Baseball in Berkeley: An Eyewitness Account
by John Expat on Mar 8, 2010 11:38 AM CST
in Arkansas Razorback Baseball
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Extensive archival research shows that, until last weekend, the fine city of Berkeley, California had never been treated to the majesty of a Hog call. But, I'm pleased to say that this is no longer the case.
I've been a Bay Area-based Arkansas Expat since the mid-90s (first in San Francisco, then Oakland, now Berkeley), and one of the only significant drawbacks about living here is that it's not the world's easiest place to follow the Hogs. So, even though I've never been much of a college baseball fan, when I realized the Razorbacks would be playing locally I had to check them out.
I went to the game fully expecting to be one of the only people wearing red in the whole place, but was pleasantly surprised to find a very solid contingent of Hog fans waiting there. In fact, I'd guess that a good 25-30% of the people there were on the Arkansas side. It was pretty awesome to see, and even more awesome to hear: as noted above, the sonorous sounds of Woo Pig Sooie rang out loud and clear several times.
As for the game itself, you can probably find better accounts elsewhere. I was chasing around my two small boys for most of the time, and although it was excellent father-son bonding it didn't make for the most blogging-friendly situation. But, I can report that the Hogs are as good as advertised. They jumped on the Bears early and never really looked back, particularly during a big five run 5th inning (the highlight of which was Tim Carver's three run HR - very nice). Fun times.
Besides the home run and Hog calls, the other highlight was that we were able to sit ridiculously close to the Razorback dugout (which was really more of a bench). The Cal stadium is what I'd call pleasantly intimate - definitely not the SEC here, folks - and we were right in the thick of things. After the jump, check out some firsthand photos and videos (including the Hog call!):
Photo slideshow (view the full-size pictures here):
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Salve for the Wounds
After having spent all morning bemoaning the dismal state of Razorback basketball, watching the Hogs being called in Berkeley was pure joy. Thanks, John.
Arkansas Expats: Acting like the Lost Generation since at least 2007.
glad I could help!
I definitely drew the better Expats assignment over the weekend…poor Stephen had to watch and write about the Ole Miss game. I just had to sit in the grass and watch baseball.
Wonderful Account, John.
Good to see that you and Nolan and Eddie (your boys) had a fun time at the old ball park.
thanks!
Young “Nolan and Eddie” ranged from mildly curious about the game to completely disinterested (but we brought toys, so it was ok). But, having them hear their first ever Hog call in person was an important moment!
Great to see this.
Glad you had a good time at the game, John. I’m especially glad that you made it out on Saturday, and not for the egg they laid on Sunday.
It’s about time that Berkeley was graced with a Hog Call.
Good stuff, John
I listened to all three games on the radio and was impressed with how loud and clear I could hear the Hog fans in attendance. Great job by you and the other Bay Area fans to help the Hogs win 2 out of 3!
As you probably have seen, there’s a ton of talent out there. (Recent players Scott Lyons and James McCann are California natives.) I know Coach Van Horn wants to try to make at least one trip a year to the West Coast. I think the plan for next year is to play at USC.
I just wanted to thank you, John Expat, for this information on the baseball game. For those who are interested in a Berkeley perspective on this, you can find it here.
I do not know what a SEC-style baseball stadium is like, but I do enjoy the real intimacy of Evans diamond. You have near unfettered access to the game. Glad to hear you enjoy the game. Go Bears and (when not playing Cal) Go Hogs!
CGB's Jimmy Carter
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
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