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| Play ball! |
Today, we went to the opening game of Spring Training between the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres out in the facility they share in Peoria, AZ (Phoenix suburb west). The day, perfect for baseball, offered blue skies, warm temps, and light wind. The facility, exquisitely manicured, expansive, and peopled with hundreds of friendly red-shirted volunteers. This first game was played for charity. The entire purse for the day went to the coffers of the Peoria guild, which administers grants to projects in the area mostly aimed at improving the lives of kids. The stands were quite full and the vendors were busy (Especially the beer vendors near us. The group in front of us had at least four rounds. Imagine buying a six pack of Miller light for $26.00). The lineups were made up of mostly players who played AAA ball last year (At least for the Mariners). The regulars left half way through the game to go to another part of the facility to put in some work: hitting, throwing, etc. I'm not sure how many of the AAA guys will make the big club, but they are ready to compete. Pitchers were changed every couple of innings. One thing I did note was that Matt Kemp, a thirty year old veteran who played for the Dodgers last year, played enough innings in the Padres lineup to go 0-3. I didn't recognize any other full time players. We feel like we're really snowbirds now that we've seen our very first Spring Training baseball game. It gives the name, Cactus League, a whole new meaning. Before the game, we stopped at the Rocket Burger and Sub shop for the second time. Once again, the fries alone were worth the drive. This time we shared a burger. The bun, fresh home made, surrounded a hand made patty with all the trimmings. We each had an exotic root beer, which I chose at random from the selection of over 102 different kinds of soda. I also tied the score in the Phoenix Open. The only possible down side on the day is that we may have gotten a little sunburned, although we dutifully slathered ourselves with sun screen, and we chose seats so the sun wouldn't be in our eyes. We left the game with enough time to rest a bit before Tai Chi where David spent the first ten minutes of class taking us through how to stand properly. It was an excellent breakdown. He even put his hands on me during class to make a correction to my arm position. It was wonderful. Like he says, "No matter what you do, it will be wrong." One of the things I like most about trying to learn this art is that it requires complete submission of the ego. I could use a little of that. Suffice to say, life is good, especially today.
Notice that the blue peg is in the lead.
Centerfield selfie.
To state the obvious: It's the scoreboard.
Judy hanging out by the players ramp trying for an autograph.
She couldn't quite get this player's attention. Maybe she should have waved her bloopers.
The major leagues can afford a big water bill. Doesn't the green grass look luxurious?
Our Peanuts and Cracker Jacks.
The guys in blue at their home plate confab.
The sponsor Mascots raced around the infield during the seventh inning stretch.
This young guy (Walker) has a chance to make the big club. He played for Tacoma last year.
The quintessential American game. Swing Batter!
Peace on Earth. Support the troops, Blimpie.
Judy, sporting her brand new Tai Chi Chuan shirt.
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