We had the oportunity to see another Red Sox Game last night.
I am a big baseball fan, as is the DBF, we love Fenway Park. The atmosphere is amazing. There are always these things that we are looking for like crazy stilts guy, and the sausage man selling food right outside the gate. We love the sounds and the smells of the ballpark. And the greeters as you walk into the park are always nice. Last night I was standing at the door and the greeter went over to a family and went "Welcome to Fenway, how are you tonight?" I heard him ask if it was their first trip, but that was it. We were off and running.
I went to the program guy to get my one constant gift to myself, the program for the night, and the guy looks at me and says, "How are you doing? Weren't you here for the Brewers game a bit back?" I nodded and said yep. I gave him my money and thanked him and he said, "Enjoy the game, and I will see you next time." I walked away smile on my face and the DBF and I grab some food. Fenway Franks for me and Cheeseburger and fries for him, and 2 Collectors cups for the growing collection. Then we did my favorite part of the whole trip, we walked up the alley and out into the grandstand area. That first time you see the field, it seems like you are so close, and you are, but you feel right there. We timed it just right as we walked up at the exact time that the announcer said "Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to Fenway Park. Home of your World Champion Boston Red Sox!"
Just hearing that sends chills up my spine. EVERY TIME.
I think of our title drought and having won in 2004 was great, because my Grampa was around to see it. 2007 was bittersweet for our family, because the man who brought me to Disney and taught me about baseball, was not there to see it. He would have gotten a kick out of Papelbon and cheer that Mike Lowell who "was going to be a great player" won MVP. It is amazing to think that there were so many fans who went without seeing a title in their lifetime.
We found our seats and settled down, we saw Jon Lester get his plaque for his no hitter, and watched the pre show stuff like first pitch and the national anthem.
Then Justin Masterson got to work. And we gave Manny a standing ovation as he returned to the park a 500 home run hitter. The game was awesome... there were streakers and Jacoby Ellesbury who is a very attractive guy. Then Mike Lowell got up to bat. He is awesome and honestly one of my favorite players, and I was sporting his T-shirt. He hits a home run in his first at bat!
We chatted a little bit with the family next to us. They were definately not from here (their accent gave it away) They were from Chicago and taking a trip to see some ballparks. We told them about the park and about some places to go when here in Boston, and also about the traditions that we have with the park. I asked them if they knew the words to Sweet Caroline...
After all had been sang we went to the top of the ninth inning. And they bring in Jonathan Papelbon to the Dropkick Murphys "Shipping off to Boston" and the crowd is instantly electrified! I had never seen him pitch before. It was awesome. And three outs later, I heard the familiar notes of "Dirty Water" begin to play, a clear indication that we had won!!!
I don't know if we will make it back to Fenway this season. But we have been twice this season and we have been lucky.
But to us.... Fenway is the second most magical place on Earth!
Too FunnY!
