The Last Ballgame Watching The Bums

I did get my camera working in time for the baseball game, after banging it on the dashboard of the van. Pretty sad, as this will probably be our last baseball game of the season, this time watching the Beach Bums here in Traverse City. We met Papa at the game and had really good weather. The kids had to explore the playground some, but really watched more of the game than usual...looks like they're growing up a bit! Brian simply enchanted all of the fans around us, and even had one fan get him some ice cream. Must be nice to be super cute. Trevor hurt is ankle on the way to the playground, but the Bums staff took good care of him, and he was up and on it the next day like nothing was wrong. Tough kid. We had a good time, and I can't wait until the next baseball season. Maybe next year I can get them to a Tigers game.

Life's A Beach

Continuing our trip down state, our next stop was Traverse City for a Beach Bums game. We had a fun time, and the kids got to spend some more time with their Papa. The Beach Bums won big, and so did the kids. They were able to play in the park at the stadium, and get some ice cream for dessert. Another fun ballgame, and we look forward to Star Wars night at the Whitecaps this coming weekend.

Last Ballgame Is A Bummer

Our last baseball game of the season found us meeting up with Papa and Nana in Traverse City for the Beach Bums game. It was good to see the Bums win, and the kids had a fun time at the ballpark. We were lucky as it rained most of the day there, but cleared up before game time. We had them announce the kids birthdays over the PA system, too which made them feel like celebrities. They also had a chance to meet some of the players after the game. It was a fun night, and the beginning of our 'end of summer/birthday celebration.

Bumming Around TC

On our way home from Cadillac last weekend, we took a detour through Traverse City to check out the Beach Bums. We've hit at least one game here since they started playing ball in 2006. The kids have a good time in the park and we just enjoy watching the games together. Trevor was really tired out from camp, but still had a good time.

Not a lot of people, so we were able to move around a bit and the kids enjoyed meeting the mascots and getting ice cream. Our next game will either be in Battle Creek or seeing the Whitecaps in Grand Rapids on Star Wars night. Either way, you know it will be fun for us. I'd like to get Brian to a game, but he's just too busy being 2 right now...

Last Game of the Season

Finishing up our last fun weekend, we hit the Traverse City Beach Bums game. We had a good time, but a long ride home after the game. It was Brian's second baseball game, but the kids spent more time on the playground than they did watching the game. Papa and I had a chance to watch for a bit and had fun. The kids got free baseballs at the gate and got some autographs before the game.

Baseball Trip 2007

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.