Getting out of bed ahead of a big travel day is either exciting or overwhelming. Maybe a little of both for me...but much more excitement for Sam. Of course he's not having to think of every last detail - fretting about missing this or that. We did hit the road...at 3...after one false start after another. This is where keeping a list REALLY comes in handy...maybe next time (and the next time...etc forever).
So we hit the road and ride into South Bend about 5pm Eastern time. We get to our hotel and check in, just to find the room isn't too my liking. I didn't like the fact that we were right next to the stairwell...so we do get another room...but as I type this we are surrounded by LOUD pre-teens who are on some sort of little league trip. Awesome.
We finally make it to the stadium...Coveleski Field, the home of the Silverhawks. We were here a couple of years ago during our first trip, and I was surprised to see that the place had undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. Before we got to see the inside details, as we walk from the ticket booth we find out that the National Anthem is being sung...I boo-booed on the time. I thought it was 6...but it was actually 5:30...yikes! Anyways we do get in and catch the first pitch. We end up sitting right behind home plate...why not?
As we watch the game I am very impressed with the improvements. There's a giant new video scoreboard, and new seating beyond the outfield walls. Looks much better, but there is one major drawback...they installed that fieldturf as their playing surface. Now I understand why that works with football...but it just feels sterile for baseball. There is simply something romantic about newly cut grass...like you are actually in a "park". For all the advantages of this new stuff...it can't replace that intangible. The place was pretty empty as well...makes me think they overdid it with the upgrades. Sometimes simple is best.
The game was great, and even greater was that Sam STAYED with me the WHOLE game...a first for a minor league game! He always wants to run around and find other kids to play with...but not tonight. It felt great having him around...he's becoming a lot of fun to talk to as he grows up. We'll see how the rest of the trip goes. The game was close but the Silverhawks pulled it out 4.3. It was pretty early when we returned so we swam in the hotel pool for two hours...while we played with this new rubber ball I bought a few weeks back. Kept us occupied and hopefully I didn't throw out my arm.
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