No. I did not score a ticket to the MLB Classic. No worries, kids. It’s cool, but I was hoping to see the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox. Many of my friends were in the stands. I even spotted a few who were watching from the dike. I waved, but perhaps they didn’t realize. I mean, it was already getting dark, and the glare from the bright lights of historic Bowman Field made things tough.
Yes. I am known for being dramatic. I am always looking for an opportunity to get on camera. Especially when MLB is in town. Five years ago, I tried to catch a foul ball from a kayak. True story. I wrote an article and have some pictures to prove it. I landed some tickets for the next two Classics. Didn’t make it last year, but I reached out to all of my insiders for a few favors. The boys from Hepburn-Lycoming benefited. And now I am out of options. I swung and missed in the lottery for the Disgruntled Residents. Again. It’s cool. Already done that.
No tickets. No problem. But I still wanted to partake in some way. Now the recent rains have helped, but the water on Lycoming Creek is still too low for a kayak. So, I decided to park at Weis Markets. It was about an hour before game time. I fished downstream and had some successes. Nothing to brag about, but it felt good to get some action. I missed a healthy Smallmouth just under the High Street bridge. I continued heading south. There was already a big crowd.
I have fished this entire stretch since high school, but this was the first time during an MLB game. I paused for the National Anthem. I also stopped during the starting lineups. Yes. There was a major buzz in the air. It was awesome.
The sun was setting. But the lights of Bowman quickly took over. It was a surreal situation. Very difficult to explain. It felt like I was fishing on another planet. I made a few more casts with my spin rod. Hooked into something that was now jumping. I held my breath as I only wanted a picture. I continued to battle and landed a healthy smallmouth. Maybe 15 inches. I have definitely seen bigger — but consider my location. I was lipping a beautiful bass with historic Bowman Field in the backdrop. The crowd roared. And at the time, I thought they were actually cheering for me.
I have caught many fish in my lifetime, but I will always remember this special encounter. Again. This wasn’t during a Cutters game. I landed this bass in the early moments of the MLB Classic. Pictures don’t do her justice. I even recorded a selfie video for the Lycoming Creek Chronicles. I have sent it to several media outlets. I will keep you all posted. I made it home to watch the last few innings on ESPN. I felt accomplished. I even laughed when they did a bird’s eye view of the entire complex. My family was proud. No ticket. No problem. I am sure that everyone had an excellent time. I know I did.
I have another great moment that involves my new best friend from Santa Clara, Utah. I met Preston Threlfall and his family in the sporting goods section at Walmart. Preston was a first baseman and outfielder for the Mountain Region squad. The Threlfalls had an off day, and they were looking for some action. We hit it off immediately. Yes. Jensen and I had the chance to get Preston on the stream. Tune in next week for the recap. Maybe there is room for a picture. Another great story that involves Little League Baseball and fishing. Cheers.
