2001-Brews and Blues

July 13 thru July 15, 2001

7/13 - Twins vs Brewers - 3-6 - Box Score
7/14 - White Sox vs Cubs - 3-1 - Box Score
7/15 - Royals vs Cubs - 2-1 - Box Score

This is where it all began. And really, what better place to start than the beginning?

Though none of us knew it at the time, the BO (that’s "Baseball Odyssey" for the uninitiated) officially kicked off in 2001—specifically, July 13th, 14th, and 15th. It was a modest start: just four of us made the trip—Rick Jackson, Doug Christianson, William Jacobsen, and yours truly.

The opening game took place at Miller Park, where the Brewers hosted the Twins. The Brewers pulled out the win, and Brad Radke, who was actually having a solid season, took the loss for Minnesota. But honestly, the game wasn’t the most memorable part.

That honor goes to the trio seated in front of us from Stillwater, Minnesota—a dad and his two sons who all worked at the local prison. Three of the most ferocious, unhinged baseball fans I’ve ever encountered. From Minnesota. In enemy territory. The father kept chanting “DEV-O!” at Devon White, the Brewers’ center fielder, like it was a punk rock concert instead of a baseball game. And the in-fighting! Dad had the audacity to drink a wine cooler, and the other two wouldn’t let him live it down. It was like a live episode of the Jerry Springer Show.

The next two days took us to Wrigley Field. July 14th: Cubs vs. White Sox, the classic crosstown clash. July 15th: Cubs vs. Royals. It was my first time at Wrigley—and what an introduction. Ivy, old-school charm, overpriced beer. Oh, and Sammy Sosa was there too, casually cranking his way toward a totally legitimate 64-home-run season. (Nothing to see here, folks.)

And just like that, the BO was born.

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