Day 13: Cuba vs Japan

During the day, Corrie, Neil, Fabrizio and I went to see Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world. In some regards, it does (or did) hold the record. It has all kinds of shopping on the lower floors (very upscale) and actual office space toward the very top. We traveled via the world's fastest elevator up to the the observation deck. This floor was indoors, but windows looked out over all four sides of the city. It was quite a spectacular view. There was an audio tour, in which you moved around the floor, trying to find the points of interest out the windows while they were described on the audio that you listened to via a portable telephone. I thought this might be a good time for me to practice my photography skills. Of course, I left the memory card back at the hotel. We briefly looked for a card in the 101, but were unable to find my type, and I didn't want to hold up the group for long. I did take video of the building from the outside, and from the observation deck. There was a floor where you could go outside, which we did, but the view was not as good due to the protective construction around the outside. We returned to the hotel after doing this sight-seeing.

The Cuba vs Japan game went extremely well. I felt very comfortable throughout. The Cuba pitcher was a big left-handed kid who threw in the 90's. I believe someone said he was only 19 years old. He dominated the Japan hitters most of the time. It didn't hurt that he was occasionally wild. One Japanese hitter took one right in the head and had blood coming out of his ear. Cuba got off to a 3-0 lead. A triple just inside the bag at first brought home Japan's first run. The Cuban pitcher ended up going 8 solid innings. The final score of the game was Cuba 5, Japan 3.

Apparently there was more at stake with this assignment than I was aware of. Because of the fact that there are umpires from all over the world, and because Runch is from the United States, everything he does is under the microscope. The other members of the committee must have initially not wanted me on this game, and must have been very vocal, because Runch appeared quite relieved and happy things went as well as they did. As i said, I felt real comfortable and both catchers worked with me real well. Upon our return to the hotel after the game, we had a short meeting. Runch distributed a baseball for each of us and gave us our assignments for the final day. I will be working the Japan vs Netherlands game. That game will decide third place, and should be a good one. I have been very happy with my assignments throughout the tournament. It feels good to be one of Runch's trusted guys.

Following the meeting, the usual suspects went to the Brass Monkey, which is the local watering hole the Taipei crew found. Natalia, one of the tournament volunteers, came with us. She's doing her graduate work in Spanish at the university in Taichung (just like Johnny, but she's a couple years ahead of him). The majority of the people at the bar were engrossed in the soccer game and appeared to be rooting for Italy. We did not stay out too late, as things are going to start moving fast as we get to the end of the tournament and prepare to head back home. The games start early: 9:00 AM for 7th and 8th place (Chinese Taipei vs Mexico), our game is at 10:00 AM, the Australia vs Korea game is at 1:00 PM (5th and 6th place) and then Cuba and USA are in the championship game at 4:30 PM. For some reason, we have to be at the stadium in uniform for the closing ceremonies. Gotta get to bed.