Tourney Diary: JonBizzle
I want to start out by saying thank you for the greatest experience of my life! I will truly never forget it. I am from Wichita, Kansas, and although Wichita has an enormous population for our state, Chicago still immensely amazed me. Everyone from Xbox Live was extremely easy to communicate with and very friendly. They made everyone feel right at home. I left feeling that I made friends amongst every Xbox Live employee. Thank you for this experience again, I could never repay you.
Before I left Wichita, Xbox Live sent me a round trip ticket to Chicago, Illinois (which is worth about $800) and a check for $500, which I had no problem cashing. It was a lot more than I’d make if I’d stayed home and worked the whole time. When I arrived at Chicago's airport, I was greeted with open arms by the Xbox Live tournament team. They were both hilarious and very well informed on Chicago and what was going on with the tourney. I immediately made friends with them and felt very comfortable being around them. I have to admit, I figured all the other semifinalists would be these computer nerds who only played Xbox with their spare time…which isn't a bad thing, but not a healthy thing either. I play a lot of Xbox and still manage to handle a regular life as well. My expectations deceived me.Hockeystud29, Flipdog0, andNYGiantFan all were really cool people and the exact opposite of what I expected. I was really amazed by how cool they were and feel that I have bonded with them as well as all of the Xbox Live team.
I walked to our transportation and was amazed by the Hummer H2 that escorted us. On our ride to our hotel, we got a beautiful view of Chicago, including the Sears Tower, the John Hancock building, Soldier Field…where do I end on the attractions?
We quickly arrived at the astonishing and atmospheric Hotel Allegro. The hotel was amazing. Every employee working there was great, and the rooms were amazingly comfortable as well. After getting settled in, we all met in the lobby for a meet-and-greet. We progressed upstairs to Hotel Allegro's personal business room, where we all got to meet the Xbox Live team behind all the magic. Each and every one of them has a different personality and were all great in their own way. Free pizza, food, and beverages were provided by Xbox Live. DrMalice, a buddy of mine and surprise guest, showed up at the meet and greet. It was cool to get to meet him after playing against him for so long. Already, I could tell this experience was going to be great and that lots of surprises lay ahead. We were presented with XboxLive t-shirts, Inside Pitch 2003 baseball shirts, a really awesome Inside Pitch jersey with the logo and year (03) on the back and our Nomar Garciaparra autographed baseball (the most valuable to me, my favorite player). The meet and greet went great and was a perfect event to start out this incredible experience.
For our first hang-out, we chose ESPN Zone. I never had so much fun playing video games (except for on Xbox of course). They had a game for every sports title on ESPN. We hit up the basketball event, where we held a competition for the highest scorer. Of course, I won, but Flip seems to think otherwise. Either way, though, it was great. Then we went to the football game, again I was the highest scorer until I faced Hockey for a second time and lost by two points. The best game of all had to be the hockey game. One person would try to hit the puck past the goalie, and the other could take control of the goalie to block the shooting opponent—it was great. After returning to the hotel, the tourney team joined the semifinalists in a little scrimmage tourney. I don't think we actually finished it ‘cause it was getting really late, but it didn't matter ‘cause I lost anyway. I felt that after that, we all got to know each other better and grew to be friends with the XboxLive team even more.
We arrived at FanFest Saturday morning. I have never seen such a cool place. Baseball gear everywhere the eye could see, as well as all kinds of baseball shops: cards, jerseys, hats, signatures, pretty much anything baseball you could imagine. They had virtual baseball games for batting, pitching, running, etc., and all of it was free. There were all kinds of Baseball Hall of Famers and even great players that played major league baseball signing autographs all day long. The most astonishing aspect of FanFest, of course, was the Xbox booth, which held every baseball title for Xbox, including its own MLB Inside Pitch, of course. All the screens were flat screens, and they had two flat screens on a stage that connected to a big screen above the booth for everyone to see. They had an awesome Inside Pitch banner that was used for the back ground of the stage, and I even managed to get one to take home.
We browsed FanFest and played around on Inside Pitch a little, too. To my surprise, while playing a game, a familiar voice caught my ear. I quickly turned around and, sure enough, Dan Patrick, a SportsCenter legend, was standing right behind me talking to some of the Xbox Live team. I was kind of shocked, but astounded to meet him. To my surprise, he knew a lot about me. He must have done his homework on us. We got a couple of pics with Dan, and then we got ready for our semifinal games. Dan Patrick did commentary, and did a great job of doing so. He used comedy as his weapon and used it well. Everyone was laughing at his commentary. He read all the tension between the gamers playing and announced it. It was great. Flip ended up starting on Giant early to get the win, and Hockey came through on his game as well to pick up the W. Although I lost the first round, believe me I felt like the prize was already won.
Everything was so much fun, and we were always busy doing something. Mad props to both Flip and Hockey for their accomplishments. We found that we had some fans at certain places we went, especially at FanFest. A lot of pictures were taken of us while we were playing (and not playing). The media also had a number of interviews they held for us. Made you kind of feel like a movie star!
We ended the day with a special event. Lollapalooza was the surprise that night. It was completely awesome. As we walked to the gate, the Xbox Live team instantly began talking to some people who worked for Lollapalooza, getting us backstage VIP passes. I couldn't believe my eyes and gladly accepted my pass. The second we walked through the gate, we noticed the Xbox tournaments being held for all kinds of Xbox games. Some not even released yet. We missed a number of them, but managed to enter the last one:NFL 2K4. Of course, one of the semifinalists won representing Xbox. Flip managed to grab first, while I came in a close second. I was a little heated when I found out Flip got to chill with the cheerleaders dancing around us, but still happy for him. It was great; they had an announcer on the mics and two beautiful women dancing around in attractive clothing. A lot of awesome bands were at the concert, of course, and many of the other semifinalists probably got to watch more of the concert than I did. I was at the Xbox tent and in the exclusive VIP area eating all the free food and beverages I could. Lollapalooza was excellent.
The next day was a bit of a free day. Some of us went on to do our own things. Some of us caught up on sleep. But we all agreed on meeting at Sunday Night Baseball's Atlanta @ Chicago game at Wrigley Field. Since the Braves are my favorite team, even after a little incident at their hotel, it was one of my favorite events of the trip. Wearing my new Atlanta spring training gear that I picked up at the MLB shop at FanFest, I got to watch my Atlanta Braves smash the Cubbies. It was great. Hockey, Paps (his grandpa), and I all found some pretty decent tickets. Hockey was even nice enough to loan me some money to go because I didn't have enough to get in. Hockey also was dazzled by Wrigley's historic field, and he, too, was watching his favorite team for the first time live. He's a big Cubs fan. Towards the end of the game, we spotted Flip and one of the Xbox Live guys down below in some very hot (good) seats. Other tourney guys, Giant, and Giant’s wife also went to the game, but enjoyed it from different seats.
We strolled into the House of Blues, and let me tell ya: This place rocked. You could tell the minute you entered the front door: Loud, but great music. We headed up the steps, and to our surprise, there stood Harold Reynolds and Chris Berman from ESPN. It was like seeing your favorite movie star right in front of you. You don't really expect it. You just look up and are in total awe. Especially if you’re a big sports fan like me. We progressed upstairs to what I believe was the VIP part of the fiesta. I'm kinda looking around, scoping the hot females, when Bernie Williams walks right by me. I couldn't believe my eyes. He had just played a concert there that night that we missed because of the game. But that was ok. I stuck my hand out and told Bernie that I thought he was excellent and that he was the backbone for the Yanks. Almost the entire Yankee team must have been there ‘cause we all saw Jorge Posada, Hideki Matsui, and other great players that play for the Yanks still today. It was astonishing, and none of the semifinalists could believe where we were and who was there. Bizzle, of course, even got some action from the ladies: First, one sitting next to me on the left—who started talking to me, I might add—and then a second when I rolled over to the couch parallel to us and hit on a chick (whose boyfriend soon returned). It was pretty funny, and everyone got a kick out of it. It's hard to put into words exactly how awesome House of Blues really was. It was most definitely the best event so far on the trip, but little did I know what was ahead for the next day.
One thing you will learn about the Xbox Live team is that they have completely awesome connections. They can dang near get anything they want one way or another. I couldn't believe some of the stuff they managed to get. We were all looking forward to purchasing tickets for the Home Run Derby, but the awesome thing was that the Xbox Live guys managed to get extra tickets for the Derby. Therefore, we all knew we would get in, and were all in shock that they got all the extra tickets. I joined Flip and some of the XSN Sports team. They were really cool and I even made a joke about how Chicago doesn't have any Wal-Marts that I noticed, because I wanted to get some cheap balls for all the autographs at FanFest. I went to get some nachos, and when we returned to our seats in right centerfield, where all the homers were being hit, Carlos Delgado actually hit one right towards me…but I had nachos in my hand! The ball was between a seat right in front of me and I reached down for it right when the guy sitting there grabbed it. I still think I was on TV, though.
Later on we went to a VIP area for ESPN. The people on the XSN Sports team were kind enough to get us through. They had an Xbox set up with World Series Baseball 2K3 on it. There was free food from concessions (which was great), and a beautiful view of the field. Albert Pujols almost broke the record for the most homers hit in a single at bat. He had 14 and tied the record. I believe Garret Anderson ended up getting Pujols in the end of the final round. It was really close, though. And it was a great time that I never got to experience before…and may never have the opportunity to do again.
Later that night was the next surprise Xbox Live had up their sleeves: The MLBPA All-Star Party. Let me tell you, nothing could prepare us for what was to come. We arrived in the Hummer and quickly entered the door. When you first walk in, you see this gigantic and beautiful bar. I mean, I have never seen a bar that amazing. There was a live band playing all night long and a DJ upstairs. Upstairs is where everyone got their dance on and so forth. They had food appetizers that they provided all night long for free. Giant and I noticed some All-Stars starting to appear. And you know me, I'm a sucker for some autographs. I knew, though, that the players were there to relax and to kind of get away from all the signatures and other things that they had to deal with during their everyday life. So I had to devise a plan….
One of the Xbox Live guys gave me the idea to buy an All-Star game shirt, and wear it under my formal gear. That I did, and I must say it worked beautifully. I walked up to my first All-Star Carlos Delgado, who was sitting with his chick and his agent at the time. Given that it was my first signature, I was completely nervous, but walked up to him anyways, introduced myself, and let him know that he missed me by an inch earlier in the Home Run Derby. I knocked over his chick’s cocktail glass after using my famous line, "Can I get a quick one on the shirt real quick?" That was a line that I used the rest of the night. We all chatted a lot that night and just kinda hung out and enjoyed ourselves. We picked up a picture with Delgado as well. The night ended up great. I had Carlos Delgado, Mike Lowell, Woody Williams, Russ Ortiz, Jason Smith, Jim Edmonds, Bobby Bonilla, Dmitri Young, and Dontrelle Willis (an up-and-coming rookie for the Marlins). I would say that this event was the best of the entire trip. I loved it dearly and will never forget a moment of it.
The next day was the day of the finals. We arrived at FanFest early and ate some morning Micky D's to fill our stomachs. The great aspect of the championship was definitely that it was to be held at the Diamond, which is a mini-baseball diamond with bleachers, a big flat screen, a diamond with bases, and everything else like a real baseball diamond only mini. They had two flat screens in the diamond for Flip and Hockey to play on. The greatest attraction was the fact that Mark Prior and Nomar Garciaparra were planned to make an appearance and coach both Flip and Hockey, who would be playing AL vs. NL. It was truly a packed house. An estimated 1,000 people were there. Mark Prior showed up first and chatted to the crowd a bit with the announcer. Then, Nomar came shortly after. I must say that meeting Nomar was unforgettable. He's my favorite baseball player and, in a lot of ways, my role model. It was great meeting Mark Prior as well. He is also an astounding baseball player.
The championship started with a bang as Hockey worked his way on top early, killing some of the tension. Flip answered a couple innings later with a two-run knocker to keep himself alive, but it was not enough to overcome Hockey's commanding lead, so Hockey won his second Xbox Live tourney. Again, mad props to you, Hockey. It makes me want to slap Andruw Jones for missing that catch, but as I said, it was inevitable. After the game and some more interviews for Hockey and Flip, we all gathered in a little room on the way out. Nomar and Mark were signing autographs especially for us. We got bats signed, all kinds of balls, theInside Pitch game, and some gear. It was truly great and everyone at Xbox Live is truly great for putting these things together.
That evening, we all went to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria for some of Chicago's famous deep dish pizza. The pizza was great and filled us up really quick. Hockey gave a little victory speech acknowledging every semifinalist specifically and explaining what it is about each of us that he likes and relates with. It was a miraculous speech. Hockey was then awarded with his two All-Star tickets to the game and gladly chose Paps (his grandpa) to accompany him to the game. We all went back to the hotel and were all psyched about the game.
That concluded our blast of a trip. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I will never forget it. Nor will I ever forget the Xbox Live tourney team. The idea of online tourneys like this is great. It gives gamers that much more of a reason to want to pick up the controller and never set it down. It is totally addicting, and with hard work will stay that way. Thank you, Xbox Live. Thank you Flip, Hockey, Giant, Giant's wife, Paps, and everyone else I didn't mention. I feel that I have a bond with you all and will be e-mailing everyone soon with a personalized thank you and to discuss funny and fond memories. Again, thank you. Bill Gates, you get a big “thanks,” too! Everyone keep up the good work, and hopefully I will see you all again.
p.s. Rhode Island meets Bizzle. (Sorry, had to get that in there.) Keep in touch everyone!
