Yankees defeat the Nats 5-3 after 14 innings

Saturday afternoon I was sitting pretty (i.e. eating and drinking) on my perch at the PNC Diamond Club at Washington Nationals Park for the 2nd game of the 3-game series between the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals.

 

Unfortunately I forgot my camera when I went to the game so all the pictures I have a from my iPhone.  Once again, I went into the game expecting to see Bryce Harper do something special.  After 14 innings, I left feeling a little frustrated that I hadn't seen the special player that everyone raves about.

One special thing that happened at the game was when Eric Chavez hit a foul ball that went into my section.  The older men sitting at the table behind me couldn't catch the ball, so it fell right behind me.  I had to lunge, but I was able to get the ball!  Now both of the baseballs I have are from Yankees!  The first was from Alex Rodriguez, when he tossed me one in Minnesota (i.e. at a Twins game) and now this one from Saturday, 

Yankees won on Saturday with a score of 5-3.  It was a marathon, but a great day for baseball!

I ran into Teddy on the way out and although he never wins the Presidents' Race, he's a winner when he's with ME.

THE WIRK

Teixeira hits a homerun and Yankees defeat the Twins - ALDS, Game 1

Last night was the first night of the MLB postseason.  I was able to attend Game 1 of the ALDS between the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins.  Earlier in the evening, baseball fans were treated to something special when Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher, Roy Halladay, pitched a no-hitter!



Wow.  Coming off watching the celebration in Philly, I was expecting big things at Target Field.  I didn't witness a no-hitter, but I did see a great game.

CC Sabathia and Francisco Liriano went pitch to pitch, but the bats were hot also.  10 runs were scored, but the Yankees ended up winning 6-4.

CC Sabathia on the mound

My 3rd base favorites, Alex Rodriguez and Scott Ullger

Twins congratulating Cuddyer after his home run

There was not a no-hitter to witness at Target Field.  In fact, the crowd seemed to "boo" a bit when Sabathia hit Thome in the arm with a pitch.  Come on, people!  That's no big deal.  Don't you know that that's how former Tribe players greet each other?!?! 

The Yankees were down 0-3 for a few innings, but then the Yankees found their offense.  I was sitting next to Kunal, a Yankees fan, and he was stressed for most of the game.  I think he finally relaxed in the 8th or 9th inning.  What most people thought was a "gimme" game for the Yankees turned into a bit of a nail biter, even though the Yankees were up 4-3 heading into the bottom of the 6th.

In the bottom of the 6th with Sabathia loading the bases, I started to panic.  However, he was able to work himself out of the jam after only walking in one run.  Great. Game was tied at 4.

In the 7th, with Nick Swisher on base, Mark Teixeira hit a home run to put the Yankees up 6-4.  That would be the final score of the game! 

Mariano Rivera handled the rest.

In today's game that starts at 6:37PM ET, Andy Pettitte takes on Carl Pavano. 

Should I stay or should I go now?!?!

Oh and  I have to mention that since Randy Moss returned to the Minnesota Vikings yesterday, it seems like the people in Minneapolis dusted off their Moss jerseys and decided to wear them to the game.  Welcome back, Randy.  Seems like Vikings fans can't wait to see you.

Lastly, guess what?!!?  I found $20 on the ground on the concourse.  Woohoo! Winner!!!  :-P

Fan of Teixeira?  Pick up a shirt.  Man his name is hard to spell...  "I before E, except when sounded like Teixeira"...


THE WIRK

Yankees v Twins, ALDS Game 1 ~ I'll be there!

After looking at Stubhub.com, Craigs list, and eBay, I decided to say, "to hell with it all" and hit the streets.  When did the going price for a good ticket hit $300?  Actually from experiences haggling with scalpers and researching websites for YEARS, the answer to that question is maybe 5 years ago... 

At lunch today, I decided to go out and look for scalper.  I was curious if I'd run into any Yankees or Twins grabbing food.  It's not a secret boys and girls...  Those men need to eat lunch, too...  Well on my path towards Target Field, I decided to go right to the ballpark to check out the scene.  As usual, I was at the right place at the right time!

Guess who just scored her ticket to the Yankees v Twins, American League Division Series (ALDS), Game 1!?!?!! Yep, this girl!  I cannot wait for the game to start...  Looking forward to watching CC Sabathia take on Francisco Liriano.  Great.  Now I have that little girl song in my head...

"CC, my playmate, come out and play with me."

Actually, when ever I think of Sabathia I always remember his days with the Cleveland Indians.  In 2002, when he was robbed at gunpoint, while trying to leave the Marriott Key Center.  Here's an article that provides more details for those of you that never knew.  For those of you that would rather copy and paste the URL into a new window, here you go: http://www.woio.com/Global/story.asp?S=793891.  It's scary stuff!  According to the article, "Sabathia was robbed of $44,102 in cash and jewelry, including a necklace and earrings."  I'm sure his fans are happy that no one got hurt.  It's great to see CC successful.  By the way, did you know that 52 is one of my lucky numbers?

As for me tonight, my only "concern" is what I'm going to eat on the Target Field concourse...  Do I stick with Murray's steak sandwich or try something else? :-P


THE WIRK

Manny Ramirez to help Chicago White Sox postseason push

As someone who watched Manny Ramirez when he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers once and numerous times while he was with the Cleveland Indians, I look forward to him joining former Tribe teammate, Omar Vizquel, on the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.  ****  If only Manny could've picked up a couple of weeks ago, when the White Sox were "in town" so I could've seen more of a Tribe reunion (i.e. with Jim Thome on the field for the Minnesota Twins).

As someone who has "adopted" the Minnesota Twins, I'm also curious to see how the addition of Manny affects the White Sox and Twin's race to the finish (i.e. the post season) since the White Sox are currently only 4 games back...

I remember Manny's glory days in Cleveland.  The city loved the Tribe and it wasn't easy getting a ticket to the game since the team was so talented (i.e. Sandy Alomar, Roberto Alomar, David Justice, Jim Thome, Kenny Lofton, Manny Ramirez, Jose Mesa, and Omar Vizquel etc.).  It wasn't uncommon for me to see them running around town, at the movies on a Sunday, or just miss them as my car was going in for inspection.  ****  Ugh.  Now I'm reminiscing about the good old days at Jacobs Field in Cleveland and watching post-season games at Nautica...  Those were great times with friends.  Too bad the Atlanta Braves had the Tribe's number those years...

Question:  Why does Cleveland appear to be the farm team for every major sport?

Regardless, here's my prediction:  The Minnesota Twins maintain their spot on top of the AL Central.


THE WIRK

I'm ready for some regular season NFL action NOW!!!!

So I'm in Minneapolis and watching the Twins game from my room.  Actually, I really don't care about this game.  I'm sure it's a good one and I enjoy watching the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins, but I feel like I've seen this match-up numerous times.  In fact, if I took the time to add up the posts, I'd be willing to bet that I've seen this match-up at least two times already.  Regardless, if there are fireworks, I'll look out the window...  The fans have been quiet, so I've been planning the next steps for this blog and my impending time off (i.e.  VACATION).  ****  Update:  Someone just hit a home run! There are fireworks!  ****  Another Update:  More fireworks!  Twins defeat the White Sox in extra innings, 7-6.

Since Brett Favre boarded a plane to come up North (i.e. coincidentally to Minneapolis, where I am) I've decided that I too should work on finding my "blog voice" again and start strategizing my own football schedule.  There are still some great stadiums that I need to hit before I die, so why not use my vacation to tackle Week 1 as thoroughly as only THE WIRK can?!?!

Currently looking at the following:
September 9, 2010 - New Orleans Saints home opener v the Minnesota Vikings
September 12, 2010 - Philadelphia Eagles home opener v the Green Bay Packers
September 13, 2010 - New York Jets home opener v the Baltimore Ravens

The schedule is aggressive, just like me, and hopefully (i.e. with a little help from my friends) things will all fall into place.  If it all works out, I can knock off three new venues easily. 

In addition, I have a some trips, concerts, comedy shows, and some other stuff coming up so dont' worry - this blog should pick up soon!  I don't like to telegraph all my plays on here for obvious reasons - but good things are on the way.


THE WIRK

A-Rod threw me a ball! Yankees v Twins ~ May 25, 2010

The game was suspended  (i.e. both teams were scoreless after the top of the 5th) because of rain but who cares?!?!?  I was sitting in the first row by 3rd base, and Minnesota Twins 3rd base coach, Scott Ullger threw a ball to me.  The lady to my right, more or less took it out of my hand.  To be honest, I couldn't believe he threw it to me.  Turns out that the guy to my left told me that he was motioning for Ullger to toss it to me.  Anyway, score one for the lady to my right.  BUT, wouldn't you know that I'd end up with a better game ball?!?!  That's right.  I was sitting in the first row by 3rd base and A-Rod was heading into the dugout...  Sure enough, I stood up and he threw me a ball!!!!  How awesome is that?!?!

By the way, I think Derek Jeter's dad was sitting in the row behind me.

Here are some pics from the game.  What a great night!

Derek Jeter at bat

Brett Gardner at bat

Brett is a cutie

Derek Jeter

Alex Rodriguez

A-Rod and Scotty Ullger

A-Rod and Scotty Ullger

A-Rod

Right by the NY Yankees dugout

A-Rod threw me a ball!!!

Great seats = great pictures

It's raining, but I should've worn make-up for this picture!  Ugh.

My centerfield crush

Ok, I've also decided that A-Rod is hot

Who cares?!?!  I have my first game baseball from A-Rod!

Like I said, what a great night.  Fortunately I was sitting next to a group of really great guys (i.e. brothers and their dad and uncle), who let me wait out the rain delay with them in the 3rd Base Club.  Lucky, lucky ME!!!

****  While in the 3rd Base Club an older gentleman who is a Yankees fan wanted to see my baseball.  When he went to touch the ball, I instinctively moved the ball away from his hand.  I wasn't going to let another ball get away!  He offered me $200 for the ball, and I turned him down.  He went to $300 and was denied again.  One of the guys I was hanging out with, said I'd sell it for $700.  I shot that offer down also.  Memories like the one I had are PRICELESS!

Last night's game is being finished today at 4PM (CST) at Target Field.  I already have Marcus, the scalper, working on a ticket since the people who have tickets to tonight's game have access to both games today.  If he can't pull it off, I have Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals as my fallback option.  Either way, I can't lose!

THE WIRK

2010 NBA Draft Prospects working out this week in Minneapolis

When I checked into my hotel yesterday morning, I remarked to the desk person that the hotels were packed this week.  She volunteered that there were a bunch of people staying at my hotel from the New York Knicks.  Huh?!?!  She mentioned there was a lot of activity at the Target Center this week.  Huh?!?!  Well, needless to say that information made no sense to me at the time, so I had to do some digging.

Evidently, aside from the New York Yankees being in town to play the Minnesota Twins, Minneapolis is the place to be this week, if you're a coach or a GM looking at the 2010 NBA Draft prospects.  The Target Center is the site (i.e. from Monday morning to Thursday afternoon), and the Minnesota Timberwolves will host seven workouts.  There are at least 40 players "auditioning" (i.e. think combine) for their prospective new teams, as June 24, 2010 is the night of the draft.

Per Jonah Ballow (i.e. the Timberwolves Editor/Writer) the following is the schedule for the week:
Schedule:

Monday
Group 1: 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Group 2: 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Tuesday
Group 3: 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Group 4: 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Wednesday
Group 5: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Group 6: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Thursday
Group 7: 9:00-10:30 a.m.

According to, TWolves blog, here are the prospects working out today:

Morning Session:
Manny Harris, G, Michigan
Sylven Landesberg, G, Virginia
Lance Stephenson, G, Cincinnati
Stanley Robinson, F, Connecticut
Ryan Richards, F, England
Jarvis Varnado, F, Mississippi

Afternoon Session:
Andy Rautins, G, Syracuse
Denis Clemente, G, Kansas State
Tommy Mason-Griffin, G, Oklahoma
Donald Sloan, G, Texas A&M
Craig Brackins, F, Iowa State
Latavious Williams, F, Tulsa 66ers (NBDL)

****  As I type this, someone is talking about someone they ran into and by the description ~ I'm thinking it's Pat Riley.  I hate when other people are my eyes and ears.  Ugh.  I need to get outside!?!?!

Update:
So I went outside around lunch time (i.e between sessions) and yes, there are plenty of men running around with the Spalding portfolios.  For those of you that want to look the part, you can buy one autographed by NBA Commssioner, David Stern.


THE WIRK

Twins defeat the Tigers at Target Field, the Ernie Harwell Rainbow, and my 66th venue

Twins defeat the Tigers at Target Field, the Ernie Harwell Rainbow, and my 66th venue

Tonight I made it out to Target Field, my 66th venue.  Target Field is the new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers were tonight's visiting opponents.

I'd been to Target Field a week or so ago, but there wasn't a game.  I'd walked over one afternoon when I was in Minneapolis and took some pics of the statues around the park, but it's just not the same as catching a game.  Earlier today, I checked the weather report and although it called for rain, I gambled and headed towards the ballpark. 

I took the skywalks most of the way to the ballpark and scalped a ticket on the way.  Scalping is legal in Minneapolis.  I scored a $57 ticket for $50.  I didn't feel like negotiating, I just wanted inside the ballpark. 

I like new stadiums.  I realize there's a certain degree of sterility with a new stadium, and that some people prefer the charm of older parks (i.e. Fenway, Wrigley, etc.).  I appreciate both types of stadiums, but I do like "new".

Below are some views of the stadium from my seat.

Did you know that Johnny Damon was with the Detroit Tigers now? I didn't.  I also didn't realize that Jim Thome played for the Minnesota Twins.  I remember Jim Thome from his days in Cleveland with the Indians.  He was a great player for the Tribe and a class act.  I even have an invitation to his surprise birthday party somewhere with all my "memories" from my days in Cleveland.  ****  When I was a Cleveland WAG (i.e. Wife and/or Girlfriend) I'd met his wife Andrea at a graduation party for the former Indians' trainer's son, and we had hit it off.  I never did make it to that party, but I digress..  Regardless, it's great to see him still playing well.

Johnny Damon plays for the Detroit Tigers... 

Jim Thome still playing well

Sure enough it started raining during the game.  Like the commercial says, "No rain, no rainbows" right?  Ernie Harwell passed away right before the game.  For those of you that don't know, he was a Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers and had battled cancer.  He died yesterday at the age of 92.

Ernie Harwell rainbow in the distance

Anyway after about 2 innings with the Twins leading 2-0, I went to the concourse to see what Target Field had to offer.  Below is a picture of the menu board for Mill City Grill.  I was curious to know how the walleye fingers were, but I chose to try Murray's Steak Sandwich.  The steak sandwich was good, but I don't really like it when there's more bread than meat.  As for the sandwich, there are 2 pieces of steak and it was cooked well.  If only I could've put my $10.50 sandwich on the Underhill's tab.  ****  Did I tell you that Fletch is one of my favorite movies?

Murray's Steak Sandwich

The concession stand was doing a lot of business (i.e. possibly because of the rain) and people had to wait about 10 minutes for their order to be ready. The people working the stand would take the name of the person placing the order and then call it, when that person's order was ready. I was amazed at how well the "honor system" worked!

Oh yeah, I should mention that Target Field now sells Killebrew Root Beer.  I don't like root beer, but for those of you that do, check it out!

When I returned to my seat the Tigers had tied the game at 2.  The Twins took a 3-2 lead in the 6th inning, but the Tigers would end up tying up the game in the 9th.  It all came down to the bottom of the 9th inning.  With J.J. Hardy on 3rd and Wilson Ramos at bat, the Tigers' pitcher threw a crazy pitch and Hardy was able to score.  Andddddddddddd, guess who happened to be shooting vidoe at that very moment.  Yep...  It's ME!  Enjoy the clip.

Twins Win!

****  I saw these stations for people to charge their mobile phones.  I told you I liked new venues.  This is a great idea since power users and travelers like myself, rely on having enough juice to function.  Thank you, Best Buy and Minnesota Twins for providing this amenity to Twins fans!

THE WIRK