On August 21st 2017, in the small city of Keizer, Oregon,
America’s national pastime experienced a game interruption
of literally cosmic proportions. “That was the craziest thing
I've ever seen." " That was amazing, That was absolutely
amazing. I’m at a loss for words."
On this day, the moon blocked out the sun, creating
the first total solar eclipse to cross the entire US in nearly a
century. This was also the first “Eclipse Delay” professional
baseball has ever seen.
[Announcer: "And it looks like we're going to go into the delay.
Get ready folks."]"Solar Eclipse delay at Volcanoes Stadium!"
[crowd cheering]
None of these events happened by chance however.
While the forces of the universe were already set to
provide the main attraction, this unique viewing experience
was the product of great teamwork by the Salem-Keizer
Volcanoes Minor League Baseball team and NASA’s Lunar
Reconnaissance Orbiter mission. Over the course of a four-day
home series, representatives from NASA Goddard and LRO set up
shop in Volcanoes Stadium. There were on-the-field science
presentations, NASA videos playing on the jumbotron, and a
variety of learning opportunities taking place in
booths on the concourse, creating one of the most unique
science-sporting events in the country. Noah Petro, the Deputy
Project Scientist for LRO, even got to fulfill a childhood dream
by throwing out the ceremonial pitch. If you were a fan of
baseball, lunar science, or just eager to have a clear view of a
total solar eclipse this was the place to be. "What are you
looking forward to today? Is there something you're really
excitied about seeing?" "I definitely want to see
the corona and I'm looking forward to totality."
"What made you decide to come to the Volcanoes stadium today
for the eclipse?" "Well I really want to see the eclipse
and I also love baseball, so it's kinda a two-in-one."
And on August 21st, after the top of the first inning,
the moon and the sun did not disappoint.
[Announcer: "Take off your glasses!"]
[cheers and screams]
After totality had passed over the park, Noah tossed a ball all
the way across the country to a similar event
being held at the Charleston Riverdogs stadium – creating
what could be described as a “transcontinental eclipse
double-header.” [Jumbotron: "Great throw Noah!"]
And while eclipse onlookers got great views of this rare event
from the ground, the LRO spacecraft
took a picture from space that day – showcasing an incredible
view of the moon’s shadow on the Earth. For both spectators and
scientists alike, this total solar eclipse event was not just
a hit, but a grand slam homerun.
[Singing: "Take me out to the ball game,
take me out to the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack
I don't care if I ever get back, so it's root, root, root
for Volcanoes - if they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes you're out
at the old ball game!"]