ASG2015/5

What real live nephew of your Uncle Sam doesn't appreciate a flyover?  Flyovers, however, can be difficult to catch photographically.  Lou and I nailed it!  Here's my photo of the approach from the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

And here are two that Lou snapped:

The formation flew just about exactly overhead.  I had to spin around 180 degrees while looking straight up in order to follow the flight path and capture a photo of the flyover exiting GABP's airspace:

My trusty antiquated Nikon 35mm digital camera is slow to respond between photographs.  I was lucky to have captured these two photos.

The covert espionage-quality lens on Lou's camera allowed him to get a tighter zoom on the departing jets.  The ballpark airspace was jammed up to the point of taking on an appearance like that of the Dayton International Air Show.  And look!  In the lower right-hand corner of the photo.  Is that what I think it is? 

The pre-game pageantry was far from over!

The Franchise Four honor served as prelude to the introduction of baseball's four greatest living legends:

From left to right, as they entered the GABP playing field together;  Henry Aaron (the true home run king), Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays. 

It is for moments precisely such as this which makes attending the classic, historic baseball events so special to me.  To be in the same ballpark as these four legends was extraordinary.

Then, to be treated to the spectacle of Sandy Koufax throwing out the ceremonial first pitch - to be pitching - to Johnny Bench?  Words fail adequate description.  To be there and to experience this event with my big brother Lou was to me the most important aspect.

JB stopped to share a few words, all from Johnny to be certain, with Todd Frazier.

The Toddfather took up a spot alongside the Pirates' Andrew McCutchen to loosen up.  Once Todd's arm was loose, he ran a few sprints to limber up his lower limbs:

Below, the Chicago Cub contingents favorite player, Bryce Harper, warmed up his cheek and gum with a handful of chaw in right field:

Just say no, Joe kids!

"Cutch" manned his position in center field with mismatched sleeves.

Seattle pitcher King Felix, the best pitcher in the American League, walks out to the A.L. bullpen, escorted by some comparatively unimportant Kansas City teammate.

Next in ASG2015;  Play Ball!

Roll the credits!