This blog began as a way to record my musings about preparations and travels to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada February 16-27, 2010. From that amazing experience came this ongoing story of becoming a sports fan. You can follow my tales of awe, agony, and all the emotions in between as well as view pics from seasons of Phillies baseball. Along the way is a little Eagles football thrown in for fun, and even some astronomy and weather related tales. I feel lucky to have witnessed some historic games, some heartbreaking losses, but all wonderful when told from this new fan's point of view.

Blog Archives postings:
Dec 2009-Feb 2010
Olympics
March 2010-Dec 2011
Baseball and more
2011 The Phillies do again, winning the Eastern Championship for the 5th straight year.
April 2012-Sept 27 2012 Not the best season for the Phillies
2013-We wait and see!

Friday, August 29, 2014

A great night of baseball


Of all the nights to have a great game, a great winning game, tonight is the night, the second of the series against the first place Washington Nationals.

The Taney Dragons, that illustrious Little league team that has won our hearts, is on this last leg of being feted. After appearing in New York on two morning shows, and riding down Broad Street for a city parade,  we wait for them to enter the ball park to walk down the red carpet. Greeted by family, friends and the whole Phillies team, this is why I decided to come two nights in a row to see baseball.

The night is beautiful and clear, our seats-wow- in the 320 section row 4, a perfect spot to view the city, the pitcher, the batter and the whole field. Janet is a veteran who usually writes on the scorecard. Nancy is a childhood Mets fan who has not been to a game for many years. I'm the one who has some knowledge, an unusual and fun role to play. The pre game entertainment opens with about 7 groups of young Irish dancers. The game is then postponed for the 30 minutes that the Taney Dragons are honored, ending with the traditional champion's run around the field and then each player throwing out a 'first pitch' to a Phillies player.

There is a bit of anxiety knowing that Kendrick is pitching. He performs in his usual style for the 1st inning, allowing (only) 2 runs. But the Phillies answer back right away. Jimmy Rollins, Dominic Brown, Grady Sizemore, Marlin Byrd. It proves to to be a good night of baseball after all, as the Phillies storm ahead to win the game 8-4 against the still first place Nationals.

[spoiler alert-the Phillies sweep the Nationals, winning all three games]