Happy Valentine's Day

One of the reddest cards of a current White Sox player that I could find. Paul Konerko sends the love out there to all the White Sox fans and loyal readers on this Valentine's Day.

I hope everyone's happy and healthy this February 14th.

White Sox fans, don't forget to check out a Twitter only contest. First one with all the correct answers will win some White Sox cards!

Love, Comiskey Style

I am reminded of love this Valentine's Day. How can you not, with every advertiser practically beating you over the head with it this past week. Kevin's Oriole card of the day reminded me of past ballpark experiences.

I could choose the time in 1997, where I went to Comiskey with a friend. The game was a low scoring affair where we were able to get out early for a night game. I went over by my girlfriend's place and she wanted to go for a walk.

I thought nothing of it, so I went. By the time I got back, every one of our friends knew what had happened. It seems that it had been planned all night long by my now ex-girlfriend. I was devastated, mostly because I was blindsided. It turned out that she was seeing one of our mutual friends behind my back, who was there that night. I have moved on to much better things since then.

I could tell the tale of taking a female friend to Comiskey in 1998 and falling in love during the fireworks. The White Sox hit three home runs that game (at least). All I really remember is that there were a lot of fireworks being shot off. That relationship ended horribly. In fact it was the worst breakup I have ever experienced and not because it broke my heart. It tried to break my spirit. The ramifications from that split still last today. I won't get into anything specific, but I never want to go through that type of breakup again. The only clue I will give you is this.

I will tell you about a ticket purchase in June 2007 for a game in August. Tracey hadn't been to a White Sox game in years and I hadn't been to the park since 2004. I didn't have the money to be throwing around, so I just watched or listened to the games wherever I could.

We picked a date at random. Saturday, August 15, 2007. We figured that the Sox would either be in the middle of an exciting pennant race or it would be a good game with plenty of leg room, like a late 90's Expos game. Either way, it would be great. We would see White Sox baseball and that is always good in my book. If they lost, it would be a chance to soak in the atmosphere of the park.

By pure luck, Jim Thome was chasing his 500th home run. He hadn't had a homer in the previous 9 games in the homestand. That night and Sunday afternoon were his last chances to get it at home. Every time that Jim walked up to the plate, everyone stood and cheered as their eyes were fixated on him. Flashes from cameras went off with every pitch. It was very exciting! The entire crowd seemed to almost will the ball in Thome's wheelhouse. There were some exciting pops, but nothing went out of the park. Jim would hit his 500th the next day in his final at bat in the ninth.

The White Sox ended up losing the close game to the Angels, but Tracey and I were both happy. We saw a well played game and we were part of the excitement of Jim Thome's pursuit. Sometime this year, we will pay for the two images that were taken of us at the game. But for now, this low res thumbnail that I lifted off the photo site will have to do. It's still a great memory and it was still a great night.

It seems fitting that we were delayed by one game of seeing history. Jim Thome seems to be having all sorts of delays in getting that home run ball to the Hall of Fame. It truly is the season for crappy weather in Illinois.

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day 2008 is upon us. In the spirit of hearts and baseball, I've decided to post an image from the 1954 Red heart set. What better way to show someone that you care than by giving them a red heart. Come to think of it, wasn't Red Heart a dog food brand?

OK, it's the perfect thing for that blind date you were forced into today because you felt the need for a stab at companionship and/or romance on Valentine's Day. Keep the cards and give the blind date the dog food.

Do you want to spend a romantic evening with that blind date, but don't want to shell out the big bucks for a fancy dinner? Or suppose you just got shut out of all the good restaurants because you didn't make your reservations early enough. You're in luck if you live near a White Castle. They are offering reservations to dine at their fine restaurant with a candlelit, tableside feast. Whatever that means.

For those of you brave enough or financially strapped enough to have a romantic evening out at White Castle, give it a try. Nothing says Valentine's Day like tiny hamburgers made for drunk people. Side effects may vary. Proceed with caution around significant other. Natural gas leaks may occur suddenly. Void where Krystals are available.

For those of you that have a long distance relationship or are too cheap to spring for a candlelit dinner at a fast food location, there are online cards to send. I found a doozy involving the White Sox and Indians. You can send a Joe Jackson card online for any occasion. There are several pictures of Joe in his White Sox uniform and in his Indians uniform. There are also pictures of his glove and his shoes and his statue. It should spice up any sports lover's Valentine's Day. You're welcome.

Now back to the 1954 Red Heart Sherm Lollar card. Isn't he dreamy girls? What better card to give or receive than the gift of old baseball cards? These are the cards that should be exchanged on Valentine's Day. Not some sappy, love stricken opportunity to beg for some good lovin'. Baseball cards will get a better response.