As a kiddo, there were many reasons that were given to me about why I could not join a little league team like my friends, but I'm pretty sure the bottom line was it came down to the fact that we just didn't have the money. That little fact sure got in the way a lot. (Still does in fact.)
As a kid, I spent a lot of my time down the street at the baseball field. I think there were 4 fields, so I could spend a ton of time over there watching game after game after game. It wasn't even so much who won, it was just the magic of the game.
My sister Bobette's BFF Dee Dee was a big influence on my baseball loving life. She would drive us (me, my friend Lily, my sister and her daughter (my niece) Jessica and her own daughter Danielle) all over the state to watch games. I was a rabid Astros fan for a long time, I cut my hair to look like Joe Sambito's. I wore blue and orange more than any young lady ever should. We went to Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium, Jack Murphy (it'll also be the Murph to me, F the Q!) and even to spring training games in Yuma.
I would save any money I came across from babysitting, selling Kool-Aid on the corner, painting shells, whatever, in order to buy baseball cards. I had the complete sets of the first years that Fleer and Donruss went into production as well as the old standby, Topps. Sadly, I ended up selling them off as a lot in the early 90's because I needed rent money. I still regret that, but, it had to be done.
I remember the exact moment that the SD Padres won our division and it was clear we were going to The Show for the very first time! Our sleepy little beach town went INSANE! Cars were honking, people were screaming and running around high-fiving each other! All night long! I was with my friend Melanie and we were bouncing off the walls of my bedroom on Bond Street. It wasn't long before we too, took to the streets and headed towards the beach just to be apart of the action. Good times. No, great times! The Padres owner (Ray Kroc) died a day after my birthday that year, but I wish he had been there to see his boys get to The Show. We didn't win, but we got there!
My Padre loyalty remained true blue over the years, despite the losses and finally, in 1998, they had a winning team again. We again won the NL Division and we were headed to The Show for the second time in franchise history. That 1998 team was pure magic. Again, I remember exactly where I was when this achievement was made- Tio Leo's watching Hot Rod Lincoln. Most of the cool kids there didn't understand my enthusiasm for the game, the Pads, the win, but whatever. I ended up leaving to go celebrate with like minded individuals at NuNu's instead!A definite highlight of my entire life was going to a WORLD SERIES game! I went with my friend Dave Lamb and we had awesome seats in section 41 right by our bullpen. A WS game in my hometown with my favorite team of players! Unfortunately, the damn yankees swept us and we lost. I've always despised the yankees and I don't think it was possible for me to hate them anymore than I did that year. I think my hatred of the yankees is for another blog-another day. I can't even pay them enough respect to capitalize their team name. The hatred runs that deep.
Fast forward a bit. Leaving home 10 years ago seemed like something I needed to do at that time and I do think I made a great decision. Besides missing all of my friends, family and creature comforts, mostly, I missed my Padres. It's really hard for me not being able to watch them on Channel 4 whenever I want. Or to just drop in at a game because I'm in the stadium area. (Sadly, I haven't even been to the new ballpark that I fought so hard to get built.) I still love my Padres something fierce, but it just takes more effort now. I have to make plans to visit friends with sports packages, scour the TV listings in hopes that TBS or FOX or ESPN will maybe, possibly show a game here or there. I waste unlimited hours online refreshing the screen to see little squares representing batters move along the bases. It's really sad! When I'm really lucky, I can find the time (and money) to head east to Houston to see us play the Astros. What I really want is to be home. With my friends, family, creature comforts and My Padres. I miss tailgating with my Casbah friends. And being alongside like minded individuals. I'm a blue girl in a red state here. (And I mean that in more than one way.) That too, is probably another blog. I celebrate my favorite Padres (past and present) achievements from afar. I cried when #51, Trevor Hoffman made 600 saves. I always knew he was the best closer in the business, but now it's official! And he's headed to the Hall of Fame. Congrats Hoffy! It's always Trevor Time at my house!
In closing, My Padres have a real shot at winning the division again this year. BUT, they need to stop effing around and win some ballgames! I literally felt sick after their game last night, but today is another day. We've got about 15 games left this season, so I hope the boys show up, strut their stuff and win the division. Though it's hard sometimes, I'm always Keeping the Faith when it comes to my Swingin' Friars.
Whenever I think/see the Padres, I think of you, Trish. You are their #1 fan.
ReplyDeleteThat pic of you is so cute! Little chickrock!!!!
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