Saturday, April 2, 2011
BY MIKE JONES, Post and Courier 

It was a calm, cloudy afternoon on the banks of the harbor.  The field was littered with grounds crew as they monitored the field’s drainage in the aftermath of a storm that swept through late last evening.

High above the water-soaked field of Moultrie Park, the owner’s box was filled with chatter of the upcoming season.  The muggy air was competing with the voices of Hitting Coach Mark Alexander and Head of Scouting Iván Quezada, who’s just returned from another successful trip.

“He’s pretty raw right now.  He’s tall – ’bout 6’5”.  His long-arm form has a low release point from the left side could be pretty effective against the game’s top talents.  Throws three pitches well for his age.  He’s smart, very smart.  There is some potential there, no doubt.”

“Speaking of lefties, how’s Mel?” I asked.

“He’s excited.  Thrilled to be here in SC,” Mark replied.  “In fact, Woodie and I were talking the other day.  He thinks Mel is the best lefty in the game right now, and he’s still thankful he doesn’t have to face him.”

“Lots of talent flooding into the Dixie this year, guys,” Quezada remarks, commanding attention as he reads the latest season previews coming out of Laredo.  “Cruz?  Really?  That’s a scary lineup.”

“You don’t read the news much overseas, huh?” I quipped, as Iván glared sharply back at me.

“José has his hands full this year, that’s for sure.  You better be providing some flawless advanced reports!” Mark jokes.

“Iván, what’s your take on Florida‘s acquisition of Mosley?” I inquired.  “You think he’ll transition to the starter role well?”

“Without question.  Reports coming out of camp are that he is in the best shape of his career.  He’s in his prime to boot; that forkball is going to drive hitters mad.”

“Speaking of forks, where is our damned lunch?  I’m famished.  We lost power last night over in Mt. Pleasant.  I haven’t eaten since yesterday’s lunch,” Mark says in despair.

“What are we having?” I asked as the door flings open in an abrupt fashion.

“Oh man, you guys are in for a treat.  We talk about all this talent in the Dixie this year, but you haven’t even met its newest star!” Mark exclaims as the staff enters and serves our lunch.  “I’ve had lunch with him for the past 3 days.”

“Gentlemen, meet the Moultrie Mac-Dog!  And at $8.50 a whack, it’s the best bargain in the Dixie!  ½ pound all beef, featuring 4 oz. of the most delightful noodles and gravy known to man, all over a soft, sweet potato roll.  You think fans come to the ballpark to see the players?  This is going to be the biggest hit of the year.”

As we ate lunch this afternoon, I overlooked the new structure in center field and began to look back at Moultrie Park.  Just two years ago, the park was home to 37,300 fans – on a good day.  Two improvements later make it the second largest park in the PEBA – cajoling 46,500 Statesmen followers when it opens its doors.

To think that the expected capacity crowd next Friday will have increased by nearly 25% over the last two years is pretty exciting.

For those that haven’t made the drive into downtown in a while, you’ll notice the bleachers above Taco Boy in center field that once sat 800 fans are now a concrete structure with a capacity of 5,000.

I know some of you are thinking that when I say center field, it meant the end of Taco Boy and the other fine eateries out there.  Don’t fret – they are still there.  The stands were built behind the existing establishments.

As a result, its distance to the field probably establishes a claim to the worst seats in the house, but it was certainly the most logical move to increase the park’s capacity.  The seating is identical to those in the rest of the park, so the comfort is there, but the views to the corners are hampered by the rest of the park.

To compensate, the park offers a 20% discount on all concessions to valid ticket holders in this section, excluding alcoholic beverages.

If my main course this afternoon was any indication, the discount is justified in my book.

As I leave your mouths watering with anticipation, get on the horn and get those tickets.  For those of you that already tossed some dogs in the wave and are about to rip that blue box from Kraft open – give it up, it’s just not the same.

We’ll see you next Friday on Opening Day at Moultrie Park.  For now, well, my request to get another preview of the Moultrie Mac-Dog has just been approved.