Spring Training Opener for theBlue Jays
I turned on the radio this morning to hear about a weather bomb hitting Southern Ontario. Getting back in my car to drive home I turn on the radio to hear the sweet sound of Jerry Howarth calling a ballgame.
In a jumbled game common to earlyMarchHowarth and new colour partner Alan Ashby had a terrible time trying to keep up with the changes. Players were moving postions as teams were trying to get looks at most of the players. The Jays had their starting infield as it should look on opening day. Doc threw 27 pitches and allowed only one baserunner to the Red Sox.
Ashby called the 7th inning and admitted that he was lost, he said he was a little out of touch with the American League but he sounds good. He even joked about himself,”Alan Ashby here along with Jerry Howarth and Mike Wilmer –the guys who know what is going on here.”
I look forward to hearing more from Ashby, I am sure he will bring more insight to the Jays broadcasts than Sawkiw and I found him to be incredibly entertaining. Ashby gives the facts, has a sense of humour, has imput from a length and successful ML career and has been calling Astros games for some time. He is not a saleman with the dripping ra-ra that Sawkiw brought to the table (that is about all he brought).
Anyways, hearing baseball on the radio made my day. Can’t wait for more!!
Good post. We’ll all have to start getting back on track.
I listened to a portion of the game, about the 6th inning. And your right, Ashby had no idea what was going on in terms of substiutions. But it’s spring, and everyone should be allowed to get back into “shape.”
Isn’t it just great to see baseball on the map again? It hit me this morning when I saw a spring training game highlight on ESPN — it’s back. It’s especially exciting for us in Detroit, getting used to a winning team and all. I look forward to seeing the Jays in Comerica Park to kick off the regular season!