How to pay $1 for a seat behind the dugout...

The Baltimore Orioles are quite a piece of nostalgia for people here. They love the Cal Ripken connection, Camden Yards, and the hope that they'll return to the playoffs -- hasn't happened for about 20 years. I wanted to take part of those feelings, so my friends and I decided to head to a baseball game. Also spurring that excitement is that $1 tickets were being offered for all home games in September! Being a cheap-o, $1 is my kinda ticket!

So, co-workers E & K traveled with me to the game.

We got there about 90 minutes before game time and had a chance to meander around. Now, think about where you might get to sit for $1. You thinking high? Go higher! We were about 15 rows from the top of the stadium. (There I am at the top of the stadium making "WOW" fingers!) Lightbulb changers were the only ones higher. Knowing we'd be closer to heaven, I decided to talk with some of the ushers to see how we could amend that situation. I found Wojo -- he was sitting at the entrance of the elevator that would get us to our proper seats. He was talking with Mike - the Supervisor!!

I calmly asked, "How many people are coming to the game today?" 14,900. "How many can the stadium hold?" 49,000. hmmmmm...

"What's it take for us to get seats closer than the rafters?" Mike proceeded to let us know that come the 2nd inning, we could come and find him and he'd help us with getting better seats. He did mention that we'd be right of first base.

So, when the 2nd inning started, we left the upper-upper decks and went to find Mike. Having him called on the radio by other ushers, noting we were his personal friends, he led us to our new seats. We expected to be closer - to not think the players are just ants, or midgets as Wojo called them. But, there goes Mike, heading down the stairs right in front of first base. And then he talks to people behind the dugout and motions us down. He gets us seats 3 rows behind the O's dugout!!! What is that about?!!? E & K have pictures -- will post one once I get them.

We sat and enjoyed our lovely views. (Check out the picture, of course, that was during the 8th inning, and most had left!) And then started chatting up with those around us. Come to find out, one of them worked for Exxon Mobile -- he was there with some vendors, from India and Pakistan. I'll be honest, we all thought they were arms dealers. Alas, they were just gas station owners. And having begun conversations with our row mates, they offered to have Exxon/Mobile buy us pretzels. Wow!!! Were they tasty. And that might answer any questions one has regarding where the billions earned by big oil goes to -- direct to Debby's tummy!!!!

Oh, then while watching the jumbo-tron near the end of the game, I saw someone I knew!!! She grew up in MD and we met in Orlando. We're having dinner on Wednesday!! How cool is that?

My friend E was convinced I was using my feminine wiles to make things happen. Not sure if that's the case, but still paying $1 for dugout seats? Whatever works!!!

The O's lost to the Rays. But all around a good time had by all.