The Championship Season comes to an end.
Hello PawSox Fans!
Can you believe the PawSox 2012 season came to a close? It seems like only last week we were discussing plans for opening day.
As every PawSox fan knows, they won the International League Championship Governor’s Cup! The trophy is proudly displayed here at McCoy Stadium in the team store. Grab your camera and swing by to take a photo with the Cup that hasn’t made its home here since 1984. You should call ahead to ensure the Cup is here….It will be making the rounds throughout RI and other states. How many different locations can you get your photo taken with it? Keep an eye on the pawsox.com website to see where the Cup is heading.
The PawSox were defeated in the National Championship game in Durham, but that’s ok…The Governor’s Cup is the one I cared about, it’s the one that gets you a ring! Don’t get me wrong, it would have been nice to win that one game, but it didn’t tarnish the Governor’s Cup at all!
It was still enjoyable and exciting to be playing in the game. I was looking forward to seeing friends at Durham BullsAthletic and watching then game.
The National Championship wasn’t until the 18thso there was some resting time. There were events going on almost everyday leading up to the game.
On the day before the game I figured this would be a great laundry day. It was a beautiful day out so while all the clothes were in the washer/dryer it was nice to enjoy the weather and read a bit.
After gathering up my clean and dryer sheets smelling laundry I headed to my room. Holding the laundry in my left arm and attempting to fish the key out of my pocket with my right, it was a bit awkward because the hotel room doors were at a 45 degree angle. The diagram below will give you a better understanding of the doors.
As the card key was maneuvered into the lock, the laundry began to fall and while making every attempt possible to keep everything together, the laundry, door angles, card key and balance it was of no use. I lost my balance and had one of those “Face Plant” moments! As the left side of my face crashed against the room wall, there was a burning sensation. Was I concussed twice in one season? (Do you remember the lady who let the heavy glass door go and strike the top of my melon earlier in the season?)
As I gathered my belongings I was angry at the door and the wall. Now, none of this was drink or drug induced. All that know me no I’m a non drinker and drug free. Now how to explain the new wounds on my face? I wish I could have made up a better story, but that’s how it happened. Using my cell phone I took a photo for later reference in case there is another time to enter a hotel room trying to juggle laundry. A quick look at the picture and the laundry will be placed on the floor, door opened, bring laundry in slowly.
Just as I thought, no one believed the story and those who didn’t know me must have thought to themselves…”Damn, he must’ve been liquored up good!” You just have to shake it off and continue on. The game was the next day and the weather was threatening.
The day of the game I had a late checkout at the hotel. While checking out there was this loud alarm sounding, almost like a fire alarm. I wondered hat it was? It was a noise I had never heard before. The lady behind the desk asked what that noise was. There were some folks working in the lobby so it must have been coming from them.
There was a Red Robin just down from the hotel which was perfect for lunch. After lunch, I received a call to pick up some fine tip oil based Sharpies for the players to autograph some black bats. I located an Office Max and found the Sharpies. I also saw there must be a Rollin’with Rick fan in Durham. There was a display tablet at the page! (Was this staged? Was every tablet in the store displaying the same page?)
While checking out I heard that same alarm again going off! I wondered if every place in Durhamhas the same alarm. After making the purchase I headed out to the truck. It was torrential rains! I dashed to the truck and climbed in soaked! Here was my view out the windshield.
I heard that same alarm again sitting in the truck. I knew it had to be me. But where was it coming from? I never heard that noise before. I checked my own cell phone, nothing. I checked my worked phone, flipped it open and this is what I see…..A Tornado warning in the area!
The music I was listening to on the radio comes to a stop, another alarm and the announcer says to “Seek shelter in a sturdy Structure!” How are they going to play this game? The Penske Big Bertha is a sturdy structure so I head to the ball park.
The weather is breaking and the sun begins to peek out a bit. The ballpark is well “decorated” for the game. The elevators are all wrapped with National Championship logos.
The grounds crew is hard at work to prepare the field.
The on field PawSox logo looks great!
The team gathers up before the game.
The fans wait at the gate.
Andy LaRoche signs some autographs.
Its game time and Paws and Wool E. Bull take a lap around the warning track to be introduced to the fans!
The Reno Aces jump out with a quick lead from the first inning and never look back. It was still awesome to be there! We are all looking forward to the 2013 season. So stay tuned for the release of the 2013 schedule in a few weeks.
Don’t hesitate! Get your tickets early to watch the 2013 Pawtucket Red Sox defend their title and see the entire staff will be……..”Here For You!”
Love hearing from you!
Yours in Baseball,
Rick Medeiros rickm@pawsox.com
Rick
