Take Me Out to the Ball Game! (An Ian Post)

Cristina and I both share a common love for baseball. Both of us grew up playing on the diamond, and have since enjoyed any opportunity to play or watch baseball. Cristina started playing in middle school, and I began as early as I could playing T-Ball (about 6 yrs). For those who don't know, T-Ball is where you place the ball on a 'T' that holds it up and the little kids hit it off instead of having a pitcher. Of all the positions (and there are 9), Cristina played catcher--she stood behind the batter to catch the ball thrown by the pitcher. I played a lot of positions, but my favorite were first base and right field--first base is the player wo stands at first base to catch the ball and tag out runners, and right field is in the outfield where you try and stop any hits that go your way. Both of us ended our baseball careers in high school in order to go after other pursuits, but our love for the game never diminished. The major difference in our enthusiasm for baseball lies in our preference of teams. Cristina supports the Tampa Bay Rays, while I loyally support the San Diego Padres. (Not surprisingly these are the teams from our local areas).

Here are a couple pictures of Cristina and I back in our baseball playing days. 

Shortly after our return to Florida, Cristina, her parents, and I were able to attend a professional baseball game in Tampa Bay, Florida. The game was one of the last of the regular season, and we were all very excited. I had never been to a professional game outside of San Diego, thus I was in for a new experience at a new ballpark. One of the greatest things about baseball is that each ballpark is slightly different or unique. The basics of the field are the same, but the length and dimensions of the outfield are all different. At this particular field, the park was completely enclosed and airconditioned! It had a museum dedicated to the game, and it had a tank full of various types of rays--the sea animal--that you could feed and touch. So after exploring the unique aspects of this park, we settled in for the game.

The game featured the home-town team versus the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field.

In front of the ballpark

The view from our seats: We were really close to the players, and also had many foul balls fly our way. The entire ballpark is enclosed and airconditioned. It was very nice for watching a game.

Tropicana Field--you know, like the orange juice

Cristina infront of the ray tank. This was in far left field. Notice, Cristina is sporting her official Tampa Bay Rays shirt, but I drew the line at the earrings.

A conenose ray in the tank

Cristina and I enjoying our seats prior to the start of the game. It does not look like very many people are there yet, but we were there an hour early; more people came as the game started. Although, since it was the end of the season and the Rays were not going to the playoffs attendance was low. 

Cristina's parents enjoying the show. We're glad that they came to join us, and had a lot of fun with them.

One cool things about the game is that there are plenty of side games and entertainment along the 9 innings. At this particular game, the stadium had bingo cards that they handed out for free to all spectators. After each play, a code was displayed on the jumbotron that corresponded to your bingo cards. If you had a winning card you would win a prize--sadly no luck. Additionally, if the Rays were able to strikeout 10 batters of the opposing team, then all spectators in attendance would win a free pizza from Papa Johns. The Rays had 15 (Which was also a record for the club). We got 4 free pizzas! 

Tradition

One thing about baseball is that it is rooted in tradition. It has its own theme song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", traditional candies, and the all important 7th inning stretch. 

"Take me out to the ball game

Take me out with the crowd

Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks 

I don't care if I never come back

Let me root, root, root for the home team

If they don't win its a shame

For its one, two, three strikes you're out

At the old ball game"

This song's from 1908, and it is sung without fail during the 7th inning stretch. A true American Classic.

As far as traditional candies go, you will notice Cristina is enjoying the homemade variety of Crackerjacks. Crackerjacks are essentially carmel popcorn with peanuts or other nuts added. 

Although peanuts are a classic staple of ballgames, sunflower seeds are a worthy option. As you will notice from the packaging, these are the official seeds of the MLB (Major League Baseball).

Finally, you guessed it--the official candy bar of baseball, BabyRuth. It is made of a nut-coated carmel covered in chocolate. One of my personal favorites as far as candybars go. 

With all good traditions, there's a hint of superstition. You know, things like wearing your hat inside out (rally caps), wearing your lucky socks, or closing your eyes on big plays. I've recently heard it said, "its only weird if it doesn't work." The BabyRuths were brought out after the 7th inning stretch in hopes of rallying the team. It really came down to the the very last pitch as the Rays tried to battle back in the 9th inning. Sadly they came up short. I might mention that superstition does not work unless everyone pitches in. My mother-in-law didn't eat her BabyRuth...Regardless, it was all in good fun, and we all had a great time, and made some great memories. 

For your commenting pleasure:

What are your sporting traditions, superstitions, or memories?