NOTE: I apologize for some of the typos, I will clean this up soon.

Right now, I’m typing this 30,000 miles above sea level en route to Orlando. I will be attending game 3 of the 2009 NBA Finals in person vs the Lakers. It sure looks bleak right now since my team is down 2-0, but I feel we have a shot at making it a series once again. I’m sure a lot of you folks can relate to this type of story. Being a fan of a team outside of it’s geographical area. I’m sure it’s a lot easier to be a Yankees fan or Steelers fan outside the area since many of them have moved around the country (and winning sure makes it a lot easier), but for a small market team such as the Orlando Magic, it’s a lot harder. Yes, you can follow the news online and read the message boards and even watch all of their games if you choose to spend a lot for a pricey TV sports package, but it’s not the same if you’re not in the “thick” of it.

If you think I’m a frontrunner, think again. I began following the Magic in 2002 during my college days at UCF, when Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill were still on the team and constantly getting bounced out of the 1st round of the playoffs every year. The height of my fandom rose once the 8th seeded Magic were up 3-1 vs the Pistons in 2003. I even attended game 6 and would never forget it…for infamous reasons. Thanks a lot for the “second round” comment, jerk. Sadly, I had to continue my education back home, but I vowed never to give up on the Magic, even after suffering a 1-18 start one year, even more medirocrity and threats of them moving outside of Orlando. Luckily that peristance and support may pay off.

During the Orlando Magic’s run towards the finals, sports radio in the New York area is indifferent for ovbious reasons, and don’t get me started with ESPN’s LeBron Kobe lovefest, which I’m glad my Magic were able to ruin somewhat by sending the Cavs fishing. Very few people at work and my friends on facebook don’t really care either. It’s understandable and frustrating at the same time.

Message boards are an alternative to keep the connection alive, but I find that sort of socializing cold and impersonal. I used to like that type of communication years ago, then real life got into the way. I lurk, but never post. Then again, I’ve been twittering a lot about the Magic these days. I’m also fortunate that we have two (horrible) basketball teams: the Knicks (which I am STILL a fan of BTW) and Nets which gives me an opportunity to see them in action up to 5 times a year. The last game I went to had a lot more Magic fans as usual. Sure, we aren’t legion in the fanbase dept like the Lakers, but at least we have more “true” fans. Believe it or not there are actual Magic fans OUTSIDE the U.S., and not just from the British tourists. Take a look at Real GM message board, there are some dudes from Australia and Holland and even China got our back.

Whatever outcome that may happen in game 3 tonight will still make me proud somewhat, but even more so if they win. Come on, I paid waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much on this ticket.

Go Magic! I’ve come a long way to see this moment and I want it to be unforgettable.

*Please refresh throughout the day! Continous updates!*

12:42 am – game is over and the Yanks won. Thanks for the memories.

11:27 – Rivera will pitch in the 9th no matter what. Cotton Eye FAIL played for the last time @ YS. Oh BTW, a lot of food ran out. Nothing but beer and water left. CenterPlate is CenterFail like I said before.

10:44 – Sorry, my battery is getting low. I still have a lot of tweets about the game. BTW, there are no games “left” at YS, it is “forever”.

6:44 – The batting pratice stuff is all gone. Field is getting ready for play. Flashbulbs are constantly popping all over.

4:54 pm – yanks just got a huge standing O on the field. Batting pratice is now. People are still in Monument Park.

3:21 pm – I am at my seat. Like John Sterling would say, it is high…really high. I’m in Tier 24, row R. The highest I’ve ever been. A band is on the field!? No, really.

2:37 pm – I walked around monument park and field and it was AMAZING. I got tons of pics of that. I also got interviewed by MLB.com. Maybe I shouldn’t have given out my real name. Off to get food and my seat. Sadly, there are no things to buy to keep my ticket safe. A stub hub envelope is not enough.

1:30 pm – Inside the Stadium. The giveaway is a Penang magnet that says “April 18, 1923-Sept 21, 2008 w/ the final season logo. I also got the program as well.

12:47 pm – Now, a cop is telling us the same thing as the lady. Some misinformed people are pissed off at the news.

12:43 pm – a lady has informed us that people who do not have a ticket are not allowed in. I guess some don’t listen to the media. No video cameras and only diaper bags. At least I have my digtal camera.

12:36 pm – line for gate 2 is wrapping around according to some woman on line.

12:31 pm – at gate 2, we were asked to move back a bit. Getting the tables out for bags. See a lot of vic cameras. Under MLB rules, video is a big no-no. Will they let it slide?

Approx 10 am – I am currently outside of Gate 2 waiting to be admitted. If you didn’t know, we will be allowed to enter the field for about 3 hours from Monument Park. It It’s about 11:30 a.m. Prior to getting my ticket, I walked around the new Stadium and old. The new Yankee Stadium looks really neat and majestic. It looks like they still have a long ways to go inside, but I think they will get it done before Feb.

I managed to see Spike Lee walking around filming with a small video camera. Since I respect celebrities, I don’t bother them at all. Despite the Yankees not playing in the post season this year, right now it is a festive mood. If this were last year, a lot of people probably wouldn’t show up on the final game.

I will be blogging throughtout the day and will be using Twitter as well. Follow “ronaldhennessy” on Twitter for updates. You can also respond to this post or Tweets if you have any questions.

Better late than never, here are the first of my pictures from Minneapolis. I’m starting first off with my venture into “Twins Territory” (a.k.a. the Metrodome) for a Twins-Yankees game. While the New York Yankees’ post-season hopes is in grave danger right now, you can reminisce the time when Alex Rodriguez actually performed in the clutch with an extra-inning home run. Pictures were taken on August 12, 2008. 135 high quality pictures are featured after the jump. Enjoy.

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