It’s fun playing Dad
Monday turned out even better than I thought. I had an opportunity to go to my son’s soccer practice for the first time. That was unbelievable, because it’s his first time playing soccer, so to be able to watch him run around with his Afro afire, it was an absolute pleasure.
Then I got the chance to go to my daughter’s practice. I thought it was going to be a game, but it ended up being practice at 6:30 p.m., and then my oldest daughter had soccer practice right after school, which I didn’t even know about. So I ended up going 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., which was absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for a better day.
When I get done with our workout here today, I’ll be headed to another soccer game at 3:30 p.m. and then my son’s practice at 6 p.m., and then we’ll grab dinner together. It’s been a lot of fun being Dad and to know that we’re still working, and that we are one of only eight teams that are playing. That’s pretty special.
Now it’s time to lock in on the Cubs. I started doing that this morning, just reviewing in my mind my at-bats against them and what they tried to do against me. Then I took care of some things around the house and came here early and looked at some video of my at-bats against them. I was able to get a workout in and some extra swings in the batting cage before going out to take regular BP. Slowly but surely, we’re getting dialed in.
You have to hope, after you do all that, that everything comes together tomorrow night at 7:05.
I know there’s been a lot of talk about the Cubs heading into this series and that’s OK. We were rarely discussed all season long and that doesn’t bother us. This group in here knows that we have the support of our fans and the commitment of everyone in the clubhouse, and as long as we’re committed to each other, we’ll go out there and lay it on the line and see what happens.
We’re indifferent to who is getting the headlines or who is being talked about. We understand that once you get between the lines, the ball can bounce in a lot of different directions. A little luck doesn’t hurt, either. But like I’ve been telling people, luck is the result of when preparation meets opportunity. So we’ll continue to work, continue to stay focused on the things that got us to this point, and be hopeful that all the hard work we put in over the course of 162 games and the preparation we’ve done prior to this series is going to give us the opportunity to be successful.
It should be fun tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to seeing a packed house here. Hope to see you out here.
Tony Clark's Playoff Blog 
Tony,
My husband and I will be out there in our Sedona Red every game you’re at Chase Field – just like I’ve been lucky enough to cheer on the DBacks as a season ticket holder from the time we were awarded the franchise in March of 1995!
I hope to see a “sea” of Sedona Red and not be able to hear myself think because Chase Field will be packed to the rafters with the loudest most supportive DBacks Fans we can find. Let’s remind EVERYONE that this is OUR HOUSE and nobody is going to come in and beat us here!
Go get ’em DBacks!!!!
Tony,
I’ve been a D-backs fan since ’99, and as a first-time partial season ticket holder, this has been the most enjoyable season! This team never ceased to amaze me since the first pitch in April.
Due to some scheduling conflicts with my job, I will be unable to attend the game, but I will be there in spirit and will be watching every pitch possible from my home. I also hope to see a house full of Sedona Red.
I have enjoyed watching you guys all season, and I wish you nothing but the best!
GO DBACKS!!!
Tony,
I am a woman and a huge D’Backs fan. I actually never was a baseball fan until the team came to us in 1998. I love you guys!! The 2001 World Series was awesome!! I know you guys can do it again!!! We are behind you 100% and can’t wait to see you play tonight!!!
Tony,
Congrats, keep up the great leadership. I have met you on a couple of different occasions with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phx. I am always impressed by your care for others and your laid back personality. As a former player and now valley high school baseball coach, I think those qualities are important in a baseball player. You need to keep and even balance of emotions in order to be good consistently. You display this frequently and it shows in the team around you. Good luck with the soccer games, you sound like a regular ?soccer mom.?
Hi Tony,
My family moved to Kingman from Minnesota this summer and we are so happy to jump on the Diamondback’s bandwagon! Becoming a DBacks fan has really helped my 8-year old son feel like AZ is his home. He has collected cards from most of the team and feels like he knows each one of you personally! We’ve had a blast watching you this summer are so happy to be cheering you on into the post season, if only from our living room!
Good luck and God bless you!
The Edwards Family
Gooooo get em D-Backs! Tony I have really enjoyed reading your blog. It’s nice to read about the players on a personal note and not all about the game even tho games are important. We aren’t able to make it to the games since hubby isn’t working but we will be rooting at home! Best of Luck tonight! We’re rootin for ya!!!
Tony,
It is great to hear you were able to spend time with your children! It’s awesome to hear a little about the personal side of the players. I’ve been a D-Back fan since 1998 and have recently gotten my boyfriend to enjoy this wonderful sport. We are both here cheering for the team!!!! GOOD LUCK, LETS GO ALL THE WAY!!!
Hey TC,
thanks for taking time out of your life for us. We know that you’ve got a family and that the baseball season keeps you pretty busy. We appreciate your sacrifice and wish you the best of luck against the Cubs. I’ll be there watching BP and the game. See you soon.
Danimal
Tony,
It has been a WONDERFUL ride so far and it’s certain to not be over. There are many of us that feel this team can and will go all the way. It would be great to have another WS trophy in the foyer to look at when we come to down to Chase.
Thank you to you and ALL the rest of the guys who have made this an amazing season for the fans.
DIAMONDBACKS ALL THE WAY
Thanks for puting in great effort to be a consistent switch hitter.
Game 1 should be nice and easy for Arizona
-Ty Paige of Soul Clown
Lake Havasu City, Az
I am proud of a group of athletes that appear to put aside personal fame or attention for what I hold most important; being a team. Tony alluded to the lack of media attention the D-backs get and I feel it is because they are a TEAM and don’t fit the Individual ‘Star’ model the Media prefers to promote. They don’t know how to sell a TEAM to the mass public, but this team is exactly what we should be promoting in sports! This team is a jigsaw puzzle – individual shapes and forms that lock together to be a beautiful (winning!) picture. How can you not be a fan of a Team of unselfish, talented, fun-loving, game-respecting men?
Tony’s actions, words, and performance show the good people that make and lead a good team. I will be pulling for my team and will be proud of them as far as they can go and for what they have already accomplished. Go D-Backs and have fun!
You are right Tony Clark is a great person and a great player i wish he were my Dad as he is a great player he is a great dad. as for me I hope the Diamondbacks sign him for as long as he still wants to play. Hey Tony continue to lead the way and we will have a world Series as Chanps again.
Tony,
It has been an awesome sight watching you guys play this year. When everyone has said that you couldn’t make it you have proven them wrong time and again. Winning has not just been a reflection of everyones talent but leadership in the dugout and locker room. Thank you for bringing a presence of peace with you to this team. It sometimes takes those kids to fill voids we can’t find out there on the field. I am glad you were able to make memories with your family. After all, they are the reason we do what we do. Best of luck to you in the post season. You guys are off to a great start.
Dan Way
CCV STARS Coach