A Day To Remember... at the Ballpark

The look of freshly cut grass.  The smell of hot dogs and peanuts. The sounds of summer. The love of America's pastime.  The boys of summer playing.


It looks good on TV, but it's even better in person.

I still remember the day my dad told me we were going to a Rangers' game.  I have always loved sports, especially baseball and football.  But I was so excited that day, I didn't think I could contain myself.

We lived in Mabank, and dad and I went to Arlington Stadium to see the Rangers.  We thought we were going to see Nolan Ryan pitch, but he didn't.  But the Rangers still played.  I can tell you we ate at McDonald's before the game.  But honestly, I can't remember who they played, or if they even won that day - but I remember the Rangers and Arlington Stadium. And more importantly, I remember spending that day with my dad.

Maybe that was why I was so very excited to go to Arlington today.  Rangers Ballpark in Arlington to be more specific.  Because I was taking my son, Keaton - with Leslye of course.  I know he will not remember the game since he turns six months tomorrow, but I will. 

I know Leslye will, too.  He did great.  He laughed and stared around at everything going on. He smiled and watched.  He got tired and took a nap for a couple of innings, and then Leslye carried him to the picnic tables out in the concourse for a few innings to get him out of the sun.

When they came back, he enjoyed the game, and then got tired, but he was happy in the end with the victory and with being a part of the 46,326 fans in attendance.  We all are.  Texas won (5-1) to sweep the Boston Red Sox and start the 2011 season off 3-0.  And I restarted by win streak at the Rangers' games - and extended my regular season streak to 14, dating back a few years.

Here are a few pics from the day with our new camera we got yesterday:

Daddy and Keaton

Daddy, Keaton and Mommy

Keaton and Mommy

All three of us again

We found out that you child will get a free certificate congratulating him/her for his first Rangers' game.  And it's signed by Nolan Ryan (well, it's copied on there anyways!)

Keaton watching the game

Keaton chillin' with his new shades

So happy to be here!

Smiling at Daddy when he sings with the songs... Keaton liked the music and really like looking around

Got my own seat... Chillin' with my hat Uncle Zach gave me

After the game (which we were sitting in section 11 just beyond where the Rangers Live set is down the left field line), we ran into John Knox of Fox Sports Southwest, and he put us on TV.  I happened to record it at home, so I hope we won't get in trouble with this clip which comes from our wonderful friends at FSSW:

Thanks Les for buying the tickets so I could share this great day with my wife and son.  He won't remember this special moment, but we will.  Especially me.  I still thank my dad for taking me to my first game, and I have been to many, many game since. 

Which one has been my favorite? Well, I'm not sure which was better - today with Leslye and Keaton or the Game Six ALCS win over the Yankees I got to see with my brother-in-law Jason West. Both are very special.

No, Keaton probably won't remember today, but I will.

I will remember the way he looked at the stadium as we walked up to the corner.  I will remember the way he smiled when we walked into the stadium and saw the whole inside of the stadium.  I will remember the way he smiled and enjoyed the game. 


He won't, but I will.  And I'll treasure it forever.