10/7/2008: Bakersfield, CA – Did the man you saw buying a snow cone at the local United Dairy Farmers look more than a little like Satan?

Did you look out your window this morning to see a pig sailing through the air?

Chances are the answer to both questions is a “yes”.  Because there is no other explanation for the Bakersfield Bears’ current (temporary) 2-0 lead on the fearsome Aurora squad.  I could bore you all with the details.  Because Aurora is schedule to arrive like a cannon shot come Thursday night, and this could be as good as it gets until the spring breezes blow again at Jonas Field.

Speaking of Jonas Field, you may have noticed that more and more people are now referring to it as “The Chocolate Factory”, and chances are you’re a little bit confused.  So let me explain…

It is perhaps the worst kept secret in all of the Planetary Extreme Baseball Association that Bears’ right fielder Pat Lilly is the world’s largest fan of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  The book and the movie.  He has the planet’s largest collection of unopened Wonka Bars, which he samples only on the eve on especially big games.  He has spent over $4M recreating the infamous ferry boat ride at his home – complete with psychedelic light show, sound effects, little children painted brown and dressed in sailor suits, and what appears to be rushing water (don’t be confused, it’s all through the use of hydraulics).  He has gone on not one, not two, but three “Charlie Fantasy Tours”, which include meeting Peter Ostrum, the young boy who starred in the original, and touring the birthplace of Jack Albertson (who played Charlie’s lovable grandfather, “Grandpa Joe”).  The man has gone so far as to found and promote “WonkaCon”, held each November in the Bakersfield Holiday Inn across from the airport, where fans of the movie engage in interactive viewings, book readings, and three full days of costume contests. 

In short, Pat Lilly loves Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Perhaps more than anyone ever.

And, as a result, given Lilly’s performance at home this year, it’s always been a joke among players that Jonas Field is his own personal Chocolate Factory.  And from there, the talk has grown (you may have noted Lilly on the August cover of “Everlasting Gobstopper – The Magazine for and about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Aficionados”). 

Well, in recognition of all Lilly has done – and all he will surely do – the Bakersfield Bears have a surprise in store for Mr. Lilly on Thursday night.  Gene Wilder will don “Willie Wonka” gear for his first “Wonka” public appearance in over 30 years in order to toss out the ceremonial first pitch.  Here’s hoping the evening, and the rest of the post-season, is full of chocolate-y goodness for Lilly, the Bears, and the whole city of Bakersfield.