Jack Horner leaned on his walking stick and scanned the emerald grass of Jack Coombs Field as Duke's team warmed up for the third inning. The Blue Devils had knocked in six runs in the bottom of the second inning to lead top-ranked Florida State by five. Horner elbowed his friend beside him, pointed toward the Seminoles' dugout and chuckled.
It was the perfect spring day: His team was winning, and he was relaxing during another afternoon of Duke baseball.
Horner is one of many local retirees who enjoy this traditional pastime on Duke's West Campus. People from Durham and the surrounding areas settle into lawn chairs or in the stands, eat hot dogs or popcorn, and bask in the camaraderie of the crowd and the excitement of the game. The team keeps them coming back, as do the location and easy parking. The price is right, too: Admission to the Blue Devils' home games is free.
Baseball fans will have the chance to see the Blue Devils in action during four home games this month, May 11-15.
Pat Shea and Joe Twamley, who attend Duke games as often as they can, agree that few things are more fun than college athletics. The two friends, football teammates when the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill won the 1963 Gator Bowl, are die-hard Tar Heel fans. But when it comes to baseball, these Chapel Hill residents hop on US 15-501 North and head to Duke.
"We both love UNC," Shea says. "But on a gorgeous day like this, when they're not playing Carolina, we don't mind pulling for Duke."
"Besides," Twamley says. "It's so much easier to get to this field than the one in Chapel Hill. We really prefer college ball over the pros, and Duke gives us the opportunity to see good ACC action."
Horner, retired after 29 years as president of Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana, claims to be Duke baseball's staunchest supporter. In the 20 years since he and his wife, Anne, moved to Durham, he hasn't missed a single home game.
"Oh, this is a great experience, a great experience," Horner says, leaning back in his seat and tipping his cap toward the field. "I never get tired of it. Coming out here and seeing folks. Bringing my friends. Watching the boys play. You're looking at class ball. You're looking at the best deal in town."