O O it’s magic

Today we went with some friends to the A’s game vs. the Mariners. As it was semi-spur-of-the-moment, I had made last minute bullpen nibbles: O O O Treats. Basically, Rice Krispie Treats but with Honey Nut Cheerios instead of Rice Krispies. Yum. We got to the game, and our friends refused to sit behind the bullpen. What?!?! you might ask. Yeah. Exactly. They’d sit in the $20 seats in the 2nd deck, but wouldn’t shell out $10 more for amazing bullpen seats. After secretly pouting and realizing that I wouldn’t be able to see Huston’s chiseled self up close and personal, I trudged with them to section 228. To be honest, the view wasn’t too bad, but it was nothing like 128. Nothing.

Exhibits A, B, C, and D (From section 128, June 4th):

Pitcher Warm-ups

Kirk Saarloos, Joe Blanton, and Barry Zito taking a little pitching practice.

Rich Harden warming up for his return (to the mound and then the DL).

Bend. And stretch. And Bend.

Now, Exhibits E, F, and G (From section 228, June 14th):

Just not as much fun. Really. So back to the story.

There I was, sitting in my seat in the 9th row of 228, and I had a huge tuperware of O O O Treats. By the 7th inning, the guys next to me were salivating, but I wasn’t going to be denied. No, I slaved away for 15 whole minutes, mixing melted butter, marshmallows, and Cheerios. These baked goodies deserved to see their day in the limelight. Or a pitcher’s stomach.

I trudged down to 128/129, got past the first few guards, and there I was, steps away from Chad Gaudin and Joe Kennedy. But no. The guard decides to question me. What’s my birthdate? Where did I live in 1998? Can I walk a straight line? Recite the first 5 prime numbers. Backwards. How many pitchers are on the DL due to mystery cookies and such?

He sends me to another guard who has to give me approval. Well, then that guard convenes with another, and there’s a pow wow. Could these gooey snacks be the downfall of the bullpen? So then I’m sent to Guest Services at 120, where I need to gain approval before I can even contemplate returning to the bullpen for another go-around. Where is Stanley, oh skinny yet friendly guard with much facial hair, when I need him? Sigh. I marched back up the stairs and to 120, where a very nice man said he’d make sure my desserts got to the locker room. Which is right down this hallway. Really? This hallway, right here, behind you? Hmmm. So now I have visions of the A’s eating O O O Treats. In their towels. Maybe sitting in 228 isn’t so bad afterall.