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6/24/2008

Take me out to the ballgame

This evening I went to a Joliet Jackhammers game. First night game for me at this park. It was a good game. The 'Hammers', as they are called, are in the Northern Indepenent League. Which means they are not affiliated with a Major League club. Affiliated clubs play with an eye toward 'player development' Winning is not the most important thing. But the Hammers play to win. And maybe get noticed by a big league club and move up to the majors.

This guy hit a home run. There were two solo home runs hit by the Hammers.


This guy pitched a 3 hit shutout (that means the other team scored zero runs).


The mascot was obnoxious (that means the kids thought he was funny).


By the end of the game the lights were on.


And the final score was 2 to nothing. Home team wins.


We had a good time - 6 adults and 6 kids. And I didn't have to mortgage the house. Which made the game even better.

13 comments:

Allison said...

Some of my most favorite memories are of going to the Jamestown Jammers games with my parents. They used to be affiliated with the Montreal Expos, now I think they are associated with the Indians. And I don't think they're the Jammers anymore...oh, no, I'm sorry...they're still the Jammers, and they're affiliated with the Marlins. It's the Bisons that are the Farm league for the Indians. :-)

Anonymous said...

Hubby loves this game - he played himself when he was younger.
I never got the hang of it though :D
Beautiful shots - looks like a great game indeed!

www.ayewonder.com said...

There is nothing better than minor league baseball other than perhaps collegiate hockey!!

Momisodes said...

Sounds like a blast! And great pics too. 12 people is quite the group for an outing :)

Thank you so much for the pitching translation ;)

Anonymous said...

I'll tell you a story: on one of my parents' first dates, my dad took mom to an Astros game. She thought it was the most boring game EVER. Yes. A Nolan Ryan no hitter, no less.

I think games where you play for the love and not the money, the fame, the endorsements are TRUE sport.

Unknown said...

Allison: Minor League games are fun.

Nicole: Baseball is becoming International in its reach. Someday, maybe, you'll get to the point where you understand the game. I hope so.

grandview: Mike, you're right. Collegiate Hockey is great to watch. A skill game, rather than the brawl that the pro game is.

Sandy: You're welcome. translated for the distaff side of our International audience.

AFF: You don't play professional baseball at any level unless you love the game. You may get caught up in the glitz and glamor, the endorsements and the fame, but you start it all by playing a game you love. If you don't LOVE baseball, you don't get to the point where the other stuff becomes an issue.

Queen Goob said...

I'm not big on watching baseball on TV but I LOVE going to the games!

Sounds like you guys had a great time!

Emily/Randomability said...

We have yet to make it to a Peoria Chief's game, single A affliate of the Cubs with Ryno as the manager.

It's a shame, because they are less than an hour away from us.

Soge shirts said...

Sounds like a hell of a game. We only have the lousy padres here. They couldn't score in a gay bar.

Alice said...

I'm so glad you posted this. We just got a minor league team fairly close by that we've been meaning to check out. Of all the sports, I just love going to baseball games.

Unknown said...

I keep thinking when my kids are older and can actually appreciate the time and MONEY spent going to games.... we'll start taking them. Until then, the only games they see are CandyLand and Go Fish.

Jennifer said...

Last Wednesday we went to a Hudson Valley Renegades game which is the closest Triple A team to us... it was about an hour drive, not to shabby. We had a great time. My husband and I went with my parents. :) Since the weather wasn't so great and there was an hour and 1/2 rain delay and most everyone still came to the game, they gave out free tickets for this past Wed. So my husband took my almost 5 yr old and my Dad took my 12 yr old nephew... they had a great time! 14 innings and the score was 0-0. ;)
It is nice to watch a real game, but not pay an arm and a leg for it. Although there is also nothing like being at Yankee stadium right behind home plate or right on the field level on the third base line!! :)
Glad you enjoyed the game! ;)
Way to go Hammers!!!

Jenn

PS I found you from Sandy's site!

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

NICE shots. I keep telling Ed we need to go to a minor league game -- or six. There are several teams within 150-200 miles of here.