Expose

[JJ]

The game is done, and it was pretty cool. This is the 4th big league yard I've worked, and easily the one most steeped in tradition. The umpire's room was small and reminded me of a finished basement - false ceiling, half a dozen small lockers divided around the room, a 3-fixture gang shower, a toilet and urinal (can I say urinal here?), a small refrigerator (Pepsi products and Gatorade) and small table. The Cubs clubbie (Tommy, a retired firefighter in his second season with the Cubs) was there to help us out and gave us the grand tour of the Cubs lockerroom and lead us through the tunnel up to the field.
The game itself was a yawner - 3 1/2 hours of watching high school senior pitchers throw the ball 92 mph past most of the hitters, with an error now and then and even a home run in the 8th inning to keep the crowd interested. Oh, it was Chicago's annual "Air and Water Show" so we had the Blue Angels buzzing the yard throughout the game, too. THAT kept us awake!
It was one of those events that doesn't mean anything in any league or tournament or standings, but it made memories that few get to experience. Thank you, baseball!

JJ