GAINESVILLE, Fla. – He was supposed to be in the home dugout Saturday afternoon for the final regular-season game in the history of McKethan Stadium, a 2 p.m. matchup against defending national champion Vanderbilt that, based on early returns during the abbreviated season, was expected to have had major implications in the Southeastern Conference.
Instead, Gators head coach
Kevin O'Sullivan had bratwurst on his mind. Yes, that's right.
Welcome to 2020.
"I've never cooked much in my life, so this is new,'' O'Sullivan said. "I'm Mr. Mom this week."
As daughter Payton and son Finn splashed around in the pool about 45 minutes after the scheduled first pitch Saturday, O'Sullivan contemplated dinner options rather than his No. 1-ranked team's lineup card. Since the coronavirus pandemic canceled the season in mid-March, O'Sullivan has been forced to wear a different kind of hat.
Â
The view Saturday afternoon from the home dugout at McKethan Stadium where Gators head coach Kevin O'Sullivan often takes in the action. (Photos: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)
The foreign nanny he hired for the season has returned home, so when the kids are around, the days have often played out in similar fashion. He works out. They walk the dog. They go for rides. They explore around the neighborhood.
And yes, O'Sullivan is working on his skills in the kitchen. Steak was on the menu earlier in the week. On Saturday, an old ballpark reliable. Bratwurst does seem a fitting meal for a baseball man to whip up.
Truth be told, O'Sullivan said he hadn't given any thought to the significance of Saturday's date. He has been too busy dealing with the day-to-day chores of the current landscape and focused more on what's ahead – the Gators move into their new Florida Ballpark in 2021 – than the lost 2020 season.
"I think we're all just looking forward to the day when we can get back out there,'' he said.
Meanwhile, McKethan Stadium sat idle on Saturday. No fans. No sounds other than the occasional passing car or gust of wind. A tarp covered home plate. The bases stored away.
On a day in which the college baseball world would have definitely had eyes on Florida-Vanderbilt, it was just another warm North Florida afternoon perfect for an escape. In fact, that's what many of those who would have been at McKethan Stadium were doing in the age of social distancing.
To find out specifically how some of the longtime regulars at Florida's home ballpark spent an afternoon originally reserved for baseball, I texted several to find out. Here are their responses:
Â
Gators Athletic Director Scott Stricklin
"Funny thing. I just left walking through the new ballpark. Headed home to spend the day relaxing with NO ZOOM CALLS! Go Gators!"
*****
Former UF Athletic Director Jeremy Foley
"Just chilling by the pool with my pup. Reading. Worked out earlier in the afternoon. Spoke to Sully about 45 minutes ago to reminisce a bit. He cut his head-coaching teeth in that yard. Thanked him for what he has built. Talked about all the incredible wins and how much fun we all had together in there."
*****
Gators Third Baseman Kirby McMullen
Â
Instead of manning third base for the Gators on Saturday, Kirby McMullen watched the Game Show Network and cooked ribs.
"During the 2-5 p.m. range, I was just hanging out watching TV and then started to cook dinner. We were watching several game shows on the Game Show Network and then cooking a rack of ribs."
*****
Chip Howard, Execute Associate AD for Internal Affairs/Baseball
"I'm out by the pool with my wife. We're enjoying the weather and relaxing in the sun. If there's no baseball, this is a good way to spend a day."
*****
Gators Play-by-Play Voice Mick Hubert
"I've had countless memories at the Mac. Over 31 seasons on either radio or TV. Many days, nights and weekends in the booth, but not this weekend. Instead, lounging by the pool listening to Marty Brennaman call the Reds-Pirates 1975 NLCS game from Riverfront Stadium – another ballpark no longer there. All things seen are temporal."
*****
Former Gators Pitcher and Radio Play-by-Play Announcer Jeff Cardozo
"Stopped by yesterday and ate lunch in the grandstands to reminisce. Kind of crazy to think I've basically seen every game in there since 1997. Today, took the family out to Ironwood (it's still closed) and we walked the course for a little exercise since it's such a nice day. A little yardwork and then some pool time to finish off the day."
Â
The view Saturday from the box that UAA photographer Tim Casey often aims his lens from toward the action on the field.
*****
Veteran WRUF Announcer and Radio Host Steve Russell
"Between 2 and 5 worked in yard (including spreading some black cow on my front lawn, lol) and my daughter came over with her dog to visit and later we had dinner. Funny you sent this. Many times in the course of the last few days and weeks, I would pause and think of where I would have been calling a game at that time. Lowe's was crowded today and got out of the car and told Carol I should be at the Mac."
*****
Former Gators Outfielder, Longtime Analyst Nick Belmonte
"What I was doing today you asked? Well, I have been thinking about what that place has meant to me. Hard to put into words about a place that has been part of my life for 35 years (two as a player and 33 as a TV broadcaster for SportsChannel Florida, Sunshine Network and ESPN). I was in Tampa doing I guess what everyone is doing ... mundane things. I was thinking I could be calling my last game at McKethan. At the end of the broadcast today, I admit I would have committed a crime. I had it all "planned out." After the final out, I was going to go over to the infield and steal second base one last time (I set the SEC record vs Vandy so it would have been fitting). Today, I was going about my business doing chores like everyone else, but I thought about "my plan." Heck, walking around today I was already wearing a mask. I probably never answered your actual question, but that's what I was thinking anyway."
*****
The posted Gators schedule fans pass on their way into McKethan Stadium shows the final regular-season game at McKethan Stadium.
Gators Baseball Sports Information Director Zach Dirlam
"I'll be starting a thorough rewatch of 'The Wire' this afternoon."
*****
University Athletic Association Photographer Tim Casey
"I'm here with you shooting photos for this. I had a load of dirt delivered this morning and plan to do yardwork when I get back home. I'm trying to get my lawn to look like this field. [Groundskeeper]
Todd Campbell has been giving me advice along the way. It's nice to be here today, even without a game. I started covering the Gators baseball team in 2005, all the way to the College World Series Finals, so I've photographed hundreds of games in this stadium. I have lots of great memories of the games, players, staff, fans, media, and even the June weather delays."
*****
Saturday was not the McKethan Stadium farewell anyone envisioned. But it will have to do.
For players. For coaches. For fans. For those with longtime and deep ties to the program like some of those who responded today.
The revamped stadium was christened McKethan Stadium at Perry Field in 1988 and in the end, hosted 1,215 games over the last 33 seasons. The Gators won 914 and lost 301. It served them well.
And now it's time to say our goodbyes on a sunny Saturday in May.
*****
Â
Â
