Lots to do before championship day

It was quite a Sunday in Phoenix as record crowds descended into downtown this afternoon and this evening to watch baseball, a free concert, enter the fan fest, and march in a gay rights parade.

First, my event, baseball. Opening Day and a sellout crowd of over 49,000 to see the Diamondbacks take on the Giants. On paper, what a pitching matchup. For the Giants, the second-best pitcher in the National League and the best home run-hitting pitcher in all of baseball, Madison Bumgarner, took on overpriced former Dodger (glad he left) Zack Greinke.

Greinke lasted five innings and gave up only two runs, one of which was a Bumgarner home run, but Bumgarner pitched perfect ball for five innings. In the sixth, however, Bumgarner gave up three runs, and what followed thereafter was some of the worst individual relief pitching (OK, great clutch hitting) you will ever see. A collection of relief pitchers for both teams could not keep the opponent from scoring, and thankfully for the Diamondback fans, and I know to the dismay of the Giant fans, San Francisco’s $6 million recent acquisition, Mark Melancon, could not hold a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth as the Diamondbacks scored a two runs to win 6-5. If you are Dodger fan, like I am, it was great to see the impact to both teams’ relief pitchers’ ERA. And, oh by the way, Bumgarner hit a second home run. He leads the league.

For the tens of thousands who closed Phoenix’s downtown concert venue five hours before the headliners arrived, it was a concert they will not soon forget. Blink 182, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and Aerosmith (are they still alive? Yes I know Steven Tyler lives part time on Maui) were the headliners. Lots of unhappy folks who arrived hours early just to be told sorry, no room. Amazing what free will do.

As usual, there was this year’s fan fest at the Convention Center. A collection of booths, games, speakers and autographs that draws many thousands every year. For the kids it’s a great event as many coaches, former college players, and even a few former NBA players are available to meet and greet. There are indoor basketball games and lots of prizes to be won.

Last, but certainly not least, it was time for the 36th Annual LGBTQ festival and parade. Not sure if the NCAA sanctioned the event, but it also drew large crowds.

Tomorrow should be one of the great finals in NCAA basketball history. Two very good teams with similar playing styles. For one of the few times this season, both teams will face solid inside games and whoever wins the rebounding battle should prevail. As many of you know, I love the Tar Heels. I am fortunate to have known Coach (Roy) Williams for over 30 years, and when the Tar Heels played the ‘Bows in November, he made the time and commitment to lend his appearance to a very successful Coaches Against Cancer event for Eran Ganot. And after what happened last year when Villanova made the miracle 3-pointer to steal the victory, it would be poetic justice for the Tar Heels to win this one. But Gonzaga has been playing at such a high and consistent level I don’t think they will be denied. Carolina has been somewhat inconsistent offensively. I am sure the country is rooting for Gonzaga. Nobody outside of North Carolina likes the Tar Heels (it’s the Yankees and Patriots syndrome). My heart is with the Heels, but my brain tells me it will be the Bulldogs who cap off an almost perfect season with a very hard-fought win.

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