DUNEDIN — The racket emanating from TD Ballpark on April 29 sounded as though an impossible Beatles reunion had finally taken place.
But those young scholars who were making the racket likely had no idea how the Fab Four could generate such a frenzy. Indeed, they might not even have known who the Beatles were.
Nevertheless, the shrieks came from the hundreds of pupils attending the Dunedin Blue Jays game against the Bradenton Marauders. It wasn’t necessarily an enthusiasm for a particular player, or even the home team itself. It was Education Day at the stadium, allowing the kids to go free range and maybe catch an inning.
Rather, the game was a chance for the pupils to enjoy an extended recess on a particularly warm, Florida day that had a light but merciful breeze. It was an opportunity to run around the stadium and yell at each other about their destinations. Meanwhile, the fledgling baseball fans found the Blue Jays bullpen in right field and began business with the relief pitchers therein.
“Gimme a ball!” they would shout. Word to the wise little sluggers. That’s probably not the best way to score a horsehide sphere. How about adding the word “please.” Or you could bring a cute younger sister and say “it’s for her.”
You can argue with her about possession when you get home.
Blue Jays players are often quite generous with balls, but there’s no reason to be rude when seeking your quarry. These guys are at work, after all.
Meanwhile, hundreds of young fans remained in their seats under the grandstand roof. They cheered when the Blue Jays got a hit. Sometimes they cheered at things only they could see.
No matter. Everyone was having a good time.
The few adult fans took shelter in the right-center field WestJet bar, which, unfortunately, was closed, offering little respite from the clamor.
Still, it was a great game, as right-hander and future star Nolan Perry had another terrific outing, pitching 4 1/3 innings and striking out three.
The Blue Jays drew a season high 2,011 fans.
No doubt the Blue Jays will invite Curtis Elementary, Dunedin Elementary, Mount Vernon Elementary, Garrison Jones Elementary, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Sandy Lane Elementary, Fuguitt Elementary and Largo High School back for an encore next year.
But kids, work on those ball-fetching skills. Say please.
Incidentally, the Blue Jays won 5-3.