Mar 19, 2001 03:26 AM
1799 Views
''Hi. I'm calling to let you know you won two tickets to next Wednesday's Padres Game in San Diego!'' I was told.
Okay- Great! I thought. My third official win in this new hobby I enjoy- entering sweepstakes. There was, however, a catch to this particular win from a sweep I had entered a week earlier. The sweep was sponsored by California Avocados. Holy Guacamole Pop Fly Contest I was required to not only enjoy the entertainment but be the entertainment as the Pregame show featured me running about trying to catch three fly balls.
Sounds simple enough to many, I am sure. In fact, I was the envy of quite a few male friends of mine. However, being as how I cannot catch a ball- I was un enthused. Much to my mother's surprise who knows how much I enjoy being the center of attention. But, let's get real here- I am going to look like a dork out there on the field attempting this- and failing.
Nervousness Mounted:
Wednesday, May 31, 2000 came too quickly and my father and I drove out to San Diego. As soon as we exited the freeway, we saw the super large stadium. This would impress many, but as for me- It only instilled more fear. I came equipped with my dad's old glove and no practice. My dad kept insisting I wear his sun glasses when I try and catch the balls. I absolutely refused. If anything, I was at least determined to look cute out there in front of thousands of beer guzzling strangers.
After saving $6.00 by parking free, we met ''the guy'' that would guide us. It would have been beneficial for me to catch ''the guy''s name, but I was just too nervous to worry about such small details. The guy lead us to the elevator and down onto the field. We stood left of the dugout in front of home plate and watched batting practice. I tried carefully to control my pounding, nervous heart and just absorb it all.
From The Field:
The stadium is beautiful from the field. A round dome providing 4 levels of seats fit to sit 67, 544 people. The guy comforted me by telling me there were only 13,000 people at last night's game. Oh yeah, that was reassuring! I marveled at the pretty palm trees that were on the wall at the back of the field. I allowed my eyes to take in all the advertising banners that were plastered everywhere I looked. I watched the big Sony screen that would later show each player's profile.
Several people came to meet me and congratulate me, and wish me the luck I so desperately needed. I watched as the empty seats began filling up and I watched the bat boy ''test'' the machine that would later launch 3 pop fly balls at me. The guy tried unsuccessfully to calm me down. He kept reassuring me that I would do fine and laughed as if I were joking when I told him I didn't even know how to wear the glove properly. The guy even went out of his way to get me a new glove to wear from the dugout, as my dad's was a bit on the older side.
I enjoyed this time in my trip. I enjoyed feeling so close to the players. My dad even took a picture of Tony Gwynn- with me in the foreground! This made his night, I am sure.
Announcing...cing...cing...:
6:50 P.M. PST rolled around. It was time to take my place in right field. My dad stood at the sideline as the guy gave me a short pep talk. I stood there. I looked at the people, looking at me. I listened to the echoing of the announcer's voice as he introduced me to the audience. I listened as they cheered me on, hooting and hollering. And then- I tuned it all out. I decided the only way to do this was to tune it all out, with the exception of the announcer's echoing voice dominating my ears. For this moment, I stood alone in an empty stadium. The first ball was launched at me. I ran in, and missed it. The announcer offered me some encouragement and then the second ball came in, and... landed next to me.
After more encouragement from the announcer, the third and final ball came my way. I looked in the air as it came down at me in slow motion. 'I am going to catch this one!' I told myself. I watched it....watched it...watched it... and realized I just lied to myself when the ball missed my glove and hit the ground. I turned around for a moment and saw myself on that big Sony screen and the thousands of people became realized again. I heard cheering and I looked frantically for the guy to get permission to exit the field. He told me he would be right here! After a few panicky moments, I spotted the guy and was escorted off the field. I was met with several ''Great Try!''s as the guy led us to the elevator.
I Was Jipped:
I was given a backpack with some stuff in it and handed my tickets. My dad and I were now on our own to find our seats. Navigating the Qualcomm stadium is pretty simple. We searched for section 19, and then found row six. A wonderful place to sit for free tickets! They say everyone is given 15 minutes of fame. I think I was jipped and only given ten. But, for the rest of the night, I was recognized as the girl who couldn't catch the fly balls before the game. I made a conscious decision to enjoy the first baseball game I have been to in years, and headed to the concession stand.
I was offered several high 5's and encouragement and questions by everyone wanting to know how I got to do that. And, I ordered beer. I've watched TV. 'What's a baseball game without beer?' I thought. San Diego Padres were up against the Milwaukee Brewers. I watched all the salesmen offering their peanuts, cracker jacks, ice cream and sodas. The game was fun.
I Wasn't The Only Entertainment:
Padres Fans are very fun to be around. The stadium boomed with excitement when a batter was successful. Bret Boone provided a fun ''Boooooooooooooooooone'' being said by all. In between every inning, stadium goers were entertained by music, views of audience members on the big screen, the chicken dance, and the Pad Squad launched T-shirts into the audience. (And, no- I didn't catch any of those either)
Food, Food, Food:
After several $5.50 beers, I enjoyed a $3.50 hot dog, some $4.50 nachos and a $4.50 family sized box of cracker jacks. Most of that being a waste, as I couldn't finish any of it. The hot dog was great and the nachos had an acquired taste. The cheese was not that of mine or my dad's favorite but I would recommend you give them a try- as they are good sized for the price.
They also sell Papa John's pizza during the game, and there appeared to be quite a few restaurants. The people working the concession stand were in utmost spirits and the pro beer serving lady tried to protect me from the cold air. All attendants were nothing but pleasant and enjoyable to be around.
Is That Urine I Smell?
I went to the closest ladies restroom several times. At the beginning of the game, the restroom was in beautifully clean condition. However, it is not attended to during the game because as the game wore on, the messier the restroom got. There were spills on the floor. The garbage can began to overflow and some toilets were not being flushed.
In Conclusion:
I would recommend the Qualcomm stadium to ball goers. While, I don't have much to compare it to, I did have a great time. By the way, Padres won 9 to 5. The people alone are reason enough to go. Padres fans are the best! If you have an opportunity to get on the field, even if it is to humiliate yourself, I recommend you do so. It is definitely a different view and no matter how silly you look out there, the fans will cheer you on!
