Tuesday, June 24, 2003

Arizona Diamondbacks



"Oweghn, welcome to the world. Welcome to the world of baseball. I'm excited to start this journey with you and I hope it keeps us close, through good times and bad, that it always gives us something in common, something to share, as we grow older and as we grow apart. These memories I will cherish always."


I wipe a tear from my eye and think back to how it all began...


It didn't take long for us to start the journey. Little did I know but within a couple of months we would start notching the bedpost with not just one, but three ballparks... before Oweghn reached 6 months!


Parking and walking into the BOB (Bank One Ballpark) with Mommy. You strapped into the Baby Bjorn, completely unaware of where you were, only that you were cozy and warm and that you were on a rather bouncy ride (referring to Dad's level of activity, I still don't have a gut... yet).



Of course, it's not the BOB anymore, but it was a nice stadium. Home to the Arizona Diamonbacks as they welcomed the Cincinatti Reds. So there we were, with only photos and a ticket stub to remember the first game that started it all. Visiting Aunt Shelly and her family and allowing them to spend some time getting to know you, our first bundle of joy! I think I'm going to like this thing called "Daddy-hood." If I ever had to close my eyes and think of a happy place, I now have it.


Fast forward 5 years and I'm listening to Dan Patrick interview Tiger Woods and on asking Tiger what no one can understand until they become a parent, Tiger's response is "Pure Love."


So the first pitch has been thrown. But it was no ceremonial pitch, the game is underway. The first ballpark has felt our feet tread its halls. And I am happy.

Sunday, May 11, 2003

Year 1: Genesis

2003

This year I became a Dad, and it was one of those moments, those happenings that nothing in life really can prepare you for. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you get the opportunity to help shape a life, define a person, develop a personality.


I was slow to develop a fondness for the game of baseball. I rather enjoyed the activity and adrenalin of other sporting events. However, with a family in tow, I took another look at baseball. It's leisurely play, occasional highlights and family-friendly atmosphere took on a new meaning for me and I saw opportunity.

As I looked down at the smiling face of my young son, Oweghn LeClair, I set a goal for the two of us: to visit every Major League ballpark by the time he turned 18. Given baseball's leisurely nature, that may seem an aggressive goal, but it seemed fitting and it seemed like it would be a fun endeavor to take on together, as a family.

Note: This blog is not endorsed by Major League Baseball (I'm sure they don't even know about it).