Well, first things first, I am ecstatic to report that I have finally attended my first “full” (missed first 10 minutes, but I’ll let it slide) Batting Practice. I felt I took advantage of it and will now be well prepared as I try to expand my collection to more then just 3rd out and in game infield warmup toss ups. I ran into the left field gates at about 4:40 (they open 430 for 7:00 games) and was thrilled that it was not as packed as I had feared it would be. I guess the fans that arrive early at CBP are more interested in eating on Ashburn Alley then ballhawking, which is just fine by me =D. (My next task in becoming more thourough in documentation, will be to bring a camera to visually document my adventures).

I was able to stake out a good spot in the middle of left field about 7 rows up and it payed off immediately. The first ball that I got was a low flying dart by Ben Francisco. I literally jogged through my row to the next aisle dropped down 2 rows and over another 3 feet and caught it with only one other person with a competing glove. My first batting practice ball?!?!?!?!?!?! VICTORY! Was it really that easy? Like shagging balls in the outfield in my highschool BP? I realized after the Ballhawkfest last week that the reason I missed out on the 3 flys that came near me is because when I realized I had miss judged a ball I just stood there and watched, even when I could’ve had a good chance if I had just taken the effort to step down a row.

My second ball was a towering shot by John Mayberry Jr. it was a bomb in the sense that it was launched upwards, but it only landed in the 3rd row so it wasnt long at all. I had assumed position in the same row in the middle of left field after the Francisco ball, and so for this I went a section to the right, down 4 rows and in a couple steps and caught it over a man leaning back from the front row. At that point people started being the “woah, that’s two balls you got!” and knowing Phillies fans I was wondering what would happen if they saw me get a third. Would it turn to anger?

I never got a third ball among those same people. Until 5:35 (when the rest of the stadium opens) no more balls landed remotely near to me. With the Phillies Lefty stacked lineup they were crushing balls to right field that ushers were out shagging….boo. So I proceeded to run around trying to get a ball from players, I got acknowledgment from Antonio Bastardo but he just continued to say “be patient” and yet I never got one from him, oh well. I then went to center field and got Michael Stutes’s attention, I kinda felt wierd standing on a chair asking him a ball over all the other people that had been standing in the front row for a while. They all turned their heads and I kinda felt guilty, is that normal? What mindset is there to not thinking that you’re doing something wrong? Anyway, Stutes turned as he was picking up a ball and I flapped my glove, not really wanting to yell to him anymore since I was feeling self concious, and unfortunately he did a kinda sarcastic, “oh hey” with a wave as if I had been waving to him…. I guess I let one get away there.

I then ran to right when the Giants started to hit and caught yet another ball on the fly! This one I ran straight through my row for 3 sections (I’m still suprised it hung in the air) and made the catch in stride behind a guys outstretched hand. The guy said it had deflected off his hand, which I hadn’t been aware of (probably nicked his pinky). I was feeling great, I got to show my mom that it pays off to come to BP. For the record I applaud her for getting me to  any game regardless of what time. So having 3 balls, feeling accomplished, I felt that it was my duty to sit with her and not think about snagging for the game so that she could spend a game with her son (only the second game she’s taken me to, usually my dad).

We spent the game behind 4 Giants fans, quite the entertaining group. They were nothing but respectfully cheering for the Giants, but yet the Phillies fans were trashing them. I’m guessing that they were a mother, father, and 2 sons, or a son and a friend. Regardless, one son had a Brian Wilson immitation beard, and the other a Brian Wilson themed Mo Hawk. All I can say is, Cool Dudes.

Phillies lost. So the fans were even more brutal, but good game, Lincecum pitched well….=/. A ball that was lieing in the Bullpen after BP was STILL THERE after the game, and yet the security guys pushed us out due to the fact that the concourse needed to be clear for the fireworks. Fireworks were great, got home late, but I was thrilled with the result. Many more games to come I hope. (went to Friday vs Pirates too. Post coming soon)