It’s not every game that you run into someone famous walking the concourse of a ballpark. Last night as I was walking from home plate to right field along the 100-level concourse of U.S. Cellular Field, I noticed the Reverend Jesse Jackson walking towards me. I asked if I could take a picture with him and he replied as long as that baby is included. And, of course, the Ultimate Sports Baby would always be included in a picture like that.

My timing needed to be perfect in order to walk by Jesse Jackson. First, my uncle, aunt and cousin are in town visiting from Northern California. Thus, attending tonight’s game between the Chicago White Sox and the Oakland Athletics were a must on their itinerary. Second, the Ultimate Sports Baby was going to his first White Sox game – meaning I needed to drive and pay for parking (an outrageous $23) rather than take the subway as I usually do. Third, I walked behind home plate in order to get Dylan’s first White Sox game attended certificate. Fourth, I was walking to right field to sit with my relatives. Since I was running late they had left the house without me to arrive at the ballpark early.

Beg, Borrow and Deal
As I walked towards the ballpark I asked multiple groups if they had an extra ticket. One group did and sold me a ticket in section 159 ($39 if I bought that seat from the box office) for $10.

Lucas Harrell, who was called up from Triple-A Charlotte on Friday morning, pitched six strong innings leading the White Sox to a 6-1 victory over Oakland. The victory was the White Sox 12th straight at home – their longest streak since winning 13 straight at home in 1989.