With a keg tap in the trunk!
The Pigs seemed a little tense tonight. I got there early and was able to peer through the fence to watch warmups. The Pigs were all lined up stretching and warming up as if a Drill Instructor were leading the charge. When I looked over to the Redwings side of the field they were loose, soft tossing with each other and I even spotted a playfull game of Pepper going on in the outfield. I wonder if the players were worried about impressing us fans? They know we are there for them.. let’s make sure they know we support them through the good and the bad.
Plus’s
The Shock Top VW bug with mohawk was pretty cool.Not much tonight. Noone hit the ball hard and the Redwings seemed to hit the hole each time.
Ran into the performer who sang the National Anthem tonight after the game. Spoke for a few minutes about how he felt the song should be sung and I couldn’t have been happier. Glad to see there’s someone with a little fame under his belt who respects the Star Spangled Banner and what it means. We need him back again.
Starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong showed some promise striking out 6 but also issued 4 walks and was the victim of the other team hitting where the fielders weren’t. I have to be honest and say I was worried how he would perform. If he can refine his location a bit he will do good for the Pigs this summer.
Got to say hi face to face with some frequent readers tonight. Always great to see everyone and I have to say I missed a good bit of the game catching up with folks I met last year.
Boo’s
The game attendance was announced as 9,811 which in my eyes is not a sell out. They might have sold every seat but this season’s opener had elbow room most likely because of it being a school night (remember those standardized tests are this week) and the cool windy weather. The weather was probably the nicest opening day the Pigs have had as the past two were much colder without sun.I saw enough of the elementary school jumprope team to last me a lifetime.
Andy Tracy continues to struggle. Although he belted out a nice base hit early in the game, he struck out 3 times tonight. We’re rooting for you Andy!
There was no evidence of this mythical All Star sandwich seen in the Noise Nation.
Now to address those dozen or so folks who came out and ragged on me…
“Sold out this year?” “Gone corporate did you?” “Bet they paid you a lot for that one!”
I can assure you the Noise Nation did not receive any benefits from Wawa or the new sign that they have placed in right center field other than the sign itself. You have to remember, this is the Ironpig’s house (at least it is while they are renting it from us Lehigh County taxpayers) and they can do with it what they want.
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
What happened to the Warthogs Flyover at Opening Day??
I have no idea although they announced that the helicoptor that dropped the parachutist’s did a “flyby.” Most military aircraft are loaned out for this stuff “if available” so it is quite possible they ran into other obligations or mechanical problems.
I wanted to go watch the rest of the game on TV2 to see if Doug Heater (he’s no Meredith Marakovits) was going to try the All-Star sammie, but I think he’s waiting for a warm day, and/or one where he can plan on a light dinner before getting to the park, and anyhow I had plenty of things to do on the computer.
One of my pals will be up to Thursday’s game with his brothers and others; I don’t know if he’ll stop out there to visit youse guys.
I believe he was out and about in the parking lot before the game doing interviews. That was early though and it was a big crowd so I didn’t see too much around where I was.
Game was a bummer but it was good to be back. As always it was good to see you guys too. I’ll be there tonight, see you all there!! OINK!!
Interesting note about the ‘Pigs being ‘tight.’ I can believe it, based on the way they played. I was wondering if it had anything to do with the call-up? I don’t know–these guys have all been around for a while; I’m not sure any of them should be impacted by ‘us fans’ or a roster move–or my pork-eating habits. Never know, though.
I guess it’s been months since anyone had ballpark food. Concession lines were out of control. Upstairs and down. I did manage to get an All Star Sandwich, though–for those of you who were wondering. It’s available only at the Blast Furnace in the ATT Plaza.
It’s $7. Once you order, your order taker receives a kaiser roll with a handful of fries from prep folks. Then he/she walks over to the nacho area and applies nacho cheese. Then over to the meat area for the pastrami, and finally to the fridge for some slaw. It’s no Primanti Bros., but it tasted fine. I’ll probably have one again soon, but the walk plus the line will probably deter me somewhat. I’ll email a picture. Anyone know where I can get a pretzel-burger tonight?
In fairness to Matt and Jon on the radio, it did look like Hoover’s drive had a chance from our view in 209.
I hereby publicly appologize to Andy Tracy for yelling “HIT THE BALL.” I was just frustrated. You did hit that one, though, didn’t you.
I don’t know about other views, but from where I sat, that was one huge strike zone last night. For everybody, but huge nonetheless.
I wonder if we’ll be seeing Kendrick again soon?
Bring back the O I N K.
Good times man! Great to finally meet you!