San Diego, California: With Dave excused from another year of jury duty and an empty calendar, it was quickly decided (by Dave) to head over to San Deigo to 1) escape the desert heat and 2) his Giants were playing the Padres on a four-night run, and we could catch the last two contests. Easy - though it is a three-hour drive no matter which route you choose. Mountains to either climb over or drive around.
This was also our first-ever visit to Petco Park, and it is really nice. Large concourses, great site-lines and comfy seats. We found the food choices terribly lacking and of terrible quality (compared to other parks we have visited) and they have one brand of unfamiliar liquor - Cutwater (as in Cutwater Vodka, Cutwater Gin... Whiskey... Rum... on and on). Our seatmates were fun, and didn't tease Dave too much on his allegiance. Dave went all-Switzerland today by wearing a very neutral baseball hat: Oregon Ducks. Personally, the ugly brown/yellow uniforms of the Padres are nearly as awful and black/orange Giant colors (which are just Beaver colors to me). Anyway, enough complaining: Let's Play Ball!
Sadly, the Giants did not hear the Let's Play Ball announcement before the game and just didn't show up. It was practically terrible. Between the Padres, Giants, and Dodgers, I can't figure-out which team is losing more games. Giants lost 8-1. Ugh.
PS: When we valeted our car while checking-in to the hotel, the attendant mentioned it was "Michael King bobblehead night" at Petco Park. I had never heard of Mr. King, but snagged a bobblehead (as requested) for the valet.
Dave chose our seat location tonight. He had a plan of snagging a home-run ball. (I had a plan of not sitting in the sun.) If Padre right fielder Fernando Tatis, Jr. had been 2-inches shorter, Dave's dream could have come true, but alas, Tatis made an amazing catch - one of many tonight. Tatis could have a second career as a high jumper? Our seats tomorrow (day game) are in some fancy (shaded) section behind home plate.
We went back to our hotel after the game, looking for something other than Cutwater Gin, and found a very full bar of people wearing Giant gear. Seems the Giants were staying at this hotel. Somber crowd. I did get my martini, but called it an early night, and met a Giant rookie (Drew Gilbert) in the elevator.
Until my next update, I remain, your San Diego correspondent.