Dayton, OH-7/30/07: This was our only home loss of the trip, as the Dragons fell to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 6-1. It was a nice little stadium in Dayton, though, carved into the downtown area. We met my friend Darryl from high school and had a great time. This was the first time we were at 5/3 Field in Dayton. Got autographs for the kids from former Tiger pitcher Doug Bair.
Toledo, OH-7/31/07: This was exciting to watch AAA ball. We saw players that have been up to the 'show', like Chris Shelton and Brent Clevlen. We watched Tigers pitcher Fernando Rodney thow to a few batters as he was recooperating with the Hens. All in all, the Mud Hens doubled up the Richmond Braves 8-4 on a home run from infielder Jack Hannahan, who also had 3 RBI's in the game. 5/3 Field in Toledo is really a nice stadium (pictured above), and we probably had the most fun here.
Midland, MI-7/31/07: Our first trip to Dow Diamond to watch the Loons was a memorable one. It was a long trip up from Toledo, but it was worth it. I met former Tigers catcher Lance Parrish, and got him to sign some cards for the kids. The game was long, but got exciting in the 9th. Down 8-4, the Loons came back to tie the Clinton Lumber Kings with a four run inning. Then in the 10th they won it with a walk off home run. Honestly, I can't remember who hit it, but it was pretty thrilling. Parrish seems to be doing a good job down there as manager. This was the most gruelling day of the trip, though.
Comstock Park, MI-8/1/07: As always, it's great to watch my favorite team, the West Michigan Whitecaps. This game was really special, though, as they were playing the Peoria Chiefs who are managed by former Cub and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. I waited almost an hour, but is was worth it to meet him and have him autograph an Cubs baseball. I MET RYNE 'FEAKIN' SANDBERG!!!!! Awesome. We saw a great ball game, but it went quick, as the 'Caps beat the Cheifs 3-1. We saw some great defensive plays from both teams. Second baseman Scott Sizemore had two hits for the 'Caps including a double. This was a great contest between the two division leaders.
Traverse City, MI-8/2/07: The Traverse City Beach Bums held on to beat the Southern Illinois Miners 6-4. Not a bad game, but the quality of baseball is a little low compared to AAA and even A ball. We had a good time, though, and I headed back up to the Soo after the game. They gave away free steffed bears for the kids which was nice. A little cooler weather, so we liked that, too. A pretty good end to a long trip.
Because of the intense heat, we skipped the Lugnuts game in Lansing on the 1st. We were actually getting sick from the heat and lack of sleep. Still a lot of fun and look forward to planning next years trip.
