I had the opportunity to attend a Braves baseball game today. It was an early birthday gift from a couple of pretty special people. Thanks, Randy and Diana!
While at the game, I saw some pretty neat things. It was in Miami at Dolphins Stadium; the first complete game I’ve had the privilege of watching there. I word it that way, because the only other time I’d been to that stadium to watch a game, the skies opened up, and we thought for sure the game would be called off. The bad part was, we listened to the last eight innings on radio while driving home; in a torrential downpour!
Nonetheless, I digress…I learned the Braves can play well, even though they lost a record number of one-run games in away ballparks. Due to television changes (which is another rant, in itself), I haven’t really had a chance to SEE many Braves games this season. This was the first time I’d had a chance to see them live since the opening game of Spring Training. There have been LOTS of changes to the team since then. Injuries have taken their toll on Bobby Cox’s team this season. The biggest similarity between the team I saw in Spring Training in February and the one I saw today wrapping up the regular season in September is the players that were trying to impress Bobby Cox and MAKE the team in February are, by necessity now, ON the team in September.
I hope I saw the future of the Braves in center field today in Josh Anderson. The young man has done nothing but impress when given the opportunity on a Major League level. I saw a once phenom in Jeff Francoeur visibily frustrated after striking out for the second time…in his second at-bat of the day. I also saw the same J. F. make a couple of catches in right field that fans thought were certainly in for base hits. I also saw the aforementioned Francoeur get a base hit thanks to the sun. In baseball, we learn to take what we can get.
I saw umpires who could have certainly used the benefit of instant replay. Whether in the Braves or Marlins favor, it certainly appeared to be discrepancies in some calls today. One call does not a game-winner determine, but a series of calls made that leave a player guessing the consistency of an upcoming call can assuredly make a lot of difference in the way the game is played. Therefore, possibly affecting the outcome of the game. There were players and fans on both sides of the game today wondering aloud about some umpires calls.
Ultimately what I saw today was a relaxing day at a ballpark with family. The opportunity to enjoy a baseball game is one of those subtle blessings of life. I’m grateful for that blessing this Labor Day.
Filed under: Relationships, sports
