will never forget.  Of all the places to get news like that, Afghanistan was probably the best. 

10. When you were in the Army, did you talk about wanting to do this trip? If so, what did people say—that you were crazy? Is there anyone who doubted you who has now seen you prove them wrong?

Once I decided that this was something that I wanted to do I talked about it all the time.  When you're over there life's a lot easier when you have something you can grab ahold of in your mind and escape from where you're at when the time is appropriate.  Most people thought it was a really cool idea but I think that most people figured I wouldn't go through with that.  I actually had a younger soldier in my squad say that there was no way I was going to do this and I kept that in mind the entire trip.  I'm the type of person where I don't like to be told no.  If you tell me I can't do something I will do whatever it takes to prove you wrong!

11. So now that you’re all done with this trip, what’s next? Do you think you’ll try to do it again—maybe at a faster pace?

Now that I'm done I will be catching up on my blog.  http://baseballdreamin.blogspot.com/ I will also be writing a book about my experiences on the road and the amazing time I had at each park.  I would love to do this trip again and I have been thinking nonstop on how I could make that happen.  A faster pace has been discussed.

Follow RJ on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/BaseballDreamin

Check out his blog: http://baseballdreamin.blogspot.com/

So I Started a Literary Magazine

If you’ve been following this blog, then you know that I’ve been trying to get published for quite some time to no avail (not counting publication in my alma mater’s lit mag).  I finally decided to take matters into my own hands: if no one else will publish it, then I will.  I had actually talked about starting a lit mag a while back, even discussing it with a friend from England, but the idea was tabled as we were unsure we could make such a commitment.  I also wasn’t sure how I would do it.  Not long ago Scott Woods posted a chapbook, free for all to download, using Google Docs.  That was when I figured out how I could do it—design it in word, save it as a PDF, and host on Google Docs, making it available for everyone to download for free.  Free is how it should be—I’m not looking to make money out of this.

The goal is to attract younger writers and other inexperienced or budding writers who simply wish to have their name in writing, rather than veterans just looking for a quick buck or more bragging rights.  I’ve spent a lot of time trying to get myself published, so I know how hard it can be, and it is especially rough when you’re young and trying so hard, not realizing how difficult of a journey it will be.  People don’t seem to understand just how difficult getting published is, especially without an agent (getting one of those is just as difficult).  I’m not saying I intend to publish everyone who submits—unfortunately there has to be a line drawn somewhere (and it has to be good)—but I definitely intend to publish as many good, young writers who have had countless rejections as possible.  In fact, I am actually asking everyone who submits to include the approximate amount of rejections they receive.  Rejections are a badge of honour—every writer will tell you that.  If you can push through 100 or more rejections until can get published, then you can do anything.  That’s a lot of very impersonal rejections.  A lot of “this just isn’t the right fit for us” (that’s literally what they say, and that’s all they say).  They don’t get into any specifics and they generally won’t flat out tell you it’s a terrible piece.  Instead they give you the most broad, general statement possible, which just stings.  The worst ones are the ones where you’ve sent an excerpt of a novel and they respond with “Sorry, but it just didn’t pull me in like I thought/hoped”.  That hurts.  They all hurt.  But keep onto that—use it to motivate you.  If you can keep pushing through all those rejections until you finally break through, then you can do anything.  The literature game is a hard one to break into, especially poetry.  But if it’s what you want to do, then keep trying.  I’m here to make it easier on you.

Not long after I got the blog, Twitter, and Facebook page up and running, I received my first submission from a girl in college in Indiana.  I was able to get Kate Nash (yes, that Kate Nash) to retweet the lit mag and that brought in a few followers; that is how this young lady found us.  She sent three poems.  They were good poems.  I was surprised by the fact that she said she hadn’t been writing for very long, having only really just discovered the art of poetry recently while taking a poetry class.  I’m glad she discovered it.  She’s pretty talented.  I think I made her day when I told her I really liked them and wanted to publish all three at some point in time since she was our first submission.  I further made her day by asking her if we could include her as a featured writer on the lit mag’s blog, again since she was the first to submit.  Basically this means I’ll do an e-mail interview with her and post it on the blog along with whatever else she would like.  I sent her the questions the other day and am now waiting on her answers; I’m really anticipating them.  She now has four poetry-based things to include on her resume or CV: three publications and one achievements/award.  I’m a little proud of her and I’m sure she is too.  I’m really glad she happened to be on Twitter when Kate Nash retweeted Some Weird Sin.  Keep an eye on that blog for her interview.

Here are the links so you can check everything out.

Blog: http://someweirdsin27.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/someweirdsin27

Facebook: http://facebook.com/someweirdsin27