David, intrepid BCB photographer, was in the RF bleachers yesterday, and took this sequence of photos during and after Dome's 9th-inning HR:
click on photos to open a larger version in a new browser window. Photos by David Sameshima
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I know it was a loss...
But it felt soooooo good to finally yell and get excited about something again. With all the disappointment we got from the Bears and Bulls this year, that HR was the sports highlight of '08 for me so far.
Yes, Weeks does lean over to the plate too far, much like Biggio used to, but Wood should have known better. Kerry will settle in a more focused closer mentality from now on and will proceed to have a terrific year.
I'll have to admit I was skeptical of Fukudome's off season elbow surgery, but any such doubts have been completely erased.
I look forward to attending the game tomorrow and watching the Cubs get their first of many wins.
I understand the reasoning for the day off but I have always disliked it, I'm excited for the games to start being more constant.
I didn't hear any comments from any of the players regarding the field conditions and maybe that's good. I'm just curious how they felt the field handled the rain and if they noticed how the field is much flatter?
When they rolled off the tarp into LF prior to the start the game, the water from the tarp slided off and flooded the area of the grass in shallow LF... up to the infield dirt. The crew came out with squeegees, and pushed the water into the drains. You could actually see where the drains were located underneath the grass, as the water was draining. In about ten minutes or so, the excess water on the the field was gone. Excellent system!
If you watch the third base side crowd a large portion are jumping up and down. It looks like the student section in a college football or basketball game. Man that would have been exciting to see.
They way Fukudome has handled himself is amazaing. He just has this calm to him that is almost scary. Even though we lost, I think the Cubs to took a step forward by having FDOME in this lineup. WOW is all I can say.... WOW.
Looking at the picture, Fukudome just took a pitch a split second before. As a runner, its kinda good to be in a posture to react to a batted ball, a wild pitch or even a snap throw to 1st by the catcher. Ramirez is standing completely flat footed, straight up just as the ball just enters the catchers glove.
Maybe I am old fashioned, but that is not what you should look like (as a runner) as the ball crosses the plate. Ramirez was also half asleep on the popup in which Zambrano tripped over Lee and the one that Soto couldn't get a bead on.
I love the guy and I think he is the best hitter on the club, but he can certainly doze off at times.
... exactly where in the sequence the ball is. Doesn't look like Kendall is ready to throw it back to the pitcher -- maybe he already has and Fukudome is setting up for the next one?
I kind of saw what MPH and you saw, but I didn't realize the ball had just been pitched. Either A-Ram was really out of it, or he thought there was no way on earth Dome was going to swing on that pitch. That wouldn't be a good excuse, though.
It makes perfect sense that Dome caught up to ARam so fast. Dome runs on contact. He HAS to run on contact.
ARam needs to hold up, at least a little bit to make sure that the ball isn't going to be caught. Sure, maybe it was only two or three seconds, but Dome's already running to first.
to be sure. I was stuck in the drive thru line at the pharmacy and going nuts listening to thios at bat. The folks around probably thought a seriously needed medication!
First game in the MLB for our Cubbies and he's already made his way on Al's Top 20 Home Run list next year. Whoever takes these pictures most have a really expensive camera because this pictures look extremely clear.
Did anyone in Chicago go to the Ernie Banks ceremony before the game yesterday? I saw it on TV, it looked like a very nice tribute. Anyone care to give a first hand account? How's the statue? Thanks!
didnt get down there til 11. I was disgusted to walk up to the Banks staue and see 'The Human Air Siren' ruining everyones pictures. He was leaning right up on the staue base. Later we saw The Person Who Shall Not Be Named trying to get into one of the rooftops. Pretty lame.
was the first person Henry Aaron thanked when he started his speech. I doubt they'd just have Jackson at the ceremony and on the field for shats and giggles.
they wouldn't do it for a "shat" but he seemed to be everywhere and that guy has a nack for railroading public events. Maybe I'm just biased because I think he's a joke, but either way, an observation. Thanks for the info.
I know there have been several diaries about this already. I called MLB.com tech support today (for the second time). Again I spent less than a minute on hold. The tech rep finally admitted that the problem with the new player was on their end, and that they've received numerous complaints. I again suggested that they roll back to the previous version until they get the new one fixed. This guy said that he would put in the request. (So did the previous woman.) I can only hope that their supervisor has enough intelligence to figure out that he/she is supposed to be delivering a product, not using customers as guinea pigs.
I suggest that anyone who is having problems should call them (1-866-800-1275) and request that the old version be put back. If you call during the day, you don't have to wait on hold very long.
I know it was a loss...
But it felt soooooo good to finally yell and get excited about something again. With all the disappointment we got from the Bears and Bulls this year, that HR was the sports highlight of '08 for me so far.
CubsBullsBears - April 1, 2008
Not worried one damn bit
Yes, Weeks does lean over to the plate too far, much like Biggio used to, but Wood should have known better. Kerry will settle in a more focused closer mentality from now on and will proceed to have a terrific year.
I'll have to admit I was skeptical of Fukudome's off season elbow surgery, but any such doubts have been completely erased.
I look forward to attending the game tomorrow and watching the Cubs get their first of many wins.
Neifi Puppy - April 1, 2008
Field
I understand the reasoning for the day off but I have always disliked it, I'm excited for the games to start being more constant.
I didn't hear any comments from any of the players regarding the field conditions and maybe that's good. I'm just curious how they felt the field handled the rain and if they noticed how the field is much flatter?
slocs55 - April 1, 2008
The drainage system was awesome
When they rolled off the tarp into LF prior to the start the game, the water from the tarp slided off and flooded the area of the grass in shallow LF... up to the infield dirt. The crew came out with squeegees, and pushed the water into the drains. You could actually see where the drains were located underneath the grass, as the water was draining. In about ten minutes or so, the excess water on the the field was gone. Excellent system!
SackMan - April 1, 2008
From what I could tell
What they showed on TV, it seemed to work very well
miamicanes - April 1, 2008
Yep.
In the past, they'd squeegee that water, and it would sit there. Yesterday it drained almost immediately. Nice work by everyone concerned.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2008
I timed how long it took...
and it was under 6 minutes and the grass looked completely clear.
bap - April 1, 2008
I couldnt believe it
the water disappeared in a hurry.
Keystone80435 - April 1, 2008
For those that are interested,
I also have downloadable video of the entire at-bat at:
http://cubbienation.net/media/p/29.aspx
Damen Jackson - April 1, 2008
That is great!
Thanks.
bjs - April 1, 2008
The crowd reaction is great in that video
If you watch the third base side crowd a large portion are jumping up and down. It looks like the student section in a college football or basketball game. Man that would have been exciting to see.
MFine2 - April 1, 2008
Cool
That was a pretty good video, nice work.
slocs55 - April 1, 2008
Wish I was there
literally got goosebumps
TommyD - April 1, 2008
cool, thanks
was that a photo camera w/video or just a video camera? Really good quality.
tony412 - April 1, 2008
Thanks...
I only had my digital camera with me. It's a Canon PowerShot S3 IS. Perfect for bleacher shots.
Damen Jackson - April 1, 2008
One of my favorite moments
They way Fukudome has handled himself is amazaing. He just has this calm to him that is almost scary. Even though we lost, I think the Cubs to took a step forward by having FDOME in this lineup. WOW is all I can say.... WOW.
It's going to be a fun year!
miamicanes - April 1, 2008
Forgot to mention
I love his bat flip
miamicanes - April 1, 2008
I dont know
what size bat he uses but it looked longer than a broomstick.
Keystone80435 - April 1, 2008
There was a fan at the park wearing a karate kid-like white headband
tied in a knot at the back, with a Cubs logo and something written in Japanese on the front. I thought that was pretty cool!
SackMan - April 1, 2008
They were SELLING those outside...
... for $10. If they'd been cheaper many more people would have gotten them.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2008
Wow. Well that explains it:)
I didn't even see them selling those outside. I bet they'll have better sales on Wednesday!
SackMan - April 1, 2008
I'd love to find one of those!
drewishdrewid - April 1, 2008
Here you go
Fuk Me Headbands
Lou In Blue - April 1, 2008
I saw the guy walking up and down Waveland selling them. I also saw a guy TRYING to sell KEEP THE NAME shirts, he wasnt having much luck.
Keystone80435 - April 1, 2008
Next one...
...should be in a winning game, for sure.
BTW, we Dragons off 3-0 start this year, and tonight we beat our public enemy Tokyo Giants badly by a homerun in the 9th.... without Dome in anyway...
dragonsfanatic - April 1, 2008
Check out the first picture...
...in this sequence, does anything stand out to you?
MPH73 - April 1, 2008
What?
miamicanes - April 1, 2008
Check out Ramirez...
...Does he look ready to run?
Looking at the picture, Fukudome just took a pitch a split second before. As a runner, its kinda good to be in a posture to react to a batted ball, a wild pitch or even a snap throw to 1st by the catcher. Ramirez is standing completely flat footed, straight up just as the ball just enters the catchers glove.
Maybe I am old fashioned, but that is not what you should look like (as a runner) as the ball crosses the plate. Ramirez was also half asleep on the popup in which Zambrano tripped over Lee and the one that Soto couldn't get a bead on.
I love the guy and I think he is the best hitter on the club, but he can certainly doze off at times.
MPH73 - April 1, 2008
What you can't tell from that photo is...
... exactly where in the sequence the ball is. Doesn't look like Kendall is ready to throw it back to the pitcher -- maybe he already has and Fukudome is setting up for the next one?
Al Yellon - April 1, 2008
You can tell by...
...the ump and the catcher that Kendall just caught the pitch. Also, Fukudome just took his stride and is looking down at where the pitch was.
MPH73 - April 1, 2008
Is it possible...
... that a fraction of a second before, Ramirez WAS ready to run, and he had JUST relaxed his stance?
If we had more of a sequence, or video, we'd know. But this split-second of time might not be telling you the whole story.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2008
Yea thats what I think
I think Kendall just caught the ball and Dome is looking down at his glove.
Keystone80435 - April 1, 2008
Speaking of Kendall
We better start running running on this guy. I know we didn't have many baserunners yesterday, but seriously, YOU'VE GOT TO RUN ON KENDALL!
Our dugout should know this from last year... the guy can't throw anyone out!
SackMan - April 1, 2008
I agree
But like you said we need baserunners
Keystone80435 - April 1, 2008
Dome took a 3-0 strike.
That may be this pitch, and ARam knew he was taking all the way.
neverAcquiesce - April 1, 2008
Makes sense.
n/t
Al Yellon - April 1, 2008
Maybe I am being too picky
n/t
MPH73 - April 1, 2008
It was the 3-0 count
Fukudome was not swinging....
PirateDan - April 1, 2008
The way Dome nearly
caught up to A-Ram on the basepaths?
JohnM - April 1, 2008
No, that's in the second picture.
What about the first photo stands out?
Al Yellon - April 1, 2008
Yeah
I kind of saw what MPH and you saw, but I didn't realize the ball had just been pitched. Either A-Ram was really out of it, or he thought there was no way on earth Dome was going to swing on that pitch. That wouldn't be a good excuse, though.
JohnM - April 1, 2008
I've been thinking about this
It makes perfect sense that Dome caught up to ARam so fast. Dome runs on contact. He HAS to run on contact.
ARam needs to hold up, at least a little bit to make sure that the ball isn't going to be caught. Sure, maybe it was only two or three seconds, but Dome's already running to first.
So, actually, ARam did the right thing.
drewishdrewid - April 1, 2008
A great moment
to be sure. I was stuck in the drive thru line at the pharmacy and going nuts listening to thios at bat. The folks around probably thought a seriously needed medication!
sdurst - April 1, 2008
How Refreshing..
to see a guy hit a big home run and NOT pose at the plate like Manny. I think Dome could be a real fan favorite here..
wicubfan - April 1, 2008
I think he already is.
n/t
Al Yellon - April 1, 2008
Cubbie Lore
First game in the MLB for our Cubbies and he's already made his way on Al's Top 20 Home Run list next year. Whoever takes these pictures most have a really expensive camera because this pictures look extremely clear.
McRipper - April 1, 2008
Yes.
David is an excellent photographer and has a really nice Nikon (not sure of the model).
That HR is definitely on the list. It'd be right near the top if the Cubs had won the game; if it had been a walkoff it might be up to #2.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2008
Compliments to David
Man, if that would have been a walk-off, I think I would still be standing in my living room in complete awe.
McRipper - April 1, 2008
I think we'd still be at the ballpark cheering.
n/t
Al Yellon - April 1, 2008
Touche`
McRipper - April 1, 2008
question
Does anyone miss Jock Jones yet? ;)
RIOTSHIRTS.com - April 1, 2008
What's Nice...
...is to be able to "Post" now without "Preview"!
Let the mistakes flow through now...
initram - April 1, 2008
OT - but not diary worthy
Did anyone in Chicago go to the Ernie Banks ceremony before the game yesterday? I saw it on TV, it looked like a very nice tribute. Anyone care to give a first hand account? How's the statue? Thanks!
Lou In Blue - April 1, 2008
I
didnt get down there til 11. I was disgusted to walk up to the Banks staue and see 'The Human Air Siren' ruining everyones pictures. He was leaning right up on the staue base. Later we saw The Person Who Shall Not Be Named trying to get into one of the rooftops. Pretty lame.
Keystone80435 - April 1, 2008
Marriotti?
Hammer - April 1, 2008
haha
no. the guy who dresses up in full Cubs gear and yells.
Keystone80435 - April 1, 2008
Gotcha.......
Hammer - April 1, 2008
What was the deal with
Rev. Jesse Jackson hijacking the ceremony? WTF?
Lou In Blue - April 1, 2008
Agreed!!!
I loved how he was trying to get into the pictures of Ernie with the bat, that guy is something else. I'll leave it at that.
slocs55 - April 1, 2008
I think someone said that
He was instrumental in getting the statue commissioned and installed in the first place? Anybody have more info on that?
cubsonWGN4ever - April 1, 2008
Mike North and Jesse Jackson campaigned for the statue
Mark McGuire (Not the Juicer) brought the idea up in 2003 but never acted on it. Jesse Jackson helped get the ball rolling
PirateDan - April 1, 2008
And Jesse Jackson
was the first person Henry Aaron thanked when he started his speech. I doubt they'd just have Jackson at the ceremony and on the field for shats and giggles.
northofwrigley - April 1, 2008
I assumed
they wouldn't do it for a "shat" but he seemed to be everywhere and that guy has a nack for railroading public events. Maybe I'm just biased because I think he's a joke, but either way, an observation. Thanks for the info.
Lou In Blue - April 1, 2008
Here's an article about it
cubsonWGN4ever - April 1, 2008
Slow
A little less activity today to say it mildly, yesterday there had to be some BCB records broken?
slocs55 - April 1, 2008
At least 2.0 records
n/t
Lou In Blue - April 1, 2008
We came up a bit short...
... of the comment record, which was over 1500 set during the NLDS last year. We were just short of 1500 yesterday.
Al Yellon - April 1, 2008
Dont you worry about that.....
Obviously me being at the game had a HUGE effect on the comment count. hahaah
Keystone80435 - April 1, 2008
egad, he's right
figure at least another 300 comments from that alone!
drewishdrewid - April 1, 2008
I might have added 1 or 2 comments to the conversation yesterday....
Keystone80435 - April 1, 2008
Gives us something to shoot for...
thanks!
Lou In Blue - April 1, 2008
OT: GamedayAudio problems
(This might apply to MLB.TV as well.)
I know there have been several diaries about this already. I called MLB.com tech support today (for the second time). Again I spent less than a minute on hold. The tech rep finally admitted that the problem with the new player was on their end, and that they've received numerous complaints. I again suggested that they roll back to the previous version until they get the new one fixed. This guy said that he would put in the request. (So did the previous woman.) I can only hope that their supervisor has enough intelligence to figure out that he/she is supposed to be delivering a product, not using customers as guinea pigs.
I suggest that anyone who is having problems should call them (1-866-800-1275) and request that the old version be put back. If you call during the day, you don't have to wait on hold very long.
Hopefully, there is strength in numbers.
DeRoMyHero - April 1, 2008
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