An unfinished post from December, but it seems appropriate with the impending AFC championship game coming up.
I went to the bar across the street from my house 5 times last week. 5 times. That is excessive for even me. But somehow that is the way it worked. The bonus of my excessive patronage is getting to go to the Ravens game last night.
Being a frequent flyer at this establishment, means multiple phone calls and texts when there is something shaking in the neighborhood. Saturday night was one of the bartenders going away party. So even though I had been there Thursday night, I made it back for a few beers, and perhaps a shot or two or three which I just seem to be remembering now two day later. But in my slightly inebriated stage, I do remember listening to the owner of the bar (BO) tell how he just got dumped. Hmmmm so who was going to the Ravens' game? Even though it was S's (another frequent flyer's) turn to go with the owner, they all graciously gave me the ticket. Score!
The Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Baltimore Ravens was a much anticipated game. A fight for the division title, and a Sunday night featured game, I was one of 71,000 people pouring into M&T stadium. Pittsburgh and Baltimore have a deep seeded rivalry. Both are blue collar towns with dying industries. Both towns have weird accents. And most importantly, the towns are 3 hours apart; far enough for a rivalry close enough to visit for away games.
The night was cold and clear. I had to borrow a puffy jacket from my neighbor, who was perhaps more excited than I was. BO is a a big guy. He is 6'4 and my guess is he weighs about 250; maybe more. And I was lucky to have him, as he carved a way through the crowds.
BO has season tickets, which means he knows all the people who sit around him. Hmmmm. How do I say this delicately? I can't. Baltimore has a lot of white trash football fans. I mean very trashy. The lady sitting behind us passed out half way into the first quarter. Then her boyfriend had to take her to the men's room to throw up.
I thought I talked like a sailor, but I had nothing on these football fans. I heard enough homosexual derogates, cusses, and inexplicable sexual acts involving animals to last a life time. It also was a sport for all those sitting nearby me to lift me up. I think they found that entertaining. Big bear hugs to the strange Asian girl.
Throughout the game there were many fights. The most impressive being two guys going at it and no spilling a drop of beer. Truly amazing.
As for the game play on the field there was not much to write about. Just like the most recent playoff game, the Ravens were ahead and lost their lead in the second half. They played with no urgency. Every time Big Ben took the field, everyone shouted "No means no!" But sadly in the end, the Ravens got manhandled like a girl in a bathroom with Big Ben's bodyguards watching on.
