Game 2: Neighborhood Party

One of my favorite things about attending the Orem Owlz games is the sense of community that I feel at the games.  In fact, the actual baseball game is only part of the entertainment for me.  It starts with the announcement of the starting line-up.  At every game, members of a local little league team run out on the field with the players--it especially tickles me when the little t-ball players get distracted by the applause and lose the player they are supposed to run on with!

Then the fans are usually asked to direct their attention to the flag in the outfield for the singing of the national anthem.  However, on Friday (June 22), local cub scout troop 107 presented the colors at home plate.

Next, Paige Fish, a talented 6 year-old from my Hobble Creek neighborhood, sang the national anthem.  I've heard her sing several times and she still brought tears to my eyes.

All this entertainment and the game hasn't even started yet!  I have a confession to make:  I don't always watch the games, and this was the case on Friday.  Sometimes the activities in the stands and the promotional contests between innings are just too entertaining.  Below were some of the distractions:

Several families from my neighborhood came to the game to hear Paige sing.  It was the first time at an Owlz game for all of them, but I don't think it will be their last.  The parents had a great time sitting at the top of the grass berm, while the kids spent the entire time rolling down it.  We decided that the Owlz games are the perfect place to hold a neighborhood party--the set-up, food, entertainment, and clean-up are taken care of by the Owlz--we can just sit back, relax, chat, and enjoy a great evening with friends.

In between visiting with old  friends, I managed to make some new ones.  To learn more about some of the great Owlz fans that I met on Friday, visit the Fan Spotlight page at the top of my blog.

Despite the fact that the Owlz lost 14-7, it was a great night.  You know what they say:  a bad loss at the ballpark is still better than a night on the couch watching summer reruns!

Opening Day!

The first full day of summer and the first Owls home game of the season combined to create a perfect night.  A combination of great hitting and stellar pitching gave the Owlz the 14-7 victory over the Ogden Raptors.  In the thrid inning, Wade Hinkle's HR brought in three runs, which was immediately followed by a Jonathan Walsh home run.  For the night, Hinkle went 4-4 with 4 runs, 4 RBI's and 2 home runs. Pitcher Gabriel Perez earned his first win of the season by giving up only one run in the first inning and retiring the last 12 hitters he faced.

The excitement on the field was matched by the enthusiasm in the stands.  Kids were treated to a free schedule slap bracelet and were greeted by a group of owls.

Great Basin Wildlife Rescue brought some of Hootz and Holly's pals to the game!

Jones Creek Beef was also on hand to promote their grass-fed beef burgers that are now being served  at every game.  For more on Jones Creek Beef and my review of the hamburgers, click on the ballpark food tab at the top of the page.  The winner of the base race against Hootz was awarded a prize package from Jones Creek Beef.  Congratulations Trevor!

After devouring a delicious half-pound cheeseburger, I decided to walk off the meal by visiting The Perch, the Owlz store.  I must admit that I'm quite the expert when it comes to fan and gift stores.  The Perch and it's staff did not disappoint--they were great.   They have a big selection of New Era caps and an exciting new line of retro t-shirts.  The staff, Josi and Rachel, were very helpful and even offered their opinions as to which color of t-shirt looked better on me (they preferred the red).  The best part--every purchase comes with a free Owlz tote bag!

The evening ended with a great fireworks display.  If you missed the fireworks, don't worry.  On Monday, July 2, the Owlz will celebrate the 4th of July with another fireworks show.  

More from the ballpark tomorrow!  

Opening Day Eve!

There are a lot of reasons to celebrate today.  It is the first official day of summer, the weather is perfect, and we have all, for better or worse, survived an entire month with the kids out of school--one down, two more to go!  But the reason for my good mood today is the very thing that will help me get through the next two months with my sanity intact:  Orem Owlz baseball returns!

Last year, my twins asked begged for Seven Peaks passes for their birthday.  As many of you may know, an added bonus of purchasing the "pass of all passes" is that the pass holder gains free entry into the Owlz games.  Determined to get my money's worth, I took the twins and their older brother to a game.  I was hooked!  For the money, there is no better family attraction in Utah Valley, and as the mother of three boys, I appreciate that the games cater to their three basic primal needs:  sports, food, and a large outfield to explore!

With a daughter interning with the Owlz organization and a son working in guest services, I will be living at the ballpark this summer.  You can count on me to post after every game and every post will contain pictures of the players, the park, and the fans.  This is an interactive blog, so I'm counting on you to participate by commenting, asking questions, and visiting me at the ballpark.  And since I do have limited "connections" with the club, feel free to ask me any questions you have about the organization and I'll do my best to research your question and give you an answer.

The season officially began on Monday with the Owlz beginning a three-game road stand in Idaho Falls.  The Owlz are hoping tonight to stop the Chukars from sweeping all three games.  But win or lose, my family and I will be at Brent Brown Stadium tomorrow night to welcome the returning players, get acquainted with the new faces, and enjoy the wonder that is minor league baseball!