This week, my cousin Tony and his son Anthony were up from North Carolina to partake in our annual ritual of seeing a few games together at different parks, a tradition dating back to Tony and my trip to Southern California in 1993.
This past week, I saw 4 games in 5 days: Wednesday @ Yankee Stadium; Thursday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park in Phildadelphia; Citi Field on Friday night; and a Fathers Day treat from my wife on Sunday, to see Phil Hughes' rehab start at MCU Park in Coney Island for the Staten Island Yankees against the Mets' NY/Penn League affiilate, the Brooklyn Cyclones.
Wednesday's game was a win for the "New Age" Yankees of Eduardo Nunez, Ramiro Pena and Brett Gardner. Nunez and Pena both homered.
On Thursday, Cliff Lee no-hit the Marlins through 4 2/3, ultimately throwing a two-hit shutout. A "Roast Pork Italian" with Broccoli Rabe and Sharp Provolone from the Tony Luke's stand made the trip very worthwhile. This is the sandwich that beat Bobby Flay on Throwdown.
We braved a thunderstorm, flooding and massive traffic on Friday to get to Citi Field, where the Angels outlasted the Mets. I was watching Jose Reyes very closely, and he is clearly their field leader. I got to try the Kansas City Ribs at Blue Smoke: highly recommended.
Sunday evening started with a trip to the original Nathan's for franks cooked on their 95 year-old grill -- with 95 years of grease! Are there any better fries anywhere? I doubt it.
A stroll on the Coney Island boardwalk then preceded Phil Hughes' (below) outing, which lasted 4 1/3 innings and 61 pitches. He hit 95 on the gun, and will start again for Trenton on Friday, as he makes his way back to the Yankees' rotation. MCU Park, formerly Keyspan, is one of my favorite places to see a game, for the laid back atmosphere, and the great breezes coming off the Atlantic.
Phil Hughes pitching for Staten Island
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