Sunday, August 31, 2008

Look Out!

Sit back, relax, and grab some popcorn because I have a story for you! A couple of weekends ago, one of the members at the country club Will works at gave us his season tickets for a Dodger's game that they weren't going to be able to attend. There were 4 tickets, so we decided to invite my cousin Brianne and her boyfriend Clay who I haven't seen in years, and Will has never met. We have been wanting to get together with them for awhile and figured this would be a great opportunity to meet in the middle. We had a feeling our seats would be pretty good based on who they came from, but they were more than pretty good. We were directly across from first base, behind the opposing team's dugout, on the first row of seats that aren't reserved for the V.I.P's. Here's a picture that gives you an idea of our view:



As soon as we sat down, Brianne said something to the effect of - oh boy, this is dangerous, if anyone is going to get hit by a foul ball, it's going to be me - I have terrible luck! Will was stoked because we were in prime area for the players to toss a ball to us after each inning. Clay was excited because he is from Wisconsin, and the Dodgers were playing the Brewers. I was just happy to have a chance to sit and chat with my cousin. Which we did. Bri and I were pretty much unaware that there was even a game going on because we were so busy catching up. At the middle of the third inning, after the Brewer's third out, Will told me to stand up and try to get one of the players to throw me the ball on his way into the dugout. So I did. And sure enough, this player, Prince Fielder threw it right to me.

Well, I'm not exactly the best catcher, so it bounced out of my hands... but, luckily Clay got my rebound and we got a ball! We thought that this would be the most exciting part of the game, but we were wrong. Bri and I went right back to talking and forgot all about the action. A few innings later, for no apparent reason, we just stopped and turned to watch the hitter. This is the first time the whole game that we were actually paying attention to the play, and we couldn't have chosen a better second. Ray Durham was at bat, and he crushed a foul ball straight at us. I swear the ball was going in slow motion, but in actuality, it was hauling. I leaned toward Will, Bri leaned toward Clay. The ball wizzed right between the two of us, barely missed the little boy sitting on his mom's lap in the row behind us, and CRACK! nailed the lady behind them square in the mouth. For a minute, I thought that the commotion behind us was just people scrambling to get the ball, but then people started shouting for a medic. I won't get too graphic, but let's just say it was pretty bad. Amidst the chaos, the ball found it's way down to Will's feet. He picked it up and gave it to the woman's husband. After what seemed like a really long time, some "officials" of some sort came and helped the lady up the stairs and she recieved a standing ovation. It was pretty nerve-racking. Needless to say, we intently watched every play from that point. And I'm glad we did. It was a very exciting game that went into one extra inning, and Manny - for the second time - wasted a game winning opportunity, blowing it for the Dodgers. Oh well, go Yankees!



6 comments:

Johnston Family said...

Those are some awesome seats! And you had me nervous, I thought for sure it was going to be one of you guys that got hit! I feel so bad for that poor lady though!

doug said...

Wow! I am so glad you guys are quick duckers! That freaks me out. I'm surprised more people don't get hurt at baseball games like that. I hope that woman is OK.

Also - you guys all look so great! I am unbelievably jealous you all got to hang out and wish I could have been there. And Will - I dig the long hair!

Kate said...

Whoa ... close call! Glad it wasn't any of you. I'm happy to hear that Manny is not doing so well with the Dodgers. Serves him right for leaving the Sox! BTW ... what's this "go Yankees" talk?!

Will and Michelle Ridd said...

We have been trying to find a news report or something to see how the woman is doing, but it doesn't appear that the media got ahold of it. Pretty sure she would have had to have some oral surgery.

Will added the "go yankees" comment - he loves his NY teams!

Will and Michelle Ridd said...

Oh, btw, Doug - I'm glad you commented on Will's hair - I love it long, too! He has been talking about cutting it because he feels it might be pushing the limits at work, but I told him not to worry about it until someone says something :)

doug said...

Ahhhh... I dream of the day we're all back in Utah again. It really is a great place, isn't it?! :)