Tale of Two Ballparks

The Braves were in Pittsburgh this week. Like in San Francisco, everyone goes on and on about how beautiful the view from the stadiums are. And they are. And there are always those unhappy souls who moan about the Braves not having the absolute best of everything – the best stadium view, that they don’t win every game 100-0, that they don’t sweep through the playoffs and win the World Series every year.

 

Last night a guy said Turner Field could’ve had a “cool view” like Pittsburgh if they hadn’t built the exclusive club above the left field stands. He was wrong on several counts. While in Pittsburgh the yellow Clemente bridge and the downtown buildings can still be seen from the lower level seats, the view always pictured is from the press box high above the field (of from the upper deck). The hotel across the river is less than a half mile from home plate. There’s the outfield fence, a sidewalk, the river, a street, and the downtown buildings.

In Atlanta the downtown buildings are over 1-1/2 miles away from home plate. In between are a sea of parking lots. The buildings do not loom over the stadium like in Pittsburgh, they are off in the distance. The stadium club does not block the view of downtown from the press box and upper deck – the club only blocks the view of the ugly parking lots. Several downtown buildings can still be seen from the seats behind the plate, between the stadium club and jumbotron. Sorry to confuse the situation with the facts.

Beauty is most certainly in the eye of the beholder. At SunTrust Park most of the outfield is blocked by the Omni Hotel and Comcast Building, whose rent helps pad the Braves payroll. You really have to look to see the Cobb Galleria and Cumberland Mall. But SunTrust Park is one of the few places around where you can see downtown (and Mercedes Benz Stadium), Midtown, Buckhead, Stone Mountain, Perimeter Center, and Kennesaw Mountain. Now that’s a view.

If we’re going to run down a new stadium view, what about Nationals Park in Washington. You’d think you’d be able to see at least a glimpse of our nation’s capital or the monuments, but you have to strain to see even a peek.

 

I can talk about stadiums all day. In 1995 Pittsburgh was playing in Three Rivers Stadium. In Cincinnati you saw Cinergy Field, formerly known as Riverfront Stadium. I saw that ballpark from the highway once or twice.

 

In 1971 the San Francisco Giants were playing in Candlestick Park, located on the bay. You can’t see it from the highway, but I saw the highway exit for the stadium. Fun fact: the Beatles played the first concert at Candlestick in 1966. Paul McCartney played the last concert, in 2014. We went to a game in the new PNC Park. Great views.

 

Ceil and I attended a game in Shea Stadium, but we didn’t get to see Yankee Stadium (I tried to work it it). When Will went to NYC in December he got to take a Yankee Stadium tour.

 

On work trips I’ve attended games in Houston, Arlington, Dallas, Tampa, and Miami’s Orange Bowl (GT at Miami). Also saw games in Washington, Boston, St. Louis, Macon, Rome, Chattanooga, Greenville, Augusta, Athens, Knoxville, Birmingham, Auburn, Chapel Hill, Clemson, Charlotte, New Orleans, and both Wrigley and Comminsky in Chicago. Also sixteen other arenas around the state. Driven past Tiger Stadium, Dodger Stadium, Anaheim Stadium, Kaufman Stadium, Reliant Stadium, the Citrus Bowl, the Gator Bowl, the Big Sombrero, the Rose Bowl, the Silverdome, Soldier Field, Arrowhead Stadium, and the Astrodome.

 

Drives me crazy when a batter will take strike three, then get mad at the umpire. Uggla and BJ Upton were real good at that. Also that a major league pitcher (heck even a minor league pitcher) can’t throw a strike, especially when he needs to. Or to walk the leadoff batter. Drives me crazy.

 

It’s a different game now. Hank Aaron never struck out 100 times in a season. Greg Maddux didn’t walk 1000 batters in his career. When he got to 999 he decided he wasn’t walking anyone else the rest of the year – and he didn’t.

 

Did you watch the bottom of the ninth Monday night? Coming in to the game Winkler hadn’t allowed a run in his last ten appearances. Leadoff batter blooped a single – after Winkler didn’t get a strike call that the umpire had been calling all night. What would you have done – leave in Winkler or take him out? After a strikeout the third batter chopped a swinging bunt that died in the grass. Winkler’s best play was to throw out the batter at first – advancing the tying run into scoring position, and bring the winning run to the plate.  Would you leave him in or take him out? Who would you bring in?

 

In Tuesday’s game I was liking Sobotka. Man that Pirate reliever before him kept throwing ball after ball. Hit Suzuki and almost hit a couple of other guys. Hit his catcher, allowing Flowers to score easily. Then Sobotka came in and threw strikes. Make’em hit it, I always say. That’s what Maddux did. If the batter hits a pitch, half the time he won’t make good contact. Half the time he hits it right at a fielder. And half the time he might get lucky.

 

 

I think Barney gets groomed too often. He looks better with longer hair. You see lots of labradoodles with the long hair.

 

The kickoff verses for “what you believe and why it matters” are 2 Timothy 3: 1-5; 4:3-4 and Matthew 24:4-13. I’ll keep you posted. 

 

Monday night I worked until almost seven. Ceil made hash browns, tossed a salad, and warmed the rest of Sunday’s Whole Foods chicken. Was almost nine before we finished the dishes. Watched the Braves and a Hallmark movie.     

 

Tuesday night I worked till 6:30 again. Ceil cooked black beans and rice, and tossed a salad. Watched the Braves and a Hallmark movie. M went to a coffee shop. Will had his six hour / 300 question board certification test yesterday. Afterward he played golf at Chandler Park.  He must’ve been pretty brain dead afterward. 

It Matters What You Believe

Fixing to study what we believe, and why it matters. Like me, others were  taken aback by the statistic Bryant had quoted last week: 52% of Christians in America believe adherents to other religions can have eternal life – that Jesus was lying when he said that no one comes to the Father but through Him. Should be interesting.

 

In his sermon Bryant spoke on why we can trust the Bible. Without naming names, Bryant went out of his way to disagree with a couple of recent statements Andy Stanley has come under fire for. I’m going to have to listen to several sermons to make sure I’m hearing things correctly.

 

Why the Bible is true and trustworthy (Bryant Wright sermon notes 8/19/2018):

 

1. I believe Jesus. In the book of Matthew in the sermon on the mount, Jesus said He came to fulfill the Old Testament and the prophets.

 

2. The Holy Spirit. Through the ages, faith has been based on the scriptures.

 

3. Scripture is inspired by God. 2 Timothy 3 16

 

4. The unity of scripture: forty writers but one author, and one message a unifying theme

 

5. In depth teaching ands reading there are always fresh insights things we miss earlier are revealed years later

 

6. The Bible is up to date and relevant in the world today to everyday life

 

7. The Bible is fulfilled prophesy. Today may be depressing but there is more history to be written

 

8. The Bible has power to transform lives it points us to God and Jesus, who do the actual transforming

 

9. The Bible is tied to archeology, history, and geography.

 

10. The Bible has survived the test of time. In the 1800's the atheist Thomas Payne hoped his book "The Age of Reason" would replace the Bible. Have you read The Age of Reason? How often do you even think about it?

 

11.  The Bible is how God speaks to us today, through the Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:1 is a radically countercultural statement. Rev 22 18-19: "If anyone adds or takes away from these words..."

 

How to study the Bible: (1) ask the Holy Spirit to teach you, and give you the desire to study, learn, and grow. (2) Pick a regular time. (3) Be open to let God speak to you. (4) Study scripture in light of scripture - in context. (5) Start with the New Testament and use the Old Testament as...hmm, earlier Bryant had slammed Andy's O.T. controversy. Now he's saying the same thing. Heretic! (6) Seek to study with other Christians. (7) Pray for those who teach the word of God, to make sure they don’t confuse or compromise or go off on tangents. Nothing about not fighting battles in public. 

 

Link: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.blubrry.com_johnsonferry_&d=DwICAg&c=UXihhqr7vvdA-hrKyTiC1Q&r=wMWwaEbn9nr4zXI4p6CDP7FGwn1DrBd77MJElrWsP6U&m=HLhnXGvfNak0XYsggKWax7YDi2UO0wqwmGqiKqld8Is&s=nLa-rn9baDMTrpDmFmNJYku05EU_-p3clo2pmdJBTNo&e= 

 

Brian led us in an examination of Psalm 67.  We observed that when we are blessed, we are blessed to be a blessing to others.  Specifically in this Psalm, the result of God’s blessing was to include:  many nations coming to know God’s salvation, many peoples praising God, joy and gladness, many fearing the Lord.  As Christians, Brian reminded us from Scripture of many ways we’ve been blessed.  We’ve been Chosen, Made righteous, Reconciled to God, Given peace with God, Reconciled to others, Adopted, Promised that nothing can separate us from His love, Promised that He will work all for good, and Given at eternal inheritance.
 

Likewise, expectations could also be viewed through the lens of blessings we’ve been given. We have the privilege of spending time alone with God in Bible study and prayer, attending corporate worship, attending Bible study, obeying God’s Word, tithing, serving in ministry, tangibly showing love to each other in this class, and sharing the Good News with others.

Think about it: why would Big Think Science publish "controversial author and religious scholar" (actually a Muslim turned Christian turned Muslim, associate professor of creative writing) Reza Aslan's thoughts that Christianity is nothing but a "dangerous cult"? For any reason other than an effort to further tear apart the United States and American Christianity? Aslan's claims are completely unsubstantiated, mere rumormongering. Yet innocents believe and follow, and all the more led astray.

 

Guidelines from the book "Younger Next Year."

1. Exercise six days a week for the rest of your life.

a. Aerobic exercise four days a week.

b. Serious strength training with weights two days a week.

2. Spend less than you make.

3. Quit eating crap.

4. Connect with other people and commit to some group or organization.

Your maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age.

 

I spend too much time on email. But when I’m somewhere by myself standing in a line or waiting for my car to have the oil changed or eating by myself, I can go through emails on my phone.
 

Gaming: people can’t believe it’s so popular. 17000 is a decent sized crowd for many pro baseball and basketball teams. My work neighbor just booked a cruise for Labor Day week, a balcony room.

 

I don’t like interruptions. Happens here at work, in meetings, on conference calls. You can usually tell the interruptor wasn’t listening to what the previous person had said. Some people I know that no matter what I say or email, their mind is already made up. Might as well not try to communicate to them. Last week our SS teacher gave a “charge” to the couples going overseas. Number one was to be a good listener.

For the Fun of It

There are at least three two putt putts here in Atlanta. Up 85 near Gwinnett Mall www.piratescove.net/atlanta (27 holes) or over off 575 near Town Center www.mountasiamarietta.com (54 holes - $20 on line for unlimited golf). Across from Mountasia is an indoor kiddy course called www.monsterminigolf.com (they also have skee ball, but it looks LOUD). Mountasia looks like putt putt. Pirates Cove a little more goofy – the holes are located in and around a pirate ship. Stairs and hills to go up and down. Monster is all the way goofy. 

 

Atlanta - Pirate's Cove Mini Golf, Putt Putt Golf ... www.piratescove.net Summer Hours - Weather Permitting . Mon - Thursday 10am - 10pm. Friday - 10am - 10:30pm. Saturday 10am - 10:30pm. Sunday - 10am - 10pm. If you are unsure about the weather, please call first!

 

The putt putt course that used to be in Chamblee off Chamblee Tucker Road was flat. When I was at Tech we used to go up there. Wayne Price would bring his own putter. Hard these days to find a flat piece of property. On that Chamblee course the course one on the left was the easiest and the one on the right was the hardest, as I recall.

 

We used to play a course in Myrtle Beach that had a sign that said a national championship had been played there. Over the years we played five or six different courses around North Myrtle Beach. At night you’d have to wait to play every hole, which was miserable. During the day hardly anyone was out in the heat. We’d get the all you could putt for 24 hours tickets and play several rounds, then leave and come back later.

 

Last month we were in Destin and when I drove through Pensacola I saw one of the original old goofy golf courses from the 60’s, one of the last ones in existence, with a big green Dino the dinosaur.

 

Aug 9: Barney got groomed and seemed tired but happy last night. Didn’t lick or chew or bark much – too tired. I worked past 6:30 then drove straight home. Ceil cooked a chicken and rice dish. Also kale (bleh) and lentels. First time to crash on the couch since last week. Watched a Hallmark movie until just before it ended, and another episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I like it (she’s a fledgling comedienne) but it’s a little too blue for Ceil. She likes the 50’s era costumes.

 

Aug 10: M made it back from his whirlwind trip to Tybee Island last night (actually early this morning). In time to get some sleep before his shift at work today.

 

Aug 11: I was watching an interview with Walt Frazier about his life. At his restaurant the burgers have his number 10 toasted on the top of the bun. In college Walt spent a summer in Atlanta working in a cotton bale warehouse, throwing the cotton bales to build his muscles. When the owner heard he was a college boy he moved Frazier to an easier job. Walt asked to be moved aback. When he joined the Knicks all the veterans took him under his wing: Phil Jackson, Willis Reed, etc. Most players wore Converse and some adidas. Walt wanted to be different so he took to wearing Puma. They came out with a special Clyde shoe that sold so well they had to keep paying Frazier all these years later.

Aug 12: Scott and Robin Condra had been in our old SS class. Now they visited the class we moved to about a year ago. Their son will be a freshman at Sanford in Birmingham. Also saw MC’s mom, brother, and uncle.  

 

Last Tuesday we talked about the wings at work. Coworker Angie only eats a few things – mostly plain, but wings are on her list (when we ate at the Atlanta Athletic Club she ordered wings). Young Rachel is the complete opposite: the spicier the better. After all the wing talk, for lunch they brought back Wing Stop. Looked good.

 

Worked past 6:30. Lots to do. Stopped by RaceTrac for gas and a Coke. Dropped off stuff at Goodwill. Followed an old VW bus for ten minutes down by the river. Ceil cooked beans and rice for supper, and tossed a salad. The Hallmark Channel movie starred former teen idol Andrew McCarthy, now 55 year old – as a tough, quiet cowboy. I told Matthew that he was a member of the Brat Pack, and told him about the Rat Pack. Went to bed before the inevitable conclusion. Followed the Braves on my phone.

 

Wednesday: went on a little wild goose chase. A small order hadn’t shipped. We needed to get it tested, so since it wasn’t far I grabbed the material and drove it where it needed to go (after searching for it in two warehouses). I thought the place was in Suwanee but the address read Stone Mountain. I figured it was on the border of the two, so I took off in my car…85 to 285 to Stone Mountain Freeway. Got to the address and called the number – I had just driven 30 minutes in the wrong direction. I took a different route to the correct place, up Mountain Industrial to Jimmy Carter to 85. Hadn’t been that way in years and years. Turned out the place was just 13 minutes up the road, eight miles away from my office.    

 

Saw a short video on the internet recently, taken from a car on a road with four lanes of traffic headed the same way. The video was taken from the third lane from the left. The three lanes on the left were bumper to bumper, but the far right lane was more clear. A lady was crossing the street, not at an intersection or cross walk but just through the traffic. The cars in the first three lanes were barely moving, so it was easy for her to cross. The lady was looking down at her phone the whole time. She walked in front of the car taking the video, and kept walking into the clear far right lane without looking around the car in the third lane. The lady walked right into the path of a speeding minivan. The van hit the lady so hard she went flying over two car lengths. Looked like a dummy or it could’ve been fake, but it just as easily could’ve been real.

 

Wednesday I worked past six. Bought a nice pair of blue sneakers on the way home.

Friday afternoon Anna decided to drive over from Athens, and Ceil took her shopping for her birthday. Since they were out I worked late, until almost 7 pm. Ceil cooked salmon and grilled chicken, with tossed salad and several other side dishes. M had gotten off work at seven, so he ate with us. It was after nine when we sat down to eat. Later I watched a little of the Falcons game.

 

Will came over on Saturday morning for brunch: grits, eggs, scones, bacon, etc. Both he and Anna left not long after that. I trimmed tree branches in the yard and carried off the debris. Ceil went to make copies. I rested about 30 minutes and watched a little more of the Falcons game.

 

I’d forgotten all about The Varsity’s anniversary celebration – all menu items were 90 cents. People stood in line for 4 or 5 hours. That would’ve been too much of a wait for me.

Sunday lunch was a Whole Foods chicken. Supper was popcorn. Watched a Renee Zellwinger movie where she played Beatrice Potter. Didn’t do much else, but Sunday evening I was leaning over the couch reaching for a wire. Popped a rib out of place and boy does it hurt. Hard to breathe. May have to go to the doctor.

 

Monday night I worked until almost seven. Ceil made hash browns, tossed a salad, and warmed the rest of Sunday’s Whole Foods chicken. Was almost nine before we finished the dishes. Watched the Braves and a Hallmark movie.     

 

People treat other people bad, then wonder why others don’t call, write, or visit.

HBP to POTW

Ceil was cooking supper last Wednesday evening. I noted the time – 7:36 – so I turned on the Braves to see Acuna’s at bat in the bottom of the first. The top of the first was just ending, then the commercials. I made sure to be paying attention when the first pitch was thrown.

Then BAM – the guy obviously threw at Acuna, and the benches cleared. Then the game was delayed when the new pitcher warmed up. Then Acuna had to take himself out of the game. There was so much going on. Francoeur in particular was giving excellent commentary.  

 

By then we were eating dinner and cleaning up, so it was a while before I checked social media, which was blowing up. Some people went from posting “what happened?” to calling out people for a lack of action, saying “Bobby would’ve…” without having seen the whole thing play out. But that’s social media: people don’t watch, then  post comments about what happened.  I set one guy straight. He didn’t have a reply, but later posted how proud he was for Snitker to stand up for Acuna.

Friday I met LJ for lunch. I was giving him my Saturday Braves ticket, since we were going to Athens to celebrate Anna’s birthday. Then Anna came home Friday to celebrate, so I could go to the game - if I could find a ticket.

 

Worked the phones and found a Braves ticket, though I’d have to surrender the bobblehead. I wasn’t worried, as two guys were supposed to get me one, and there was a chance I’d get a third. At 1:45 I took my second shower of the day.

 

Left home at 2:15. Parked and walked to the ballpark, arriving at 3:10. A couple of people were waiting at the Third Base Gate. Dozens were in line at the Right Field Gate. Got to the Chop House Gate and found about one hundred in line. It had sprinkled on my walk over. In line there was a short downpour. Good thing I’d brought a small umbrella. I chatted with a nice old lady next to me in line.

 

The crowd increased. Saw Sandy and my Jewish friend. Katie was near but I never saw her. Bobby arrived, with his mother, brother, and sister in law. Then Kristen, her five kids, and husband. Jonathan came, and I gave him the bobble he’d bought from me. Then James and his wife. Two of Kevin’s kids got sick at the last minute, so he was a no show. Inside I saw Miss Marion and a coworker. Tanner and his parents. But no LJ. The rain was coming down and long lines of fans were streaming in. Instead of the three bobbles I’d hoped for, I was lucky to get one.

 

There were so many fans taking shelter from the rain, the concourses were gridlocked. I went upstairs to my seats. Saw legendary usher Walter Banks heading upstairs. After being on my feet for most of the day it was nice to sit for a spell, watching everything getting ready for the game. Folty struck out the side in the first, but gave up a hit in the second. Acuna lined a leadoff single. Dude continues to hang out in exclusive company.

 

Later the rain returned. After over five hours I headed back to my car. I headed north on 75 to 575 to Cheeseburger Bobbys. Acuna continues to amaze.

Sunday afternoon we watched the Braves. Minter is young, and will eventually be a beast, but still has more developing to go.

While the Rockies have a record similar to Atlanta’s, their record would’ve been better had  they not had to face the Dodgers and DBacks all season. The Braves have faced an easier schedule: the Marlins, Mets, and Nationals. Conclusion: the Rockies might be a better team. Still, they needed luck to win all four games (and timely balks, errors, and bad swings). And Acuna?

8/18 Jerseys (& More)

Last night's jersey of the night: Rufino Linares. Dude could hit. Traded for Fred McGriff. To Rufino's right is the sleeve of a grey road jersey - a Dale Murphy model. Dale  always looked out of place in the tomahawk jersey.

Lots of jerseys to see, thanks to the largest crowd in SunTrust Park history. I told you it was crowded.

Husband-wife Rockies fans celebrating 25 years.

Another Murphy. Dale often went by Murph, though I always preferred Murf.

I didn't take note at the time, but after the top of the first inning new UGA head basketball coach Tom Crean lead the fans in the tomahawk chop. Later Crean visited Chip Caray, Joe Simpson, and Tom Glavine in the TV booth. Back in May I noted that Crean's brother-in-laws are also head coaches: Jim and John Harbaugh (click here for link).

 Dan was there.

 Cowboy I am. Note the Braves' UGA caps.

 First Soroka jersey I's seen. Bonus points.

 A knock-off, but cool nonetheless.

A dad in a Ruth knockoff.

Might've been a descendant of the Babe.

 Had to see if it was a Dominique or Spud.

 Looks stitched. Thought it was a pen.

 Some sort of Japanese jersey.

That's coworker David Beard in the black shirt (UGA).

Now we know what kind of t-shirts are sold at
Ken Ham's Creation Museum and Ark Encounter.

This Rockies fan was showing the effects of Colorado's legalization of marijuana, purple beard and all.

 This dad looked more like Tyler Flowers.

Man's best friend.

I inadvertently cut off the guy's feather trucker cap. 

My buddy in the tomahawk cap stepped away from his place first in line to talk with some friends. Glad he ditched his clunky old white dad shoes and switched to red.

A backpack like this would be cool, but those patches ain't cheap.

My friends LJ and Jonathan have similar packs.

The Rockies infielder.

Saw only one green jersey, worn by an old guy.

Terror at SunTrust

Made it to today's game after all. Despite threatening skies, fans turned out in droves - early - for the Chipper Jones Crazy Train bobblehead / UGA Night / Social Media Night.

Left home at 2:15, walked the mile and a half through a light drizzle, and arrived at the Club House Gate before 3:15, an hour forty-five before gates open. There were already a hundred people in line. The tiny umbrella I brought came in handy.

On the way I snapped a pic of the brick of the day.

Need to read up on ol' Whitlow.

With the huge crowd streaming inside to seek shelter from the rain,

I scampered upstairs to my seat earlier then usual.

Had a good view of the Hank Aaron Terrace in left field.

A few home runs have been hit up there.

After a good rain,

the skies cleared and the ground crew finally pulled off the tarp.

Once the rain cleared, from my seat I could see buildings downtown and at Perimeter Center. The sun shone on the Cobb Civic Center, to the left of the Travelport building.

The Mill Creek High School chorus sang the national anthem. Just as they began a girl on the far right collapsed. Two other girls struggled to lift her to her feet, but at the end of the song she was no better. Two Braves trainers in navy shirts hustled out to help, and they maneuvered her toward the stands behind first base. The chorale director (in white) came along.

Before they reached the foul line the girl had to lay down, near where Dansby, Camargo, and Acuna were warming up. More medical personal came out to help. Acuna walked over to peek in. As the trainers worked, final preparations were taking place to start the game. The managers met with the umpires at home plate. The relievers marched out to the bullpen, and catcher Suzuki and starter Foltynewicz (top) made their way in.

Eventually the girl was lifted onto a stretcher, then loaded onto a medical cart. As tart made a U turn to the left and took the warning track counterclockwise around the right field corner and exited out the centerfield gate, the Braves starters took the field. The game started just seconds after the gate was closed.

With Acuna setting the fan base abuzz, I donned my green #82 St. Patricks Acuna jersey for the game, with matching green striped adidas shell toes on my feet. For a change of pace I left the Kelly green Gwinnett cap at home, and wore my camo green Braves cap instead.

Recaps & Jerseys

Will is just a few days away from taking his certification test and Ceil was attending the monthly women's event at JFBC, so at five I left work and drove straight to SunTrust Park. Walked across the new pedestrian bridge but took the longer route through The Battery to see my friend Miss Marion at the First Base Gate. Checked out the Chipper Jones Experience, but there wasn't much to it.

In an effort to be confusing, the captions that go with this post were posted yesterday. Instead I will post the interesting jerseys I saw last night, like Ronald Acuna's players weekend gem at the top.

Below: four guys in four different jerseys. Click this link to see a video of them doing the tomahawk chop.

There was a line of people waiting to get into the Mizuno store, but I paid it no mind until I heard my name being called. A buddy from McDonough was there to get Chipper Jones' autograph. We chatted for a while then I continued to the ballpark. Had a nice chat with Miss Marion, the went to the season ticket office to claim a special Hank Aaron bobblehead.

On the way to the team store I saw the Home Depot paintbrush waiting on the elevator, and he wanted to take a picture with me. I looked around the store. Every time I go in there they have new items. They sell a ton of stuff. I bought a Stripers cap and Braves keychain and pen. Next was the customer service booth for a Coke Zero and scorecard.

Made my way to my seat down the left field line. Since I hadn't planned on going to the game all I had to wear was what was in my trunk: and old navy Braves warmup pullover and black Nike sneakers, that went with my black pants. The navy Stripers cap somewhat matched the warmup. Bobby and his brother joined me.

Blooper came out wearing huge boxing gloves, ready to rumble with anyone who dared throw at Ronald Acuna. Dansby signed autographs, then played catch with the mascot. I envy Blooper's huge lefthanded glove, though it's hard to catch with it.

When Acuna led off the bottom of the first, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He hit a hard grounder past the shortstop for a single, then stole second. In the second inning catcher Kurt Suzuki hit a home run. Between innings I played an on line trivia game, guessing what would happen during the game. The Braves led 3-2 when I left after the seventh inning, but blew the game in the top of the ninth after a leadoff error and walk led to two unearned runs. On my way out I scored a t-shirt, sunglasses, and button.