Take me out to the ballgame....

I realize its been a pretty long time since I blogged last...I gotta get better about that. :)

Anyhow, it hit me today how super close baseball season is to starting. Players report to Spring Training the end of next week!!

I know everyone says that baseball is no longer "Americas Sport" but to me it definitely still is. I absolutely LOVE everything about it! The excitement of driving to the ball park wearing all your gear, getting there early to watch warm ups and just hoping to get an autograph or picture with your favorite player. The standing for the National Anthem, hearing the umpire yell "Play ball!" getting all your favorite treats from the concession stand...or bringing your own cause they are way too expensive now! :) The 7th inning stretch, a tie going into the last inning, a really mean strikeout, sliding into home....oh man I could go on and on I just love it!

My love of baseball started at a really young age. I remember being just a little girl walking into old Busch Stadium in St. Louis holding the hands of my Dad and Brother. Every game I wore my Cardinals shirt and my Cardinals hat that was WAY too big for my head. Back then, even though I thought it was exciting, I looked forward to the cotton candy the most...can't lie about that. :) But I grew up with it and it grew up with me. Its in my blood! The sounds and smells, waiting for Fred Bird to come over to my section and hoping Ozzy Smith would do some back flips during the game. Pure excitement!

My Dad and I live in separate states now and baseball is still something that ties us together, it bridges the distance and makes it seem like we're not on the other side of the country from each other. We'll watch games over the phone and talk about the latest news, trades and updates. When the Cardinals come to town I'll call him from the game and keep him posted on the score....its just what we do and I love it. I plan to pass my love of the game down to my children and give them the same memories of attending games that my Dad gave to me.

I have high hopes for my Cardinals this season...as I do every season. Here's to believing they won't break my heart. :)