As I entered the stadium and endured a quick anal cavity search, I realized the true reason for of all the fans, err, patrons. It was not due to the first place Reds or the red-hot Phils. Most of the 32,000 in attendance showed up for, drum roll please, “Adam Dunn Figurine Night!”
I will totally take the blame for this one. If there is one thing that will bring people out to a Reds game, it is a cheap $2 toy made by little Vietnamese children with carpal tunnel. I avoid these nights like the plague because it brings out droves of yahoos trying to obtain a collectable that is no longer a hot commodity, but, I failed to check the Reds’ calendar for special events. I deserved my wretched fate in purgatory. I had no one to blame but myself.
Game:
I made it to section 102 just prior to the first pitch. The section was jammed packed. I watched the Reds’ Dave Williams work a near-flawless half-inning before calling Rob. I let him know that I was there and to give me a call if a seat opened up. I made my way into my very own row on the left field side, which was a very nice seat (personally, I think mine was better than Rob’s).
Phillies’ pitcher Jon Lieber was perfect through the first two innings. Williams had similar magic too as he began mowing through the Phillies’ lineup. Both pitchers were working like me in bed, quickly. That’s the way I like it, and I wish every game was like this. Three innings had been played in 40 minutes!
After Lieber sent the first nine Reds back to the dugout, I started to let myself believe. It has been my dream to see a no-hitter since I was a little kid. When I was eight-years-old, in August of 1987, I saw Cleveland Indians’ knuckleball pitcher Tom Candiotti throw seven no-hit innings against the New York Yankees. Candiotti finished with this beautiful line on the night: 9 IP, 1H, 5 SO, and 1 BB. After that awe-inspiring performance, I have been on a quest for a no-hitter like Ponce de León and the Fountain of Youth.
Lieber cruised right along until the bottom of the fifth inning. Phillies’ shortstop Jimmy Rollins made an impressive one-handed grab and throw to beat Austin Kearns by a step. My heart felt like it was going to beat right out of my chest. To throw a no-hitter, a little bit of luck and good fortune is needed. The Rollins play made me feel like all the stars were aligned on this night.
Article comments
1 - Justene
See now, I thought I was the only one who started rooting for a nohitter at the first out.
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
Funny, I thought it was already jinxed when his uniform said "PHILLIES"
3 - Reid Smith
Are you nuts? What were you thinking? I can't even allow myself to move when I'm watching a no-no at home. In the 3rd innings. Thanks a lot, man.
-Reid
4 - M.D. Sandwasher
Reid-
I will live with this moment of shame for the rest of my life. I wish I had a reasonable excuse.
5 - Yeags
My girlfriend and I saw Kevin Millwood's no hitter in the last year of Veteran's Stadium. It is a moment I shall never forget.
I mention this because in the 4th inning she spilled nacho cheese all over herself (the nachos were purchased in the second inning... I'd say before the 5th inning, at which point the game is official, it is okay to move, but Reid suggests 3 is the max). She did not move because she knew she could not screw with the no-no.
I point this out because even the casual fan, who you mock for showing up to get their figurines, has more sense. Shame on you. ;P
6 - Phillip Winn
It was the power of the bobble-head. Dunn was fated. Go easy on yourself.
7 - M.D. Sandwasher
Thanks for the encouragement Phillip. I'm greatly appreciative.
I hope I was not the sole reason for the end of the no-hitter. It's just hard to think positive at a time like this.
By the way, I really enjoyed listening to your podcasts.
8 - Matthew T. Sussman
Congratulations, I chose this story as an editor's pick of the week.
Now you are entitled a pick of your own from all stories published May 24-30. E-mail Lisa McKay (address is on the editor's pick page) with your pick by next Tuesday.
Again, congratulations.
--Suss
9 - tom
Don't worry Uncle Charlie has ruined more Phillies games than you can count....