One Memorable Night

By David Montenegro

For some people, dates of events can be easily recalled simply by a word or phrase. For me, when I hear “Thome’s 400th,” I can immediately recall the date of June 14, 2004. While it can be said that Jim Thome becoming just the 37th person to hit 400 homeruns in the majors is memorable enough to justify its importance, the date stands out to me because of the strange journey that I had around Citizens Bank Park on that night.
I remember everything. The anticipation in the air, the buzz going around the stadium, and thoughts of what one might do if they caught the ball. However, what I remember most upon entering CBP that night was the ominous weather overhead. Dark clouds were cluttered across the sky before the sun had even set. As a fan, I just hoped that the game would be able to get in, let alone witness history. I attended the game with my best friend, Dennis, purchasing standing room seats at the gate, and made my way to the famed “Ashburn Alley.” We positioned ourselves on a rail behind the left-center field seating and waited. We were two of over 41,000 that night simply hoping to catch a glimpse of Phillies history.
When Jim Thome came to the plate in the first inning, he received a raucous ovation. He was facing Cincinnati’s starter, Jose Acevedo. From the moment he dug into the box, you could feel the anticipation reach a boiling point. Every pitch lead to a flurry of flashbulbs from the crowd, reminiscent of Mark McGwire’s chase for 62. Thome launched a few foul balls, which sparked gasps of joy from the anxious crowd. Thome worked his way from an 0-2 count back to a full 3-2. Sure enough, the very next pitch after working the count full, Thome sent one into orbit. This time however, it was coming dead towards us in left-center field. The crowd erupted as the ball kept carrying and carrying. Fans were high-fiving before the ball had even landed. When the ball did land, it managed to reach its destination about 4 rows down from the rail where we were standing. Thome had accomplished the feat in his first at-bat of the night, reaching home plate to a standing ovation, excited teammates, and the Phanatic dancing around with a “400” sign.
The night of celebration soon got interesting as, almost immediately after Thome crossed home plate, the ominous sky produced a drenching rain. The tarp was rolled out and fans sought shelter. Luckily for myself and Dennis, a friend of ours was an usher in the “Hall of Fame” luxury seating area. We called her cell phone, asking if there was any way we could seek shelter. Thankfully, she was able to get us in. We endured multiple rain delays, streakers across the field, and thousands of fans giving up and going home. However, this game was going to be completed considering the feat that was accomplished in its first inning.
By the time the game permanently resumed, it was the 6th inning, but it was also about 1am. Reading the paper the next day, I would come to realize that myself and Dennis were two of roughly 180 who were the only remaining fans from the original 41,000. The game continued, but with every last fan there huddled behind the two dugouts. We were now positioned down the third base line, standing right behind the late John Vukovich. Our journey felt complete that night when after a Pat Burrell single, Thome had found a way to the bag at 3rd base. Our section of the small crowd loudly cheered and applauded Thome, to which he turned around, smiled, and waved. The surreal feeling of having such an amazing night end with feeling as if you were at a high school baseball game is the main reason why I will never forget the night of June 14th, 2004.