As Sam Sees It

When the “Winslow Standing on the Corner Day” at Bank One Ballpark was arranged for the Sept. 15 game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers, the game did not figure to have much importance in the pennant race. In recent weeks, though, the Diamondbacks have fallen into an ill-timed slump and lost much of their once formidable lead over the Dodgers and Giants. It has become critical that the team take care of business against teams with losing records like the Brewers, Padres and Rockies. Those are all that are left on the schedule except for a three game set with the National League Central leading Cardinals in St. Louis. Winning the games they should win will assure the Diamondbacks of a play-off berth and probably the National League West Championship.

Prepare to have a great day at the ballpark and let those in attendance see Winslowites at their finest. The people you will meet working at Bank One Ballpark are among the best in the world. In four short years of the existence of the Arizona Diamondbacks, I have made many, many friends among those who work in the organization in some capacity. They are courteous, polite and friendly people who will treat you right.

Winslow has supported the Diamondbacks in the past. Quite a few Winslowites make the trek to Phoenix for a game or a series at every opportunity. Many, many more follow the Diamondbacks on television or the radio. No sports team has generated the type of excitement this one has in the last couple of years. Many Winslow residents enjoyed one of the most exciting World Series in history last year. Others failed to do so only because they were unable to get tickets. At least one couple from here drove to Phoenix and went to the ballpark anyway for game seven just to be there when the celebration started. They were not sorry they did so. That is the type of following that builds a solid fan base for generations.

The celebrations of Sept. 15 are our opportunity to initiate an important tradition. It should be a great experience. It also should be just the first of many memorable “Winslow Standing on the Corner Days” at Bank One Ballpark. The event will only get bigger and better. It was too late to arrange for many things such as a National Anthem singer from here and someone to toss out the first pitch. Those things and more will be possible next year if this celebration is the success it is expected to be and we start planning early enough.

When you get to Bank One Ballpark, do yourself a favor and make or renew the acquaintance of Marcia Brown-Hogan (nee Graff) who mans the Diamondbackers desk in the upper concourse. She is a Winslow native and the subject of an article elsewhere in this edition of The Winslow Mail.

Also, take the time to thank people like Joe Benham, Tom McCauley, Yvonne Howeth, Loy Engelhardt and others (especially Standing on the Corner Foundation members) who have worked so hard to make this event a reality.

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