Family Favorites: Catch Our Baseball Fever

Posted on August 16, 2011 by

Over the years, our family has found quite a few cool things to do together-some pretty typical, some definitely not.  One of our family favorites is going to baseball games.

We spend huge amounts of time at the Little League Fields, and have learned so much about how adults and children learn from each other there (see my post ‘Speak Softy’ for more).  But during the summer when little league has settled down, we still have a baseball urge to fill.  Our local AAA team is where we head.  The Sacramento Rivercats play at Raley Field in West Sacramento, CA, as the minor league team for the Oakland A’s, and are the closest way to watch live professional baseball.  We like to go several times each summer-it’s an inexpensive, relaxing way to spend an evening (or afternoon-but around here in the summer that can be HOT!). 

Last weekend my son and I jumped into the car and drove about 20 minutes to the ball field.  Traffic was heavy, and parking was worse.  Just as I was about to give up, a welcome sight came before us: an unknown parking lot!  My little Prius found an out of the way spot, and we trekked on foot towards the stadium armed with blankets and full of anticipation.

We arrived early enough to pick up our tickets from will call, and my son sprinted inside towards the lawn where kids hang out in hopes of nabbing an autograph or two from one of the players as they warm up.  Sadly, no one was signing, but we did find a spot on the grass big enough to spread out  and settle in.  Families surrounded us on the lawn, laughing and happy as the game begins.

Minor league fields are tiny compared to those of the ‘big leagues’-but that’s exactly what we like about it – and the cheap lawn seats offer the best, most intimate views!  Kids run, wiggle, cheer and scamper for foul balls in a way that would be impossible in a major league stadium like A T & T Park, home to the S.F. Giants, or The Coliseum where the Oakland A’s play.  There, we feel like trapped animals waiting for the herd to be released.  At Raley Field, kids can imagine themselves out on the field, playing with the big guys.  They know that with hard luck and a bit of work, the Rivercats’ players will be moved up, living out their dreams.

But the best part of all, for me, is the time I spend with my son.  Sitting side by side, talking, laughing, and shelling peanuts I learn all sorts of things about him-like how he likes it when I act goofy (he really said that), and how at 11 years old he still enjoys using his mom as a backrest to snuggle against.  We didn’t catch any foul balls, and the Dinger Dog machine didn’t shoot any flying hot dogs our way that night.  But as the game ended and the fireworks blazed for the last time, I thought about how lucky I am to be living in this moment with him, and hope that when he grows up, he will make baseball games a family favorite, too.  Remember-it’s not which team wins or loses, only that you ‘catch’ the game that counts.

So next time you’re wondering what to do on a warm summer evening, why not create some memories and take in a minor league ball game?  Snuggling under the bright lights with your family is a pretty powerful thing.

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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Comments: 16

  • mamawolfe

    October 12, 2011

    Hi Tiffany~ Thanks for following and reading my blog! I look forward to getting to know you!

    Reply
  • Tiffany Booth

    October 5, 2011

    Love your site! I’m your newest follower on GFC and Networked Blogs! I’d love to have you as a follower on the PS Beauty Blog too!
    I look forward to reading more of your posts 🙂

    Reply
  • mamawolfe

    August 21, 2011

    Clarity- I love that you found a way to incorporate baseball into your workout time-good for you! That sure burns more calories doing it your way!

    Reply
  • Clairity

    August 21, 2011

    We’ve never been to a baseball game. But my eldest DD and I have taken to watching it on TV at the gym as we work out… and we’re really beginning to enjoy it. So we’ll see what happens 🙂

    Thanks for the comment and follow, following you back now.

    Reply
  • mamawolfe

    August 20, 2011

    Thanks, Shannon! That’s the great thing about baseball-it’s gender neutral! My daughter loves going, too! When I was young I was obsessed with collecting baseball cards..sure wish I still had them!

    Reply
  • Shannon Milholland

    August 20, 2011

    Even though we have four girls, we find a trip to the minor leagues fun for all. 🙂

    Already following but stopping by from VB’s GFC event!

    Reply
  • mamawolfe

    August 19, 2011

    Thank you, Brenda. I completely agree that in simplicity we often find the most beautiful experiences.

    Reply
  • Brenda

    August 18, 2011

    MW – Wonderful photos. I like any idea, simple or not, that creates a bond and life long memory for the family. I have found with my own kids the simplest things are BIG. The nightly dinner prep being the strongest. My son and I have ‘dates’ movies. We are the odd ones in our family, we like sci fi and sci fantasy. We share or geekienss and net flicks away. Wonderful post –

    Reply
  • mamawolfe

    August 18, 2011

    Why, thank you for the sweet comments. I hope you try to take in a game before the season ends!

    Reply
  • Spilled Milkshake

    August 17, 2011

    This just made me tear up! What wonderful memories you are creating with your son. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  • Elisabeth Hirsch

    August 17, 2011

    Such an inspiring post. This really makes me want to go see a ball game with my kids 😉

    Reply
  • mamawolfe

    August 16, 2011

    Yes, Michael Ann, aren’t they SO much more relaxing when you’re not worrying about how your kid is playing?

    Reply
  • Michael Ann

    August 16, 2011

    I enjoy all your posts so much. I love this photo of you and Cameron, so sweet! Times like that are definitely precious. We have been to several River Cats games and we always enjoy them. Nothing like a baseball game IMO!!

    Reply
  • mamawolfe

    August 16, 2011

    Thanks, Janie! I’m really trying to make every minute count that I have with them!

    Reply
  • Janie {HooGoesWhere}

    August 16, 2011

    Wonderful way to make memories with your son. He’ll surely cherish these times spent with you and the family.
    Good job, mama wolfe!

    Janie via vB

    Reply
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