CyberMusings

While much of the country turns its attention to this first Sunday of the pro football season, I turn my attention to Flushing Meadows, NY.   For today, the Mets and Phillies have a day-night doubleheader and I will be at the nightcap.  It should’nt have been this way.  The second game was originally a day game moved to accomodate ESPN.  And as much as I might gripe about an 8:05 start (on a Sunday?!?!?!?), karma appeared to be on the schduler’s side as yesterday’s game was rained out and suddenly the afternoon was available for a makeup.

The Phillies had taken the opener of the three game set on Friday night to move within two games of the division lead.  Recent history suggests the Mets will take the next two.  Recent history (or possibly just my perception of it) also suggests that the Mets don’t do well in doubleheaders.  Something has to give.

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This post could easily have been about an opportunity lost.  At just about any other time, it would’ve focused on John Maine’s erratic pitching (O runs allowed but only lasting 5 innings), another blown save by the bullpen after tempting fate all weekend, Damion Easley’s rally killing double plays, and the lack of clutch hitting in general.

While those are valid topics all, this post focuses on something special.  On Monday, I had the opportunity, along with my brother, to take two kids to their first major league baseball game.  This was actually a repeat attempt of a trip to the ballpark last August.  That time, we made it to PNC Park for my first trip there but the game was rained out with nary a pitch being thrown.

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PNC Park is beautiful.  PNC Park is amazing.  PNC Park is picturesque.  PNC Park is (insert superlative adjective here, don’t worry, any one will do).   As my brother likes to say, “The only problem with PNC Park is that the Pirates play there”.  Ah, but last night, and for the rest of this weekend, it was not much of a problem.  After all, the Mets were playing there as well.

During my August sojourn to the area approximately a year ago, I had the opportunity to marvel, gawk, and gaze at the beauty that is PNC Park.  I reveled in the open concourses, the reasonably priced refreshments, the perfect sight lines, and the monuments to Pirates heroes past.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature was in a bit of a snit that day and the scheduled game between the Pirates and Reds was rained out.

Last night was a different story.  (more…)

I had been anticipating this trip for quite a while.  The feeling started growing the moment my brother and his wife told me they were expecting and continued right through the three months following the baby’s arrival.  So, it’s not entirely surprising that when I finally hit the road I arrived here in Washington, PA in record time.

From just about every conceivable angle, this trip could not have come at a much better time.  (more…)