for a ballgame - a minor league one, to be more precise. At least, it was on Monday, when hubby and I took our two kids to their very first professional baseball game. Our home team, the
West Michigan Whitecaps (a class A affiliate of the
Detroit Tigers) were playing a noon game against the
Lansing Lugnuts.
I'll start out by telling you that the Whitecaps won, 6-1. And that was wonderful :) But when it comes to minor league baseball games, or at least Whitecaps games, the actual baseball is only part of the fun.
We got there early so we could get our tickets at the box office and play a bit (it was All-Faiths Day - half price on tickets if you bring in a church bulletin). Of course, we (the girls, anyway) had to stop and get our picture taken as "honorary Whitecaps" with the team's favorite mascot, Crash the River Rascal.
Then we made our way to our seats (under an awning since the hubby is SUPER sensitive to the heat), grabbed some food, and got ready to watch some baseball.
Of course, between every half-inning, there was some little "ditty" or promo, whether it was Crash (and his mascot friend Frank the Swimming Pig) dropping water balloons, a kid from the crowd helping dust off the bases, the human sandwich, or the giant eyeball race. Giggles abound (I only wish I'd gotten a picture of Crash trying to get the Lugnuts' first baseman to do the chicken dance with him!).
My son LOVED watching the game and looking through the program (he's definitely a facts/numbers guy), but I think cheering for the Whitecaps may have been his favorite part. I mean, look at that smile! (The Whitecaps, I do believe, had just scored their 5th run of the afternoon)
It really was a fun day for all of us, and that win was DEFINITELY a bonus. And after the game? The kids had the chance to run the bases. How neat is that? We'll definitely be returning to
the ballpark again.
 |
| My daughter's second from the right. |
I was raised on major league baseball (go
Dodgers!), but I've learned there's nothing like a minor league game, with all its silliness AND America's passtime, to make it REALLY feel like summer.
Posts
So fun! You've inspired me to take in a game of our hometown team this year.
ReplyDeleteThey always put on a fun show!
Oh Jo, I have bad news. We can't be friends anymore because you are a Dodgers fan. I banish you from my existence! Seriously, your games look a lot more fun than the ones I've been to. Although I will say watching the A's and the Giants go at in Oakland is pretty intense stuff. If only people could praise God the way they praise those home-run hitters! The world would be a very different place.
ReplyDeleteIt's sounds so fun! Neat pictures, too. :-)
ReplyDeletehehe, Sherry! Remind me to tell you the story of my dad's love-hate relationship with the Dodgers. And I MIGHT stop caring about them if you're serious about not being my friend anymore ;) Maybe. And Dodger games were NOTHING like Whitecaps games. Intense for sure :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks, Prude and Holly! The games are SO much fun - hope you make it to one!
Confession time. I have never attended a baseball game. Not even Little League. But you sure make it sound like fun! It's a 4 hour drive over the mountains to see the Colorado Rockies, but maybe I'll do it sometime.
ReplyDeleteOh, Niki - I hope you do! I am NOT a sports fan by any stretch, but baseball is FUN.
ReplyDeleteNever been a fan of baseball, but I have enjoyed the few major league games I went to as a child. We have a minor league near us as well.
ReplyDeleteGlad for the fun you had with the kids. Those memories will last a lifetime.
peace~elaine
Go Whitecaps! It's been so hot this summer that we haven't been to a game yet, and I'm missing them! Hopefully we'll get a cool night soon, and we'll be there! Loved hearing about your trip to the ballpark, and hearing about the fun you all had!
ReplyDeleteNancee
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Sounds like a terrific family day. I've never watched a minor league game. Maybe it's about time--there's a team that plays less than fifteen minutes from our house.
ReplyDeleteOh, Lori - I hope you do! It's just plain family fun (and SOOOO much cheaper than the professional games!). And thanks for stopping by, Elaine and Nancee! Go Caps!
ReplyDeletemy brother lives paractically right next door to the stadium - been to see a game there. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy memories include going to see the Cincinnati Reds--Pete Rose, Johnny Bench (my fav!)Tony Perez...ahhhh.
ReplyDeleteBut for the first time in a long time we're going to try to catch a Chicago Cubs game this next month. I know, I know...let the jokes fly. But there's something about summer and baseball, right?