Eric

Today has been a struggle for me. It's hard to believe that I will no longer be able to pick up the phone and call Mike. He was a good friend, and anyone that knows me knows, those words don't come lightly.
 
Thank you all for the kind words about Mike.
 
I'm just thankful that he was able to get many kind words and support from this place before he passed so that he knew as he ventured into the great unknown how truly loved and appreciated he was.
 
To say that he will be missed would be a great understatement of Epic proportion.
 
I was there the first time he was introduced to Angelswin.com in spring training years ago by a couple that sat next to us at the game. Who knew at the time that it would turn out to be a pivitol moment in his life as he found a group of people with just as much passion for the Angels as he had.
 
Thank you, Angelswin, for bringing joy into the life of a man that I am proud to be able to call a true friend.
 
Thank you.

Today has been a struggle for me. It's hard to believe that I will no longer be able to pick up the phone and call Mike. He was a good friend, and anyone that knows me knows, those words don't come lightly.
 
Thank you all for the kind words about Mike.
 
I'm just thankful that he was able to get many kind words and support from this place before he passed so that he knew as he ventured into the great unknown how truly loved and appreciated he was.
 
To say that he will be missed would be a great understatement of Epic proportion.
 
I was there the first time he was introduced to Angelswin.com in spring training years ago by a couple that sat next to us at the game. Who knew at the time that it would turn out to be a pivitol moment in his life as he found a group of people with just as much passion for the Angels as he had.
 
Thank you, Angelswin, for bringing joy into the life of a man that I am proud to be able to call a true friend.
 
Thank you.

Today has been a struggle for me. It's hard to believe that I will no longer be able to pick up the phone and call Mike. He was a good friend, and anyone that knows me knows, those words don't come lightly.
 
Thank you all for the kind words about Mike.
 
I'm just thankful that he was able to get many kind words and support from this place before he passed so that he knew as he ventured into the great unknown how truly loved and appreciated he was.
 
To say that he will be missed would be a great understatement of Epic proportion.
 
I was there the first time he was introduced to Angelswin.com in spring training years ago by a couple that sat next to us at the game. Who knew at the time that it would turn out to be a pivitol moment in his life as he found a group of people with just as much passion for the Angels as he had.
 
Thank you, Angelswin, for bringing joy into the life of a man that I am proud to be able to call a true friend.
 
Thank you.

Tonight's Steak and A Classic Movie night features one of Mike's favorite films of all time, the original Roger Corman Death Race 2000.

Today has been a struggle for me. It's hard to believe that I will no longer be able to pick up the phone and call Mike. He was a good friend, and anyone that knows me knows, those words don't come lightly.
 
Thank you all for the kind words about Mike.
 
I'm just thankful that he was able to get many kind words and support from this place before he passed so that he knew as he ventured into the great unknown how truly loved and appreciated he was.
 
To say that he will be missed would be a great understatement of Epic proportion.
 
I was there the first time he was introduced to Angelswin.com in spring training years ago by a couple that sat next to us at the game. Who knew at the time that it would turn out to be a pivitol moment in his life as he found a group of people with just as much passion for the Angels as he had.
 
Thank you, Angelswin, for bringing joy into the life of a man that I am proud to be able to call a true friend.
 
Thank you.

Today has been a struggle for me. It's hard to believe that I will no longer be able to pick up the phone and call Mike. He was a good friend, and anyone that knows me knows, those words don't come lightly.
 
Thank you all for the kind words about Mike.
 
I'm just thankful that he was able to get many kind words and support from this place before he passed so that he knew as he ventured into the great unknown how truly loved and appreciated he was.
 
To say that he will be missed would be a great understatement of Epic proportion.
 
I was there the first time he was introduced to Angelswin.com in spring training years ago by a couple that sat next to us at the game. Who knew at the time that it would turn out to be a pivitol moment in his life as he found a group of people with just as much passion for the Angels as he had.
 
Thank you, Angelswin, for bringing joy into the life of a man that I am proud to be able to call a true friend.
 
Thank you.

Today has been a struggle for me. It's hard to believe that I will no longer be able to pick up the phone and call Mike. He was a good friend, and anyone that knows me knows, those words don't come lightly.
 
Thank you all for the kind words about Mike.
 
I'm just thankful that he was able to get many kind words and support from this place before he passed so that he knew as he ventured into the great unknown how truly loved and appreciated he was.
 
To say that he will be missed would be a great understatement of Epic proportion.
 
I was there the first time he was introduced to Angelswin.com in spring training years ago by a couple that sat next to us at the game. Who knew at the time that it would turn out to be a pivitol moment in his life as he found a group of people with just as much passion for the Angels as he had.
 
Thank you, Angelswin, for bringing joy into the life of a man that I am proud to be able to call a true friend.
 
Thank you.

Today has been a struggle for me. It's hard to believe that I will no longer be able to pick up the phone and call Mike. He was a good friend, and anyone that knows me knows, those words don't come lightly.
 
Thank you all for the kind words about Mike.
 
I'm just thankful that he was able to get many kind words and support from this place before he passed so that he knew as he ventured into the great unknown how truly loved and appreciated he was.
 
To say that he will be missed would be a great understatement of Epic proportion.
 
I was there the first time he was introduced to Angelswin.com in spring training years ago by a couple that sat next to us at the game. Who knew at the time that it would turn out to be a pivitol moment in his life as he found a group of people with just as much passion for the Angels as he had.
 
Thank you, Angelswin, for bringing joy into the life of a man that I am proud to be able to call a true friend.
 
Thank you.

Today has been a struggle for me. It's hard to believe that I will no longer be able to pick up the phone and call Mike. He was a good friend, and anyone that knows me knows, those words don't come lightly.
 
Thank you all for the kind words about Mike.
 
I'm just thankful that he was able to get many kind words and support from this place before he passed so that he knew as he ventured into the great unknown how truly loved and appreciated he was.
 
To say that he will be missed would be a great understatement of Epic proportion.
 
I was there the first time he was introduced to Angelswin.com in spring training years ago by a couple that sat next to us at the game. Who knew at the time that it would turn out to be a pivitol moment in his life as he found a group of people with just as much passion for the Angels as he had.
 
Thank you, Angelswin, for bringing joy into the life of a man that I am proud to be able to call a true friend.
 
Thank you.

I was able to sit down and have lunch with Mike during Halloween weekend.  My gf and I brought him Spaghetti w/ red sauce from BJ's Restaurant.  It didn't sit well with me to see Mike bald and thin, I wanted to hit cancer over the head repeatedly with a bat.  When I arrived I could see him sitting on the front room recliner playing online poker on his phone.  I've played poker with Mike at a few home games, even at a few AW events. He genuinely loves the game. His dry humor is memorable, honest, and always appreciated by me at the table and at social functions.  As we began eating at the dinner table, I was happy to see he had not lost his appetite.  His conversing skills were still in form, the good ol' Percy with a few painful coughs mixed in from the stupid pos cancer.  He told me a story that I've heard before, but It had been a while and I love to hear refreshers.  
 
He was at the Bellagio back before poker's black friday.  There were big named pros sitting in Bobby's Room (A private glass room in the Bellagio set aside for the big game) playing their normal variety of games. He spotted Gus Hansen in the game, who was a decorated backgammon champion.  Mike (being a backgammon enthusiast himself) walks over and asked the host if he knew where to find backgammon games out here in Vegas.  The host then says, "Gus is big on backgammon, I'm sure I could ask and he'll start a game for you.  I'm thinking he'll play $25k a point"  Mike then replies, "Hmm, $25k... Why doesn't Gus stop being such a tight ass and play me for $100k a point" (*Im sure this was executed with the Percy stare of seriousness)  The host replies while reaching for his phone, "Heh... I'll text him, I'm sure he'll accommodate you."  Mike then stops the host as he's about to type "I'm just kiding, sorry, but thanks"          Mike told this story with a big smile.  He capped it by saying it was the time he almost played Gus for grips of money at backgammon (a fanboys dream) 
 
Mike tells this story much better than I wrote it, I hope I did it justice, Mike.
 
By this point Mike is nearly done with his full serving of spaghetti, while pinpointing that BJ's is great, but they need to work on their garlic bread. "This bread is crunchy as F  and no one needs to eat croutons with a meal, Derek"  He then lights up and offers us desert, Breyers Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.  He told us it was his favorite and after trying it, I can see why. It was absolutely delicious, thanks again Mike. 
 
Throughout the visit there were some emotional points, which I would rather keep between us. Cancer is a POS.
 
We say our good byes.  After a long hug, we make plans to see each other at spring training.  Mike PercySquint Sword still remained confident, positive and strong despite his fear and pain. 
 
I love you, Mike and it was an honor to have shared moments of life with you. 

That's it. Gubi needs to go.
 
If that's not showing where his loyalty is, nothing will.

I know I'm going to get blasted, but here goes anyway...
 
I am the greatest Angels fan in the world and the only one who's opinion about the Angels matters.  If I think they did an awesome job then that's exactly what they did and anyone who disagrees with my assessment of the team is a ^(&ing moron.
 
I like the fact that the Angels were able to put together an amazing run in the regular season because that's 162 games of pure joy, especially when the team ends up with a winning record because, in the end, people don't ask whether or not the team won the World Series, they ask who kicked ass during the regular season.  Besides, since the playoffs are only a month long and the regular season is 6 months long, that means that the Angels are the best team in baseball in 2014.
 
Besides, we don't see Angels getting paid to play in the post season, the contracts are for the whole year. Why should it matter that 3 games into the post-season the Angels are already out, that's only bonus baseball anyway.
 
The team performed wonderfully all year long and there was never any doubt about who the best team was. The only real problem with having the best record in baseball is that, in effect, the season ends too early, they've already crossed the finish line at that point.  If anything, we were robbed of any meaningful baseball in late September.
 
And so, I'll sleep well tonight knowing that future generations will look back at 2014 and know that the Angels ruled the roost this year.
 
And if you don't agree with everything I just said, you're a ^*&(ing moron.

I know I'm going to get blasted, but here goes anyway...
 
I am the greatest Angels fan in the world and the only one who's opinion about the Angels matters.  If I think they did an awesome job then that's exactly what they did and anyone who disagrees with my assessment of the team is a ^(&ing moron.
 
I like the fact that the Angels were able to put together an amazing run in the regular season because that's 162 games of pure joy, especially when the team ends up with a winning record because, in the end, people don't ask whether or not the team won the World Series, they ask who kicked ass during the regular season.  Besides, since the playoffs are only a month long and the regular season is 6 months long, that means that the Angels are the best team in baseball in 2014.
 
Besides, we don't see Angels getting paid to play in the post season, the contracts are for the whole year. Why should it matter that 3 games into the post-season the Angels are already out, that's only bonus baseball anyway.
 
The team performed wonderfully all year long and there was never any doubt about who the best team was. The only real problem with having the best record in baseball is that, in effect, the season ends too early, they've already crossed the finish line at that point.  If anything, we were robbed of any meaningful baseball in late September.
 
And so, I'll sleep well tonight knowing that future generations will look back at 2014 and know that the Angels ruled the roost this year.
 
And if you don't agree with everything I just said, you're a ^*&(ing moron.

I know I'm going to get blasted, but here goes anyway...
 
I am the greatest Angels fan in the world and the only one who's opinion about the Angels matters.  If I think they did an awesome job then that's exactly what they did and anyone who disagrees with my assessment of the team is a ^(&ing moron.
 
I like the fact that the Angels were able to put together an amazing run in the regular season because that's 162 games of pure joy, especially when the team ends up with a winning record because, in the end, people don't ask whether or not the team won the World Series, they ask who kicked ass during the regular season.  Besides, since the playoffs are only a month long and the regular season is 6 months long, that means that the Angels are the best team in baseball in 2014.
 
Besides, we don't see Angels getting paid to play in the post season, the contracts are for the whole year. Why should it matter that 3 games into the post-season the Angels are already out, that's only bonus baseball anyway.
 
The team performed wonderfully all year long and there was never any doubt about who the best team was. The only real problem with having the best record in baseball is that, in effect, the season ends too early, they've already crossed the finish line at that point.  If anything, we were robbed of any meaningful baseball in late September.
 
And so, I'll sleep well tonight knowing that future generations will look back at 2014 and know that the Angels ruled the roost this year.
 
And if you don't agree with everything I just said, you're a ^*&(ing moron.

I know I'm going to get blasted, but here goes anyway...
 
I am the greatest Angels fan in the world and the only one who's opinion about the Angels matters.  If I think they did an awesome job then that's exactly what they did and anyone who disagrees with my assessment of the team is a ^(&ing moron.
 
I like the fact that the Angels were able to put together an amazing run in the regular season because that's 162 games of pure joy, especially when the team ends up with a winning record because, in the end, people don't ask whether or not the team won the World Series, they ask who kicked ass during the regular season.  Besides, since the playoffs are only a month long and the regular season is 6 months long, that means that the Angels are the best team in baseball in 2014.
 
Besides, we don't see Angels getting paid to play in the post season, the contracts are for the whole year. Why should it matter that 3 games into the post-season the Angels are already out, that's only bonus baseball anyway.
 
The team performed wonderfully all year long and there was never any doubt about who the best team was. The only real problem with having the best record in baseball is that, in effect, the season ends too early, they've already crossed the finish line at that point.  If anything, we were robbed of any meaningful baseball in late September.
 
And so, I'll sleep well tonight knowing that future generations will look back at 2014 and know that the Angels ruled the roost this year.
 
And if you don't agree with everything I just said, you're a ^*&(ing moron.

I know I'm going to get blasted, but here goes anyway...
 
I am the greatest Angels fan in the world and the only one who's opinion about the Angels matters.  If I think they did an awesome job then that's exactly what they did and anyone who disagrees with my assessment of the team is a ^(&ing moron.
 
I like the fact that the Angels were able to put together an amazing run in the regular season because that's 162 games of pure joy, especially when the team ends up with a winning record because, in the end, people don't ask whether or not the team won the World Series, they ask who kicked ass during the regular season.  Besides, since the playoffs are only a month long and the regular season is 6 months long, that means that the Angels are the best team in baseball in 2014.
 
Besides, we don't see Angels getting paid to play in the post season, the contracts are for the whole year. Why should it matter that 3 games into the post-season the Angels are already out, that's only bonus baseball anyway.
 
The team performed wonderfully all year long and there was never any doubt about who the best team was. The only real problem with having the best record in baseball is that, in effect, the season ends too early, they've already crossed the finish line at that point.  If anything, we were robbed of any meaningful baseball in late September.
 
And so, I'll sleep well tonight knowing that future generations will look back at 2014 and know that the Angels ruled the roost this year.
 
And if you don't agree with everything I just said, you're a ^*&(ing moron.

In the regular season, it's just one game.  In the playoff's, however, it's different. Every success is multiplied, every mistake magnified.  In the regular season, you have time to recover, in the playoff's it's win or go home.
 
These are the moments that the players, coaches, managers, and owners work years towards; the players through years of training alone in the cage and on little league fields around the world, owners by opening up their wallets with decade long contracts, managers in acquiring the talent and the coaches in moving the pieces around for 189 games.
 
It all comes down to October Baseball.
 
It's not just one game, it's a lifetime's worth of commitment coming to fruition in one 9 inning stretch.

Gubi ain't torn whatsoever.  He's already dusting off his KC lid as we speak.

I stuck around to see if they would have a little "playoff entry" celebration and waited for the interview. When he started spewing that nonsense out of his mouth all I could do is laugh and start heading out the walkway.
Kid was probably nervous but it was funny as hell. The vets need to teach these guys some new lines.

"Help the club anyway you can" - Campana 147 times during a 30 second post game interview.
 
I think that was a new record!
 
(It was awesome)

I heard there's a guy here in Vegas selling a ton of his memorabilia stuff out of a hotel room. Someone should send him an email.
 
Vegas....We got this.

Just as a personal aside, and when Mike reads this he may start to feel uncomfortable, but at this point, I don't care.  I have seen the way that Mike speaks of this online community.  He absolutely beams when the name Angelswin comes up.  This place, and the people that inhabit it, mean the world to him.  Every time we talk, and I mean every time we talk, the subject of Angelswin comes up.  Mike is a diehard Angels fan, as I am, and Mike was the one that introduced me to this website and the community, and I thank him for it.
 
Thank you, everyone, for your support of Mike throughout the years.  Yes, we all know that Mike is a bit of an odd-bird, but one who is, despite any rough exterior he may have, one of the kindest, gentlest most giving people that I have ever known in my life and someone who I am proud to have been able to call a true friend throughout the years.
 
Thank you all, Angelswin.  Thank you all once again for bringing joy into Mike's life, and by proxy, into my own.

I just got off the phone with Mike.  He's in spirits.  I can't say they are good spirits, but he's still trying to process everything.  He's still somewhat in shock, as the rest of his friends are.
 
I didn't get a long time to talk with him, but I will be calling again tomorrow to do some catching up.
 
He still doesn't know a lot about the specifics as they are still trying to figure things out.  They did a biopsy a few hours ago and he will know more in the next 24-48 hours.
 
That's all he knows at this point, other than the fact that he's been having trouble breathing, which precipitated his call to the doctor.
 
I do not believe he has access to the internet from where he is right now.
 
But he is finding out he has a lot more friends than he knew, that's for sure.