Turner Field #25
Turner Field #25
Monday, August 13, 2012
Monday, 8/13/12, 8:00am. Packing complete, we load up the trusty Volvo Hertz car and leave Miami Beach for MIA International. After returning the car, we checked into the Admirals Club in Terminal D for a quick breakfast (two huge Belgian Waffles!!) before our flight.
11:50am. Our flight was wonderfully on time, landing in Atlanta 30 minutes ahead of schedule, and without the early-arrival downside of an occupied gate. A taxi had us at the door of the Marriott Marquis before 1pm. We checked into our room on the 43rd floor and went to the Peachtree Center Mall for lunch, went to the “World of Coke” exhibit and then cooled off with a swim in the huge pool just off the lobby.
5:30pm. We are suited up and ready for the game vs. the Padres. Walking out the door of the hotel, an afternoon thunderstorm rolls through, and for a moment, it appeared as if we might suffer our first rainout of the 4-year baseball trip series. Throwing caution to the wind (and rain), so to speak, we proceeded onward taking a southbound MARTA train from Peachtree to 5 Points. Next, we walked through “Underground Atlanta,” the most hideous collection of no-name kiosks selling tchotchkes and bad tee shirts in over three linear blocks to the Braves Shuttle. When it was time to get off the bus at the stadium’s door, Mother Nature was delivering a respectable downpour. We had to run like Usain Bolt just to stay dry. Rain out?
7:00pm. Happily, the skies cleared and the rain ended abruptly. Seeing the tarp come off the field is always a welcome sight to any baseball fan! The game started 26 minutes late and, seemingly, ended 30 minutes early.
In the bottom of the 4th inning, Chipper Jones hit a line drive foul off the 2nd pitch to the batboy who was seated directly in front of us. After scooping up the ball, he quickly placed it directly in Peter’s glove. The game was fairly uneventful, ending with a modest comeback attempt that ultimately fizzled in the bottom of the 8th. Braves 1, Padres 4.
After the game, Logan Forsythe, the San Diego Shortstop, walked over to where we were sitting to meet up with his family, here for the game. Logan cheerfully snapped a picture with the boys.
Baseball Trip 2012