A heavenly time at the ballpark
When the Los Angeles Angels issued their 2022 schedule, I checked for a dog night, but as far as I can tell, no deal.
So we took our consolation: a tailgate party at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, about 10 minutes from our Fullerton home.
We arrived at 4:30 for a 6:38 p.m. game against the Rays. The parking lot was teeming with fans — hanging out, barbecuing, playing catch.
This proved to be a great setting for Bow. As soon as we got out of the car, she thrust her nose to the sky, taking in the smells of hotdogs, burgers, carne asada, baked beans, peanuts, nachos and beer.
She was ecstatic and also tortured, which is why we took sandwiches for us and a healthy fish dinner for her.
Soon enough, it was time to socialize with the Orange County locals, who greeted her fawningly. She adores being adored and she got plenty of adoration at the Big A. She even ran into a couple of other dogs.
If you live in Southern California, there’s a ballpark near you (don’t discount minor leagues parks with their old-timey feel).
Three tips:
—Tailgate in the late afternoons/evenings. The parking lot pavement is good and cool;
—Steer your pooch away from games of catch. It’s the safe and courteous thing to do;
—Folks are generous with the food they’re grilling, but it’s not necessarily good for your dog. Politely decline.
The only cost we incurred for a couple of hours of rousing fun was $10 for parking. If your local team isn’t hosting a Dog Night inside the stadium, tailgating is the next best thing.
And if you’re like me, you’ll head home and watch the game on TV, and maybe your dog will sleep on your feet.
Angels 12, Tampa Bay 0.
Reid Detmers threw a no-hitter…
