A Chill and a Winning Streak on the Line

Prologue:
"They should pay you to attend games."
My brother Steve

...

After spending a few hours viewing an Edvard Munch exhibit at the Art Institute, Sandra and I headed outside and into downtown. What was just over 70 degrees upon arrival was now a rain and 60, a little brrrrrr for the transitioning trip. A bit shocking perhaps, but this wasn't particularly surprising since the forecast called for upper 50s during the game. Besides, the museum is very near the lakefront and that always seems to add an extra chilling pierce to moderate and cool temperatures.

However, the thermometer didn't seem to stabilize as we exited the train and walked to the ballpark for the evening's White Sox contest. A little weather won't keep me away. The ticket's paid. It's baseball, and my mojo is on the line. You see, the Sox rarely lose when I'm actually in attendance. Since 2000, in the ten or so games I've seen at the park, I think the team has lost twice. Of course, one was a rather discouraging loss in the 2000 playoffs to the Mariners, but time (and a championship title in 2005) casts things in perspective: I could be a Cubs fan.

A Will-Call stop for a ticket. Another rain shower. After a short delay, we settled into the seats for the game. In top of the second, the Blue Jays opened a 2-0 lead. Sandra openly questioned my influence. I responded that it was only the second inning. The Sox also responded and quickly tied in their half of the inning as an unlikely hero, journeyman catcher Corky Miller, doubled which keyed the rally.

It was cold. I didn't care what the forecast had forecasted; it was not upper 50s any longer. By the fourth inning, we could see our breath as I left to hunt some concessions. Hot chocolate and warm food. After an inning of waiting in lines, I returned with food and no beverage (it's a story that needs no retelling). Just in time. The Sox started scoring with a barrage of hits and walks which was capped by a "no question about it, it's out of here" shot by a struggling Alexei Ramirez--grand slam no. 5 for the shortstop's budding major league career.

A couple of more runs and solid pitching sealed the victory, 10-2. My winning charm remains intact despite an occassional naysayer.

...

Epilogue:
Sandra sent me this today. It's a listing of time and temperature from Midway Airport:

5 PM (21) Apr 25
69F (21C)
Calm
light rain

6 PM (22) Apr 25
48 (9)
NNE 17
light rain

7 PM (23) Apr 25
46.0 (7.8)
N 20
light rain

...

Yep...a drop of 21 degrees in an hour. It was cold.