A new perspective, watching a University of Louisville baseball game from the left field berm. A sunny day, about 60 degrees at the first pitch, Jim Patterson Stadium filling up late for a rivalry game against Kentucky.

The 500th game  at Jim Patterson Stadium since the red ribbon was cut in 2005, the Cardinals entering the game with a 362-103 won-lost record in the facility.

The first really warm day this year, not a cloud in the sky, no chance of rain for a change. So much wet weather lately, the crowd sensing perhaps that maybe, just maybe, that warmer days are ahead. 

The berm area is popular with many UofL students, and a family atmosphere prevails, lots of children. Nearby, kids are rolling up and down the hill beyond the center field fence. Many of the people on hand primarily to socialize and see a little baseball. Fraternities, sororities, athletes, parents, brothers and sisters of athletes, and a smattering of blue fans trying to blend into the field of red clad partisans.

A different crowd from the one in the stands behind home plate. The decibel level at a high level, people soaking in the sun, enjoying non-stop chatter. Pausing momentarily when there’s game action, a couple of fans harassing the UK left fielder, the crowd roaring loudly when Louisville sends runners across the plate.

As nightfall approaches, the temperature dips into the forties again, the Cardinals have doubled the score on the Wildcats, and the crowd dissipates. Attendance announced as 4,278, although it seemed as large or larger than some record crowds at Jim Patterson Stadium.

Some of us, including the Observer, will have moved to the chair backs for the conclusion of the game, largely to escape the non-ceasing wind into the left field area. Louisville will win the game by a score of 8-3, the eighth straight win over UK at home and the 10th in the last 12 games of the rivalry.

Baseball as it should be, UofL winning, defeating UK, on a magical spring day.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.