Had a chance to go to the NLDS Game 2 between the Giants and Nationals, with my dad and nephews. My nephews are hardcore Nats fans, having grown up close to DC. I’m a big Orioles fan, so I can relate to their passion. More importantly, I’m a baseball fan. Any opportunity to catch a game, and I’m there. Especially if it’s October baseball.
When we arrived at Nationals Park, I took a solo trip around the stadium, starting behind the 3rd base side. Our seats were on the opposite side of the field, so the plan was to meet up with them after my trip.
The Giants were taking batting practice when I started. Players were shagging balls, doing their pregame stretches and milling around by home plate. By the time I walked to the other side of the stadium, they were starting to tear down the batting cage, and the Nats were coming out for their final stretches. Both starters, Tim Hudson and Jordan Zimmermann, began doing long toss in the outfield.
The game set a postseason record in time, 6 hours and 23 minutes. Buba (my dad), and my other nephew Tommy, bolted for a warm car a few innings prior to the end of the game. It was much colder than we expected it would be, so my hands stayed in my pockets more than on my camera. And I wanted to actually watch the game, and not worry about taking in-game photos from my seat, which was a bit of a distance from the field. The few times I did raise my camera, I had to dodge the white cloths being waved around by fans. I really just wanted to grab a photo or two of their favorite player, Bryce Harper, and a few telling moments in the game.
Unfortunately, the Nats lost the game, and the series. I feel bad for my nephews. But, it gives them a chance to hop aboard the Orioles train. Plenty of room on board.
davidrippeto 