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What do you do when it is 16 degrees below zero in Lincoln, Nebraska? How about hop on a plane to Phoenix, Arizona and watch the very first 2025 Nebraska Cornhusker Baseball game! I thought it sounded like a great plan, and when we landed the temperature was a balmy 68 heavenly degrees.
The MLB Desert Invitational kicked off on Friday, Feb 14th, against UC Irvine in the middle of the afternoon with sunny skies and occasional rain. None of that mattered as the Huskers took the field and gave all their efforts to pull out a win. Unfortunately it wasn't in the cards and we lost 10 to 5. It was an exciting game and they played their hearts out. I was surprised at how many Nebraska fans were there to show support. They outnumbered the other fans at least 2 to 1 or more. It was absolutely a sea of red! During the first game, while standing in line for a beer, I overheard the server behind the counter mention that they were running out of beer! She said "I had no idea that Nebraska fans drank so much beer. We are going to need to plan better for the rest of the tournament". I couldn't stop laughing as I turned around and looked at all the folks behind me dressed in Husker red.
The second day we played Vanderbilt on a beautiful, calm, and comfortable evening. After losing the day before, the Huskers weren't having any more of that. The atmosphere was electric and the excitement filled the air. It was an intense matchup inning after inning, and we were leading 6 to 4 when our pitcher, Tucker Timmerman, who hails from Beatrice, Nebraska, took a 104 MPH baseball to the left side of his face and he went down like a sack of potatoes. There was a very loud gasp from the crowd and I started scanning the stadium looking for his mom. I am sure her heart just stopped. He laid motionless for what seemed like an eternity while trainers tried to assist him. Then suddenly he pops up - fist pumping to the fans, blood gushing down his face- and headed to the dugout. There is something to be said about the resilience and determination of a Midwestern boy. After the Huskers won the game, he joined his teammates for a picture and then he was off to get medical treatment. When you go to bed tonight - please keep him in your prayers as it looks like he could have a long road ahead.
The third game was against San Diego State. We had to watch it on our phones as we were headed back to the airport to return home. It ended up with the Huskers winning 13-0. It was a great start to the season and the Huskers look really good going forward.
We did need to eat and do a little celebrating while we were in Scottsdale, so we tried several restaurants and bars. Here is a list of places to try if you are ever in the area.
Old Town Tavern - Open every day from 10:00 am to 12:00 am. I would consider it a dive bar with great live entertainment from local artists. Bands usually start about 3:00 p.m. They are located in the heart of Old Town Square at 7320 E Scottsdale Mall. It is extremely relaxed with a wide variety of beer and liquors. It is definitely where the locals go. They do not serve food and drinks are moderately priced. They boast "Every hour is happy hour".
Clancy's Pub - It is a sister restaurant and bar related to the Omaha, Nebraska Clancy's Pub. The same owners established this bar here at 4132 N. Miller Road and it is considered a "Nebraska Cornhusker watch bar". You can watch all Nebraska sports here on large big screen T.V.s. We actually watched the Husker basketball game here with many loyal Nebraska fans. They are open 7 days a week starting at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sundays, and 9:00 the rest of the week. They don't close until 2:00 a.m. There is a full bar and breakfast, lunch, and dinner is available. Their favorite saying is, "We are here to entertain". They do an excellent job of that and the service was outstanding.
O.H.S.O. Eatery and Distillery - Considered a neighborhood gathering-spot where dogs are welcome. Located at 15681 N. Hayden Road, it was a great spot for breakfast but they serve lunch and dinner as well. With the hard work of three great friends, their vision of having people come together for food, good drinks, and experiences came to fruition. They brew their own beer, but also allow patrons to join in that experience. Food was excellent and I really enjoyed their craft beer. They are open from 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays.
Cien Agaves Tacos and Tequila - This Mexican restaurant is best known for top-shelf tequila and incredible food. They are located at 7228 E 1st Ave and are open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, and serve lunch and dinner. They were voted the "Best Tacos in Scottsdale". Happy hour is from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 7 days a week. I loved the upbeat and friendly atmosphere, the decor, and the openness of the restaurant.
In the true spirit of baseball season, I am headed next week to Frisco, Texas, to watch the Huskers compete in the Frisco College Baseball Classic. I am sure a plethora of Husker fans will be in attendance. When talking about baseball, Hank Aaron said these famous words - "In playing ball, and in life, a person occasionally gets the opportunity to do something great. When that time comes, only two things matter: being prepared to seize the moment and having the courage to take your best swing."
Huskers - Batter Up!
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