Category Archives: Baseball

The 4th

Holly Doyne Posted on by

I am long past the point where I am interested in fireworks or large crowded holiday celebrations. So why in the world, you wonder, am I at the ballpark with thousands of others on a sunny Wednesday afternoon? It might be because I actually enjoy watching baseball live. It might be because I really enjoy the griup with whom I sit.

It also could just be that I really didn’t want to clean and organize house, stufio, or garage.

Or more than one if the above. Don’tyou just love multiple guess?

Today’s score biard

The As won, pulling off their – come back in later innings game.

But really. I came to see what André was wearing.

In celebration of the 4th

Loosing big time

Holly Doyne Posted on by

It all came crashing down today. The As “winning and doing well” streak came to an abrupt end. I won’t even call it foreshadowing even though Cleveland promptly scored in the first inning. It was the 8th inning that really punched the going down hard button. Eight runs. One can’t blame just the starting pitcher, every reliever added to the mess as did more than one fielding stupidity.

On the positive side – it was one of the nicest day imaginable. The sky was slightly overcast, the temperature was decent and there was a mild breeze.

Dave Stewart Day

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

For those of you who know as little about US baseball as I do – Dave Stewart is an Oakland California native, who played from 1978-1995 as a key member of several championship teams, World Series Victories and all around incredible human being. Since retiring from baseball he has tirelessly worked with youth and sports organizations in the Oakland community.

The Friday Night Placard

As part of the 50th Anniversary year celebration, today’s give away was an Action figure. It was also in commemoration of the perfect game that he pitched.

action figure

Not only did he throw out the first pitch, he received a standing ovation from the crowd. To top it off, the As managed to win the game.

Bark in the Park

Holly Doyne Posted on by

As it turns out, Oakland was the first location for Bark in the Park.

Said event, you are not familiar with the concept,  just think of it as “Dog’s Day Out at the BallPark” complete with doggy games, costumes and prizes. Obviously it was tonight along with the Cleveland Indians being in town. (BTW – I have to admire them – along with the Chicago Blackhawks – they are keeping tradition, tacky as it is, over the current trend toward extreme political correctness).

The parade of dogs [and owners]

This was the first As game I have attended since 29 May or so given that first we were in Madagascar followed by the As leaving town for a long road trip the day we returned. George had the tackiness to remark that they seem to do better on the road where I wasn’t in attendance…

Anyway – the cameras and bid boards gave all the dog folks a lot of play between innings. It wasn’t a high scoring and there were insane moments on both sides (like the As having the bases loaded followed by Pinder’s strike out). The drum and flag group in RF 149 had a pretty good turn out.

I have included the summary pulled from YouTube if you want the 2 minute version…

You could have left the weather home

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

I mean really. It was the second day in the Mariners vs the As schedule. It was cold. It was damp. The Mariners should have felt well at home. After all, we know the reputation of Seattle weather – right?  I guess the As could blame the weather for their less than sterling performance. It seemed like the pitchers were ruling and the batters just couldn’t get on base.

Funny when a lousy evening at the Ballpark completes a day spent at the SFVA enjoying (not) being a patient again for a day of killing off lymphocytes.

 

Not at the Ballpark

Holly Doyne Posted on by  
on to the not so thought provoking or serious.
I had had the insane idea that being in the DC area would be a great opportunity to catch either a Washington or Baltimore baseball game. Well – the Orioles are out of town so that takes care of that idea.
Washington is actually playing in their field somewhere near the Navy Yards/ on the Metro Green Line. Two problems – one of which I could work around if I really, truly cared – like for instance if the As were in town. I might even consider making an effort if it were the Giants. Nah, not worth the time and effort for the orange and black. It is not Halloween.
Oh, yes the issue – maintenance on the Metro which might just include part of the route I would need to take. But then again, it might not. Too hard to really figure out.
More serious? It is raining.
I live in the East Bay. We have had maybe one game rained out in the last few years (Astros spring 17 leading to a double header in Sept). George and the NYC crew were able to experience baseball in the rain last weekend. I think they enjoyed the game but could have done so better without getting wet. I actually thought I would make the decision late since the game here didn’t start till 2005. But then, it was raining once again as I left Shady Grove. .
Game? A.C. Moore (Arts & Crafts, which just happened to be on the way home)?
not hard to guess which I picked.

 

kids day at the park

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

there were more attending today’s game than were here last night. While the attendance might not seem much to you, it is impressive for a Wednesday afternoon, especially during the school year.

Apparently it was student day. I am used to seeing buses during the summer as teams, programs and summer camps fill Wednesday afternoon’w with trip to the Oakland Coliseum. But in May?

Since I was running late to the game and actually didn’t arrive until after the first pitch, I didn’t notice the dozens of school buses in the parking lot. Since I normally come in the ADA entrance on the BART side of the stadium, there weren’t lines of young people to wade through. But what became obvious early on was that there were a LOT Of young voices yelling. And yelling interesting chants at strange times.

There must have been 16 high schools, a dozen middles schools and an equal number of elementary schools with their names prominently featured on the big boards in the 4th/5th inning breaks. Then there was the great camera work featuring, it seemed, every last group at one time or another.

Even given a 4:2 loss, the kids seemed to be happy with their outing. A cluster of them, high school age, were on my BART headed toward MacArthur. A rather harried late 20s was with them. I asked her how many she had. Only this dozen. Are they all here? I certainly hope so! But most of them ride BART regularly and they all are interested in heading home….

I left the game

Holly Doyne Posted on by 2

seriously.

I am staying at Shana’s for the next few days. Left her alone for a few hours to go the As home game. The Astros were in fine form. The As were not. After the top of the 5th the Astros were ahead 11:0 and I decided to head home. My decision was reinforced by the presence of some junior “drummers” who were having a good time but making it challenging for the rest of us. And add Josh Reddick for the Astros in Right Field happily signally our outs.

By the time my BART reached MacArthur the As had finally gotten one run. As I write this, the game is not yet over with a score of 16:1. The team is just going to have to tough out the remainder of the 9th. I almost wish them three fast outs just to end the pain.

Seems to me there really should be a mercy call by the 7th inning stretch….

Pulled out the win

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

But barely. The As squeaked out their win, thank goodness in the regular number of innings. Unlike yesterday, getting the bat to connect to the ball wasn’t the problem. It was after that connection to have that ball go anywhere useful. Like getting a hit instead of a foul or pop-up.

In any case, at least it was only nine innings.

a very long

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

12 innings.

I am not on West Coast time. In fact, after all those time changes both coming and going – or was that going and coming? – followed by a flight from NYC, my body says that it is time to get up early. Which means about 0330 or so on West Coast time.

I had been glad that tonight’s baseball game was starting at 1835 rather than 1905 figuring that the extra 30 minutes would mean getting home at a reasonable time of day.

Not so.

At the end of 9 innings – the score was tied 0-0.

As it was after 10 innings, 11 innings. At which point I looked at George and said – 12 innings is my limit.

Final Score 2:0 thats to Khris Davis pulling out a home run with one on base….

I am still tracking down whatever mail came in while I was gone. The suitcase is unpacked and the last of the laundry is in the basket. My pillow is calling me.

and they won

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

It is Friday. There is a home game. I am sitting with the usual crowd in the Right Field Bleachers.

The As pulled off two home runs in the first inning to lead 4:1. But then the Orioles came back to tie the game in the 6th which meant that Mengen doesn’t get credit for the win, but rather Trivino who was on the mound in relief when the go-ahead run in the 6th. An insurance run in the bottom of the 8th pretty much clinched things.

For those of you not enamored of baseball – sorry about that….

It is a nice start to the series as the losses to the Astros and Mariners are still stinging….

And the reverse

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

Today was not the day for the White Sox. Just to let you know that up front. End score was 14:0 in favor of the As.

This was the final game of tickets provided on our Spring Training Package and we wound up seated in section 100 which is directly behind home plate. The various scouts were in the row behind us. The two closest were more than sociable; complete with their own radar guns. A good reminder that fast and control are two entirely separate entities. Duh, I think – that is more than obvious with cars and drivers – why wouldn’t it be the same for pitchers of baseball.

I just relaxed and enjoyed the game. Afterwards we joined a friend at the Culinary Dropout – fun restaurant located in a warehouse near the main ASU campus in Tempe. From there it was barely a 10 minute drive to our hotel for the night. I elected to not bother to return the car this evening as it ours till morning anyway.  This was after checking our plane tickets and finding we were not on the 0530 flight but the 0840 instead.

Wrong Ball Game

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

In celebration of St Patrick’s Day

 

Today the As played two games in what is known as a split squad. Part of the team played at Hohokam against the Seattle Mariners and the other half traveled (not exactly far) to Scottsdale to face off against the Giants at 1605. Our tickets were for the first game. Admittedly, getting to see the whole ballpark on a private tour was pretty neat. Behind the fence where normally you can’t go are batting cages, extra training areas, an infield and a complete ball field

 

 

 

The visiting locker room where the manager spent time talking about how things have changed over the years and the filming of “Money Ball”-

 

After watching batting practice –

 

there was a chance to talk with three of the players – all of whom were extremely nice, professional willing to sign autographs

Should I mention some of the fans take the event rather seriously?

and lastly –

the fatal pitch

The As had been doing well. Handing the Mariners a pitch on a platter? Well, we lost.

The “Second Team” which was playing the Giants? Beat them 8-3… go figure. Should have braved Scottsdale.

Right Field returns!

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

And there were the sound of drums from Right Field last night.

I went to investigate and there they were – two of the RF Diehards complete with drums right in front of the fence in lawn seating. Several others of the group were also there augmented by a couple of the LeftField crew. It is obvious that As rules apply to Spring Training and other home team affairs, at least as it applies to noise makers. Silly as it sounds, those drum beats make it easier for me to follow the action on the field.

No banners or flags, which makes sense. The only place to post the banners would put them on the right field fence in front of the lawn which would be encroaching on the playing field. And flags? again the same and inside the lawn area no one would see them.

Hohokam Field

Our tickets today included food and drink at the Right Field Lounge, from before the game start through the fifth inning which really meant that food for the rest of the day was really pretty optional.

the view from our seats

Tonight the crew landed in left field –

two drummers, flags

complete with an Indian’s Fan, flags, short seats and THE elephant hat routinely seen at home games. And I was wrong about the flags – they just have to be kept on the lawn side of the fence…

the after game shot

Oh. Yes, the As defeated the Cleveland Indians…

and back – OAK->PHX

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

Neither of us got much sleep last night. As you noted, I spent most of the day running errands so didn’t get around to even thinking about packing till after 2200.

Have I mentioned how thrilled I get with getting up at 0 dark 400? At least this time I decided to be willing to spring for long term parking at the airport. Driving was amazing, the roads were simply not that busy. Of course this was still before 0500 so you can imagine that some, but not all of the commuters were on the road. Check-In went smoothly, we checked bags. This time my boarding card said “TSA Pre-check” so that portion of the scramble wasn’t an issue. Except for the person who don’t understand that you have to put your purse on the conveyor belt…

Not surprising, there were a lot of As fans on the plane as well as a scattering of those supporting the Giants with a few other logo items supporting out of Bay Area teams.

Rental car, food stop at The Breakfast Club, stopped at the hotel where they actually let us check in early.

Sloan Field was on the way (well, sort of) so we took in the Cubs vs Diamondbacks game. It is a great park and essentially was sold out (had to hit Stubhub for tickets). From there it was just a short drive to Hohokam Park where we lazed around for a long time before the game. If you ever go to Hohokam and are willing to walk about 8 blocks, there is is free parking next to Finley Park. Just saying.

The As were not at their best. Their new young pitcher lost it at the end of the third inning. His relief managed to give up a home run which is not great if you have inherited two on before walking the first batter you face… making it a six run inning. The two single scores by the As just didn’t cut it.

And of course, I brought a USB 3 cable without the back up drive while not bringing the regular cable. So the pictures will have to wait….

PHX->OAK

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

It was a long day by the time I crawled into my bed at home. After waking to the morning bird chorus at my sister’s I managed to pack forgetting onky one thing. But it was an As hat. And it is not like I don’t have a few of those.

Meet a fellow traveler from our Belze trip for late breakfast. We ate at the Breakfast Club on North Scottsdale Road. She, like I, spent almost her entire working life post education employeef by the same company. Ok, not the same company as transfers, mergers and sakes saw numerous changes but it was the same building for 41 years. I can only claim 30 and it certainly wasn’t in one location.

Since I wasn’t willing to drive out to Surprise again I took the opportunity to watch the Rockies take on the Mariners at Salt River Fields. It is a great ballpark and I bought a hat before confirming that I was provided shade by the overhang. Ah well, Spring Training hat? Now I can buy pins…

From there it was rush hour traffic to the airport followef by what always seems like an endless wait.

But I meet the most interesting people. Obviously my flight to Oakland was full of both Athletic and Giants fans. Then you add some of the cutest kids headed for a grandma visit, two guys from Alameda who were into for their company (commercial chain link fence design and installation) and a minority of disgusyef business travelers.

George met me at the airport. Great guy, what can I say

Over the plate

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

and not at the batter. The As batter hit by a pitch hopefully won’t have a serious hand injury. The Giants batter was hit in the butt. He was fine and later scored what turned out to be the winning run.

End score: 6:5 in favor of the SF Giants.

Otherwise, ran a few errands. Finished another small cross-stitch

 

And headed back to the East Bay tomortow

Two for one

Holly Doyne Posted on by 1

Sunshine + an As win. Ssveral home runs and a pitching staff that msnaged to keep its act together.

The Cub’s fans were stalwart and, with one exception, really nice people. Several were on break from Illinois bad weather while others were able to combine being snowbirds with supporting their team. I can’t say the peobkem person was anything other tgan oblivious. Otherwise why would you think it was alright to stand at the lawn railing directly in front of fans sitting on blankets?

Also in the mix were a couple of Diamondback fans, a guy with an LA Dodgers cap and an avowed Padres fanatic.

Otherwise, it is relax and finish the latest small cross stitch time.

Meanwhile- back in Berkeley

Inspection tomorrow

Ain’t no sunshine

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

In Suprise, AZ. At least not on a Saturday afternoon when the Texas Rangers took on the As and proceeded to devestate the As pitchers. A few other acts of stupidity, error, and left on base didn’t help.

Do you supose it was all my fault for stopping to purchase sunblock on the way to the game?

Freaking hot

Holly Doyne Posted on by  

and a day of no guilt.

Upfront – I am at the ballpark. George is in Germany. Today marks our 39th anniversary.

There were many years in our marriage where deployments and/or jobs interfered with celebration of our anniversary or either of our birthdays. Seven years in fact where we missed all three and not a broken mirror to blame. This year I was a bit concerned.  His birthday, which falls in July was hampered a bit by the house construction. I haven’t yet come up with an excuse to duck out on my birthday in October. Which leaves our anniversary today; a day which just happens to have an A’s home game.

It isn’t that I don’t want to be in the same place with my husband. It is rather that a good friend of ours, perhaps George’s closest friend in Germany died unexpectedly last week. It is why he rerouted to Heidelberg while I came home. Anniversaries roll around every year; not so with funerals.

Meanwhile, the As managed to win the fourth of four games in the series with 41 runs scored over the four games.