Manager Pat Kelly admits there are times when he loses control of his Chattanooga Lookouts.
The disconnect always occurs at the start of a week, following a Sunday night episode of “Game of Thrones” on HBO.
“It must be a great show, because it seems like everybody watches it,” Kelly said, “and then they talk about it for the next couple of days, which really drives you nuts. I’ve never seen an episode.”
Kelly admits he’s in the minority, as most of the Lookouts enjoy the series that is in its eighth and final season and is down to three episodes. “Game of Thrones” averaged 9.2 million viewers during its first season on the various HBO platforms, with the seventh season averaging 32.7 million.
This past Sunday night’s episode, the “Battle of Winterfell,” was an action-packed 85 minutes.
“We have predictions going into every episode,” outfielder TJ Friedl said, “and we’ve had a lot of discussions on the bus and in the locker rooms. It’s been pretty crazy.”
Friedl quickly admits Jon Snow is his favorite character, adding, “He’s a humble guy who represents a lot.”
Fellow Lookouts outfielder and top Cincinnati Reds prospect Taylor Trammell places Arya Stark at the top of his list, which is certainly a good selection given the current plot of the show. Trammell has displayed strength and speed since arriving in Chattanooga, but he isn’t batting a thousand with “Game of Thrones” forecasts.
“I’m a huge fan,” Trammell said hours before the most recent episode. “We get together and watch it, and it’s wonderful. The main White Walker is going to be on top of his dragon and will go to King’s Landing. That’s my prediction.”
Chattanooga had its five-game winning streak snapped Monday afternoon by Biloxi, as the Shuckers avoided the series sweep with a 14-5 triumph at AT&T Field. Catcher Tyler Stephenson’s two-run home run to left field in the first inning helped the Lookouts (11-12) build a 4-1 advantage entering the sixth, but Biloxi erupted for 13 runs in the final four innings.
For those Lookouts who aren’t addicted to “Game of Thrones” or couldn’t care less about the show, normalcy in the clubhouse and on the field doesn’t return until the middle of the week.
“I don’t watch it, but a vast majority of our guys do,” Stephenson said. “Everybody talks about it, but I just don’t find it interesting. I’m one of those outliers, I guess.”
The same goes for Kelly, who often feels ostracized even though he occupies the throne of the storied Southern League franchise.
“When I managed Pensacola, I would have a couple of coaches after Sunday games just turn the lights out and go into the lounge and watch it with the players,” Kelly said with a smile. “I’ve never seen an episode, but I know most of the players do.”
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.