Here at the Noise Nation we’ve been waiting all summer for tonight to get here and we weren’t disappointed. While only 2 of us had attended the late Philly Force games over at Bicentennial Park (defunct after the 2009 season) we all had high expectations.
Everyone celebrates… well everything! – Photo Cheryl Pursell
The first thing we noticed was the transformation of beloved Coca Cola Park to softball sizes. Uncle Marty told us about the fence erected in the outfield being 225 feet across and there was a temporary backstop installed to cut out the massive baseball foul territory behind home plate. Bases were place on the 1st and 3rd baseline and 2nd base was placed in the grass just behind the baseball pitcher’s mound. The softball mound consisted of a strip of artificial turf with a pitcher’s mound installed. This temporary mound shifted a few times during play and seemed to give the pitchers a bit of discomfort but it didn’t turn away the excitement of playing at Coca Cola Park.
Coca Cola Park set up for NPF Softball!
Speaking to the entire team (and away team) after the game every one of them had high praise for CCP. Several even mentioned they had already sent word to management that they want to play ALL their home games here in the Lehigh Valley. Except for an untimely light being turned out during post game autographs the CCP staff also did a great job!
Thrown out at 2nd – Photo Cheryl Pursell
Not all concessions were open but there was enough. Official attendance wasn’t obtained at the writing of this post but unofficially there was at least 800-1000 folks in attendance. One un-named IronPig employee exclaimed, “Who knew this many people like softball?!” The fans were enthusiastic and supportive although we did get caught in the crossfire of a spitball battle between two groups of young softball players…
Maybe it’s like Traveling in the NBA? – Photo Cheryl Pursell
Why we wondered where the pitcher’s foot should be – Photo Cheryl Pursell
Where the pitcher’s foot should be – Photo Cheryl Pursell
The game started promptly at 7:00 with player introductions and the National Anthem. Akron struck first scoring in the first but exploded in the 5th and 6th innings putting a huge lead that ultimately sank the Comet’s hope to win. Not giving up, the Comets battled in the bottom of the 7th but came up short.
My favorite part of the event followed. As is tradition in the National Pro Fastpitch League, both teams lined up tables and signed autographs for each and every fan who waited around for one. I’d say at least half of the attendance stayed and received autographs and photos with these great athletes. Although DiPro was a bit shy (yeah, our DiPro) he came along with me as I collected autographs and chatted with the teams.
Even better news, tomorrow the two team’s will meet again at CCP! Game time 7:00pm and tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
Many thanks go out to all involved… the NPF, the Comet’s organization and especially to the IronPigs who allowed this event to happen. They would be key in any efforts to get the Comets to call the Lehigh Valley home. I sure hope they do!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
Sure, he might be shy… how often does someone like him get to talk to that many women in one place? 😛