Some people know how to to put the "fun" in "fundraiser." Orange to Blue candidateJim Himes held an event at a minor-league ballpark in CT-04 to raise a few dollars and raise his visibility in the district. I thought it was a great idea and a great excuse to bring my 2-year-old out to a game.
Jim is running for Congress in CT-04, which includes the city of Bridgeport. The Bridgeport Bluefish play in the Atlantic League and hosted the York (PA) Revolution last night.
Himes supporters arrived at 5:45 for a pre-game picnic, which was shockingly devoid of vegetarian food. OK, not that shocking. I don't expect a veggie burger at a minor-league ballpark. And it should be noted that beer is vegetarian, so what am I complaining about? OK... back to the topic.
After the picnic, we headed over to our seats. Jim threw out the first pitch. Well, he threw out the second pitch, actually. The Stratford, CT Little League was also in attendance and Jim shared the ceremonial honors with a Little League pitcher. I guess if you run for Senate you get the gig to yourself. Such is life on the campaign trail. As you can see from my surely-Pulitzer-Prize winning sports photography below, I was not in position to call it a ball or strike. That said, it was a ball.
Incidentally, I love that "42" is retired even in an independent league ballpark.
The game got underway, with the Bluefish taking the lead on a 3-run homer in the bottom of the first inning. I spent much of the time walking around the stands with my toddler, seeking out the team mascot -- a 6-plus-foot tall blue fish wearing a baseball jersey. We never got very close, since toddlers are justifiably terrified of 6-plus-foot tall fish.
In the stands, the Himes supporters chatted and mingled and were met by Bridgeport mayor Bill Finch. The atmosphere was as convivial and warm as you'd expect. The predicted thunderstorms didn't have the guts to materialize. The weather was ideal.
My son and I had to leave after the third inning, as bedtime was rapidly approaching. His, too. It was 4-0 at that point with the Bluefish in the lead. When I looked up the box score today, I see that the York Revolution rallied in the ninth to win. Clearly, this was supposed to go the other way 'round, with the team from Connecticut rallying to victory at the wire. Because then I'd have the perfect metaphor to close out the diary.
As it is, I'll close with this. Other candidates should totally steal this idea. It was a relaxing, fun, family-friendly event that helped Jim Himes raise a few dollars. You can help, too, of course, wherever you are.
Jim Himes on Act Blue
Jim Himes for Congress
Orange to Blue Page