The view from SRO, Citizens Bank Park …
Cubs in Philadelphia, April 30, 2012 (photo by Brad Moore)
I have patronized this park, even this post in left field behind the foul pole, many times before. But I can never get used to the view. No large green hand-operated score board, no rooftop bleachers, no ivy-covered brick wall, no Old Style guy at the end of the ramp. I even miss the bitter, cutting wind at the back and constant stream of people walking in front of us that is unique to Wrigley Field SRO, an experience that I had the pleasure of having just weeks before (see “Opening weekend fun! Cubs not fun.“) Nothing is quite the same.
Happily, any homesick feelings I may have felt for Wrigley Field on Monday night were dispelled by the Cubs stinking just the same as they always do. Soriano continued to look “out of left field” while out in left field. The bullpen (I’m looking at you, Rafael Dolis, despite being from a lovely town) continued to look like poo. And the entire team continued to the leave TONS of runners in scoring position. (An aside for Dale Sveum, if you’re reading: No one on the Cubs roster should be allowed to bunt until completing an intensive bunting instruction camp, unless they are Tony Campana.)
Overall, the Cubs reeking up the joint as well as having a vocal but empathetic Phillies fan friend along for the game made for a sort of homey experience. It’s not all bad in Philadelphia; the Cubs even managed to pull out two games in the four-game series. But I still can’t wait to get back to Chicago to see the next Cubs collapse. A collapse doesn’t look half as good unless it’s from the View from (Wrigley Field) SRO.
Great Pic!