The home opener was tons of fun. There was a strong crowd on hand and everyone went home happy, as the Lunkers came away with a 2-1 victory.
I had my first broadcast from my home press box and I really enjoyed being up there. It might sound insignificant, but if I am going to be broadcasting 35 total games from there, as opposed to only five each at every other press box, being comfortable is important. I really enjoy the people up in the press box, too. With that being said, we were one short. Our scorer, Ed Loverich, a former Northwoods League umpire, was admitted to the hospital and, on behalf of the Lunker family, we wish him the best and a speedy recovery.
For the rest of the staff, yesterday was incredibly hectic. Everyone except for Dustin was new to the Northwoods League experience. There is a ton to do for a home game, whether it is preparing the volunteer staff, setting up booths, tents, writing scripts for on-field events, or getting the concession stand ready. By the way, on a side note, I was able to sample the food before and after the game and it was sooo good. I was able to have a hot dog, a brat, and a pulled pork sandwich over the course of the day and, I know I am a sucker for ballpark food, but that was awesome!
We had help last night from a few members of the St. Cloud organization. Because we are owned by the same man, Joel Sutherland, we have a great relationship, both working and personal, with many members of the St. Cloud staff. We often help each other out.
After the game, the coaching staff and the front office, as well as our five friends from St. Cloud, all went out to Shep's to relax, kick back, and rejoice in getting through the first home game. I was lucky, I guess, because all I worried about yesterday was the broadcast. But, after the game, the rest of the staff was a combination of incredibly excited for how everything turned out, and very drained, for how hectic the whole evening was.
Hot Sports Opinion of the Day: In baseball, statistics tell a great part of the story. As a matter of fact, statistics in baseball are able to paint a more accurate picture of the course of a game or season than in any other sport. However, statistics still do not tell the whole story.
Ken Griffey Jr., one of baseball's most natural athletes, wowed fans on a nightly basis with his electric speed, incredible swing, and defensive grace. A true five-tool player, Griffey was on pace to possibly be the best there ever was, or darn near close. Instead, starting with spring training right before his second season with the Cincinnati Reds, the injury bug bit Griffey and began to derail his career. For four season, Griffey averaged less than 80 games/season. Though he bounced back in 2005, four years were taken out of the prime of Griffey's career.
"The Kid" represented everything great about baseball. He was always smiling and goofing around with his trademark backwards hat. Recognized as a great clubhouse guy, Griffey was also a leader. Most importantly, he always played the game hard and the right way. Playing in the steroid era, Griffey might be the only star of that era who renders know suspicion of steroid use. He was a natural from the time he was drafted, when he was hitting balls in batting practice farther than anyone had ever seen. When McGwire was hitting fifty homers with enhancements, Griffey was doing it with his natural sweet swing and power. Watching him leap up at the wall and rob a potential home run was one of the prettiest things I've ever seen. And watching him race around the bases in game 5 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees as he scored the series winning run on Edgar Martinez's double down the left field line was one of the highlights that will stay in baseball forever.
Due to steroids and due to the his injuries, there were a handful of players whose numbers, either overall (Barry Bonds) or in particular categories (take your pick) were superior. But Ken Griffey Jr. was clean and put up all of his numbers despite being stripped of the second half of his prime. Regardless of what the numbers say, they do not tell the whole story. George Kenneth Griffey Jr., aka "The Kid," is my favorite baseball player of all time, he is the best player I have ever seen in person, and he is the best player of his generation. I don't care what the numbers say.
Sports Pick of the Day: Chicago Blackhawks over the Philadelphia Flyers. Philly grabbed their one win, but that's all they will get. I've been saying Chi-town in five and I am sticking to it.
Record: 5-2
Streak: W2
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