We were back in the park last night for another game in an interminable double-elimination tournament. Daniel's team, the West Long Beach Minor B Angels, had to win in order to play in the championship game tonight. The Angels played the Dodgers, the team expected to win the league. Dodger fans were out in force to cheer their team to the league title and then the city playoffs--at least that's what we think is in store. (In West LB, one can't exactly download the game schedule to one's PDA.) Suffice it to say that the intensity level was spurred on by the grown-ups, especially those with ghetto tendencies. Caroline told me to "let it go" when we got home last night. I have to say that I was irritated, but as we talked more, I could see the humor.
Here's a partial list of West LB Dodger Fans and coaches I had to forgive last night:
- The woman who yelled "take that" after a Dodger pitcher threw a strike
- The woman who yelled "take that!" after the next strike
- The guy who stood behind home plate and blasted an air horn after one of the Angels struck out. (Are air horns allowed in baseball?)
- The guy who blasted an air horn when a ball was in play.
- The Dodger coach who argued a point for 5 minutes in order to "ice" the Angel pitcher in the top of the last inning
- The guy who yelled "Hey Nomo, get off the field!" when I went out to compare score books with the opposing coach. (I told them that my name was Sato.)
The Angels played great defense to eke out an 8-7 victory, ensuring a final game tonight. To paraphrase the MLB Angel announcers, "Just another Halo victory...in the 'hood."
