MAINE: my final frontier. These are the voyages of the Scooter Vespa 250 i.e. Super. Its continuing mission - to explore America's most heavily forested state - to roam the vast coastline, numberless lakes, and mighty mountains. To boldly go where no scooter has gone before!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

My Summer Job

With only six or seven hours open for "playing" each day, I've had to curtail my riding to concentrate on my summer job - if watching the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston's Double A minor league team) play can in any way be considered work. I supply photos and stories for the publisher of six weekly newspapers.


This is the press box at Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine. Official Scorer Thom Hinton, left, has been a friend for many years, and he is a constant source of knowledge and wisdom about everything about baseball.

Before going to the "office," I must get Teddy Ballgame off my Vespa. He is usually reluctant to surrender the seat to me, even though explain that it is mine. I even showed him the bill of sale once, pointing out that my name was on it- not his! But the possessive pussycat is always hard to pry loose.





Every Monday is "Military Monday" at the ballpark, and many veterans ride bikes to the game. I'm over on the left, the spot reserved for bicycles, scooters, and other smaller vehicles.



The view from above shows an impressive array of big bikes.








The Sea Dogs have been the temporary team of most the current Boston Red Sox since the teams became affiliated in 2003 - just in time to help the Sox win World Series titles in 2004 and 2007.


One player getting ready quickly for the major leagues is Bryce Brentz, Boston's number two prospect. He's caught stealing here - stealing bases is about the only thing he doesn't do well (1 for 3).


When a Sea Dog hits a home run...


...the exploding lighthouse rises from center field.

Well, I think I'm getting better. Maybe
I'll be able to ride and "work" at the "office" soon. A word of wisdom from an old man who now knows better: Take care of yourself before it's too late, and you must have other people take care of you. It's not too late, even for me.


8 comments:

  1. Thomas:

    take care of yourself. Sorry, didn't realize you weren't well.

    AND you're NOT OLD

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast
    My Flickr // My YouTube

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob,


      While 63 isn't necessarily old for a person, my body is a relic. For a number of years, my father and I had the same doctor, who told us that dad was in better shape than son.

      The difference was that my dad was a strong-willed man who did all the right things to stay in shape. Me - I confess to a rather lazy fitness routine.

      The bottom line is that I find myself with problems like gout, gall stones, hernias, prostate difficulties, arthritis, diverticulitis, etc. Each and every one can be caused and exacerbated by lifestyle choices.

      BUT - I am resolved live to celebrate my golden wedding anniversary with my sweetie, the wonderful Mrs. Keene in 2024.

      Tom

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  2. Isn't minor league baseball the BEST? What a great job! Happy you are enjoying your "work"! :=)

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    Replies
    1. Deb,

      One aspect of the minors is that these guys really want to make it to the majors. True, many are self-centered young rich kids with a big signing bonus and an monster SUV, but even they try harder than many big league veterans.

      And they can play so well! I've watched Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, Josh Becket, Josh Reddick of the A's, A.J. Burrnett of the Pirates, Andrian Gonzalez, and so many more.

      I eat free food, sit almost anywhere in the park, can go onto the field during a game to take photos, and I get paid.

      I really am a fortunate man.

      tom

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  3. That looks like a fun way to spend a few hours.

    I love your new header pic too.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. The pic is at Portland Head Light. It's in an old fort, nine miles from my house; a nice place to visit between ball games.

      Tom

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  4. Those are wonderful photos! I can see where your real love is! And I'm happy that you are getting better and well enough to enjoy these happy days at the ballpark.

    I used to tell my very large friend who passed away- nothing tastes as good as feeling good.

    Feeling good and being part of these summer ball games- you've got a really nice life to live.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Martha,

      Thank you. I've loved baseball ever since my father and Uncle Russ used to sit in our car and listen to Red Sox games. Dad bought a 1954 Plymouth with a radio so we could listen to games. He and Uncle Russ used to smoke back then, and my mother and Auntie Barb disliked both smoking and baseball.

      It was an oddity for dad to spend money on something as frivolous as a radio, long before they became standard equipment. And the radio was never on except for a Ballgame.

      In the house and in life, I was Stan's son. Listening to baseball, I was, like him and Uncle Russ, a baseball fan.

      Tom

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