Day 5 (7/31): Empire State of Mind
SYRACUSE - Today was the first of our two originally-scheduled doubleheaders.
But first, our route took us past Newtown, home of Sandy Hook Elementary School. And for a place where some people think nothing happened, there’s sure a lot of security in place in the parking lot.
The first game of the day involved the Hudson Valley Renegades, located in the small town of Wappingers Falls, where the stadium is across the interstate from the Fishkill Correctional Facility. So, remember - don’t pick up any hitchhikers.
Fun fact: The Renegades’ play-by-play guy is part of baseball royalty. Josh Caray is the grandson of legendary Cubs announcer Harry, and son/brother to Braves’ announcers Skip and Chip. That was the only fun part of the game as Lowell shut out the ‘Gades 8-0.
In transit to Syracuse for the nightcap, we stopped off in Binghamton. We had been there for a game several years back, but since the baseball team rebranded as Rumble Ponies - referencing the local carousel industry - in the interim, Chad wanted to update his shirt.
After dropping our luggage at the hotel, it was over to NBT Bank Stadium to watch the Chiefs play the Pawtucket Red Sox. The game provided a new highlight for the trip - one even Chad could enjoy.
The concourse had standing-height tables for socializing, so of course, I spread out my Tuesday tacos, scorecard, and Walkman. During the game, I noticed a two-year-old coming my way, vision obscured by a too-large ballcap. Despite that, he somehow beelined directly to me. Fortunately, his mother and I grabbed him before he face-planted on the ground, so he’s okay.
The game was okay for Syracuse as well, defeating the PawSox 3-2.
But first, our route took us past Newtown, home of Sandy Hook Elementary School. And for a place where some people think nothing happened, there’s sure a lot of security in place in the parking lot.
The first game of the day involved the Hudson Valley Renegades, located in the small town of Wappingers Falls, where the stadium is across the interstate from the Fishkill Correctional Facility. So, remember - don’t pick up any hitchhikers.
Fun fact: The Renegades’ play-by-play guy is part of baseball royalty. Josh Caray is the grandson of legendary Cubs announcer Harry, and son/brother to Braves’ announcers Skip and Chip. That was the only fun part of the game as Lowell shut out the ‘Gades 8-0.
In transit to Syracuse for the nightcap, we stopped off in Binghamton. We had been there for a game several years back, but since the baseball team rebranded as Rumble Ponies - referencing the local carousel industry - in the interim, Chad wanted to update his shirt.
After dropping our luggage at the hotel, it was over to NBT Bank Stadium to watch the Chiefs play the Pawtucket Red Sox. The game provided a new highlight for the trip - one even Chad could enjoy.
The concourse had standing-height tables for socializing, so of course, I spread out my Tuesday tacos, scorecard, and Walkman. During the game, I noticed a two-year-old coming my way, vision obscured by a too-large ballcap. Despite that, he somehow beelined directly to me. Fortunately, his mother and I grabbed him before he face-planted on the ground, so he’s okay.
The game was okay for Syracuse as well, defeating the PawSox 3-2.