GM Lane loves his ladies in "uniform".
As soon as they arrived, GM Lane welcomed the girls with a grin and introduced them to the surprise activity. "We’re going to turn you into umpires for the day," he announced. The girls exchanged bewildered looks, unsure of how to react. "Umpires? Really?" muttered Mandy under her breath, hoping for a day at the beach instead.
Despite their initial reservations, the girls decided to give it a try. The clinic was thorough, covering everything from the basic calls to more intricate aspects of the game. They learned about strike zones, fair and foul balls, and the importance of positioning. The instructor, a seasoned umpire, was passionate about his craft and did his best to instill some of that passion in the girls. Surprisingly, they found themselves intrigued by the process. "I never realized how much goes into being an umpire," said Beth, genuinely impressed.
But no matter how much they learned, the allure of the beach was hard to resist. "I still think umpires are sexy," Ethel quipped, "but all I want to do right now is check out the shoreline." Mandy, on the other hand, joked that she’d even prefer spending the day at Medieval Times over the umpire clinic.
After enduring the umpiring camp, the girls were finally free to explore Long Beach. Their first stop was Medieval Times, where they were transported back to the Middle Ages. They cheered for their knight, feasted on hearty fare, and reveled in the dramatic jousting and sword fighting. "Now this is more like it!" exclaimed Mandy, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Next, they visited the Queen Mary, the historic ocean liner now permanently docked in Long Beach. They marveled at the grandeur of the ship, exploring its elegant interiors and learning about its storied past. The haunting tales of ghosts aboard the ship added a thrilling twist to their visit. "I think I felt a chill," whispered Beth, clearly spooked but fascinated.
For a breathtaking view of Long Beach, they took a helicopter tour of the shoreline. The girls were awestruck by the panoramic vistas of the city, the beach, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. "This is absolutely stunning," Gertie said, her voice filled with awe. The helicopter ride gave them a new appreciation for the beauty of Long Beach.
Their final stop was the Long Beach Pinball Arcade, where they unleashed their inner kids and enjoyed a few hours of pure fun. They competed against each other on various pinball machines, laughing and teasing each other with every point scored. "I haven't had this much fun in ages," said Ethel, her eyes twinkling.
After a day filled with diverse experiences, the girls headed to Vito Costantino Memorial Stadium to watch the Long Beach Surfers take on the Chicago Black Sox. The game was intense, with right-hander António Báldez delivering a standout performance for the Surfers. Báldez pitched 6.1 innings, giving up only 2 runs on 5 hits, securing his third win of the season. His efforts were crucial in leading the Surfers to a narrow 4-3 victory over the Black Sox.
Emílio Reyes provided a key moment in the bottom of the seventh inning with his 15th double of the season, putting Long Beach ahead 4-2. Chicago pitcher Vanya Elliott’s frustration was evident, but the Surfers managed to hold onto their lead. Scott Everard closed out the game, earning his second save of the season. "António gave us a heck of an effort," praised Long Beach manager Mike Ellis, reflecting on the solid performance by his team.
The game notes highlighted António Báldez as the Player of the Game, and the attendance of 39,877 showcased the local fans' enthusiasm for their team. The partly cloudy skies and mild weather made for a perfect night at the ballpark, concluding the girls’ adventurous day in Long Beach.
As they left the stadium, Gertie’s Girls couldn’t stop reminiscing about their experiences. From the unexpected umpire training to the thrilling helicopter tour and the fun at the arcade, Long Beach had left them with unforgettable memories. "Lane really knows how to show us a good time, even if it starts with umpiring," laughed Mandy. The girls piled into their car, ready for their next destination but already missing the charm and excitement of Long Beach.
