BK35- Greatest Games

The countdown to 35 continues with the greatest baseball games I have been at. Some are for their historic significance, most are for their importance in my life. In chronological order:

June 10, 1979- Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia- Braves 10, Phillies 3

My first game, got to see 2 Hall-of-Famers pitch. Great way to start an obsession. I covered this in detail last year.

July 11, 1982- Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia- Phillies 4, Dodgers 3

First time I got to see the Dodgers, with Pedro Guererro (above), Ron Cey, Steve Sax, et al. Grandma couldn't believe that a 8-year old knew every player's name and screamed at each of them.

August 4, 1985- Yankee Stadium, New York- White Sox 4, Yankees 1

The only huge milestone game I have attended- Tom Seaver got his 300th win that day. Also Phil Rizzuto Day, only time I saw a number retired.

August 28, 1988- Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia- Dodgers 5, Phillies 0

I am sure i am the only one at this point who knew the Dodgers were on their way to the World Championship. Less than 2 months later, I would be proven right.

October 19, 1999- Turner Field, Atlanta- Braves 10, Mets 9 (11 innings)

Only living in Atlanta for 2 days at this point, I got to see Game 6 of the NLCS, and a great one at that. Piazza homered and Hershiser pitched (unfortunately both for the Mets). Still the only playoff game I have been to.

July 11, 2000- Turner Field, Atlanta- American League 6, National League 3

All Star Game! Not only did I get to work at the FanFest this year, but got to enjoy the game as well.

April 2, 2002- Dodger Stadium, LA- Giants 9, Dodgers 2

First time in Dodger Stadium and I was walking on air. I met Odalis Perez and sat in the infamous rowdy bleachers.

September 11, 2002- Turner Field, Atlanta- Mets 5, Braves 0

On the year anniversary of the horrible events of 9/11, It was the most patriotic game I have ever attended. NYFD was in attendance, it was just a surreal event.

March 9, 2003- Holman Stadium, Vero Beach, FL- Dodgers v. Expos

Got to Dodgertown, and it was even more incredible than the first time in Dodger Stadium. Even more meaning now that they've left.

September 11, 2004- Camden Yards, Baltimore- Yankees 5, Orioles 2

Staci and my first game together. WHo knew that 4 years later we'd have been to 20 parks together on our way to all 30?

April 14, 2005- RFK Stadium, DC- Nationals 5, Diamondbacks 3

First game in DC in 34 years, and the atmosphere was electric. It began a magical 3 months where the Nats were really good.

July 4, 2006- RFK Stadium, DC- Nats 6, Marlins 4

Ryan Zimmerman hits a walk-off homerun to win the game! And...oh yeah, got engaged to my beautiful wife. :)

April 9, 2007- Pfitzner Stadium, Woodbridge, VA- Avalanche 8, P-Nats 0

My first game working in baseball. A feeling that was 20 years in the making.

August 31, 2007- Pfitzner Stadium, Woodbridge, VA- P-Nats 4, Hillcats 0

P-Nats win 11th in a row to end the home season, come up just short of a rush to the playoffs. The beginning of our wedding weekend brought 10 of our family down to the game.