Heath Bell Sets It Up

China: Day 4

mlblogsheathbell1 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 04:52:22 +0000

After the game last night, we went to the silk market here. There were about 10 of us who took the subway. We were packed like sardines in there. It was quite an experience. We were so squished in there. Going out to the silk market was fun. It was like everyone had the best quality, everyone had the best deal.

I would like one more day here with absolutely nothing to do baseball wise. It’s like you finally have the lowdown on everything and now we’re leaving. I want more day.

This trip is going to be something I tell my kids and my grandkids about, that I was part of one of the first teams to come over here and experience everything that I did. I went to the Great Wall, that’s one of the seven wonders of the world, the Forbidden City. I feel as if I know the culture more so than I did before.

The only American food I had was the pizza we had here at the stadium. And even that wasn’t that good. I tried all the Chinese food out there. It something that I’m always going to remember.

Heath

China: Day 3

mlblogsheathbell1 — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 12:17:54 +0000

Getting back on the field yesterday [during the workout], it felt a little more like we were here for a job that we’re not just here for vacation. Today when I got up, I was like ‘all right, we’ve got a game … I’m ready to kick the Dodger butts.’

It didn’t really feel like a Spring Training game today. The fans were into the game and it almost felt like Winter Ball with the fans really in it, making noise the whole game. I had a good time. I got into it more than I normally do in the spring.

I got to pitch, which was good because it had been a while. I gave up a walk, a hit and a couple strikeouts. I felt good because I didn’t give up a run but also that I was able to make some pitches despite being rusty.

The fastball that I threw to [Matt] Kemp to strike him out was good to end the inning, I think he was looking for a curveball. I’ve been having trouble throwing a curveball over the left side of the plate this spring so it was nice to be able to do that a little bit today.

Heath

China: Day 1

mlblogsheathbell1 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:01:20 +0000

I felt totally rested today because on the plane trip I didn’t sleep one bit. Instead, I watched a bunch of movies. When we got to the hotel, I got something to eat, got a massage and was out like a baby.

When I woke up, I felt refreshed and went and got a little breakfast, walked around for about an hour or two and went to the Great Wall. I really can’t explain what it’s like there. I was mostly in awe of how magnificent it was. It kind of blew me away.

I bought one of those Great Wall rice hats (see picture). It has the Great Wall of China printed on the top. I wanted to be like a local or a tourist.

When we got back, we went to Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City with Kevin Kouzmanoff, Justin Germano and my wife Nicole and we dressed up. Germano thought he was in a woman’s outfit but it turned out he was dressed like the emperor. Kouz and I were dressed up like warriors. We even had swords!

I feel really good. I’m running on adrenaline, I think. But I’ve got all the energy in the world. I’m having a good time. I want to experience China. I don’t want to go to my hotel and just eat there and go to the field. I want to experience things. I want to stand out.

Heath