The Seats, They Weren’t So Bad

That playoff game for which I had acquired tickets? It was last night. In the end I took C. It was a wild and crazy night, and he really enjoyed it.

The seats that I thought were terrible weren’t so bad. In fact they were quite good. We had a clear view of the infield and left field from behind right field. The obstructed part of our obstructed view was a beam to our right that held up the upper seating level. We couldn’t see where the center fielders stood, but that was okay. We could still see JD Drew’s grand slam land in the center field bleacher seats.

We were at the park with plenty of time to spare – I also paid through the nose to park close by. I didn’t relish the idea of navigating any kind of walking distance with an 11 year old very, very late at night. We sat in our seats and watched the last of the Tribe’s batting practice. We listened to the music (Beatles, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in its entirety) and watched the highlights of previous players and previous seasons on the big scoreboard in center field.

The last set of highlights was particularly well done. It was of the 2004 postseason and it was set to A Day in the Life. Just before the music turns we see that awful night the evil empire pummeled us 19-8, then the change in feeling in the music and the lyrics, “Woke up, got out of bed, dragged a comb across my head,” as the 2004 ALCS took that historic turn….and as the music climaxes and ends we see the final out of the 2004 Series. Of course, the crowd cheered wildly, then cheered even harder as the national broadcast joined us and the announcer encouraged us to be heard in cities where they are not playing baseball (Gee, wonder where he could have been thinking of).

Then the game started, and I think you know what happens – you can get those details at any number of sites. I do have these observations and tidbits, however:

--What is it with national anthem singers and song “stylings?” I think you know what I mean. What ever happened to singing it well as it was written?

--Bill Mueller, a hero of 2004, threw the ceremonial first pitch. It was nice to have him back in the park.

--When they introduced the Tribe, all the players but one received boos (and C noted that it wasn't good sportsmanship). Trot Nixon, former Dirt Dog, still received hearty cheers.

--Only organized professional sports could prompt persons from all walks of life and with all musical tastes to sing along to Neil Diamond, heartily. Not that any of the punks or headbangers or Symphony season ticket holders would ever admit to knowing all the words to Sweet Caroline by heart. But they do.

--When the Tribe (and I can’t remember which) hit the homer in the 2nd, the fans around the person who caught it chanted for it to be thrown back. The person didn’t, but it was kind of an amusing moment.

--We were next to the media tables. One guy packed up in the top of the 8th. Oh, but that guy got some grief. Sure we were up 10-2, but doesn’t that guy know our history?

--The guy sitting in front of was huge. HUGE. When we all stood for pitches or plays (often in this kind of a game), he and I stood eye to eye. And I am not short.

All in all it was a fun, crazy game. I’m glad we were there last night for the fun rather than tonight biting our nails. (OMG – the double play in the top of the 7th after Lofton's base running error - PHEW!) I’m really glad I was able to take C; we had fun. As the night wore on, he even put his head on my shoulder a couple of times. Don’t tell any of his friends that, however.

(Turns out this is my 2ooth post! Woo!)