Yard Goats Close Regular Season in Hartford
My second regular season with the Hartford Yard Goats closed this Sunday with a 2-6 loss against the Reading Fighting Phills. This was another great experience working with Minor League Baseball. I was able to confirm, once again, what a great job the team does with the community and bringing together Connecticut fans, despite this being primarily Red Sox/Yankees nation and the team is an affiliate to the Colorado Rockies.
However, both the Yanks and the Sox have their AA teams in the Eastern League, and of course they play against the Yard Goats. The Somerset Patriots (Yankees) and the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox) visit Hartford several times during the season, which opens the doors for the fans of the rivalry to see their stars in development.
The game, which was against the Philadelphia Phillies AA affiliate, had a couple of interesting aspects for me. First, Kyle Karros was back with the Goats on a rehab assignment, so he was welcomed by the fans. Karros was a crucial piece of the team last season, and showed so much promise that he was promoted to the majors.
Second, I had the chance of seeing fellow Cuban Pedro León, who was penciled as third in the lineup for the Reading team. León, whom I saw and photographed playing with Mayabeque in the Cuban National Series, became the first Cuban player that I have photographed both in Cuban baseball and as part of Organized Baseball. To my dismay—and that of Yard Goats fans—León was crucial in the visitor’s win, as he blasted a two-run homerun in the very first inning.
Third, knowing that also Cuban Dyan Jorge has been showcasing his speed by stealing 51 bases this season, it was amazing to see that speed in display, as he legged and infield single and also stretched a double into a triple.
Despite the loss—because I am not here to make an account of the game—, fans had a lot of fun, and it was great to see the energy, the Yard Goats shirts and hats, and the families enjoying Sunday afternoon baseball.
Another Yard Goats season is in the books. Fortunately there is room for more games this year, as they are headed to the play offs, which makes it extra special, as it is the tenth campaign they have played as the Yard Goats. I can’t help but feeling grateful towards the organization.
