A Minor League Surprise

 

When a group of my friends decided to see the Brooklyn Cyclones hosting the Staten Island Yankees, we knew we'd see some future major leaguers. But our biggest surprise came a few hours before the game when someone who could be back in the National League in the next week was announced as Brooklyn's starting pitcher.

Daisuke Matsuzaka, recovering from elbow inflamation, worked the first five innings tonight -- and looked ready to return to the Mets. An impressive line, no runs, seven strikeouts, and just two walks. After escaping a bases loaded situation in the top of the 1st inning, the onetime Red Sox sensation hit his groove -- and wasn't threatened for the rest of his time on the mound. 

 Below, "Dice-K" works from the mound, with the impressively lit parachute jump from Coney Island looming over MCU Park.

What's the most unusual or distinctive ballpark attraction you can think of? You'd be hard-pressed to find anything that tops this one. And beyond left field, it's the world famous amusement park at Coney Island. (Notice the coaster heading straight down from the Thunderbolt ride!!

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