Sal is Taken Out to the Ball Game, Meets Rubber Ducks and Squirrels, and Celebrates Prince George's Birthday!

Last Tuesday night was really something!  For several weeks, a small band of dedicated Cleveland Jumping Fleas had been preparing to play Take Me Out to the Ball Game at an Akron Rubber Ducks game.  Each of us committed to memorizing the song.  We practiced together at each of our regular Flea playalongs.  I can't speak for everyone, but I know that I played Take Me Out to the Ball Game hundreds of times in an attempt to embed it in my brain.  I figured that even if I knew it pretty well, I might blank out in front of an audience of thousands, so I wanted playing the song to be almost automatic. 

The Fleas and their friends and family members arrived at Canal Park -- home of the Akron Rubber Ducks -- and found that the evening was being billed as a celebration of Prince George's 1st birthday.  Since I am an admirer of cute little Prince George, I enjoyed the Brit-centric silliness.

There were paper crowns on the heads of many of the Canal Park staff -- and a few staffers were arrayed in more elaborate costumes.  The first one we saw was this Beefeater.  Unlike the real guards in England, this young man was permitted to smile, talk, and pose for photos.

It was waaaaay too hot to stand in the boiling sun in this garb, but this guy did it with British can-do spirit -- even if he didn't keep a stiff upper lip!

Some of the Fleas were enjoying stadium fare - hot dogs, popcorn, etc., but I was too nervous to eat.   I did, however, partake of a cup of fresh-squeezed lemonade.  Love it!

Who could resist fresh squeezed lemonade?  Not me!  Thanks, guys, for the refreshing beverage!

While arranging our appearance at the game with Christina, the Rubber Ducks' Director of Promotions, I had been instructed to go to Guest Services when arriving at the park.  With a couple of trusty companions I did so, and was happy to see Emily (read this post if you want to know who Emily is), who said to come back a little later for more direction.  When we returned, these two gentlemen were at the desk.  They were friendly and helpful, and told us to bring the whole group to Guest Services closer to the 7th inning stretch and we would be led to the performance space.

These very helpful guys at the Guest Services desk were not thrown by the arrival of a gang of Hawaiian-shirt-wearing ukulele players.  They handled the situation with aplomb.

Meanwhile, on the field of play, the Rubber Ducks were battling the Richmond Flying Squirrels.  Since the Ducks were in second place in their division, and the Squirrels were in first place, I figured the game would be a close one, but alas for the Rubber Ducks, that was not the case.  Nobody scored for a long time, and then the Squirrels got three runs in the third inning and three more in the fourth inning.  The Ducks got nuttin'.  (unavoidable squirrel pun) 

Finally the time for us to play our song was drawing near, so the Fleas proceeded to Guest Services and stood around for a while waiting to be directed.  (Of course we showed up too early because we didn't want to be too late!)  As we waited, I came to an obvious conclusion:  Christina is a busy and energetic lady!  She was going hither and thither all evening conducting contests, leading the crowd as they danced to YMCA, etc.  I would have been dragging big-time after a couple of innings, but she seemed to have boundless enthusiasm.  Wow.

Eventually we were led to our performance space and had a chance to practice a couple of times.  Then we were on!  I'm not sure how to describe the experience of playing in front of over 4000 people, while simultaneously seeing oneself on a giant scoreboard and hearing all the people singing along.  Let's just say it was a bit out of this world.  In just a minute it was over and we congratulated ourselves on a song well played.  Celebration!  Relief!

The Fleas post-performance, with Christina of the Rubber Ducks (holding Sal).  Thanks to her for making it possible for us to play at Canal Park!

Oops!  One of our group members missed getting into the previous picture! The other shot is more flattering of most of us, but the post wouldn't be complete without a picture including Emily Ann.

To record this event for posterity, my wonderful sister came to the game to videotape us on the big scoreboard.  Her husband, Dave, very graciously edited the video and uploaded it to YouTube.  Check out this fun video!

And here is a cool cellphone video of our performance.

Final Scores:
Squirrels - 8
Rubber Ducks - 2
Fleas - 1,000  ;)

It's crazy when I realize how many hours of planning and preparation went into a one-minute performance, but it was well worth it.  What a good time!  Hope we can do it again next year!