In Eckleburg's Eyes - 3/9/2009, Part 3

News & Notes from Saturday, March 7th, 2009, Part 2

-Thankfully, my nine-hour class ended early on Saturday. JTH and I took advantage of the extra time and an absolutely gorgeous day to watch the Tennessee baseball team play the second game of a double header against the Ohio Bobcats at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. JTH is a regular while I had not been to a Vols baseball game in years. He was disappointed that there is no longer a buy one get one free coupon in the school coupon books. As such, we paid $6 apiece for admission.

-We sat in the bleachers down the left field line with the visiting fans, who were not massive but surprisingly large in number. We learned that Tennessee had won the day's first game 8-6. One fan was especially vocal and argued virtually every call the umpire made. She amused me greatly. Eventually Tennessee hit a ball between the Bobcat third baseman and shortstop (obviously in fair territory). I jumped up and screamed “That was clearly foul!” Most of the Ohio section laughed along with us. The woman temporarily moved seats!

-The game was exciting. We stayed for the first seven innings and the Vols scored in all but one of them while hitting five home runs. We left with the score 13-6 and no runs were scored after we left. It was not all smooth sailing. In the 2nd inning, Tennessee pitcher Steven Griver hit two batters and threw a wild pitch. (Note: Briefly attending in our section was Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl who individually greeted many of the opposing fans.)

-My favorite part of the game came during the bottom of the sixth inning. The Vols first four batters all got hits which culminated in a Blake Forsythe a grand slam. Not surprisingly, the Bobcats made a pitching change. Beck’s song “Loser” played over the public address system during the switch!

-I was pleased that I got to see preseason All-American Kentrail Davis in action. In the first inning The Vols' center fielder laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, rare for a guy placed third in the batting order. In a subsequent at bat, he hit a ball to the warning track. I vowed not to leave until Davis got a hit even if it meant sitting at the stadium until the following games days. Thankfully, he came through and finished the day 2-for-4. Davis also made a great diving catch that even elicited cheers from the Ohio section.

-The entertainment during the game's breaks was also amusing. In between the 6th and 7th innings we saw two men don sumo wrestling outfits (complete with girth) and square off hitting pro wrestling moves on one another. There was also a contest between two kids to see who could put on a frozen t-shirt quicker. The winner received a five-pound chocolate bar. I guess this was worth it to the kids.

-JTH was especially amused by the players’ personal theme music. When each Vol came to bat, a song of their selection played over the p.a. The mix was eclectic to say the least. It was amusing to hear country followed by hip-hop. What song would be your theme?

-After the game, we stopped by Best Buy (JTH had an expiring rebate) and then ate at the Applebees in bearden. We had a good time reconnecting with our friend/waitress, Lindsay M.