my date with barry, david, jose, and company

Lesson of the day: Sometimes, it pays to go it alone.
2nd lesson: sometimes, you just have to cross the line from fan, to super sports nut!

The other day, I went to Shea Stadium, lined up at the box office, and an older gentleman motioned for me to step out of line. He said "are you by yourself?". I said, "yes", and he handed me a season-holder's ticket (worth $84) to the Mets-Giants doubleheader game. He didn't want any money - said his friend couldn't go. I got to my seat, and I was sitting 3 rows from the field on the thirdbase side, basically over the visitor's dugout. I was 25 feet from where David Wright was standing! And I could see Barry Bonds jogging back and forth during warmup!

Wow, these were truly amazing seats. Now granted, there was a massive rain delay, but I hung around for the 2 1/2 hours waiting, and then the game started. I was so excited -- it was such an up-and-down game, lots of excitement and energy in the crowd, and on the field. The Mets lost that first game, and it was very close. I even stuck around for the second game, where they won in dramatic extra innings fashion.

I should add, that even though it stopped raining enough to start the game, it did start up again during the games, and at some points, I was sitting there with a lot of heavy mist...no really, it was rain at some points...coming down.

I'll admit. I was crazy, but it was so much fun. And I was more or less prepared for the weather. I did give up in the second game during the 9th inning and walk over to the under roof shelter behind home plate and hang out there.

All told, I really enjoyed myself. I was totally zonked the next day, but completely happy to have seen the entire Mets and Giants lineup.