Lincecum goes Hollywood in wake of super-star status
In the wake of sky-rocketting to hero status - and after the Giants cinched an edge-of-the-seat nail-biter against the rival Philadelphia basefull team - die-hard fans (and residents of San Franciso) are scrambling to deal with a big dilemma that looms on the horizon now.
How to snap up coveted tickets on the cheap for arguably the biggest sports event of the year at AT & T stadium on Wednesday afternoon?
On local news flashes all morning, reporters are wailing that no-frills stand-up tickets are being scooped up at $450 a pop at a minimum.
Meanwhile, mediocre seats - out in the boondocks - are being snapped up for thousands of dollars online - from scalpers in the streets - you name it.
Imagine the flourishing business revving up in Las Vegas as the much-anticipated play-off game approaches.
Some baseball fans are foregoing on hefty ticket prices for the Giant’s game, and electing to stand in line, to catch a ringside view of the diamond action from a little-known perch for free.
In an arched opening in the right field wall - known as the “Knot hole” - a posse of rag-tag fans will jockey for a position in a stand up space where the cost is zilch.
Before winning the match on the weekend, the locals - familiar with the "knot hole" - were predicting that there would be a frenzied gang of regulars - newbies, too - hot-footing it over to (what may become) the hottest non-ticketted ticket in town tomorrow.
I expect there will be a few strained necks and flared tempers as the crawl space starts brimming to capacity.
Pushy newcomers - who may have caught wind of the city's best-kept secret - may be put in their place with a quick rebuke by the regulars.
“We be here, first!”
So watch your toes - and backs - dudes!
The curious sports phenomenon didn't happen by chance, by the way.
The section of exposed playing field I am referring to - was part of an original design built "in" - to allow passers-by a golden opportunity to a catch a glimpse of the games from the street ( with the ultimate aim of getting more of the locals into the stands at premium prices).
In sum, the "peak hole" was fathomed up as a promotional tool.
To the club managers, the official name for the opening, is the viewing portal.
Sunds kinky, doesn't it?
Or, is it just my dirty mind?
By the way, knot-holes (fans who frequent the hole-in-the-wall perch) are requied to follow a few practical rules - set down and enforded by Stadium Officials - so ensure overzealous clods don't spoil the novel ball park experience for others.
Golden Knot-Hole Rules
*No drinking
*No dogs
*No folding chairs
*No cutting in line
*No hats (that block the view)
To ensure fans get an honest shot at a thrilling gander from the sidelines, a security moves along the sports enthusiasts every 3 innings.
The house employees note that it is not a problem nudging folks along, after all, the rag-tag band of Giants fans are keen on policing themselves anyhow to maintain the equilibrium.
A regular may direct a selfish knot-hole hog to the back of the line without any hard feelings.
When polled, all knot-holers universally agreed it boils down to etiquette.
In this way, each individual is summarily treated with dignity and respect.
By following the golden rules, a patient fan may find themselves standing "this-close" to star athlete Cody Ross as he is trots by actively engaged in a history-making play on the field.
From this unique vantage point, emotional fans also are able to heckle a player, when the stakes get high.
Rattling the nerves of rivals may be a surefire way to gain a much-needed edge over the unsuspecting competition.
Apparently, the Guards can be sweet-talked, too.
Bribes - free coke, mouth-watering hotdogs, and even chips - may buy the ingratiating fan another three innings because of their "thoughtfulness".
Finally, a bit of advice for the fan caught up in the heady moment.
Watch out for falling debris, eh?
Rowdy fans - with a few ales under their belt - may carelessly (or deliberately) fire cans over the sides of the stadium walls to cause a ruckus.
Also, keep a watchful eye out on street, mindful of characters out to pick a fight.
Once tourists get wind of the novel offbeat way to savor the great american past-time in a romantic no-frills way, , they'll be screeching up to the curb by the busload.
Essentially the fun-filled experience is one for the have-nots, as one Wall Street Journal reporter quipped astutely.
And, for the romantic few who don't mind roughing it, while saving a buck, too.
Play ball!
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