In My Tree: Go Tigers

I do not have the express written consent from MLB to disseminate last nights Tigers/Yankees game, please don't turn me in. Last night was my first game ever at Yankee Stadium, hopefully not my last. It just so happened the Tigers were in town. The air was a bit crisp for my field trip, but a pleasant evening for most of the game. My chaperon was a friend I met at a softball tournament about seven years ago. She's lived in NY since I've known her and unfortunately is a Yankees fan. Other than that there's nothing wrong with her. I had no need to get my mom to sign a permission slip; however, the 100 some 13-16 year olds surrounding us did. Somehow we got tickets in the middle of their high school excursion. It was amusing to say the least. At one point they asked us if were were 19...funny. Then they guessed 21 due to the suds in our hands...ha. I asked one of the kids how old he was, 13. To which I responded, "my son is 5 years younger than you." It was at this point I felt old. Of course they wanted us to buy them beer, but don't fret, your faithful narrator didn't oblige. Even though I would have wanted the same from the old dude sitting next to me at a game when I was a wee bit younger.

Our seats were higher than the teens around us, but amazingly the view was pretty good. I've sat in worse seats and paid much more. Now, anyone following the Tigers knows they are Jekyll and Hyde. The outcome as uncertain as an M. Night Shyamalan movie. I was a tame Tiger to start, but the Cats put up 2 in the top of the first. Confidence was high. But then the Yankees were given a chance to bat. Apparently, this happens every inning. Rogers was on the mound and there was no sign of pine tar on his hand, lord help us.

Eventually, the Yanks tie on a 2 run shot by Cano, who's hitting sub .200, nice Rogers. It's right around this time that our new outfielder, Jones, boots an easy grounder hit to left. A ball that my 8 year old could field cleanly, 10 out of 10 times. Then he steps into the batters' box in the top of the next inning and hurls his bat like a boomarang fired out of a cannon. He almost made it into the stands past the Yankees dugout. I guess he was having a hard time holding onto things last night.

The Tigers regained the lead later in the game on a laser that never got more than 25 feet off the ground courteous of Sheffield. I don't know if I've ever seen someone hit a ball as hard as this guy does. It's as though he is trying to punish the ball for all the injustices against him. The rest of the game was bits and pieces. My friend and I were too busy laughing and making fun of teenagers to concentrate on every pitch. I do remember Todd Jones doing his best to blow the save, but prevailing in the end.

By the end of the game most of the Yankees fans had cleared out. Those that were left shouted a few obscenities at us, but I've heard much worse. The overall experience was incredible and I will definitely be back. The only thing I didn't do that I always try to when I visit a new stadium was bring home a souvenir. I couldn't see spending one cent on the evil empire. I think the pictures will be good enough. Can't wait for summer to swing into full gear so I can go to a few more games there and at Shea. Go Tigers!!!!!