Dan the Man

So I just got home from Bloomington. Nik and I took a little road trip to the other twin cities to check out the other Cards Caravan at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington. We saw Aaron Miles, Brian Barden, Joe Mather, Scott Cooper, Kerry Robinison, and the event was emceed by Cards broadcaster, Dan McLaughlin.

Here are a few highlights. Nik and I got to check out the competing arena in the area. It is pretty nice, but much smaller than the Assembly Hall. Very intimate, we may have to check out some concerts there. The event was actually down on the ice (obviously they had some flooring material over the ice so there was no slipping and sliding) but is was a little chilly. Unlike Champaign there was an admission charged, but it included a ticket for the prize drawings... once again I didn't win.

Aaron Miles was sporting some very trendy and attractive glasses. He looks way cuter in person, and the glasses really work for him. Brian Barden came up at the end of last season briefly and WOW he is very attractive. Joe Mather is adorable, and very tall. Kerry Robinson recently retired from baseball, and is now working at developing a financial planning business. Tyler Johnson was supposed to be there, but evidently he was feeling a little under the weather.

There was not a huge crowd probably somewhere 300 and 400 people, so once the kids got through the autograph line, they had time to let the adults get autographs as well. First in line was broadcaster, Dan McLaughlin, and he was being very generous and letting folks actually try on his 2006 World Series Championship ring. KUDOS DAN! The ring was fabulous, very large and full of bling. It was definitely a little overwhelming to actually get to wear a championship ring, definitely a highlight. You can tell from the pictures that Nik and I were both VERY excited.

Joe Mather was very nice and chatty and asked me if I was planning on going to some games this season. I said yes, and that we were planning a trip to Spring Training in about six weeks too. Nik added that it was going to be 4 girls in a mini-van and quite the road trip. Joe was amazed that we were driving and asked us how long the trip would be. Brian was amazed that it was four girls and actually asked "Are you sure you won't end up pulling each other's hair out?". We got to check out Aaron Miles' championship ring as well, but he wasn't letting others wear it... I don't blame him, I would definitely share his "you can look, but don't touch" philosphy if I had one myself.

It was a good day, totally worth the trip. Once again, Kudos Dan... you da man!