Al Bumbry, Mike Bielecki 2011

Al Bumbry Autographed Drawing

Al with Joshua

Al signing my drawing in the dugout

Baltimore Orioles Retired Outfielder: Al played 13 of his 14 years in the big leagues with the Orioles. He was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 1973. He played with the Orioles in two World Series, including 1983 when they were Champions.

Mike Bielecki Autographed Drawing (His 1985 Rookie Card)

Mike with my drawing of his 1985 Rookie card

Mike Bielecki signing my drawing

Retired MLB Pitcher: Mike played for 5 teams over his 14 year MLB career. He pitched for the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series. He pitched for the Braves three separate times. Mike pitched an inning for the Angels in the Cal Ripken Jr.s' 2131 game where Cal broke Lou Gehrigs' record for consecutive games.

On Thursday April 21,2011 a freind of mine Gus Kaplanges who owns the Bay Bridge Batting Academy, hosted three spring break mini camps at Love Pt. Park where Joshua plays baseball, and I serve as Equipment Manager for his league.The guest Coaches were former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Al Bumbry, Baltimore native and former MLB pitcher Mike Bielecki, and Catching Coach from the Baltimore Baseball Club Rick Straub. Joshua and I arrived at Love Pt. Park at 8 am., and lined the field for the days events. We were joined shortly by Gus and the rest of the coaches. Joshua participated in the catching camp, and I with a few other guest coaches assisted the younger boys lead by Al Bumbry. After the clinics and an autograph session, Gus invited Joshua and I to lunch with Mike Bielecki. I sat for over an hour listening to Mike answer my questions about the big leagues. He told stories about pitching to Tony Pena, and playing for Bobby Cox. Between assisting Al in the clinic, and having lunch with Mike, it was like an MLB fantasy day for me!