After finishing off my second cup of coffee and the last blog post, I hopped over to San Manuel Stadium for the first game of the day. It was a balmy and bright 80 degrees by 11am, and no shade was to be found. Luckily I had lathered up the sunscreen before leaving, so while I was certainly warm, I didn't burn.
It was a "Businessman's Special" game, of which there aren't a whole lot of around downtown San Bernardino, so the crowd was a little sparse. A few day camps had brought their kids by (not the Y), so I really had my choice of seats. I decided to move back behind the home dugout again, and I was glad I did. You get such a neat perspective on the game from there, and while I love the nosebleeds, nothing beats being able to hear the sounds of the game.
I was asked by a member of the 66ers staff if I like the day games. Considering that pretty much every weekend I do a night game and day game in sequence, I think I have good credibility to weigh in on the issue. My answer is simple: YES! Day games just seem so much more authentic and real for baseball. Sure, in Southern California it gets hot, but I'm willing to bear the heat if it means I get to see baseball the way it was meant to be played. I can understand why teams, especially Minor Leagues, don't like to host day games because not a lot of people go to them. It was clearly evidenced by the lack of crowd at the game yesterday. I just wish more people would realize just how great the day games are and, unfortunately, are becoming rarer and rarer in the baseball world.
The 66ers finally got some offense and, finally, got their first win of the California League second half schedule. They had a five-run fifth inning that effectively distanced themselves from the visiting Lake Elsinore Storm. 66ers outfielder Cal Towey finished a homer shy of the cycle.
After baking in the sun for nine innings, I jumped in the car and began my trek to Fullerton. That feeling of A/C in the car and the cold drink I bought at the 7-11 was pretty much heaven on four wheels.
I met with some relatives in mine in Fullerton that I hadn't seen in a few months. I feel bad that I haven't gone to see them in so long, even with my frequent trips into Orange County. Fullerton is a little out of the way for my train/bike routine. By driving, it is right off the 57 freeway about five miles north of the ballpark. They were so kind to me and I had a nice visit with them. They were gracious enough wvwn to feed me a great lunch!
After spending a few hours with them, I headed south to the ballpark. After getting on the 57, I remembered why I hate driving so much in and around Southern California. To traverse five miles took me over an hour with absolute horrendous traffic. Stop, and go. Stop, and go...to top it all off, I didn't realize just the racket paid parking is at Angel Stadium. For as much as I adore the club, $10 to park is asinine. Folks, in this case it is not only faster, but also cheaper, to ride your bike. I don't have anymore weekday games planned for the Angels, so I shouldn't have a need to drive anymore this season.
It was 1/2 Way to Christmas Night at the Big A. Every fan in attendance received an Angels Santa Hat, and in the fifth inning, everybody put on their Santa Hat so that the crowd could set a Guiness World Record for Largest Crowd Wearing Santa Hats. Everybody in the crowd did it...except me. I had nothing against the promotion and I actually thought it was pretty cute. But, some people just have to rebel and love to watch the world burn. I guess, I'm kind of that guy...lol
In the seventh inning, I was so excited to meet up with two other Baseball Road Trippers. I joined this Facebook group called Ballpark Chasers that is a great open forum for people who share my hobby. The other day, I noticed a post from this gentleman who said he was making a swing through the State of California and hitting up all the MLB ballparks. Last night, he and his travel companion were in Anaheim for the game. Through Facebook, we exchanged numbers and set up a time to meet.
He and his lady friend are from New York City and are attempting to visit all thirty MLB parks before they turn 30-years of age. They have visited ten, so far, and are hitting up Dodger Stadium tonight and Petco Park tomorrow. I can't tell you just how great it was to sit and listen to their stories of the road and compare and contrast our experiences from shared ballpark visits.
The Angels won their fifth game in a row beating the Minnesota Twins 6-2.
For tonight's installment of the "Week of Baseball", I'm heading up to the Antelope Valley and the City of Lancaster to see the Lancaster Jethawks host Lake Elsinore. The Jethawks are the California League affiliate of the Houston Astros.
Keep an eye out on Twitter, Facebook, and FourSquare!
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
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