Baseball

For two weeks I have been enjoying the World Series. Last night's game seven was particularly stressful as I cheered on the Chicago Cubs to an eventual win. Watching the games with my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren made me nostalgic for my childhood days. It is especially fun since my son-in-law is a Braves fan. 

I loved baseball as a kid in Atlanta in the 1970s. The cheap seats were actually cheap. We also got free tickets from school every year and my dad always picked the games when the Cardinals were in town. Those games were highlights of my childhood. Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro, Dale Murphy, Rowland Office, Dusty Baker.... ah the memories.

Of course, there is my funniest memory. As a kid, when they sang "O'er the land of the free, and the home of the Braves" I always wondered what they sang at other ball parks. 

Then came the 1990s when the Braves actually won games! Those four heart wrenching World Series losses, and one victory in 1995 (also against the Indians). How did I get to 50 and not remember that my mom is an Indians fan? Mom, I promise to cheer for them next time. 

Then there was taking my dad to Fenway Park in 2014. And the Russell yearly Salem-Keizer Volcanoes game where Betty and her boys get a picture with Crater. I am already looking forward to 2017's trip.

So many happy memories surrounding America's favorite pastime.