Just a day removed from the taco debacle everyone was worried about the lingering effects a giant taco might have on Legend Mark Grace. There were some that suggested a giant taco may slow down the already glacially slow Grace causing him to never even leave the starting gates.
There were others who suggested that eating a five-foot dancing taco may actually give Gracie the runs as he made a dash to the finish line before nature called. It was an interesting dilemma and one I was keen on watching.
In the pre-game warm-ups I had to wonder whether Grace was feeling the results of chomping down on a large taco. He was nowhere to be found prior to the game. I made a conscious effort to check all of the men’s rooms on the Chase Field concourse.
Just a little word of advice, I don’t recommend walking into filled a filled men’s room peeking into stalls and when asked explain you are just looking for a guy with a giant foam head. I think Chase Field Security has a special list they put you on for that.
As the game progressed, I kept a close eye on the San Diego Padres bullpen in hopes of seeing Grace’s smiling head in the shadows waiting for the race to start. I have to admit, I was more than a little nervous.
At the conclusion of the fifth inning the Chase Field sound system came alive with trumpet music signifying the start of the Legend’s Race. I leapt to my feet as I saw Grace rush out of the bullpen with an early lead.
Well maybe that theory about “running” from the tacos had merit. With every stride Grace was putting distance between him and the other racers. I was yelling at the top of my lungs rooting for Grace to get his first victory of the season.
I turned to my wife and exclaimed, “He’s going to do it, he’s actually going to win!” I was expecting her to be just as excited as I was. Instead her smiling face turned to a frown as she pointed towards home plate.
I turned around just in time to see Grace come to a complete stop just a few feet from the finish line. Instead of running through the checkered flag, Grace stopped as he spotted several Arizona State University cheerleaders who were on the field to root for the Legends.
The other Legends ran past as Grace posed for pictures with the cheerleaders, his big foam head smiling for the cameras as he had his arms around several of the girls. Oh to come so close only to lose.
Well you have to give Grace credit; he had plenty of hometown spirit. The last time I saw Grace he was walking up the concourse with three or four cheerleaders. I guess there are worse ways to lose. The streak continues to 0-32.
I think you should give grace a little more credit for hittin on the ladies. Even real grace was pround of big head grace for doing his part as ambassador of the team. I know your married and all but I know as a man a little glimmer of happiness came over you. I continue to enjoy your site though.