Sven Sweats It Out with the Slammers!
Yeah, it was about 100 degrees or so- but nothing could keep yours truly from making the scene at Joliet’s Silver Cross Field (see? Even a “silver cross” couldn’t stop me!) for the big Slammers game against the Normal CornBelters Friday night!
We made our way to Joliet, passing the old Joliet Prison we’ve seen so many times in “Blues Brothers” and “Prison Break”- enjoying the still-posted road signs warning drivers NOT to pick up hitchhikers-and found the great ballpark easily.After spending a few minutes in the air-conditioned comfort of the Joliet Sports Hall of Fame room, listening to a fine chorus of youngsters practicing the National Anthem (yes, I DID remove the old stovepipe during their rendition)-we headed out into the heat of the concourse to meet the Slammers fans. With the high temperatures and some health concerns, I opted to wear one of our Sven t-shirts (hey- if it’s good enough for you guys, it’s good enough for me!) instead of the traditional red tuxedo shirt and black jacket.This turned out to be a wise decision!
Yes, it was incredibly hot- but that certainly didn’t deter all the fans from coming out for the game, and patiently waiting in line to get an autograph or take a photo with me! I’m sure this was the record number of baseballs (real ones and rubber ones) that I had ever signed- not to mention a few bats (no, not the vampire kind…)I give a lot of credit to the Slammers fans- they were all so nice, in spite of the heat!
It was time for one of the fun “between innings” activities that Slammers games are known for-and this one involved me, as two charming little gals engaged in a “rubber chicken throwing contest” (somehow I don’t think they do that at EVERY game!) I got to do play-by-play as the young ladies tried to toss rubber chickens through hula hoops held by the wacky Slammers mascots (and I think one of those mascots just may have chucked a chicken at ME after the contest was over!)
We then returned to the people who had kindly,patiently and politely waited in line for me to come back and sign more autographs.It was awfully hot, but my face did NOT melt, thank you very much! We continued signing until it was time to sing the traditional 7th inning stretch tune of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”-accompanied by a squadron of Little League players! Since I had been warned NOT to end the tune with the cry of “let’s get some runs”- since they said that had always been bad luck for the Slammers- I declared “let’s get a touchdown!”
Well, that must have worked- because the Slammers beat the Cornbelters,snapping a losing streak!The team president himself made the connection between me being there and the Slammers being victorious- it’s about time I was good luck to SOMEbody!
We had a great time- and I think the crowd did too- and I wouldn’t be surprised if we make another visit to Silver Cross Field next season! Thanks to the staff and management of the Slammers, and to the many fans who were nice enough to visit with us.
Hey, you can have a chance to do the same-at a different location today- and, in somewhat cooler weather! I’ll be at the Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Ribfest from noon to two pm this afternoon- and be happy to sign an autograph or take a picture with you-plus, you can enjoy some great food, hear some great music,and- not risk heat prostration, with temps only in the 80s! Find all the Ribfest info under “appearances” on this site-and no fair building a model skeleton out of the used rib bones!
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Sven, thanks for the mummy-ries from some of my favorite stalking pictures!
Clever of Universal using “The Mummy’s Ghost” to sneak in a reference to their 1942 film, “The Mad Doctor of Market Street.” The announcer uses its title in the intro of the museum guard’s scary radio show.
Also enjoyed your redub of “Commando Cody.” I liked it more than the one of “Flash Gordon” because it had a little more space between jokes, giving me time to laugh at one before the next came along.
Sven, thanks for being there. I know it was so hot that the Devil turned on his a/c, yet there you were signing autographs and taking photos with your loyal fans. You fulfilled a life long dream, I have always wanted to meet you. Since I was a little tyke, watching you on the ‘other’ network with famous lines like ‘If you have a knife, why do you need to make a gun out of soap’….LOL….or the vampire carpet commercial. You truly are awesome. You take the time to listen, meet and greet each fan. That is what makes you one of the best. Hope to see you next year! Thank you for bringing luck to the Slammers…..they need all the luck they can get this year!!!
Sven, even tho I’m no were near the places you visit. I admire your showmanship to meet your many ageless fans. The weather never seams to stop the joy you give to so many. To endure that melting heat and not turn anyone away was a service beyond words. Your a good MAN!. One day(the good Lord willing), I hope to make it to one of your appearances and meet you. Till then “Live Long and Prosper”.
We just got back from seeing you at the ribfest – glad you made it! My son was super excited to meet you after making a wallet for you he feels as a big celebrity, you need a wallet to hold your superstar cash. And you are “Sven-coolie.”
I wanted to thank Serg (Dallas) for his suggestion that we set up MeTV on the OTA antenna when we no longer could receive it on U-Verse. We finally set it up and I could see Kharis and John Carrradine last night.
After this week’s show (“The Mummy’s Ghost”), you read a question from a fan asking about a movie made in the 70′s that showed people infected with a disease who had white hair, wore black clothes, and sunglasses. At the end of the movie the “hero” finds a cure, but dies in a large fountain holding test tubes with the serum. The movie is called “The Omega Man” starring Charlton Heston – one of the many movie versions of Richard Matheson’s “I am Legend”. It’s entertaining, and I enjoyed the slow slip into madness by the lead character.
Sven/Rich, Rest In Peace, McHale! Ernest Borgnine passed away today at the age of 95.
I don’t get the connection with some of your appearances… RibFest?… oh… okay… RIBS… skeleton reference…
A softball tourney?… oh, wait… BATS…
Please disregard the previous commentary and any future remarks made by this individual, who is obviously in great need of professional help.
** Kiss-Kiss **
Your quite welcome JeaninHighland. Glad I was able to help out a fellow Sven fan not allowing you to miss out on a tanna leaf brewing show on account of AT&T U-Verse! Have a great week until the next Sven horror classic viewing next Saturday. Same Sven time! Same Sven channel! Lol.
Serg
Sven – you are always good luck to us! Glad you wore a Sven t-shirt. They are indeed cool, and I’ll bet it helped to keep you at least a little bit cooler as well.
Yes, it’s Omega Man. Classic Heston from the early 70s. It still holds up well today.