For Profiles In Sports 4/6/2006
Play Ball?
By Rich Herles
The enthusiasm for long awaited start of the 2006 baseball season was slightly dampened as the clouds dumped almost a half inch of rain on Applebee’s Park.
Scheduled opening nights events were scrambled. Through the increasing rain at lunchtime, the Party on the Plaza was enjoyed by a sprinkling of the Legend faithful. At , there was scheduled a pre-game Block Party, but the crowd thinned as they were forced to dance between the continuously increasing raindrops. As the time grew closer to the scheduled game time, a steady stream of the Legends fans trickled into the stadium. Although the rain did slow, it remained constant. Some of the scheduled opening nights events were a flyby by three Black Hawk helicopters, which were scheduled to transport skydivers and the Adjutant General of the Ky. National Guard. Maj. Gen. Donald C. Storm was on hand to swear in new recruits as a 30’ by 60’ American flag was paraded across the field. The national anthem was performed by the University of Kentucky’s Professor of Voice and Director of Opera, Everett McCorvey. General Donald C. Storm and local boy and country singer Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry were the dignitaries that were to throw out the first pitches.
The starting time came and went as the tarps still covered the infield. The teams started out, but returned to the comfy confines of the locker room as the projected starting time was pushed back to Amid a smattering if cheers the grounds crew removed the infield tarps at The cheers turned to moans as the tarps were pulled back over the field after the water was dumped off it. After a 56 minute rain delay, the game was called and opening night was rescheduled to tomorrow night and a twin bill on Saturday night. The two games on Saturday will both be seven inning games.
The scheduled fireworks were also postponed until Friday night, but there was one “Rocket” there amid the clouds. One of the great pitchers of all time was present at Applebee’s Park. Roger Clemens was one of the Fans there to welcome the 2006 Legends back. His son, Koby Clemens is one of the top prospects in the Houston Astros organization and was to start at third base for Lexington.