Anticipation had been building for weeks.  And the exciting culmination was a Dragons Lair full of Big Ten alumni from all over the Miami Valley to watch the Dayton Dragons take on the Clinton Lumber Kings in a Class A Midwest League midseason match-up.  Spearheaded by the local Purdue Alumni Chapter, other Big Ten alumni organizations represented were Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, and, of course, our own chapter representing Penn State.
Our Dayton Chapter had a very respectable turnout of eighteen fans for the game.  In addition to Chapter Prez John Glaser and wife Joan, others in our group included Vic and Sandy Folwarczny; Bob and Janie Gehman, and Janie's son Joel Basinger and Bob's son Jon; Bob and Edie Kreider; Dave Romanko and his friend Bob; Lou and Marguerite Sharp; Ron and Rae Siders; and, Jim and Sally Valeri.
A chilly mid-July evening coupled with a game that went 13 innings virtually emptied the Dragons Lair by the time the Dragons lost by a 6 - 5 score.  But as you'll see by the smiles on many faces, America's pastime is still a source of fun and excitement.
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Janie Gehman, Joel Basinger, and Jon Gehman are all smiles as they get settled in for the game.  We understand both guys had heavy thirsts to quench.
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And not to be outdone in the smiles department, Marguerite and Lou Sharp are eager for the teams to "Play Ball!"
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Looks like Rae and Ron Siders are thirsty too — probably all that dust blowing off the infield.  Yeah, right!
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Is this the Hollywood crowd or what?  After much coaxing, Vic Folwarczny and Sandy finally deign to pose for the camera.
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A little early in the evening for Dippin' Dots, isn't it, kids?  No matter, 'cause Sally and Jim Valeri really enjoy The Ice Cream of the Future.
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Joan Glaser smiles warmly as she tries to cheer up a pensive John.  What's he thinking? (more objectives for our chapter?)
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Edie and Bob Kreider look to be in good spirits here, right?  But as the game wore on, Edie's smile turned upside down — no doubt because of some imagined inconveniences. 
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Dave Romanko (left) and his friend Bob (right) are all set to enjoy the game.  Dave is a veritable sports encyclopedia, and offered his insights on a variety of sports throughout the evening. 
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Here's a glimpse of the Dragons Lair in the left field stands.  Can you pick out our Penn State Chapter members?
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Seated behind us was a fine group of Michigan State alums.  The Spartans pictured here are:  (bottom row, left to right) Steve Link, Linda Link, Jill Legault, and Larry Legault; (middle row, left to right) Chuck Pettee, Ann Pettee, Fred George, and Bonnie George; and, (back row, left to right) Beth Hicks and Keith Hicks.  Keith is the Board President of the Dayton Area MSU Alumni Association.
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Fans in the Dragons Lair were treated to a visit by Gem, the other half of the Heater and Gem Dragon mascot team.  She cuts quite a colorful figure, don't you think?
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Here's John Glaser near the end of the 9th inning, trying to stay warm.  Note the "twin-cap" head covering.  Someone said he resembled Lawrence of Arabia.  Or was it Darth Vader?  Or Sherlock Holmes?  But never mind that, because John is a man of quintessential integrity.  As he quietly exited the Dragons Lair after nine full innings of play, he said that since he'd only paid to see nine innings he was only going to stay for nine innings.  What a guy!