A Nice Reception!

Hello PawSox Fans!

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the big game and I can’t wait. The PawSox will take on the Reno Aces at 7:00 for the National Championship. The forecast is calling for some thunderstorms and showers but I’m hoping the weather folks are wrong

It’s a very nice morning out in the courtyard of the hotel, although it wasnt so nice about 15 minutes ago. There was this crying/screaming/whining kid that would not stop. I had come outside to have some breakfast and write. This kid started whining that he didn’t want eggs he wanted a waffle. The mom took the kid back inside and returns with the kid now yelling that he wants more syrup on the waffle. After soaking the waffle in syrup the kid says that he wants some cereal and he wants to get it himself.

I’m watching the kid as he attempts to come out the door juggling a styrofoam bowl of cereal, a Danish and an apple. Of course this doesn’t end well. He drops the bowl, the Danish lands face down and the apple rolls across the cement and into the bushes! He starts jumping up and down crying and screaming about the mess. One of the hotel staff comes out and helps with the cleanup. The mom asked the youngster to tell the staff thank you and the kid yells, “NOOO!” They then depart and peace is restored

As stated, it’s an awesome morning, however there is another small problem…Bugs! The skeeters around here are relentless and I don’t want to succumb to their attacks and not enjoy the morning. Knowing I didn’t have bug spray and they didn’t sell it here, I heard that dryer sheets keep the bugs away. I went to the front desk and all they had were those little pouches of fabric softener. I didn’t think it would be a good idea to smear the goo all over me so I went to my room and grabbed a couple of sheets from my laundry bag.

I head back outside to do battle with the bugs. I check online to see just exactly how its done. There is a lot of info on the internet about dryer sheets and the many uses. The can be used as filters in vacuums. They can be used to stuff purses so they smell nice and keep their shape, and yes they are supposed to repel biting insects.

You rub them on your clothes and hang one off your belt loop. Since I’m wearing PawSox gym shorts, the belt loop thing is out. I hang one out of my shirt on the back like wearing a bib for your back. Time to await the attack! You can only imagine the surprise that within minutes a  mosquito land right on the dryer sheet on the table! Perhaps you need the Bounce brand, these were bought at the dollar store!

Anyway, last evening the Durham Bulls hosted a reception on the top of the parking garage of the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. It’s not want you would expect. It was a very large area with tables and chairs, lots of plants and flowers and very clean. You can tell that a lot of the people working in the buildings eat lunch up here. It’s a No Car Zone!

You check in with the Durham staff and they advise you to follow the blue balloons. The balloons are emblazoned with the National Championship logo.

Wool E. Bull greets us at the elevator and provides an escort up to the top.

Its a nice view and they have plenty of food and beverages. PawSox outfielder Ron Bermudez enjoys some of the tasty vittles.

Wool E. Bull gives the band a hand and does some dancing. (Paws will be at the game tomorrow night, making the trip from McCoy)

PawSox broadcaster Steve Hyder introduces me to George Grande. George was the host of the first ever ESPN broadcast in 1979! He played baseball for USC and was part of the team that won the 1968 College World series. 14 of his teammates from the team went on to play in the major leagues.

George was the play-by-play broadcaster for the Yankees in 1989 and ’90. He did the same for the Cardinals in 1991 and ’92. He then went to work for the Reds where he handled the TV broadcasting from 1993 to 2009! He then opted out of his contract to spend more time at home.

George has been the master of ceremonies for many years at the Baseball Hall of Fame inductions and he will be the TV broadcaster for the game tomorrow. It’s awesome to spend some time with him and chat.

It was a very nice reception. Theres a lot of excitement around including the Triangle Red Sox Nation who will be at the game. If you are a loyal Royal Roller you have read about this large group of Sox fans down here on North Carolina. Sean Bunn the Governor of The Nation is truly a fan!

Dont forget the game will be broadcast live at McCoy Stadium. Bring family, friends and neighbors, it’s certainly going to be a great time. Bring a blanket and take a seat on the outfield lawn. There is no charge and a lot of fun proving once again the PawSox are always……..”Here For You!”

Love hearing from you!

Yours in Baseball,

Rick Medeiros                     rickm@pawsox.com