Here it is, 4th of July weekend of 2008…this year is going fast and the baseball season going even faster it seems. Maybe that’s just my thoughts. You know, I should have enjoyed the 4th of July game my friend and I saw vs. the Padres on Friday night, but I didn’t really. First of all the game wasn’t that great and we lost. Second, I got the news during batting practice that my favourite player on the team, Jeff Salazar, was designated for assignment that afternoon. That news ripped through me like a train going at full speed. I was in shock, devastation, anger, and hurt all at once. Daron felt bad and gave me a hug, telling me that things would be okay and that Jeff would be bound to playing again, even if it’s not here in Arizona, but it’s just NOT the same. Jeff and I became friends this season and he’s an awesome guy. We hit it off so well and we keep in touch via email when we aren’t able to see each other. Try having YOUR favourite player go through this and see how you’d feel, especially if you became close with that player! It’s like having your best friend move clear acrossed the country…I’ve been down that road with one of my very best friends…it’s hard!

But, I do have some positive highlights to share from that night:

 

I did get to see an old friend who is now with the Padres…Scott Hairston. Yet another guy who is upbeat and always has a smile. The last time my friend and I had seen Scott was during Spring Training this year at Padres/Mariners Fan Fest in Peoria. We had met Scott’s dad Jerry Hairston Senior that day…just as nice a guy as his youngest son too!

Another highlight was visiting our friend Tricia who works at the ballpark. She was working the Diamond Level entrance to Friday’s Front Row that night so we took a moment to get a picture with her:

 

Left to right: Tricia, Anya, and I at the entrance of Friday’s Front Row inside Chase Field

And as we walked on the concourse headed back to our seats after the visit with Tricia, we stopped to get these pictures of me by the display case poster of my favourite player:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course, what’s 4th of July without fireworks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There you have it folks. Another holiday in the books…and my next game will be July 19th…70′s Night @ Chase Field. Hopefully my next game post will be a bit more upbeat.