Windburned

SoxandPhils was at the park today for a game that was truly one in which you had to hold on to your hat - not because the Phillies 4-1 loss to the Braves was particularly compelling, but because if you didn't hold on to your hat, you'd loss it in the killer wind.

We cannot describe how windy it was: The flagpoles shook, trees appeared to bend backward, peanut shells flurried around the park like snow, and garbage constantly blew from the upper rows. At times when walking to our seats, we could not move because the wind was so strong in our face.

Watching this game was a matter of survival, which probably explains why I have so few games notes and why I wasn't particularly riveted by a game that was a pitcher's duel, albeit an ugly one, that was 1-0 through five innings and one in which Joe Blanton took a no-hitter into the 5th.

Today wasn't the most fun we've ever had at the park, but it was definitely interesting. Here's our recap:

Observations from the stands: Today was youth baseball day at the park. There were a lot of youngsters in the park. Led by Hershey's Chocolate characters, they paraded around the park. Did I mention there was a lot of them? The parade took nearly a half hour. They just kept coming in and circling and circling. One of the kiddies had a homemade replica of the 2008 World Series trophy. I saw it on the scoreboard and then he wound up sitting in our section. ... The Meadowbrook School Singers under the direction of Phyllis Ward did the anthem. I didn't note whether I liked it or not, which means it was probably acceptable. ... A couple of young baseball players and a youth league coach threw out the first pitch(es). ... After deviating a bit earlier this season, Jayson Werth is back to using Sammy Hagar's Heavy Metal for his intro music. ... Christine and I debated today's fan question: Who is your favorite BraveandPhil - Johnny Estrada, Kevin Millwood, Ron Gant or Dale Murphy? I figured Murphy's tenure in Philadelphia was forgettable and a long time ago. Christine thought he was just the most inoffensive. She was right, and he won 40% of the vote. I had picked Estrada. ... Chase Utley, Charlie Manuel and Carlos Ruiz had days off. Utley pinch hit in the 9th, Ruiz entered the game in the 3rd after Brian Schneider was injured, but Cholly got to attend his daughter's wedding, presumably without interruption. ... New Brave Jayson Heyward pinch hit in the 9th. He looked huge even from the upper deck.

Antiquated shirts: Aaron Rowand, Pat Burrell, Mike Lieberthal, Matt Stairs, Jon Lieber, Cliff Lee, Pete Rose and Jim Thome. I almost included Jimmy Rollins because it seems like forever since he's played. ... I can't believe they're selling shirts about the taser incident outside the park - I bet the dolts who proudly wear those are the same ones who complain about how the national media portrays Philadelphia poorly.

Lady Pha Pha returns: The sensation of Lady Pha Pha is growing so big that the Phanatic may never be green again. Today, he, err, she came out and did her dance (without any inappropriate behavior from a coach). She then went to the first base side and did a special little dance for umpire Wally Bell. He didn't make any obscene gestures but didn't like it when Lady Pha Pha grinded on him.

He reacted with a playful motion that sent Lady Pha Pha to the ground and her hat and wig off her head. We're not sure how much of that was supposed to happen and how much was like today's games: uncontrollable train wrecks in which the less said, the better.

Speaking of which: Yankees 14, Red Sox 3.

It sucks. I make no excuses nor concede anything, but I'm more fascinated with the image I just saw on MLB Network in which it appeared that a low-flying Marine helicopter appeared to go right throw Fenway Park in the middle of the game. I can't believe there is no outrage over this yet.

Oh well, better days start tomorrow.