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HARTLEY MILLER’S HART ATTACK – (Take Me Out To The Ball Game) June 16, 2017 EDITION 632

Have you ever been to a major league baseball game with a bunch of buddies?

The experience may not quite reach the “bucket list” level, but for some sports fans enjoying the atmosphere at a big league park sure beats cutting the grass and/or the household chores.

My favorite team is not the Toronto Blue Jays (it’s the LA Dodgers if you must know), but most Canadians consider the Blue Jays “THEIR” team.

I was a big fan of the old Montreal Expos and haven’t yet been able to convert to rooting for Toronto.

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Nevertheless, the Jays supporters are from all over the country.

Last weekend, they were in their second home… Safeco Field in Seattle and most of British Columbia, including Prince George, was well represented.

Paul’s Party Bus left PG Friday at 2AM, returned Monday morning at 7, and the 20 people on board, aged 20 to 70, attended the three Jays games against the Mariners.

Spencer Gowan (left) stands next to new buddy Graham, an Ontario native who now works in Seattle

Among them were Spencer Gowan, a PG news reporter with Vista Radio, and Lewis MacDonald, a morning co-host on 94.3 the GOAT.

Both are from Ontario, but are now enjoying the better life in BC.

Spencer (25) is a Toronto sports die-hard that lives in a fantasy land when it comes to his Southern Ontario teams.

The trip across the border for him was just as much about the food as the games.

“We were told about the famous ballpark garlic fries yet still weren’t prepared for the stink. They were good, but not good enough for seconds,” said Spencer.

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Lewis (25) doesn’t pretend to be a baseball expert, or an expert of any kind, but he certainly brought his appetite with him.

“I have never consumed as many hot dogs in a 72-hour period than this past weekend. Don’t be fooled by the fancy title, The “Mariners” Dog is just a plane ball park hot dog,” stated Lewis.

Food and drinks were expensive, but Spencer felt they were on par with Rogers Centre prices.

Blue Jays fans line-up outside Seattle’s Safeco Field

While Spencer said his highlight of the trip was “Sourdough Pizza and exploring downtown,” Lewis had a different take.

“The highlight of the trip was witnessing Canadian Jays fans infiltrating Safeco Field and turning it into a Toronto home game. At one point the Jays fans began to chant “Get a Haircut” to Mariners Outfielder Ben Gamel,” said Lewis.

I’m not sure why a Jays fan would buy a Kyle Seager (Mariners third baseman) t-shirt but Spencer, seldom one for logic, doled out $40 for it.

Jeff (call me “Sarge”) Sargeant is a former Prince George resident who likes to think of himself as a sports guru.

He is one of those guys in the 95% class, 95% of his predictions are wrong.

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Sarge (33), a free-lance broadcaster now living in Delta, was in a party-of-five that saw the Jays win two of three against the Mariners.

The other people in his group were from Victoria, Trail, Terrace, and Calgary and they also enjoyed much more than baseball.

“Plenty of beer was bought and consumed, got to love the 24 oz. cans. At $12 per they aren’t cheap but definitely better value. I decided I had to try the much hyped chili lime grasshoppers which sound absolutely disgusting, look even worse, but taste so good”, said Sarge, who has been to Safeco several times because “the game day experience is tremendous.”

Sarge, Spencer, and Lewis agree there were considerably more Jays fans in attendance than Mariners supporters, an estimated 2-to-1 ratio or more.

“At the restaurants/tailgates before the games, Jays fans outnumbered Mariners fans by at least 20-1,” stated Spencer.

“A unique experience was probably us dressing up my friend in a Blue Jays themed tutu, feather boa, and flowery hat for his stag,” said Sarge.

The trip though did have a drawback.

“The border was a long wait, but I was comfortable on the bus so I wasn’t complaining. Lineups to get into the park were long because of security checks. We missed Josh Donaldson’s Sunday homer because of it,” said Spencer.

Sarge wasn’t quite as patient.

“We waited in a border lineup more than an hour long Friday afternoon then got stuck in rush hour traffic starting in Everett. The trip down (from the Lower Mainland) took about four-and-a-half hours which is about two hours longer than it should under ideal conditions. It was frustrating.”

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All three highly recommend a getaway to Seattle the next time the Blue Jays (2018) are in the Emerald City.

“Go early to avoid border lineups. Book your hotel really early to avoid price gouging,” warned Sarge.

“My suggestions for PG residents that want to go to Seattle to see the Jays? Do it! Tell your kids to pay their own way through College, said Lewis emphatically after looking sleep deprived upon his return home.

Yes, the beer, burgers, buddies, bus, and baseball are a combination, win or lose, that makes for a big-league road trip.

 

FROM THE QUOTE RACK:

After winning the NBA Championship the Golden State Warriors unanimously decided to skip the traditional visit to the White House.  After hearing this, Melania Trump said, “Wait, you can do that?”

*Conan O’Brien of TBS

 

There are rumors going around already that the (Golden State) Warriors have voted unanimously to skip going to the White House to meet President Trump. Trump was very understanding. He was like, “Look, I get it. I skip going to the White House whenever I can, too.”

*Late Late Show host James Corden

 

A report says hundreds of patients have requested life-ending drugs in California. They are
otherwise known as L.A. Clippers fans.

*Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va., http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/

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London, England residents celebrated Naked Bike Ride Day on June 2, which made June 3 ‘Don’t Buy a Used Bike in London Day.’

*Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg http://thordoggie.blogspot.ca/

 

L.A. Dodgers slugger Yasiel Puig gave the finger to fans booing him. Who does he think he is, Mr. Met?

*Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com

 

Baseball Hall of Famer George Brett reportedly yelled at a fan that tried to get his autograph—I guess the guy’s pen had too much pine tar on it.

*Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

 

Kellogg’s has sued tennis pro Thanasi Kokkinakis to stop him using the handle Special K. Ranked 277th, Kokkinakis isn’t special — a flake maybe, but not special.

*Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com

 

Rafael Nadal won the French Open and became the first man to win 10 titles at any major tournament. When asked what his secret is, he said, “Not having to play Serena Williams.”

*Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.”

*Charles Wadsworth

 

Happy Father’s Day to all Dads!

 

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Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat.
He also is the 94.3 radio color commentator for P.G. Cougars home games.
His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com.
Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller

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