I've had a few friends ask me recently if I was ready for the season to be over?...If I was prepared for the end of being a beer man.
This took me by surprise.
Am I a beer man for the Cubs or something? If so, I would know my job as a beer man would be over the last day of the regular season...but last time I checked, I work at Busch Stadium! We're in 1st place in the NLCD and that means playoffs. Not to get ahead of myself...but we just pulled ahead of the Cubs by 7 games last night. Playoffs? Me thinks so!
I mean, I guess it is already nearing the end of September and there is just a little over a month left of the regular season...but we are sitting in an amazing spot to be in the PLAYOFFS!!!!
When I first started this season, I knew that the All-Star Game was well worth working at the stadium. Shortly after the All-Star break, I felt like something wasn't the same...I didn't feel as excited to go to work at the stadium...I lost my passion...
Wait...a beer man who has passion for his job?
You better believe it. There's something about going to the stadium and being surrounded by the smells and the sounds of the game. You know what I'm talking about. Seeing a team in a city with deep roots in the American tradition of baseball. I love it! I LOVE MY JOB!
As for being finished after this season...HA! I mean, hopefully I'll have a full-time job by the beginning of the 2010 season and have no need to work as a beer man...BUT...as long as my job schedule would allow for it, I have full intentions of at least working Friday and Saturday games through next season. Why not?!?!? It'd be easy extra money. I use the term "easy" lightly...because of the actual physical labor that is involved with the job. As long as I live in the STL area, I have full intentions of continuing this job...I love it!
The only problem I currently have is not knowing what days we'll be playing in October. Yes, they have the general dates of each playoff round, but not sure when those games will be at Busch...
Friday, August 21, 2009
The end is near!?!?!....
Friday, July 17, 2009
Photos from the All-Star Game & meeting Ryan Franklin
Here are a few pictures that I took before the All-Star Game. Enjoy.
On a side note - I met Ryan Franklin tonight. I went out with a few friends tonight to go play some putt-putt golf and hit some balls in the batting cage down in Fenton. While we were going to start on the front 9...we thought we saw a guy who looked just like Ryan Franklin...I thought his goatee was a bit shorter looking than Franklin's...Then an employee saw us looking and told us, "yep, that's him." He was with his wife and 3 kids playing on some go karts and in the batting cages. It was funny, cause it's not like he ever really needs to take an at-bat....but he was bunting about 75% of the balls in the cage. Then as we walked over to the cages, we walked about 2 feet away from him. We didn't say anything to him, cause honestly, we were sure he probably got bothered enough and he just wanted to spend time with his family. Well, a little while later we saw him and his family leave. Shortly there after, we left...I had noticed an Escalade in the parking lot just sitting there with it's lights on...I mentioned to my buddy that I thought it was him and his family.
So we left and after a tough decision between Sonic and BWW's, Jeremy made the decision and we went to BWW's to grab some wings. After getting our order placed, the waiter came back to our table and told us that we were eating with a celebrity. We saw that Franklin and his family came in and sat down about 4 tables away from us. That's when about a dozen people or so came over from the bar area to shake his hand, congratulate him and get autographs. We were kind of getting ticked at them for bothering the guy...I mean, crap, he just wanted to enjoy some time w/ his family. So eventually people left him alone. On our way out though, we decided, we'd at least tell him congrats and not really bother him, but still let him know we knew who he was...So we told him congrats on the All-Star Game and he just nodded his head and said thanks as he had a mouth full of food. I wanted to slip a picture of him w/ my phone, but figured it wasn't the right time to do something like that. It was pretty awesome to see him out with his family and interacting with his wife and kids...you just don't get to see that side of Athletes. My respect has grown for him even more as a family man off the field.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Day 40 - The All-Star Game
**Editor's Note** (This is part 3 of a 3 part blog covering the 3 events this beer man will be working at during the All-Star break)
***I have pictures of the events that took place during the All-Star Game that I have yet to upload. I plan to have them uploaded on here in the next few days.
To start off the day, I had to park in a different garage. The garage I usually park in was full...was I surprised? No. It was the fricken day of the All-Star Game. So I parked in the Macy's garage since we could use our parking passes there for the All-Star events....so I only spent $6.50 instead of $15 on parking that the Macy's garage was charging.
I was worried about making it into the stadium on time since the Red Carpet Parade was going on when I got downtown. I didn't know how I was going to get across Market Street to get to the stadium in time...and then to stand in line to get through the security/secret service. My luck would have it that the parade ended just as I was getting up to the corner of Broadway and Market. So I made it across the red carpet and headed to Gate 6. Gate 6 was the only gate Sports Services employees could go through. I saw the long line and decided that I would try my luck of jumping the line and going through. I walked straight up to the security and they let me in after going through the metal detector. I guess they hadn't officially opened the gates to fans. The guard went through every single zipper on my backpack. I was asked to turn my phone and camera on to show them that were actually what they looked like...an iPhone and a camera...As I entered through the gate, there were numerous secret service men standing there as well as a few drug dogs there to help sniff people out.
While waiting for the game to start, the beer men in commissary 240 were looking down at the field and all of the commotion going on throughout the stadium from the top of section 240. That's when one of the beer men noticed the snipers on the roofs. With Obama coming to throw the first pitch, there was so much security. There were 2 snipers at each of the three locations on the top of the roof above sections 370, 430, and 450. It was awesome and crazy to see at the same time.
I started to go out and sell about 2 hours before the game was supposed to start. I made a few sales...but nothing too amazing...I had a case sold before the line up was announced. But a story I want to share is about someone I met. I didn't get the guys name...but he had on a very very very large ring on his finger. Let's just say it was a Super Bowl ring. It was large! I could see the Super Bowl trophy on the top of the ring with shinny gems around it and I could tell that it said 197-. I couldn't tell what the last digit was, but it was from the 1970's. The guy was probably in his late 50's....so it's not like I could card him to find out who he was...but I was in a state of shock and awe of this dude and his ring that I just froze. He told me to be sure to visit frequently with cold beer. I went back to that section several times and he never needed a beer whenever I came back. He was with a few other guys who just shunned me away when I came back with more beer....
Before the game even started...there was the opening ceremonies...almost like the Olympics Opening Ceremonies...ok, but on a slightly smaller scale. After I sold through my first case of beer, I loaded back up and stood between section 249 and 250. There were so many people standing in between the sections...the supervisory for my commissary was standing there next to me and she saw me trying to take pictures. She came over to me and told me to take my beer tub down the steps and then sit on it at the front row of the section and take pictures. So I did just that.
I was able to take numerous pictures of the announcing of the line up and seeing Sheryl Crow sing the National Anthem. It was amazing to see the standing ovation that Albert got when he was announced. When the video of the 5 Presidents was played...Obama did get booed...while the other 4 presidents got very loud cheers. George W. Bush with the loudest cheers...which was rather odd in my opinion. There was even a mixture of cheering and booing when Obama came out for the first pitch. When this was brought up in the commissary between the beer men when we were checking out...a flood of debates flared up between Democrats and Republicans and who screwed up the most in the past as President...blah blah blah...all I know is the truth is that Obama got booed...and Bush got loud cheers...it was just crazy....I didn't cheer for any of them honestly.
After the National Anthem was sang, an amazing event occurred...a stealth bomber flew over the stadium...it looked so huge compared to the pics I got. It looked so close to the stadium when it flew over. It was amazing!
It was then that the usher at the end of the steps i was standing next to told me to make my way back up the steps... I couldn't believe this crap...I was out of everyone's way and doing no harm to anyone. So I went up to the top of the steps and just stood on the top of the case of beer in my beer tub to get a better view of the field over the people standing in front of me. I got a few pictures of Obama taking the mound for the first pitch. I saw the replay on Sports Center and I think that for Obama being as ripped as he has been portrayed in photos, that was a weak pitch to Albert.
I didn't see a single beer man moving through any aisle while the opening ceremonies were taking place. It was quite the site to see...so many people packed into the stadium and no one moved or did anything besides stand and cheer during the half hour before the game started.
Once the opening ceremonies concluded, it was on like donkey kong...I sold my second case of beer in a matter of minutes...and then it was like pulling teeth to sell anything for the next hour. But after making one sale in this one section to this grandpa (I say that cause he was talking to me about his grandsons sitting next to him) he bought a Bud Light from me. I walked to the end of the steps and while I was looking back up, I saw the grandpa about 3/4 of the way up the section and he looked down to one of his grandsons...probably the youngest of the 3 grandsons...I'd say about 5 years old, and gave him a drink of beer from the bottle. I was shocked. I started to make my way up to report him when he already made his way out of the section. I told an usher and left it for him to deal with. I hear numerous people near him yell at him and he just chuckled and asked his grandson if he liked it and he said yes...
This next story is rather amazing!!! I was on my way up the steps of one section when this guy motioned for 2 beers. I recognized the two gentlemen sitting there from standing around behind section 250 for the first inning or two...so I imagined they had standing room only tickets. Anyways....as I made my way over, I noticed that one guy had a Royals jersey on and was sleeping! I'm not joking, the guy had his eyes closed! So maybe he was praying...I'm not sure, but he had his eyes closed! When his buddy asked him what kind of beer he wanted he quickly woke up and looked around...
That's when I had the most amazing conversation with this gentlemen in the Royals jersey. He asked me if I was a NASCAR driver too. I looked at him and was confused as every. I told him no. He replied, "well you wear the same gloves as them NASCAR drivers"
I told him that I had them to help me get a better grip on my beer tub.
"So is this a summer job?"
"No...this is kind of actually my job right now" I said.
"Oh? well what do you do?"
I told him how I am a graphic designer and was laid off from my job and was finishing up a contract job that ended this Friday.
He went on to tell me that I had an amazing job to get my by in the mean-time and then told me how his wife works for a promotional company and they are always looking for graphic designers...and then asked me if I had a card on me.
"No, but I can email" I said as I pulled out my iPhone.
"Do that. Send me your contact info. Be sure to remind me that you were the beer man at the All-Star Game...and I'll see what myself or my wife can do for you."
So I got his email address and am sending him an email as soon as this blog is completed.
That'd be pretty sweet to possibly get a job from simply talking to someone while being a beer man...but then again, he did have a Royals jersey on and was sort of sleeping...THROUGH THE ALL-STAR GAME!!!!
This next story is just down right hilarious...well, I was simply quick witted and shut a fan up pretty quick. I was making a sale to lady who looked rather young for her age, so I carded her and she was actually 25 and was buying 2 beers from me. I carded her. As I was about to open the first beer a man behind me yelled, "hey, beer man!" So I turned around, thinking I was going to make another sale before the end of the inning and the guy yelled to me, "Is she even old enough to be buying those beers from you?" I said, "Yeah, she is. I carded her." I went back to finishing the sale with the young lady and heard the same guy yell again, "Hey beer man!" I turned back towards him and he yelled, "are you sure? because she doesn't even look old enough!" I quickly yelled back to him, "Well neither do I!" He just looked back at me slightly puzzled and turned back around.
Overall, it was an awesome night! I didn't sell as much as I had hoped for, but 4 cases wasn't too bad either. I was honestly hoping to sell at least 5...but for some reason, people weren't drinking that quick after the game was half-way through...and it didn't help that the game went by quickly.
On my way back to my car, I was kicking myself in the butt for not trying to get one of the seat cushions that was placed on every single seat in the stadium. It was a promotion by State Farm, but looked really sweet and had the All-Star logo on it. I was wanting one really bad...So I asked a guy that was walking in front of me that had 3 seat cushions if he was needing all 3 of them or was willing to get rid of one of them. He looked back at me and said, "Yeah, I need them" and him and his buddy turned and went a different direction from where I was walking. The tone in his voice was as if I was someone trying to scam him or was about to mug him...I couldn't believe it...I asked politely...oh well...better luck next time i guess...
I still can't believe that I was blessed and fortunate enough to be a part of something so amazing as the All-Star Game. I am so blessed to have been laid off from that job I had nearly a year ago. I just can't wait to see what other doors open up!
Be sure to check back here in the next few days for photos I took of the All-Star Game.
Totals thus far:
65 Bags of Cracker Jacks
80 Bottles of Water
158 Bags of Peanuts
2221 Bottles of Beer
Monday, July 13, 2009
Day 39 - Home Run Derby
**Editor's Note** (This is part 2 of a 3 part blog covering the 3 events this beer man will be working at during the All-Star break)
I can't believe it. I got paid to see something so amazing! It's still really surreal. The fact that I'm watching Sports Center right now and the HR Derby is the only thing they are really talking about...that's just cool.
I have a flood of memories going through my head from tonight and I'll do my best to fit them in here tactfully.
I drove downtown a bit early just to enjoy the surroundings and to be sure I made it to the stadium on time. While walking through Kiener Plaza, I was surrounded by people. It was awesome! Felt like what the downtown of a city should feel like on a regular basis.
I enjoyed my walk to the stadium and seeing how much the city had transformed into a media circus for the next few days.
I decided to go out w/ my beer and peanuts early tonight to try and make up for the pitiful night last night...It was still rough honestly selling beer till about 5:30...so many people were down next to the field...but event he people who were already in their seats weren't wanting any beer yet...
So I did what everyone else was doing. I watched. I stood around for about 45 minutes watching the National and American Leagues take bp. I would still ask people walking past me if they wanted some beer...but I took it easy cause I knew it was going to be a long night.
I got a good chuckle when they announced the mascots that are in the MLB...of course the place went crazy when Fred Bird was introduced. The crowd was mostly Cardinal fans...which was just awesome...but the place went crazy when they would ask people to 'thank' STL and Busch Stadium for hosting.
I met the owner of the St. Louis Cardinal's brother. He was in the first row of section 253. He told me about watching the Cardinals at Sportsman Park and how his grandpa had owned the Cardinals from the '20s-'50s. As a season ticket holder, he told me that even though his brother owns the Cardinals, he still makes him pay for his tickets.
Nikko Smith performed the National Anthem. An amazing voice on that kid. Then there were a couple of jets that flew over the stadium after the national anthem...it was so amazing! Not to mention, seeing his father, yes, the Ozzie Smith, throw out the first pitch of the night. I also got to see David Cook perform a few songs. It was pretty amazing to get to see the performances by both artists. The picture to the right is from my phone of David Cook's performance.
I also met Lee Smith at the game tonight. He was sitting in the top row of a section I was selling beer in. I noticed several people talking to him and I asked an usher what the deal was and so after I found out who he was, I met him. If you don't know who I'm talking about, click on the link on his name.
I had several people ask me if I was enjoying myself tonight. Does a beer crap in the woods? Is the Pope Catholic? I had an amazing time. I'll be honest though, I got tired real quickly through the night. That tub of beer got pretty heavy as the night went on...and it's not like I wasn't selling anything...it was just a long night.
When Albert came up to bat, I sat my tub down behind section 250 and watched what I anticipated to be much more of an amazing show that what actually took place. Personally, I think it was all of the media that was already picking Pujols to win it and that pressure just got to him...just my opinion...It looked like hundreds of strobe lights were placed throughout the stadium...so many camera flashes were going off when Albert came up to bat. It was such an amazing site to see.
It was amazing to hear the crowd when Albert was first announced...when they were announcing all 8 of the hitters for the night. The roar of the crowd was so loud. (how loud was it?) It was so loud that I couldn't hear the PA announcer or could I hear anything at all. It was by far the loudest I have ever heard the crowd at Busch Stadium...and I've witnessed some amazing games and some amazingly loud crowds...simply amazing!
As for selling beer tonight...I had a guy ask me how much a case of beer would cost at the stadium. I told him $210 (since the price of beer is $8.75)...He looked back at me as if he was thinking. His buddy next to him looked at him, then at me, then back to him and yelled a concerned "no!" His buddy was asking me to bring them a full case of beer on ice. I told him I couldn't do that because I could only sell 2 beers per person per transaction. He was obviously a bit toasted already and asked the question over again. His friend next to him just sat him down and asked me to go away before he tried buying the rest of my case of beer....
With last call starting about 9:10 and check-out time at 9:30...I was able to watch the final round of the HR Derby. I tried to find a spot to watch, but after fighting through the crowd, I decided to head home so I wouldn't be fighting the crowd on my way home. I actually did have a spot where I was standing next to an usher and then another usher came over and told me I couldn't stand there. I decided that it was then that I'd go home.
And now here I sit...still surreal feeling...I plan to take my camera and have it with me throughout the All-Star game tomorrow night. I can't wait!
Remember to check back here tomorrow night for part 3 of this 3 part blog coverage of the All-Star activities!
Totals thus far:
65 Bags of Cracker Jacks
80 Bottles of Water
156 Bags of Peanuts
2125 Bottles of Beer
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Day 38 - All-Star Future's Game
**Editor's Note** (This is part 1 of a 3 part blag covering the 3 events this beer man will be working)
After a very easy drive downtown without hardly any traffic like I thought there would be, I pull into my usual parking garage on 7th & Pine. It was a much older lady collecting money today. She looked at me...did a double take...and then asked me if I had a brother. I don't. I was confused by her asking me this...I told her no. She looked at me and said, "are you sure?" I laughed to myself and told her I had a sister and that was it. She went on to tell me that there was a guy who just went up into the garage who looked like he was my twin. I just responded with a "ah" and gave her my money. She handed me my parking pass and told me to watch out for myself up there. Never a dull moment parking in that garage.
I started to walk towards the stadium. There was a vibe in the air throughout downtown. It was like something I had never experienced before. Seeing everything decked out with All-Star decor and the crowded streets was amazing!
If you haven't had a chance to walk through Kiener Plaza and the area where the old Busch Stadium used to be, it's a must see area! Amazing stuff! I can't even begin to describe it all...
After getting changed into my uniform, I made my way up near commissary 240 and had glanced over to see this amazingness. The design in the grass. I've never seen a stadium's grass look so amazing!
I made it into the commissary where guys were discussing how bad they thought it was gonna rain. I checked the radar on my iPhone and saw that it was inevitable, we would face a rain delay.
I didn't think it would turn out to be a 4 hour rain delay!
I don't even think they got all of the way through the first inning...
Selling beer isn't even something i care to discuss. It was so awful. I didn't even make enough commission to cover my parking...and I park in a $5 garage....Only one guy in our commissary started to sell into his second case. I think they anticipated more people to show up to the game. The cost of beer was also raised during the All-Star activities....$8.75 for a 16oz bottle of an all-star brewski.
With the rain delay, most beer vendors were waiting around to see when we were able to check out. We were originally told we were able to start selling at noon and had to be done at 5:30. Just as the grounds crew was removing the tarp, ...around 5 we were all told we had to check out. I kept flirting with the idea of staying and watching the game and for the Celebrity Softball game...but carrying a full beer tub around for nearly 5 hours was exhausting and I honest would have rather of saved my energy for a much more busier two days ahead of me.
I'm kicking myself for not sticking around. I watched most of the All-Star Future's Game at home on ESPN 2 and what an exciting game! I also learned that the Celebrity Softball Game will be televised after the Home Run Derby on Monday night...so I feel good about getting to watch that!
Totals thus far:
65 Bags of Cracker Jacks
80 Bottles of Water
151 Bags of Peanuts
2053 Bottles of Beer
(no typo in those beer totals. I only sold 2 beers today...one guy didn't sell a beer...most of the guys sold about 12 beers...rough day)
Check back for pt. 2 late tomorrow night after the Home Run Derby for a full report of experiencing something amazing!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Ooooh, We're Half Way There...Oooh Oooh, Livin' On A Prayer!
Now that Bon Jovi is stuck in your head and your doing the air guitar...or maybe that's just me, I'm gonna take a look back at the first half of the 2009 MLB Beer Man Season.
First of all, I want to apologize for my rant in my previous blog entry. I obviously need to take a much more humble approach in this job. I'm blessed with even having a job...actually 2 jobs (a contract job at Wachovia/Wells Fargo, that ends next Friday...and the part-time beer man gig). Honestly, I thought being half-way through the season, I would have landed a full-time job and wouldn't be able to work as a beer man...I'm still praying a full-time job comes along soon...
So here I am. The season will officially be half way over on Tuesday night. It's actually already half way over as far as home games for the Cardinals go...so as a beer man, I'm half way there...yes, livin' on a prayer that the season last through the end of October....well, we're in a better spot than the rest of the NLCD right now...
Now for a few thoughts/stories to share -
I've had something on my mind that I wanted to share for quite awhile with you...
I find it down right hilarious when I see fans talking on their cell phones...you're at a baseball game! You paid good money to sit in these seats...to talk on your cell phone? I can sit at home in much more comfortable attire and talk on my cell phone and save myself the $80 for a ticket to sit in the Red Bird Club sections...you're at the baseball game!!! Now I know, some people are calling to find a friend in the stadium, but honestly, what could be more important than watching whats going on in front of you?
Now for where I get my kicks out of this...I LOVE to yell my beer call when I see someone on their phone that is near me. I don't directly yell towards them, but I yell out and project my voice into the area. I think it's hilarious when they then take their other hand and protect their other ear...and most of the time people are having to tell the person on the other end that they are at the ball game...No I'm sure some of you are thinking how that is just down right rude...I still have to hawk and yell my beer call...I can't whisper it every time I see a cell phone being raised up to someone's ear...So I help remind the phonetards (yes, I just combined phone & tard) they are there for an enjoyable baseball game!
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When the news came out this past week that there were over 1 million iPhone 3Gs' sold, I wasn't surprised...not that I don't already see enough people talking on their cell phones during the game...but I see TONS of people on their iPhone throughout the game.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that I could go down every single section and see at least 5-10 iPhones. Several people look like they are actually doing some form of work on there...lots of people are emailing...and over 75% of them are texting!
It's crazy to realize how many people have them and what they are using it for. I know when the 3Gs first came out, I saw people with them at the game that same day they came out. It allowed me to strike up a conversation with them...but then they looked at me as if I was a crazy person for talking to them about their phone and if they like the 3.0 OS. Oh well...
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Other things I've learned while being a beer man so far this season (and I have blogged on here about the majority of these topics at some point) -
-there are only a few pairs of boxer-briefs that cooperate well when walking up and down so many steps...i won't go any farther than that...
-more people drink Bud Light than any other beer at Busch Stadium
-knee pads smell like death after working a few weeks and not washing them
-as soon as the temp is over 65, clothing tends to become optional for woman...not cool
-cougars run rampid and are on the prowl at baseball games
-I have beautiful calves according to a slightly intoxicated female at one of the games
-the parking garage attendant in the garage on 7th & Pine accepts tips
-according to numerous fans, I don't look old enough to even have a job yet...
-in sales, confidence is everything...unless you are selling beer, and then it sells itself most of the time
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Totals thus far:
65 Bags of Cracker Jacks
80 Bottles of Water
151 Bags of Peanuts
2051 Bottles of Beer
I'll do the math for ya on this...
Cracker Jacks are $3.50/bag
Water is $5/bottle
Peanuts are $4/bag
Beer is $7.75/bottle
I've sold -
$227.50 in Cracker Jacks
$400 in Water
$604 in Peanuts
$15,895.25 in Beer
Grand Total of sales - $17,126.75
Now, that's not what I've made...that's just in sales...I'll remind you I only make tips and commission.
Well, that's it for tonight. Check back on Sunday night after I've worked the XM All-Star Futures Game and the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game!
Oh, and did I mention Jenna Fischer, Nelly, Billy-Bob Thorton, the chick that plays in 24 that is from STL, Mike & Mike from ESPN's Mike & Mike Show and Ozzie Smith are just a few of the celebrities playing in the softball game?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Day 37 - What's My Age Again?
Sorry for the late posting, but sometimes sitting down and relaxing instead of blogging as soon as I get home from a game is amazing...
Thursday night's game was something else...I have never been asked the same question as many times as I had on Thursday night...
"Are you old enough to even be selling beer?"
I know my small framed body and baby face looks will be a blessing when I'm 50...but with a little over a month away from my 27th birthday, it feels like a curse! I know I've mentioned it before, and I'll say it again, I think my young looks sometimes doesn't get me the tips I should be getting...the fans buying beer from me don't realize that I'm not in college anymore, I don't need the tips for beer drinking money, I'm needing that cash to pay bills and get through life.
Being a beer man was not my first choice of a job...but going through the whole unemployment thing has forced me to take a job that is pretty amazing, but not at all a very highly looked upon job. I mean, I sell beer...I have to perform a very high physical labor intensive job to bring in some income. I still take pride in this job...and I'll be for damn sure happy to shove it in everyone's face when I'm at ALL of the ALL-STAR ACTIVITIES...let me rephrase that...I'LL BE GETTING PAID TO BE AT THE CELEBRITY SOFTBALL GAME, HOMERUN DERBY & THE ALL-STAR GAME! Of all of the years that this could have happened to me, the year the all-star game is in STL! Let me rephrase it again, I have been so blessed to have this job at this time in my life!
I've gone down a path and ranted...let me back up a tad...Thursday night...
I couldn't believe the looks I got from people when I asked for their ID's. The majority of the people would give me that look. The look of disbelief that I was even old enough to know what a beer was.
I had a guy in a group of 4 ask for 4 beers. I asked for 4 ID's and he gave me a funny look. I know the guy looked over 21, but I had no clue about the other 3 people next to him. While they were passing down their ID's to me, a lady on the end of the row made the comment that I didn't look that old...so, yes, I snapped back with that question, "how old do you think I look?" By this time I got the ID's from the group of 4 and verified they were all of age. The lady in front of me snapped back with, "13...16...maybe 18". I laughed. While she continued to think about it, the guy buying the beers from me asked how much and I yelled back to him "31"...that's when the lady gasped and asked if I was really 31? I told her no and corrected her that it was their total for their beer. Then her son sitting next her looked up and said, "26" I don't get it. Adults never really guess close to my actual age, but children and sometimes small wooden creatures always guess my correct age...
I can't remember a time when my age has come into so many conversations. Should I be surprised? No. But it's very frustrating. I've given thought to the fact that some people may not even realize I'm a beer man because I look so young. Fans usually don't hear what a beer man yells...I know this cause I can yell out that I have beer, peanuts and cracker jacks and I'll get someone look me dead in the eyes and ask if I have peanuts...as if I wasn't just yelling it into their ears...
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Three months ago from yesterday, a rookie beer man got the nod and started something that would stretch across the entire U.S. along with 8 other countries...I'm talking about me starting my job at Busch and stlbeerman.com
It's been an amazing ride and in a week I'll be at the summer's biggest game! If someone thinks about it, I'd appreciate it if you'd DVR/Tivo the All-Star Activities...I'd love to actually sit down and get to watch it!
On Thursday night, I'll post a new blog looking back at some of my favorite things to do while being a beer man so far half way through the 2009 season...
Totals thus far:
65 Bags of Cracker Jacks
80 Bottles of Water
151 Bags of Peanuts
2051 Bottles of Beer
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Day 36 - Say Anything, Underage, My New Hat and Witnessing History
I have often wondered how true is the phrase, "Actions speak louder than words"? Tonight, I found out that it is completely true.
I was driving into the parking garage I usually park in. (on corner of 7th and Pine, only $4...save some money and walk a few blocks, no, no, you're welcome) I pull into the lane to pay to park and no one was there. I wait and I wait and finally, she comes out. Oh yes, the evil one herself. I'm speaking about the one who accepts tips. (click here to read my previous encounter with this lady) She doesn't even say a single word to me. She just looks at me as if I had just flipped her off or something. I hand her my $4 and she just gives me a blank look. She hands me the ticket and as I place it on my dash, I say thank you and she just continues to look at me. It's not like she didn't hear me...she was being flat out rude and has been rude since that day she informed me that she accepts tips. She pushes the button to raise the arm so I can enter the garage and doesn't stop giving me the stink-eye. I drive into the parking garage, realizing that she didn't need to say anything, she was rude and hateful while never having to speak a single word. I hope she collects money from me again, because I'll be sure to ask her if she wants a tip from me, then I'll tell her to be friendly...in a very loving way of course.
Tonight while making it through my usually sections, it was during 'last call' when I had two guys who motion for beers. It was the little hand call in the air, signaling that they needed 2 beers. I get to where they were and know that I will be carding these guys. The guy who signaled for me asked for a Bud Light and a Select. Even though I see 4 beer bottles below their feet, I ask for their ID's. He roles his eyes and looks over at his buddy and says something to him. The first guy hands me his ID and he was 22. I asked him what he needed and he said 2 beers. I told him that I needed to know what he wanted and after I see the other ID, I'll be more than happy to give him the second one. He asks for a Bud Light and then gives me a $20. I tell him after I see that other ID, it'll be $15.50. His buddy who had been hiding his face from me behind his friend was very hesitant to give up his ID. I finally get it and notice the DOB was 7/18/1990. I took a double-take because I knew he wasn't old enough, but I thought to myself, "this guy is ballsy if he's giving me his ID to show me he isn't 21"...you'd think the moment I ask for an ID he'd say nevermind...but he really tested me to see if I was even checking the DOB...I say to the first guy, who already had his beer, "sorry, he isn't old enough." He looked back at me and was confused, looked back at his underage friend and pointed down to the empty beer bottles and they said something to each other again. I gave him the ID back and the change for the 1 beer.
I couldn't believe it...I mean, if you are going to really try to buy a beer and aren't 21...wouldn't you have a fake ID at least? He clearly wasn't carded before or his buddy bought the beers for him. I was flabbergasted! THIS GUY IS 18 AND TRYING TO BUY BEER WITH HIS ID, CLEARLY SHOWING THAT HE IS UNDER 21! WHAT WAS HE THINKING? YES, it was "last call" and I could have made one more sale, but losing my job is not worth breaking the law...or the $.85 I would have made on commission from that beer. No ID, not of age, no beer from me!
Tonight as I was turning in my apron and clocking out, I was told to go get our new hats for the All-Star Festivities. NEW HAT? I think that even if I have a crappy time of sales through the All-Star Festivities,this hat was well worth it all! Just being there is going to be worth all of this blood, sweat and tears that have gone into this season! Ok, ok, no tears, little blood, but tons of sweat!
I think this is an amazing hat and I'm actually wearing it right now as I blog! It's the little things in life that bring smiles to my face.
So if you haven't heard by now, tonight history was made. Albert Pujols. Do I need to say anything else? 30 is a special number! His second homerun tonight, yes, another multihomer game, which was his 30th this season, made history. No one has EVER gone 9 straight seasons (since their rookie year) to have 30 or more homeruns. It was his 30th career multihomer game. Tonight was also his 3rd mulithomer game in 8 days. Simply amazing! Just another exciting reason to be at the homerun derby...and get paid to be there!
Check back here towards the end of this week for Thursday's game blog and for a special blog that will be looking back at the first half of the 2009 MLB season as a beer man at Busch Stadium.
Totals thus far:
60 Bags of Cracker Jacks
80 Bottles of Water
146 Bags of Peanuts
1987 Bottles of Beer
Friday, June 5, 2009
Day 27 - I'm Ripped?
So I forgot to mention two very important stories from Wednesday night's game...
1) Usually Busch Stadium has a student choir or some group of children sing 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game' during the 7th inning stretch. As fans stood for the middle of the 7th, the announcer came on over the PA and announced that John Rich from Big & Rich would be singing 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game'. I was shocked for one...cause I may or may not have seen him while Nashville Star was on NBC...two I just couldn't believe that on a Wednesday night that's who they'd have come sing...I mean, I'd understand on a weekend, but really?...John Rich did an alright job...he tried going real high on the last part of the song and the mic's gain wasn't set right because it was really really distorted and just made for an awful finish.
2) At the end of the 6th inning, they were showing a lady on the screen who was celebrating her 100th birthday that day. I'll be honest, she didn't look 100...she looked about early 80's...but then again, how many people do I see that are 100? They asked her a few questions. One of questions was, "How many world series have you got to seen the Cubs win?" She quickly replied, "None in my lifetime!" You would have thought the Cards just won the WS the way that stadium roared with cheers! The whole stadium then sang "Happy Birthday" to her and she got a standing ovation after that! It was pretty cool to see.
Now as for tonight...
I was in a funk before I even entered the stadium...something was just bothering me and I could figure out what it was and I couldn't get rid of the feeling that I was going to have a bad night. Perhaps I was able to predict the future...because it was an awful night. Not just for me, but for all of the beer men.
Once again, a crappy night!
I only sold a case and a half of beer. Most guys didn't even finish two cases. I don't understand it. I was worried that it was me having the rough night and wasn't able to see anything but I felt much better knowing that the fans just weren't drinking tonight.
I didn't sell a single beer till the bottom of the 1st. I was so furious. The beer tub was getting really heaving, having carried it around for what felt like an eternity. Usually I don't carry a full tub of beer for very long, because people start to buy...ha!
I made more in tips than I made in commission!...which wasn't much!
Enough of that crap...how about a story from tonight:
It was the bottom of the 7th and I was yelling out for last calls. I had made my way down to the bottom of a section when I heard a girl say, "Hey, Josh". This always catches me off guard...I usually forget that people actually read my name on my name-tag and call me by name. So I look over towards where I heard the voice and I saw a girl sitting there with a beer in her hand. I thought she was going to ask for a beer. She said, "Hey, I bet you are just f'n ripped aren't ya?" I didn't know what to expect when she said my name, but I sure wasn't expecting that. I looked at her and she could tell I was caught off guard...I'm sure if I hadn't had the night going the way it was, I could have been a bit quicker with a witty comeback. She said, "I bet you are just mother f'n ripped from having to carry those tubs of beer around." I responded, "I'm in better shape than what I was when I first started this job." She said, "I've seen these guys carry these f'n tubs around and they've just got to get all f'n jacked from doing this all summer." And that was it. She just turned away and looked back towards the game.
**Note - I don't know if anyone has actually looked at me lately, but I'm not at all anything close to what would resemble "ripped" or "jacked". I never have been some huge built guy...I will say that it's a fact that the only time I truly worked out and lifted weights was while I wrestled in high school. During that time I did in fact have a ripped body...but after college and having a desk job for awhile...that ripped 6-pack became a bit protected, like with a soft-sided cooler. I have noticed that I can carry a full tub of beer without it ripping my shoulders out of socket the way it did during the first home series of the season. My goal is to be able to carry up to 2 cases of beer in my tub by the time the All-Star Game is here. That way I make fewer trips back to the commissary and can sell more beer in between trips.
So I'll take my protein shake made of the richest, darkest, thickest beers known to man, raise it high into the air and solute you, girl who had the thought that underneath these sweaty rags of a uniform was something worth drooling over.
I'm ready for Friday's and Saturday's games...I shouldn't have any problem selling 3 cases each night!
Totals thus far:
33 Bottles of Water
43 Bags of Cracker Jacks
107 Bags of Peanuts
1465 Bottles of Beer