Last week at The Nat, our beloved C’s won 4 out of 6 games against the Tri City Dust Devils in a homestand that featured TWO walk-off wins. This week they’re on the road to Hillsboro, Oregon, where they spent the 2021 season in pandemic exile.
And while the Baseball Department at this humble publication doesn’t quite have the budget to send me on the road with the team (though I’m sure a few angry letters from you folks might make them rethink that policy) I thought a fun use of this column would be to do a little homework on what we can expect at the next homestand at Nat Bailey Stadium.
And, yes, I do realize I just referred to homework as “fun.” Believe me, it’s on brand.
So, in what I hope will become a running topic over the course of the season, here’s what to expect at the next homestand at The Nat. A series preview, if you will.
Dates: May 31 to June 5. Can you believe it’s almost June!? You can? Good for you, I guess.
Visiting Team: Spokane. They are currently (as of this writing) sitting in the number one spot in the Northwest League Standings. A lot can change in a week, especially in a six-team league, but Spokane is flying high right now and I, for one, am sick of it.
What Happened Last Time: We beat ‘em. We beat 'em’ real good, taking two out of three from them during the season opener.
3 Facts About Spokane: In an effort to better understand our enemies, here are three facts about the city of Spokane:
- As a fan of the Chicago Cubs, I am obligated to tell you that hall of famer Ryne Sandberg was born there. I know most of you reading this probably couldn’t care less about the Cubs, but that won’t stop me from sneaking them into these articles (though I’m sure a few angry letters from you folks might make me rethink that policy).
- It’s the birthplace of Father’s Day, celebrating the first one ever on June 19, 1910. Another big win for the powerful and terrifying greeting card industry.
- It’s so far east, it may as well be in Idaho. That’s it, that’s the best I can do for a third fact. Not much going on in ol’ Spokane County.
Special Events: This series will feature the first fireworks extravaganza of the season on Saturday, June 4, and First Nations Games Night on Thursday, June 2.
Opposing Player To Watch Out For: Zac Veen. First off, that’s a quality baseball name right there. A name that would be fun to either heckle or cheer for. A short and punchy name with a lot of good rhyming possibilities.
Second, he was selected in the first round (ninth overall) by the Colorado Rockies in the 2020 draft, signing for $5,000,000. It’s always fun to see a first rounder come into town. Just don’t get mad at me if Spokane promotes him before the 31st. Or do get mad at me. That’s fine, too.
So that’s it! Come one come all, next week, and join me at the most beautiful bandbox of a ballpark in the world. Thanks for reading and, as always, see you at the Nat!
