The night before we went to the game, we had dinner at Texas Roadhouse. As we were standing outside the door, waiting to be paged, who should walk up with friends and family but none other than Brandon Webb, former starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks! I got the opportunity to speak with him briefly but didn't want to bother him for an autograph or pictures.When we arrived at Chase Field nearly 2 1/2 hours before the game was supposed to start, there were already thousands of fans in line. But as we stood in line in the sweltering heat, a gentleman with the ballpark came by and told us that another line had no waiting to get in. We went and got into that line, and by doing so, were able to receive our 2001 World Series Champions ring replica.
The previous replica that had been given out years ago was kind of small and not very sturdy. This replica is heavy duty and probably as big as the actual ring. (I've actually touched one of the real World Series rings! Thanks Mr. JT!!!) There were others staying at our hotel who didn't get a ring replica this time and were totally bummed when they saw ours.
The pre-game was the 2001 World Series Champion Diamondbacks team reunion. They were all there except for Craig Counsell (who sent a video greeting).
They showed clips from the games of the 2001 World Series on the JumboTron at Chase Field. Most especially of Louis Gonzales making the hit that brought in the winning run in Game 7. It was electric!
But even more than all of that, it was humbling and touching. There were clips of the players talking about their visit to Ground Zero and sharing their thoughts about playing in the World Series after September 11th. I don't think there was a dry eye in the entire stadium as Dr. Jesse Armstrong played the National Anthem on his trumpet, just as he had at the beginning of Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. After which, the entire stadium was filled with chants of "USA! USA! USA!" - Padres and Diamondbacks fans alike.
What I loved about this very special reunion was that it took us back to a World Series that was played during a time of great tragedy, chaos and uncertainty and yet, it still gave us back some normalcy in our lives during such a horrific time in US history.
My Grandmother on my Dad's side had passed away on Halloween of 2001 and I remember watching Game 7 of the World Series with my extended family the night before her funeral. That was such a bittersweet memory for all of us. As will be my memory of this unforgettable weekend.
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