The game we had chosen to attend was full of exciting things on the schedule: Rally Alley, free Swisher replica jersey to the first 10,000 fans, John Adams appreciation (the man that plays the drum), and fireworks. We got there nice and early so that we could get our free jerseys which was successful. Ryan and I then went to spend 2 1/2 hours in the city before the first pitch. We went to Flannery's Irish Pub and it was so delicious!
The Indians were playing an amazing game with 2 runs and 2 home runs by the end of the third inning. It was during the fourth inning that made the evening a little bit of an adventure. Ryan and I were in our section 175, row U seats when I see everyone around me stand up and start yelling "watch out!" and "I got it!". I look up to see the foul ball coming right toward me. At that point it was too late. The ball wacked me on the leg and bounced down a step before the man 3 rows in front of me caught it in his hand. I just sat there in shock for a couple seconds taking in the fact that I was hit extremely hard with a MLB baseball.
Then it finally hit me. Next thing I knew there were people getting my information, asking me a million questions, and getting me a gurney while I sobbed into my husband's arm like a baby. (I hate attention and there was no way of getting away from it.) They put me on a gurney and wheeled me through the crowd to the opposite side of the field. Ryan held my hand the entire time. At this point I was okay. No more tears. I got checked by the nurse, got ice and pain killer, and walked all the way back to our seats. There were fans around us that were chanting "give her the ball", but the man who had it was not going to give up his souvenir.
Two things I loved about this experience: how strong the love from my husband really is and how much my coworkers genuinely care about me. It is truly a blessing to be married to a protective husband that wants to get me the best care possible... all while updating his friends about the "play-by-play" happenings of the process. It's also wonderful to have a job that I love and look forward going in to. To have coworkers that are like brothers, sisters, moms, and dads that are always looking out for the best for me. I love my job at Progressive Field and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
love,
Mrs. Duffy
