Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Things I Learned at the Baracklyn (Brooklyn) Cyclones Game


(Photo: AP)

1. Stop at Nathan's. Before you even get to the Stadium, it’s important that you make a stop at the world famous and original Nathan’s across the street from Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway stop. You will not be disappointed, trust me. And once you taste the aramark food at the Stadium, you'll be kicking yourself that you didn't get a hot dog from Nathan's.

2. Brooklyn hearts America. The Cyclones celebrated Barack Obama’s presidency changing their names to the Baracklyn Cyclones for the night as well as wearing the most patriotic uniforms this side of the Washington Nationals alternative jerseys. For the seventh inning, the crowd participated in a sing-a-long version of “God Bless America” and the night was topped off by a Barack Obama look-a-like.

3. Barack Obama is a lot bigger than I expected. Well at least his bobblehead doll was. As a part of the night, the first 2,500 fans got Barack Obama bobblehead dolls. Since I stopped at Nathan’s first, I missed out on getting myself one. But the women on the subway on the way were kind enough to take the bobblehead out of the packing and show us one and the first thing out my friend’s mouth was, “Wow, that’s a lot bigger than I expected.” For the record, it was about average for a bobblehead doll.

4. It was a very safe night. Among the free give aways at the park, were band-aids or “free healthcare” as they called it. They also gave out America tattoos, nothing on the level of Jeremy Shockey’s but cute freebees for all the kids in attendance.

5. Even though they love America, Keyspan Park is a strictly a monarchy. Thank you King Henry.

6. The Renegades may want a new catcher or a few pitchers. According to the box score, the Renegades only had two passed balls, but it seemed like the ball spent more time hitting the backstop than the glove of the catcher.

7. The Cyclones store is where old Mets t-shirts go to die. Are you still in search of a Billy Wagner t-shirt? Or what about a Pedro Martinez tee? Well you’re in luck, because the Cyclones store was selling a bunch for just $5. Although if I were Luis Castillo, the other t-shirt they were selling for $5, I’d be a bit nervous.

8. Burt Reynolds is a baseball player. And he plays third for the Hudson Valley Renegades.

9. Drunk hipsters and little league kids are a perfect match. The crowd was decidedly mixed between little kids, true Brooklynites and hipsters. Of course I don’t really fall into any of those categories, but then again there must have been a fourth category I missed. What I did learn was that a group of drunk hipsters are very similar to a group of 10 year old girls in their little league uniforms. They are both loud, love the wave and really just want to walk home with a free t-shirt or ball and they don’t care what they have to do to get one. Elbows included.

10. Single-A Ball has its own version of gay or European and it’s called of legal age to drink in Canada or the US. Single-A is filled with kids just starting out and those not ready just yet to give up on their dream. Currently, the oldest Cyclone is 25 but the youngest are recent High School grads, leading us to think whether they had to cross the boarder to purchase alcohol legally. For the record, 30 of the 33 players are over 21. Way more than I had guessed.
(Photos: PIMC)

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