@ACCBaseball

The ACC Baseball Championship is underway in downtown Durham - the event's home for the next four years. We gladly share our southern hospitality (in return for $16 million in economic impact) as we welcome college baseball fans from Louisville, Miami, Notre Dame, Florida State, Clemson, NC State, UVA and UNC. (Va Tech and Ga Tech bowed out today in the play-in round.)

We confess to shameless home-town bias, but Durham and the DBAP seem to be natural homes for the tournament. 
Read today's Herald-Sun editorial and story.

Here's an indispensable link to the tournament bracket. And you don't have to be a baseball fan to join us for "free stuff" - Wednesday's WRAL hot air balloon exhibition in Diamond View Park and the Friday-Saturday FanFest on Blackwell Street.

Take Your Grandchild to Work Day

He wasn't intimidated by the crowd and commotion. He seemed to notice the crack of the bat. He preferred section 200 to the VIP club. He was enthralled by the cup holder on his seat. The fountain on our entry plaza was most enticing. 

That's the summary of my grandson's Saturday outing to his first Durham Bulls game. It was a big day for our family!

The grand finale for 9.5 month old Miles was an encounter with Wool E. Bull. There were no signs of the dreaded childhood scourge known as mascot anxiety. Wool E. cordially extended his hoof; Miles confidently reached for his muzzle. A friendship was born. Hopefully, Miles will develop an affection for the National Pastime. That may take a few more years, but at least we're off to a good start with Wool E. Bull!

New ballpark dress code: Cap & Gown

We hosted Duke University's Commencement last Sunday. Traditionally, it's held in Duke's football stadium, but extensive renovations are underway there. So, we welcomed over 15,000 grads, family and faculty on a misty Mother's Day morning. I'm thankful that we dodged a downpour. Heavy rain would have wreaked havoc on the turf. (Always worrying about the grass!)

Befitting Duke's world class reputation, this event is meticulously planned and organized. Of course, they've had considerable practice. This was #163. I hope some of their attention to detail rubbed off on us. And I've dropped the hint that our head groundskeeper, Scott Strickland, should be considered for an honorary degree in logistics.

...but they ignored my suggestion that we hawk hot dogs, beer and peanuts. I struggle with the concept of pomp and circumstance.

Seriously, it was the Durham Bulls great privilege to have Duke University in our house...en masse.

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