Well, we are home again. Five games for the price of four was loads of fun. We had great seats for all four games, too, and met the nicest Cub fans from all over the country. Lots of folks from IL getting away from the weather. Opening Day was so exciting. They did the whole nine yards at the stadium with DJKhalid being the pregame entertainment (not that I know who he is) and Jason Derulo sang the National Anthem (I was really worried, but he did a very nice version of it, rather traditional, too). At the end of the anthem, there was a flyover of fighter jets in formation over the stadium (they opened the roof before the start of the game - it was closed when we arrived). The Marlins stadium is really nice, ticket prices are low to get fans in (especially with new owner and management), but food and beverages were pretty much standard except the variety was really wide. Just the two of us were at Thur and Sun games and our son joined us for Fri and Sat games. We all liked it so much we intend to go back for other games.
Now for the games, Thursday seems so long ago. It was nice to win in nine innings. We drove to and from Miami for that game. Since it was a day game, we were able to drive back home before sunset. But the number of Rizzo, Bryant, Baez, Arrieta jerseys in the crowd was amazing. Tons of Cub fans at all four games.
Friday was a hoot. It seemed like most of the innings ended with the Cub Fans on their feet rooting for a third strike with a 3 and 2 count and two outs. Eddie Butler was the star of the night and fans were on their feet every inning with him pitching. He had 90 pitches in the game, seven innings pitched and two outs in the 17th and he was pulled. Thanks for the abrupt ending, Morrow. The crowd was really behind Eddie. It's too bad he got the loss. They show fans all over the stadium during the breaks in the games, usually mostly Marlins fans, but in the last few innings, they were showing the same few over and over because so many had left. Too bad they left. Got an email from Derek Jeter on Saturday (everyone who had an email in the system and bought tickets got it) thanking fans for the great support and offering two free tickets for a few dates in April, May and June to thank the fans for being there for the first win. Probably going to get them and give them to my son since he has become big fan of the Marlins (and the Cubs). We got back to our hotel around 1AM with sore throats from yelling so much.
Saturday our seats were closer in line with home base (Section 10 for those interested - we were in Section 8 for the other three games, just different rows each time). With the constant tie, everyone was talking about 17 or 18 innings again. Glad it only lasted 10. Got back to the hotel a little after midnight because our son drove us around South Beach and Miami showing us the town after the game.
Today's game was another let down, just done in less time than Friday's game. The Cub fans outnumbered the Marlin fans and you could hear it. So many left on base each inning. The heart of the team was missing once the 5th inning ended.
A couple of things - Javy looks to be a blonde again. And Heyward has ruby slippers for baseball shoes. They sparkle on the sole of the shoe in sunlight. I tried to get a picture of them, but not so good.
Opening Day Logo - Day 1
Day 3
Day 4 - getting faded.
. According to Len, the sign was for him to be over a good 5 feet but he missed it, and instead made the great play. That rocket would have cleared the bases. As always, baseball is gonna baseball 
Happ being Happ, and Willy a little anxious too at the plate. Massive relief from Javy when he finally connected for his first hit last night.(and hopefully hefigures out his errors) Bet his soon to be son is going to get that baseball, lol. Addie, my goodness...he is BACK and then some! I know it is against the Marlin's but the bullpen only giving up 2 runs in 20 inning's is a fantastic start. Eddie had a great game when he played against STL last year, broke thier winning streak IIRC, and then things didn't pan out so well for him. I am really hoping that was just bad luck and he is on his way! Here's hoping the cycle of massive runs /cold bats ends today and becomes keep the line moving as standard issue. The above shot of the bases clearing with KB's triple last night was awesome..the speed edition of Get 'em on, get 'em moving, get 'em home!
Happ is struggling...I mean, I know 5 games in but he really looks lost. In 4th, under .400 is not where I was hoping to be in the first 5 games, (collecting just under 60 strike outs). The bullpen lookiing good, tho!
