It Was Da Game May 9th: Clinton Lumber Kings

Again, we thought the game began at 7, but it was actually a 6 PM start, so we hurriedly put our luggage away and went back to the car.

Drove north on the old Lincoln Highway, looking for the Alliant Energy Field, where the Clinton Lumber Kings play ball. We missed it at first and had to double back, then got caught by a long train. It was as it someone was trying to keep us from seeing the game.

The field is located by a Little League field and the gambling boat in a large park area. And speaking of park--ing, that was free!!!! Went to the ticket booth and bought two box seats for $7 apiece, two rows behind first base and the visitors dugout. Regular grandstand is $6 so I thought I'd splurge and get some back support for these tired old bones.

We had only missed the first inning, and the hometown boys, who are in first place in the western division, were down by one run.

They team gets its name from the lumber mills which were numerous in this area at one time. There are some huge houses around town, reminders of the prosperity of the owners.

Nothing like a minor league game to help take care of a day's tension. This is relaxing in a baseball classic way. It will go as it does, not as a time says. They had a person dressed up like their logo walking around doing the standard mascot antics. We really had a great time listening to the person on the pa system. He had a song and comment for about everything. About half of the home players had their own song snippet when they came to bat, usually something to do with their name.

Beer was $3 for a pint and $4 for 24 ounces. Food ranged from hotdogs and burgers to brats and were in the $3 range. Try getting those prices in a major league stadium!!

Also, in the minors, you're likely to see some questionable plays like the one time a Burlington Bee player was caught off first base and in a rundown with two thirds of the Lumber Kings, and he was still able to get to second. Hey, this is a learning experience, that's what the minors are for.

The fifth inning was exciting as the Bees scored four runs and the Kings came right back with three.

The final score was 6-4 with the home team losing. On the way out, we talked with a die-hard fan who said he had season tickets right behind home plate that he spent $260 for. He also goes on the road with them and told us about the great little ballpark in the Quad Cities. Until two years ago, a box seat was just $4!!! Liz and I plan to go back for a home series this summer.

Drove back to the motel, and walked next door to Lassiter's, a bar/billiard parlor. When we stop at night, we often try to find a room near a place where we can meet the locals or fellow travelers such as ourselves. We've met some very interesting people this way. We also try to get places close to NTN sites, a TV trivia game played in over 9000 bars and restaurants across the US and Canada.

--RoadDog