4-4-5. That’s four games, in four cities, over five days. Sept 23-27 were the dates for my recent BLT (Bucket List Trip) … a journey that I will fondly remember until Alzheimer’s kicks in. Mike “Crash” Mergen, the architect of this sports odyssey, had been planning the details for the better part of a year. The goal was to see several of his relatives in Illinois and Wisconsin while taking in several sporting events along the way. In August, he invited me to join him. Well … most of my family lives near Chicago … AND I’m a sports nut … WHO could refuse??? This trip would take us from Chicago to Mendota, IL, back up to Milwaukee, across to Madison, then up and over to the Twin Cities. Here’s the recap:
Crash had never been to Comiskey II (I’ll never call it “The Cell”). Of course, we used Wally’s “bait-and-switch” method to secure value for our ticket purchase. The “bait” was taken by the unsuspecting ticket manager who sold us center field bleacher seats. The “switch” ensued once inside as follows: we started in center field row 4 … in the 4th inning we moved to row 27 even with 1st base … then in the 7th inning we were right behind the Twins dugout practically shaking hands with Joe Mauer.
There was a surprisingly good crowd given that the Sox were essentially out of it. Must’ve been a lot of Twins fans. Jermaine Dye hit 2 dingers for the Sox, but it was not enough. Twins won 8-6. I love the way Ron Gardenhire manages that Twins club and I hope they overtake Detroit.
Thurs 9/24:
We played a round of golf on Thursday. Let’s just say that Crash does a whole lotta things better than golf. I think he was 30 over par, but we only played 9 holes!!! (Sorry, Crash, had to spill the beans).
Fri 9/25:
After visiting with relatives in Mendota, Ill, Crash picked me up in Palos and we headed to Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive. I took Crash to see Soldier Field, United Center and Wrigley Field. Nobody would let us in, but we got some good photos at each place and a few glimpses inside Wrigley.
New respect for Crash, a LAKERS FANATIC, who was seen worshipping at the alter of MJ, the best player ever !
Since Crash was in a trance, I had to help him back to the car as we left The House that Michael Built.
Beginning Friday evening, things just seemed to fall in our lap … starting with GREAT seats right in back of the Phillies dugout …. and they were FREE, courtesy of Crash’s Uncle Dave and Uncle in Law Mark who both attended with us.
Miller Park is an impressive structure!!! The BrewCrew won 8-4. There were two great highlights during the evening: Prince Fielder launched another long bomb into the bleachers and then Guido the Italian sausage nosed out Churizo to win the 7th inning sausage race. To my disappointment, Bernie Brewer no longer slides into a frosty beer mug after a home run but instead drops into some container holding what seems to be a fu fu drink.
Anyway, Miller Park was quite an experience. Would’ve been nice to see it with the roof opened but rain showers prevented that. After the Brewer win, we drove about 75 minutes to Madison where we would lodge with Crash’s Uncle Dave and Aunt Doris.
Sat 9/26:
Saturday would bring more pleasant surprises and awesome experiences. For one, let’s start with the weather. We were supposed to get pretty wet per the forecast, but instead we enjoyed a mostly sunny day with not a drop. Next, let’s talk about the city of Madison and the nice folks who live there. I never felt more welcome as a visitor to somebody else’s town and campus. So now, when somebody starts talking baseball, hotdogs, Mom, and apple pie, I’m going to assume that the pie was baked near Madison WI. (More about pie later). Anyway, onto the game. Crash and I tailgated near the Camp Randall entrance. Complete strangers welcomed us and started conversations. We must’ve looked out of place with Crash’s USC garb and my Boise State cap.
We found the Wisconsin student body to be quite creative. We’re all familiar with “The Wave”, but they’ve instituted some derivatives at Camp Randall: a slooooow mooooootion waaaaaave and a hyperfastwave. The Badgers won 38-30 although the game was not as close as score indicated. And were our seats “good”? You betcha … not only were we on the 45 yard line, we were sitting next to Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle (D).
Anyway, what a great cfb atmosphere!! Crash and I were very impressed with the whole Camp Randall football scene, not to mention the Badgers themselves (now 4-0 and knocking at the Top 25). After picking up a few souvenirs, we were off to the Twin Cities with instructions to stop for pie at the Norske Nook in Osseo, WI. Holy Mayberry, Aunt Bea!! My blueberry pie to go was deeee-lish!!!
The 4 hour drive from Madison to our hotel near the MSP airport was pleasant … a beautiful drive over rolling hills nestled with farms and the occasional rock formation. The beauty of Wisconsin is a well-kept secret.
Once in Minneapolis, Crash and I opted for a nearby sports bar & grill to close out the evening. There, I was able to view the second half of another “Triple N” … that would be a Near Notre Dame Nightmare … but of course Clausen pulled it out for the Irish. Meanwhile, Crash was content to see his beloved SoCal Trojans piling up points on Wash St.
Sun 9/27-
Took the train in from near the airport to get to the HumpDome … very convenient. There was a mass of purple people tailgating outside the stadium. Great atmosphere and another sunny day. Lots of people wearing horn hats with long hair and beards.
The HumpDome is absolutely the loudest place I’ve ever been in. The noise level creates a huge advantage for the Vikes. Great effort by the 49ers to take the lead late midway through the 4th quarter, but they were Favred in the end as Brett and WR Greg Lewis performed a last second version of Roethlisberger-to-Holmes … a scramble, barely getting the pass off, thrown only where his guy could get it, acrobatic catch to hang on and stay in bounds. Easily the play of the year so far … and maybe the drive of the year (90 seconds, no timeouts, 80+ yards).
Well, we’re back in Alaska now. It sure is beautiful, but void of big time sports. Seems quite boring given the week we just had. We’ll get over it, though, as we need to get back to work so we can save money for the next BLT.
There is nothing like the sausage races in Milly waukaaaaaa.
I am conflicted with this fu fu drink to which you refer. Please tell me they still sing ‘Roll Out The Barrel’ during the 7th inning stretch.
Wally – you are a master of the ‘bait and switch.’ Although I must say the B&S works much better in late September (“and I should be back at school”) in a stadium where the team is out of the race. We wanted to employ the B&S in Pittsburgh during April. Not a chance. Security at field level section until the 9th.
C’mon Wally get with the color scheme. 🙂
It’s great that people in Madison welcomed y’all with open arms. Kinda reminds me of the time Kel and I were walking through an ND lot and we commented about a cooler full of Genesee beer being consumed. The guys welcomed us and shared some refreshments.
On a side note – the ticket stubs. Three of those ducats are great. A solid representation of the event. The other one resembles a wet newspaper. If we spend the money, shouldn’t we get something decent.
‘Saving for the next BLT’ – great stuff.
Enjoyed the read.
Yes … the White Sox ticket was weak … and we even bought it at the box office!!!
And yes, they still play roll out the barrel during 7th inning. I thought we were gonna see the Kenosha Kickers before the game was over 😉
Who is Wally? I thought his name was Mark?! He’s always been a bit clothing challenged and I have the pictures to prove it (these are also for sale….send $$$$). Colors are one thing…but putting your basketball jersey on backwards, now that is really slick!! Or buttoning up your button down shirts to the chin…you killer metro-sexual you!! And, just for future reference, plaid is bad…always bad.
Glad you had so much fun…as bikers would say…on your stud run! It was nice to see you, although I note that no females…not even your MOTHER…got honorable mention on your blog!! Next time, stay longer and we’ll have a tea party and swap lemon bar recipes.
Love ya…M
Michelle
Welcome to the PINE!!!!! You, my friend, have earned a helmet sticker!!!!!!
Please share a lemon bar recipe.
How much denero are we talking here? 🙂
We did a series in the past about trading cards. We unearthed that many of the 70s cards were taken with player uniforms on backwards. I know it sounds crazy, but Wally might have been simply following the lead of his heroes.
I can not imagine what it was like in the Hump when the Vikings scored that TD. That had to be awesome.
TW3 (that was the week that was)! What a trip! I’d love to do something like that sometime, but like Casey said, time to start saving NOW! Thanks for the post Wally. I thought your clothes were GREAT! BTW, how did you get 45 yd line seats at Camp Randall?
The HumpDome is sooooooooo 1980s!!! The carpet looks worn and the roof a drab gray. But it really holds the noise in. I can only imagine how loud it will be Monday night when they host the Packers!
The team and municipal sports authority are trying to get support for a new stadium …. I think I read that they hoped to get the financing and legislative approvals sometime early next year.
Michele is my sister, so to get “the truth” about anything she says about me, take the untruth and divide by 7, then take the square root of that result, multiply by 1031, then find the cubed root and subtract 25 … and that’s the true results. Yes, she’s that twisted 😉 but I love her anyway.
Hi, Pete! The Wisconsin 45 yd line seats next to the Governor were procured through Crash’s uncle, who I believe is on the UW Board of Regents.
Okay Crash, really? 30 over par? You should work on that! I need to talk to Nanc about our Bucket Trip. Believe it or not; I thought the trip sounded awesome. My favorite part was the imput by Michele and her equation for the pursuit of the truth! amazing. Might I borrow that formula?? Also, Crash, with that Uncle of yours ya might think about College Hockey plans? hint hint.
Wally,
Seems like from time to time you have employed that whole idea of … “take the untruth and divide by 7, then take the square root of that result, multiply by 1031, then find the cubed root and subtract 25 … and that’s the true results.” Guess that’s just your feminine side?
🙂 🙂 🙂
What ?!?!?
Wally,
Another well written article…But did you have to mention the golf outing ?
It was a phenominal BLT and I’m already looking forward to our next one in Southbend and surrounding area in 2011…You nailed the stuffed pizza choice with Giordano’s and Portillo’s Italian beef sandwich was top notch as well…
Bon and Jer have a beautiful home in Palos and spending time at the Sox game with 5 Golden Domer Alumni wasn’t as bad as I expected ! Thanks for joining me 🙂
Crash —
I HAD to mention the golf outing cuz it was one of the most “memorable” events on the trip. I will never forget the number of strokes you took without actually moving the ball on that one hole! I’m laughing right now as I’m writing this 😉
It was only 3 Domer alums … me and my bros … but who’s counting?
Thanks for being the trip architect, main photographer, AND inviting me to go in the first place! Enjoyed meeting all the Wisconsin Mergens and other relatives.
Pete —
I found last year’s blog recapping the midwest sports tour. Here it is.