pach24

Fort Myers was in town tonight to take on the Flying Tigers. Kevin Slowey was making a rehab start for Fort Myers. He picthed 5 innings, gave up zero hits and zero runs and didn't get the win. Jonah Nickerson had a no hitter going in the 7th and gave up two total hits to get the win. Matt Fox gave up three wins to take the loss.

We were waiting down by the clubhouse corner waiting for Slowey to walk by. A little kid had a Slowey 4x6 he wanted signed. The trainer walked by. We were going to ask him if Kevin was still in the dugout when he saw the kid's picture and said "Kevin this kid's looking for you." He must have came from the bullpen when he came out because there he was, down by the clubhouse entrance.

He was cool. He came over signed the kid's picture, was talking to the dad and kid about stuff being super nice. He signed a ball for the kid, then a card and didn't personalize anything for him. I was right next to the dad and right by Kevin, didn't interrupt, had my pen out and my stuff ready to get signed which he saw. Then when he finished talking, I noticed him starting to move the other way. I said " Kevin would you please sign?" He said " I have to go finish up with the trainer but I'll come back." There were about 6 of us. Okay, here we go.

We wait by the corner and see him and the trainer down by the clubhouse entrance. He sees us but doesn't come down. So we waited. Then the trainer comes out and stands there to watch the game. I said "Is Kevin gone?". He said "No. He has ice on his shoulder but said he was going to come out and sign for you guys. But you may want to wait in the parking lot just in case since he is driving back to Fort Myers tonight."

So we stay there hoping he'll keep to his word and sign. He was dressed in street clothers and stuck his head out of the clubhouse. Then went back in. So we wait and he does it again. We call for him. He goes back in. So forget this, we go to the parking lot. The back parking lot gate was locked so he had to go out front. Then we see him on the phone, back and forth again probably looking for a way out and there wasn't one.

He walks out in the parking lot, says nothing, so we ask again. He said "Real quick." Says "What's your name?" to each of the FOUR of us and signed 1 per and personalized it. Wow. Funny how people change when kids aren't around. Then the fireworks went off so there was no getting anyone else after the game. I spent half the game waiting for him. Everyone else I am going to try to get tomorrow.

Fort Myers:
Zach Day 3/6, picture with
Brian Dinkelman, picture with
Jim Dwyer 4/4
Toby Gardenhire 1/1, picture with
Deolis Guerra 4/8
Jeff Manship 4/4, picture with
Yancarlos Ortiz 2/2, picture with
Edward Ovalle 1/1, picture with
Whit Robbins 6/6, picture with

In the parking lot:
Kevin Slowey 1/4 - personalized

Lakeland:
Duane Below 2/3 gave him one
Brennan Boesch 2/2, picture with

Next up:
back to finish up Fort Myers at Lakeland 1:00 game