CRACK!
THUD…Armond Upshaw’s swing did so errantly knock this ball, unintentionally I am certain, up and over the back of the net, off the glass from one of the Northwestern Medicine Field party suites (I believe) and the crowd fell silent for a moment. Time almost stood still. It wasn’t hot, not like a late July Chicago hot dog sweaty hot, but it was hot in the sun for May, and I mean, we all felt time stand still for a moment there. A young boy and another child were making their way up the aisle at the Kane County Cougars game.
Many had gathered not only to watch the Kane County Cougars play on this fairly breezy Sunday in May 2026, but also to watch the local school band play the National Anthem before the game. I will get there; the ball is still in the air remember? Armond Upshaw’s swing did so errantly knock this ball, unintentionally I am certain, up and over the back of the net, off the glass and of course careening directly towards, yes, you probably have guessed it by now, towards the young boy. The ball seemed to hit him right in the head from where I was sitting, but I honestly could not be certain of that. Whatever occurred, he seemed to take it like a champ, the crowd cheered immediately. The next thing that happened hit me deeply. Chants began “give him the ball,” “GIVE HIM THE BALL.” Even now, through everything we are going through in the world right now…we’re still here. Good to see humanity sometimes.
Why were we there? We had a family member playing the national anthem which I thought was just the absolute coolest thing ever. Being a band Dad (even though this one isn’t mine in particular) I have to say that I am so proud that she went out there on that field and played, and how incredible is it of the Kane County Cougars to have this connection with local schools? I think this is an incredible opportunity and a memory that lasts a lifetime. I did something similar as a kid, and I think these are events that are vital to building community engagement, and revitalizing humanity. Honestly, it’s a big deal playing on a big field like Northwestern Medicine Field.
On the photography side of the story here I am a bit saddened to share that of course being anywhere there are rules. I can only share what my phone could capture as I was unaware how amazing our seats were! Maybe someday I will be able to photograph in this stadium. I guess I may have been able to bring in a small camera, thanks to Rose for the seats, but I did capture some photography it’s just…a moment lost 😉
Until next time. I’ll be on the hill, ears up. – B.
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