The First Time I Saw Derek Jeter

Time for a TBT post, baseball edition of course. 

My friend Lyndsey and I had been 16 for less than a year, and we (actually probably just me since I was the baseball fan) convinced our parents to let us make the 90 mile drive to Angels Stadium by ourselves. We funded the trip (gas, parking, tickets, snacks) with money earned from recycling cans. Plus a little extra help from our parents. Our directions came from Mapquest and had a Thomas Guide Book as backup. We hit the road with Cheeto Puffs, Hot Tamales, and Pepsi and after 2 hours of driving, we made it to the Big A. 

I actually don't remember if that's is how it all went down, but recycling cans for money, having a Thomas Guide Book, and Cheeto Puffs, Hot Tamales, and Pepsi are things definitely happened.

Story time. We got to the game early, sat in our seats, and watched batting practice. We sat next to a father and son and the kid who was no more than 10 years old kept saying that A-Rod was a sucky player. I wasn't having any of that because that's when A-Rod was a big deal, and not a pathetic excuse for a baseball player. I started to banter with the kid and eventually told him that he's the suckiest player, not A-Rod. I went there. Maybe getting told I look like I need exercise was karma for that. Full circle. I hope that kid took my statement to heart and used it as motivation to become the next big prospect for the MLB. MAYBE I SAID THAT TO MIKE TROUT?!! OR BRYCE HARPER?!! Probably not. Sorry about being mean, kid. You didn't deserve that. You called it, A-Rod is the suckiest player.

Anyway, I couldn't tell you how I felt the first time I saw Jeter or if he made any sweet plays or pretty much anything about that game. The only memory I have of that day other than everything mentioned above are these sweet pictures captured by Lyndsey.

Crotch grab :] Hahahaha.

That's about all I've got. You're welcome for the picture quality. They're pictures of pictures. It's crazy to think that this was just about 10 years ago. And crazy to think that this guy became one of the most talented and beloved players in baseball history. And lastly...crazy to think he's done.

  

The Knothole Club, Angels Stadium

I'm writing this post as a PSA to the internet because I did my due diligence in researching this place (like I do with anything and everything else I do) before making a reservation for the Monday night game of the Yankees series I recently attended. I found nothing. So I'm putting the info I learned when checking in for our Monday night reservation out in the world so others can learn from my "misunderstanding."

via

The Knothole Club is a restaurant at Angels Stadium that sits in the club level section above right field. They've got indoor seating and a bar as well as some tables in an outside patio. Looks like a super cool place, with a bomb.com menu. Reservations can be made through Open Table. When you make your reservation, make sure you read and understand the following statement:

"PLEASE NOTE THAT ACCESS AND RESERVATIONS FOR THE FIRST SEATING ARE RESERVED FOR CLUB LEVEL TICKET HOLDERS ONLY. GUESTS FROM OTHER SEATING SECTIONS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED ACCESS AFTER FIRST PITCH. THE SECOND SEATING WILL BE BASED OFF OF FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE AND NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN."  

This means that even though you go onto their website and make a reservation you will absolutely not get in at your designated reservation time unless you've got a game ticket in the 300 level sections of the stadium. The only other exception seems to be season ticket holders. That notice above is posted on the first page of their opentable site, and don't see it again until you get a confirmation/reminder e-mail. You've gotta be a REAL SMOOTH (smoother than me, someone who has kind of been able to talk their way into a lot of stuff) to be an exception. Anyone sitting in other sections of the stadium is welcome to come into the place and and out [if room allows] after the first pitch. 

Monday's seats

Okay, now that I'm done with that PSA, let me tell you how I learned this zero exception lesson: I bought nosebleed tickets for my friend and I to the Monday night Yankees game. The plan was to just get in and wander around the stadium instead of sit in our seats. I researched some SRO (standing room only) areas at the stadium and came across the Knothole Club. I did some Yelp reading and saw mentions of reservation trouble but it was about opening day. It's been a month since then, so I figured all the kinks had been sorted out. I didn't rely on that though. So I called all the available numbers. One is disconnected. Another is the general number to the stadium and was told they don't have the option to transfer to the club and anyone who could be reached didn't have/know any information. The last phone number was some sort of manager. I called 3 different times, no answer, get a voicemail. Left one message, never heard back. Figured we'd take a shot, make the reservation and hope everything works out. We get to the stadium Monday night at like 4:40 pm because our reservation is at 5:00 pm. Well...the main stadium gates by the huge helmets open at 5:00 pm on the dot, and all the other side gates open at 5:30 pm. There is a long ass line in front of the helmets about a 20 minute wait. Now I'm super concerned that even though we were at the stadium on time, we might lose the spot because of the line. Once we get in to the stadium, we book it to the place, ride the elevator, am told I look like I can use some exercise, and get to the door of the restaurant. In front of us are 2 other groups of people who had reservations without club level seats and either skipped the above notice, misunderstood it, or were just trying to talk their way in. Well the other two groups of people were able to swing it in their favor because they USED to be [*are not currently] Angels season ticket holders. I tried to make my Padres season ticket membership work, no dice. That's when we went to complain to the "captain" [who has not contacted me since the "incident"] and then carried on with our night. To make matters worse, Yankees lost. It was not a good Monday.

That's it. Hopefully people trying to get in come across this and learn from my mistake, and avoid getting called fat. I'm just super bummed that it didn't work out after doing tons of research, including Twitter and Instagram stalking, and was not satisfied with the level of customer service throughout the whole process. And obviously, this isn't something I experienced by myself because I'm dumb, because we walked up to the entrance and found two other groups having the same issue I was about to have. I understand why they have a restriction and limit entrance to certain people at the beginning, but include something on opentable where people either have to check a box saying they've read the notice, or have people type in or reply to an e-mail with their seats and make them aware of not being able to come in at a certain time despite the reservation. I just think it could be handled a lot better than it was. 

Next time, on the blog: a recap of the rest of the series. It got better.  

If You Don't Have Anything Nice To Say...

Word. Kind of. Because telling someone to GFY isn't very nice. But the person this is directed to was a total asshole and deserves it.

I'm in Orange County right now for the Yankees series against the Angels. I look forward to it every year because it's usually the closest thing I get to a vacation. My friend and I get to the game early last night because we have reservations at the Knothole Club, a restaurant in the stadium. The only way to get to this restaurant was to take the elevator so my friend and I pile in with a bunch of other fans and the elevator operator. I am the only Yankees fan on that elevator. The elevator operator, George, begins to engage in some rivalry banter about the two teams and I kind of just stand there and smile. I'm used to hearing how much the Yankees suck and blah blah blah. I don't really argue over it anymore. Also, I'm focused on the time since we're already late for our reservation. 

What happened next was total and complete disrespect, made it personal, and kind of ruined my night. We approach the floor of the restaurant and the elevator operator notifies everyone that we'll be getting out in a second. Except for me, the Yankees fan because I'm not allowed in. Hehe. More stupid shit talking. Whatever. And that he'll let me out but I can't get back on the elevator when I leave...but it's okay because "you look like you could use the exercise." ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!! I kind of brushed it off when he said it and sarcastically said something like "oh yeah, definitely."

I complained to this guy's boss, some sort of "captain" at the stadium, but still wasn't totally satisfied. How on earth does this guy think it's okay to say something like that, not only to a stranger...but to a guest at your place of employment?! Doesn't everyone go through some sort of orientation where you learn not to be rude to guests at your work place because it reflects negatively on the business?!! I wasn't wearing anything revealing where my fucking fat rolls were spilling out or anything that gives away that I'm totally obese and need some exercise. Just some boots, leggings, a Yankees t-shirt, and my cape thing over that t-shirt. I'm not skinny or thin or whatever this guy's threshold is for people who no longer need to exercise. I know that. And if you read this blog, you'll know that's something I'm working on prior to the asshole's statement. BUT YOU DON'T SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO A STRANGER. Especially one who has done absolutely nothing to you.

I'm not going to lose sleep over this. Or going to extremes like starving myself to look like a female who no longer need to exercise. Or kill myself over it. I'm not looking for people to tell me I'm beautiful just the way I am or that I don't need to lose weight or any other self esteem boosters. I'm just venting about how lame some people can be.

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. And GFY George.   

#SmilesForSophia

Today’s post isn’t about baseball. Or booze. Or school. Or food. It’s about a little girl who needs your help. I hope my readers will take the time to read her story. Why? Because it’s about a kid in the hospital. I hope that tugs at your heart stings a little and makes you think good thoughts for the family/pray. It’s about a financial burden. I hope it makes you dig in your pockets. It’s about internet friends. I hope you identify with this as a blog reader/blogger.

I’m not really sure how to begin today’s post. I guess I should first tell you about the girl above. Her name is Sophia Rivera, the daughter of two friends who live in Northern California. These two friends started as internet friends…people I met in a Yankees MySpace group back in like 2007. Over the years, many of us in that group kept in contact, even during the Facebook transition that left MySpace in the dust. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I met them and their kids Tony & Sophia in real life at a Yankees v. Angels game. Sophia is a little diva princess, who looks fabulous in pink. My day would brighten up a little each time I read about Sophia’s crazy antics. 

Doing my best to summarize…about a week ago, Sophia wasn’t acting herself, complaining about not being able to see, and bumping into stuff. She was taken to the hospital and after CT scans and MRI’s her family learned that she had about 6 tumors in her brain and some along her spine. Tumors…in a 4 year old. There was one tumor up against her optic nerve that caused some vision loss, and another that was blocking spinal fluid to her brain. She had surgery Tuesday of this week, and they removed most of the largest tumor that was blocking fluid from entering her spinal cord. There is still no official diagnosis for the tumor but it's been narrowed it down to a kind of aggressive tumor called a Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor. The reason the diagnosis is not official is because they don't have the exact name for it yet. Treatments will have Sophia fighting this for at least 9 months. She will receive an early round of chemotherapy which may help in shrinking the tumors enough to decrease the amount of radiation she will need. If this does not show any immediate sign of improvement, radiation will proceed as planned. This is all intense stuff…stuff a 4 year old should not be dealing with. There is a journal being updated with information as they get it. It's got more details than this paragraph if you're interested in reading...CaringBridge for Sophia.

Her parents are not going to be working, and a fundraiser has been started to relieve some of their financial burden. This clickable hyperlink will take you to the fundraising site to donate to the family. Please keep them in your thoughts, and if possible, a donation would be greatly appreciated. Even if it’s just a little, it absolutely helps. Your donation can be anonymous, and you can hide the amount of the contribution. At the very least share this post for more eyes to see and possibly more donations for this family. It help out some very deserving individuals, friends of mine, including one of the cutest little girls out there.    

I'm A Bad Yankees Fan

I used to be pretty knowledgeable about all things Yankees, not only about their history, and starting lineup, but I knew info about the second string, and the pitching rotation at the drop of a hat. I’ve done my best to not miss a game while they’re out here on the West coast, but in the last couple of years…I haven’t followed the team, trade info, roster changes, etc. as much as I used to.

I learned how sucky of a Yankees fan I’ve been when they were in San Diego a couple of weeks ago.

Yesterday I mentioned how we ran into Padres pitcher Andrew Cashner during the Yankees weekend in downtown San Diego on the way back to the place we were crashing…what I failed to mention, is we also ran into a Yankees pitcher, Boone Logan.

When we ran into Cash, we asked if it was cool to get a picture with him even though I was decked in Yankees gear. He said sure. His buddy interrupted and said something like “let me know if you want a picture with me” and I kind of laughed it off thinking he was just some weird dude. As I was taking my picture with Cashner, he whispered “take a picture with my buddy, he plays for the Yankees.” I went along with it and snapped a pic with his buddy.

Ignore how gross I look and the fat dip in his lip.

Once we got to the apartment, I did a little research before going to sleep and decided the guy I just met was Preston Claiborne. By the time I woke up and was ready to get going Sunday…I had learned that it was Boone Logan, a guy that’s been playing for the Yanks for like 3 years. I felt so dumb.

To make matters worse, our seats Sunday were closer to the away team’s bullpen instead of the home pen, and the only corner that has any shade in the away bullpen was right behind us. A couple of the pitchers sat in the shade…including Logan. We talked to him a little but I’m sure he knew I didn’t know who he was the other night. Ugh. Kind of embarrassing.

I’m gonna chalk it up to it being wayyy late at night, me being a little tipsy, and him looking TOTALLY different out of uniform. Still lame excuses and I totally suck as a Yankees fan.   

This embarrassing story was brought to you by Fan Friday. For some non-embarrassing Fan Friday worthy posts check out my other 2 from this week, Dodgers v. Yanks recap which includes the celeb lineup that flocks to Chavez Ravine, and my Padres v. Yanks recap.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Yankees v. Padres

After the Yankees v. Dodgers game, the weekend I had been anxiously awaiting for 11 months finally arrived. The New York Yankees were in San Diego playing the Padres. Not only was I excited to purchase tickets at face value instead of $75 a pop thanks to our season tickets, but Jeter was scheduled to come back after KO-ed for half the season, and it was the last opportunity I'd get to see Mariano Rivera save a game.

I love baseball weekends...or so I thought. This last one taught me that 3 days of partying is exhausting! I'm 17 days away from turning 25 but I felt like a grandma by game 3, and couldn't wait to get home and go to bed that night! 

Let's break down the weekend :]

Friday: 

I took the day off from work to get down to the stadium early and increase my chances of meeting Jeter and Mo. The gates were opened about 2 hours before game time, but people didn't have access to the field level seats until 1.5 hours before the game. 

The pitchers came out to left field to left field and throw and I'm pretty positive Mariano Rivera and David Robertson chose to warm up right in front of me after seeing my sign!

Yankees took the field to warm up, cue the Derek Jeter photos

<3

<33

<333

We got to sit in our regular seats for face value! These seats were selling for $120 on stubhub! Yankees ended up losing game 1, no Mariano. Whomp.

It was great to get Bettis for a couple of days!

hazyyyy nights!

:]

Saturday:

We woke up early-ish, had some bomb.com brunch, mimosas, and sangria at Barleymash. This was the start of our 5 hour barhop around downtown San Diego. We hit up Barleymash, Bub's at the Ballpark, South Paw, The Tilted Kilt, and The Corner. 

Fireball shots at Bub's!

Tequila shots at Southpaw...I might have done quacks here.

Riveting conversation at the Tilted Kilt

I see Kayyyyy! and a little bit of Joey G. at The Corner!

We eventually made it into the stadium, and watched the Yankees kick some butt, and  it was my last opportunity to see Mariano Rivera save a game.

We spent the night after the game barhopping, and on our way back to the place we were crashing at, we ran into Andrew Cashner...one of the Padres pitchers!

Another hazyyy nights pic with me not looking cute!

Sunday:

We RSVP'd for brunch on the field months ago because I would be that much closer to the Yankees. Unfortunately, the Yanks decided they would like to take batting practice that morning so we couldn't eat on the field. Instead, we were seated in the batter's eye...which wasn't as great as being on the field, but we got a pretty cool view!

Creeping on CC Sabathia throwing!

Scored an autograph!

The Yankees ended up dropping game 3 to the Padres and San Diego took the series. As great as is was to make it to all 3 games, I was ready for the game to be over and get home ASAP. Because of that, I wasn't as upset about the outcome as I should have been. It was definitely a fun little weekend, glad I got to see the Yanks in town, and hang out with so many people that I love. As exhausting as the weekend was...I look forward to the next one! Which probably won't be until 2014 since baseball is almost over. Wahhh.

Yankees v. Dodgers

Took a little blog break because life has been too good lately! Let's take it back to 2 weeks ago :]

I hit the road to LA to catch the Yankees play up in Hollywood the day after the bomb.com Bruno Mars concert

Weeeeee selfie!

I grabbed Holley from OC and grabbed some lunch in Culver City
Tito's Tacos...so. dank.

We arrived!

Holley & I

Our seats were in island that is known as the bleachers...
You legit have no access to the rest of the stands

Dodger Stadium: Los Angeles, CA

Robinson Cano & Derek Jeter

If cameras are there...they will come. Celebs flock to the stadium:

Samuel L. Jackson reading the Dodgers starting lineup

Cristiano Ronaldo throws out the first pitch

<3

Nicole Sherzinger sings the Star Spangled Banner

Celebs not pictured: Christina Aguilera and her son...the poor kid gets boo-ed for wearing a Yankees cap! Magic Johnson & Kobe Bryant were also shown on the big screen and legit get a roaring round of applause and a standing ovation. 

Mariano Rivera saves the game!

and the Yankees win!

It was a fun little day trip to LA and watch some baseball and get me ready for the Yankees in San Diego!

The GOAT

Mariano Rivera.

18 years in the MLB, 643 saves and counting.

I saw the Yankees play in LA and San Diego last week and had my last two opportunities to see Mariano Rivera close out a ball game.

Dodger Stadium Save

Petco Park Save

The ovations from Dodger Stadium and Petco Park were completely different…I don’t mean to rag on Padres fans considering I am one, but LA impressed with their cheers and recognition of the greatness that is Mo. Padres fans kind of disappointed. I don’t know if you’ll be able to tell from the videos, but Dodgers fans were SO much louder than Padres fans when Mariano came in to save the games for the Yankees. I understand this is an opposing teams pitcher, but Mo is The GOAT. Maybe it was a little more personal in San Diego because Mariano ousted Padres beloved Trevor Hoffman for the most saves in history.

He warmed up right in front of me!

Shot from our seats!

Witnessing my last Mariano Rivera save.

I was a pleasure to watch Mariano do his thing one last time before he hangs up his cap. This guy was full of class throughout his entire 18 year career, during a time where everyone is out to get you and bring you down. Props to you Mo! There will never be another like you! You are the greatest closer of all time.

Poster Making 101

Wee...Fan Friday! 

 

By now, anyone that visits my blog on the regular (thank you!) knows that I love baseball <3 Besides watching the actual game, eating the food, and drinking some booze...one of my other favorite things is the fan posters.

I love making fan posters. It's pretty much the only way I get to be artistic and show my fandom at the same time! 

As a seasoned vet of poster making, I thought I'd give everyone some tips! First, you should consider your goal with this poster. Do you want to get the attention of a player or get on TV?  

If you want to get on TV, your best bet is to incorporate a network name with something related to the sporting event you're attending. There's a pretty good chance they'll catch you as they go into or out of a commercial break!

ESPN. And I'm assuming people have seen his penis because he was drunk. 

And being drunk is part of every sporting event. If it's not, you're doing it wrong.

NBC. and America's team...or so they say.

You know what other kind of poster gets you on TV? Funny ones...

Cutting it close...at a ball game with buddies instead of
being with your pregnant spouse. Way to go dude. 

The Mets have always and will always suck.

Boys night out. Your wives are probably
out shopping with your MasterCard.

A broken heart is funny, no?

People try to get the attention of a ball player because they either love them, or hate them. 

Here's some ball player love!

There's also "I want some player love" posters

I've got dibs on him girl...

Everyone loves to hate athletes, that's why heckling is so much fun!

This hate is totally justified.

I usually make posters when the Yankees are in town...below is my favorite one I've made except you can't really see my face! I love it because I took it to the Yankees v. Angels series I went to when I had turned 21 and by game 3 (pictured) it had fallen apart. While we were in line waiting to get into the stadium for the last game, a couple of people stopped me to tell me they saw my poster on TV the night before :] That made me so happy!

Yankees are in San Diego this weekend it will be my last opportunity to see Mariano Rivera close a game. Below is my poster for this weekend's series...

MO: Greatest Of All Time.

Do you ever make fan posters? What's your goal? I'm gonna try to get on TV anddd get Mo's attention! Wish me luck this weekend! Hopefully I get a Derek Jeter gift basket <3


It's also #backthatazzup Friday, and it seemed appropriate that my first link-up would be Mo's walk out song.  

    Have a great weekend kiddies!