Driven to Distraction

Shed a tear or two giving Carter his final kiss goodbye this morning, then I was on the road, driving myself to distraction while making good on a Christmas gift to my sister Renell.

Turns out it was fitting that Carter gave his godmother tickets to the Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game. And it fell on the day of his departure to Germany. It kept me out of the sad zone. I was too busy trying to take some pictures for Renell while avoiding being spotted by anyone who might think I've crossed over to the dark side.

No worries, my Purple Pride friends. When they cheered "Go Pack, Go!" I was saying, "Skol, Vikes, Skol!"

Overall, we both had a blast though. And I mean that sincerely! Some photo highlights. Yes I probably concentrated on the big names I know – Jordy Nelson, Aaron Rogers and Clay Matthews. But you can still see some others.

Our "Sister Sunday"...

Got there a little after 10 a.m. so Renell was able to buy a t-shirt AND we could see the first event at 11 a.m.

We had reserved bleacher seats so that was nice. Not far from the field at all. The event was held at the Timbler Rattlers Stadium / Fox Cities Stadium over in Appleton. The main sponsor was Kwik Trip so the day started with a short game at 11 a.m. between some of the Packers and employees of Kwik Trip.

Then it was on to the homerun derby at noon and the offense vs. defense showdown at 1 p.m. I don't necessarily have these in the correct order, but you'll deal...

Quite the large crowd, which means Jordy Nelson raised a lot for charity.

Starting lineups with Defense in front of us and Offense along the first-base line.



Who most people came to see.

Players gather at the plate after the first homerun. That got old when there so many. They just stayed in the dugout after awhile.

Clay Matthews up to bat. Let me just say that Mr. Pitch Perfect was not so hot in the field. He could hit but he probably can sing better than he can play short stop. Just sayin'.

Rounding third with some high-fives ready.

Controversy at second base, which apparently moved during the play. Actually I am surprised no one got hurt on the carpet.

Jordy Nelson hits one of many homeruns.

I can't remember this guy's name but Renell wants a hat like that.

Kicker Mason Crosby actually played for the Defense today. Here he takes a knee while waiting for an Offensive player to run his bases after a homerun.

At the end of four innings, the Offense was leading 18-5. They decided to switch the score so the Defense was 18 and the Offense was 5, "just to see if the Defense could hang on," Nelson said. That turned out to be a mistake.

No offense to Jordy's pitching, but the Defense suddenly went on a hot hitting streak and didn't look back.

 QB throwing from second base.

The Offense tries to rally behind their leader. Aaron calls his shot.

And does hit is over the fence. 

 Welcomed at home plate.

Rodgers playing outfield while most of the fans are just trying to get him to autograph one of their softballs.

 

 Jordy Nelson's wife leads a conference on the pitching mound.

At the end of the game, Clay Matthews took over pitching for Defense.

And Rodgers hit a home run off of him. Not enough for the Offense to win (after giving it away on purpose earlier).

Game over. But can the Defense feel good about it?

 Renell gives a final goodbye to Jordy.

And we enjoy one final pit stop on the way back to Wisconsin Rapids.

Fun day. And excellent distraction. Now I have to wait until tomorrow sometime to learn of Carter's safe arrival.

Guess I could read, do some work, watch some Orange is the New Black... distractions, distractions, distractions...