Jun 22, 2008

John Reid's postcard from Omaha

By John Reid / Daily News Staff Writer

Saturday in Omaha. Stanford has Georgia on its mind in the CWS. I take a taxi to Rosenblatt early after one more delice-ious croissant fritatta from Delice's in Old Market. Costs me 10 bucks including tip. Today will be the fourth time I've been interviewed on The Zone, the local sports radio station. The host promised me he could get me a free pass into the Henry Doorly Zoo, located next door-ly to the stadium, and he was a man of his word. This is a world-class zoo, I've been told. A lady gives a speech before people head into the butterfly exhibit, warning them not to swat the butterflies if they land on you among other things. I ask her how many times a day does she give that speech.

"About 200 times a day," she replied.

Get her a raise, quick.

Don't know how many acres of the 130-acre zoo I walked, but probably didn't make a dent in it. I exited and walked up the hill to Zesto, the ice cream and burger place that ESPN makes a fuss about. The walk gets my cardio going and I realize one of us needs to get in shape. When I finally arrive at Zesto, about seven people are in front of me. I order a large chocolate shake. It's a winner. I make it into the press box. I look out to the East and there is the state of Iowa staring back at me. On the field, the Stanford players and coaches trickle in a little more than two hours before game time. The Cardinal will be the home team today. Speaking of home, I admit, I hope I get there soon, for I have it on my mind.