About Me

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I was born in California and spent 7 of the first 10 years of my life moving all over the world because my dad was in the military (including Indiana, Virginia, and Italy). We moved back to California when I was 10. I went to college at Pepperdine University (Public Relations/Marketing major) and worked in LA for nearly 10 years before moving to Ft. Worth, TX in 2009. Right after college I worked in the movie business and for the last 7 years have been working in aerospace (first in finance, now program management). I just recently completed an MBA program at the University of Texas at Arlington. I have a 2-year-old puppy named Matty (lab/husky mix), who helped inspire this blog - read the "Naming the Blog" post. She is the definition of unconditional love!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Here's to Another Year!


Baseball season is coming to an end but finally…I’m BACK! I wish I could write this blog after every game (and get paid for it) – but I’m not sure I have the energy or creativity! So, first I’ll recap the end of my trip last August and then I’ll provide a few other highlights from the end of the 2011 season.

A game of inches
The last game on my 2nd Annual Baseball Stadium Tour (2011) was at my (now) beloved Yankee Stadium – I was a real pro – it was my second time visiting “Mecca”! One of my best friends in the entire world spent the day with me on Tuesday, August 23rd. We went shopping, had some authentic Italian pizza at Lombardi’s and experienced an earthquake. Being from California, this was weird but in some strange way…comforting.

Now, let me preface the happenings of this game by introducing you to my dear friend, Leigh. I met her on day one, freshman year of college – we lived in the same suite – and we were instant friends. She is quiet yet profound when she speaks. She’s wonderful and kind and SO funny. We are as close as sisters! She’s from Dallas, who brought Dr. Pepper to college because she didn’t know if California had any! The only other time Leigh and I have been to a baseball game together we sat in a family section with NO alcohol…wasn’t the best moment in our friendship, but we’ve since worked through it. This is Leigh’s take on baseball: I hate to see Derek Jeter strike out, but I love to watch him walk away.

So, that being said…the Yankees were losing the ENTIRE game. Offensively speaking, it was very uneventful…which is NO FUN for a semi-baseball fan. In the bottom of the 8th, Nick Swisher hit a 3-run homer to make the score 6-3, A’s. Then Jorge Posada (HIP, HIP!) hit a solo shot in the bottom of the 9th and that was followed by Andrew Bailey loading the bases and walking in a run to make it 6-5, A’s…the anticipation…with a 2-0 count, Swish hits a LONG LOUD OUT to deep center field at the wall and the Yankees loseL!

As we are walking out, Leigh says, “Why didn’t they do this earlier?”…I say, “It would’ve been ok but apparently Nick Swisher only has Warning Tack Power” (she gives me a confused look)…let’s stick with her statement, which was so simple and yet so TRUE!

And that’s why they play the game…

Cowboy Up!
At Minute Maid Park it was more exciting to watch the visiting players walk out of the locker room in cowboy outfits - since this game meant a SWEEP in Texas (and have my picture taken with Corey Hart) - than it was to watch Ryan Braun’s homerun in the first inning or Shawn Marcum taking a no-hitter into the 5th inning. This game didn’t have much to offer as far as excitement.

The park is a neat atmosphere – besides seeing the Twins play the Yankees in 2005, this is only my second opportunity to see indoor baseball. It’s very strange. There was a chance of thunderstorms so they kept the roof closed. The stadium feels confined and small. You know how baseball announcers say when someone hits a long homerun that it looks like the ball went a mile. In this stadium, you don’t feel that way. The only place there are stands in the outfield is in right and right-center…the whole left field and left-center outfield is a glass wall and oh yah, a train, which operates when the Astros hit a homerun…seems like a good use of space?!? Which we never got to see…

Anyway, word of advice – if you order nachos here, just order the regular ol’ nachos…they have this nacho stand that has all this fancy stuff…RESIST!!!

September 28, 2011
This was one of the greatest days in baseball ever (my opinion) – two teams fell from glory by the end of that day…the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox. There is a lot to be said: total collapse, utter demise, monumental embarrassment, but Tim Kurkjian put it best on SportsCenter that night…

“Wednesday night is why baseball is the greatest game ever invented.”



That is why I love baseball…as I set out for the third year in a row to visit three new stadiums, I’m excited to see what lies ahead…

Monday, August 22, 2011

New York's Other Team


As I sit in Brooklyn, about to eat a sandwich from Court Street Grocers (which, by the way, rivals Primanti Bros), I am reminded of why I love New York SO MUCH! There is no shortage of places to stop in to – grab a cup of coffee, a yummy Italian pastry or a local brew. It doesn’t even have to come from some recommendation. It can just have the right atmosphere or crowd and it’ll draw you in.

On Sunday I made my way out to Flushing, NY to watch the Mets play the Brewers. Citi Field is a nice, new stadium right off the subway. The Mets have one of the more disappointing teams this year and trust me I endured every out despite the frustrating bullpen, the flights from LaGuardia and the intense sun. But their stadium is new and they have a great fan base – they are different than the Nationals fans…they love their Mets and crave winning.

I sat in my seat until end of the 2nd – I had to watch Prince Fielder bat before I went to wait in the long line at Shake Shack. He struck out in his first at bat (but looked good doing so).

I got a single shack, cheese fries and a strawberry shake…YUM! It was worth the wait…

I got back to my seat and it was empty around me…most people had taken cover from the heat, but some had left for the game. The family behind me was already planning their exit…before the 5th maybe they said…if not at least by the 6th inning…how CRAZY! The family in front of me definitely “needed” to leave by the 7th to ensure less traffic. The game wasn’t ½ over and they already “knew” the Brewers were going to win by the way they were planning their escapes.

The Mets battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the 7th with Lucas Dudas’s two-run homerun and no sooner did the bullpen give up the lead in the top of the 8th. The game ended with a 6-2 loss to the Brew Crew.

This visit left much to be desired. It was thrilling to watch Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, David Wright and Jason Bay bat…but other than that nothing too exciting about the stadium or the game. It was weird to have the planes flying overhead every 30 seconds. I suppose you get used to it – the planes and the baseball.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Isn’t it grand?

I am still beaming with excitement while riding on an Amtrak from Washington DC to Newark, NJ. Last night’s game is exactly why I love baseball (and for the most part sports in general)…because the improbable DOES happen.

The trip from Pittsburgh to DC was difficult – my flight was delayed 3 ½ hours. By the time I got to DC I was tired, hungry and done with traveling. I needed a pick-me-up. I’d get it but I’d have to wait for it…

While walking around the Chinatown section of our Nation’s Capital I was already thinking about what I was going to write about. I was dwelling on a city’s allegiance when they don’t have a baseball team that is worth cheering for (written with a hint of sarcasm). Fans should cheer for the team they choose regardless of the starting rotation, team batting average, payroll or their current division standings. It may make it more difficult if all those things are lousy but still…in my opinion true fans are not fair-weather fans. That being said…DC gets behind the Redskins…regardless. The Nationals, doesn’t seem to have the same draw or commitment from the locals. This observation proved true when I heard the majority of cheers going to the Phillies’ players during the game.

I wore a Yankee hat while I was out and about and at one point I passed a gentleman with a Yankee hat – he nodded at me as if to say: we got this; they don’t know what real baseball is in DC; it’s good to see someone else knows a baseball team when they see one; will you marry me? Yes, I got ALL of that from a nod. The point is…there was camaraderie…an understanding between us and our nods.

As I was walking from the Metro (shout out to Jess) to the Nationals Park the dark clouds above were daunting – the sky was heavy and ready to burst. My arrival at the stadium was greeted with heavy lightning and thunderstorms as well as a 2+ hour rain delay (I liken the rain to a cartoon – where the tears start poring out of a character’s eyes and its as if the crying will never stop).

While taking cover I stood next to a family of Philly fans – the good conversation helped pass the time (Go Blue!). Also, a friend from my Pepperdine days was at the game with one of his buddies – Terrence (the real one, not the one with an “A” in his name but more than that he’s my favorite kind of person: a Yankee fan) and Matt (a Phillies fan who is seldom disappointed in his team has a law degree) – thanks for helping to make the game more enjoyable!

The game seemed pretty much over by the 3rd inning – it was 4-0 at that point and the pitcher who took over for Roy Halladay, Kyle Kendrick, was almost un-hittable – he gave up 2 runs and 5 hits in 6 innings It was 4-2 going into the bottom of the 9th so they brought in one of their closer – according to a Philly fan nearby the approach to closer this season for the Phillies is closer by committee. Last night’s choice was Ryan Madson – who had only 1 blown save so far this season.

Lead off: Jayson Werth – hit single to left after an 11-pitch at bat
Next up: Danny Espinosa – flare to center
One in: Jonny Gomes – single to left, Werth scores (4-3)
Keep the line moving: Wilson Ramos – bunted
Pinch hitter: Jesus Flores – intentionally walked to load the bases
Rally caps: Ian Desmond – single to right, Espinosa scores – tie game
Nerves: Rick Ankiel strikes out with the bases loaded – he had a golden sombrero

Isn’t it GRAND: The at bat was like a No Fear t-shirt - Bases loaded, bottom of the 9th, full count – No Fear!! Ryan Zimmerman with his walk-off grand slam to left sent the mostly Philly-filled stadium home in shock but more importantly he made the few and determined Nationals fans believe in their team on this long, wet and unbelievable night…

He was quoted after the game saying, “The pressures on him, man. It’s not on me. I’m, like, 0-for-whatever against him -- I’m supposed to get out.”

“It’s the ultimate thing,” a whipped cream/Gatorade-soaked Zimmerman said. 

Exactly my sentiments, Ryan! 

Thursday, August 18, 2011

The softer side of the Steel City

As I sit in Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh surrounded by the Farmer’s Market (ironically) and the sounds of the city: vendors convincing those who walk by to purchase their wares, trucks making deliveries, pigeons seeking out crumbs, and the usual gang of guys sitting around talking (in this case yelling) about things they don’t know much about or perhaps for the sake of yelling…I’m reminded why America is so great…diversity!


If a major city has a “real” downtown it’s usually the true “heart” of the city. Growing up in LA…you mostly went downtown if you worked there or wanted to go shopping at the Flower Market/Fashion District…just recently it’s taken on a more “let’s hang out in downtown” approach. The culture of LA is widespread…every city has its own farmer’s market. It’s diversified yet separate. Pittsburgh’s downtown feels close and united.

Where a ballpark is located helps define the culture of a city. Those near or in the downtown areas have a much different feel than those removed from the heart of the city. PNC Park (I found out last night it’s a bit controversial to what PNC means – it’s either Pittsburgh National Corporation and Provident National Corporation) has a backdrop of downtown Pittsburgh’s skyline…I felt like I was on the set of the Truman Show. It was almost too perfect. You know those nights when you feel like you can reach out and touch the moon? This was one of those nights yet it was the Roberto Clemente Bridge instead of the moon. It was an AWESOME place to see a ballgame.

The Clemente Bridge shuts down so that those coming from downtown can make the quick 5-minute walk to the stadium. Convenient for me considering the view from my hotel room was PNC Park…that is amazing in it of itself – the baseball gods were looking out for me – thanks Joe D, Iron Horse and George Herman!

This is the 125th season of the Pirates…pretty amazing if you ask me. Most buildings in LA don’t last 25 years let alone a franchise with the same name, colors and almost the same logo. Fact: Pittsburgh is the only city where all its sports franchises share the same color scheme.

It was a typical night at the ballpark – dads and sons, Yeungling, pinch hitters (a National League (NL) phenomenon in my opinion). The Pirates didn’t fair too well – they lost 7-2 to the Cardinals – but I stayed until the last out. I love watching Albert Pujols bat. Is that weird? Some at bats are completely benign while others are a work of art. Allen Craig hit two homeruns for the Cards. The Bucs starting pitcher, Paul Maholm, didn’t have it from the first inning giving up 3 runs – a lead St. Louis would never relinquish.

One of the biggest reasons I love baseball is because it’s called the “Thinking Man’s Game” – as an NL manager there is “more” thinking involved. Who pinch-hits – when and how early. It’s amazing to me that on average NL games tend to be shorter than AL games. With all the switches and double switches and substitutes and pitching changes…how can a Yankees/Red Sox game take 4+ hours with only 4 pitchers involved?? Don’t get me wrong when it’s the top of the 9th and the game is tied at Yankee Stadium and Joe Girardi brings in Mariano Rivera, I’m second guessing him every time (at least these days – maybe not so much in 1999). You’ve heard of Monday-Morning-Quarterbacking…so this is like every morning managing…it’s SO easy to be smart after the move has been made and the result is in the books. In addition, it can be very stressful if you watch almost all 162 games. It gets old when you know more than the manager and you aren’t getting paid nearly enough for your knowledge. We all know the phrase: hindsight is 20/20…I think it’s better…20/13.

I love the passion of sports fans who “know” why we lost last night. If you are a sports fan you should know why you lost last night…

ANYWAY, sorry for the tangent…my meal of choice last night was Quaker Steak & Lube (strange, I know) wings and fries. Pretty good…but don’t stray from the hot dog!! It was a recommendation and honestly I wish I would’ve stuck with tradition, but hindsight is 20/13!!!

Off to our Nation’s Capital…

First celebrity sighting: Derrek Lee
Recommendations for Pittsburgh: Primanti Bros

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Big changes, Baltimore, Big Apple, Beantown and Brotherly Love

2010 brought a lot of changes for me…I had just moved to a new city/state, got a puppy and was accepted to an MBA program. There were a myriad of things changing in my life at the time…one thing that hadn’t changed…baseball was still one of my great loves. While sitting in my grad school orientation in the summer of 2010 I listened to the director of the program say, “Hopefully you all have your final hoorah vacation planned before the start of school because it’s going to be a tough couple of years.” I looked around aimlessly because the thought had never crossed my mind. Where should I go? How much can I spend? How long can I take off work? Again, this is where most people choose Paris or Tahiti, right?

Touring baseball stadiums was my dream vacation – a fantasy of sorts – yes most want romantic beaches or the magic of Europe, but me, I want to savor a hot dog at least 30 different times. I want to check out the lines of the baseball fields – no two stadiums have the same measurements. I want to know which one has hallowed halls with the men watching over the team and which ones have curses. There is history in baseball – not the same as Westminster Abbey or the Taj Majal, but nonetheless, this is my quest, my seeking out of knowledge. The only thing I knew in planning the first annual Baseball Stadium Tour was that I hadn’t seen the new Yankee Stadium so that was a must for my first journey!

The research began…I basically picked a few teams around New York and figured out their schedules and the plan fell into place. A week and a half later I was on my way for my own mini baseball tour. This first trip included four new stadiums: Camden Yards, Citizens Bank Park, The New Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park.

I planned it all out, packed my bags and set off on a journey of the unknown. I spent my sophomore year of college in Germany and I thought, how hard could this be to travel the Eastern seaboard seeing baseball games. Well, going solo, I did not have my Eurorail, a huge backpack or 10 of my closest friends to accompany me, so it was definitely new traveling territory.

My first stop was Baltimore where I ate crab cakes, went to the Babe Ruth birthplace museum, and saw the Orioles beat the Rangers. While I was at the game I ate at Boog’s BBQ, drank a few local brews and talked to Buck Showalter’s wife. Camden Yards is beautiful – it is in a very calming location right on the water. The fans there were friendly and hospitable. At the time the Orioles weren’t playing very well – but those around me knew I was a Yankee fan and still talked to me. I’m sure it’s tough year in and year out to be in the same division with the likes of the Yankees and Red Sox…they took it in stride and treated me like the weary traveler I was.

This stadium is the first stadium to do the “throwback or vintage” look with its brick walls and historic location. One of the cool features of it is the scoreboard in center field, which advertises The Baltimore Sun. The “H” in “E” “The” will flash to show a scoring decision of a hit or error respectively. Nice!

The next day I took a bus to Philly. Yes, you read that right…a bus…being an LA native this was foreign to me. Angelenos don’t use public transportation. Heck, I don’t even know if I could find public transportation in LA if I my life depended on it. Let’s remember…this was MY fantasy…public transportation and all. It was the cheapest way to commute along my journey of dreams! 

Philadelphia is such a great city – so much character and history! I walked from the Liberty Bell to the Reading Terminal Market to Philadelphia Museum of Art to Jim’s Steaks. I had no idea that the “cheese” in cheese steak was Cheese Whiz…so tasty, who knew? That night I watched Roy Halladay and the Phillies take on the Washington Nationals – they won, 1-0. Right outside the third base gate is McFadden’s bar - people hang out there after games. So, I decided to stay, listen to the music and dance with a bunch of people I have never met before. It was a blast!

Citizens Bank Park itself felt pretty mundane. Other than the Philly Phanatic and McFaddens – there wasn’t a whole lot to write home about. They have a great fan base and they love their Phillies, which I can understand and appreciate!

Next stop was New York, which meant another bus trip. I spent Saturday walking around the city – I never tire of visiting NYC. The city is so alive – always moving, always new! I had dinner at Barbuto in the West Village and went to bed early. The next morning I would get to see the New Yankee Stadium…it felt like Christmas Eve for baseball fans! This stadium was George Steinbrenner’s (may he rest in peace) baby. It’s a monstrosity. I remember watching the groundbreaking ceremony on YES and thinking how sad I can’t believe they are going to tear down such a historical stadium.

I got up early Sunday morning and arrived at the stadium before it actually opened. It was a cloudy, misty day, but I took in every inch of the cathedral in the Bronx. While waiting in line I was envious watching all the dads and sons beaming with excitement at experiencing America’s Greatest Pastime together and hoping someday I get to do the same – I actually got a bit teary-eyed.

I went all over the stadium – Monument Park, the Great Hall, the NYY Museum and of course I ate a Nathan’s hot dog! There was about a 2-hour rain delay and I stayed until the very end to watch the Yankees beat the Mariners, 10-0. It was one of the most wonderful days I have ever had in my (then) 32 years. Sitting in the new Yankee Stadium felt like the old one, which I loved. The differences were on the outside, but the inside is what matters.

Next stop: Beantown. To be honest, I felt conflicted about this part of the tour. While I love and appreciate baseball and its history, I loathe the Boston Red Sox. I knew going to Fenway Park would be both thrilling and irritating. All in all, I love the city of Boston, but nothing else…I even cheer against the Bruins, Celtics and Patriots because all those fans cheer for the Red Sox. I can’t stand anything about the Red Sox – I find NOTHING redeeming about them. They ARE idiots (homage to the 2004 WS team…gulp) but not in a good way. The only endearing things I can muster up about them is Ted Williams, the fact that they traded Babe Ruth to the Yankees and possibly Kevin Millar (oh yeah and Johnny Damon).

Kevin Youkilis has to be the ugliest man in baseball – including his goatee and batting stance (yes, it matters). Does David Ortiz EVER run out a fly ball? Is Manny being Manny really a good excuse? While writing this I heard the Red Sox fan chanting “Yankees suck” (the most ridiculous chant in all of sports) while Brett Gardner hit a home run to take the lead. Those things make my night! I love watching called third strikes from Mariano Rivera to end a game.

Throughout the course of 162 games, nothing makes me happier than beating the Red Sox…in 2003 when the Yankees went to the WS by beating the Sox in 7 games…I cannot recall one thing from that WS because I was hung over from the elation I felt by beating the rival Red Sox.

I made a bold choice before I left my hotel room: I put on a Yankee hat. Little did I know how much attention I would get!!!
I made a conscious effort to be neutral at every other stadium besides this one – I needed to make a statement and I did. I was on Yawkey Way and a guy approached me and asked if I was really a Yankee fan. Thinking there was a joke or some harassment coming, I obliged and said, “Yes, I am!” He said, “My friends and I are very impressed by you because we are all Yankee fans but we were scared to wear anything that would identify us as such. We wanted you to know how awesome it is that you are wearing a Yankee hat at Fenway – by yourself, as a girl.” I smiled and said, “The last part of that statement is probably the reason I’m not being harassed.” They were somewhat in awe. Here I was, alone at a Red Sox game wearing a Yankee game…mind you, the Yankees ARE NOT playing. At every stadium I had been to on this trip I had sported some Yankee paraphernalia…this one was just the most obvious.

They happened to have tickets near my seat and invited me to sit with them (the 4th in their group couldn’t make it). I did and had a wonderful time! They could not believe the journey I was on…and at that point neither could I.

I got a little grief for the hat throughout the night, but was glad I stuck to my guns and showed my pride. After all, as far as baseball history is concerned, we all know which way the pendulum swings.

Relish this Boston fans: Fenway is amazing. A treasure. Truly a wonderful and beautiful place to see a ball game. Ok, I’m done.

All in all it ended up being an amazing adventure! Each one of the home teams won and I added four new stadiums to my repertoire. Which stadiums would have the pleasure of my company next? My fate was in the hands of my summer break from grad school and those who create the Major League Baseball schedule. In addition to those factors I missed the Yankees and knew they had to factor into my schedule – the cities’ stadiums that won out include The Steel City, The District and The City That Never Sleeps.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Tragedy Turned Triumph

One of the biggest highlights of my adult life came in 2001, just a few weeks after one of the worst tragedies in our nation’s history. I was at work and sitting there on the fax machine was an offer for tickets to Game 4 of the American League Championship series – Yankees vs. Mariners. I went into my boss’ office and said, “Do you think I should take my dad to see a playoff game in New York?” He responded by pulling $100 out of his wallet and said, “That should get you started!”

That next week my mom, dad, older sister and I were on our way to New York to watch what would end up being one of the greatest games I have ever seen! It was a classic that not even Billy Crystal could script – Roger Clemens started for the Yankees and ended up being on one side of a pitchers duel – there was no score until the 8th inning and by the top of the 9th inning the game was tied. An unwritten rule for managers in baseball is when you are at home and the game is tied, you bring in your closer (generally your most reliable and lights out pitcher on your staff) – the assumption is that your team will win it in the bottom of the 9th since home team has the last at bat.

The perfectly scripted game continued when Mariano Rivera was brought in to pitch the top of the 9th. I have been to a lot of Yankee games and watching The Sandman (Rivera’s nickname because he puts people to sleep) pitch is the chocolate frosting on the already proverbial moist delicious yellow cake that was this experience. He made THREE pitches...only THREE, to get THREE people out. Unheard of but again, Rivera is arguably the greatest closer of all time – so this was just another day in the life of Yankee fan. A fan who is blessed to have Rivera on their team.

It was the home team’s time to bat…I was so nervous…my stomach was in knots. I couldn’t possibly spend all this money, come all this way to watch the Yankees lose this game! Crossing my fingers, rocking back and forth I could feel the tension…the whole stadium standing in anticipation. With one out in the bottom of the 9th and Scott Brosius on base; Alfonso Soriano (in what was officially his rookie year) hit a walk-off homerun to win the game and sent the Leonards as well as the rest of the stadium into pure pandemonium! The city that was torn apart weeks earlier was brought back together. No one wanted to leave the stadium. People were crying, hugging, cheering, and dancing to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” avoiding the reality that awaited them outside the stadium.

For now, all they knew was that the Yankees had won THIS game 3 to 1 and were one win away from another World Series (WS). In that moment, nothing mattered but baseball. As most sports can do, baseball helps you forget and transports you into an otherworldly state of elation! That night baseball reminded me that it was ok to be excited about something that can seem so trivial. In this moment baseball wasn’t trivial – it was intregal to the happiness of 18 million people plus all the converted New Yorkers post-9/11. It gave me a heightened sense of pride – for my country and the team that represented some of what makes this country great!

This baseball experience reminded me that the team I had grown to love had personally provided a moment in my life that I would never forget.

This trip only enhanced my fanaticism – it left me wanting more. My pilgrimage over the next 9 years included visits to 8 different stadiums (Qualcomm, Coors Field, SafeCo, Metrodome, Petco Park – yes, I know the second Padres park on my quest but it was new to me, Oakland Coliseum, AT&T Park, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington) including the 3 stadiums prior to 2001 (The Old Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium). I tried to visit each stadium while the Yankees were in town and for the most part it worked, but I realized it might take too long so last summer I changed that. I feel like that SNL skit…I’ve got a fever and the only cure is more baseball. It IS a sickness. My desire, curiosity and determination left me wanting more…MORE BASEBALL (or cowbell).

That desire became a mission, a mission to see different parts of America – parts of America that shared the same love I did. Most people leave America for culture, but I think there is plenty of cultural experiences right here in the good ol’ US of A. Baseball is its own culture – heck, I’ve kept a game on mute so the Yankees would “win” (because I turned it on mute when they were losing and I didn’t want to hear the home crowd cheer then when they started to come back, I thought watching it on mute was appropriate and it helped them mount their comeback) and have worn the same perfume every day during the playoffs – thanks to my Stella McCartney perfume, the Yankees won the WS; I called in sick after the 2001 WS loss…THIS, my friends, is real culture. Crazy and fanatical, but real.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Breathing First, Baseball Next

“The summer wind came blowin’ in from across the sea.” Frank Sinatra reminds me of all the goodness that comes with summertime – hot dogs, nachos, beer, extra innings, perfect games, pinstripes, fresh cut grass, hitting for the cycle, broken records, grand slams, called third strikes, walk offs…these things are summer to me. Baseball is summer to me. I can’t even start to count the number of nights I’ve stayed in to watch a baseball game and was so thankful I did. Baseball is an amazing sport with wonderfully rich history and tradition. I can honestly say that baseball makes me happy!!!

There are few things in life that I love more than baseball. Other than the essential eating and breathing (“Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.” ~ George M. Steinbrenner III), it’s only God, family and friends.

That being said, life is short so I decided to squeeze as many live baseball games into mine as possible and visiting new baseball stadiums along the way! My plan is simple – cluster the stadiums based on areas of the country and start seeing 3-4 per trip. This year will be the second annual trip.
30 baseball stadiums across 18 states and Canada – that’s a tough feat to accomplish (unless you have an endless supply of time and money) and should be approached with a well thought-out plan. Until last summer I didn’t have a plan. I realized I had been to over 10 stadiums and I was ready to start knocking them off in bigger chunks. For better or worse, it seems as if after I visit one stadium the team is ready to tear it down and build a new once – so I have a feeling I’ll never finish.

My love for baseball goes as far back as I can remember and it shows no signs of slowing down – I have always looked up to my dad...he is a wonderful father, husband and served in our military for 20+ years (GO NAVY!). Besides all of that he grew up in New Jersey and gave us all our love for the Yankees (thanks, dad)! I remember telling him in junior high that I wanted to marry a baseball player!