Tonight myself and Noise Nation faithful Jimmy T headed out to Reading to catch an R-Phils game. They faced the AA affiliate of the Mets led by Wally Backman. It was cool to see Backman, about as exciting as seeing Buffalo manager Tim Teufel but those memories of the 86 season still linger in me.
Something else was unique for me tonight. The R-Phils held their 2011 inductions into the Reading Baseball Hall of Fame. Among the inductees was former major league pitcher Wade Miller.
I have to laugh every time I watch the movie The Sandlot. At the end of the movie it reveals that one of the young friends who played baseball together ended up playing in the Major Leagues. I can relate to that as Wade Miller and I played little league together many years ago in Topton, PA. As we got older we played middle school and high school ball together. While I was not very good, he was simply put, thee best player our area had ever seen. The rest is history. Wade went on to play 9 seasons with the Astros, Red Sox and Cubs. I didn’t get to say hi to him but saw a few former coaches and high school friends around the park and it was a great night.
Oh, The R-Phils got absolutely stomped. Losing 1-11 to the Binghamton Mets. Many thanks to our old friend Tommy Viola for inviting us out to a game and we had a great time. Also want to make mention of the new friends sitting next to us the whole game. Nice meeting you!
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Now onto our Piggies. They won! Yes! They WON! I have to admit I checked my iPhone more often than the away scoreboard posted tonight. (I might add, Reading’s away scoreboard is bigger, more visible to the crowd and is a dedicated away scoreboard vs the small sign inside the bullpens at CCP. If I had a suggestion to the Morning Call’s Bill White’s recent inquiry to fans about improvements to CCP, I would say a better away scoreboard.)
I will save you the details but the Pigs won by a final score of 5-4 and saved the embarrassment of being swept by the 2nd place Pawtucket Red Sox, giving them instead a 2 game lead in the IL North rather than a tie.
Pigs come home tomorrow beginning a monster 10 game home stand and it will be hot. Be prepared. Stay hydrated and I hope the IronPigs will allow water bottles in the park.
Stay cool and to quote the Most Interesting Man in Baseball… “Oink Responsibly little Piggies”
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
SERIOUSLY–REMEMBER THIS GAME IF PIGS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. TO DATE THE LAST FOUR YEARS THIS IS THEIR BIGGEST WIN. WE HAVE NO PITCHING LEFT, BROWN AND MAYBERRY WITH THE BIG BOYS, AND THE MANAGER WON’T BE AROUND MUCH THIS WEEKEND—NOW ON TO THE HOMESTAND—-PIGS NEED TO GO 7-3–OR FORGET THE PLAYOFFS!!!
Right, looking for a split with Columbus and Pawtucket, that’s 4-4, then sweep Buffalo for 6-4, then split with SWB for 7-5. I could be happy with that headed into the off-day 8/3.
I doubt that they’re gonna suddenly let us bring water/coolers in to the park. Tweet today suggests that ‘misters’ will be in effect. I would suggest that CocaCola (sponsor) and the IronPigs put out a big bin with some free bottled water on ice. Promote it as a sponsored ‘giveaway’ and everybody wins. Either that, or just check all the people when they come in to make sure that they have enough cash with them to afford beverages throughout the game. š
Oh, one more thing: I volunteered to be guest manager for these four games, and no one took me up on it. Second-guessing will be in full effect in section 209. š
Yes Dan it was indeed a good time last night and may I also say hello to the fine folks who sat next to us last night. Hope to see you at CCP in the future. And special thanks to Tommy the V for having us last night. It’s always fun coming out to Reading and hopefully another trip will be in the future!! Stay cool my friends and may I also say…Oink responsibly!! See you at CCP!!
Exciting win last night! I found out later in the game while I was listening on radio, the game was being televised on NESN. I turned on in the 8th. Great catch by Moss to rob a HR and save the game. And Delwyn Young has been Mr. Clutch in this last month….Let’s hope Boston, New York, Columbus, Durham, and whoever else trade some prospects away in the next week….