August 10, 2014: Best Games I Have Attended- Part 1

In the first of a series of lists, I’m going to discuss the top 10 Best Games that I have attended.

I have attended many good games.  Picking the top 5 was easy; picking the next 5 was hard.  I guess that’s a good thing.  Many good memories watching my teams in person.  It’s great to watch the games at home on your TV on your couch, but to be there, to actually be there among 20,000- 60,000 other screaming people, is the ultimate.

This list will NOT include games that I attended where my teams were not playing.  I’ve been to many baseball stadiums across the country to check them out, that did NOT involve my teams.  They will not be listed.  This list will encompass only the 5 major sports teams in the city.  Although I have enjoyed a handful of Chicago Wolves’ games (sitting on the glass for like $20), and remember watching the Chicago Blitz play back in the day in Soldier Field, they will not be on this list either.  So without further delay, we get to my first Top 10…

10.  April 4, 2013:  St Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks

The Hawks actually lost this game, which will not be common among the games on this list.  I actually did not even stay until the end of this game, which is something else that disgusts me about people.  The reason this game is on the list is because I made it on TV.

This was the day after my son’s 1st birthday, and part of his gift was to attend his first Blackhawk game.  I got a hookup and got some face value seats located in the 100 level about 19 rows up; probably the best seats I will ever have at a Hawks game.  He was doing great, but between the 2nd and the 3rd period, the horn got to him.  Man is it loud down there, and he was screaming.  I can’t hold it against him… he was a trooper for 2 periods.  So, we decided it was time to go.  As we walked to the car, my phone started ringing… then my wife’s phone starting ringing.  They showed us on TV!

It was actually a clip from before the game started, when we were watching the Hawks shoot around.  I had a beer in one hand, and my son in another, both with our Blackhawk jerseys on, as we were flashed across Comcast Sports Network.  To my knowledge, it’s the first time I ever made an appearance on TV at a game, and that coupled with my son’s first hockey game, makes this the first entry on the top 10.

9.  September 19, 1985:  California Angels at Chicago White Sox

The second entry marks the 2nd and final losing game on this list.  The Sox got blown out 8-0 on this Thursday night.  I went to many Sox games growing up, and the best part about the old Comiskey was being able to move up all the way to field level late in the game.  So as the 7th inning creeped around, we wandered down to the field… down the 3rd base line.

No, I didn’t catch a ball.  That would have made my list too.  It was the highlights that were being showed on the jumbotron during the game that qualified this game on the list.  It was on this night, that the Bears were playing the Minnesota Vikings in the Humpdome.  It was on this night, that we saw the Bears losing early.  It was on this night, where they kept showing McMahon TD passes as the Bears came back, and remained undefeated in what would become a magical season.  The crowd in Comiskey Park was going wild.

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Although it is unknown what the first baseball game I attended was, it is known that this was the first road game I ever attended.  This was a Cubs victory marked by a Leon Durham steal of home & my booing of the hated Cardinals.  This was part of another magical year in Chicago history:  the 84 Cubs, who are celebrating 30 years since then this year.  We all know how it ended, but it was certainly special while it lasted.

This also marked the first road game I attended with my family.  We hit a number of stadiums including Riverfront and the Humpdome, on our family vacations.  This is one tradition that I will be continuing with my wife and son.

7.  1987:  Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls

The official date of this game is unknown, but it marked my very first Bulls game, and the first time I saw Michael Jordan play in person.  I remember him having a good game (duh!).  He always had good games.  I also remember some Milwaukee Buck fans sitting in front of us in the stadium.  I also remember thinking I should push or kick them.  I didn’t, and I believe the Bulls won that game, but I can’t confirm.  Years later, I can look back and remember 6 titles fondly, and when I was a Bulls season ticket holder these past few years.  It all started that day.  Thanks Aunt Marie.

6.  November 11, 2007:  Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders

We came, we saw, we survived.  There were six of us in total, with one Raider fan.  We enjoyed ourselves the night before in San Francisco and continued the party pre-game with some tailgaters.  I was glad we hooked up with them… it wasn’t too pretty in the parking lot for a bunch of guys covered from head to toe in Bears gear.

Walking through the parking lot, we heard some choice words… most of which I cannot repeat.  It was definitely the most hostile environment I’ve ever been in for a road game.  Nothing came of it though.  You have to have the right attitude going to see your teams on the road; cheer for them loudly, but don’t look for a fight.  If you look, you shall find.

Anyways, we hooked up with some Oakland fans who tailgated every Sunday.  Their tradition was to make a food that was linked to the visiting team; this week it was Chicago Style hot dogs.  They tasted pretty good, as we wolfed down those, along with 10% alcohol content beer and vodka jello shots.  The game itself was pretty boring, but the Bears did pull it out.  This was one of the bright spots in a disappointing season after being in the Super Bowl the year before.

So there’s the bottom five on the list; the top five will follow.  Stay tuned.