The Pope Leo XIV Hail Mary

I picked up this souvenir t-shirt while attending the Chicago Cubs vs Chicago White Sox game Wrigley Field.

They were being offered by most of the vendor around Wrigley.  Oodles of fans were wearing them too, along with other Popely attire, e.g. Mitres and robes. A fun atmosphere.

Seems "Pope Chicago", "Chicago White Sox Pope Hope" and other similar references refers to the increased optimism and renewed belief among White Sox fans since the election of Pope Leo XIV, who is a confirmed White Sox fan and a Chicago native. The fact that a figurehead of global religious authority, and a fan of their team, has emerged from their city has brought a sense of hope and faith to the struggling team and its supporters.

As of this morning with roughly 60 games played the White Sox's have a whopping 18 wins and no longer in last place in the entire league (Colorado Rockies have an embarrassing 10 wins). 

Maybe it's working!  Lets keep an eye out...

Take Me Out To The Ballgame...

I flew out to Chicago to spend a long weekend, and my birthday, with my oldest daughter and her fiancée AND to see their new house! SO exciting and SO much fun!

We went to Wrigley Field Friday afternoon - 

And took in a crosstown classic baseball game - the Chicago Cubs vs Chicago White Sox -

The Cubs won 13 - 3! -

It was a beautiful sunny day.  The seats, season tickets, were perfect! The beers were frosty cold and the Cubs are 2 - 0 when I attend a game a Wrigley!

"Go Cubs Go"!

We went to Wrigley Field and took in the pregame festivities, followed by a Cubs game on Saturday afternoon.

It was a tie game going into the bottom of the 8th when the Cubs woke, rallied and scored 3 exciting runs, which was enough to win the game!

With their win, I was introduced to the official Cubs home victory song, "Go Cubs Go"!  Take a listen -  Chicago Cubs Win Song “Go Cubs Go” LIVE At Wrigley Field -

View from our seats -

Unfortunately, no foul balls came our way but we were ready -

Three zip -

Da Cubs -

Wrigley, like Fenway, is a terrific old, original ball field.  So much history.  The whole experience was fun, it was a great take but fear not for I will always be a Boston Red Sox fan!

Batter Batter, Swiiiiiiiiiiiiing Batter!

JoAnne, Emilie and I went to the Pawtucket Red Sox game Saturday night. We met up with our neighbor, his two boys and one of their friends. The seats were pretty good between home plate and third base but closer to home. The fourth place (North division) Paw Sox played the First place (West division) Columbus Clippers.

Paw Sox games are a great take that doesn't break the bank with free parking too. It was a great night to be outside - warm and clear. The game was exciting and finished with a home team rally. The sox's, down 6 - 1 in the bottom of the eighth inning, scored 6 runs and went on to win the game 7 - 6. The place was loud and rocking! The kids loved it.

Oh, I also caught a David Gregory Huff (#12 Clippers) foul ball, left handed too. Got the BIG high five from the dude sitting beside me and a "nice catch" accolade from a passing female fan and of course the look of awe from the yutes.

That's my 15 minutes of fame and it wasn't even televised...

Go Walpole Little Leaguers!

GO WALPOLE!!

Here is a picture of my son behind the plate. I took this pic at one of his playoff games this year. Unfortunately, Walpole got knocked out of the semi-finals by rival Norwood. They had a great season and a lot of fun.

Their excitement now lies with their friends who are representing New England in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Christopher is friends with most of the boys on this team. He's played with many of them in KP Hockey, Walpole Lacrosse and Walpole Little League, as well as going to school together.

Click here - Little League WORLD SERIES Baseball 2007

Click here - Official Website of the Walpole Little League