The Dodgers and Pirates dug out their winter scarves, mittens and long johns and showed up to Bob Moore ready to play some baseball. It was nice to see old friends even if the only body parts visible were the eyes and eye brows. We're from New York. We weren't going to let wind chills in the mid 30s keep us off the diamond!
Unfortunately, a shortage of umpires threw us a curve ball. As reports have shown, players' and grown-ups' behavior towards game officials has discouraged people from joining and/or remaining in that occupation. So, there were no umpires available for our game.
With the players "warmed up" and ready, injured Dodger Mike Kocienski stepped up and agreed to umpire our scrimmage. Mike K did very well in his debut. The Bucs and the Dodgers got some swings in, ran around the field for six innings and had some good laughs. Then we all made a bee-line to our cars to thaw out! Thank you Mike!
Special thank you to Jim Bonaparte for arranging for us to have access to the Bob Moore. It looks like it is going to be another tough year with fields and make-up games. Bones seems to be the go-to guy for field help.
Hopefully, the temperatures will be closer to my age for game two!