Well, after getting to taking in the sights of New Orleans, my impression of the entire city is one that is worthy of visiting. Full of history, architecture, culture and people watching as well.
I didn’t get to go to the French Quarter as much, but I was impressed with the French-named signs and the old buildings that date back to the 19th century and how well-kept they are, especially even after Hurricane Katrina.
The city has many fine cajun restaurants and there are plenty of historical statues as well.
As for the action on the ballfield, the Sounds continue to excel, having won their first three games of this brief 4-game road trip against the Zephyrs.
Over the last two games, Nashville came from behind to win and the relief corps continues to be unstoppable. I’ve never seen a core of relievers who can throw the kind of breaking stuff that I have seldom seen over the years I have broadcast baseball in the minor leagues. A lot of credit also goes to Sounds’ Pitching Coach Rich Gale, whose straightforward approach has been bought by the players.
Johnny Raburn has been an excellent pickup since he joined the Sounds from the Brewers’ extended Spring Training Camp and Luis Cruiz and Ray Olmedo have come through in the clutch.
A couple of days back, Pitcher Chuck Lofgren got into the act with two hits and three runs-batted-in. I think Chuck might have lost out a bit on being an everyday player the way he can swing the bat. However, he has proven to be a very effective pitcher in his brief tenure with the Sounds.
It was a delight to meet former major leaguer Ron Swoboda, who played for both the Mets and Yankees in my hometown of New York City. He has been a sportscaster in New Orleans for many years, having done sports on TV for stations here in town and is now a broadcaster for the Zephyrs. Swoboda is best remembered for being part of the 1969 World Champion Miracle New York Mets and made a diving catch in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles at Shea Stadium. He robbed Brooks Robinson of at least an addtional RBI or two with a great catch of a low line drive. It tied the game up when Frank Robinson scored from third on the play in the ninth of Game 4. Very unusual sacrifice fly, but it was not enough as the Mets won that game and the World Series the next day.
It is a bit chilly but nice as the Sounds look to sweep the Zephyrs before heading home on a long bus ride after the ballgame. Since the team has the day off tomorrow, it will be bussing it back to Music City. The team certainly deserves the day off, but then again, I’m sure they want to continue to play as they share the best record in the PCL with the Oklahoma City Redhawks.
Don’t forget that when the Sounds return this Thursday, April 29th when they host the Memphis Redbirds at Greer Stadium at 7:05PM, it will be the Second Taco Bell Throwback Thursday at the ballpark. Certain concession items will be only $2.00 per item and college students will pay only $5.00 for a General Admission Ticket when they show their ID. The Sounds will wear throwback uniforms. We’ll be back on 104.5 The Zone for the game.
Having said that, we still have a game today at 11:30AM. Tune in atwww.nashvillesounds.com for the action. See you when we return to Nashville. It’s been a fun trip!
- Posted on April 27, 2010 at 10:40 am
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