As I sit looking at my last three tickets of the Whitecaps season I am feeling a mix of bittersweet emotions. I truly enjoyed spending time watching this team. I am sad that the season is coming to an end but I am also a bit relieved that I will have the time again with Todd and Sydney. I will miss the solitude, can’t exactly say peace and quiet because that is the last thing I get at a game. I have always loved baseball and lived a dream this year with the season ticket for half a season. I’m hoping to squeak out enough money from the budget or gifts to get next year also.
I am looking back on my experience this year. I see the people who have sat beside me, the newlywed boy who was also there by himself, the group where I was able to gain a high five from “the guys” with my quick wit. There was Mickey and his friend; I really wish I could remember his last name. He has been one of my favorites; he is such an uber Tigers fan. He has done Tigers camps and really has the appearance of a ball player. He regaled me with stories of his interactions with the team and of being mistaken for a player by other fans. He was fun. Then there was Ryan and Jack. They got in trouble for using bad language; however I will give it to Ryan for being gracious and apologizing and not getting upset but understanding that the usher was just doing his job. Even though the grown man that tattled on them could have bought a ticket in the “no cussing family zone” of the park. We got a laugh out of that, a grown man tattling about cussing, with no child with him. I’m noticing as I read through what I’ve written most of my experiences have been with guys. Let’s face it; I’m in a minority at the ball park. I did have fun with “my girls”. I met up with Abby, Megan and Kerri S. at a game, Colene stopped by when she was at the park. I got to sit with Amy, Joel, Merrick and Mr. Reda at a recent game. We went to their seats; they were right behind home plate, what a difference. I got a great view of my favorite player. There were a few other season ticket holders in my section but I never got a chance to talk to them. There was a nice family that was there for Tiger Fridays. I was able to chat with them a few times. There were groups and individuals that annoyed me as well, the guy who talked the entire game; please this is why I don’t bring my husband and daughter, shush! There was a group that was there a couple of times, I’m guessing part of a season package that was split, and she was annoying. She even asked me to move once so her group didn’t have to be split up. Actually the asking isn’t the annoying part it was the tone and attitude. I would have gladly moved either way so they could sit together. Overall, I had a great time and great experiences sitting at the ball park “by myself”. I even got Todd and Sydney to come to a few games. They have to go on Mother’s Day not an option since it is my day. I also got both to attend the 4th of July game, since we had to see fireworks anyway. Sydney came along and got to be the Bissell Clean Sweep Kid.
I also look at the experiences I witnessed for the players. These boys, I say boys since I am old enough to be most of their mom, put so much into the game. The home runs, the first home runs, the heartbreak at striking out. They have so much to prove and so much to lose. My heart went out to the pitcher that was sent in from a bad inning and the player who wanted so badly to get a base hit and struck out. They walk back shaking their head, cussing themselves out for a bad play. My heart soared with theirs as they hit that double to get the winning run, or the home runs. I witnessed a first homerun for one player and multiple homeruns in one game for another. Every time a player crossed home plate the crowd cheered and many times got on their feet. This is our hometown team and we celebrate and get frustrated along with the boys.
As I watch the games I try to get a glimpse into the players. You can tell those who are there for the fans. A favorite of mine played up to the crowd, his head was in his game though. He was vicious at bat and when he got on the base he was practically jumping out of his skin to get to the next base. He crouches at 1st base, takes his lead off; his right hand does not stop moving with anticipation of the pitch. He is ready, he is moving. This is his game, probably all he has done in years. I’ll be watching, there is a good chance he will go to the big leagues.
This is my game, my experience. This is why I loved being a Whitecaps season ticket holder this year and hope to continue being one. I love the boys of summer, especially the boys of summer 2009 and I will be sad when that last ticket is used on 9/10/09 for the first playoff game.
I am looking back on my experience this year. I see the people who have sat beside me, the newlywed boy who was also there by himself, the group where I was able to gain a high five from “the guys” with my quick wit. There was Mickey and his friend; I really wish I could remember his last name. He has been one of my favorites; he is such an uber Tigers fan. He has done Tigers camps and really has the appearance of a ball player. He regaled me with stories of his interactions with the team and of being mistaken for a player by other fans. He was fun. Then there was Ryan and Jack. They got in trouble for using bad language; however I will give it to Ryan for being gracious and apologizing and not getting upset but understanding that the usher was just doing his job. Even though the grown man that tattled on them could have bought a ticket in the “no cussing family zone” of the park. We got a laugh out of that, a grown man tattling about cussing, with no child with him. I’m noticing as I read through what I’ve written most of my experiences have been with guys. Let’s face it; I’m in a minority at the ball park. I did have fun with “my girls”. I met up with Abby, Megan and Kerri S. at a game, Colene stopped by when she was at the park. I got to sit with Amy, Joel, Merrick and Mr. Reda at a recent game. We went to their seats; they were right behind home plate, what a difference. I got a great view of my favorite player. There were a few other season ticket holders in my section but I never got a chance to talk to them. There was a nice family that was there for Tiger Fridays. I was able to chat with them a few times. There were groups and individuals that annoyed me as well, the guy who talked the entire game; please this is why I don’t bring my husband and daughter, shush! There was a group that was there a couple of times, I’m guessing part of a season package that was split, and she was annoying. She even asked me to move once so her group didn’t have to be split up. Actually the asking isn’t the annoying part it was the tone and attitude. I would have gladly moved either way so they could sit together. Overall, I had a great time and great experiences sitting at the ball park “by myself”. I even got Todd and Sydney to come to a few games. They have to go on Mother’s Day not an option since it is my day. I also got both to attend the 4th of July game, since we had to see fireworks anyway. Sydney came along and got to be the Bissell Clean Sweep Kid.
I also look at the experiences I witnessed for the players. These boys, I say boys since I am old enough to be most of their mom, put so much into the game. The home runs, the first home runs, the heartbreak at striking out. They have so much to prove and so much to lose. My heart went out to the pitcher that was sent in from a bad inning and the player who wanted so badly to get a base hit and struck out. They walk back shaking their head, cussing themselves out for a bad play. My heart soared with theirs as they hit that double to get the winning run, or the home runs. I witnessed a first homerun for one player and multiple homeruns in one game for another. Every time a player crossed home plate the crowd cheered and many times got on their feet. This is our hometown team and we celebrate and get frustrated along with the boys.
As I watch the games I try to get a glimpse into the players. You can tell those who are there for the fans. A favorite of mine played up to the crowd, his head was in his game though. He was vicious at bat and when he got on the base he was practically jumping out of his skin to get to the next base. He crouches at 1st base, takes his lead off; his right hand does not stop moving with anticipation of the pitch. He is ready, he is moving. This is his game, probably all he has done in years. I’ll be watching, there is a good chance he will go to the big leagues.
This is my game, my experience. This is why I loved being a Whitecaps season ticket holder this year and hope to continue being one. I love the boys of summer, especially the boys of summer 2009 and I will be sad when that last ticket is used on 9/10/09 for the first playoff game.
I made it on your blog!? That's great, thanks! I am glad you enjoyed yourself so much this season!
ReplyDeleteHey darling, got a chance to find your personal blog. What fun to read. I am glad we were able to share a tiny bit in your whitcaps season! What fun. I am glad you had a good time. :) Love ya!
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