Field of Dreams

Last weekend we drove out to Rancho Cucamonga to watch the Single A Quakes play baseball. We try to catch at least one game per season, because it's always so much fun. There's not a bad seat in the house and the most expensive ticket is $12. Hot dogs are only $4. Compared to a major league game, it's a steal.

Of course, this isn't the majors, and there were five errors committed, some terrible base running at crucial points in the game, and a new pitcher practically every inning. But the good far outweighs the bad. The most amusing part being that the Quakes used to be part of the Angels organization, but somewhere in the last year they became affiliated with the Dodgers. So half the crowd is in Dodger blue, and the other half who didn't get the memo are in Angel red. Luckily, there are no beatdowns in the parking lot in the minor league, another plus.

The Quakes mascots are fabulous as well. I thought Barney had turned me off of dinosaur costumes forever, but then I met Tremor and Aftershock who pump up the crowd, mostly dancing and razzing the umpires. They're hilarious and make me feel like a kid again. Those dinos earn their paychecks.

And boy did they earn them last Saturday. The game went 14 innings, 4 1/2 hours. Now, I love me some live sports, but 4 1/2 hours is way too long. And we would've left, but the other great thing about weekend Quakes games is that there's a fireworks show after the game. So we waited around for it. And the Quakes won, beating the best team in the league, the Giants! It's always nice when your team wins. Of all the times we've seen the Quakes, it's definitely been a losing record, so maybe this new Dodger affiliation is for the best.

My top prospect, Ramon Jean. And the manager's last name is Bustabad. How cool is that?

My pick for most likely to have a career in the majors:  Ramon Jean. He's right fielder with a great arm, right on the money, which he showed off twice during the game. He hit the only homerun of the game, made it on base a number of times, and ended up scoring the winning run.

I love minor league ball. These guys are getting paid next to nothing, hoping, praying, working to get their shot at making a living doing what they love. Kind of like me. It's inspiring to watch it play out in a different venue.