Two West Point parachutists came floating down onto the center field grass as part of last night's opening ceremonies. Both did on-point landings. One declared himself 'safe' as he touched down.
Monday night it was Larry Holmes of Easton throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Last night it was the turn for former-NFL great Chuck Bednarik (back to camera), a Bethlehem native. He is the silver-haired gent clowning with the mascot Ferrous.
There were lots of pleas for autographs before the game. Here Chase Lambin of the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals' affiliate) signs for some fans. Lambin had a game-tying double in the 6th, then scored the go-ahead run. At long last the Lehigh Valley skies cleared and the Triple-A All-Star game was played before a sell-out crowd (what else) at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. Pitching dominated the game. The Pacific Coast League scratched out a 1-0 lead in the 2nd, while the International League was held hitless till the 5th, when hometown favorite Andy Tracy lashed a single to center. The IL had to wait till the 6th, however, to score on consecutive doubles and a single. Each team had five hits apiece; no player had more than one hit. The International League won 2-1. Pigs were flying after the game.
Four players were called up to their respective parent club before or during the game, including starting IL catcher Eric Kratz, a 30-year-old minor-league lifer from nearby Bucks County. What a night for him! Congratulations to all!
And congratulations to the IronPigs' front office and staff members. They did a tremendous job and the weather finally gave them a chance to shine. It was a great night at the ballpark and again underscored just how wonderful it is to have minor league baseball in the Lehigh Valley.
