We had visited the stadium last week on a spur of the moment "Lets do something we don't normally do." but they were sold out. We did buy tickets for the next Friday night game, so much for the spur of the moment. When we found what seats we were to be in, we had to find them and try them out. Four rows up right on the third base line.
We arrived early to get a parking spot for "The Big Red Ram". Found one close to the building but far enough away so it didn't get hit by a foul ball.
It was not a sell-out, but everyone was entertained by load
music and a pep rally to clap their hands and make lots of noise. There was lots of pregame activity. Groups by the dugout, practice in the field, and even some spying by the opposition. I'm not quite sure what was in his mouth.
Randal took a lot of pictures using the new point and shoot Canon, but some times the small camera only focused on the fence in front of us. He lost a lot of shots, too many blurry baseball players.
Before the game fans read the stat sheets on the home and away teams.
The field still needed the tarps removed from the pitchers mound and home plate. Players dressed in uniform were the field crew. They soaked down the 1st and 3rd base line before a second crew painted the white lines.
The player with the hose was having so much fun two more players helped pull it to reach all the dry dirt.
We were early enough to watch the fans arrive with their rituals of blankets, food and drinks.
Every body had come to eat and drink. No food is aloud to be taken into the field so the two concessions were quite busy. Some of the burgers were as big as the children. Many of the older adults spent the time talking to old friends.
The home team line up was introduced and then the coaches of the Edmonton team were mentioned and commemorated for their may years to the game.
As the umpires and team captains had a meeting at home plate the fans were welcomed to the stadium and informed that the next night was "Kentucky Derby Night" so come and ware your best hat.
Some conversations you have to guess as to what is being said.
A young girl sang O' Canada to start the game. She did a good job.
The first pitch!
Then the Dawgs started to howl.
At the 7th Inning stretch a very young boy, who was hit by a foul ball, showed his brews and was then asked if he would sing the 7th inning “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”. It was not dark yet but the lights were turned on.
Full house in the east stands.
The Dawgs won 5 to 1 and game ended at 9:17pm.
The young fans then flooded the field and headed to the players for autographs.
We knew there would be a line up to exit the parking lot, so we were in no rush. In fact Lorraine used the time and the good cell phone signal to call her daughter Lynne and catch up with them.
So until next time remember to "Discover It and Live It.
