Scheduled to Play:
Grand Ole Opry Team
After Midnite with Blair Garner Team
The Co-Hosts were Pete Weber and Steve Wrigley
Arriving early at Greer Stadium the anticipation for the game to start never happened. I could have spent all day watching the celebrities mingle with the fans so anxiously waiting to get up close and personal in such a relaxed atmosphere with their favorites. Most of the celebrities playing that day came out to meet the fans, sign autographs, and pose for pictures with them. Having never been to an event like this, I had no idea what to expect and was very much surprised at the ability to get so close to those that I have admired for so long.
Not being too familiar with Chris Cagle, I was amazed at his willingness to dash back and forth between the fans and the business he had to take care of concerning the games events. Having to leave at one point early on, he promised the disapointed crowd that he would return and sign for all that wanted. Sure enough some 15 minutes later, he came back and thrilled more fans than I could count. His kindness, although all of the celebrities were very giving of their time, stuck out most for me and he has won over a new fan. A true gentleman, and ridiculously funny.
Blake Shelton was also another funny guy. At one point Josh Turner had come over to sign and a fan that couldn't get down to the fence kept calling Josh's name very loudly to get his attention. Blake found this very amusing and tried to help the fan out by screaming, "Josh" at Josh each time the fan did.
Finally the fan got her autograph and all was right with the world. It was hard to believe that a serious game was to take place and truthfully it never did. After the opening ceremonies took place, the game got underway but with so much funny business going on during the game it was very difficult to keep up with the progression of the game. Laughing so hard at times, I had tears in my eyes.
Having won the year before, the After Midnite team was determined to win again this year. Josh Turner and Chris Cagle both scored runs in the bottom of the 3rd to take the lead 3-1. Top of the fourth the announcer had a very important message for everyone and the crowd quieted. Seems as though Two Foot Fred had just saved some money on his car insurance! The crowd roared. The Opry team came back in the fourth scoring 3 unanswered runs in the fourth. At the top of the fifth the score was 4-2, with the Opry on top. The Opry team also scored an additional 5 runs in the top of the fifth, but the After Midnite team wouldn't give up. The bats exploded bottom of the fifth and the bases loaded up with 2 outs and one to go. It looked promising to the Midnite team but with Cowboy Troy's incredible catch of a Chris Cagle long hit fly ball into deep left field, hopes of winning the game were all over, and the final score was 9-2.
Between the water fights with the Nashville Sounds Mascot and Blue County over the dug outs, Blake Shelton pitching in his cowboy boots and Rebecca Lynn Howard batting in bare feet, Cowboy Troy carrying around Two Foot Fred, the dancers rallying the crowd from the top of the dug outs, Blake Shelton losing his mitt and using his hat for a new one, showing off that wonderful head of hair any girl would kill to have, it was hard to keep your eye on the game. Despite the incredible hot, sticky, muggy day, everyone was having and incredible day.
Afterwards with a threatening sky, the celebrities still came back out to fans for autographs and it was a treat to see so many fans meeting their favorites. This was my first time there but I will make sure its at the top of my list the next time I get to attend the Music Fest. A great charity to donate to and the memories will last a lifetime.