So as I spent the past few days bringing a friend’s computer back from the dead, you may have noticed a break in the posts. Not much to report from my standpoint. Phillies picked up 2 in the Rule 5 draft and have eliminated themselves from the Roy Halladay drama. I still don’t think they are truly out of it so we may see if they save enough cash in the offseason to be willing to add him to the roster. As for my topic today’s post…
Last summer I rolled the dice and took a chance at amusing myself during an extended Ironpigs road trip and ended up at Bicentennial Park in Allentown. As you may know from my predecessor’s posts, Bicentennial Park has been the home of the National Professional Fastpitch softball’s Philadelphia Force.
I pulled into the parking lot and noticed it was surrounded by chain link fencing. Not knowing the safety level of this neighborhood it gave me a slight warm fuzzy feeling as I parked my car for a $3 fee. I actually splurged and added another $2 for a bumper sticker and headed to the gate. The tickets were $10 to $13 if memory serves me right and I got a seat behind home plate and waited for the game to start. The crowd was sparse and not too enthusiastic so I amused myself with my newly aquired iPhone until the game started.
The pregame was more than I could have ever expected. Dancing, high fiving everyone except the hot dog vendors and a fireworks show short of a WWE entrance caught me off guard but had the young softball players in attendance cheering. I was new to this world so I smiled absorbing the experience. As both teams were announced I found myself struggling to recognize names but a family seated behind me filled me in on the vast array of talent my $13 ticket had exposed me to.
Chicago Bandit pitcher Jennie Finch at Bicentennial Park in 2009
So the game started and the Force found themselves face to face with the Chicago Bandits. I started talking to the people around me more than watching the game and learning about softball when I realized that the Chicago pitcher hadn’t given up a hit. She hadn’t given up a walk and when I glanced at the aging scoreboard, missing lightbulbs and all couldn’t hide that she had a perfect game going. The gentleman beside me chuckled when I said this and said, “Well it’s Jennie Finch, what did you expect?” For a moment I sat there and thought, “I KNOW that name, HOW do I know that name?” Apparently because she is and has been the premiere name in softball for quite some time. So the game ended and despite a great showing by Force pitcher, Megan Gibson, they were on the bad end of a perfect game.
I got up to leave and everyone pointed me to the left field stands and told me to come along to meet the girls. Meet girls? Sounds like a great idea to me. Along the way I purchased a few official softballs (Neon yellow, $5 each) and went on my way. So to keep this short, after each home game, the Force and the opposing team will sit down at a long table and sign autographs for each and every fan for, how much? for free! I got one ball signed by the Force and one ball signed by the Bandits and found myself with a low cost birthday gift for my up and coming softball playing niece.
A few days later, actually on my niece’s birthday, I came back with my sister’s family and she got her fill of softball excitement and autographs for a lifetime.
So the Ironpigs returned home and all was well. Then they went on the road again. I checked the Force schedule and thought, why not?
The Noise Nation gives a salute with Philly Force pitcher Stacy Birk
This time I went down with a few members of the Noise Nation, horns and bells in hand. Now if you can imagine how much noise 5 guys with plastic horns and cowbells at bicentennial park can make, well it echoes well with the large oblong outfield wall. We sent a few horns down into the Force dugout and through the generosity of the team, the next night, myself and 10 others from the Noise Nation received comp tickets to what would be the last game of the season and had a great time. They even invited us to attend their after game party… but that’s a story not to be published here.
So you can get the impression that I, personally, truly enjoyed myself at the Force and the Noise Nation who attended also look forward to next season. Next season. 2010.
Here comes the question of the day.
Will the Philly Force play in Allentown in 2010?
A few of my sources say absolutley not. But how so? The Force are promoting season ticket sales on their Facebook Page I have heard that the transportation authority would be rebuilding and take away most of the parking and that most likely Bicentennial Field would be demolished. (See other posts on this blog for reason’s why I don’t feel this should be done) Other rumors are that the Force will be moving to Downingtown, PA to play at a university field until a permanant stadium can be built closer to its namesake Philadelphia. Might there be new ownership? Will the players come back to Allentown; to their 2009 team?
So many questions.. if you know the answers, please share in the comment section.
As I always try to do, I will now tie this in with the Ironpigs. Former Ironpig Gary Majewski signed a minor league contract with Houston recently, as did right hand pitcher Casie Daigle who is married to Chicago Bandits pitcher Jennie Finch Daigle!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 