6 posts tagged “baseball”

It's official!  Jeff and I will be going to Spring Training to see the Giants in Scottsdale.  We're just doing a weekend, from March 7-9. 

If anyone is going to be there and wants to meet up, let me know.

I'm also looking for dining and nightlife advice in the Phoenix area.  I have never been to Phoenix before except to make connections at Sky Harbour. 

Last night, Jeff and I went to hear Barry Bonds at the Commonwealth Club. 

I've needed a little fix of baseball since the Giants' ended their season, so it was fun to go.  I really never heard many Barry interviews before, but it was pretty much what I expected... a bit of humor and a bit of arrogance.  But what can you say, he did accomplish a lot.

I was annoyed there weren't ANY controversial questions. 

But it will be interesting to hear if we get an update on where Barry will be next year.  I understand that nothing can be announced until at least 10 days after the world series.

The quote in today's Chronicle that totally summarized my thoughts of the evening:

"The evening, an hour-long conversation with KGO radio host Ray Taliaferro, was more a tribute to Bonds than an actual interview. Taliaferro, who all but blew kisses at the man he called a close friend, practically hyperventilated as he recited a list of Bonds' career accomplishments, including the all-time home run record he claimed from Hank Aaron this summer..."

It was surprising to see how poorly atteneded the event was.  Originally, it was scheduled for Davies Symphony Hall, but ended up in a small ballroom at the Niko hotel.  I guess Giants' fans aren't necessarily members of the Commonwealth Club.

I suddenly remembered why I hated playing little league last night.  Jeff and took ourselves into the batting cage behind center field at AT&T Park.  I felt just like I did in 2nd grade.  I clearly have zero hand-eye coordination.

Here is Jeff's attempt.  He did much better than I.

And here is mine:

I was lucky enough to make it to the last home game as well.  Not so great for the Giants', but it was nice to be there to say "farewell" to Barry.

The train ride home was really amazing as well.  I met a blind man from Monterey who LOVES going to Giants' games.  I also learned that he too was gay, but he is also a bible study teacher and a musician.  I had a great chat with him about baseball, and I learned a lot about how a blind person can experience and enjoy the game.  I hope to see that guy again soon.

Not only did the Giants win both the Saturday and Sunday games this weekend I went to, but after the game Jeff and I got to run the bases!

Jeff is about to run the bases

Jeff on the field

My foot (r) on home plate, AT&T Park

MT out on the field

For a cell phone, these aren't such horrible photos.

Since many of you asked... no I didn't go to yesterday's game.  I had a great dinner out with Brian, but I was sad to hear I missed that piece of history. 

Congrats Barry (cause I know he reads this... LOL)!

... and Brian's not the only one who drinks.  Meet Casey.

Casey

Despite the Giant's performance, it was a really fun night.  Dumb us left in the 8th after Barry was at bat.  But then they put in MY Bengie (MT always falls for a big catcher) to pinch hit, and all of the sudden the game was tied up.  The game went some 13 innings before Atlanta won.