MHC Dish From the Pitch 2013 MHC Dish From the Pitch 1

WEEK 1- MAY 19, 2013 OPENING DAY KICKOFF photo credit: Andy McKee by Aislinn Leonard With a record 300 members, and rookies signing up in droves, the anticipation leading up to the Milwaukee Hurling Club’s 18th season had Facebook and Twitter exploding with comments weeks before Opening Day. MHC member Joel Ingebrigston posted, “It’s like hurling Christmas,” the day teams were announced. As our weekend warriors rolled up to Brown Deer Park on Sunday, the soft, damp, green grass shone like a welcome mat after the long Wisconsin winter. The youth squads took to the pitch first and did such a great job that the adult teams knew they’d have to kick butt in order to live up to the opening act. The sidelines started filling with brightly colored tents as more families arrived for the festivities. As tradition holds, all 300 members marched to the music of the bagpipes, played by James D’Amico, and followed the American flag carried by recent Marine Corps training graduate, Christian Neuenschwander. Gathered at center field, all stood for an inspiring display of talent by the MHC Choir singing the National Anthem led by Cory Johnson. The 2013 club picture was taken, raffle winners were drawn, and a short memorial speech was given in memory of Donna Decker, a dearly loved and fundamental member of the MHC. Before breaking away to continue the games, Dave Olson roared, “Everybody in!” and players from age four to over 50 raised their hurleys and their voices to shout “UP THE MHC!” We’re on Instagram! Follow us: @milwaukee_hurling or hashtag your pictures with #MHC2013 and maybe you’ll see your picture in the Dish!