Baysox thwart the SeaWolves
Saturday, July 5, 2008
by Timothy Tilghman
Prince George's Stadium is home to the Bowie Baysox. Opened for baseball spectators in 1994 with a maximum capacity of 10,000 seats, the facility stands are positioned in close proximity to the playing field to enhance the action on the diamond.
The Baysox were celebrating the birthday of their team mascot Louie. Anywhere and everywhere in stadium, colorful mascots were parading throughout the crowd interacting with the children seeking their attention. Those characters identified were Keyote, a Chipmunk, an inflatable Army Soldier, a blue M&M, Mr. Bristles, a Bloodhound, a Bullmoose, and two Crash Test Dummies.
Between the innings, a musical chairs challenge featured three guest mascots competing against Louie. With Louie and several of his mascot friends standing above the Baysox dugout, the stadium announcer encouraged the Louieville fans to wish and sing Louie a Happy Birthday.
A smooth breeze swept across PG Stadium on a beautiful night for Minor League Baseball. The first pitch was clocked at 7:07 pm. The Baysox scored two runs in the third. The Seawolves put up a fierce drive to get on base only to score three runs in the fourth. Erie gained another single run in the seventh.
A challenged call of safe in the eight inning over Nolan Reimold reaching first base resulted in Erie Seawolves manager Tom Brookens being ejected from the ballgame. Erie put in Danny Zell as pitcher, and Ryan Finan bunted. In a second controversial play, Finan was called safe loading the bases.
Baysox pinch-hitter Steve Torrealba approached the plate and drove in a glorious grand slam, knocking the ball completely out of the ballpark clearing the advert fencing. With the scoreboard displaying 2-2-2, the final Erie batter was struck out at 9:45 pm. The Bowie Baysox successfully held their 6-4 lead, defeating the Erie Seawolves.
Within a scant three minutes after the Bowie Baysox stomped the Erie Seawolves on the diamond, an extended fireworks presentation began below an indigo sky. Following the brilliant bursts and booming bangs overhead, the children in the venue took turns running around the bases on the infield to shake Louie's hand at home plate.
The Diamond View Restaurant is upstairs on the second level. A sizable covered picnic section is available for reservations to large groups. Picnic tables and a deck area are outside the Kids Park. The activities in the Kids Park include a merry-go-round and an inflatable romper room.
Cheering the hometeam onto victory stokes the excitement. The Bowie Baysox are family friendly and fun for the fans. An afternoon or evening of sports entertainment at a Minor League ballpark is an attractive option to conserve on gas and spend within a budget.
© 2008 Timothy Tilghman