Take Me Out…

We got to see a great High-A minor league baseball game with lots of action, close plays and an exciting finish. The fun began when a foul ball landed near us while entering the stadium. An attendant fetched it and handed it to our nine-year-old granddaughter, much to everyone’s delight.

Nearly every inning had the ball put into play and set the crowd to cheering. Between the 6th an the 7th inning the scoreboard read: “Happy Birthday Skylar,” much to our delight and to our grandson’s chagrin. Really, I think he enjoyed it though, and several people nearby offered their birthday wishes.

In the top of the 8th inning with the Hops leading by one run, the opposing team had a runner on second base. A fly ball was hit to deep left center field that the left fielder could not quite catch. The center fielder, Jack Hurley, fielded the ball and fired a bullet to the pitcher on the mound who relayed it to the catcher who tagged out the runner just inches from home plate. The crowd went wild!

In the top of the ninth, the opponent team again rallied and had runners at the corners with one out but were unable to capitalize on the situation. The game ended with the pitcher striking out the last batter.

Before leaving, our granddaughter, with the help of her dad, found a pen and got a Hops player to sign it. It was Jack Hurley, the one who made the spectacular 8th inning throw from left center field to prevent a run scored by the opposing team. What a way to finish a perfect evening!

PS—to see the 8th inning throw by Jack Hurley see: https://x.com/hillsborohops/status/1796044521265885415?s=42&t=hYLpwcC_IbKPp7yu5m_Sbg Also: The home plate umpire was a lady and she left no doubt as to who was in charge of the game.

#baseball #hopsbaseball #birthday #ballgame