Ervin Santana's no-hitter

I can't believe I witnessed a no-hitter. Pumped!


Just as unbelievable as the reception when I arrived into work.... everyone expected me to walk in wearing black mourning the no-hitter just pitched against my Cleveland Indians! When they saw my eyes beaming and heard me talking a mile a minute so excited, jaws dropped to the ground.

I tried explaining that when you go to the ballpark, if you see that your team is not going to win, the next best thing is witnessing history. That my friends is what happened on July 27, 2011 as The Los Angeles Angels' RHP Ervin Santana pitched his 1st no-hitter. Now, ironically, the Indians DID score a run but got no hits. Quite the exciting game (though UGLY for my Tribe with 5 errors). David Huff pitched yet another gem with nothing to show for it except a loss. I was 1 of 21,546 fans to experience a historical sports moment. Would not trade it for the world, even though the Indians came out on the short end.

Just a superb day at the ballpark all around! And when the 9th inning hit, the fans left, myself included, began cheering for Ervin Santana to successfully achieve this great feat.

I can not put into words how exciting it was to be in the ballpark to see, feel, smell, and take in the vibe being doled out about what was about to happen. As a true baseball fan, the excitement brought chills up and down my spine. You know when a truly great moment is about to occur, and sure enough, it did!

Congratulations Ervin Santana! I'm sorry you pitched the game against my Indians but I am very blessed and lucky to have experienced baseball history in the making!

Felt like I was in a commercial

Simply the most amazing weekend I could have imagined, in light of the last few which consisted of being blown off by a boy, grieving Mom, yet feeling the love of family and friends & the anticipation of a well needed break away from my normal routine in the tropics!

It began Friday when I got an unexpected surprise I never imagined....from a very dear friend who absolutely made my day, weekend, and month. I will hold the gesture in my heart forever.

Next up: Is this real or a commercial where I am sprinting through the airport??

Holy moly! I buzzed out to Thistledown to share in our tradition of Preakness Race Day....

Next stop: Racing home to sing Confirmation where Bishop Lennon would preside over the service.

Now the service began 5 minutes before my Indians' 1st pitch. I knew I'd miss 1/2 of the game. What I did not know is that it would be the quickest game so far, and I'd miss 2/3 of the game. At the conclusion of the service, I literally ran home, after Father Gary told me to text him the score of the game! I had my play clothes laid out...quick change artist. God was on my side. I got downtown in record time because everyone was already there! I pulled in the Q Arena Gateway garage and the nice man let me park in the very 1st spot! I proceeded to remove my shoes and run from Q Arena to Progressive Field. I had police officers and fans hanging outside waving and cheering me on! Am I on candid camera?

Once inside, I saw we were already in the 7th inning....

My friend Matt and his Mom had been there from the getgo for OSU night.

My pal Dave Summers was actually sitting right behind us.....

For the 3 innings I caught, it was a blast! And my pals waited until I arrived to sock the game-winning homer! Thank you Indians!

After the game, we hit the Hard Rock basking in the glory of a phenomenal outcome....

When we left, I was amazed and impressed that my friends walked me to my parking garage so I did not have to go alone....it was still daylight with tons of people around but what a chivalrous gesture.

Sunday: another big event! Colleen's wedding shower! What a glorious afternoon surrounded by family, friends, laughter, and lots of love (and good food!!)....

I could not have asked for a better weekend for a jump start and revving up....only to get better in the coming days with a matinee Indians game mid week and then whisking off to TPA for more Indians, Avril Lavigne, sun and palm trees!

Baseball matinee

It does not get much better than this!

An Indians-Red Sox matinee out in the open air with the sunshine god holding me in the palm of his hand.

I guess I am a loner, though I don't want to be alone forever, especially when I get old.

I enjoy hitting the ballgame at noon alone under the pounding sun in the open air, temps in the 70's.

There's nothing like watching Major League Baseball to get your juices flowing at the same time relaxing your mind, heart, and soul.

I hate to admit it, but not having a spouse or children at this juncture, this is one of my only true joys. I guess my Cleveland Indians are the children who bring extreme joy to my life.

My Mother used to tell me I was her everything, her reason for living who brought her total joy.

Well, I understand now what she was talking about.

In the course of a 3 hour baseball game, I can run through the gamut of expressions and emotions--and usually do.

There were more people on hand that have been at any game I've been to all season, except for opening day. What an exciting day!

From the very young to the very old sitting side by side enjoying the pure game of baseball. The players from both teams giving it their all. Sometimes outstanding defense and a pitching gem totally outshines a mammoth homerun.

Thursday's game simply awesome. An Indians win 1-0 still allowing me to get to my next event on time.

It really doesn't get much better than this.

The only thing that would have made it come close to perfection is either Mom sitting next to me or the man of my dreams enjoying baseball as much as me.