Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Yesterday I took my kids (by myself, Superwoman again) to a minor league baseball game in a nearby town. I did not know how long they would last-- maybe a couple of innings?-- but they wanted to stay to the very end. They LOVED it. Especially Joey. He asked lots of thoughtful questions about what was going on and really enjoyed watching the outfielders dive to catch balls (he wants to be an outfielder now so he can slide on the grass). No temper tantrums, no whining. I didn't even buy them any concessions (which seemed to be the way most parents kept their kids quiet.)

Those of you who know me know that I'm not exactly what you'd call a sports fan. Neither is Jared, so we've never done much sports with the kids. But they really like baseball (see recent post "Go Leopards!") Jared and I agreed long ago that of all the team sports our kids could be into, baseball is our top pick, so this is working out nicely.

As a child I was a Minnesota Twins fan and I played little league, so I actually do know something about baseball. It feels good to have something to do with my sons that so readily appeals to their boy natures and yet is enjoyable for me.

And the minor leagues are really fun! More fun than the major leagues because:

Plays are more interesting because the players skills aren't so "perfect"
They hit more interesting foul balls, which made my kids laugh
The stadium is small enough that everyone can see
Parking and dealing with the crowd is not quite so overwhelming
Tickets are CHEAP
They had the kids come out on the field for the 7th inning stretch and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"
They let the kids run the bases after the game (big hit with my boys)

Sam made me sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" over and over again on the way home. I think he's practicing for next time.