o's and yanks

"She's really into fantasy football?" "Man, girls who love sports...that's hot!" -- from overhearing a conversation of 4 guys at the lunch table next to mine.

Ah, fall. While some are already into football, I'm totally focused on the baseball pennant races. This past week, I was able to go to two baseball games - Tuesday and Thursday -- both Yankees vs. Orioles. Both amazing games in their own way. So what did I learn? Read on, gentle reader, read on...

1. Sometimes, it's better to sit up higher. Tuesday's game, we were on the first base line, loge (middle deck) near the foul pole. Thursday's game, we were near the right field foul pole, on the main floor. Unfortunately, a major path was in front of us, and you never saw so many vendors, and people walking back and forth in your life. The first 3 innings, and sometimes a bit after, I missed pitches and crucial plays because there were people in my way! Argh.

2. Once again, I should never, ever let myself be persuaded to leave a game early, even if I'm tired and had to get up early the next day to go to NJ. A game that's "in the bag" can still change. Case in point, I left Thursday game after the 7th inning, when Yanks were up 7-1. I got home, and Yanks barely won 7-6. Moral of the story: it ain't over till it's over.

3. Baseball players have really good arms. You don't realize how far they throw until you're standing at the fence, watching them warm up. Wow.

4. My dad is right -- the double play is probably the sweetest play there is. But watching Sheffield hit a grand slam is pretty special too. (And I just love how Sheff doesn't care what anyone thinks, but he doesn't have to because his bat does the talking).

5. A-Rod really is pretty. Billy Crystal (sitting in Thursday's game) really hasn't changed in years. And he still mugs for the camera. And speaking of cameras, everyone still gets excited when they show up on the inside-the-stadium tv screens.

6. Now that they tell you not only how fast a pitch was but what type, it's easier to guess what pitch may be thrown next.

7. You don't have to eat hot dogs and peanuts; On the main level, go to gate 7 -- ArthurAvenue.com deli has fantastic prosciutto, mozarella panini, Italian beer, eggplant parm and other good food to boot. And only for a few dollars more. Totally worth it. Although I think it's wierd that you can now order scotch or vodka at the game.

8. Crackerjacks don't really taste that good. And the prize inside? Really lame.

9. Guys crack me up -- especially how they get enthused about eating a favorite treat. I can't decide if I was impressed or horrified that CrackerJackBoy ate almost a whole bag of Crackerjacks. How he didn't get completely sick, I'll never know. TVNewsMan ate a whole bag of peanuts -- healthier but maybe not such a hot idea to eat that many in one sitting.

I know I should come up with 10 observations, but can't think of anymore right now. Maybe later. Viva baseball!