Let's play two

I lived in Arizona for two years, the first of which was supposed to be spent as a full-time volunteer. I failed that mission. Shortly after I began working at the Mesa Senior Center, I met someone. She had three kids and had just left her second husband, but for some reason we started dating a remained together for 18 months.

When I was living here, there was talk about Arizona starting a baseball team. It was just a vision back in the early 90's. I remember watching all of the coverage on TV about it, and I was always in favor of the idea.

Being that I lived in Arizona during the Chicago Bulls/Phoenix Suns (Jordan/Barkley) era, I have leaned toward being a fan of both cities teams. When the Diamondbacks won the World Series in 2005, I was as happy for them as I would be if it were the Cubs (okay, maybe I'd be a little happier if it was the Cubs).

I have always wanted to get to a Diamondbacks game, and had the opportunity to do that last night for the first time. We went to the game with my very first boss, Steve, and his wife, Val. I don't think I really watched much of the game, given the fact that Steve and I were catching up. One of the night's highlights was Frederic catching a T-Shirt that was tossed into the stands in between innings. He was elated that it happened, rightfully so.

Today, Cyndi and I decided that I would take Frederic to the game again. It's a very affordable stadium, and I was able to get us both into the game for $20. It was also free Fitted Cap day (we got Bobbleheads yesterday). Frederic kept telling me how excited he was that he was going to the game again. He also asked me about going to baseball games when I was his age.

The fact is, I told him, I didn't go to my first game until I was 12. My father never took us. When he finally did, it was because I won a free ticket in school. I didn't get the chance to go to another game until I was in college.

We got to experience a lot of firsts on this trip. It was the first time either one of us went to a D'Backs game. It was the first time either one of us has ever gone to two professional baseball games in a row. It was the first time my family met both one of my old roommates, Maureen, and Steve and Val. It was the first time Frederic caught a T-Shirt at a game. It was the first time Frederic got to run the bases in a professional baseball diamond (they did not let the parents!).

I guess I am building lasting memories for my son. I wonder what he will remember when he's my age.