September 2009
EMOTIONAL NIGHT
While the Royals were in Detroit, we were lucky enough to be on hand when legendary, longtime Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell came to the ballpark to say “thank you” and, sadly, “so long…”
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Ernie is 91 and was recently diagnosed with inoperable cancer. He visited the Ernie Harwell press box. Here flanked by, among many others, current Tigers broadcaster Dan Dickerson on the left and team President Dave Dombrowski on the right. Ernie looks great and was in great spirits.
A Detroit Free Press photographer captured Ernie leaving our radio booth after he came in to greet us. The nicest man you could ever meet. He gave Don a big hug. That’s Don on the left.
In the middle of the third inning he addressed the crowd. He was in full voice, no notes. He was probably the only one without a tear in his eye. Ernie…we all love you…(speaking for baseball fans everywhere….not just in Detroit).
MOVING RIGHT ALONG…
If the game is moving slowly, there is one proven method to make it speed up: give George Brett a microphone! George recently joined Denny and Bob to promote Royals Fantasy Camp next February. The game had been played at a leisurely pace until the 4th. That’s when Number 5 sat down. Total pitches needed for a pair of 1-2-3 innings? 20. For six outs. Every time he stops by, it seems, his visit is cut short by quick innings. I couldn’t get Bob to smile, he was busy working.
THE BLUEST SKIES
On one of our broadcasts in Seattle, Bob made a reference to a song Perry Como performed many years ago, “The Bluest Skies You’ve Ever Seen Are In Seattle.”
Hard to argue. In four days there, we had a couple of brilliantly clear days…and the retractable roof was open for three of the four games. Sure beats last year.
Safeco Field is celebrating its 10th anniversary as one of the most beautiful of the retro ballparks built since Camden Yards opened. Sure beats the dear, departed Kingdome.
Joining Bob, Don Free and me was Royals fan Kevin Koopman (lower left). He made the three and a half hour flight from Anchorage to see the Royals. He saw Zack’s one-hitter. Kevin grew up in Freemont, Nebraska and is a lifelong Royals fan.
Looking back at part of downtown Seattle from the pier. Breathtaking. Of course the flip side are the dreary winter days (and spring…and fall…and occasionally summer). But when it’s not cloudy, not many places in America are more beautiful.
At the bottom of the hill near Pier 66…is Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market. It’s more than 100 years old.
It’s always crowded inside the market. On rainy days it helps that it’s covered!
This is the famous Pike Place Fish stand…where the employees throw fish. Just my luck, no throwing fish while I was standing there. You know what they say…people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw fish….not sure who “they” are…but seriously…
One more shot of the water from the pier. Water, mountains, blue skies. Nice place to visit…especially with weather like this!
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