Daddy and I spent 5 warm and sunny days in Phoenix – getting to know the zoos, some hockey, Rawhide western town, and of course – our first glimpse at the 2009 Padres.
We had a great time, but came back very tired. I’m learning to spell, learned all sorts of new words, and had a very good time. I’m ready to go back right away, so we might have a new annual ritual.
-Grant
First stop was a sprint from the airport to the Phoenix Zoo. They had some great animals I could ride
Some old standards in to look for.
I made two new friends almost right away.
A big highlight. He stayed and looked at us for quite awhile
Me and my first up-close look at a cactus.
I said “hi” to my new Wallaby friend
And found one of Daddy’s favorites hiding in the building above us.
The next day, it was all Padres
We watched them work out – mostly from the shade in the 90º+ sun.
Met some new friends.
Got a few autographs
Then got in our seats to watch them “play” the Angels.
Great field. Great seats. Nice sightlines.
Too bad the wrong team was winning when the Padre minor leaguers took over.
Next day was a little more of the same.
Same fun seeing and meeting players and getting autographs.
Same great seats and sightlines
Unfortunately the same Padre team showed up to play the Rangers.
When the AAA team showed up in the second inning (Rangers ahead 11-2), we started making plans to leave.
On the way out, Daddy checked on his application.
#43 was rejected.
#'s 44-53 were still on hold.
We took a picture standing next to the only baseball the Padres could effectively hit the past two days.
After disappointing baseball, we drown our sorrows in Rawhide, a western town. I panned for enough gold to pay for my first two years of college.
We also rode an old train through the desert.
They also had a stage coach ride – 5 minutes into this, and Daddy was pretty sure it was NOT the way to travel.
Daddy had one more pose for me – I’m a cactus.
Day four was the World Wildlife Zoo
We started with the highlight.
I just remembered I forgot to wash my hands before we ate lunch that day, Daddy.
We met a new friend
There was also an air show going on next door. Lots of planes all day long.
Some sort of friendly staring contest going on.
At the end of the third lap, I started singing “Following the leader…the leader…the leader….”
Note - even the feet are placed identically. The parade was VERY well
choreographed.
Me and a white alligator.
After the zoo, we caught a quick bite before the game. Jack in the Box and In-n-Out Burger were right next door. I helped with the fries.
Daddy seldom gets this happy.
More great seats. Chase Headley gave me a ball (my third of the trip)
More good food.
And you guessed it – more of the same Padres.
Lost again.
Heading home after a long, disappointing night.
Last day for autographs and for watching practice.
What they lack in quality, they sure make up for in quantity.
I never seen so many Padres.
Sometimes, you gotta get there early to get the good autographs.
The jury may still be out on these Padres, but I’ll give them another chance in May. We did get autographs from nearly the whole starting lineup:
Kevin Kouzmanoff
Adrian Gonzalez
David Eckstein
Luis Rodriguez
Scott Hairston
Jody Gerut
Chris Young
We passed on the manager and general manager. They may not make it the whole year.
Self Portrait:
If we can love this Padre team, we’ll really love a good Padre team.
