I went to the Nats game tonight with Charlie and a couple of his soccer buddies. It was a pretty good time all around, but the best part of it (other than the great seats!) was the heckling tossed towards David Ross (the Reds catcher). I was just a matter of chance that he happened to be up when Chris (one of Charlie's buddies) decided he'd start the razzing. Of course, being 14 rows from the field, it wasn't that hard to make yourself heard.
"Hey Ross, think you'll get a hit?"
"Hey Ross, what's it like hitting .208?"
"Hey Ross, ..."
With that, Ross, turned around and gave us the bird.
Yes, you read that right. He flipped the bird in our general direction.
He didn't pull a Michael Vick for all the world to see, though. No, he was subtle. He scratched his eye with his middle finger, but we were all too aware of what his real intentions were. We (along with a bunch of other folks in our section) decided at that point to lay it on thick. No way was he going to get away with what he just did.
After he hit into an infield ground out, we stood and clapped at his performance. On his way back to the dugout, he grabbed his crotch in a gesture that on television would've been mistaken for a cup adjustment, but at the game, with him looking right at us, there was no mistaking the ill-wishes he was tossing in our general direction.
The section was abuzz with what we all just witnessed. None of us had ever witnessed something like this and we were both taken aback, yet also intrigued as to how far we could take this. As it turned out, we couldn't take it much farther. He appeared briefly in the top of the 9th in the on-deck circle before being replaced with a pinch hitter. Apparently the skipper thought his .208 average wasn't enough to help them dig out of the deficit they were in.
No matter, the Reds couldn't pull it out and, in the end, the Nats won 7-2
Showing posts with label Nationals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nationals. Show all posts
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Day 124 - 06/24/2007
As I stated in a previous post, six tickets to today's Nats game (vs. Cleveland) were provided to my team at work, but only one other person was interested in going, so we split them. Mike took his son and D, M, N and I took the other four. Mike met us at the house so we could carpool (we were also provided a parking pass, saving $15 in parking).
We left the house about 1130a (30 minutes behind schedule) and arrived at RFK just about noon. The place was empty; there was no traffic at all heading down 395 and only a single car in front of us at the entrance and the prime (e.g., shady) spots were still available, so we took one. We had the table and chairs setup within minutes and we were soon enjoying assorted foodstuffs. After quenching our thirst and filling our bellies, we headed into the stadium about 1p (it was a 135p start).
After waiting in a short line, I got turned away due to the contraband in my bag. Apparently we're allowed to bring in water (or flavored water), but not sodas or Gatorade. I stepped out of line, traded the Gatorade that was in my bag for the water that was in my pocket and got in another line. I held the bag so that it was in front of the bulging pocket and was allowed in (although she did ask to see the contents of the pocket that she could see -- it was simply my phone, wallet and keys).
The seats were pretty good, although there was no chance in getting a fly ball as we were directly behind home, but underneath the upper deck. The ball would have to bounce at an odd angle if it was to get back to our seats. On the bright side, however, we were sitting in the shade and didn't have to worry about overheating or getting sunburned.
As soon as we sat down, the kids started in on getting their Dipping Dots. I finally relented during the 3rd inning. We walked up to the concourse and halfway around the stadium before heading down a level (where we bought them before). We happened upon the stand and went back to our seats. As it turned out, the stand was right outside the portal beside our section. Had we simply gone down to the portal (vs. up), we wouldn't have had to walk all that way. That's alright, the kids enjoyed it (and it got them out of their seats for some time as well).
They were over it by the 6th inning. However, since Mike came with us, I didn't want to leave early. I hatched a plan that, if things came to a head, I'd take the kids and explore the stadium and meet Mike back at the van. After the 7th inning stretch he said he was ready whenever, so we watched the rest of the inning and took off, listening to the rest of the game in the van on the way home. Apparently, Mike had grown tired of having his son ask for more cotton candy, so he did what every parent should do when faced with constant requests: He took away the desire for (more cotton candy) by changing the venue.
They eventually won the game by a score of 3-1.
We left the house about 1130a (30 minutes behind schedule) and arrived at RFK just about noon. The place was empty; there was no traffic at all heading down 395 and only a single car in front of us at the entrance and the prime (e.g., shady) spots were still available, so we took one. We had the table and chairs setup within minutes and we were soon enjoying assorted foodstuffs. After quenching our thirst and filling our bellies, we headed into the stadium about 1p (it was a 135p start).
After waiting in a short line, I got turned away due to the contraband in my bag. Apparently we're allowed to bring in water (or flavored water), but not sodas or Gatorade. I stepped out of line, traded the Gatorade that was in my bag for the water that was in my pocket and got in another line. I held the bag so that it was in front of the bulging pocket and was allowed in (although she did ask to see the contents of the pocket that she could see -- it was simply my phone, wallet and keys).
The seats were pretty good, although there was no chance in getting a fly ball as we were directly behind home, but underneath the upper deck. The ball would have to bounce at an odd angle if it was to get back to our seats. On the bright side, however, we were sitting in the shade and didn't have to worry about overheating or getting sunburned.
As soon as we sat down, the kids started in on getting their Dipping Dots. I finally relented during the 3rd inning. We walked up to the concourse and halfway around the stadium before heading down a level (where we bought them before). We happened upon the stand and went back to our seats. As it turned out, the stand was right outside the portal beside our section. Had we simply gone down to the portal (vs. up), we wouldn't have had to walk all that way. That's alright, the kids enjoyed it (and it got them out of their seats for some time as well).
They were over it by the 6th inning. However, since Mike came with us, I didn't want to leave early. I hatched a plan that, if things came to a head, I'd take the kids and explore the stadium and meet Mike back at the van. After the 7th inning stretch he said he was ready whenever, so we watched the rest of the inning and took off, listening to the rest of the game in the van on the way home. Apparently, Mike had grown tired of having his son ask for more cotton candy, so he did what every parent should do when faced with constant requests: He took away the desire for (more cotton candy) by changing the venue.
They eventually won the game by a score of 3-1.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Day 122 - 06/22/2007
I rode to work again and again took 50 to work. I think I'll be going this way from now on as it actually seems safer than going Stonecroft. For the vast majority of the trip, I ride on sidewalks or paths whereas when I go via Stonecroft I'm on the road. It's definitely a more relaxing ride, that's for sure.
I chatted with Tammy at the gym about the vulture that was hanging out outside the door and it turns out that there's another one as well. It seems that they're nesting in the bushes, so they'll be a fixture until November (at the earliest) when the fledgling takes to the skies and leaves home. (Apparently vultures are protected and therefore can't be removed unless they're sick or something.)
This afternoon Mike came in and gave me four tickets to the Nats game, plus the parking pass. He was going to take the other two. I was the only person to respond to his message. Sounds good to me. I was looking forward to the game with whomever went, but now that I can bring D and the kids, I'm looking forward to it even more.
After work I rode home on 50 (vs. cutting down Lee Road like I did earlier in the week). Surprisingly enough, it actually not too bad. Traffic was moving slow enough along the most dangerous stretch (between Lee Road and Walney Road) that it wasn't a problem. The worst part of it was crossing the ramps to/from 28 (and even these were pretty easy as traffic was light). I'm thinking more and more about making this the preferred route vs. Stonecroft. Not only is it faster, it seems safer.
D and I met the Barnes, the Craigs and the Rynexes at McCormick and Schmicks in Reston. We had to park on top of the parking deck (al fresco, under the stars you could say) as the parking garage was packed. We met at the bar for a round of drinks before heading to our table. I switched to Mojitos (even though they weren't as good as Brian's) after the first Guinness as I didn't want to feel too full for dinner. We got the Big Chill as an appetizer and it was great. There was smoked salmon, ahi tuna, shrimps, crawfish, oysters, clams, smoked mussels, lump backfin crab meat and cocktail shrimp. We also got the kalamari and spinach artichoke dip (with crab meat) since the Big Chill just wasn't enough for the eight of us.
For my entree I ordered the Sockeye salmon from the Copper River. The water talked it up so much so I switched from the ahi tuna (which is what I had originally ordered). I should have stayed with the ahi tuna. Lesson learned.
For dessert we (as in the eight of us) shared a slice of white chocolate cheesecake. Charlie ordered it, but we joked to the waiter to bring out eight forks, so he did. I'm glad he did so as it was pretty darn good.
We finally got the hint that it was time to go as the staff was readying the tables for lunch the next day. When we got up from the table, the room was empty, save for the waitstaff. We finished our conversation on the sidewalk and we each went our separate ways.
It was a great evening of good friends and (for the most part) good food. I'm not sure where we're going next month, but I'm sure it will be just as fun.
I chatted with Tammy at the gym about the vulture that was hanging out outside the door and it turns out that there's another one as well. It seems that they're nesting in the bushes, so they'll be a fixture until November (at the earliest) when the fledgling takes to the skies and leaves home. (Apparently vultures are protected and therefore can't be removed unless they're sick or something.)
This afternoon Mike came in and gave me four tickets to the Nats game, plus the parking pass. He was going to take the other two. I was the only person to respond to his message. Sounds good to me. I was looking forward to the game with whomever went, but now that I can bring D and the kids, I'm looking forward to it even more.
After work I rode home on 50 (vs. cutting down Lee Road like I did earlier in the week). Surprisingly enough, it actually not too bad. Traffic was moving slow enough along the most dangerous stretch (between Lee Road and Walney Road) that it wasn't a problem. The worst part of it was crossing the ramps to/from 28 (and even these were pretty easy as traffic was light). I'm thinking more and more about making this the preferred route vs. Stonecroft. Not only is it faster, it seems safer.
D and I met the Barnes, the Craigs and the Rynexes at McCormick and Schmicks in Reston. We had to park on top of the parking deck (al fresco, under the stars you could say) as the parking garage was packed. We met at the bar for a round of drinks before heading to our table. I switched to Mojitos (even though they weren't as good as Brian's) after the first Guinness as I didn't want to feel too full for dinner. We got the Big Chill as an appetizer and it was great. There was smoked salmon, ahi tuna, shrimps, crawfish, oysters, clams, smoked mussels, lump backfin crab meat and cocktail shrimp. We also got the kalamari and spinach artichoke dip (with crab meat) since the Big Chill just wasn't enough for the eight of us.
For my entree I ordered the Sockeye salmon from the Copper River. The water talked it up so much so I switched from the ahi tuna (which is what I had originally ordered). I should have stayed with the ahi tuna. Lesson learned.
For dessert we (as in the eight of us) shared a slice of white chocolate cheesecake. Charlie ordered it, but we joked to the waiter to bring out eight forks, so he did. I'm glad he did so as it was pretty darn good.
We finally got the hint that it was time to go as the staff was readying the tables for lunch the next day. When we got up from the table, the room was empty, save for the waitstaff. We finished our conversation on the sidewalk and we each went our separate ways.
It was a great evening of good friends and (for the most part) good food. I'm not sure where we're going next month, but I'm sure it will be just as fun.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Day 57 - 04/18/2007
Katrina and Brook Haven.
Winner! Winner! Chicken dinner! And thus my career at winning radio contests continues. Today it was a pair of ticket's to tonight's Nat's game, plus 20k points in the Washington Post Reader Rewards program (whatever that is). Sweet.
I planned on picking up the tickets from the station at lunch (WJFK's studios are down the road in Fairfax) and had to find someone to go with. Before I could get a response, the station called to confirm my address. After confirming, I asked Meghan (the station rep) whether there were two or four tickets.
"Two tickets," she said, but then asked "Do you want four?"
"Sure."
"They'll be ready for you when you swing by, plus a parking pass."
After returning to the office, I checked the seat locations (1st base side, behind the dugout, about 20 rows from the field) and called D with the news. We made plans to leave the house at 5p. M had been to an O's game when she was five, but didn't really remember it; N hadn't been to one at all. Both of them were pretty excited about the prospect of going to a professional baseball game, and I was excited about going as a family. (Typically I'll go w/ colleagues as weeknight games can be pretty late.)
Traffic was normal on the way down to RFK. It took just about an hour, with us hitting the normal backups at West Falls Church and getting across the 14th Street Bridge. Once we got in the parking lot, we scoped out a spot in Lot 8 and set up our seats to get a little tailgating in before heading into the stadium. Both M and N were excited about the prospect of filling their bellies with snacks, both in the parking lot and inside the stadium. D was more concerned about staying warm (as was I -- I should have dressed warmer, but didn't think about the wind near the river being as bad as it was). Fortunately, once we got in the stadium, the wind died down and we were a little more comfortable.
We headed into the stadium in time to get to our seats, where we witnessed the National Anthem and the ceremonial first pitch (I can't recall whether I had ever done that before). Barbara Harrison was there w/ Joe (that's it, just Joe) as part of her Wednesday's Child series. He actually tossed out a pretty good pitch.
We stayed long enough to see the Nat's get a three run lead, but had to leave early in order to get the kids to bed at a reasonable time. (The Nat's ended up winning in 13 innings, so it was a good thing that we did, otherwise we wouldn't have gotten home until past midnight.) M has testing this week, so we didn't want her getting to bed too late (and N would have fallen asleep on D's lap had he laid his head down long enough). Before we left, though, we had our share of good times. Screech (the Nat's mascot) came around and we were able to snap a pic of him w/ the kids. He gave free pizzas to four guys behind us and in the hoopla surrounding that, we got our mugs on the jumbotron. As a bonus for those of us in the surrounding area, we received coupons for a free pie from Papa John's. The winning just didn't stop!
Overall, we all had a great time (except for having to leave early). Hopefully the next time will be a day game so that we can stay for the whole game, even if it goes into extra innings.
Winner! Winner! Chicken dinner! And thus my career at winning radio contests continues. Today it was a pair of ticket's to tonight's Nat's game, plus 20k points in the Washington Post Reader Rewards program (whatever that is). Sweet.
I planned on picking up the tickets from the station at lunch (WJFK's studios are down the road in Fairfax) and had to find someone to go with. Before I could get a response, the station called to confirm my address. After confirming, I asked Meghan (the station rep) whether there were two or four tickets.
"Two tickets," she said, but then asked "Do you want four?"
"Sure."
"They'll be ready for you when you swing by, plus a parking pass."
After returning to the office, I checked the seat locations (1st base side, behind the dugout, about 20 rows from the field) and called D with the news. We made plans to leave the house at 5p. M had been to an O's game when she was five, but didn't really remember it; N hadn't been to one at all. Both of them were pretty excited about the prospect of going to a professional baseball game, and I was excited about going as a family. (Typically I'll go w/ colleagues as weeknight games can be pretty late.)
Traffic was normal on the way down to RFK. It took just about an hour, with us hitting the normal backups at West Falls Church and getting across the 14th Street Bridge. Once we got in the parking lot, we scoped out a spot in Lot 8 and set up our seats to get a little tailgating in before heading into the stadium. Both M and N were excited about the prospect of filling their bellies with snacks, both in the parking lot and inside the stadium. D was more concerned about staying warm (as was I -- I should have dressed warmer, but didn't think about the wind near the river being as bad as it was). Fortunately, once we got in the stadium, the wind died down and we were a little more comfortable.
We headed into the stadium in time to get to our seats, where we witnessed the National Anthem and the ceremonial first pitch (I can't recall whether I had ever done that before). Barbara Harrison was there w/ Joe (that's it, just Joe) as part of her Wednesday's Child series. He actually tossed out a pretty good pitch.
We stayed long enough to see the Nat's get a three run lead, but had to leave early in order to get the kids to bed at a reasonable time. (The Nat's ended up winning in 13 innings, so it was a good thing that we did, otherwise we wouldn't have gotten home until past midnight.) M has testing this week, so we didn't want her getting to bed too late (and N would have fallen asleep on D's lap had he laid his head down long enough). Before we left, though, we had our share of good times. Screech (the Nat's mascot) came around and we were able to snap a pic of him w/ the kids. He gave free pizzas to four guys behind us and in the hoopla surrounding that, we got our mugs on the jumbotron. As a bonus for those of us in the surrounding area, we received coupons for a free pie from Papa John's. The winning just didn't stop!Overall, we all had a great time (except for having to leave early). Hopefully the next time will be a day game so that we can stay for the whole game, even if it goes into extra innings.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Day 41 - 04/02/2007
Took the day off today to see the home opener of the Washington Nationals. They got shellacked 9-2. This by their "ace" pitcher. With that in mind, it'll be a L-O-N-G season. Aside from that, however, we had a great time. Seats were pretty good (sat in section M47 out in right field), the beer was cold, the grub was good and the company was enjoyable. A fun time was had by all, except for Nats fans, who had to lament their team's 0-1 start. I guess that now includes me as I've finally made the switch from being an AL fan to being an NL fan. Maybe one day I'll visit Camden Yards and root for my (formerly) beloved O's, but that won't happen as long as Peter Angelos has his fingers in the heart of the organization.
This was the last home opener at RFK for baseball (for the foreseeable future). As part of the promotion, they gave away hats to all those in attendance. The hat was actually pretty nice (for being free) and fit rather well. Too bad, though, it was short lived. When I got home, N asked me where I got it and after I told him, I asked him if he wanted it. The look in his face when I did that more than made up for me not having it. It's the little things like that that make me feel good inside. I wish I could have come to that realization years ago and enjoyed M more as a little girl. Live and learn, I guess, but at least I can now move ahead with that philosophy and try and enjoy the days to come.
Next year the Nationals will be moving to their new stadium. I seriously doubt tickets will be as readily available for their home opener as they were for this game, but you never know. It was mentioned at the game that we should get tickets to the last home game of the season, just to close out the stadium. Lots of good times were had in the parking lot during football games, concerts and baseball games, it's going to be sorely missed. Word on the street is that The Danny will be moving the 'Skins back to DC, but more than likely that will include imploding RFK and doing away with the parking lots as we've known them. I'm not looking forward to that one iota.
On the way home I looked over to the driver in the car next to us and saw her sneeze. No one else was in the car with her, so I said (to myself) "Bless you." That got me thinking about who she was and where she was going, what she did for a living and what kind of house she lived in. A few more questions popped into my mind about her and then she was gone, only to be replaced by a single male driver who was making hand gestures while he talked on the phone. That was my Eureka! moment; I would write about people I see in their cars, filling in as many gaps as possible, while at the same time basing their stories on the facts of their lives as I know them. I'm not sure how I'll accomplish this (or even why I want to do this), but I figure if I can get a dozen good stories out of it, it would be worth it. I've always had an itch to write a novel, but haven't found the right story to tell as of yet. Maybe it will come out this exercise. Once I get the gist of it figured out, I'll write more. I'm thinking it will probably be in blog format, so it's more readily available, but then again, maybe I shouldn't so it won't be so readily available. Decisions, decisions, why didn't I buy insurance?!?
This was the last home opener at RFK for baseball (for the foreseeable future). As part of the promotion, they gave away hats to all those in attendance. The hat was actually pretty nice (for being free) and fit rather well. Too bad, though, it was short lived. When I got home, N asked me where I got it and after I told him, I asked him if he wanted it. The look in his face when I did that more than made up for me not having it. It's the little things like that that make me feel good inside. I wish I could have come to that realization years ago and enjoyed M more as a little girl. Live and learn, I guess, but at least I can now move ahead with that philosophy and try and enjoy the days to come.
Next year the Nationals will be moving to their new stadium. I seriously doubt tickets will be as readily available for their home opener as they were for this game, but you never know. It was mentioned at the game that we should get tickets to the last home game of the season, just to close out the stadium. Lots of good times were had in the parking lot during football games, concerts and baseball games, it's going to be sorely missed. Word on the street is that The Danny will be moving the 'Skins back to DC, but more than likely that will include imploding RFK and doing away with the parking lots as we've known them. I'm not looking forward to that one iota.
On the way home I looked over to the driver in the car next to us and saw her sneeze. No one else was in the car with her, so I said (to myself) "Bless you." That got me thinking about who she was and where she was going, what she did for a living and what kind of house she lived in. A few more questions popped into my mind about her and then she was gone, only to be replaced by a single male driver who was making hand gestures while he talked on the phone. That was my Eureka! moment; I would write about people I see in their cars, filling in as many gaps as possible, while at the same time basing their stories on the facts of their lives as I know them. I'm not sure how I'll accomplish this (or even why I want to do this), but I figure if I can get a dozen good stories out of it, it would be worth it. I've always had an itch to write a novel, but haven't found the right story to tell as of yet. Maybe it will come out this exercise. Once I get the gist of it figured out, I'll write more. I'm thinking it will probably be in blog format, so it's more readily available, but then again, maybe I shouldn't so it won't be so readily available. Decisions, decisions, why didn't I buy insurance?!?
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