Wow! I’ve never seen such an AWFUL game in my life, or have I left a baseball so early! In one inning the Cleveland Indians scored 10 – TEN – 10 runs against us….in ONE INNING! I know, doesn’t seem possible does it?! Well it happened and it SUCKED! Amy and stayed until the Indians scored their 12th run in the top of the 5th! We weren’t alone when we left, I’d say about half the stadium cleared out at the same time!
As we were descending down the stairs to the exists, a grey haired security guard stopped us to make small talk and said “when that inning started, I had dark hair…now I’m all grey!” His comment sums up the whole game!!
However, in all honestly, I didn’t’ go to watch the game, I went to witness the tribute to the great Mariners broadcaster, Dave Niehaus, who died in late November of a heart attack. Niehaus had been the voice of the Mariners since the very first Mariners game in 1997. The Mariners described him as the official patriarch of the franchise.
The Mariners and Seattle went all out to show their love of Above the broadcasters booth in Safeco Field, there is a permanent sign remembering Niehaus. During the 2011 baseball season all Mariners will wear a commemorative patch on their right arm. That same patch was blown up and is being displayed behind Ichiro in right field. The City of Seattle and State of Washington declared that day (April 8, 2011), Dave Niehaus Day. The city went one step farther and unofficially renamed the street in front of Safeco Field, Dave Niehaus Way. They did a musical tribute and then his wife through out the first pitch, with all their kids and grandkids beside her. It was very touching, I found myself tearing up! That right there was worth going!
In addition to Niehaus’ tribute, there were awards to be given away, Franklin Gutierrez and Ichiro received their Gold Glove Awards (11th consecutive for Ichiro!) Even after a horrible record last season, Felix Hernandez won the Cy Young Award, so he was present with his award too!
The pre-game show was a lot of fun! The game was fun too, Amy & I enjoyed just having a girls night out! We did leave in the 5th, not just because of the score (that didn’t’ help, but also it was FREEZING outside and windy! We were freezing and even after hot chocolate we still will cold. So bad game + freezing cold = home early!
The Lakewood Police Department was on hand for the American Flag ceremony!
Self-Portrait of Amy & I
Beautiful downtown Seattle at dusk!
Hopefully one of these days the Mariners can figure things out, they just lost their 6th straight game and currently are 2-6…fantastic huh!?! If we continue at this rate, this could be a really long and depressing season! Come On Mariners!
Citations: Niehaus Image & ‘My Oh My’ Sign
Amy the Curse … before the game, hoping for a WIN!
My turn for the pre-game photo!
Ichiro running back to the dugout
Right before Smoak hit his homerun and then what appeared on the screen.
