The Ole Ballgame 7/26 and "Stadium Improvement Day"

by almostreggie on Jul 28, 2005 9:28 AM PDT

So this was one of my three season tickets in the row directly behind the bullpen. The bad news is that there are no cup holders and an average sized person has to sit with his knees tucked up under his chin for three hours. The good news is on chilly nights, you get to partake of the A's Bullpen Kerosene Heater.

Melody came down to our seats before the game to get her Joe Kennedy Rockies hat signed. She showed me how Joe had written his grocery list inside and where he had nervously gnawed off the tags and part of the bill. Joe and Jay Witasick both signed for her, but Jay had trouble remembering his number from the Rockies (I guess playing for 54 teams in 4 years can do that to a guy). Don't worry Jay, you're in Oakland now. You've got a spot here for life. Wink wink.

It was only after I got to the game I realized Bazooka Joe was pitching. "Aw man, I've got so many pictures of Blanton, I'm sick of him." I told Melody. Apparently Joe overheard me and his eyes brimmed with tears.

It was one of those times I had to think quickly. As he walked away, dejected, I yelled out, "Hey Joe, I don't think you're fat! You're big boned!" I'm sure that helped.

Is A's security taking their job a bit too seriously? I took my cap off while I was taking pictures and put it on the roof of the bullpen dugout. Out of nowhere, security is yelling at me, "Don't put your stuff on there!" It wasn't like I'm CC Sabathia breakdancing on it. I put my cap on it, for God sake! Take deep breaths.

But then again, if you've seen the roof of the bullpen dugout, perhaps there is legitimate cause for concern. This thing looks like a construction project for a remedial woodshop class.

Okay, we understand the A's are a low budget team, in fact the only team where signs in the clubhouse read: "The Management kindly reminds you that all foul and home run balls that are not returned will be deducted from your salary." But is it asking too much to construct a roof for the bullpen that can support the weight of a baseball cap? May I suggest an event, "Stadium Improvement Day", where fans can come out and construct new bullpen structures, fill divots made by Raider games, and replace broken toilets? They can wear honorary jerseys while their favorite players (and their wives) cheer them on from the dugout. All for a $20 donation.

Oh the game? The A's lost 2-0, and what more is there to say?

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oh yeah

May I suggest an event, "Stadium Improvement Day", where fans can come out and construct new bullpen structures, fill divots made by Raider games, and replace broken toilets?

Awesome idea. Volunteers could pick up trash off the field. We could have places like the third-base foul territory marked like on the highway: "Adopt-a-Field Litter Control: Kiwanis Club."

Call Billy!

by Apricot on Jul 28, 2005 10:13 AM PDT reply actions

wait, i'm confused

Did Joe actually hear you ?!?

Tempting isn't it?

by ChavysGrl3 on Jul 28, 2005 3:49 PM PDT reply actions

Maybe not...

I think he had cotton candy in his ears.

Aw, that was just mean of me, wasn't it?

"I don't care what anyone calls it as long as the umpires call it a strike." ~ Rich Harden, on his "Spluckle Ball"

by almostreggie on Jul 29, 2005 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Ideas for renovating the bullpen

With knowledge the current bullpen setup wouldn't pass state OSHA regulations for a break area, here are some ideas for what to install.

The old Comiskey dungeon bullpens. Doable, though the pens undoubtedly led to the demise of Bobby Thigpen. Plus I don't think PR director Jim Young wants to field calls from Amnesty International.
A bar. Like RBF day, have different members of the pen serve up tasty beverages while ballboy Adam risks his life defending them. You might not like Rincon now, but wait until you've had one of his signature Mezcal margaritas!
Built-in Battleship games on the roof. Lucky fans behind the bullpen would play against the pitcher sitting directly in front of him/her. Wouldn't be nice if during a blowout game, you could pass the time by sinking Huston Street's destroyer? You, of course, get to make your own explosion noises. The security guard will always carry extra pegs. Electronic Battleship optional with revenue stream rise.

by vertig0 on Jul 28, 2005 4:52 PM PDT reply actions