Big Z's Big Return

Following a dugout tirade with teammates at US Cellular Park and treatment for anger management, Chicago Cubs ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano started his path back to the major leagues. On a warm and humid night in Des Moines, Big Z pitched in front of the largest crowd of the season at Principal Park. It lasted fifteen pitches, ten of which were strikes and two hits. But there were no walks, strikeouts or runs. The $95 million dollar veteran entered the game in the seventh inning to a standing ovation, but relied on some good defense to keep Oklahoma City off the board. His projected return to the parent club is July 30th in Colorado.

Anniversary

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When I left my seat at Sec Taylor Park in Des Moines for a soda, I had no idea the change it would make in my life. It was something I had done on many occasions, but this trip was different, as it was at this time I met my wife.

Without a thought I walked up to the stand to place my order and a young lady from the back of the stand said she remembered me. And after some thought she referred to me by name. Of course I had the advantage and noticed her name tag and replied "confidently," Dana?! We had worked together at the University of Iowa as part of the 1991 Homecoming Council. She was director of PR while I was the Parade Coordinator. Being the only two on the council who were not part of the University Greek system was our connection.

We talked for a little while at the concession stand and we had decided that we should meet for a drink or something while I was in town later that year for the Iowa - Iowa State football game. She looked at it as an opportunity to recruit people associated with Iowa Football to volunteer for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the company she worked for, and the reason she was volunteering in the concession stand--to raise money for the non-profit.

Over time we would either meet in Des Moines or Iowa City for either dinner or a football game. Then after dating for two years, this chance meeting led to our wedding...on this day in 1998.

Night Out on the Town

As many fans will convene in Central Iowa for the Iowa - Iowa State game, the Miller High Life Lounge in downtown Des Moines is a great place to start the tailgating Friday night.

Located a few blocks from Sec Taylor Stadium, the MHL Lounge is a throwback to the drinking establishments of the 70s. Shag carpet, swivel chairs, and beer clocks that depict wildlife scenery with "moving water." Any beer created following 1979 will not be found on the menu, but tater tot casserole is considered a special of the day

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A great place to sit back, relax and have a Schlitz.

Colin and Dad to the I Cubs Game

On a perfect night to sit outside and watch a baseball game, Colin and I travelled to Des Moines to watch the I-Cubs take on the Oklahoma City Red Hawks (triple A of Texas Rangers). Arriving when the gates opened Colin was anticipating playing on the Tunnel System of Prinicpal Park, but that didn't happen. Once a month the Des Moines Register closes the playground prior to the game to allow children to get autographs from the I-Cub players and be lectured by a member of the Register staff.

While waiting for the playground to open Cubbie Bear entertains all of the fans. This was a big highlight of the night for Colin.

However Colin was noticeably not as excited to get his picture taken with possible future Chicago Cub players. Above he is with LHP John Gaub and below he is with RHP Greg Reinhard.

Colin also took the time to take a few swings of batting practice.

The tunnel system finally opened minutes before first pitch. Once Colin entered the playground it was tough to convince him it was time to watch a little baseball.

As the system of slides brought wide smiles.

Once inside it was time to watch the best of the minor league system. Colin and Daddy had great seats courtesy of good friend Tom Greene, Director of Stadium Operations for the I-Cubs.

Leading off for the OKC Red Hawks was reigning Home Run Derby Champion Josh Hamilton who was on a rehab tour in the Rangers' Minor Leagues System. On this night he was definitely trying to show his big league power, but not one pitch that we saw was hit out of the ballpark.

Members of the Quick Trip Hot Dog stand raced around the Principal Park infield. Egg Roll was tonight's winner.

Before we left for the night Colin wanted to take one more turn at the playground equipment.

The sun sets on Principal Park with the State Capitol in the background. Temperatures were in the low 70s with a slight wind and little humidity. There couldn't be a better night to be sitting at a baseball game with your little buddy. We left in the eighth inning for Colin to play and witnessed a scoreless tie. Once we left the park in the ninth the game was preparing for extra innings. Oklahoma City won the game in 14 innings, 1-0.

Let's Play Two

On what may be the most perfect day anyone could have in Iowa, a trip to Sec Taylor Stadium (currently known as Principal Park, but will always be referred to as the original) was in order. Here is the home of the triple-A franchise of the Chicago Cubs, the Iowa Cubs. It was get-away day as the I-Cubs hosted the Memphis Redbirds (STL) in the final game of a four game series.

Thanks to our friends Ron Stewart and Tom Greene we were treated to seats among the scouts behind home plate. Here a member of the STL Cardinal organization is keeping tabs of the speed of his pitchers.

A beautiful shot of downtown Des Moines. Over 7,000 were in attendance, and by looking at the crowd entering the ballpark many were either taking the day off from school or work.

However this is a baseball game and not a board meeting. Ties only make you stand out in the crowd.

It was a 6-2 final for the home Cubbies.