By Kelly:
Last off-season I started a countdown of my favorite 9 games that I have attended and I didn’t finish it due too life being busy. Well that’s been bugging me, so this off-season I will finish the series.
So in part 3 of my countdown of my 9 favorite MLB games that I have attended, I will tell you about a historic stadium that I was lucky enough to see in person and a once in a lifetime chance at a stadium that I have been to many times.
Kelly’s Favorite Games 7, 8 & 9
GAME #4 June 25, 2004 at Fenway Park, Phillies 1 vs. Red Sox 12
This was the only time I have been to Fenway Park. The game was secondary to actually being at the stadium. Just walking around the stadium thinking of all the history that has gone down there. The fans are passionate about their team and will let you know about it. Most the fans were great depending on how much beer has been consumed by them. Lets just say if your going to trash the Sox don’t come back with a cup holder full of beer and expect to make it all the way back to your seat with full beers. GREAT TIMES!!!
The game wasn’t great, in fact in ended a inning early due to rain. I did get to see Pedro Martinez make the start for the Red Sox. David Ortiz (18th) and Manny Ramirez (20th) each HR’ed for the Sox and Jim Thome (25) HR’ed for the Phillies. Seeing 3 future Hall of Famers HR in a game is always a bonus. In 2004 was when the Red Sox finally broke the Curse and won a World Series so I can say maybe I had a little bit to do with it.
Fun Fact about this game: I think seeing a bar fight in the stands was fun enough so I will skip the fun fact for this game.
GAME #3 August 21, 2012 at Safeco Field Indians 1 vs. Mariners 5
What made this game so special was that it was Felix Hernandez’ first start since he pitched the first ever perfect game for the Mariner’s. What made it even more special was it was the first ever Supreme Court Night, which meant everyone in attendance received a yellow Supreme Court shirt. So there was 39,204 people wearing yellow cheering on King Felix and the Mariners. What made the game even better was that I got to enjoy it with my oldest daughter Gracie and my father in law Stan.
The Mariners didn’t disappoint any fans either. King Felix pitched 7 2/3 innings and only gave up 1 earned run. The M’s put up 5 runs, a HR from Eric Thames, a ground-rule double from John Jaso and a 3 run HR from Jesus Montero. It was a meaningless game in the standings but it’s something I will never forget and I’m really glad I took off a day of work to go to it.
Fun Fact about this game: Roberto Hernandez (formerly known as Fausto Carmona) of the Indians was no hitting the Mariners for 4 2/3 innings until Eric Thames home run.