Wednesday's Walk: America's Favorite Pastime

Tickets, in hand, to see the Braves on a Sunday afternoon, we head to the stadium after church and a quick lunch.  On the way there, I finally look on the tickets to see whom they were playing.  Much to my surprise, it was the New York Mets.  The Mets and I have a history dating back to the mid 80's, and especially with the 1986 World Series Championship team. 

I really don't remember why I started liking the Mets, but it probably had something to do with the fact that everyone I knew, family or otherwise, liked either the Cardinals or the Reds.  Why be like everyone else?  Why not make life a little interesting and bring a little rivalry to the game?  Nothing will do that better than favoring a team from New York.

I didn't just watch a few games during the season, I followed them, passionately.  Remember, now, this was back in the day before 24 hour internet access was at my fingertips.  I had to read the newspaper (gasp!) and watch the news or listen to the radio for updates and their rankings.  Funny thing, though, I knew alot about the team and the players...especially for a girl...even without Google. :)

I had my favorites...Darryl Strawberry, Lenny Dykstra, Keith Hernendez, Ray Knight, Howard "HoJo" Johnson, Gary Carter, Dwight "Doc" Gooden, and, of course, #1, outfielder, Mookie Wilson.  I kept my own stats for the games I was able to see on tv or hear on the radio.  I cut out articles from the newspaper.  I loved the NY Mets.
So, back to my Sunday afternoon game at Turner Field...

Making our way to our seats, I am, again pleasantly surprised when I saw where they were.  Row 4 on the lowest level possible on the first baseline.  I was a stone's throw away from the Braves' dugout, too.  Are you serious!?!

It was totally awesome to be that close to the game...the players actually had facial expressions you could see from your seat.  You could hear them talking to each other.  Several foul balls came whizzing our way...one just out of our reach.  AND, Tim was on the big screen!!!  (I was so excited I forgot to take a picture of him on the screen...bummer).

One more great thing about the game...the Mets' first base coach was Mookie Wilson.  Right there in front of me stood one of my all time favorite players, donning his #1 jersey.  

Now that was a trip down memory lane.

By the way...Mets won! ("Yay!"...Shhhh! It's our little secret).