I have caught 85% of the Reds games on TV or radio and a dozen Dragons games the same way, but I have not been in a ballpark yet this year. By this time in the season I have generally been to 5-10 games or better. This week my wife and I found ourselves at my first baseball game of the season - I had been kidding myself about not missing them. (She has been to 4-5).
On Thursday I had the good fortune to catch a game in Louisville. Sat just a little past 3rd base. My notes ...
1. The game was lightening fast ... had to be less than 2:15.
2. Lots of "Reds" on the field. Lodolo, Barrero, Lopez, Moran, and Friedl.
* Friedl is surprisingly small. Lopez is smaller.
* Moran had 3 very nice defensive plays at 3B - he stood out. Was smooth, under control, and confident.
* Barrero does not look right at the plate yet. Did not seem to have a plan. Didn't make solid contact in any plate appearance.
* Lodolo was tossing heat. Did well and seemed confident in doing so.
3. Cubs fans are only slightly annoying at the AAA level
4. Older gentleman in Bats uniform (60+ left hander) tossed with the LF between innings. Was amazingly spry for his age. Made sure the youngest kids got baseballs along the line. Heard someone call him Mike? Interested to know if he was a former player at some level. Seemed to be enjoying himself. Ended up watching him quite a bit between innings.
5. Beer selection was limited at the game. Ate at the RF BBQ place with was decent.
6. Pro shop was limited. Much bigger selection at Dayton.
Guy aside us was in his 70s - noted he was at his first ever baseball game. Made for some interesting conversation.
Group of 8-10 guys behind us were in their 60s-70s. Heard a good bit of chatter about how times were better when LOU was under the St. Louis organization.
Enjoyed the game quite a bit. I think this is my 5th game at Lou and we will stop back if we are in the area.
GL