The Payoff Pitch 

By John P. DeGrazio  

It’s summertime in Yosemite National Park and as the Major League Baseball All Star Game approaches, I can’t help but think of this classic baseball phrase. So here goes.

It’s a hot steamy day and it’s time to step up to the plate. There are two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning of your family vacation. The bases are loaded with your wife on third, your son on second, and your daughter on first. After looking at two early strikes, you’ve worked the count to full. Lembert Dome is on the hill looking in for the sign. Heck, Lembert Dome is the hill.

Here’s the pitch. It’s super hot and super crowded in Yosemite Valley and much cooler with fewer crowds in Tuolumne Meadows. Lembert Dome delivers extraordinary views with a formidable challenge that is far from overwhelming. After shaking off a sign, Lembert serves up a batting practice fastball right down the pipe. You’re sitting on the heater and take a mighty swing. Will you connect?