Our last A's Triple Play game featured the Class A Stockton Ports battling the San Jose Giants. For the record, can I say, the weather was just beautiful in San Jose, in case anyone was wondering, or perhaps even wanted to move Major League Team there. The SJ Giants home sits adjacent to the sport fields for San Jose State. This brought back memories of years ago,when my father had taken us to Spartan Stadium to watch Santa Clara play SJSU. The Spartans rolled that day. Years later I would return to watch one of the greatest football games of all time as the Spartans rallied late to beat Kevin Sweeney led Fresno State 45-41. Spartan QB Mike Perez threw for two touchdowns in the games final minute to secure the win. I do believe Spartan faithful were singing the phrase "It ain't over, 'till we say it's over!" Those teams played some great games back then, and I would love to see that old rivalry rekindled!
Back to 2013, well, part of making the trip to San Jose was to check out the Ports, and their young hot prospect Addison Russell. On this night it was pretty much all Giants, but the kid did look O.K. Russell sure looks young, and he is, 19, but he did flash some athletic ability. Whether he will be in the A's staring shortstop someday in San Jose, er I mean Oakland is yet to be seen. A young Cal Poly Alum Bobby Crocker had a nice double, and pitcher Jonathan Joseph was impressive pitching the eighth inning. Unlike their parent club 30 minutes up the 101, these Giants can hit, really hit! Speaking of Cal Poly, SLO that is, is just seems to me, alumni of that school are smart, AND have personality!
This game started at 6, so by the time the game rolled around, well, we had seen more than one curve. Municipal stadium had a variety of food and beers. The boy scarfed down the double plain cheeseburger, and the wings I had were delicious. The wing guy reheated my monster wings, and they were good. They also have barbecue turkey legs that would make the Flinstones (and the Dinuba Oliver family) quite proud!
The staff was great--old school friendly and helpful. Only because of the heat (wink wink) we ate backwards naturally, starting with a yogurt cone and sprinkles. A toast to the food and staff!
Well, the night in SJ concluded with a Firework Show. With my son, fireworks is always a winner. Before the show, there was a tennis ball throw on the field to win prizes. We gave the throw a go, but couldn't land a prize. It was worth the $5 however! After a short wait, it was time for goods. For a minute there, I thought it was the Fourth of July! The Giants put on a nice little show, and it was a great way to end our 3 games in 28 hours.
For you old schoolers, or those of you who like to reminisce, take in a ballgame in Visalia some time. The seats there are as close as any you will find in a professional park. I recommend seats right behind home plate! The Rawhide play there, and they are the Single A team of the Diamondbacks. I recently completed an article on the team and the park in the June/July edition of Traffic magazine (www.mytrafficmag.com). There is charm about Single A games that make for a old fashioned evening!
On the ride home, my never-sleep-in-the-car-son, who is a cross between Ray Romano on Everybody loves Raymond, and Sheldon from Big Bang Theory, was knocked out! I figure next year, maybe we will try the A's and Giants in the same day!
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