*Showdown Sunday from the Get Down Lounge:
*(PSST: The Swinging A's have the best record in the MLB--however, outside of the East Bay, it's a little like Voldemort in the Harry Potter Saga--no national media talking about it! In fact, last night on ESPN, highlights vs. the win over the Nation, started, started, 24 minutes into the show. I am sure if the Yankees or Dodgers or Red Sox possessed the best records....ish! Just keep winning Oakland, just keep winning.)
*Listening to Michelle Wie, it sounds as if this talented young lady has grown up. I would not be honest if I didn't say I wasn't rooting for her today in the Ladies U.S. Open.
*I am amazed at the build up this week for the Brazilian Amazon Showdown between Team USA and my homeland (well at least my father's) Portugal! As a proud Portuguese American, today's match on the pitch, one of those few win-win sporting events. Here are two things to keep in mind:
1. Christiano Rinaldo is playing for his "American" Legacy. While considered one of the top players in the world, Rinaldo hasn't accomplished much on the World Cup Stage. CR is also scuffling with a troublesome knee. The question I have been posing all week: do CR's countrymen want to rally around the media darling? I have yet to set him talking, or laughing with any of hit Portuguese teammates. Try this on: has anyone ever heard CR proclaim the word "we" when talking about his National team. There definitely is an I in Rinaldo, the question therefore, is there a "we."
2. Everyone seems to be forgetting in 2002, the Americans upset the Portuguese in pool play. I remember vividly watching that game in a family friend's home in the Northern Portuguese town of Ihlavo. The Americans struck early and often, winning 3-1. Our hosts were stunned. "You don't understand," dear family friend Mario said in clear English to me. "Losing in Soccer to the United States would be like you losing to Portugal in Basketball." Wow. The only words Mario ever uttered in clear English!
*Today's match-up really could be a classic. I can envision this game tossing and turning, and while Portugal looked terrible versus Germany, something tells me their pride is on the line. If I had to put my life, on it, I would say 3-1 Portugal. Maybe 3-2....the Group of Death is about to get extremely interesting--and entertaining!
*There is a certainly some positive buzz in Raider Nation. The Silver and Black have a long way to go, however, it wasn't all that long ago that the Mike Singeltary led-49ers were uber scuffling themselves. At least here in CenCal, the drafting of Derek Carr has given the Raiders plenty of positive PR. (I have my tickets! My pal and Old Man Sacramento River and I are in! Friendly reminder: the 49ers visit the O.Co on December 7!)
*Hey Golden Domers, the Irish coming do Palo Alto in the Fall of 2015--you may want to plan ahead! The Cardinal host the Ducks, Irish, and Cal next season if college football is your kind of thing!
*Of all the teams in the MLB that scare me, those pesky Anaheim Angel$ worry me. If the Halos open the vault and acquire a front line pitcher, I'm just saying.....
*The Giants snapped their streak in Arizona last night, allowing Giants fans to enjoy the soccer match today. The NL West is clearly a 2-horse race between the Kill-Joys and the New Evil Empire. Will the Dodgers seek reinforcements? If the polish fades from Michael Morse's new-found glow, will the Giants look for a bat, or what about a second basemen. Stay tuned!
*(PSST: Here is hoping Billy B goes all in for a starting pitcher!)
*CenCalians, if you haven't checkout Rawhide Ballpark in Visalia yet, July a good month! Good times, easy on the wallet, lots of future big leaguers. Grab a boot mug and a cowbell! Good times--tell 'em the Fonz sent you!
*My new favorite name: Bastian Schweinsteiger! (Shh-vine-staager!). I love it, absolutely love it! The Nigerian uniforms are the coolest, but my man is Schweinsteiger!
*To the parents of Lucy Li: whatever you are doing with your little girl, keep it up! Her enthusiasm and attitude endearing. I look forward to the future, and watching L Squared on Sundays!
To a great day everyone! Linguica and Port Wine for everyone!
A Work In Progress...With the Goal to Entertain!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
Throw-Enis Launches Dad Friendly Sports Weekend--Memories Included
*Grooving in the Get Down Lounge on Father's Day Friday:
*Yoenis, or should I say, Throw-enis. How can I guy, look so bad, then look soooooooooo good! The Cuban Missile launcher is Puig--without all the drama. Yo-Yo is one of those special talents I recommend keeping an eye on. I have a feeling he is a love able clown, who can be extremely frustrating!
*The time is now ladies-->if there was ever a window to purchase the man in your life a new 55-inch flat screen TV, it is NOW. U.S. Open Golf all weekend, along with the World Cup, and with the NBA & NHL Finals underway: Just Do It Gals, Just Do It! Did I mention the Swinging A's and those Gritty Giants maintaining their leads atop the MLB Leader Boards? The signings of Kazmir and Hudson, looking pretty good right about now!
(**The original Evil Empire visiting the O.Co this weekend; while AT&T hosting the Rocks. Saturday a Bay Double-Dip opportunity by the way.)
*Pinstripe Nation will be out in full force this weekend to pay their final respects to Derek Jeter. To East Bay Sports fans, well, it just "ain't no big thing." Jeter, Franco Harris, Kirk Gibson, Tom Brady--all are etched in our minds forever, and not in a good way! AARRGH!
*I am kicking off this paternal weekend with some quality time with my 11-year old daughter. On the itinerary: Cinnaholic in Berkeley ( as seen on the television "Shark Tank"), followed by a trip to American Girl over near Stanford. You know how I like to Double Dip!! (If this is your first time reading, please see the three previous posts!)
*The World Cup started with a bang. Host Brazil knocking it around the pitch in front of a jazzed up crowd. Oh those officials!?! Brazil the recipient of an extremely, questionable, call. While "Fred" was grabbed near the goal, his flop would have brought a tear to the eye of the All-Time flopper, Vlade Divac! Croatians not exactly feeling that Brazilian love! Team USA kicks off on Monday, against their old nemesis Ghana. Also Monday, the key math of the Muerte Groupo (Group F) has Christiano Renaldo and his comrades squaring off against Germany. If the Americans can somehow get by Ghana, Cup fever could get a super-charged boost here in the US. Mexico kicks off against Cameroon in a couple of hours, with the Netherlands and defending champions Spain to follow.
*I am pulling for a Brazil-Spain final as I tweeted yesterday. I would love to see that Old Europe vs New World match up! Portgual vs. Uraguay would be OK too? A Mexico/Portugal Final would be delicious--now that's one Mexagee Party I do not want to miss!
*How about in 2018, King Bron Bron plays for the US Soccer team--put him in the goal. King leads US Soccer, come on now, think about it? Sure, give Capernick a jersey too. If the USA's best athletes were on the pitch, well....
*Speaking of the King--he is finally starting to look, well, not like a young guy! He could be a little wore down.....something deep in pancreas tells me however, that the NBA and NHL finals' aren't quite over. I am not quite ready to pronounce the Rangers and Heat as Champions, I am just saying, it ain't over. Yet. I won't even mention my good luck NYR (that's New York Rangers for you outdoor types) that has completely flipped the momentum of series around. I am just saying....also I am a tad cynical, and I am thinking of making a Tahoe run, just to bet on Heat-Spurs three in 2015. The Heat will add Melo, and the Spurts somebody we have never heard of who is a great team basketball player. By the way, when you hear or see the word team player, it simply means the following: a player who passes the ball.
*Look for a player who has never captured the U.S. Open (Golf) to lift the cup on Sunday. Saturday always the day to watch the leader board. By the way, the actual Leaderboard, does it get any cooler than that? Can you imagine your name on the top--in red (under par). The image to me dreams are made of. The name I am calling: Jordan Spieth. Great bit on ESPN and Andy North on who will win the Open--fantastic bit actually!
*I was blessed and fortunate to walk the hallowed grounds of the US Open Golf in 2012 (The Olympic Club in San Francisco), and the US Open tennis in 2013. Both experiences for me, mystical AND magical.
Walking on the same grounds where the greatest of all time performed their feats of excellence, well, simply awe inspiring. My fondest US Open Golf Moment: the anticipation of waiting for Tiger, Phil, and Bubba to walk down the 9th fairway at the Olympic Club. Then, the bewilderment of watching Phil walk back to the tee box. You diehards may recall, Phil lost his balls--in the trees apparently--and carted back up to the tee box to hit another drive! Eventually, these three larger-than-life figures strolled up to the green....gnarly. Wicked Cool. It was a great day!
**One of the coolest memories of that day (no not parking at Candlestick because there was a fire at a BART station, forcing to me to drive in the city); at the end of they day, I stayed at my parents house in the Big I (Isleton, CA!). As we were watching the highlights of the day, I recall sharing with my parents, what I had witnessed that day. I recall vividly how engaged my parents were in my stories--I was still intoxicated from first Open experience--and was babbling on and on and on. (You all know I can babble now!) However, they both listened intently--heck, I wasn't sure my parents really even liked golf?! There was something about the way they listened....it was like they were there with me. That day in particular very transcendent.....heck perhaps they were just tired, and were listening quietly, however it didn't feel that way. Mystical. Magical.
To all those of who played in US Opens and World Cups future and past, I raise my glass to you. To all fathers everywhere, a special toast for you. To my father, well, dad, you just keep right on looking over my shoulder!
Happy Father's Day!
P.S.: Derek Carr #4 Raider jersays not yet being produced on a national scale. One less gift item ladies--as least this year!
*Yoenis, or should I say, Throw-enis. How can I guy, look so bad, then look soooooooooo good! The Cuban Missile launcher is Puig--without all the drama. Yo-Yo is one of those special talents I recommend keeping an eye on. I have a feeling he is a love able clown, who can be extremely frustrating!
*The time is now ladies-->if there was ever a window to purchase the man in your life a new 55-inch flat screen TV, it is NOW. U.S. Open Golf all weekend, along with the World Cup, and with the NBA & NHL Finals underway: Just Do It Gals, Just Do It! Did I mention the Swinging A's and those Gritty Giants maintaining their leads atop the MLB Leader Boards? The signings of Kazmir and Hudson, looking pretty good right about now!
(**The original Evil Empire visiting the O.Co this weekend; while AT&T hosting the Rocks. Saturday a Bay Double-Dip opportunity by the way.)
*Pinstripe Nation will be out in full force this weekend to pay their final respects to Derek Jeter. To East Bay Sports fans, well, it just "ain't no big thing." Jeter, Franco Harris, Kirk Gibson, Tom Brady--all are etched in our minds forever, and not in a good way! AARRGH!
*I am kicking off this paternal weekend with some quality time with my 11-year old daughter. On the itinerary: Cinnaholic in Berkeley ( as seen on the television "Shark Tank"), followed by a trip to American Girl over near Stanford. You know how I like to Double Dip!! (If this is your first time reading, please see the three previous posts!)
*The World Cup started with a bang. Host Brazil knocking it around the pitch in front of a jazzed up crowd. Oh those officials!?! Brazil the recipient of an extremely, questionable, call. While "Fred" was grabbed near the goal, his flop would have brought a tear to the eye of the All-Time flopper, Vlade Divac! Croatians not exactly feeling that Brazilian love! Team USA kicks off on Monday, against their old nemesis Ghana. Also Monday, the key math of the Muerte Groupo (Group F) has Christiano Renaldo and his comrades squaring off against Germany. If the Americans can somehow get by Ghana, Cup fever could get a super-charged boost here in the US. Mexico kicks off against Cameroon in a couple of hours, with the Netherlands and defending champions Spain to follow.
*I am pulling for a Brazil-Spain final as I tweeted yesterday. I would love to see that Old Europe vs New World match up! Portgual vs. Uraguay would be OK too? A Mexico/Portugal Final would be delicious--now that's one Mexagee Party I do not want to miss!
*How about in 2018, King Bron Bron plays for the US Soccer team--put him in the goal. King leads US Soccer, come on now, think about it? Sure, give Capernick a jersey too. If the USA's best athletes were on the pitch, well....
*Speaking of the King--he is finally starting to look, well, not like a young guy! He could be a little wore down.....something deep in pancreas tells me however, that the NBA and NHL finals' aren't quite over. I am not quite ready to pronounce the Rangers and Heat as Champions, I am just saying, it ain't over. Yet. I won't even mention my good luck NYR (that's New York Rangers for you outdoor types) that has completely flipped the momentum of series around. I am just saying....also I am a tad cynical, and I am thinking of making a Tahoe run, just to bet on Heat-Spurs three in 2015. The Heat will add Melo, and the Spurts somebody we have never heard of who is a great team basketball player. By the way, when you hear or see the word team player, it simply means the following: a player who passes the ball.
*Look for a player who has never captured the U.S. Open (Golf) to lift the cup on Sunday. Saturday always the day to watch the leader board. By the way, the actual Leaderboard, does it get any cooler than that? Can you imagine your name on the top--in red (under par). The image to me dreams are made of. The name I am calling: Jordan Spieth. Great bit on ESPN and Andy North on who will win the Open--fantastic bit actually!
*I was blessed and fortunate to walk the hallowed grounds of the US Open Golf in 2012 (The Olympic Club in San Francisco), and the US Open tennis in 2013. Both experiences for me, mystical AND magical.
Walking on the same grounds where the greatest of all time performed their feats of excellence, well, simply awe inspiring. My fondest US Open Golf Moment: the anticipation of waiting for Tiger, Phil, and Bubba to walk down the 9th fairway at the Olympic Club. Then, the bewilderment of watching Phil walk back to the tee box. You diehards may recall, Phil lost his balls--in the trees apparently--and carted back up to the tee box to hit another drive! Eventually, these three larger-than-life figures strolled up to the green....gnarly. Wicked Cool. It was a great day!
**One of the coolest memories of that day (no not parking at Candlestick because there was a fire at a BART station, forcing to me to drive in the city); at the end of they day, I stayed at my parents house in the Big I (Isleton, CA!). As we were watching the highlights of the day, I recall sharing with my parents, what I had witnessed that day. I recall vividly how engaged my parents were in my stories--I was still intoxicated from first Open experience--and was babbling on and on and on. (You all know I can babble now!) However, they both listened intently--heck, I wasn't sure my parents really even liked golf?! There was something about the way they listened....it was like they were there with me. That day in particular very transcendent.....heck perhaps they were just tired, and were listening quietly, however it didn't feel that way. Mystical. Magical.
To all those of who played in US Opens and World Cups future and past, I raise my glass to you. To all fathers everywhere, a special toast for you. To my father, well, dad, you just keep right on looking over my shoulder!
Happy Father's Day!
P.S.: Derek Carr #4 Raider jersays not yet being produced on a national scale. One less gift item ladies--as least this year!
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Part III. The Triple Crown
**From the Get Down Lounge on an awesome, spectacular Saturday Afternoon!
Two hours plus until Chrome takes the stage at the Belmont. Can the Coalinga Kid pull through? Wicked on the outside and Commanding Curve make me nervous--Curve especially after that second place finish at the Derby. Here's hoping Chrome saved the best for last in that million dollar tank of his! The streak ends today Chrome--bring him home Victor Espinoza!
NHL finals and NBA finals opened with great game 1's. Lost of drama still to come? If the Spurs will in all in 2014--will the real finals be next Spring, 2015? Can the LA Kings play from ahead? If they follow their script, they will lose the next three games. I am feeling this series hard core, as my New York Rangers gear just arrived! LGR (Which sound a lot like Let's Go Oakland!), bam, bam, bam-bam-bam!
Tennis anyone? Great drama this morning as my-gal Maria held on in a 3-set battle in Paris this morning. Next up tomorrow morning: Rafa vs. Jokovich. Although Fed is my-guy, tomorrow morning's battle should be epic. Rafa just doesn't lose on clay, and Jokovich might be the only player on the world who moves as well as Rafa. As the great Dick Einberg would say, "Oh My!"
The Lancaster Jethawks are the most talented High Single A team to visit Rawhide Ballpark this season. Houston Astros fans--hope is alive!
Part III. Our Double Dip, the Final Leg.
So as we leave SF heading to the O.Co, we are making good time. My original thinking was that if we left the park by 3:15 we could beat some of the traffic. Well, in true Portuguese style, we left our seats just after 3:45. No bueno. We were rolling along until the San Mateo Bridge. AARRGH! Where Highway 101 connects with the span to bridge, bumper to bumper. The key to an enjoyable ride--good company--with my Big Brother and Sister-in-Law in tow, we were in for an enjoyable ride! (You may have to ask them their opinion!?!)
After a quick bite at In-and-Out (once again this menu very agreeable with 9-year old set!) we slide right into the O.Co parking lot at just about 6:15. Not bad, not bad at all. The weather is slightly warmer than normal for Oakland--for a night game, he temperature is perfect! After a couple of minutes of horsing around tailgate style, we head in. The Big Bro--he was a great sport--he heads home on BART.
The trek from AT&T to the O.Co, well it's a bit of time warp. Like going from the 5-star romantic restaurant to your favorite diner. (For you NorCalians, like going from brunch at Meadowwood Spa in Napa Valley to dinner at Al The Wop's in Walnut Grove.) Both places wonderful, the packaging and ambiance however, just a leetle different.
The O.Co is/was/most likely will always be my home away from home. If you watch the DVD of Moneyball, one of the special features takes a behind-the-scene look at the Coli. It will make you say "oohh" and your eyes will water. Walking in on this May 28 my mind is flooded with numerous memories over the past 45 years or so-recollections of great times and great people, here on this sacred ground. It felt as if the spirit of Charlie O Finley an Mr. Al Davis were escorting us in the park. While this stadium has taken a lot of crap over the years--and spit some back up--I would contend the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum has hosted more big games than any ballpark current in use. (The Stick is Close, but remember, the recent Giants success has taken place in the House that Bonds Built.) AFC Championship games, MLB playoff games, and or course, World Series titles in 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1989. I can't help feel in my bones, it would be poetic justice, for the old gal to have at least one more day in the sun, hosting the Fall Classic.
Tonight's game features the Killing-Me-Lately Detroit Tigers. Outside of the Seahawks-49ers, I am not sure how many sincere "rivalries" exist these days. The Tigers however, really burn me. The last three post season series the A's have been a part of, have all ended with the Tigers celebrating on the field. It's been a long time--1972 to be exact--when Reggie stole him to help propel the Green and Gold into the World Series. Justin Verlander (The Verbeast), all I can say is AARRGH!
For the evening game, we have good seats--row 3, just behind the A's bullpen. Reliever Fernando Rodriquez is kind enough to sign a an autograph and personalize it for Noah. Even though Fernando recently was optioned to Sacramento, he is now my favorite reliever....well maybe #2, right behind Sean Doolittle! We were sitting so close to the field, it feels like we are below the level of the playing field--apparently the playing field at the O.Co is below sea level, and well, it felt like it!
The games is a douzy. Annibal Sanchez versus Scott Kazmir--great pitching matchup. The A's don't have a hit through 4 innings, and it dons on me, is this the day I finally witness a no-hitter? Nope, A's single in the fifth....and this game is sailing right along. Either team sprays few balls in the crowd. The Tigers have some near miss homers in our corner--Cabrera crushed one--just foul! We head to the bottom of the ninth, with the Tigers in front, 1-0.
Fortunately for us, we have a pair of great sports fans with us. He may just be the winningest California Community College Basketball Coach of all time; his wife, a hard core, Philadelphia-type sports fan. The two of them pure joy to experience a ballgame with, and they single handily keep Noah in good spirits and having a good time. (One day, when I post some pictures, you will be able to see for yourself.)
Funny Guy-Moment: At one point, after a questionable call, the fans around us start chanting BS, BS. After a while of hearing this, Noah realizes what they are chanting, and this big sneaky grin encompasses his grill. I just ignored it--part of my sweating his mother is going to hear about it; part of me delighted at his amusement.
The A's rally in the bottom of the ninth. With the help of a Tiger miscue, the A's have first and third with one out. Sanchez is pulled in favor of long-time A's killer Joe Nathan. At the plate for the good guys, Josh Donaldson. I am hoping for a sacrifice fly, merely to extend the day. Obviously, a game-ending double play is also in order. The A's insert their fastest baserunner at first base, Craig Gentry. A steal would take care of the double play possibility, and also mean a single coule win it! All of sudden we have some real, excitable drama.
Funny Guy-Moment #2: Nathan is stepping off, throwing over, you know, driving A's fans crazy. As the heckling begins, I tell Noah, you can yell: "Pitch the ball Charlie Brown." Like a wet blanket, he is all over that one! Once again, same cheezey, I am getting over on somebody grill brightens his face. The kid now how has something he craves, serious ammunition!
First pitch to Donaldson....and he crushes it high and far down the left-field line. From where we are sitting, initially it looks like it might be headed foul. I am certain Charlie O and my father help blow it fair, and it lands in the left field stands--A Walk Off home run! Take that Detroit, Happy Birthday Noah! A's win 3-1!
As we are leaving--Noah concerned about the cargo in the trunk--Noah casually mentions that his Grandpa would have enjoyed today. I have a feeling the little freckle said that for my benefit, but it dad warm my pancreas. My father would have complained and griped about such a trip--I do believe, much like Noah stated, he would have enjoyed the day!
On the way home we stop by one of our--well one of mine anyway--favorite restaurants. Yes sirree, Nation's Hamburgers. We grab a Chocolate Cream Pie to share with Noah's Sister and Mother, and we are headed home.
Ideally May 28, 2014 will be a day forever eched in my little comedian's memory. I can only hope in the years to come, perhaps on his own son's 9th birthday, he can carry on the birthday tradition in a way he deems best fit.
Noah, I raise my Big Root Beer to you Son, I hope you had a good day!
(PSST--Time to watch CA Chrome at the Belmont!)
Two hours plus until Chrome takes the stage at the Belmont. Can the Coalinga Kid pull through? Wicked on the outside and Commanding Curve make me nervous--Curve especially after that second place finish at the Derby. Here's hoping Chrome saved the best for last in that million dollar tank of his! The streak ends today Chrome--bring him home Victor Espinoza!
NHL finals and NBA finals opened with great game 1's. Lost of drama still to come? If the Spurs will in all in 2014--will the real finals be next Spring, 2015? Can the LA Kings play from ahead? If they follow their script, they will lose the next three games. I am feeling this series hard core, as my New York Rangers gear just arrived! LGR (Which sound a lot like Let's Go Oakland!), bam, bam, bam-bam-bam!
Tennis anyone? Great drama this morning as my-gal Maria held on in a 3-set battle in Paris this morning. Next up tomorrow morning: Rafa vs. Jokovich. Although Fed is my-guy, tomorrow morning's battle should be epic. Rafa just doesn't lose on clay, and Jokovich might be the only player on the world who moves as well as Rafa. As the great Dick Einberg would say, "Oh My!"
The Lancaster Jethawks are the most talented High Single A team to visit Rawhide Ballpark this season. Houston Astros fans--hope is alive!
Part III. Our Double Dip, the Final Leg.
So as we leave SF heading to the O.Co, we are making good time. My original thinking was that if we left the park by 3:15 we could beat some of the traffic. Well, in true Portuguese style, we left our seats just after 3:45. No bueno. We were rolling along until the San Mateo Bridge. AARRGH! Where Highway 101 connects with the span to bridge, bumper to bumper. The key to an enjoyable ride--good company--with my Big Brother and Sister-in-Law in tow, we were in for an enjoyable ride! (You may have to ask them their opinion!?!)
After a quick bite at In-and-Out (once again this menu very agreeable with 9-year old set!) we slide right into the O.Co parking lot at just about 6:15. Not bad, not bad at all. The weather is slightly warmer than normal for Oakland--for a night game, he temperature is perfect! After a couple of minutes of horsing around tailgate style, we head in. The Big Bro--he was a great sport--he heads home on BART.
The trek from AT&T to the O.Co, well it's a bit of time warp. Like going from the 5-star romantic restaurant to your favorite diner. (For you NorCalians, like going from brunch at Meadowwood Spa in Napa Valley to dinner at Al The Wop's in Walnut Grove.) Both places wonderful, the packaging and ambiance however, just a leetle different.
The O.Co is/was/most likely will always be my home away from home. If you watch the DVD of Moneyball, one of the special features takes a behind-the-scene look at the Coli. It will make you say "oohh" and your eyes will water. Walking in on this May 28 my mind is flooded with numerous memories over the past 45 years or so-recollections of great times and great people, here on this sacred ground. It felt as if the spirit of Charlie O Finley an Mr. Al Davis were escorting us in the park. While this stadium has taken a lot of crap over the years--and spit some back up--I would contend the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum has hosted more big games than any ballpark current in use. (The Stick is Close, but remember, the recent Giants success has taken place in the House that Bonds Built.) AFC Championship games, MLB playoff games, and or course, World Series titles in 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1989. I can't help feel in my bones, it would be poetic justice, for the old gal to have at least one more day in the sun, hosting the Fall Classic.
Tonight's game features the Killing-Me-Lately Detroit Tigers. Outside of the Seahawks-49ers, I am not sure how many sincere "rivalries" exist these days. The Tigers however, really burn me. The last three post season series the A's have been a part of, have all ended with the Tigers celebrating on the field. It's been a long time--1972 to be exact--when Reggie stole him to help propel the Green and Gold into the World Series. Justin Verlander (The Verbeast), all I can say is AARRGH!
For the evening game, we have good seats--row 3, just behind the A's bullpen. Reliever Fernando Rodriquez is kind enough to sign a an autograph and personalize it for Noah. Even though Fernando recently was optioned to Sacramento, he is now my favorite reliever....well maybe #2, right behind Sean Doolittle! We were sitting so close to the field, it feels like we are below the level of the playing field--apparently the playing field at the O.Co is below sea level, and well, it felt like it!
The games is a douzy. Annibal Sanchez versus Scott Kazmir--great pitching matchup. The A's don't have a hit through 4 innings, and it dons on me, is this the day I finally witness a no-hitter? Nope, A's single in the fifth....and this game is sailing right along. Either team sprays few balls in the crowd. The Tigers have some near miss homers in our corner--Cabrera crushed one--just foul! We head to the bottom of the ninth, with the Tigers in front, 1-0.
Fortunately for us, we have a pair of great sports fans with us. He may just be the winningest California Community College Basketball Coach of all time; his wife, a hard core, Philadelphia-type sports fan. The two of them pure joy to experience a ballgame with, and they single handily keep Noah in good spirits and having a good time. (One day, when I post some pictures, you will be able to see for yourself.)
Funny Guy-Moment: At one point, after a questionable call, the fans around us start chanting BS, BS. After a while of hearing this, Noah realizes what they are chanting, and this big sneaky grin encompasses his grill. I just ignored it--part of my sweating his mother is going to hear about it; part of me delighted at his amusement.
The A's rally in the bottom of the ninth. With the help of a Tiger miscue, the A's have first and third with one out. Sanchez is pulled in favor of long-time A's killer Joe Nathan. At the plate for the good guys, Josh Donaldson. I am hoping for a sacrifice fly, merely to extend the day. Obviously, a game-ending double play is also in order. The A's insert their fastest baserunner at first base, Craig Gentry. A steal would take care of the double play possibility, and also mean a single coule win it! All of sudden we have some real, excitable drama.
Funny Guy-Moment #2: Nathan is stepping off, throwing over, you know, driving A's fans crazy. As the heckling begins, I tell Noah, you can yell: "Pitch the ball Charlie Brown." Like a wet blanket, he is all over that one! Once again, same cheezey, I am getting over on somebody grill brightens his face. The kid now how has something he craves, serious ammunition!
First pitch to Donaldson....and he crushes it high and far down the left-field line. From where we are sitting, initially it looks like it might be headed foul. I am certain Charlie O and my father help blow it fair, and it lands in the left field stands--A Walk Off home run! Take that Detroit, Happy Birthday Noah! A's win 3-1!
As we are leaving--Noah concerned about the cargo in the trunk--Noah casually mentions that his Grandpa would have enjoyed today. I have a feeling the little freckle said that for my benefit, but it dad warm my pancreas. My father would have complained and griped about such a trip--I do believe, much like Noah stated, he would have enjoyed the day!
On the way home we stop by one of our--well one of mine anyway--favorite restaurants. Yes sirree, Nation's Hamburgers. We grab a Chocolate Cream Pie to share with Noah's Sister and Mother, and we are headed home.
Ideally May 28, 2014 will be a day forever eched in my little comedian's memory. I can only hope in the years to come, perhaps on his own son's 9th birthday, he can carry on the birthday tradition in a way he deems best fit.
Noah, I raise my Big Root Beer to you Son, I hope you had a good day!
(PSST--Time to watch CA Chrome at the Belmont!)
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