Waiting for Papi

I am sure you were aware that Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz spent three days with the Portland Sea Dogs on a rehab assignment last week. Instantly, the games were sold out and tickets were being sold on eBay for hundreds of dollars.

Ironically, I was holding 19 tickets purchased months ago for one of those games. I am not a baseball fan, was not even sure who Ortiz was and the thought of sitting at a Seadogs game was not enticing. However, my sons insisted that seeing the Big Papi was a once in a lifetime experience.

As we drove to Portland July 23, it began to rain. We arrived at the stadium and cowered in the pouring rain in our cheap ponchos. The game was scheduled to start at 7 p.m., but was delayed, so the announcer invited us to sit back and enjoy the Red Sox game playing on the small screen across the field. I wondered why this was supposed to comfort me; we have a very big TV at home.

The rain stopped, but chilly winds blew as I sat in my wet clothes in temperatures around 60 degrees, I was amazed at the dedication these fans and my family had. Everyone was smiling, having a good time and patiently awaiting Ortiz to appear.

After two hours, the game started. After three quick outs by the Connecticut Defenders, the Sea Dogs were finally up and Ortiz was third at bat. The crowd was on their feet cheering loudly as he approached the plate. The pitcher intentionally walked him, disappointing the fans who had been waiting to see him hit one out of the park.

Throughout the next inning, every song written with a baseball theme was played, Slugger the mascot danced around and food was consumed in massive quantities. The Defenders were leading 1-0 and the third inning began as a few sprinkles started falling from the sky.

Ortiz came up to bat for the second time and struck out to end the third inning. He gave a quick wave then ran off the field, followed shortly thereafter by at least half of the soggy fans. I was astonished. He only batted twice and I wanted more.

As Ortiz left the field, a stray skunk ran out from underneath the bleachers, started toward first base and quickly changed its mind. As the skunk drew laughs, I chuckled at the surprising entertainment baseball provided.

In the fourth inning, what began as sprinkles and turned to a drizzle became rain falling in sheets. With the bases filled and a score of 2-1, the game was postponed. At 10 p.m., it was finally time to go home.

Two days later, we were sitting in our warm dry living room watching the Red Sox play the Yankees and there was Ortiz, bigger than life. The kids were excited; they had just seen him up close and personal. It is going to take a bit more to hook me in. I still think that selling these 19 tickets would have been a good choice, but for my avid baseball fans, it was a night to remember.

On the run

I moved to the Lakes Region 17 years ago in July and noticed a lot of traffic. I quickly learned that the last weekend in July, means Casco Days. I went into the town, which upon previous visits was small, quaint and very quiet. I stumbled upon a band playing, the delicious smells of French fries and fried dough, an intense game of beano being played, and a mini carnival with games, an antique carousel and a Ferris wheel.

I was instantly taken back to the summer fest in my hometown. The environment had a way of making you forget about life for a while. That evening, I went back to watch the fireworks. They were spectacular and now I try never to miss them. They have the unique feeling of small town comfort with a blend of too big for this town amazement.

The road race on Saturday morning, in its 30th year, is one of my favorite events of the weekend. Attracting approximately 500 runners from age 7 to 70, I am always impressed with the athletic ability of this crowd.

This year, when inactivity and obesity in our youth are huge problems, nearly half of the racers were under 20. Runners representing several of the day camps in Raymond and Casco lined up awaiting the start of the race.

As 61-year-old Paul LaChance said, “it can rain the day before and the day after, but it is always hot and sunny the morning of the Casco Days road race.” Temperatures hovered around 80 degrees and the sky was cloudless as the runners made their way over the hilly, four mile course.

I noticed many familiar faces enduring the intense heat, and I would like to congratulate them on their strong performances. Josh Christy, 15, finished the race in an astonishing 27 minutes, 31 seconds, to finish 26th. My husband, Tom, clocked his fastest time ever, 29:59 with Patrick LaChance, 14, crossing the line six seconds behind him.

Paul LaChance finished third in his division, at 33:55. The Winde brothers, sons of Sandy and Kathy Winde, put in great efforts as well. Tyler, 14, completed the race in 31:29; Ethan, 10, finished in 45:56; and 11-year-old Travis crossed the line in 52:03. Quincy Van Winkle, representing Camp Wohelo, raced the course in 34:16. First time road racer Tracy Beckerman finished in 39:33.

I am sure I have missed many Raymond runners, and I apologize. Congratulations to all of you.

These soggy fans enjoy a night at Hadlcok Field in Portland as they wait to see Red Sox slugger David Ortiz. Columnist Carol Meader still wonders if selling the 19 tickets her family bought in the winter would not have been a better choice.