Opening day 2008: Welcome back, Dickey-Stephens Park

What a difference in opening day 2008 versus opening day last season. This year, there was no stand-still traffic on the Broadway bridge an hour before the game. There was no packed house full of people who had never been to a Travs game and would never return. There was no opening ceremonies with Pat Summerall followed by a flyover. There was no uncomfortable new park to get used to.

Instead, opening day 2008 was like falling into a comfortable chair full of familiarity. It was almost like last season just suddenly picked back up again. The announced crowd was 5,000 something, but it sure wasn't close to that at least for the first pitch. No doubt the weather threat kept a lot of people away, and it was a little bit disappointing to have a smallish crowd for opening night. But on the other hand, it was kind of nice to get that midseason feel right off the bat.

So welcome back, guy complaining about no onions at the stand that sells the Damgoode pizza who was angry because he had the same problem last year. Welcome back, PA announcer guy who has the familiar voice that always takes me back to Ray Winder Field (even though you seem to have left in the sixth inning to beat the rain). Welcome back, radio broadcast booming in the men's room. Welcome back, Phil Elson signature finish on "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Welcome back, Magallanes sending runners to a certain out. Welcome back, BC Headache Powder toss now known as throw the burrito. Welcome back, Travelers pitching always making the game exciting. Welcome back, yellow grass on the field that makes you think the heat of July is getting to it already in April. Welcome back, Christmas trees inexplicably planted beyond right field. Welcome back, summer.

My opening day experience was a little like George Bailey's as he excitedly runs from one place to another when he returns to Bedford Falls (beat that, Greenberg).

And a special greeting to all that is new this year -- the pitch speed sign in center field that I will now remember not to ignore, the Travs museum for $1 that is long overdue, the wheel of fortune at the front gate where everyone is a winner, the Kidz Korner that charges your child $3 to play on a tiny piece of equipment that can hold about five kids max and run in a field that used to be available for free (this is going to anger quite a few parents), the new fan contest where you catch the whatever shot way up in the air in the net (this I would not mind playing), and our new star Hainley Statia who reminds me of Erick Aybar and now we are down to having only two of the Angels' top 30 prospects if Chris Pettit is out with a broken hand. (By the way, Angels, it may be time to change Ray Winder Field as the home stadium of your Double-A team on the web site.)

A quick word on the weather. I have to agree with what Cozmosis posted in a thread below. The umpires probably should have called the game earlier due to lightning and the Travs should have let fans know about the weather situation before it was upon us. I suggest flashing meteorologist Ed Buckner's coverage up on the scoreboard at any opportunity so that fans can see how close the TORNADO WARNINGS are. Though if they had done that, I guess I would have missed the exciting drive home down I-630 in driving rain and the echo of tornado sirens as I tried to beat the tornado that the KARK coverage on KARN said was about 15 minutes away.

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Naturals coverage gets more insulting

The Travs NEVER, especially not on opening day, got a story like this for an AWAY game. Well, I guess we can at least be glad it wasn't on the front page.

Comments

[Karch]

Different grasses do different things. A simple, basic thing to know. Now....I have not looked into what type of turf is on each field mentioned.....but that is something I would ask. How established is each turf? Things like that...before I start griping about our field. Anyway.

And how do we explain the sink hole in center field? Fuller went after a ball and kicked up patches of sod. What is Bill "I have been around this game longer than anyone and I know everyone in baseball, because I'm a failed umpire" Valentine's explanation? I'm sure it's a good one that is full of typos, misspellings, and plain stupidity.

GET A LIFE! Thats getting old. What are we, 8?

Oh and Bill, just to clear up some assumptions. I am a former player.

Just wanted to add this too since it never got a response in aother topic.

I dont know why you have a huge fucking chip on your shoulder. Your just a cranky old man with no clue as to what the Angels are thinking with their minor leagues. A good GM takes care of his players, takes care of their families when they are in town, and knows what the parent club is trying to accomplish with their lower levels. Whats more important to the Angels, a Texas League title or a World Series? Dont give me this shit about learning to win at the lower levels. The Angels use their minor leagues for developing and getting them ready for the big leagues. If you dont like the way the Angels run things then get out and get an independent team so you can have all the say in the way the team plays. Its hard to play for a GM that does not support them through the good and the bad. When was the last time you saw Bill Stoneman or Brian Cashman get on a blog or on the radio and blast their players? Im going with never.

I'm not going to post my name because I don't think its that important, nor will I give you a clever name like, Biddle or Karch. (pretty orginal on both parts). I will say this though, if you dont think I'm a former player ask me anything a player would know.

[dre301]

i think karch is his real name

Thanks dre301 for picking up on the sarcasm. Nothing gets past you.

[Karch]

Oh my. Someone else is a tad cranky, too.

[Mars]

probably a really shitty former player. One that couldn't hack AA and is now trying to make it in the real world. Wondering why the world doesn't still revolve around his .240 Avg and limited power to the gaps (or else had trouble finding the strike zone). One who blew his signing bonus on winstrol and HGH and still couldn't manage to get his OBP or SLG above .300.

But that's just a guess. Don't feel bad I couldn't hack college ball, but I don't hold it against those that are still in organized baseball.

Nice try Mars, I'm still in affilitated ball, out of Arkansas and in AAA. No I'm not with the Angels anymore, not because I got released either. Sorry your college ball didnt pan out. Looks like talking shit on a blog is working for you though.

Hmmm.... could be a number of people... like Greg Porter with his .118 avg. Not saying it is him... I just happened to be looking up his stats for this season.

[Mars]

POR-DAH!

"if you dont think I'm a former player ask me anything a player would know."

Ok, couple of years ago at Ray Winder a couple of buddies and I were sitting on the first base side. We were close to the dugout and saw a couple of cuties sitting near by. We overheard one of them say that Greg Porter left much to be desired, or some shit like that. To quote her "Looking at him you just knew it would be at least average."

Is that true?

[Alexandr]

Broke two last year in Boston and could hear the bones rubbing tehotger as I moved. Can even still feel it to this day. Just back from Toronto. Carry on lad!

[Jessa]

Woo hoo, another win up for me! I got Dan by 2 mnuties today. He placed 1st in his age and I placed 2nd. I improved by 4 mnuties from last years time. It was another good day at the races for the Adams' family!

[Yufriantia]

I, too, am praying for your child who may have adnarel fatigue, and for all of you in general as you rebuild. May you experience a generous portion of God's grace as you weather the stresses in your lives right now, and know that, as believers, all these things will work out for good.Kelly, I also wanted to thank you for the words in the second half of your post (the italicized portion). I found them to be a great comfort to read last night after coming home from the funeral of a very dear friend of mine and fellow homeschooling mom who went to be with the Lord on Monday. Those words were so soothing to me God's perfect provision at just the time I needed them most. Thank you for posting them.

[Lalu]

I agree and also hope that we will, with that one' at the helm, be entering hiotsric period in the US!! I have never been so hopeful about the outcome of an election in all of my adult years maybe optimism is genetic Have a great anniversary vacation!