I circled the Norfolk Tides vs. Memphis Redbirds series on my calendar when the MILB schedule was released. Why you ask? The Memphis Redbirds have a Roby on their roster, Tekoah Roby to be exact. No relation, not that I know of. Somewhere up the proverbial Roby tree, Tekoah and I are on two separate branches proudly stretched out for all to see. So, the opportunity to see a Roby on a Minor League baseball field had potential in 2025. So, I waited and waited, and checked my work schedule, and my personal schedule. Opportunity and timing, I say it all the time. It was just my luck that my schedules aligned so I would have the opportunity to see at least 2 games of the 6 game series at Norfolk’s Harbor Park, my adopted hometown baseball stadium. So, Rachel and I went last night to possibly catch a glimpse of Tekoah Roby, and catch the Tides vs. Redbirds if that plan failed.
The plan was doomed from the start. Over the past few days, I checked the MILB transaction wire for Memphis and Tekoah Roby and found some unfortunate news. Roby had been placed on the injured list on July 14th and hadn’t been reinstated (as of the Memphis Redbirds webpage) as of yesterday’s game. I figured, 7 days, a few days to get back in the swing of things, then maybe a start with a limited pitch count? Reaching here a bit, but I was hoping he would make some kind of appearance on Tuesday night. It never happened. Not to worry, he has many years left in his career and will most likely be up in the St. Louis bullpen or dugout before too long. Still, it would have been cool to watch him pitch at Harbor Park.
So, on to the game. Last night, the Norfolk Tides held a “Turn Back the Clock Night” with 50 cent hot dogs, popcorn, and soft drinks. And they turned back the clock to become the Tidewater Tides, the former team name they carried for many, many seasons. No, they didn’t go back to being a Mets affiliate, they are still with the Orioles. Traffic was light getting to the park, then I realized why. Everyone who is usually on the roads was inside Harbor Park taking advantage of “Turn Back the Clock Night.” Wow, was it busy at the ticket gate, in line at the concession stands, and in the park last night. Great to see fans show up in huge numbers, despite the down season the Tides are having (sitting at 39-60).
After walking up the front staircase of the main gate of Harbor Park, Rachel and I looked around at the various jam packed concession stands, and then I spotted something amazing on the field. The Hampton Roads Strings Academy orchestra was setting up, perhaps to entertain the crowd pre-game. I was surprised and psyched to learn that they would be playing the national anthem, which they did with precision and skill far beyond their teenage years. Great work done by everyone involved!
After striking out at the concession stand near home plate, Rachel and I migrated over near our seat section and found a more reasonable line to stand in. $20 on Tuesday night got us 4 hot dogs, 2 waters, and a bucket of fries. I like this Turn Back The Clock idea!!! Our seats were N row of our familiar section 200 level of Harbor Park, and we had an amazing view on a beautiful, sunny, July night in Norfolk, Virginia.
A few players to mention that were playing in the game. First off, Memphis Redbird and STL Cardinal top prospect JJ Wetherholt is the real deal. He crushed a first inning home run to start the game off. He made defensive play after play at SS all night long. Wetherholt has some competition at the big league level with uber-talented Mason Wynn securing the SS position, so he may need to move around the infield if he is to move up. Baltimore Orioles and former Tides first baseman Ryan Mountcastle batted 2nd for the Tidewater Tides last night. Mountcastle played the entire game at 1st base, had a 3 run home run, and got a huge ovation every time he came to the plate. Mountcastle will likely join the Orioles after a rehab stint. Zach Plesac, nephew of the great LHP Dan Plesac, started and pitched well for the Memphis Redbirds. I remember Plesac pitching for the Cleveland Indians a few years back, always wondered what happened to him after he was demoted to the minors. Finally, Samuel Basallo continues to impress with a solid bat, rifle arm, and a defensive presence that just makes you wonder when he will be called up. Or used as a potential trade piece to bring in a big name for the big club (Orioles). Basallo is beyond talented and will definitely have a long MLB career, once it actually happens.
The Tidewater Tides (Norfolk) used four pitchers who didn’t miss many Memphis Redbird bats. In the end, 15 hits produced 10 runs for the Redbirds. The Redbird’s Plesac pitched into the 6th inning to secure the win, despite giving up that 3 run HR to Mountcastle. The Tides crowd was getting a little chirpy towards the end of the game. Sort of unfair to boo the hometown team, giving the talent that has come through Norfolk the past 5 or so years. The Orioles of today were the Tides of yesteryear, let’s keep that in mind folks. It was a beautiful July summer night, with sunny skies, light winds, a touch less humidity than earlier in the day, and no rain or storms in sight. Rachel and I enjoyed our reduced priced hot dogs and popcorn and the incredible views from Section 209. Overall it was another spectacular Norfolk baseball experience at Harbor Park, featuring the Tidewater Tides, soon to be back to the Norfolk Tides later today.
The Baseball Storyteller 