Third base-line seats, end of the White Sox dugout, 9 rows up. Could see every corner of the field. A typical sunny, warm, summer day for baseball. Temp on the scoreboard only read as high as 78 degrees. We refuse to believe that. More like low - mid 80's. In the middle of the 6th inning, 1 lonely, small cloud slightly obscured the sun for a moment. It got the attention of the crowd and as the clouds shadow passed over the people. The effected group looked up appreciatively and enjoyed the short moment of sort-of-kind-of shade. Thank goodness there was a consistent breeze all game long. Not like if it were coming off the lake at Wrigley, but a nice breeze none the less.
Exciting game. A couple home runs, some good solid line drive hits, two pop fly balls that managed to drop in the middle of players trying to make a catch. A wild pick-off throw at first that allowed the baserunner to reach second base. Another base runner picked off at second base. A distracting suicide squeeze bunt that caused the pitcher to throw wild, thus easily allowing the run to score from third base. A hit batsman (the very next pitch following the wild pitch during the suicide squeeze), followed in the next 1/2 inning by a high and tight pitch in retalliation. Two (?) double plays. Oh, and 1 fight in the upper deck and 2 in the bleachers requiring security to escort the particpants off to the hands of Chicago's finest.
We got to the park about an hour and a half before game time. While watching batting practice, who steps out onto the field from the photog's dugout but my cousin, Brenda. I gave a holler, and Pam and I walked down 9 rows and sat field side and chatted with her for a few minutes. Yesterday (Saturday...same day as the previous post on this blog) was the family picnic out at the farm, where I usually see Brenda, her brothers Steve and Brian, along with a bunch of other cousins and aunts and uncles. We missed the picnic this year because I was flying back from Aspen......again, see post previous to this.
We enjoyed the game, absorbed a bunch of sun, had a couple dogs, ice cream, beers and a bunch of water. Can't wait for the opportunity to go see another game.
Welcome to U.S. Cellular Field. This is the press box back behind home plate.
Full house, looking up third base line towards left field.
Looking down third base line towards home plate.So Pam and I were viewing this game with 38,743 of our closest...or not so close....friends. Actually, I know we knew at least two other fans at the game. The fortunate other two Freed employees who were sitting in the scout seats right behind home plate. Seats that we have been fortunate enough to enjoy previously.
It was fun to listen to the White Sox fans cheering compete with the Cubs. We'd hear 'Let's Go White Sox', immediately followed by 'Let's Go Cubbies'....and it would cycle and repeat.
Cubs third base coach, Mike Quade (in blue of course), third baseman, rookie Gordon Beckham, shortstop Alexie Ramirez and second baseman Chris Getz. (and the grey hair of the fan in front of me....sorry)
Frank Thomas....aka 'The Big Hurt'. Long time White Sox slugger, consulting with Comcast Sports Network.
Cubs batting practice.
Cubs starting pitcher, Carlos Zambrano.....'Big Z'(Cookie, I took and posted this one just for you !)
Oh yeah, White Sox 6, Cubs..........................0.
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