The day is at last upon us, dawning cold and cloudy with light precipitation.
Carl is off to work, making a house call for a parent’s appointment.
The guests are breakfasted and off on their quest to meet Seattle friends and prepare for the days events (friends for the elder, Archie McPhees for the younger)
Refitting the packs for a baseball game – food, clothes (what will the weather be???), mitts, tickets, pencils for scoring, and a blanket for the cold one.
There is a planned tribute to the Tuba Man – sure to bring memories and maybe a tear.
7 Miles to go. Update to follow.
7 miles down, well up and down. Cloudy and cool, but we warmed up quickly and actually took off a layer. Stopped at the Experience Music Project for a kazoo (and potty break), down to the waterfront and on the the ballpark.
A little batting practice, catching up with friends we haven’t seen since last October. Out to kazoo with a other kazooers and two tuba players for the tuba man. Back in to the chilly stadium. They close the roof for the opening ceremonies. When those were finally concluded they open the roof and – – – SUNSHINE! The temperature went up (must have made the 50’s. Still cool, but a warm cool.
PLAY BALL. The biggest thing for the Mariners is that Ken Griffey Jr is back. He left several years ago to play for Cincinnati and be close to his extended family. But he is back, and the town welcomed him with open arms. They also had 6 tubas play Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the 7th inning stretch. Oh – and the Mariners won the game 3-2 in the 10th inning on a sacrifice bunt.
We did not have to walk home. One of Carl’s kid’s parent borrowed our car and we met at the game. So only had to walk as far as the carpark.
I have had to remind myself several times that it is not the weekend. Amazing what a day off in the middle of the week can do to a person’s mind.
Raincharm's Weblog 
April 15, 2009 at 2:43 pm |
so what’s the story of the Tuba Man?
April 15, 2009 at 5:14 pm |
Ed Scott McMichael – the Tuba Man – was a Seattle street musician that played outside of many public venues before and after events. All sorts of sporting events, Mariners, Seahawks, Thunderbirds (hockey) and the Sonics (RIP), as well as art events like the Ballet. He made his living off of these “gigs”, and was not homeless or indigent. He had been a member of a local symphony in an earlier time. He died in November 2008 after being mugged by a gang of young folk. He was not dressed as the Tuba Man at the time of the mugging. There have been several different tributes at different venues as the seasons for the different events come and go. Carl and the kids used to give him money on occassion and have him play tunes. Carl’s favorite was to walk away as the Jaws theme played. He also sat next to him at a Mariners game once upon a time.
April 18, 2009 at 5:18 pm |
As a native, I knew the sad story of the Tuba Man. What a lovely tribute. Violence is so senseless. It sounds like a great memory.