Go Thunder!

Opening Day for Trenton Thunder finally arrived!

Last year opening day was May 4 -- the latest in history. Through many twists and turns, Trenton Thunder hosted both the newly formed Draft League and the AAA Buffalo Bisons. Click on the link to read about the complicated system.

Late last summer there was much hope we would open the 2022 season affiliated once again with a AA team. That was not to be. Instead, we have a 40-game home season as part of the Draft League. The Draft League is designed to give players exposure, and allow scouts a chance to see a lot of decent players in one place. Overall the goals revolve around player development and not around wins and losses.

Listening to the post-game the announcers put a positive spin on the Draft League saying in the end fans come out to see what happens "between the white lines." There will always be good innings and bad innings. They proceeded to describe great plays and remind the fans last year eight players moved closer to their dreams.

Most players are in college. At least one just graduated from high school. Many in college have to commit to staying with their school for at least three years. At least one player returned from last year. Because they are playing college ball, the Draft League starts later. The World Series of college ball is happening this week, which means most college teams have recently ended their season. I told Yoran if he found a uniform he could slip onto the field and they might not even notice -- mostly kidding since he has never played baseball and doesn't even know the rules, but he is young enough and tall enough to blend in with the team. 

Yoran and I arrived a half an hour early. Somehow we managed to score magnetic schedules (yay!). I think the only reason we got one was because we went in Walt's Gate with the season ticket holders (and not many non-season ticket holders) and there spares. I'm happy.

We were there early enough to see the pre-game stuff -- first pitches by little kids, the National Anthem (and more little kids on the field), announcing the line ups, etc. Because it was opening day Boomer wore a tux. Cloudman does not seem to have a wardrobe.

The Thunder marketing team did a great job reminding groups just how much they enjoy going to baseball games. Over 6,000 people bought tickets to the game (the stadium seats 6,440 people -- so nearly sold out). The concession line was extremely long (and slow). The seats were filled -- a sharp contrast to most opening days when they sell about 2,000 seats and we are freezing under blankets sipping hot chocolate in early April. This time it felt like baseball weather (at least until it rained).

Ashley joined us by the second inning -- and posed for a selfie.

A highlight of coming early is seeing the bat dog at work -- he (so far they have all been male dogs) works the first inning retrieving bats. Chase was the original bat dog. After his retirement his son, Derby, took over. Then Rookie. Now Dash (a dog cousin) is being trained. Dash worked the first inning. Rookie was brought out for the second inning, and to show Dash how it is done. Dash looked like he was mentally taking notes. Fortunately Rookie didn't do what he did to make international news last season -- interrupt the game! Sometimes (well, more than sometimes) he picks up the ball instead of the bat.

Ashley and Yoran stayed through the seventh inning stretch. We showed Yoran the Boomer Race and the Dizzy Bat Race and explained the between innings antics are just as much fun as the actual game, but when Ashley said she was going home, he took the opportunity to leave with her.

I stayed. Within a few minutes the skies opened up. Play continued. The Williamsport team loaded the bases, pitching changes took place, and still it rained. At first it was a mist. Then a drizzle. Then is stopped. Then it really came down. Thunder's pitcher, Ashe, was able to get them out of the jam and retain the lead. The tarp was put on the field in the middle of the 8th inning.

We speculated whether or not they would return. The Draft League rule is it is up to the coaches to decide if they want to continue. This is the same rule that applies in case of a tie at the end of 9 innings, which is why Draft League games can end in a tie.

Carmine, one of the ushers, convinced me to go home. I walked over to the announcers and saw the game is broadcast on 920 AM. I hopped in my convertible and tuned the radio to the game. Before I was past the stadium (must make a giant U-turn out of the stadium) they were calling the game. You could tell the announcers were stretching for something to say when the one talked about how his barber retired and he now goes to his wife's hair salon, which means having to make an appointment. The hair dresser comes in early so he doesn't have to hang out with the women. It was memorable.

Before talking about his hair cut, the announcers reminded us it is nice to have baseball back. That is the true takeaway.

Go Thunder!