DSCN4389.JPG

Originally uploaded by dieselboi

This evening, I was able to spend a wonderful time at the ballpark with my brother and his kids. I thank my buddy MB, who passed off some of his season tickets, so our seats were amazing. The Portland Beavers were playing the Albuquerque Isotopes. I found it hilarious Albuquerque named their triple A team the Isotopes.

This was the first professional baseball game my niece and nephew had ever been to. Further, this past spring was the first time my nephew had played in little league. They were so excited and as we got closer to the field, they began to squeal with joy. When you sit in the club seats, you get a little more attention and even a waiter. While we had all eaten and were only getting beers for the adults, we did get other special attention. In the 2nd inning, our “host” came up and spoke with the kids and then gave them both surprises- used official game balls. Shortly after that, a T-shirt give away landed behind us and a young kid offered it up to my nephew. What kind of dream game was this? I was peeing my pants at that point. So So cool! And then the Beaver came over. I love the Beaver. The Beaver is always so excited to see everyone. How does the Beaver do it on hot days? The kids loved every minute of it.

The game was pretty intense for the first 5 innings and the moment I left to get a brew, the Isotopes scored 3 runs. Ugh, the Beavs were down 3-0. The very next inning, the Beavs got a home run. Woohoo, we’re in the game. In the 8ths, the Beavs got a 3 run homer to take the lead, 5-3 going into the 9th. Most everyone thought the game was in the bag. And then the Isotopes came to bat. We all sat there in shock when the Isotopes pulled off a 3 run homer. For pure baseball fans, to see two 3 run homers in the same game is awesome. But alas, as a result, the Beavs couldn’t recoup and ended up losing 6-5.

In the end, a great game. I know for a fact my niece and nephew will want to go back. I’ll definitively be back as I still have 2 more tickets left for the season. Heck, if you want some fun, you should go to Saturday’s game. The Beavers are playing Albuquerque again, but it is Jerry Mathers’ night featuring the actual Jerry “Ward, I think you were a little hard on the Beaver last night” Mathers. If you get there early enough, you may even get your hands on a limited edition bobble head they are giving away. I am so in love with baseball right now!