Tuesday found me back in New York City for the third game of my seven game baseball trip.
I didn’t plan my drive from DC to NYC very well and I arrived at the peak of rush hour. I was able to make the game on time and I was in my seat with food, beverage, and a scorecard for the first pitch.
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The Astros began with a walk to Jose Altuve, their lead off hitter and lightning rod for boos in New York City and most baseball stadiums. The next batter, Jeremy Pena, hit into what should have been a double play, but he beat it out on a manager’s review. It was all downhill for the Mets after that. The Astros sent seven batters to the plate, got four hits and four runs in the first inning. They never looked back.
I enjoyed my dinner, Buffalo wings with blue cheese (needed more blue cheese) and a celery stick, kept score and watched the game.
After I opened my bag of peanuts, I remembered sending a photo of a peanut to a friend (and teaching colleague) of my mine a few years ago, so I snapped a new photo of a peanut in my fingers and sent it off.
Moments later, I got a reply. Here is our exchange,
Me: just sent photo, no words, after all, isn’t a picture is worth a thousand words?
Friend: I’m in NY at Yankees vs A’s game. Mets\Astros tomorrow. Where ru?
Me: Yankees on Sunday, Nats yesterday, and today Mets Astros. Ran into Opels (another friend and teacher colleague)
Friend: Hilarious. Small world. Maybe I’ll see Mendel (another friend and teacher colleague) there 🙂 along with a picture of the ballpark (not shared).
Me: Holy smokes! Opels is in still in town! Enjoy your game!
And that was it. It is indeed a small world, and we are all connected.
“We are all in the same boat, in a stormy sea, and we owe each other a terrible loyalty.” G. K. Chesterson.
By the time the seventh inning stretch arrived, the score was Astros 9, Mets 0. “Take me out to the Ball Game” was lackluster at best.
I enjoyed the game, but it was no where near the excitement of the game on Sunday that my team lost. Isn’t that odd, I enjoyed a game that my team lost?
This morning I woke very early and ventured out to the 9/11 Memorial. It was early and the city was just beginning to wake after a restful slumber. The peace and serenity of the memorial is exactly what I needed.
Today is going to be a great day and tomorrow could be a million and six times better, but I am sticking with the present. So, I’d better jump up, jump in, and seize the day. I am headed to Philadelphia and game 4. Making the Days Count, one day at a time, one small connection to one another, because we ARE all in the same boat.
Have you ever run into someone in a place where you least expected it?
So much fun! It’s not something I”D want to do….one or two games in a season is enough for me, but I can understand the sense of adventure in the overall goal. The 9/11 memorial museum and memorial is pretty amazing. Glad you were able to see it. once, a gazillion years ago, when I was probably 10 my family was at an overlook at the Grand Canyon. Not a big overlook, nothing spectacular, just a nondescript overlook. We were all lined up to get our picture taken when dad noticed another family there…turns out a friend from his college days (would have been 15 years or so ago) had HIS family there at the same time, also lined up for a picture. So we did a joint picture. As far as I know that was the only time dad and this guy ever met after their school days. What are the odds.
It is a small world and we are connected more that we realize. This morning I woke and wanted to go back to sleep but I have task in Pittsburgh and a drive ahead of me. I am having fun, but it’s exhausting and keeping up with the blog is a commitment to me! Thank you for stopping by and enjoying the trip with me. Peace.
Once while driving from Boulder, Colorado to Star Lake, NY, I stopped at a McDonalds off the interstate. Standing at the back of the line was a couple I knew who were traveling back (I’ve forgotten from where) to Boulder.
I’m happy that you’re enjoying you grand adventure, and sharing it with us.
Thank you and you are welcome. The last tow ball games – Philly and Pittsburgh – I’ve sat next to or near a couple of families that are also doing a baseball tour, the love of baseball brings us together and gets to connect. I haven’t had a hometown connection since New York, but I have tow more games on the schedule. Stay well. Peace.
Glad it was all good clean fun!
Indeed. It was a good game and a good night at the ballpark.