Contest Update: The race is on

Actually, I paln to be at the All Star Game this year, and yes, not only would I "handle" leading the Free World in the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" but if chosen, I would do an amazing job of it.

Really.

Just sayin'.

D'oh!

Spell check is my friend.

Do they want the verses or just the chorus?

Hi...I have a question about what can and can not be included in the video according to the rules...the rules mention copyright materials including "the MLB Entities (as defined in the Eligibility section below)"...of course, I can not find any Eligibility section! So, what does this mean? Does this mean I cannot wear a Team branded MLB jersey in the video? Basically I am asking what I can and cannot wear or have showing in the background...if I am a fan of one team, can I show my team hats, jerseys, banners, etc... or do I have to just go with a generic baseball theme? Thanks!

Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/

Bartyboy: You can sing either the chorus or add in the verses. The video just can't exceed 2 minutes. The chorus lyrics are located in the "About the Contest" and "Song Lyrics" sections at mlb.com/babyruth.

Jenn: You can definitely include your favorite team's marks in the video. The MLB entities language speaks to the fact that anyone working for Major League Baseball or one of its companies is not eligible.

Please continue to post any questions or comments and good luck in the contest!

Cool...thanks for the update!

Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/

Just wanted to say that maybe in the future you could let
small children do this. I have 3 grandchildren (4 yrs, 6yrs and 7yrs) that do a really good job singing this in their
own, cute way.

I think it sucks that Canadians are excluded from this contest. You know we have a pretty good team that we support here in Toronto. It's probably that Baby Ruths are not available in Canada.

hjdh34, I second that. I love Baby Ruth and I don't know why they are not available in Canada? What explaination do we have for that? Is it because of the package constraints require that all products, in Canada, be in French and English? Because that is pretty weak reason, just talk to a translator. Heck, I will do it. Just pay me in Baby Ruths.

I've got a question regarding the music copyright laws. Can we use some of these famous versions of Take Me Out to the Ball Game mentioned in the song history page? For instance, I would like to incorporate the music from the 1908 original song into mine, but I don't know if that's allowed. Another one I like is a famous rendition by Pollo Del Mar. I can't play any instruments but I'd like to at least have music in my video.

If we get the group's permission is it ok? If we have their permission, do we have to verify it for you guys somehow? If so, how would we go about it?

Here is feedback on some of the recent questions:

You must be 18 years old to enter and the entrant (over 18) must be the lead participant singing the song. Children can appear in the video but it must be along with the main participant.

Submissions may contain any version of the song as long as the integrity of the original lyrics is upheld.

See Official Rules for more info.

Can we use images of MLB players in our videos? For example, could I make a picture of David Ortiz endorsing Baby Ruth candy bars?

You should stay away from using specific players associated with a sponsored product. We may have issues posting that without approvals from Ortiz.

Can we use pictures of players at all? I'm not talking about making them advertise anything, I was just wondering if it would be alright for me to have a picture of an old ballplayer like Babe Ruth in my video. I noticed one guy had Ruth in the background in his video, I just want to make sure having players images in the video is okay as long as we aren't making them advertise anything.

I just wanted to say that the somg has been in my life since I was 2,I'm about to turn 47 next month. My grandma taught me that song and actually recorded it on reel to reel,no one knows where the tape is now. I have taught it to my kids and my grandchildren one day we 3-way called her and 4 generations sang it together. I took my grandmother to her 1st ballgame in 2004 and made the front page of the Baltimore Sun and she got to meet BJ Surhoff and some of the team,she had no idea they sang that song during the 7th inning stretch again 4 generations stood to sing. I thank GOD for my grandmother everyday and the wonderful memories that song has given our family.

Just a question about a couple of the vids, doesn't the quartet get disqualified because you can only enter one individual in the contest? and also there is a bottle of beer on the Tiki bar video, which is definitely a violation of the rules. Just pointing that stuff out!

• Submission must include the Participant as the lead performer singing the song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

(viii) tobacco, alcohol or drugs.

VOCAL PLAY and TIKI BAR are disqualified. There's no 2 ways about it!

If that's the case (that there can only be one singer) then there would be several others disqualified (i.e. Angry Boss, Songwriting Session, Catchy Hum, etc.), which would eliminate some of the best of the videos, if you ask me. I don't know that that's what the rules are saying. Doesn't it have to do with the the lead participant being the submitter?
The beer bottle would be a different story, if it is truly a beer bottle (I don't drink, so I can't tell a beer bottle from a coke bottle at that distance :)
Hopefully BabyRuth can clear this up. The videos obviously passed their inspection before being put on there so I at least doubt they missed that there were four guys on Vocal Play, almost 30 on Catchy Hum, two on Songwriting Session, etc. :) 30 people probably would be a bit much but two or four I don't think would be such an issue.

Why is everyone I heard singing the wrong lyrics? That should be rule #1! "Take me out WITH the crowd" Not TO the crowd! I suppose you're buying peanuts and Cracker JACKS as well. No, you are buying peanuts and Cracker JACK, singular. I hate it when people, even Buffet, sing the wrong lyrics. If they do this they should not even be considered for the prize.

Yeah, most say "Never get back", instead of "Ever get back, too. Vocal Play is the only one I know of so far that got it all right, from what I can tell.

If you’re being so particular, VOCAL PLAY didn’t maintain the true integrity of the lyrics either.

“Ohbuy me some peanuts…” isn’t in either version of TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME.
(Although it must be noted that they are excellent singers with fun personalities!)

If you’re being so particular, VOCAL PLAY didn’t maintain the true integrity of the lyrics either.

“Ohbuy me some peanuts…” isn’t in either version of TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME.
(Although it must be noted that they are excellent singers with fun personalities!)

Lol, okay dunap, I understand what you're getting at. I wasn't trying to get too particular, just pointing out that there's a lot of that going around. I'm sure they'll probably "educate" whoever will be singing at the game to make sure the song's integrity isn't compromised. I'm looking forward to seeing who's going to make the top ten, three and so on, with all of the various and interesting entries! :)

Oops... I meant danap :)

Great contest! I tried downloading my video at the end of April, however, my computer froze after about 30 minutes of uploading (large file size). I am not sure if it uploaded properly, as it has not been on the website (which may be due to the fact the video was not very good, but I hope that's not the reason). Can I re-upload my video without being disqualified? Thanks.

test

So do any of you guys have favorites among the videos they've posted so far?

On May 3rd my father and I posted a video for the contest. We have not seen it up yet. Should we try to post again? We have noticed that no new videos have been uploaded in the last seven days.

The contest runs out on May 26th and we want to be sure that our video is posted.

Someone please let us know what we should do!

well actually if you watch vocal play one guy is the primary singer the rest are backups...not sure about songwriting since they share but technically the entrant is singing lead..they both are :)

i posted my video 2 daus ago
how long does it take for them to approve it
help?

I sent in my video on Sunday, May 18, titled "Ruthie Sings For Baby Ruth" but it has not appeared with the videos yet. Should I be concerned? I am concerned. Thank you.
RuthieK

Here are some updates on recent questions:

For any videos that have not been posted, please make sure that these meet the contest criteria listed in the "About the Promotion" section

Regarding lyrics, all are accepted as long as they uphold the original lyrics of the song

Group entries are accepted but only the user who submits the entry will be counted as the participant and eligible to win

With regards to the group entries, does that mean that only the submitter will be allowed to perform it, and not any of the group or just that the submitter is considered the one responsible for their entry, so to speak?

In other words, I know only the lead participant's way will be paid for (as is laid out in the rules), but if the group's video wins, can the other members still go (self-paid) and perform for the celebrity panel/at the game? I know there's quite a few group videos (duets, at least one trio, at least one quartet, etc.) and many of them wouldn't be the same with just one person performing.

is there a phone number or an email address i can contact to see if my video was recieved by the panel of judges and what is the estimated turn around for it to post to this website

help help help

Yeah, what is up with all these people who sing "crackerJacks". It's not Jacks, it's JACK! you don't say "popcorns" do you? Look at the box. It's CRACKERJACK!!

Bon Jour and Greetings from the French Rivera!
I have a concern that I hope someone can help me with. I submitted my video entry on May 7, but I still do not see it on the website with the other ones. I am repping a film here at the Cannes Film market and will not be back in the US until May 27 and have no access to my file if I need to upload it. It is called Father Daughter Fantasy Camp. Could someone at the company locate it and reassure me that it is indeed entered? Or email me directly to advise me further? Thanks so much. This contest is REALLY important to me and I do not want to get shut out due to a technical glitch. Thanks, CJ

Dear Daydreaming Commentary: It’s the 75th anniversary of the All-Star Game, not the 100th. The first Major League All-Star Game was played on July 6, 1933 at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Otherwise, it was a very good video!

for everyone who posted there video on youtube i have just made a copy of the entries on youtube also saved as favorites on my account for my record for the judges.
clearly you cannot understand the rules in which it clearly states you void your entry if you publish your video entry on any website ie: youtube, myspace, etc.
also the entries in which you imitated famous people you also are violating the rules and are voiding your entry due to imitating of frank sinatra and ac/dc and also eminem
please read the rules carefully before entering contest or let a attorney desyfer for you so you know in the future...

the tiki bar girl was on youtube

• Submission must not include imitations of famous people or characters from movie/shows, etc.

7. agree that the Submission shall only be used as an entry to the Contest and for no other purpose including, without limitation, posting on any other website (e.g., YouTube, mySpace, etc.)

frosty roads, all-star dreams, frank by dave zoran, baseball fairy, tiki bar girl, angry boss, vocal play, the barber courtet all violate these rules and should be automatically disqualified for the contest...

baseball trio was also on youtube a clear violation of the rules in which they are disqualified for the contest

people lets get it straight this is not like the hillary clinton scandal of not allowing the michigan and florida primaries to count
obviosly she agreed for the democratic party to enforce the rules but when it was not her benefit the she wanted to bend the rules and overlook them.
clearly it states in this contest no video will be posted on youtube and no one is allowed to imitate famous people in which i have clearly pointed out and identified these rule breaking videos so it should be enforced that these videos be ruled out for competition for the 10 semi-finalists final selection....
algebra02002@yahoo.com
current law school student

BABY RUTH DOES IT is in violation of (iii) explicit language or content, images of violence, discrimination, or promotion of illegal activities

Is pointing a concealed "loaded" Baby Ruth at a Cab Driver in the spirit of this contest?

i hope my video gets selected as a semi finalist
i took alot of effort in my entry and expressed my sincere admiration for harry carray for his devotion and timeless sacrifice to the game of baseball and bringing the seventh inning stretch to where it is today
i also got pleasure on seeing how many young fans atteneded the braves game with their parents it reminds me when my grand dad took me to veterans stadium in philadelphia to see the phils play
also the kids were excited about getting free baby ruth bars from me in the stands that made their day..

Good grief, you guys are ruining this competition!!! Let the judges be the judges and the contestants the contestants. The judges can enforce their rules as they wish and if that means that they desire to remove those contestants, then so be it, but leave it to them and the contestants alone. You're acting like a bunch of immature kids.
You guys don't seem to care about the people involved but about the big list of rules they're supposed to follow (not to mention making sure you win). This forum was designed to be a place where people share their excitement about the contest and such, not blast the contestants for how they overlooked the rules.
I'm sure the judges will be fair across the board and manage enforcing the rules as they see fit, so... LEAVE IT TO THEM!!!
And may the best contestant win, good luck everybody!!!

I agree with airjacobson, you could pick apart any of the submitted videos and find some rule to eliminate everyone. I guess I can see some problems with the fact that half the contestants, including Vocal Play, posted their videos on youtube, which is specifically mentioned as grounds for disqualification. However, for the most part people aren't blatantly breaking rules, so I say let's have fun with this instead of having a lame blog battle. I love baseball and I know everyone else here does too, so let's enjoy this contest and see what fun ideas people have!

I notice that no videos have been added for a few days. I submitted mine last Thursday Night. Can someone tell me when the plan to add more? Or is there a way I can check on it?

let the judges interpret the rule violators and dismiss the videos who broke the rules which should be many i saw on youtube...
good luck everybody

Whether I win or not I'm glad I tried. We had a blast making this video and I thank Baby Ruth & MLB for the idea and the opportunity. I hope it is posted (submitted evening of May 21), regardless, because I'd like to share the smiles with others.

:-)
Oriole (yes, that really is my legal name!)

yes oriole i had the same problem i submitted my video like a week ago from the time it finally posted but i found out from the office in new york that dont try to resubmit it or you will be disqualified
if you submitted before the deadline last night at 1159 pm then they should filter it and accept
good luck
and go atlanta braves

The entry period is over. Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry. All entries received by 11:59 PM ET on May 26th are under review. Eligible entries will be posted to the site over the next few days and the top 10 finalists will be announced on June 9th.

Hooray! Good luck everyone! One quick note for the maker of "You Kepp the Ball": I thought your video was very very well made! The only problem is that neither the Cubbies nor the Yankees ever played in the 1934 World Series- that distinction went to the famous Cardinals "Gashouse Gang" team and the Detroit Tigers, led by Hank Greenberg and Charlie Gehringer. You're thinking of the 1932 World Series!

you keep the ball, nice video like last guy said but back then babe ruth didnt have a goat tee nor did he wear black pants
it looed like an umpire coming to the plate
nice try!!

It wasn't necessarrily Ruth, just his favorite pinstripe player! I thought he did a good job. :)

does anyone have a comment about an 8 yr old singing the song, I am the parent and gave written permission to participate. I am concerned because it was not posted yet (I did submit last Thursday)....any thoughts as to if I violated 'da rules? Thanks!

I'm not exactly sure how they handle those things. The rules say at the beginning that the "Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, 18 years or older." I know some of the videos posted had kids in them, although there was always an adult singing with them. I think people only get in trouble when they are blatantly breaking rules, like the no posting on youtube thing, which a lot of people did. In fact, the video titled "Awesome candy bar" posted their video on youtube (It's the third hit on youtube if you search 'baby ruth contest,' although on youtube it's titled 'video contest entry'), but they haven't been kicked out yet so I don't think it would be fair for you to not be in as well.

Thanks...I agree, I seen Awesome Candy Bar before it was event posted to the MLB website. What happens now that they have been viewed by hundreds of people? The waiting is killing me, but as the old saying goes "good things come to those who wait"...so just maybe...??? tomorrow???

Hi, I just wanted to say that even though I entered my own video I think that 4ft Evangelist is a great one!

Just to make a "confession", one of the guy's (who helped in our video) dad posted our video on YouTube before I found out about the "release" of the video to only Baby Ruth. I paid more attention to the submission requirements than to the consent and release info, as that's usually not a "big deal" section, and missed the part about YouTube. My mistake (though not blatant), so I offered to Baby Ruth to ask that he remove the video immediately, now that I knew about the "rule", but I never got a response, so... I guess we'll see where they decide to go with it.

With the age rule, I'm sure it's having to do with the liability and stuff with having a minor be the participant, rather than a responsible adult, so you may have some trouble with that but hopefully they'll allow for the video (at least for their consideration of it when deciding the top 10), especially if they know the parent will be handling the participation of the child.

I totally understand about the youtube thing...my parents are out-of-town and I even thought I could "youtube" it for them to see...I am soooo glad I didn't...I guess that's why there are judges...regardless it is a fun contest to see how creative people got---best of luck....unless my video gets posted...lol...

Are they going to be calling the top ten selections today?

when are they going to announce the ligitament non rule breaking semi-finalists?

lol... That'll be June 9 for the top 10, but I was thinking they were going to call the 10 contestants prior to that (like, today).

This was posted on May 27th by the blog: "The entry period is over. Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry. All entries received by 11:59 PM ET on May 26th are under review. Eligible entries will be posted to the site over the next few days and the top 10 finalists will be announced on June 9th". I am hoping they will still post some more videos -mainly mine...lol --do you think they are done posting videos?

I doubt it... I've only seen, maybe, one or two videos posted since then. However, I haven't officially "heard" from them on that. Hopefully Baby Ruth can update us soon and we'll know any of the other little details that have been asked about.

Everyone should watch "I've got the bug". The still picture does not do justice to the video. Her car is awesome! Good luck!!!

How sweet is that backwards K in A SWEET VERSION, on page 7! WISH THEY WOULD ANNOUNCE THE TOP TEN!

anybody recieve an email yet saying they are a semi finalist
blog back...

Hi algebra02002,
I did recieve an e-mail yesterday letting me know my video made it to the next round. I'm not sure if they told everyone all at once or if they're still working on it. Good luck everyone!

Do you mind if I ask what your video name was?

Mine is titled "Trip through history." I tried to incorporate the whole history of baseball and Baby Ruth from 1908 on in my video (Even though Baby Ruth wasn't invented until 1920). I had a great time making it, and I hope you enjoy it too! :)

I just want to know if I made it or not...I'm guessing? those who are in the top ten have been notified?

Yeah, Baby Ruth, have all the ten semi-finalists been notified?

ndskv9@mizzou.edu
what is the name of your video?

It's titled "Trip through history." I tried to incorporate the whole history of baseball from 1908 to the present into my video. Did your video make it in? If so then I wish you the best of luck! :)

nice video, ndskv9! Mine is called "Katie Casey Milwaukee", and I also received notification that mine is in the top ten. I'm pretty excited!

I was still hoping they would have posted our video, but my hope is now gone. Just wanted to state that I would have sang with my 8 year old son if I wouldn't have been confused with their submission rule (xii) individuals under the legal age of majority without enclosing signed release from parent or guardian; ---in which I did. Especially since so many other videos violated rules...It was a great video-my son is the biggest baseball fan (and he it his first homerun last night at his game) :) Good luck to all the final videos. ---Sadly disappointed :(

I am really enjoying these videos (along with my favorite candy, Baby Ruth). The only thing better would be getting a chance to sing at the All Star game in Yankee Stadium.

Does anyone know if "You Can Keep The Ball" made it to the final 10? I thought that was one of the best entries.

WHERE IS MY VIDEO???? MY FAMILY IS LOOKING FORWARD TO AT LEAST LOOKING AT IT. (THAT IS WHAT FAMILY I HAVE LEFT). PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I T IS ALMOST VOTING TIME, I FOLLOWED EVERY RULE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY DISQUALIFICATIONS! PLEASE HELP!
PATRICIA C HOGAN
HERSHEY, PA.

if you can keep the ball was stupid
babe ruth wore pin stripes not solid black pants and furthermore this video violates the rules
Submission must not include imitations of famous people or characters from movie/shows, etc.
etc, means sports hero such as babe ruth who by the way never had a goat tee..
sorry charlie read the rules again...

I am infuriated as I have been trying to get an answer as to where my video is? I had it in on time. Every rule was adhered to, and it isn't even put up!!! That is so unfair to me. I intended to surprise my family by just showing them my video on the site, but it isn't even on here. I'd like to hear from whomever is responsible and the reasoning behind it!. There is no excuse for it. I gave up a few other contest entries, just so I could work on this one to surprise people.!

We second the comment made by sleepinbutee@hotmail.com.
This whole project meant a lot to my husband who is battling cancer. Where is the courtesy to respond? What seemed like such an interesting creative contest as really turned negative. And I'm putting that mildly.

i had to call customer support just find out why it was taking so long to post my video and finally they called me back and stated that it finally posted but i have not recieved an email saying i was selected as a semi finalist
my video is called ''a big braves fan''

If you are experiencing any problems with the mlb.com/babyruth site, please MLB.com customer support at http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/help/contact_us.jsp.

Thank you Algebra for trying to help, however when one tries to go to the site you listed, and there is a message saying that the site no longer exsists. I concur icsteachermike... I have M.S., been married for almost 30 years and wanted to only surprise my family (5 kids too(with doing something off the wall), showing them what I made (all by myself! yet !) when it appeared on the site, but NO!!!!...THE SOB isn't even listed with the others! This is so UNFAIR! Perhaps it is some sort of discrimination because I live in the competition town of the company that makes the candy!?!?! I have inquired about 7 times, (nicely) about where it is, why it isn't there, etc. NO ANSWER!?!?!? I find it inconsiderate and rude!

can you if you havent heard from anyobne yet post on youtube that way your relatives can see what you created so they will be impressed
apparently everyone who qualified as semi finalists have been notified
i did not get an email so i guess i didnt make
oh well i tried

I feel your pain...my video wasn't on either, Future, Past and Present was mine. No reason why, no email, nothing. But if you notice on the very last page, they just posted Fantasy Camp Friday...and only two contestants have come forward stating they were notified. I know how disappointed you are because we also worked very hard too. Even Slider from the Indians sang with my son -- do you know how difficult that was to do? It was still fun - but would have been neat to at least view it on the site. Maybe they put a limit on the number of videos (although they never stated that in the official rules)... still sad :(

from what i heard from mlb.com in new york there was only one lady in charge of this contest at the mlb.com headquarters in new york and at the last day of the contest a large number of new videos were submitted for the contest..

I congratulate all the winners and btw, I would have appreciated to hear I was not selected...Does someone need help figuring out a database or what?

Still no excuse to those of us who followed all the rules. No matter if they had 25 or 2000 entries, they should have been prepared for the contest, especially if it is "AMERICAS GAME!"""
It IS sad elegantimage!! I am more pissed off now than anything.
Talk about a SLAM...They gave us a bad PITCH, then threw us a, CURVE-ball on top , leaving us with NO-HITTERS! I guess that means we are OUT!!! Didn't even get to FIRST BASE!!! I want to speak with the UMPIRE, or better yet, the OWNER!!
*spit*

If any of the three finalists or any of their guests reside within 150 miles of Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY, car service for such finalist(s) and/or guests(s) will be provided in lieu of air transportation. (Approximate retail value ("ARV" up to $4,600). Each winner is fully responsible for any and all applicable federal, state and local taxes (including income and withholding taxes). Total ARV for all prizes in this Contest: $15,700.
what they didnt tell you
if you get selected to go to new york then you are ultimately responsible for the unreported income next year when you do your taxes
they are going to send a 1099 misc income form
if you got a feund not next year you owe instead
my fiancee won a contest last year to nyc and payed dearly
for it at tax time so good luck if you can afford it!!!

FOUL! FOUL GAME! FOUL BALL! FOUL! FOUL! FOUL! Still No reply from the foul fools that threw the pitch on this unfair contest!!!!

sleepinbutee,
Did you know that you can still upload your video to other websites like youtube? The semifinalists are selected so you are free to do with your video as you please. I would suggest simply doing that and enjoying your video with your family. I understand some frustration, but I don't think this blog is the place to do it. Let's enjoy this contest because it's sunny outside and it's a beautiful day for a ballgame! :)

I can't wait until June 9th. Who's in...Who's out...Who got disqualified? Who didn't get disqualified? How exciting! Almost like a World Series Ballgame! Check out the video on YouTube with the guys that got disqualified for violence in their submission. It's funny :)

I'd love to check it out on YOUTUBE...what is it called??
and I agree, sleepinbutee...YOUTUBE will definiitely get more hits on your video that a contest site!
PLAY BALL one and all!!

It seems as though there are many of you who are upset that your videos are not up on the site. I would be upset too. However, before you start blasting BabyRuth and MLB, you may want to consider the possibility that you did not use a correct format for your uplaod, or that your file size was too large, or to long. Good luck to everyone. It has been fun seeing how clever and creative people can be.

Update. I just emailed both MLB and BabyRuth suggesting they get on this blog site and respond to concerns, ie: missing videos and Youtube/Myspace postings. I also called MLB which was totally useless, but I did report our frustrations. Interestingly, they gave me a tracking # should I need to call back.

Also, Just wanted to pass on my congrats to ndsk9. Very cute video. Did you happen to notice how many Cards fans sent in videos? GO TIGERS (MIZZOU) and CARDS!!!!

This blog IS the place to place my frustration as THIS is the place that held the contest ndskv9@mizzou.edu...It may be sunny where you are but it is raining like hell here. If you had any sense of humor, you'd read that my words were chosen (baseball words) in fun and not BlASTING!!) cate1028@earthlink.net . I could have BLASTED, but took my ladylike ways in a different form! Yes some can say..."Let's enjoy the contest, because they have their video's up, mine isn't,...which by the way was not an ill fitted format, too large a file size or too long, or whatever else can be thought of, or my computer would have not given note that my email had been "sent and recieved"!!! If the contest blog is not the place to vent, then where is???? The company does not respond either!?!? Just remember...I didn't BLAST, MLB, NESTLE or ANYONE!!!

P.S.
It's okay . Thank you anyway. My nephew is leaving for Iraq at 5:00 am, and won't be able to see it anyway.

Patricia,
WOW! I am stunned by your vitriolic response. I can only conclude that you are an incredibly sad, angry and paranoid person by nature. While this IS the forum for venting; your personal attacks were unwarrented.

Both of my comments were addressed to the MANY people whose videos were not posted. I was trying to be proactive and offer "possible" reasons why videos may not have been on the site. Additionally, your rather acerbic and nasty comment to ndskv9 came across as pure sour grapes. He was obviously simply trying to give you another venue so "what family you have left" ( a husband and 5 kids, and a nephew too) could view your video. By the way, beleive it or not, our troops in Iraq have internet access.

While your many baseball references were clever and funny, many of your other comments were abrasive and less than "ladylike". See: 5/31-ALL CAPS (imlpies yelling), 6/1- So unfair to me...no excuse for it, also 6/1 "the SOB isn't even listed", once again "it's so unfair". Still on 6/1 you suggest (kiddingly I assumed until I reread all your postings) discrimination because you live in a competitive town. Then you end that post by telling us all how "inconsiderate and rude" the sponsors are. 6/3- once again starts in caps and then you close with "Still no reply from the FOUL FOOLS that threw the pitch on this UNFAIR contest".

Finally, I am sure that everyone who entered this contest worked hard to qualify, and we all have personal our crosses to bear (altough most of us didn't feel the compunction to share them on this blog). You deminish all of our efforts by implying that somehow you have been singled out for UNFAIR treatment. You were not the only one whose video did not post and your personal attacks were simply hurtful and unacceptable.

I did not imply that I was singled out, and I certainly made no personal attacks. I had a right to inquire as to where my video was. This was the only place to vent, and that was my mere intention. I also am a writer, therefore I used puns...ie.to be punny...not to be taken seriously the words, foul, pitch, etc. It WAS unfair... I followed the rules, and my video was not placed. It was also rude, and inconsiderate! Sad and angry , yes, but paranoid? How is that supposed to relate? I did not leave any nasty sour grape comment to ndskv9 either. You cannot know how a person is speaking by reading words they write as there is an influction missing, so I do think you have read many things the wrong way. In no way was I making any personal attack.
Another thing,...not ALL the troops watch you tube or a television while they are on duty in Iraq. I did not diminish anyones efforts. Those that were lucky enough to have been posted are congratulated.
Be well.

Thanks cate1028! I think there were about four or five Cards fans who sent in videos, so St. Louis was pretty well represented. I've been a big fan of the Cards since I was about eight years old, but I'm a huge fan of baseball in general so I wanted to make sure my video included the whole history of MLB from 1908 to the present. If it weren't for those other NL teams the Cards wouldn't have anyone to play, so even the Cubbies deserve a tip of the cap in my opinion. :) Anyway, I'm really glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the compliment!
-ndskv9

Ok, I have been reading this blog for a while now, biting my tongue wanting to post back, but I was just hoping all this ranting would stop. Cate, I agree with you; this is supposed to be a happy place! Sleep, this is not the place to vent about that. Don't riun this for the rest of us. We did this for the contest yes, also for fun. I think someone already gave you an e mail address that you can" vent to" You said your Nephew is going to Iraq ,there are people dying there every day, there are homeless people everywhere, gang violence is higher then ever, and 1 in every 166 babies are born with Autisum, and this is what what your upset about? I think you should pray for your Nephew, Eat a BabyRuth and get over it!

Vocal Play was the best video I've watched so far, without a doubt.

You don't need to read my comment then, you should have just kept biting your tongue. I am well aware of what is going on in this crazy world. If you were reading correctly, you would have read that the email address given is no longer available. I was finished with the so-called RANT!?!? (it was not a rant dear,...it was the same as the others questioning). There is no way one person can ruin such a happy place for the rest of you. I wished everyone well and signed off. As for you giving stats, I think that belongs elsewhere as well. I was just hoping good wishes for my family before they lose me to my illness.
Again..Be well.

camogirl,
Thanks for your support and I am truley sorry you have been sucked into this black hole of negativity. I had composed a scathing reply to her response (to me) when I read your post and decided that I didn't need to let myself be dragged down by a self-rightous, self-pitying, malcontent. Now however, she has pushed my last button and I feel compeled to post my response.

As someone who claims to be a writer you should know that GOOD writers are able to convey the intent of their words even though the INFLECTION is missing (Influction is not a word...most writers use spell check).

By referencing ndskv9 with what came across as a snide little remark, and me in regard to the uploads (not to mention how you responded to poor camogirl) you did make this personal. Since my orginal blog was meant as a possibe cause of the missing videos for "many" entrants, the fact that you took it personally is exhibit #1 of your paranoia. Claiming UNFAIR and discrimination is exhibit #2.

So what if you have not heard back from MLB or Nestle'. Neither has anyone else and no one else is screaming UNFAIR. How do you know; if they have not responded; why your video wasn't posted? Publicly stating how "pissed off" you are, and then claiming that your rantings and ravings are tongue and cheek is very passive aggressive behavior. I won't even get into "those that were lucky enough....", followed by "Be well."

If, as you assert, you read and followed all the rules and regs; than surely (especially since you're a writer) you understood that the judging was going to be more subjective than objective. Ergo, the judges by definition can commit no fouls. So PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE stop your whining and sniveling so the rest of us can enjoy the game and the blog. There is no doubt in my mind that we all feel sorry for you with your illness, for your family and their impending loss and for your nephew. However, once again, as many posters to this site have suggested, you can post your video on youtube or myspace if you are hoping good wishes for your family before you are gone.

I am sure you are loath to take any advice from me. However, someone needs to tell you that unless you can PROVE that the judging was unfair, you need to stop claiming such. Your written allegations could leagally be considered as libelous.

We all entered this contest because we wanted to have some fun, possibly win or have our videos on the site. My personal reason for being willing to humiliate myself on a national site....because I thought it would be a fun way to be able to take my best friend's Special Needs son (he lives and breaths baseball) to the All-Star game. Acting like your (dareI say it?) sob story is anymore important than any other entrants reason for entering is in poor taste to say the least. Once again, we all have our own crosses to bear, and many of us have friends and/or loved ones serving in harms way, and once again, most of us chose not to "ab"use these personal parts of our lives and share them as part of this forum.

Am I disappointed that I didn't make it? Absolutely! Sad about it? Maybe a little. "Pissed Off" about it? As my clients would say, "Girlfriend, you has issues."

By and large, most of the comments on this blog have been positive, inquisitive and helpful. Can you not see that you are the flaw in the community fabric?

In my opinion, if your blogging is at all indicative of your video, thank goodness it didn't make it onto the site.

At the risk of sounding trite, "Can't we all just get along?".

Maybe we can take solace in the old proverb....."If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans".

Guys, I think the only solution is to not even reply to her. she's probably not quite done yet (I think she's one of those 'needs the last word' people). I'd expect maybe one more letter citing her illness trying to make us feel bad, but if we just don't reply I think she'll figure out that everyone else on this blog is just excited for this contest! samanthabicica, I agree with you that Vocal Play has a lot of talent, but other than their amazing voices I didn't see a lot of incorporation of baseball or creativity. That may not be a stipulation laid out by the contest, but given the fact that the whole thing is sponsored by MLB and it's official candy bar, baseball seems like something important. That's just a personal opinion, and in no way am I slamming the Vocal Play guys, they've got some real talent. I like the videos that sing the original verses too, like the Trip through History video and the Katie Casey Harmonica one.

Thanks baseball,
You make some