Got Him!

The West Michigan Whitecaps get the Rockford hitter at first base in brand-spanking-new Old Kent Park in April of 1994 (probably the 17th). To all appearances the Royals have pulled off a successful sacrifice, but the 'Caps executed well on defense. I do like the way the runner kicked up the dust....

The players: #7 (third?) is Jose Guillen, #18 (catching) is Randy Ortega, and the pitcher appears to be Bob Bennett (that would be #32--Bob completed the game, lefty Tim Kubinski [#34] started). Willie Morales played first in this game (he'd be the guy ducking the throw), and the second baseman covering at first is probably Vinny Francisco. The batter/baserunner (#3) is O.J. Rhone, and the Rockford coach is likely Cliff Pastornicky.

This was the third Whitecaps game I attended. South Bend's home opening day was quite crowded--there was a significant group from Grand Rapids--and Kubinski and Bennett pitched that game as well. In a far emptier ballyard the next day, these two were charting pitches in the stands; since our package seats were behind home plate, they sat in front of us for the game, and talked with the fans between pitches.

One of those conversations was particularly memorable. A youngster stopped by and asked what they were doing, so they patiently explained about scoring baseball games and charting pitches. Somewhere in mid-conversation the kid realized he was talking to ballplayers, and that they were players for the Other Team. He visibly stopped to consider the situation, decided it was all right to consort with the enemy, and continued to ask questions. A neat moment at the ballpark....

Scanned from a negative.

Camera: Minolta Freedom 100

Also on my other flickr.