NorthWest Indiana Real Estate Blog: January 2008

 "I Call Dodger Stadium - BLUE HEAVEN ON EARTH"  began a funny, yet motivational speech by Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Manager Tommy Lasorda. 

I was given an opportunity to go meet this legendary coach, and being a Dodger Fan my entire life, I was like "heck yes, let's go"!  So Grace bought the tickets for this fundraiser benefiting Valparaiso University's Baseball Team.  The Event had several hundred in attendance, included dinner, keynote address by Lasorda and autographs :)  I guess my greatest Baseball Memory to date only took 43 years, but it was well worth the wait!

VU Baseball Head Coach Tracy Woodson invited me to attend this fund raiser, and this will be a night I will always remember! Not only did I personally meet and shake the hand of Tommy Lasorda, I also met and talked with former MLB Stars such as V.U. Alumni  Lloyd McClendon (who played with the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates), Mickey Morendini (Pirates, Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays) and Ron Kittle (Chicago White Sox, Yankees, Indians and Orioles).

What a funny man Lasorda is..funny and INTENSE! He shared some incredible stories about baseball and about life & success!  I want to share one story he told tonight that affected me personally, and has applications to any profession as well. He recalled the time when he 1st was hired by the Dodger Organization and he immediately began going to the media and telling everyone (media and players both) how he would beat the Reds in every game they played !  He was called in by the owner of the Dodgers and was questioned about these public tactics and his comment in return was : "We WILL beat them all year long and that is what I want myself and my team to profess and BELIEVE." Well it took only that year for the Dodgers to beat the Reds by 12 & 1/2 games...the moral of this story is quite simple... PROFESS IT, BELIEVE IT & SAY IT.... whatever  it is, if you want to succeed.  Repeat it and go DO IT.  YOU  have to BELIEVE YOU CAN DO SOMETHING, then State it as a GOAL!  So if you want to get 15 mortgages done - say you will.... If you want to get 10 listings - say you will..If you want to go on a vacation - say you will....and then go for it !

The personal stories Lasorda shared over the years in baseball were incredibly funny, but, his view of life and success came across as a strong image that will at least with me...last a life time. This was a night I will never forget.  Not only as it relates to baseball memories, but life lessons as well. His  last comment before he ended was so ture "There are 2 beings you can not fool -# 1. The person in the mirror and  #2. GOD. and you have to answer to both of them!

Not only was it a special night, hearing Lasorda speak, I was very happy to contribute to a worthy cause by being the highest bidder on an authentic signed baseball from current Los Angeles Dodger 3rd Baseman- Nomar Garciaparra. I also left with 2 signed baseballs and a signed bat all courtesy of Tommy Lasorda!

This was a baseball lovers "dream come true".

Written by Jeff Safrin

For Great Family Fun, Come on Out and Support The Valparaiso Crusaders BaseBall Games - 1st Home Game is on Friday, March 28th at 3:00pm CST at HOME on the Emory G. Bauer Field - hope to see you there :)

Looking to RELOCATE to NW Indiana? Give us a call For all Your REAL ESTATE needs @ 219-405-1232

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin - REALTORS -"Spouses Selling Houses"TM - F.C. Tucker  Realty

Serving Lake County, Porter County, La Porte County,  in NW Indiana

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The ActiveRain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker  Realty. 

My Last BLOG Post mentioned my one concern regarding Valpos game tonight against Loyola; that they would be looking forward to the In-State showdown in 10 days against Butler and not focus against the 6-13 Loyola Ramblers! I did not even think officiating would play into the game, but it did! In what I would say was one of the most poorly officiated games I had ever seen, Valparaiso's Crusaders took a huge blow in the conference standings by a 65-63 loss to (Lower Power Rated team at # 277) the Ramblers of Loyola.

Valpo once again, as it has all year long, started out very slow! You have to give credit to Loyola, who went 7 for 11 from behind the arc, not bad one would say...considering the Ramblers average only 4- 3 pointers per game. This was incredible shooting, the basket for them must have looked huge, because they were hitting 3's from literally all over the floor. Valpo found themselves down by as much as 11 points, the biggest deficit at home this season and it looked bleak when star forward Shawn Huff went down with 2 minutes left in the first half with what looked like to be at the very least a game ending injury. Valpo once again trailed 41-34 at half.

It was in the 2nd half that the officiating began its downward deterioration, thanks to really all 3 refs. Honestly, I have no idea how they earned their strips? Wow..bad call, after bad call, after bad call! It was not long before Jake Dielber was sitting out on the pine. Insert Howard Little (for the fouled out Deibler). What an incredible performance by this kid! His defensive stops against Loyola's J.R. Blount was the spark Valpo needed. It propelled them to a 7 point lead with under 5 minutes to go. Things looked good, but then, the officiating turned, Let's be polite and say..."disgusting". You may wonder how I am so sure of the missed calls? Sitting in the 1st row for home games, I get very clear views of each play. Only 2 minutes later, Howard Little was Valpo's second player sitting on the bench with his 5th foul and from that point on, Loyola never looked back. Valparaiso's Jarryd Loyd had one last shot from just behind the arch to win it for Valpo, but it was short. His attempt was about 5 feet from me and I could see and hear Loyola's player slapping Loyd's wrist, causing this pure sharp shooter come up short, but NO call and funny it was the same ref that was calling the fouls on Diebler and Little. I can only hope that the Horizon League of Officials look and review the tape of this game!

On a positive note, I have to say that Howard Little may have just come out of the shell and become a solid "go to" player! He was awesome tonight in the loss. Urele Igbavoda performed well, (snagging 11 rebounds) but he needed help and never got it on the boards. Valpo was 13-19 from the charity line and those 6 misses may have helped in the end. Shawn Huff who was injured at the end of the first half, started the 2nd half, but after 5 minutes never played again. Concern shifts to his health and status for the next game, albeit, he has 9 days to rest and heal and Valpo is going to need him back!

The Horizon League is physical and demanding! Every game played hard. IF Valpo had won tonight's contest it would have set up a huge showdown on February 5th - it would have been a battle for 1st place in the Horizon League, BUT, Valpo did not win and now the stage is all set for the next Home GAME Valparaiso Crusaders vs Butler Bulldogs - February 5th 2008 - Game Time is 9:00pm Eastern and on National T.V. ESPN2 - It will be a sold out - wild and crazy atmosphere at the ARC in Valparaiso, Indiana. IF you wanna see just what they call Hoosier Hysteria, tune in, and watch this game, it is sure to be incredible!

Just a side note..I would bet the officiating crew at tonight's game WILL NOT be assigned to this next one - LOL

editorial by Jeff Safrin

Looking to Move / Relocate to Northwest Indiana? Give Us A Call @ 219-405-1232 for all your Real Estate Needs! Visit our website or Read More of Our Blogs about Community Events and Attractions and Homes For Sale in NW IN.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The ActiveRain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Active Rain Community.

      It Just makes Sense!   GREEN sense.....

 Environmentalists would be the first in line to support the Extension of The South Shore Train Line to include stops in the towns of Lowell, IN

and

Valparaiso, IN - especially since many from these towns commute into Chicago for their careers already!

• Traveling in trains would reduce pollution as well as the purchase and use of foreign oil :)
• Our environment would be healthier as a result of less cars on the road!
• A new Option for would exist for families to travel to the big city for theatre, festivals, or  hopefully future Olympics :)

NW Indiana residents would benefit from an increase in Economic Benefits as well from this expansion of services...

• Increase in Local Business and creation of Thousands of new Jobs as a result of the expansion!
• Options for an affordable commute to the big city Chicago that has thousands of Job opportunities also !

Call to action.... Northwest Indiana Residents in favor of this awesome proposal  please act.....

1. Log onto the website  = Citizens For  The Extension Of The South Shore Line

and 

2.  SIGN THE PETITION = House Bill 1220

Help us get the word out!

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin - REALTORS

"Spouses Selling Houses"TM

F.C. Tucker 1 st Team Real estate

Serving Lake County, Porter County, La Porte County,  in Northwest Indiana.

It did not take long for me to see just exactly what the loss meant on Saturday when Valpo lost to arch-rival Butler - That game took out a lot of steam from Valpo and it showed for the first 18 minutes of the 1st half at the ARC in Valparaiso, IN.  Valpo started out sluggish on defense and sluggish on offense and quickly they realized they were in a for BIG TIME fight against the University of Milwaukee Panthers (9-7 overall and 4-2 in Horizon League play).

The start of this game and pretty much the entire game reminded me of the Indianapolis Colts when they played New England so hard for an entire game and lost-then on to San Diego and FLAT... Unfortunately for Valpo tonight they were flat and now not much time to get prepared to play University of Green Bay which played #13 Butler incredibly well tonight and only lost by 7 points.

The start of the game as I said was sluggish but a late run by Valpo propelled them to 38-34 halftime lead which at the time I felt was enough.having 1st row seats - mid way through the 1st half I had to finally get my years 1st 1 on 1 discussion with head referee Tom O'Neil as it seemed quite a few calls were not being seen very clearly..one of the finest discussions I have ever had with a Ref and he actually admitted he may have blown the call- LOL.

The start of the 2nd half was less then impressive for both teams as neither scored a field-goal in the first 5 minutes and much was caused by an incredible tenacious defense Valpo started out with..they were cutting off ever post play and stopped the slashing inside game that Milwaukee was able to due with ease in the first half...Then the unexpected occurred and that was from the Milwaukee bench- Deion James decided to take over the game and control the tempo - he finished with 20 Pt's and a blistering 7 for 10 from the field and more impressive 4 for 6 for outside the arch...it went back and forth as Jarryd Lloyd got off a last second three that would have tied the game..but fell short...primarily due to the fact the Milwaukee player fouled him...how am I so for sure...IT was right in front of me and I heard the slap on his wrist...but that is the way Valpo's night went and so goes the officiating..one thing about the officiating..the were consistent...consistently INCONSISTENT...

Valpo now prepares for Green Bay Phoenix another Horizon League game and even though it is early...this is a MUST win game..they can not afford to loose conference games at home and what will be needed to win...Valpo MUST find a way to get their Sharp Shooter - Sam Haanpaa free..and posting him is not the answer...For those that aren't aware of this incredible behind the arch shooter - he lit it up a few weeks ago in the ARC shooting 10-12 from downtown....great nite yes..new record at Valpo yes...one problem..every team in the country and more precisely in the Horizon League saw or heard of his performance and NOW...the pressure defense on Sam is like a wetsuit..it is tight...he is having a tough time getting open and they are more physical then ever...when Valpo can figure out something to get him free it will open up the inside game..until then..it is gonna be tough. Bryan Bouchie played well - Brandon McPherson played great penetrating and dishing and Jake Dielbler...well he is up to I think 65 dives on the floor and works hard every play..And what can be said about Jarryd Loyds performance - coming off the bench to lead the Crusaders with 18 points shooting 7 for 11 and 3 for 4 from behind the Arch.                                                                                        

This Saturday 1/12/08 (tip off 7pm) is another day and another game...It would be great to have the ARC PACKED with Crusader Fans..this team never lacks effort or desire and they deserve the support of the area. Lets hope that Valpo gets back on track and comes out Saturday nite with a "W"......................GO CRUSADERS!

Editorial by Jeff Safrin

VU Students wearing RETRO style Basketball Uniforms at the Game! There's always themed attire for these super fans. Come out and see for yourself this Saturday what they will be wearing next? !    :)

Buying or Selling Property in 2008?

Talk To Jeff & Grace Safrin Today @

219-405-1232  or visit our website

or Blogs for info->

We are Full Time, Full Service REATORS with F.C. Tucker- Indiana's largest Real Estate Company (est.1918), serving Lake County, Porter County, La Porte County, Starke County, Jasper County and Newton County in Northwest Indiana.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The ActiveRain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Active Rain Community.

  Last Night's Game in the ARC - Valparaiso University Crusaders vs. Indiana Wesleyan Wilcats was off to a sluggish 1st half for Valpo...perhaps due to having returned from playing the #1 Team in the country (North Carolina-Chapel Hill) Saturday nite. This was the 4th straight year that the mid-major Crusaders have played a #1 Ranked Team.  To start the 2nd half, Coach Homer Drew took drastic measures in benching 4 of the 5 starters and what half-time decision it was....Valpo went on a 41 to 8 run to start the second half and NEVER looked back - it was without a doubt the most intense defensive stand I personally have ever seen.

Valpo has now won 13 straight games at the ARC and now it is conference play and what a place to start their first year in the Horizon League - 135 miles away in Indianapolis Indiana at the famous and well known Hinkle Field-house to take in their in-state Rival the 13th Ranked Butler Bulldogs behind their All American guard A.J. Graves...This game slated for Saturday January 5, 2008 @ 2pm - is sold out and should become quickly one of the most heated rivalries in College Basketball ! 

 Hinkle Field-house is known not only for the Bulldogs but the filming of the movie "Hoosiers".. From my experiences at this stadium, I can tell you it is gonna be a LOUD and Hostile environment for the Crusaders..But, IF they can keep the same defense intensity and scoring barrage they showed last night - watch out College Basketball fans...you may be watching one the the biggest upsets this year in college basketball!                                           Editorial by Jeff Safrin

If you are in the market to Buy or Sell Valparaiso Real Estate please give us a call @ 219-405-1232.

We are Full Time, Full Service REALTORS serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Starke, Jasper & Newton County in NW Indiana.

Please feel free to visit our website or click on our informative Blogs about living in Valparaiso below->>>

Valparaiso, IN  - The Vale of Paradise

Shorewood Forest - Year Round Recreational LakeFront Community in Valparaiso

Wine Vineyards in Valparaiso, IN 

Jeff & Grace Safrin - REALTORS                   

"Spouses Selling Houses"TM                      

F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The ActiveRain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Jeff and Grace Safrin of F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty. Jeff and Grace Safrin and F.C. Tucker Advantage Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Active Rain Community.