Sunday was a day of celebration at Northwestern University. I joined two separate groups of friends to watch a graduation ceremony followed by a thrilling softball game.
My day started at Welsh Ryan Arena. A couple friends had sons graduating, and I watched as they received their diplomas. Since I was already in the building doing pre-game work, I was able to attend the ceremony despite usual ticket limitations. I joined a group of other writers, getting a great overall view from the third level.
Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, I made a quick detour to nearby Mustard’s Last Stand for one of its outstanding turkey burgers. On the surface, it is a typical burger joint, but one taste of anything immediately tells you it is well above typical.
Next, I made the short walk to adjacent Sharon J. Drysdale Field for the playoff game between Northwestern and Miami (OH) University. The winner of this game would go to the Super Regionals for a chance to play in the Women’s College World Series. I knew I was early, but I love the serenity of an empty ballpark.
The seesaw battle started with the home team Wildcats quickly behind 2–0 to the visiting RedHawks. NU took a 3–2 lead, but fell behind again 4–3. The Wildcats took the lead for good in the last inning, but Miami kept it exciting, loading the bases with no outs, before NU’s ace pitcher ended the rally, getting the win and advancing in the playoffs.

Northwestern ace pitcher Danielle Williams
Much like the end of the earlier graduation ceremony, this standing-room-only crowd erupted and tears flowed as the game ended. After a short meeting on the field, the team mingled with friends and fans. Nobody wanted the day to end.

Photo credit: Northwestern University Athletics – NCAA.

Northwestern softball legend Tammy Williams

Chris Bejcek, Kevin Mooney, Crystal Stevens and me
It was a long but fantastic day. It started with several hundred winners graduating and ended with a team of winners moving to the next round of playoffs.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedLeisure Lifestyle 2023
Jun 7, 2023Gather Insight and Inspiration at Some of the World’s Intriguing Art Shows and Fairs
© FNB ART JOBURG
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Daily
Jun 7, 2023art’otel Brings Boutique, Art-Inspired Hotels to Zagreb, London and Rome
Contemporary lifestyle hotel brand art’otel expands throughout Europe with the launch of three new properties in Zagreb, London’s Hoxton and Rome, all slated to open between fall 2023 and early 2024. These three hotels join the brand’s existing boutique hotels in Berlin, Amsterdam, Cologne and another London property.
Daily
Jun 7, 2023New Resident Art Concierge Comes to Cape Town
The Royal Portfolio, with a collection of hotels, resorts and safari lodges in South Africa, recently announced the appointment of a new art concierge and guest liaison at Cape Town’s The Silo Hotel: Michael Tsepo Jacobs.
Sponsored Content
Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti
Welcome to The Islands of Tahiti, where every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted with warm hospitality, time-honored traditions and an awe-inspiring landscape that will take your breath away.
Daily
Jun 6, 2023Hyatt’s Best Rooftops, Experiences for Summer 2023
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts invites travelers to enjoy the summer season with a lineup of fun activities and rooftop experiences.
Time to Unwind
Leisure Lifestyle 2023
Jun 6, 2023Visit Chapel of the Bones in Evora, Portugal
Daily
Jun 5, 2023Destinations / North America
Jun 5, 20236 Reasons to Put Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with us.
Sponsored Content
Hit the High Notes in Nashville
Nashville’s once-modest skyline continues to evolve as its luxury market grows. Lavish hotel properties are added to the landscape while acclaimed chefs stake claim in the robust culinary scene and premier cultural offerings round out the city’s repertoire.
Daily
Jun 5, 2023Rafael Nadal’s ZEL Mallorca to Open July 1
ZEL, the new lifestyle hotel brand from tennis superstar Rafael Nadal and Meliá Hotels International, is set to open its first hotel. Located in Mallorca, Spain, the hometown of both Nadal and Meliá, ZEL Mallorca debuts July 1.
ShareThis