squirrels and squeeze plays

Completely unrelated to travel, but can't resist a quick post on the Sox-As game last night. Harper house and guests scored tickets throughout the bleachers and I couldn't pass up the chance to see at least one game this summer.

Excellent decision. There's something about that first moment when you walk into a ballpark. You go up the ramps, make a turn towards your gate, and catch that first glimpse of the crowds. And you get closer, then pass inside, and the surge of excitement from 35,000 fans washes over you...it's a great feeling and almost makes me glad I go to games so rarely. I'd hate for that sensation to get old.

In typical Sox fashion, a slow first half, with the highlight being a second inning "squirrel delay." A sudden pause as the entire stadium seems to collectively ponder: what DO you do when a squirrel enters the field? If you're Pablo Ozuna out in left field, you hold up your arms and wave them around little, all the while looking like you're really NOT getting paid enough to deal with this.

Fully earned his keep later, though, with a spectacular bunt in the 10th to bring in the winning run. Totally unexpected--I don't think anyone in the ballpark saw it coming and it was perfect. But the crowning moment had to be right afterwards, looking up at the board for the replay and seeing that, at the moment he switched up and connected with the ball, he was blowing a bubble.

Sigh.

Joe Crede still has my heart for his unbelievable diving stops off third, but Ozuna's rapidly making his way up in my affections. Here's to another great season...