Just got home at 11:30 PM local time here in Kenai, Alaska from watching a double header between the Kenai Peninsula Oilers and the Matsu Valley Miners. The game ended at 11:15 PM after 13 innings in the second game. When they play a double header they start the first game at 5 PM and only play 7 innings. The first game lasted 9 innings and the second lasted 13 innings. There are no lights at the fields but it was still light enough outside to play ball at 11 PM. It’s great.
The level of play in this league is top notch. They’re all first rate players from Universities and Colleges across the nation. Many of the players just got finished playing in the College World Series and are invited to play in the league. The Kenai Oilers for example have won 3 National Baseball Conference (NBC) World Series. There are multitudes of players in the majors, past and present, that have played in the Alaska Baseball League. These young men can play baseball !!
Yesterday we were treated to a 7 inning no hitter. It was the second game of a scheduled 7 inning double header. The Oiler pitcher had a perfect game going for 6 1/3 innings before he walked a batter. He wound up walking 2 men while going on to pitch the 7 inning no hitter.
Our friends in Kenai, AK host one of the ball players, Ryan Gebhart who plays for the University of Missouri, and their son Dennis Machado coaches the Kenai Peninsula Oilers. Dennis is the coach right now at California State Bakersfield. Gotten used to watching first class baseball at low prices. The box seats are $6, bleachers seats are $4, and the beer garden is $2. Having sat in the box seats I think I like the $2 beer garden seats. The seats are on the 3rd base side right after the visiting dugout. It’s great seats and you’re right on top of the action. The great beer on tap is from a local micro brewery and only costs $5 for 16 oz. And the weather? Well back home in Ripon, CA it was around 100 degrees … here it was in the low 60s.
janice
Great pictures. Although my brain is now scared by the peeing scene. Should have heeded the warning. Miss you and Karen alot but glad to see you are having such a great time. Love you both!!