On Labor Day we had tickets to the Milwaukee Brewers game versus the Houston Astros in Milwaukee. It was an afternoon game. Bright sunshine. The roof was open to Miller Park and a light cool breeze was coming in off Lake Michigan. Sitting in the shade and enjoying the excitement of a pennant chase, I couldn’t help reflect on how “Bucky” would have enjoyed the show. My Dad’s dream was to be in the “show” and he never dreamed how extravagant the performances would get. Yes sir, we were tapping our feet before the game and guessing “song titles” played by the organist.
My goal? Bring home a winner.
It was a good game. Ryan Braun “pumped out” a homer and Fielder got walked several times. The net result was that after seven innings, the Brewers were leading 7-4. I had made a pack with your mom that we would leave after 7 innings to beat the crowd. Never fear. Turnbow and Cordero would pitch the eighth and ninth. The game was in good hands. We had brought home a victory.
So we eased out of Miller Park. Our strategy had worked. No traffic problem,
Then listening to the remainder of the game on the radio, Houston had runners on base and were threatening to score in the top of the eighth inning. As we headed north on Highway 41, the Brewers were tied 7-7. What the hell? By the time we reached Lomira, the score had turned in favor of the Astros, 9-7. The stupid game didn’t end until we approached Fond du lac. It had taken over an hour to finish two innings and the Brewers pissed away another lead.
Well we tried. I guess our mistake was trying to leave a little early. If we had stayed, the Brewers would have won. Yeah, right!
Actually it was a very pleasant day. Everything was enjoyable right up to the time we left the park. Where else would you rather be on a summer ending Labor Day? Miller Park! A pennant race! Good ball game! Time with family! It doesn’t get much better. The score was incidental to the whole experience.
I can’t help but ponder “did leaving early affect the outcome of the game”? No, it couldn’t have! Could it? No matter, it was a failed attempt to bring home a winner.
Love,
Dad