Every so often, once or twice per summer, we (Mr. Betty and I) get to a Gulls' game. We should go more often — it's the deal of the century and a great time on top of it — but somehow we forget, even though historic Cardines Field is right there, right in the middle of town, in such a cool location for a hot night: a literal stone's throw (a baseball's throw??) from the harbor.
So, last week, on one of those very hot nights, we remembered (amazing!!) and met some out-of-town friends for a game. I wish I could say I paid attention to the game; I didn't. I was too busy watching the kids ... oops, the players (who look like kids to me): college guys from all around the country to whom I wanted to say "It's okay, Sweetie" when they struck out just like I used to say to Super Son when things didn't go his way ...
Too busy thinking of undone housework (is it ever done??), of which I was reminded by the sweepers between innings ...
Too busy listening to the game's soundtrack with a song to suit every occasion: "Hit the Road, Jack" for when the opposing team retires a pitcher. "Bennie and the Jets" for a pop fly (I think, though I'm not so sure about that one) ...
Too busy laughing every time a foul ball flew over the fence into Marlborough Street or America's Cup Avenue, both typically lined with traffic, and we heard the sound of smashing glass ...
It's a recording of smashing glass, followed by the voice of the astoundingly-professional announcer, who can't be older than twelve or thirteen, saying, "Uh-oh, time to call Newport Glass."
Then, of course, there's the mascot ...
Honestly, it's alarming how time passes so quickly (or is it just that we fail to catch it??): the last time I visited Cardines was winter, when there were different critters playing the field ...
