When You Wish Against a Star

Baseball is the greatest game on earth; the Phillies are its greatest team. Therefore, when the opportunity arises to watch a Phillies baseball game in far-from-Philadelphia Texas, I am eager to make that opportunity a reality. On Tuesday, Nathan Huber and I did just that.

I took a half-day from work and drove to meet Nathan at his Katy, Texas workplace. He graciously chauffeured us to Minute Maid Park, deftly weaving his way through the ridiculous Houston traffic. We arrived at the stadium intending to purchase tickets at the ticket counter, but a gentleman possessing two extra tickets adjacent to his seats saved us money and gave us a great location, selling us two $35 left field tickets for $10 each. Seats twelve rows from the field for $10 ain’t too shabby!

The game was a classic pitcher’s duel, with each team shining far more on defense than offense. Tied 1-1 going into the ninth inning, Phillies pitcher Ryan Madson served up a walk-off, game winning home run on his second pitch. Oddly enough, this occurrence failed to create any feeling of euphoria in my heart. On the bright side, however, it was a classic ending that can be appreciated by any multi-generational Philadelphia sports fan. So, at least Philadelphia tradition triumphed.

Thanks, Nate, for a great evening (despite the loss). That was my first-ever Phillies game away from Philadelphia, and ‘twas quite fun to attend the game with another anti-Astros fan. Next time we’ll make it a Cardinal’s game.