Rain Games at Citizens Bank Park

By the end of the second inning of Tuesday night's game against the Rockies, the Phillies were already up 7-0, well on their way to another huge offensive showing. But it wasn't long before the city skyline in the distance became obscured. The weather widgets were right—we were in for a storm, and probably a decent rain delay.

This next picture was taken two innings later. Thick wall clouds were approaching from Center City and the west, and we were sitting behind the Phils' dugout, toward home plate, with a great view. The concern became whether they would get the game in, or the Phillies' great offensive showing would not be recorded in the standings. For a while there, it kind of felt like we were rooting for both pitchers.

When the game finally became official, the crowd let out some resounding relief applause. The injury-plagued Rockies had no answer for Kyle Kendrick, and they were again forced to go to their pen early. Game 2 looked to be going to the Phillies, regardless of the weather, which continued to get nasty.

To keep things light between innings, the Phanatic played Robin Hood, taking food from a suite and throwing it to the fans in the sections below. This creature can do no wrong. He is the Rain Delay King.

Somehow I think security's reception to our throwing food out of our suite would have been somewhat different. Rightfully so, as we are not mascot gods.

The rains got heavier, but they continued play for a while—until the thunder and lightning started in the 8th inning. The PA announcer tersely instructed everyone to leave the seats and take cover in the concourse. Fortunately for the Rockies, no heroics were required to keep the tarp in place this time around, and we assumed this game was over.

Clad in Meech-approved apparel, most of the masses filed out, but a few of the faithful were ready for a rain delay.

Naturally, we went to McFadden's, where apparently the ritual for rain delays includes girls dancing on the bar and the dispensing of free open-pour shots. You'll find no objections here, McFadden.

We called it a night after a beer, and trekked back to FDR (a much longer walk in the rain), getting home just in time to see play resume (surprisingly) and the Phils win.

Comments

[johndewar]

Can I assume the chick in the middle is NOT a McFadden's approved bar dancer? She's a ski cap away from looking like Meg Griffin.

[enrico]

I hate the Counting Crows. Hate, HATE, HATE! Great post though.

[joe l]

@johndewar -- I just threw up a little in my mouth. "We have your son!"... "No that's our daughter!"... "Really?"

[meech.one]

Excuse me, miss? Could you move your left arm a smidgen and bend over a just a bit more? Thanks.

Is that Rosario Dawson next to Meg Griffin?

[Carl P]

Great stuff, man.

Did the girls on the bar really look like that? I must have had the beer goggles on.

I hope she's not a 700level reader *cringes*

[James Beale]

great art gentlemen

[Chamomiles Davis]

You fellas are cruel. You wouldn't turn her down if you'd both had a few and she was throwing herself at you. And unlike her bookend friends up there, she might actually be grateful.

[Clare]

The Phanatic's dance moves appear to be inspired by Bruce Springsteen in the "Dancing in the Dark" video.

Heyyyyyyy, baby! [saxophone solo]