Game #33 Texas Rangers at White Sox 7/4/12

This is going to be a short blog because I didn't stay for the whole game. I hate admitting that. I have stayed through rainstorms and snow and freezing. And I have stayed in extreme heat too. But it was soooooo hot. Plus it was the Fourth of July! I wanted to enjoy my family, and time off.

I met pretty much every Ranger. They are so wonderful. Here's Ian Kinsler.

Here's recently-from-AAA Charlotte White Sox pitcher Brian Bruney.

And White Sox pitcher Dylan Axelrod. Notice that I am red as a beet and the game hasn't even started yet. Also, I am wearing red pants so I really rocked the #AMERICA thing on Independence Day. Trevor Plouffe would be proud.

Often, I bring gifts and notes to my favorite players. I brought Josh toothpicks because I heard he was trying to quit chewing tobacco and he was using toothpicks to do that. He was very grateful and popped a few in his mouth straightaway.

He also signed a million autos. I don't know any other huge star like him that takes so much time for the fans. And he doesn't do it in a begrudging way that makes you feel embarrassed. He acts like he enjoys meeting his fans.

What I love best about this photo, other than the fact that I am with Josh Hamilton, one of my heroes, is that Josh Hamilton took the picture himself.

Here's Elvis Andrus. He is also super friendly.

Brandon Snyder's shoes, I believe. He designed them himself.

Ron Washington

Also, Angela, her mom, and sister Christina made a rare appearance at a Sox game that day!

OMG it's Sarah Kustok. We love her.

Sisters who are adorbs.

Addison Reed signing away.

This was so funny! Jake Peavy was on the ballot for the final vote for the All-Star game. Gordon Beckham did this hilarious commercial where he played a spot-on Jake Peavy.

Here's Peavy admiring the commercial from the dugout.

Great Independence Day honoring.

And also we needed to Take Jake to the All-Star game.

This is a super-cool story. Alexei Ramirez and his family snuck out of Cuba. And apparently his dad got out too. He was there to throw out the first pitch. It makes me so glad we live in a country of opportunities. So many countries in the world don't enjoy our freedom.

Everyone applauded. Tears were shed.

They had a starting lineup of servicemen on the field to start the game. Again--awesome. The Sox are so good about honoring the armed forces.

But seriously, it was so hot. And our seats were right in the sun.

Starting lineup.

Rookie backpack

Dylan Axelrod pitching

Youkilis making friends

After getting two quick outs in the top of the first, Axelrod gave up a single to Hamilton. Everyone does--it's nothing to hang your head about.

Adrian Beltre singled, and Hamilton went to third.

Michael Young doubled, driving in Hamilton and Beltre.

Nelson Cruz singled, driving in Young. Rangers led 3-0, and it was just the first inning.

David Murphy ended the inning with a groundout.

Hamilton was a boss in the field.

Here's Elvis Andrus. He's batting in the second with Ian Kinsler on base.

Nothing happened.

In the bottom of the second, Alex Rios doubled.

Pierzynski was hit by a pitch.

Viciedo singled, driving in Rios.

Pierzynski at second

With his dad watching, Ramirez singled, driving in Pierzynski. The runners also advanced another base on the throw home.

Then Gordon Beckham doubled, driving in Viciedo and Ramirez.

The Sox ended the second inning up 4-3.

Josh Hamilton didn't like that, so he homered in the third to tie the game at 4 apiece.

Michael Young singled, but nothing else happened.

The game stayed tied at 4 until the bottom of the tenth. De Aza walked, then stole second. Youkilis singled, driving in De Aza and ending the game. Sox win 4-3.

All of my photos from this game may be found at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150935109773786.420609.511233785&type=3